World Pollution Day: Doctors Warn of Rising Health Risks as Pollution Becomes a Year-Round Crisis in India

The increasing level of pollution in India has now become one of the country’s most pressing emergencies related to health. With 14 of the world’s 20 most polluted cities located in India (IQAir 2024) and PM2.5 exposure contributing to over 1.6 million deaths annually (The Lancet), experts say that the impact on health is broader than it is commonly understood.

On the occasion of World Pollution Day, leading doctors from across India highlight the increasing risk of pollution to the health of the heart, lung functioning, the development of children and maternal wellbeing, which require urgent attention on the national level.

According to Dr Sandeep Katiyar, Consultant - Pulmonology, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Kanpur, notes a worrying surge in air-pollution–related lung issues, especially in north Indian cities. “In major cities like Kanpur, where AQI during the winter season regularly crosses 150 -200 we are observing a continuous rise in pollution-induced respiratory distress. It is very alarming that even young adults and individuals who don’t smoke show early signs of airflow limitation. Without any type of pollution control measures, we may see a generation with permanently compromised functioning of lungs”.

The doctor in Kanpur also reports that OPD footfall rises by 25–30% during the winter months, with many patients requiring the use of inhalers for the first time in their lives.

The toxic air of Delhi in the winter season also affects pregnant women in multiple serious ways. Pollution crosses the placental barrier by reducing the supply of oxygen to the developing baby and increasing the risk of complications.

As per Dr Megha Mittal, Senior Consultant - Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Delhi, Said, “Pollution leads to massive psychological load on pregnant women. We observe more cases of uncontrolled blood pressure, fatigue, headaches, and reduced foetal movement on heavily polluted days. Exposure to pollution increases the risk of preterm birth and low weight of the baby during the time of birth weight. Pregnant women should avoid outdoor exposure during the peak smoking hours and always prioritise antenatal monitoring.”

According to global data, air pollution is associated with up to 35% higher risk of preterm births — a worrying trend India is increasingly witnessing.

Children usually inhale more air per kilogram of their body weight, and they have developing lungs, which makes them more vulnerable than adults. Paediatricians across India have reported a reduction in the growth of lungs, continuous infections, and disturbed sleep patterns among the children who are exposed to polluted air.

According to Dr Jitendra Jain, Senior Consultant - Neonatology, Cocoon Hospital Jaipur said “Pollution harms children more deeply. Their lungs are still under the developmental stage and repeated exposure to toxic air affects the growth of their lungs. We see more asthma flare-ups, bronchitis, and difficulty sleeping during pollution spikes. During the winter season, many children who appear healthy show a 10-15% of reduction in their lung performance. If this repeats every year, it can impact the respiratory health of their life”.

The WHO notes that one in three children globally breathe toxic air that risks lifelong health impacts — and India is among the worst-affected.

Beyond the children and pregnant women, healthy adults also face a significant decline in immunity and the functioning of their lungs during severe pollution levels. The hospital also reports a certain increase in respiratory emergencies between the months of December and January.

Considering the same Dr Animesh Arya, Director - Respiratory Medicine, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, Delhi, said, “We observe a clear pattern as AQI increases, functioning of lungs drops across all age groups. Even people who don’t have any kind of respiratory issue report breathlessness, poor sleep, sinus infections, and chest discomfort. Toxic air also harms the immunity of lungs, making individuals more vulnerable to viral infections”.

Doctors across various specialities agree that pollution is no longer an inconvenience caused by season. It is a year-round health hazard which affects millions. Improving the quality of air indoors basis, wearing masks while going outdoors, and early screening of symptoms are very crucial steps in the same.

The pollution crisis in India is also shaping the long-term health of the nation. Experts urge the public, policymakers and communities to put more emphasis on clean air and health protection measures before damage becomes more severe.