Prolonged Air Pollution Exposure in Delhi Poses Serious Brain Health Risks: Experts Warn

New Delhi: Even as air quality in Delhi remains in the 'very poor' category, health experts warned on Thursday that long-term exposure to air pollution could be harmful to the brain.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI was recorded at 336 at 7:30 a.m., with several monitoring stations registering AQI levels between 301 and 400.

Air quality is expected to deteriorate to the 'severe' category in parts of the city where AQI approaches 400, as per CPCB projections.

A recent study in The Lancet Planetary Health found that short-term air pollution exposure leads to around 33,000 annual deaths across ten Indian cities, with Delhi accounting for 12,000 deaths.

Dr P.N. Renjen, Senior Consultant Neurology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, told IANS, "Heavy metals like lead and mercury, along with volatile organic compounds, have detrimental effects on brain function. Neurotoxins from pollution can bypass the blood-brain barrier, triggering inflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal damage.”

He added, “This not only impairs cognitive abilities such as memory, attention, and executive functioning but also raises the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Moreover, pollution increases the risk of cerebral strokes due to neurotoxins and oxidative stress, contributing to atherosclerosis.”

Studies in JAMA Network Open reveal that elevated PM2.5 and NO2 levels increase the risk of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Prolonged exposure is also linked to reduced brain volume, accelerated brain aging, and mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety.

Children and the elderly are particularly at risk; studies show children exposed to high pollution levels may have impaired cognitive development, while older adults face a greater risk of cognitive decline.

Dr Mukesh Mehra, Senior Director-Internal Medicine at Max Super Speciality Hospital, told IANS: “Exposure to smoke and particulate matter can cause redness, itching, and tearing in the eyes, while increased pollen and pollutants can exacerbate allergies.”

He also noted that pollutants can cause skin irritation, premature aging, and trigger asthma and other respiratory diseases.

Experts recommend using air purifiers indoors, wearing masks outdoors, and following a healthy diet to mitigate pollution effects.

(with inputs from IANS)