Even as the National Capital Region continues to grapple with thick smog, former AIIMS Director Dr. Randeep Guleria has warned that the consequences of air pollution can cause more deaths than the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Dr. Guleria, Chairman of Internal Medicine, Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Medanta, 8 million people in the world have died because of air pollution in 2021 – much more than those who passed due to the COVID-19 infection. "The report by the Health Effects Institute said in 2021 that almost 8 million people in the world died because of air pollution. This is more than the number of people who have died due to COVID-19. We are concerned about COVID, but we are not concerned about air pollution." Dr. Guleria said in an interview to ANI.

The Air Quality Index or AQI in New Delhi continues to deteriorate severely, with many areas along the NCR witnessing thick and heavy blanket of smog since the last few days. AQI registered in the city this morning as it was at 354 in the "very poor" category.

Experts have said the continuous after-effects of pollution and smog are causing a tremendous rise in respiratory issues among the residents – which spikes cases of asthma, tuberculosis, bronchitis and even lung cancer. Dr. Guleria said the seriousness in wake of pollution is not as much as coronavirus. "We were very concerned about COVID, but we are not that concerned that we should be air pollution," he added.

Recent data from India suggests that just a 10 microgram per meter cube increase in Pariculate Matter 2.5 - a type of air pollutant made up of extremely small particles that are 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter, is associated with higher deaths.

According to experts, constant exposure to poisonous and toxic chemicals in the air affects the most-vulnerable group which includes children and older adults, who constant suffer irritation in the eyes, nose and throat, wheezing and coughing, chest tightness, and breathing difficulties. Apart from that, a few serious diseases include:

Air pollution shoots up the risk of heart attacks and stroke

Air pollution is among the leading cause of lung cancer

Pneumonia and Alzheimer’s disease

Increased air pollution causes pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and even type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease

Pollution in the air increases the risk of neurological conditions like cognitive impairment and dementia

Air pollution damages the reproductive system in both men and women and can increase the risk of stillbirth and miscarriage.

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