Delhi reports more than 200,000 cases of respiratory illness caused by polluted air

Between 2022 and 2024, six government hospitals in New Delhi treated over 200,000 patients for acute respiratory conditions, according to official data, underscoring the serious health consequences of polluted air.

Home to approximately 30 million people, Delhi is consistently listed among the world's most polluted capital cities. The Indian health ministry informed parliament on Tuesday that air pollution is a significant contributor to respiratory diseases.

"Data indicates that higher pollution levels are linked to a rise in emergency room visits," stated junior health minister Prataprao Jadhav in a written response.

During the same three-year period, more than 30,000 patients required hospitalization for respiratory problems. Each winter, dense smog envelops Delhi, as colder air traps pollutants near the ground, combining emissions from burning crops, industrial activity, and heavy traffic into a hazardous mix.

Concentrations of PM2.5tiny particles capable of entering the bloodstream and causing cancercan surge up to 60 times above the daily limits recommended by the United Nations. Research published in The Lancet Planetary Health last year linked air pollution to an estimated 3.8 million deaths in India between 2009 and 2019.

The UN's children agency has highlighted that polluted air significantly increases the risk of acute respiratory infections among children. The health ministry emphasized, however, that pollution is not the sole factor in hospitalizations.

"The health impact of air pollution results from a combination of factors, including diet, occupation, socio-economic status, medical history, immunity, and genetic predisposition," the ministry explained.

Author: Harper Simmons