Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Dec 5: As Delhi continues to battle poor air quality, doctors have warned that air pollution is not just a threat to lungs and heart health but can also significantly impact mental well-being, triggering anxiety and panic-like symptoms.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 323 at 8 am on Friday, keeping the city in the “very poor” category, as residents woke up to dense haze across the capital.
“Pollution affects mental health. When air quality deteriorates, oxygen intake reduces, impacting brain function,” said Dr Nand Kumar, Professor, Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS. He explained that a lack of oxygen can impair emotional processing and cognitive function, creating emotional disconnection.
Dr Astik Joshi, child, adolescent, and forensic psychiatrist, noted that individuals with pre-existing mood disorders or sensitivity to seasonal changes are particularly vulnerable. Poor air quality can trigger respiratory discomfort, abnormal breathing, and breathlessness, heightening anxiety and panic-like symptoms. Prolonged exposure to dense winter smog may also contribute to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), marked by low energy, irritability, and depressive symptoms.
Highlighting the severity of the crisis, more than 80 Padma awardee doctors recently issued a joint national advisory, warning that India’s air pollution situation has escalated into a “direct and ongoing threat to human life.” According to 2025 data, the country records nearly 1.7 million air-pollution-related deaths annually, with over one-third of respiratory deaths and around 40% of stroke-related fatalities linked to poor air quality.
PM2.5 levels in North India often exceed 20–40 times the WHO safe limit, putting almost 70% of Indians at risk. Toxic air exposure is also associated with around four lakh child deaths each year, and long-term exposure can lead to chromosomal breakages, telomere shortening, genetic instability, and higher risks of cancer, metabolic disorders, and worsened diabetes outcomes.
Doctors advise monitoring AQI levels, wearing masks outdoors, using air purifiers, avoiding early morning or late evening outdoor activities, and maintaining good indoor ventilation. Joshi also recommended regular indoor exercise, a nutrient-rich diet, and timely psychiatric support to mitigate the mental health impact of pollution.