As Delhi continues to choke under a thick blanket of smog, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has once again entered the ‘severe’ category, raising serious health concerns. Amid this alarming situation, Dr. Sudhir Kumar, MD, a senior neurologist at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, has urged citizens to exercise caution and make safer health choices during this high-pollution phase.
Apollo Expert Warns
Dr. Kumar, in an X post, highlighted the severe health implications of engaging in outdoor activities when pollution levels are this high. He explained that during exercise, every deep breath taken outdoors allows toxic PM2.5 particles to enter the lungs and bloodstream, which can lead to inflammation and increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and respiratory problems such as asthma.
He pointed out that “running or walking outdoors in this air can do more harm than good, even for healthy people,” and cautioned that vulnerable groups—such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with heart or lung conditions—are at even greater risk.
Three Safer Choices to Follow
Dr. Kumar advised three key measures to help reduce health risks amid the ongoing pollution crisis:
He emphasized that physical fitness should never come at the cost of inhaling harmful pollutants, urging people to “protect your lungs, protect your heart.”
Delhi’s Air Quality at Dangerous Levels
According to official data, the AQI in several parts of Delhi has crossed 400, indicating hazardous pollution levels that pose health risks even to otherwise healthy individuals. The toxic air is primarily the result of stagnant weather conditions, vehicular emissions, dust, and stubble burning in neighbouring states.
In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has enforced Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region. This stage is implemented when the AQI breaches 400 and mandates strict measures such as a complete ban on construction and demolition activities (except essential public projects), intensified road cleaning and water sprinkling, and curbs on the use of diesel generators.
The Delhi government, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has also taken precautionary steps, including moving schools up to class 5 to hybrid learning to limit outdoor exposure for children.
Apollo Expert Warns
Dr. Kumar, in an X post, highlighted the severe health implications of engaging in outdoor activities when pollution levels are this high. He explained that during exercise, every deep breath taken outdoors allows toxic PM2.5 particles to enter the lungs and bloodstream, which can lead to inflammation and increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and respiratory problems such as asthma.
He pointed out that “running or walking outdoors in this air can do more harm than good, even for healthy people,” and cautioned that vulnerable groups—such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with heart or lung conditions—are at even greater risk.
Three Safer Choices to Follow
Dr. Kumar advised three key measures to help reduce health risks amid the ongoing pollution crisis:
- Avoid outdoor exercise: Opt for indoor workouts or postpone running and walking until AQI levels drop below 150.
- Use protective gear: If stepping out is unavoidable, wear an N95 mask to reduce exposure to harmful particles.
- Maintain indoor air quality: Keep windows closed, stay hydrated, and use air purifiers whenever possible.
He emphasized that physical fitness should never come at the cost of inhaling harmful pollutants, urging people to “protect your lungs, protect your heart.”
🚨 AQI 408 in Delhi = Severe pollution
— Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (@hyderabaddoctor) November 12, 2025
Running or walking outdoors in this air can do more harm than good, even for healthy people.
▶️At this level, every deep breath during exercise draws toxic PM2.5 deep into your lungs & bloodstream, which:
1. Triggers inflammation,… https://t.co/x8eb1lh12H
Delhi’s Air Quality at Dangerous Levels
According to official data, the AQI in several parts of Delhi has crossed 400, indicating hazardous pollution levels that pose health risks even to otherwise healthy individuals. The toxic air is primarily the result of stagnant weather conditions, vehicular emissions, dust, and stubble burning in neighbouring states.
In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has enforced Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region. This stage is implemented when the AQI breaches 400 and mandates strict measures such as a complete ban on construction and demolition activities (except essential public projects), intensified road cleaning and water sprinkling, and curbs on the use of diesel generators.
The Delhi government, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has also taken precautionary steps, including moving schools up to class 5 to hybrid learning to limit outdoor exposure for children.
You may also like
When is LeBron James returning? Renewed hope rises as Los Angeles Lakers star edges closer to long-awaited comeback
Tottenham set to host no England games at Euro 2028 as five matches at ground revealed
Humans have a secret 'seventh sense' — and it could let them feel things from a distance
Anthony Joshua to fight Jake Paul in Netflix boxing showdown as date confirmed
"'RUDRA' brigade to succeed in multi-domain operations: General Officer Commanding-in-Chief
