Air Pollution & AQI: How the Air We Breathe Affects Our Health

Have you ever checked the weather app on your phone and noticed numbers like AQI 150 or AQI 180, and wondered what they actually mean for your health? Many of us see these alerts but continue with our daily routines, unaware of how deeply air pollution affects our bodies.

Air pollution is one of the biggest health challenges in India today. In 2019 alone, nearly 18% of all deaths in India were linked to air pollution. The major culprit is PM2.5, tiny particles in polluted air that enter deep into the lungs and even the bloodstream. These particles are known to cause asthma, chronic lung disease, heart attacks, lung cancer, and premature death. Children and the elderly are the most vulnerable.

Cities like Hyderabad, along with many other Indian cities, frequently record “Unhealthy” to “Very Poor” AQI levels, especially during winter months. This increases health risks for everyone, particularly people with existing lung or heart conditions.

Dr. Bhavana, Consultant - Pulmonology at STAR Hospitals, Nanakramguda throws light on how understanding AQI and taking timely precautions can protect our lungs and overall health.

1. What Is AQI and Why Does It Matter?

AQI stands for Air Quality Index. It is a number that tells us how clean or polluted the air is in a particular area.

For example, if your weather app shows AQI 158, it usually falls under the “moderately polluted” category. While this may not cause immediate illness, slow and gradual changes start happening in the body when AQI crosses 100.

2. How Does High AQI Affect Health?

Short-Term Health Effects When AQI levels rise above 100–150:

Long-Term Health Effects

Repeated exposure to polluted air; both short-term and long-term, can cause structural changes in the lungs, reducing breathing capacity over time. It also increases the risk of:

In 2019, air pollution caused 1.67 million deaths in India, accounting for 17.8% of total deaths, with PM2.5 alone contributing to over 10% of deaths.

Dr. Bhavana, Consultant - Pulmonology at STAR Hospitals, Nanakramguda Hyderabad Telangana

3. Who Is Most at Risk?

Some groups are more affected by poor air quality:

For these groups, even moderately polluted air can trigger serious health problems.

Exercise and Outdoor Activities: What You Should Know

Many people believe early morning walks are always healthy, but this is not always true.

If AQI is around 90–100, light outdoor activity in the evening is safer. On days when AQI is above 100–150, it is better to limit outdoor exercise or stay indoors.

Practical Tips to Protect Yourself from Air Pollution

Conclusion

Air pollution is an invisible threat that affects our lungs, heart, and overall well-being every single day. Understanding AQI helps us make smarter decisions, about when to step outside, when to exercise, and when to protect ourselves. Small changes in daily habits can prevent long-term health damage.

At STAR Hospitals, Hyderabad, our experienced pulmonology team is dedicated to helping people understand, manage, and protect themselves from pollution-related health issues. From early diagnosis to expert treatment and personalised care, we are committed to keeping your lungs healthy.

If you or your loved ones experience breathing problems, frequent cough, or discomfort during polluted days, book an appointment with our specialists at STAR Hospitals, Hyderabad, and breathe easier with expert care.