North India has officially entered the stubble-burning season, a period infamous for sharply deteriorating air quality. In just a week—from September 15 to 22—64 farm fires were reported across Punjab and Haryana . Currently, Delhi enjoys relatively clean air, thanks to favorable winds that disperse smoke. However, experts warn that this temporary reprieve may not last, especially as October and November historically see the highest pollution levels, often resulting in AQI spikes into the “very poor” and “hazardous” categories.
For doctors, this is more than an environmental issue—it’s a public health challenge. Anticipated consequences include: Pulmonology: Increased asthma exacerbations and COPD flare-ups, particularly among the elderly and children. Cardiology: Higher risk of acute coronary events and blood pressure spikes due to particulate exposure. Pediatrics: Vulnerable…
