Three air purifiers, one AQI monitor and no peace of mind

My cousin reached out with concern about traveling to Delhi during Diwali. As a new mother with premature babies, she was anxious about the city's air quality. We, too, have several air purifiers and an AQI monitor, constantly monitoring the hazardous levels of pollution. Living in Delhi means constantly checking weather applications and calculating safety for outdoor activities.

The financial strain of maintaining clean air is substantial, as it's an unplanned expense for our household. Despite recognizing pollution as a serious health risk, many still dismiss it as "just smog." People expect us to manage this crisis privately, without raising concerns about the legitimacy of our fears. The constant anticipation of exposure and the need to negotiate the legitimacy of our anxiety has become a part of our lives.

We are not only learning to live with toxic air but also organizing our entire lives around the possibility of breathing it.