Delhi AQI at 511: Breathing capital's toxic air equals smoking 375 cigarettes a month; chances of asthma, heart issues

Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) hit an alarming 511 on Sunday morning, according to AQI.in. This reading, taken at 7:11 AM, placed the city in the hazardous pollution category, with serious health risks associated. The AQI is calculated based on average PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations over the past 24 hours, as well as levels of carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, and ozone.

On this day, Delhi experienced PM2.5 levels at 331 micrograms per cubic metre and PM10 levels at 349 micrograms per cubic metre. Carbon monoxide was measured at 1,657 parts per billion. The city ranked 15th among the world's most polluted cities. Historical data shows that Delhi's AQI peaked at 577 around 7:31 AM on Saturday, before improving during the afternoon and rising again after sunset.

The pollution calendar recorded a much higher reading of 666 on November 9, and November 12 witnessed another alarming reading of 547. November 2026 is identified as the most polluted month since 2020, with an AQI of 438. The annual AQI has increased from 154 in 2020 to 179 in 2025, currently standing at 164. AQI.in advises avoiding outdoor exposure during hazardous pollution conditions, using N95 masks, air purifiers, and vehicle filters to reduce exposure, and warns of increased risks of asthma, heart issues, allergies, COPD, flu, and sinus among residents, particularly children, the elderly, and those with respiratory illnesses.