As winter deepens across North India, dense fog has become a near-daily feature in Delhi-NCR and surrounding states, severely reducing visibility and combining with high levels of air pollution to create hazardous smog conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) continues to issue frequent fog alerts due to temperature inversions, low wind speeds, and high humidity, which trap pollutants from vehicles, industries, construction dust, and biomass burning close to the ground. This toxic mix often pushes the Air Quality Index (AQI) into the 'very poor' to 'severe' categories, with readings frequently exceeding 300-400, far beyond safe limits and posing serious risks to public health during the cold season.

The primary health concern arises from the interaction between natural fog and man-made pollution. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) attaches to water droplets in the fog, forming smog that allows toxic particles to penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. This leads to a range of respiratory and cardiovascular problems, including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, asthma attacks, bronchitis flare-ups, and increased risk of heart attacks, arrhythmias, or strokes. Vulnerable groups—such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, outdoor workers, and individuals with pre-existing conditions like asthma, COPD, diabetes, or heart disease—are at greatest risk, as prolonged exposure can weaken immunity and heighten susceptibility to infections like colds and flu.

Additional effects include eye irritation (redness, itching, watering), skin aggravation, and general discomfort from the polluted air layer. Experts emphasize that while fog itself is a natural weather event, its combination with stagnant urban pollutants turns it into a public health crisis, especially during peak morning hours when visibility drops to near zero and pollution concentration is highest. Routine outdoor activities become challenging, and commuters face increased danger on roads and at airports due to the dual threat of low visibility and toxic air.

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To protect themselves and their families during these conditions, health authorities recommend several practical precautions. Monitor daily AQI levels through official sources like the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure, particularly in the early mornings when smog is thickest. Vulnerable individuals should stay indoors, while everyone else is advised to wear N95 or equivalent masks when stepping outside. Use air purifiers with HEPA filters at home, stay well-hydrated, consume antioxidant-rich foods (such as fruits and vegetables), and avoid strenuous physical activity in polluted air. Maintaining prescribed medications and consulting doctors promptly if symptoms worsen is also crucial for those with chronic conditions.

Seek immediate medical help if you experience severe symptoms such as intense shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent wheezing, palpitations, or dizziness, as these could signal a serious respiratory or cardiovascular emergency. While dense fog and smog are recurring winter challenges in North India, proactive steps like limiting exposure, using protective gear, and keeping indoor air clean can significantly reduce health risks. Residents are urged to stay informed, plan their day around AQI forecasts, and prioritize the well-being of the most vulnerable during this foggy season.

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