High pollution level can lead to increased emergency visits, higher deaths: AIIMS Director

AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria has warned that high levels of pollution can lead to high chances of people with Cardio respiratory diseases, which can further lead to increased emergency visits and higher deaths.

"High levels of pollution is leading to high chances of people with Cardio respiratory diseases. This can further lead to increased emergency visits and higher deaths," AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria told ANI.

He added this can further lead to more chances of breathing difficulty, cough and chest tightness.

"People with underlying asthma, heart failure or problems will have worsening of the disease and symptoms," Dr. Randeep Guleria added.

Calling the high rise of pollution in Delhi a "medical emergency", Dr. Guleria asserted they have seen 20 percent more people coming to the Out Patient Department (OPD) because of high level of air pollution.

He also said to avoid going out, especially as the level of pollution is very high.

"Avoid going to the area which are hot spots. In ideal situation if people can go out of Delhi that will be much better," he added.

Due to the deteriorating air quality in the national capital Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Wednesday directed all schools to remain closed till Sunday.

"Dilli mein hawaa ki stithi bigad rahi hai. Aise mein bachchon ke swaasthya se samjhautaa nahin kiya ja sakta. Ravivaar tak Dilli ke sabhi school band rakhne ke nirdesh diye hain [The air quality in Delhi is worsening. Have directed all schools to remain closed till Sunday]," Sisodia tweeted.

Delhi, on Wednesday, again woke up to a blanket of smog with air quality touching hazardous levels.

In view of rampant air pollution in the city, people at parks were seen wearing masks during morning walk, while the traffic police were also seen doing the same.

The air quality of Delhi's Lodhi Road area remained severe with the levels of prominent pollutants PM 10 and PM 2.5.

The Delhi Government has also issued a health advisory for children, the elderly and those suffering from Asthma and heart ailments to remain at home as much as possible.

Yesterday, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) had declared "public health emergency" in Delhi due to the rising pollution levels, while the experts warned people to avoid outdoor physical activities like cycling and jogging.