Every winter, cities like Delhi and Mumbai disappear behind a thick grey curtain. While we all see the smog, dangerous myths about what causes it—and how to stay safe—persist. 1
Based on the latest data from November 2025, here is a reality check on the air we are breathing.
The Reality Check: By The Numbers
Before we get to the myths, let’s look at the hard data from November 11, 2025.
- Delhi Status: “Severe” Air Quality.
- AQI Reading: 418
- Recent Trend: Pollution levels in Delhi have spiked 84% since October3.
- Health Equivalence: Breathing this air during hazardous periods is equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day
Myth vs. Fact: Debunking the “Fake News” on Pollution
We’ve compiled the most common misconceptions and corrected them using data from the CPCB and environmental experts.
| The Myth ❌ | The Fact ✅ |
| “Delhi’s air is getting better, no need to worry.” | False. On Nov 11, 2025, Delhi hit a “Severe” AQI of 418. Real-time trackers show hazardous spikes across all NCR cities5. |
| “This is just a city traffic problem.” | False. It is a mix of crop burning, industries, and weather. In North India, 50% of Delhi’s PM2.5 actually comes from neighboring states, carried by the wind6. |
| “I’m safe inside my house.” | False. PM2.5 particles easily penetrate homes through gaps. Indoor activities like cooking and lighting incense actually worsen indoor air quality7. |
| “My surgical mask protects me.” | False. Surgical masks only block large particles. Only N95-standard masks provide protection against fine PM2.5 particles8. |
| “Only sick/old people are at risk.” | False. Over 200 cities breach safe limits. Pollution causes heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive delays in children—affecting everyone9. |
The Science: Why Does This Happen Every Winter?
It isn’t just about cars. It is about “Airshed Dynamics.”
- The Transport: Wind patterns act like a conveyor belt, carrying pollutants from distant crop fires and factories into the cities10.
- The Trap: Winter brings low rainfall and specific weather conditions that trap toxins over the plains, preventing them from dispersing11.
- The Local Add-ons: Once trapped, local city dust, construction debris, and vehicle emissions add to the “soup,” creating the heavy smog we see.
Survival Guide: Practical Steps for Protection
Government measures like GRAP (which bans heavy vehicles when AQI turns “Poor”) and NCAP (targeting a 40% reduction in particulate matter by 2026) are in place, but personal safety is up to you13.
Your Action Plan:
- Track it: Don’t guess. Check cpcb.nic.in or aqi.in daily.
- Mask up correctly: Discard cloth or surgical masks for outdoor activity; use a certified N95.
- Seal the fortress: Close windows during high AQI hours and use air purifiers. Avoid burning incense or candles indoors.
