Rising AQI in India: What can organizations do to protect their employees?

Is India’s air quality crisis putting employee health at risk?

The air quality in Delhi is once again a serious concern. Real-time data shows that in many parts of the city, the 24-hour Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached the “very poor” range (301–400) and, at times, even crossed into the “severe” category (above 400). Senior pulmonologist Dr. Gopi Chand Khilnani, former AIIMS doctor, has even advised, “If you can, leave Delhi for 6–8 weeks until the air improves.”

But what about the 9-to-5 employees who have no choice but to commute every day? For them, there is no break, it’s a daily struggle. Each morning, they breathe in polluted air on their way to work, spend hours in offices where air filters may not be effective, and then head home through the same smog-filled streets.

According to The Economic Times, the problem goes beyond just the lungs, Delhi’s air is harming your brain too. Studies show that prolonged exposure to high AQI levels can cause irreversible brain damage, affecting memory, focus, and decision-making. Doctors in Delhi say OPDs are now flooded with patients showing health issues linked to pollution. 

Dr. G.C. Khilnani recently shared on Instagram that people should wear N95 or KN99 masks outdoors, avoid going out early in the morning, and keep air purifiers running indoors.

What is the air quality Index (AQI)?

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a single number that reports the level of air pollution and its potential impact on human health. The AQI converts concentrations of key pollutants into a scale from 0 to 500.

How is AQI measured?

Which Six pollutants tracked?

An accurate air quality index typically tracks major pollutants such as:

• PM2.5 (fine particulate matter)
• PM10 (coarse particulate matter)
• NO₂ (nitrogen dioxide)
• SO₂ (sulphur dioxide)
• CO (carbon monoxide)
• O₃ (ground-level ozone)

AQI readings come from monitoring stations and AQI meters; many cities publish real-time AQI in India data on government portals and apps so organizations can plan accordingly.

What is the current state of AQI levels in India?

Air quality index India trends show repeated spikes during winter months due to crop burning, stagnant weather, construction dust and vehicle emissions. While some regions (typically hill stations and coastal areas) may report the lowest AQI in India or the best AQI in India, large urban centres frequently struggle.

Every winter, Delhi AQI makes global headlines, often crossing 400 on the air quality index scale, placing it in the “severe” category. 

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s average AQI level in India remains one of the highest year-round, especially from October to February.

• Delhi AQI (2025 average): 320–420 (Very Poor to Severe)
• Mumbai AQI: 150–200 (Moderate to Poor)
• Kolkata AQI: 200–300 (Poor)
• J&K/ Karnataka: Often below 80 among the best AQI in India

These figures highlight how vast the disparity is and why urban employers must act decisively to protect employee health. Employers in the Delhi and NCR region must watch the air quality index Delhi closely and prepare response plans.

Why is AQI rising in India?

AQI in India is rising because of more pollution from:

• Vehicles – Smoke from cars and buses
  
• Factories and construction – Dust and harmful gases
  
• Crop burning – Farmers burning crop residue adds thick smoke
  
• Weather – In winter, cold weather keeps pollutants close to the ground
  
• Firecrackers and waste burning – Common during festivals

How does poor AQI affect working professionals?

Immediate effects:

• Eye and throat irritation, persistent cough
• Shortness of breath or chest discomfort
• Headaches, dizziness and fatigue
• Low concentration 

Long-term consequences:

• Increased risk of chronic respiratory diseases (asthma, COPD)
• Higher risk of cardiovascular problems
• Reduced lung capacity and greater susceptibility to infections
• Mental health impacts, including anxiety and sleep disturbances

Studies show that poor air quality can reduce workplace productivity, with employees experiencing more sick days, decreased focus, and lower energy levels.

Who is most vulnerable at work?

Employers should prioritize protections for:

• Pregnant women
• Employees with existing respiratory or cardiac conditions
• Outdoor staff and field workers
• Older employees (50+)
• Long-distance commuters exposed to polluted routes

What organizations can do to create healthier workplaces?

1. Improve indoor air quality

• Install air purifiers in enclosed spaces aim for one purifier per ~200–300 sq ft depending on room height and occupancy.
  
• Use AQI meters and real-time dashboards to monitor indoor air vs outdoor AQI levels.
  
• Seal gaps in windows/doors to reduce ingress of outdoor pollutants.
  
• Create designated clean-air zones (meeting rooms or lounges) with enhanced filtration.

2. Policy interventions

• Allow work-from-home or hybrid work when outdoor AQI in India exceeds 300.
  
• Provide flexible hours to avoid peak traffic pollution times (6–10 AM / 6–10 PM).
  
• Offer N95 masks to staff  especially for outdoor workers and commuters.

3. Health benefits & preventive care

• Include respiratory screenings and lung-function tests in annual health checks.
  
• Offer teleconsultations with pulmonologists and cardiologists through your employee health platform.

4. Long-term sustainability measures

• Promote green commuting options  carpooling, shuttle services, public transport subsidies, electric vehicles.
  
• Adopt sustainable procurement for office supplies and reduce onsite construction dust.
  
• Consider a green workplace as part of broader environmental action.

5. Employee awareness programs

• Conduct regular workshops on air quality and health protection
• Share daily AQI updates through internal communication channels
• Provide guidelines for commuting during high pollution days
• Educate about proper mask usage and selection

What employees can do?

At work:

• Sit near air purifiers when possible, report persistent IAQ issues to HR, use in-office masks on high AQI days.

During commute:

• Wear a properly fitted N95/N99 mask, choose less polluted routes, and avoid heavy traffic hours.

Conclusion

India’s AQI challenge is complex and long-term, but workplaces don’t have to wait. By combining monitoring AQI meters, infrastructure upgrades, and employee education, organizations can transform offices into safer, cleaner environments. Your workplace should be a place where people can literally breathe easy.