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Pointing to research-based evidence, medical practitioners said toxic air is causing depression, increased anxiety, poor memory and disrupted cognitive development, while long-term exposure is linked to an increased risk of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Dr Aanchal Miglani, psychiatrist at Ammonides, an organization that provides care to people suffering from mental health problems, said that while respiratory, heart and allergy-related conditions attract people’s attention, the psychological impact of air pollution is equally worrying.
He said research indicates a clear link between pollution and increasing cognitive and neurological disorders, with children, older populations and low-income communities most vulnerable.
According to them, prolonged exposure to polluted air increases the risk of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Children growing up in polluted environments suffer lower IQ levels, memory impairments and are more likely to develop ADHD, she said, adding that long-term exposure increases cortisol levels, disrupts mood regulation and contributes to long-term stress.
Dr Miglani highlighted, “Delhi residents have 30-40 per cent higher rates of depression and anxiety compared to cities with lower AQI levels. Social isolation, less outdoor activity and persistent health concerns further exacerbate these effects.”
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Psychologist Fiza Khan of Ammonides said people often talk about pollution as a “lung problem”, but its impact is not only in the chest, but also in the mind.
“On days when the sky becomes hazy and visibility is reduced, many people feel unusually irritable, restless, low in mood or mentally tired. It’s not just in their mind.
“Research shows that long-term exposure to high levels of air pollution increases the risk of anxiety, depression, poor concentration and memory and sleep disturbances,” he said.
Elaborating on this, he said that pollutants can trigger inflammation and stress reactions in the body, which also affect brain functioning and emotional regulation. At the same time, he said, “bad air days,” school closures, flight delays and the constant awareness of health warnings create a backdrop of chronic stress.
Khan said, “For parents, older adults and people with existing mental health conditions, this stress can take a toll. Pollution also silently changes our daily behavior. Decreased outdoor activity, limited social interactions and cancellation of walks or play time means a reduction in natural mood boosters like sunlight, movement and connection. Over time, this can increase loneliness and bad mood.”
While policy-level solutions are necessary, experts emphasize that it matters to acknowledge the mental impact of pollution at the individual level.
Dr Jitendra Nagpal, deputy medical superintendent and pediatrician at Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research, said Delhi’s children are growing up in one of the most polluted environments globally, and the impact goes far beyond their lungs.
“Many children are increasingly being seen to have behavioral and learning problems such as difficulty concentrating, irritability and poor academic performance,” he said.
Dr. Nagpal said, although there are many reasons for these challenges, it is reasonable to speculate that environmental factors such as chronic air pollution along with increased screen exposure may contribute to this trend.
He said, “Clean air and screen-attending habits are not just lifestyle choices; they are public health imperatives to protect the emotional and cognitive well-being of our future generations.”
Dr Deepika Dahima, psychologist, AIIMS, Delhi, said that the air pollution crisis is as much an environmental crisis as it is a mental health emergency. He reported that prolonged exposure to fine particles and toxic gases increases anxiety, depression, cognitive impairment and long-term stress.
He said children have disrupted neurodevelopment and learning difficulties, while adults experience irritability, emotional fatigue and difficulty making decisions. Vulnerable populations, who already face social and economic inequalities, suffer complex psychological burdens.
“Yet, policy responses largely ignore these mental well-being outcomes, focusing on physical illness. Effective interventions seek to integrate air quality management with mental well-being frameworks, prioritizing accessible psychosocial support, urban green spaces, and strict emissions controls.
“Protecting mental well-being should be a central metric in evaluating India’s environmental policies, with clean air being considered essential for cognitive and emotional resilience,” Dr. Dahima said.