With increased cases of smog clouding the National Capital Region, a recent study has highlighted the mounting health impacts of smog on people in the delhi-NCR region.

A survey conducted by a community platform named LocalCircles indicated that 82 percent of people surveyed stated they knew someone in their immediate social network, including family, friends, and colleagues, suffering from serious health problems because of exposure to poor-quality air. Additionally, 28 percent of those surveyed indicated they knew four or more people suffering from such health issues, according to news agency PTI.

Among the health concerns given were asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), damage to lungs, congestive heart failure, strokes, and cognitive decline, all of which were associated with poor air quality by respondents.

The results come at a time when air pollution in the capital is witnessing an alarming increase in levels. Air quality index records on Monday indicated a level of 498 in the capital, which falls in the higher end of ‘severe.’ Air quality in 38 out of 40 stations in the capital was recorded under ‘severe’ categories, with two stations under ‘very poor.’ Jahangirpuri topped in air pollution with an air quality index of 498.

As per the Central Pollution Control Board, an Air Quality Index in excess of 300 is serious, and an index ranging from 401 to 500 is classified as ‘severe’.