How Delhi’s Winter Air Pollution Affects Your Kidney Health

By Dr. Debabrata Mukherjee | Nephrologist & Kidney Health Specialist As winter sets in across Delhi-NCR, many of us prepare for cooler temperatures, festivals, and unfortunately — poor air quality. While most people are aware of how pollution affects the lungs and heart, very few realize the silent impact it can have on your kidneys . Let’s understand how the air we breathe — especially during Delhi’s winter smog — can harm your kidney health, and what you can do to protect yourself. The Air We Breathe in Winters Delhi’s air quality often dips to "very poor" or "severe" levels during winter months. This is due to a combination of: Low temperatures trapping pollutants close to the ground (temperature inversion) Stubble burning in nearby states Increased use of diesel generators, heaters, and firewood Reduced wind speed and poor dispersion of particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10) You may not always see the damage, but your internal organs — especially...