Pollution: the evolving public health apocalypse

This editorial highlights the severe public health crisis caused by pollution, with a specific focus on New Delhi, India, where the Air Quality Index (AQI) frequently surpasses hazardous levels. Pollution has surpassed traditional risk factors such as smoking as a principal health hazard, significantly curtailing life expectancy and increasing the incidence of diseases including cardiovascular disorders, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The article calls for immediate revisions to public health protocols and calls for international efforts to address this widespread environmental menace.