New Delhi, Nov. 19 -- Air pollution in the capital has crossed into "medical emergency" territory, AIIMS experts warned on Tuesday, stressing that water spraying, masks and air purifiers offer "only superficial relief" at a time when hospitals are reporting a surge in pollution-linked illnesses across age groups.

"People know pollution is harmful, but they do not grasp the scale of the damage," said Dr Anant Mohan, professor and head of pulmonary medicine and sleep disorders at AIIMS. "Air pollution is harming those who are yet to be born and those who are at the end of life. It affects the heart, brain, mental health and every physiological system. We now have clear evidence that it cuts life expectancy and increases mortality."

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