Toxic pollution sends nearly half of Delhi families to the doctor

Nearly half the families in and around New Delhi have sought medical help for respiratory ailments connected to severe pollution engulfing India's capital, according to a new survey.

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About 81 per cent of respondents to a questionnaire by pollster LocalCircles reported that one or more family members are experiencing an illness connected with exposure to toxic air.

Four out of 10 households saw a doctor, and the most severe cases went straight to a hospital.

Answering a separate question, half of the participants said that in the past three weeks, they have bought medicines or devices including cough syrup, inhalers and, in some cases, antibiotics.