health
January 20, 2026
‘We are breathing smog to survive’: Delhi’s dirty air is killing the city’s invisible workforce
Trapped in toxic smog and deep insecurity, many of Delhi’s informal workers still end up risking their health for a day’s wages
TL;DR
- Informal workers in Delhi, such as construction laborers and street vendors, are forced to work outdoors in toxic smog and cold weather to earn a daily wage.
- These workers have no option to work from home or stop working, even when air quality is severely hazardous, as it would mean a loss of income.
- Prolonged exposure to Delhi's polluted air poses serious health risks, including respiratory and cardiovascular problems, with studies indicating high rates of lung disease among outdoor workers.
- While the government has introduced pollution mitigation plans and financial aid for construction workers, many informal workers are unregistered and lack access to basic services and protection.
- The workers fear losing their jobs if they voice concerns about air quality, creating a paradox where they must endure hazardous conditions to survive.
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