Air pollution levels in the national capital are at an all-time high. With almost every region in the city recording bad air quality, Delhi is turning into a gas chamber. If you thought not being able to breathe properly or burning eyes and headaches are the only thing to worry about, think again.In what may be more shocking news, a study says that citizens living in Delhi might be losing as many as 17 years of their lives if pollution levels continue to cross the 'danger' mark. According to a new report, people living in the city are currently breathing air which is 25 times more toxic than the permissible limits issued by the World Health Organisation. This spike in the bad air quality is now taking a direct toll on the life expectancy levels.Perhaps the most concerning cause of rising toxic pollution levels is the PM 2.5 particles found in the smog, which can easily enter through the bloodstream and settle in the lungs and nasal cavities and lead to fatal problems. PM 2.5 is the most dangerous pollutant in the air. It is also capable of creating clots, blocking the blood flow and even lead to worsening of conditions like heart attack and severe pulmonary infections. Another report pointed out to pollution impacting people's immunity and inflammation, making them more likely to gain weight.Experts based out of University of Chicago, in one of their researchers also analyzed that of all the top polluted cities in the world, residents of Delhi will get to live for ten years fewer because of the bad pollution levels, while residents of Beijing and Los Angeles (considered to be pollution hotspots too) will live for six and one year fewer respectively.A report released this year titled "State of Global Air" further states that pollution is the fifth leading cause of mortality all around the world:"Air pollution is the fifth leading risk factor for mortality worldwide. It is responsible for more deaths than many better-known risk factors such as malnutrition, alcohol use, and physical inactivity. Each year, more people die from air pollution-related disease than from road traffic injuries or malaria."As the government declares it a public health emergency, this goes on to prove that it's a sad world we are living in.If you haven't thought of investing in a good pollution-fighting mask or limiting your exposure, think again. Smog is extremely risky for people who have breathing issues, low immunity or have weak lungs. Pregnant women, older people and those who are at the risk of chronic infections should exercise the utmost caution before stepping out to avoid endangering their lives.Pollution levels also carry greater risks for expecting mothers and children. Suffocating concentrates of carbon monoxides in the polluted air can ruin the blood supply, stop oxygen from reaching the cells and potentially hamper brain development. Doctors also say that the spike in bad air is bringing in more babies between the ages of 0-6 months to the hospital, with more frequent complaints of lung infections and breathing issues.