A toxic smog shrouded the Indian capital on Tuesday, driving air quality in some areas into the "severe" range ahead of winter, when cold air traps pollutants and brings a spike in respiratory illnesses.

The toxic smog season in India's capital has just begun, but those unable to escape cancer-causing poisonous fumes say the hazardous impact on health is already taking its toll.

A contaminated smog blanketed New Delhi on Tuesday, pushing air quality in some parts into the severe category before beginning of winter, when cold air traps pollutants and

New Delhi ranks as the world's second most polluted city, after Lahore in neighbouring Pakistan, which blames India for the pollution A toxic smog shrouded India's capital city on Tuesday, driving air quality in some areas into the "severe" range ahead of winter,