Delhi breathes poison: PM2.5 remains 20 times higher than the safety limit

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Fine particles, rising in Delhi's air, can travel deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, causing harm and shaving off years of life for millions living in the capital.

Delhi's air pollution is worsening, with fine particulate matter reaching nearly 20 times the safe limit recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

PM2.5 levels stood at 296 micrograms per cubic metre at 9:30 am on Friday, according to AQI.in data, raising concerns over the health risks posed by the toxic air. People stroll amid a thick layer of smog in New Delhi. (Photo: PTI)

The AQI, meanwhile, breached the 400 mark and waded into the 'Severe' category as per CPCB, with some places in the capital nearing an AQI of 500.

PM2.5 refers to tiny airborne particles that measure 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter. To understand just how small they are, a human hair is roughly 30 times wider than one of these particles.

What makes PM2.5 particularly dangerous in that miniscule size. Unlike larger dust particles, which are more likely to get trapped in the nose or throat, PM2.5 can travel deep into the lungs, causing damage over time. A graph illustrating Delhi's PM2.5 levels in the last 24 hours. (Photo: AQI.in)

Some of these particles can even enter the bloodstream, allowing them to affect other parts of the body. Breathing in high concentrations can irritate the airways, worsen asthma and other respiratory conditions, and increase the risk of heart and lung diseases, strokes and lung cancer.

Long-term exposure has also been linked to premature deaths. An elderly man walks on a road while wearing a face mask after air quality deteriorates. (Photo: PTI)

The WHO recommends that the 24-hour average concentration of PM2.5 should not exceed 15 micrograms per cubic metre.

Delhi's reading of 296 micrograms per cubic metre at 9:30 am was therefore nearly 20 times that guideline. However, this is a comparison of a live reading with a 24-hour benchmark, rather than two measurements taken over the same period.

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