North News
New Delhi, August 29
Delhi’s chronic air pollution is significantly reducing the life expectancy of its residents, according to the 2024 Air Quality Life Index report. The report, released by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC), reveals that the 1.8 crore residents of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi are on track to lose an average of 11.9 years of life expectancy compared to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, the news outlet NDTV reported. Even under India’s national air quality standards, residents could see their lives shortened by 8.5 years if pollution levels remain unchanged.
Delhi, which holds the unenviable title of the most polluted city in the world, faces a dire situation where meeting national PM2.5 standards could increase life expectancy by 8.5 years, and achieving WHO standards could add nearly 12 years. PM2.5, a dangerous particulate matter that penetrates deep into the lungs, is a primary factor in this health crisis.
The report highlights that India’s national annual PM2.5 standard is set at 40 micrograms per cubic meter, yet more than 40 percent of the population is regularly exposed to levels exceeding this limit, posing severe health risks, the news outlet said.
