Delhi NCR Air Quality and Your Lungs: Winter AQI Health Risks and Protection Guide

Air pollution has become one of the biggest contributors to health issues, especially lung cancer and other respiratory diseases. Delhi NCR air quality is often cited among the most polluted and harmful in the country.

Air pollution causes several respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. These are caused by fine and coarse particulate matter, called PM2.5 and PM10, respectively, along with other toxic pollutants. Read on to know more about Delhi’s air pollution, its causes, and its effects.

Air Pollution in Delhi NCR

Delhi lies in the unhealthy bracket with a PM2.5 reading of 98.6 µg/m³ (2019). Factors like ever-increasing urbanisation, industrialisation in various sectors, and man-made activities contribute significantly to the increasing levels of air pollution.

As of 2019, Delhi ranks as the second most polluted city in India and fifth worldwide. The air quality further deteriorates in winter months due to weather changes and burning of crops and forestland, known as the slash-and-burn method.

Causes of Air Pollution in Delhi NCR

You might be wondering, ‘Why is Delhi NCR so polluted?’ To know the answer, have a look at the factors that cause all the air pollution.

Vehicular Emissions

One of the major factors affecting Delhi NCR air quality is the emission from vehicles. Vehicles account for about 41 per cent of the overall pollution in Delhi.

Many of the vehicles running on Delhi’s roads are old buses, trucks, and lorries. In most cases, their engines are of questionable quality, and they put out extremely high volumes of smoke and haze. This causes the city to be covered in soot and black carbon, which are very harmful to all living beings.

Change in Seasons

It has already been mentioned that pollution increases during the colder months. As farmers in the surrounding areas burn leftover plant stubble after the autumn harvest, the smoke blows into the urban regions. By the time winter arrives, the winds die down, and the accumulated pollution gets trapped in the city’s atmosphere.

Furthermore, with temperatures dropping, the pollutants in the air also come down and settle in the lower part of the atmosphere, forming a blanket of haze over the city.

Industrial Plants 

Delhi NCR air quality is also largely affected by the various factories and production plants located all over the city. They release a huge amount of smoke into the air, amounting to up to a thousand tons of pollutants being released in a year. Readings of PM2.5 even soar up to 829.2 µg/m³, which is 80 times the annual level recommended by WHO.

Effects of Delhi's Air Pollution

Delhi’s air pollution affects people’s health in various ways, as discussed below.

Cardiovascular and Respiratory Diseases

Respiratory diseases are one of the most obvious Delhi AQI health risks. Pollutants in the air can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and cause breathing problems. It can further lead to lung diseases and various infections. These toxins can also affect circulation by entering the bloodstream and cause cardiovascular illnesses.

Chronic Conditions

Air pollution is known to aggravate chronic conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. In worse cases, it can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and even lung cancer. Previously, the harmful effects of air pollution have also proven to be fatal.

Economic and Social Impact

Excessive pollution also affects the economy in a way. It can lead to higher medical expenses due to pollution-induced illnesses. Pollution also directly impacts headaches, anxiety, and the central nervous system. This, in turn, results in a lack of productivity.

Diseases arising out of air pollution need professional medical care. That is why it is important to buy health insurance that reduces your financial burdens. Check out Bajaj General Insurance for their medical insurance plans.

Steps Taken by the Government

In order to counter the severe impacts of Delhi NCR air quality and pollution, the government has started taking the following measures.

1. GRAP: The Graded Response Action Plan was introduced to tackle the worsening air quality of Delhi. This puts restrictions on construction, promotes remote work during phases of extreme pollution, and bans diesel engines.
2. NCAP: Launched in 2019, the National Clean Air Programme is intended to reduce air pollution by 20-30% in 102 cities by 2024.
3. Emission Regulations: The government has put forth certain regulations for emissions from different sectors. These apply to vehicles, industries, and construction activities.

Final Words

To improve Delhi NCR air quality, overall emissions across the transport and industrial sectors need to be reduced, and air monitoring systems need to be upgraded. Also, more stringent rules need to be placed on the burning of farmland and forested areas for agricultural use.

Air pollution can cause a lot of health problems. To protect yourself from rising healthcare costs, check out health insurance policies from Bajaj General Insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Delhi Have the Worst Air Quality in India?

According to a survey from 2019, Delhi has the second-worst air quality in India, after Ghaziabad.

What Kind of Respiratory Diseases are Caused by Air Pollution?

Respiratory diseases caused by air pollution include breathing problems like asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, lung diseases, and even lung cancer.

Who Can be the Most Affected by Harmful Effects of Air Pollution?

Elderly people, children, and individuals with pre-existing diseases are more likely to be affected by the harmful effects of air pollution.

**Standard T&C apply

Disclaimer: Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to change. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.