Delhi’s air pollution, a scary topic to unfold, is not just an environmental issue; it’s a public health emergency that could instantly reduce the life expectancy of its residents by as much as 12 years. According to the latest Air Quality Life Index 2024 report by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC), the alarming levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) in the capital are silently shaving years off lives.Delhi is one of the world’s most polluted cities, the health repercussions are severe, and the situation demands urgent action.

Can life expectancy be slashed by 12 years?

The report paints a grim picture for Delhiites, warning that residents are set to lose an average of 11.9 years of life expectancy due to the high levels of PM2.5 pollution. This figure is based on comparisons with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) air quality standards, which set the annual safe limit for PM2.5 at just 5 micrograms per cubic meter. Even by India’s less stringent national standards of 40 micrograms per cubic meter, Delhiites could lose up to 8.5 years of their lives. The reality is that breathing Delhi’s air daily is somewhat similar to a slow poison, with long-term exposure leading to severe respiratory and cardiovascular issues.

Is there any positive shift?

Despite the severe situation, there has been a silver lining. The report highlight a 19.3% reduction in particulate pollution in India in 2022, which has added an average of one year to the life expectancy of citizens across the country. This improvement is particularly significant in certain regions like the northern plains, which saw a 17.2% reduction in PM2.5 levels. The decline has been attributed to favourable weather conditions and fewer thermal inversions, which typically trap pollutants close to the ground. While these improvements are encouraging, they are far from sufficient to counteract the deadly levels of pollution still present in cities like Delhi.

Despite some progress, the report highlights that over 40% of India’s population still lives in areas exceeding the national air quality standards. In Delhi, even with the recent reductions in pollution, the air quality remains poor. The situation is exacerbated by Delhi’s dense population and industrial activities, which contribute to the persistent levels of PM2.5. The report stresses that without more aggressive and comprehensive measures, the health of millions will continue to be at risk, and life expectancy will remain drastically reduced.
The message is clear: without immediate and sustained action, the air Delhiites breathe will continue to be a silent, deadly killer.
(With inputs from PTI)