Delhi’s air quality crisis: Residents could lose nearly 12 years of life, study warns

A recent report by the University of Chicago has painted a grim picture of the city’s air pollution crisis, revealing its devastating impact on public health. Residents of the Indian capital are facing a significant loss of life expectancy due to the persistent air pollution.

The report, from the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC), warns that 1.8 crore people in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi could lose an average of 11.9 years of life compared to World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.

According to the Air Quality Life Index 2024, Delhi’s residents are on track to lose an average of 11.9 years of their lives compared to the World Health Organization's guidelines. This translates to a staggering 8.5 years lost even by India’s own national air quality standards. 

The primary culprit is PM2.5, a type of particulate matter that can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause severe health problems. Delhi’s air quality often exceeds the national and international limits for PM2.5, exposing millions of people to harmful pollutants.

The report underscores the urgent need for action to address Delhi's air pollution crisis. If the city were to meet its national PM2.5 standards, residents could potentially gain 8.5 years of life expectancy. Meeting the WHO's stricter guidelines could add even more years to their lives.

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