Air pollution in New Delhi more than 60 times higher than WHO standards

In New Delhi, India, November 18, 2024. MANISH SWARUP / AP Air pollution reached a level more than 60 times higher than the maximum threshold set by the World Health Organization (WHO), Monday November 18 in the capital Indian New Delhi, according to measurements carried out by the company IQAir. The concentration of PM2.5 microparticles – the most dangerous because they diffuse directly into the blood – was quantified in the morning at 907 micrograms per cubic meter of air in certain points of the megacity of 30 million inhabitants, according to these measurements . The city is confronted every winter with peaks in pollution caused by toxic fumes from factories and road traffic, to which are added at this time of year those from seasonal agricultural burning. Local authorities triggered level 4 of their alert plan on Sunday evening “in order to prevent further deterioration of air quality”. Most schools in the area remained closed on Monday, traffic restrictions were tightened and the use of teleworking is strongly recommended, until further notice. According to the WHO, air pollution can cause cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, as well as lung cancer. A study published last June established that air pollution was responsible for 11.5% of mortality in Delhi, or 12,000 deaths per year. Le Monde with AFP Reuse this content



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