Delhi's Toxic Air Hits Men Harder, Study Finds Pollution Up to 40 Times WHO Limits

New Delhi: A new five-year study in Delhi has found that the city's already dangerous air may be even more harmful to men than women. Researchers say men are absorbing higher levels of tiny harmful particles into their lungs because they tend to spend more time outdoors, especially in polluted work and transit environments. 

How bad is the pollution?

The study, 'Respiratory Deposition of Particulate Matter in Delhi: A Five-Year Assessment of Exposure Patterns and Health Risks', conducted by researchers at Netaji Subhas University of Technology in collaboration with environmental analysts, looked at air quality data and how much particulate matter actually settles in the lungs of adults over daily activities. It found that the amount of PM2.5 and PM10, particles small enough to penetrate deep into the respiratory system, deposited in men's lungs was notably higher than in women's. 

It analysed data from 2019 to 2023 in adult men and women at both 15-minute and daily intervals, under two activity scenarios: sitting and walking.

"Both the morning and evening commuting periods were studied, with a focus on working adults and students who typically travel during these times," according to the study.

Scientists compared breathing patterns during sitting and walking. In both cases, men showed roughly 1.2 to 1.4 times more pollutant deposition than women. These particles are linked to respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses when exposure is long-term. 

How does this compare with global standards?

The research further notes that the levels of harmful particles in Delhi's air are vastly above international safety limits. According to the study, PM levels experienced are up to 40 times higher than the World Health Organization's recommended maximums. Even when measured against India's own air quality standards, the pollution was many times above safe levels. 

What's driving the exposure gap?

Experts behind the study say lifestyle and work patterns play a big role. Men are more likely to be outdoors during peak traffic hours or in industrial zones, where pollution is heaviest. Outdoor activities mean more inhalation of dirty air. Women, the researchers said, may face more indoor pollution, but that exposure differs in type and intensity.

The study also pointed to dense winter smog, traffic emissions and industrial pollutants as contributors to the spike in harmful particles, trends that are well documented during Delhi’s peak pollution months. 

What are the health concerns?

Health professionals warn that long-term exposure to high particulate matter can increase the risk of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease and other serious conditions. With winter smog pushing Air Quality Index (AQI) figures into the "severe" zone, doctors are seeing more cases of breathing difficulties and related illnesses.