Seven-year-long IIT-Kanpur study reveals worst pollution trends in Delhi

IIT Kanpur's latest study highlights peak pollution months and suggests measures like indoor activities and travel plans to reduce public health risks from PM2.5.

In Short

• In Delhi, PM2.5 pollution peaks between October and January every year
• IIT study says 10 pm to 11 am is the worst time for PM2.5 pollution
• There is a high probability of severe AQI episodes returning in the first week of January

Air pollution remains a persistent environmental challenge for Delhi, with rising levels of particulate matter, particularly PM2.5, severely affecting air quality. This pollution has led to a surge in respiratory diseases and heightened the risk of heart attacks, posing a significant threat to public health.

A seven-year-long study by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur, published in October, has shown that PM2.5 pollution is the highest in the months from October to January in Delhi, peaking from week 3 of October to week 3 of November. Then it gradually declines from weeks 2 and 3 of December and week 1 of January.

The findings of the study, from 2017 to 2023, also suggest that 10 pm to 11 am is the worst time for PM2.5 pollution owing to atmospheric conditions. There is a high probability of severe AQI (Air Quality Index) episodes returning in the first week of January for a few days.

Researchers from IIT proposed a public advisory to address pollution-related health issues during the peak smog season from October to January to help reduce health risks and ease pressure on public infrastructure.

Key suggestions include limiting outdoor activities for children and the elderly to afternoons (1 PM to 6 PM), using N95 masks during outings, and shifting physical exercise to indoor spaces rather than avoiding it altogether.

Residents are advised to keep windows closed at night and only open them in the afternoon to minimise indoor pollution.

Families are encouraged to plan vacations or trips outside Delhi in early November, while communities are urged to delay non-essential construction projects until after February.

The advisory recommendations also highlight the importance of air purifiers, particularly at night while sleeping, and advocates for increased use of electric vehicles and public transport.

People are advised to work from home and conduct virtual meetings when possible.

Other tips include walking on the downward gradient side of sloping roads to avoid vehicle emissions and steering clear of congested areas for shopping or leisure.