NEW DELHI, May 8 ― Delhi is the most polluted city in the world, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO)'s latest study released yesterday.
The 2014 version of the Ambient Air Pollution (AAP) database contains results of outdoor air pollution monitoring from 1,600 cities in 91 countries from 2008 to 2013, Press Trust of India (PTI) reported.
Delhi has the highest concentration of PM2.5 ― particulate matters less than 2.5 microns ― form of air pollution, which is considered most serious.
This form of concentration consists of tiny particles that puts people at additional risk of respiratory diseases and other health problems.
The situation is so bad in Delhi that its air has PM2.5 concentrations of 153 microgrammes and PM10 concentrations of 286 microgrammes ― much more than the permissible limits.
In comparison, Beijing, which was once considered one of the most polluted cities, has PM2.5 concentrations of 56 microgrammes and PM10 concentrations of 121 microgrammes.
Anumita Roychowdhury of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) said the latest WHO report confirms the health concerns currently faced by India.
“Air pollution is the fifth largest killer in India. Tiny particles go deep inside our lungs and trigger respiratory and cardiac problems as well as lung cancer,” she said. ― Bernama
