Concentration of major pollutants in Delhi air this October lower than previous years: Data

Levels of major air pollutants in the capital during October this year have remained lower compared to most previous years with data compiled on a dashboard by a private Delhibased think tank showing a decline in concentrations of particulate matter nitrogen dioxide and ozone this yearThe publicaccess dashboard tabulating Central Pollution Control Board CPCB and Commission for Air Quality Management CAQM data on various air pollution parameters has been prepared by EnvirocatalystsThe data based on averages recorded till October 25 this year against fullmonth averages for 20152025 showed that the average PM25 concentration stood at 67 micrograms per cubic metre microgmsup3 in October 2026 compared with 108 microgmsup3 in October last year and 147 microgmsup3 in 2016 the highest during the period under observationThe data showed that average PM25 concentration in Delhi stood at 111 microgmsup3 in 2024 103 microgmsup3 in 2023 105 microgmsup3 in 2022 75 microgmsup3 in 2021 133 microgmsup3 in 2020 123 microgmsup3 in 2019 134 microgmsup3 in 2018 115 microgmsup3 in 2017 and 121 microgmsup3 in 2015 all of which are higher than this years readingPM10 levels also registered a decline this year with the average concentration recorded at 172 microgmsup3 as compared to 217 microgmsup3 in 2025 and 345 microgmsup3 in 2016Nitrogen dioxide NO2 levels averaged 36 microgmsup3 in October till date lower than 48 microgmsup3 in 2025 and 79 microgmsup3 in 2016 according to the dataOzone concentrations stood at 55 microgmsup3 compared with 78 microgmsup3 last year and 101 microgmsup3 in 2015 However the October average was marginally higher than the 54 microgmsup3 recorded in 2023 and 2021Carbon monoxide CO levels averaged 180 milligrams per cubic metre mgmsup3 the same as in 2025 and lower than 210 mgmsup3 in 2024 and 470 mgmsup3 in 2016The data showed that concentrations of all five pollutants till October 25 this year were lower than their October averages in 2020 when PM25 stood at 133 microgmsup3 PM10 at 284 microgmsup3 NO2 at 59 microgmsup3 ozone at 81 microgmsup3 and CO at 230 mgmsup3The figures provide a comparison of pollution levels during October although meteorological conditions including wind speed temperature humidity and rainfall also influence pollutant concentration and their dispersionDespite the decline in the recorded averages particulate pollution remains a concern The PM25 and PM10 averages of 67 microgmsup3 and 172 microgmsup3 respectively were above Indias annual National Ambient Air Quality Standards of 40 microgmsup3 and 60 microgmsup3 respectivelyAs per national standards the 24hour limits for PM25 and PM10 are 60 microgmsup3 and 100 microgmsup3 respectively However a monthly or period average cannot be directly compared with a 24hour standard to determine the number of days on which pollution limits were breachedFine particulate matter or PM25 can penetrate deep into the lungs and is associated with respiratory and cardiovascular problems according to experts PM10 can irritate the airways and aggravate conditions such as asthmaNitrogen dioxide largely associated with combustion sources such as vehicles and industrial activity can inflame the airways and worsen respiratory conditions Groundlevel ozone can also cause breathing difficulties and reduced lung functionCarbon monoxide reduces the bloods capacity to carry oxygen and can affect the heart and brain at elevated concentrationsThe comparative data comes amid lingering concerns over Delhis air quality as the city enters its peak pollution season when unfavourable meteorological conditions can trap pollutants close to the ground and lead to pollution spikesThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever