Urgent action is needed so that the city does not negate gains of first generation reforms for combating air pollution

A CSE Factsheet: The Delhi Smog of 2012

Urgent action is needed so that the city does not negate gains of first generation reforms for combating air pollution

Current levels of air pollution are high and extremely toxic: This early winter pollution levels have spiked to very unhealthy levels. Data from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee shows that in the last week, since the cold has settled in and fog conditions have been created, air pollutants have peaked – in Civil Lines, PM 2.5 levels are up to 539 microgramme per cubic metre on November 5 -- eight times higher than standard. NO2 has jumped to 230 microgramme per cubic metre, which is 2.8 times the standard. These levels are unacceptable, because they are a clear health hazard. Already there is evidence of severe respiratory ailments afflicting people. The air is toxic. NO2 is a trigger for serious respiratory conditions and sudden death syndrome among infants.