Nitrogen dioxide, benzene and other pollutants breached safe limits at most Delhi stations in January, highlighting persistent air quality concerns.

Delhi’s air in January was badly polluted, with nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and benzene often above safe limits at many monitoring stations. These high levels can harm lungs and increase health risks for people breathing the city’s air.

Delhi’s air in January was badly polluted, with nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and benzene often above safe limits at many monitoring stations. These high levels can harm lungs and increase health risks for people breathing the city’s air.

Delhi’s air in January was badly polluted, with nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and benzene often above safe limits at many monitoring stations. These high levels can harm lungs and increase health risks for people breathing the city’s air.

In January in Delhi, air pollution was very bad not just because of fine dust but also due to high levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and other toxic gases. A study of official air quality data found that NO₂ stayed above safe limits for over 25 days at most monitoring stations, and benzene, a cancer-linked gas, was above the World Health Organization’s recommended level on many days.

In comparison, during the same period last year, benzene levels breached the WHO guidelines on 28 days but did not exceed the Indian standard on any day.

ITO, Anand Vihar, Lodhi Road And Wazirpur Among Hotspots For Highly Reactive Gas

Delhi's nitrogen dioxide levels have soared to three times the safe limit, contributing to a worsening air quality crisis amid hazardous PM2.5 and PM10 levels.

Delhi's nitrogen dioxide levels have soared to three times the safe limit, contributing to a worsening air quality crisis amid hazardous PM2.5 and PM10 levels.

Central Pollution Control Board data show concentrations of the dangerous gas peaking at IGI Airport and ITO; experts warn of increased respiratory risks.