Overview

• India’s average PM2.5 level in 2023 was 41 µg/m3 versus the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m3, while Delhi measured 88.4 µg/m3.
• The entire population lives above WHO limits, and 46% of Indians reside in areas exceeding the national standard of 40 µg/m3.
• Meeting the WHO guideline would add 3.5 years to the average Indian’s life expectancy, with 1.5 years gained by meeting India’s own standard in over-limit regions.
• The Northern Plains, home to 544.4 million people, could gain an average of five years of life if concentrations met WHO guidance.
• EPIC/AQLI researchers say roughly half of Delhi’s pollution comes from local sources, and cutting those emissions could enable the city to meet the national standard.