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Delhi Gasps for Breath as Toxic Nitrogen Dioxide Levels Surge to 3 Times Safe Limit
8 Nov
Summary
- Nitrogen dioxide levels in Delhi reach 3 times the national safe limit
- Hazardous PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations also remain high
- Prolonged exposure to elevated NO2 levels exacerbates health issues
On November 8, 2025, Delhi's air quality crisis has taken a concerning turn, with nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels reaching alarming heights across the city. According to the latest data from the Central Pollution Control Board, the hourly NO2 concentration has peaked at 240µg/m³ at the IGI Airport (T3) station, which is three times the national safe standard of 80µg/m³ and nearly 10 times the World Health Organisation's stricter limit of 25µg/m³.
The high NO2 levels have been recorded at several other key locations in the city, including the ITO intersection (221µg/m³), North Campus of Delhi University (210µg/m³), Lodhi Road (181µg/m³), Mundka (178µg/m³), and JLN Stadium. Experts attribute these spikes to a combination of vehicular emissions, biomass burning, and industrial activities, with traffic congestion emerging as a significant contributing factor.
The situation is further exacerbated by the fact that several monitoring stations have recorded prolonged periods of NO2 concentrations staying above safe levels since November 1. Exposure to these elevated NO2 levels can exacerbate asthma and respiratory infections, while short-term exposure can cause wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
Alongside the NO2 crisis, Delhi's air quality has also remained in the hazardous range for particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), posing a grave threat to public health. Experts warn that the combination of high NO2 and particulate matter levels is creating a perfect storm of air pollution, with serious implications for the city's residents.
