Delhi's air pollution crisis: Nitrogen dioxide levels way above safe limits
Delhi isn't just battling PM2.5 anymore—now, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) from vehicles is a big problem too.
A new study says NO2 levels in some parts of the city are 2-3 times higher than what the World Health Organization considers safe, especially when traffic is at its worst.
Traffic jams make it worse
NO2 spikes during morning and evening rush hours, thanks to cars stuck in traffic with engines running.
Hotspots like Dwarka Sector 8, Jahangirpuri, and Delhi University North Campus see some of the highest pollution levels, with persistent exceedances of traffic-related pollutants, due to heavy congestion.
Why this matters for your health
Breathing in too much NO2 can irritate your airways, trigger coughing, and lower lung function.
Over time, it can even lead to serious issues like heart disease or make asthma worse.
Regular air purifiers don't filter out these gases—so cutting down emissions and staying indoors during peak hours really matters for everyone's health in Delhi.