capita economic loss due to air pollution, followed by Haryana in 2019, with 5·4 times variation across all states.
Table 1. Historical and current impact of air pollution in New Delhi, India
| Parameter | 1990 Data | Current data (2024) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Quality Index (AQI) | 150-200 (Unhealthy) | Often surpasses 600 (Hazardous) | Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), India |
| Annual Average PM2.5 (µg/m³) | 60 | 98.6 | World Health Organization (WHO) |
| Mortality Rate due to Pollution | 0.6 million premature deaths annually in India | 2.3 million premature deaths annually in India | Lancet Planetary Health, 2021 |
| Reduction in Life Expectancy | 4-5 years | 10-12 years | Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago |
| CVD | 6.9% of total deaths | 13.6% of total deaths | Global Burden of Disease (GBD) |
| COPD Prevalence | 3.3% of the population | 7.4% of the population | Global Burden of Disease (GBD); Lung India |
| Lung Cancer Incidence | 12 cases per 100,000 | 26 cases per 100,000 | National Cancer Registry Programme, India |
| Primary Pollutants | PM10, SO2, NO2 | PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, CO, O3 | CPCB |
| Comparison with Other Cities | New York (AQI < 50), London (AQI < 40) | New York (AQI < 50), London (AQI < 40) | US EPA, UK DEFRA |
| Economic cost attributable to pollution | - | $36.8 billion annually | Greenpeace Southeast Asia and Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA); BBC |
Two critical myths need urgent debunking. First, the traditional risk factors for atherosclerosis - smoking, diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia - have now been overshadowed by pollution. This marks a critical shift in our understanding of public health risks. Unlike traditional factors that affect specific populations at risk, environmental pollutants spare no one, indiscriminately impacting every citizen. The cumulative effect of pollution as a risk factor is, therefore, potentially far greater than those of traditional factors [3].
Second, the epidemiology of cancers has undergone a drastic transformation. The entire population, including all ages, genders, and groups, is now at risk for lung cancers, which are occurring at younger ages and affecting a wider demographic. This shift in cancer epidemiology is not just a statistic; it is a warning sign of the changing dynamics of public health [4].
These changes are not merely academic concerns; they demand a radical rethink in our approach to clinical research and public health guidelines. It is high time that entities like the World Health Organization (WHO) and other public health agencies recognize and advance these changes in epidemiology as critical issues. The reliance on outdated metrics and data in the face of overwhelming evidence of pollution's impact is no longer tenable.
The gravity of this situation cannot be overstated. Every breath in a polluted environment is a reminder of the urgent need for action. It is an issue that transcends geographical boundaries and requires a collective global response. We must act now, for the health of our present and the legacy of our future.
Abbreviations
AQI: Air Quality Index
CPCB: Central Pollution Control Board
COPD: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
WHO: World Health Organization
Supporting information: None
Ethical Considerations: Not applicable