Men breathing more toxic air than women in Delhi – Here’s why

Delhi pollution

Men in Delhi absorb significantly more air pollution into their lungs than women, according to a new five-year scientific study that examined how particulate matter settles in the human respiratory system. The research shows that exposure levels are consistently higher for men across daily activities such as sitting and walking, raising concerns about long-term health risks.

The study, titled “Respiratory Deposition of Particulate Matter in Delhi: A Five-Year Assessment of Exposure Patterns and Health Risks,” was conducted by researchers from Netaji Subhas University of Technology (NSUT), Delhi, in collaboration with a Noida-based environmental consultancy. It analysed data from 2019 to 2023.

How the study was conducted

Researchers measured what is known as the respiratory deposition dose (RDD), the amount of particulate pollution that actually settles inside the lungs, among adult men and women. The analysis was done at both 15-minute intervals and daily levels, under two activity conditions, sitting and walking.

The study focused on working adults and students, especially during morning and evening commute hours, when people are most exposed to outdoor pollution. Data on PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations was taken from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Men absorb more polluted air

The findings show a clear gender gap. For PM2.5, the finer and more dangerous particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs:

• While sitting, men’s RDD was about 1.4 times higher than women’s

• While walking, men’s RDD was around 1.2 times higher

A similar pattern was seen for PM10, which consists of coarser particles:

• Sitting: men recorded 1.34 times higher RDD than women

• Walking: men recorded 1.15 times higher RDD than women

According to the researchers, the difference is largely due to lifestyle and biological factors.

Why gender makes a difference

Gaurav Saini, from the department of civil engineering at NSUT and one of the study’s authors, explained that men are generally more exposed to outdoor air pollution because they are more likely to work or spend time outside.

“While men are more exposed to outdoor pollution, women are often exposed to indoor pollution. Breathing volume and breathing frequency also vary by gender and physical activity,” he was quoted by TOI as saying.

Another author, Amrendra Singh, pointed out that women tend to have a higher breathing rate, which can increase pollutant intake. However, overall lung volume and time spent outdoors mean men still end up absorbing a larger total dose.

Walking raises pollution intake sharply

The study found that walking dramatically increases pollution exposure for both genders, especially in high-traffic and industrial areas.

The maximum daily total RDD for PM2.5 was 13.13 micrograms/min (men, walking) and 10.92 µg/min (women, walking); 4.73 µg/min (men, sitting) and a minimum of 3.38 µg/min (women, sitting), the study stated, adding these figures were measured in industrial belts.

The maximum daily total respiratory dose for PM10 was 15.73 µg/min (men, walking), with corresponding values of 13.64 µg/min (women, walking); 5.66 µg/min (men, sitting) and 4.22 µg/min (women, sitting).

Alarmingly, the study found that PM10 doses for men while walking were 10 to 40 times higher than levels considered safe under national and World Health Organization standards.

Industrial areas are major hotspots

The highest pollution doses were recorded in industrial zones, followed by commercial areas, institutional zones and residential neighbourhoods. Central Delhi, which has more green cover and government offices, showed comparatively lower pollution levels.

The researchers warned that workers, daily wage earners and commuters in industrial and commercial areas face disproportionate health risks.

Health risks and policy gaps

High respiratory deposition of particulate matter is linked to serious diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other long-term lung conditions.

The study also revealed widespread violations of air quality standards. Over the five-year period:

• The national PM10 daily limit was exceeded on 77.5% of days.

• The WHO PM10 guideline was breached on 96.5% of days.

• PM2.5 limits, both national and WHO, were exceeded almost continuously.

"The findings... emphasise the urgent need for targeted interventions, such as, stricter emission controls, evening traffic management and improved mitigation of stubble burning, while accounting for land-use patterns and the role of urban greenery. Such measures could reduce both chronic and acute exposures, delivering substantial health and economic benefits for the population of Delhi," the study stated.