Air pollution has escalated into a critical health issue in major urban centers like Delhi. The hazardous air quality in the capital is adversely affecting the health of all residents, including children and young adults. A recent investigation has shown that men tend to accumulate a greater quantity of pollutant particles in their lungs compared to women.
A research project conducted between 2019 and 2023 by Netaji Subhas University of Technology in Delhi, in collaboration with an environmental consulting firm from Noida, has revealed that men face higher exposure to pollution, significantly impacting their health.
Understanding the Impact of Pollution
This study assessed the respiratory deposition dose (RDD) of harmful particles such as PM2.5 and PM10, which indicates the amount of pollutants that settle in the lungs during breathing. The findings indicated that men had an RDD of PM2.5 that was 1.4 times greater than that of women while seated, and about 1.2 times higher when walking. For PM10, the RDD in men was 1.34 times higher while sitting and 1.15 times higher while walking.
One significant factor contributing to this disparity is the lifestyle and occupational roles of men. Experts involved in the research noted that a larger proportion of men work in outdoor environments, including construction sites, factories, and roadside jobs, as well as in daily wage labor. Additionally, working professionals and students commuting during peak traffic hours are also subjected to elevated pollution levels.
How Biological Factors Influence Exposure
The study also highlighted that men and women exhibit different respiratory functions. Men typically have a larger tidal volume, which is the amount of air inhaled in one breath, allowing more pollutant particles to penetrate deeper into their lungs. Conversely, while women breathe more frequently, their overall exposure to outdoor pollution is lower, leading to a greater total accumulation of pollutants in men. Experts suggest that women tend to spend more time indoors, where they encounter indoor pollution.
Pollution Hotspots
The research pinpointed industrial zones as the most polluted, exhibiting the highest concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10. Commercial and residential areas followed in terms of pollution levels. In industrial settings, men experienced significantly higher pollution exposure than women. Alarmingly, the levels of exposure for men while walking were found to be 10 to 40 times above the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and WHO guidelines.
Consequences of High Pollution Levels
Elevated concentrations of pollutant particles in the lungs heighten the risk of developing asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and various other respiratory conditions. Over time, these health issues can lead to significant health and economic challenges. The study underscores that while pollution impacts everyone, the burden is not equally shared.
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