A comprehensive five-year scientific study has found that men in Delhi absorb significantly higher amounts of air pollutants into their lungs than women, underscoring how daily activity patterns, commuting exposure, and urban infrastructure shape health risks in one of the world’s most polluted capitals.

Unlike conventional studies that focus solely on ambient air pollution levels, this research goes a step further by estimating how much particulate matter actually enters and settles in different regions of the human respiratory system. The findings offer a more precise understanding of health risks, revealing that men — particularly those commuting during peak traffic hours or walking along congested roads — face disproportionately higher respiratory exposure.

Study Overview and Institutions Involved

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.

Researchers analysed air quality data collected from 39 air quality monitoring stations across Delhi, covering the period between 2019 and 2023. This extensive dataset allowed the team to account for seasonal variations, long-term pollution trends, and changes in exposure during major events such as lockdowns and post-pandemic traffic surges.

The focus of the research was on particulate matter (PM) — especially fine particles that are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing both short-term and chronic health problems.

What Makes This Study Different

Most air pollution research measures concentrations of pollutants in the air, such as PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀. While such measurements are essential, they do not fully capture how pollution affects the human body.

This study used an internationally accepted respiratory deposition model, which estimates:

• How much particulate matter is inhaled

• Where these particles deposit in the respiratory tract

• Differences in exposure based on breathing rates, activity levels, and body physiology

By modelling actual lung deposition, the researchers were able to identify gender-based exposure differences that are often missed in ambient pollution studies.

Why Men Are More Exposed Than Women

According to the findings, men in Delhi experience higher lung deposition of particulate matter primarily due to greater outdoor exposure and mobility patterns.

Key contributing factors include:

• Longer time spent outdoors for work-related travel

• Higher likelihood of commuting during peak traffic hours

• Greater exposure while riding two-wheelers or driving with windows open

• Walking along heavily congested roads and footpaths

Men are more likely to be stuck in traffic for extended periods, especially in personal or commercial vehicles, where pollution levels can be significantly higher than ambient outdoor averages.

Additionally, physiological differences such as higher breathing volumes during physical activity can lead to increased inhalation of pollutants, further elevating lung deposition rates.

Particulate Matter and Respiratory Deposition

Particulate matter consists of tiny particles suspended in the air, many of which are emitted from vehicle exhaust, construction activities, road dust, and industrial processes.

Once inhaled:

• Larger particles tend to deposit in the upper airways

• Fine particles penetrate deeper into the lungs

• Ultrafine particles can cross into the bloodstream

The study found that men showed higher deposition in both the tracheobronchial and alveolar regions of the lungs — areas closely associated with chronic respiratory diseases.

Long-term accumulation of particulate matter in these regions increases the risk of:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

• Asthma and bronchitis

• Reduced lung function

• Cardiovascular complications

Seasonal and Temporal Trends

Analysis of data from 2019 to 2023 revealed that winter months recorded the highest lung deposition rates, corresponding with Delhi’s seasonal pollution spikes caused by temperature inversions, vehicular emissions, and regional biomass burning.

However, even during comparatively cleaner periods such as monsoon months, deposition levels remained well above safe thresholds, indicating that chronic exposure is a year-round problem.

The study also noted that post-pandemic traffic recovery led to a sharp rise in exposure levels, reinforcing the link between vehicular density and respiratory health risks.

Health Implications and Policy Relevance

The findings have significant implications for public health planning, occupational safety, and urban policy.

By demonstrating that men face higher respiratory deposition:

• Workplace health guidelines may need revision

• Traffic exposure mitigation becomes a priority

• Gender-sensitive public health strategies gain importance

The study suggests that policies addressing air pollution should go beyond citywide averages and consider micro-environments such as roads, vehicles, and pedestrian corridors where exposure is most intense.

Need for Targeted Interventions

Researchers emphasize that reducing health risks requires targeted interventions, including:

• Improved public transport to reduce traffic congestion

• Promotion of clean commuting options

• Better pedestrian infrastructure away from traffic corridors

• Use of pollution control measures inside vehicles

Awareness campaigns focusing on high-exposure groups, including daily commuters, delivery workers, and outdoor labourers, could play a crucial role in minimizing long-term health damage.

Conclusion: Measuring What Enters the Lungs Matters

This study marks an important shift in air pollution research — from measuring what is present in the air to understanding what actually enters the human body.

By highlighting that men in Delhi experience higher lung deposition of particulate matter, the research adds nuance to the conversation on air pollution and health. It reinforces the urgency of personal exposure-based assessments and underscores the need for urban planning and transport reforms that reduce real-world inhalation risks.

As Delhi continues to grapple with severe air pollution, such evidence-based insights are critical for designing effective, equitable, and health-focused solutions for the city’s residents.

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