The BSB EDGE Blog

Delhi’s choking air is a stark reminder that clean air is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Standards play a vital role in monitoring, managing, and improving air quality, offering a path toward healthier cities and resilient ecosystems.

As of mid-November 2025, Delhi’s air quality has plunged into the ‘severe’ category, with AQI levels soaring past 400 in several areas. A dense haze blankets the city, obscuring skylines and triggering health alerts. The primary culprits? PM2.5 and PM10 pollutants—fine particulate matter from vehicular emissions, industrial activity, construction dust, and stubble burning.

This is not just a seasonal inconvenience. Prolonged exposure to such air can lead to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular problems, and developmental issues in children. Clean air is not just about comfort—it is about survival.

How Standards Help Us Breathe Easier

Environmental standards are the backbone of air quality management. They define acceptable pollutant levels, guide emission controls, and shape urban planning. Here are some of the standards that help shape how we measure and manage air pollution across industries and geographies.

• DIN EN 15267-1: 2023 – Air quality – Assessment of air quality monitoring equipment – Part 1: General principles of certification
• ISO 7708: 1995 – Air quality – Particle size fraction definitions for health-related sampling
• ASTM E2365: 21 – Standard Guide for Environmental Compliance Performance Assessment
• BS ISO 14068-1: 2023 – Climate change management. Transition to net zero – Carbon neutrality
• API RP 754: 2021 – Process Safety Performance Indicators for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries

These standards enable real-time monitoring, policy enforcement, and public awareness. For instance, Delhi’s implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), triggered by AQI thresholds, relies on standardized data to activate emergency measures like construction bans and traffic restrictions.

From Standards to Solutions

Standards are not just reactive, they are proactive tools for change. They guide:

• Urban design: Promoting green zones, low-emission zones, and sustainable transport.
• Industrial compliance: Enforcing cleaner technologies and emission filters.
• Public health: Informing advisories, school closures, and medical preparedness.

By aligning with global and national standards, cities like Delhi can move from crisis management to long-term resilience.

Clean air is a shared responsibility. Whether you are a policymaker, manufacturer, educator, or citizen—standards empower you to act. Let us demand better enforcement, support cleaner technologies, and stay informed through trusted platforms like BSB Edge.

Let’s clear the path to blue skies, where every breath is safe, and every standard counts. 

Explore our curated standards on environmental management and air quality at www.bsbedge.com.