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Emissions from residential cooking and heating, power generation, and industries together contribute up to 60 per cent of India's PM2.5 pollution, with about 80 per cent of this coming from <keyword id="23824528" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="fossil-fuel-combustion" source="keywords">fossil fuel combustion</keyword>, a new study has found. The peer-reviewed study, published in MDPI's "Air" journal, suggests dividing India into 15 airsheds based on regional climate and pollution sources. <br /><br />An airshed is a geographic area where <keyword id="53848" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="air-quality" source="Orion">air quality</keyword> is influenced by common factors such as wind patterns and pollution sources. Since pollution can spread across regions, the <keyword id="22077484" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="airshed-approach" source="keywords">airshed approach</keyword> promotes coordinated action among states. <br /><br />"Residential cooking and heating, power generation, and all other industries together are responsible for 40-60 per cent of the PM2.5 pollution in all the airsheds, and approximately 80 per cent of the pollution comes from fossil fuel burning sources," said Sarath Guttikunda, lead author of the study and founder of UrbanEmissions.info. <br /><br />The study said biomass burning, including post-harvest crop residue burning, contributed less than 3 per cent to annual PM2.5 levels while transport accounted for 5-10 per cent in all airsheds. <br /><br />PM2.5 are fine particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less, about the width of a human hair. These are so small that these can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, posing significant health risks. <br /><br />An analysis of PM2.5 trends from 1998 to 2020, along with state-level data on fuel consumption, energy demand and emissions, revealed that 11 of the 15 airsheds were critical for India's air quality management and required coordinated interventions. <br /><br />The Indo-Gangetic Plains remain the most polluted region, with significant emissions from residential cooking and heating (especially in winter), power plants, brick kilns (driven by construction demand), waste burning, dust and vehicular movement for passengers and freight. <br /><br />The plateau region between the Eastern and Western Ghats, India's second most populated area, has seen the highest rise in annual PM2.5 pollution during this period, the study said. <br /><br />"This is an indication of the growing urbanisation and demand for transport, industrial, and commercial amenities," it said. <br /><br />Coastal areas, vital to India's industrial economy, have also experienced rising pollution despite the moderating effects of land-sea breezes. <br /><br />This increase is attributed to growing shipping emissions and overall industrial growth in cities such as Mundra, Surat, Mumbai, Goa, Mangalore, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Paradip and Haldia.

Study traces 60% PM2.5 pollution in India to residential cooking, power generation, industries

If you woke up in <keyword id="19900881" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="delhi" source="keywords">Delhi</keyword> recently, you might have noticed more than just the nip in the air – a thick, toxic smog has blanketed the city, turning the air almost unbreathable. On Monday, Delhi’s <keyword id="19920379" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="air-quality-index" source="keywords">Air Quality Index</keyword> (<keyword id="19916482" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="aqi" source="keywords">AQI</keyword>) hit 481, placing it in the "severe plus" category. For context, the “severe” category begins at an AQI of 401, and anything above 450 poses serious health risks even for healthy individuals.<br /><br />According to Swiss group IQAir’s live rankings, Delhi is currently the most polluted city in the world, with an air quality score of 1,081 – a “hazardous” level that is 130.9 times the World Health Organization’s recommended limit for PM2.5.<br /><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:14pt;margin-bottom:4pt;">Major contributors to Delhi’s smog</h3>The root causes of Delhi’s pollution are manifold:<br /><br /><ul><li>Stubble Burning: On Saturday, crop residue burning contributed 25% of Delhi’s air pollution. By Sunday, this figure had climbed to 40%, according to SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research). Satellites recorded 1,334 stubble-burning incidents in six northern states on Sunday alone, the highest number in four days.</li><li>Vehicles: On Sunday, vehicular emissions accounted for 15.8% of the city’s pollution, according to the Centre’s Decision Support System for Air Quality Management.</li><li>Construction Dust and Industrial Emissions: PM2.5, a deadly pollutant, remains the most prominent factor, capable of penetrating deep into the lungs and leading to severe respiratory and cardiac diseases.</li></ul><h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:14pt;margin-bottom:4pt;"><keyword id="24020184" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="GRAP-Stage-4" source="keywords">GRAP Stage 4</keyword></h3>To combat the rising pollution levels, authorities have enforced Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Here’s a breakdown of the restrictions:<br /><ul><li>Vehicle Restrictions:</li><ul><li>Diesel medium and heavy goods vehicles (BS-IV and below) registered in Delhi are banned unless carrying essential goods.</li><li>Non-essential light commercial vehicles from outside Delhi can only enter if they use CNG, BS-VI diesel, or are electric.</li><li>Trucks carrying non-essential items are barred unless they use cleaner fuels like LNG, CNG, or BS-VI diesel.<br /></li></ul><li>Workplace and School Adjustments:</li><ul><li>Classes for students in grades 6 to 9 and class 11 have moved online.</li><li>Offices in the National Capital Region (NCR) are advised to work at 50% capacity, with the rest operating remotely.<br /></li></ul><li>Construction Ban:<br /></li><ul><li>Construction and demolition (C&amp;D) activities have been halted, including large projects like highways, flyovers, and pipelines.<br /></li></ul></ul>Out of Delhi’s 40 monitoring stations, 32 reported AQI levels above 400 on Monday. Visibility in parts of the city dropped to just 100 metres due to the thick smog.<br /><br />The health implications of these numbers are alarming. <keyword id="20118319" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="PM2-5-levels" source="keywords">PM2.5 levels</keyword> in Delhi were recorded at 130.9 times the safe limit set by the WHO. According to experts, long-term exposure to such air quality could lead to an 11% increase in premature mortality rates due to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Studies have shown that Delhi residents may lose an average of 10 years of life expectancy if pollution levels persist.<br /><br />Despite the restrictions, life in Delhi continues under a cloud of smog. Iconic landmarks like India Gate have become barely visible through the haze. While flights and trains are operational, some delays have been reported.<br />

GRAP Stage 4 restrictions take effect as air quality in Delhi deteriorates; PM2.5 levels 130 times higher than WHO limits

<keyword id="22976106" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="indoor" source="keywords">Indoor</keyword> <keyword id="19900550" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="air-pollution" source="keywords">air pollution</keyword> is a bigger <keyword id="21117961" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-risk" source="keywords">health risk</keyword> than <keyword id="20543591" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="outdoor" source="keywords">outdoor</keyword> air pollution in India, and sometimes cities are cleaner than nearby villages where <keyword id="22976772" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="household-pollution" source="keywords">household pollution</keyword> is higher, according to the country's two top policy experts. Addressing the India <keyword id="20445293" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="clean-air" source="keywords">Clean Air</keyword> Summit (ICAS) 2024, Principal Advisor, <keyword id="19904190" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ministry-of-Health-and-Family-Welfare" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Ministry of Health and Family Welfare" meta.hostid="83" meta.entityid="Ministry of Health and Family Welfare">Ministry of Health and Family Welfare</keyword>, Soumya Swaminathan said, "Studies done in Delhi have shown that women's average exposure to high levels of <keyword id="20827287" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="black-carbon" source="keywords">black carbon</keyword> (women <keyword id="19895006" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="WHO" source="keywords">who</keyword> are mostly at home) is as much as auto-rickshaw passengers going around outdoor exposed to the ambient air pollution in Delhi, resulting in high systolic blood pressure." <br /><br />"Cities contribute less than 20 per cent to the overall state emissions, wherever they have been assessed, but household emissions predominate, ranging between 20 per cent and 40 per cent. Across the country, we are seeing is that sometimes cities are cleaner than the surrounding villages where household air pollution predominates," she said at the summit organised by think-tank Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy. <br /><br />This builds a strong case for expanding the scope of India's National Clean Air Programme (<keyword id="20133150" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="NCAP" source="keywords">NCAP</keyword>), which currently focuses on non-attainment cities. <br /><br />Air pollution is a major threat to public health and contributes to a significant amount of morbidity as well as mortality. <br /><br />Apart from PM2.5 and PM10, short-lived climate pollutants such as black carbon, methane, ozone, and hydrocarbons have the potential to harm the environment and warm the atmosphere even more than CO2. Black carbon can cause chronic respiratory illnesses, lung cancer, emphysema, pneumonia, asthma, heart disease, and low birthweight. <br /><br />"In terms of reducing our life expectancy, globally, PM2.5 is contributing to about 2.3 years of life lost. Just below that is tobacco. In fact, there's so much attention on tobacco and global frameworks for control, but not the same level of attention has been paid to PM2.5 and certainly not the same level of commitments," Swaminathan said. <br /><br />The impact of air pollution is not limited to public health but has a significant economic cost as well. Recently, the World Bank published a study highlighting that air pollution has resulted in a loss of around USD 8.1 trillion in 2019, which is 6.1 per cent of the global gross domestic product (GDP). <br /><br />"We are always talking about air pollution as a problem but studies also show a strong economic case for action on clean air. There are significant positive consequences to investing in cleaning up the air in terms of the return on investments. We know air pollution is not just bad for our health, but it's also bad for agriculture, because it reduces the sunlight that's reaching the crops and it's bad for our economy or any country's economy as it deters people from coming and living or visiting those places," Swaminathan added. <br /><br />Kalpana Balakrishnan, Director, WHO Collaborating Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, said that the main barrier to shifting to clean cooking fuels that can help reduce household air pollution levels is finance. <br /><br />"If we give free LPG to women for two years, they are unlikely to shift back to biomass cooking even if you remove the subsidies," she said. <br /><br />Through Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) launched in May 2016, more than 100 million households in India received LPG cylinders by the end of March 2023. <br /><br />Studies shows over 50 per cent of the households that received new LPG cylinders under PMUY did not choose to refill it even once. <br /><br />Around a third of the world's population - 2.4 billion people globally (including 500 million people in India) - still lack access to clean cooking solutions. <br /><br />Although the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MOPNG) claims that the country's household LPG "coverage" stands at 99.8 per cent, the National Family Health Survey conducted in 2019-21 (NFHS-5) shows that 41 per cent of the population still cooks on biomass.

Indoor air pollution poses greater health risk than outdoor: Experts

Imagine taking a deep breath, expecting fresh, clean air, but instead, inhaling particles so tiny they’re invisible but powerful enough to change your life. For millions worldwide, that’s the reality — and it’s taking a toll on their lungs. A new global study shows that nearly 30% of <keyword id="22476122" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="asthma-cases" source="keywords">asthma cases</keyword> can be traced back to long-term exposure to <keyword id="20147117" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="fine-particulate-matter" source="keywords">fine particulate matter</keyword>, or <keyword id="20573061" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="PM2-5" source="keywords">PM2.5</keyword>, the kind of pollution that often comes from cars, factories, and even cooking fires.<br /><h2>How PM2.5 impacts asthma</h2>Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterised by recurring symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. While the exact causes of asthma remain complex and varied, this new study underlines that PM2.5 pollution is a significant risk factor.<br /><br />The study brings together insights from 68 epidemiological studies conducted across 22 countries, spanning regions from North America to South Asia. This comprehensive meta-analysis demonstrates the consistent impact of PM2.5 on asthma development.<br />    <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114504550" title="Most people miss THIS warning on their mosquito repellent vaporizer’s label" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Lead author Dr Ruijing Ni explained, “We estimate that globally in 2019, almost a third of asthma cases are attributable to long-term PM2.5 exposure, corresponding to 63.5 million existing cases and 11.4 million new cases.”<br /><h2>The Indian asthma problem</h2>India, one of the world’s most polluted countries, faces a particularly severe burden from <keyword id="19900550" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="air-pollution" source="keywords">air pollution</keyword>. Studies have shown that PM2.5 levels in many Indian cities far exceed the <keyword id="19896311" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="World-Health-Organization" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="World Health Organization" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="World Health Organization">World Health Organization</keyword>'s safe limit of 5 µg/m³. This exposure is especially dangerous for children, whose lungs and immune systems are still developing.<br /><br />The numbers are worrying: around 15-20 million Indians suffer from asthma, making up a significant portion of the estimated 339 million cases worldwide. Children are disproportionately affected; a 2019 report indicated that approximately 6% of children aged 1 to 5 in India show asthma symptoms. This exposure often results in airway inflammation and oxidative stress, which increases vulnerability to <keyword id="19923193" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="respiratory-diseases" source="keywords">respiratory diseases</keyword>.<br /><h2>What the data says</h2>The research team employed exposure-response curves to better understand the link between PM2.5 levels and asthma cases. By considering data from both high-income and low- and middle-income countries, the researchers could provide a more accurate global assessment of PM2.5’s <keyword id="21037424" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-impact" source="keywords">health impact</keyword>.<br /><br />The study found that in Germany, for instance, PM2.5 may be responsible for about 11% of new asthma cases — roughly 28,000 people. However, the burden is even higher in low- and middle-income countries like India, where higher levels of pollution are coupled with limited healthcare access. This disparity highlights the need for global action to reduce PM2.5 emissions, especially in regions where pollution levels and health impacts are most severe.<br /><h2>Policy implications and recommendations</h2>The findings have clear implications for policymakers. Strengthening <keyword id="19918941" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="air-quality" source="keywords">air quality</keyword> regulations, especially in high-exposure regions, could prevent millions of new asthma cases and reduce healthcare costs.<br /><br />“Our findings highlight the urgent need for policymakers to enforce stringent legislation to continuously combat air pollution,” emphasised another study author Prof. Yafang Cheng. <br />    <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114695519" title="Are your green firecrackers really ‘green? Here’s all you need to know before doing your Diwali shopping" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>In addition to governmental measures, personal protective actions like wearing masks and installing air purifiers in homes can also help individuals reduce their exposure to PM2.5, particularly during high-pollution periods.<br /><br />This study adds to the growing evidence that reducing air pollution is critical for public health. While global challenges like PM2.5 pollution may seem daunting, each step toward cleaner air can bring significant health benefits. For countries like India, where asthma rates and pollution levels are both alarmingly high, these findings underscore an urgent need for both policy and community action to protect the most vulnerable — particularly children.<br />

Air Quality Alert: Nearly 30% of asthma cases tied to fine particulate matter exposure from bad air

We often think of skincare as a pampering ritual, an opportunity to nourish our skin and express our individuality. But as recent research from the University of Birmingham reveals, some of the popular “leave-on” products we use daily — like sunscreens, moisturisers, and lip balms — might be doing more harm than good. Specifically, <keyword id="19970180" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="microplastics" source="keywords">microplastics</keyword> in these products are flying under the radar, raising serious concerns about both environmental and health implications.<br /><br />While most regulatory frameworks have targeted rinse-off products — think face washes and shampoos—leave-on products have received scant attention. This oversight is alarming, especially considering that microplastics, which can be tiny plastic particles or fibres, are prevalent in many of our favorite skincare staples. Dr. Anna Kukkola, a researcher at the University of Birmingham, notes, “The contribution of ‘leave-on’ cosmetics to microplastic pollution is a critical, yet underexplored aspect of environmental contamination.”<br /><br />In their critical review, the researchers analysed 2,381 products and found that only two were classified as leave-on. This glaring gap can be attributed to several factors: the challenges in extracting microplastics from complex formulations and the prevailing public perception that the microplastic issue has been adequately addressed due to bans on rinse-off products. But the truth is, leave-on products could be significant contributors to the microplastic problem.<br /><h2><keyword id="19977451" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-risks" source="keywords">Health risks</keyword> of microplastics</h2>The health implications of daily exposure to microplastics in leave-on products remain largely uncharted territory. With limited research on how these particles interact with our skin after application, the potential for absorption into our bodies — through mechanisms such as hair follicles and sweat ducts — raises red flags. Dr. Kukkola emphasises this point, stating, “Given how much of these formulas our bodies can and do absorb, it is concerning that little to no research has taken place to investigate the associated health effects.”<br /><div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114327120" title="An expert in how microplastics affect our health does 6 things to avoid them at home" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Another critical insight from the study is the misuse of the term “microbeads.” Typically associated with rinse-off products, this term has been inaccurately applied to all microplastics in cosmetics, resulting in regulatory blind spots. This mislabeling has skewed global legislation towards rinse-off products, leaving a significant portion of the microplastic contamination from leave-on products unregulated.<br /><h2>Call for action and future research</h2>The researchers are not just pointing out problems; they are advocating for solutions. Collaborative efforts are underway to develop new methods for extracting and analysing microplastics in <keyword id="23630244" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="leave-on-cosmetics" source="keywords">leave-on cosmetics</keyword>. This initiative, spearheaded by Dr. Sophie Comer-Warner from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Professor Iseult Lynch, aims to fill the critical knowledge gaps identified in the study.<br /><div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114375709" title="Standing desks may not be a boon for health after all" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Professor Lynch warns, “While the microplastics themselves might be relatively benign, a number of other chemicals are intrinsically bound into or onto the microplastics in complex leave-on formulations, including potentially PFAS, plasticisers, and other chemicals known to be either carcinogens or endocrine disruptors.”<br /><br />As we lather on our moisturisers and slather on <keyword id="19944313" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sunscreen" source="keywords">sunscreen</keyword>, it’s crucial to be aware of what we’re putting on our skin. The <keyword id="20724496" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="beauty-industry" source="keywords">beauty industry</keyword> is evolving, and with it, our understanding of safety and <keyword id="20224419" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="environmental-impact" source="keywords">environmental impact</keyword> must grow. It’s time to advocate for better regulations and more research on the unseen dangers of our beloved leave-on <keyword id="20521267" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="skincare-products" source="keywords">skincare products</keyword>. By staying informed and demanding transparency from manufacturers, we can ensure that our beauty routines don’t come at the expense of our health or the environment.<br /><br />The findings of this research have been published in the <em>Journal of Hazardous Materials </em>and can be accessed <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135053">here</a>.

Popular leave-on cosmetics such as sunscreen and lip balms may pose a hidden microplastic risk, scientists warn

The way <keyword id="19970180" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="microplastics" source="keywords">microplastics</keyword> and <keyword id="20128857" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nanoplastics" source="keywords">nanoplastics</keyword> have found a way to wriggle into every nook and cranny on Earth, they’ve also made their way into the human body. From human placentas to testicles, these pesky pollutants are everywhere! And earlier this year, scientists also found microplastics in the gunk that clogs your arteries. <em>Yep</em>.<br /><br />Their <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2309822?logout=true">research</a> focused on 257 people undergoing a procedure to remove fatty deposits, called plaques, from their neck arteries. These plaques can narrow the arteries, restricting blood flow and potentially leading to <keyword id="21413421" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cardiovascular-events" source="keywords">cardiovascular events</keyword>. Researchers examined the removed <keyword id="20594094" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="plaque" source="keywords">plaque</keyword> material and found a surprising result: over half (58%) contained microplastics and even smaller nanoparticles.<br />  <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="110327795" title="Plastic testes: Scientists analyse human testicles, find microplastics in every single one of them!" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>But the presence of plastic wasn't the only red flag. Participants with plastic in their plaques also had higher levels of inflammatory markers. Inflammation plays a crucial role in plaque buildup and blood clot formation, both major contributors to heart attacks and strokes.<br /><br />Furthermore, the study followed these participants for nearly three years after their plaque removal. Worryingly, those with plastic in their plaques were 4.5 times more likely to experience a heart attack, stroke or death compared to those without plastic.<br /><br />However, it's important to remember that this study doesn't definitively prove microplastics cause <keyword id="19898369" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="heart-disease" source="keywords">heart disease</keyword>. The participants with plastic in their plaques were also more likely to have other established risk factors like smoking, high blood pressure and diabetes.<br /><br /><h2>Experts weigh in</h2>Since microplastics are a relatively recent thing in the long history of humanity, scientists are still scratching the surface of the implications of plastic in the human body. In the meantime, many continue to believe that when they aren’t strangulating turtles or taking 500 years to decompose, plastics are nifty little things.<br /><br />However, the findings of this study throws a big class of cold water on these beliefs. While the study can't establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship, researchers believe it highlights a potential new risk factor that deserves further investigation. Previous studies on animals and human cells have already hinted at the potential harm microplastics can cause to the heart and circulatory system.<br /><br />Professor Bryan Williams of the British Heart Foundation finds the findings "concerning." He emphasises the importance of this research, suggesting <keyword id="19970182" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="plastic-pollution" source="keywords">plastic pollution</keyword> may be harming our hearts in ways we haven't fully understood.<br /><br /><h2>The bottom line</h2>The study has limitations. It focused on a relatively small group with pre-existing arterial narrowing, so the results may not be applicable to the general population. Additionally, it's difficult to completely rule out contamination during plaque analysis.<br /><br />More recently, another <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304389424004345">study</a> conducted by Chinese researchers also found plastics like <keyword id="19953017" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pet" source="keywords">PET</keyword>, followed by PA, <keyword id="20137591" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pvc" source="keywords">PVC</keyword> and PE in three types of arteries, and linked it to the risk of atherosclerosis.<br /><br />While more research is undoubtedly needed, these studies raise important questions about the potential health risks of microplastics. Completely avoiding plastic exposure might be challenging, but there are well-established ways to reduce your risk of heart disease. These include maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and managing blood pressure and cholesterol.<br />  <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="108573451" title="Microplastics may pose risk to Indo-Gangetic plain: Study" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><br />

Microplastics are clogging your arteries — and possibly increasing your risk of heart disease

Have you ever considered that your regular commute to and fro work could potentially shave off some years from your life? And no, we’re not talking about road traffic accidents but the slow poison we’re inhaling unbeknownst to us: air pollutants.<br /><br />A new study published in <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(24)00114-1/fulltext"><em>The Lancet Planetary Health</em></a> by an international team of researchers reveals a terrifying truth: over 7% of daily deaths in 10 major <keyword id="20026638" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-cities" source="keywords">Indian cities</keyword> are attributed to <keyword id="19900550" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="air-pollution" source="keywords">air pollution</keyword> caused by <keyword id="22110704" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="PM2-5-pollutants" source="keywords">PM2.5 pollutants</keyword> exceeding the World Health Organization's (WHO) safe limits.<br /><br />These PM2.5 pollutants are microscopic particles, 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter, that come from <keyword id="2839914" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vehicle-emissions" source="Orion">vehicle emissions</keyword> and industrial activities. Imagine tiny daggers — that's what these PM2.5 particles are like, infiltrating deep into lungs and even the bloodstream, wreaking havoc on our health. The study found that PM2.5 levels breach WHO guidelines a staggering 99.8% of the time in these cities.<br /><br />The analysis covered major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Shimla and Varanasi. A staggering 7.2% of deaths in these cities, translating to roughly 33,000 annually, were associated with short-term PM2.5 levels exceeding the WHO's recommended limit (15 micrograms per cubic metre) between 2008 and 2019.<br /><br />Delhi, unfortunately, takes the crown for the most polluted. A shocking 11.5% of its annual deaths are attributed to air pollution, translating to a devastating 12,000 lives lost each year.<br /><br />The link between PM2.5 and mortality is undeniable. Researchers found that a mere 10 microgram per cubic metre increase in these pollutants correlates with a 1.4% rise in daily deaths. This risk factor doubles when considering only levels below India's air quality standards, which are, worryingly, less strict than the WHO's recommendations.<br /><br />But here's a surprising twist: the association between PM2.5 and death is even stronger in cities with generally cleaner air, like Bengaluru and Chennai. This suggests that locally produced pollutants, from sources like construction dust or waste burning, might be significant contributors.<br /><br />There is a glimmer of hope, however. The study emphasises that implementing stricter air quality standards and utilising proven pollution control methods from other parts of the world can be game changers. Lowering and enforcing stricter air quality limits will save tens of thousands of lives per year, emphasises Joel Schwartz, a co-author from Harvard University.<br /><br />This study serves as a stark wake-up call. The air we breathe in many Indian cities is a gamble, with every breath potentially harmful. Taking decisive action to curb pollution is not just about a cleaner environment, it's about saving the lives of millions of Indians.<br />

You Searched For "health risks of pollution" and got 7 results

Study traces 60% PM2.5 pollution in India to residential cooking, power generation, industries

PTI

GRAP Stage 4 restrictions take effect as air quality in Delhi deteriorates; PM2.5 levels 130 times higher than WHO limits

BI India Bureau

Indoor air pollution poses greater health risk than outdoor: Experts

PTI

Air Quality Alert: Nearly 30% of asthma cases tied to fine particulate matter exposure from bad air

BI India Bureau

Popular leave-on cosmetics such as sunscreen and lip balms may pose a hidden microplastic risk, scientists warn

BI India Bureau

Microplastics are clogging your arteries — and possibly increasing your risk of heart disease

BI India Bureau

Air pollution kills thousands in Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata every year: Lancet study

Ashmita Gupta

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