How Dangerous Is Air Pollution? Details

Over the last few months air pollution in India has become a significant issue that needs discussion. However, the strange part is that this topic gets discussed just before Diwali. Therefore, it is crucial for both individuals and the government to acknowledge that air pollution requires attention and appropriate measures to be taken before any devastating consequences arise. The situation that emerged in the capital of India, Delhi - such a scenario could also erupt in other states. Data from the World Health Organization has already specified air pollution in urban and rural regions is generating fine particulate matter, which leads to lung cancer, heart diseases, strokes, and chronic respiratory illnesses.  

Kerala, Goa, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Mizoram, and Meghalaya are the states that consistently maintain clean air. In contrast, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi are frequently listed among the areas with the poorest air quality in India, especially when considering both real-time and historical data. 

https://www.who.int/news-room/spotlight/how-air-pollution-is-destroying-our-health (you can go through link)

Urban Lab - Centre for Science and Environment Analysis Delhi and Chandigarh had particularly high winter PM2.5 averages in 2023-24, at 188 µg/m³ and 100.9 µg/m³ respectively. Among states, Bihar and Haryana were the worst in the same period, with winter PM₂.₅ around ~98.3 µg/m³ and ~96.4 µg/m³. On the cleaner side, Karnataka (~32 µg/m³) and Kerala (~33.4 µg/m³) were the least polluted in winter for the states where data was available. 

What Is Air Quality Index? 

Do you know there are a huge number of people in the country who are not aware of the Air Quality Index and its importance? It serves as a tool for reporting daily air quality. The AQI is categorized into several classifications, including Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, Very Unhealthy, and Hazardous, each associated with a specific color and health advisory. As the AQI value rises, so does the level of air pollution and the related health hazards. An AQI reading of 100 or lower is typically regarded as acceptable, whereas readings exceeding 100 signify poor quality.

Indian Government Initiative 

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1983680&reg=3&lang=2 In this link, you will find that the initiative taken by the government of India to prevent air Pollution to combat air pollution. including the National Clean Air  Programme (NCAP). City Action Plans (CAPs) have been developed by all 131 cities and are currently being executed by Urban Local Bodies. Further, measures for control of vehicular emission, industrial emission, and from stubble burning. 

Environmental Impact Due To Air Pollution 

Acid rain: It can damage historical monuments through acid rain. Acid rain refers to precipitation, such as rain, snow, or fog, that possesses an unusually high level of acidity due to airborne, primarily sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides originating from fossil fuel combustion. 

Climate change: Air pollution contributes to global warming by trapping heat in the atmosphere.  It also elevated temperatures can expedite chemical reactions, resulting in increased ground-level ozone on warm, sunny days. 

How Air Pollution Generates Smoke? 

It is important for everyone to understand that the smoke visible outside your residence or during the early morning hours is not fog, but rather smoke that contributes to air pollution. Here are major reasons of smoke? 

Combustion: The burning of materials such as coal, oil, gasoline, wood, and waste produces smoke. 

Incomplete combustion: When combustion is incomplete, it leads to the emission of a considerable amount of the particles (particulate matter) and toxic gases.

Chemical reactions: In the atmosphere, pollutants, including nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) interact with sunlight to form new compounds that contribute to smog, a form of hazy, smoky air pollution.

What are the effects of Air Pollution 

• Coughing 
• Wheezing/difficulty breathing 
• Irritation to eves. nose and throat
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue 

Major Health Impacts Through Air Pollution 

Cardiovascular and respiratory diseases: Long-term exposure is strongly linked to heart attacks, strokes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer.

Increased mortality: The combined effects of indoor and outdoor air pollution are associated with an estimated 7 million premature deaths annually worldwide.

Vulnerable groups: Infants and children are especially at risk, as air pollution is one of the greatest environmental risks to child health and can cause premature birth and low birth weight.

Multiple reports also informed that pollution can also worsen allergies, contribute to developmental issues in children, and is linked to conditions like Type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's, dementia and Worsening existing conditions.

Kiran Bedi Words On Pollution'

The Former Lieutenant Governor of Puduchchery Kiran Bedi has mentioned that she experiencing a type of cough with a chest infection that she had never  encountered. She was not the only one affected; it was a widespread issue. While interacting with media she informed that sought of medical attention is required, she examined the CAQM law and discovered that it lacked the strength necessary for enforcement. 

On Social media, X Bedi post two -part document that addresses the enduring air quality issues in the capital. In the first part, she inquired, "Can a White Paper be developed regarding the current challenge of air pollution?" she emphasized the need to rectify past accountability. What is the cause of questioned, "where do we proceed from here to stop the decline and reverse the crisis?" What immediate, short-term and long-term measures are necessary, and who will implement them? How will this be achieved? She called for proposed timelines from the respective departments and the general public as well. Are all organized sectors involved? After all, everyone is both a contributor and a potential solution. general public as well. Are all organized sectors involved? After all, everyone is both a contributor and a potential solution. Kiran Bedi expressed her disappointment that the issue of air pollution was not addressed in parliament. 

Indian Government Initiative To Prevent Air Pollution 

National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): This initiative aim is to decrease PM levels by 40% by 2026. Nevertheless, challenges related to fund utilization and inconsistent impede its effectiveness. 

System Of Air Quality And Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR): Offers real-time air quality information to educate the public and facilitate improved decision-making by authorities. 

New Commission For Air Quality Management: Created to tackled the urgent air pollution crisis in Delhi - NCR, with jurisdiction over emission sources and management of cross-state pollution 

Graded Response Action Plan (GRA): Particular measures are enacted bases on pollution severity levels, concentrating on traffic limitation and industrial regulation during periods of high pollution. 

National Election Mobility Mission Plan: Encourages the adoption of electric vehicles to reduce vehicular emissions.