The Dangers of PM2.5: Tackling Air Pollution in India

Understanding PM2.5 and Its Health Implications

Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5) refers to microscopic particles suspended in the air, each measuring 2.5 microns or smaller in diameter. These tiny particles pose significant health risks as they can infiltrate deep into the lungs, leading to a range of respiratory and cardiovascular issues. The prolonged inhalation of PM2.5 is linked to increased rates of chronic respiratory conditions, heart diseases, and even premature death.

PM2.5: A Major Concern in India

India grapples with alarmingly high levels of air pollution, with PM2.5 concentrations frequently surpassing the limits recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Approximately 1.4 billion Indians reside in areas where these levels exceed the annual limit of 5 µg/m³ set by WHO guidelines. Such exposure is associated with around 1.5 million deaths each year and accounts for roughly 24.9% of the nation's total mortality rate.

Current PM2.5 Levels Across India

The average PM2.5 exposure in India from 2000 to 2019 was calculated at 57.3 µg/m³. Notably, Ghaziabad and Delhi recorded the highest pollution levels in 2016, while the lowest were in Arunachal Pradesh's Lower Subansiri district in 2019. This disparity highlights the urgent need for effective air quality management across diverse regions.

Guidelines for PM2.5 Limits

• WHO Guidelines (2021): Suggest an annual mean PM2.5 concentration of no more than 5 µg/m³.
• Indian National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS): Sets a higher limit of 40 µg/m³, which remains substantially above WHO recommendations.

Sources of PM2.5 Pollution

• Natural Sources: Events like wildfires, dust storms, and volcanic eruptions contribute to PM2.5 levels.
• Human-Made Sources:
  • Vehicular Emissions: Exhaust from vehicles significantly contributes to particulate matter pollution.
  • Industrial Activities: Factories release pollutants during production processes.
  • Construction Dust: Activities such as demolition and road construction generate PM2.5.
  • Burning of Biomass and Fossil Fuels: Common in cooking, heating, and power generation.
  • Crop Burning: Agricultural practices, particularly in northern India, lead to seasonal pollution spikes.

Health Impacts from Long-Term PM2.5 Exposure

Continuous exposure to high PM2.5 levels elevates the risk of several severe health conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart attacks, strokes, lung cancer, and premature death due to respiratory and cardiovascular complications.

Efforts to Mitigate PM2.5 Pollution in India

• Policy Reforms: Initiatives like the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aim to reduce particulate matter concentrations by 20-30% by 2024.
• Awareness Campaigns: Encourage the use of clean energy sources and eco-friendly practices.
• Technological Interventions: Improve air quality monitoring systems nationwide.

Individual Measures to Reduce PM2.5 Exposure

• Utilize air purifiers in indoor environments.
• Avoid outdoor activities during periods of high pollution.
• Wear masks equipped with particulate filters.
• Support policies that champion cleaner air initiatives.

Global PM2.5 Levels Versus India's Situation

India often records some of the highest PM2.5 concentrations globally, exceeding both global averages and WHO guidelines, indicating a pressing need for more stringent air quality measures.