For the “SAAF SAANS” survey, conducted by the NGO Chintan Environmental Research and Action Group, a population of 500 people was divided into two groups:

In contrast to middle-class settlements, where 71% of residents were aware of terms like AQI and PM 2.5, which pose a health risk, only 10% of urban poor people were aware of the same.

The results of the study also showed that automobiles were cited as the primary source of air pollution (33%) by urban poor respondents, followed by construction activities (27%), and stubble burning (20%).

While respondents from the middle class employed air purifiers and indoor plants to lessen their exposure to air pollution, the urban poor relied on face masks and increased water consumption.