• Air pollution in India, particularly from particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM2.5), poses a significant health threat as these particles can enter the lungs and bloodstream.

• A recent study has explored the correlation between PM2.5 levels and mortality over a decade, utilizing data from 655 districts across India from 2009 to 2019. The study findings include:

  • An increase of 10 micrograms per cubic meter in PM2.5 concentration is associated with an 8.6% rise in mortality rates.

  • Approximately 3.8 million deaths during this period can be attributed to PM2.5 levels exceeding India's air quality standards of 40 micrograms per cubic meter.

  • The estimated deaths jumped to 16.6 million, accounting for nearly 25% of total mortality in the study timeframe when compared to the stricter World Health Organization (WHO) guideline of 5 micrograms per cubic meter.

• The research underscores that nearly all India's population lives in areas where PM2.5 concentrations surpass WHO recommendations, exposing about 1.4 billion individuals annually to harmful air pollution. Some regions recorded levels as high as 119 micrograms per cubic meter, far exceeding both Indian and WHO safety thresholds. Hence, implementing stricter regulations and measures to curb emissions is crucial.

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