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By Vivek Saini
Air pollution is emerging as a global threat, with delicate particulate matter (PM2.5) posing a significant risk to public health. However, for India, the situation is especially dire. These microscopic particles, less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, can easily penetrate the lungs, wreaking havoc on the respiratory system. This exposure is linked to a multitude of health problems, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and heart disease, contributing to a substantial number of deaths in India each year. A groundbreaking study published recently in The Lancet Planetary Health underscores the gravity of this crisis. This research, conducted by collaborating with the Indian Institute of Public Health Delhi and the University of Washington, analyzed data from over 600 Indian cities. The study’s findings paint a concerning picture of the nationwide widespread impact of air pollution.
A Silent Killer in Indian Cities
Significant sources of PM2.5 include vehicle emissions, industrial discharges, construction activities, and biomass burning. In India, the problem is exacerbated by factors such as crop residue burning, especially in the northern states, and the high vehicular traffic density.
The health impacts of PM2.5 are severe and life-threatening. Long-term exposure to these particles is associated with chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and lung cancer. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study, air pollution is India’s third leading cause of death, following dietary risks and high blood pressure. The study estimates that air pollution was responsible for nearly 1.67 million deaths in India in 2019 alone. While interacting with CFC India, Mr Parthaa Bosu, Head of the strategy division in DFAG, Delhi, emphasized the far-reaching consequences of PM2.5 exposure, calling it “the invisible, insidious, and implicated in millions of deaths annually.” He highlighted the damage PM2.5 inflicts on our respiratory systems, immune defenses, and even developing fetuses. Aerosol and mitigation expert Bosu highlighted the link between PM2.5 and adverse birth outcomes, including low birth weight and potential developmental issues. He delved deeper into the cellular impact of PM2.5, explaining its “oxidative potential (OP)”, which generates free radicals and damages DNA, potentially playing a role in cancer development. Metals and organic compounds from car exhaust are some of the culprits behind this cellular siege, he added.
The Lancet Planetary Health study emphasizes the dose-dependent relationship between PM2.5 levels and mortality rates, demonstrating that higher concentrations of PM2.5 are correlated with increased death rates. This relationship underscores the urgent need to reduce PM2.5 levels to mitigate its health impacts. The findings are deeply concerning.
Staggering Mortality Rates
The study estimates that PM2.5 pollution contributes to a staggering 19.5% of daily deaths across India, translating to a shocking 1.67 million deaths annually attributable to PM2.5 exposure. This number paints a grim picture of the human cost of air pollution.
Dose-Dependent Impact
The research reveals a clear dose-dependent relationship between PM2.5 levels and mortality rates. Cities with higher PM2.5 concentrations exhibit a statistically significant rise in death. This reinforces the notion that even small reductions in PM2.5 levels can substantially impact public health outcomes.
Unequal Burden
The study highlights a concerning geographical disparity in PM2.5 pollution. Cities in North India, particularly those situated in the Indo-Gangetic Plains, consistently experience higher PM2.5 levels compared to southern cities. This disparity raises questions about the unequal distribution of environmental burdens and underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions in heavily polluted regions to ensure equity in environmental policies.
Vulnerable Populations
Specific populations are more vulnerable to the effects of PM2.5 pollution. Children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are particularly at risk. A report by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) found that children exposed to high levels of air pollution are more likely to suffer from asthma and other respiratory conditions. Additionally, the elderly and those with chronic illnesses such as heart disease or diabetes are more susceptible to the adverse effects of PM2.5, leading to higher mortality rates in these groups.
Economic Impact
The negative health impacts of air pollution in India also translate to a heavy economic burden. A study conducted by the World Bank in 2019 revealed that lost productivity due to premature deaths and illnesses attributable to air pollution resulted in significant economic losses. These losses were estimated to range from US$28.8 billion to US$8.0 billion. The total financial loss from air pollution in India for 2019 was estimated to be between US$36.8 billion and US$47.7 billion. This staggering figure represents approximately 1.36% of India’s gross domestic product (GDP) for that year. Understanding these economic implications is crucial for policymakers and organisations to prioritise and invest in solutions to the air pollution crisis.
What do the experts say?
Bosu advocated for a “multi-pronged attack” involving all stakeholders, especially policymakers. To tackle traffic, a significant contributor, he recommended stricter emission standards, robust enforcement, and a push towards cleaner technologies like electric/hybrid vehicles and improved public transport. He emphasized the need for policymakers to take the lead in implementing these changes. Bosu argued that industries emitting high-OP pollutants must face stricter regulations and embrace cleaner methods. He highlighted the need to address agricultural waste burning, a practice shrouded in smoke, by promoting sustainable alternatives like composting and biochar production, where innovative startups already show promise. He also stressed the importance of public awareness and individual action in reducing air pollution, such as reducing personal vehicle use and supporting sustainable waste management practices.
Burning waste, another source of carcinogens and climate pollutants, requires immediate attention, Bosu said. He stressed the importance of stringent regulations and standardized control mechanisms to curb this dangerous practice. Similarly, he advocated for stricter controls and clear emission standards for other air toxics like benzene and asbestos. Finally, Mr. Bosu emphasised the need for a city-specific approach, with tailored strategies for each urban landscape. He urged all departments and ministries to prioritize environmental responsibility, advocating for a paradigm shift where every project and decision undergoes rigorous scrutiny in terms of air quality. Mr. Bosu concluded by reminding us that this is not just a fight for clean air but for the health of our children, communities, and future.
Regional Disparities in PM2.5 Pollution
North-South Divide
There is a notable geographical disparity in PM2.5 pollution levels across India. Cities in the northern part of the country, especially those in the Indo-Gangetic Plains, experience significantly higher levels of PM2.5 compared to their southern counterparts. This region, which includes cities like Delhi, Kanpur, and Lucknow, is particularly affected due to a combination of industrial activities, vehicular emissions, and seasonal agricultural burning.
Delhi, for instance, frequently records PM2.5 levels multiple times higher than the safe limits the World Health Organization (WHO) set. During the winter, the situation worsens due to temperature inversions that trap pollutants near the ground, leading to severe smog episodes. In contrast, while still affected by air pollution, southern cities like Chennai and Bengaluru generally have lower PM2.5 levels due to better dispersion of pollutants facilitated by more favourable meteorological conditions.
The Indo-Gangetic Plains: A Case Study
The Indo-Gangetic Plains, encompassing cities such as Delhi, Lucknow, and Patna, represent one of the most polluted regions in the world. This area’s high population density, extensive agricultural activities, and industrial operations contribute to its severe air pollution problems. A Study has shown that crop residue burning in Punjab and Haryana significantly elevates PM2.5 levels during the post-harvest season, leading to hazardous air quality in Delhi and surrounding areas.
In Kanpur, industrial emissions from tanneries and manufacturing units and traffic congestion result in persistently high PM2.5 levels. Similarly, vehicular emissions, industrial discharges, and construction activities compromise Patna’s air quality. These cities’ geographical and climatic conditions further exacerbate the pollution problem by trapping pollutants and preventing their dispersion.
Other Affected Regions
While the northern regions are most affected, other parts of India face significant air quality challenges. For example, western cities like Mumbai and Ahmedabad deal with pollution from industrial activities and vehicular traffic. In Eastern India, Kolkata suffers from high PM2.5 levels due to industrial emissions and coal combustion.
Efforts to mitigate PM2.5 pollution must consider these regional differences, as the sources and conditions contributing to high pollution levels vary significantly across the country. This necessitates tailored strategies addressing local pollution sources while implementing broader national policies.
Policy and Public Health Implications
Current Policy Framework
India has made several efforts to address air pollution through policies and programs. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), launched in 2019, aims to reduce PM2.5 and PM10 levels by 20-30% by 2024 in 122 non-attainment cities where pollution levels exceed national standards. The NCAP includes expanding air quality monitoring networks, promoting public awareness, and implementing emission reduction strategies across various sectors.
The NCAP also emphasises the importance of inter-ministerial coordination and the involvement of local governments in air quality management. This approach aims to integrate air pollution control measures into various development plans and policies, ensuring a comprehensive strategy that addresses multiple pollution sources.
Challenges and Gaps
Despite these efforts, significant challenges remain. Enforcement of existing regulations is often weak, and there needs to be more coordination between different levels of government.
One critical challenge is better air quality monitoring and data collection. Many Indian cities lack sufficient monitoring infrastructure, making it challenging to assess pollution levels accurately and track progress. Public awareness about the health risks of PM2.5 pollution remains low, hindering efforts to mobilize community support for pollution control measures.
References:
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(24)00114-1/fulltext
https://ghdx.healthdata.org/gbd-2019
https://main.icmr.nic.in/sites/default/files/Health_news_june.pdf
https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/india/publication/catalyzing-clean-air-in-india
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1352231019304972
https://loksabhadocs.nic.in/Refinput/New_Reference_Notes/English/15072022_173626_102120463.pdf
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