Residents exposed to PM2.5 levels that are several-fold higher than the global averages (Photo Credit: PTI)
Delhi and Kolkata ranked the topmost polluted cities around the globe. According to a comprehensive and detailed analysis of air pollution and global health effects for over 7,000 cities released on Wednesday, India is home to severe fine particle pollutants (PM2.5) from 2010 to 2019 making three cities in the top 20 polluted cities globally, including Mumbai which ranked at No 14. The report was published by the US-based research organisation Health Effects Institute (HEI).
It also shows that Delhi has the highest average level of fine PM 2.5 among the world's most populated cities.
Dr Avi Kumar, senior consultant, Pulmonology, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Okhla, New Delhi shared with News9 that outdoor and household air pollution together accounted for approximately 12 per cent of all deaths in 2019. Among the major risk factors for global disease and mortality, air pollution has been ranked at No 4 after hypertension, smoking and dietary factors.
In the 20 cities with the highest PM2.5 exposures, residents in cities from India, Nigeria, Peru, and Bangladesh are exposed to PM2.5 levels that are several-fold higher than the global averages, the report said.
The analysis used data from 2010 to 2019 and focused on two of the most harmful pollutants; fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). According to a recent report, the busiest biggest cities and urban areas around the world are facing problems of worst air pollution and health risks related to poor air quality.
By the year 2050, as much as 68 per cent of the world's population is expected to live in urban areas. This rapid urbanisation places the world's top cities at the forefront in the battle to reduce the health effects of air pollution, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
According to the WHO's Air Quality Database, only 117 nations currently have ground-level monitoring systems to track PM2.5, and only 74 nations are monitoring NO2 levels. Strategic investments in ground-level air quality monitoring systems and expanded use of satellites and other emerging technologies in targeted regions can provide critical first steps toward cleaner air.
Dr Kumar added, "The most common and notable diseases caused by air pollution are ischemic heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer and acute respiratory infections in children."
He added, "Multiple cardiovascular effects have been observed by short-term as well as long-term exposure to pollutants, especially PM 2.5. Short-term exposure is associated with hypertension, heart failure, and myocardial infarcts whereas long term effects include coronary arteriosclerosis and ventricular hypertrophy."
The NO2 comes mainly from the burning of fuels often in older vehicles, power plants, industrial facilities, and residential cooking and heating. As city residents tend to live closer to busy roads with dense traffic, they are often exposed to higher NO2 pollution than residents of rural areas. In 2019, 86 per cent of more than 7,000 cities included in this report exceeded the WHOs 10 µg/m3 guideline for NO2, impacting about 2.6 billion people.
Dr Kumar suggested using air purifiers and masks to prevent the associated diseases. "Technologies to reduce air pollution at the source must be established and should be implemented in all industries and power plants," he said.
It is crucial to wear masks not only to prevent respiratory infections but also to protect against the ill effects of air pollutants, Dr Kumar added. He said, "N95 masks, as well as surgical masks, have been shown to significantly reduce smoke-related hospitalisations. In the end, a global consensus policy should be framed to combat the release of air pollutants and tackle and minimise the adverse effects of air pollution."
According to officials, three people were killed after their house collapsed following a landslide triggered by rains in...
According to eyewitnesses, there was no place to even set foot on the temple premises due to which people started...
Meanwhile, a yacht with three AK-47 rifles on board was found off the coast of Harihareshwar-Shrivardhan in Raigad...
The Islamic extremist group al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack, the latest of its frequent attempts to...
Rajiv Gandhi served as the sixth prime minister of India between 1984 to 1989 before he was assassinated by the LTTE...
Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena had recently recommended the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to take action...
Mughal architecture is a blend of Hindu elements with Persian and Islamic elements. Some features are common to many...
The Mughal Empire had a mighty army, but even the powerful troops faced setbacks from time to time. Some warriors stood...
Pink Venom is touted as the comeback song for the four-member all girls band comprising Rose, Lisa, Jennie and Jisoo...
These images span photojournalism, documentary, travel and culture, street, portrait, performing arts and more.
The Netflix documentary series follows the lives of Maheep Kapoor, Bhavana Pandey, Seema Khan and Neelam Kothari.
House of the Dragon is set to stream exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar from August 22.
Veteran voice actor has lent his voice to numerous video games, films and TV shows
There is no provision under CRPC to demolish the house of an accused person as is being done in UP
Several firefights have broken out between security forces and militants, especially in the month of May
SP and BJP blame each other for sparking violence in Kanpur on Friday