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A recent study published in The Lancet Planetary Health journal has revealed that over seven percent of all deaths in ten of India’s largest cities are linked to air pollution. The findings underscore the escalating health crisis posed by poor air quality in these urban centers.
The study, led by an Indian research team, analyzed the presence of PM2.5 pollutants—microscopic particles known to cause cancer—in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune, Shimla, and Varanasi. The data, collected between 2008 and 2019, indicated that over 33,000 deaths annually in these cities could be attributed to PM2.5 exposure exceeding the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended safe limit of 15 micrograms per cubic meter. This translates to 7.2% of recorded deaths during the study period.
Delhi emerged as the worst affected, with approximately 12,000 annual deaths linked to air pollution. Even cities with comparatively lower pollution levels, such as Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, reported significant mortality rates due to air contamination.
Experts have urged the Indian government to impose stricter air quality regulations. The country’s current national guideline permits up to 60 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic meter—four times higher than the WHO’s safety recommendation. Researchers argue that enforcing lower limits could prevent tens of thousands of premature deaths each year.
The study’s findings reinforce the urgency for policymakers to take decisive action against air pollution, as its long-term health effects continue to claim lives at an alarming rate.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a study published in The Lancet Planetary Health and sourced from MedicalXpress. The information presented is for awareness purposes only and should not be considered medical or policy advice.
