A new study from scientists at Karolinska Institutet highlights a grave public health crisis in India: prolonged exposure to air pollution is linked to millions of deaths across the country.
Published in The Lancet Planetary Health, the research emphasizes the urgent need for stronger air quality measures.
Impact of PM2.5 on Mortality
At the heart of the study is a particular type of air pollution known as PM2.5—tiny particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter.
These fine particles can easily penetrate lungs and enter the bloodstream, leading to serious health problems.
Over ten years, researchers examined data from 655 districts in India, looking into how PM2.5 exposure correlates with mortality rates.
The results are alarming: every increase of 10 micrograms per cubic meter in PM2.5 concentrations corresponds to an 8.6 percent increase in the likelihood of death.
During the decade studied, it was estimated that around 3.8 million deaths could be directly linked to air pollution levels exceeding India’s own guideline, which stands at 40 micrograms per cubic meter.
When the stricter World Health Organization (WHO) standard of 5 micrograms per cubic meter is applied, the estimated death toll rises dramatically to 16.6 million—almost a quarter of all deaths recorded in that period.
Widespread Health Risks
Shockingly, the research indicates that every person in India is exposed to PM2.5 levels beyond the WHO’s recommended limits.
This unhealthy air affects nearly 1.4 billion people each year, with some areas witnessing PM2.5 levels soaring to 119 micrograms per cubic meter, far surpassing both national and global safety benchmarks.
The researchers strongly argued that India’s current air quality standards are insufficient for protecting its citizens.
There’s an essential need for stricter regulations and effective strategies aimed at cutting emissions.
Need for Effective Air Quality Measures
Despite the Indian government launching a national initiative to combat air pollution in 2017, PM2.5 levels have continued to escalate in various regions.
The study underscores that tackling local emissions requires a clear understanding of how air pollutants travel long distances; these harmful particles don’t just remain close to their source.
Ultimately, the insights from this research are crucial not only for air quality policies in India but also hold significant implications for global health initiatives.
Source: ScienceDaily