Particulate Matter (PM) refers to microscopic solids or liquid droplets that are so small that they can be inhaled and cause serious health problems. Both PM2.5 and PM10 are capable of penetrating deep into the lungs but PM2.5 can even enter the bloodstream, primarily resulting in cardiovascular and respiratory impacts, and also affecting other organs.
The more exposed to air pollution they are, the greater the health impact, particularly on individuals with chronic conditions (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and heart disease), as well as older people, children and pregnant women.
In 2019, more than 90% of the global population lived in areas where concentrations exceeded the 2005 WHO air quality guideline for long-term exposure to PM2.5. More alarming is the reality that in 2019, India's Particulate Matter concentration was 70.3 microns - the highest in the world and 7 times the old 2005 WHO's guideline of 10.
Almost 80% of deaths related to PM2.5 could be avoided in the world if the current air-pollution levels were reduced to those proposed in the updated guideline, according to a rapid scenario analysis performed by WHO.
While air quality has markedly improved in high-income countries over this period, it has generally deteriorated in most low- and middle-income countries, in step with large-scale urbanization, extractive industries, and so-called 'economic development', which is actually not only impoverishing majority of the people (and making tiny tycoons richer), but also poisoning our planet.
Air pollution reduces life expectancy of over 40% Indians by more than 9 years
Last month in August 2021, Energy Policy Institute of the University of Chicago had reported its research findings: Air pollution is likely to reduce the life expectancy of over 40% of Indians by more than 9 years, with Delhi and Uttar Pradesh states reported to be worst-affected ones in the country. Delhi residents will lose 9.7 years of their lives due to air pollution, while those in Uttar Pradesh will lose 9.5 years of life expectancy. Last month it was reported that annual average PM2.5 level in cities of Uttar Pradesh was more than 12 times than the old WHO guideline limit. Residents of the city I live in (Lucknow) are expected to lose 11.1 years of their life expectancy due to air pollution.
Business as usual is killing us!
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