Studies indicate that in 2021, pollution-related deaths in the European Union claimed over 500,000 lives. Of these, almost half could have been prevented if pollution levels had been lowered to levels advised by medical professionals. But what about AQI in India and is it heading in the same direction?
Over 5,00,000 Died Due To Toxic Air Quality In EU
Researchers from the European Environment Agency linked 253,000 premature deaths to levels of tiny particles known as PM2.5 that exceeded the World Health Organization’s maximum guideline limits, which are set at 5µg/m3.
In the meantime, short-term exposure to rising ozone levels resulted in 22,000 deaths, while over 52,000 deaths were brought on by high nitrogen dioxide levels. According to Virginijus Sinkevičius, the EU’s environment commissioner, they are reminded by the EEA’s data that air pollution is the EU’s top environmental health concern.
Medical professionals claim that one of the main causes of human death is air pollution. But if nations clean up their economies, the death toll will quickly decline. The EU is hoping to reach a target of 55% by the end of the decade. From 2005 to 2021, the number of deaths expected by PM2.5 decreased by 41% in the EU.
The World Health Organisation (WHO), which revised air quality recommendations in 2021, said that no amount of air pollution can be deemed acceptable, although they have set upper limits for specific pollutants.
Also Read: Nikhil Kamath Shares Why Bangalore’s AQI Is Always Green; Meanwhile, Delhi’s AQI Deteriorates
Severe AQI Of India
Delhi and the surrounding NCR were shrouded in a thick layer of haze one day after thousands celebrated Diwali by breaking the law and setting off firecrackers. Nevertheless, Delhi was hardly the only place where the cracker ban went unnoticed. Two other major cities joined the nation’s capital. And both of them were included among the most polluted cities in the world.
Most Polluted Indian Cities:
1. Delhi
Delhi, the nation’s capital, ranked first in the world and was the most polluted city in India. After Diwali, Delhi’s air quality was 430, according to Swiss company IQAir.
2. Kolkata
Kolkata came in third place with an AQI of 206. The air quality index (AQI), according to readings from air monitoring stations, was 216 (PM 2.5) at Rabindra Sarobar, 257 at Ballygunje, 276 at Victoria Memorial, 267 at Jadavpur, 255 at Fort William, 183 at Rabindra Bharati University, 262 at Ghusuri and 243 at Bidhannagar.
3. Mumbai
Mumbai, the financial centre, came in eighth place with an AQI of 163. Vile Parle West, Juhu, Bandra East, Nerul, Powai, Bandra Kurla Complex, Sion, Borivali East, Bhandup West and Bandra West and Malad were some of the city’s worst-hit areas with ‘poor’ AQI.
Also Read: 8 Food Items & Drinks That Help Combat Smog And Air Pollution During Diwali
Looking at the degrading AQI of India, there is a high possibility that the country will have the worst air quality.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva
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