The article begins with a recent global study, State of Global Air 2020 (SoGA 2020), funded by the USA’s Environmental Protection Agency, released by an independent, nonprofit research institute, the Health Effects Institute (HEI). This comprehensive report emphasizes the grave reality that air pollution ranks as the largest threat to mortality among all health risks and its severe impact on newborns.
Notable Findings from the Study
Among the countries suffering from the highest concentration of PM2.5 (particulate matter) in 2019 were India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Nepal. The study revealed that these countries have experienced growth in outdoor PM2.5 levels between 2010 and 2019. In addition to this, India features among the top ten nations with acute ozone exposure in 2019. Significantly, among the 20 most populous nations, India showed the highest surge (17%) in O3 concentrations over the last decade.
The Impact of Air Pollution
Long-term exposure to both outdoor and indoor air pollution has led to over 1.67 million annual deaths in India alone in 2019. Such exposure was found to cause fatalities due to stroke, heart attack, diabetes, lung cancer, chronic lung diseases, and neonatal diseases.
Government Initiatives for Clean Air
In the face of this crisis, the Indian government has launched critical initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (Household LPG programme), the National Clean Air Programme, implementation of BS-VI emission standards, and the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
Pollution Effect on Newborns
High levels of particulate matter contributed to the deaths of over 1,16,000 Indian newborns within their first month. Infants in the initial month are already at a vulnerable stage, and studies have shown a clear connection between exposure to particulate air pollution during pregnancy and low birth weight and premature delivery.
Significance of the Study
This study holds immense significance for low- and middle-income nations. It sheds light on the prevalence of low birth weight, preterm birth, and child growth deficits and stresses on the need for strategic interventions targeted at these vulnerable groups.
Air Pollution and Covid-19
While the direct link between air pollution and Covid-19 has yet to be definitively established, existing evidence draws clear links between air pollution and increased heart and lung disease.
The Current Pollution Status
Despite a marginal decline in average pollution levels over the past three years, the pollution levels are once again rising, with several cities falling into the ‘very poor’ category in terms of air quality.
