Why is it in the News?

India had the third worst air quality out of 134 countries in 2023 after Bangladesh and Pakistan according to the World Air Quality Report 2023 by IQAir.

About World Air Quality Report 2023:

• The World Air Quality Report is an annual publication by IQAir, a Swiss air quality monitoring firm.
• The report provides an in-depth analysis of global air quality, shedding light on the impact of air pollution on human health and the environment.

Key highlights from the report include:

• India ranks third in poor air quality: With an average annual particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) concentration of 54.4 micrograms per cubic meter, India trails only Bangladesh and Pakistan in terms of poor air quality.
• South Asian dominance in pollution rankings: Bangladesh and Pakistan occupy the top two positions in the air pollution rankings, while ten out of the eleven most polluted cities in the world are in India.
• Delhi's alarming status: For the fourth consecutive year, Delhi has been identified as the world's most polluted capital city.
  • Additionally, Bihar's Begusarai has been termed the world's most polluted metropolitan area.
• India's widespread exposure: An overwhelming 96% of the Indian population experiences PM2.5 levels more than seven times the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline, emphasizing the need for urgent interventions to mitigate the health impacts of air pollution.

What is Particulate Matter (PM)?

• Particulate Matter (PM) is a term used to describe a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air.
  • These particles can be made up of various components such as dust, dirt, soot, smoke, and organic chemicals.
  • They are classified based on their size, with PM2.5 and PM10 being the most commonly referenced categories.
• PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, which is about 30 times smaller than the width of a human hair.
  • These particles are produced by various sources such as vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and wildfires.
  • Due to their small size, they can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, posing significant health risks.
• PM10, on the other hand, refers to coarse particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less.
  • These particles are larger and primarily originate from activities such as construction, road dust, and agricultural practices.
  • While not as harmful as PM2.5, they can still enter the respiratory system and cause health problems.