Have you ever wondered? Is every breath or air we breathe clean? Is it good for our health? Moment is the time to suppose.

Air pollution in India has reached intimidating situations, affecting not only the terrain but also the health of millions of people. Due to the fleetly growing population, adding industrialization and the adding number of vehicles, air quality has come one of the most important public health challenges in the country.

In this blog, we will look at the adverse health goods of air pollution in India, the fleetly growing and inversely fussing population, industrialization and the adding number of vehicles, and what the government and we’ve to do to break this.

Preface

India is home to some of the most weakened metropolises in the world, according to reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the health goods Institute (HEI). In numerous corridors of the country, particularly in civic areas, air pollution situations are constantly above the safe limits set by global health associations. The consequences of this air pollution are far- reaching, affecting people’s respiratory and cardiovascular systems and contributing to the development of other habitual conditions.

The most extensively used system for assessing air quality is the Air Quality Index (AQI). This system measures the situations of major adulterants in the air, including particulate matter (PM 2.5), particulate matter (PM10), sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO) and ozone (O3). The AQI is measured on a scale of 0 to 500, with advanced readings indicating poor air quality. According to the 2024 AQI report, metropolises like New Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad and Gurgaon are set up in the most weakened and veritably poor orders.

It’s extensively accepted that air pollution is the leading cause of mortality in India. Also, according to the State of Global Air 2020 report, air pollution in India is responsible for further than 1.7 million unseasonable deaths every time, utmost of which are due to heart complaint, stroke and respiratory conditions. Air pollution has increased numerous health- related problems. thus, there’s a demand for critical action by governments and associations.

Health Effects of Air Pollution in India

1. Respiratory Conditions

The foremost effect of air pollution is on the respiratory system and from there conditions start to be promoted. Because there are some fine and dangerous particles in the air, similar as PM 2.5 (fine particles less than 2.5 microns in periphery), these fine particles can beget colorful respiratory diseases. These unnoticeable fine particles can access deep into the lungs and also enter the bloodstream, which can deteriorate our health.

• Asthma: Studies have shown that air pollution can beget or worsen asthma. We see this especially in children, as fine particles, ground- position ozone, and other adulterants are responsible for this. occasionally the condition becomes severe and requires hospitalization.

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): This is a complaint that causes difficulty breathing because COPD causes inhibition of the airways in the lungs. habitual exposure to air pollution can also lead to the development of COPD. According to the Indian Journal of casket conditions and Allied lores, people exposed to high situations of air pollution are more likely to have reduced lung function, habitual cough, and difficulty breathing.

• Lung Infections: Nonstop exposure to pollutants can increase the threat of respiratory infections similar as pneumonia and bronchitis. occasionally these infections can be serious, especially for people who formerly have underpinning health conditions.

2. Cardiovascular Conditions

Air pollution not only affects the lungs, but can also have serious goods on the cardiovascular system through the respiratory tract. Air pollution has been linked to numerous major conditions, similar as heart complaint, stroke, and high blood pressure.

• Heart Disease: According to the Lancet Planetary Health report, long- term exposure to particulate matter and other adulterants can lead to the development of coronary roadway complaint, which can, in turn, affect in heart attacks.

• Hypertension and Stroke: A study published in The Lancet set up a direct correlation between long- term exposure to air pollution and high blood pressure, a significant threat factor for stroke and heart complaint.

3. Cancer

Air pollution is now classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), meaning that it’s known to beget cancer in humans. In particular, exposure to high situations of adulterants similar as benzene, formaldehyde and some poly cyclic sweet hydrocarbons can increase the threat of lung cancer. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has linked air pollution as a major factor in the rising prevalence of cancer in civic areas.

Lung cancer is the most common cancer associated with air pollution, but exploration has also shown that weakened surroundings increase the threat of other types of cancer, similar as bladder and bone cancer.

4. Vulnerable Populations

Certain parts of the population are at advanced threat of adverse health goods from air pollution, primarily due to factors similar as age, life choices, or underpinning health conditions. For illustration, children have developing respiratory systems that are more sensitive to adulterants, while the senior frequently have weakened vulnerable systems and pre-existing health problems that can be aggravated by poor air quality.

Pregnant women are also at increased threat, as exposure to weakened air can negatively impact their health and the development of their future baby. These groups need special attention and protection to reduce the dangerous goods of air pollution on their health.

• Children: Children are at advanced threat of air pollution because their out-of-door play, inordinate mouth breathing, therefore inordinate inhalation of adulterants, and underdeveloped detoxification and antioxidant defense systems. Constant exposure to weakened air isn’t good for their health. It can affect their lung growth and increase their chances of developing respiratory conditions like asthma. similar children are more likely to develop habitual respiratory conditions and reduced lung function in their majority.

• Elderly People: As people age, their lung and heart function declines. They also have some existing health problems, so exposure to polluted air can increase their risk of cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases and even premature death. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has highlighted that older people are at higher risk of facing serious health consequences due to air pollution.

• Pregnant Women: Research has also shown that pregnant women exposed to high levels of air pollution may face problems that affect their health and that of their unborn babies. A study by Environmental Health Perspectives (2019) found that pregnant women in highly polluted areas had higher rates of complications such as high blood pressure and preeclampsia during pregnancy. This can lead to symptoms such as premature birth, low birth weight, and developmental delays in children.

Contributing Factors to Air Pollution in India

Several factors contribute to the rising levels of air pollution in India. These include vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and agricultural practices, among others.

1. Vehicular Emissions

Vehicle emissions are a major and worrisome source of air pollution in urban areas. The main reason for this is the huge increase in the number of vehicles in India in recent times. Especially in cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata, there are a large number of vehicles running on petrol and diesel, both of which emit nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter into the air.

Vehicle emissions contribute to poor AQI levels in urban centres, as these emissions significantly increase the concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM) in the air. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has expressed concern about the impact of this on air quality and the increasing number of vehicles.

2. Industrial Emissions

Another major cause of air pollution is the significant increase in emissions from factories and power plants due to India’s rapid industrialization. These include cement factories, coal-fired power plants and other industrial facilities that emit large amounts of sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter into the atmosphere. This pollution contributes to the formation of smog and fine particles in the air. This often results in AQI levels that are very poor and severe. These poor air levels can be dangerous to our health.

3. Growing Construction Area

The rapid expansion of construction areas significantly contributes to air pollution, leading to a variety of adverse health impacts on nearby communities. Construction activities such as demolition, excavation, and the use of heavy machinery release high levels of particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere. As construction zones grow, addressing the environmental and health implications through stricter regulations and improved construction practices becomes increasingly essential for protecting public health.

4. Crop Residue Burning

In some agricultural regions of India, especially in states like Punjab and Haryana, the seasonal practice of burning crop residues (such as grass) is a major contributor to air pollution. Burning agricultural waste releases large amounts of smoke and particulate matter into the air, which increases pollution levels during the winter months. This phenomenon may also be responsible for the significant increase in pollution levels in cities like Delhi, where air quality deteriorates significantly during the post-harvest season.

Government Initiatives and Measures

Considering the increasing air pollution, the Government of India has taken several initiatives to combat air pollution, reduce pollution levels and its impact on the health of the common man.

1. National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)

A flagship programme launched in 2019; The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) is a strategic approach aimed at reducing air pollution levels across the country. The programme aims to reduce particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) levels by 20-30% by 2024.

It involves collaboration between state governments, local bodies and some environmental organisations to monitor air quality, implement pollution control measures and raise awareness among citizens.

The AQI is an important tool for tracking the success of the NCAP, as it helps authorities monitor changes in air quality in real time.

2. Promoting Clean Energy

India is advancing rapidly in decreasing its reliance on fossil fuels by tapping into renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower, with the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) guiding the shift toward cleaner energy and a reduction in coal-based power plant emissions, while also encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles to cut down on pollution and enhance air quality in cities.

3. Strict Regulations and Policy Implementation

The government has also implemented strict regulations to control emissions from industry and vehicles. For example, the implementation of Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) emission standards for vehicles in 2020 was a major step towards reducing vehicular pollution. In addition, state and local governments are actively working to improve waste management practices and reduce open dumping and burning of waste, which contribute to air pollution. Programs like the Swachhta Abhiyan are becoming important for this.

Conclusion

The health impacts of air pollution in India are a growing concern that requires urgent action. India is facing a number of serious health problems, ranging from respiratory diseases to heart disease and even cancer, due to polluted air. The effects of polluted air are far-reaching and seriously detrimental. Children, the elderly and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable and at risk.

In such a critical situation, the Air Quality Index (AQI) has become an essential tool to monitor air pollution levels across the country, providing real-time information on how polluted the air is. This helps in monitoring the air levels and taking measures to address them. As the AQI levels increase, the associated health risks are also increasing, creating a need for action. While the Government of India has taken important steps through programmes like the National Clean Air Programme and the promotion of clean energy, much more needs to be done to protect public health.

Collaboration is needed from the government, industry and citizens to reduce air pollution and ensure clean air for the coming generation. Using the AQI system, you too can check the air quality in your city and take measures for yourself and your family accordingly, such as wearing a helmet, mask or scarf when going out. Take care of young children, women and the elderly in your household and consult a health consultant if you notice any symptoms. As an alert citizen, you need to pay attention to this.