Blog: The Silent Threat of Air Pollution: A Call to Action

 Air pollution is a silent but deadly threat, claiming millions of lives each year. Despite technological advancements and growing awareness of environmental issues, its impact on human health remains staggering. According to the Health Effects Institute (HEI) research report from June 2019, “Air pollution contributed to 8.1 million deaths worldwide in 2021, with India and China recording 2.1 million and 2.3 million fatalities, respectively.”A recent study published in The Hindustan Times on July 4, 2024, titled "Air pollution exposure leading to deaths even when meeting Indian norms: Study," reveals alarming data. Across 10 major Indian cities — Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune, Shimla, and Varanasi — around 33,000 deaths each year are attributable to PM2.5 pollution levels that exceed the WHO guideline of 15 micrograms per cubic meter. The national standard for PM2.5 (24 hours) is 60 micrograms per cubic meter. While the percentage of deaths relative to India's population may seem modest, the absolute loss of lives is alarmingly high.

Major Contributors to Air Pollution

The contributors to air pollution include outdoor fine particulate matter (PM10 & PM2.5), exacerbated by fossil fuel and biomass combustion in transportation, residential homes, and wildfires. According to the State of Global Air (SoGA) Report from the Global Burden of Disease study, these sources account for over 90% of global air pollution-related deaths. Household air pollutants like ozone (O3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) also play significant roles in global air quality degradation.The SoGA report highlights a growing awareness of the dangers of household indoor air pollution, noting a 53% decline in the death rate of children under five years from 2000 due to the enhanced availability of clean energy for cooking.

The Urgency of Action

It is clear that urgent action is needed to mitigate this global crisis and protect public health. Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5), consisting of tiny inhalable particles measuring 2.5 microns, poses significant health risks. Exposure to PM2.5 can increase the likelihood of various health issues, including heart disease and lung disorders, and may contribute to lower birth weights in newborns. Research indicates that PM2.5 levels below 12 μg/m³ are deemed minimal risk, while concentrations at or above 35 μg/m³ are considered unhealthy and can lead to severe respiratory conditions like asthma, and in extreme cases, fatalities.

A Path Forward for India

In India, addressing air pollution requires identifying and mitigating sources through the installation of air pollution monitoring systems in factories, laboratories, schools, and other potentially affected areas. Implementing stringent air quality measures is crucial in combating this pervasive issue.

Ai-DEA Labs: Leading the Change

At Ai-DEA Labs, we provide innovative solutions to monitor air pollutant levels, analyzing both indoor and outdoor air quality. Our technology helps identify pollution hotspots in locations such as laboratories, schools, factories, and workplaces, aiming to create cleaner and healthier environments. We are dedicated to fostering a cleaner, greener future for generations to come.Contact us at info@aidealabs.com for solutions designed to fit your specific needs. Together, we can tackle air pollution and protect public health.