A new study has found that over 1.5 million people die in India every year due to long-term exposure to air pollution and high PM2.5 levels. The study, published in The Lancet Planetary Health journal, said that the entire 1.4 billion population of the country breathes poor air with PM2.5 levels much higher than the recommended levels by the World Health Organization (WHO).

A team of researchers from Ashoka University, Haryana, and the Centre for Chronic Disease Control, New Delhi, found that 82 per cent of the Indian population lives in areas where PM2.5 levels are higher than the level recommended by the Indian National Ambient Air Quality Standards (40 microns per cubic metre).

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjMg9mk_KGKAxVASmwGHUfEO58QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/researchers-say-30-minutes-of-exercise-improves-memory-enhance-cognitive-performance-782995" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/researchers-say-30-minutes-of-exercise-improves-memory-enhance-cognitive-performance-782995&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjMg9mk_KGKAxVASmwGHUfEO58QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Researchers say 30 minutes of exercise improves memory, enhances cognitive performance</a>

“Delhi may get the headlines, but this is a problem all over India. Nationwide efforts are needed,” said Joel Schwartz, professor at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and principal investigator from the US for the CHAIR-India consortium.

The researchers also found that a yearly spike in PM2.5 pollution of 10 microns per cubic metre was associated with 8.6 per cent higher annual mortality. For the purpose of the study, the scientists took pan-India deaths data from the Civil Registration System, spanning from the year 2009 to 2019, whereas PM2.5 levels were monitored using over 1,000 ground-monitoring stations across the country over the same period.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjMg9mk_KGKAxVASmwGHUfEO58QxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/lonely-dolphin-caught-speaking-to-himself-by-scientists-heres-how-777703" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/lonely-dolphin-caught-speaking-to-himself-by-scientists-heres-how-777703&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjMg9mk_KGKAxVASmwGHUfEO58QxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">`Lonely` dolphin caught speaking to himself by scientists. Here`s how</a>

The team concluded that the evidence to establish a link between long-term exposure to air pollution and deaths in India is scarce and inconsistent with studies from other countries.

“High PM2.5 exposure levels in India cause a significant mortality burden, not limited to urban areas. A systematic, not symptomatic, approach is needed,” said Suganthi Jaganathan, doctoral researcher at Ashoka University’s CHART.

The study further highlighted the urgent need for the government to take long-term measures to improve AQI across India and strengthen regulations to comply with WHO mandates.

(With inputs from agencies)

A new study has found that over 1.5 million people die in India every year due to long-term exposure to air pollution and high PM2.5 levels. The study, published in The Lancet Planetary Health journal, said that the entire 1.

A new study has found that over 1.5 million people die in India every year due to long-term exposure to air pollution and high PM2.5 levels. The study, published in The Lancet Planetary Health journal, said that the entire 1.4 billion population of the country breathes poor air with PM2.5 levels much higher than the recommended levels by the World Health Organization (WHO). A team of researchers from Ashoka University, Haryana, and the Centre for Chronic Disease Control, New Delhi, found that 82 per cent of the Indian population lives in areas where PM2.5 levels are higher than the level recommended by the Indian National Ambient Air Quality Standards (40 microns per cubic metre). Also read: Researchers say 30 minutes of exercise improves memory, enhances cognitive performance “Delhi may get the headlines, but this is a problem all over India. Nationwide efforts are needed,” said Joel Schwartz, professor at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and principal investigator from the US for the CHAIR-India consortium. The researchers also found that a yearly spike in PM2.5 pollution of 10 microns per cubic metre was associated with 8.6 per cent higher annual mortality. For the purpose of the study, the scientists took pan-India deaths data from the Civil Registration System, spanning from the year 2009 to 2019, whereas PM2.5 levels were monitored using over 1,000 ground-monitoring stations across the country over the same period. Also read: `Lonely` dolphin caught speaking to himself by scientists. Here`s how The team concluded that the evidence to establish a link between long-term exposure to air pollution and deaths in India is scarce and inconsistent with studies from other countries. “High PM2.5 exposure levels in India cause a significant mortality burden, not limited to urban areas. A systematic, not symptomatic, approach is needed,” said Suganthi Jaganathan, doctoral researcher at Ashoka University’s CHART. The study further highlighted the urgent need for the government to take long-term measures to improve AQI across India and strengthen regulations to comply with WHO mandates. (With inputs from agencies)

Breathing kills! Air pollution claims 1.5 million lives every year in India, claims study

Delhi's air pollution crisis has reached alarming levels, with air quality consistently falling into the "very poor" and "severe" categories. The ongoing environmental disaster has triggered the implementation of the graded response action plan or grap-4, which enforces stringent restrictions to mitigate the pollution. These measures include curbs on commercial vehicle movement, halting construction activities, and reducing outdoor events. Watch in for more details!

India: Delhi Schools To Resume Physical Classes As SC Eases Anti-Pollution Measures

In a major relief for New Delhi, the Supreme Court has eased GRAP-IV (Stage IV) restrictions due to improved air quality. The Court directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to reduce these measures to GRAP-II (Stage II) but restrained any further relaxation.

In a major relief for New Delhi, the Supreme Court has eased GRAP-IV (Stage IV) restrictions due to improved air quality. The Court directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to reduce these measures to GRAP-II (Stage II) but restrained any further relaxation. This development is part of ongoing efforts to control severe pollution levels in Delhi, aggravated by stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and construction activities. The Court directed the CAQM to consider the adoption of certain precautionary measures as in GRAP-III to be initiated when the Air Quality Index reached 350. When it was 400, the Court made it clear that all severe measures as in GRAP-IV would need to be reimposed. Delhi has improved significantly from 'very poor' to 'moderate' on its AQI. The AQI was recorded Thursday morning at 161. According to the AQI scale, air quality is qualified as: 'moderate' (101-200), 'poor' (201-300), and 'very poor' (301-400). "Considering the data before us, we do not think it will be appropriate at this stage to allow the Commission to go below Stage 2. So we permit the Commission to go to Stage 2 for the present," said Justice Abhay S. Oka, who was part of the bench that heard the case. Although certain areas recorded poor AQI like RK Puram, Mundka, and Shadipur while central areas like ITO and Anand Vihar had better readings. The Supreme Court had previously highlighted that the right to live in a pollution-free environment is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Court has assigned the CAQM with the task of monitoring the vanishing air and taking necessary action. The CAQM commission continues to closely watch the situation.

Supreme Court lifts GRAP-IV restrictions as Delhi’s AQI drops to 'Moderate'

Delhiites are breathing easy after nearly two months. Delhi's air quality index has come down to 161, according to the data from the central pollution control board. With this, the Indian capital's AQI is down to the 'moderate' category, and this period of relief is expected to continue for the next two to three days. Watch in for more details!

Delhi's AQI Drops To 'Moderate' Category After Nearly Two Months

A new study published by The Lancet reveals that between 2000 and 2019, health issues linked to air pollution from landscape fires caused over 2.5 million deaths in India. These include wildfires and human-made fires, such as the burning of farm stubble, globally. Watch in for more details!

Air Pollution Deadly Toll Revealed: Over 2.5 Mn Deaths In India Linked To Landscape Fire Pollution

Air Quality in the Indian capital continues to worsen.. This morning, Delhi reclaimed the position of the most polluted city in the country,. After moving down the list for the past few days. Delhi woke up to ‘very poor’ air quality today with an air quality index of 331. At least 22 of the 38 monitoring stations show ‘very poor’ AQI levels. Watch in for more details!

Delhi's Air Quality Worsens After Brief Respite

After a brief respite pollution levels in the Indian capital have worsened once again this morning with the air quality index rising further up in the very poor category. Watch in for more details!

Delhi Air Pollution: Farm Fields Burning In North India Partly Responsible For Smog: Study

Delhi Air Quality Worsens After Brief Despite

Even as the air quality in the national capital Delhi has improved slightly, schools across the city are closed. Gurgaon and other NCR districts are considering reopening the schools following a Supreme Court directive. Watch this report for more details!

Schools in Delhi Prepare to Reopen Despite Pollution Concerns

India's transport sector is driving a surge in fuel consumption and carbon emissions, with potential global implications. According to a recent study by think tank t-e-r-I, emissions from India's transportation could significantly impact climate goals, as vehicle numbers and fuel demand are projected to soar through 2070.

India’s Transport Boom Fuels Emission Surge

Air pollution in the capital Delhi has returned to severe level from very poor category in most places. To curb pollution levels, ---The New Delhi municipal corporation carried out night cleaning and sweeping of roads at several locations in the national capital early Friday morning. Top Court has instructed pollution measures should not be removed until instructed. Watch top know more!

India: Supreme Court Suggests Restarting Physical Classes In Delhi Amid Heavy Pollution

A slight respite for the Indian Capital New Delhi as the air quality improved to the poor category on Monday morning. Watch in for more details!

Delhi's Air Quality Improves To 'Poor' With AQI Below 300

Air pollution in Delhi has dropped from the "severe" level to the "very poor" category in many areas. To combat the pollution, the New Delhi Municipal Corporation has initiated nighttime road cleaning and sweeping across multiple locations in the capital.

Delhi Pollution: Toxic Air and Vanishing Green Cover Create A Perfect Storm

Delhi is struggling with severe smog, turning the city into a "gas chamber" as air pollution levels soar to hazardous levels.

Delhi: Toxic Air and Vanishing Green Cover Create A Perfect Storm

Shocking: Five Trees Lost Every Hour in Capital Crisis

Delhi Suffocates: A Gas Chamber Choked By Smog

Air pollution in the capital has gone from severe level to very poor category in most places. In an effort to curb pollution levels the New Delhi Municipal Corporation carried out Night Cleaning and sweeping of roads at several locations in the national capital early on Friday morning. Watch in for more details!

Delhi Pollution Crisis: Delhi's Air Moves From Severe To very poor Category

Air pollution in the capital Delhi has gone from severe level to very poor category in most places...In an effort to curb pollution levels, ---The New Delhi municipal corporation carried out night cleaning and sweeping of roads at several locations in the national capital early Friday morning...

Delhi Air Pollution: Vehicles Remain Largest Contributors To Pollution

On Thursday, the overall air quality in New Delhi saw a slight improvement, moving from "severe" to "very poor." While this is still considered bad, it marks a small step up from the toxic haze that had plagued the city for the past few days. This change happened after the Delhi government implemented a work-from-home policy for 50% of its employees the day before.

Delhi: Pollution Plagues Numerous North Indian Cities, Delhi's AQI Improves Slightly

Residents Of The Indian Capital Continue To Reel Under The Pollution Crisis, as Central And State Authorities Scramble To Implement Course Correction Measures..Delhi Government Has Announced A 'work From Home' For 50 Per Cent Of Government Employees Amid Worsening Air Pollution In National Capital...

Delhi Air Pollution Crisis: Delhi Govt Orders Hospitals To Set Up Teams For Respiratory Cases

Residents of the Indian capital continue to reel under the pollution crisis as Central and state authorities scramble to implement course correction measures. Watch in for more details!

Delhi Air Pollution: Air Quality Recorded in Severe Category at Several Places

The overall air quality of Delhi improved slightly to ‘very poor’ level on Thursday. This after, the Delhi government has announced work from home for 50 per cent of its staff, and also asked the private sector to take similar measures..

Delhi Air Pollution: Indian Capital Grapples With Air Pollution

Delhi Air Pollution Crisis: Work From Home For 50% Delhi Government Employees

On Wednesday, New Delhi’s AQI dropped slightly but remained 'severe.' Delhi government has announced 50% of its employees to work from home in view of the pollution levels in the city. Will this help reduce pollution or is it just another band-aid?

Delhi Pollution: Can Artificial Rain Wash Away Delhi’s Deadly Smog?

Delhi Air Pollution Crisis: Air Quality Remains In Severe Category For Another Day

The air quality in India's national capital continues to remain in the ‘severe plus’ category for another day. Meanwhile, schools and colleges in the region have switched to online classes owing to the deteriorating air quality.

Delhi: Air Quality Remains in Severe Category for Another Day

The sale of air purifiers and masks has surged significantly across Delhi as residents try to breathe amid rising levels of air pollution. Watch this report for more details!

Delhi Pollution: Sales of Masks, Air Purifiers and Car Air Filters Rise

Delhi hospitals are witnessing a surge in patients with respiratory issues as pollution levels in the city reach hazardous levels. The toxic air, exacerbated by crop burning and vehicle emissions, is causing an increase in conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and other lung-related ailments. Health authorities are urging residents, especially vulnerable groups, to limit outdoor activities.

Delhi Pollution: Delhi Hospitals See Spike In Patients With Respiratory Issues

India is grappling with the severe air quality crisis. Pollution levels have skyrocketed across major cities. The situation is particularly dire in New Delhi and surrounding regions as well as parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. In Northern India the air quality index has reached alarming levels posing major health risks. The national capital is nearing the 500 Mark with an average AQI of 484. As the air remains in the severe plus category for a second consecutive day in fact several areas have already reported the maximum AQI level of 500 including Alipur, Anand Vihar, and Rohini. Watch in for more details!

Delhi Air Pollution: AQI hits 500 In Several Parts; Delhi Implements Stage 4 Measures Under GRAP

‘GRAP IV’, ‘N95’, and ‘AQI’- these are not random letters but the new language the citizens of northern India are using in their daily lives.&nbsp;

Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and other states have been recording dangerously toxic air quality with itchy eyes and raspy coughs becoming the norm.

The air in the National Capital Region (NCR) is so high in pollutants&nbsp;that it falls in the ‘severe plus’ category and strict measures had to be imposed&nbsp;to control the crisis.

Even the Supreme Court of India has rapped the Central and state governments and said that it is their ‘constitutional obligation’ to ensure that ‘citizens live in a pollution-free environment.’&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-aqi-hits-severe-plus-as-breathing-equals-smoking-49-cigarettes-daily-pm25-levels-60x-who-limit-777109">Delhi AQI hits 'severe plus' as breathing equals smoking 49 cigarettes daily; PM2.5 levels 60x WHO limit</a>

Social media is rife with images of people wearing masks, and going to the doctors, with many sharing pictures of their air purifiers working in overdrive, trying desperately to keep the toxicity at bay.

But this is not the only crisis plaguing us.&nbsp;

While many of us, including this writer, are safely ensconced in our air-conditioned offices and homes, several others are still out there, braving not just the toxic pollution but also the toxicity of privilege.&nbsp;

GRAP IV has recommended work from home to be invoked and non-essential vehicles to not enter the capital, in a desperate attempt to keep the pollution away.

A fact missing from this common rhetoric is that many of Delhi’s citizenry do not have the privilege to work from&nbsp;home. A significant chunk of the population does not own a four-wheeler, let alone contribute to the toxic haze enveloping our lives.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-pollution-crisis-nasa-scientist-alleges-farmers-of-hiding-stubble-burning-from-satellite-777108">Delhi pollution crisis: NASA scientist alleges farmers hiding stubble burning from satellite</a>

Who then are the bans,&nbsp;‘recommendations’, and restrictions benefitting?&nbsp;

The answer is one each of us knows: people with money and in turn privilege.&nbsp;

It is justified for the reader to laugh at and even cancel the writer of these words for addressing the issue with the high-handedness that often goes hand-in-hand with privilege.&nbsp;

It is easier to view pollution from a distance when you can afford to travel via metro.

It is easier to complain about the toxic Yamuna when you don’t have to live on its banks.&nbsp;

It is infinitely easier to talk about a problem without being the ones who suffer the most because, just like clean water and food, air too comes with a price tag.

The pollution will eventually go away, but the privilege will stay.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

‘GRAP IV’, ‘N95’, and ‘AQI’- these are not random letters but the new language the citizens of northern India are using in their daily lives. Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and other states have been recording dangerously toxic air quality with itchy eyes and raspy coughs becoming the norm.

‘GRAP IV’, ‘N95’, and ‘AQI’- these are not random letters but the new language the citizens of northern India are using in their daily lives. Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and other states have been recording dangerously toxic air quality with itchy eyes and raspy coughs becoming the norm. The air in the National Capital Region (NCR) is so high in pollutants that it falls in the ‘severe plus’ category and strict measures had to be imposed to control the crisis. Even the Supreme Court of India has rapped the Central and state governments and said that it is their ‘constitutional obligation’ to ensure that ‘citizens live in a pollution-free environment.’ Also read | Delhi AQI hits 'severe plus' as breathing equals smoking 49 cigarettes daily; PM2.5 levels 60x WHO limit Social media is rife with images of people wearing masks, and going to the doctors, with many sharing pictures of their air purifiers working in overdrive, trying desperately to keep the toxicity at bay. But this is not the only crisis plaguing us. While many of us, including this writer, are safely ensconced in our air-conditioned offices and homes, several others are still out there, braving not just the toxic pollution but also the toxicity of privilege. GRAP IV has recommended work from home to be invoked and non-essential vehicles to not enter the capital, in a desperate attempt to keep the pollution away. A fact missing from this common rhetoric is that many of Delhi’s citizenry do not have the privilege to work from home. A significant chunk of the population does not own a four-wheeler, let alone contribute to the toxic haze enveloping our lives. Also read | Delhi pollution crisis: NASA scientist alleges farmers hiding stubble burning from satellite Who then are the bans, ‘recommendations’, and restrictions benefitting? The answer is one each of us knows: people with money and in turn privilege. It is justified for the reader to laugh at and even cancel the writer of these words for addressing the issue with the high-handedness that often goes hand-in-hand with privilege. It is easier to view pollution from a distance when you can afford to travel via metro. It is easier to complain about the toxic Yamuna when you don’t have to live on its banks. It is infinitely easier to talk about a problem without being the ones who suffer the most because, just like clean water and food, air too comes with a price tag. The pollution will eventually go away, but the privilege will stay. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

Toxic air kills the poor and irritates the rich

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