Air pollution causes 7.2% of deaths in major Indian cities, Lancet study reveals:Valley Vision

A new study published by Lancet Planetary Health has unveiled a concerning statistic: 7.2% of deaths in ten major Indian cities are due to air pollution. This research highlights the severe impact of deteriorating air quality on public health in urban areas.

The study closely analysed data from major metropolitan regions, shedding light on the widespread nature of air pollution and its harmful effects on human health. The cities examined include Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Lucknow.

Between 2000 and 2016, the study found that the highest daily concentrations of wildfire-related ozone (O3) were observed in locations across South America, Central America, southeastern Asia, and South Africa. The data indicated that a 1 μg/m3 increase in mean daily wildfire-related O3 concentration over a lag period of 0-2 days was linked to a 0.55% rise in daily all-cause mortality, a 0.44% increase in daily cardiovascular mortality, and a 0.82% increase in daily respiratory mortality.

Significant geographical differences in mortality rates due to wildfire-related O3 exposure were recorded. Regions near the equator in South America, southeastern Asia, and South Africa experienced the highest concentrations, while areas in northern America, eastern Asia, and Europe reported the lowest.

The findings suggest that air pollution is not just an environmental issue but a critical public health crisis. Pollutants in the air, including particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulphur dioxide (SO2), are linked to various health problems, such as respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and cancer.

Experts are urgently calling for measures to address the root causes of air pollution. They emphasise the need for stricter emission regulations, enhanced air quality monitoring, and the promotion of cleaner technologies and fuels. The study stressed the significant mortality rates associated with short-term exposure to wildfire-related O3, urging for effective risk and smoke management strategies to protect public health.

Public health officials warn that without immediate action, the health consequences could worsen, leading to higher mortality rates and increased healthcare costs. The study’s findings are a wake-up call for policymakers to prioritise air quality improvements to safeguard the health of millions of urban residents.

In response to the study, several environmental organisations have renewed their calls for comprehensive air quality management plans and greater public awareness campaigns to mitigate the risks associated with air pollution.