India Air Pollution Case Study

• What was India's rank in the 2016 Environmental Performance Study?


  341 out of 180 countries
• What did a 2013 study find about lung function in non-smokers in India compared to Europeans?


  Indians have 30% lower lung function compared to Europeans
• Which city was announced as the most polluted in the world by the WHO in May 2014?


  New Delhi
• How many Indian cities were listed as the world's most polluted by the WHO in 2016?


  20 cities
• How many deaths were attributed to air pollution in India in 2015?

  1. 1 million
• What is PM2.5 and why is it significant?


  PM2.5 is particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometres and is linked to cancer
• What are the main sources of air pollution in India?

  • Industrial emissions from metals, chemicals, and petrochemicals
  • Motor vehicle emissions causing traffic congestion
  • Domestic fuelwood and biomass burning
  • Inefficient coal, oil, and natural gas power plants
• What are some common forms of outdoor air pollution?

  Nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, and PAHs
• What classification does the IARC give to outdoor air pollution?


  Outdoor air pollution is classified as a "Category 1" carcinogen
• How does air pollution affect lung function in Delhi compared to rural areas?


  Lung function is on average 40% reduced in Delhi compared to 25% in rural areas
• What percentage of premature deaths from indoor air pollution in India is due to pneumonia?


  40%
• What is the projected cancer burden in India for 2021 in terms of DALYs?


  26.7 million DALYs
• What is the significance of the disability-adjusted life year (DALY) measure?


  DALY combines years of life lost due to premature mortality and morbidity
• What national solutions has India proposed to tackle air pollution?

  • Commitment to reduce households using solid fuel for cooking
  • Renewing subsidies for cleaner cooking gas
  • Draft National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) with multiple pollution reduction strategies
  • Clean Air Campaign to raise awareness and check vehicle pollution
• What international agreement aims to reduce harmful emissions to below 18% of 1990 levels?


  The second Kyoto Protocol
• What year did 195 countries sign the Paris Agreement?


  2016
• What is the goal of the WHO's draft road map produced in 2015 regarding air pollution?


  To enhance the global response to the link between air pollution and ill-health
• How does the air quality in developed countries compare to that in India?


  Developed countries often have better air quality due to stricter regulations
• What is the impact of air pollution on Covid-19 mortality rates in India?


  Persistently high levels of air pollution may have significantly increased deaths from Covid-19
• What is the highest concentration of PM2.5 particles recorded in New Delhi compared to the WHO safe limit?


  14 times the safe limit
• Which demographic groups are most affected by indoor air pollution in India?


  Women and younger children
• What are the health impacts of PM2.5 air pollution in New Delhi from 2000-2019?


  PM2.5 air pollution caused around 54,000 premature deaths
• What is the relationship between air pollution and respiratory symptoms in Delhi compared to rural areas?


  Respiratory symptoms are 1.7 times higher in Delhi
• What is the main cause of hypertension linked to air pollution in India?


  Air pollution itself
• What is the expected increase in cancer burden in India from 2021 to 2025 in terms of DALYs?


  From 26.7 million to 29.8 million DALYs
• How does the Indian government's approach to air pollution reflect its economic development?


  Air quality has worsened as India developed economically, outpacing environmental legislation
• What are the expected health benefits of international agreements on emissions reduction?


  They aim to mitigate climate change and improve human health
• What is the main focus of the Clean Air Campaign initiated in February 2018 in India?


  To check vehicle pollution and raise awareness
• What is the significance of the WHO's monitoring and reporting plan regarding air pollution?


  It aims to improve knowledge on the link between air pollution and health
• How do electric vehicles contribute to improving air quality in Indian cities?


  They reduce emissions and promote cleaner transportation options
• What is the role of education in addressing indoor air pollution in India?


  Education increases awareness about avoiding indoor air pollution
• What is the impact of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on health?


  They are linked to various cancers
• What is the expected trend in the incidence of cancer in India?


  The incidence of cancer is increasing
• How does the burden of disease differ between urban and rural populations in India?


  Urban populations face higher morbidity and mortality due to air pollution
• What is the significance of the 40% reduction in households using solid fuel for cooking in India?


  It aims to improve air quality and reduce health risks
• What is the main goal of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) proposed in India?


  To outline multiple ways to reduce air pollution
• How does the Indian government plan to improve access to clean fuel for cooking?


  By renewing subsidies for polluting cooking gas
• What challenges does India face in improving air quality amidst economic development?


  Poverty, population growth, and industrialization complicate air quality improvement
• What is the expected impact of the Clean Air Campaign on public awareness?


  It aims to raise awareness about avoiding indoor air pollution
• What is the role of the WHO in addressing air pollution globally?


  To enhance the global response to the link between air pollution and health