Indians may lose over three years of life expectancy due to ongoing air pollution, as reported by the Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) from the University of Chicago.
Key Findings of the Air Quality Life Index (AQLI)
- Reduction in Pollution Levels: Particulate pollution levels in India decreased by 19.3% in 2022 compared to 2021.
- Impact on Life Expectancy: Despite this reduction, the average person in India may still lose 3.4 years of life expectancy if the current pollution levels continue.
- Impact on Life Expectancy: In India, every 10 µg/m³ increase in PM2.5 could reduce life expectancy by around 1.6 years.
- Pollution & Health Burden: Bangladesh is the most polluted country overall, but India faces the highest health burden from air pollution due to its large population.
- The northern plains of India are the most polluted region in the country.
- Regional Life Expectancy Impact
- In the northern plains, even with a 17.2% decrease in particulate pollution in 2022, residents may still lose about 5.4 years of life expectancy if pollution levels continue.
- If current pollution reduction trends persist, there is potential for a 1.2-year increase in life expectancy for residents of this region.
- Beyond the northern plains, the states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan also bear a high burden of pollution in India.
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About Air Quality Life Index (AQLI)
- Produced by: Air Quality Life Index, or AQLI, is produced by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC).
- Measure: The AQLI measures the impact of air pollution on human life expectancy.
How AQLI Measures the Impact of Air Pollution on Life Expectancy
- AQLI estimates the relationship between air pollution and life expectancy.
- It does so by leveraging results from a pair of studies set in China.
- The results of the studies are combined with detailed global population and PM2.5 data to estimate the impact of particulate matter on life expectancy.
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- WHO Guidelines: Researchers use WHO guidelines as a standard for clean air, which serves as a comparison point.
- Significance
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- The AQLI serves as a vital tool for shaping public health policies.
- It aids in assessing the effectiveness of initiatives aimed at improving air quality.
Reasons for Deteriorating Air Quality in India
- Vehicular Pollution: Trucks, tempos, and diesel vehicles contribute to air pollution, outweighing the benefits of cleaner fuels and technologies.
- Industrial Combustion: Power plants and industries burning dirty fuels like pet coke, coal, and biomass release harmful pollutants.
- Garbage Burning: Burning waste in landfills and other areas without proper disposal systems adds to pollution.
- Road Dust: Dust from roads and construction sites increases particulate pollution.
- Agricultural Activities: Use of insecticides, pesticides, and fertilizers releases ammonia, a major air pollutant.
- Crop Residue Burning: Burning crop residues in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh significantly worsens air quality in the Delhi NCR region, especially during winter.
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Particulate Matter (PM)
- Particulate Matter: PM consists of tiny particles in the air like dust, soot, and liquid droplets. Some are visible, while others are microscopic.
- Sources: PM originates from both natural and manmade sources, either emitted directly or formed through atmospheric reactions.
- Types:
- Coarse Particles (PM10): Particles under 10 micrometers; can be inhaled and affect the respiratory system.
- Fine Particles (PM2.5): Particles under 2.5 micrometers; penetrate deep into the lungs and are the most harmful.
- Health Effects:
- Short-term: Causes irritation in the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, leading to symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath.
- Long-term: Increases the risk of chronic bronchitis, reduced lung function, lung cancer, and heart disease.
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August 29, 2024
