Air pollution is no longer just an environmental issue; it has become one of the leading causes of death across India, claiming over 2.3 million lives as recently as 2019 due to its lethal impacts. A staggering figure of nearly 1.6 million deaths is attributed solely to air pollution, with the rest stemming from other environmental concerns like water pollution. These figures underline the urgent need for systemic changes to address the environmental crisis, which is not only damaging ecosystems but also seriously threatening human health.
A recent study conducted by the Karolinska Institutet on the health impacts of long-term air pollution exposure has brought shocking revelations to light. Published in The Lancet Planetary Health, the study highlights the connection between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution and high mortality rates across India. Fine particulate matter measures less than 2.5 micrometers, which allows it to penetrate deep within the lungs and enter the bloodstream, leading to severe health risks.
Through data collected from 655 districts between 2009 and 2019, the research indicates alarming trends. The findings show every increase of 10 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3) of PM2.5 is associated with an 8.6% rise in mortality risk, which leads to the conclusion of approximately 1.5 million deaths annually linked to PM2.5 levels exceeding the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended maximum of 5 µg/m3.
The reality is grim: about 1.4 billion people living across India are exposed to air quality levels considered dangerous. With some regions reporting staggering levels of PM2.5 concentration—up to 119 µg/m3—this pollution crisis spans far beyond urban centers like Delhi, affecting rural areas and smaller cities alarmingly as well.
Experts highlight the drastic need for effective policy changes. "High levels of annual PM2.5 exposure are observed across India, causing immense mortality burden. This issue is not limited to cities known for pollution crises; instead, it points to the necessity for systematic rather than symptomatic solutions,” stresses Suganthi Jaganathan, a doctoral researcher at the Centre for Health Analytics Research and Trends (CHART) at Ashoka University.
To combat this devastating toll, the CHAIR-India consortium—a collaboration between various prestigious institutions including Harvard University, Stockholm's Karolinska Institutet, and Indian academic entities—was formed to address the health consequences of air pollution. Their studies indicate the need for urgent measures; coal-burning plants are highlighted as major contributors, and the practice of burning crops should be curtailed.
Abhishek Bhargava, an environmental expert, adds, "India's rapid industrialization and urban growth coupled with lax environmental regulations have accelerated air pollution levels.” Major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Kanpur, and Varanasi regularly vie for the title of the most polluted worldwide, driven by traffic emissions, industrial activities, and construction dust.
Beyond just air pollution, India's waterways are under siege, with untreated sewage and industrial toxicity deteriorate rivers like the Ganges and Yamuna. Soil health also suffers due to excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, compounded by poor waste management practices leading to rampant contamination across various sectors.
Indian health experts warn of the latent dangers posed by air pollution. Dr. Sanggita Checker, consultant chest physician at Mumbai's Wockhardt Hospitals, articulates how chronic exposure can cause significant health complications such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Over time, toxic pollutants lead to severe damage to lungs, heart, and even brain health. The long-term impacts, she notes, can manifest as life-threatening illnesses like heart attacks, strokes, and cancers.
Equally troubling are the neurological impacts. Emerging studies have started to establish correlations between air pollution and the onset of Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s diseases, affecting both adults and children alike.
Therefore, what can individuals do? While systemic efforts are needed to address the overarching pollution issues, healthcare professionals suggest personal strategies for protection. Some recommendations highlight the significance of air purifiers at home, avoiding outdoor activities during peak pollution hours, and using public transport to reduce vehicular emissions. Planting more trees can also improve urban air quality.
Dr. Checker advises checking the air quality index (AQI) before venturing outdoors and opts for eco-friendly transport methods to mitigate personal contribution to pollution. Yet, the dire need for policy reform and large-scale measures remains evident.
The findings of this extensive research pose serious questions about India’s environmental regulations and highlight the disparity between India’s air quality standards and those recommended by international health organizations. "The current guidelines are insufficient to safeguard health; stronger regulations must be enforced starting now," advocates Petter Ljungman, who contributed to the study from Karolinska Institutet.
Going forward, the researchers insist upon the need for comprehensive solutions to reduce air pollution across India, integrating academia, policy-making, and public health initiatives. Achieving this could not only curb mortality rates linked to pollution but also improve overall public health and quality of life for millions of residents nationwide.
With millions of lives at stake, the urgency for visible change has never been clearer. Studies like this can act as catalysts for generating the necessary dialogue and driving meaningful action against one of India’s silent but lethal killers: air pollution.
