Air pollution linked to multiple health issues in India
What's the story
An analysis of over 180 epidemiological studies conducted in India has found a strong link between air pollution and adverse health effects. The research, conducted by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), revealed that more than 91% of these studies reported at least one negative health association with exposure to air pollution. The studies were published between 1975 and 2025.
Broader effects
Health impacts of air pollution
The studies analyzed by CREA found that the health impacts of air pollution go beyond just respiratory diseases.
They also include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, pregnancy complications, impaired child growth, tumors, blood disorders, as well as mental and neurocognitive disorders.
This highlights the far-reaching effects of air pollution on public health in India.
Rural impact
Impact on rural populations
Out of the 180 studies, only 40 looked at the impact of air pollution on rural populations.
Of these, a staggering 38 reported at least one adverse health association.
This shows that the negative health effects of air pollution are not just limited to urban areas but also affect rural populations in India.
Study locations
Most studied cities in India
Delhi was the most studied city in terms of its health-air pollution link, with 26 studies conducted.
It was followed by Punjab (13), Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh (11 each), West Bengal (10), Tamil Nadu (9), Karnataka (8), and Telangana (7).
CREA analyst Manoj Kumar stressed the need to move beyond a city-centric approach and explicitly include rural areas through a regional, airshed-based approach in the next phase of National Clean Air Programme (NCAP 2.0).
Pollutant analysis
Impact of particulate matter on health
The studies analyzed a range of air pollutants, with 45 looking at both particulate matter and gaseous pollutants.
PM2.5 was studied in 32 studies, PM10 alone in four, and both PM10 and PM2.5 in 16.
Among those looking at gaseous pollutants, significant adverse health associations were found for increased mortality rates as well as acute respiratory hospital/emergency visits, among others.
Pollution contribution
Multipollutant approach needed for air pollution mitigation
Gaseous pollutants such as SOx and NOx not only have direct health effects but also contribute to secondary PM2.5 formation through atmospheric chemical reactions.
Kumar emphasized that air pollution mitigation should take a multipollutant approach, targeting gaseous precursors that lead to secondary PM2.5 and ground-level ozone formation.
This would require emission reductions from major sources including industries, power plants, residential cooking, and other combustion activities.