Delhi and Kolkata are the world’s two most polluted cities based on PM 2.5 exposure

Two of the world’s most polluted cities are located in India. Delhi and Kolkata are placed highest in pollution due to fine particulate matter, a significant air pollutant, according to the most recent assessment on the air quality and health in cities around the world. Mumbai, India’s financial hub, is ranked 14th on this list.

Polluted Cities: Delhi & Kolkata

The State of Global Air report, Air Quality, and Health in Cities was published on Wednesday. Focusing on two of the most hazardous pollutants, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide, the report studies pollution and its consequences in more than 7,000 cities around the world (NO 2).

Delhi and Kolkata were discovered to be the two most polluted cities in the world when PM2.5 levels were compared, with an average annual exposure (relative to population) of 110 g/m3 for Delhi and 84 g/m3 for Kolkata. Microgram per cubic metre is the definition of the unit g/m3.

NO2 Vs PM2.5

The levels of NO2 in the 7,000 cities were also compared in the paper. According to N02 levels, no Indian city was in the top 10, or even top 20, most polluted cities. Shanghai is the most polluted city in this ranking, with average annual exposure to 41 g/m3. According to the paper, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Delhi each had average NO2 concentrations between 20 and 30 g/m3.

Two of the most common air pollutants in cities and metropolitan regions around the world are PM2.5 and NO2. PM2.5 is a term used to describe airborne, inhalable particles less than 2.5 micrometers (m) in size that are emitted into the atmosphere by a variety of sources, including factories, industries, car engines, fires, and building site dust, etc. The combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal, gas, and oil, particularly the fuel used in automobiles, produces NO2.

Striking Global Exposure

Based on the report, an analysis of data from 2010 to 2019 showed “strikingly different” global exposure patterns for the two main air contaminants. NO2 exposure is high in both high- and low-income cities, even though cities in low- and middle-income countries often have higher levels of PM2.5 pollution.

Cancer, strokes, heart problems, respiratory issues, and other disorders can all be brought on by exposure to these dangerous pollution particles. The Global Burden of Disease project of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation and the Health Effects Institute have joined forces to create The State of Global Air.

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