Delhi and Bihar Top Global PM2.5 Rankings

• 19 Mar 2024

India has been ranked third globally in PM2.5 levels. Delhi and Bihar's Begusarai lead, posing severe health risks.

Key Points

• Bihar's Begusarai Tops PM2.5 Charts: Begusarai named world's most polluted metro area, PM2.5 levels at 118.9 µg/m³.
• Delhi's PM2.5 worsens to 92.7 µg/m³, retaining title as most polluted capital for four consecutive years.
• India's Disturbing Air Quality Trends: India ranks third globally for PM2.5 pollution, recording an average of 54.4 µg/m³.
• Over 1.36 billion Indians exceed WHO annual guideline levels, 96% experience levels exceeding guidelines by seven times.
• Data Collection and Impact: IQAir's report aggregates data from over 30,000 air quality monitoring stations worldwide.
• Air pollution contributes to an estimated one in nine global deaths annually, with severe health implications.
• Health Implications and Challenges: PM2.5 exposure leads to various health issues, including asthma, cancer, stroke, and mental health concerns.
• Children's cognitive development and existing illnesses, such as diabetes, are adversely affected by elevated PM2.5 levels.