The Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) released by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago also showed that all of India’s 1.3 billion people live in areas where the annual average particulate pollution level exceeds the 5 Î1⁄4g/m3 limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) is a tool developed by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago. It quantifies the impact of air pollution on life expectancy, providing a tangible and relatable way to understand the health risks associated with poor air quality.
Delhi considered as most polluted
Delhi has emerged as the world’s most polluted city in a new study which has also found that its residents are on track to lose 11.9 years of life if the current levels of pollution persist.
It also found that 67.4 per cent of the country’s population lives in areas that exceed the country’s own national air quality standard of 40 Î1⁄4g/m3. The study said fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) shortens an average Indian’s life expectancy by 5.3 years, relative to what it would be if the 5 Î1⁄4g/m3 pollution limit set by (WHO) was met.
PM2.5 refers to tiny particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller in the air. These particles, coming from sources like vehicles and industry, can cause respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
Even in the least polluted district in the region Pathankot in Punjab particulate pollution is more than seven times the WHO limit, taking 3.1 years off life expectancy if current levels persist.
