PM2.5 air pollution claimed 54,000 lives in Delhi last year: Study

Air pollution caused by hazardous PM25 fine particulate matter led to the death of 54000 people in Delhi last year where pollution levels remained almost six times above the prescribed WHO limits according to a new studyAccording to a Greenpeace Southeast Asia analysis of IQAir data 1800 deaths per million were estimated due to PM25 air pollution in DelhiThe PM25 air pollution claimed approximately 54000 lives in Indias national capital in 2020 the study saidPM25 refers to fine particulate matter smaller than 25 micrometers in diameter Exposure to PM25 is considered the most important environmental risk factor for deaths globally and was attributed to 42 million premature deaths in 2015 the study saidThe study noted that the damage is equally worrying in other Indian citiesAn estimated 25000 avoidable deaths in Mumbai in 2020 have been attributed to air pollution Bengaluru Chennai Hyderabad and Lucknow estimated an approximate 12000 11000 11000 and 6700 avoidable deaths respectively due to polluted air it saidNoting that the air pollutant levels in Delhi remained almost six times above the prescribed WHO limits of 10 microgm3 annual mean the study said the estimated air pollutionrelated economic losses were USD 81 billion Rs 58895 crore which amounts to 13 per cent of Delhis annual GDPDespite a temporary reprieve in air quality owing to the lockdown the latest figures from the report underscore the need to act immediately The need of the hour is to rapidly scale up renewable energy bring an end to fossil fuel emissions and boost sustainable and accessible transport systems the study saidGlobally approximate 160000 deaths have been attributed to PM25 air pollution in the five most populous cities of Delhi 30 million Mexico City 22 million Sao Paulo 22 million Shanghai 26 million and Tokyo 37 million it saidldquoDespite recording relatively better air quality this year due to strict lockdown air pollution continues to be a serious public health issue which also drastically impacts our economy For the governments of the day it is crucial that investments are made towards green and sustainable solutions When we choose fossil fuel over clean energy our health is put at stake Polluted air increases the likelihood of deaths due to cancer amp stroke spike in asthma attacks and worsens severity of COVID19 symptomsrdquo said Avinash Chanchal Climate Campaigner Greenpeace IndiaWe need to ensure our growth demand is fuelled by sustainable and cleaner sources of energy and cities should promote low cost active and carbonneutral transport options that prioritises walking cycling and public transport the increased use of clean energy and clean transport will not only improve the public health but it will also strengthen the economy and public money added ChanchalCommenting on the revelations made by cost estimator CEO of IQAir Frank Hammes says ldquoBreathing should not be deadly The fact that poor air quality claimed an estimated 160000 lives in the five largest cities alone should give us pause especially in a year when many cities were seeing lower air pollution levels due to less economic activity Governments corporations and individuals must do more to eliminate the sources of air pollution and make our cities better places to liverdquoTo show the impact of air pollution related deaths on the economy Greenpeace said it used the approach called lsquowillingnesstopayrsquo which means a lost life year or a year lived with disability is converted to money by the amount that people are willing to pay in order to avoid this negative outcomeThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever