Rampant garbage burning along the highways in Mumbai, Thane and Raigad is posing a huge threat to people’s health. A survey by Awaaz Foundation to measure PM2.5 at some of these sites has found that pollution levels had a direct relation with the size of the garbage dump being burnt. A dump at Bhiwandi showed the highest level of PM2.5.

Air pollution is measured by quantifying total suspended Particulate Matter identified by the size of the particles. PM2.5 are minute particles having a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or smaller. These particles contain a mixture of solids and liquids and include acids such as sulfates and nitrates, ammonium, carbon and mineral dust.