The Economics of Clean Air
PM2.5 and Health
What PM2.5 particles are, how they harm the heart and lungs, how India's levels compare with WHO guidelines, and estimates of how many years of life pollution costs.
PM2.5 refers to tiny particles smaller than 2.5 micrometres, about thirty times thinner than a human hair.
Why dangerous
- They enter deep into the lungs and bloodstream.
- They cause heart disease, stroke, lung cancer and respiratory illness.
- Linked to low birth weight and harm to children.
Guidelines
- The WHO guideline for annual average PM2.5 is 5 micrograms per cubic metre.
- India’s national standard is 40.
- Many Indian cities average far above both.
Life expectancy
The University of Chicago’s Air Quality Life Index estimates that if India met WHO guidelines, average life expectancy would rise by several years, and much more in north India.
Deaths
Studies like the Global Burden of Disease estimate that air pollution contributes to well over a million deaths in India each year.
Invisible harm
Unlike accidents, pollution deaths are statistical and slow, so they get less attention.
A child growing up in a heavily polluted north Indian city may lose several years of life expectancy compared with living in clean air, according to AQLI estimates.
PM2.5 causes heart disease, strokes and cancer.
- PM2.5 particles penetrate deep into the body.
- WHO's guideline is 5; India's standard is 40.
- Pollution may cut years off Indian life expectancy.
- It contributes to over a million deaths a year in India.
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