Context:
State of Global Air 2024 Report released recently.
About Report:
- Published by – Health Effects Institute (a US-based research organization) in partnership with UNICEF
- Presents information on exposures to and health impacts of exposure to common air pollutants including fine particulate matter, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide, from 1990–2021.
Key highlights of the report:
- Globally, air pollution accounted for the 2nd largest risk factor of death (8.1 million deaths) in 2021, after High blood pressure.
- 99% of the world’s population lives in places with unhealthy levels of PM2.5 pollutions.
- Populations from low- and middle- income countries are exposed to 1.3—4 times higher levels of ambient PM2.5.
- Air pollution also worsened the COVID-19 outcomes by compromising immune systems, causing inflammation and oxidative stress in lungs, etc.
PM2.5 refers to airborne particles measuring less than 2.5 micrometers (μm) in diameter
Key Initiatives to Combat Air Pollution in India:
- National Clean Air Programme: To Improve air quality in 131 cities (non-attainment cities and Million Plus Cities) in 24 States.
- Leapfrogging from BS-IV to BS-VI fuel standards since April 01, 2018 in NCT of Delhi and from April 01, 2020 for the rest of the country.
- National Air Quality Index: For dissemination of information to public about daily air quality.
Read more: Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2023 Rankings, Air Pollution
Source: Economic Times
Previous Year Question
In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, consider the following statements:
1. The 24-hour mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 15 µg/m³ and annual mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 µg/m3.
2. In a year, the highest levels of ozone pollution occur during the periods of inclement weather.
3. PM10 can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the bloodstream.
4. Excessive ozone in the air can trigger asthma.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) 1, 3 and 4
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4
(d) 1 and 2 only
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Statements 2 and 3 are incorrect:
Such effects can occur in places where concentrations are currently high due to human activities or are elevated during episodes of very hot weather.
The even more health-damaging particles are those with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less, (≤ PM2.5). PM2.5 can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the blood system.
