“Rapid expansion of industrial, urban, and traffic emissions has significantly increased the air pollution, especially over the past two decades,” said Sachin Ghude, principal investigator, IITM. This study will help policy planners to propose or impose emission controls to benefit reduced public health risk due to exposure to outdoor air pollution,” said Ghude. Economic cost because of premature mortality of PM2.5 and O3 exposure is largest in Uttar Pradesh (98 billion USD), followed by Maharashtra (62 billion USD), West Bengal (57 billion USD), and Bihar (53 billion USD). Inhaling minute airborne pollutants reduces the life expectancy of Indians by an average of 3.4 years, with Delhiites losing 6.3 years — the highest among all states. The government needs to act on an emergency basis, and come out with a time-bound clean air action plan,” said Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy, and head of the air pollution and clean transportation programme, Centre for Science and Environment, Delhi.

Source: Hindustan Times May 16, 2016 13:03 UTC