Air Pollution

Air pollution is a mixture of solid particles and gases in the air. Vehicle emissions, factory chemicals, construction dust, crop-burning smoke, pollen, and mould spores can all be suspended as particles. Ozone and nitrogen dioxide are common gas-phase pollutants in cities, especially in summer.

Air pollution is one of the biggest public-health challenges in India. Indian cities regularly rank among the most polluted in the world; Delhi-NCR in particular sees severe air-quality episodes in winter, with PM2.5 and PM10 levels many times the WHO guideline. Indoor air pollution — from biomass cooking fuels (firewood, dung, kerosene) — is also a major concern in rural households.

Many air pollutants are harmful. Inhaling them raises the chance of breathing problems, heart disease, and stroke. People with heart or lung disease, pregnant women, older adults, and children are at greater risk. On days with poor air quality (check your city's Air Quality Index on IMD or the Central Pollution Control Board's SAMEER app):

• Stay indoors where possible, especially during peak-pollution hours
• Keep windows closed; use air purifiers if available
• Limit outdoor exercise and avoid exercising near heavy traffic
• Wear a well-fitting N95/FFP2 mask outdoors if air quality is severe
• People with asthma or COPD should keep inhalers ready and follow their action plan