The Indian cities at risk due to high toxic Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) levels in the atmosphere, according to a report ‘Beyond North India: NO₂ Pollution and Health Risks in Seven Major Indian Cities’ based on pollution levels of 2023.
When the pollution level spikes up, quite often particulate matter takes the spotlight in public discourse, ignoring other pollutants like nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) that significantly contribute to the pollution levels.
Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is a near-invisible toxic gas closely linked to traffic and fuel burning, common in urban areas. Vehicles and energy generation from fossil fuel are main sources of NO₂, which can cause lung and respiratory diseases mainly among children.
The Indian cities discussed in the report are Jaipur, Pune, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai. The Analysis reveals:
- NO₂ pollution led to 21,000 years of healthy life lost due to illness or premature death in 2021.
- 89% of monitoring stations in seven major Indian cities exceeded the WHO’s annual NO₂ pollution guidelines in 2023.
- India has recorded the highest average annual population-weighted NO₂ concentration in South Asia since 2002, surpassing neighbouring countries.
- Road traffic consistently ranks among the top three sources of nitrogen oxides (NO₂ and NO) emissions.
- Current vehicle emission standards are insufficient. Mass use of internal combustion engine vehicles gives rise to numerous environmental and social problems, from pollution to noise and congestion
Health Impacts of NO₂ Exposure
Overwhelming scientific evidence links NO2 exposure to adverse health impacts.
- Exposure to NO2 raises the risk of respiratory irritation, airway inflammation, asthma, and the exacerbation of pre-existing respiratory disorders. It can worsen allergies, hinder lung growth, and make people more vulnerable to respiratory infections.
- The risks go beyond respiratory health; they are associated with lung cancer, circulatory disorders, ischemic heart disease, adult ischemic stroke, and premature mortality.
- Children are particularly vulnerable due to their developing bodies, making them more susceptible to the harmful effects of NO₂, with 3,970 cases of paediatric asthma attributed to NO₂ pollution in the city in 2015.
The results highlight the pressing need for cleaner transportation systems, more stringent emission regulations, and increased public awareness of contaminants like NO₂. Tackling this overlooked pollutant is essential for safeguarding public health and enhancing the quality of urban life in India.