The World Health Organization (WHO) has collected ground measurements of annual mean nitrogen dioxide concentrations for the first time (NO2). It also includes measurements of Particulate Matter (PM) with sizes of 10 m or less (PM10) or 2.5 m (PM2.5) (PM2.5). The findings have prompted WHO to emphasise the need of reducing air pollution levels by reducing fossil fuel consumption and implementing other concrete initiatives. According to the IQAir (a Swiss company) 2021 World Air Quality Report, India has 11 of the 15 most polluted cities in Central and South Asia in 2021. 

Findings

• Air Pollution’s Impact: Meanwhile, evidence of the harm caused by air pollution to the human body is fast developing, pointing to considerable impairment caused by even low levels of several air contaminants.
• Particulate matter, particularly PM 2.5, has the ability to penetrate deep into the lungs and into the circulation, resulting in Cardiovascular, Cerebrovascular (stroke), and Respiratory effects. NO2 is linked to respiratory disorders, notably asthma, which can result in respiratory symptoms (such as coughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing), hospitalizations, and emergency department visits.
• Unhealthy Air: More than 6,000 cities in 117 nations now monitor air quality, yet inhabitants continue to breathe unhealthy amounts of fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, with individuals in poor and middle-income countries being exposed the most.
• Compliance with WHO Air Quality Limits: In the 117 nations that monitor air quality, 17 percent of cities in high-income countries have air quality that falls below WHO’s PM 2.5 or PM 10 guidelines.In low- and middle-income nations, less than 1% of cities meet WHO recommended air quality standards.
• Increased Data Collection: Since the last update, up to 2,000 new cities and human settlements have been recording ground monitoring data for particulate matter, PM10 and/or PM2.5 (2018).Since the database was created in 2011, there has been an almost sixfold increase in reporting.

Way forward

• Increase the efficiency of industry and municipal waste management.
• Encourage people to switch to clean energy for cooking, heating, and lighting in their homes.
• Include air pollution in health professional courses and provide mechanisms for the health sector to participate.
• Adopt or amend national air quality standards in accordance with the most recent WHO Air Quality Guidelines and put them into effect.
• Invest in energy-efficient houses and alternative energy sources.
• Enforce higher car emissions and efficiency regulations, as well as required vehicle inspection and maintenance.

• Reduce the incineration of agricultural waste, forest fires, and some agro-forestry practises (e.g. charcoal production)
• Air quality should be monitored and pollution sources should be identified.
• Build public transportation systems that are both safe and cheap, as well as networks that are favourable to pedestrians and cyclists.

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/explained-whos-air-quality-database-and-its-latest-update/article65308504.ece

How to structure:

1. Give an intro about air pollution and air quality in the world/India
2. Explain what WHO’s air quality database is
3. Mention the major findings of the observations
4. Suggest measures to reduce air pollution and mention India’s initiatives
5. Conclude