AIR POLLUTION MEASURING SCALES – ENVIRONMENT

AIR POLLUTION MEASURING SCALES – ENVIRONMENT EXPLAINED

Seasonal Air Pollution in Delhi-NCR

  • Annual Issue: Fog, smog, and haze have become a regular occurrence every winter in Delhi-NCR for the past two decades.
  • Causes:
    • Low Temperature and Absence of Wind: Traps pollutants close to the ground.
    • Increasing Pollution: Rising levels of vehicular and industrial emissions.
    • Stubble Burning: Agricultural burning in nearby states contributes significantly.
    • Inadequate Mitigation Measures: Limited and ineffective strategies to curb pollution.

Air Quality Index (AQI)

  • Definition: A measure that indicates the quality of air based on the concentration of pollutants.
  • India's AQI:

·         Monitored by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

·         Major pollutants include PM 2.5, PM 10, ozone, lead, carbon, ammonia, arsenic, nickel, benzene, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide.

·         India's AQI standards were established in 2009.

Particulate Matter (PM)

  • Explanation: Tiny particles or droplets in the air consisting of dust, smoke, and soot.
  • Sources:
    • Natural sources.
    • Human activities like burning fossil fuels, waste incineration, and metal processing.
  • Health and Environmental Impact:
    • Harmful to respiratory health.
    • Considered a major air pollutant by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

PM 2.5 - Fine Particulate Matter

  • Characteristics: Particles with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less.
  • Health Risks:

·         Inhalation can cause bronchitis, asthma, and lung inflammation.

·         Linked to cardiovascular issues like heart attacks and strokes.

  • Global and National Standards:

·         WHO Standard: Should not exceed 25 μg/m³ over 24 hours.

·         India’s 2009 Standard: 60 μg/m³.

·         Delhi's Measurements:

    • US Embassy: Reported PM 2.5 levels exceeding 1,000 μg/m³ in specific areas.
    • CPCB Data: Daily average PM 2.5 levels reached 429 μg/m³.

PM 10 - Coarse Particulate Matter

  • Definition: Particles larger than 10 microns.
  • Impact: Generally trapped in the upper respiratory system (nose and throat) and do not reach the lungs.
  • Major Source:

·         Road dust is a significant contributor (56%) to PM 10 levels as per an IIT-Kharagpur study.

Regulatory and Management Bodies

  • Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM):

·         Formation: Established in 2020 by the Union Environment Ministry through an ordinance.

·         Purpose: To manage and improve air quality in Delhi-NCR.

·         Functions:

    • Coordinate air quality efforts.
    • Conduct research and identify pollution sources.
    • Implement solutions for air quality issues.

Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)

  • Introduction: Developed by CAQM in 2022.
  • Purpose: To impose step-by-step measures based on pollution severity in Delhi-NCR.
  • Categories:
    • Stage I - 'Poor': AQI 201-300.
    • Stage II - 'Very Poor': AQI 301-400.
    • Stage III - 'Severe': AQI 401-450.
    • Stage IV - 'Severe+': AQI above 450.
  • Focus in Earlier Years:
    • 2021 concentrated on controlling stubble burning and restricting construction activities.