According to new WHO figures, 16 of the world's 30 most polluted cities are in India. Further, levels are growing of ultra-fine particles of less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5s), which can penetrate deep into the lungs and can cause serious health problems for people who live in India's cities.
Additionally, Blueair underlined how the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has calculated that air pollution, responsible for 10,000 to 30,000 deaths annually in Delhi alone, is the fifth leading cause of death in the country.
Constant eruption of man-caused fires is making the situation worst. This includes the major Bhalswa dumpsite fire in Delhi and the Deonar dumpsite fire in Mumbai, which has seriously endangered air quality in both cities. Additionally, the entire northern part of India is still suffering from recent forest fires in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
"Air pollution increases the risk of stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and severe respiratory diseases. For a city-dweller, it is difficult to battle against outdoor air pollution, but it is possible to create safer indoor air zones simply by installing air purifiers, at home and in the workplace, so that people can at least breathe clean air and feel healthy," said Bengt Rittri, Blueair founder and CEO.
Encouragingly, Delhi, one of the most polluted cities in the world, has banned large diesel cars from entering the city center. In addition, the Delhi government is taking small steps such as implementing odd-even car rule in the capital city to fight air pollution. But, says Blueair, to achieve a major transition, we need to take hard decisions. Here are a few words of advice from Blueair.