Air Pollution In India Deadlier Than Pandemic, Caused 17.8% Of All Deaths In 2019: Lancet Study

Air Pollution, which is internationally regarded as the largest environmental health hazard, has been proven as a major cause of premature deaths and disease.

Representative Photo (PTI/Atul Yadav)

New Delhi: According to the British Medical Journal, The Lancet, air pollution in India proved deadlier than any other pandemic. The study showed that 17.8 percent of all the deaths in 2019 were linked to air pollution in the country. Air Pollution, which is internationally regarded as the largest environmental health hazard, has been proven as a major cause of premature deaths and disease. According to the journal, vehicular, industrial pollution, as well as stubble burning in adjoining states, have played havoc with the condition of the air in the city of New Delhi. The air pollution situation in the city worsened especially in winters with fewer ventilation conditions. "67 million deaths were attributable to air pollution in India in 2019, accounting for 17·8 percent of the total deaths in the country. The majority of these deaths were from ambient particulate matter pollution (0·98 million and household air pollution (0·61 million). The death rate due to household air pollution decreased by 64·2 percent from 1990 to 2019, while that due to ambient particulate matter pollution increased by 115·3 percent," said the study published in the journal. The study further said that successful reduction in air pollution in India through various strategies would lead to increased benefits for both the health of the population and the economy. Delhi Worst Hit By Air Pollution As Delhi among the worst-hit states in the country, while the entire country was celebrating the festival of Diwali, the air quality of Delhi turned “severe” on eve of the festival. Though the Delhi state government put up a blanket ban on firecrackers muting the Diwali celebrations, the city recorded an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 414 at pm 2.5. WATCH | India avoids any risks, makes all UK passengers undergo Corona tests