What are the most common and hazardous pollutants in outdoor and indoor air? Mention the health hazards…

Question

What are the most common and hazardous pollutants in outdoor and indoor air? Mention the health hazards from each of the pollutants. What is AQI (Air Quality Index)? Who monitors AQI in India? What is the contribution of PM to AQI?

Ghissu Editorial · Accepted Answer

Common hazardous air pollutants are PM2.5 and PM10 (lung and heart disease), SO2 and NOx (airway damage), ozone, carbon monoxide (oxygen deprivation), benzene (cancer) and indoor radon (lung cancer). The AQI, launched in 2015 and monitored by the CPCB, rates eight pollutants, and PM usually sets the overall index.

**Introduction**

Air pollution severely impacts health and development in India, with the Air Quality Index⟦1⟧ (AQI) crucial for public awareness and policy.

**Key Pollutants and Health Hazards**

SKETCH: spectrum | Contribution of Pollutants to AQI  
left: Minor contributors  
right: Major contributors  
- Ozone and CO (minor)  
- SO2 and NO2 (moderate)  
- PM10 and PM2.5 (major)

1. **Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10)**: These fine particles cause respiratory infections, lung cancer, heart disease, and premature death, dominating AQI pollution levels.

2. **Gaseous Pollutants**: SO2 from industries causes bronchitis; NOx from vehicles inflames airways and forms smog; O3 worsens asthma; CO from incomplete combustion impairs oxygen transport; benzene causes blood disorders; radon gas indoors leads to lung cancer.

**Institutional Framework for AQI Monitoring**

1. **CPCB and AQI System**: CPCB enforces National Ambient Air Quality Standards and launched AQI in 2015 under Swachh Bharat Mission, monitoring eight pollutants nationwide.

2. **State and Local Roles**: State Pollution Control Boards and local bodies, including ==Andhra Pradesh⟦2⟧== urban local bodies with waste management audit gaps (2022), implement monitoring and control measures.

**Implementation Challenges and PM’s Contribution**

1. **PM Dominance**: PM2.5 and PM10 are major AQI contributors, often exceeding safe limits and causing severe pollution episodes.

2. **Monitoring and Data Gaps**: Many cities, including those in ==Andhra Pradesh==, lack comprehensive real-time data, limiting public awareness and policy response.

3. **Indoor Pollution Neglect**: Radon and biomass fuel emissions indoors remain under-monitored, causing health burdens.

**Way Forward**

1. **Expand Monitoring**: Upgrade AQI infrastructure in ==Andhra Pradesh== and other states with advanced sensors and real-time data.

2. **Integrate Indoor Air Quality**: Address radon and biomass fuel pollution in policy frameworks.

**Conclusion**

Robust AQI monitoring and inclusive pollution control are essential to safeguard public health and environment in India.

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