Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) Report:
The Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) report by the University of Chicago reveals that fine particulate air pollution (Particulate Matter 2.5) reduces the average Indian’s life expectancy by 5.3 years.
- This figure is based on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guideline of 5 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3)
Key Findings:
- Particulate pollution is the primary threat to Indian health, reducing life expectancy by 5.3 years on average.
- Cardiovascular diseases diminish life expectancy by about 4.5 years, while malnutrition reduces it by 1.8 years.
- All 1.3 billion Indians live in areas exceeding the WHO guideline for annual average particulate pollution.
- Approximately 67% of the population lives in regions surpassing India’s own air quality standard of 40 µg/m3
- India contributed over 59% of the world’s increase in pollution from 2013 to 2021.
- The Northern Plains are the most polluted region in India and about 39% of residents may lose eight years of life expectancy compared to WHO guidelines.
