Air pollution shortened average Indian life expectancy by 5.2 yrs: Report

Lucknow was seen to have the highest level of pollution in the country, with pollution 11 times greater than the WHO guideline.

Air pollution has shortened the average Indian life expectancy by 5.2 years and residents of Delhi could see 9.4 years added to their lives if pollution were reduced to meet the WHO guideline, according to a new report.

The World Health Organisation guideline stipulates that PM2.5 (particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in diameter) not exceed 10 micron per cubic metre and that PM10 (particulate matter less than 10 microns in diameter) not exceed 20 micron per cubic metre.

In India, average PM2.5 concentration in 2018 was 63 micron per cubic metre.

A new analysis of the Air Quality Life