Kerala's Pollution Problem: A Growing Concern

Kerala, a state in India located on the southwestern coastline, is facing issues with air pollution. While the state's pollution levels are lower than those of many other Indian cities, they are still far from meeting the World Health Organization's (WHO) clean air guidelines. The district of Alappuzha has the worst air pollution in Kerala, with PM2.5 levels forecasted to be 33.9 µg/m3, which is considered slightly polluted. The state's heavy export-based industry, large number of factories, and high volume of road traffic contribute to pollution, particularly during the months of November to February.

Kerala's most-polluted cities: Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram

Kerala, a state in India, is currently facing issues with air pollution. The state is a large producer of goods, including coconuts, tea, coffee, and spices, and has a high volume of movement of cars, lorries, and trucks for the transport of these goods. The region is also home to a large number of factories, many of which are located near the coast. These factories contribute to the state's year-round pollution levels by running on large amounts of fossil fuels and creating secondary pollutants through their industrial processes. As a result, the air quality in Kerala is far from meeting the World Health Organization's (WHO) target goal of 0 to 10 μg/m³.

The district with the worst air pollution in Kerala is Alappuzha, where PM2.5 levels are forecasted to be 33.9 µg/m3, which is considered slightly polluted. However, the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram (also known as Trivandrum) is the only city in Kerala with recorded pollution levels, and thus its data is used to gauge the overall air quality of the state. Thiruvananthapuram's cleanest months are during the monsoon season, which arrives between June and November. The city's PM2.5 readings during these months are as follows: June (13.5 μg/m³), July (12.9 μg/m³), August (13.3 μg/m³), September (14.2 μg/m³), and October (15.2 μg/m³). November sees a sudden leap in pollution levels, with a reading of 22.4 μg/m³.

Kochi, another city in Kerala, has also been mentioned in relation to air pollution. While I cannot confirm if it is one of the most polluted cities in the state, it has recently experienced moderate to poor air quality levels. On April 11, 2025, Kochi's Air Quality Index (AQI) level was recorded as 84 (moderate), with a worst AQI level of 101 (poor) at 3:09 PM (local time) in the last 24 hours.

Overall, while Kerala's air quality is not among the worst in India, it still has a long way to go to reach the WHO's clean air guidelines. The state's main cities, including Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi, continue to struggle with elevated pollution levels, posing risks to the health and well-being of residents.

Air pollution's health effects

Air pollution is a pressing public health concern, impacting the well-being of those in Kerala and beyond. The district of Alappuzha in Kerala currently experiences the worst air pollution, with PM2.5 levels forecasted to be 33.9 µg/m3, classifying it as slightly polluted. This level of pollution can have adverse health effects on residents, and proactive measures to reduce exposure are recommended.

The health effects of air pollution are far-reaching and significant. Research has revealed that air pollution may damage nearly every organ and cell in the human body. It increases the risk of cardiovascular issues, including heart attacks and heart disease, as well as respiratory problems such as lung cancer, asthma, and COPD. The impact on respiratory health is particularly pronounced with ozone, a powerful lung irritant that causes inflammation and damage to the lining of small airways, leading to potential shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness.

Air pollution also exacerbates mental health issues, contributing to an increase in depression and violent crime in affected areas. Vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing heart and lung disease, are especially susceptible to the detrimental effects of air pollution. Additionally, socioeconomic factors play a role, with people of colour, low-income communities, and those facing psychosocial stress being more vulnerable to the health risks associated with air pollution.

The sources of particle pollution are diverse and include factories, power plants, and vehicles that emit fine particles or generate other pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur oxides (SOx). Wildfires, burning wood, and biomass burning for electricity are other significant contributors. These particles, known as particulate matter (PM), can be categorised as coarse, fine, or ultrafine. The varying sizes of these particles contribute to their ability to infiltrate the body and cause harm.

The health effects of air pollution in Kerala and worldwide are extensive and concerning. It is crucial to continue researching and implementing measures to improve air quality and protect the health and well-being of those affected by this global issue.

Causes of air pollution: transportation, factories, and construction

Kerala's air quality is still far from ideal, despite having lower pollution levels than other Indian cities. Transportation, factories, and construction are major contributors to air pollution in the state.

Transportation is a significant source of air pollution in Kerala, particularly from vehicles running on fossil fuels. These vehicles emit particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which have severe health impacts. The ICCT analysis estimates that vehicle emissions cause approximately 40,000 premature deaths annually in Indian cities. Kerala, with its heavy export-based industry, has a large number of trucks and cargo ships contributing to these emissions.

Factories are another major source of pollution in Kerala, especially those located near the coast. These industrial sites run on fossil fuels like diesel or coal, releasing harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. Chemical plants, food processing units, packaging factories, and production lines for cement or metal are among the major contributors to ambient pollution levels in the state. The incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and organic materials in these factories also produces pollutants like black carbon and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including dangerous chemicals such as benzene and formaldehyde.

Construction activities can also contribute to air pollution in Kerala, although specific data on this sector's impact is scarce. However, construction sites can generate dust, particulate matter, and other pollutants that contribute to overall air pollution levels.

To address these issues, Kerala could consider stricter emission standards for vehicles, sanctions on factories that exceed pollution levels, and improved industrial management practices. These measures would help the state achieve sustainable reductions in pollution and move closer to the World Health Organization's target goals for air quality.

Water pollution: cargo ships

Kerala, a state in southern India, is currently facing an environmental crisis due to water pollution caused by a cargo ship accident. On May 25, 2025, the MSC Elsa 3, a Liberian-flagged container ship, capsized off the coast of Kochi, Kerala. The ship was carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous cargo and 12 with calcium carbide. It also had 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil on board, posing a significant risk of an oil spill.

The Indian Coast Guard and the Navy swiftly rescued all 24 crew members, with the Coast Guard saving 21 and the Navy ship Sujata rescuing the remaining 3. The incident has raised concerns about water pollution in the region, as the ship's hazardous cargo and oil reserves threaten the marine environment and local communities.

In response to the incident, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has issued an alert, urging residents to stay away from any containers or objects that may wash up on the shore. The Indian Coast Guard has also activated its comprehensive pollution response plan and is working closely with the state administration to address the situation. A Coast Guard ship, Saksham, has been deployed for oil spill response, and a Dornier aircraft has been launched with an oil spill detection system to survey the area.

The potential impact of the oil spill on the environment and local communities is a significant concern. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has warned that the spilled oil could reach the coastal areas of Alappuzha, Ambalapuzha, Arattupuzha, and Karunagappally within 36 to 48 hours. These areas are now at risk of contamination, and prompt attention is required to minimise the environmental impact. The defence spokesperson in Kochi has emphasised the importance of determining the oil-water mixture ratio in the spill to ensure effective emergency treatment and cleanup.

While this incident has brought attention to water pollution in Kerala, it is important to note that the state also faces issues with air pollution. According to reports, 33,406,061 people in Kerala are breathing air that does not meet the World Health Organization's clean air guidelines. The district of Alappuzha has been identified as the most polluted area in the state, with air quality that poses a high risk of adverse health effects.

Climate risk: rising temperatures, increased premature births, deaths, and respiratory disorders

Kerala, India, is facing a growing climate risk due to rising temperatures and pollution, which contribute to increased premature births, deaths, and respiratory disorders.

Rising Temperatures

In Kerala, summer arrives earlier and lasts longer than in previous years. The hottest month of the year is March, and the maximum near-surface air temperature is expected to increase by at least 1°C by the middle of the century. Under a fossil fuel-dependent pathway, the temperature increase may even reach 2°C.

Premature Births

Air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of premature births. A study by Emory University found that disruptions in protein digestion and absorption, which are vital to foetal development, are associated with exposure to air pollution. Two substances, cortexolone and lysoPE(20:3), were identified as mediators of the relationship between air pollution and early births.

Deaths

Ambient air pollution causes a significant disease burden in Kerala, particularly in urban areas. A study estimated that out of 81,636 total natural deaths, 6,108 could be attributed to particulate matter pollution, resulting in 96,359 years of life lost due to premature mortality. Additionally, around half of the total disease burden is related to cardiovascular deaths, which are also influenced by air pollution.

Respiratory Disorders

Air pollution is a well-known risk factor for respiratory health issues. It contributes to adverse effects such as acute respiratory tract infections, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and exacerbations of pre-existing obstructive airway disease. These respiratory disorders can lead to increased morbidity and mortality, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Overall, the climate risks posed by rising temperatures and pollution in Kerala have serious implications for public health, including increased premature births, deaths, and respiratory disorders. Addressing these issues through effective policies and interventions is crucial to protect the well-being of the state's residents.

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