Air Pollution Measurement Methods In India

India has some of the worst air pollution in the world. The country has a large government effort in place to increase air quality monitoring. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (CAAQM) network and the manual National Air Quality Monitoring Program (NAMP) are two such initiatives. Additionally, the US Air-Now network provides PM2.5 measurements for five Indian cities. The air quality index (AQI) is a metric used to report real-time air quality, with Prana Air being India's leading platform for air quality monitoring.

Air Quality Index (AQI)

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool used to communicate information about outdoor air quality and health. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed the AQI to make information available about the health effects of the five most common air pollutants, and how to avoid those effects. The AQI includes six colour-coded categories, each corresponding to a range of index values. The higher the AQI value, the greater the level of air pollution and the associated health concerns.

For example, an AQI value of 50 or below represents good air quality, while a value over 300 indicates hazardous air quality. AQI values at or below 100 are generally considered satisfactory. When AQI values are above 100, air quality is unhealthy: initially for certain sensitive groups, and then for everyone as values increase.

In India, Prana Air provides air quality monitoring solutions for various indoor spaces, including hospitals, banks, financial institutions, retail stores, shopping outlets, and real estate. Prana Air also offers air quality monitors, drones, outdoor air purifiers, and data dashboards to improve air quality in smart cities.

Real-time air pollution monitoring

One notable example is the Prana Air smart city project. Prana Air offers comprehensive air quality monitoring solutions, utilising drones, outdoor air purifiers, and data dashboards to improve overall air quality. Their systems are employed across various sectors, including schools, real estate, retail stores, airports, construction sites, and hospitals. By providing real-time data and analytics, Prana Air empowers individuals and organisations to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions to mitigate air pollution and safeguard health.

Another tool available for real-time air pollution monitoring in India is the Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI provides a numerical value that represents the level of air pollution at a given location. This index is frequently updated, ensuring that individuals can access current information about their local air quality. By referring to the AQI, people can understand the severity of air pollution in their area and take necessary precautions to protect their health. For instance, during periods of high pollution levels, sensitive individuals may be advised to reduce their time spent outdoors or take other preventive measures.

In addition to these initiatives, India also contributes to global efforts to monitor air quality. The World Air Quality Index project compiles and provides real-time air pollution data for over 100 countries, including India. This project ensures that citizens worldwide have access to accurate and validated air quality information. Furthermore, organisations like Aeroqual collaborate with entities such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency to develop and deliver real-time air quality monitoring systems, making reliable data more accessible to the public.

These real-time air pollution monitoring efforts are crucial for raising awareness, informing policy decisions, and driving actions to improve air quality in India and globally. By utilising technology and data analysis, individuals, communities, and governments can work together to address the pressing issue of air pollution and create a healthier environment for all.

Pollution monitoring solutions

India is known for having some of the worst air pollution in the world. In response, the Indian government has been making efforts to increase air quality monitoring. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (CAAQM) network and the National Air Quality Monitoring Program (NAMP) are two such initiatives.

The following are some solutions and tools that can be used to monitor air pollution in India:

• The World Air Quality Index project provides a real-time air pollution index for over 100 countries, including India. It offers a visual map with data on air quality and pollution levels.
• AQI.in is India's leading platform for air quality monitoring. It provides comprehensive air pollution data and solutions, including tools and services to combat air pollution effectively.
• Prana Air is a company that provides air quality monitoring solutions for various industries, including real estate, construction, hospitals, and schools. They offer devices, mobile apps, and data dashboards to help improve indoor and outdoor air quality.
• Pocket monitor is a portable device that provides instant insights into the air quality around you, wherever you are.
• Satellite data, atmospheric models, and low-cost sensors can also be used to evaluate Indian air quality and provide a baseline for assessing the success of air pollution mitigation policies.

Air pollution health risks

Air pollution is a pressing public health threat in India, causing an estimated 1.67 million deaths in 2019 alone. The problem is particularly acute in Indian megacities, where pollution levels often exceed the permissible limits, posing significant health risks to residents.

Various epidemiological studies have found that poor air quality is linked to a range of health issues, including decreased lung function, respiratory symptoms, and increased asthma incidence, allergies, and cardio-respiratory illness. Other health impacts observed in Indian cities due to air pollution include chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, influenza, bronchitis, asthma, upper respiratory tract infections, and acute respiratory infections. Air pollution has also been linked to several diseases and even premature death. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 7 million people die prematurely each year from exposure to fine particles in polluted air, which can lead to diseases such as stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, and respiratory infections, including pneumonia.

In India, the main sources of indoor air pollution are tobacco smoke and the smoke from solid fuels used for cooking with inefficient and leaky cooking stoves. Outdoor air pollution, on the other hand, is primarily caused by industry, transportation, coal power plants, and household solid fuel usage. The Indian government has implemented various policies and programmes to address the issue of air pollution, such as the National Clean Air Programme and the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojna, which aims to improve access to clean energy options like LPG at the household level.

The COVID-19 lockdown period in India provided an interesting insight into the potential for air pollution reduction with decreased human activity. Evidence suggests that the reduction in air pollution during the lockdown may have helped to mitigate the adverse effects of COVID-19, as exposure to air pollution is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality from the virus.

Air pollution data analysis

India is known for having some of the worst air pollution in the world. The country has been taking steps to improve its air quality, with the government increasing monitoring efforts and implementing various solutions.

Air Quality Index (AQI)

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a crucial tool for measuring and monitoring air pollution in India. It provides real-time data on the country's air quality, allowing individuals and organizations to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions. The AQI takes into account various pollutants, including particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), SO2, NO2, and MDA8 O3, to determine the overall air quality. This index is updated regularly, providing the latest information on the country's air pollution levels.

Data Analysis Techniques

Analyzing air pollution data involves rigorous procedures to ensure data representativeness and identify trends. Researchers address inconsistencies and gaps in datasets to provide a comprehensive understanding of air quality. For instance, studies have analyzed government surface air pollutant monitoring data, satellite data, and ground observations to evaluate Indian air quality. This multi-faceted approach helps validate and cross-reference data, filling in any gaps or limitations in a single data source.

Monitoring Solutions

Various organizations, such as Prana Air, offer air quality monitoring solutions across different sectors. These solutions include the use of monitors, drones, and data dashboards to provide real-time data and improve air quality. Prana Air's smart city project aims to enhance air quality through the use of technology and data analysis. Additionally, there are mobile apps and devices available that provide individuals with instant air quality insights for their specific locations, empowering them to take necessary precautions to protect their health.

Health Impact

National Clean Air Programme

The analysis of air pollution data also plays a vital role in evaluating the success of air pollution mitigation policies and programmes. For example, the National Clean Air Programme aims to improve India's air quality, and the data provides a baseline to assess the programme's effectiveness. By analyzing air pollution data over time, researchers and policymakers can identify trends, track progress, and make informed decisions to improve air quality and protect public health.

Frequently asked questions