Deaths due to PM 2.5 pollution in the country increased by two and a half times, one in every four deaths in India in 2019

According to a new report by the Center for Science and Environment, there has been a 2.5-fold increase in deaths due to PM 2.5 pollution in India over the past two decades. In a report released by Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav on Tuesday, it has been said that in 2019, one out of every four deaths due to air pollution occurred in India. The data collected by green think-tank Center for Science and Environment (CSE) and its "Environment Report of India" showed that more than 6 million people died due to air pollution in the world.

Total 10.67 lakh deaths in India

Of these, 10.67 lakh deaths occurred in India. In China, 10.85 lakh people died due to air pollution. In 2019, the health effects associated with air pollution exposure resulted in 4,76,000 infant deaths globally in the first month of life, the report said. Of these, 1,16,000 deaths occurred in India. Poor air quality was the fourth leading risk factor for early death worldwide in 2019, surpassed only by high blood pressure, tobacco use and poor diet.

The report said that there has been a 2.5-fold increase in deaths due to ambient PM 2.5 in India in the last two decades. It increased from 2,79,500 in 1990 to 9,79,900 in 2019. PM 2.5 refers to fine particles that penetrate deep into the body and increase inflammation in the lungs and respiratory tract, posing a risk of heart and respiratory problems, including a weakened immune system.

2.9 times increase in deaths due to ozone

Deaths due to ozone have increased by 2.9 times in India. It increased from 43,200 in 1990 to 1,68,000 in 2019. However, deaths due to household air pollution have come down by more than 40 percent in the country. It declined from 10,41,000 in 1990 to 6,06,900 in 2019.