Swiss IQAir, an organization that monitors air worldwide in real-time, has reported that Mumbai was the world’s second most polluted city between January 29, 2023, and February 8, 2023. The financial capital of India was ranked tenth on January 29. It had moved up real quick to the second position by February 8, surpassing Delhi as India’s most polluted city.

According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the highest number of ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’ air quality days in Mumbai was recorded between November 2022 and January 2023. Surprisingly, Delhi has improved its air and was not on the top 10 list of polluted cities.

Source: The 10 most-polluted cities worldwide  

What is IQAir?

IQAir is a Swiss air quality technology firm that develops air quality monitoring and air cleaning solutions. It is also specialized in airborne pollution protection. AirVisual, a real-time air quality information platform, is also operated by IQAir. For calculating AQI and assigning code color, the IQAir AirVisual platform AQI (Air Quality Index) employs standard data from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).

Source: Showing the color codes for the air quality index

What could be the reason?

Now let us understand the reason why Mumbai was the world’s second most polluted city and the urgent need for action to tackle its hazardous air quality. Mumbai, being a city of dreams, attracts a vast population, and with that comes a great number of automobiles. Poor air quality in Mumbai can be attributed to dust and smoke emissions from vehicles, roadways, and construction activities. The La Nina impact may have contributed to pollution by reducing pollutant distribution. As the La Nina has lowered wind speed and created an unexpected dip in surface temperature in the Pacific Ocean.

Why is it Problematic?

Several serious health conditions are connected to air pollution. Colds, coughs, sore throats, eye irritation, and Asthma are typical signs of health problems associated with air pollution. Heart and lung conditions may also be worsened by poor air quality. Especially children, the elderly, and individuals who work or exercise outside are at greater risk. Many air contaminants provide serious health concerns and can even represent a danger of death at low concentrations.

Must Read: How can the air quality be improved?