PM2.5 in India

Fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometres in diameter. Small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream — the most lethal of common air pollutants.

Live PM2.5 levels — Indian cities right now

Where PM2.5 comes from

• Vehicle exhaust (especially diesel)
• Coal-fired power plants
• Brick kilns and industrial furnaces
• Stubble burning (Punjab/Haryana, Oct–Nov)
• Construction dust
• Household biomass cooking

How PM2.5 harms human health

• Premature death from heart and lung disease
• Stroke and heart attack
• Lung cancer
• Reduced lung development in children
• Pre-term birth and low birth weight
• Aggravated asthma and COPD

What you can do

Reduce personal exposure with N95 masks during peak hours, run a HEPA purifier indoors, and switch to clean transport where possible. Push for systemic change: file an RTI, attend NCAP city consultations, demand transparent station data from your municipality.

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