PM2.5 in India
Fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometres in diameter. Small enough to reach deep into the lungs and the bloodstream, it is the most lethal of the common air pollutants.
WHO guideline
5 µg/m³ annual mean
India NAAQS
40 µg/m³ annual (NAAQS)
Unit
µg/m³
Live PM2.5 levels in Indian cities right now
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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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