SO₂ in India
Sharp-smelling gas from burning sulphur-containing fuels — primarily coal. India is the world's largest emitter of SO₂.
WHO guideline
40 µg/m³ (24 hour mean)
India NAAQS
80 µg/m³ (24 hour mean)
Live SO₂ levels — top Indian cities right now
Where SO₂ comes from
- Coal-fired power plants (largest source)
- Oil refineries
- Metal smelters
- Diesel vehicles
How SO₂ harms human health
- Constriction of airways and breathing difficulty
- Severe symptoms in asthmatics
- Eye, nose and throat irritation
- Contributes to PM2.5 formation downwind
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.
Set SO₂ alerts for your city →
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