The levels of PM10 (particulate matter less than 10-micron size in the air we breathe), in Chennai has increased by 3 to 4 times; and in Coimbatore and Puducherry have increased by 2 to 3 times higher than revised standards of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
An analysis of air quality data of cities,including Chennai, Coimbatore and Puducherry, by Greenpeace India has shown that the average pollution levels in these cities were much higher than the new WHO air quality guidelines. The study, which analyses data from the Central Pollution Control Board, indicates that air pollution was a public health crisis not only in north Indian cities but also in south Indian cities.
Similarly, the levels of PM2.5 (particulate matter that is 2.5 microns or less in size) has increasedby six to seven times inCoimbatore, andby four to five times inChennai and Puducherry. The levels arehigher thanthe World HealthOrganisation(WHO)revised standards but well within theNational Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
