There are currently an estimated 4.5 billion people around the world exposed to particulate pollution levels that are at least twice what the World Health Organization (WHO) considers safe. India is one of the most polluted countries in the world and air pollution is a major threat to health. But, a new tool developed by EPIC, the Air Quality-Life Index (AQLI), reveals that if India reduced its air pollution to comply with the WHO’s air quality standard its people could live about 4 years longer on average, or a combined more than 4.7 billion life years.
If the country reduced pollution to comply with its national standards, its people could live more than 1 year longer on average, or a combined more than 1.6 billion life years. Some of the greatest gains would be seen in the country’s largest cities, such as Delhi. There, people could live 6 years longer if the country met its national standards, and 9 years longer if the country met WHO standards.
The people of Kolkata and Mumbai could live roughly 3.5 years longer if the country met WHO standards. India is already taking action to reduce pollution.
Discover the Air Quality of Life Index
Read the full story by EPIC-India.
