Outdoor air pollution in India is not only an urban problem
A. R. Ravishankara, Liji M. David, Jeffrey R. Pierce, Chandra Venkataraman
Abstract
Significance The pollution in major cities in India is immense, and they are in the news often. In general, air pollution is viewed as an urban problem. Here, we show that outdoor air pollution due to particulate matter is just as harmful in nonurban (rural) areas as in urban areas in India based on satellite data and calculated health impacts. This finding has a far-reaching impact on how pollution is viewed in India and other developing countries. It is also very timely given that India, and countries like India, are turning attention to addressing air pollution, and they need to be aware of this vast issue.
Topics & Concepts
Air pollutionPollutionParticulatesEnvironmental planningDeveloping countryGeographyEnvironmental protectionEnvironmental scienceEconomic growthChemistryEconomicsEcologyBiologyOrganic chemistryAir Quality and Health ImpactsImpact of Light on Environment and HealthCOVID-19 impact on air quality