City's PM10 level breached norms every 2nd day in Feb-April: Study
Mumbai: Winter alone doesn't have the biggest chokehold on Mumbai's air quality. The levels of suspended pollutant PM10 were above the national ambient air quality standard on 49 of 89 monitored days in Feb-April this year, shows an analysis of Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) data.
PM10 levels were above the standard of 100µg/m³ on all 28 days of Feb, according to the data analysed by Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. In March, 17 of 31 days recorded average levels above the safe limit. In April, four of the 30 days breached the standard. The average monthly PM10 level was 130µg/m³ in Feb, 108µg/m³ in March and 78µg/m³ in April.
Deonar, where the city's largest garbage dumping ground is located, BKC, Kurla and Chakala in Andheri—all of which see dense vehicular movement—as well as Malad West were the biggest pollution hotspots (see graphic).
However, levels of the microscopic PM2.5 particles, which can penetrate deep into lung passageways, remained within the 24-hour permissible limit of 60µg/m³ during the period assessed.
PM10 refers to particulate matter that is 10mm or smaller in diameter—about one-seventh the width of a human hair. These tiny particles are small enough to be inhaled and can settle in lungs, causing respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
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As per air quality experts, common sources of PM10 include construction and road dust, vehicle emissions, industrial activity and burning of waste. PM10 particles can also irritate the eyes, throat and nose and are especially harmful to children, senior citizens and people with asthma or other lung conditions.
In Mumbai, air quality data is recorded by 30 continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations.
"Every pollution hotspot in Mumbai has a unique fingerprint.
Real-time source apportionment, in addition to the proposed air quality warning and integrated decision support system for emissions for Mumbai, is crucial to identify what's causing the problem, whether it's traffic, industry, construction or waste burning. Alongside this, capacity building is essential to ensure that targeted actions are implemented effectively on the ground, with clear accountability and follow-through," said Manoj Kumar, analyst at Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air.
Bhagwan Kesbhat, founder of NGO Waatavaran Foundation and member of Mumbai Clean Air Network said, "Deteriorating air quality in Mumbai has become a growing concern for all. While PM2.5 poses serious health risks, the consistently high levels of PM10 at several locations cannot be overlooked and needs urgent attention as it also impacts respiratory health. BMC has taken steps to manage construction dust, but much more needs to be done on the ground to ensure cleaner air for citizens this winter.
" He said it is crucial to identify hotspots like Deonar and study the causes for the consistently high pollution levels.
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