Title : Impact of Air Pollution On Human Health and Environment

Author: Riddhi Tawade

Literature Review

1. Delhi Air Pollution 2024: Air Quality and Health Effects

Bhuyan, Bordoloi, Debnath et al. (2025) Delhi’s air pollution poses significant challenges to health, environmental sustainability, and economic growth, necessitating immediate action due to frequent hazardous AQI levels. Existing measures, including the Graded Response Action Plan and public awareness, are insufficient due to enforcement failures. A comprehensive strategy is required, focusing on emission reductions through renewable energy, enhanced public transport, and electric vehicle adoption. Addressing stubble burning via sustainable farming and cooperation among states is crucial, especially in winter. Increasing green infrastructure can help mitigate particulate pollution. Engaging with international initiatives like the COP28 UAE Declaration is essential for acquiring global knowledge and funding. Effective solutions demand legislative reform, technological advancements, and active public engagement to prevent severe health and economic repercussions, promoting a cleaner air future for Delhi.

2. Impact of Cement Industry Air Pollution on People and Nature

Bărbulescu, & Hosen (2025)The cement industry is crucial for infrastructure and economic growth but generates significant environmental challenges, including atmospheric emissions that degrade air quality and contribute to climate change, soil contamination from heavy metals and dust, and water pollution from toxic effluents. Additionally, the industry produces sonic pollution that disrupts both humans and wildlife. Research has documented these impacts extensively and proposed various mitigation solutions. A follow-up review will focus on these solutions and their effectiveness. It is critical to implement stricter regulations and cleaner technologies, such as carbon capture and alternative fuels, to address these environmental concerns effectively. Collaboration among stakeholders, policymakers, and scientists is essential for achieving sustainability in the cement sector.

3. Environmental Problems in Cities and Their Health Effects

Arriazu-Ramos, A., Santamaría, J. M et al. (2025) Urban environments significantly affect people’s health, influencing both physical and mental well-being. This literature review discusses the impacts of air pollution, extreme temperatures, noise, green spaces, and urban mobility on health. Air pollution, backed by extensive research, notably impacts the respiratory, cardiovascular, and reproductive systems, while gaps exist in studies on urban mobility and noise. Although regulatory standards have improved, further strengthening is necessary. Effective urban design, prioritizing green spaces and sustainable mobility, enhances air quality and well-being. Collaborative efforts among urban planners, public health officials, and policymakers are required to create cities that are equitable, sustainable, and healthier for vulnerable populations amidst environmental and social challenges.

4. Severe Air Pollution in New Delhi

Chakraborty, D., & Singh, R. K. (2019) Air pollution in New Delhi has reached near-record hazardous levels, with AQI readings exceeding 1,000 over the weekend and touching 858 on Monday. Authorities have closed schools and advised residents to remain indoors, as pollution levels are nearly six times higher than in Beijing. Health experts warn of severe internal damage from pollution exposure, equating a newborn’s first day in Delhi to smoking 40–50 cigarettes. India has 10 of the world’s most polluted cities, with air pollution linked to 1.24 million deaths in 2017. The worsening air quality in winter is attributed to crop burning, dust, construction, and vehicle emissions. Pollution could shorten life expectancy in northern India by up to seven years, leading experts to call the situation a health emergency and urge for immediate action to mitigate pollution levels.

5. Air pollution: Impact and prevention

SIERRA‐VARGAS, Teran (2012) Air pollution adversely affects millions, particularly those with respiratory issues, such as asthma triggers from O3 and PM, and can lead to premature deaths, especially in the elderly. Pollutants also increase allergenic pollen, worsening asthma prevalence. Actions to mitigate air pollution, including urban planning, technological innovations, and government regulations, are crucial. Reducing black carbon and O3 could prevent over 3 million premature deaths annually and significantly enhance crop yields. Improved cooking stoves can lower firewood demand and protect forests. While reducing pollution in high-traffic areas could decrease respiratory disease incidence, it won’t reverse climate change.

6. Delhi Faces Heavy Air Pollution before Diwali Festival

Del Bello, L. (2024) New Delhi’s air quality index reached 384, significantly exceeding the safe level of 50, marking the highest figure since January. Fine particulate matter concentrations were over 50 times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended threshold. Pollutants are exacerbated by colder weather, Diwali celebrations, and stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana. Despite local government interventions, pollution persists due to traffic, industrial emissions, and construction dust. The resulting smog contributes to health issues like coughs, asthma, and chest infections for over 30 million residents. Although air purifiers are suggested, they are considered a luxury, and masks are seldom seen. A regional response plan has been activated, focusing on reducing private transport and dust control measures. Studies link air pollution to approximately 34,000 annual deaths in India, with a significant portion in Delhi, costing the economy nearly $37 billion in health impacts in 2019.

7. Impact of Smog Season on India’s Economy

Mookerjee, Sanjay, S (2026) India faces severe pollution challenges, leading to over a million annual deaths, particularly in northern regions. Air quality frequently falls into “very unhealthy” and “hazardous” categories, especially in winter due to crop burning and emissions. The economic impact of air pollution could reach $260 billion in 2024, affecting productivity and consumer spending, with a notable decline in profits reported by companies like Shoppers Stop Ltd. and Eternal Ltd. Analysts warn that the “Smog Season” from October to January will hinder retail revenues and real estate investments, prompting developers like Omaxe Ltd. to prioritize malls with air conditioning and purifiers. Pollution restrictions have consistently influenced construction spending negatively over recent years.

8. Climate Change, Air Pollution and Public Health in India

Kaur R and Pandey Puneeta (2021) The air pollution levels in Indian megacities exceed permissible limits, affecting human health due to high concentrations of PM from various sources. Continuous monitoring of air pollutants is crucial, facilitated by measurements and remote sensing satellite data, to develop effective mitigation strategies tailored to each city’s vulnerability. The review underscores the health burden linked to air pollution and notes reduced pollution levels during the COVID-19 lockdown, suggesting similar temporary measures for future improvements in air quality. Additionally, climate change exacerbates health issues in India, with extreme weather events impacting urban populations. Increased health surveillance and adaptive strategies are necessary to address the consequences of climate change. The use of satellite data and geospatial techniques is recommended for monitoring air pollution and its health impacts, supporting sustainable urban planning in developing countries like India.

9. Delhi Smog

Rizwan, S; Nongkynrih, B., Gupta, S. (2013) The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi has implemented various measures over the last decade to address air pollution, yielding some positive results. However, further action is necessary to enhance existing strategies and engage community participation for more significant impact. Promotion of public transport, particularly the Metro rail, alongside adequate feeder bus services is essential. Increased enforcement of Pollution Under Control Certificates and public awareness campaigns about vehicle idling at traffic stops are recommended. The interplay between health and environment emphasizes the collective responsibility of all sectors in promoting public health by minimizing environmental impacts.

10. Major Issues and Challenges

BR Gurjar (2021) India is grappling with severe air quality issues across urban areas, not only in major cities like Delhi but also in medium-sized cities. The negative health impacts and harm to biodiversity, cultural heritage, and climate necessitate government action to support infrastructure and treatment facilities. Sustainable control strategies for air pollution must prioritize public transport options, such as BRTs, metros, trams, and cycle lanes, which can decrease reliance on private vehicles and ultimately lower pollution levels. Additionally, laws like emission trading and congestion pricing should be enforced, while the use of alternative fuels, e-cars, e-bikes, and hybrid vehicles should be encouraged.

Public awareness campaigns are essential, particularly in rural areas where residents often underestimate the dangers of air-borne pollutants. These campaigns should inform citizens about the importance of pollution management and various measures to curb emissions, including reducing open burning, crop burning, and the use of biomass and plastics. A comprehensive approach that integrates these strategies could lead to cleaner air and a healthier living environment in Indian cities.

Conclusion:

Air pollution has emerged as one of the most serious environmental and public health challenges in India, especially in urban areas like New Delhi. The review of various studies clearly shows that rising AQI levels are linked to respiratory diseases, heart problems, reduced life expectancy, environmental damage, and economic losses. Seasonal factors such as stubble burning, industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, construction dust, and festival-related activities further worsen the situation, particularly during winter months.

The literature also highlights that pollution not only affects human health but also harms agriculture, biodiversity, climate stability, and national productivity. Economic growth is impacted due to healthcare costs, reduced workforce efficiency, and declining business performance during severe smog periods.

Although government initiatives, environmental regulations, and action plans have been introduced, their effectiveness depends on strict enforcement, technological advancement, and public participation. Sustainable solutions such as renewable energy adoption, improved public transport, electric vehicles, green infrastructure, cleaner industrial practices, and increased public awareness are essential.

In conclusion, addressing air pollution requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach involving policymakers, industries, scientists, and citizens. Immediate and consistent efforts are necessary to ensure cleaner air, protect public health, and secure a sustainable future for coming generations.

References:

Arriazu-Ramos, A., Santamaría, J. M., Monge-Barrio, A., Bes-Rastrollo, M., Gutierrez Gabriel, S., Benito Frias, N., & Sánchez-Ostiz, A. (2025). Health impacts of urban environmental parameters: a review of air pollution, heat, noise, green spaces and mobility. Sustainability, 17(10), 4336.

Bărbulescu, A., & Hosen, K. (2025). Cement industry pollution and its impact on the environment and population health: A review. Toxics, 13(7), 587.

Bhuyan, A., Bordoloi, T., Debnath, R., Ikbal, A. M. A., Debnath, B., & Singh, W. S. (2025). Assessing AQI of air pollution crisis 2024 in Delhi: its health risks and nationwide impact. Discover Atmosphere, 3(1), 13.

5. Air pollution: Impact and prevention

6. Delhi Faces Heavy Air Pollution before Diwali Festival

7. Impact of Smog Season on India’s Economy

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