According to the environmental status report of Industrial Toxicology Research Centre (ITRC), the level of suspended particulate matter (SPM) causing respiratory ailments and heart diseases stands at 442.8 micrograms per metre cube which is even higher than the SPM levels found in commercial areas of Hussainganj (432.2), Charbagh (414.5), Alambagh (389.4), Aminabad (400.7) and Chowk (361.0).

Similarly, the level of respiratory suspended particulate matter (RSPM) in this residential colony stands at 199.9 micrograms per metre cube, surpassing that of commercial area of Hussainganj which stands at 180.3 micrograms per metre cube.

Not only this, the level of lead in the air in Indiranagar area is at 0.181 microgram per metre cube which is almost the double the Charbagh's 0.091 microgram per meter cube.

Spurt in construction activities, decline in the number of trees and increased vehicular traffic density are the main reasons for the increase in air pollution, say the ITRC experts.

"Polluted air has adverse effect on people, specially infants, children, elderly people and people with asthma, bronchitis etc. Exposure to such air results in an increase in bronchitis, respiratory ailments, oedema of lungs, cardiovascular diseases and dust allergies," said a scientist at the Indian Toxicology Research centre (ITRC), JS Gaur.