Almost half of city’s population is at a risk of suffering from serious, long-term health problems

The pollution level in the air in the city has risen to 136 micro grams, which is a dangerous indication of the rise in pollution in the city. The level has exceeded the permissible limits set by the World Health Organisation, and it may lead to a rise in diseases.

The availability for clean air to breathe in has taken the front seat after WHO’s Global Air Pollution Report of year 2014 was released in which India has been ranked ninth position out of 95 countries.

The WHO’s Global Air Pollution Report for 2014 ranks India ninth out of 95 countries when it comes to air quality. It declares Delhi to be the most polluted city in India with Mumbai at the 12th spot. The world body’s Urban Air Quality database reveals that only 12 per cent of people living in cities for which air quality data is available, including Mumbai, are breathing “safe” air. Nearly half of Mumbai’s population faces a 2.5 times higher risk of air pollution than the levels recommended by WHO, putting these people at an additional risk of serious, long-term health problems.

Mumbaikars are exposed to an average of 172 micrograms of suspended particulate matter per cubic metre of air. According to doctors, any level above 100 micrograms is harmful to health.

In April 2014, the WHO estimated that outdoor air pollution was responsible for the deaths of some 3.7 million people under the age of 60 in 2012. Dr Ramraje, pulmonary specialist, JJ Hospital, said, “Breathing difficulty can be triggered by allergens, infections and environmental pollutants.”

According to the WHO, in cities like Mumbai where there is enough data to compare the present situation with that of the past, air pollution is getting worse.

The contributing factors include growing reliance on fossil fuels such as coal-fired power plants, motor vehicles, inefficient use of energy and use of biomass for cooking and heating.

According to the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board’s 2010 reports, the major contributors of air pollution include vehicular emission and power plants, followed by road dust.

“We are getting more number of cases where the condition of patients is worsening due to pollution. In winters, it is almost impossible for asthmatic patients to go out due to the smog and dust. This was not the case a few years ago,” said Dr Ramraje.