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Kolkata's Air: Toxic Gases Now Trump PM Pollution
19 Jan
Summary
- Toxic gases like NO2 and O3 dominated Kolkata's air for 82 days last year.
- Particulate matter remained a concern, but gaseous pollutants pose a growing threat.
- Hotspots include Dunlop, Ultadanga, and Howrah Bridge corridor due to traffic.
Kolkata's air quality analysis reveals a concerning shift, with toxic gases such as nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and ground-level ozone (O₃) becoming the primary pollutants for 82 days in the past year. This multi-pollutant challenge, beyond typical particulate matter concerns, highlights a complex environmental issue affecting the city.
Respirer Living Sciences found that NO₂ was the dominant gas on 68 days, with ozone contributing on 12 others, indicating sustained combustion-related emissions from traffic and industrial zones. Hotspots like Dunlop, Ultadanga, and the Howrah Bridge corridor consistently show higher pollution loads, particularly for NO₂ and PM10.
The findings emphasize that gaseous pollutants, often invisible and overlooked, directly impact lung function, even on days with moderate particulate levels. Experts urge a move towards multi-pollutant strategies, better public communication, and targeted health advisories to address this evolving air toxicity crisis.
