What are the main toxic gases affecting Kolkata's air quality?

Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and ground-level ozone (O₃) have been identified as major toxic gases impacting Kolkata's air quality.

Which areas in Kolkata are identified as pollution hotspots?

Major pollution hotspots in Kolkata include Dunlop, Ultadanga, Moulali, Rabindra Sarobar, and the Howrah Bridge corridor.

Why is ground-level ozone a concern for Kolkata's residents?

Ground-level ozone is concerning because it's invisible, affects lung function, and can aggravate asthma and reduce respiratory capacity, even with short-term exposure.

Home / Environment / Kolkata's Air: Toxic Gases Now Trump PM Pollution

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: Toxic Gases Now Trump PM Pollution

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.