PM10 Levels in Cities Beyond Safety Limits Over Past Four Years: CPCB

ACCORDING to the air quality data recorded by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the annual particulate matter (PM10) levels have consistently exceeded national safety standards over the past four years.

- JITENDRA CHOUBEY @New Delhi

While the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) sets the safe limit for PM10 at 60µg/m³, major Indian cities are experiencing PM10 levels that surpass a staggering 200 µg/m³.

PM10 refers to particles with a diameter of 10 micrometers (µm) or smaller. Short-term exposure to these particles is linked to worsening respiratory conditions, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which can even result in hospitalization.