The Dirty Ten
Published: May 31, 2013
Photo: Prasad
Smog over Ajmer.
Abstract: The ten topmost cities of India with unbelievable levels of air pollution have been laid bare by the ‘Urban outdoor air pollution database’, September 2011, by the Department of Public Health and Environment, World Health Organization. Although the causes of high levels of annual mean particulate matter (PM) with diameter of 10 μg/m3 or less are varied, here are the cities that have achieved the dubious distinction of being the top ten polluted cities in India. On the global scale the highest world record lies with Ahwaz in Iran with 372 μg/m3 and lowest falls in Santa Fe and Clearlake in the US, Whitehorse in Canada with 6 PM10. India ranks the 13th most polluted country out of the 91 studied with an annual mean of 109 μg/m3.
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What is ...
These are minute solid or liquid particles suspended in the air. Aerosols interact directly and indirectly with the earth’s heat budget and scatter sunlight, causing haze.
These pollutants are emitted directly into the air from their source, in their present form. Sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides are all primary pollutants. Primary air pollutants chemically react to form secondary air pollutants.
Occurs due to concentration of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide in the atmosphere, which react with water molecules in the atmosphere too produce acids which fall to the earth as acid rain.
Are also called halocarbons which are nontoxic nonflammable chemicals used in refrigerants, propellants and solvents. Though stable when released they break apart and release chlorine atoms in the stratosphere destroying the ozone layer.
A term given to clouds formed over developing nations which appear brown due to scattering of aerosols and other pollutants, predominant in Asian countries.
Which are found in higher concentration in indoor environments are emitted gasses from certain solids or liquids and have long term health effects.
Is a type of suspended particulate matter which is smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter and penetrates the lungs causing health problems.
Is a gas predominantly forming the ozone layer which protects the earths surface from harmful ultraviolet rays in the stratosphere. In the troposphere it is a pollutant and acts as a green house gas causing photochemical smog.