AQI at a severe level in major cities

Growing air pollution’s detrimental impact on health, the environment, and the economy is a global concern. Advanced control systems offer hope in the fight against rising pollution levels as the market for air quality monitoring systems is set to grow.

Air pollution is a global environmental concern with intense effects on human health, the ecosystem, and the economy. In recent years, the rise in urbanisation and industrialisation has led to an alarming increase in air pollution levels. However, the battle against air pollution has not been futile. The advanced control systems are emerging as a ray of hope in improving air quality.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board, an Air Quality Index (AQI) in the ‘severe’ range (401 to 500) can harm the health of both individuals without pre-existing conditions and have a significant negative impact on those who already have health issues.

The World Health Organisation reports that on an annual basis, approximately seven million global fatalities can be attributed to indoor and outdoor air pollution. Nearly ninety-nine percent of the world’s population currently inhales air-containing pollutant levels that surpass the recommended limits set by the WHO. The greatest impact is felt by residents of low- and middle-income nations.

Delhi and Mumbai AQI
For the first time this season, Delhi’s air quality deteriorated to reach the ‘severe’ category due to factors such as low wind speed and the influx of smoke from burning crop residue, in addition to the impact of local emissions. In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the city, leading to the prohibition of non-essential construction activities and the imposition of restrictions on specific types of vehicles. In contrast, pollution levels in Mumbai have recently been in the moderate range. It is primarily attributed to dust generated by the construction and demolition work on various ongoing projects in the city.

Vijay Limaye, senior scientist in NRDC’s Science Office explains, “Despite improvements in reducing global average mortality rates from air pollution, it serves as a reminder that the climate crisis threatens to worsen air pollution problems significantly”. Smog, for instance, is intensified by increased heat, forming when the weather is warmer and there is more ultraviolet radiation. In addition, climate change increases the production of allergenic air pollutants. “Climate change–fuelled droughts and dry conditions are also setting the stage for dangerous wildfires,” adds Limaye. Wildfire smoke can linger for days and pollute the air with particulate matter hundreds of miles downwind.

Air quality monitoring
Advanced monitoring technologies, like ground-based stations, satellite imagery, and drones, allow real-time tracking of air quality and pollution sources. This data is invaluable for implementing timely interventions. Based on the Air Quality Index (AQI) monitoring chart, air quality is categorised as follows: an AQI from 0 to 50 is classified as good; from 51 to 100 as satisfactory, from 101 to 200 as moderate; from 201 to 300 as poor, from 301 to 400 as very poor, and any AQI exceeding 400 is labelled as ‘severe.’

The current situation in major cities warrants the growth of air quality monitoring systems. The global market for ambient air quality monitoring systems is expected to experience growth due to the increasing levels of air pollution resulting from various human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and more. The World Health Organisation reports that on an annual basis, approximately seven million global fatalities can be attributed to indoor and outdoor air pollution. Nearly ninety-nine percent of the world’s population currently inhales air-containing pollutant levels that surpass the recommended limits set by the WHO. The greatest impact is felt by residents of low- and middle-income nations. It has been reported that over 4.2 million deaths worldwide are attributed to ambient air pollution, and more than 91 percent of the global population breathes air that exceeds the safe guideline limit set by WHO.

Research Nester has recently published a report titled ‘Ambient Air Quality Monitoring System Market: Global Demand Analysis & Opportunity Outlook 2035’, providing a comprehensive overview of the global ambient air quality monitoring system market, including its market segmentation based on installation, end-users, and regions. The monitoring system market is expected to achieve a compound annual growth rate of approximately 5 percent between 2023 and 2035. The government sector is predicted to maintain its dominance in market share during this period. This is due to the increasing concerns among governmental authorities in various countries regarding the need to monitor and regulate air pollution.

The impact of air pollution, particularly in low-income nations, has raised significant concerns, leading to the implementation of action plans aimed at reducing air quality index levels. This is expected to drive growth in the government segment. Within the five major geographic regions, the Asia Pacific market is poised to gain a substantial share during the forecast period. This is attributed to the high levels of air pollution in developing countries in the region, coupled with the growing initiatives by governments to monitor and control air pollution.

Increasing air pollution
According to the World Health Organisation, 90 percent of the global population is exposed to extremely unhealthy air. Air pollution is responsible for numerous health issues and diseases, leading to significant loss of both lives and economic resources. The increasing awareness and concern among individuals about the escalating levels of worldwide air pollution are anticipated to drive the market’s expansion.

Nevertheless, the slow adoption of pollution control measures and the elevated costs of these monitoring systems are likely to serve as significant obstacles to the growth of the monitoring system market in the foreseeable future.

Challenges and the way forward
Despite the progress in air pollution control, challenges persist. Many developing nations need more infrastructure to monitor and combat air pollution effectively. International collaboration is essential to address this global problem comprehensively.

In conclusion, the battle against air pollution is far from over, but innovative control systems offer hope for a cleaner and healthier future. The collective efforts of governments, industries, and individuals are crucial in achieving sustainable air quality improvements and mitigating the consequences of this silent yet deadly enemy.

Emerging players are exploring opportunities, and various stakeholders are focusing on adjusting their market-focused strategies to align with current and anticipated future trends. The growing concern amongst governments to curb pollution and growing awareness amongst people is estimated to boost the market growth. By prioritising innovative solutions and taking decisive actions, we can pave the way for a cleaner, healthier planet for future generations.

Source: https://www.researchnester.com
               https://www.nrdc.org