What do the new WHO pollution norms mean for India?
The WHO updated global air pollution standards for the first time since 2005. The update, in most instances, reduces the maximum permissible limits for several classes of pollutants from nitrous oxide to particulate matter (PM). This norm recognises the research in the last decade and a half that shows air pollution to be much more strongly linked to poor health than previously acknowledged.
The existing ceiling of annual PM 2.5, or particles of diameter up to 2.5 microns, as per the 2005 standards, is what countries now follow, which are ten micrograms per cubic metre. That has now halved to five micrograms per cubic metre. India's National Ambient Air Quality standards — last revised in 2009 — specify an annual limit of 60 micrograms per cubic metre for PM 10 and 100 for 24 hours. Similarly, it's 40 for PM 2.5 annually and 60 for 24 hours. India is thus far from meeting even the existing guidelines.
From these points, we can understand that air pollution is causing more trouble. Moreover, many cities in India have severe PM 2.5 pollution, five times more than the recommended WHO exposure. To tackle such situations, you can go for face shields with an enhanced protective formula such as Mask Series 3. These face shields are DSIR & CPCSEA certified and consist of triple-action layers with inbuilt activated carbon and copper filters that prevent 99.96% of harmful pathogens, pollutants as tiny as PM 2.5 and gases like SOx, NOx and CO. Moreover, this mask delivers matchless protection, ultimate comfort and high performance on the go with sophisticated antiviral, antibacterial and anti-pollution properties.
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