It has been a slow journey, but the pace of air pollution studies is now picking up, and with it, our ability to save lives. Several nations have established standards to monitor air pollution and ensure that it remains within limits. Scientific understanding of various pollutants and their effect on human health has helped us develop ideal standards for safer and good quality air. In 2021, WHO revised the standards for pollution levels after research suggested that even small amounts of pollutants were detrimental to our health. Over the last 150 years, science has helped shape the narrative on air pollution and its health risks.
Accurate data is crucial in building effective policies to curb air pollution. A scientific approach to tackling the issue makes it possible to gather data that can be recorded, quantified, and shared. The scientific approach to air pollution renews the hope that clean air will be a birthright one day.
Pranoti Abhyankar, a student of Symbiosis Centre for Media & Communication (SCMC) Pune, is a former intern with the Communication and Policy Engagement team.