Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) published by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago stated that an exposure to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) is thought to reduce life expectancy for the average Indian by 5.3 years and in Delhi, frequently referred to as the world's most polluted city, by as much as 11.9 years when compared to the WHO standards of 5 micrograms per cubic metre (g/ m3).
According to a report, an average Indian could lose 1.8 years of life expectancy and a Delhi resident up to 8.5 years if the country’s national ambient air quality standards (40 µg/m3) are not met, says the report.
The Index, based on WHO standards factoring annual average PM2.5 levels, shows many areas of India faring badly with air pollution shortening lives by 11.2 years in Gurgaon, 10.8 years in Faridabad, 10.1 years in Jaunpur (UP).
The Index, based on WHO standards factoring annual average PM2.5 levels, shows many areas of India - the second most polluted in the world after Bangladesh - faring badly with air pollution shortening lives by 11.2 years in Gurgaon, 10.8 years in Faridabad, 10.1 years in Jaunpur (UP), 9.7 years each in Lucknow and Kanpur, 9.2 years in Muzaffarpur (Bihar), 8.8 years in Prayagraj (UP) and 8.7 years in Patna.
The report notes that while 67.4% of the population lives in places where the country's own national air quality requirements are exceeded, all of India's 1.3 billion+ residents reside in locations where the yearly average particle pollution level surpasses WHO limits.