Pollution Control Impact Studies

🌍 Air Quality & Public Health – Lessons for India I had the privilege to share the stage with Prof. Mukesh Sharma from IIT Kanpur. He has framed the logical model for India’s Air Quality Index (AQI). He shared fascinating insights on how the health impacts of each pollutant are assessed and combined into the AQI we see today. Beyond this, the IIT Kanpur team has helped shape air quality action plans, guiding on cost-effective mitigation strategies. 🔑 The reality of air pollution: It is entropic – once released, it’s impossible to capture. That’s why the real solution lies in source control. 📌 Types of sources in cities • Point sources: DG sets, small factory chimneys • Area sources: Garbage burning, dumps, agricultural residue, hill & forest fires, sweeping, construction, road dust • Line sources: Vehicular traffic ✅ Best measures: clean paved roads, solar energy, strong waste management, and reliable public transport (EV buses, metro & rail). Public health is ultimately shaped by how we design and maintain our cities. 💨 Scales of pollution • Local: Road dust, construction, vehicles • Regional: Agriculture burning, waste dumps, forest fires • National: Pollution transport across airsheds Nature can clean through oxidation and rains, but only to a limit – each airshed has a carrying capacity. ⚠️ Impacts: From fatigue, allergies, headaches and dizziness → to chronic illnesses like diabetes, COPD, and heart disease. Productivity losses and vulnerabilities are now being increasingly documented. 🏙️ For the built environment: Certifications today cover indoor air quality via ventilation and low-VOC products. These must move from optional to mandatory—as part of public health policy. 🚧 For construction sites: Dust control measures like wheel washing exist on paper but need real enforcement. Citizen reporting (photos of dust trails) can make compliance effective 🏘️ Policy Gaps: • Peri-urban areas have no air quality budgets/plans despite being critical to regional airsheds. • Housing, malls, and office projects aren’t linked to traffic & air quality impact assessments. Every infrastructure project must model its contribution to road capacity and pollution. 🌍 Learning from London: London, once severely polluted, is now a model. Each borough has its own AQ action plan, backed by continuous monitoring, congestion charging, strong public transport, and walkable neighbourhoods. As a young modeller in London, I was part of projects like the pedestrianisation of Trafalgar Square and the Heathrow expansion impact study. Each required air quality and traffic modelling to ensure limits weren’t breached. ⸻ 📢 India’s way forward: • Link approvals to traffic and air quality impact • Create regional airshed action plans • Enforce dust & waste controls visibly • Prioritise clean energy, public transport, and green infrastructure If London could clean its skies, so can we—by combining science, governance, and citizen action.

The results from the remote sensing pilot in Delhi-NCR carried out by ICCT with Govt of Delhi and Gurugram Authorities are very insightful. This proves why the on-road emissions monitoring needs reinvention to go beyond the basic PUC. RSD placed by the road side can measure exhaust plume remotely as vehicles pass by. It can monitor a lot more pollutants and vehicles than PUC. The new evidence puts a spotlight on the real world emissions and throws up several lessons. First the positives --  I) India's leapfrog to BS6 has improved emission levels substantially. ii) Crack down on old vehicles and early introduction of BS4, have accelerated fleet renewal in Delhi-NCR - almost 89% of the vehicles meet BS 4 or BS 6 standards. Pre-BS 4 vehicles are just about 11%. iii) Measures to curb dieselisation ( with CNG programme, pollution cess on diesel fuel , trucks and big diesel cars), have reduced the share of diesel vehicles in the fleet. Yet the insightful data from this pilot exposes enormous risks from high level of real world emissions from on-road vehicles-- i) Real world emissions even from BS6 vehicles - though cleaner - are  several times higher than the type approval or certification level. Ii) CNG programme, - that helped to curb toxic particulate emissions from diesel, emit very high NOx. This clearly points towards the need for technology forcing standards for adoption of advanced emissions control systems to constantly stay ahead of the pollution curve and address multi-pollutant crisis. Iii) Predictably, commercial vehicles are the main rogue, with light good vehicles with weaker emissions control systems, being the worst emitters. Iv) In fact, OEM-model-wise data shows that PM emissions from diesel fleets of most OEMs are among the highest emitters. There is a lot more.... It is time to acknowledge that PUC is not working and RSD based monitoring has to come in. This can not only screen large numbers of vehicles and identify high emitters more efficiently but also provide feedback on the emissions performance of different vehicle technology genre. These results have come just in time. The Supreme Court has recently reinforced its earlier directives of 2018-19 to implement RSD in Delhi NCR on a priority basis. Several other cities have included RSD in their respective clean air action plans while Kolkata (the only city to have implemented this), is poised for the next phase of expansion. But the central rules needed for its implementation (AIS 170) have not yet been notified by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. This must happen immediately. The new evidence clearly exposes the serious challenge of real world emissions from on-road vehicles and builds a strong case for a quicker uptake of electric vehicles to accelerate zero tailpipe emissions transition.  Amit Bhatt Anirudh Narla   https://lnkd.in/gJ6imRwS

#Alhamdulillah 🌟 🌟I’m delighted to share our latest article: 📖 𝗔𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗯𝘆 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗮 🧪 Published in 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 (𝗘𝗹𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝗿) — Impact Factor: 𝟭𝟬.𝟴 🌍 ☁️ 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: ✨ Using 𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗯𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, we quantified the health benefits of China’s air pollution control policies. ✨ Reduction in 𝗣𝗠₂.₅ 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 prevented 𝟬.𝟲𝟲–𝟭.𝟮𝟴 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘀 𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿. ✨ Up to 𝟭𝟵.𝟮 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲-𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝘀𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗱 and 𝟭.𝟮 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 nationwide. ✨ Continued 𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 could further lower PM₂.₅ health burdens in coming decades. 🔗 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻-𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: 👉 https://lnkd.in/gtBgX9_3 #AirPollution #RemoteSensing #PM25 #EnvironmentalHealth #ClimateAction #PublicHealth #Sustainability #ScienceOfTheTotalEnvironment #Elsevier #Research #SatelliteData

How much can targeted interventions reduce pollution? This study, led by Quantis and commissioned by ZDHC Roadmap to Zero Programme, applied a credible and innovative method framework based on Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) and Life Cycle Thinking to real-world facility data to model the impact ZDHC-aligned practices at the facility level. Key findings:  - Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) abatement systems can reduce toxicity by over 90%  - Advanced wastewater treatment can reduce human toxicity by up to 95%    These results show that with the right systems in place, significant pollution reductions are not only possible but measurable and can be applied beyond fashion. Grateful to have collaborated with my fellow Quantis experts Nicolas Loz de Coëtgourhant, Dr. Kyle Orritt and Mohamad Ghareeb, MBA on this alongside ZDHC's Frank Michel, Scott Echols, Francesco Pianca and Prasad Pant.    Download the report: https://lnkd.in/g9BsQgfm

🧮 Coordinated policy + science-based strategy = meaningful impact for the planet. Beijing’s air quality transformation is a powerful case study. A city once infamous for its smog has turned things around in a big way. Since 2013: • PM2.5 pollution has fallen by 64% • Nitrogen dioxide levels cut by 54% • Sulphur dioxide dropped by 89% • “Good air days” went from 13 in 2013 to 300+ in 2023 📈 All the while, the city has continue to grow its GDP by an average of 6.8% a year. So, what’s the secret? Experts say it's the coordinated approach they took: 👉 1,500 air-quality sensors across the city 👉 Stricter controls on coal-fired power plants 👉 Older, more-polluting vehicles phased out 👉 Public transport scaled up It’s proof that strong policy, a clear plan, science-driven insights, and bold leadership make for a winning formula. It's not the end of the road by any stretch—Beijing's pollution is still six times higher than WHO guidelines. But it’s a reminder: meaningful impact *is* possible. _____ ➕ Follow Abbie Morris for posts about sustainability, policy, and startups. 📧 Drop me a DM if you want to learn more about tackling the mountain of sustainability regulation facing the retail industry.

A health impact analysis by the #EHMLab at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, U. of London finally published in its final form in Atmospheric Pollution Research. The study assessed exposure levels of #PM25 and #NO2 and associated long-term premature mortality across Great Britain from 2008-2018, with a focus on adherence to old and new #WHO quality limits.   Key results: ·     Population exposed to #airpollution concentrations above old WHO guidelines for PM2.5 (10 μg/m3) decreased from 67.6% to 38.2% over the study period, whereas those exposed above the corresponding NO2 limit (40 μg/m3) remained low. ·     However, levels below the new WHO guidelines (5 μg/m3 for PM2.5 and 10 μg/m3 for NO2) were reached in only a handful of locations. ·     Exposure to PM2.5 in 2018 resulted in 36,403 (30,422-42,640) premature deaths, whereas NO2 exposure contributed to 20,175 (7,125-32,281) premature deaths. ·     These numbers could be reduced by 46% and 44%, respectively, if exceedances beyond the new WHO limits were avoided.   These findings suggest that adhering to the new WHO recommendations would necessitate considerable effort, but it can lead to substantial health benefits.   Full text: https://lnkd.in/eHNFiZUK #CleanAir #HealthPolicy #UrbanPlanning #ClimateAction #WHO #GreatBritain #EHMlab

Summary of the Study on Air Quality and Thermal Power Plants The study conducted by CSIR-NEERI, supported by NITI Aayog, focuses on the analysis of historical ambient air quality data and emissions from coal-based thermal power plants (TPPs) in India. The primary aim is to develop a decision support system to address air quality challenges posed by sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions. Key Findings: Emission Monitoring-Continuous emission monitoring systems (OCEMS) and ambient air quality monitoring stations (CAAQMS) were utilized to gather data on SO2 and particulate matter emissions. The analysis revealed that many TPPs exceed regulatory limits for SO2 emissions, but ground-level concentrations often remain below health-based standards. Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD)-The study evaluates the necessity and implications of installing FGDs in TPPs. While FGDs can significantly reduce SO2 emissions, the current ambient air data suggests that the necessity for FGD installation may not be justified given the low ambient levels of SO2 from Indian coal, which has low sulfur content. Environmental Impact-The findings indicate that the existing regulatory limits for SO2 emissions in India may be overly stringent, considering the low sulfur content of domestic coal. The study emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to emissions management, focusing on particulate matter control rather than solely targeting SO2 reduction. Recommendations-The report calls for further research into the environmental impact of TPP emissions, including the effects of installing FGDs on CO2 emissions and the potential increase in operational costs for power generation. This comprehensive analysis serves as a crucial step towards enhancing air quality management strategies in India, ensuring that regulatory measures are scientifically grounded and effectively address the environmental challenges posed by thermal power generation. For more insights, the full report is available at NITI Aayog's website and attached herewith

A recent article on Bottom-up assessment of air quality management strategies in Vijayawada, India: Emissions inventory, atmospheric capacity, and policy scenarios published in Sustainable Cities and Society, Volume 112, 1 October 2024, 105650 Research highlights • Evaluated air quality strategies in Vijayawada using a bottom-up approach. • BAU scenarios show current regulations are inadequate for controlling PM, SO2, and NOx. • BS-VI standards effectively reduced NOx emissions from vehicles. • ALTs project significant emission reductions: 12–15 % PM10, 19–24 % PM2.5, 24–48 % SO2, 19–32 % NOx. • Novel integration of scenario analysis with atmospheric capacity evaluation. Showcasing a scenario-based approach to how benefits can be achieved to improve air quality in Vijayawada city. The study provides a comprehensive framework for assessing air quality management strategies in Vijayawada, India, using a bottom-up approach. Its findings underscore the need for more stringent regulations and alternative technologies to effectively control air pollution. Stakeholders can leverage the study's methodology and insights to develop and implement tailored air quality improvement plans for other cities, ensuring a sustainable and healthy environment. #airquality #bulesky #CleanAir #CARE Open Philanthropy Clean Air Fund Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Government of India #CPCB #PCBs #SPCB #APPCB #NKN #GlobalBurdenofDisease #WHO Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) WRI India Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi https://lnkd.in/giRYKeGH

By employing straightforward vehicle activity mapping and emissions analysis, we can design effective policies, monitor their outcomes, and refine them as necessary. While many believe that electric vehicles (EVs) will significantly reduce local air pollution, this is only achievable if we address both the adoption of EV technology and the persistent issue of non-exhaust emissions. In our study, we assessed PM2.5 emissions from 1991 to 2020, considering advancements in vehicle technologies and their impact on emissions. Over this period, tailpipe emissions have significantly decreased due to these technological improvements. However, as the data in this poster illustrates, even with the cleanest electric vehicles, ignoring non-exhaust emissions—such as road dust suspension—limits the overall reduction in particulate matter (PM2.5) to just 23%. Achieving substantial air quality improvements requires a holistic approach that targets both exhaust and non-exhaust emissions.

Who knew that eating dust for months, designing a simple behavioural intervention could yield big impacts when it comes to reducing air pollution during construction? We had no clue either- till we tested it! Heat alone is one hassle, but combined with dust, engine heat, fans, or warm water, it becomes far worse. At least two drivers told me about a viral reel where folks made roti on the dashboard of a truck. Inside the 25x25-foot guard’s room, a vintage air cooler sat useless. Before I could ask, my eyes locked onto the filter, covered in dust that transformed into clumps, infested by crawlies- unusable in every sense. The guards stared at the poor cooler, their expressions filled with betrayal. “This makes it worse anyway; even ACs aren’t helping. They’re all blowing hot air,” rued one of the female guards. "How do the laborers who work in the open manage?" I asked. “They are used to it, and we are getting used to it.” “Are labourers made of steel and you of chamri (skin) then?” Giggles followed by a helpless silence. Our study used the #COM-B Model to identify barriers to speed compliance, including drivers' low awareness about PM impacts, health risks, and the correlation between speeding and pollution,. Other barriers included security guards not reminding drivers, lack of reminders and consequences for non-compliance, physical difficulty maintaining low speeds in HDVs, monitoring challenges with standard speed guns, site layout encouraging speeding, and extreme weather conditions making dust more prevalent. Solutions were designed using the #BehaviourChangeWheel, incorporating functions like Education, Training, Persuasion, Enablement, Environmental Restructuring, and Restrictions. Specific techniques included tailored training sessions for guards and staff, creating a handbook with actionable tasks for mitigating dust, boosting micro-interactions between guards and drivers at entry points, restructuring the environment (e.g., changing where drivers stop, relocating wheel washing, placing signage), and using a voluntary commitment form for drivers. The results? During the intervention phase, compliance with the speed limit increased significantly, from ~16 per cent to ~63 per cent. PM10 concentrations reduced by approximately ~11 per cent, and PM2.5 concentrations decreased by about ~29 per cent compared to the pre-intervention phase. Solutions to pollution need not be always be technical! #BehaviouralScience #BehaviouralInsights #BehaviouralIntervention #India #AirPollution #Dust #ParticulateMatter