A Study and Analysis of Air Pollution in a Metropolitan City

Basically, there are two types of air pollutions, indoor and outdoor air pollutions, which are considered as the world’s worst toxic pollutions. The main source of air pollution in recent years is due to automobiles, construction activities, industries, dust, and field burning. Air pollution exposure is recognized as an important contributor to premature mortality and morbidity globally. Exposure to ambient particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5) has been associated with all-cause and non-accidental mortality, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, premature births and birth defects, and neurocognitive deficits, among other conditions. The major air pollutants, which affect human health are sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), particulate matter (PM10), carbon monoxide (CO), suspended particulate matter (SPM), and ozone (O3). In any metropolitan city, the level of air pollution as well as its impact on public health is a deep concern as it affects a huge population. In the first phase of this research, the ambient air quality in the metropolitan city of Chennai has been studied to bring out the level of air pollution and thus create awareness among the public and the government agencies