Overview

• Delhi records the highest number of pollution-related deaths, with 12,000 annually.
• Even cities with moderate air quality like Mumbai and Chennai see significant mortality rates.
• Short-term PM2.5 exposure above WHO guidelines is linked to 7.2% of all deaths in the studied cities.
• The study suggests a steep increase in death risk at lower pollution concentrations.
• Researchers call for stringent enforcement of air quality standards to save lives.