Air pollution status and attributable health effects across the state of West Bengal, India, during 2016-2021.

Abstract

Air pollution is one of the most significant threats to human safety due to its detrimental health consequences worldwide. This study examines the air pollution levels in 22 districts of West Bengal from 2016 to 2021, using data from 81 stations operated by the West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB). The study assesses the short- and long-term impacts of particulate matter (PM) on human health. The highest annual variation of PM10 was noted in 2016 (106.99 ± 34.17 μg/m3), and the lowest was reported in 2020 (88.02 ± 13.61 μg/m3), whereas the highest annual variations of NO2 (μg/m3) were found in 2016 (35.17 ± 13.55 μg/m3), and lowest in 2019 (29.72 ± 13.08 μg/m3). Similarly, the SO2 level was lower (5.35 μg/m3) in 2017 and higher in 2020 (7.78 μg/m3). In the state, Bardhaman, Bankura, Kolkata, and Howrah recorded the highest PM10 concentrations. The monthly and seasonal variations of pollution showed higher in December, January, and February (winter season) and lowest observed in June, July, and August (rainy season). The southern part of West Bengal state has recorded higher pollution levels than the northern part. The short- and long-term health impact assessment due to particulate matter shows that the estimated number of attributable cases (ENACs) for incidence of chronic bronchitis in adults and prevalence of bronchitis in children were 305,234 and 14,652 respectively. The long-term impact of PM2.5 on human health ENACs for mortality due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for adults, acute lower respiratory infections in children aged 0-5, lung cancer, and stroke for adults were 21,303, 12,477, 25,064, 94,406, and 86,272 respectively. This outcome assists decision-makers and stakeholders in effectively addressing the air pollution and health risk concerns within the specified area.