Chennai Air Quality (AQI) and India Air Pollution

Air Quality in Chennai

Chennai air quality in 2020 was rated ‘Unhealthy’. Chennai’s annual average AQI is 117, putting it in the lower half of India’s most polluted cities.

Air Quality in Chennai Worse than WHO Target on 86% of days

Chennai’s daily air quality levels exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) annual limit on 86% of days in 2020. Some days in Chennai saw air pollution levels, reaching “very unhealthy” levels, far above safe air quality levels.

Current Air Quality in Chennai

The current AQI for Manali, Chennai is:

Chennai Air Quality: Seasonal Trends

Chennai’s air quality is significantly worse during winter compared to the summer. Winter AQI levels in Chennai can reach over 200, or a ‘very unhealthy’ level. In 2020, the cleanest month was April, with AQI levels regularly as low as 10 or 20 AQI.

How Chennai’s AQI Compares to Other Cities in India

Chennai’s annual average AQI of 117 means, putting it just below the average AQI of 154 for all Indian cities. This means Chennai is one of India’s cleaner cities, however air quality levels are still unhealthy and protection should be taken when living or visiting Chennai. Studies have shown that low levels of air pollution can have dramatic effects on a body’s health.

Chennai Air Pollution: The Negative Health Effects

This analysis of Chennai’s air quality is based on PM2.5 pollution. These are particles smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter that can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream.

Studies have shown that PM2.5 raises blood pressure, inflammation, and rates of heart attacks and strokes.

WATCH: Why Is PM2.5 So Harmful to Us?

How I Protect Myself

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