Respirable Particular Matter and its Health Effects

                                                Foreword

Respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM} is a causative agent of mortality and morbidity. Fine particles on their own or with combination with other air pollutants are linked with a number of health problems like premature death, aggravated asthma, acute respiratory symptoms including aggravated coughing and difficult or painful breathing, chronic bronchitis and decreased lung function.

This report describes the status of RSPM measured under the National Air Monitoring Programme (NAMP} maintained by State Pollution Control Boards/ Central Pollution Control Board where suspended particulate matter (SPM}, sulphur dioxide (SO2}, oxides of nitrogen (NOx} are monitored while RSPM levels are measured in selected stations. Monitoring of RSMP is also carried out at traffic intersections of Delhi, Kanpur, BC!ngalore, Kolkata and in other major cities. I am thankful to Dr. B. Sengupta, Member Secretary and Shri Naresh Badhwar, Assistant Environmental Engineer for bringing out this report containing the findings of RSPM monitoring.

We hope, the report will be useful to all concerned with air quality management.
 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Dilip Biswas
                                                                                                                        Chairman, CPCB
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