Estimation of PM2.5 Levels and Their Impacts in a Large Indian City

Particulate matter (PM) is a significant influencer of climate forcing and is detrimental to human health when present at the Earth’s surface. Because of its short atmospheric lifetime, aerosols are highly variable in space and time. Therefore, estimating the health impacts of PM2.5 (particulate matter of less than 2.5-micrometer diameter), requires high spatial and temporal resolution data. Monitoring PM2.5 is limited in most developing countries, including India.

We will provide a picture of the distribution of surface PM2.5 in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, a city with roughly 15 million inhabitants. These values were derived from personal PM2.5 monitors, stationary monitors, and satellite-derived values. We will also provide a rough estimate of the health impacts of PM2.5 in this city.