ABSTRACT
Air pollution is one of the most significant public health hazards in India, contributing to health impacts across the life course and resulting in over 2 million premature deaths annually. In this chapter, we examine the varied health impacts of air pollution and highlight its pervasive impacts on people of all ages. We also highlight the vulnerability of young children and the elderly to air pollution exposure, and the disproportionate impact on these groups. While examining the impacts, this chapter also analyses the various sources of air pollution and tracks the evolution of public policy to tackle air pollution across last three decades. While outlining the shortcomings of the current regulatory and institutional approaches, this chapter lays out a path for a health-centred reform of our air pollution policymaking and identifies opportunities for the health sector to engage more meaningfully in reducing exposures and improving health outcomes. The frameworks provided in this chapter lay out a reform agenda that can reduce the pervasive impact of household and ambient air pollution by involving health professionals in designing and implementing policy, strengthening data infrastructures, capacity building of institutions, and adopting proactive emergency measures. By making health the forefront of air pollution strategies, India can tackle this pressing issue, unlocking opportunities for improved public health, economic resilience, and long-term environmental sustainability for future generations.
