Central Pollution Control Board has been entrusted with the responsibility of preparation of nation-wide plans for control of air pollution under the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. For rational planning of pollution control strategies, scientific information is needed on nature, magnitude and adverse health effects of air pollution. Over the years, rapid urbanization and economic growth has led to exponential growth of
vehicles in India, which has serious implication on the air quality. The substantial increase in number of vehicles has resulted in increased emission of air pollutants and as a result,
levels of air pollutants such as Respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM) are found to exceed the prescribed standards in many cities. Respirable suspended particulate matter is a causative agent of mortality and morbidity. Fine particles on their own or in combination with other air pollutants are linked to number of health problems. In order to determine health effects of air pollution, CPCB had initiated a Epidemiological
study in Delhi with the help of Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata. The objective of this study are: to assess air pollution related respiratory symptoms among the residents of Delhi; to assess the degree of lung function impairment in persons chronically exposed to city