Why AQI is not the right metric, and PM2.5 is more important. In this episode of Earth Chakra’s podcast on air pollution, climate journalist Chetan Bhattacharji dives into the critical differences between AQI and PM 2.5 and their impacts on health with Dr Poornima Prabhakaran in this climate podcast.

They discuss the scientific evidence showing that even lower levels of air pollutants pose significant health risks, citing research conducted across ten Indian cities over a decade.

Dr Prabhakaran emphasises the need to shift focus from AQI to PM 2.5 for a more accurate assessment of health risks. The conversation delves into the inadequacies of current air quality standards, the intricacies of pollutant measurement, and the urgent need for a multi-stakeholder approach to address air pollution effectively.

Dr Prabhakaran is Direc ...