Air Pollution in India Triggers Severe Health Crisis

India is grappling with a severe public health crisis as air pollution continues to take a devastating toll. In 2023, nearly two million deaths were linked to pollution-related non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, lung cancer, diabetes and dementia. Emerging evidence highlights the harmful effects of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on brain health, accelerating cognitive decline and contributing to over 54,000 dementia deaths in 2024. The burden is highest in poorer states and among vulnerable populations. Experts warn that without urgent measures to reduce pollution exposure, India faces worsening health, social and economic consequences.