Air pollution is increasing across Tamil Nadu due to factors such as industrial emissions, road dust, vehicle exhaust and construction activity, according to a report citing Pollution Control Board monitoring.
Health experts warn that people living in high-pollution zones face higher risks of lung and respiratory problems. The Pollution Control Board periodically calculates and publishes the Air Quality Index (AQI) to indicate pollution levels.
As per the classification shared, an AQI of 0–50 indicates no concern, 50–100 is satisfactory, 101–200 is moderate, 201–300 is poor and 301–400 is very poor.
In Chennai’s industrial belt of Manali, AQI readings during midnight and early morning hours have been recorded in the 200–300 range, and at times above 300. In Tiruvallur district’s Gummidipoondi and in Thoothukudi district’s Meelavittan area, AQI has been in the 100–200 range, while most other parts of the state have reported 50–100.
