34 Air Monitoring TALKING POINT


Most air polluted region sees signifi cant improvement in one year, says report


South Asia has long been recognized as the region with the worst air pollution in the world, signifi cantly impacting public health and reducing life expectancy. However, a recent report from the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute (EPIC) highlights a surprising 18% decline in air pollution levels across South Asia in 2022, driven largely by favorable meteorological conditions. Despite this improvement, the region continues to grapple with dangerously high pollution levels, which remain a major public health threat.


For the fi rst time in two decades, South Asia experienced a notable decline in air pollution levels in 2022. This unexpected improvement was recorded in all South Asian countries except Sri Lanka, with reductions observed in particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations—a critical indicator of air quality. Bangladesh saw the steepest decline, with PM2.5 levels dropping by over 15 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³), followed by India and Nepal, where concentrations fell by approximately 9 µg/m³.


The report attributes this decline primarily to favorable weather conditions, particularly above-average rainfall across the region. Increased rainfall likely helped to clear the air of pollutants, reducing the levels of harmful particulates. However, experts caution that these meteorological factors are temporary, and sustained eff orts are needed to achieve long-term improvements in air quality.


Despite the temporary improvement, air pollution in South Asia remains alarmingly high, with PM2.5 levels still averaging 41.4 µg/ m³—eight times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended safe levels. The report emphasizes that the region’s residents continue to lose more than 3.5 years of life expectancy on average due to poor air quality. In heavily polluted areas such as Peshawar and Lahore in Pakistan, life expectancy is reduced by more than fi ve years.


Air pollution remains the single largest environmental health risk in South Asia, comparable to the health impacts of smoking. The AQLI report highlights that in some areas, pollution shortens life expectancy more signifi cantly than HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria combined. This underscores the urgency of addressing the region’s air quality issues through coordinated policy actions.


Eff orts to combat air pollution in South Asia face numerous challenges, including the lack of comprehensive air quality data and limited


enforcement of existing policies. Many countries in the region have inadequate monitoring infrastructure, leading to a vicious cycle where the lack of data hampers policy development and implementation, further exacerbating the problem.


In addition to inadequate data, the rapid industrialization and population growth in South Asia have driven up energy demand, leading to increased reliance on fossil fuels. The number of vehicles on the roads has quadrupled in countries like India and Pakistan since the early 2000s, signifi cantly contributing to air pollution. The practice of burning agricultural waste, particularly in India, further exacerbates the problem, with stubble burning accounting for a substantial portion of seasonal pollution in the region.


The slight improvement in air quality observed in 2022 off ers a glimmer of hope, but experts agree that sustained and coordinated eff orts are essential to achieving long-term reductions in pollution. The report calls for enhanced monitoring, stricter enforcement of pollution control measures, and increased investment in clean energy technologies. In particular, addressing sources of pollution such as transportation, industrial emissions, and agricultural practices will be critical.


Moreover, the report highlights the need for regional cooperation, as pollution in South Asia often transcends national borders. Collaborative eff orts to implement cross-border air quality management strategies and share data could signifi cantly improve the eff ectiveness of pollution control measures across the region.


While the decline in air pollution levels in South Asia in 2022 is a positive development, it remains to be seen whether this trend can be sustained. The region still faces signifi cant challenges in improving air quality, with millions of lives at stake.


AVL stands at the forefront of emissions testing and ultrafi ne particle measurement, with over 15 years of particle number measurement experience in the automotive, non-road mobile machinery, and aviation industries. AVL’s deep-rooted expertise in the automotive sector has provided a solid foundation, allowing the company to refi ne technologies that ensure precision and reliability even in the most demanding environments. They will be displaying their state-of-the-art technology at the upcoming AQE Exhibition, in Birmingham.


Ultrafi ne particles, a signifi cant contributor to air pollution, pose severe risks to air quality and human health. Recognising the importance of accurate measurement, AVL has focused on advancing research and providing reliable data to help combat this global challenge. AVL’s deep understanding of ultrafi ne particles drives its commitment to offering solutions that meet the needs of environmental professionals, regulatory authorities, and research institutions.


Casella Family of Air Sampling Pumps


Casella is a global leader in the manufacturing and supply of occupational hygiene and environmental monitoring equipment. For over 200 years, Casella continue to provide innovative solutions that help improve health in the workplace & the community.


Casella offers a range of air sampling pumps, ideal for measuring exposure to dust and vapours. From low, to medium and high fl ow air sampling pumps, Casella pumps are well-known for their reliability, accuracy, and user-friendly features.


Stay connected with the airwave app, Casella’s range of air sampling pumps utilise the latest technology to enable remote monitoring with a tablet or mobile phone via the airwave app. The airwave app allows accessor to Start/Stop and Pause your instrument and view real time data using Bluetooth®


notes and photographs to your laptop for easier reporting.


Casella’s wearable pumps have a slim, ergonomic design, the pump is less obtrusive to the wearer, allowing them to carry on with their job whilst being monitored. The Apex2 medium-fl ow sampling pump features a sturdy clip with a lifetime guarantee, it’s secure and the detachable rubber boot guards against knocks. Ingress resistant to IP65 means that you can use it in the harshest environments.


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The AVL UltraFine Particle Monitor™ is the company’s fl agship product, designed with state-of-the-art condensation particle counting technology. It offers exceptional precision, reliability, and ease of use, empowering researchers to implement effective air quality solutions. The instrument is ACTRIS compliant, ensuring it meets the highest standards for aerosol measurement, as established by the Center for Aerosol In-Situ Measurement (CAIS- ECAC).


connectivity. You can also email the data, alongside


Built on AVL’s automotive heritage, the instrument features robust optical components, automatic re-boot, and drift detection systems, ensuring consistent accuracy and stable data fl ow. Its user- friendly design simplifi es operation and maintenance, making it an ideal addition to existing air quality monitoring systems.


With the AVL UltraFine Particle Monitor, environmental professionals have the tools to make a meaningful impact on global air pollution, thereby improving air quality worldwide.


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Experts in ultrafi ne particle measurement to exhibit at AQE


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