Bose Institute study proposes a 'toxicity standard' for PM2.5 pollution over Kolkata
A study led by Bose Institute, Kolkata, found that the toxicity of PM2.5 aerosols over Kolkata rises sharply once concentrations cross about 70 µg/m³, and proposed this as a 'toxicity standard', the Science and Technology Ministry said on 11 April 2025.
Summary
Researchers at Bose Institute, Kolkata, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, led by Prof. Abhijit Chatterjee, studied the toxicity of ultrafine PM2.5 aerosols over Kolkata and found that toxicity increases sharply when PM2.5 crosses about 70 µg/m³. They proposed this level as a 'toxicity standard' to guide pollution control, according to the Ministry of Science & Technology on 11 April 2025. Bose Institute is the nodal institute for Kolkata under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), launched in 2019 to cut particulate pollution by 40% by 2026 compared with 2017 levels in 131 non-attainment cities.
Key facts
- Institute
- Bose Institute, Kolkata (DST)
- Lead scientist
- Prof. Abhijit Chatterjee
- Finding
- PM2.5 toxicity rises sharply above about 70 µg/m³
- NCAP
- launched 2019; 40% reduction by 2026 vs 2017; 131 non-attainment cities
- NCAP role
- Bose Institute is nodal institute for Kolkata
Practice MCQs 2 questions
According to the Bose Institute study on Kolkata, the toxicity of PM2.5 rises sharply above roughly what concentration?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 70 µg/m³
70 µg/m³, which the researchers proposed as a 'toxicity standard'.
Consider the following statements about the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): 1. It targets a 40% reduction in particulate matter by 2030 compared with 2017. 2. It covers 102 non-attainment cities. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. NCAP targets a 40% cut in particulate pollution by 2026 (not 2030) compared with 2017, in 131 (not 102) non-attainment cities.