Ground-Level Ozone Pollution Threatens Health and Food Security in India
Ground-Level Ozone Pollution Threatens Health and Food Security in India
IN · Published Nov 10, 2026
• A 2026 policy brief by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) highlights the growing threat of ground-level ozone pollution to public health, food security, and climate stability.
• Research on 188 heatwave events in India revealed that ozone concentrations frequently exceeded World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, reaching levels of 85–110 micrograms per cubic metre in northern regions.

Impact & Risks

Ground-level ozone poses severe risks to public health, particularly for children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions. It is linked to respiratory inflammation, asthma, and chronic illnesses, contributing to millions of emergency visits and nearly 500,000 deaths globally in 2023. In India, the Indo-Gangetic Plain has experienced significant agricultural losses due to ozone pollution, with wheat yields reduced by up to 13%, resulting in economic losses of nearly $1 billion. The pollutant also threatens ecosystems, reducing forest productivity and disrupting pollination, which could have cascading effects on biodiversity and food security.

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