With some of the world’s busiest cities coming to a halt due to coronavirus, the research shows the most dangerous air quality indicator known as PM2.5 has declined massively across the world, increasing fresh air and visibility of nature.
The top three cities with the greatest decline in air pollution are:
Delhi: Just seven days after lockdown started, Delhi saw a considerable drop of 60.33%, with pollution levels plunging from 184 last year to 73.
Los Angeles: Pollution levels dropped by almost 71% compared to last year, from 55 to just 16 after six days of lockdown.
Madrid: Four days after lockdown started, Madrid’s average score dropped over 56% from 89 to 39.
Methodology
Comparing the average PM2.5 levels from when lockdown started in each city to the same dates in 2019, Instant Offices has ranked the cities with the biggest drop including the before and after images of the top three cities which you can find here.
As one of the most prominent air pollutants linked to poor-health, studies show inhaling these ultrafine particles with every breath can add to a range of health problems in the short and long-term, including respiratory issues.
Edward Harbison, Corporate Marketing Manager at The Instant Group commented, “The significant reduction of PM2.5 across major cities in only two weeks of lockdown is evidence of the staggering impact we have on the world around us. With reduced human activity across the board, our analysis showed a significant improvement in some of the worlds most polluted cities. Considering the impact that PM2.5 has on air quality and our overall health, this is especially noteworthy.”
To view a full list of the top cities with the largest improvements in air quality after two weeks of lockdown, you can find this here: https://www.instantoffices.com/blog/instant-offices-news/air-pollution-in-cities-lockdown/