By IANS,
New Delhi : Very small dust particles that lodge inside the lungs were at a level above prescribed norms in residential areas of 86 out of 125 Indian cities last year, according to data collected by the government.
Called Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM), these particles of dust and soot are known to cause respiratory diseases.
Giving the information to the Lok Sabha Wednesday about RSPM levels in 2008, Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh said levels of oxides of nitrogen had been found to be above prescribed norms in Delhi, Kolkata and Howrah.
The levels of sulphur dioxide were within the norms, he added.
The Central Pollution Control Board monitors air quality at 346 stations covering 130 cities, with the help of state boards and pollution control committees.