New study shows heatwaves and high ozone levels are taking a serious toll on heart health in India . Deaths linked to these factors are rising fast. Researchers from Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies and IIT Kharagpur published their findings June 12 in npj Clean Air.
During heatwaves,ozone concentrations in northern India spike to 85-110 μg/m³. That's well over WHO guideline of 70 μg/m³ across the country. Levels stay dangerous for days,only easing back three or four days after heat subsides.
In 2024, the research attributes
What's behind these numbers? researchers didn't just count ozone directly.
Ozone isn't emitted outright; it forms when sunlight triggers reactions among other pollutants. Rising temperatures speed up this process . Study warns ozone is a big threat, but pollutants like nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and formaldehyde (HCHO) are also serious risks to lungs.
Over 20 years, researchers used temperature records from India Meteorological Department,satellite data, global weather datasets to study ozone levels. They found 188 heatwave events from 2004-2024,with worst years during strong El Niño events like 2010, 2016, 2019,and 2024. Western Himalayas saw biggest jump in ozone, exceeding WHO guideline by 115% in 2024.
This study is first to take broad look at ozone during heatwaves across India,unlike past work focusing on single cities or regions. Authors urge quick policy action on climate change and air quality, warning “coupled heat–ozone extremes are intensifying.”
Research ties in with a 16th Finance Commission recommendation from November 2025. It advises adding heatwaves,lightning to India's national disaster list. This would let states tap State Disaster Response Fund for relief… but will action follow?
