The air you breathe has turned even more lethal

Your city is not good for your health. The civic body's annual Environment Status Report (ESR) shows that the air you breathe, the water on your beaches and the noise you are subjected to are all higher than the prescribed limits.

Your city is not good for your health. The civic body's annual Environment Status Report (ESR) shows that the air you breathe, the water on your beaches and the noise you are subjected to are all higher than the prescribed limits. It also highlights the repeated failure of the city's agencies to provide Mumbaiites with a cleaner environment.

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The report, to be released next month, shows that the level of air pollutants such as suspended particulate matter (SPM), nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, have risen in Mumbai compared to last year. Even in 2011, these figures were far above the permissible limits. While the levels of other pollutants such as ammonia, lead and nickel may not have risen, they also continue to exceed limits.

"Pollutants such as nickel heighten the risk of cancer, while nitrogen dioxide and SPM can lead to respiratory problems such as bronchitis," said Dr Ashok Mahashur, specialist in pulmonary and respiratory medicine, PD Hinduja hospital.

The most polluted air, across the six monitoring sites, was found to be in Maravali, Chem-bur. Andheri and Khar also reco-rded high levels of air pollutants.

The report records brazen violations of sound limits even in residential areas. The report also tested the water off the city's coasts and found it badly polluted with sewage. "We will go through the report and decide on a plan of action," said Mohan Adtani, additional municipal commissioner.