[Stoves] Off-topic: Analysis of Delhi air pollution

[Nikhil Desai]

This is from 2013; a very interesting analysis of air pollution at a
particular traffic intersection in Delhi. For the first time I came across
phrases like "long memory" and "persistence" in air quality literature.

*Statistical Characteristics of Ambient PM2.5 Concentration at a Traffic
Site in Delhi: Source Identification Using Persistence Analysis and
Nonparametric Wind Regression,* Asha Chelani, Aerosol and Air Quality
Research (Taiwan). doi: 10.4209/aaqr.2012.09.0243

At the time,


"Very few studies have been conducted on the fine particulate matter in
ambient air of Delhi.  Chowdhury et al. (2007) inferred that primary
emissions from fossil fuel combustion (coal, diesel, and gasoline) were
responsible for about 25–33% and biomass combustion contributed 7–20% of
PM2.5 mass in Delhi."


It stands to reason that biomass combustion was a small and variable share
in ambient Delhi air by 2007, by when household cooking by biomass was
virtually eliminated except among the "slums" in the outskirts.
Non-household biomass combustion and "household" heating (including open
fires outside the residences) continued.

As Prof. Kirk Smith can confirm, Delhi fine particulate pollution was high
as late as a year ago, before last winter began. Delhi air quality is
getting worse, despite virtual elimination of old road vehicle stock,
massive infusion of CNG in buses and trucks, introduction of LPG for cars
and a few other small vehicles.

Elimination of household solid fuels cooking pollution by LPG is hardly a
"solution" to health damage from fine particulates pollution. Very few
people stay indoors and post 5 mortality in cities keeps on declining.

Even Prof. Smith's toy - HAPIT - will show smaller and smaller "health
benefits" of LPG (or Tier 4/5 biomass stove) as urbanization and transport,
industry, power emissions go relatively unchecked.

There will be "premature deaths", just blamed on ambient PM2.5 (unless the
academics start measuring and reporting air pollutants and exposures that
are not captured by them).

Perpetual money machine as a publishing and consulting career.

Nikhil
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