VISAKHAPATNAM: Air pollution levels across Andhra Pradesh have worsened consistently over the past three years, with particulate matter remaining above national safety standards and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels rising sharply, according to a new analysis released by Respirer Living Sciences.
The study, which analysed air quality data between January 2024 and April 2026, found that PM10 levels exceeded the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) every year during the study period.
Concurrently, PM2.5 concentrations rose significantly, crossing the prescribed annual limits in both 2025 and 2026. Nitrogen dioxide, largely associated with vehicular and industrial emissions, also recorded a steep increase.
According to the report, the State's annual average PM10 concentration increased from 67 µg/m³ (micrograms per cubic metre) in 2024 to 84 µg/m³ in 2026, remaining consistently above the national standard of 60 µg/m³. PM2.5 levels rose by 33% between 2024 and 2026, breaching the annual limit of 40 µg/m³.
Furthermore, NO2 concentrations spiked by nearly 44% during the same period, reflecting the growing impact of transport emissions, industrial activity, and combustion sources across urban centres.
Particulate pollution continues to be the dominant air-quality concern, while ammonia and carbon monoxide levels largely remained within permissible limits.