The Threat of Ozone in India

Ozone is a secondary pollutant that isn't released from any source. It forms naturally when oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds, such as benzene, react under high heat and sunlight. The gas can inflame and damage airways and aggravate lung diseases like asthma. Ozone killed more than 400,000 people worldwide in 2019, up 46% since 2000. According to state of global air report 2020, it is in India where the number of ozone deaths has increased the most over the past decade.