Latest air pollution monitoring data accessed exclusively by The News Minute from the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) shows pollution levels in most areas in Benguluru are at alarming levels, and much higher than national limits.

TNM has accessed weekly average values of air pollutants from 13 places in Bengaluru for the first three weeks of April 2015, of which complete data is available only for 10 locations.

The Board monitors SO2, NO2 and RSPM levels. RSPM, or Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter, is the particulate matter in the air readily inhaled by human respiratory system. It is one of the most important levels to be monitored to assess air pollution.

While NO2 and SO2 limits have been found to be well within national limits, RSPM levels are through the roof.

According to the data, RSPM levels exceeded the national average of 100µg/m3 at 8 spots in April first week and at 7 locations in second and third week of April.

The stations at Graphite India in Whitefield and Central Silk Board in Hosur Road clocked in the highest levels of RSPM. In the third week, Whitefield had RSPM levels 155% more than the national limit. In the second week, Hosur Road had an RSPM reading of 302, 202% more than the national limit.