Spatiotemporal distribution of air quality dynamics and health risks study during 2019–2021 lockdown in urban and industrial cities of West Bengal, India

Globally, air pollution is the second most common cause of mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs), after tobacco smoking. Breathing polluted air has potential to cause a diverse array of health problems. This study comprehensively investigates the health risk of different areas of the population mainly industrial and urban belt by using AIRQ + health risk assessment model. This study also analyzes the spatiotemporal distribution of air quality in industrial and urban areas and correlation study was conducted between air pollutants and meteorological factors with episodic influences mainly lockdown phases. In Kolkata, Howrah, Asansol and Siliguri, the average Air quality index (AQI) varied from satisfactory (51–100) to moderate (101–200) values. The poor (201−300) to very poor (301−400) air quality observed in January, February, November and December month of the year. The higher AQI observed in the study area in winter season as compared to summer season. In the lockdown period overall air quality was improved. The meteorological factors, including rainfall and temperature played a crucial role in influencing air quality in this area. The regression analysis indicates a significant negative association between temperature and the following pollutants: PM 2.5 (β = − 4.91, p