Atmospheric chemistry discovery could help Indian cities clear away the haze

An image showing pollution in Delhi

Source: © Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images

High local HCl concentrations found to boost haze and fog formation in Delhi and Chennai

A new study suggests that high levels of chloride from industry and burning waste could be responsible for enhanced haze and fog formation in Delhi and Chennai,1 leading to around half the reduced visibility in India’s capital city and having serious implications for health and the economy. The results could help researchers understand why some polluted regions are more prone to smog and cloud than others.