Open waste burning, particularly plastics, is identified as a significant contributor to Kolkata's poor air quality, especially during winter. Environment scientists highlight that burning plastic releases toxic and carcinogenic elements. A study indicated refuse burning accounts for 5% of PM10 and PM2.5 pollution, with PM2.5 posing a severe health risk due to its ability to penetrate deep into lungs. Air quality readings across the city on a Saturday morning showed predominantly 'very poor' to 'poor' conditions.