High metal concentration in Delhi air

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A study by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), Delhi has revealed high concentration of heavy metals in Delhi’s air.

Details of the Study

• Areas covered: The study was carried out in six cities with different air pollution ecologies— Delhi (megacity), Ludhiana (high industrial activities), Patiala (high agricultural and biomass burning), Panchkula (PM 2.5 attained city), Vishakhapatnam (coastal region) and Jaisalmer (desert).

• Metals found: The study showed that with the onset of winter, as Delhi’s Pollution worsens, the concentration of metals increase. (The acceptable standard of PM 2.5 levels should be under 60ug/m3).
• The metals that have been found are: Zinc, Lead, Arsenic and Cadmium
• Sources of metals:
  • Vehicular exhaust,
  • Open fires, and
  • Fumes from industrial operations in neighboring states
• Reason for Metal content: High traffic volume in Delhi and industrial activities in areas surrounding it led to an increased share of heavy metals in the air.
• Impact
• Higher risk of Diseases: Increased concentration of cadmium and arsenic can overtime result in higher risk of cancer, kidney issues, hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
• On Children: Exposed to a range of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases

Source:

• High metal concentration in Delhi air