Form of words:
New Delhi: Researchers have found a strong link between PM2.5 (particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter) and mortality in Delhi, where acceptable levels of PM2.5 are regularly exceeded, leading to intense winds during the winter season. There is pollution. .
They also noted that the city’s Graded Response Action Plan designed to curb pollution levels was not effective, with more ambitious, long-term goals to cut emissions needed to bring significant health benefits.
NS Study The result of a collaboration between Harvard University, the Population Foundation of India and the Delhi-based Center for Chronic Disease Control – is the first of its kind to look at over 7 lakh deaths not caused by accidents between 2010 and 2016. Its conclusion.
The researchers said this “presents a strong case for the harmful effects of short-term PM2.5 exposure”. The study was published earlier this month in the peer-reviewed journal, environmental epidemiology.
“Essentially what we are trying to do with this study is assess whether the change in PM2.5 levels in 24 hours can affect the number of deaths every day. We found that with every 25 micrograms per cubic meter increase in 24 hours, there is a 0.8 percent increase in mortality,” Dr Bhargava Krishna, lead author of the study, told ThePrint.
Delhi’s PM2.5 levels exceed 130 micrograms per cubic meter in 2016 – more than 10 times recommended World Health Organization (WHO) levels – and have been rising ever since.
“Overall, we saw a 0.8% increase in non-accidental mortality, with every 25 μg/m3 (micrograms per cubic metre) increase,” the paper said, of those over the age of 60. People are disproportionately affected and “underestimate exposure.” Far below current levels would substantially reduce the burden of mortality associated with PM2.5.
Read also: Be prepared for extreme weather events, reduce emissions – IPCC report author warns for India
Over 17,000 ‘air pollution’ deaths could have been avoided
WHO draws an average of 10 µg/m3 annually and 25 µg/m3 in 24 hours for acceptable PM2.5 levels. PM2.5 particles are considered dangerous to health because they can enter the lungs and enter the bloodstream, leading to a higher risk of developing cardiovascular, respiratory disease and lung cancer. This risk is increased by chronic exposure.
The researchers note that in Delhi, the annual average exposure “exceeded 130 µg/m3 in 2016, which has increased steadily over the 7 years between 2010 and 2016 with large spatial and temporal variations.”
“Seasonal factors, high emissions related to the combustion of fireworks during religious events and periodic crop-stubble burning also lead to peak PM2.5 peaks in winter, sometimes as high as 1,000 in a very short period of time,” he said. microgram/m3,” he said.
For an accurate representation of daily average PM2.5 levels over six years, the researchers used a “machine learning-based predictive model” that used different sources of data, such as ground monitors, satellite observations, meteorology , land-use variables and emissions inventories.
“Reducing exposure from an average of 91.1 µg/m3 to a WHO guideline level of 10 µg/m3 could potentially result in 17,526 deaths (approximately 7 deaths a day) among the entire study population, most of which are average deaths.” The rate has been observed among the elderly population, and men at large,” the paper said.
Want an ‘ambitious long-term goal’
one in pay attention For policymakers and the media, the researchers said the city’s Graded Response Action Plan, which seeks to reduce pollution levels during their peak in the winter season, is futile. Reducing PM2.5 levels after crossing 125 µg/m3 levels “provides only modest benefit for mortality”.
He also said the National Clean Air Program’s goal of reducing emissions by 30 percent would not lead to significant health benefits and “should be revised to meet more ambitious long-term goals.”
“Overall, reduction of high seasonal exposures should be combined with systemic actions to ensure that WHO guidelines for safe exposure are met and the health of the population is adequately protected.”
(This report has been updated to include a quote from the study’s lead author, Dr. Bhargava Krishna.)
(Edited by Paramita Ghosh)
Read also: Modi’s green development focus is not just about climate, it is about economy too
subscribe our channel youtube And Wire
Why is the news media in crisis and how can you fix it?
India needs free, unbiased, non-hyphenated and questionable journalism even more as it is facing many crises.
But the news media itself is in trouble. There have been brutal layoffs and pay-cuts. The best of journalism are shrinking, yielding to raw prime-time spectacle.
ThePrint has the best young journalists, columnists and editors to work for it. Smart and thinking people like you will have to pay the price for maintaining this quality of journalism. Whether you live in India or abroad, you can Here.