Higher cytotoxicity in human lung cells suggested due to presence of Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5

  • IASbaba
  • October 13, 2020
  • 0
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Higher cytotoxicity in human lung cells suggested due to presence of Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Environment; Pollution

In news

  • A recent study – ‘Insights on the biological role of ultrafine particles of size PM<0.25: a prospective study from New Delhi’ was conducted recently.

Key takeaways

Proportion of Ultrafine Particles

  • Particulate matter of below 0.25 micrometres constituted the highest share in the composition of PM2.5 around the year as compared to particles of other sizes.
  • Exposure to ultrafine particles of below 0.25 micrometres was also associated with over two-fold higher cytotoxicity as compared to exposure to other sizes.

Reasons

  • Celebration of Diwali.
  • Stubble burning in neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana.
  • Secondary formation of particles due to favourable meteorological conditions.
  • The low temperature and high humidity during winter nights enhance the fog-smog-fog cycle and result in 2-3-fold increase in PM concentration compared to pre-monsoon and South-West monsoon season.

Health Impacts

  • Stroke
  • Lung cancer
  • Other heart and lung related problems

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