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

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