Greenpeace Reveals Alarming Levels Of Cancer-Causing Heavy Metals In Delhi's Air
NEW DELHI -- Greenpeace India's scientific analysis has
revealed high concentrations of heavy metals inside classrooms of different
schools across Delhi between October-November. A report released on Thursday showed the samples collected
and tested inside the classrooms of having alarming levels of heavy metal
presence on days when PM 2.5 concentrations were higher than the prescribed
levels.
The study was conducted to decode constituents of PM 2.5 from
the collected sample. PM 2.5 concentrations from monitors installed inside the
classrooms showed indoor air quality five times above the Indian safety limits,
and as much as 11 times above the World Health Organisation's safety limits,
taking the average to 293 (µg/m3). The same samples when tested for elemental
composition of PM2.5 showed dangerous levels of heavy metals such as Arsenic,
Cadmium, Lead and Nickel which are carcinogenic and detrimental to health.
The five samples tested contained one or more metal at a
concentration higher than the respective limit and/or guideline value for
annual average metal concentrations in the air set either by the Indian
Government or the World Health Organisation. Cadmium and Arsenic concentrations
were higher than the prescribed standards (Indian/WHO) in 70% and 40% of the
schools respectively. The detected heavy metals such as Lead and Manganese are
neurotoxic and affect the cognitive and motoric development of children in
particular. On the other hand, Arsenic, Cadmium, Nickel and Chromium (VI) are
carcinogenic causing cancer in human.
"The result signifies that schoolchildren are exposed
to exceeding levels of heavy metals that increase the risk of cancer and
developmental problems. Higher the PM 2.5 concentrations higher will be the
exposure to heavy metals," says Sunil Dahiya, Campaigner, Greenpeace
India. Talking further about the sources of the heavy metal presence, Dahiya
said "most of these particles are attached to the anthropogenic impacts caused
due to fossil fuel (Coal and Oil) burned for energy and transportation
sector."
Similar studies conducted elsewhere in India connect the
presence of heavy metals in PM 2.5 to various sources. Based on these studies
the high fractions of heavy metals such as Cadmium and Lead comes from
industrial emission whereas high levels of Zinc and Lead comes from burning of
coal and non-ferrous metal melting.
Delhi needs to take stringent measures to reduce the air
pollution exposure to children. Urgent action such as shutting down schools and
restricting outdoor activities should take place; this practice must be
expanded to include advice on precautionary measures to other sensitive groups
by the government.
"There is an urgent need for a comprehensive regional
clean action plan to reduce air pollution from all the major sources in the
northern Indian region. Till such measure start giving results government
should reduce exposure of children by taking precautionary steps like shutting
schools and/or reducing outdoor activities during bad air days", added
Dahiya.