Alarming Surge in PM2.5 Levels and Child Cancer Rates in Delhi: A Toxic Link?

Relevance: GS3 –  Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Air Pollution, Types of Pollution & Pollutants, Impact of Pollution & Degradation, Causes/Sources of Pollution & Degradation, Prevention & Control of Pollution & Degradation, National Environment Agencies, Legislations and Policies, International Environment Agencies & Agreements, Air quality index, Cancer in Children, Delhi, North India

Why in the news?

• Delhi experienced a major increase in PM2.5 pollution, with a 68% rise in a single day. This was the first 'severe+' level of PM2.5 this season, exceeding 300 µg/m³.
• Delhi has the highest rate of childhood cancers among Indian cities according to the National Cancer Registry Programme data from 2012 to 2016.

Key Facts About Pollution in Delhi

• PM2.5 Spike: Delhi witnessed a 68% rise in PM2.5 levels within a single day, crossing the 'severe+' category mark with more than 300 µg/m3.
• Early Increase: Unlike the pattern over the past five years where PM2.5 levels rose from October, in 2023 the rise began in mid-September.
• Stubble Burning Contribution: The contribution of stubble burning from neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana to Delhi’s PM2.5 was over 25% and is expected to increase.
• Combustion Sources: The current pollution is majorly due to combustion, with PM2.5 making up over 50% of PM10 levels, indicating a higher impact from sources like vehicles, industry, and open burning.
• NO2 Levels: There is a significant rise in NO2 levels, with some areas in Delhi recording levels three to four times higher than the 24-hour standard.
• System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR): This initiative provides real-time, location-specific air quality information.

What is Air Pollution’s Role in Cancer?

• Airborne pollutants have been implicated in various forms of adult-onset cancers, often due to long-term exposure.
• Children are more susceptible to the effects of air pollution for several reasons:
  • They breathe more rapidly than adults, which means they can take in more pollutants over the same period.
  • They are smaller and closer to the ground, where some pollutants like heavy metals and particles tend to concentrate.
  • Their organs and immune systems are still developing, potentially making them less capable of detoxifying and managing the harmful effects of pollutants.
• Studies have shown that exposure to air pollution is associated with specific types of cancers in children, such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
• Certain pollutants have been identified as being particularly harmful:
  • Benzene: A well-known carcinogen often found in vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions.
  • Nitrogen oxides (NOx): Gases produced from vehicle emissions and industrial activities.
  • Particulate matter (PM2.5): Tiny particles in the air that can penetrate deep into lung tissue and even enter the bloodstream.
• A study published in 2023 highlighted a link between the exposure to PM2.5 and an increased risk of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) among children, underscoring the potential role of air quality in pediatric health outcomes.

System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR)

• The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) is a project initiated by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India, to measure the air quality of a metropolitan city and to forecast the air quality 1-3 days in advance.
• It was first launched during the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in 2010 and subsequently extended to other cities.
• SAFAR is designed to provide a science-based decision support system to achieve the objectives of public awareness of air quality and help in mitigating severe air pollution events well in advance.
• It is crucial for urban health planning and implementation of air pollution mitigation policies and measures.
• The system has been made operational in several Indian cities including Delhi, Pune, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad.

Role & Responsibilities of SAFAR

• Monitoring Air Quality: SAFAR provides a real-time monitoring and forecasting system for air quality which is location-specific.
  • It measures overall pollution levels and the presence of various pollutants, including particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), and benzene, among others.
• Advanced Forecasting: The system uses advanced scientific models for forecasting air quality, and it also provides UV Index, heat index, and solar radiation information.
  • This forecasting helps in alerting residents about the air quality, and this information can be particularly useful for vulnerable groups, like the elderly, children, and those with chronic health conditions.
• Public Awareness: SAFAR aims to increase public awareness by providing information on the quality of air, the pollutants, and their potential health impacts.
• Disaster Management Support: The system can also provide information on the dispersion of airborne pollutants in the event of chemical, biological, or radiological disasters, thus aiding in disaster management.
• Research and Development: SAFAR also contributes to research and offers a platform for testing and validation of new technologies related to air quality forecasting.
• Policy Facilitation: The data and findings from SAFAR play a crucial role in creating policy decisions regarding air pollution and mitigation strategies.

Factors Causing Rise in Pollution Levels in Delhi

• Stubble Burning: Every year during the post-harvest season in neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana, farmers burn the crop residue to prepare the field for the next sowing season. This stubble burning contributes significantly to the PM2.5 levels in Delhi, especially during the months of October and November.
• Vehicle Emissions: Delhi has a high number of vehicles on its roads, and emissions from these vehicles contribute to both PM2.5 and nitrogen dioxide levels.
• Industrial Pollution: Emissions from industries in and around Delhi add to the air pollution levels. Many of these industries still rely on fossil fuels which are significant sources of air pollutants.
• Construction Activities: Construction dust is another major source of particulate matter in the air.
• Waste Burning: Open burning of waste, including leaves, plastic, and other materials, especially in the colder season, adds to the concentration of PM2.5 and other toxic pollutants.
• Meteorological Factors: Meteorological conditions such as temperature inversion, low wind speed, and absence of rain lead to the trapping of pollutants close to the ground, exacerbating the air quality issues.
• Fossil Fuel-based Power Plants: The power plants around Delhi, which mostly run on coal, contribute to the NOx and particulate matter levels in the air.
• Regional Contributions: The air quality in Delhi is not only influenced by local sources but also by pollution that is carried by winds from other regions.

Mitigation Measure to be Implemented

Stubble Management

• Providing farmers with alternatives to stubble burning, such as subsidized machinery for in-situ management of crop residue (like happy seeders, super straw management system), or setting up biomass plants that can use stubble as raw material for energy production.

Vehicle Emission Control

• Promote public transport and non-motorized transport.
• Implement stricter vehicular emission norms, like BS-VI standards.
• Phasing out old, polluting vehicles and promoting electric vehicles (EVs).
• Regular pollution under control (PUC) checks.

Industrial Emissions

• Shift industries towards cleaner fuels like PNG (Piped Natural Gas).
• Enforce strict industrial emission standards.
• Promote the adoption of pollution control technologies.

Construction and Demolition Regulations

• Enforce rules to control dust, such as covering construction sites and material, and sprinkling water.
• Regulate timings for construction activities to minimize dust during peak hours.

Waste Management

• Strengthen solid waste management practices to prevent open burning.
• Promote segregation at source and recycling.
• Incentivize waste-to-energy plants.

Legislation and Policy Strengthening

• Ensure enforcement of National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) guidelines.
• Implement and monitor action plans for ‘pollution hotspots’ in the city.

Energy Policy

• Decommission old coal-based power plants and promote renewable energy sources.
• Implement energy efficiency measures in both residential and industrial sectors.

Community Involvement

• Encourage citizen participation in monitoring and reporting pollution sources.
• Education and awareness programs on the health impacts of air pollution.

Conclusion

Despite past measures to control pollution, there is a need for more comprehensive actions to close policy gaps and meet clean air targets to prevent hazardous smog and protect public health. The data and research underscore a significant health crisis for children in Delhi, with implications for long-term health outcomes.

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FAQs

MCQs

Question: In the context of WHO consider the Air Quality Guidelines, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2022)

1. The 24-hour mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 15 ug/m³ and annual mean of PM 2.5 should not exceed 5 μg/m³.
2. In a year, the highest levels of ozone pollution occur during the periods of inclement weather.
3. PM10 can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the bloodstream.
4. Excessive ozone in the air can trigger asthma.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1, 3 and 4

(b) 1 and 4 only

(c) 2, 3 and 4

(d) 1 and 2 only

Question: How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)? (UPSC 2018)

1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.
2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells, and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Question: Acid rain is caused by the pollution of environment by (UPSC 2013)

(a) Carbon dioxide and nitrogen

(b) Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide

(c) Ozone and carbon dioxide

(d) Nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide