Particulate Matter Pollution

Context: A recent report by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) highlighted that the particulate pollution is increasing in the cities of Rajasthan.

About Particulate Matter:

Particle pollution — also called particulate matter (PM) — is made up of particles (tiny pieces) of solids or liquids that are suspended in the air. These particles may include: 

• Dust 
• Dirt 
• Soot 
• Smoke 
• Drops of liquid

Particle pollution can come from two different kinds of sources — primary or secondary. 

• Primary sources cause particle pollution on their own. For example, wood stoves and forest fires are primary sources. 
• Secondary sources let off gases that can form particles. Power plants and coal fires are examples of secondary sources. 
• Some other common sources of particle pollution can be either primary or secondary — for example, factories, cars and trucks, and construction sites. Smoke from fires and emissions (releases) from power plants, industrial facilities, and cars and trucks.

Particle pollution includes: 

• PM 10: inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 10 micrometers and smaller. These particles are relatively larger and can be seen as fine dust or smoke. They can come from various sources such as dust stirred up from construction sites, pollen, or emissions from vehicles and industrial processes.
• PM 2.5: fine inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller. These particles are much tinier and cannot be seen with the naked eye. They are often the result of combustion processes like burning fossil fuels, vehicle emissions, or even cooking. Because of their small size, PM 2.5 particles can penetrate deep into our lungs and even enter our bloodstream, causing more severe health issues.

Impact of Particulate Pollution:

• Respiratory problems: Inhaling PM can cause or worsen respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory infections.
• Cardiovascular effects: PM pollution has been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases. Fine particles can enter the bloodstream and contribute to the development of plaque in the arteries. 
• Reduced lung function: Long-term exposure to PM can lead to a decline in lung function, making it more difficult to breathe properly.
• Allergies and irritation: Particulate matter can trigger allergic reactions and irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, causing symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and watery eyes. 
• Premature death: Exposure to high levels of PM pollution has been associated with increased mortality rates, particularly among individuals with pre-existing health conditions and the elderly. 
• Cancer risk: Certain types of PM, such as diesel exhaust particles and some heavy metals, have been classified as carcinogens and are linked to an increased risk of developing lung cancer. 
• Developmental issues: Pregnant women exposed to high levels of PM pollution may experience complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and developmental issues in their children. 
• Impaired lung growth in children: Children exposed to PM pollution may experience reduced lung growth and development, leading to long-term respiratory problems. 
• Aggravation of existing conditions: People with pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular conditions are particularly vulnerable to the health effects of PM pollution, which can exacerbate their symptoms and increase the severity of their conditions.

Steps taken by Government:

Government is taking all efforts for the mitigation of air pollution in the country. Central Government has taken a number of regulatory measures for prevention, control and abatement of air pollution in the country.

• National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) a long-term, time-bound, national level strategy to tackle the air pollution across the country in a comprehensive manner with targets to achieve 20 % to 30 % reduction in PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations by 2024 keeping 2017 as the base year for the comparison of concentration.102 non-attainment cities mostly in Indo-Gangetic Plains have been identified based on ambient air quality data for the period 2011 – 2015 and WHO report 2014/2018. 
• Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was notified on January 12, 2017, for prevention, control and abatement of air pollution in Delhi and NCR.
• National Air Quality Index: It was launched in 2014 as ‘One Number- One Color-One Description’ for the common man to judge the air quality within his vicinity. Eight pollutants namely particulate matter (PM) 10, PM2.5, Ozone (O3), Sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), lead (Pb) and ammonia (NH3) act as major parameters in deriving the AQI.