Beyond PM2.5: The Hidden Dangers in 'Clean' Air
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Environment & Ecology (Air Pollution, Pollutants - Particulate Matter (PM2.5), Heavy Metals, National Air Quality Index - AQI); General Science (Health - Oxidative Stress, Free Radicals).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 3 (Environment & S&T): Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment. This is a key development in the scientific understanding and regulation of air pollution, which is a major topic.
Key Highlights from the News
A new study suggests that the commonly used metric for measuring air quality, PM2.5 (Particulate Matter 2.5), does not provide a complete picture of the true danger of air pollution.
Even when PM2.5 levels are safe, i.e., on "clean" days, the air can contain toxic particles harmful to the lungs.
Key finding of the study: Sometimes, air on "clean" days with lower PM2.5 can be more toxic to lung cells than air on polluted days with higher PM2.5.
Reason for this: This is due to iron-rich Metal-Containing Fine Particles (MCFPs), ultrafine particles containing metals like iron, manganese, and lead, released from vehicles and coal burning. These produce free radicals that damage cells.
Therefore, the study suggests that to control air pollution, instead of measuring the total mass of PM2.5, more attention should be focused on identifying and controlling its specific toxic components.
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