- Increasing levels of air pollution and ambient particulate matter (PM) in the air is resulting in many disorders including respiratory problems, cancer, eye-related symptoms, adverse effects on foetus, hypertension, diabetes and impaired brain development in children.
- PM 2.5 is of main significance as its size enables it to adversely interfere with lung functioning and capacity. The elevated levels have a profound effect in children and those with lung-related disorders.
- According to a recent study, 1 in every 3 school-going children have reduced function, and the levels of iron-laden macrophages in the sputum of Delhi’s children is 4 times more than those from a cleaner environment.
- In Delhi, the PM 10 levels between 2002 and 2007 were reduced by about 17%, but the particulate matter since then have risen drastically by 75%.
- The percentage of vehicles have increased by 97% contributing to pollution and thus leading to enormous pollution load and direct exposure to toxic vehicular fumes.
- Read at: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-newdelhi/wheezing-and-coughing-our-way-to-bad-health/article5991505.ece
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