Delhi’s Air Quality Worsens As Microplastics Pollute The Skies, Warns Study News24 –
A recent study by Indian scientists has shed light on the grave state of pollution in Delhi. The study found that microplastic particles in the city’s air are present in three major air particle categories PM10, PM2.5 and PM1.
According to the research, the respiratory intake of microplastics by adults in Delhi is almost double in summers as compared to winters. While an average of 10.7 microplastic particles enter the body through breathing every day in winters, this figure rises to 21.1 in summers an increase of about 97%.
The study, conducted by scientists from Pune-based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and Savitribai Phule Pune University, found a total of 2,087 microplastic particles in air samples taken from Delhi during summer and winter.
Of these, the highest amount was found to be polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is commonly used in bottles, food packaging and clothing — its share was 41%. Also found were polyethylene (27%), polyester (18%), polystyrene (9%) and PVC (5%) particles.
The Average Presence Of Microplastics In The Air Was As Follows:
PM10: 1.87 particles per cubic meter
PM2.5: 0.51 particles per cubic meter
PM1: 0.49 particles per cubic meter
Although no safe limit has been set for inhaling microplastics, researchers warn that continued exposure can increase the risk of diseases such as bronchitis, pneumonia, lung inflammation and even cancer.
The study also found that adults had the highest intake of microplastics, possibly due to their higher respiratory rate and outdoor activities. However, the health effects may be even more serious for children and infants, as their bodies are more sensitive and they breathe more in proportion to their weight.
The Growing Scope Of Microplastic Pollution
Plastic production has increased tremendously over the past few decades — from just 1.5 million tonnes in 1950 to 400.3 million tonnes in 2022. With the increasing use of single-use plastic and poor waste management systems, this waste is now spreading both on land and in the ocean.
Microplastics smaller than five millimetres have now been found from the top of Mount Everest to the Mariana Trench, the deepest point in the ocean. Their presence has become so widespread that they are being found in the human brain, umbilical cord, and even the stomachs of marine fish.
A report published by France’s food safety agency ANSES in June claimed that glass bottles contain more microplastic particles than plastic. According to the analysis, glass bottles for beverages such as soft drinks, lemonade, iced tea and beer contained an average of 100 microplastic particles per litre 50 times more than plastic or metal containers.