Recent research by the Bose Institute in Kolkata has revealed alarming findings about the health risks of air pollution. The study shows that the toxicity of PM2.5, or ultrafine particulate matter, surges when concentrations exceed 70 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³). These findings underscore a growing concern, as Kolkata shows PM2.5 toxicity surges at 70 µg/m³ pollution, posing a serious threat to public health.
The situation necessitates immediate and stringent regulatory action. The research, which was recently highlighted by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) and published in October 2024 in Science of the Total Environment, demonstrates a notable increase in PM2.5 toxicity that lasts until levels reach around 135 µg/m³, at which point they stabilize. These conclusions are supported by data on air quality that was gathered in Kolkata from 2016 to 2023.
Toxicity Rise Linked to Oxidative Stress and Biomass Burning
Co-authored by Chatterjee and doctoral scholars Abhinandan Ghosh and Monami Dutta, the study clearly links oxidative stress, a mechanism known to harm human cells, to increased PM2.5 toxicity. According to Chatterjee, chemical components from burning biomass and solid waste are the primary cause of the noticeable rise in PM2.5’s oxidative potential after the 70 µg/m³ threshold. This underscores the significant role of biomass burning in the health risks associated with air pollution. Although to a lesser degree, vehicle emissions were also found to be a contributing factor.
According to the article, disorders including pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other inflammatory ailments are linked to increased amounts of dangerous chemicals like peroxides, hydroperoxides, and hydroxyls. The study’s seasonal focus was made more relevant by focusing on the winter months, when PM2.5 concentrations often peak.
NCAP Fails to Tackle Biomass Emissions
The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), introduced in 2019, was also assessed for its effects. Biomass emissions did not rise even if Kolkata received more than ₹636 crore under NCAP between 2019 and 2023. According to the scientists, the frequency of winter days surpassing the 70 µg/m³ threshold decreased somewhat, from 80–85% prior to NCAP to around 65–72% following it.
Despite significant reductions in emissions from vehicles (33%), industry (39%), and road dust (42%), biomass burning persisted in Kolkata. Researchers attributed this to the continued use of biomass for cooking and the widespread open-air burning of dry leaves, an economically driven practice that remains largely unregulated. This persistent source of pollution is particularly concerning in light of recent findings indicating that Kolkata shows PM2.5 toxicity surges at 70 µg/m³ pollution. It underscores the urgent need to address biomass-related emissions in public health strategies, highlighting the importance of this issue in the context of air pollution in Kolkata.
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