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Nanoplastics and microplastics (NMPs) are sneaky invaders, hiding in the tap water we drink every day. These tiny fragments of plastic have already been linked to unsettling changes in gut health and antibiotic resistance, raising alarm bells about their impact on our bodies. But here’s some refreshing news: scientists have discovered a surprisingly simple solution — boiling your water. <h2>A kitchen hack for cleaner water</h2>Researchers, led by biomedical engineer Zimin Yu, have found that boiling water and then filtering it can remove up to 90% of nanoplastics and microplastics from tap water. “This simple boiling water strategy can 'decontaminate' NMPs from household tap water and has the potential for harmlessly alleviating human intake of NMPs through water consumption,” the team explains. Even better? You probably already have the tools you need in your kitchen: a pot to boil water and a simple stainless steel mesh to filter out any leftover bits. <h2>How does it work?</h2>The trick lies in the build-up of limescale — or calcium carbonate — when water is heated. If you’ve ever peeked inside a kettle, you’ve seen this chalky layer. When water is boiled, calcium carbonate naturally precipitates out of the solution, forming a crust. This crust traps NMPs on its surface, making it easier to filter them out. “Our results showed that nanoplastic precipitation efficiency increased with increasing water hardness upon boiling,” the researchers write. For example, in soft water (low in calcium carbonate), the process managed to remove about 25% of NMPs. Meanwhile, in hard water (higher calcium carbonate levels), the process removed up to 90% of NMPs. <h2>The harder the water, the better the results</h2>Hard water, often considered a nuisance because of limescale, might actually be a secret weapon against microplastics. The researchers found that the harder the water, the more effective the boiling process was at capturing and removing plastic fragments. In water containing 300 mg/L of calcium carbonate, NMP removal reached an impressive 90%. Even at lower levels, such as 80 mg/L, over a third of the plastics were filtered out. Using a simple tea strainer or other household filters, these lime-encrusted plastic fragments can be easily removed before the water is consumed. <h2>Why it matters</h2>Microplastics aren’t just a problem for the planet — they’re becoming an intimate part of our daily lives. Previous studies have identified plastics like polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene in drinking water. While the long-term effects on human health remain uncertain, the evidence suggests we’re better off without them. “Drinking boiled water apparently is a viable long-term strategy for reducing global exposure to NMPs,” the researchers say. For many, boiling water before drinking it is already a cultural norm. But the researchers hope their findings will encourage more people worldwide to adopt this practice as plastics continue infiltrating our water sources. The findings of this research have been published in Environmental Science &amp; Technology Letters and can be accessed <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.estlett.4c00081">here</a>.

Worried about the harmful microplastics in your water? You just need to boil and strain it before consumption

Amid the severe pollution gripping the national capital, <keyword id="19948557" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="delhi-metro" source="keywords">Delhi Metro</keyword> recorded its highest-ever daily ridership on November 18, with a staggering 78.67 lakh passenger journeys, according to official data. This figure exceeded the previous high of 77.49 lakh passengers on August 20 of this year, the data said. On November 18, the Yellow Line, which connects Millennium City Centre in Gurugram to Samaypur Badli in Delhi, saw the highest passenger traffic, with a record 20.99 lakh commuters. The Blue Line followed closely with 20.80 lakh passengers, while the Red Line recorded 8.56 lakh commuters, 8.15 lakh in Pink Line and 7.93 lakh in Violet Line. The Magenta Line saw 6.19 lakh passengers, followed by the Green Line with 4.12 lakh commuters, 81,985 in Airport Line, 57,701 in Rapid Metro, and 50,128, in the Grey Line, as per the data. Thick grey haze continued to choke Delhi for the third consecutive day on Tuesday, with pollution levels remaining alarmingly high at 488 in the 'severe plus' category. To encourage more people to use the metro in this scenario, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is running 60 extra trips on weekdays, offering more capacity than usual, an official statement said. The DMRC has recorded its 25 highest passenger journeys since August this year, the statement added. It emphasised that the more people opt for the metro over private vehicles, the greater the reduction in vehicular emissions, which will help improve the air quality of the city and its surrounding areas. In addition, the DMRC has introduced several measures to make travel more convenient for passengers, the statement read. These include the ability to book single or multiple journey tickets through various digital platforms, allowing passengers to plan their journeys anytime and anywhere without the need to stand in queues at the station. Furthermore, partnerships with organisations such as IRCTC, NCRTC, ITPO, and others have made it easier for people to not only travel by metro but also access interconnected travel options, along with various offers and events, all with seamless ease, the statement said. The DMRC also stated that it is one of the most <keyword id="24050954" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="environmentally-friendly-transport" source="keywords">environmentally friendly transport</keyword> options and the first metro system in the world to be registered for carbon credits with the United Nations for its environmental measures.

Severe pollution pushes Delhi Metro to record its highest-ever daily ridership on November 18

Back in the 1800s, during the Industrial Revolution, pollution darkened tree barks and peppered moths developed darker colours that allowed them to blend in and evade predators. While this controversial case has been debated among scientists at length, new research has provided an intriguing parallel to this classic example of the effect human activity can have on other species. New research from the University of Otago has uncovered a striking example of <keyword id="23684492" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rapid-evolution" source="keywords">rapid evolution</keyword> in New Zealand's native stoneflies, which have changed colour in response to <keyword id="20657663" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="deforestation" source="keywords">deforestation</keyword> caused by human activity. Published in Science, the study is one of the most definitive cases yet of <keyword id="23684494" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="animal-evolution" source="keywords">animal evolution</keyword> driven by <keyword id="23684493" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="human-driven-environmental-changes" source="keywords">human-driven environmental changes</keyword>, the researchers believe. Professor Jon Waters, a zoology expert and co-author of the study, explains how deforestation altered the stoneflies' colouring. “In natural, forested regions, one stonefly species has evolved ‘warning’ colours, mimicking the appearance of a poisonous species to deter predators. But with forest removal, the poisonous species disappeared, eliminating the need for mimicry. As a result, the stonefly in deforested areas evolved into a different colour altogether.” Dr Graham McCulloch, another co-author of the study, highlights the adaptability of some native species in the face of these rapid environmental changes. “Our study shows that some species have the resilience to adapt to human-caused changes, even when the shift is abrupt,” says Dr. McCulloch. What was particularly fascinating was that stonefly populations in separate deforested areas independently evolved similar colour changes, suggesting that evolution can be a somewhat predictable process. While this discovery is a hopeful example of adaptation, the research also underscores the intricate and delicate balance in <keyword id="23684495" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ecological-interactions" source="keywords">ecological interactions</keyword> that can be disrupted by deforestation.

New Zealand’s native stoneflies have changed colour in response to human-driven environmental shifts

India is already grappling with a significant <keyword id="22641561" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cancer-burden" source="keywords">cancer burden</keyword>, having recorded about 12 lakh new cancer cases and 9.3 lakh cancer deaths in 2019. Even as the <keyword id="22641562" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="healthcare-struggle" source="keywords">healthcare struggle</keyword> continues, new research has shed light on an emerging crisis. Analysing data from over 23 million US cancer patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2019, the study found that <keyword id="22641557" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cancer-incidence-rates" source="keywords">cancer incidence rates</keyword> have surged among <keyword id="22641558" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="younger-generations" source="keywords">younger generations</keyword> for 17 out of 34 cancer types, such as breast, pancreatic, and gastric cancers. <h2>Younger populations more prone</h2>In particular, people born in 1990 have notably higher rates of pancreatic, kidney, and small intestinal cancers compared to those born in 1955. Women in particular are seeing higher rates of liver cancer. Mortality rates are also on the rise for liver cancer (in women), uterine corpus, gallbladder, testicular, and colorectal cancers. The analysis showed that incidence rates have risen with each successive birth cohort since around 1920 for eight types of cancer. The incidence rate for the 1990 birth cohort is approximately two-to-three times higher than for the 1955 birth cohort for pancreatic, kidney, and small intestinal cancers in both men and women, and for liver cancer in women. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112062293" title="Cancers in head and neck rising, account for 26% cases in India: Study" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Furthermore, incidence rates increased in younger cohorts after a decline in older ones for nine cancers, including oestrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer, uterine corpus cancer, colorectal cancer, non-cardia gastric cancer, gallbladder cancer, ovarian cancer, testicular cancer, anal cancer in men, and Kaposi sarcoma in men. Across various cancer types, the incidence rate in the 1990 birth cohort ranged from 12% higher for ovarian cancer to 169% higher for uterine corpus cancer compared to the birth cohort with the lowest incidence rate. Mortality rates also increased in younger cohorts for liver cancer (female only), uterine corpus, gallbladder, testicular, and colorectal cancers. <h2>Differing socioeconomic factors to blame</h2>The study’s lead author, Dr Hyuna Sung, emphasised that these increases may be linked to unique social, economic, and environmental factors faced by different birth cohorts during their developmental years. However, the precise reasons for these rising rates remain unclear. If this trend is representative for the rest of the world, it is epecially alarming for India, where the cancer burden is already projected to increase to 29.8 million disability-adjusted life years by 2025. Many experts have blamed factors such as <keyword id="20026286" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lifestyle-changes" source="keywords">lifestyle changes</keyword>, <keyword id="22641563" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="increased-consumption" source="keywords">increased consumption</keyword> of processed foods, tobacco use, and <keyword id="21456186" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="environmental-pollution" source="keywords">environmental pollution</keyword> for this growing problem, <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112013660" title="Fad-busters: “Sunscreen” pills are the new trend in the market — but should you be taking them?" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>“The increase in cancer rates among this younger group of people indicate generational shifts in cancer risk and often serve as an early indicator of future cancer burden in the country,” notes another study author Dr Ahmedin Jemal. “Without effective population-level interventions, and as the elevated risk in younger generations is carried over as individuals age, an overall increase in cancer burden could occur in the future, halting or reversing decades of progress against the disease,” added.” The findings of this research have been published in The Lancet Public Health and can be accessed <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667(24)00156-7/fulltext" data-type="tilCustomLink">here</a>.

Millennial and Gen X are developing 17 types of cancers far more frequently than older generations, study finds

We often think of skincare as a pampering ritual, an opportunity to nourish our skin and express our individuality. But as recent research from the University of Birmingham reveals, some of the popular “leave-on” products we use daily — like sunscreens, moisturisers, and lip balms — might be doing more harm than good. Specifically, <keyword id="19970180" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="microplastics" source="keywords">microplastics</keyword> in these products are flying under the radar, raising serious concerns about both environmental and health implications. While most regulatory frameworks have targeted rinse-off products — think face washes and shampoos—leave-on products have received scant attention. This oversight is alarming, especially considering that microplastics, which can be tiny plastic particles or fibres, are prevalent in many of our favorite skincare staples. Dr. Anna Kukkola, a researcher at the University of Birmingham, notes, “The contribution of ‘leave-on’ cosmetics to microplastic pollution is a critical, yet underexplored aspect of environmental contamination.” In their critical review, the researchers analysed 2,381 products and found that only two were classified as leave-on. This glaring gap can be attributed to several factors: the challenges in extracting microplastics from complex formulations and the prevailing public perception that the microplastic issue has been adequately addressed due to bans on rinse-off products. But the truth is, leave-on products could be significant contributors to the microplastic problem. <h2><keyword id="19977451" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-risks" source="keywords">Health risks</keyword> of microplastics</h2>The health implications of daily exposure to microplastics in leave-on products remain largely uncharted territory. With limited research on how these particles interact with our skin after application, the potential for absorption into our bodies — through mechanisms such as hair follicles and sweat ducts — raises red flags. Dr. Kukkola emphasises this point, stating, “Given how much of these formulas our bodies can and do absorb, it is concerning that little to no research has taken place to investigate the associated health effects.” <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114327120" title="An expert in how microplastics affect our health does 6 things to avoid them at home" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Another critical insight from the study is the misuse of the term “microbeads.” Typically associated with rinse-off products, this term has been inaccurately applied to all microplastics in cosmetics, resulting in regulatory blind spots. This mislabeling has skewed global legislation towards rinse-off products, leaving a significant portion of the microplastic contamination from leave-on products unregulated. <h2>Call for action and future research</h2>The researchers are not just pointing out problems; they are advocating for solutions. Collaborative efforts are underway to develop new methods for extracting and analysing microplastics in <keyword id="23630244" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="leave-on-cosmetics" source="keywords">leave-on cosmetics</keyword>. This initiative, spearheaded by Dr. Sophie Comer-Warner from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Professor Iseult Lynch, aims to fill the critical knowledge gaps identified in the study. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114375709" title="Standing desks may not be a boon for health after all" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Professor Lynch warns, “While the microplastics themselves might be relatively benign, a number of other chemicals are intrinsically bound into or onto the microplastics in complex leave-on formulations, including potentially PFAS, plasticisers, and other chemicals known to be either carcinogens or endocrine disruptors.” As we lather on our moisturisers and slather on <keyword id="19944313" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sunscreen" source="keywords">sunscreen</keyword>, it’s crucial to be aware of what we’re putting on our skin. The <keyword id="20724496" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="beauty-industry" source="keywords">beauty industry</keyword> is evolving, and with it, our understanding of safety and <keyword id="20224419" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="environmental-impact" source="keywords">environmental impact</keyword> must grow. It’s time to advocate for better regulations and more research on the unseen dangers of our beloved leave-on <keyword id="20521267" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="skincare-products" source="keywords">skincare products</keyword>. By staying informed and demanding transparency from manufacturers, we can ensure that our beauty routines don’t come at the expense of our health or the environment. The findings of this research have been published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials and can be accessed <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135053">here</a>.

Popular leave-on cosmetics such as sunscreen and lip balms may pose a hidden microplastic risk, scientists warn

The national capital, Delhi, is once again grappling with a severe <keyword id="19900550" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Air-Pollution" source="keywords">air pollution</keyword> crisis. With an AQI of 339, the city’s air quality has plummeted into the “very poor” category, casting a thick layer of smog over its residents. This deteriorating air quality poses a significant threat to <keyword id="19913584" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Public-Health" source="keywords">public health</keyword> and has prompted widespread concern. The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology's (IITM) forecast paints a grim picture, predicting that the situation will likely persist for the next few days, with a further dip into the “very poor” category expected by Sunday. This annual decline in air quality is a result of a confluence of factors, including vehicle emissions, <keyword id="23593130" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Construction-Dust" source="keywords">construction dust</keyword>, and most notably, <keyword id="19990732" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Stubble-Burning" source="keywords">stubble burning</keyword> in neighbouring states. Despite strict regulations, the practice of stubble burning continues to be a major contributor to the air <keyword id="23291827" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pollution-Crisis" source="keywords">pollution crisis</keyword> in Delhi. Particulate matter emitted from this practice exacerbates the pollution levels, leading to a significant deterioration in air quality. The Supreme Court has recently criticised Punjab and Haryana for their failure to comply with anti-pollution laws related to stubble burning, increasing pressure on these states to take action. In response to the deteriorating air quality, the <keyword id="19925995" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Delhi-Government" source="keywords">Delhi government</keyword> has implemented several measures. The <keyword id="22644303" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Winter-Action-Plan" source="keywords">Winter Action Plan</keyword>, launched in late September, outlines 21 strategies aimed at curbing pollution. These include initiatives such as bio-decomposer spraying to reduce the effects of crop stubble burning and an anti-dust campaign targeting construction sites. Additionally, the Delhi Environment Minister, <keyword id="19931852" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="gopal-rai" source="keywords">Gopal Rai</keyword>, has introduced further measures to monitor the city’s pollution hotspots. While these efforts are commendable, the challenges posed by the deteriorating air quality remain significant. The combination of low temperatures and calm winds hinders the dispersal of pollutants, making it difficult to improve the air quality. Rainfall, when it occurs, can provide some relief, but the recurring nature of Delhi’s pollution problem highlights the urgent need for long-term solutions. As Delhi continues to grapple with this environmental crisis, it is imperative that both the government and citizens work together to address the root causes of air pollution. Sustainable practices, stricter regulations, and collective action are key to ensuring a healthier and more livable city for all. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114186705" title="Delhi breathing clean air despite Dussehra celebrations, AQI better than before: Gopal Rai" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

Delhi's AQI turns "very poor" today; Supreme Court criticises Punjab-Haryana for stubble-burning practices

As the world celebrates World EV Day, <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword>'s significant progress in adopting <keyword id="19895203" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="electric-vehicles" source="keywords">electric vehicles</keyword> (EVs) across various categories is commendable, however, there is still a long way to go. The government of India's <keyword id="23096041" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Vaahan-Dashboard" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Vaahan Dashboard" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Vaahan Dashboard">Vaahan Dashboard</keyword> data shows an increasing trend to shift towards green mobility solutions. The most notable trend in EV penetration has been witnessed in the three-wheeler category, where EVs have surged ahead in overall sales. According to the data, 53.61% of all new three-wheeler vehicles purchased this year (2024) were electric, making this segment the leader in <keyword id="20421629" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="EV-adoption" source="keywords">EV adoption</keyword>. The two-wheeler segment has also shown encouraging signs of EV adoption, with electric vehicles accounting for 4.97% of all two-wheeler sales so far in 2024. While the percentage is lower compared to <keyword id="20412606" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="three-wheelers" source="keywords">three-wheelers</keyword>, the two-wheeler category holds significant potential for growth, given its dominance in India's overall vehicle sales market. As more consumers seek cost-effective and <keyword id="20991927" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="environmentally-friendly" source="keywords">environmentally friendly</keyword> alternatives, the penetration of EVs in this segment is expected to grow further in the coming years. However, in the four-wheeler segment, the adoption of EVs remains relatively low, with electric cars making up just 2.14% of total car sales this year. Despite this, the increasing availability of EV models and government incentives are expected to drive further growth in this segment. Interestingly, the penetration of electric buses is higher than that of electric cars, with 3.20% of all new buses sold in 2024 being electric. This trend highlights the growing importance of sustainable public transport solutions as cities aim to reduce emissions and promote cleaner alternatives in mass transit. "Electric vehicles offer a very compelling solutions because they do not emit any tailpipe emissions so that improves their air quality that reduces their air pollution. It also reduces the carbon emission so it helps India to meet with its climate goals and generally, electric vehicles have lower operating cost as compared to the IC engine vehicles," said Samhita Shiledar, Director RMI to ANI. On a state-wise level, the Vaahan dashboard data highlighted that Goa leads the country in EV penetration, with 14.20% of all new vehicles sold this year being electric. Tripura ranks second, followed by Chandigarh in third place. Delhi also stands out with a 10.72% penetration of EVs in total vehicle sales, showcasing the capital's push towards sustainable urban mobility. On the other hand, Himachal Pradesh reported the lowest EV penetration, with only 1.09% of new vehicles sold being electric. In terms of total number of EV sales across all segments in India, the two-wheeler category dominates the electric vehicle market in India, accounting for approximately 51% of total EV sales this year. As World EV Day highlights the global commitment to cleaner mobility solutions, India's data reflects a promising shift but a long way to go towards electrification across various vehicle segments.

World EV Day: 50%+ three-wheelers, 5% of 2-wheelers, and 2% of cars purchased in 2024 are EVs.

Research Institute (<keyword id="20370739" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cmfri" source="keywords">CMFRI</keyword>) have successfully deciphered the genome of the <keyword id="23138296" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="asian-green-mussel" source="Orion">Asian green mussel</keyword> (Perna viridis), a discovery poised to revolutionise the understanding of this vital <keyword id="662896" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="marine-species" source="Orion">marine species</keyword>. This is the first-ever <keyword id="184804" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="chromosome" source="Orion">chromosome</keyword> level genome sequencing of a marine invertebrate species from India. Earlier, CMFRI had come out with a similar genome finding for Indian oil sardine. The Asian green mussel, Kallummakkaya in local parlance, is an important aquaculture species in the family Mytilidae contributing substantially to molluscan aquaculture. CMFRI's research found that the mussel's genome contains 723.49 Mb in size and is anchored into 15 chromosomes, according to a CMFRI release here on Thursday. The research was published in the journal Scientific Data by Nature Group. "The development will be a game-changer in boosting sustainable mussel aquaculture in the country, as this research will help gain insights into its growth, reproduction and disease resistance", said Dr Grinson George, Director of CMFRI. The findings will benefit the aquaculture sector by improving genomic selection and breeding practices, leading to enhanced productivity and resilience in fisheries, he added. A team of researchers from CMFRI led by Principal Scientist Dr Sandhya Sukumaran carried out this study with funding support from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), New Delhi. The team includes Dr A Gopalakrishnan, V G Vysakh, Dr Wilson Sebastian, Dr Lalitha Hari Dharani, Dr Akhilesh Pandey, Dr Abishek Kumar and Dr J K Jena. According to scientists, this will help develop new strategies to combat diseases in the mussel. "Genomic investigations on this species are vital to understand genes, gene combinations and signaling pathways leading to the parasitic diseases, which constitute a major threat to Asian green mussel aquaculture in India causing substantial mortalities in farms," said Dr Sandhya Sukumaran. According to the scientists, the genome assembly of green mussels will emerge as a valuable tool for exploring <keyword id="6355291" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cancer" source="Orion">cancer</keyword> mechanisms and developing new therapeutic strategies. "A total of 49654 protein-coding genes were identified, including 634 genes associated with the cancer pathway and 408 genes associated with viral carcinogenesis. This indicates that this species is a novel model organism for cancer research," Sukumaran said. This advancement promises to significantly enhance our understanding of cancer pathways and facilitate the discovery of novel treatments, she added. Apart from its aquaculture prospects, Asian green mussels play a vital role as a bio-monitor as it is capable of accumulating heavy metals and other environmental pollutants in large quantities. Understanding the genome assembly will provide valuable information about the genomic pathways involved in response to pollutants. "The genetic markers to be developed from this research could be used to monitor pollutants in aquatic bodies, a significant milestone in safeguarding the aquatic environment," Sandhya said. Scientists believe that the genome decoding of this species would enhance knowledge regarding the effect of environmental pollutants on biological systems, as this bivalve is adaptable to local environmental stressors like variations in pH, temperature, salinity and air exposure.

CMFRI scientists crack genetic code of Asian green mussel

A recent study by <keyword id="19898366" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="harvard" source="keywords">Harvard</keyword> and the <keyword id="23109326" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="european-university-of-rome" source="keywords">European University of Rome</keyword> has uncovered a striking connection between early-life exposure to <keyword id="55910" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="air-pollution" source="Orion">air pollution</keyword> and economic outcomes in adulthood. Published in the Proceedings of the <keyword id="21125238" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="national-academy-of-sciences" source="keywords">National Academy of Sciences</keyword>, the <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2401882121" data-type="tilCustomLink">research</a> highlights how infants exposed to higher levels of fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) are likely to earn less as adults, with the most significant impacts observed in the Midwest and South of the United States. “This study takes a big step toward filling the knowledge gap on the crucial link between environmental factors and long-term economic outcomes,” said Francesca Dominici, lead author and professor at Harvard. The findings underscore how environmental pollution, particularly air quality, plays a significant role in shaping not just public health but economic mobility and well-being later in life. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112921592" title="Indoor air pollution poses greater health risk than outdoor: Experts" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h2>Key findings </h2>The study focused on US individuals born between 1978 and 1983, analysing their PM2.5 exposure from 1980 to 2010, and compared it to their earnings in 2014-2015 when they were between 31 and 37 years old. The results were telling: a one-unit increase in PM2.5 exposure was associated with a 1.146% decrease in <keyword id="23109325" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="economic-earnings" source="Orion">economic earnings</keyword>, measured using a statistic called <keyword id="23109327" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Absolute-Upward-Mobility" source="Orion">Absolute Upward Mobility</keyword> (AUM). The data revealed that this impact was not uniform across the country. Midwestern and Southern regions saw the highest negative effects, suggesting regional disparities in both air quality and its long-term economic impacts. <h2>Call for action </h2>The authors argue that these findings should encourage the creation of stringent national air quality standards, as well as targeted interventions to address pollution in highly affected regions. Luca Merlo, co-lead author, emphasised the importance of addressing both environmental and economic inequalities through integrated policies. This research builds on growing evidence of the far-reaching consequences of air pollution, further solidifying the argument that improving air quality is not only vital for public health but also for fostering economic growth and opportunity. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112853990" title="India saw 19.3% drop in particulate pollution in 2022, adding 51 days to life expectancy: Report" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

Harvard study links exposure to air pollution in infancy to reduced earnings in adulthood

<keyword id="22976106" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="indoor" source="keywords">Indoor</keyword> <keyword id="19900550" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="air-pollution" source="keywords">air pollution</keyword> is a bigger <keyword id="21117961" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-risk" source="keywords">health risk</keyword> than <keyword id="20543591" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="outdoor" source="keywords">outdoor</keyword> air pollution in India, and sometimes cities are cleaner than nearby villages where <keyword id="22976772" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="household-pollution" source="keywords">household pollution</keyword> is higher, according to the country's two top policy experts. Addressing the India <keyword id="20445293" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="clean-air" source="keywords">Clean Air</keyword> Summit (ICAS) 2024, Principal Advisor, <keyword id="19904190" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ministry-of-Health-and-Family-Welfare" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Ministry of Health and Family Welfare" meta.hostid="83" meta.entityid="Ministry of Health and Family Welfare">Ministry of Health and Family Welfare</keyword>, Soumya Swaminathan said, "Studies done in Delhi have shown that women's average exposure to high levels of <keyword id="20827287" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="black-carbon" source="keywords">black carbon</keyword> (women <keyword id="19895006" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="WHO" source="keywords">who</keyword> are mostly at home) is as much as auto-rickshaw passengers going around outdoor exposed to the ambient air pollution in Delhi, resulting in high systolic blood pressure." "Cities contribute less than 20 per cent to the overall state emissions, wherever they have been assessed, but household emissions predominate, ranging between 20 per cent and 40 per cent. Across the country, we are seeing is that sometimes cities are cleaner than the surrounding villages where household air pollution predominates," she said at the summit organised by think-tank Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy. This builds a strong case for expanding the scope of India's National Clean Air Programme (<keyword id="20133150" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="NCAP" source="keywords">NCAP</keyword>), which currently focuses on non-attainment cities. Air pollution is a major threat to public health and contributes to a significant amount of morbidity as well as mortality. Apart from PM2.5 and PM10, short-lived climate pollutants such as black carbon, methane, ozone, and hydrocarbons have the potential to harm the environment and warm the atmosphere even more than CO2. Black carbon can cause chronic respiratory illnesses, lung cancer, emphysema, pneumonia, asthma, heart disease, and low birthweight. "In terms of reducing our life expectancy, globally, PM2.5 is contributing to about 2.3 years of life lost. Just below that is tobacco. In fact, there's so much attention on tobacco and global frameworks for control, but not the same level of attention has been paid to PM2.5 and certainly not the same level of commitments," Swaminathan said. The impact of air pollution is not limited to public health but has a significant economic cost as well. Recently, the World Bank published a study highlighting that air pollution has resulted in a loss of around USD 8.1 trillion in 2019, which is 6.1 per cent of the global gross domestic product (GDP). "We are always talking about air pollution as a problem but studies also show a strong economic case for action on clean air. There are significant positive consequences to investing in cleaning up the air in terms of the return on investments. We know air pollution is not just bad for our health, but it's also bad for agriculture, because it reduces the sunlight that's reaching the crops and it's bad for our economy or any country's economy as it deters people from coming and living or visiting those places," Swaminathan added. Kalpana Balakrishnan, Director, WHO Collaborating Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, said that the main barrier to shifting to clean cooking fuels that can help reduce household air pollution levels is finance. "If we give free LPG to women for two years, they are unlikely to shift back to biomass cooking even if you remove the subsidies," she said. Through Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) launched in May 2016, more than 100 million households in India received LPG cylinders by the end of March 2023. Studies shows over 50 per cent of the households that received new LPG cylinders under PMUY did not choose to refill it even once. Around a third of the world's population - 2.4 billion people globally (including 500 million people in India) - still lack access to clean cooking solutions. Although the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MOPNG) claims that the country's household LPG "coverage" stands at 99.8 per cent, the National Family Health Survey conducted in 2019-21 (NFHS-5) shows that 41 per cent of the population still cooks on biomass.

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