Shocking Study Reveals Delhi Adults Breath in Double the Microplastics in Summer Compared to Winter!

Microplastics in Delhi: A Growing Concern

In Delhi, adults breathe in nearly twice as many microplastics during the summer compared to winter. A recent study found that daily exposure jumped from about 10.7 particles in winter to 21.1 in summer. This is a staggering increase of nearly 97%.

The research team, from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology and Savitribai Phule Pune University, also found children are significantly affected. Kids aged 6 to 12 inhale an average of 8.1 particles a day in winter, climbing to 15.6 in summer. Toddlers aged one to six breathe in 6.1 particles in winter, which increases to 11.7 in summer. Even infants inhale about 3.6 particles daily in winter, nearly doubling to 6.8 in summer.

The researchers used active pump samplers to gather air samples in central Delhi. These samples measured different particle sizes, including PM10, PM2.5, and PM1. They discovered an average of 1.87 particles per cubic meter in PM10, with numbers peaking in June. Overall, they identified 2,087 microplastics, mostly plastic fragments and fibers. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was the most common type found, making up 41% of samples.

Plastic waste stands out as a major factor. Delhi generates around 1,145 tonnes of plastic waste every day, of which 635 tonnes are single-use plastics. In comparison, India as a whole produces about 25,940 tonnes of plastic daily. This shocking amount contributes significantly to air pollution in the city.

Local industries, textile production, and household activities are big contributors to airborne microplastics. Winds can spread these pollutants from other areas, worsening the situation. The World Health Organization has pointed out that many of the world’s most polluted cities are in South Asia, illustrating the region’s struggles with air quality.

Delhi, home to nearly 30 million people, faces extreme weather conditions, ranging from hot summers to cold winters. These factors create a perfect storm for high levels of airborne microplastics.

While there’s no established safe limit for microplastic inhalation, researchers caution that long-term exposure could lead to serious health issues like asthma, lung inflammation, and possibly cancer. Smaller particles can lodge deep in the lungs, leading to further complications, and may also affect other parts of the body.

It’s important to note that microplastics aren’t just inhaled; they can also contaminate food and drinking water. Factors like age, occupation, and overall health can make certain people more vulnerable to these pollutants.

As we learn more, it becomes clear that microplastics are not just a local issue but a growing global concern. The fight against plastic pollution is crucial for the health of our planet and its people.

For more information on the impact of air pollution, visit WHO’s home.

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