A Ticking Time Bomb

Newsreel Asia Insight #33
Nov. 3, 2023

Imagine breathing in something 30 times thinner than hair, invisible to our eyes, yet impactful enough to disrupt our body’s most intricate systems. For the residents of Delhi, and many parts of northern India, this isn’t a figment of the imagination; it’s a daily ordeal.

A groundbreaking study by a medical health group has revealed a direct correlation between air pollution and type 2 diabetes, as reported by The Guardian. Specifically, PM2.5 particles, microscopic pollutants that hang in the air we breathe, increase the likelihood of developing the condition.

PM2.5 refers to atmospheric particulate matter that has a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres, which is about 3% the diametre of a human hair. PM2.5 particles can easily enter our bloodstream, leading to respiratory, cardiovascular, and now, as research indicates, endocrine disruptions – affecting a complex network of glands and hormones in our system that regulate numerous vital processes in the body, such as growth, metabolism, reproduction and stress responses.

Why is this alarming? The World Health Organization (WHO) prescribes an upper limit of 5μg/m3 for PM2.5 levels. Yet, in Delhi, an average resident inhales air with PM2.5 levels hovering between 82-100μg/m3, says the study by The BMJ. For perspective, that’s up to 20 times the recommended limit. Even Chennai, with cleaner air than Delhi, registers PM2.5 levels of 30-40μg/m3, which is still multiple times above the WHO benchmark.

Now, consider India’s existing health landscape. The nation grapples with a staggering diabetes burden, with 11.4% of the population, or 101 million people, already diagnosed, and another 136 million on the brink, termed pre-diabetic. Urban areas, perhaps due to lifestyle or dietary habits, report a higher prevalence. And now, pollution emerges as a newfound culprit. For every 10μg/m3 rise in PM2.5 exposure, the risk of diabetes climbs by 22%, says the study.

These microscopic particles carry harmful compounds that can harm blood vessels, elevate blood pressure, cause inflammation and affect the heart. Besides diabetes, links are now being established with conditions like hypertension, hypothyroidism, PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), and even gestational diabetes. Researchers are also diving deep to understand potential correlations with cholesterol levels, vitamin D deficiencies, and even neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

But what feeds this pollution? Delhi’s air, thick with pollutants, especially from November to February, is the product of several sources. Vehicle emissions, wood and cow dung combustion, garbage burning, and agricultural land fires are chief contributors.

An oft-debated issue is the agricultural stubble burning in neighboring states, which, during certain months, can account for almost half of Delhi’s pollution. Farmers frequently use fire to remove crop residue from their fields before planting wheat and vegetables. It’s essential to subsidise innovative farm technologies such as the happy seeder, rotavator, baler and paddy straw chopper. These tools are expensive, but they can assist farmers in effectively managing crop residues.

Last year, the Punjab government reportedly formulated a plan to offer farmers a financial incentive of Rs 2,500 per acre to eliminate the need for stubble burning. However, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal  alleged that the Union government rejected this plan in response to the farmer protests against the government, as per The Times of India.

But not all news is bleak. Measures, like shutting down pollution-heavy infrastructures and promoting cleaner fuels, have borne fruit. Between 2016 and 2021, Delhi saw a commendable 22% reduction in PM2.5 levels, the study says.

Yet, the journey is far from over. With the knowledge of the deep-reaching impacts of PM2.5 particles, the fight against pollution becomes not just about cleaner skies, but about safeguarding the health of millions.

Air pollution, often reduced to just smog-filled images, has tangible, detrimental effects on our health. For India, it’s a ticking time bomb, given the already high prevalence of non-communicable diseases.