07-Nov-2023-Special-Article

CANCER, HEART DISEASE, DIABETES — THEY ARE ALL IN INDIA’S POLLUTED AIR.

The prevalence of air pollution in India, particularly in cities like Delhi and Mumbai, has raised significant concern due to its far-reaching effects on public health. Airborne pollutants, notably particulate matter and toxic gases have been associated with a myriad of chronic diseases and health issues.

Challenges Posed by Air Pollution:

Widespread Impact of Pollutants: Particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and sulphur dioxide are the major pollutants adversely affecting public health.

Global Context: While air pollution is diminishing in developed nations, its prevalence is on the rise in emerging and industrializing countries. Approximately 90% of the global population breathes air exceeding acceptable limits, significantly affecting low- and middle-income countries.

Health Concerns: Chronic diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular issues, respiratory ailments, diabetes, obesity, and various other disorders, are linked to air pollution.

Measurement of Air Quality:

Air Quality Index (AQI): Calculated through monitored air pollutant concentration over specific periods, AQI categories provide standardized public health advisories. India’s National Air Quality Index Standard uses six categories, with “severe” indicating the most harmful air quality.

Government Initiatives: India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aims to reduce pollutant levels by 20-30% by 2024 through a range of interventions like vehicular pollution control, monitoring air quality, waste management, and regulations.

National Clean Air Program (NCAP):

Initiative Overview: NCAP is a comprehensive, time-bound national-level strategy launched in 2019 by the central government to address the widespread air pollution issue across India.

Targets and Objectives:

Reduction Goals: Aims to achieve a 20% to 30% reduction in Particulate Matter (PM) concentrations by 2024 concerning the levels recorded in 2017, acting as a baseline for comparison.

Steps Taken towards Implementation:

City Identification: Identified 132 non-attainment cities based on air quality data from 2014-2018.

City-Specific Plans: Drafted detailed action plans for each city, emphasizing improvements in monitoring networks, reduction of vehicular and industrial emissions, and raising public awareness.

Monitoring and Oversight: Committees at Central and State levels are responsible for monitoring the implementation of city-specific action plans.

State Pollution Control Boards: Regularly monitor and publish the air quality results for different cities.

Technological Integration: Smart Cities have integrated Integrated Command and Control Centers (ICCCs) with Air Quality Monitors (AQMs) for better monitoring.

Focus on Technical Knowledge: A National Knowledge Network (NKN) has been established, comprising experts from prestigious academic and research institutes. They support local administrations in formulating scientific strategies to combat air pollution.

National Portal (PRANA): A national portal, PRANA, serves as a comprehensive platform providing information on policies, programs, and stakeholders’ activities, offering insights into the progress made in enhancing air quality.

Health Impacts of Air Pollution:

Public Health Consequences: Chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular issues, respiratory illnesses, diabetes, and obesity, are closely linked to air pollution. Studies indicate a significant association between air pollution and diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Children’s Vulnerability: Children are particularly susceptible to air pollution due to their developing systems, higher exposure levels, and limited capacity to metabolize and detoxify pollutants.

Social and Environmental Implications:

Social Gradient in Exposure: While it’s often thought that air pollution affects all economic strata equally, studies suggest that areas with higher deprivation indices face increased exposure to pollutants.

Need for Stringent Standards: Stricter air quality regulations are essential, given that no safe threshold has been identified for particulates and ozone.

Conclusion:

The adverse health impacts of air pollution necessitate stringent measures and the implementation of well-defined air quality standards. Government programs like the NCAP are crucial for mitigating the risks associated with air pollution and advancing public health in the country. A more holistic approach considering One Health principles is essential for addressing environmental pollution in alignment with public health initiatives.

Mains Question:

1. “Air pollution remains a critical public health concern in India, particularly in metropolitan cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Discuss the various health challenges posed by air pollution and evaluate the effectiveness of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) as a solution to combat the prevalent air quality issues.” (150 Words) 10M