Sharp Rise In Deadlier PM1 In NCR Worrisome: Experts

New Delhi: Scientists from Delhi University, JNU and IIT-Delhi, after analysing air quality data from a newly formed sensor-based network across the National Capital Region (NCR), not only found PM2.5 and PM10 from mid-October to the start of November, but also a sharp increase in PM1 concentration.

PM1 particles are finer and more dangerous than PM2.5 and can penetrate the mucous membrane of the lung and enter the blood, causing heart attacks and brain strokes, say experts.

While PM1 data is currently not monitored by both Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), a new network of 35 sensors within a 200km radius of Delhi has been set up now. This is a part of a Nasa-funded effort led by RTI International in collaboration with IIT-Delhi and other organisations.

The data was analysed by various scientists, including Rajdhani College associate professor Dr SK Dhaka, JNU professor Dr AP Dimri and Dr Palak Balyan from Centre for Atmospheric Sciences at IIT-Delhi.

They found that while PM1 concentration was less than 100 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3) in September, it ranged from 200 to 300 µg/m3 from mid-October to mid-November. While there are no standards set for PM1 concentration, finer particles pose a greater threat than PM10, which has a standard of 100 µg/m3. PM2.5 has a standard of 60 µg/m3.

The analysis showed that Delhi recorded two major spikes since October 15, both occurring in November. While the first spike saw PM2.5 touch close to 1,000 µg/m3 between November 6 and 11 on average, the second spike was recorded around Diwali. Data also showed PM1 peaks occurring at the same time as PM10 and PM2.5, touching close to 300 µg/m3.

“In the past two weeks, concentration of pollutants in Delhi-NCR have been on the rise and broken records of four years showing very high emission. Air quality degraded to the lowest level causing an emergency situation. Between November 6 and 11, observations for 24 hours on almost each day showed a very high concentration of both PM2.5 and PM1. “Surprisingly, PM1 particles emerged to be of high density ranging from 250-280 µg/m3 from November 7 to 11,” said the study.

Professor Dr Arun Sharma, director, Community Medicine, University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi University, said PM1 particles posed a greater risk to health and even increased the risk of cancer.

“The main focus of air pollution has been around PM2.5, but the particles of 1 micron or less are even more harmful as they can cross the mucous barrier and through blood circulation, reach any organ and cause damage,” added Sharma.