IN 2013, the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organization (WHO) classified ambient air pollution as a carcinogen for humans, and said that the risk of cancer increases with rising levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and volatile organic compounds (vocs) in the ambient air. So could air pollution be a reason for cancer in children in the Gangetic delta, where air quality usually hovers from "poor" to "severe" on the index of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)? Though adequate information is not available to establish the extent of the impact, we know that children, whose organs are still developing, are more vulnerable to air pollution than adults. Their exposure begins when they are still in the mother's womb.
We also know that the prevalence of childhood cancer (in children up to 14 years) in Delhi, which is among the highly polluted cities in the world, has nearly doubled in the 25 years between 1990 and 2014. Data available with Population Based Cancer Registry (PBCR) of Delhi shows that childhood cancer in the capital has risen by 97 per cent among boys and 93 per cent among girls. Though the reason for this unusual high incidence of childhood cancer in the national capital is yet to be elucidated, a possible link between city's high level of air pollution and childhood cancer, with special reference to effect of benzene and PM2.5 at the level of genomics and proteomics, is worth investigating by sensitive molecular markers.
この記事は Down To Earth の December 16, 2023 版に掲載されています。
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この記事は Down To Earth の December 16, 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
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Vision 2030
Economic growth must take into account needs of energy transition, climate mitigation, with action aligned as per India's 2030 climate goals
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Chemical-dependent farming, lax labelling laws, rising anti-microbial resistance must top the agenda
BATTLE THE CAR BULGE
Clean, affordable, integrated and accessible public transport the only solution
CONSERVE NOW
Disregard for biodiversity conservation over the past two decades needs immediate redressal
SCRAP THE DUMP
Disincentivise garbage dumping, invest in behavioural change
PLAN THEM COOL
As urban India turns into a heat trap, the government must focus on improving cities' liveability
THINK LONG-TERM
India needs continued emphasis on flagship programmes, aligned to long-term planning that focusses on water security and circular economy in a climate-risked era
OVERHAUL OVERDUE
Hold polluting industries accountable for public health risks, environmental hazards, climate change; provide them support for green transition
LOOK BEYOND DUST
Reinvent National Clean Air Programme to focus on fine particulate matter and trans-boundary pollution
IT'S NOW OR NEVER
Clean energy sectors need demand-driven markets and domestic industries that can cater to the entire value chain