From cancer to preterm births, nation faces health & economic crisis, ET HealthWorld

Mumbai: Environmental pollution has become a major global concern. While the issue has been raised at various international forums, and nations and organizations have introduced strategies to reduce pollutant production, these strategies have yet to achieve the desired impact.

Pollutants released in the form of gases, particulate matter, solid waste, and liquids continue to harm the planet, impacting all living organisms. This damage has resulted in climate change, melting glaciers, pollution of water, land, and air, and the revival of viruses and bacteria long dormant. These pollutants are not only damaging the environment but also causing a rise in various diseases among humans and other life forms.

According to a recent study published in Nature, India generates 9.3 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, accounting for about one-fifth of global plastic waste. Another pressing issue for India’s urban population is air pollution, which is fast becoming a significant health hazard. Air pollution contributes to a range of diseases, including respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, miscarriages, cognitive impairments, and dementia.

ETHealthworld spoke with Kushagara Srivastava, Co-founder of Chakra Innovation, about his organisation’s work in reducing diesel generator emissions. Srivastava highlighted that in 2015, when the World Health Organisation (WHO) ranked Delhi among the top 20 most polluted cities, he was inspired to take action and started working towards addressing the issue.

Chakra has developed a patented emission control technology, the Retrofit Emission Control Device (RECD) for diesel engines, which reduces particulate matter emissions by 80 to 85 per cent, hydrocarbon emissions by 94 per cent, and carbon monoxide emissions by 95 per cent. This technology is currently deployed across the country and is being used in commercial vehicles, railways, and marine applications.

Commenting on the impact his organisation aims to make, Srivastava shared, “Particulate matter emissions from diesel engines are not just limited to respiratory problems—they are classified as a Class 1 carcinogen. They increase the likelihood of cancer and cardiovascular issues, such as heart attacks and strokes, and raise the probability of preterm births by 18 per cent. Air pollution affects far more than just the lungs.”

Air pollution doesn’t just harm the lungs; it damages every tissue and cell in the body. Srivastava also discussed the link between rising stroke incidents and polluted air, suggesting that the air we breathe may play a significant role. Additionally, he noted the substantial economic burden on the country due to healthcare costs associated with air pollution.

Srivastava praised the government’s efforts to combat air pollution, specifically citing the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). Launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in January 2019, the NCAP aims to improve air quality in 131 cities across India by providing comprehensive policy frameworks for ‘non-attainment cities’—those that have consistently failed to meet Indian air quality standards. While Rs 10,000 crore has been allocated for enforcement and initiatives under the NCAP, Srivastava emphasised that enforcement on the ground remains weak. He suggested that the central government should form a national-level committee to oversee the implementation of the NCAP, as it has the potential to significantly improve air quality if enforced properly.

India faces the dual challenge of being both a developing and developed nation. Industrial waste, construction waste, untreated pollutants dumped into rivers, air pollution, and plastic waste are all contributing to environmental pollution, which is not only harming the planet but also leading to a range of diseases and disorders. This, in turn, is taking a toll on both individuals and the nation’s economy. We only have one home, and it is our responsibility to keep it clean and preserve nature for ourselves and future generations.

• Published On Sep 19, 2024 at 07:12 AM IST

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