Rich Diet Of Toxic Metals In Air Pollution Worsens Health Outlook For Bangalore Residents

[hatrack]

EDIT

Among those found, the ones that could seriously endanger health are cobalt, cadmium, nickel, copper, zinc, gallium, bromine and lead.
The high metal content in the air may increase lung ailments in the City, which already has a high incidence of asthma.

The KSPCB has been able to carry out these unique tests due to two Fine Dust Sampler machines purchased at a cost of Rs 2.5 lakh each, six months ago. The increased vehicular population in the City is cited as the major reason for the presence of the pollutants. “The contact between tyres of vehicles on the road surface is responsible for the production of cadmium and nickel,” said Nagappa, Deputy Scientific Officer, KSPCB, who conducted the study.

Industries could be responsible for releasing the other pollutants. “Another interesting find is the presence of considerable quantity of lead in the atmosphere despite green diesel with low sulphur content being used in the City for the last three years,” he added.

So far, there is no permissible limit worked out for these heavy metals except for lead (1.5 micrograms/m3). The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), New Delhi is working on the standards to be fixed for other heavy metals and once that is ready, the exact danger level will be ascertained, Venkatesh said.

EDIT

http://www.deccanherald.com/DeccanHerald.com/Content/Jun112008/scroll2008061172858.asp?section=updatenews