Study About Toxic Heavy Metals in Low-level Clouds

 Study About Toxic Heavy Metals in Low-level Clouds:  Recently, a study by Bose Institute, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), revealed the presence of toxic heavy metals in low-level clouds over the Eastern Himalayas and Western Ghats.

o These pollutants pose serious health risks to populations residing in and around these high-altitude regions.

• Key Findings : Toxic heavy metals like Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Chromium (Cr), and Zinc (Zn) were found in clouds once believed to be a source of pure water.

o Eastern Himalayan clouds showed 1.5 times higher pollution levels, with 40–60% more toxic metal loading than those over the Western Ghats.

o Clouds are acting as a transport medium, ferrying metals from polluted lowlands to high-altitude ecosystems.

o Health Risks Identified: Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks arise from inhalation, ingestion, and dermal absorption of these toxic metals.

ü Children are at 30% higher health risk compared to adults due to their higher exposure sensitivity.

ü Inhalation of metal-laden clouds is identified as the most potent route for non-carcinogenic diseases.

ü Chromium (Cr) specifically linked to a higher risk of cancer via inhalation.

o Comparative Pollution Levels : Despite findings, Indian clouds are still relatively less polluted compared to those in China, Pakistan, Italy, and the USA.