Study on Toxic And Carcinogenic Elements

Study on Toxic And Carcinogenic Elements : Recently, a study by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney found highly toxic and carcinogenic elements in roadside soil and dust across Delhi, posing serious health risks.

o The research, published in Hygiene and Environmental Health Advances and Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances, analyzed samples from 33 locations, processed in Australia.

• Key Findings : High levels of Antimony (Sb): A carcinogenic element found in significant quantities in roadside soil and dust.

o Presence of 44 elements identified, including 16 Rare Earth Elements (REEs).

o 15 toxic elements identified from the top 275 hazardous substances list.

o Cerium (Ce) was the most abundant REE in roadside dust.

o Children especially vulnerable due to: Higher daily exposure to REEs.

- Risks of IQ decline, memory loss, and neurodevelopmental issues.

- Ingestion of soil/dust particles (common among children).

- Children in Delhi ingest over 1 mg of toxic and non-toxic metals daily from roadside dust and soil.

o Exposure routes: Ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption (dermal).

o Other health issues linked: Diabetes mellitus and gestational diabetes

- Long-term accumulation of metals causing chronic diseases.