Reduce exposure to finer particulate matters: Expert
Times of India | 31 January 2024
Kolkata: In a recent visit to the city, environmental scientist and University of Massachusetts professor, Richard Peltier, revealed alarming insights into the health risks associated with air pollution. According to Peltier, even an hour of exposure to foul air is sufficient to trigger health issues, including exacerbated asthmatic attacks and cardiovascular problems.
Peltier, a human exposure and public health expert, highlighted the significant impact of pollutants, particularly PM2.5 and ozone. “PM2.5 is the single most pollutant responsible for mortality,” he said. While Kolkata experienced four months of ‘moderate’ (AQI: 101-200) air quality in 2023, with the rest of the months categorised as ‘satisfactory’ (AQI:51-100) or good (AQI: 0-50), Peltier pointed out that the average annual exposure in the city might be 50µg/m3, one of the highest in the world.
Despite the variability in exposure levels throughout the year, Peltier stressed that short-term exposure is even higher, indicating a critical need for interventions. Measures discussed include the electrification of communities lacking electricity and expanding programs for cleaner fuels. However, Peltier cautioned that transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) would take 20-30 years to replace the existing diesel fleet.
City’s environment crusader Subhas Datta, said, “We need to proactively phase out diesel vehicles. Still, a large number of vehicles that have expired their lifetime are moving around the city and polluting the city’s ambient air.”
“Diesel emission must be reduced before thinking about their replacement. Older diesel vehicles must be phased out,” Peltier added.
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