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11/11/22 13:37 PM IST

Study links PM 2.5 pollutants to anaemia prevalence

In News 
  • Long-term exposure to fine airborne particulate matter — PM 2.5 pollutants — may increase the prevalence of anaemia among women of reproductive age through systemic inflammation, a study has found.
Major Findings 
  • According to the new study, PM 2.5 sources – sulphate and black carbon – are more associated with anaemia than organics and dust.
  • The largest sectoral contributor of these PM 2.5 sources is industry. It is followed by unorganised sector, domestic sources, power sector, road dust, agricultural waste burning and transport sector.
  • Long-term exposure to the particulate matter can increase the prevalence of anaemia among women of reproductive age (15-45 years) via systemic inflammation.
  • If India meets its clean air targets, it can reduce the prevalence of anaemia from 53 per cent to 39.5 per cent. India is currently one of the countries having the highest prevalence of anaemia among women of reproductive age.
  • According to the study, for every 10 microgram/cubic meter of air increase in ambient PM 2.5 exposure, the average anaemia prevalence among women of reproductive age increases by 7.23 per cent.
  • The findings of the study suggest that the clean energy transition can accelerate India’s progress towards achieving the ‘anaemia-free’ mission target.
About anaemia’s prevalence
  • Anaemia is a condition that is characterized by the lack of healthy blood cells required for carrying adequate oxygen to tissues.
  • It is often accompanied by a disease in red blood cells and depleted blood haemoglobin concentration.
  • It is among the major contributors to the global disease burden. Other factors that contribute to its prevalence are genetic disorders, parasitic infections and inflammation from infections and chronic diseases.
  • In India, anaemia is highly prevalent.
  • According to the National Family and Health Survey 2015–2016 (NFHS-4), 53.1 per cent of women of reproductive age and 58.5 per cent of children under 5 years are anaemic.
Source- Indian Express 

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