Hazardous pollutants
member secretary of the RSPCB.
For Jaipur, the study was started in 2018 and was conducted by Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur.
It is currently being reviewed by various government departments and after their inputs, a revised final version will be made and given to the state government and the National Green Tribunal, said Deval.
She said for the other cities, the agency that will conduct the source apportionment studies will be selected soon.
“We are trying to negotiate with different government institutions and will soon decide on it.” “In the study a sampler is set-up at different locations in t he ci t y and f i l t er paper i s attached to it. The filter paper sucks the pollution which is then analysed through chemical analysis. The content, combination and strength of the different pollutants reveal the sources in that particular area,” she said.
Regarding the time-frame of the study, Deval said it is an in-depth study and has to take into account seasonal variations so it takes about 1.5 years.
Deval said the ambient air quality standard in Rajasthan meets the norms set by the Central Pollution Control Boar.
“Air quality in Rajasthan is satisfactory for most part of the year. There is a spike in air pollution in winters as there is slow dispersion and dilution of pollutants due to thermal inversion.”
AIR POLLUTANT
Particulate Matter: Made up of small airborne particles like dust and soot.
Source: It comes mainly from burning of fossil fuel plans, automobiles, non-road equipment and industrial facilities, dust and diesel emissions.
Impact on health
PM 10 causes nasal and upper respiratory tract problems. PM2.5 penetrates deeper into lungs and can cause heart attacks, stroke, asthma and bronchitis.
NO2 (NITROGEN DIOXIDE) Source: It comes mostly from burning fossil fuel in transportation sector.
Impact on health
It causes asthma, bronchitis and leads to a higher risk of heart disease
SO2 (SULPHUR DIOXIDE) Source: it is emitted by burning fossil fuels that contain sulphur.
Impact on health
It causes eye irritation, respiratory problems and impacts the cardiovascular system.