After microplastics, now air pollution gains attention. According to WHO estimates, around 7 million people lose their lives every year; the situation makes it more fatal to pollution-sensitive diseases like asthma, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), stroke, etc.
According to the IQAir World Air Quality Report, India ranks in 6th position across the world, making it more vulnerable to health-related complications.
Note: Delhi ranks as the most polluted capital in the world. India is home to 66 out of the 100 most polluted cities. These situations worsen during the winter season.
A research conducted by AIIMS Delhi, funded by ICMR, inhaled air pollutants (PM 2.5 and PM 10) penetrate the placental barrier and affect the IGFBP3 (insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3) gene, resulting in an inflammatory cascade that leads to placental and fetal growth abnormalities.
Mechanism
PM triggers radical activities and releases proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), which prompts an inflammatory response resulting in turning off the production of the IGFBP3 protein. This protein plays an important role in cell advancement and cellular regulation; its depletion lacks nutrient transport, placentation formation, and angiogenesis.
Health Outcomes
This led to severe gestational complications like stunting, wasting, and neurological and cognitive defects in offspring.
Solutions
Planting more trees,
Transitioning to renewable energy
Encouraging electric vehicles
Electrostatic precipitation
Optimizing daily operational processes in industries
The plants must have a flue gas desulfurization system (FGD) to remove sulfur dioxide.
Regenerative thermal oxidizer to destroy volatile organic solvents and hazardous chemicals.
Conclusion
The problem of air pollution is increasing day by day; every house, as well as industries, must make every possible effort to lower toxic fumes.
What do you know about the IGFBP3 protein and its role in the overall development of the body?
MBH/PS