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News18
3 hours ago
- Health
- News18
Delhi adults inhaling twice as many microplastics in summer as in winter: Study
Agency: New Delhi, Aug 19 (PTI) Adults in the national capital inhale almost twice as many microplastic particles in summer as they do in winter, with the estimated average daily exposure rising from 10.7 particles in the colder months to 21.1 in the hotter season — a 97 per cent jump, according to a new study. The study, titled 'Characterization and Health Risk Assessment of Airborne Microplastics in Delhi NCR", a joint effort by researchers from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, and the Department of Environmental Sciences at Savitribai Phule Pune University, said children and toddlers also face significant exposure. Children aged 6 to 12 inhale about 8.1 particles a day in winter, rising to 15.6 in summer, while toddlers aged between one to six breathe in 6.1 particles in winter and 11.7 in summer, it said. Even infants recorded the lowest under one year inhale 3.6 particles daily in winter, which nearly doubles to 6.8 in summer. The researchers collected air samples at Lodhi Road, a central Delhi site, during the winter (January to March) and summer (April to June) of 2024 using active pump samplers that captured particles of different sizes, PM10 (tiny dust particles up to 10 micrometers wide), PM2.5 ( particles up to 2.5 micrometers ) and PM1(up to 1 micrometer). The equipment was installed on the terrace of the Indian Meteorological Department building, about 30 metres above the ground, and operated weekly to cover both weekdays and weekends. Filters were later treated in the laboratory with hydrogen peroxide to remove organic matter, followed by microscopic and fluorescence analysis to identify fibres, fragments and films. Suspected plastic particles were tested using special techniques like Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy FTIR and electron microscopes to confirm if they were really microplastics. These tests helped researchers understand what the particles were made of. Extra checks, called blank controls, were used to make sure the results were not affected by any outside contamination. During winter and summer 2024 the researchers found an average of 1.87 particles per cubic metre in PM10, 0.51 in PM2.5 and 0.49 in PM1 . Concentrations gradually rose from January to June, peaking in June. A total of 2,087 microplastics were identified in samples collected during the study period, mostly in the form of fragments of plastic and fibres. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), widely used in bottles, food packaging and textiles, was the most common type (41 per cent), followed by polyethylene 27 per cent, polyester 18 per cent, polystyrene 9 per cent and PVC 5 per cent. Trace metals such as zinc, silicon and aluminium were also found attached to particles, raising toxicity concerns. The study compared Delhi's daily inhalation exposure of 5.3 to 15.4 particles, 1,935 to 5,621 annually with other cities. It found Delhi's levels higher than Mexico City which recorded 2.4 particles daily, 876 annually but lower than indoor exposure in Scotland 38–187 daily, 13,731–68,415 annually. Plastic waste was identified as a major driver of exposure. Citing Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the study said Delhi generates about 1,145 tonnes of plastic waste daily, of which 635 tonnes are single-use plastics. Nationally, India generates around 25,940 tonnes daily, with Delhi contributing 689.8 tonnes daily, the highest share among megacities. Local sources such as textile manufacturing, garment processing, packaging waste and household laundry were cited as key contributors, while northwesterly winds were found to transport additional microplastics from industrial clusters, markets and waste-burning sites into Delhi's air. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also noted that half of the world's 20 most polluted cities are in South Asia, underlining the region's vulnerability, the study said. 'Covering an area of 1,483 square kilometres, Delhi is home to nearly 30 million residents and faces extreme weather, from 45 degrees Celsius summers to 5 degrees Celsius winters, alongside high pollution loads. These conditions, the study said, make the city a hotspot for airborne microplastic exposure," it read. Although no safe threshold has been established for inhaling microplastics, the study warned that chronic exposure may contribute to asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, lung inflammation and even cancer. top videos View all Smaller particles, it said, may lodge deep in the lungs, carry bacteria and cause oxidative stress, potentially affecting not only lung function but also skin and brain cells. It added that inhalation is not the only route of exposure; microplastics can also contaminate food and drinking water, or be ingested during routine activities in polluted environments. Vulnerability varies by age, occupation, health status and rate of air intake, the researchers said. PTI SGV NSM NSM RT RT view comments First Published: August 19, 2025, 19:30 IST News agency-feeds Delhi adults inhaling twice as many microplastics in summer as in winter: Study Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. 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Express Tribune
21 hours ago
- Health
- Express Tribune
Is that donkey in my biryani?
When you bite into a plate of biryani or a bowl of nihari, you might think you're eating beef or mutton, but are you sure? For years now, every now and then, there breaks out a new scandal of donkey meat discovered at some obscure - or not so obscure - eatery in different cities across Pakistan. The most recent such case emerged last month in Tarnol, Islamabad, where the authorities raided a farmhouse and found 1,000 kilogrammes of donkey meat and 50 donkeys. The sale and consumption of donkey meat is banned in Pakistan. But what would happen if you did accidentally - or intentionally - consume donkey meat? Is it safe? Can you tell the difference? We asked the experts. Donkey meat isn't actually dangerous, said Dr Syed Mohammed Ghufran Saeed, a professor at the Department of Food Science and Technology at the University of Karachi. Read: Donkey meat trade It is eaten in many parts of the world, especially across Asia and Africa, and there have been no reports of it transmitting diseases or spoiling faster. 'It is basically the issue of halal and haram,' explained Dr Saeed. Not a question of food safety and hygiene, he said, adding that you can tell the difference from the meat's structure and marbling. 'Cherry red or pinkish color is found in beef. But in the case of the donkey, it is a reddish brown.' Donkey meat is pungent when you cook it, he added. Despite these differences, an average customer is unlikely to be able to differentiate between donkey meat and any other. Chefs and butchers are, however, more savvy. Lab tests - such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) technique, gas chromatography, and the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technique - are the only scientific way to establish the source of a meat. But these are not widely used in Pakistan. Hamza Shafiq, who has been in this line of work for two decades, claims that butchers with experience like his can tell the difference by colour and cook time. But the best way to be sure is to buy from a butcher who slaughters his meat in front of you. Both Hamza and Dr Saeed spoke about the importance of lab testing and licensing but cases such as the one in Tarnol indicate that the authorities have their work cut out for them.
Business Wire
08-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
908 Devices Launches VipIR, a 3-in-1 Handheld Analyzer for Field-Based Chemical Identification of Unknown Bulk Substances
BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- 908 Devices Inc. (Nasdaq: MASS), a pioneer of purpose-built handheld devices for chemical analysis, announces the launch of VipIR, a 3-in-1 handheld analyzer that sets a new standard for rapid and confident field-based chemical identification of unknown bulk solids and liquids, such as narcotics, explosives, and toxic chemicals. VipIR enables customs and border personnel and hazardous response teams to simplify workflows and eliminate guesswork, accelerating decision making on scene. VipIR is redefining chemical analysis at the point of need with its combination of lab-grade analytical technologies, sophisticated algorithms and a simple, smart workflow that provides one confident result. Share At the heart of VipIR is Smart Spectral Processing (SSP), a proprietary algorithm that actively integrates data from Raman spectroscopy and FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) spectroscopy for analysis of complex or mixed substances from just one sample. No repositioning or repeated sampling is required. SSP uses the results of one spectroscopy technology to refine or confirm the other spectroscopy technology, delivering a more accurate and reliable chemical identification of an unknown substance. 'VipIR is redefining chemical analysis at the point of need with its combination of lab-grade analytical technologies, sophisticated algorithms and a simple, smart workflow that provides one confident result,' said Kevin J. Knopp, CEO and Co-founder, 908 Devices. 'This new chemical analyzer reinforces our commitment to providing frontline teams with next-generation tools that deliver confident, reliable answers.' Other VipIR features include: An expansive library of over 39,000 chemical spectra including drugs, toxic industrial materials, chemical warfare agents, explosives, and common chemicals Unique SSP single sample interface integrates FTIR and Raman analysis; additional sampling methods include a flexible Raman probe and integrated vial holder Built-in Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity enable fast data uploads, streamlined reporting and fleet management via the 908 Devices' Team Leader app Rugged, lightweight design For more information about VipIR, visit About 908 Devices 908 Devices is revolutionizing chemical analysis with its simple handheld devices, addressing life-altering applications. The Company's devices are used at the point-of-need to interrogate unknown and invisible materials and provide quick, actionable answers in vital health, safety and defense tech applications, addressing the fentanyl and illicit drug crisis, toxic carcinogen exposure, and global security threats. The Company designs and manufactures innovative products that bring together the power of complementary analytical technologies, software automation, and machine learning. For more information, visit Forward Looking Statements for 908 Devices This press release includes "forward looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding the expected uses and capabilities of the Company's products. Words such as "may," "will," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend" and similar expressions (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions or circumstances) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions which may cause actual results to differ materially from any results expressed or implied by any forward-looking statement, including the risks outlined under "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission which are available on the SEC's website at Additional information will be made available in the Company's annual and quarterly reports and other filings that it makes from time to time with the SEC. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in its forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results. The Company has no obligation, and does not undertake any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statement made in this press release to reflect changes since the date of this press release, except as may be required by law.
Barnama
22-06-2025
- Automotive
- Barnama
Oil Storage Facility Fire: Division 1 Firefighting Operations Completed
JOHOR BAHRU, June 22 (Bernama) -- Firefighting operations in Division 1, following a fire involving a lorry and an engine oil storage facility on Jalan Cenderai 27, Taman Kota Puteri, Masai, were completed at 4 am today. Johor Zone 1 chief, Senior Fire Superintendent I Zaipulbahri Mat Rusok said that firefighting efforts in Division 2 were still ongoing due to challenges posed by numerous large oil drums obstructing access, making it difficult for firefighters to reach the source of the fire. 'The operation involves the use of three 700-foot water hoses, three water jets, fire hydrants, and machinery pumps,' he said in a statement today. He added that firefighting operations are continuing today. Meanwhile, he said the Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) team, which was deployed to the scene at around 11.40 last night, detected a small amount of sulphur in the air. However, he said the readings were not high, based on monitoring conducted using a Gasmet FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) detector and material samples collected at the scene. 'The use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including face masks or respirators, remains necessary for all personnel on duty,' he added. He also noted that the test results of the collected samples are still being analysed. Yesterday, Deputy chief of Zone I Senior Fire Superintendent Il Rosfarawadi Ismani Ismail reportedly said that five premises were destroyed in the incident, which affected an area of approximately 1,000 square metres and involved the destruction of 15 vehicles.
The Sun
22-06-2025
- The Sun
Oil storage facility fire: Division 1 firefighting operations completed
JOHOR BAHRU: Firefighting operations in Division 1, following a fire involving a lorry and an engine oil storage facility on Jalan Cenderai 27, Taman Kota Puteri, Masai, were completed at 4 am today. Johor Zone 1 chief, Senior Fire Superintendent I Zaipulbahri Mat Rusok said that firefighting efforts in Division 2 were still ongoing due to challenges posed by numerous large oil drums obstructing access, making it difficult for firefighters to reach the source of the fire. 'The operation involves the use of three 700-foot water hoses, three water jets, fire hydrants, and machinery pumps,' he said in a statement today. He added that firefighting operations are continuing today. Meanwhile, he said the Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) team, which was deployed to the scene at around 11.40 last night, detected a small amount of sulphur in the air. However, he said the readings were not high, based on monitoring conducted using a Gasmet FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) detector and material samples collected at the scene. 'The use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including face masks or respirators, remains necessary for all personnel on duty,' he added. He also noted that the test results of the collected samples are still being analysed. Yesterday, Deputy chief of Zone I Senior Fire Superintendent Il Rosfarawadi Ismani Ismail reportedly said that five premises were destroyed in the incident, which affected an area of approximately 1,000 square metres and involved the destruction of 15 vehicles. The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Operations Centre received an emergency call regarding the incident at 12.54 pm, and a total of 34 personnel, along with assets from several fire stations, including volunteer teams, were deployed to the scene.
