Link of PM 2.5 Pollutants to Anaemia Prevalence

November 10, 2022

A new study titled “Reducing the burden of anaemia in Indian women of reproductive age with clean-air targets” has found a link between the PM 2.5 pollutants and the prevalence of anaemia. It was conducted by researchers from institutions and organizations in India, the US and China.

What are the key findings of the study?

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.

Women of reproductive age may suffer from regular iron deficiency due to the mensuration. Therefore, they are especially vulnerable to mild to severe anaemia. Dietary iron deficiency is another top contributor of anaemia. Other factors that contribute to its prevalence are genetic disorders, parasitic infections and inflammation from infections and chronic diseases. The WHO has set the target of halving anaemia among women of reproductive age by 2053.

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.

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