The air quality in the national capital Delhi currently contains dangerous levels of mercury, which represents a toxic heavy metal substance that creates serious health threats. The current mercury concentration in Delhi exceeds global standards, according to latest scientific research. The main source of pollution derives from human activities, which include the combustion of fossil fuel, industrial emissions and vehicle exhaust emissions. The toxic substance mercury creates damage to several body systems, but it mainly damages the kidneys. Let’s dig deeper …Latest resultsIndian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) Pune-based researchers implemented researchwhich showed that Delhi’s air contains 6.9 nanograms mercury per cubic meter on average. The mercury concentration in Delhi exceeds northern hemisphere standards by four times, as it reaches 6.9 nanograms per cubic meter, while the average of the northern hemisphere is at 1.7 nanograms per cubic meter. The research team analyzed air data from 2018 to 2024 to show that human activities such as carbon combustion, industrial operations and traffic emissions produce between 72 and 92 percent of Delhi’s mercury emissions. The contribution from natural sources such as soil to mercury emissions remains minimal.
What is mercury and why is it dangerousThe heavy metal mercury found in various forms, which includes elementary mercury vapor that is formed when fossil fuels and industrial operations are burning. The subject shows extreme toxicity to humans. The The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies mercury as one of the ten dangerous chemicals, which threatens public health at a significant level. The human body absorbs mercury through respiratory air, which then travels through blood vessels to reach essential organs including the kidneys and brain and liver.How mercury affects the kidneysThe blood filtering process for the kidneys makes them susceptible to mercury damage, as they must eliminate toxic substances and waste products. The human body absorbs toxic mercury gas and steam through inhalation, before the kidneys begin to filter it from the bloodstream. The substance is built up in kidney tissues, which leads to organ damage.Scientific evidence Shows that exposure to mercury leads to nephrotic syndrome that causes the kidneys to leak excessive protein in urine, causing swelling, weight gain and fatigue. Medical tissue from mercury-exposed patients reveals membranous nephropathy as the primary injury pattern, which affects the kidney filtration units. The immune system produces a side effect on mercury protein complexes in the kidney tissue, while mercury itself creates toxic effects that lead to organ damage.Research on 172 mercury -poisoned patients revealed that 27% developed kidney damage and most patients showed symptoms of nephrotic syndrome. The treatment of mercury poisoning includes mercury the therapy to extract mercury from the body, while corticosteroids become necessary for serious cases. The treatment result becomes positive when doctors identify mercury exposure at an early stage.
Other kidney risks from air pollutionThe kidneys experience damage from air pollution particles, which are independent of mercury pollution. The lungs absorb small airborne particles that then move into the bloodstream to damage kidney tissues. Research conducted in different countries shows that high levels of pollution in the air lead to more cases of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and accelerate the deterioration of renal function. Researchers continue to investigate the mechanisms for polluted kidney damage, but they believe that the lungs to the bloodstream path play an important role.The body stores mercury, which leads to prolonged organ damage, as the substance is built up in tissues and organs. Research conducted with Chinese populations shows that even minimal exposure to mercury under older age increases the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD).What can the Delhi inhabitants doPeople living in Delhi must understand the dangers that mercury pollution gives their health. People should minimize their contact with mercury, as it helps protect their kidneys and the entire body system. People can lower their exposure risks through these protective measures:Reduce toxic air particles by using air purifiers in homes.Stay indoors when pollution levels reach their peak.Back initiatives that work to reduce industrial emissions and traffic pollution.Consume a well -balanced diet that includes antioxidants.
