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Once regarded as one of nature’s purest water sources, the clouds drifting over the Eastern Himalayas and Western Ghats are now laden with toxic heavy metals, according to a new study led by the Bose Institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST). Scientists warn that these pollutants, primarily cadmium, copper, zinc, and chromium, not only contaminate cloud water but also pose significant health risks, especially to children.
Polluted Clouds Over Pristine Mountains
The study examined non-precipitating clouds during the onset of the monsoon, a period when moisture-laden air sweeps over the mountains. Researchers found that clouds over the Eastern Himalayas are about 1.5 times more polluted than those over the Western Ghats. The higher contamination levels are attributed to emissions from dense traffic and industrial zones along the foothills, which release particles that get carried up to higher altitudes.
These findings challenge the long-held perception of rainwater in the Himalayas and Western Ghats as pristine. “The atmosphere at these heights is no longer untouched,” said Dr. Sanat Kumar Das, who led the study. The clouds now carry the imprint of human activities from regions far below, transforming what was once considered a natural source of clean water into a vehicle for potentially harmful pollutants.
Elevated Health Risks, Especially for Children
The presence of heavy metals such as chromium is particularly concerning, as it significantly increases carcinogenic risks. Health risk assessments in the study considered various exposure pathways, including inhalation, ingestion of rainwater, and skin contact. Of these, inhalation emerged as the most critical route, especially for non-carcinogenic illnesses linked to metals like cadmium and copper.
Children are particularly vulnerable, with researchers estimating their health risks to be around 30% higher than those of adults. This increased susceptibility is linked to their developing organs and higher exposure rates relative to body weight. The findings suggest that even short-term stays in these regions during the monsoon could contribute to cumulative health risks for both locals and visitors.
Global Context and Policy Implications
Despite the troubling results, researchers noted that Indian clouds are still less polluted compared to those over countries such as China, Pakistan, Italy, and the United States. However, they caution that the presence of toxic metals at these altitudes is an emerging public health concern that needs closer monitoring.
The study calls for targeted action, including better regulation of industrial and vehicular emissions in the Himalayan foothills and improved air quality monitoring in high-altitude regions. It also raises questions about the safety of consuming untreated rainwater in these areas, urging policymakers to consider guidelines for public health protection.
References:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666765725000390?via%3Dihub
https://dst.gov.in/himalayan-clouds-carrying-toxic-metals-pose-health-risks
https://ddnews.gov.in/en/toxic-metals-found-in-himalayan-clouds-pose-health-risk-study
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