Scientists suggest a new indicator for measuring its health impact

Scientists from the world’s three leading research institutions took part in this extensive research and suggested that oxidative potential of air particles should also be taken into account in future air-quality regulation measures to reduce the adverse health impact of inhaling poor quality air by the people.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz 2020

Key-Points

Exposure to the fine particle matter with diameters generally below 10 micrometres pose the greatest health risk. It is because they can get deep into lungs and even into bloodstream.

The capability of these tiny airborne particulate matter (PM) to react with oxygen to form highly reactive chemical molecules is known as reactive oxygen species (ROS) or oxidative potential (OP).

A reactive oxygen species build-up in cells may cause damage to DNA, RNA, proteins, and may cause cell death.