The air quality in National Capital Delhi, currently contains dangerous levels of mercury, which represents a toxic heavy metal substance that creates severe health threats. The current mercury concentration in Delhi exceeds global standards, according to recent scientific research. The main source of pollution stems from human activities, which include fossil fuel combustion, industrial emissions, and vehicle exhaust emissions. The toxic substance mercury creates damage to multiple body systems, yet it primarily harms the kidneys. Let’s dig deeper…Latest findingsThe Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) Pune-based scientists conducted research, which demonstrated that Delhi’s air contains 6.9 nanograms of mercury per cubic meter on average. The mercury concentration in Delhi exceeds Northern Hemisphere standards by four times, because it reaches 6.9 nanograms per cubic meter while the Northern Hemisphere average stands at 1.7 nanograms per cubic meter. The research team analysed air data from 2018 to 2024 to demonstrate that human activities such as coal burning, industrial operations and traffic emissions produce between 72 to 92 percent of Delhi’s mercury emissions. The contribution of natural sources such as soil to mercury emissions remains minimal.
What is Mercury and why is it dangerousThe heavy metal mercury exists in different forms, which include elemental mercury vapor that forms when fossil fuels and industrial operations burn. The substance shows extreme toxicity to human beings. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies mercury as one of the ten dangerous chemicals, which threaten public health at a significant level. The human body absorbs mercury through breathing contaminated air, which then travels through blood vessels to reach essential organs including the kidneys and brain and liver.How mercury affects the kidneysThe blood filtration process of the kidneys makes them susceptible to mercury damage, because they need to eliminate toxic substances and waste products. The human body absorbs toxic mercury gas and vapor through inhalation, before the kidneys start filtering it from the bloodstream. The substance builds up in kidney tissues which leads to organ damage.Scientific evidence demonstrates that mercury exposure leads to nephrotic syndrome which causes the kidneys to leak excessive protein into urine, thus producing swelling, weight gain and fatigue. Medical tests on kidney tissue from mercury-exposed patients reveal membranous nephropathy as the primary damage pattern, which affects the kidney’s filtering units. The immune system produces an adverse reaction to mercury-protein complexes within 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 exhibited symptoms of nephrotic syndrome. The treatment of mercury poisoning includes mercury chelation therapy to extract mercury from the body, while corticosteroids become necessary for severe cases. The treatment outcome becomes positive when medical professionals identify mercury exposure at an early stage.
Other kidney risks from air pollutionThe kidneys experience damage from air pollution particles, which exist independently of mercury contamination. The lungs absorb small airborne particles which then move into the bloodstream to damage kidney tissues. Research conducted in different countries shows that high pollution levels in the air lead to more cases of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and speed up kidney function deterioration. Scientists continue to research the mechanisms of pollution-induced kidney damage, but they believe the lungs-to-bloodstream pathway plays a significant role.The body stores mercury which leads to prolonged organ damage, because the substance builds up in tissues and organs. Research conducted with Chinese populations shows that even minimal mercury exposure during older age, increases the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD).What can Delhi residents doPeople who live in Delhi need to understand the dangers that mercury pollution presents to their health. People should minimise their contact with mercury, because it helps protect their kidneys and their entire body system. People can lower their exposure risks through these protective measures:Reduce toxic air particles by using air purifiers inside homes.Stay indoors when pollution levels reach their peak.Back initiatives which work to decrease industrial emissions and traffic pollution.Consume a well-balanced diet that includes antioxidants.