Guwahati: Assam has seen an increase in the number of cases and deaths because of acute respiratory infections (ARI), which air pollution experts have attributed increasing levels of particulate matter (PM) 2.5 and PM 10 for the trend.

According to the National Health Profile, 2018, released recently by the Central Bureau of Health Intelligence (CBHI), Assam in 2016 reported 20,667 ARI cases and 200 deaths because of it. In 2017 the state reported 22,834 ARI cases with 225 deaths.

According to the CBHI report, among the northeastern states, Assam accounted for the highest deaths because of ARI in 2017. Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura and Meghalaya reported 3, 23, 36, 9, 8, 21 and 7 deaths respectively because of ARI in 2017.

Sharad Gokhale, professor of environmental engineering at department of civil engineering in IIT Guwahati said, "The rising levels of PM 2.5 and soot particles in the atmosphere are responsible for the ARI cases. The link between asthma and the rising PM 10 and NO2 levels already were observed in the UK. In the study 'Urban black carbon emission - Its global impact and local mitigation' by IIT Guwahati, we observed the pollution levels are rising, particularly in winter and post-monsoon seasons. Several development activities in and around Guwahati are adding to the increasing particle levels. Further, pollens from local vegetation may also be a cause for the increase in asthma cases."

The first phase of data on the study of black carbon emission from the city's vehicles were tabulated in February, 2017.

The analysis revealed Lachit Nagar alone emitted 111.295 micrograms per cubic meters of PM 2.5 during the winter of 2016.

"Secondary particles are on the rise because of rising temperatures. These particles are too fine and contribute to various respiratory illnesses," Gokhale said.

Environment expert and former member secretary of central pollution control board, J.S. Kamyotra, said, "Respiratory cases can be aggravated by air pollution. There is no denying of the fact that there is a drop in the air quality."

The PM 2.5 particles are lighter and float in the air longer and have the ability to travel long distances. It can travel deeper into the human lungs. In the long run it may cause cancer and serious respiratory problems.