Toxic Heavy Metals Found in Himalayas & Western Ghats Clouds

• 05 Aug 2025

In July 2025, a recent scientific study under India’s Department of Science and Technology has revealed the presence of toxic heavy metals in clouds drifting over the Eastern Himalayas and Western Ghats.

• The findings raise significant concerns about carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks, especially among children.

Key Points

• Pollution Disparity: Clouds over the Eastern Himalayas carry 1.5 times more pollutants than those over the Western Ghats, primarily due to vehicular and industrial emissions in nearby foothill regions.
• Detected Metals: The study identified harmful concentrations of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) in non-precipitating clouds during the early monsoon season.
• Health Risks: Inhalation of cloud water containing dissolved heavy metals is a critical exposure route.
• Carcinogenic Threat: Statistical health models used in the study showed a high potential for cancer and other illnesses due to exposure to metals like chromium through inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact.
• Comparative Pollution Levels: Although India’s cloud pollution levels are lower than those in China, Pakistan, Italy, and the U.S., rising contamination and lack of historical data pose a growing public health challenge.