When will Cloud Seeding happen in Delhi? Does artificial rain have negative effects on health, environment?
According to experts, silver iodide is used in cloud seeding, raising concerns about its impact on health as it has been linked to many health risks such as toxicity, reproductive disorders, developmental defects and cancer. The cloud seeding process contains potentially harmful chemicals.
Negative effects of cloud seeding
Delhi was eagerly awaiting artificial rain, also called cloud seeding, as the absence of unsuitable clouds delayed the process. A few days ago, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced that preparations for artificial rain through cloud cultivation have been completed in the national capital. He added that experts successfully tested it in Burari district on Thursday. He even said that there is a possibility of clouds coming from October 28-30.
What is cloud seeding and how does it work?
Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique that aims to increase precipitation. It involves the dispersion of certain substances, most often silver iodide (AgI) or salt particles, into clouds. These particles act as nuclei around which water vapor condenses and eventually falls as rain. There are two main types of cloud seeding: Hygroscopic Cloud Seeding and Glacier Cloud Seeding. Hygroscopic Cloud Seeding involves releasing salt-based particles into the base of warm clouds, while Glacier Cloud Seeding involves injecting substances such as silver iodide or dry ice into supercooled clouds.
Does cloud seeding have negative effects on health and the environment?
According to experts, silver iodide is used in cloud seeding, raising concerns about its impact on health as it has been linked to many health risks such as toxicity, reproductive disorders, developmental defects and cancer. Even more concerning is that when oxidized, it can cause Iodism, a type of poisoning caused by iodism that can lead to skin rashes, headaches and respiratory problems. Additionally, long-term exposure to silver iodide can cause argyria, a condition that causes human tissues to turn blue or gray if excessive accumulation occurs in the body.
The cloud seeding process involves potentially harmful chemicals released into the atmosphere. While supporters of the process claim there is little evidence of harm, long-term effects cannot be ruled out. If these chemicals are released into the environment, the particles will spread rapidly and pollute the atmosphere. Another concern is carbon dioxide masking, which highlights how prone the climate is to rising carbon dioxide levels. If pre-industrial cloud cover was wider than previously believed, its cooling effect on the climate may have been exaggerated, which could affect future climate predictions.
Cloud seeding offers hope for water-scarce regions, but remains a double-edged sword that requires rigorous research, transparency, and consideration of associated health risks.
