Standing tall in the Himalayas, Mount Everest is being contaminated from toxic pollutants emitted by industries from around the world. Scientists have found dangerous levels of Arsenic and Cadmium in the snow and soil.

The mountains here are the source of water for large populations that live downstream.

The towering white mountains already have to contend with “Black Carbon”. This is layers of soot from burning fossil fuels that settle on the snow. This has an effect of increasing the melting of the snow and thus flushing the toxins downstream to the town and villages.

While a more comprehensive study is needed to see just how contaminated the area is, it seems clear that Scientist expect to find the Roof of the World is not immune from the effects of human destruction.

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The complexity of the earth climate is beginning to unravel little by little and the effect of soot plays it part. From industrial factories to candle in the home, soot is the result of burning and the particles being quite heavy soon drop out of the air and rest on the ground.

Some areas of the world are more prone to the effect of black carbon and in particular the mountains of the Himalayas. Surrounded by the developing countries of China and India who are large emitters of carbon. Here the pollutants gather in much larger quantities and eventually settles on the mountains. The darkness of the particles attract the heat of the sun and in turn lead to the meting of the snow and glaciers. The may have have devastating effect for those living below, firstly from increased flooding and then from the lack of water as the glaciers melt.

While this problem is more recognizable in the Himalayas, its causes are worldwide. Diesels engines being a main contributor. Our other favourite mode of transport, the jet aircraft flying high can spread soot for many thousands of miles before the pollutants eventually settle. Any snow covered mountain or glacial area could be at risk here and this is in addition to the Global Effect of warming of the world by CO2 emissions.

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