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A report on the international conference on environmental mutagenesis in relation to human health held during the annual meeting of the Environmental Mutagen Society of India, January 29–31, 2026
Original title: A report on the international conference on environmental mutagenesis in relation to human health held during the annual meeting of the Environmental Mutagen Society of India, January 29–31, 2026
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Scientists from India and around the world gathered to discuss how everyday environmental exposures—like microplastics, air pollution, nanoparticles, and arsenic in water—can damage our cells and DNA, potentially contributing to cancer and other diseases. This conference summary highlights growing concerns about microplastics and pollution's hidden health risks, while also spotlighting safer solutions like plant-based medicines and eco-friendly farming to reduce chemical exposure for both farmers and consumers. The takeaway: reducing our contact with these pollutants and supporting sustainable agriculture could meaningfully protect public health
The 48th Annual Meeting and International Conference of the Environmental Mutagen Society of India (EMSI) on 'Environmental Mutagenesis & Epigenomics in Relation to Human Health' was held at Jamshedpur Co-Operative College, in association with Kolhan University, Jharkhand, India, from January 29-31, 2026. There were 141 deliberations in total, with participation from researchers, academicians, Vice-Chancellors, and state government officials from India and eight other countries. The scientific topics, including environmental impact on humans and aquaculture, transgenerational plant protection, molecular insights into cancer research, plants with antimutagenic potential, and sustainable agriculture through the use of bio-pesticides and bio-fertilizers, broadly justified the conference theme. The molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis were discussed through lectures on signalling pathways, gene expression, and DNA damage and repair, highlighting targeted drug development. Additionally, in silico docking of synthetic drugs and nanoparticles was discussed in detail. Notably, nanotoxicology, microplastics, airborne particulate matter, and prenatal arsenic exposure were shown to have a significant impact on human health. As Jharkhand and neighbouring states depend largely on agricultural yield, discussions on the use of plant-based medicines, harnessing infection and immunity, and agricultural eco-toxicology suggested ways to protect farmers' health and the food chain from the overuse of chemicals. Altogether, the deliberations supported several Sustainable Development Goals and highlighted cost-effective agricultural modalities. These messages were disseminated to the public through local media via daily briefings. Notably, this EMSI conference provided a platform for scientific exchange that attracted administrators and pollution control regulators aimed at protecting human health by mitigating environmental exposure.
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