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Emissions from residential cooking and heating, power generation, and industries together contribute up to 60 per cent of India's PM2.5 pollution, with about 80 per cent of this coming from <keyword id="23824528" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="fossil-fuel-combustion" source="keywords">fossil fuel combustion</keyword>, a new study has found. The peer-reviewed study, published in MDPI's "Air" journal, suggests dividing India into 15 airsheds based on regional climate and pollution sources. An airshed is a geographic area where <keyword id="53848" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="air-quality" source="Orion">air quality</keyword> is influenced by common factors such as wind patterns and pollution sources. Since pollution can spread across regions, the <keyword id="22077484" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="airshed-approach" source="keywords">airshed approach</keyword> promotes coordinated action among states. "Residential cooking and heating, power generation, and all other industries together are responsible for 40-60 per cent of the PM2.5 pollution in all the airsheds, and approximately 80 per cent of the pollution comes from fossil fuel burning sources," said Sarath Guttikunda, lead author of the study and founder of UrbanEmissions.info. The study said biomass burning, including post-harvest crop residue burning, contributed less than 3 per cent to annual PM2.5 levels while transport accounted for 5-10 per cent in all airsheds. PM2.5 are fine particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less, about the width of a human hair. These are so small that these can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, posing significant health risks. An analysis of PM2.5 trends from 1998 to 2020, along with state-level data on fuel consumption, energy demand and emissions, revealed that 11 of the 15 airsheds were critical for India's air quality management and required coordinated interventions. The Indo-Gangetic Plains remain the most polluted region, with significant emissions from residential cooking and heating (especially in winter), power plants, brick kilns (driven by construction demand), waste burning, dust and vehicular movement for passengers and freight. The plateau region between the Eastern and Western Ghats, India's second most populated area, has seen the highest rise in annual PM2.5 pollution during this period, the study said. "This is an indication of the growing urbanisation and demand for transport, industrial, and commercial amenities," it said. Coastal areas, vital to India's industrial economy, have also experienced rising pollution despite the moderating effects of land-sea breezes. This increase is attributed to growing shipping emissions and overall industrial growth in cities such as Mundra, Surat, Mumbai, Goa, Mangalore, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Paradip and Haldia.

Study traces 60% PM2.5 pollution in India to residential cooking, power generation, industries

Soothing warm drinks to alleviate cough as pollution in India peaks

<ul><li><keyword id="55910" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="air-pollution" source="Orion">Air pollution</keyword> affects almost all parts of the world, with a tiny area still below safety levels.</li><li>According to a new study, only 0.18% of land area and 0.001% of the global population has <keyword id="6452351" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="clean-air" source="Orion">clean air</keyword>.</li><li><keyword id="6489235" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="polluted-air" source="Orion">Polluted air</keyword> can cause diseases such as asthma and lung cancer in people.</li></ul> Air pollution is one of the world's biggest problems, and it has reached a level wherein you are not safe from it anywhere in the world. You might be mistaken if you thought you were breathing clean air. According to a <a href="https://phys.org/news/2023-03-world-first-global-daily-air-pollution.html">study</a> by Melbourne’s Monash University, almost no area on earth has air pollution levels deemed safe by the World Health Organisation (WHO). <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Less than 0.2% land area has good air" comment="subhead" text="Less than 0.2% land area has good air">Less than 0.2% land area has good air</cmsannotation> According to the study, only 0.18% of the global land area is exposed to concentrations of PM 2.5 that are below the levels of safety recommended by the WHO. The number gets worse when you talk about people. Only 0.001% of the global population can breathe air below the safety levels recommended by the WHO. Professor Yuming Guo, who led the study, highlighted the importance of the study, said, "It provides a deep understanding of the current state of outdoor air pollution and its impacts on human health. With this information, policymakers, public health officials, and researchers can better assess the short-term and long-term health effects of air pollution and develop air pollution mitigation strategies.” PM 2.5 pollutants are tiny and can penetrate the thoracic region of the respiratory system, increasing the risk of death due to respiratory and cardiovascular problems such as asthma and lung cancer. While the situation has improved in Europe and North America, it has worsened in Southern Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, and the Caribbean. At present, more than 70% of days globally are seeing pollution levels above what is safe. "In this study, we used an innovative machine learning approach to integrate multiple meteorological and geological information to estimate the global surface-level daily PM2.5 concentrations at a high spatial resolution of approximately 10km ×10km for global grid cells in 2000-2019, focusing on areas above 15 μg/m3, which is considered the safe limit by WHO," Guo said, while speaking about the methodology used. The situation is worse in southern and eastern Asia as more than 90% of days had daily PM 2.5 concentrations higher than the safe levels. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/wedding-bells-ring-in-16-rise-in-february-auto-sales-2-wheeler-sales-yet-to-hit-pre-pandemic-levels-fada/articleshow/98443213.cms">Wedding bells ring in 16% rise in February auto sales, 2 wheeler sales yet to hit pre-pandemic levels: FADA</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/xiaomi-13-pro-launched-in-india-price-launch-offers-and-specifications/articleshow/98296353.cms">Xiaomi 13 Pro launched in India – price, launch offers and specifications</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/gadgets/news/mapmyindia-launches-gps-trackers-smart-helmet-kits-dash-cam-and-more-starting-at-2990/articleshow/98177325.cms">MapmyIndia launches GPS trackers, smart helmet kits, dash cam, and more starting at ₹2,990</a>

You are not safe from air pollution anywhere in the world, finds a new study

<ul><li>With increased <keyword id="55910" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="air-pollution" source="Orion">air pollution</keyword>, indoor air pollution is becoming 10x worse than outdoor air pollution.</li><li>Air purifiers with Pre-filters, HEPA filters and Activated carbon filters help to fight indoor air pollution.</li><li>Below, check out things to consider before buying an <keyword id="1606234" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="air-purifier" source="Orion">air purifier</keyword> for your home.</li></ul>Indoor air pollution can be 10 times worse than outdoor air pollution. This is because the air in a closed room enables potential pollutants to build up more than in open spaces. Other than this, indoor air pollution is amplified by poor ventilation. Meanwhile, individuals can prevent indoor pollution in their surroundings by installing an air purifier. An air purifier will essentially filter any airborne pollutants such as pollen, smoke and dust. India is home to some of the world’s most polluted cities. The country's northern region becomes a gas chamber during this season with hazardous air quality. Cities like Kanpur, Faridabad, Varanasi, Gaya, Patna, Delhi, Lucknow, Agra, Muzaffarpur, Noida, and Gurugram suffer from the worst AQI levels; above 400 AQI. That means the people living in these cities rarely get 'healthy' (AQI 0-50) air to breathe. As per <a href="https://www.airvisual.com/world-most-polluted-cities">AirVisual's</a> report, it's only China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India that contribute to the world's 50 most polluted cities. Since air pollution has become a chronic issue with no long-term remedy, state and central governments are taking several measures like relocating industries away from cities, using greener technologies, giving a push to electric vehicles, and others. The current market is full of air purifiers but you won’t be able to beat the indoor air pollution if you buy the wrong machine. So understanding the size of room, technology used and other similar factors become essential when buying air purifier for your home. Here’s how to find the best purifier for your home. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Things to consider before buying" comment="subhead" text="Things to consider before buying">Things to consider before buying</cmsannotation> <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Technology used" comment="subhead" text="Technology used">Technology used</cmsannotation> The very first thing is to identify the problem; there can be a presence of allergens indoors or some microbes or others. Each problem has a precise solution which can be only tackled through specific technology. An air purifier uses two purification technologies - active air purification, in which air is purified by dispersing healthy cleaning agents into the air, and other passive air purification, in which air is channelized through filters to capture pollutants or microbes. If neutralizing of microbes is required, then passive air purification will not work; this is where active air purification technology comes into action. REME (Reflective Electro-Magnetic Technology) and PHI (Photohydroionization) are examples of active air purification technologies, and PRE (pre-filters), Active Carbon, and HEPA filters are examples of passive air purification. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Type of filters" comment="subhead" text="Type of filters">Type of filters</cmsannotation> With the advancement of technology, a diverse range of filters equipped with new technologies is now accessible. The pollutant types that are blocked by the filters are dust, tobacco smoke, pollen, smoke, pet allergens, dust mite allergens, 2.5-micron particles, and 0.1 microns particles. Some of the most common air filters to look for when choosing an air purifier are Pre-filters. <ul><li>Pre-filters: Before the final filtering, the pre-filters remove large particles like hair and other small particles. This type of filter needs to be cleaned and replaced every three months.</li></ul><ul><li>HEPA filters: HEPA filters, which are known as High- Efficiency Particulate Air Cleaner filters tend to eliminate pollen, mold spores, and dust particles. These filters capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns.</li></ul><ul><li>Activated carbon filters: Air purifiers with activated carbon filters neutralize food and chemical odors.</li></ul><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Cost of filters" comment="subhead" text="Cost of filters">Cost of filters</cmsannotation> Other than the type of filters, consider the price of replacement filters. Usually, you need to change the air filter at least in every three months when you use it constantly. The cost of replacement filters can be high as ₹5000-₹7000 for air purifiers with HEPA filters. Other than this, filters for low-cost air purifiers will cost you between ₹1000-₹2000. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Coverage area" comment="subhead" text="Coverage area">Coverage area</cmsannotation> This is one of the most important factors to consider when buying an air purifier, here are a few things to keep in mind. <ul><li>It is advisable to select an entry-level air purifier for a room measuring up to 299 square feet. You can get one under ₹15000.</li><li>If you want an air purifier for 300 to 699 square feet of room, then the medium or large size air purifier will do the job. It will cost over ₹20000.</li></ul><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Air delivery rate" comment="subhead" text="Air delivery rate">Air delivery rate</cmsannotation> The efficiency of an air purifier depends on the volume of air to be cleaned and the speed of air intake and throw. Air purifiers with less coverage and CADR (clean air delivery rate) will work for a smaller areas. But if you are looking for an air purifier for a big room, then go for a purifier with more coverage and CADR. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Level of noise" comment="subhead" text="Level of noise">Level of noise</cmsannotation> It is one of the most ignored but important factors which you need to consider. The noise levels in air purifiers vary with fan speed, so keep an eye on that. It’s likely that you’ll be using it throughout, so it is important to go for the one that is silent. The ideal air purifier should have a noise level of ‘20-40dB or 50-70dB.’ <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Warranty and customer service" comment="subhead" text="Warranty and customer service">Warranty and customer service</cmsannotation> When buying an air purifier, the buyer should conder the product’s after-sale service. This becomes important because filter cleaning and replacement is required in every 12 to 18 months. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Smart features" comment="subhead" text="Smart features">Smart features</cmsannotation> Modern air purifiers are loaded with a plethora of features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, touch-sensitive controls and more. They can be controlled through your smartphone and give you real-time data of AQI levels in your room. Other than these, you can get detailed insight into filter health, air quality, temperature and more. Here are some air purifier recommendations based on the room size. <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Coverage Area </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Air purifier </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Product link </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Up to 320 square feet </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">SHARP Room Air Purifier FP-F40E-W </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"><a href="https://www.amazon.in/Sharp-Purifier-FP-F40E-W-Filter-Cluster/dp/B01B0DT29A/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=air+purifier&amp;qid=1667554883&amp;qu=eyJxc2MiOiI0LjI4IiwicXNhIjoiNC43MSIsInFzcCI6IjMuNzQifQ%3D%3D&amp;sprefix=air+puri%2Caps%2C220&amp;sr=8-1-spons&amp;psc=1">B01B0DT29A</a> </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">‎355 square feet </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Coway AirMega 150 (AP-1019C) </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"><a href="https://www.amazon.in/Coway-Professional-Purifier-Anti-Virus-AP-1019C/dp/B08GJ57MKL/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?keywords=air%2Bpurifier&amp;qid=1667554883&amp;qu=eyJxc2MiOiI0LjI4IiwicXNhIjoiNC43MSIsInFzcCI6IjMuNzQifQ%3D%3D&amp;sprefix=air%2Bpuri%2Caps%2C220&amp;sr=8-2-spons&amp;th=1">B08GJ57MKL</a> </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">320- 399 square feet </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Dyson Pure Cool Link Air Purifier </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"><a href="https://www.amazon.in/Dyson-Tower-WiFi-Enabled-Purifier-Silver/dp/B078RBFG6G/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=air%2Bpurifier&amp;qid=1667554883&amp;qu=eyJxc2MiOiI0LjI4IiwicXNhIjoiNC43MSIsInFzcCI6IjMuNzQifQ%3D%3D&amp;sprefix=air%2Bpuri%2Caps%2C220&amp;sr=8-7&amp;th=1">B078RBFG6G</a> </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">800 square feet </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Blue Star BS-AP490LAN </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"><a href="https://www.amazon.in/dp/B077KVTHRC/ref=sspa_dk_detail_4?psc=1&amp;pd_rd_i=B077KVTHRC&amp;pd_rd_w=gCps8&amp;content-id=amzn1.sym.b3dfef88-30a1-490c-be36-e990ef384667&amp;pf_rd_p=b3dfef88-30a1-490c-be36-e990ef384667&amp;pf_rd_r=X5TM16KSAQTQGBCGXZEA&amp;pd_rd_wg=9iWmK&amp;pd_rd_r=7bd68e6a-e4c0-433f-a6be-5ac32ae41e4b&amp;s=kitchen&amp;sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw">B077KVTHRC</a> </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">350-400 square feet </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">TruSens Z-2000 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"><a href="https://www.amazon.in/dp/B07W8J3BCW/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;pd_rd_i=&amp;pd_rd_i=B07W8J3BCWp13NParams&amp;s=kitchen&amp;sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWxfdGhlbWF0aWM">B07W8J3BCW</a> </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">300-350 square feet </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Philips Air Purifier </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"><a href="https://www.amazon.in/Philips-AC1217-Air-Purifier-White/dp/B07J6RN9T5/ref=sr_1_10?keywords=air+purifier&amp;qid=1667554883&amp;qu=eyJxc2MiOiI0LjI4IiwicXNhIjoiNC43MSIsInFzcCI6IjMuNzQifQ%3D%3D&amp;sprefix=air+puri%2Caps%2C220&amp;sr=8-10">B07J6RN9T5</a> </td></tr></tbody></table> SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/oneplus-nord-watch-review-a-decent-watch-with-a-hint-of-premiumness-under-a-budget/articleshow/95281350.cms">OnePlus Nord Watch review: A decent watch with a hint of premiumness under a budget</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/asus-rog-flow-x16-review/articleshow/93894638.cms">Asus ROG Flow X16 review: The perfect 2-in-1 gaming laptop</a>

Looking for the best air purifier? Here’s everything you must know before buying one

<ul><li>During the hearing of a PIL seeking ban on stubble burning, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had informed the Supreme Court that the Centre will enact a law to combat the menace of <keyword id="55910" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Air-Pollution">air pollution</keyword> in Delhi-NCR. </li><li>The Committee will monitor issues like stubble burning, vehicular pollution, dust pollution. </li><li>The air pollution reaches a peak in Delhi and surrounding regions every winter. The pollution from stubble burning, when combined with suspended water droplets in the lower atmosphere, form a thick blanket of noxious smog. </li></ul>The Indian government has <a href="https://www.news18.com/news/india/5-years-in-prison-1-crore-fine-what-new-law-on-air-pollution-in-delhi-ncr-says-3019181.html">introduced </a>a new ordinance that makes polluting air in Delhi-NCR a punishable offence — with up to five years of jail and ₹1 crore fine. This comes after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, during the hearing of a PIL seeking a ban on stubble burning, had <a href="http://m/news/politics-and-nation/government-to-bring-new-law-to-curb-air-pollution-in-delhi-ncr/articleshow/78885583.cms">informed </a>the Supreme Court that the Centre would enact a law to combat the menace of air pollution in Delhi-NCR. According to the ordinance, a Commission for Air Quality Management will be set up for the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas in Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. "Any non-compliance of this Ordinance, rules made there under or any other order or direction issued by the Commission shall be an offence punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend up to five years or with fine which may extend up to one crore rupees or with both", said the ordinance. The 18-member Commission will be headed by a full-time chairperson who has been a secretary to the government of India or the Chief Secretary of a state. Out of the 18 members, 10 will be bureaucrats, while others are experts and activists. The Committee will monitor issues like stubble burning, vehicular pollution, dust pollution. The deteriorating air quality of the National Capital Region and adjoining areas has been a serious problem over the past few years. The air pollution reaches a peak in Delhi and surrounding regions every winter. The pollution from stubble burning, when combined with suspended water droplets in the lower atmosphere, form a thick blanket of noxious smog. In 2019 alone, air pollution killed an estimated 1.67 million people in the country, <a href="https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/air-pollution-tops-list-of-5-biggest-risk-factors-for-death-in-india-in-2019-study-2311228">according to the Global Burden of Disease </a>(GBD) study. However, little has been done to address the problem. The Kejriwal government didn’t pass a single bill to protect the environment in the last five years, and has also been criticised by the Supreme Court for carelessness. Amid the coronavirus pandemic this year, the impact of pollution may be fatal as it compromised the immune system. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/isro-is-set-for-its-first-launch-of-the-2020-on-november-7/articleshow/78926817.cms">ISRO's first launch of 2020 will carry 10 satellites aboard its PSLV workhorse rocket on November 7</a>

New air pollution laws in Delhi-NCR — Non-compliance could lead to ₹1 crore fine, 5 years in jail

Millions of used cars, vans and minibuses exported from Europe, the US and Japan to the developing world are of poor quality, contributing significantly to air pollution and hindering efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change, a new report by the <keyword id="6355835" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="un">UN</keyword> Environment Programme (UNEP) said on Monday. The report shows that between 2015 and 2018, 14 million used light-duty vehicles were exported worldwide. Some 80 per cent went to low- and middle-income countries, with more than half going to Africa. Used Vehicles and the Environment -- A Global Overview of Used Light Duty Vehicles: Flow, Scale and Regulation, the first-ever report of its kind, calls for action to fill the current policy vacuum with the adoption of harmonized minimum quality standards that will ensure used vehicles contribute to cleaner, safer fleets in importing countries. The fast-growing global vehicle fleet is a major contributor to air pollution and climate change; globally, the transport sector is responsible for nearly a quarter of energy-related global greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, vehicle emissions are a significant source of the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) that are major causes of urban air pollution. "Cleaning up the global vehicle fleet is a priority to meet global and local air quality and climate targets," UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen said. "Over the years, developed countries have increasingly exported their used vehicles to developing countries; because this largely happens unregulated, this has become the export of polluting vehicles." "The lack of effective standards and regulation is resulting in the dumping of old, polluting and unsafe vehicles," she added. "Developed countries must stop exporting vehicles that fail environment and safety inspections and are no longer considered roadworthy in their own countries, while importing countries should introduce stronger quality standards." The report, based on an in-depth analysis of 146 countries, found that some two-thirds of them have 'weak' or 'very weak' policies to regulate the import of used vehicles. However, it also shows that where countries have implemented measures to govern the import of used vehicles -- notably age and emissions standards -- these give them to access high-quality used vehicles, including hybrid and electric cars, at affordable prices. For example, <keyword id="10331" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Morocco">Morocco</keyword> only permits the import of vehicles less than five years old and those meeting the EURO4 European vehicles emission standard; as a result, it receives only relatively advanced and clean used vehicles from Europe. The report found that African countries imported the largest number of used vehicles (40 per cent) in the period studied, followed by countries in Eastern Europe (24 per cent), Asia-Pacific (15 per cent), the Middle East (12 per cent) and Latin America (nine per cent). Through its ports, the Netherlands is one of the exporters of used vehicles from Europe. A recent review conducted by the Netherlands of its exports found that most of these vehicles did not have a valid roadworthiness certificate at the time of export. Most vehicles were between 16 and 20 years old, and most fell below EURO4 European Union vehicles emission standards. For example, the average age of used vehicles exported to the Gambia was close to 19 years old, while a quarter of used vehicles exported to Nigeria were almost 20 years old. "These results show that urgent action needs to be taken to improve the quality of used vehicles exported from Europe. The Netherlands cannot address this issue alone. Therefore, I will call for a coordinated European approach, and a close cooperation between European and African governments, to ensure that the EU only exports vehicles that are fit for purpose, and compliant with standards set by importing countries," Stientje Van Veldhoven, the Netherlands Minister for the Environment, said. Poor quality used vehicles also lead to more road accidents. According to the report, many of the countries with "very weak" or "weak" used vehicles regulations, including Malawi, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Burundi, also have very high road traffic death rates. Countries that have introduced used vehicles regulations also see safer fleets and fewer accidents. UNEP, with the support of the UN Road Safety Trust Fund and others, is part of a new initiative supporting the introduction of minimum used vehicles standards. The initiative's first focus will be countries on the African continent; a number of African countries have already put in place minimum quality standards, including Morocco, Algeria, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana and Mauritius, with many more showing interest in joining the initiative. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/google-pay-taken-down-from-apple-app-store-some-users-might-experience-payment-failures/articleshow/78872437.cms">Google Pay taken down from Apple App Store, some users might experience payment failures</a>

Millions of used vehicles contribute to air pollution, says UN report

<keyword id="13001" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pollution" source="Orion">Pollution</keyword> was responsible for nine million deaths in 2019 - equivalent to one in six deaths worldwide - and India leads with nearly 2.4 million deaths, according to a study published on Wednesday in The <keyword id="4392473" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="lancet-planetary-health" source="Orion">Lancet Planetary Health</keyword>. Of the nearly 2.4 million deaths in 2019, air pollution accounted for 16.7 lakh deaths - the highest by any country. Further, more than 5 lakh lives were lost in the country due to water pollution, followed by occupational pollution (more than one lakh) and lead exposure (over 2 lakh). Globally, of the nine million pollution - attributable deaths in 2019, air pollution (both household and ambient) remains responsible for the greatest number of deaths at 6.67 million worldwide. Water pollution was responsible for 1.36 million premature deaths. Lead contributed 9,00,000 premature deaths, followed by toxic occupational hazards at 870,000 deaths. The report states that although the number of deaths from pollution sources associated with extreme poverty (such as indoor air pollution and water pollution) have decreased, these reductions are offset by increased deaths attributable to industrial pollution (such as ambient air pollution and chemical pollution). "The health impacts of pollution remain enormous, and low- and middle-income countries bear the brunt of this burden. Despite its enormous health, social and economic impacts, pollution prevention is largely overlooked in the international development agenda," said <keyword id="351236" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="richard-fuller" source="Orion">Richard Fuller</keyword>, from <keyword id="9352701" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="global-alliance-on-health-and-pollution" source="Orion">Global Alliance on Health and Pollution</keyword>, Geneva, Switzerland. "Preventing pollution can also slow climate change - achieving a double benefit for planetary health - and our report calls for a massive, rapid transition away from all fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy," added co-author Professor <keyword id="5580088" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="philip-landrigan" source="Orion">Philip Landrigan</keyword>, Director, <keyword id="13964888" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="global-public-health-programme" source="Orion">Global Public Health Programme</keyword> and Global Pollution Observatory at Boston College. The decline in deaths from traditional pollution since 2000 (household air pollution from solid fuels and unsafe water) is most evident in Africa. This can be explained by improvements in water supply and sanitation, antibiotics and treatments, and cleaner fuels. However, this mortality decrease has been offset by a substantial increase in deaths from exposure to industrial pollution - such as ambient air pollution, lead pollution, and other forms of chemical pollution - across all regions over the past 20 years. This is particularly evident in Southeast Asia, where rising levels of industrial pollution are combined with ageing populations and increasing numbers of people exposed. Ambient air pollution was responsible for 4.5 million deaths in 2019, up from 4.2 million deaths in 2015 and 2.9 million in 2000. Deaths from hazardous chemical pollutants increased from 0.9 million in 2000, to 1.7 million in 2015, to 1.8 million in 2019, with 900,000 deaths attributable to lead pollution in 2019. Overall, deaths from modern pollution have increased by 66 per cent in the past two decades, from an estimated 3.8 million deaths in 2000 to 6.3 million deaths in 2019. Figures on deaths from chemical pollutants are likely to be underestimated as only a small number of manufactured chemicals in commerce have been adequately tested for safety or toxicity, the report noted. Excess deaths due to pollution have also led to economic losses totaling $4.6 trillion in 2019, equating to 6.2 per cent of global economic output. The study also notes pollution's deep inequity, with 92 per cent of pollution-related deaths, and the greatest burden of pollution's economic losses, occurring in low-income and middle-income countries. The study also provided recommendations such as the need for an independent, <keyword id="8956" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="intergovernmental-panel" source="Orion">Intergovernmental Panel</keyword> on Climate Change (IPPC)-style science/policy panel on pollution, alongside increased funding, and improved pollution monitoring and data collection. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/enterprise/news/why-is-linkedin-the-most-expensive-social-media-platform-for-advertisers/articleshow/91623703.cms">LinkedIn is the most expensive digital advertising platform but is it worth it?</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/gadgets/news/new-oneplus-tablet-coming-in-india-check-out-expected-price-specification-and-features/articleshow/91632327.cms">OnePlus Pad expected to launch soon in India – specs, expected price and everything you need to know</a>

Pollution cost nine million lives across the globe in 2019, India tops the list: Lancet

Delhi's air quality worsened again and slipped into the 'severe' category on Tuesday morning. At 9:36 am, the air quality index (AQI) was 414. The AQI at Bawana, Wazirpur, Anand Vihar and Rohini was 445, 442, 442 and 440 respectively. According to the government air quality monitoring service SAFAR, the city's air quality was in very poor category on Monday which turned to severe by the evening. The average AQI stood at 360 on Sunday. In the National Capital Region (NCR), the AQI in Noida was 436, while Ghaziabad recorded an AQI of 445. Greater Noida, Gurgaon and Faridabad recorded AQI of 436, 365 and 404 respectively. On Monday, most of the 37 air quality monitoring stations in Delhi recorded air quality in the 'severe' category. An AQI between 0-50 is considered 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor' and 401-500 'severe'. Above 500 falls in the 'severe plus' category. With the winter setting in, a dip in the minimum temperature makes the air cold and heavy leading to accumulation of pollutants close to the ground.

Delhi's air quality dips and peaks as citizens hold their breath

<keyword id="66" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Delhi">Delhi</keyword>'s air quality continued to be in the "very poor" category on Wednesday as schools reopened in the national capital. The air quality index was recorded at 324 on Tuesday morning while last night it was at 309. However, the air quality had improved on Tuesday from the previous days giving some respite to people suffering from pollution. An AQI between 0-50 is considered 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 very poor' and 401-500 severe'. An AQI above 500 falls in the severe plus category. The Meteorological Department forecast a partly cloudy sky with possibility of very light rain, only thundershowers towards the evening today. The maximum temperature is expected to be 31 degrees while the minimum will be 18 degrees celsius, the MET said.

Delhi's air quality turns very poor again after a small uptick on Tuesday

<ul><li>Air pollution has been a serious matter, especially in Delhi, for the past few years and was the top risk factor for death in India in 2019.</li><li>Business Insider spoke to a few health experts to find what precautions can the citizens to remain healthy.</li><li>People with weak lungs are prone to suffer with problems like viral fever or flu due to air pollutants.</li></ul>The toxic air in India’s national capital region poses a serious health risk for its citizens. While policymakers, both at the state and centre, discuss and debate the possible mechanisms to make the air breathable, Business Insider spoke to a few health experts to find what precautions can the citizens to remain healthy. According to a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people every year. “The effects of air pollution cause millions of premature deaths every year, largely as a result of increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections” says WHO report. Air pollution has been a serious matter, especially in Delhi, for the past few years and was the top risk factor for death in India in 2019, killing an estimated 1.67 million people, according to the Global Burden of Disease 2019 report by The Lancet. The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) says that the air quality in the national capital dipped to ‘worst’ from ‘very poor’ in the first week of November, making it more difficult for Delhiites to breathe fresh air. Problems related to lungs due to air pollution can have both long and short term impact. “Exposure to high levels of air pollution can cause a variety of adverse health outcomes. It increases the risk of respiratory infections, heart disease and lung cancer. Both short and long term exposure to air pollutants have been associated with health impacts” said Dr. Shuchin Bajaj, founder director of Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals in an interaction with Business Insider. He further added, “High levels of pollution can also cause an exacerbation of your symptoms, such as an asthma attack or a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) flare-up. Research suggests that long-term exposure to air pollution can contribute to the development of some lung conditions. There’s good evidence that outdoor air pollution contributes to lung cancer”. How to keep yourself safe during this severe level of pollution outside? People with weak lungs are prone to suffer with problems like viral fever or flu due to air pollutants. “ People who have impaired lung immunity can lead to frequent lung and other viral infections which can be indirectly linked to viral fever and their symptoms can be like irritation in the throat, burning in eyes, and runny nose, sneezing with watery eyes,” said Dr. Azmat Karim, Consultant – Pulmonology at Fortis Escorts in Okhla, New Delhi. “One should definitely avoid going for a walk or jogging in the early morning, especially when pollution is at a higher level. A normal COVID-19 mask may not be so helpful in this crisis, people will have to use an N-95 mask while stepping out of their houses,” Dr. Azmat Karim suggested when asked about precautionary measures one should take. He further added, “ One should also wash their eyes and face frequently to avoid burning sensation in the eyes. People are also advised to take a proper healthy diet and take their medicines regularly to boost up their immunity, as it is the need of the hour”. Can air purifiers ease the situation for Delhiites? “Those with severe asthma or COPD may consider the use of air purifiers; there is no conclusive evidence that they help but they do reduce the levels of PM2.5 etc,” Dr GC Khilnani, former head of the department of pulmonology at AIIMS and chairman of PSRI Institute of Pulmonary and Critical Care, <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/delhis-high-pollution-levels-pose-health-risk-experts-suggest-precautions-101636482970994.html">told</a> Hindustan Times. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/air-pollution-haryana-government-to-impose-odd-even-rule-in-gurugram-faridabad-jhajjar-and-sonipat-from-next-week/articleshow/87759760.cms">Air pollution: Haryana government to impose odd-even rule in Gurugram, Faridabad, Jhajjar and Sonipat from next week</a>

Doctors are telling Delhiites to avoid morning jogs and keep washing their face ⁠as the air turns toxic

There has been huge increase of up to around 125 per cent in <keyword id="924254" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="No2">NO2</keyword> (<keyword id="6652808" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nitrogen">nitrogen</keyword> dioxide) in <keyword id="66" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Delhi">Delhi</keyword>'s air pollution during the period of last one year, claimed <keyword id="6356502" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="greenpeace-india">Greenpeace India</keyword>, a <keyword id="985393" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Non-Government-Organisation">Non-Government Organisation</keyword> (NGO) in its study report which analysed NO2 concentrations in India's eight most-populous cities. As per its reports, between April 2020 and April 2021, NO2 pollution has increased in all the eight capitals of states studied -- Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Jaipur and Lucknow. The report claimed the national capital has seen the 'most dramatic increase' during the period. NO2 is a dangerous air pollutant that is released when fuel is burned, as in most motor vehicles, power generation, and industrial processes. Exposure to NO2 can severely impact people's health at all ages, affecting the respiratory and circulatory systems and the brain, leading to an increase in hospital admissions and mortality. "Satellite observations reveal NO2 pollution increased to 125 per cent of April 2020 levels. The analysis suggests the increase would have been even greater (146 per cent) had weather conditions been similar to 2020," read the report. It further added, "Behind the <keyword id="11588926" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="smokescreen-satellite">Smokescreen - Satellite</keyword> data revealed air pollution increase in India's eight most populous state capitals." It further revealed that Mumbai witnessed an increase in NO2 pollution by 52 per cent, Bengaluru by 90 per cent, Hyderabad by 69 per cent, Chennai by 94 per cent, Kolkata by 11 per cent, Jaipur by 47 per cent and Lucknow by 32 per cent in April 2021 compared to the same month last year. According to Avinash Chanchal, senior climate campaigner at Greenpeace India, the air quality levels in these eight cities are alarming. People are already paying a huge price for our reliance on burning fossil fuels and suggested that it should not continue. "Motor vehicles and industries based on fossil fuel consumption are the major drivers of NO2 pollution in Indian cities. The governments, local administration and city planners must initiate the transition from privately owned vehicles to an efficient, clean and safe public transport system that is run on clean energy that of course, must provide Covid-19-related safety measures," Chanchal said. SEE ALSO- <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/gr-infraprojects-ipo-good-ipo-bet-for-long-term-as-per-analysts/articleshow/84193656.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">GR Infraprojects IPO is for long term investors, say analysts</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/clean-science-and-technology-ipo-maximum-broking-house-recommending-this-ipo/articleshow/84193873.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Clean Science and Technology, an Indian supplier to Bayer, has opened its IPO ⁠— and ‘subscribe’ is the unanimous call from analysts</a>

You Searched For "pollution in india" and got 11 results

Study traces 60% PM2.5 pollution in India to residential cooking, power generation, industries

PTI

Soothing warm drinks to alleviate cough as pollution in India peaks

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You are not safe from air pollution anywhere in the world, finds a new study

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Looking for the best air purifier? Here’s everything you must know before buying one

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New air pollution laws in Delhi-NCR — Non-compliance could lead to ₹1 crore fine, 5 years in jail

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Millions of used vehicles contribute to air pollution, says UN report

IANS

Pollution cost nine million lives across the globe in 2019, India tops the list: Lancet

IANS

Delhi's air quality dips and peaks as citizens hold their breath

BI India Bureau

Delhi's air quality turns very poor again after a small uptick on Tuesday

PTI

Doctors are telling Delhiites to avoid morning jogs and keep washing their face ⁠as the air turns toxic

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Delhi pollution spikes ⁠— Nitrogen dioxide level in the city’s air has more than doubled in the last one year

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