air pollution Archives - Disasters News

Mar172025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Delhi Sees Best Air in Three Years Heatwave Alert for Karnataka

Delhi recorded its lowest Air Quality Index (AQI) in three years with an average of 85 on Saturday, marking a rare 'Satisfactory' air quality level for the first quarter of the year. The Commission for Air Quality Management confirmed that this was the first time since 2023 that Delhi achieved such clean air during this period. Meanwhile, temperatures are soaring in Karnataka, with the Kalaburagi district’s Ainapur Hobli village hitting 42.8°C in the past 24 hours. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts further temperature increases of 2 to 4 degrees Celsius in northern interior Karnataka from March 15 to 17, with a heatwave warning in place for March 18-19. Southern Karnataka will also see a rise of 2-3 degrees Celsius. In Delhi-NCR, light rain was reported in some area...

Mar122025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

India Air Pollution Crisis Damaging Despite Slight Improvement

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment, Fact Check

Despite a 7% drop in PM2.5 levels India remains the world's fifth most polluted country, with six of the ten most polluted cities globally. The 2024 IQAir World Air Quality Report reveals that India’s annual PM2.5 average fell to 50.6 µg/m³ from 54.4 µg/m³ in 2023, yet pollution levels remain alarmingly high. New Delhi, a pollution hotspot, recorded an annual PM2.5 average of 91.6 µg/m³, showing little change from the previous year. Northern states continue to suffer from severe pollution spikes, with Baddi in Himachal Pradesh reporting a shocking PM2.5 level of 165 µg/m³ in January. Stubble burning contributed to 60% of PM2.5 levels in Punjab, Haryana, and surrounding regions, worsening air quality in November. Air pollution remains a major public health crisis, reducing life expect...

Feb132025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Climate & Maternal Health Curtin Study Links Air Pollution to Prolonged Pregnancy

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment, Learning & Developments

New research from Curtin University reveals that exposure to outdoor air pollution and extreme temperatures during pregnancy may increase the risk of prolonged pregnancies, offering fresh insights into the effects of climate change on maternal health. The study, which analyzed nearly 400,000 births in Western Australia, found that higher exposure to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) and biothermal stress a combination of temperature, humidity, wind speed, and human physiology was linked to pregnancies lasting beyond 41 weeks. Dr. Sylvester Dodzi Nyadanu, the study’s lead author from Curtin’s School of Population Health, explained that while preterm births have been studied extensively, this is the first research to explore the impact of environmental factors on prolonged pregnan...

Jan172025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Wildfire Smoke Crisis in Los Angeles Millions Exposed to Toxic Air as Fires Rage

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

Los Angeles, January 2025 – A wildfire crisis is gripping Los Angeles as fires sweep through homes, vehicles, and neighborhoods, blanketing millions in hazardous smoke. The blazes, which have already consumed thousands of structures, are not only destroying property but releasing a cocktail of toxic chemicals that pose severe risks to public health. As homes and urban infrastructure burn, materials like furniture, plastics, paints, and electronics ignite, emitting harmful substances into the air. According to a 2023 study, wildfire smoke from urban-wildland interfaces contains dangerous compounds, including hydrogen chloride, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and dioxins. It also carries heavy metals like lead, chromium, cadmium, and arsenic elements known to damage vital organs, includ...

Dec272024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Delhi experiences rain and foggy morning, slight relief from pollution but air quality remains very poor

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment

Delhi witnessed light rain and dense fog early Friday, creating a refreshing yet chilly atmosphere across the city. However, air quality remained in the 'very poor' category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 371 recorded at 7 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded a minimum temperature of 12°C, with highs expected to reach 20°C. A "thunderstorm with rain" has been forecast for Friday and Saturday, signaling more showers over the weekend. Residents embraced the weather change, calling it a welcome relief. “It feels like Kashmir,” said Deepak Pandey, a local resident. Tourists also appreciated the pleasant weather, with Raman Kushwaha from Madhya Pradesh saying it was ideal for sightseeing despite the chill. ...

Dec262024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Dense Fog Envelops Delhi IMD Issues Yellow Alert

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment

New Delhi: On Thursday morning, a blanket of dense fog shrouded parts of Delhi, with the minimum temperature dipping to 7°C, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Despite the reduced visibility, flight operations at Delhi Airport remained unaffected, thanks to established low-visibility management protocols. The IMD has issued a yellow alert, predicting moderate to dense fog throughout the morning and night. Light to very light rainfall is also expected in some areas of the city. Safdarjung: 3mm rainfall recorded between Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning. Ayanagar: 6mm rainfall during the same period. In response to worsening air quality, the Supreme Court has mandated that the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) enforce Stage-III restrictions if the Ai...

Dec232024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Delhi Chokes as Air Quality Dips to ‘Severe’ Levels Amid Winter Fog

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

The national capital continues to battle dangerously toxic air, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting 410 in the early hours of Monday, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This grim figure places Delhi firmly in the ‘severe’ category, with PM2.5 levels tiny particulate matter harmful to respiratory health remaining critically high across the city. A dense layer of fog blanketed Delhi on Monday morning, reducing visibility and plunging the minimum temperature to 9.2°C at 5:30 a.m., according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The city also experienced light rain, adding to the winter chill. Visuals from Lodhi Road showed people huddled in night shelters, seeking refuge from the harsh cold. "The temperatures have dropped here because it has been raining… th...

Dec212024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Kolkata’s Air Pollution Woes: Is It the Next Delhi?

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment

KOLKATA – As Delhi grapples with hazardous air pollution levels, Kolkata’s deteriorating air quality raises pressing questions about its future. Though Kolkata has not reached Delhi’s alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) highs, its current AQI of 150-200 (classified as "very unhealthy") highlights an escalating problem that demands immediate attention. With Delhi’s AQI peaking at an unprecedented 700 in some areas this year, emergency measures were implemented, including school closures and a return to masks reminiscent of the COVID-19 era. The crisis has underscored the urgent need for sustained action not just in the capital but across the nation. Kolkata, while geographically distinct, faces its own set of challenges that could lead to a similar scenario if not addressed proactively. ...

Dec182024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Delhi Air Quality Hits ‘Severe Plus’ as GRAP Stage 4 Restrictions Return

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

Delhi air quality deteriorated further on Wednesday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) surpassing 440, marking another day in the ‘severe’ category. By 7 am, several monitoring stations reported AQI levels above 450, pushing parts of the city into the ‘severe-plus’ category. Areas like Anand Vihar, Nehru Nagar, and Jahangirpuri recorded AQI levels near 480, signifying hazardous air. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) defines AQI above 450 as “severe-plus,” with serious health implications for all age groups. In response, authorities have reimposed Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), banning construction, restricting diesel trucks, and recommending work-from-home for 50% of employees. Public health experts warn breathing Delhi’s air is akin to smoking 10 cigarett...

Dec172024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Delhi Chokes Again AQI Hits ‘Severe’ Levels Amid Winter Smog

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

Delhi’s air quality plummeted further on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, breaching the hazardous threshold with the Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring to 421 at 7 a.m., according to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). Key areas like Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Bawana, Jahangirpuri, and Alipur reported AQI levels ranging from 400 to 470, marking a dire escalation in the city's ongoing battle with toxic air. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) classified Delhi’s air as “Very Poor,” though localized areas ventured into the more alarming “Severe” zone. Such levels pose significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. Adding to the city’s challenges, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reco...