Thursday, October 9News That Matters

Tag: air pollution

Crores of Premature Deaths Linked to Air Pollution in India Over Four Decades

Crores of Premature Deaths Linked to Air Pollution in India Over Four Decades

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment
A comprehensive study led by researchers from Singapore's Nanyang Technological University (NTU) has revealed that air pollution from fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been linked to approximately 2.61 crore premature deaths in India between 1980 and 2020. This makes it one of the most extensive studies on air quality and climate, utilizing 40 years of data to assess the health impacts of PM2.5. According to the study, the average life expectancy in India has been significantly reduced due to conditions caused by PM2.5 pollution, such as strokes, heart and lung diseases, and cancer. The study also noted that weather patterns have exacerbated the impact of pollution, increasing the death toll by 14%. “Asia was estimated to have the largest number of PM2.5-attributable premature deat...
Microplastics Detected in Human Semen: Scientists Sound Alarm Over Pervasive Pollution’s Potential Reproductive Impact

Microplastics Detected in Human Semen: Scientists Sound Alarm Over Pervasive Pollution’s Potential Reproductive Impact

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment
Scientists are finding microplastics in virtually every nook and cranny they inspect in the human body. The alarming discoveries are now stacking up with such speed, there's barely any time to let the news sink in before another part of our anatomy joins the list of contaminated sites. Shortly after researchers in the US confirmed that microplastics had infiltrated the tissue in human testicles, researchers in China have now detected the pollutants in sperm as well. The team found microscopic fragments of plastic in every sample of seminal fluid supplied by 36 male participants from inland China. Polystyrene (PS) particles were the most abundant type found, making up nearly a third of the plastic identified in the average sample. Researchers aren't sure, but they suspect that the ...
Haryana Chief Secretary Declares Solid Waste Emergency in Gurugram: Urgent Measures Launched Following Supreme Court Directive

Haryana Chief Secretary Declares Solid Waste Emergency in Gurugram: Urgent Measures Launched Following Supreme Court Directive

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment
Haryana Chief Secretary TVSN Prasad announced that there is a huge amount of solid waste in Gurugram due to the large amount of untreated sewage, which is adversely affecting the environment and public health. The move is in response to the Supreme Court's May 13 judgment and the National Green Tribunal's observations on the need for a cleaner environment. In its May 13 decision, the Supreme Court said that a large amount of unprocessed solid waste destroys the environment, which is the main factor affecting the unpolluted life of citizens guaranteed in Article 21 of the Constitution. The NGT, in its order dated September 23, 2022, observed that the situation is an environmental emergency, but the required seriousness has not yet been resolved. The chief secretary, in an order issued...
Study Finds Microplastics in Human Testes, Raising Concerns About Male Fertility

Study Finds Microplastics in Human Testes, Raising Concerns About Male Fertility

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment
A new study published in the journal Toxicological Sciences has uncovered a worrying presence of microplastics in every human testicle examined. This finding heightens concerns about the potential impact of plastic pollution on male fertility. Comprehensive Analysis of Microplastics Researchers at the University of New Mexico (UNM) conducted a detailed analysis of tissue samples from both dogs and humans. The study, led by Xiaozhong "John" Yu, MD, PhD, MPH, a professor in the UNM College of Nursing, identified 12 types of microplastics in 47 canine and 23 human testes. The results showed that microplastics were present in all samples examined. "Our study revealed the presence of microplastics in all human and canine testes," Yu stated. He emphasized the potential implications for ...
Surprisingly Improved Air Quality of Delhi in April 2024

Surprisingly Improved Air Quality of Delhi in April 2024

Breaking News, Environment
Delhi experienced a notable improvement in air quality during April 2024, recording the maximum number of 'Good to Moderate' air quality days in comparison to the last six years, with the exception of the lockdown year 2020 due to COVID-19. This improvement can be attributed to favorable meteorological conditions and the concerted efforts of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) along with various stakeholders to control air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR). Key Highlights Number of Good to Moderate Air Quality Days: Delhi witnessed 23 days with 'Good to Moderate' air quality in April 2024, compared to 17 days in 2023, 0 in 2022, 18 in 2021, 30 in 2020 (during the lockdown period), 12 in 2019, and 8 in 2018. Control of Poor to Se...
Tragedy Strikes: MP Harda Factory Fire Updates: 11 Killed, 200 Injured in Explosive Unit Blasts; 3 Held

Tragedy Strikes: MP Harda Factory Fire Updates: 11 Killed, 200 Injured in Explosive Unit Blasts; 3 Held

Breaking News, Disasters
Madhya Pradesh's Harda district was engulfed in tragedy as a series of explosions rocked a fireworks factory on Tuesday, claiming the lives of at least 11 individuals and leaving nearly 200 others wounded. The harrowing incident unfolded with terrifying intensity, captured in videos circulating on social media, depicting flames leaping skyward and plumes of smoke billowing as explosions reverberated through the area. NDRF, SDRF Efforts Continue Amidst Devastation In the aftermath of the blasts, teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) sprang into action, tirelessly working to clear debris and render aid to the injured. Despite the challenging conditions, their efforts remained steadfast as they navigated the chaos to provide assi...
Delhi’s Air Quality Crosses 400-mark, Centre Monitors Situation Before Imposing Stricter Measures

Delhi’s Air Quality Crosses 400-mark, Centre Monitors Situation Before Imposing Stricter Measures

Breaking News, Environment
January 25, 2024 Delhi's average air quality index (AQI) breached the 400-mark on Wednesday, signaling very poor air quality, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The AQI categories range from 'good' (0-100) to 'severe' (400-500 or above). While the very poor air quality prevailed, the Centre decided to monitor the situation for a day or more before considering stricter measures under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The sub-committee of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reviewed the current air quality scenario, meteorological conditions, and forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). Based on the projections that Delhi's average AQI is likely to improve, the sub-com...