The Delhi government on Tuesday said that the latest images from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) show a drastic increase in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/save-delhi-from-becoming-gas-chamber-delhi-cm-urges-neighbouring-governments-to-take-concrete-steps-as-air-quality-dips-258718">stubble burning</a> in the last 24 hours in Haryana and Punjab.

A statement from the office of Delhi's Environment Minister Kailash Gahlot said, "Latest NASA images show a drastic increase in stubble burning in the last 24 hours. Stubble burning counts have increased from 1,654 to 2,577 in Punjab/Haryana in the last 24 hours."

The statement said that wind direction shows stubble plume could increase from Punjab and Haryana, and Delhi facing adverse air quality despite the cleanest Diwali night in the last many years.

"The latest NASA images show a drastic spurt in crop residue burnings (stubble burnings) in the neighbouring states of Delhi, which has severely affected Delhi's air quality. The stubble plume from north-west regions has become one of the significant factors in adversely affecting Delhi's air quality," said the statement.

"Today, transport-level wind direction is north-westerly, which might increase stubble plume towards Delhi. As per SAFAR-model, the stubble share may touch this year's peak value now," the statement said.

The statement further said that Delhi is going through a bad period with reference to ambient air quality after celebrating one of the cleanest Diwali in the last few years.

"The overall pollution level during the Diwali period in 2019 was found to be better than the past many years. Boundary layer winds speed also helped to flush out the additional load of last night," added the statement.&nbsp;

The Delhi government on Tuesday said that the latest images from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) show a drastic increase in the stubble burning in the last 24 hours in Haryana and Punjab.

The Delhi government on Tuesday said that the latest images from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) show a drastic increase in the stubble burning in the last 24 hours in Haryana and Punjab. A statement from the office of Delhi's Environment Minister Kailash Gahlot said, "Latest NASA images show a drastic increase in stubble burning in the last 24 hours. Stubble burning counts have increased from 1,654 to 2,577 in Punjab/Haryana in the last 24 hours." The statement said that wind direction shows stubble plume could increase from Punjab and Haryana, and Delhi facing adverse air quality despite the cleanest Diwali night in the last many years. "The latest NASA images show a drastic spurt in crop residue burnings (stubble burnings) in the neighbouring states of Delhi, which has severely affected Delhi's air quality. The stubble plume from north-west regions has become one of the significant factors in adversely affecting Delhi's air quality," said the statement. "Today, transport-level wind direction is north-westerly, which might increase stubble plume towards Delhi. As per SAFAR-model, the stubble share may touch this year's peak value now," the statement said. The statement further said that Delhi is going through a bad period with reference to ambient air quality after celebrating one of the cleanest Diwali in the last few years. "The overall pollution level during the Diwali period in 2019 was found to be better than the past many years. Boundary layer winds speed also helped to flush out the additional load of last night," added the statement.

NASA images show increase in stubble burning in last 24 hours in Punjab, Haryana: Delhi government

Delhi and Noida were left reeling under 'very poor' pollution levels after Diwali celebrations which saw people bursting crackers to mark the occasion.

The overall air quality index stood at 306 and 356 in Delhi and Noida respectively.

Extremely poor pollution levels were previously predicted in Delhi due to firecracker emissions, unfavourable weather and a significant spike in stubble burning in neighbouring states.

As Haryana too witnessed bursting of crackers on Diwali, its AQI stood at 279 (poor) at NISE Gwal Pahari area in Gurugram.

On Saturday, the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-chokes-again-day-ahead-of-diwali-likely-to-worsen-tomorrow-258250">(SAFAR) had predicted</a> that the air quality will get even worse in coming days and the AQI was expected to be around 324 due to Diwali.

In the wake of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-quality-remains-poor-on-diwali-in-new-delhi-258353">increased pollution</a>, Delhi residents have complained of a spike in respiratory problems and allergies.

Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana makes the situation in Delhi worse. According to Punjab Remote Sensing Centre (PRSC), straw burning has increased this year.

To curb air pollution, the Arvind Kejriwal-led government in Delhi has announced the implementation of the Odd-Even scheme from November 4 to 15.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Delhi and Noida were left reeling under 'very poor' pollution levels after Diwali celebrations which saw people bursting crackers to mark the occasion. The overall air quality index stood at 306 and 356 in Delhi and Noida respectively.

Delhi and Noida were left reeling under 'very poor' pollution levels after Diwali celebrations which saw people bursting crackers to mark the occasion. The overall air quality index stood at 306 and 356 in Delhi and Noida respectively. Extremely poor pollution levels were previously predicted in Delhi due to firecracker emissions, unfavourable weather and a significant spike in stubble burning in neighbouring states. As Haryana too witnessed bursting of crackers on Diwali, its AQI stood at 279 (poor) at NISE Gwal Pahari area in Gurugram. On Saturday, the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) had predicted that the air quality will get even worse in coming days and the AQI was expected to be around 324 due to Diwali. In the wake of the increased pollution, Delhi residents have complained of a spike in respiratory problems and allergies. Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana makes the situation in Delhi worse. According to Punjab Remote Sensing Centre (PRSC), straw burning has increased this year. To curb air pollution, the Arvind Kejriwal-led government in Delhi has announced the implementation of the Odd-Even scheme from November 4 to 15.

Air quality level in Delhi 'very poor' post-Diwali

As <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-quality-in-delhi-noida-very-poor-post-diwali-258435">air quality deteriorated</a> in the national capital after Diwali, Delhi Environment Minister Kailash Gahlot on Monday assured of taking all "necessary" steps if the situation continues for the next 48 hours.

Speaking to ANI, Gahlot said, "We have taken the steps to combat the situation and they are also being implemented. If the situation continues for the next 48 hours, we will take further necessary steps."

The East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) earlier in the day sprinkled water on roads in Anand Vihar area, to reduce dust as a pollution control measure.

Delhiites complained about the difficulty in breathing and of burning sensation in the eyes as they woke up today.

According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the overall air quality of the national capital is in the higher-end of 'very poor' category.

However, Gahlot said that air pollution was comparatively better this year after Diwali than that of 2018.

"This time, the air pollution level is comparatively better than the last Diwali. It is high time to realise the situation. We must celebrate Diwali but we also have to take care of our environment," he added.

On November 9 last year, overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi was recorded at 428, which falls under the 'hazardous' category.

Speaking on the appointment of marshals in Delhi government buses, the Environment Minister said, "Nowhere in the world according to our knowledge have appointed bus marshals at this scale like in Delhi for the security of women. They will also get to travel for free in DTC buses from tomorrow." (ANI)

As air quality deteriorated in the national capital after Diwali, Delhi Environment Minister Kailash Gahlot on Monday assured of taking all "necessary" steps if the situation continues for the next 48 hours.

As air quality deteriorated in the national capital after Diwali, Delhi Environment Minister Kailash Gahlot on Monday assured of taking all "necessary" steps if the situation continues for the next 48 hours. Speaking to ANI, Gahlot said, "We have taken the steps to combat the situation and they are also being implemented. If the situation continues for the next 48 hours, we will take further necessary steps." The East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) earlier in the day sprinkled water on roads in Anand Vihar area, to reduce dust as a pollution control measure. Delhiites complained about the difficulty in breathing and of burning sensation in the eyes as they woke up today. According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the overall air quality of the national capital is in the higher-end of 'very poor' category. However, Gahlot said that air pollution was comparatively better this year after Diwali than that of 2018. "This time, the air pollution level is comparatively better than the last Diwali. It is high time to realise the situation. We must celebrate Diwali but we also have to take care of our environment," he added. On November 9 last year, overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi was recorded at 428, which falls under the 'hazardous' category. Speaking on the appointment of marshals in Delhi government buses, the Environment Minister said, "Nowhere in the world according to our knowledge have appointed bus marshals at this scale like in Delhi for the security of women. They will also get to travel for free in DTC buses from tomorrow." (ANI)

Will take all necessary steps if air quality continues to deteriorate: Delhi Environment Minister

The air quality in New Delhi continues to remain in the 'poor'&nbsp;category on Sunday on the occasion of Diwali as the major pollutants PM 2.5 and PM 10 reached 266 and 234, respectively, in the Lodhi Road area, according to the Air Quality Index (AQI) data.

The national capital witnessed the appearance of smog in the skies. Earlier today, the levels of PM 2.5 and PM 10 were at 256 and 248, respectively in the Delhi University area, while the AQI at Mathura road was 237.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.

On Saturday, the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) predicted the air quality will get even worse in coming days and the AQI is expected to be around 324 due to Diwali.

In the wake of the increased pollution, Delhi residents have complained of a spike in respiratory problems and allergies.

Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana makes the situation in Delhi worse. According to Punjab Remote Sensing Centre (PRSC), straw burning has increased this year.

To curb air pollution, the Arvind Kejriwal-led government in Delhi has announced the implementation of the Odd-Even scheme from November 4 to 15.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The air quality in New Delhi continues to remain in the 'poor' category on Sunday on the occasion of Diwali as the major pollutants PM 2.5 and PM 10 reached 266 and 234, respectively, in the Lodhi Road area, according to the Air Quality Index (AQI) data.

The air quality in New Delhi continues to remain in the 'poor' category on Sunday on the occasion of Diwali as the major pollutants PM 2.5 and PM 10 reached 266 and 234, respectively, in the Lodhi Road area, according to the Air Quality Index (AQI) data. The national capital witnessed the appearance of smog in the skies. Earlier today, the levels of PM 2.5 and PM 10 were at 256 and 248, respectively in the Delhi University area, while the AQI at Mathura road was 237. An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'. On Saturday, the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) predicted the air quality will get even worse in coming days and the AQI is expected to be around 324 due to Diwali. In the wake of the increased pollution, Delhi residents have complained of a spike in respiratory problems and allergies. Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana makes the situation in Delhi worse. According to Punjab Remote Sensing Centre (PRSC), straw burning has increased this year. To curb air pollution, the Arvind Kejriwal-led government in Delhi has announced the implementation of the Odd-Even scheme from November 4 to 15.

Air quality remains 'poor' on Diwali in New Delhi

Just a day ahead of Diwali, Delhi's air quality dropped to season's worst on Saturday, due to decrease speed of the wind affecting the dispersion of dust particles.

"The decrease in wind speed has started to negatively influence Delhi's air quality by drastically decreasing ventilation coefficients and thereby affecting dispersion," said the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

At 10 am today, the overall air quality of Delhi was docking at 305, said SAFAR. The organisation had predicted that tomorrow, the air quality will get even worse from today.

The AQI is expected to be around 324. An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.

The increasing menace of air pollution in Delhi has erupted a political slugfest with allegation and counter allegation levelling across party lines.

On Saturday, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Vijay Goel slammed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for not taking requisite measures to combat the pollution.

Speaking to ANI, the former union minister said, " Pollution has increased in Delhi. In the last five years, Arvind Kejriwal has done nothing to reduce air pollution in the national capital. It was only the Centre who has taken steps like constructing bridges, highways and widened roads for traffic management and decongestion."

He also slammed the Delhi government for re-introducing the Odd-Even scheme in Delhi in saying, "They have introduced this scheme just to be in the news. Their (AAP government) is to be in the advertisements. Odd-Even will again cause a problem for the people."

To combat the menace of air pollution, the Arvind Kejriwal-led government in Delhi has announced the implementation of the Odd-Even scheme from November 4 to 15, 2019, stating that the smog from the nearby states due to the burning of crop residue is the major cause of pollution in the region.

On a closer look, farmers residing in Haryana and Punjab usually burn the crop residue after harvesting paddy in the autumn season in order to clear the fields for summer harvest. Smoke from these two states travels to the national capital each year, leading to a spike in the air pollution levels.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Just a day ahead of Diwali, Delhi's air quality dropped to season's worst on Saturday, due to decrease speed of the wind affecting the dispersion of dust particles.

Just a day ahead of Diwali, Delhi's air quality dropped to season's worst on Saturday, due to decrease speed of the wind affecting the dispersion of dust particles. "The decrease in wind speed has started to negatively influence Delhi's air quality by drastically decreasing ventilation coefficients and thereby affecting dispersion," said the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). At 10 am today, the overall air quality of Delhi was docking at 305, said SAFAR. The organisation had predicted that tomorrow, the air quality will get even worse from today. The AQI is expected to be around 324. An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'. The increasing menace of air pollution in Delhi has erupted a political slugfest with allegation and counter allegation levelling across party lines. On Saturday, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Vijay Goel slammed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for not taking requisite measures to combat the pollution. Speaking to ANI, the former union minister said, " Pollution has increased in Delhi. In the last five years, Arvind Kejriwal has done nothing to reduce air pollution in the national capital. It was only the Centre who has taken steps like constructing bridges, highways and widened roads for traffic management and decongestion." He also slammed the Delhi government for re-introducing the Odd-Even scheme in Delhi in saying, "They have introduced this scheme just to be in the news. Their (AAP government) is to be in the advertisements. Odd-Even will again cause a problem for the people." To combat the menace of air pollution, the Arvind Kejriwal-led government in Delhi has announced the implementation of the Odd-Even scheme from November 4 to 15, 2019, stating that the smog from the nearby states due to the burning of crop residue is the major cause of pollution in the region. On a closer look, farmers residing in Haryana and Punjab usually burn the crop residue after harvesting paddy in the autumn season in order to clear the fields for summer harvest. Smoke from these two states travels to the national capital each year, leading to a spike in the air pollution levels.

Delhi chokes again day ahead of Diwali, likely to worsen tomorrow

The air quality index recorded at 388 on Friday inching towards 'Severe' levels

Air Pollution spikes in Delhi ahead of Diwali

Farmers continue to burn stubble in the district despite the ban imposed by the Punjab government. Farmers say that they will stop burning crop residue if they are suitably compensated by the government for managing stubble.

Speaking to ANI, a farmer Gajjan Singh said, "We are forced to burn the stubble. If the government starts giving us compensation for managing stubble, we will not burn the straw."

The farmer, however, said that pollution is being caused due to growing number of vehicles on roads and emissions from the factories.

Farmers in Punjab and Haryana usually burn crop residue after harvesting paddy in the autumn to clear the fields for the summer crop.&nbsp;

Smoke from these two states travels to the national capital each year, leading to a spike in the air pollution level.&nbsp;

Farmers continue to burn stubble in the district despite the ban imposed by the Punjab government. Farmers say that they will stop burning crop residue if they are suitably compensated by the government for managing stubble.

Farmers continue to burn stubble in the district despite the ban imposed by the Punjab government. Farmers say that they will stop burning crop residue if they are suitably compensated by the government for managing stubble. Speaking to ANI, a farmer Gajjan Singh said, "We are forced to burn the stubble. If the government starts giving us compensation for managing stubble, we will not burn the straw." The farmer, however, said that pollution is being caused due to growing number of vehicles on roads and emissions from the factories. Farmers in Punjab and Haryana usually burn crop residue after harvesting paddy in the autumn to clear the fields for the summer crop. Smoke from these two states travels to the national capital each year, leading to a spike in the air pollution level.

We will not burn straw if we are compensated for managing stubble, says Punjab farmer

The past 24-hours have brought relief to the people residing in Delhi and its adjoining areas such as Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad as the air quality index (AQI) on Saturday slightly improved from 'very poor'&nbsp;to 'poor'&nbsp;category in Delhi-NCR, stated the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

At 9 in the morning today, the overall AQI of Delhi was docking at 242, which falls in the 'poor'&nbsp;category.

The AQI between the range of 51 to 100 is considered as satisfactory, 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 falls under the category of poor.

While 300-400 is considered as 'very poor', levels between 401-500 fall under the 'hazardous category'.

At Dhirpur, the AQI was 271 in the morning, while in Mathura Road area it dipped to 'poor'&nbsp;category at 236.

Furthermore, AQI near Chandni Chowk, Airport, Terminal 3 and Delhi University stood at 375, 234 and 256 respectively.

The organisation has advised 'Sensitive Groups'&nbsp;to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.

The locals are advised to take more breaks and do less intense activities.

The asthmatics have been advised to keep medicine ready if symptoms of coughing or shortness of breath occur. "Heart patients, see the doctor, if get palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue," the organisation stated in its advisory.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The past 24-hours have brought relief to the people residing in Delhi and its adjoining areas such as Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad as the air quality index (AQI) on Saturday slightly improved from 'very poor' to 'poor' category in Delhi-NCR, stated the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

The past 24-hours have brought relief to the people residing in Delhi and its adjoining areas such as Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad as the air quality index (AQI) on Saturday slightly improved from 'very poor' to 'poor' category in Delhi-NCR, stated the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). At 9 in the morning today, the overall AQI of Delhi was docking at 242, which falls in the 'poor' category. The AQI between the range of 51 to 100 is considered as satisfactory, 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 falls under the category of poor. While 300-400 is considered as 'very poor', levels between 401-500 fall under the 'hazardous category'. At Dhirpur, the AQI was 271 in the morning, while in Mathura Road area it dipped to 'poor' category at 236. Furthermore, AQI near Chandni Chowk, Airport, Terminal 3 and Delhi University stood at 375, 234 and 256 respectively. The organisation has advised 'Sensitive Groups' to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. The locals are advised to take more breaks and do less intense activities. The asthmatics have been advised to keep medicine ready if symptoms of coughing or shortness of breath occur. "Heart patients, see the doctor, if get palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue," the organisation stated in its advisory.

Air quality in Delhi improves slightly today, concerns persist

The Delhi Cabinet on Saturday cleared a proposal to carry out a mass awareness campaign on the effects of air pollution and measures taken to combat the menace.

In a statement, the Cabinet said that there has been a concerted effort by all agencies and governments at different levels to bring down pollution in the national capital with the help of campaigns such as steps to tackle stubble burning, odd-even road rationing scheme and so on.

The state government has approved an expenditure of Rs 36 crore from the Budget of the Directorate of Information and Publicity (DIP) towards the mass awareness campaigns mentioned to tackle air pollution.

"There has been a concerted effort by all agencies and governments at different levels to bring down pollution in Delhi - be it the reduction in the use of generators due to 24x7 electricity, reduction of vehicular traffic due to the eastern-western peripheral highways, closure of thermal power plants, strict enforcement of dust control norms, etc. This has resulted in a 25 per cent reduction of pollution in Delhi," the statement said."

While there has been a 25 per cent reduction in pollution in Delhi, the winter months see a major spike in pollution levels.&nbsp;

One of the major reasons behind this increase in pollution levels is the stubble burning that happens in the neighbouring states of Delhi, something over which the Delhi government has no control," it added.

"Therefore, the only option available to the people of Delhi are emergency measures to severely cut down on any sources of pollution emanating from Delhi, as well as to find mechanisms by which people can cope with the rising pollution levels. The various measures being taken by the government include odd-even rule from 4th-15th November, distribution of free masks to citizens of Delhi via school children, as well as encouraging a cracker-free Diwali by organising a laser show as a community Diwali celebration in Central Park," the statement further said.

The Cabinet said that one of the challenges faced by any government in such a situation is regarding compliance and participation of the citizens in such emergency measures as these often intrude upon the regular day-to-day life of people.

"This is the reason why a massive public awareness campaign is necessary, not merely to inform the citizens about the specific modalities, but also to build the confidence of citizens to participate in such measures," the statement said.

The Cabinet said that one of the measures being taken by the Delhi government is to distribute masks to the citizens, via children studying in schools.

"Research by Energy Policy Institute of the University of Chicago (EPIC) in slums of Delhi has shown that mask usage goes up substantially if masks are distributed free of cost. However, their usage is often low - despite free distribution - because of lack of awareness about masks," the statement said.

"The EPIC study showed that mask usage went up substantially when accompanied by an awareness campaign that de-stigmatised the use of masks. So even when it comes to taking measures for health and safety of citizens, it is essential to build an active public awareness campaign," added the statement.

"The Cabinet has approved an expenditure of Rs 36 crore from the Budget of the Directorate of Information and Publicity (DIP) towards the mass awareness campaigns mentioned above to tackle air pollution," it further said.&nbsp;

The Delhi Cabinet on Saturday cleared a proposal to carry out a mass awareness campaign on the effects of air pollution and measures taken to combat the menace. In a statement, the Cabinet said that there has been a concerted effort by all agencies and governments at different levels to bring down pollution in the national capital with the help of campaigns such as steps to tackle stubble burning, odd-even road rationing scheme and so on.

The Delhi Cabinet on Saturday cleared a proposal to carry out a mass awareness campaign on the effects of air pollution and measures taken to combat the menace. In a statement, the Cabinet said that there has been a concerted effort by all agencies and governments at different levels to bring down pollution in the national capital with the help of campaigns such as steps to tackle stubble burning, odd-even road rationing scheme and so on. The state government has approved an expenditure of Rs 36 crore from the Budget of the Directorate of Information and Publicity (DIP) towards the mass awareness campaigns mentioned to tackle air pollution. "There has been a concerted effort by all agencies and governments at different levels to bring down pollution in Delhi - be it the reduction in the use of generators due to 24x7 electricity, reduction of vehicular traffic due to the eastern-western peripheral highways, closure of thermal power plants, strict enforcement of dust control norms, etc. This has resulted in a 25 per cent reduction of pollution in Delhi," the statement said." While there has been a 25 per cent reduction in pollution in Delhi, the winter months see a major spike in pollution levels. One of the major reasons behind this increase in pollution levels is the stubble burning that happens in the neighbouring states of Delhi, something over which the Delhi government has no control," it added. "Therefore, the only option available to the people of Delhi are emergency measures to severely cut down on any sources of pollution emanating from Delhi, as well as to find mechanisms by which people can cope with the rising pollution levels. The various measures being taken by the government include odd-even rule from 4th-15th November, distribution of free masks to citizens of Delhi via school children, as well as encouraging a cracker-free Diwali by organising a laser show as a community Diwali celebration in Central Park," the statement further said. The Cabinet said that one of the challenges faced by any government in such a situation is regarding compliance and participation of the citizens in such emergency measures as these often intrude upon the regular day-to-day life of people. "This is the reason why a massive public awareness campaign is necessary, not merely to inform the citizens about the specific modalities, but also to build the confidence of citizens to participate in such measures," the statement said. The Cabinet said that one of the measures being taken by the Delhi government is to distribute masks to the citizens, via children studying in schools. "Research by Energy Policy Institute of the University of Chicago (EPIC) in slums of Delhi has shown that mask usage goes up substantially if masks are distributed free of cost. However, their usage is often low - despite free distribution - because of lack of awareness about masks," the statement said. "The EPIC study showed that mask usage went up substantially when accompanied by an awareness campaign that de-stigmatised the use of masks. So even when it comes to taking measures for health and safety of citizens, it is essential to build an active public awareness campaign," added the statement. "The Cabinet has approved an expenditure of Rs 36 crore from the Budget of the Directorate of Information and Publicity (DIP) towards the mass awareness campaigns mentioned above to tackle air pollution," it further said.

Delhi Cabinet clears proposal to carry out awareness campaign on air pollution

Delhi is once again inching towards the worst time of the year in terms of air pollution, as the national capital`s air quality is getting toxic day by day.

The government-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) on Friday said overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of the national capital with Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 was detected at 375, which falls in the ` very poor` 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 or hazardous.

At Mathura road, major pollutant PM 2.5 was detected at 267 (hazardous), while in Dhirpur and Delhi University, the air quality dipped to the `very poor` category at 316 and 309, respectively.

In Chandni Chowk also, the air quality plunged to `poor category` at 276 AQI.

"During morning walk we feel irritation in eyes due to dust and smog in the air. I also feel breathless after jogging for a few minutes. People are using more and more cars which is why pollution is increasing in Delhi," said Raj Kumar, a local.

"I feel suffocated when I go for a walk at India Gate. The pollution is increasing in Delhi. I request the government to take requisite measures to curb the menace," said Sharanjeet Singh, another local.

The IMD has forecasted that the minimum and the maximum temperature in the capital will be around 21 and 33 degrees Celsius, respectively, throughout the day. The humidity will be 47 per cent with wind speed 10 kilometres per hour.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Delhi is once again inching towards the worst time of the year in terms of air pollution, as the national capital`s air quality is getting toxic day by day. The government-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) on Friday said overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of the national capital with Particulate Matter (PM) 2.

Delhi is once again inching towards the worst time of the year in terms of air pollution, as the national capital`s air quality is getting toxic day by day. The government-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) on Friday said overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of the national capital with Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 was detected at 375, which falls in the ` very poor` 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 or hazardous. At Mathura road, major pollutant PM 2.5 was detected at 267 (hazardous), while in Dhirpur and Delhi University, the air quality dipped to the `very poor` category at 316 and 309, respectively. In Chandni Chowk also, the air quality plunged to `poor category` at 276 AQI. "During morning walk we feel irritation in eyes due to dust and smog in the air. I also feel breathless after jogging for a few minutes. People are using more and more cars which is why pollution is increasing in Delhi," said Raj Kumar, a local. "I feel suffocated when I go for a walk at India Gate. The pollution is increasing in Delhi. I request the government to take requisite measures to curb the menace," said Sharanjeet Singh, another local. The IMD has forecasted that the minimum and the maximum temperature in the capital will be around 21 and 33 degrees Celsius, respectively, throughout the day. The humidity will be 47 per cent with wind speed 10 kilometres per hour.

Delhi chokes with dusty haze, air quality remains 'very poor'

Dust and smog continued to blanket Delhi and its nearby regions on Thursday, as air quality index (AQI) in several areas fell to the 'very poor'&nbsp;category.

In its advisory, the Center-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) have advised people of the sensitive category to avoid morning walks and any other outdoor activities.

An increase in the menace of air pollution in the national capital has resulted in a spike in respiratory problems and cough and eye irritation among adults.

"The pollution has increased in the past three days. I am feeling very suffocated. There is so much haze everywhere. I will soon start wearing an anti-pollution mask during morning walks. The government must do something to combat the air pollution in the capital," said Ravinder Kumar, a local while speaking to ANI.

Another local named Ram Kumar Sharma also narrated his ordeal and said that he is feeling breathless and suffocated due to the dust pollutants in the air.

"Even in the morning also, the air is not clean. In winter also, the situation will become worse. There is a dire need to take requisite measures."

Today, the overall AQI in Delhi was 312 at around 8:30 in the morning.

The AQI between 0 to 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 falls under the category of 'satisfactory', 101-200 is marked as 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor'&nbsp;and 500 and beyond is considered 'severe'.

Overcast skies prevailed in the city with the minimum and the maximum temperature hovering at 20 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius respectively.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Dust and smog continued to blanket Delhi and its nearby regions on Thursday, as air quality index (AQI) in several areas fell to the 'very poor' category. In its advisory, the Center-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) have advised people of the sensitive category to avoid morning walks and any other outdoor activities.

Dust and smog continued to blanket Delhi and its nearby regions on Thursday, as air quality index (AQI) in several areas fell to the 'very poor' category. In its advisory, the Center-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) have advised people of the sensitive category to avoid morning walks and any other outdoor activities. An increase in the menace of air pollution in the national capital has resulted in a spike in respiratory problems and cough and eye irritation among adults. "The pollution has increased in the past three days. I am feeling very suffocated. There is so much haze everywhere. I will soon start wearing an anti-pollution mask during morning walks. The government must do something to combat the air pollution in the capital," said Ravinder Kumar, a local while speaking to ANI. Another local named Ram Kumar Sharma also narrated his ordeal and said that he is feeling breathless and suffocated due to the dust pollutants in the air. "Even in the morning also, the air is not clean. In winter also, the situation will become worse. There is a dire need to take requisite measures." Today, the overall AQI in Delhi was 312 at around 8:30 in the morning. The AQI between 0 to 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 falls under the category of 'satisfactory', 101-200 is marked as 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor' and 500 and beyond is considered 'severe'. Overcast skies prevailed in the city with the minimum and the maximum temperature hovering at 20 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius respectively.

'Feeling suffocated': Delhi residents complain as air quality plunges to 'very poor'

Ahead of Diwali, the air quality in the national capital has taken a turn for the worse.

People in Delhi and its nearby areas Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad woke up on Wednesday to a thick blanket of smog covering the region as the AQI plunged to the "very poor" category.

It is believed that the crop residue burning in the nearby states of Punjab and Haryana are contributing to polluting the air.

At around 8:30 am, the overall AQI in Delhi docked up at 309.An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 `very poor`, and 401 and 500 `severe`.

The AQI in Dhirpur, Delhi University, Chandni Chowk, Pusa was 314, 313, 132 and 287 respectively.

From October 15, stringent measures to combat the menace of air pollution has come into force in the national capital and its nearby regions as part of the Graded Response Action Plan.

This plan which was first implemented in Delhi and NCR in 2017 include increasing bus and metro services, hiking parking fees and stopping the use of diesel generator when the air quality turns poor.

Other major cities such as Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai, as compared to Delhi, have had much better air quality.&nbsp;

Ahead of Diwali, the air quality in the national capital has taken a turn for the worse. People in Delhi and its nearby areas Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad woke up on Wednesday to a thick blanket of smog covering the region as the AQI plunged to the "very poor" category.

Ahead of Diwali, the air quality in the national capital has taken a turn for the worse. People in Delhi and its nearby areas Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad woke up on Wednesday to a thick blanket of smog covering the region as the AQI plunged to the "very poor" category. It is believed that the crop residue burning in the nearby states of Punjab and Haryana are contributing to polluting the air. At around 8:30 am, the overall AQI in Delhi docked up at 309.An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 `very poor`, and 401 and 500 `severe`. The AQI in Dhirpur, Delhi University, Chandni Chowk, Pusa was 314, 313, 132 and 287 respectively. From October 15, stringent measures to combat the menace of air pollution has come into force in the national capital and its nearby regions as part of the Graded Response Action Plan. This plan which was first implemented in Delhi and NCR in 2017 include increasing bus and metro services, hiking parking fees and stopping the use of diesel generator when the air quality turns poor. Other major cities such as Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai, as compared to Delhi, have had much better air quality.

Delhi's air quality turns 'Very Poor' for first time this season

As <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hazy-morning-in-delhi-ncr-air-quality-continues-to-be-poor-256010">air quality in the national capital region</a> continues to dip, NASA's Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) depicts stubble burning in Delhi's adjoining areas.&nbsp;

While the fires were highlighted in isolated places across the country, the concentration intensified as one moved northward on India's map near Punjab, Haryana. &nbsp;

According to reports, the Delhi government also shared the NASA images pointing at the "large scale crop residue burning in states adjoining Delhi".&nbsp;

The Kejriwal-government has long blamed the stubble-burning activities in adjoining states like Punjab, Haryana and other areas for the drop in the air quality of the national capital during the winter months.&nbsp;

Previously conducted studies by NASA show&nbsp;the drop in North India's air quality during winters.

Research published in November 2015 by NASA's Earth Observatory stated, "satellites began to detect large numbers of active fires in mid-October. Normally extensive agricultural burning lasts for about three weeks. Although most of the haze appears to originate from the agricultural fires, other factors such as urban and industrial smog may also be contributing".

It explained how several types of particles and gases are released into the atmosphere, "including smog-forming carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide" due to this fire.&nbsp;

"Haze that forms over Punjab rarely stays there. While the fires burn, smoke often blankets much of the Indo-Gangetic Plain, exposing millions of people in the densely populated plain to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-12-million-early-deaths-in-india-due-to-air-pollution-report-207651">elevated levels of air pollution</a>," it added.&nbsp;

Another piece shared by the Earth Observatory way back in the year 2010 described skies over northern Indian as "some of the haziest in the world".

"After the rains of the summer monsoon clear the dust, the composition of the air shifts in the fall crop-burning season (October and November) for farmers, particularly in the northwestern Indian states of Punjab and Haryana. When MODIS passed over on November 4, 2010, the sensor observed numerous small fires and a large smoke plume lingering downwind."

The finding published on NASA's webpage attributed the change in air quality in Northern India to a host of factors ranging from smoke originating from cooking, heating stoves in rural areas, "smattering of agricultural fires that continue through the winter", adding that the urban community adds to the worsening air quality by the means of vehicular pollution, "coal-fired power plants, and other industrial sources".

Meanwhile, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Tuesday sought a report from the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab over the action taken to stop stubble burning in their respective states, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The NGT said that the report should be filed by November 15 which is also the next date of hearing.&nbsp;

The bench observed that the burning of crops is still taking place and that the states have not been able to communicate with the farmers and educate them about the same.

"If you have not succeeded then it is the failure of the state. Ultimately, the citizens are suffering," the tribunal observed.

Farmers residing in Haryana and Punjab have begun burning their crop residue in order to clear the fields of the summer harvest. Smoke from these two states travels to Delhi, leading to a spike in the air pollution levels.

The air quality index (AQI) in the national capital remains in the 'poor' category according to the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR).

As air quality in the national capital region continues to dip, NASA's Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) depicts stubble burning in Delhi's adjoining areas.

As air quality in the national capital region continues to dip, NASA's Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) depicts stubble burning in Delhi's adjoining areas. While the fires were highlighted in isolated places across the country, the concentration intensified as one moved northward on India's map near Punjab, Haryana. According to reports, the Delhi government also shared the NASA images pointing at the "large scale crop residue burning in states adjoining Delhi". The Kejriwal-government has long blamed the stubble-burning activities in adjoining states like Punjab, Haryana and other areas for the drop in the air quality of the national capital during the winter months. Previously conducted studies by NASA show the drop in North India's air quality during winters. Research published in November 2015 by NASA's Earth Observatory stated, "satellites began to detect large numbers of active fires in mid-October. Normally extensive agricultural burning lasts for about three weeks. Although most of the haze appears to originate from the agricultural fires, other factors such as urban and industrial smog may also be contributing". It explained how several types of particles and gases are released into the atmosphere, "including smog-forming carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide" due to this fire. "Haze that forms over Punjab rarely stays there. While the fires burn, smoke often blankets much of the Indo-Gangetic Plain, exposing millions of people in the densely populated plain to elevated levels of air pollution," it added. Another piece shared by the Earth Observatory way back in the year 2010 described skies over northern Indian as "some of the haziest in the world". "After the rains of the summer monsoon clear the dust, the composition of the air shifts in the fall crop-burning season (October and November) for farmers, particularly in the northwestern Indian states of Punjab and Haryana. When MODIS passed over on November 4, 2010, the sensor observed numerous small fires and a large smoke plume lingering downwind." The finding published on NASA's webpage attributed the change in air quality in Northern India to a host of factors ranging from smoke originating from cooking, heating stoves in rural areas, "smattering of agricultural fires that continue through the winter", adding that the urban community adds to the worsening air quality by the means of vehicular pollution, "coal-fired power plants, and other industrial sources". Meanwhile, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Tuesday sought a report from the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab over the action taken to stop stubble burning in their respective states, news agency ANI reported. The NGT said that the report should be filed by November 15 which is also the next date of hearing. The bench observed that the burning of crops is still taking place and that the states have not been able to communicate with the farmers and educate them about the same. "If you have not succeeded then it is the failure of the state. Ultimately, the citizens are suffering," the tribunal observed. Farmers residing in Haryana and Punjab have begun burning their crop residue in order to clear the fields of the summer harvest. Smoke from these two states travels to Delhi, leading to a spike in the air pollution levels. The air quality index (AQI) in the national capital remains in the 'poor' category according to the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR).

NASA images show stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana

Air quality in Delhi remained poor for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-air-quality-poor-for-fourth-consecutive-day-255588">the fifth consecutive day on Monday</a> with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) docking at 280 which is towards the upper end of 'poor' category. 
 
According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), the stubble burning activity in Haryana, Panjab, and nearby border regions are moderate, but the cyclonic circulation developed over northwest Uttar Pradesh and neighbourhood is going to impact the transport pathways and marginally improve Delhi's Air quality to middle-end of poor category by tomorrow. 
 
"The predominant wind direction is predicted to change to southeasterly for the next three days and positively influence Delhi's AQI but within poor to the higher end of the moderate category," it added. 
 
An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor and 401-500 is marked as severe/hazardous. 
 
The AQI was 178 in Anand Vihar at 1:00 am while it dipped to 'very poor' category at 217 in Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium area. The AQI near Pusa, Vasundhra and Punjabi Bagh are at 164, 171 and 170 respectively. 
 
The locals are advised to take more breaks and do less intense activities. The asthmatics have been advised to keep medicines ready if symptoms of coughing or shortness of breath occur. 
 
Starting October 15, strict measures to combat the menace of air pollution will come into force in the national capital and its adjoining areas such as Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad and Faridabad as part of the Graded Response Action Plan, which was first implemented in Delhi-NCR in 2017.

Air quality in Delhi remained poor for the fifth consecutive day on Monday with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) docking at 280 which is towards the upper end of 'poor' category.

Air quality in Delhi remained poor for the fifth consecutive day on Monday with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) docking at 280 which is towards the upper end of 'poor' category. According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), the stubble burning activity in Haryana, Panjab, and nearby border regions are moderate, but the cyclonic circulation developed over northwest Uttar Pradesh and neighbourhood is going to impact the transport pathways and marginally improve Delhi's Air quality to middle-end of poor category by tomorrow. "The predominant wind direction is predicted to change to southeasterly for the next three days and positively influence Delhi's AQI but within poor to the higher end of the moderate category," it added. An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor and 401-500 is marked as severe/hazardous. The AQI was 178 in Anand Vihar at 1:00 am while it dipped to 'very poor' category at 217 in Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium area. The AQI near Pusa, Vasundhra and Punjabi Bagh are at 164, 171 and 170 respectively. The locals are advised to take more breaks and do less intense activities. The asthmatics have been advised to keep medicines ready if symptoms of coughing or shortness of breath occur. Starting October 15, strict measures to combat the menace of air pollution will come into force in the national capital and its adjoining areas such as Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad and Faridabad as part of the Graded Response Action Plan, which was first implemented in Delhi-NCR in 2017.

Delhi air quality remains poor for fifth consecutive day

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While the effects of <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/over-12-million-early-deaths-in-india-due-to-air-pollution-report-207651">pollution</a> on our lungs and overall health have been well established, little is known if the changes in our skin and hair could be blamed on the polluted air.&nbsp;

This week, a team of researchers were finally able to establish a link between the increased presence of particle matter and pollutants in the air and loss of hair.&nbsp;

The study, funded by a South Korean cosmetics company, tested the effect of dust and fuel particles on human scalp. It was found that pollution adversely affects hair-making proteins. The study is believed to be the first to find a link between airborne pollutants and loss of hair.

The findings were presented at the 28th European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Congress in Madrid.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, a report on the state of global air quality stated that more than 1.2 million people in India died due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/air-pollution-linked-with-psychotic-experiences-in-uk-teens-study-finds-206406">air pollution</a> in 2017. 
&nbsp; 
The report further added that long-term exposure to pollution - both outdoor and indoor - is tied to triggering a host of non-communicable diseases like stroke, diabetes, heart attack, lung cancer, and chronic lung disease.&nbsp;

The report was released by US-based organisation Health Effects Institute (HEI) in April this year and highlighted air pollution as the third biggest cause of death among all health risks in India.&nbsp;

While the effects of pollution on our lungs and overall health have been well established, little is known if the changes in our skin and hair could be blamed on the polluted air.

While the effects of pollution on our lungs and overall health have been well established, little is known if the changes in our skin and hair could be blamed on the polluted air. This week, a team of researchers were finally able to establish a link between the increased presence of particle matter and pollutants in the air and loss of hair. The study, funded by a South Korean cosmetics company, tested the effect of dust and fuel particles on human scalp. It was found that pollution adversely affects hair-making proteins. The study is believed to be the first to find a link between airborne pollutants and loss of hair. The findings were presented at the 28th European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Congress in Madrid. Earlier this year, a report on the state of global air quality stated that more than 1.2 million people in India died due to air pollution in 2017. The report further added that long-term exposure to pollution - both outdoor and indoor - is tied to triggering a host of non-communicable diseases like stroke, diabetes, heart attack, lung cancer, and chronic lung disease. The report was released by US-based organisation Health Effects Institute (HEI) in April this year and highlighted air pollution as the third biggest cause of death among all health risks in India.

Receding hairline? Researchers say blame the air you breathe

Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi took a hit on Friday as the concentration of the particulate matter -- PM 2.5 and PM 10 -- levels in the air shot up.

According to the AQI data, major pollutants PM 2.5 stood at 185 in the `moderate` category and PM 10 at 201 in the `poor` category in New Delhi`s Lodhi Road area.

Smog was also seen blanketing the sky, thereby resulting in decreased visibility.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe".

The air quality before the festival of Dussehra was in "satisfactory" and "moderate" category.

It apparently took a hit after an effigy of Ravana, Kumbhkarana and Meghnad were burnt along with the firecrackers on Dussehra which deteriorated the air quality.&nbsp;

Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi took a hit on Friday as the concentration of the particulate matter -- PM 2.5 and PM 10 -- levels in the air shot up. According to the AQI data, major pollutants PM 2.

Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi took a hit on Friday as the concentration of the particulate matter -- PM 2.5 and PM 10 -- levels in the air shot up. According to the AQI data, major pollutants PM 2.5 stood at 185 in the `moderate` category and PM 10 at 201 in the `poor` category in New Delhi`s Lodhi Road area. Smog was also seen blanketing the sky, thereby resulting in decreased visibility. An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe". The air quality before the festival of Dussehra was in "satisfactory" and "moderate" category. It apparently took a hit after an effigy of Ravana, Kumbhkarana and Meghnad were burnt along with the firecrackers on Dussehra which deteriorated the air quality.

Delhi's air quality takes a hit, particulate matter level shoots up

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Malaysia has sent half a million face masks to its eastern state of Sarawak, where air pollution levels have spiked amid worsening forest fires in neighbouring Indonesia, authorities said on Tuesday.

Indonesian farmers often use fire to clear land for palm oil and pulp plantations. Fires can smoulder for weeks, especially in dry weather, producing a choking haze that drifts over neighbours like Singapore and Malaysia.

In recent weeks, Indonesia has sent in thousands of security personnel to douse fires after declaring an emergency in six provinces on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo.

"NADMA has acquired 500,000 face masks and sent them to the agency's branch in Sarawak," Malaysia's national disaster management agency said in a statement, referring to itself by it is an acronym.

The agency and the education ministry were also working to get masks to schools in the affected area, it said.

The air pollution index (API) in Sarawak, on the Malaysian side of Borneo, reached unhealthy levels on Tuesday with one district recording a reading of 201, a "very unhealthy" level.

Unhealthy readings were recorded in five other Malaysian states.

Southeast Asia has suffered for years from annual bouts of smoke caused by slash-and-burn practices in Indonesia, raising worries about health and the impact on tourism.

Indonesia's neighbours have repeatedly complained and promised to help end the problem but it persists.

Last week, Malaysia said it would send a diplomatic note to Indonesia urging immediate action to fight the haze.

Malaysia has also offered Indonesia help to put out the fires, but had yet to receive any request for assistance, the disaster agency said.

Malaysia has sent half a million face masks to its eastern state of Sarawak, where air pollution levels have spiked amid worsening forest fires in neighbouring Indonesia, authorities said on Tuesday.

Malaysia has sent half a million face masks to its eastern state of Sarawak, where air pollution levels have spiked amid worsening forest fires in neighbouring Indonesia, authorities said on Tuesday. Indonesian farmers often use fire to clear land for palm oil and pulp plantations. Fires can smoulder for weeks, especially in dry weather, producing a choking haze that drifts over neighbours like Singapore and Malaysia. In recent weeks, Indonesia has sent in thousands of security personnel to douse fires after declaring an emergency in six provinces on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo. "NADMA has acquired 500,000 face masks and sent them to the agency's branch in Sarawak," Malaysia's national disaster management agency said in a statement, referring to itself by it is an acronym. The agency and the education ministry were also working to get masks to schools in the affected area, it said. The air pollution index (API) in Sarawak, on the Malaysian side of Borneo, reached unhealthy levels on Tuesday with one district recording a reading of 201, a "very unhealthy" level. Unhealthy readings were recorded in five other Malaysian states. Southeast Asia has suffered for years from annual bouts of smoke caused by slash-and-burn practices in Indonesia, raising worries about health and the impact on tourism. Indonesia's neighbours have repeatedly complained and promised to help end the problem but it persists. Last week, Malaysia said it would send a diplomatic note to Indonesia urging immediate action to fight the haze. Malaysia has also offered Indonesia help to put out the fires, but had yet to receive any request for assistance, the disaster agency said.

Malaysia sends half a million face masks to haze-hit state as fires burn

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World Environment Day: IIT-Delhi alumni's low-cost solution to beat air pollution

Even as the air quality index (AQI) in the national capital and adjoining areas continues to deteriorate, the farmers in the agriculture belt of India continue to burn stubble in their farms.

Once such case came to the fore on Saturday after smoke emanating from stubble burning choked the commuters on the National Highway 5 near Shambhu barrier here.

In the fire, the wheat crop spread over hundreds of acres of land was reduced to ashes.

The threat of air pollution looms large over the national capital region as the harvest season has kicked in. As per the latest AQI data, the air quality of Delhi's Lodhi Road area showed levels of prominent pollutants PM 2.5 and PM 10 at 57 and 203, respectively.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe".

Following the directions of the Supreme Court last year, the Centre had approved a large sum of money for modern tools and technology to combat the problem of stubble burning.

A report issued by Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) in October last year, however, said poor farmers continue to practice stubble burning despite a ban as they have no other alternative, owing to shortage and high-prices of Happy Seeder Machines, a tractor-mounted machine that cuts and lifts stubble and straw.&nbsp;

Even as the air quality index (AQI) in the national capital and adjoining areas continues to deteriorate, the farmers in the agriculture belt of India continue to burn stubble in their farms.

Even as the air quality index (AQI) in the national capital and adjoining areas continues to deteriorate, the farmers in the agriculture belt of India continue to burn stubble in their farms. Once such case came to the fore on Saturday after smoke emanating from stubble burning choked the commuters on the National Highway 5 near Shambhu barrier here. In the fire, the wheat crop spread over hundreds of acres of land was reduced to ashes. The threat of air pollution looms large over the national capital region as the harvest season has kicked in. As per the latest AQI data, the air quality of Delhi's Lodhi Road area showed levels of prominent pollutants PM 2.5 and PM 10 at 57 and 203, respectively. An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe". Following the directions of the Supreme Court last year, the Centre had approved a large sum of money for modern tools and technology to combat the problem of stubble burning. A report issued by Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) in October last year, however, said poor farmers continue to practice stubble burning despite a ban as they have no other alternative, owing to shortage and high-prices of Happy Seeder Machines, a tractor-mounted machine that cuts and lifts stubble and straw.

Despite ban, farmers continue to burn stubble in Punjab

Multiple forms of malnutrition, especially those related to unhealthy diets and reduced activity, are important risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that claim more than 70 per cent of global deaths (41 million) annually.

Indian statistics in this regard are quite disturbing — about 5.8 million die from NCDs each year. Our own national family health survey (NFHS-4) 2015-16, showed that only one out of 10 of India’s children (6-23-month age group) eats a diverse minimum acceptable diet.

The same survey also highlights that the number of obese people have doubled in India. Obesity promotes onset and progression of NCDs like Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cancer and premature death.

In addition, multiple forms of pollution, threatening our quantity and quality of life, are further adding to this menace.&nbsp;

Reports indicate that the deteriorating air quality and escalating environmental degradation is reducing India’s average life expectancy by 1.7 years. India’s toxic air claimed 1.24 million lives in 2017 (12.5 per cent of total deaths recorded in the year).

A big part of environmental degradation in the form of adverse climate change is also attributable to food systems. A Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg has become a big name in the climate change talks because of her unbridled passion, focus and dedication to raising awareness across nations and also compel decision makers for action.

She warns policymakers of dire consequences and urges to act now, as if our houses are on fire. What we eat, what we waste and what we demand for, also drives the climate change process.&nbsp;

In fact, a looming question is how will food systems nutritiously and sustainably feed 8.5 billion people by 2030?

Climate change, on one hand, has been projected to reduce yields of staples (by upto 10 per cent for every 1-degree rise in temperature). On the other hand, excess Co2 in the environment is and will be causing the dilution effect, which means more yield, but with decreased micronutrient content. This double whammy leads to exacerbation of hidden hunger and may produce nutritionally insecure unhealthy masses.

Climate change will affect the poorest and vulnerable people the most. This may push us further away from our vision of Ayushman Swastha Suposhit Bharat and stall our attainment of sustainable development goals.

Our fragmented health systems are not in the best shape so far; these challenges will thus only add to their burden. &nbsp;

Another related aspect is the huge loss of biodiversity. When we compare with the 1960s, food supplies have become more homogenous. 
 
Most countries grow around 12 of the same commodities. This decline in diversity of the diets also presents risks of climate change adaptation. If we’re growing less food and a lot of the same types of species, we’re not diversifying and spreading the risk out.

Further, besides the number of species that we’re growing and the number of species available in the overall food supply, we’re also seeing a decline in varieties within those species.

For example, globally about 500 varieties of cabbage existed in earlier times, which have been reduced to 20 in the current era.

We must recognise that there are several stakeholders in this value chain - right from farmers/sufferers to consumers/sufferers. So we can leave no stone unturned. Subsidies to healthier products, using taxation and other financial legal levers to nudge and steer people towards healthier food choices, are all ways to promote stronger safer and more nutritious food environment.&nbsp;

Recent studies show that both for human and planetary health, one must consume more whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables and lesser meat and meat products.&nbsp;

This will help raise demand for natural whole foods instead of currently catered (overpowering,omnipresent) ultra-processed junk food high in added sugars, salt or bad fats, which are neither good for us or nature and should be selectively phased out from our food systems.&nbsp;

Guidance programmes and documents to leverage work done should be created. Crowdsourcing of available resources to facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues related to food systems’ transformation and climate change, should be underway.&nbsp;

Responsive and responsible leadership is urgently sought from all sectors to secure inclusive, sustainable, efficient, nutritious and resilient food systems. &nbsp;

History has proved that initiatives turn into historic successes only when they become participatory people’s movement (Jan Andolan). This will need sustained awareness generation, capacity building efforts and empowerment to take charge of health, nutrition and environment.&nbsp;

Since this space requires coordinated multi-sectoral action, leadership is of prime importance. Endeavours to support better research, high quality customised educational programmes, newer tailor made academic ventures and capacity building exercises to take on and tackle these mammoth problems, are the need of the hour. &nbsp;

We need accelerated action to fix the seemingly far, but actually portending problems urgently. We must transform our short sightedness to unified vision for ultimately achieving public health and nutrition security along with ensuring planetary health.&nbsp;

Let us hope we collectively add voice and power to this mission and act before it’s too late or irreversible. On days like this Earth Day dedicated to advocate for conserving environment, we need to engage and create multisectoral dialogues around influencing and integrating interdependent factors like nutrition security and public health.

Future generations are looking up to us for taking steps to ensure a healthy happy future for them. Let’s not disappoint them or ourselves.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-time-to-clear-the-polluted-air-2741838">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

Multiple forms of malnutrition, especially those related to unhealthy diets and reduced activity, are important risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that claim more than 70 per cent of global deaths (41 million) annually.

Multiple forms of malnutrition, especially those related to unhealthy diets and reduced activity, are important risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that claim more than 70 per cent of global deaths (41 million) annually. Indian statistics in this regard are quite disturbing — about 5.8 million die from NCDs each year. Our own national family health survey (NFHS-4) 2015-16, showed that only one out of 10 of India’s children (6-23-month age group) eats a diverse minimum acceptable diet. The same survey also highlights that the number of obese people have doubled in India. Obesity promotes onset and progression of NCDs like Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cancer and premature death. In addition, multiple forms of pollution, threatening our quantity and quality of life, are further adding to this menace. Reports indicate that the deteriorating air quality and escalating environmental degradation is reducing India’s average life expectancy by 1.7 years. India’s toxic air claimed 1.24 million lives in 2017 (12.5 per cent of total deaths recorded in the year). A big part of environmental degradation in the form of adverse climate change is also attributable to food systems. A Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg has become a big name in the climate change talks because of her unbridled passion, focus and dedication to raising awareness across nations and also compel decision makers for action. She warns policymakers of dire consequences and urges to act now, as if our houses are on fire. What we eat, what we waste and what we demand for, also drives the climate change process. In fact, a looming question is how will food systems nutritiously and sustainably feed 8.5 billion people by 2030? Climate change, on one hand, has been projected to reduce yields of staples (by upto 10 per cent for every 1-degree rise in temperature). On the other hand, excess Co2 in the environment is and will be causing the dilution effect, which means more yield, but with decreased micronutrient content. This double whammy leads to exacerbation of hidden hunger and may produce nutritionally insecure unhealthy masses. Climate change will affect the poorest and vulnerable people the most. This may push us further away from our vision of Ayushman Swastha Suposhit Bharat and stall our attainment of sustainable development goals. Our fragmented health systems are not in the best shape so far; these challenges will thus only add to their burden. Another related aspect is the huge loss of biodiversity. When we compare with the 1960s, food supplies have become more homogenous. Most countries grow around 12 of the same commodities. This decline in diversity of the diets also presents risks of climate change adaptation. If we’re growing less food and a lot of the same types of species, we’re not diversifying and spreading the risk out. Further, besides the number of species that we’re growing and the number of species available in the overall food supply, we’re also seeing a decline in varieties within those species. For example, globally about 500 varieties of cabbage existed in earlier times, which have been reduced to 20 in the current era. We must recognise that there are several stakeholders in this value chain - right from farmers/sufferers to consumers/sufferers. So we can leave no stone unturned. Subsidies to healthier products, using taxation and other financial legal levers to nudge and steer people towards healthier food choices, are all ways to promote stronger safer and more nutritious food environment. Recent studies show that both for human and planetary health, one must consume more whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables and lesser meat and meat products. This will help raise demand for natural whole foods instead of currently catered (overpowering,omnipresent) ultra-processed junk food high in added sugars, salt or bad fats, which are neither good for us or nature and should be selectively phased out from our food systems. Guidance programmes and documents to leverage work done should be created. Crowdsourcing of available resources to facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues related to food systems’ transformation and climate change, should be underway. Responsive and responsible leadership is urgently sought from all sectors to secure inclusive, sustainable, efficient, nutritious and resilient food systems. History has proved that initiatives turn into historic successes only when they become participatory people’s movement (Jan Andolan). This will need sustained awareness generation, capacity building efforts and empowerment to take charge of health, nutrition and environment. Since this space requires coordinated multi-sectoral action, leadership is of prime importance. Endeavours to support better research, high quality customised educational programmes, newer tailor made academic ventures and capacity building exercises to take on and tackle these mammoth problems, are the need of the hour. We need accelerated action to fix the seemingly far, but actually portending problems urgently. We must transform our short sightedness to unified vision for ultimately achieving public health and nutrition security along with ensuring planetary health. Let us hope we collectively add voice and power to this mission and act before it’s too late or irreversible. On days like this Earth Day dedicated to advocate for conserving environment, we need to engage and create multisectoral dialogues around influencing and integrating interdependent factors like nutrition security and public health. Future generations are looking up to us for taking steps to ensure a healthy happy future for them. Let’s not disappoint them or ourselves. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

World Earth Day 2019: Time to clear the polluted air

Over 1.2 million people died in India due to air pollution in 2017, said a global report on air pollution.

As per the State of Global Air 2019, overall long-term exposure to outdoor and indoor air pollution contributed to nearly 5 million deaths from stroke, diabetes, heart attack, lung cancer, and chronic lung disease in 2017.

Out of these, 3 million deaths are directly attributed to PM2.5, half of which is from India and China together. The analysis found that China and India together were responsible for over half of the total global attributable deaths, with each country facing over 1.2 million deaths from all air pollution in 2017, the report said.

The report, which was released by US-based organisation Health Effects Institute (HEI) on Wednesday, said that air pollution is the third highest cause of death among all health risks in India, ranking just above smoking.

As per the report, the life of a South Asian child born today will be shortened by two years and six months growing up in current high levels of air pollution, while the global life expectancy loss is 20 months.

The institute said schemes initiated by the Indian government to address pollution like the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, Household LPG program, accelerated Bharat Stage 6/VI clean vehicle standards, and the new National Clean Air Programme can have significant health benefits in the coming years.

These and future initiatives have the potential if fully implemented as part of a sustained commitment to air quality, to result in significant health benefits in coming years, said Robert O'Keefe, Vice President Health Effects Institute.

Worldwide, air pollution is responsible for more deaths than many better-known risk factors such as malnutrition, alcohol use, and physical inactivity, said the report.

Each year, more people globally die from air pollution-related disease than from road traffic injuries or malaria, the study said.

Over 1.2 million people died in India due to air pollution in 2017, said a global report on air pollution. As per the State of Global Air 2019, overall long-term exposure to outdoor and indoor air pollution contributed to nearly 5 million deaths from stroke, diabetes, heart attack, lung cancer, and chronic lung disease in 2017.

Over 1.2 million people died in India due to air pollution in 2017, said a global report on air pollution. As per the State of Global Air 2019, overall long-term exposure to outdoor and indoor air pollution contributed to nearly 5 million deaths from stroke, diabetes, heart attack, lung cancer, and chronic lung disease in 2017. Out of these, 3 million deaths are directly attributed to PM2.5, half of which is from India and China together. The analysis found that China and India together were responsible for over half of the total global attributable deaths, with each country facing over 1.2 million deaths from all air pollution in 2017, the report said. The report, which was released by US-based organisation Health Effects Institute (HEI) on Wednesday, said that air pollution is the third highest cause of death among all health risks in India, ranking just above smoking. As per the report, the life of a South Asian child born today will be shortened by two years and six months growing up in current high levels of air pollution, while the global life expectancy loss is 20 months. The institute said schemes initiated by the Indian government to address pollution like the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, Household LPG program, accelerated Bharat Stage 6/VI clean vehicle standards, and the new National Clean Air Programme can have significant health benefits in the coming years. These and future initiatives have the potential if fully implemented as part of a sustained commitment to air quality, to result in significant health benefits in coming years, said Robert O'Keefe, Vice President Health Effects Institute. Worldwide, air pollution is responsible for more deaths than many better-known risk factors such as malnutrition, alcohol use, and physical inactivity, said the report. Each year, more people globally die from air pollution-related disease than from road traffic injuries or malaria, the study said.

Over 1.2 million early deaths in India due to air pollution: Report

From smog breaks to pollution bonuses, Asia's businesses are promising increasingly inventive perks in a desperate bid to lure executives to a region where toxic air engulfs major cities for much of the year.&nbsp;

Health concerns are putting off those initially attracted by Asia's growing economic opportunities, experts warn, so firms are struggling to recruit -- and retain -- people with the expertise they need.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme, some 92 per cent of people in the Asia-Pacific region are exposed to levels of air pollution that pose a significant risk to health.

This means that on top of large salaries, businesses are having to offer extra incentives.

These include paying for smog breaks every few months, or allowing non-traditional working arrangements so people can commute from less polluted areas, says Lee Quane, Asia director for consultancy ECA International.

At "a location with a higher level of pollution, you're likely to see us recommend allowances of anywhere between 10 to 20 per cent of the person's base salary," he says.

This estimate, derived from a rating system his firm uses to help companies decide appropriate financial compensation for relocation, would also incorporate factors such as crime rates and access to services, he adds.

Other provisions employees could expect for moving to a highly polluted area include better-insulated apartments, air purifiers for home and office, breathing masks, and regular medical check-ups.

"If you look at the cost associated with even those smaller things... you’re probably looking at a minimum cost, on an annual basis, of maybe $5,000 to $10,000 a year," Quane said, with location allowances an additional expense.&nbsp;

Lower calibre employees

In 2014, Panasonic confirmed that it offered a "pollution premium" for those working for the company in China, while media reports revealed Coca Cola was offering an environmental hardship allowance of around 15 per cent for employees moving there.&nbsp;

China has since taken measures to improve its air quality, but Beijing -- along with other key urban centres in South Asia including New Delhi -- routinely exceeds World Health Organisation safe limits for air pollution.

As a result, these places are seeing a "reduction in calibre" of employees, Quane warns, arguing that firms are forced to opt for people who are less qualified.

Patrick Behar-Courtois, who ran an organisational behaviour consulting firm in Shanghai for more than a decade, agrees. He says "generous financial offers" were not enough to offset the pollution concerns of the highly skilled people he wanted to recruit.

"I basically had to revise my hiring policies and look for people locally, so obviously it means that I got profiles that were less experienced and I had to spend more time training them," he says.

Executives with families are often unwilling to put their children's health at risk however attractive the job offer.&nbsp;

World Health Organisation experts have repeatedly warned the very young are particularly vulnerable to air pollution and could face a lifetime of illness because of it.

Eddy Tiftik built his career in China and held a senior position at one of the world's largest real-estate developers, but felt he had to leave for his family's wellbeing.

His then-five-year-old son was constantly unwell with asthma because of Beijing's very high levels of pollution.

"He literally would spend three weeks out of a month going back and forth from the hospital," Tiftik tells AFP.

Children at risk

India has one of the world's fastest growing economies, making it an appealing career option, but it is also home to seven of the most polluted cities, according to a recent report by Greenpeace and IQ Air Visual.

"All senior executives want to have India experience on their CVs. There is, however, a fear of pollution-related health issues," says Atul Vohra, managing partner of Transearch, a global recruitment firm.&nbsp;

Such concerns are not just an issue for expats, he says, adding that Indians are also turning down work in areas of the country with severe smog.

For many, the rewards are simply not worth the risks.&nbsp;

Behar-Courtois recently left Shanghai, which has seen its air quality deteriorate in the past few years after his wife developed thyroid issues he believes are linked to the smog.&nbsp;

"In the last three to five years, I've seen a lot of people, especially with kids, who basically chose to put an end to their career here and move," he reveals.

He now works as a professor in the southern Chinese city of Zhuhai, where the air is cleaner.

Tiftik says his son's symptoms abruptly stopped after the family moved to Bangkok, which has air quality problems of its own but is fall less severe than Beijing.

He would consider leaving the continent altogether if pollution worsens, he says, even though his Mandarin skills give him an edge in the Asian market.

He adds, "Although my career is very important, my family’s health is more important."

&nbsp;

From smog breaks to pollution bonuses, Asia's businesses are promising increasingly inventive perks in a desperate bid to lure executives to a region where toxic air engulfs major cities for much of the year.

From smog breaks to pollution bonuses, Asia's businesses are promising increasingly inventive perks in a desperate bid to lure executives to a region where toxic air engulfs major cities for much of the year. Health concerns are putting off those initially attracted by Asia's growing economic opportunities, experts warn, so firms are struggling to recruit -- and retain -- people with the expertise they need. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, some 92 per cent of people in the Asia-Pacific region are exposed to levels of air pollution that pose a significant risk to health. This means that on top of large salaries, businesses are having to offer extra incentives. These include paying for smog breaks every few months, or allowing non-traditional working arrangements so people can commute from less polluted areas, says Lee Quane, Asia director for consultancy ECA International. At "a location with a higher level of pollution, you're likely to see us recommend allowances of anywhere between 10 to 20 per cent of the person's base salary," he says. This estimate, derived from a rating system his firm uses to help companies decide appropriate financial compensation for relocation, would also incorporate factors such as crime rates and access to services, he adds. Other provisions employees could expect for moving to a highly polluted area include better-insulated apartments, air purifiers for home and office, breathing masks, and regular medical check-ups. "If you look at the cost associated with even those smaller things... you’re probably looking at a minimum cost, on an annual basis, of maybe $5,000 to $10,000 a year," Quane said, with location allowances an additional expense. Lower calibre employees In 2014, Panasonic confirmed that it offered a "pollution premium" for those working for the company in China, while media reports revealed Coca Cola was offering an environmental hardship allowance of around 15 per cent for employees moving there. China has since taken measures to improve its air quality, but Beijing -- along with other key urban centres in South Asia including New Delhi -- routinely exceeds World Health Organisation safe limits for air pollution. As a result, these places are seeing a "reduction in calibre" of employees, Quane warns, arguing that firms are forced to opt for people who are less qualified. Patrick Behar-Courtois, who ran an organisational behaviour consulting firm in Shanghai for more than a decade, agrees. He says "generous financial offers" were not enough to offset the pollution concerns of the highly skilled people he wanted to recruit. "I basically had to revise my hiring policies and look for people locally, so obviously it means that I got profiles that were less experienced and I had to spend more time training them," he says. Executives with families are often unwilling to put their children's health at risk however attractive the job offer. World Health Organisation experts have repeatedly warned the very young are particularly vulnerable to air pollution and could face a lifetime of illness because of it. Eddy Tiftik built his career in China and held a senior position at one of the world's largest real-estate developers, but felt he had to leave for his family's wellbeing. His then-five-year-old son was constantly unwell with asthma because of Beijing's very high levels of pollution. "He literally would spend three weeks out of a month going back and forth from the hospital," Tiftik tells AFP. Children at risk India has one of the world's fastest growing economies, making it an appealing career option, but it is also home to seven of the most polluted cities, according to a recent report by Greenpeace and IQ Air Visual. "All senior executives want to have India experience on their CVs. There is, however, a fear of pollution-related health issues," says Atul Vohra, managing partner of Transearch, a global recruitment firm. Such concerns are not just an issue for expats, he says, adding that Indians are also turning down work in areas of the country with severe smog. For many, the rewards are simply not worth the risks. Behar-Courtois recently left Shanghai, which has seen its air quality deteriorate in the past few years after his wife developed thyroid issues he believes are linked to the smog. "In the last three to five years, I've seen a lot of people, especially with kids, who basically chose to put an end to their career here and move," he reveals. He now works as a professor in the southern Chinese city of Zhuhai, where the air is cleaner. Tiftik says his son's symptoms abruptly stopped after the family moved to Bangkok, which has air quality problems of its own but is fall less severe than Beijing. He would consider leaving the continent altogether if pollution worsens, he says, even though his Mandarin skills give him an edge in the Asian market. He adds, "Although my career is very important, my family’s health is more important."

Asia's pollution exodus: Firms struggle to woo top talent

High levels of air pollution in England and Wales have been linked with psychotic experiences in teenagers, such as hearing voices and intense paranoia, scientists said on Wednesday, as poor air quality in British cities comes under scrutiny.

Children and adolescents living in a city were twice as likely to have had psychotic experiences than those living in rural areas, said researchers at King’s College London, who described their study as the first of its kind in the country.

“We found that adolescent psychotic experiences were more common in urban areas,” said Joanne Newbury, lead author of the paper, published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry.

“While the study could not show pollutants caused adolescents to have psychotic experiences, our findings suggest that air pollution could be a contributing factor in the link between city living and psychotic experiences.”

The researchers used data from a two-decade-long study examining more than 2,200 British children born in 1994-5, and compared it with national air pollution data from 2012, when the children would have been about 17 years old.

About 30 per cent of children reported at least one psychotic experience between the ages of 12 and 18, with the highest rates in cities with heavy exposure to nitrogen dioxide, nitrogen oxides and tiny air pollution particles, such as dust and smoke.

The children were asked questions such as, “Have you ever thought you were being watched, followed, or spied on?” and “Do you hear voices that others cannot?”

After clinical evaluation by experts, only 2.9 per cent of the children were found to have had at least one psychotic symptom from 12 to 18 years of age.

The scientists said young people who have psychotic experiences are more likely to develop serious psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia or other mental health issues including suicide attempts.

Earlier this month, the United Nations (UN) said air pollution should be viewed as a human rights issue, causing 7 million premature deaths a year globally, including 600,000 among children.

The researchers said their findings do not indicate that greater air pollution caused the psychotic experiences and that there could be other contributing factors like noise pollution and increased stress levels, which they did not examine.

An editorial published with the study said that while the findings do contribute to researchers’ understanding of the effects of pollution, the study had “significant limitations”.

“The results ... should be interpreted with caution, because in this specific study the total association of urbanicity ... with psychotic disorders was not statistically significant,” it said.

Yet with the U.N. predicting that two-thirds of the global population will live in a city by 2050, further research into the health effects of air pollution is crucial, said the study’s co-author Frank Kelly.

“Children and young people are most vulnerable to the health impacts of air pollution owing to the juvenility of the brain and respiratory system,” said Kelly, a professor of environmental health at King’s College London.

“Uncovering the mechanisms linking the urban environment to psychosis should be an urgent health priority.”

Britain in January pledged to become the first major economy to adopt air quality goals based on World Health Organization recommendations, as it works toward phasing out diesel cars.

High levels of air pollution in England and Wales have been linked with psychotic experiences in teenagers, such as hearing voices and intense paranoia, scientists said on Wednesday, as poor air quality in British cities comes under scrutiny.

High levels of air pollution in England and Wales have been linked with psychotic experiences in teenagers, such as hearing voices and intense paranoia, scientists said on Wednesday, as poor air quality in British cities comes under scrutiny. Children and adolescents living in a city were twice as likely to have had psychotic experiences than those living in rural areas, said researchers at King’s College London, who described their study as the first of its kind in the country. “We found that adolescent psychotic experiences were more common in urban areas,” said Joanne Newbury, lead author of the paper, published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry. “While the study could not show pollutants caused adolescents to have psychotic experiences, our findings suggest that air pollution could be a contributing factor in the link between city living and psychotic experiences.” The researchers used data from a two-decade-long study examining more than 2,200 British children born in 1994-5, and compared it with national air pollution data from 2012, when the children would have been about 17 years old. About 30 per cent of children reported at least one psychotic experience between the ages of 12 and 18, with the highest rates in cities with heavy exposure to nitrogen dioxide, nitrogen oxides and tiny air pollution particles, such as dust and smoke. The children were asked questions such as, “Have you ever thought you were being watched, followed, or spied on?” and “Do you hear voices that others cannot?” After clinical evaluation by experts, only 2.9 per cent of the children were found to have had at least one psychotic symptom from 12 to 18 years of age. The scientists said young people who have psychotic experiences are more likely to develop serious psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia or other mental health issues including suicide attempts. Earlier this month, the United Nations (UN) said air pollution should be viewed as a human rights issue, causing 7 million premature deaths a year globally, including 600,000 among children. The researchers said their findings do not indicate that greater air pollution caused the psychotic experiences and that there could be other contributing factors like noise pollution and increased stress levels, which they did not examine. An editorial published with the study said that while the findings do contribute to researchers’ understanding of the effects of pollution, the study had “significant limitations”. “The results ... should be interpreted with caution, because in this specific study the total association of urbanicity ... with psychotic disorders was not statistically significant,” it said. Yet with the U.N. predicting that two-thirds of the global population will live in a city by 2050, further research into the health effects of air pollution is crucial, said the study’s co-author Frank Kelly. “Children and young people are most vulnerable to the health impacts of air pollution owing to the juvenility of the brain and respiratory system,” said Kelly, a professor of environmental health at King’s College London. “Uncovering the mechanisms linking the urban environment to psychosis should be an urgent health priority.” Britain in January pledged to become the first major economy to adopt air quality goals based on World Health Organization recommendations, as it works toward phasing out diesel cars.

Air pollution linked with psychotic experiences in UK teens, study finds

Walls draped in lush vertical gardens and air filtered through purifiers insulate diners at a swanky New Delhi food court from the choking haze outside in one of the most polluted places on earth.

But these eco-eateries, offering cleaner air as well as modern menus to the well-heeled are beyond reach for the poor, who have little means of escaping the deadly smog which coats the city for much of the year.

Air pollution kills more than one million Indians every year, according to a study by Lancet Planetary Health, and Delhi is ranked one of the most toxic urban centres to live, regularly exceeding World Health Organisation (WHO) limits.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But for Ramavtar Singh there is no escape: like many of the city's poorest, he eats, sleeps, and works outside.

"I work for six to eight hours every day and my children eat and sleep outside most times of the year," the father of five tells AFP at a roadside food stall, gulping down a 50-cent dish of rice and lentils.

Singh earns a living by cycling passengers and cargo around Delhi on his rickshaw, a strenuous activity that means he's inhaling dangerous concentrations of tiny pollutants deep into his lungs.&nbsp;

At best, he can wrap a rag over his mouth on smoggy days, a low-cost approach taken by labourers and rickshaw drivers that does little to prevent the most dangerous particles entering the bloodstream.

Delhi's smog peaks from October to February, routinely exceeding WHO recommendations for PM2.5 -- tiny and harmful airborne particles -- and some days registers levels more than 20 times safe limits.

Experts warn the long term health consequences of living enveloped in pollution are disastrous, often causing chronic sickness and in some cases early death.&nbsp;

'A quick oxygen shot'

Across town, Abhimanyu Mawatwal is settling down for lunch at a food court in Worldmark Aerocity, a grand commercial centre boasting purified air.

A meal here could cost twice Singh's monthly salary, but it is a price Mawatwal is willing to pay because outside the smog is at hazardous levels.

"I love to come here for my meals. It is like getting a quick oxygen shot," the office worker says, surrounded by creeper vines and a faux stream as he breathed lungfuls of filtered air circulating through expensive filters.

"We need to bring greenery to concrete jungles and create places where everybody can come for a breath of fresh air," insists S. K. Sayal, CEO of Bharti Realty which owns Worldmark Aerocity.

Delhi's affluent, who are often better informed about the dangers of pollution, increasingly expect the same safety measures they have in place at home, to be available when they are out.&nbsp;

High-end eateries, bars and cinemas are tapping into that demand -- installing electronic air purifiers and creating dedicated areas of rich vegetation to help filter airborne toxins.

But for Singh, and the one in five Indians living on less than $2 a day, visiting such places is nothing more than a fantasy.

"What will I do if I spend all the money on one meal? How will I feed my family?" said the rickshaw cyclist, who earns about 1,200 rupees ($17) a month.

He cannot dream of buying the foreign-made air purifiers to protect his family at home -- machines favoured by Delhi's elite, expat communities and office workers -- that easily cost Singh's annual wage.&nbsp;

"The rich and the poor have to breathe the same poisonous air. But the poor are more exposed to pollution," explains Sunil Dahiya, a campaigner for Greenpeace India.&nbsp;

He adds: "Most of the time, they don't even know the effects the toxic air is having on their health. Poor communities are definitely at the losing end."

Walls draped in lush vertical gardens and air filtered through purifiers insulate diners at a swanky New Delhi food court from the choking haze outside in one of the most polluted places on earth.

Walls draped in lush vertical gardens and air filtered through purifiers insulate diners at a swanky New Delhi food court from the choking haze outside in one of the most polluted places on earth. But these eco-eateries, offering cleaner air as well as modern menus to the well-heeled are beyond reach for the poor, who have little means of escaping the deadly smog which coats the city for much of the year. Air pollution kills more than one million Indians every year, according to a study by Lancet Planetary Health, and Delhi is ranked one of the most toxic urban centres to live, regularly exceeding World Health Organisation (WHO) limits. But for Ramavtar Singh there is no escape: like many of the city's poorest, he eats, sleeps, and works outside. "I work for six to eight hours every day and my children eat and sleep outside most times of the year," the father of five tells AFP at a roadside food stall, gulping down a 50-cent dish of rice and lentils. Singh earns a living by cycling passengers and cargo around Delhi on his rickshaw, a strenuous activity that means he's inhaling dangerous concentrations of tiny pollutants deep into his lungs. At best, he can wrap a rag over his mouth on smoggy days, a low-cost approach taken by labourers and rickshaw drivers that does little to prevent the most dangerous particles entering the bloodstream. Delhi's smog peaks from October to February, routinely exceeding WHO recommendations for PM2.5 -- tiny and harmful airborne particles -- and some days registers levels more than 20 times safe limits. Experts warn the long term health consequences of living enveloped in pollution are disastrous, often causing chronic sickness and in some cases early death. 'A quick oxygen shot' Across town, Abhimanyu Mawatwal is settling down for lunch at a food court in Worldmark Aerocity, a grand commercial centre boasting purified air. A meal here could cost twice Singh's monthly salary, but it is a price Mawatwal is willing to pay because outside the smog is at hazardous levels. "I love to come here for my meals. It is like getting a quick oxygen shot," the office worker says, surrounded by creeper vines and a faux stream as he breathed lungfuls of filtered air circulating through expensive filters. "We need to bring greenery to concrete jungles and create places where everybody can come for a breath of fresh air," insists S. K. Sayal, CEO of Bharti Realty which owns Worldmark Aerocity. Delhi's affluent, who are often better informed about the dangers of pollution, increasingly expect the same safety measures they have in place at home, to be available when they are out. High-end eateries, bars and cinemas are tapping into that demand -- installing electronic air purifiers and creating dedicated areas of rich vegetation to help filter airborne toxins. But for Singh, and the one in five Indians living on less than $2 a day, visiting such places is nothing more than a fantasy. "What will I do if I spend all the money on one meal? How will I feed my family?" said the rickshaw cyclist, who earns about 1,200 rupees ($17) a month. He cannot dream of buying the foreign-made air purifiers to protect his family at home -- machines favoured by Delhi's elite, expat communities and office workers -- that easily cost Singh's annual wage. "The rich and the poor have to breathe the same poisonous air. But the poor are more exposed to pollution," explains Sunil Dahiya, a campaigner for Greenpeace India. He adds: "Most of the time, they don't even know the effects the toxic air is having on their health. Poor communities are definitely at the losing end."

A tale of two Delhis: Deadly air exposes rich-poor divide

How do South Koreans fight pollution? With pork

Air pollution causes 790,000 premature deaths every year in Europe and 8.8 million worldwide, doubling recent assessments, according to a study released on Monday.

Between 40 and 80 per cent of those excess deaths are caused by heart attacks, strokes and other types of cardiovascular disease underestimated up to now as a driver of smog-related mortality, researchers reported.

On average, a toxic cocktail of pollutants from vehicles, industry and agriculture shortens the lives of those who die prematurely by 2.2 years, they calculated.

"This means that air pollution causes more extra deaths a year than tobacco smoking, which the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates were responsible for an extra 7.2 million deaths in 2015," said senior author Thomas Munzel, a professor at the University Medical Centre Mainz in Germany.

"Smoking is avoidable, but air pollution is not."

Small and larger particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and ozone (O3) have likewise been linked to drops in cognitive performance, labour productivity and educational outcomes.

The new study, published in the European Heart Journal, focused on Europe, but the updated statistical methods were also applied to the rest of the world.

"The revised number for China is 2.8 million deaths per year," more than two-and-a-half times current estimates, lead author Jos Lelieveld, a researcher at the Max-Plank Institute for Chemistry in Germany, told AFP by email.

Findings for non-European countries will be published separately, he said.&nbsp;

The scientists applied the new Global Exposure Mortality Model to a much-expanded epidemiological database -- with updated figures for population density, age, disease risk factors, causes of death -- to simulate the way in which natural and man-made chemicals interacts with the atmosphere, itself composed of gases.

By far, most deaths were attributed to microscopic particles less than 2.5 microns in diameter, known as PM2.5.&nbsp;

By comparison, the average human hair is 60-to-90 microns thick.

"New data has become available for fine particulate matter indicating that the hazardous health impact of PM2.5 are much larger than assumed previously," said Lelieveld.

Burning fossil fuels

The WHO has recommended that the density in the air of these dangerous microscopic particles should not exceed, on average, 10 microgrammes per cubic metre (35 mcg/m3) per year.

European Union standards are far more lax: 25 mcg/m3. But even at this level, several European countries regularly exceed this limit.

"The WHO standards over the last decades have become stricter," said European Environment Agency executive director Hans Bruyninckx, who was not involved in the study.

"We used to speak primarily about carcinogenic effects, or immediate impacts on the respiratory system," he told AFP. "But now we understand the link with cardio issues, brain related issues, and some reproductive issues."

Worldwide, the study found that air pollution causes an extra 120 deaths per year per 100,000 people.&nbsp;

In Europe, despite more stringent pollution controls than in most other regions, the figure is higher -- 133 deaths per 100,000 people.

"This is explained by the combination of poor air quality and dense population, which leads to exposure that is among the highest in the world," said lead author Jos Lelieveld, a researcher at the Max-Plank Institute for Chemistry, also in Mainz.

Even steeper rates of excess death in eastern Europe -- over 200 per year per 100,000 people, for example, in Bulgaria, Croatia and Romania -- were attributed to less advanced health care.

"Since most particulate matter and other air pollutants in Europe come from the burning of fossil fuels, we need to urgently switch to other sources for generating energy," said Lelieveld.&nbsp;

The 2017 Global Burden of Diseases study found that PM2.2.5 and ozone pollution caused some 4.5 million deaths in 2015, while European Environment Agency estimates, also based on 2015 data, calculated 480,000 premature deaths -- due to the three most toxic forms of air pollution -- in the European Union.

The new study "suggests earlier models underestimated the cardiovascular risk associated with air pollution, and we tend to agree," said Holly Shiels, a researcher in the Division of Cardiovascular Sciences at the University of Manchester.

"The call for a reassessment of current UK and EU air quality regulations seem highly warranted."

Air pollution causes 790,000 premature deaths every year in Europe and 8.8 million worldwide, doubling recent assessments, according to a study released on Monday.

Air pollution causes 790,000 premature deaths every year in Europe and 8.8 million worldwide, doubling recent assessments, according to a study released on Monday. Between 40 and 80 per cent of those excess deaths are caused by heart attacks, strokes and other types of cardiovascular disease underestimated up to now as a driver of smog-related mortality, researchers reported. On average, a toxic cocktail of pollutants from vehicles, industry and agriculture shortens the lives of those who die prematurely by 2.2 years, they calculated. "This means that air pollution causes more extra deaths a year than tobacco smoking, which the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates were responsible for an extra 7.2 million deaths in 2015," said senior author Thomas Munzel, a professor at the University Medical Centre Mainz in Germany. "Smoking is avoidable, but air pollution is not." Small and larger particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and ozone (O3) have likewise been linked to drops in cognitive performance, labour productivity and educational outcomes. The new study, published in the European Heart Journal, focused on Europe, but the updated statistical methods were also applied to the rest of the world. "The revised number for China is 2.8 million deaths per year," more than two-and-a-half times current estimates, lead author Jos Lelieveld, a researcher at the Max-Plank Institute for Chemistry in Germany, told AFP by email. Findings for non-European countries will be published separately, he said. The scientists applied the new Global Exposure Mortality Model to a much-expanded epidemiological database -- with updated figures for population density, age, disease risk factors, causes of death -- to simulate the way in which natural and man-made chemicals interacts with the atmosphere, itself composed of gases. By far, most deaths were attributed to microscopic particles less than 2.5 microns in diameter, known as PM2.5. By comparison, the average human hair is 60-to-90 microns thick. "New data has become available for fine particulate matter indicating that the hazardous health impact of PM2.5 are much larger than assumed previously," said Lelieveld. Burning fossil fuels The WHO has recommended that the density in the air of these dangerous microscopic particles should not exceed, on average, 10 microgrammes per cubic metre (35 mcg/m3) per year. European Union standards are far more lax: 25 mcg/m3. But even at this level, several European countries regularly exceed this limit. "The WHO standards over the last decades have become stricter," said European Environment Agency executive director Hans Bruyninckx, who was not involved in the study. "We used to speak primarily about carcinogenic effects, or immediate impacts on the respiratory system," he told AFP. "But now we understand the link with cardio issues, brain related issues, and some reproductive issues." Worldwide, the study found that air pollution causes an extra 120 deaths per year per 100,000 people. In Europe, despite more stringent pollution controls than in most other regions, the figure is higher -- 133 deaths per 100,000 people. "This is explained by the combination of poor air quality and dense population, which leads to exposure that is among the highest in the world," said lead author Jos Lelieveld, a researcher at the Max-Plank Institute for Chemistry, also in Mainz. Even steeper rates of excess death in eastern Europe -- over 200 per year per 100,000 people, for example, in Bulgaria, Croatia and Romania -- were attributed to less advanced health care. "Since most particulate matter and other air pollutants in Europe come from the burning of fossil fuels, we need to urgently switch to other sources for generating energy," said Lelieveld. The 2017 Global Burden of Diseases study found that PM2.2.5 and ozone pollution caused some 4.5 million deaths in 2015, while European Environment Agency estimates, also based on 2015 data, calculated 480,000 premature deaths -- due to the three most toxic forms of air pollution -- in the European Union. The new study "suggests earlier models underestimated the cardiovascular risk associated with air pollution, and we tend to agree," said Holly Shiels, a researcher in the Division of Cardiovascular Sciences at the University of Manchester. "The call for a reassessment of current UK and EU air quality regulations seem highly warranted."

Air pollution causes 790,000 premature deaths every year in Europe, 8.8 million worldwide: Study

China's air quality improved substantially last year, the environment ministry said Monday, following a government crackdown on pollution and a weakening economy.

Thick smog clouds have plagued China's cities for years and represent the dark side of rapid development that has lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty.

The country's economic miracle has rested firmly on the output of goods like steel, coal and cement, the production of which are all heavily polluting.

But last year the average level of microscopic airborne PM2.5 particles -- which penetrate deep into the lungs -- in 338 cities stood at 39 micrograms per cubic metre last year, a 9.3 per cent year-on-year fall, according to a ministry report.

It was an even greater improvement in air quality than 2017, which saw the average concentration of PM2.5 particles fall 6.5 percent from a year earlier, the report said.

Ecology and environment ministry chief Li Ganjie said Beijing would maintain its commitment to fight pollution, even as the country faces an economic slowdown.&nbsp;

"We resolutely oppose relaxing or being more lenient with environmental supervision and regulation," he said at a press conference on the sidelines of China's annual parliamentary meeting.

We cannot "sacrifice the environment in exchange for economic growth," he added.

China's economy grew at its slowest pace in almost three decades last year, with 6.4 per cent annualised growth in the last three months of 2018.

But Beijing has been forced to balance its concern over an economic slowdown with fears of a public backlash over environmental pollution.

Government authorities also ramped up enforcement of environmental regulations last year, levying a total of 15.28 billion yuan ($2.27 billion) in administrative penalties, a year-on-year boost of 32 per cent, according to the ministry's report.

China's air quality improved substantially last year, the environment ministry said Monday, following a government crackdown on pollution and a weakening economy.

China's air quality improved substantially last year, the environment ministry said Monday, following a government crackdown on pollution and a weakening economy. Thick smog clouds have plagued China's cities for years and represent the dark side of rapid development that has lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty. The country's economic miracle has rested firmly on the output of goods like steel, coal and cement, the production of which are all heavily polluting. But last year the average level of microscopic airborne PM2.5 particles -- which penetrate deep into the lungs -- in 338 cities stood at 39 micrograms per cubic metre last year, a 9.3 per cent year-on-year fall, according to a ministry report. It was an even greater improvement in air quality than 2017, which saw the average concentration of PM2.5 particles fall 6.5 percent from a year earlier, the report said. Ecology and environment ministry chief Li Ganjie said Beijing would maintain its commitment to fight pollution, even as the country faces an economic slowdown. "We resolutely oppose relaxing or being more lenient with environmental supervision and regulation," he said at a press conference on the sidelines of China's annual parliamentary meeting. We cannot "sacrifice the environment in exchange for economic growth," he added. China's economy grew at its slowest pace in almost three decades last year, with 6.4 per cent annualised growth in the last three months of 2018. But Beijing has been forced to balance its concern over an economic slowdown with fears of a public backlash over environmental pollution. Government authorities also ramped up enforcement of environmental regulations last year, levying a total of 15.28 billion yuan ($2.27 billion) in administrative penalties, a year-on-year boost of 32 per cent, according to the ministry's report.

China says air pollution dropped in 2018

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