As Canada and North America reels under the effects of heavy smoke due to the ongoing wildfires, the web search for air purifiers has risen exponentially. With this, TikTok, Facebook and Instagram are seeing a whole lot of DIY (Do it yourself) air purifiers. Do they work? Are they safe? Here's all you need to know.

<h2>Wildfires and air pollution indoors</h2>

Pictures and videos over the internet bear witness to how huge the smoke problem is. From Ottawa to New York, the sky has turned orange, and people are reporting smoke-related health issues.

In such a scenario, a clean indoor is a necessity. However, air purifiers can be expensive, and at a time like this, the demand can further drive up the prices. So, what can you do? Apparently, the solution is to buy a lot of duct tape and a few other things.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-orange-skies-smoke-unhealthy-air-plague-canada-namerica-as-160-wildfires-rage-in-ottawa-601718">Explained: Orange skies, smoke &amp; ‘unhealthy’ air plague Canada, N. America, as 160 wildfires rage in Ottawa</a>

<h2>DIY air purifiers</h2>

Social media platforms that cater to short format videos — TikTok, Instagram, etc. — have been flooded with people and influencers teaching how to make a DIY air purifier.

These are made using a technique known as the Corsi-Rosenthal method. All you need to make this is a box fan, four air filters and a whole lot of duct tape. The whole thing, as per a US News report, costs under $100.

One such video by a Seattle resident Angel Robertson has gained more than 600,000 views.&nbsp;

"It works extremely well and will save your life with really smoky days," says Robertson in the video.&nbsp;

"It does a lot better than the normal air filters," she adds.

<h2>Do these air filters actually work?</h2>

Public health experts say that these DIY air purifiers do work and that they are highly effective at removing particles from the air.

As per Petri Kalliomäki, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Health, air filters made using the Corsi-Rosenthal method provide clean air at a high delivery rate. They can even be used to purify air against pollen and viruses.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-orange-haze-from-canada-wildfires-shroud-parts-of-us-601590">In Pics | Orange haze from Canada wildfires shroud parts of US</a>

Misti Levy Zamora, an assistant professor in public health sciences at the University of Connecticut and her colleagues have been giving away DIY air purifiers.&nbsp;

Talking to US News, she remarks, "I can confidently say this thing is working really well today."

"I was able to filter out all the particles in the air basically back down to what I saw last week within a matter of minutes," she added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As Canada and North America reels under the effects of heavy smoke due to the ongoing wildfires, the web search for air purifiers has risen exponentially. With this, TikTok, Facebook and Instagram are seeing a whole lot of DIY (Do it yourself) air purifiers.

As Canada and North America reels under the effects of heavy smoke due to the ongoing wildfires, the web search for air purifiers has risen exponentially. With this, TikTok, Facebook and Instagram are seeing a whole lot of DIY (Do it yourself) air purifiers. Do they work? Are they safe? Here's all you need to know. Wildfires and air pollution indoors Pictures and videos over the internet bear witness to how huge the smoke problem is. From Ottawa to New York, the sky has turned orange, and people are reporting smoke-related health issues. In such a scenario, a clean indoor is a necessity. However, air purifiers can be expensive, and at a time like this, the demand can further drive up the prices. So, what can you do? Apparently, the solution is to buy a lot of duct tape and a few other things. Also read | Explained: Orange skies, smoke & ‘unhealthy’ air plague Canada, N. America, as 160 wildfires rage in Ottawa DIY air purifiers Social media platforms that cater to short format videos — TikTok, Instagram, etc. — have been flooded with people and influencers teaching how to make a DIY air purifier. These are made using a technique known as the Corsi-Rosenthal method. All you need to make this is a box fan, four air filters and a whole lot of duct tape. The whole thing, as per a US News report, costs under $100. One such video by a Seattle resident Angel Robertson has gained more than 600,000 views. "It works extremely well and will save your life with really smoky days," says Robertson in the video. "It does a lot better than the normal air filters," she adds. Do these air filters actually work? Public health experts say that these DIY air purifiers do work and that they are highly effective at removing particles from the air. As per Petri Kalliomäki, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Health, air filters made using the Corsi-Rosenthal method provide clean air at a high delivery rate. They can even be used to purify air against pollen and viruses. Also read | In Pics | Orange haze from Canada wildfires shroud parts of US Misti Levy Zamora, an assistant professor in public health sciences at the University of Connecticut and her colleagues have been giving away DIY air purifiers. Talking to US News, she remarks, "I can confidently say this thing is working really well today." "I was able to filter out all the particles in the air basically back down to what I saw last week within a matter of minutes," she added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Smoke from Canadian wildfires pushes residents towards DIY air purifiers. Are they safe?

As Canada hurtles towards its worst wildfire season in history, a conspiracy theory has taken off online claiming environmentalists intentionally set some of the blazes.&nbsp;

"I bet a good portion of the wildfires raging across the country were started by green terrorists who want to give their climate change campaign a little boost," Maxime Bernier, a former foreign minister-turned fringe party leader, said in a June 5 tweet. &nbsp;

So far in 2023, Canada has seen larger wildfires than any previous year at this point in the season, with more than three million hectares burned. Tens of thousands of people have evacuated as a result.

On TikTok, a video already viewed almost 20,000 times, claims the fires in Nova Scotia were set "on purpose to push a climate change agenda."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/faced-with-smoke-from-canada-fires-people-turn-to-diy-air-purifiers-are-they-safe-602555">Faced with smoke from Canada fires people turn to DIY air purifiers. Are they safe?</a>

One article speculates that since 90 per cent of Alberta's fires could be "human-caused," there is a possibility that "ecoterrorists" may be behind them.&nbsp;

As wildfires spread in Quebec, some questioned how all the blazes could have started on the same day. One Facebook video with more than one million views blames "a terrorist attack" for the flames.

But Karine Pelletier from the province's Forest Fire Protection Agency said the causes are still under investigation.&nbsp;

"There are a lot which are caused by humans, but these are almost always accidents," she said, noting that recent lightning strikes were to blame for many of Quebec’s wildfires. &nbsp;

Alberta Wildfire told AFP that unless lightning is involved, a blaze is classified as human-caused. This does not exclusively mean arson.

"It could be related to general causes, including agriculture, forest industry, powerlines, or oil and gas industry, railroad or residential wildfires," said spokeswoman Melissa Story.&nbsp;

Nova Scotia officials have also said they are still investigating the origins of the province’s fires, which are presumed to be human-caused.&nbsp;

"Human-caused fires can be accidental, intentional or undetermined," said Heather Fairbairn, a spokeswoman for the Office of the Fire Marshal of Nova Scotia. "Certainly, we are seeing the impacts of climate change which can increase fire risks."

<h2>False narrative</h2>

Conspiracy theorists have repeatedly tried to pin devastating wildfire seasons on politically motivated arsonists.&nbsp;

During Australia's Black Summer of 2020, social media users misleadingly cited arson statistics from a prior year to blame unconnected crimes for the season’s bushfires. &nbsp;

In California in 2021, arsonists were behind several wildfires -- but there is no evidence they were pushing a climate change agenda, as some people claimed online.&nbsp;

Chris Russill, a professor at Carleton University studying climate change communication, said the ecoterrorist theory may have once had some basis in truth, but "then that gets exaggerated in its importance or significance."&nbsp;

Such is the case in Canada, where some social media users are citing genuine reports of suspicious fires to spin conspiracy theories about unrelated events and locations.&nbsp;

<h2>Climate Change</h2>

On top of purported vigilantism, some falsely theorize that the Canadian government is starting wildfires, either to advance its climate change policies or to force citizens into cities where it will be easier to impose "climate lockdowns."&nbsp;

Russill tied those fears to Canada's signing of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, which raised alarm about the impending climate crisis.&nbsp;

As the Liberal government implemented stricter climate caps and taxes over the past decade, Russill said people in Canada's natural resource industries have grown defensive. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"This grievance isn't actually always about a global fear of shadowy UN elites or eco-vigilantes, even though that's how this gets taken up and incubated in this sort of narrative," he said. "It's expressing the fact that the relationship to the federal government and the provinces has become more insistent and more forceful."

Social media posts insist "arson not climate change" is responsible for the wildfires, but Natural Resources Canada told reporters June 5 that this fire season was exacerbated by hot, dry and windy conditions. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of wildland fires and creating longer fire seasons," said Mike Norton, director general of the Canadian Forestry Centre.&nbsp;

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As Canada hurtles towards its worst wildfire season in history, a conspiracy theory has taken off online claiming environmentalists intentionally set some of the blazes.

As Canada hurtles towards its worst wildfire season in history, a conspiracy theory has taken off online claiming environmentalists intentionally set some of the blazes. "I bet a good portion of the wildfires raging across the country were started by green terrorists who want to give their climate change campaign a little boost," Maxime Bernier, a former foreign minister-turned fringe party leader, said in a June 5 tweet. So far in 2023, Canada has seen larger wildfires than any previous year at this point in the season, with more than three million hectares burned. Tens of thousands of people have evacuated as a result. On TikTok, a video already viewed almost 20,000 times, claims the fires in Nova Scotia were set "on purpose to push a climate change agenda." Also read | Faced with smoke from Canada fires people turn to DIY air purifiers. Are they safe? One article speculates that since 90 per cent of Alberta's fires could be "human-caused," there is a possibility that "ecoterrorists" may be behind them. As wildfires spread in Quebec, some questioned how all the blazes could have started on the same day. One Facebook video with more than one million views blames "a terrorist attack" for the flames. But Karine Pelletier from the province's Forest Fire Protection Agency said the causes are still under investigation. "There are a lot which are caused by humans, but these are almost always accidents," she said, noting that recent lightning strikes were to blame for many of Quebec’s wildfires. Alberta Wildfire told AFP that unless lightning is involved, a blaze is classified as human-caused. This does not exclusively mean arson. "It could be related to general causes, including agriculture, forest industry, powerlines, or oil and gas industry, railroad or residential wildfires," said spokeswoman Melissa Story. Nova Scotia officials have also said they are still investigating the origins of the province’s fires, which are presumed to be human-caused. "Human-caused fires can be accidental, intentional or undetermined," said Heather Fairbairn, a spokeswoman for the Office of the Fire Marshal of Nova Scotia. "Certainly, we are seeing the impacts of climate change which can increase fire risks." False narrative Conspiracy theorists have repeatedly tried to pin devastating wildfire seasons on politically motivated arsonists. During Australia's Black Summer of 2020, social media users misleadingly cited arson statistics from a prior year to blame unconnected crimes for the season’s bushfires. In California in 2021, arsonists were behind several wildfires -- but there is no evidence they were pushing a climate change agenda, as some people claimed online. Chris Russill, a professor at Carleton University studying climate change communication, said the ecoterrorist theory may have once had some basis in truth, but "then that gets exaggerated in its importance or significance." Such is the case in Canada, where some social media users are citing genuine reports of suspicious fires to spin conspiracy theories about unrelated events and locations. Climate Change On top of purported vigilantism, some falsely theorize that the Canadian government is starting wildfires, either to advance its climate change policies or to force citizens into cities where it will be easier to impose "climate lockdowns." Russill tied those fears to Canada's signing of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, which raised alarm about the impending climate crisis. As the Liberal government implemented stricter climate caps and taxes over the past decade, Russill said people in Canada's natural resource industries have grown defensive. "This grievance isn't actually always about a global fear of shadowy UN elites or eco-vigilantes, even though that's how this gets taken up and incubated in this sort of narrative," he said. "It's expressing the fact that the relationship to the federal government and the provinces has become more insistent and more forceful." Social media posts insist "arson not climate change" is responsible for the wildfires, but Natural Resources Canada told reporters June 5 that this fire season was exacerbated by hot, dry and windy conditions. "Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of wildland fires and creating longer fire seasons," said Mike Norton, director general of the Canadian Forestry Centre. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Canada wildfires spark 'ecoterrorist' conspiracy theory

Millions of people across North America are facing high-risk air quality warnings due to ongoing wildfires in Canada. On Tuesday (June 6), with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 222 on the 0-500 scale, New York, as per IQAir, was officially the most polluted major city in the world. As per the Swiss air quality company at around 1:25 am, AQI in New York was higher than those in the Indian capital Delhi and Iraq's Baghdad.

Smoke from the Canada fires has covered major cities in Ontario and Quebec, including Toronto and its surrounding areas. The smoke has even reached as far as New York City and Connecticut, where the air quality has been classified as "unhealthy."&nbsp;

<h2>Where is the smoke coming from?</h2>

The majority of the smoke is originating from Quebec, where, as per Reuters, more than 150 wildfires are currently burning. Ottawa, the Canadian capital, received the strongest warning from Environment Canada, declaring the air quality as a "very high risk" to people's health.&nbsp;

A video posted by Twitter user Abe Bourgi on Tuesday morning shows an orange haze hanging over Canada’s capital Ottawa. Take a look:

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Ottawa this morning.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ottawa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ottawa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/smog?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#smog</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wildfire?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wildfire</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/forestfire?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#forestfire</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ottawaNews?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ottawaNews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ctvottawa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ctvottawa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CTVNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CTVNews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CTVOttMornLive?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CTVOttMornLive</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CBCOttawa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CBCOttawa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CityNewsOttawa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CityNewsOttawa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ottawacity?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ottawacity</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/environmentca?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@environmentca</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ottawaNews?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ottawaNews</a> <a href="https://t.co/SOxBgQzZCr">pic.twitter.com/SOxBgQzZCr</a>
— Abe Bourgi (@boodythebest) <a href="https://twitter.com/boodythebest/status/1666044545027518464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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"We are experiencing a situation never seen... everywhere in Quebec," warned Quebec's public safety minister Francois Bonnardel. As per AFP, he&nbsp;stressed that&nbsp;human carelessness sparked&nbsp;a large number of these wildfires.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-orange-haze-from-canada-wildfires-shroud-parts-of-us-601590">In Pics | Orange haze from Canada wildfires shroud parts of US</a>

"Western Canada usually sees a lot of wildfire activity. Quebec doesn't," he remarked, adding,&nbsp;"But right now everything is on fire."

<h2>Air quality and the risky areas</h2>

In Toronto and its surroundings, air, as per BBC, has been classified as "high-risk" areas. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified the air quality in many parts of the northeastern US as "unhealthy," particularly for individuals with respiratory issues.&nbsp;

The advisories stretch from New York City and Connecticut to Boston, Pittsburgh, and Washington DC.&nbsp;

<img alt="Ottawa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4a6fc1cf-d83c-4584-a1d1-352e84272e48" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/3_22.png" />

Pic: Ottawa&nbsp;skies&nbsp;turn&nbsp;orange as wildfires continue to burn. (Image credit: Collage created using image posted by Twitter user @cest_nat_)

Some regions, such as eastern Pennsylvania, New York, and New England, have experienced an Air Quality Index surpassing 200, indicating "very unhealthy" conditions for everyone.&nbsp;

The deteriorating air quality has led to the relocation of individuals with asthma and respiratory issues in the Atikamekw community of Opitciwan, located 350 km north of Montreal in Quebec.&nbsp;

<h2>Orange skies</h2>

Photos and videos taken in New York City show an orange haze enveloping the skyline as the wildfire smoke from Canada travels south.&nbsp;

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This is what the sunrise over New York looked like today due to wildfire smoke coming over from Canada. Air quality levels are at unhealthy, at over 10 times the guidelines recommended by the WHO. This is the reality of living through the climate crisis. <a href="https://t.co/Uww89UPGnZ">pic.twitter.com/Uww89UPGnZ</a>
— Dr. Lucky Tran (@luckytran) <a href="https://twitter.com/luckytran/status/1666104652297846784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Public health officials are urging people to refrain from outdoor exercise and minimise exposure to smoke due to the immediate and long-term health risks it poses.&nbsp;

<h2>An active wildfire season</h2>

BBC reports that Canada is experiencing a more active wildfire season than usual, with federal officials warning that this summer may see the country's largest fires yet due to the dry and hot conditions forecasted.&nbsp;

The fires across the country have already burned over 3.3 million hectares of land, which is 12 times the 10-year average for this time of year.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-wildfires-this-is-a-scary-time-says-pm-justin-trudeau-599857">Canada wildfires: 'This is a scary time,' says PM Justin Trudeau</a>

Evacuations have taken place across the country, including in Quebec, where approximately 200,000 hectares have been burned so far.&nbsp;Major fires are also raging in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and the Northwest Territories.

So far, in 2023, there have been 422 fires in the Quebec province. These fires have affected 226,084 hectares.

<h2>Health risks&nbsp;</h2>

Exposure to wildfire smoke can have various health effects, according to experts.

Speaking to BBC, professor Matthew Adams, the director of the Centre of Urban Environments at the University of Toronto, explained that the immediate effects of inhaling wildfire smoke include shortness of breath, elevated pulse, chest pain, and inflammation in the eyes, nose, and throat.&nbsp;

"On these elevated air pollution days, we'll see an increased number of visits to hospital," Adams told BBC, adding that this will be particularly true for individuals with pre-existing respiratory diseases.&nbsp;

<img alt="New york skies" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="802786c9-ba76-4f9d-b04b-f0cfa27631be" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2_31.png" />

Pic: New York skies&nbsp;get heavy with pollution as smoke from wildfires in Canada shroud North America. (Image credit: Collage created using image posted by Twitter user @andrewnazdin)

Adams also highlights the long-term health issues associated with wildfire smoke, such as cancer and lung disease, especially for those residing in areas prone to frequent forest fires.&nbsp;

The smoke contains small particles that can enter the bloodstream and other parts of the body, potentially causing DNA mutations and other health problems. Studies have indicated that prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke can also impact pregnant women and their unborn children.&nbsp;

Adams suggested that individuals in cities located far from the fires but under air advisories should limit outdoor exercise and stay indoors to reduce exposure. While&nbsp;those in areas closer to the fires should wear N95 masks outside to minimise inhalation of smoke particles. Additionally, he said installing HEPA filters and improving ventilation inside homes can also help.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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Millions of people across North America are facing high-risk air quality warnings due to ongoing wildfires in Canada. On Tuesday (June 6), with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 222 on the 0-500 scale, New York, as per IQAir, was officially the most polluted major city in the world.

Millions of people across North America are facing high-risk air quality warnings due to ongoing wildfires in Canada. On Tuesday (June 6), with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 222 on the 0-500 scale, New York, as per IQAir, was officially the most polluted major city in the world. As per the Swiss air quality company at around 1:25 am, AQI in New York was higher than those in the Indian capital Delhi and Iraq's Baghdad. Smoke from the Canada fires has covered major cities in Ontario and Quebec, including Toronto and its surrounding areas. The smoke has even reached as far as New York City and Connecticut, where the air quality has been classified as "unhealthy." Where is the smoke coming from? The majority of the smoke is originating from Quebec, where, as per Reuters, more than 150 wildfires are currently burning. Ottawa, the Canadian capital, received the strongest warning from Environment Canada, declaring the air quality as a "very high risk" to people's health. A video posted by Twitter user Abe Bourgi on Tuesday morning shows an orange haze hanging over Canada’s capital Ottawa. Take a look: Ottawa this morning.#ottawa #smog #wildfire #forestfire #ottawaNews @ctvottawa @CTVNews @CTVOttMornLive @CBCOttawa @CityNewsOttawa @ottawacity @environmentca #ottawaNews pic.twitter.com/SOxBgQzZCr — Abe Bourgi (@boodythebest) June 6, 2023 × "We are experiencing a situation never seen... everywhere in Quebec," warned Quebec's public safety minister Francois Bonnardel. As per AFP, he stressed that human carelessness sparked a large number of these wildfires. Also read | In Pics | Orange haze from Canada wildfires shroud parts of US "Western Canada usually sees a lot of wildfire activity. Quebec doesn't," he remarked, adding, "But right now everything is on fire." Air quality and the risky areas In Toronto and its surroundings, air, as per BBC, has been classified as "high-risk" areas. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified the air quality in many parts of the northeastern US as "unhealthy," particularly for individuals with respiratory issues. The advisories stretch from New York City and Connecticut to Boston, Pittsburgh, and Washington DC. Pic: Ottawa skies turn orange as wildfires continue to burn. (Image credit: Collage created using image posted by Twitter user @cest_nat_) Some regions, such as eastern Pennsylvania, New York, and New England, have experienced an Air Quality Index surpassing 200, indicating "very unhealthy" conditions for everyone. The deteriorating air quality has led to the relocation of individuals with asthma and respiratory issues in the Atikamekw community of Opitciwan, located 350 km north of Montreal in Quebec. Orange skies Photos and videos taken in New York City show an orange haze enveloping the skyline as the wildfire smoke from Canada travels south. This is what the sunrise over New York looked like today due to wildfire smoke coming over from Canada. Air quality levels are at unhealthy, at over 10 times the guidelines recommended by the WHO. This is the reality of living through the climate crisis. pic.twitter.com/Uww89UPGnZ — Dr. Lucky Tran (@luckytran) June 6, 2023 × Public health officials are urging people to refrain from outdoor exercise and minimise exposure to smoke due to the immediate and long-term health risks it poses. An active wildfire season BBC reports that Canada is experiencing a more active wildfire season than usual, with federal officials warning that this summer may see the country's largest fires yet due to the dry and hot conditions forecasted. The fires across the country have already burned over 3.3 million hectares of land, which is 12 times the 10-year average for this time of year. Also read | Canada wildfires: 'This is a scary time,' says PM Justin Trudeau Evacuations have taken place across the country, including in Quebec, where approximately 200,000 hectares have been burned so far. Major fires are also raging in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and the Northwest Territories. So far, in 2023, there have been 422 fires in the Quebec province. These fires have affected 226,084 hectares. Health risks Exposure to wildfire smoke can have various health effects, according to experts. Speaking to BBC, professor Matthew Adams, the director of the Centre of Urban Environments at the University of Toronto, explained that the immediate effects of inhaling wildfire smoke include shortness of breath, elevated pulse, chest pain, and inflammation in the eyes, nose, and throat. "On these elevated air pollution days, we'll see an increased number of visits to hospital," Adams told BBC, adding that this will be particularly true for individuals with pre-existing respiratory diseases. Pic: New York skies get heavy with pollution as smoke from wildfires in Canada shroud North America. (Image credit: Collage created using image posted by Twitter user @andrewnazdin) Adams also highlights the long-term health issues associated with wildfire smoke, such as cancer and lung disease, especially for those residing in areas prone to frequent forest fires. The smoke contains small particles that can enter the bloodstream and other parts of the body, potentially causing DNA mutations and other health problems. Studies have indicated that prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke can also impact pregnant women and their unborn children. Adams suggested that individuals in cities located far from the fires but under air advisories should limit outdoor exercise and stay indoors to reduce exposure. While those in areas closer to the fires should wear N95 masks outside to minimise inhalation of smoke particles. Additionally, he said installing HEPA filters and improving ventilation inside homes can also help. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: Orange skies, smoke & ‘unhealthy’ air plague Canada, N. America, as 160 wildfires rage in Ottawa

In Pics | Top 10 most polluted cities in India

Moving down three spots, India was ranked eighth in the world's most polluted countries in terms of air quality in the <a href="https://www.iqair.com/in-en/world-most-polluted-countries">2022 World Air Quality Report </a>by Swiss company IQAir. As per the findings of the report,&nbsp;12 out&nbsp;of the 15 most polluted cities in central and south Asia were located in India, as they were in the previous year.

The report states that India's annual average PM2.5 level in 2022 was 53.3 g/m3, slightly lower than the 58.1 average in 2021. It was, however, significantly higher than the World Health Organisation (WHO) annual PM2.5 concentration limit of 5 g/m3.

Bhiwadi in Rajasthan's Alwar district was the most polluted city in India and the second-most polluted in the Central and South Asia area, with annual PM2.5 levels of 92.7 g/m3.&nbsp;

Darbhanga and Asopur in Bihar were not far behind, with 90.3 and 90.2 levels, respectively. Patna, Ghaziabad, Dharuhera, Chapra, Muzaffarnagar, Greater Noida, Bahadurgarh, and Faridabad are among the other Indian cities on the list of the 15 most polluted in the region.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2 dir="ltr">What does India lack in its fight against air pollution?&nbsp;</h2>

India has implemented a variety of regulations aimed at various sources of air pollution, ranging from industry to road traffic. Despite this, its air quality has steadily deteriorated, to the degree of today's public health catastrophe.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On January 10, 2023, India's National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) marked four years of its implementation. Three years after its inception, the targeted cities have made little headway in decreasing air pollution, and in some cases, such as Chennai and Mumbai, pollution has worsened.

“The difficulty in achieving a lasting impact from these initiatives is multi-faceted,” Suresh Ramasubramanya&nbsp;Iyer, Senior Fellow and Area Convenor, Centre for Environmental Studies, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) told WION.

“Air pollution stems from numerous sources: vehicular emissions, industrial pollutants, construction dust, and agricultural practices like crop burning, to name just a few. Controlling each of these sources presents its own unique set of challenges. Moreover, plans that seem effective in theory often confront various obstacles during implementation. They require robust collaboration and coordination between different departments and sectors,” he said.&nbsp;

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“Besides, ensuring that sufficient funding and resources are available, raising public awareness, encouraging participation, and enforcing strict pollution control measures are equally vital. Another often overlooked obstacle is the lack of political willpower to tackle air pollution. It's a complicated issue with no quick fixes. Many politicians might be hesitant to act due to the potential economic implications of stricter regulations, creating a conflict between short-term economic gains and long-term environmental health,” he noted.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Air pollution can affect Covid-19 vaccine efficacy: Study

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<h2 dir="ltr">Only six nations attained WHO's safe limit</h2>

Chad, a landlocked nation in central Africa, was named the world's most polluted, with annual PM2.5 levels of 89.7 g/m3. Iraq came in second only to Chad (80.1), followed by Pakistan (70.9), Bahrain (66.6), and Bangladesh (65.8).

Based on the IQAir analysis, only 13 of the 131 nations and areas covered in the report achieved PM2.5 concentrations of 5 g/m3 or less – the WHO limit for yearly PM2.5 concentrations. Guam in the western Pacific Ocean had the lowest annual PM2.5 levels at 1.3 g/m3, followed by French Polynesia (2.5), the US Virgin Islands (2.9), Bermuda (3.0), and Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba (3.3) in the Caribbean.

At the same time, just six nations, namely Australia, Estonia, Finland, Grenada, Iceland, and New Zealand, reached the WHO's safe level.

<h2 dir="ltr">Heath toll of air pollution</h2>

Air pollution killed an estimated 1.6 million people in India in 2019 – the highest number in the world, according to a <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(22)00090-0/fulltext">Lancet report</a>.&nbsp;The report&nbsp;also noted that air pollution was the most severe in the Indo-Gangetic plain, where New Delhi and many of the most polluted cities are situated.&nbsp;

“Air pollution is a mixture of harmful chemicals which via multiple mechanisms will damage the airways, blood vessels,&nbsp;and can lead to irreversible organ damage,” Dr Arjun Khanna, Head, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad,&nbsp;told WION.&nbsp;

“Airways and lung diseases are getting more difficult to treat. The number of chronic intractable coughs I see these days are&nbsp;substantially more than it was a decade ago. Previously, when a patient asked whether they could buy an air purifier for their home, I would tell them that we didn't have enough evidence to support the usage of these devices. My response has entirely changed now. Air purifiers, in my opinion, are no longer a luxury for people who live in Delhi NCR, but rather a necessity.&nbsp;The number of children and adolescents suffering from chronic respiratory disorders is far more than in the past. These trends are highly alarming,” said Dr Khanna.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/air-pollution-increases-speeds-bone-loss-among-postmenopausal-women-says-study-571192">Air pollution speeds up bone loss in postmenopausal women, says study</a>

<h2>Way forward for India</h2>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/trending/10-countries-with-worst-air-quality-1682427749866">Air pollution mitigation</a> is a multi-stage process. “We need to understand that it takes decades to reduce high air pollution levels.&nbsp;The US&nbsp;took almost three decades to come to its&nbsp;present level,” Prof Sagnik Dey, Institute Chair Professor,&nbsp;Centre for Atmospheric Sciences, IIT Delhi, told WION.&nbsp;

“Efforts cannot be ad-hoc arrangements and we have to target reducing emissions at the source,” noted Prof Dey.&nbsp;

“India needs to prioritise interventions, impose stringent emission norms, adopt a cross-sectoral plan in air sheds, focus on sustainable plans and engage with awareness activities at multiple levels,” he added.&nbsp;

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Moving down three spots, India was ranked eighth in the world's most polluted countries in terms of air quality in the 2022 World Air Quality Report by Swiss company IQAir.

Moving down three spots, India was ranked eighth in the world's most polluted countries in terms of air quality in the 2022 World Air Quality Report by Swiss company IQAir. As per the findings of the report, 12 out of the 15 most polluted cities in central and south Asia were located in India, as they were in the previous year. The report states that India's annual average PM2.5 level in 2022 was 53.3 g/m3, slightly lower than the 58.1 average in 2021. It was, however, significantly higher than the World Health Organisation (WHO) annual PM2.5 concentration limit of 5 g/m3. Bhiwadi in Rajasthan's Alwar district was the most polluted city in India and the second-most polluted in the Central and South Asia area, with annual PM2.5 levels of 92.7 g/m3. Darbhanga and Asopur in Bihar were not far behind, with 90.3 and 90.2 levels, respectively. Patna, Ghaziabad, Dharuhera, Chapra, Muzaffarnagar, Greater Noida, Bahadurgarh, and Faridabad are among the other Indian cities on the list of the 15 most polluted in the region. What does India lack in its fight against air pollution? India has implemented a variety of regulations aimed at various sources of air pollution, ranging from industry to road traffic. Despite this, its air quality has steadily deteriorated, to the degree of today's public health catastrophe. On January 10, 2023, India's National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) marked four years of its implementation. Three years after its inception, the targeted cities have made little headway in decreasing air pollution, and in some cases, such as Chennai and Mumbai, pollution has worsened. “The difficulty in achieving a lasting impact from these initiatives is multi-faceted,” Suresh Ramasubramanya Iyer, Senior Fellow and Area Convenor, Centre for Environmental Studies, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) told WION. “Air pollution stems from numerous sources: vehicular emissions, industrial pollutants, construction dust, and agricultural practices like crop burning, to name just a few. Controlling each of these sources presents its own unique set of challenges. Moreover, plans that seem effective in theory often confront various obstacles during implementation. They require robust collaboration and coordination between different departments and sectors,” he said. “Besides, ensuring that sufficient funding and resources are available, raising public awareness, encouraging participation, and enforcing strict pollution control measures are equally vital. Another often overlooked obstacle is the lack of political willpower to tackle air pollution. It's a complicated issue with no quick fixes. Many politicians might be hesitant to act due to the potential economic implications of stricter regulations, creating a conflict between short-term economic gains and long-term environmental health,” he noted. ALSO WATCH | Air pollution can affect Covid-19 vaccine efficacy: Study Only six nations attained WHO's safe limit Chad, a landlocked nation in central Africa, was named the world's most polluted, with annual PM2.5 levels of 89.7 g/m3. Iraq came in second only to Chad (80.1), followed by Pakistan (70.9), Bahrain (66.6), and Bangladesh (65.8). Based on the IQAir analysis, only 13 of the 131 nations and areas covered in the report achieved PM2.5 concentrations of 5 g/m3 or less – the WHO limit for yearly PM2.5 concentrations. Guam in the western Pacific Ocean had the lowest annual PM2.5 levels at 1.3 g/m3, followed by French Polynesia (2.5), the US Virgin Islands (2.9), Bermuda (3.0), and Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba (3.3) in the Caribbean. At the same time, just six nations, namely Australia, Estonia, Finland, Grenada, Iceland, and New Zealand, reached the WHO's safe level. Heath toll of air pollution Air pollution killed an estimated 1.6 million people in India in 2019 – the highest number in the world, according to a Lancet report. The report also noted that air pollution was the most severe in the Indo-Gangetic plain, where New Delhi and many of the most polluted cities are situated. “Air pollution is a mixture of harmful chemicals which via multiple mechanisms will damage the airways, blood vessels, and can lead to irreversible organ damage,” Dr Arjun Khanna, Head, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, told WION. “Airways and lung diseases are getting more difficult to treat. The number of chronic intractable coughs I see these days are substantially more than it was a decade ago. Previously, when a patient asked whether they could buy an air purifier for their home, I would tell them that we didn't have enough evidence to support the usage of these devices. My response has entirely changed now. Air purifiers, in my opinion, are no longer a luxury for people who live in Delhi NCR, but rather a necessity. The number of children and adolescents suffering from chronic respiratory disorders is far more than in the past. These trends are highly alarming,” said Dr Khanna. ALSO READ | Air pollution speeds up bone loss in postmenopausal women, says study Way forward for India Air pollution mitigation is a multi-stage process. “We need to understand that it takes decades to reduce high air pollution levels. The US took almost three decades to come to its present level,” Prof Sagnik Dey, Institute Chair Professor, Centre for Atmospheric Sciences, IIT Delhi, told WION. “Efforts cannot be ad-hoc arrangements and we have to target reducing emissions at the source,” noted Prof Dey. “India needs to prioritise interventions, impose stringent emission norms, adopt a cross-sectoral plan in air sheds, focus on sustainable plans and engage with awareness activities at multiple levels,” he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Data Lab | Gasping for breath: What is India doing about its air pollution crisis?

In pics | At least 100 climate activists briefly block air traffic in Geneva, four injured

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that strong winds blasted over Delhi on Tuesday morning (May 16),&nbsp;producing dust, impacting air quality, and lowering visibility to 1,000 metres. Meteorologists blame the dusty conditions on a combination of extreme temperatures in northwest India over the last five days, dry land owing to a lack of rain, and strong winds that have lasted since midnight.

"In the early hours, the wind was blowing at 30-35 kmph. It will rain during the day, allowing the dust to settle,"&nbsp;according to Kuldeep Srivastava, head of the IMD's regional forecasting centre, who spoke to PTI.&nbsp;

"Dust concentration has gone up multiple times. The PM10 concentration rose from 140 micrograms per cubic metre at 4 am to 775 micrograms per cubic metre at 8 am. It is mainly because of strong gusty winds prevailing over the area. Dust will settle down soon," said V K Soni, the head of the IMD's Environment Monitoring and Research Centre, who spoke to PTI.&nbsp;

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Maximum temperatures in Delhi have risen beyond 40 degrees Celsius in the last four days, exacerbating the scorching weather. According to the IMD, a partly overcast sky and light showers in the evening may give limited relief. The high temperature is expected to reach 44 degrees Celsius by Sunday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-1200-children-die-every-year-due-to-air-pollution-in-europe-says-report-585648">More than 1,200 children die every year due to air pollution in Europe, says report</a>

<h2>Crucial conference on source apportionment study held in Delhi</h2>

The Delhi government said on Monday that a roundtable discussion was convened to review the findings of a real-time source apportionment research on air pollution and to devise a strategy to enhance air quality in the city and the National Capital Region.

On Monday, representatives from the Commission for Air Quality Management, Central Pollution Control Board, SAFAR, United Nations Environment Programme, India Meteorological Department, World Bank, Centre for Science and Environment, The Energy and Resources Institute, and NCR states attended the "Save Environment Roundtable Conference" at the Delhi Secretariat.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Air pollution can affect Covid-19 vaccine efficacy: Study

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“We shared the data collected during the source apportionment study over the past six months with the participants, sought their suggestions and prepared a strategy to further reduce air pollution in Delhi-NCR,” Rai said.

"The ultimate goal is to devise policies at local and regional levels to enhance the air quality in Delhi," he said.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/trending/10-countries-with-worst-air-quality-1682427749866">10 countries with worst air quality</a>

Real-time source apportionment (RTSA) studies assist in identifying variables responsible for an increase in air pollution at any location, such as cars, dust, biomass burning, and industrial emissions, so that appropriate preventative actions can be implemented.

Rai stated that orders have been issued to establish mobile air quality monitoring vans in 13 Delhi air pollution hotspots to determine the contribution of various pollution sources in real time.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that strong winds blasted over Delhi on Tuesday morning (May 16), producing dust, impacting air quality, and lowering visibility to 1,000 metres.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that strong winds blasted over Delhi on Tuesday morning (May 16), producing dust, impacting air quality, and lowering visibility to 1,000 metres. Meteorologists blame the dusty conditions on a combination of extreme temperatures in northwest India over the last five days, dry land owing to a lack of rain, and strong winds that have lasted since midnight. "In the early hours, the wind was blowing at 30-35 kmph. It will rain during the day, allowing the dust to settle," according to Kuldeep Srivastava, head of the IMD's regional forecasting centre, who spoke to PTI. "Dust concentration has gone up multiple times. The PM10 concentration rose from 140 micrograms per cubic metre at 4 am to 775 micrograms per cubic metre at 8 am. It is mainly because of strong gusty winds prevailing over the area. Dust will settle down soon," said V K Soni, the head of the IMD's Environment Monitoring and Research Centre, who spoke to PTI. VIDEO | Strong winds swept across Delhi on Tuesday morning, raising dust and affecting air quality as well as reducing visibility. pic.twitter.com/U9NIhbpmaV — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 16, 2023 × Maximum temperatures in Delhi have risen beyond 40 degrees Celsius in the last four days, exacerbating the scorching weather. According to the IMD, a partly overcast sky and light showers in the evening may give limited relief. The high temperature is expected to reach 44 degrees Celsius by Sunday. ALSO READ | More than 1,200 children die every year due to air pollution in Europe, says report Crucial conference on source apportionment study held in Delhi The Delhi government said on Monday that a roundtable discussion was convened to review the findings of a real-time source apportionment research on air pollution and to devise a strategy to enhance air quality in the city and the National Capital Region. On Monday, representatives from the Commission for Air Quality Management, Central Pollution Control Board, SAFAR, United Nations Environment Programme, India Meteorological Department, World Bank, Centre for Science and Environment, The Energy and Resources Institute, and NCR states attended the "Save Environment Roundtable Conference" at the Delhi Secretariat. ALSO WATCH | Air pollution can affect Covid-19 vaccine efficacy: Study “We shared the data collected during the source apportionment study over the past six months with the participants, sought their suggestions and prepared a strategy to further reduce air pollution in Delhi-NCR,” Rai said. "The ultimate goal is to devise policies at local and regional levels to enhance the air quality in Delhi," he said. ALSO READ | 10 countries with worst air quality Real-time source apportionment (RTSA) studies assist in identifying variables responsible for an increase in air pollution at any location, such as cars, dust, biomass burning, and industrial emissions, so that appropriate preventative actions can be implemented. Rai stated that orders have been issued to establish mobile air quality monitoring vans in 13 Delhi air pollution hotspots to determine the contribution of various pollution sources in real time. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Delhi air quality: Dust winds increase pollution levels, cut visibility

People exposed to higher levels of air pollution before the pandemic are likely to have lower antibody responses to Covid-19 vaccines, suggests a study. Watch this report to know more.

Pollution increasing Covid-19 cases in India?

A study says people exposed to higher levels of air pollution before the pandemic suffer lower antibody responses to Covid-19 vaccines. Hem Kaur Saroya brings you the report.

Air pollution can affect Covid-19 vaccine efficacy: Study

Despite its pledge to reduce emissions from fossil fuels, China as per Greenland has this year approved a major surge in coal power. The jump in approval of coal-powered power plants has sparked concerns that China, which happens to be the world's second-largest economy and also globally the biggest emitter of the greenhouse gases driving climate change, will backtrack on its climate goals.

China has pledged that it will reach peak emissions between 2026 and 2030 and that by 2060 it will become carbon-neutral.

However, as per Greenpeace, in the first three months of 2023, local governments in&nbsp;"energy-hungry" Chinese provinces have approved at least 20.45 gigawatts (GW) of coal-fired power.

This, according to AFP, is more than double the 8.63 GW which Greenpeace reported for the same time period last year&nbsp;and surpasses the 18.55 GW approved for the entirety of 2021.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-worlds-largest-polluter-approved-record-coal-power-plants-in-2022-report-566321">China, world's largest polluter, approved record coal power plants in 2022: Report</a>

Most of the newly approved coal projects, as per AFP, are in provinces that, during the last two years, have suffered "punishing power shortages" due to record heatwaves. Others are in the southwest part of the country where last year, a record drought significantly cut down the hydropower output.

In February, the Global Energy Monitor (GEM) released a study according to&nbsp;which last year China approved the largest expansion of coal-fired power plants since 2015.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-burnt-more-coal-when-it-needed-to-cut-emissions-report-579855">World burnt more coal when it needed to cut emissions: Report</a>

As per Greenpeace campaigner Xie Wenwen, China's push for more coal plants "risks climate disasters... and locking us into a high-carbon pathway."

"The 2022 coal boom has clearly continued into this year."

Last year, China reportedly relied on coal for nearly 60 per cent of its electricity needs.

Watch |&nbsp;China approves biggest expansion in new coal power plants

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Greenpeace experts cautioned that investing in additional fossil-fuel plants to cope with the surge in air conditioning would generate a vicious cycle: higher greenhouse gas emissions from the coal plants would accelerate global warming, leading to more frequent extreme weather events like the heat waves China experienced in the past couple of years.

Beijing is also the world's largest and fastest-growing producer of renewable energy. Xie says that the nation's power sector can still peak emissions by 2025, but that emissions released today will continue to linger in the atmosphere for decades.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Despite its pledge to reduce emissions from fossil fuels, China as per Greenland has this year approved a major surge in coal power. The jump in approval of coal-powered power plants has sparked concerns that China, which happens to be the world's second-largest economy and also globally the biggest emitter of the greenhouse gases driving climate change, will backtrack on its climate goals.

Despite its pledge to reduce emissions from fossil fuels, China as per Greenland has this year approved a major surge in coal power. The jump in approval of coal-powered power plants has sparked concerns that China, which happens to be the world's second-largest economy and also globally the biggest emitter of the greenhouse gases driving climate change, will backtrack on its climate goals. China has pledged that it will reach peak emissions between 2026 and 2030 and that by 2060 it will become carbon-neutral. However, as per Greenpeace, in the first three months of 2023, local governments in "energy-hungry" Chinese provinces have approved at least 20.45 gigawatts (GW) of coal-fired power. This, according to AFP, is more than double the 8.63 GW which Greenpeace reported for the same time period last year and surpasses the 18.55 GW approved for the entirety of 2021. Also read | China, world's largest polluter, approved record coal power plants in 2022: Report Most of the newly approved coal projects, as per AFP, are in provinces that, during the last two years, have suffered "punishing power shortages" due to record heatwaves. Others are in the southwest part of the country where last year, a record drought significantly cut down the hydropower output. In February, the Global Energy Monitor (GEM) released a study according to which last year China approved the largest expansion of coal-fired power plants since 2015. Also read | World burnt more coal when it needed to cut emissions: Report As per Greenpeace campaigner Xie Wenwen, China's push for more coal plants "risks climate disasters... and locking us into a high-carbon pathway." "The 2022 coal boom has clearly continued into this year." Last year, China reportedly relied on coal for nearly 60 per cent of its electricity needs. Watch | China approves biggest expansion in new coal power plants Greenpeace experts cautioned that investing in additional fossil-fuel plants to cope with the surge in air conditioning would generate a vicious cycle: higher greenhouse gas emissions from the coal plants would accelerate global warming, leading to more frequent extreme weather events like the heat waves China experienced in the past couple of years. Beijing is also the world's largest and fastest-growing producer of renewable energy. Xie says that the nation's power sector can still peak emissions by 2025, but that emissions released today will continue to linger in the atmosphere for decades. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Three months into 2023, China approves record coal burning plants despite pledge to reduce emissions

At least 1,200 children in Europe die every year due to toxic air. That's what European environment agency has revealed in a study. The agency has also warned that due to air pollution, children are at an increased risk of contracting a chronic disease later in life.

1200 European children die every year due to air pollution

Thailand is facing unprecedented levels of heat. This comes amid the country battling a drastic increase in respiratory problems triggered by a spike in air pollution. Since the beginning of 2023, 2.4 million people needed treatment for medical problems due to air pollution, as per health officials. This includes nearly 200,000 in the last week alone.

2.4 million people admitted over respiratory problems in 2023

Thailand is going through an environmental crisis, it has been gripped by double-trouble of rising pollution and and extreme heat. While, the rising pollution has led to increasing hospitalisation. Rising temperatures are most likely to bring a drought in the Southeast Asian nation. Residents are also dealing with respiratory problems.

Thailand: Air pollution leading to increased hospitalisations & no relief from blistering sun either

In pics | China: Sandstorm hit Beijing witnesses dangerous pollution

High pollution levels in Thailand's northern city of Chiang Mai and Vietnam's capital Hanoi are alarming locals and pushing local bodies to implement stricter rules. Eric Njoka brings you the report.

Severe air pollution clouds Vietnam, Thailand

Air pollution is a growing concern in urban areas worldwide with dire consequences for human health and the environment. Belgrade the capital of Serbia, is no exception for being the fourth most polluted city in the country. Hence in an effort to combat this problem, scientists have developed an innovative solution called the "Liquid tree," an urban photo-bio-reactor that will help harness the power of micro-algae to improve air quality.

'Liquid Tree' to combat air pollution

Rising air pollution in Thailand is causing pressure on health services. Nearly (200,000) people were hospitalised in the past week. The capital Bangkok is worst hit with air quality worsening.

Thailand tourism future darkened by air pollution

After a few months of post-covid bustle sidewalks have emptied again in Beijing. China's capital city of Beijing has been hit by dense sandstorms that severely affected visibility shrouding buildings and roads in a thick blanket of dust.

Air pollution spikes in Beijing

A new study has revealed that air pollution is creating a hindrance in the mating of fruit flies because females are unable to recognise the males' scent.

Female fruit flies use the scent of pheromones which is emitted by males to select them for mating, however, ozone pollution has disrupted the ability of males to emit their characteristic odour, researchers stated.

The study reflects how contaminated air is becoming a hindrance in the reproduction of fruit flies and other insects, and may lead to a decline in population.

“Everyone knows that we are facing insect decline, and so far the reason was pesticide use and habitat loss. But we think that we should also consider oxygen pollutants,” said Markus Knaden, who is an evolutionary neuroethology researcher at the Max Planck Institute as well as the study's lead author, which was published in the journal Nature Communications.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/two-fathers-and-a-mice-scientists-make-eggs-from-male-cells-to-do-the-unthinkable-570255">Mice with two biological dads: Scientists do the unthinkable</a>

This study is based on how the smell of the flower is perceived differently by the insects when they are exposed to elevated levels of ozone.

The team of Knaden tested Drosophila fruit flies' nine different species by exposing half the males from every species to clean air and the other half to an atmosphere in which ozone levels are at 100 parts per billion.

The scientists discovered that the males kept in the atmosphere with higher ozone levels began emitting lesser pheromones and faced trouble in attracting female partners.

“When we expose male flies to ozone, then suddenly it took them much longer to convince the female to mate,” Knaden said.

“What’s more, emitting pheromones also helps males fend off other males from trying to reproduce with them. But being exposed to ozone led to males smelling less like males, and a rise in the number of attempts to mate between males,” he added.

WATCH | Gravitas: Scientists claim superconductor breakthrough

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“In the lab, it doesn’t matter whether the male has to wait one or two minutes longer to mate, or whether the male accidentally courts another male. But in the field, there is a lot of selection pressure and the flies have to be efficient, so they have to give everything to find the female as soon as possible, copulate and fertilise her eggs before they’re killed by a predator,” the researcher further stated.

Knaden said that nature will be hugely affected by this as ozone is just one among the different pollutants present in the environment which can do this.

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A new study has revealed that air pollution is creating a hindrance in the mating of fruit flies because females are unable to recognise the males' scent. Female fruit flies use the scent of pheromones which is emitted by males to select them for mating, however, ozone pollution has disrupted the ability of males to emit their characteristic odour, researchers stated.

A new study has revealed that air pollution is creating a hindrance in the mating of fruit flies because females are unable to recognise the males' scent. Female fruit flies use the scent of pheromones which is emitted by males to select them for mating, however, ozone pollution has disrupted the ability of males to emit their characteristic odour, researchers stated. The study reflects how contaminated air is becoming a hindrance in the reproduction of fruit flies and other insects, and may lead to a decline in population. “Everyone knows that we are facing insect decline, and so far the reason was pesticide use and habitat loss. But we think that we should also consider oxygen pollutants,” said Markus Knaden, who is an evolutionary neuroethology researcher at the Max Planck Institute as well as the study's lead author, which was published in the journal Nature Communications. ALSO READ | Mice with two biological dads: Scientists do the unthinkable This study is based on how the smell of the flower is perceived differently by the insects when they are exposed to elevated levels of ozone. The team of Knaden tested Drosophila fruit flies' nine different species by exposing half the males from every species to clean air and the other half to an atmosphere in which ozone levels are at 100 parts per billion. The scientists discovered that the males kept in the atmosphere with higher ozone levels began emitting lesser pheromones and faced trouble in attracting female partners. “When we expose male flies to ozone, then suddenly it took them much longer to convince the female to mate,” Knaden said. “What’s more, emitting pheromones also helps males fend off other males from trying to reproduce with them. But being exposed to ozone led to males smelling less like males, and a rise in the number of attempts to mate between males,” he added. WATCH | Gravitas: Scientists claim superconductor breakthrough “In the lab, it doesn’t matter whether the male has to wait one or two minutes longer to mate, or whether the male accidentally courts another male. But in the field, there is a lot of selection pressure and the flies have to be efficient, so they have to give everything to find the female as soon as possible, copulate and fertilise her eggs before they’re killed by a predator,” the researcher further stated. Knaden said that nature will be hugely affected by this as ozone is just one among the different pollutants present in the environment which can do this. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Air pollution is causing decline in mating of fruit flies, study reveals

More than half the world's top 100 most polluted cities are in India; check if your city made the list

A new study has claimed that air pollution can accelerate bone weakness (osteoporosis) among postmenopausal women.

The effects were most evident on the lumbar spine, with nitrous oxides causing twice as damage to the area than seen with normal ageing, the scientists claimed.

The study was done by scientists from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. And the findings have been published in the peer-reviewed journal eClinicalMedicine, part of The Lancet Discovery Science suite of open-access journals.

This conclusion was drawn after researchers examined the bone scan of more than 9,000 women living in four different parts of the US.

Each woman had done a bone scan thrice over a six-year period and then it was compared with the air they breathed. It was found that on average, air pollution accounted for a doubling of the speed of bone loss.

The new research builds on previous work by the same group that looked at hospitalisation for fractures among more than 9 million people in the eastern US.

This time, the team found that particle pollution was directly linked with people being taken to the hospital for fractures.

"Our findings confirm that poor air quality may be a risk factor for bone loss, independent of socioeconomic or demographic factors. For the first time, we have evidence that nitrogen oxides, in particular, are a major contributor to bone damage and that the lumbar spine is one of the most susceptible sites of this damage," said study first author Diddier Prada, MD, PhD, associate research scientist in the Department of Environmental Health Sciences at Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, according to ScienceDaily.

"Improvements in air pollution exposure, particularly nitrogen oxides, will reduce bone damage in postmenopausal women, prevent bone fractures, and reduce the health cost burden associated with osteoporosis among postmenopausal women. Further efforts should focus on detecting those at higher risk of air pollution-related bone damage," says lead author Andrea Baccarelli, MD, PhD, chair of the Department of Environmental Health Sciences at Columbia Mailman School of Public Health.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A new study has claimed that air pollution can accelerate bone weakness (osteoporosis) among postmenopausal women. The effects were most evident on the lumbar spine, with nitrous oxides causing twice as damage to the area than seen with normal ageing, the scientists claimed.

A new study has claimed that air pollution can accelerate bone weakness (osteoporosis) among postmenopausal women. The effects were most evident on the lumbar spine, with nitrous oxides causing twice as damage to the area than seen with normal ageing, the scientists claimed. The study was done by scientists from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. And the findings have been published in the peer-reviewed journal eClinicalMedicine, part of The Lancet Discovery Science suite of open-access journals. This conclusion was drawn after researchers examined the bone scan of more than 9,000 women living in four different parts of the US. Each woman had done a bone scan thrice over a six-year period and then it was compared with the air they breathed. It was found that on average, air pollution accounted for a doubling of the speed of bone loss. The new research builds on previous work by the same group that looked at hospitalisation for fractures among more than 9 million people in the eastern US. This time, the team found that particle pollution was directly linked with people being taken to the hospital for fractures. "Our findings confirm that poor air quality may be a risk factor for bone loss, independent of socioeconomic or demographic factors. For the first time, we have evidence that nitrogen oxides, in particular, are a major contributor to bone damage and that the lumbar spine is one of the most susceptible sites of this damage," said study first author Diddier Prada, MD, PhD, associate research scientist in the Department of Environmental Health Sciences at Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, according to ScienceDaily. "Improvements in air pollution exposure, particularly nitrogen oxides, will reduce bone damage in postmenopausal women, prevent bone fractures, and reduce the health cost burden associated with osteoporosis among postmenopausal women. Further efforts should focus on detecting those at higher risk of air pollution-related bone damage," says lead author Andrea Baccarelli, MD, PhD, chair of the Department of Environmental Health Sciences at Columbia Mailman School of Public Health. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Air pollution speeds up bone loss in postmenopausal women, says study

New research suggests that lung function development can improve in children if air pollution is reduced. The reduction in pollution will&nbsp;also bring down the number of young people who suffer from pulmonary impairments.

In recent years, the impact of air pollution on health has remained a topic of concern&nbsp;with the research reflecting that every organ of the body can be affected by pollution. A new study shows that&nbsp;developing organs and nervous systems of children become more susceptible to long-term damage because of air pollution.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/air-pollution-is-dangerous-very-dangerous-for-your-brain-can-impair-functional-connectivity-study-556180">Air pollution is very dangerous for your brain, can impair functional connectivity: Study</a>

The issue came into the spotlight in 2020 after the death of nine-year-old Ella Kissi-Debrah in the UK who became the first person on whose death certificate air pollution was listed as the reason for death.&nbsp;

Ella’s mother, Rosamund Kissi-Debrah has now become a leading campaigner for clean air&nbsp;and is advocating for legislation which can make&nbsp;access to clean air a human right.&nbsp;

Previously, researchers had found that even low levels of air pollution can have a bad effect on lung function development in children between the age of six to 15. However, the new study stated that there can be improvements if the air is cleaned.&nbsp;

Prof Erik Melen, Karolinska Institute's paediatrician and professor at the department of clinical research and education, who co-authored the new study, said, “That’s a strong message to policymakers and city planners that actions to decrease air pollution level and exposure will pay off in the long term, definitely, for children and across the life course."&nbsp;

WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: Air pollution leading to increasing suicide rates

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“With better air quality, we reduce the risk of children (having)…clinically impaired lung function. That’s indeed important because those patients end up in my clinic. In the long run, any incremental improvement in lung function will have a positive effect on the risk of acquiring chronic diseases in adulthood, or even life expectancy," Melen added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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New research suggests that lung function development can improve in children if air pollution is reduced. The reduction in pollution will also bring down the number of young people who suffer from pulmonary impairments.

New research suggests that lung function development can improve in children if air pollution is reduced. The reduction in pollution will also bring down the number of young people who suffer from pulmonary impairments. In recent years, the impact of air pollution on health has remained a topic of concern with the research reflecting that every organ of the body can be affected by pollution. A new study shows that developing organs and nervous systems of children become more susceptible to long-term damage because of air pollution. ALSO READ | Air pollution is very dangerous for your brain, can impair functional connectivity: Study The issue came into the spotlight in 2020 after the death of nine-year-old Ella Kissi-Debrah in the UK who became the first person on whose death certificate air pollution was listed as the reason for death. Ella’s mother, Rosamund Kissi-Debrah has now become a leading campaigner for clean air and is advocating for legislation which can make access to clean air a human right. Previously, researchers had found that even low levels of air pollution can have a bad effect on lung function development in children between the age of six to 15. However, the new study stated that there can be improvements if the air is cleaned. Prof Erik Melen, Karolinska Institute's paediatrician and professor at the department of clinical research and education, who co-authored the new study, said, “That’s a strong message to policymakers and city planners that actions to decrease air pollution level and exposure will pay off in the long term, definitely, for children and across the life course." WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: Air pollution leading to increasing suicide rates “With better air quality, we reduce the risk of children (having)…clinically impaired lung function. That’s indeed important because those patients end up in my clinic. In the long run, any incremental improvement in lung function will have a positive effect on the risk of acquiring chronic diseases in adulthood, or even life expectancy," Melen added. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Air pollution obstructs lung development in children, reveals new research

Those exposed to wildfire smoke for at least one day have a higher chance of giving birth prematurely, according to a study of more than 2.5 million women who are pregnant in California.&nbsp;The results, which are still undergoing peer review, were presented on Saturday at the annual conference of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and would be published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

To assess the daily amounts of wildfire smoke in the participants' ZIP codes during their pregnancies, the researchers first collected data from hospital records of pregnant women from 2007 to 2012.

The results suggested that just one day of exposure to smoke moderately raised the risk of spontaneous preterm birth — medically defined as before the 37th week of pregnancy.&nbsp;

"Most pregnant persons are having well over one day of exposure, and the chronicity of this exposure, which continues to increase, is really the worrisome relationship with wildfire smoke," said Dr Anne Waldrop, the study’s lead author&nbsp;and a maternal-fetal medicine fellow at Stanford University told NBC news.&nbsp;

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-finds-alarming-levels-of-forever-chemicals-in-norwegian-arctic-ice-may-affect-wildlife-561030">&nbsp;Study finds alarming levels of ‘forever chemicals’ in Norwegian Arctic ice, may affect wildlife</a>

During their first or second trimesters, or the four weeks preceding conception, 86 per cent&nbsp;of the pregnant women tested in California, according to Waldrop's research, had been exposed to fine particulate matter from wildfire smoke. Over the course of that period, the research subjects were exposed to smoke on average for more than seven days.

Also watch |&nbsp;Russia's Progress MS-21 cargo ship faces depressurisation

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Only preterm births occurring within the first 20 weeks of pregnancy were linked to exposure; preconception exposure was not.

Another study discovered that air pollution likely caused roughly six million preterm births globally in 2019. According to Rakesh Ghosh, an epidemiologist at the University of California, San Francisco, and the author of that paper, who spoke to NBC news, inhaling smoke from wildfires during the first trimester may cause the amniotic sac to rupture early as a result of inflammation.

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Those exposed to wildfire smoke for at least one day have a higher chance of giving birth prematurely, according to a study of more than 2.5 million women who are pregnant in California.

Those exposed to wildfire smoke for at least one day have a higher chance of giving birth prematurely, according to a study of more than 2.5 million women who are pregnant in California. The results, which are still undergoing peer review, were presented on Saturday at the annual conference of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and would be published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. To assess the daily amounts of wildfire smoke in the participants' ZIP codes during their pregnancies, the researchers first collected data from hospital records of pregnant women from 2007 to 2012. The results suggested that just one day of exposure to smoke moderately raised the risk of spontaneous preterm birth — medically defined as before the 37th week of pregnancy. "Most pregnant persons are having well over one day of exposure, and the chronicity of this exposure, which continues to increase, is really the worrisome relationship with wildfire smoke," said Dr Anne Waldrop, the study’s lead author and a maternal-fetal medicine fellow at Stanford University told NBC news. Also read | Study finds alarming levels of ‘forever chemicals’ in Norwegian Arctic ice, may affect wildlife During their first or second trimesters, or the four weeks preceding conception, 86 per cent of the pregnant women tested in California, according to Waldrop's research, had been exposed to fine particulate matter from wildfire smoke. Over the course of that period, the research subjects were exposed to smoke on average for more than seven days. Also watch | Russia's Progress MS-21 cargo ship faces depressurisation Only preterm births occurring within the first 20 weeks of pregnancy were linked to exposure; preconception exposure was not. Another study discovered that air pollution likely caused roughly six million preterm births globally in 2019. According to Rakesh Ghosh, an epidemiologist at the University of California, San Francisco, and the author of that paper, who spoke to NBC news, inhaling smoke from wildfires during the first trimester may cause the amniotic sac to rupture early as a result of inflammation. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Wildfire smoke exposure in pregnancy may increase risk of preterm birth: Study

Air pollution has long been associated with lung diseases and breathing problems and with growing levels of pollution in air and the airborne diseases have become a recurring feature in daily life.

WION Climate Tracker: Exposure to air pollution causes depression, anxiety; linked to mental health

Thailand has been reeling under extreme air pollution leading the government to urge residents to stay safe and indoors. Thai's capital Bangkok has become the sixth most polluted city in the world.

Hazy sky clouds Bangkok as Thai capital chokes on air pollution

Bangkok is grappling with significantly high air pollution. The particulate matter has skyrocketed in the air, doubling the number of patients with pollution-related health problems within a week. Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Bangkok urges residents to work from home

Air pollution in London was the worst air pollution in six years. The level of air pollution increased amid a rise in home fires burning. More particle pollution is produced by wood fires as compared to traffic exhausts in the United Kingdom.

Local media reports have mentioned London has been grappling with issues of air pollution, with the city's mayor even issuing a high air pollution alert across the capital a couple of days before.&nbsp;

In the previous week, the quality of air in London deteriorated and the capital city experienced moderate air pollution with the continuing cold. Foggy conditions made the air quality worsened in poor dispersion of vehicle emissions.&nbsp;

The Guardian reported that concentrations of air pollution were measured in the southwestern suburbs. As per the report, it was London's worst air pollution since January 2017.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/expert-tells-wion-delhi-air-pollution-is-a-disaster-a-major-and-avoidable-cause-of-death-531958">Delhi air pollution is a 'disaster', a major and avoidable 'cause of death', expert tells WION</a>&nbsp;

WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: Amazon heat drives Tibet temperatures&nbsp;

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Referring to a five-year study of 1.2 million Londoners published in 2021, the media outlet stated that the report found a rise in GP respiratory consultations and inhaler prescriptions after short increases in air pollution.&nbsp;

According to data published by Imperial College London, the burning of home wood played a massive role in the pollution peaks last weekend. Between 60 per cent and 70 per cent of soot particles were released from wood or solid fuel heating, an analysis of air that the residents breathing showed.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/air-pollution-should-you-even-consider-buying-air-purifiers-senior-indian-doctor-explains-risks-532087">Delhi air pollution: Should you even consider buying air purifiers? Senior Indian doctor explains risks</a>&nbsp;

Dr James Heydon, who is from the University of Nottingham, has been researching why the legal framework to address the issue related to home fires has failed so far.&nbsp;

For the research, Heyden included freedom of information requests to local councils and also interviewed council staff. As quoted by the report, Heydon said: "There are myriad of practical difficulties, including responding to complaints out of hours, being able to see 'smoke' at night, and gathering enough evidence to determine its origin from an 'uncertified' source. These problems are compounded by recent efforts at making enforcement easier."&nbsp;

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Air pollution in London was the worst air pollution in six years. The level of air pollution increased amid a rise in home fires burning. More particle pollution is produced by wood fires as compared to traffic exhausts in the United Kingdom.

Air pollution in London was the worst air pollution in six years. The level of air pollution increased amid a rise in home fires burning. More particle pollution is produced by wood fires as compared to traffic exhausts in the United Kingdom. Local media reports have mentioned London has been grappling with issues of air pollution, with the city's mayor even issuing a high air pollution alert across the capital a couple of days before. In the previous week, the quality of air in London deteriorated and the capital city experienced moderate air pollution with the continuing cold. Foggy conditions made the air quality worsened in poor dispersion of vehicle emissions. The Guardian reported that concentrations of air pollution were measured in the southwestern suburbs. As per the report, it was London's worst air pollution since January 2017. ALSO READ | Delhi air pollution is a 'disaster', a major and avoidable 'cause of death', expert tells WION WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: Amazon heat drives Tibet temperatures × Referring to a five-year study of 1.2 million Londoners published in 2021, the media outlet stated that the report found a rise in GP respiratory consultations and inhaler prescriptions after short increases in air pollution. According to data published by Imperial College London, the burning of home wood played a massive role in the pollution peaks last weekend. Between 60 per cent and 70 per cent of soot particles were released from wood or solid fuel heating, an analysis of air that the residents breathing showed. ALSO READ | Delhi air pollution: Should you even consider buying air purifiers? Senior Indian doctor explains risks Dr James Heydon, who is from the University of Nottingham, has been researching why the legal framework to address the issue related to home fires has failed so far. For the research, Heyden included freedom of information requests to local councils and also interviewed council staff. As quoted by the report, Heydon said: "There are myriad of practical difficulties, including responding to complaints out of hours, being able to see 'smoke' at night, and gathering enough evidence to determine its origin from an 'uncertified' source. These problems are compounded by recent efforts at making enforcement easier." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

United Kingdom: Air pollution in London worst in six years

The worst air pollution in six years London is grappling with an air emergency. Last weekend, London air pollution hit the top value of 10 on the UK government's index.

WION Climate Tracker: London grapples with air emergency

The toxic air poses multiple severe health complications to those who are breathing it, including children, adults, the elderly, and also animals. Here's what Dr Arvind Kumar said about the disastrous impact of air pollution on our health. Dr Kumar is the chairman of the institute of chest surgery- chest Onco Surgery and lung transplantation at Medanta hospital in Gurugram, India.

Air pollution causes serious health issues, but not enough being done to mitigate it

Thai authorities urged Bangkok residents to work from home and wear respirator masks outdoors as air pollution level worsens. Watch this report to know more.

WION Climate Tracker: Bangkok residents advised to stay indoor as air quality dips

Air pollution can impair normal brain functions in only a matter of hours, a new study conducted by researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and the University of Victoria has revealed. The research paper disclosed that just two hours of exposure to diesel exhaust was enough for our brain to experience disruptions in functional connectivity. Simply put, the ability of different parts of our brain to interact and communicate with each other gets severely affected due to air pollution, the researchers claim.

The research and experiment were carried out at UBC’s Air Pollution Exposure Laboratory, located at Vancouver General Hospital. A total of 25 adults were exposed to diesel exhaust and filtered air at different times and their brain functions were closely monitored. The brain activity was recorded using functional magnetic resonance imaging or MRI.

Watch:&nbsp;Air pollution leading to increasing suicide rates

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Senior author of the study, Dr Chris Carlsten, professor and head of respiratory medicine at UBC, said, “This study, which is the first of its kind in the world, provides fresh evidence supporting a connection between air pollution and cognition.” The study, however, added that the impact of air pollution on the brain was temporary and brain functions returned to normal soon after the exposure. Dr Carlsten warned that the impact could last longer if the exposure is continuous and&nbsp;longer.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/expert-tells-wion-delhi-air-pollution-is-a-disaster-a-major-and-avoidable-cause-of-death-531958">Delhi air pollution is a 'disaster', a major and avoidable 'cause of death', expert tells WION</a> 
 
The doctor said, “People may want to think twice the next time they’re stuck in traffic with the windows rolled down,” adding, “It’s important to ensure that your car’s air filter is in good working order, and if you’re walking or biking down a busy street, consider diverting to a less busy route.”

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Air pollution can impair normal brain functions in only a matter of hours, a new study conducted by researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and the University of Victoria has revealed.

Air pollution can impair normal brain functions in only a matter of hours, a new study conducted by researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and the University of Victoria has revealed. The research paper disclosed that just two hours of exposure to diesel exhaust was enough for our brain to experience disruptions in functional connectivity. Simply put, the ability of different parts of our brain to interact and communicate with each other gets severely affected due to air pollution, the researchers claim. The research and experiment were carried out at UBC’s Air Pollution Exposure Laboratory, located at Vancouver General Hospital. A total of 25 adults were exposed to diesel exhaust and filtered air at different times and their brain functions were closely monitored. The brain activity was recorded using functional magnetic resonance imaging or MRI. Watch: Air pollution leading to increasing suicide rates × Senior author of the study, Dr Chris Carlsten, professor and head of respiratory medicine at UBC, said, “This study, which is the first of its kind in the world, provides fresh evidence supporting a connection between air pollution and cognition.” The study, however, added that the impact of air pollution on the brain was temporary and brain functions returned to normal soon after the exposure. Dr Carlsten warned that the impact could last longer if the exposure is continuous and longer. Also Read | Delhi air pollution is a 'disaster', a major and avoidable 'cause of death', expert tells WION The doctor said, “People may want to think twice the next time they’re stuck in traffic with the windows rolled down,” adding, “It’s important to ensure that your car’s air filter is in good working order, and if you’re walking or biking down a busy street, consider diverting to a less busy route.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Air pollution is very dangerous for your brain, can impair functional connectivity: Study

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