Category Archives: World News

California air pollution due to wildfires exceeded world health standards by 60 times

The level of air pollution in California exceeded world “safe” levels by about 60 times last week after a series of deadly wildfires. Particulates in the air in some areas of the state reached levels as high as 1,500 micrograms … Continue reading

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12 stations flash red pollution alerts in central, southern Taiwan

AirVisual earth map of AQI levels in China and Taiwan Due to poor diffusion conditions and an accumulation of pollutants, the air quality in central and southern Taiwan is still poor with harmful levels of pollution reported in 30 air … Continue reading

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Pollutionwatch: fireworks increase UK air pollution for several days

Guy Fawkes events caused five days of particle pollution problems, reaching maximum levels in several locations This year, Guy Fawkes events caused five days of particle pollution problems. Fireworks caused increased air pollution on Friday and Saturday evening across the … Continue reading

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Air pollution skyrockets to hazardous levels in India

Toxic clouds descended upon New Delhi on Thursday, forcing residents indoors and posing significant health concerns. The lethal smog came just hours after celebrations to mark Diwali, the Hindu “festival of the lights.” Commemorating the triumph of good over evil, … Continue reading

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World’s Worst Air Pollution Spikes as Indians Go Firecracker Crazy

Air pollution levels skyrocketed in New Delhi and left India’s capital shrouded in toxic smog as millions of Indians set off firecrackers on Wednesday evening for Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. The air quality index, or AQI, hit 980 … Continue reading

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The when, where and what of air pollutant exposure

Scientists have linked air pollution with many health conditions including asthma, heart disease, lung cancer and premature death. Among air pollutants, fine particulate matter is especially harmful because the tiny particles (diameter of 2.5 ?m or less) can penetrate deep … Continue reading

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Air pollution linked to autism

The study of children in Shanghai, from birth to three years, found that exposure to fine particles (PM2.5) from vehicle exhausts, industrial emissions and other sources of outdoor pollution increased the risk of developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by up … Continue reading

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Childhood obesity linked to air pollution from vehicles

Research suggests first year ‘critical window’ in which toxic air can increase weight gain Early exposure to air pollution from vehicles increases the risk of children becoming obese, new research has found. High levels of nitrogen dioxide, which is emitted … Continue reading

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