The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has set an ambitious target of planting 45 million trees in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas during the 2024-25 financial year. This comes amid rising temperatures and air pollution levels in the region. The CAQM aims to mitigate dust pollution, a major contributor to poor air quality, through extensive greening initiatives.
A new study reveals that air pollution significantly increases the risk of heart diseases and death in cancer patients, highlighting health disparities faced by this vulnerable group. The research, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, analyzed the impact of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on cardiovascular health in cancer patients, finding it weakens the body’s defenses against inflammation and detoxification, crucial factors for both cancer and heart disease. This emphasizes the need for tailored strategies to mitigate air pollution exposure and protect cancer patients from cardiovascular risks.
A study by Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University has found that air pollution caused by man-made emissions and wildfires was responsible for 135 million premature deaths worldwide between 1980 and 2020. The tiny particles, known as particulate matter 2.5 (PM 2.5), enter the bloodstream and can lead to diseases such as stroke, heart and lung disease, and cancer. The study also found that weather patterns intensified the concentration of these pollutants, increasing the number of premature deaths by 14%. Asia had the highest number of premature deaths from PM 2.5 pollution, with over 98 million people affected in countries like China, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
A former Google engineer of Indian descent, Deedy Das, has ignited a social media debate by questioning why Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) praise India but choose not to live there. Das’s series of posts on X (formerly Twitter) sparked a discussion about the reasons behind NRIs’ decision to reside abroad.
The ongoing heatwave in the country can exacerbate asthma symptoms, leading to increased airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and air pollution exposure. Asthma patients should take precautions to minimize trigger exposure and manage their symptoms. Proactive measures include staying indoors during peak heat hours, using air conditioning, staying hydrated, following prescribed medication plans, and monitoring symptoms closely.
A severe dust storm originating from the Sahara desert has blanketed Athens and various other Greek cities, marking one of the worst such incidents since 2018. The yellow-orange haze has significantly reduced visibility and prompted health warnings due to potential respiratory issues. Authorities anticipate the skies to clear on Wednesday as winds change direction and move the dust away, bringing a drop in temperatures.
According to the American Lung Association’s ‘State of the Air’ report, over 131 million Americans face unhealthy air pollution levels. Approximately 40% of the population resides in regions with significant air quality concerns. Climate change contributes to increased short-term pollution exposure, impacting a growing number of individuals.
According to the American Lung Association’s ‘State of the Air’ report for 2023, approximately 40% of Americans, or 131 million people, are exposed to unhealthy levels of air pollution. The report highlights the pressing need for collective action to reduce this exposure, as air pollution poses significant health risks, including exacerbated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, allergies, heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer.
A sandstorm from the Sahara Desert has swept across Athens, Greece, engulfing the Acropolis and other ancient landmarks in red dust. The high concentration of dust particles has reduced visibility, sunlight, and air quality. Experts say this is one of the most severe dust events since 2018, with up to 200 million tonnes of mineral dust produced by the Sahara annually. The storm also triggered 25 wildfires across Greece, but no injuries were reported. Similar dust plumes have affected the Canary Islands and the United Kingdom in recent months, potentially impacting health and causing stunning sunsets.
Clouds of dust from the Sahara Desert have blanketed Athens and other Greek cities, turning the sky an eerie orange. The dust, carried by strong northwesterly winds, has triggered health warnings due to the presence of fine dust particles. The event is expected to subside on Wednesday as winds shift eastward.
