Morning After Diwali, Kolkata Air Quality Falls To Near-Delhi Levels

Pollution levels in Kolkata nearly matched that of Delhi today, with its air quality index (AQI) slipping into the "very poor" category.

Official sources said the city's PM2.5 count stood at 356 around eight on the morning after Diwali, just 10 points behind that of Delhi's 365.

Kolkata's pollution had crossed that of the national capital on October 23 -- notching an unhealthy 245 to the latter's 240.

Diwali In Delhi More Polluted This Year Than In 2017

This year's Diwali was more polluted than last year's due to heavy fireworks and unfavourable weather conditions like low temperature and wind speed, triggering a spike in particle pollutants.

Particulate concentrations were slightly higher this Diwali as compared to last Diwali (2017) as per CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) report.

Compared with the average Particulate Matter during November 1 to 7 in 2017 with the same period this year, the city average particulate concentration for Delhi is lower in 2018.

The CO levels at Dilshad Garden were 983 units in 2016, 1,423 in 2017 and 1,441 in 2018. At Shadipur, the NO2 levels were 58 units in 2017 against 94 in 2018.

Rising pollution could hit monsoon rains: UN report, Source ET

Rising pollution could hit monsoon rains: UN report, Source ET

• Rising air pollution in India is likely to impact rainfall patterns in the country and decrease monsoon in long term, which can cause extensive financial losses.
• However, some parts can also witness high precipitation depending on the topography.
• Pollution will also impact the duration and distribution of rainfall.
• The presence of particulate matter 2.5 (PM 2.5), a deadly tiny pollutant, can affect precipitation pattern.
• Indoor air pollution contributes to  22-52% to the country’s ambient air pollution.
• India needs to ensure provision of clean household energy. 
• Burning of fossil fuels in households is a big health threat, especially for women and children.
• Growing air pollution affects the country’s health care causing heart attack, cancer and other respiratory diseases.
  

Air pollution is the ‘new tobacco’, warns WHO head

Air pollution is the “new tobacco”, the head of the WHO has warned, saying the simple act of breathing is killing 7 million people a year and harming billions more.

Over 90% of the world’s population suffers toxic air and research is increasingly revealing the profound impacts on the health of people, especially children.

A clean and healthy environment is the single most important precondition for ensuring good health. By cleaning up the air we breathe, we can prevent or at least reduce some of the greatest health risks.