Latest news with #PM2.5
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Wildfire smoke is linked to thousands of premature deaths every year – here's why and how to protect yourself
When wildfires rage, the immediate threat is obvious – but smoke from the fires actually kills far more people than the flames. As fires become more frequent, that smoke is leading to a public health crisis. In a study published in the journal Science Advances, we found that wildfire smoke likely contributed to more than 52,000 premature deaths across California alone from 2008 to 2018, with an economic impact from the deaths of more than US$430 billion. Previous studies have examined the short-term health risks from wildfire smoke, but few have assessed how exposure to wildfire smoke over years adds up to shorten human lives. Wildfire risk and severity have grown as the climate has changed and as more people have moved into the edges of wildland areas, increasing the risk that they will start fires. Years of putting out all wildfires have also kept small fires from clearing out the undergrowth, meaning the fires that do escape have more fuel to burn. As fires are becoming a regular occurrence in all of our lives, it's important for communities to understand that the health risk from smoke pollution is rising, too. Decades of air pollution research have shown how exposure to fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, can harm a person's long-term health. PM2.5 is a mixture of small particles, each only a fraction of the width of a human hair. It comes from a variety of sources, such as vehicle tailpipes and factory emissions, as well as from other sources, including fires. The particles are so tiny, they can travel deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Inhaling PM2.5 can cause short-term respiratory health problems in vulnerable populations, such as people with asthma and older adults. It also leads to long-term harm by contributing to the formation of chronic diseases, including atherosclerosis, asthma, decreases in lung function and diabetes. One reason this happens is the body's inflammatory response to inhaling air pollutants. Wildfire smoke contains a stew of chemicals. A growing body of research indicates that wildfire PM2.5 may have unique physical and chemical components that increase toxicity. For example, a study from the University of California, Davis, showed that wildfire smoke caused more inflammation in the lungs of rats than PM2.5 from other sources such as cars and industry. This makes the pollutant potentially more harmful to human respiratory health compared with the typical PM2.5 that people are exposed to in urban environments. We examined the long-term health damages from breathing wildfire smoke. The results, from over a decade, suggest that in years with lots of fire activities – 2017 and 2018, for example – wildfire smoke contributed to more than 10,000 deaths annually in California. For comparison, about 4,000 people die in California from traffic accidents each year. Even though most fires are in rural, forested areas, smoke can travel hundreds or thousands of miles. So the health effects are widespread through population centers. For example, California's Rough Fire of 2015 burned more than 150,000 acres in a mostly rural area of Fresno County, but most mortality impacts in that year were west of the fire in a more populated area of the county and throughout the San Joaquin Valley. In 2018, the year the town of Paradise and several other communities burned, wildfire smoke may have killed as many as 12,000 Californians prematurely. To conduct this analysis, we looked at annual estimates of wildfire smoke PM2.5 by ZIP code based on wildfire activity. Unlike most past studies, we looked specifically at exposure to PM2.5 from wildfires. This allowed us to account for that potentially increased toxicity of smoke. Then, we used a dose-response estimate for the relationship between wildfire-specific air pollution and premature deaths. Dose-response estimates are derived from epidemiological studies that relate air pollution levels to survival. For this study, we adjusted an existing dose-response estimate to account for potential increased toxicity from wildfire smoke. These findings suggest that society needs to invest in coordinated forest management, wildland-urban interface management and climate change mitigation, all of which could yield significant public health benefits through reducing the frequency and severity of wildfires and smoke exposure. We will also need to invest more to adapt to the worsened smoke by providing safe areas in schools and other public buildings. Here are some tips for limiting how much smoke you inhale on days when the wind is carrying wildfire smoke your way: Stay indoors: On heavy smoke days, don't go outside, and close your windows. Turn on an air purifier, if you have one. If you don't have one, considering purchasing one with a HEPA filter. The California Air Resources Board has a list of certified air filters. If you smell smoke, or know there is a fire nearby – even if you can't see it – check a resource such as the EPA and Forest Service's AirNow Fire and Smoke Map or the PurpleAir map to get a sense of whether it's safe to be outdoors. Wear a protective mask: If you do go outside, wear a protective mask, such as an N95 if possible. If you don't have access to an N95, a surgical mask will help too. Avoid exercising outdoors on smoky days: Strenuous activities such as exercise draw more air into the lungs – and with it, PM2.5. Exercising also causes your heart and respiratory system to work harder. If you exercise, do so inside in a place with filtered air. Stay informed: You can follow state and federal air quality agencies in your region on their websites and social media platforms and sign up for alerts when available. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Rachel Connolly, University of California, Los Angeles and Michael Jerrett, University of California, Los Angeles Read more: Wildfire smoke can harm human health, even when the fire is burning hundreds of miles away – a toxicologist explains why North America's summer of wildfire smoke: 2023 was only the beginning Extreme heat and air pollution can be deadly, with the health risk together worse than either alone The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Mint
2 days ago
- General
- Mint
Cool savings for a hot season: Top 10 deals for you on ACs, refrigerators, microwaves, and more with up to 60% off
Hot days call for smart choices that keep your home cool and your wallet happy. The top deals on air conditioners, refrigerators, microwaves, and more offer real value - appliances that work efficiently, cut down energy bills, and fit seamlessly into your daily life. These aren't just gadgets; they're practical helpers that make summer easier, helping you stay comfortable without constant worry about costs or maintenance. By choosing the right products, you're investing in a smoother, more comfortable summer - one where you can focus on what matters, without worrying about rising bills or constant upkeep. Product Rating Price Best fridge LG 322 L 3 Star Frost-Free Smart Inverter Double Door Refrigerator (GL-S342SDSX, Dazzle Steel, Convertible with Express Freeze) View Details Top AC LG 1.5 Ton 5 Star DUAL Inverter Split AC (Copper, AI Convertible 6-in-1, VIRAAT Mode, Faster Cooling & Energy Saving, 4 Way Swing, HD Filter with Anti-Virus Protection, US-Q19YNZE, White) View Details Wash in style Samsung 9 kg, 5 star, AI EcoBubble, Super Speed, Wi-Fi, Hygiene Steam with Inbuilt Heater, Digital Inverter, Fully-Automatic Front Load Washing Machine (WW90DG5U24AXTL, Inox) View Details Godrej 600 L, 3 Star, 1+2 Years Additional Warranty, Smart Convertible Zones, Toughened Glass Door Frost Free Inverter Side By Side Refrigerator(2025 Model, RS EONVELVET 646C RIT OP BK, Opera Black) View Details Cooling in style Lloyd 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC (5 in 1 Convertible, Anti Corrosion Coating, Copper, PM 2.5 Filter, White with Chrome Deco Strip, GLS18I5KWGGW) View Details View More The LG 322 L double door refrigerator balances space and smart technology to suit a busy family's needs. Its convertible freezer adds flexibility, while multi-airflow ensures even cooling throughout. The smart inverter compressor keeps noise low and energy use efficient. Thoughtful features like an anti-bacterial gasket and deodoriser protect your food, making storage hygienic and fresh without extra fuss. Compressor Type Smart Inverter Special Feature Convertible Freezer to Fridge LG 1.5 Ton 5 Star DUAL Inverter Split AC offers powerful cooling tailored for medium-sized rooms, combining energy efficiency with smart features. Its AI Convertible 6-in-1 mode lets you adjust cooling to your needs, saving energy without sacrificing comfort. The 100% copper condenser with ocean black protection ensures durability and uninterrupted cooling, while the HD filter with anti-virus protection keeps air fresh and healthy. With quiet operation and stabilizer-free performance, this AC is designed for hassle-free, long-term use. Compressor Type Dual Inverter Special Feature AI Convertible 6-in-1 Cooling Modes Samsung's 9 kg front load washing machine takes laundry day in stride, combining smart technology with thoughtful design. The AI EcoBubble gently lifts dirt even in cold water, saving energy while protecting your clothes. Super Speed mode means you're done in under 40 minutes, perfect for hectic schedules. With Wi-Fi control and Hygiene Steam, it keeps your laundry fresh and germ-free. The spacious drum and durable build make it a reliable choice for large families who want efficiency without compromise. Special Features AI EcoBubble, Hygiene Steam, Wi-Fi Connectivity The Godrej 600 L side-by-side fridge is designed for families who need plenty of space and flexibility. Its smart convertible zones let you adjust storage to match your needs, while toughened glass shelves hold up to daily use. The frost-free inverter keeps things cool and efficient, and handy features like a door alarm and antibacterial gasket help keep your food fresh longer. Plus, it comes with a solid warranty. Compressor Type Advanced Inverter Special Features Smart Convertible Zones, Digital LED Touch Display, Frost Free The Lloyd 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC offers flexible cooling tailored to your room's needs with its 5-in-1 convertible modes, adjusting power smoothly for comfort and efficiency. Built to handle even the hottest days up to 52°C, it uses durable copper coils with anti-corrosion blue fins to keep performance steady over time. The PM 2.5 filter ensures cleaner air, while quiet, stabiliser-free operation makes it a dependable, energy-wise choice for medium-sized rooms. Special Feature 5-in-1 Convertible Cooling Modes The LG 9 kg front loader takes the chore out of laundry with thoughtful features designed for busy households. Its intelligent motor adapts to different fabrics, giving your clothes the care they deserve. Steam cycles help remove stubborn allergens, while a variety of wash programmes handle everything from delicates to sportswear. With Wi-Fi control, you can start or monitor your wash from anywhere, making laundry day simpler and more efficient. Special Features AI Direct Drive, Hygiene Steam, Wi-Fi Connectivity Samsung's 396 L Bespoke AI refrigerator blends smart technology with flexible storage to suit modern family life. Its 5-in-1 convertible modes adapt to your changing needs, from extra fridge space to holiday settings, helping save energy without fuss. The Digital Inverter compressor runs quietly and efficiently, backed by a 20-year warranty. With Wi-Fi control and Twin Cooling Plus, it keeps food fresher for longer, while the sleek black matte finish adds a touch of style to your kitchen. Compressor Type Digital Inverter Special Features Convertible 5-in-1 Modes, AI Energy Mode, Wi-Fi Connectivity The LG 8 kg front load washing machine combines smart features with gentle fabric care, making laundry easier for busy households. Its Direct Drive motor reduces noise and vibration, while 6 Motion technology adjusts wash patterns to protect different fabrics. Steam cycles cut allergens by up to 99.9%, ideal for sensitive skin. With Wi-Fi connectivity, you can control and monitor your wash remotely, adding convenience without compromise. Special Features Direct Drive Motor, Hygiene Steam, Wi-Fi Connectivity The IFB 30 L convection microwave oven is a versatile kitchen companion for large families. Its spacious interior handles baking, grilling, reheating, and defrosting with ease. With 101 auto cook menus and convenient touch controls, meal prep becomes simpler and more precise. Safety features like a child lock provide peace of mind, while the included starter kit helps you get cooking right away. Its sleek design fits comfortably in any kitchen. Cooking Modes Convection, Grill, Reheat, Defrost Special Features 101 Auto Cook Menus, Child Safety Lock The Elica 60cm kitchen chimney combines powerful twin suction inlets with filterless technology to keep your cooking space fresh and smoke-free. Its sealed motor resists oil and moisture, ensuring smooth, long-lasting performance. The auto-clean feature uses a heating pad to remove stubborn oil deposits effortlessly. Motion sensor controls add convenience, letting you operate the chimney with a simple wave of your hand. Backed by a 15-year motor warranty, it's built to last. Control Type 3-Speed Touch + Motion Sensor Special Features Filterless Technology, Auto Clean Warranty 15 Years on Motor Look for 5-star rated models with inverter or direct drive motors, like LG's AI Direct Drive, which save energy and handle heavy loads efficiently. Opt for convertible fridge space, digital inverter compressors, and smart modes like Samsung's AI Energy Mode for flexible storage and energy savings. Inverter compressors adjust cooling power based on room temperature, providing faster, quieter cooling with lower energy consumption and longer durability. Filterless chimneys with sealed motors, like Elica's twin suction model, resist oil and moisture buildup, ensuring efficient smoke removal and easy maintenance. Yes, Wi-Fi-enabled appliances allow remote control, cycle monitoring, and troubleshooting via apps, enhancing user convenience and saving time in daily chores. Disclaimer: Mint has an affiliate marketing partnership, which means we may get some commission on purchases you make through the retailer sites links provided. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content, which is free from any bias or marketing pitch. We strive to provide accurate and unbiased information to help you make informed decisions. We recommend verifying details with the retailer before making a purchase.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Going beyond AQI: study shows why toxicity matters in measuring air pollution
The ability of PM2.5 air pollutants to cause damage to cells increases sharply after concentration levels cross a certain threshold value, new research has found. For Kolkata, where the study was carried out, this threshold value is about 70 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³), the study found. Once the PM2.5 concentration crosses this level, its toxicity — or the potential to cause damage to the human body — increases sharply, and continues to rise until the concentration reaches about 130 µg/m³. Toxicity stabilises after that, and further increases in concentration do not lead to an appreciable rise in damage potential. The study, by Abhijit Chatterjee of the Bose Institute, Kolkata, and two of his former PhD students, Abhinandan Ghosh and Monami Dutta, is the first attempt at investigating how toxicity of air pollution changes with concentration levels in Indian cities. ('Contrasting features of winter-time PM2.5 pollution and PM2.5-toxicity based on oxidative potential: A long-term (2016–2023) study over Kolkata megacity at eastern Indo-Gangetic Plain', Science of the Total Environment, December 2024) This is not to suggest that at concentrations below 70 µg/m³ in Kolkata, air pollution is benign and does not pose any threat to human health. Pollution is damaging at lower concentrations as well, but it becomes much more toxic after crossing the threshold value. At lower concentrations, the body copes better with the adverse impacts of inhaling pollutants. After the threshold level, however, the body's defence mechanisms are overwhelmed, and the pollutants are able to cause greater damage to cells, particularly the respiratory systems which are affected first. When pollutants are inhaled, the body's immune system tends to fight back through the release of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), which are chemicals used by immune cells to neutralise foreign substances. When larger concentrations of pollutants are inhaled, greater amounts of ROS are released. The problem is ROS is damaging for the body's cells as well. Therefore, as a natural counter-defence mechanism, the body produces another set of chemicals, called antioxidants, that protect the cells against ROS. However, antioxidants are present in small quantities, and take time to build up. So, while they are able to effectively deal with smaller amounts of ROS, they are helpless when ROS is produced in large amounts. This leads to an imbalance in the body, a situation called oxidative stress, which leaves the internal cells prone to damage from excess ROS. 'The PM2.5 pollution level is well understood and established in every city in India… We wanted to see how the level of toxicity increases with the increase in pollution level,' Prof Chatterjee said. 'We know that when PM levels increase, there are several consequences, such as haze, dust, and visibility reduction. But how far does toxicity surge? We did not know. Though India has its standards of PM2.5 and PM10, we don't have a threshold value in terms of oxidative stress in the human body. That's where we wanted to determine the standard,' he said. According to Prof Chatterjee, 'When the PM2.5 concentration level exceeds about 70 µg/m³, its potential to create oxidative stress increases steeply, mainly because of the presence of some specific chemical components like those coming from biomass or solid waste burning. The components from vehicular emissions also help increase oxidative stress, but this is much less compared to biomass burning.' The threshold levels at which toxicity sees a sharp rise is expected to vary from city to city, mainly due to the differences in the composition of the air pollutants. In some cities, vehicular emissions might be the biggest contributor to pollution; in other places, biomass burning might be significant. Air quality standards are framed in terms of their concentration, not toxicity. In India, for example, a PM2.5 concentration level of 40 µg/m³, averaged over a year, is considered safe. On a daily basis, a concentration of 60 µg/m³ is considered safe. However, the harmful impacts of air pollution on human health depend not just on concentration, but also on toxicity, which takes into account factors like chemical composition of pollutants. In Kolkata, for example, the threat that annual PM2.5 concentrations of 50 or 60 µg/m³ poses is not going to be very different from the one posed by a concentration of 30-40 µg/m³. But alarm bells must go off once a level of 70 µg/m³ is reached. In other cities, this would be different. This study can thus make the case for toxicity-based air quality standards, which can trigger targeted warnings/emergency actions once the threshold concentration is breached. Dipanita Nath is interested in the climate crisis and sustainability. She has written extensively on social trends, heritage, theatre and startups. She has worked with major news organizations such as Hindustan Times, The Times of India and Mint. ... Read More
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
62% cut in PM2.5 needed to meet national standards
New Delhi: Delhi requires another 62% cut in PM2.5 levels to meet the national clean air standards, reveals a new report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) released on Thursday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The air quality trend since 2018, when most of the monitoring stations were set up, shows that the average annual PM2.5 levels (based on 38 stations) show a 10% increase since 2018 overall. However, after the pandemic year of 2020–21, the levels increased, stayed elevated, and the curve turned upward in 2023–24. "The maximum values in 2024 were the highest in the past few years. Delhi requires as much as a 62% reduction in its annual PM2.5 average level to meet the national ambient air quality standard," the report says. Anumita Roychowdhury, CSE's executive director, said: "What is needed here is more aggressive upscaling of mobility strategies, zero-emission vehicle transition, robust waste management, action on unregulated industry and the use of solid fuels in households, and regional airshed level interventions." The report highlighted that though Delhi has a large number of air quality monitoring stations, these are not well distributed to cover the population in all land uses, and there are still some "shadow zones" with low station density. "Currently, the monitoring stations in Delhi are mainly centred in and around the southern and central parts of Delhi. The southwest and northwest peripheries have minimal monitoring stations, leading to gaps in air quality monitoring. The stretch between Mundka, Bawana and Narela should have more monitoring stations as these are the areas that record some of the highest PM2.5 levels," the report said. CSE, which analysed the data of the Decision Support System (DSS), which is the dynamic forecasting of IITM, identified the top concerns among local sources as vehicles, industries in Delhi and its periphery, construction, waste burning and residential fuel. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "Post crop burning season, the share of crop fire is less than 1%, the share of NCR and other districts is 64%, and the contribution of local pollution sources in Delhi increases further to 36.54%. At 30%, the contribution of local sources is significant, especially when it is considered that the city needs to reduce PM2.5 levels by 62% from a very high annual level of 105 micrograms per cubic metre," the report said. CSE said that between 2019–20 and 2024–25 financial years, Delhi received Rs 42.69 crore under the NCAP programme of the ministry of environment, forests and climate change (MoEFCC), out of which Rs 13.94 crore or 32.64% was spent.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Canada Wildfires 2025: Smoke to drift into U.S.—these states are on alert for poor air quality
Live Events FAQs (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Big wildfires are burning across Canada right now. The U.S. this weekend might see a clog of smoke, originating from wildfires in Canada. Weather experts in many states said the air could get worse and it might be hard to see clearly. Officials in the state of Illinois have warned that smoke might impact people with medical conditions as it reaches central which recently had a bad dust storm, might also be affected by wildfire smoke and more storms. Other states expected to be affected are Wisconsin, Michigan, Kentucky, Minnesota, Wyoming, and Iowa, according to The Independent in these states might see hazy skies and smell smoke, according to local weather offices. Brandon Buckingham, a meteorologist at AccuWeather, said the smoke will mostly stay high up, making the sun look dim and sunrises/sunsets more is happening nearly two years after smoke from Canada's worst fire season ever made New York City turn an eerie orange. This year, winds are blowing the smoke southeast, bringing it into the U.S. Wildfires release pollutants, especially PM2.5, a dangerous air pollutant that can go deep into the lungs and even enter the blood, as stated in the is a tiny dust from smoke. It can hurt your eyes and throat, make it hard to breathe, and even cause serious sickness like heart or lung problems. It also makes it harder for your body to fight off germs. Even being around smoke for a short time can worsen heart or breathing problems, especially for people with existing health issues, as per studies say PM2.5 exposure can cause health issues for up to 3 months after breathing it in. Dr. Yaguang Wei from Mount Sinai's Icahn School of Medicine said even small fires lasting a few days can have long-term health effects. The wildfires in 2025 have already killed two people in Canada. Thousands of people had to leave their homes because of wildfires, as per Yahoo province has already declared an emergency on Thursday, with 175 active wildfires going on in Canada.12 new wildfires started just on Friday alone. Since the start of this year, over 700,000 acres of land have already fires are happening even before summer and follow the second-worst fire season of the century. The fires are worse this year because of climate change, which has caused extremely high temperatures. In Manitoba, the heat is 22 to 24.3 degrees above average, said Climate Central, a nonprofit group, as per western U.S. witnesses hot air bulbs next week, according to AccuWeather, it could mix with smoke and cause ozone problems across the north-central region. Adam Douty, another meteorologist from AccuWeather, said the Midwest will have sunny, dry days, making the smoke easier to see. Some smoke might also reach the Northeast, but because of clouds and rain there, it may not be as visible, as stated by The Independent like Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, and more might have smoky can clog lungs and cause irregularities in breathing.
