Air quality news covering smog, particulates, industrial emissions, health impacts, and clean air policy.
The Guardian argues that London's ultra-low emission zone has successfully improved children's lung health, citing new research. It contends that global cities should emulate this policy to combat air pollution, which causes millions of premature deaths annually and various serious health conditions.
Malaysia's Ministry of Health reported a 259 percent surge in asthma cases and a 124 percent rise in upper respiratory tract infections between epidemiological weeks 32 and 33. The spike is attributed to worsening haze, with seven areas recording unhealthy Air Pollutant Index levels.
Indonesian authorities warned Friday they will take legal action against anyone starting open fires as haze spreads to Malaysia. Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni vowed strict penalties after visiting fire-hit areas near Palangka Raya, where over 5,000 hot spots were recorded on Borneo and nearly 12,000 nationwide.
Malaysia's Department of Environment confirmed that no regions currently have good air quality as the nationwide haze crisis intensifies. Serian recorded an Air Pollution Index of 194, while Kuching and Sri Aman reported unhealthy readings. Hotspots in West and South Kalimantan are driving smoke plumes into Malaysia.
Malaysia urged ASEAN members to take collective action against transboundary haze risks as El Niño conditions peak. Minister Arthur Joseph Kurup conveyed this via official message to the ASEAN Secretary-General, emphasizing strengthened hotspot surveillance and firefighting readiness amid prolonged dry conditions.
Talor Musil argues that the Ohio Oil and Gas Land Management Commission's approval of fracking in Salt Fork State Park ignores scientific evidence of health risks. The author contends that air pollutants from drilling pose serious dangers to children and communities, urging continued monitoring and opposition.
The Delhi government has ordered a complete ban on construction activities from December 10 to January 20 to tackle severe winter air pollution. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced that sites larger than 500 square metres will be monitored in real-time using AI-enabled cameras and the Dust Portal system to ensure compliance.