Cyprus faces a health crisis with 600800 annual deaths due to poor air quality, linked to industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and dust storms. Urgent legislative action is needed to protect public health and the environment in the face of escalating respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
Following the Diwali celebrations, three Indian cities have made it to the list of the world’s ten most polluted cities. New Delhi topped the list with an AQI of 407, while Mumbai and Kolkata ranked sixth and seventh respectively, with AQI levels of 157 and 154, highlighting the alarming deterioration of air quality due to the festivities.
Diwali celebrations in New Delhi have worsened the city’s already poor air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching “poor” at 219. PM2.5 levels soared to 20 times above the WHO’s recommended limit, causing health risks such as itchy eyes and throat irritation. Despite a ban on firecrackers, enforcement was weak, contributing to the city’s pollution.
