Epa air quality map

BANGKOK: Analysis of air quality in Bangkok since the Thai government began enforcing strict social isolation measures has found significant drop in dangerous pollution levels of more than 20 per cent, as compared with the same time last year. The average levels of PM2.5 - tiny atmospheric particulate matter mostly produced by vehicles, refineries and other heavy industries - were reduced by 22 per cent in roadside areas of the capital, and 15 per cent in air monitoring stations in general areas between Mar 15 and Apr 10. The amount of PM10, typically caused by agriculture, construction and smoke, is also significantly down and carbon monoxide has been almost slashed in half, according to the analysis of government data by one of the country’s leading air quality experts, Dr Supat Wangwongwatana, the former director general of Thailand's Pollution Control Department. “Now, the air quality is very, very good. In some areas, the air quality is even within the World Health … [Read more...] about Bangkok breathes cleaner air during COVID-19 pandemic and experts want it to last

CANBERRA: Almost immediately after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced there would be an almost month-long lockdown across the country from Mar 24 to help stymie the spread of COVID-19, the clouds started to clear. For the first time in years, residents of New Delhi – usually ranking in the top five most polluted cities in the world – woke up to blue skies over the city, rather than its usual murky toxic pea soup. Instead of the usual traffic noise and endless tooting of horns, people could hear birds from their inner-city balconies: Bulbuls, kites, and, at dusk, even peacocks. Millions of cars on the roads, combined with belching exhaust fumes from manufacturing facilities, added to the haze from burning crop stubble – all this has meant air quality in Indian cities is off-the-charts awful. READ: Commentary: The coronavircus could take climate action with it LISTEN: How many stars will you give Singapore's F&B industry this COVID-19 season? In … [Read more...] about Commentary: The strange, lovely sight of clear skies in India amid COVID-19 gloom

A state district judge has dismissed a lawsuit by the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association that said tougher statewide vehicle fuel standards are unlawful and should be tossed out. Denver District Judge Martin Egelhoff wrote in a decision released Monday that the dealers’ association didn’t have legal standing to challenge the rule, meaning it didn’t show that the rule would harm its legally protected interests. The trade association sued after the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission approved a rule last November to boost the fuel efficiency standard for cars sold in the state. Starting in 2022, new lightweight and medium-duty vehicles will have to get roughly 39 miles per gallon. RELATED: Colorado car dealers sue regulators to repeal tougher vehicle fuel efficiency standards The auto dealers’ association said in its lawsuit that the rule, based on California’s standard, will drive up the price of vehicles for dealers and buyers. The trade group also accused state … [Read more...] about Judge hits brakes on car dealers’ lawsuit against state rule boosting fuel efficiency

State agencies and automobile manufacturers announced an agreement Monday on a proposal intended to get more electric vehicles on Colorado roads faster. State officials, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and the Association of Global Automakers will submit their joint proposal to the state Air Quality Control Commission, which will hold hearings starting Aug. 13 on a zero-emission vehicle rule. The proposed rule is based on California’s, which requires that a certain percentage of vehicles for sale in the state be electric. The Air Quality Control Commission will make the final decision on adopting California’s standard. Earlier this year, state officials and the auto groups started talking about alternative proposals, including making the Colorado program voluntary rather than mandatory. In June, state officials said they would concentrate on developing a mandatory standard after failing to reach a consensus. However, talks continued. The result is a proposal … [Read more...] about Hitting the gas on electric cars: That’s the goal of Colorado officials, automakers

The last year has brought untold stresses for thousands of people, and we’ve had to adapt to a new way of working as well as worrying about our health and that of our loved ones. It’s no surprise then, that many of us are turning to technology to help us unwind. The best gadgets to help you de-stress and relax at home can do everything from helping you to get a better sleep to boosting your mood with aromatherapy and oils. Stress can wreak havoc with our mental and physical wellbeing, causing anxiety and affecting our sleep. However, there are things you can do and buy to help control it. According to On Buy, there were 105,000 searches for air quality monitors, and 13,200 searches for mist diffusers in the last year to help de-stress. We've rounded up the best nifty gadgets below to help you relax at home. Best gadgets to help you de-stress and relax at home 1. Murlien Massage Roller Ball This bestselling massage roller ball is a great gadget to help de-stress by using … [Read more...] about Best gadgets to help you de-stress and relax at home