Microbial air quality standards

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

State agencies are concentrating on developing a mandatory standard to boost the number of electric vehicles in Colorado after talks ended with auto manufacturers about a possible voluntary approach. State transportation, health and energy officials said in a statement Tuesday that despite numerous conversations and good-faith efforts by everyone, they couldn’t agree “on a voluntary approach that could be considered as a potential alternative to the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) standard.” Auto manufacturing trade groups proposed a voluntary approach as state agencies started taking steps to adopt a statewide mandate. In May, the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission voted unanimously to hold hearings in August and consider adopting California’s zero-emission vehicle standard. RELATED: Gov. Jared Polis pushes Colorado toward zero-emission vehicles with first executive order At the same time, state officials were talking to the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and … [Read more...] about Colorado to pursue mandatory electric-vehicle standard after attempt to make it voluntary fails

SINGAPORE - In efforts to inspire confidence in cross-border travel amid the pandemic, Singapore is rolling out a tamper-proof digital system that captures an individual's Covid-19 test results - and soon, vaccination records. A portal is launched today for authorised clinics to issue digital pre-departure Covid-19 test (PDT) certificates. The IQcert portal is compliant with GovTech's HealthCerts - an open-source scheme and set of standards to ensure that the digital certificates can be widely recognised at local and overseas airports. The portal is owned and developed by Innovative Diagnostics and Quest Laboratories, which will be merging to become the largest independent lab here, called Innoquest Diagnostics. The two labs assess Covid-19 samples provided by more than 400 general practitioner (GP) clinics here authorised by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to conduct such tests. From March 10, all clinics authorised to perform PDTs for outbound travellers will have to issue … [Read more...] about Health records go digital to fight fakes, restart air travel in Singapore

Campaigners for better cancer drug funding are contemplating forming a political party to lobby for sweeping reforms of New Zealand's health system. Manawatū man Malcolm Mulholland said what started as calls for better access to advanced cancer treatments for women, such as his wife Wiki, had revealed widespread stresses within the health services. While no decisions had been made, Patient Voice Aotearoa was considering political action "to address a broken health system". "It's not just about cancer. We have members with a range of diseases and illnesses in desperate need for drugs and a range of services New Zealand does not provide. READ MORE: Cancer patients devastated by apparent u-turn from Government MPs to block Pharmac inquiry Day of celebration for Blair Vining as cancer petition handed to parliament New cancer agency and a $200m cancer drugs fund pledged by National "It means people have a lower quality of life, and lives are cut short." Mulholland … [Read more...] about Cancer campaign Malcolm Mulholland could trigger political movement

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