pollution - The Latremie Post

Delhi-NCR air quality worsens; 5 stations record 300+ AQI

**Delhi-NCR Air Quality Worsens; Five Stations Record AQI Above 300**

*By Snehil Singh | Oct 15, 2025, 06:12 pm*

The air quality in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) has further deteriorated, with five monitoring stations registering an Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding 300. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Anand Vihar recorded the highest AQI at a staggering 345.

Other areas also reported alarming AQI figures: DU North Campus and CRRI Mathura Road each recorded 307, while Dwarka Sector 8 and Wazirpur reported 314 and 325, respectively.

**Pollution Response: GRAP Stage-1 Activated**

In response to the worsening air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has activated Stage-1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR. This comes as AQI levels have fallen between 200 and 300, categorized as “poor.”

Stage-1 implementation mandates strict preventive measures, including the deployment of anti-smog guns and dust suppression activities at construction sites to control pollution sources.

**Pollution Sources: Transport Emissions Lead**

Data from the Decision Support System (DSS) identifies transport emissions as the largest contributor to Delhi’s pollution, accounting for 19.8% of total emissions. On Tuesday, the city recorded an AQI of 201, falling under the “poor” air quality category.

For reference, the CPCB classifies AQI as follows:
– 0-50: Good
– 51-100: Satisfactory
– 101-200: Moderate
– 201-300: Poor
– 301-400: Very Poor
– Above 400: Severe

**Weather Impact**

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) noted that Delhi’s minimum temperature on Wednesday was 18.3°C — slightly below the normal of 19.6°C. This marks the fifth consecutive day with minimum temperatures under 20°C for the 2025-26 winter season. The maximum temperature hovered around 33°C.

Meanwhile, relative humidity was high at 89% as recorded at 8:30 am, factors that could further affect air quality levels.

Residents are advised to take necessary precautions as the air pollution situation remains critical.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/delhi/delhi-ncr-air-quality-worsens-5-stations-record-300-aqi/story

Plastic bags can be turned into sensors for safe drinking water

Researchers in Indonesia have developed an innovative method to transform plastic waste into glowing nanomaterials capable of sensing harmful substances in water. At the core of this breakthrough are carbon quantum dots (CQDs), nanoparticles that emit light when exposed to ultraviolet light.

CQDs have the unique ability to act as sensors, detecting pollutants at the molecular level. Traditionally, producing CQDs has required expensive or toxic raw materials. However, the Indonesian research team used waste plastic bags as their starting material, offering a more sustainable and cost-effective approach.

The process involved combining modified pyrolysis with hydrothermal treatment. Using less than 7 percent hydrogen peroxide, they successfully transformed polyethylene from plastic bags into functional CQDs in just 10 hours.

One of the most remarkable features of these plastic-derived CQDs is their ability to detect metal ions, particularly iron ions, in water. This capability presents promising applications for monitoring water quality and detecting harmful contaminants.

*Note*: This article is sourced from a third-party syndicated feed. Mid-day does not accept responsibility or liability for the dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, or accuracy of the content. Mid-day management reserves the right to alter, delete, or remove content at its discretion without notice.

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https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/plastic-bags-can-be-turned-into-sensors-for-safe-drinking-water-23595854

Air pollution linked to dementia, Alzheimer’s disease progression: Study

**Air Pollution Linked to Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease Progression: Study**

*By Snehil Singh | Sep 23, 2025, 06:21 PM*

A recent study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania has uncovered a significant link between long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and the progression of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Published in *JAMA Neurology*, the research analyzed over 600 brain autopsy cases spanning from 1999 to 2022. The findings revealed that individuals exposed to higher levels of PM2.5 exhibited more advanced Alzheimer-related neuropathological changes (ADNC).

### Key Research Findings

The study highlighted that air pollution may be more harmful to brain health than tobacco. It showed that nearly two-thirds of the connection between pollution and dementia is attributable to Alzheimer’s-related brain changes. Moreover, participants with recorded clinical dementia experienced more severe cognitive and functional decline when exposed to prolonged air pollution.

### Expert Insights from India

Medical professionals in India are witnessing firsthand the devastating effects of air pollution on brain health. Dr. Manjari Tripathi from AIIMS emphasized that air pollution might pose a greater risk to neurological health than tobacco, linking it to disorders such as stroke and dementia.

Dr. Daljit Singh, vice-chairman and head of neurosurgery at Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital, described dementia as an emerging public health challenge in India. While the exact causes of Alzheimer’s remain under study, he noted that pollution is increasingly recognized as a high-risk factor.

### Health Recommendations

To mitigate the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease related to air pollution, experts recommend practical measures such as:

– Wearing N95-grade masks when outdoors
– Using air purifiers indoors
– Reducing exposure to dusty and polluted environments

### The Bigger Picture: Air Pollution and Public Health

Air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter like PM2.5, represents a major global health hazard. It contributes not only to cardiovascular and respiratory conditions but also to neurological diseases. Delhi, in particular, faces alarming air quality issues during winter months, frequently experiencing “poor” to “severe” pollution levels.

This hazardous air environment poses a significant threat not only to respiratory health but also to brain health, especially among older adults.

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Protecting yourself from air pollution is becoming increasingly important, as emerging research continues to reveal its profound impact on cognitive health and the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/toxic-smog-may-be-eroding-brain-health-worsening-dementia-study/story

Air pollution linked to dementia, Alzheimer’s disease progression: Study

**Air Pollution Linked to Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease Progression: Study**

*By Snehil Singh | Sep 23, 2025, 06:21 PM*

A recent study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania has revealed a significant link between long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and the progression of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Published in *JAMA Neurology*, the research analyzed over 600 brain autopsy cases spanning from 1999 to 2022. The findings showed that individuals exposed to higher levels of PM2.5 exhibited more advanced Alzheimer-related neuropathological changes (ADNC).

### Key Research Findings

The study found that air pollution may be more detrimental to brain health than tobacco. Nearly two-thirds of the observed connection between pollution and dementia could be attributed specifically to Alzheimer’s-related brain changes. Participants with documented clinical dementia showed more severe cognitive and functional decline linked to prolonged exposure to PM2.5.

In India, medical professionals are witnessing the harmful effects of air pollution on neurological health firsthand. Dr. Manjari Tripathi from AIIMS highlighted that air pollution might be worse than tobacco for brain health, associating it with neurological disorders such as stroke and dementia.

### Health Implications and Expert Recommendations

Dr. Daljit Singh, Vice-Chairman and Head of Neurosurgery at Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital, emphasized that dementia is rapidly becoming a major public health issue in India. While the exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease remains under debate, pollution is increasingly recognized as a significant risk factor.

To mitigate the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease due to air pollution, experts recommend several protective measures:
– Wearing N95-grade masks when outdoors
– Using air purifiers indoors
– Avoiding prolonged exposure to dusty and polluted environments

### Air Pollution Concerns in Delhi

Air pollution continues to be a critical global health hazard, with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) contributing not only to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases but also posing serious threats to neurological health, especially among older adults.

Delhi’s air quality, particularly during the winter months, often deteriorates into “poor” to “severe” categories, exacerbating health risks. The hazardous air quality damages lung function and significantly endangers brain health, intensifying concerns among healthcare providers and the public alike.

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*Stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones from the adverse health effects of air pollution.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/toxic-smog-may-be-eroding-brain-health-worsening-dementia-study/story