Diesel: when bad policy makes for toxic hell

Just consider. Every time petrol prices are raised, oil companies end up losing more money. Simply because the price differential between petrol and diesel increases further, and people gravitate towards diesel vehicles. More the use of diesel, more the oil companies bleed. Worse, we all bleed because diesel vehicles add to toxic pollution in our cities, which, in turn, adds to ill health and treatment costs.

Every breath you take

In labs in many countries, scientists are beginning to find links between air pollution and critical illnesses ranging from cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes to debilitating eye disorders and hypertension. No doubt research has improved in India in the past three decades. Nearly 60 per cent of the studies on health impacts of air pollution are now on vehicular pollution. Unlike other countries, most studies here are by doctors who deal with new health risks from worsening air quality. But regulators are yet to act effectively.

Four-stroke complements CNG

VEHICLES and fuels must be seen as a system and not in isolation. Even a clean fuel like CNG may emit high air pollutants if the vehicle engine technology is inefficient to burn the fuel. This is the message from the first detailed testing of CNG three-wheelers in Delhi by researchers from University of British Columbia, Canada.

Flawed, but accepted

A recent study by the Central Pollution Control Board has exonerated vehicles of being the worst polluters in Delhi and Mumbai. Instead, it has pinned down liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as the biggest source of fine pollutants. Experts have contested the study, saying the findings are unsubstantiated and scientifically untenable. The study will set the basis for the post-2010 emissions standards for vehicles and fuels.

Science & Technology - Briefs

PHYSICS For faster computers

Delhi’s wake up call

One hundred and forty days before Delhi hosts the Commonwealth Games, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, on May 15, called a meeting to discuss ways to control air pollution in the city.

More cities critically polluted

on november 18, the Union environment ministry revised the ambient air quality standards for the country after a gap of 15 years. The new standards are more stringent. They also mandate that air quality in industrial areas should be at par with residential areas.

Clean citys air, breathe easy

in china, taxi drivers are perhaps the most exposed to air pollution. Cleaning the air of a city might make their hearts healthy, a study reported. Eleven healthy non-smoking taxi drivers of Beijing who worked 12-hours a day were monitored before, during and after the 2008 Olympics.

Transport costs

Traffic pollution is known to cause chronic bronchitis and asthma, killing thousands every year. But that is not all. Simply living beside a busy road has its consequences. Particles in vehicular exhaust can stick to lungs for longer than was known, endanger the health of an unborn child, lead to joint pains and even trigger male infertility Stickier than glue Smoke from a chulha or a wood fire can never cause as much damage as emissions resulting

On the shelf?

Centre's intent on ambient air quality standards unclear India's national ambient air quality standards have hit a roadblock. Revised after 14 years and finalized in May, the standards await the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests' (moef) clearance. Looks like the clearance will