Air Pollution and Atmospheric Chemistry

By Sheain Fernandopulle - Daily Mirror The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) said the air quality monitoring machines installed in Battaramulla and in Kandy would be operational next month and the Authority would be in a position to monitor air quality 24 hours a day from June. CEA Deputy Director of Laboratory Services, Kamal Priyantha told the Daily Mirror that they were planning to monitor the dangerous Particulate Matter (PM) in air below 10 from June 5 to coincide with the World Environment Day (WED). Particulate matter 10 contains microscopic solids or liquid droplets that are so small that they can be inhaled. They are injurious to health. Some particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter can get deep into a person’s lungs and some may even get into his or her bloodstream. In Battaramulla, the CEA would introduce a colour code system. Besides, there would be mobile monitors countrywide. The latest world Air Pollution Report has identified Sri Lanka as the 18th ...

By Disna Mudalige -  Daily News The Auditor General’s Department is to issue two special audit reports shortly on the ‘importance of the Lakvijaya power plant and its environmental impact’ and the ‘construction of the Colombo Lotus Tower’. The Department sources said the two reports had already been finalised. The reports will be submitted to Parliament and will be referred to the relevant watchdog committees. “The reports delve into allegations on both the projects and will bring into limelight the aspects that need special attention. The reports analyze the present situation and give recommendations to rectify the existing problems,” sources said. Norochcholai coal power plant was mired in myriad of allegations on causing environmental pollution and technical errors leading to recurrent break-downs. The constructions of the 900MW plant started in 2006 and its Phase one was commissioned in 2011. It was built by China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) on a lo...

By Damian Carrington Environment editor Comprehensive analysis finds harm from head to toe, including dementia, heart and lung disease, fertility problems and reduced intelligence Air pollution may be damaging every organ and virtually every cell in the human body, according to a comprehensive new global review. The research shows head-to-toe harm, from heart and lung disease to diabetes and dementia, and from liver problems and bladder cancer to brittle bones and damaged skin. Fertility, foetuses and children are also affected by toxic air, the review found. The systemic damage is the result of pollutants causing inflammation that then floods through the body and ultrafine particles being carried around the body by the bloodstream. Air pollution is a “public health emergency”, according to the World Health Organization, with more than 90% of the global population enduring toxic outdoor air. New analysis indicates 8.8m early deaths each year – double earlier es...