Aircraft emissions impact human health though degradation of air quality. The majority of previous analyses of air quality impacts from aviation have considered only landing and takeoff emissions. We show that aircraft cruise emissions impact human health over a hemispheric scale and provide the first estimate of premature mortalities attributable to aircraft emissions globally.

Fireworks display during festive celebrations can cause acute short term air pollution. Deepawali –the festival of light– is celebrated in India, every year during October or November with great fireworks display.

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.

Epidemiologic and health impact studies of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are limited by the lack of monitoring data, especially in developing countries. Satellite observations offer potentially valuable global information about PM2.5 concentrations. Van Donkelaar et al.

Acute exposure to ambient air pollution has been associated with cardiac outcomes, often within hours of exposure. The incidence of effects within the population depends on a number of factors, including genetic differences. Baja et al.

Although commuters are exposed to high air pollution concentrations, little quantitative information currently exists on differences in exposure from different modes of transport, routes, and fuel types. Zuurbier et al. (p.

Biomass burning produces emission of a whole variety of trace gases, which is a matter of concern due to its effects on atmospheric chemistry and the climate system. We report emission attributes of meji2 burning, a festive biomass burning ritual, in Assam and the neighbouring states of northeast India. (Correspondence)

Urban air pollution is reportedly responsible for nearly 1 million annual deaths worldwide. The burden of disease from air pollutant exposure may be greatest in growing urban populations in the developing world, but risk assessment is often impeded by lack of exposure information at the local level in many urban settings. Dionisio et al. (p.