Mobile MAX-DOAS measurements and source analysis of NO2, HCHO, and HONO during the Chengdu 2023 FISU world university games.

Digital twin applications for transportation decarbonization and air quality improvement

Temporal variations and source analysis of ambient carbonyls in Hangzhou: A city-level study in the Yangtze River Delta region, China.

To review current trends in the use of low‐grade geothermal energy of the Earth through geothermal heat pump systems (GHPS), summarising their advantages, challenges and implementation prospects in Russia. The article analyses the principles and structural designs of geothermal systems, performance criteria, thermodynamic aspects and environmental risks. It demonstrates that the use of GHPS reduces greenhouse gas emissions, mitigates the urban heat island effect and improves air quality. Particular attention is paid to regulatory issues, technical barriers and strategies for minimising geoecological risks during system design. The technology’s high energy efficiency and environmental sustainability are highlighted, along with key factors constraining its large‐scale adoption in Russia. Geothermal heat pump systems are a cornerstone of sustainable energy transition, promoting decarbonisation, optimisation of heat balance and the creation of environmentally safe urban environments. Developing national standards, incentives and integrating GHPS into hybrid energy systems are considered necessary.

Abstract. This work addresses the limitations of traditional air conditioners (AC) by incorporating an innovative design for DC air conditioners, optimizing energy resources, developing an adaptive feedforward incremental conductance (FFINC) algorithm, and validating the approach through experiments and a cost-benefit analysis. The proposed AC is designed to effectively regulate moisture levels within a room, utilizing an innovative structure that circulates comfortable air throughout the room. This design serves as a promising alternative to traditional air conditioning systems. The authors have developed a solar air cooler suitable for the modern era that can either replace AC units under specific conditions or reduce their number when operating in hybrid mode. Proposed design maintains a distance of 3 cm between the water circulation area and the DC fan to optimize air cooling efficiency. The system includes a 60 W DC fan that draws cool air containing water, which passes through a water absorber filter. Moreover, a 50 W dehumidifier inside the air cooler effectively controls room humidity, ensuring that the air remains dry and comfortable. By absorbing excess moisture, the dehumidifier enhances the overall cooling performance of the system, contributing to improved air quality and comfort for occupants. A 20 W DC water pump and the DC fan use energy from various electrical sources. Under sunny conditions, a solar panel, connected via a DC to DC zeta converter, provides power to the DC air cooler. During cloudy weather or nighttime, an AC to DC converter is used to optimize operation in emergency situations; a battery is available to ensure uninterrupted operation.

Background: PM2.5 air pollution is a leading cause of disease and death. US air pollutant emissions have declined by 75% since passage of the Clean Air Act in 1970, but the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) continues to have elevated pollution levels and, in 2025, had the US’s 12th highest PM2.5 concentration. Steel mills and coke ovens are major point sources.Objective: To quantify deaths, adverse birth outcomes, and children’s IQ loss in the Pittsburgh MSA attributable to PM2.5 air pollution.Methods: Mean annual PM2.5 air pollution concentrations were obtained for each census tract in the Pittsburgh MSA from NASA’s satellite-based Socioeconomic Data and Applications Center map layers and linked with vital records obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Exposure–response functions from peer-reviewed literature and EPA’s BenMAP software were used to quantify deaths, adverse birth outcomes, and IQ loss attributable to PM2.5 pollution.Results: The mean annual PM2.5 concentration in the Pittsburgh MSA was 8.54 μg/m3. Concentrations across census tracts ranged from 5.74 to 15.90 μg/m3. Of 27,224 adult deaths in the Pittsburgh MSA in 2019, we estimate that between 3,085 and 3,467 (11.1%–12.5%) were attributable to PM2.5 pollution. We estimate that 229 premature births, 177 low-weight births, and 12 stillbirths could be attributed to prenatal PM2.5 exposure. Among the 24,604 children born in the Pittsburgh MSA in 2019, PM2.5 pollution was linked to the loss of 60,668 full-scale IQ points, resulting in estimated lifetime economic losses of $2.7 billion.Conclusion: In 2019, 11.1%–12.5% of adult deaths in the Pittsburgh MSA, more than 400 adverse birth outcomes, and widespread reductions in children’s IQ were attributable to PM2.5 air pollution. Public policies and strict enforcement that reduce pollutant emissions and improve air quality will improve the health of southwestern Pennsylvania residents, save lives, and be highly cost-effective.

<p><strong><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 宋体; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">Background:</span></strong><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 宋体; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> Air pollution significantly impacts global health, contributing to approximately 3.7 million premature deaths annually. Ahvaz, as one of the most polluted cities in the world, experiences severe air pollution due to urbanization, industrial expansion, and transportation. This study aims to identify pollution sources, evaluate their impact through a hybrid SWOT-AHP analysis, and propose innovative air quality management strategies based on global best practices. <strong>Methods:</strong> A combination of emission inventory analysis, geographic information system (GIS) mapping, and a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach was applied to assess key pollution sources. SWOT analysis was integrated with the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to prioritize effective interventions for air quality improvement. Comparative analysis was conducted with cities such as Beijing, New Delhi, and Los Angeles to benchmark pollution control measures. <strong>Results:</strong> Nitrogen oxides (NOx) were identified as the most emitted pollutants in central Ahvaz, reaching 392 tons annually. Other major pollutants included carbon monoxide (CO) (89 tons/year), suspended particles (87 tons/year), and hydrocarbons (34 tons/year). The Ramin Power Plant accounted for 54% of SO2 emissions, while oil industries contributed to 82% of total pollutants. The hybrid SWOT-AHP analysis ranked “Implementing an advanced air pollution monitoring system and smart traffic management” as the most effective strategy. Benchmarking with other global cities revealed that implementing low-emission zones and transitioning to cleaner fuels significantly reduced air pollution levels. The AHP analysis prioritized strategies as Smart Monitoring System (46.7%)</span><span lang="RU" style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 宋体; mso-ansi-language: RU; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">—</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 宋体; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">The most effective approach, emphasizing real-time pollution tracking and traffic optimization. Next Clean Fuel Transition (27.7%)</span><span lang="RU" style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 宋体; mso-ansi-language: RU; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">—</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 宋体; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">Reducing emissions by shifting industries and vehicles to low-emission fuels. Low-Emission Zones (16.0%)</span><span lang="RU" style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 宋体; mso-ansi-language: RU; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">—</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 宋体; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">Establishing restricted zones to control vehicular pollution. And Urban Green Infrastructure (9.5%)</span><span lang="RU" style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 宋体; mso-ansi-language: RU; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">—</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 宋体; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">Expanding green spaces to enhance air quality. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Strategic investments in pollution control technologies, combined with policy interventions such as emissions-based congestion pricing and green infrastructure expansion, are crucial for mitigating pollution in Ahvaz. The SWOT-AHP framework provided a structured approach to prioritizing actionable environmental management strategies based on feasibility and effectiveness.</span></p>

China has implemented a series of clean air policies, resulting in improved air quality since 2013. However, there remains a paucity of national prospective evidence regarding the relationship between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and kidney disease (KD) incidence in China, as well as the potential mediating effects of lipid profiles in this association. This study aimed to assess the association of decreased PM2.5 concentration and KD incidence in China from 2013 to 2020. Utilizing data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), we included 15,368 participants who were free of KD in 2013 and followed up until 2020. For each participant, we calculated the 3-year and 2-year average PM2.5 concentrations. The Cox proportional hazards model was employed to estimate the association between PM2.5 exposure and KD incidence. Mediation analyses were conducted using eight lipid indices, and subgroup analyses were performed. The annual average PM2.5 concentration for CHARLS participants reduced from 61.72 μg/m3 in 2013 to 32.75 μg/m3 in 2020. A reduction of 5 μg/m3 in 3-year and 2-year average PM2.5 concentrations was associated with 14.3% (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.857, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.841, 0.873) and 14.4% (HR: 0.856, 95% CI: 0.840, 0.873) reductions in KD incidence in the fully adjusted models. The TyG-BMI and TyG-WHtR indices exhibited small mediating effects of 7.36% (95% CI: 2.35%, 12.38%) and 4.48% (95% CI: 0.51%, 8.45%) on the relationship of PM2.5–KD, while other indicators did not demonstrate significant mediation. The findings of this study suggest that reductions in PM2.5 concentration were associated with a decreased incidence of KD during the period from 2013 to 2020. The implementation of clean air policies since 2013 may have contributed to the decrease in chronic diseases like KD.

ABSTRACT This study derives closed-form solutions for compensating variation (CV) and equivalent variation (EV) for both marginal and non-marginal changes in public good provision given homothetic, non-separable utility. The CV and EV expressions identify a ‘relative preference effect’ that accounts for observed asymmetries between willingness to pay (WTP) and willingness to accept (WTA), without relying on behavioural assumptions, and a single sufficient statistic summarizes consumer preferences over private and public goods. These expressions provide tractable tools for applied welfare analysis, and we illustrate an application using published WTP estimates of air quality improvements.

Assessing climate and air quality benefits of methane mitigation for U.S. landfills.

Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of South Korea’s Emission Control Area (ECA) policy in reducing fine particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) emissions at Incheon Port, focusing on emissions from maritime activities and their spatial diffusion in a densely populated metropolitan area. Design/methodology/approach A comparative analysis was conducted using two scenarios: one without ECA policy enforcement and one with phased ECA implementation from 2020 to 2022. Emissions were calculated using the Tier 3 methodology of the European Environment Agency (EEA) emission inventory guidebook and pollutant dispersion was modeled using the CALPUFF atmospheric dispersion system. Findings The ECA policy significantly reduced PM emissions over a three-year period. Total emissions under the ECA scenario declined from 96 tons in 2020 to 59 tons in 2022, compared to 144–156 tons under the no-policy scenario. CALPUFF simulations also showed marked reductions in both the concentration and diffusion range of PM10 and PM2.5, indicating improved air quality in the Incheon Port area. Originality/value This study is among the first to provide a multi-year empirical assessment of ECA policy impacts in a Korean port using both emission inventory and dispersion modeling. It offers critical insights for policymakers and port authorities aiming to design evidence-based environmental strategies in urban port settings.

Long tunnels and extremely long tunnels on highways are becoming increasingly common. As tunnel lengths continue to increase, pollutants in the air can easily accumulate inside the tunnels, leading to air quality that fails to meet driving requirements, which poses health risks to drivers and passengers. This paper uses the Donggang Mountain secondary highway long tunnel as the engineering background and establishes a 1:1 full-scale model using the numerical simulation software Fluent. It studies the extreme traffic congestion conditions in long highway tunnels, exploring the distribution patterns of pollutant gas concentrations within the tunnel and the role of the longitudinal ventilation system under different operating conditions in reducing tunnel pollutant gas concentrations and improving air quality. Furthermore, the study investigates the ventilation efficiency of a combined ventilation method using ventilation shafts and jet fans. Compared to the full jet longitudinal ventilation method, the carbonic oxide (CO) concentration growth rate after the ventilation shafts decreased by 50%.

Achieving carbon neutrality and improving air quality are pivotal sustainability strategies for the Global South countries. However, their global climate impacts over a realistic timescale remain unclear. Here we evaluate the climate impacts of China's carbon neutrality and Beautiful China policies using a fully coupled Earth system model and updated future anthropogenic emission scenarios. We find that, for an unexpectedly long time through ~2070, China's air pollutant reductions can cause a large global surface warming (0.12 ± 0.09 K for 2050-2070) that almost offsets the cooling from concurrent CO2 emission reduction (0.16 ± 0.05 K for 2050-2070), compared to a business-as-usual scenario. This warming is mainly attributed to reduced SO2 and organic matter emissions. Moreover, combined air pollutants and CO2 declines create a striking hemispheric temperature change contrast, because of the stronger aerosol-induced heating in the Northern Hemisphere. Considering that most future air pollutant reductions represent synergistic effects of carbon neutrality policies, the associated inevitable warming effect over decades highlights the importance of exploring more aggressive policies including early carbon neutrality, methane reductions, and negative carbon emissions.

ABSTRACT Information about the public valuation of clean air provides helpful guidelines for designing effective policies targeting air pollution, particularly in urban areas with high pollution levels. However, such information is often unavailable to policymakers in developing countries, including Nepal. This study fills this gap by offering the first empirical evidence of stated preference for ambient air quality improvement in Nepal using survey data of 610 households from Siddharthnagar municipality, a rapidly urbanizing city in Nepal. We use the double-bounded dichotomous choice (DBDC) contingent valuation method to estimate willingness to pay (WTP) for air quality improvement to the level that decreases air pollution-related morbidity chances by 50%. Further, we employ spatial econometric models to understand the spatial distribution of WTP. We find significant spatial WTP hotspots near brick kilns and high traffic movement, suggesting strong household demand for clean air around prominent local pollution sources. We also find higher WTP among households more aware of the health and economic costs. On the contrary, outdoor workers are willing to pay less, despite being more exposed to air pollution. Using our preferred DBDC model, we estimate an annual mean WTP value of NRs. 775 (USD 6.6), which equals 0.43% of the household income.

Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) contributes to about 8 million premature deaths worldwide annually. In Türkiye, few studies have examined long-term health impacts, particularly during and after the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study aimed to estimate premature mortality and the respiratory disease burden attributable to PM2.5 from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2023. Premature deaths attributable to PM2.5 were estimated using the World Health Organization's (WHO) AirQ+ software. Inputs included annual provincial PM2.5 concentrations (measured directly or at stations without PM2.5 measurements, converted from PM10 using the WHO-recommended factor of 0.67 for Türkiye), mortality data for individuals aged ≥25 years, and demographic data from Turkish Statistical Institute. The Estimates focused on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. Population attributable fractions were calculated. Temporal comparisons were made across pre-pandemic (2019), pandemic (2020-2021), and post-pandemic (2022-2023) periods to capture potential effects of COVID-19-related reductions in industrial production and traffic. Differences were assessed using one-way ANOVA. An annual average of 85,344 premature deaths (95% confidence interval: 79,129-91,559) was attributable to PM2.5. COPD and lung cancer accounted for a significant share of PM2.5-related deaths, with about one in seven linked to COPD. Although temporary improvements in air quality occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, no statistically significant difference was observed in COPD-attributable mortality across the three study periods (P = 0.687). Air pollution remains a major public health challenge in Türkiye. Sustained, region-specific strategies are needed to reduce the burden of PM2.5-related mortality. Inadequate monitoring coverage continues to limit precision in exposure and risk assessment.

Abstract The digital economy's explosive growth as a new driver of global economic expansion has highlighted its effects on human health and carbon emissions. The study uses a digital economy module to construct a computable general equilibrium model of China's dynamic energy environment. Through scenario simulation, the study quantifies the impact of developing the digital economy industry on carbon emissions and human health. The study found that in terms of energy consumption, total energy consumption fell to 250 million tce in 2030 under the green digital economy transformation scenario, a reduction of 19.4% from the base scenario. In terms of environmental and health impacts, the PM2.5 concentration under the green digital economy transformation scenario decreased from 25.14 µg/m 3 in 2015 to about 22.36 µg/m 3 in 2030, which was 11.5% lower than the base scenario. In terms of economic performance, the GDP growth rate of the green digital economy transformation scenario was significantly higher, increasing by 0.0579 in 2030 compared to the base scenario. This study demonstrates that developing the digital economy and green energy together can reduce carbon intensity, improve air quality, and minimize health losses. This provides an important policy rationale for balancing economic growth and environmental sustainability. Graphical Abstract

HighlightsPublic health relevance—How does this work relate to a public health issue?The study demonstrates that chronic exposure to PM10, SO2 and NOx from lignite combustion significantly increases population-level cardiovascular risk, particularly for Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS) and Atrial Fibrillation (AF).By analyzing real-world data from a coal-dependent region, it shows how air pollution acts as a direct and measurable determinant of acute cardiac events at the community level.Public health significance—Why is this work of significance to public health?The sharp decline in pollutant levels after the lignite phase-out was accompanied by a large reduction in ACS and AF admissions, revealing that air quality improvements translate rapidly into improved cardiovascular outcomes.The findings provide robust regional evidence that emission-reduction policies function as effective cardiovascular prevention strategies, complementing clinical and behavioral interventions.Public health implications—What are the key implications or messages for practitioners, policy makers and/or researchers in public health?Policymakers should treat air quality management and fossil-fuel phase-out as essential public health interventions, with substantial potential to reduce cardiac morbidity and healthcare burden.Clinicians and public health authorities should incorporate air pollution exposure into cardiovascular risk communication and develop targeted advisories for vulnerable populations during high-pollution periods.Air pollution from lignite combustion represents a major environmental and public health concern, particularly for cardiovascular disease. This study investigated the relationship between ambient air pollution and hospital admissions for Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS) and Atrial Fibrillation (AF) in Western Macedonia, Greece—a region historically dominated by lignite mining and power generation. Air quality data for PM10, SO2, and NOx from 2011–2014 and 2021 were analyzed alongside hospital admission records from four regional hospitals (Kozani, Ptolemaida, Florina, Grevena). Spatial analyses revealed significantly higher pollutant concentrations and cardiovascular admissions in high-exposure areas near power plants compared with the control area. Temporal analyses demonstrated a pronounced decline in pollutant levels between 2014 and 2021, coinciding with lignite phase-out and accompanied by a marked reduction in ACS and AF hospitalizations, particularly in the high-exposure areas of Ptolemaida and Florina. Correlation analyses indicated modest but significant positive associations between monthly pollutant concentrations and cardiovascular admissions. These findings provide real-world evidence that reductions in air pollution following lignite decommissioning were associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes. The study underscores the medical importance of air quality improvement and highlights emission reduction as a critical strategy for cardiovascular disease prevention in transitioning energy regions.

Abstract Aim This study examines how urban planning in Belgium impacts public health by influencing air pollution and green space. It analyses the link between these environmental factors and health issues such as mortality, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma, and depression. Subject and methods This study quantifies the combined disease burden attributable to fine particulate natter (PM 2.5 ), NO 2 , and insufficient green space in Brussels, Liège, and Mechelen using a multiplicative population preventable fraction (PF) approach with World Health Organization (WHO) exposure target values as counterfactual scenario. Results Our findings reveal that reducing PM 2.5 and NO 2 and increasing green space to WHO-recommended levels could lower total mortality by 14.7% (95% CI 9.4–19.8) in Brussels, 11.7% (95% CI 7.5–16.3) in Liège, and 12.0% (95% CI 7.7–16.3) in Mechelen. Cardiovascular mortality could decrease by 13.4% (95% CI 5.8–21.0) in Brussels, 10.3% (95% CI 4.1–16.0) in Liège, and 11.0% (95% CI 5.1–16.6) in Mechelen. Diabetes reductions are estimated at 25.4% (95% CI 7.0–40.3) in Brussels, 21.6% (95% CI 7.2–37.0) in Liège, and 19.9 (95% CI 6.7–33.9) in Mechelen. Focusing on background concentrations for NO 2 underestimates health effects. Traffic contributes 73.2–78.6% of NO 2 , with local traffic accounting for 40.9–55.0% of concentrations. Conclusion This study identifies a statistically significant link between elevated air pollution, limited green space, and the potential to reduce chronic disease prevalence by adhering to WHO guidelines. It underscores the importance of health-centred urban planning, advocating for green space expansion, air quality improvements, and more precise NO 2 source allocation to better pinpoint and mitigate pollution sources, ultimately fostering healthier communities.

Surgical smoke generated during energy-based operations is a known hazard containing particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and biological debris, with insufficient adoption of commercial smoke evacuators due to cost and complexity. This study aimed to develop a cost-effective, modular and passive smoke evacuator and evaluate its efficacy in reducing PM and VOC levels during simulated laparoscopic procedures. A prototype smoke evacuator incorporating a distilled water bubbling trap, activated carbon filter, and ULPA filter was tested in a sealed chamber simulating laparoscopic surgery using porcine liver tissue. The system was connected to a laparoscopic port through a three-way valve, allowing manual, on-demand smoke evacuation without continuous suction. Air quality metrics, including PM1.0, PM2.5, PM10, VOC, and CO₂, were measured continuously. Results were compared to baseline and performance benchmarks from commercial smoke evacuation systems. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-tests. The prototype evacuator reduced PM2.5 levels by >99.5% and VOC concentrations by >95% compared to no-evacuation control trials (p < 0.01). CO₂ concentrations returned to baseline following evacuation, indicating minimal disturbance of chamber atmosphere. PM2.5 and VOC levels were restored to near-baseline values. The developed modular passive smoke evacuator offers a promising and cost-effective solution to improve air quality and enhance occupational safety in operating rooms. The model represents an idealized simulation of laparoscopic smoke evacuation; further clinical validation in live surgical environments is warranted.

Air Pollution knowledge of health care providers determines communication of adverse effects of pollution to the patients. Hence a study was conducted to assess knowledge, attitude and practices of health care providers on air pollution. A pilot cross-sectional study by telephonic survey, with informed consent and voluntary participation was conducted in October 2025 in health block Syri of district Solan, India.16 (36.4%) Doctors and 28 (63.6%) Paramedical staff, mean age 36.18 years, SD 9.8, participated. All perceived that air pollution affects human health and dampness (87.5% Doctors, 85.7% Paramedics)/ Foul smell (56.3% Doctors, 82.1% Paramedics) were also the causes. 81.3% Doctors significantly knew about Air Quality Index compared to 42.9% Paramedics (Chi square- 6.11, df 1, p= 0.01). 93% of respondents believed that patient’s indoor hospital stay gets affected by pollution and indoor plants can improve air quality. Only 4 doctors and 1 Paramedic knew about the concept of Air Changes Per Hour (x2 = 4.64, df = 1, p = 0.03). Only 64% (x2 = 7.39, df = 1, p = 0.00) Paramedics could name three diseases caused by air pollution. Majority of respondents (61%) knew names of indoor plants. Very less respondents (6%) bothered to check air quality in hospitals. However about 50% did care about dampness and foul smell and kept windows open for ventilation. Significantly low (18% Doctors, 50% Paramedics, x2 = 4.10, df = 1, p = 0.04) had seen information, education and communication (IEC) materials on air quality in hospital. Only 3 Paramedics had undergone training on air quality. The pilot study with low sample size as its limitation was a pioneer attempt in the region and it had inferred that the knowledge on air quality was inadequate among health care providers. There was also lack of attitude and practice of checking air quality. This was probably due to unavailability of IEC material in hospitals and no trainings of health care providers. The Department of Health has been sent recommendations to take up sensitization of health care professionals on various aspects of air quality.