Wellington, January 10 (IANS). A research has said that the situation of air pollution in New Zealand’s largest city Auckland has become worse.
Research from the University of Auckland says air pollution in Auckland could lead to an increase in disease unless steps are taken to reduce the risk of pollution from motor vehicles.
The study, based on data from 2015-2017, showed that the incidence of the respiratory disease asthma has increased in children in more densely populated areas. The disease is linked to air pollution, especially nitrogen dioxide, and population density.
The study said that traffic, domestic fires and industries etc. are important sources of air pollution. The study said transportation improvements to reduce traffic should be considered when planning for densely populated cities.
“Research published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health explored the relationship between population density, air pollution and related health outcomes in Auckland, New Zealand,” Xinhua news agency reported.
The nationwide response began last November after the country’s health ministry announced the early stages of a highly contagious pertussis epidemic.
A statement from the Health Ministry said that cases of whooping cough have been increasing continuously in New Zealand for several weeks. The statement cited that the last major outbreak of whooping cough in the country was in 2017, which lasted for several months.
According to the Institute of Environmental Science and Research, cases of whooping cough continued to increase in May, June and July.
Nicholas Jones, director of public health at the Ministry of Health, said the ministry warned that New Zealand should be prepared for a similar number of cases in the next 12 months or longer. Record breaking cases of whooping cough are being reported in many countries.
–IANS
MKS/CBT
