Page 15 - CIJ Dec 2023 - Digital Edition

News Track

Effectiveness of Air Cleaners in Reducing

Illnesses Challenged

recent study, led by the The findings, published in previously held belief in the
University of East Anglia ‘Preventive Medicine’, indicate that efficacy of air purifiers and similar
(UEA) in England, has cast while technologies like germicidal technologies in significantly reducing
A doubt on the effectiveness lights and HEPA filters may indoor illnesses, urging a reevaluation
of air cleaning technologies, such as reduce environmental and surface of their use and effectiveness in
air filtration units, germicidal lights, contamination, they have minimal public health strategies.
and ionisers, in reducing illnesses in impact on preventing or reducing
indoor environments. This revelation the severity of actual illnesses. The
comes amidst heightened concerns few studies suggesting otherwise
about indoor air quality, especially appeared biased or imbalanced.
during the recent pandemic.
Co-author Paul Hunter emphasised
The research team scrutinised the need for a cost-benefit analysis
32 studies conducted in real-world of these technologies, given their
settings like schools and care expense. He urged public health
homes. These studies focused on decision-makers to consider these
technologies typically intended to preliminary findings in future
eliminate germs causing respiratory infrastructure discussions, especially
or gastrointestinal infections.
Notably, the research did not include in a time compounded by climate
studies from the COVID-19 era, as change-related health burdens.
they are still ongoing. This study challenges the

Delhi’s Jurassic Park from Scrap

elhi is set to unveil a unique serves as a slide for children. These is created using rubber tyres. One of
Jurassic Park-inspired installations are not just visually the highlights is a T-rex designed to
attraction, but with an eco- striking but also interactive, with appear as if it is breathing fire.
Dfriendly twist. The Municipal some featuring light, sound, and This initiative is part of MCD’s
Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has movement elements. broader effort to develop waste-to-art
developed a dinosaur theme park at The park’s design includes diverse theme parks across the city. The aim
Sarai Kale Khan, expected to open by materials like construction waste, old is to creatively repurpose waste while
the end of December. This park stands tyres, and garden waste. For instance, offering educational and recreational
out as it’s crafted entirely from waste the skin texture of many dinosaurs spaces for the public.
materials, showcasing India’s first
waste-to-art theme dinosaur park.
The park, sprawling over 3.5 acres,
is situated next to the Waste to Wonder
park at Sarai Kale Khan. It features 40
dinosaur sculptures, each meticulously
crafted from metallic scrap. The
project, involving eight artists and 60
workers, cost Rs13.72 crore.
Visitors can expect to see a 14-feet-
high Stegosaurus with a white
ambassador car in its belly, a nest
of velociraptors in an old metallic
chemical tank, and a 60-foot high
diplodocus, whose elongated neck

Clean India Journal•DECEMBER 2023 15
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