KIGALI, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda has launched a campaign to curb air pollutants from vehicle emissions, which authorities say are fueling asthma, heart disease and lung cancer.
In a statement on Thursday, the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) said that as part of the campaign, vehicle emissions testing will be conducted at regular vehicle inspection centers alongside mechanical checks.
The campaign will help the country reflect on the health hazards of vehicle emissions, as cleaner cars mean healthier lives, REMA Director General Juliet Kabera said.
According to REMA, fine particulate matter, also known as PM2.5, from vehicles can cause both short-term and long-term effects on human health.
These small particles, smaller than 2.5 micrometers, can be inhaled deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, causing a range of respiratory and cardiovascular problems, it warned.
According to the World Health Organization, around 80 percent of deaths attributed to PM 2.5 exposure in the world could be avoided if countries attain the necessary annual air quality levels.
