Researchers analyzed data from 1,863 participants and found a significant association between air pollution exposure and low sleep efficiency. The study suggests that improving air quality may be one way to enhance sleep health and reduce health disparities.
A new study by San Diego State University researchers found that cigarette smoke, marijuana smoking, and candles are significant sources of airborne particles in homes. The study also discovered that frying food and cleaning products increase fine particle levels, posing a risk to children's health.
A new study published in Atmospheric Environment suggests that low hedges can be more effective than taller trees in reducing urban air pollution. Strategically placed low hedges can help mitigate the impact of traffic emissions in cityscapes with large buildings close to roads.
Reduced natural dust from the Gobi Desert leads to increased man-made pollution over eastern China due to reduced temperature differential between sea and land, resulting in weaker winds and air stagnation. This has a profound effect on climate and air quality, with cleaner air observed two to three days after wind-borne dust arrives.
Researchers developed a process that purifies polluted air while generating power as hydrogen gas, which can be stored and used as fuel. The device uses specific nanomaterials and is triggered by sunlight, offering a promising solution for clean air and alternative energy production.
A new study found that counties with poor environmental quality have higher cancer incidence rates, with air and built environment factors strongly associated. Breast and prostate cancer were most closely linked to poor air quality, highlighting the need for policy changes to reduce pollution.
A new study published in Environmental Science & Technology shows that air conditioning increases air pollution by hundreds to thousands of metric tons, particularly sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and carbon dioxide, with a 3-4% increase per degree Celsius rise in temperature
Researchers will study Chinese haze events and their sources using oxygen-isotopic compositions of sulfate and nitrate aerosols. The findings will aid development of air quality mitigation strategies in China.
A new study found that Toronto's subways have the highest levels of airborne particulate matter in Canada, with average values up to 100 micrograms per cubic metre, compared to Montreal's 36 micrograms and Vancouver's 17 micrograms. The high metal content and abrasive wear on steel wheels may be contributing factors.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that air pollution directly causes inflammation in the nasal and sinus tissues of mice. The researchers exposed mice to polluted air for 16 weeks, showing increased white blood cells and biomarkers of inflammation.
The US Air Force and Walt Disney Company have been recognized for their pioneering use of operations research (O.R.) to improve decision-making processes. The organizations have effectively integrated O.R. into their daily operations, resulting in enhanced efficiency, effectiveness, and innovation.
A recent study by Lehigh University sociologist Kelly Austin finds that countries with higher gender equality have lower rates of solid fuel use and female exposure to indoor air pollution. The research highlights the importance of female empowerment in reducing this global health issue, which claims 4.3 million premature deaths annually.
Researchers from the University of Warwick have developed a new theory explaining how raindrops and spilt coffee splashes occur. A minuscule layer of air trapped between the liquid and surface can prevent the liquid from spreading, leading to a splash.
Experts predict that adopting and enforcing tighter air quality standards in China could save 3 million premature deaths each year, primarily due to a decrease in cardiorespiratory diseases. The study found that bringing PM10 levels to the WHO standard of 20 μg/m3 would have significant public health benefits.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that B vitamins can increase plasma concentrations of folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12, reducing the impact of air pollution on the epigenome. The results have significant public health implications for regions with frequent PM2.5 peaks.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that water temperatures generally remain low despite rising air temperatures, helping to curb greenhouse gas emissions. The research, conducted by Uppsala University, involved nearly 3,500 schoolchildren taking measurements and samples from lakes across Sweden.
Research discovered that black carbon alters bacteria's ability to survive and combat antibiotics, increasing the risk of infection. The study also found that air pollution can change the way bacteria behave and cause disease.
A McGill University and Health Canada study found that air pollution from wood burning increases the risk of heart attacks in seniors by 19% during cold seasons. The researchers suggest that tackling air pollution caused by fireplaces and woodstoves may improve public health.
A novel air quality model, REGiS, can predict surface ozone levels up to 48 hours in advance by combining statistical models with weather patterns. This method provides a 48-hour heads-up for air quality forecasters and decision-makers to mitigate unhealthy ozone level formation.
A nationwide study in China found that fine particulate air pollution is associated with a significant increase in mortality from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The study found that even low levels of air pollution can have serious health effects, particularly among older adults and those with lower education levels.
A new study found that high levels of air pollution can make insulin-creating cells less efficient, increasing the risk for type 2 diabetes in obese Latino children. Exposure to poor air quality during childhood increases the risk for obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
A study by UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business found that Mexico City's Saturday driving restrictions have negligible impact on air quality. The program, which restricts vehicles with license plates ending in '5' or '6', did not lead to a decrease in pollution levels for any of the eight major pollutants monitored. Instead, experts r...
Research reveals companies strategically locating facilities near downwind state borders to avoid 'not-in-my-backyard' opposition, while also sharing air pollution costs with neighboring states. The study finds a significant trend of large polluters being more likely to locate near downwind state borders.
A new study reveals that the head, upper arms, upper legs, and thighs are significant sources of drag for downhill skiers, with potential applications in designing better ski equipment and improving performance.
The new soy-based filter can capture nearly all pollutants, including small particles and hazardous gaseous molecules. The biodegradable material is cost-effective and has the potential to improve indoor air quality, particularly in regions with poor air quality.
Children in China are exposed to air pollution and lack of physical activity, posing serious health risks. Experts recommend addressing both issues through education, monitoring, and adjusting physical activities based on air quality.
Cold Arctic air masses brought frigid temperatures to the US, with temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius detected at high altitudes. The air mass shifted east on Dec 9, impacting Ohio Valley and New England regions.
A study of over 16,000 patients found air pollution reduces pulmonary vascular function and increases risk of decompensated heart failure. Limiting physical activity in heavily polluted areas is recommended.
Researchers have found worrying traces of resistant bacteria in the air, which could lead to the development of last-resort antibiotic-resistant infections. The study analyzed DNA from humans, animals, and environments worldwide and found a wide mix of resistance genes, including those that make bacteria resistant to carbapenems.
A seasonal unit root analysis found that Hong Kong's urban mean air temperature increased by 0.169°C per 10 years, outpacing global warming.
The $250,000 award from Meyer Memorial Trust supports BREATHE Oregon's efforts to provide scientific data, legal analysis and community outreach to inform policy decisions on air quality in Portland and Oregon.
Wildfires in Indonesia and Borneo exposed 69 million people to unhealthy air pollution, resulting in thousands of premature deaths. The study estimates that between 6,150 and 17,270 premature deaths occurred due to breathing in the polluted air.
Researchers found that underground car parks can act as 'lungs of the city', reducing particulate matter concentrations outside the car parks by up to 50%. The study suggests that implementing air purification systems in parking garages can improve air quality in urban areas.
Research found that exposure to fine particulate matter air pollution is associated with abnormal changes in the blood, including increased micro-particles indicating cell injury and death, and proteins that inhibit blood vessel growth. This suggests that living in a polluted environment could promote the development of high blood pres...
The largest study to investigate the effects of air pollution and traffic noise found that long-term exposure is linked to a greater incidence of high blood pressure. For every 5 μg/m3 of PM2.5, the risk of hypertension increased by 22% in people living in the most polluted areas.
A CSU-developed air quality sampler, TPS100, will be sent to the International Space Station to collect airborne particles and address astronaut health concerns. The device uses thermophoresis to capture nanoparticles and has been tested in lab settings before its upcoming space mission.
A new study developed a mixed metal catalyst that enables both charge and discharge reactions in lithium-air batteries, overcoming key barriers to their development. This breakthrough offers opportunities for future research and potential applications in sustainable energy storage.
The project aims to investigate the effectiveness of giving communities access to low-cost portable air pollution monitoring devices in improving air quality and addressing environmental justice concerns. The researchers will educate adults, facilitate cross-community collaboration, and encourage beneficial policy decisions.
A new study suggests that improvements in air quality over the Potomac watershed led to recent progress on water quality in the Chesapeake Bay. Researchers found a nearly universal improvement in water quality, with decreasing nitrate concentrations and reversing nitrogen saturation in the basin.
As air pollution increases, hydrocarbon molecules break down, confusing bees and increasing foraging time. This affects not only generalist but also specialist bees, impacting pollination and ecosystem balance.
A study found that regions in China with high levels of fine particulate air pollution have elevated rates of membranous nephropathy, an immune disorder of the kidneys. The likelihood of developing membranous nephropathy increased by 13% annually over 11 years.
A new study has confirmed a direct link between air pollution exposure and lupus disease activity in children and adolescents. The study found that fine pollution particles triggered an increase in disease severity, including worsening of renal and haematological involvement.
A new study from Umeå University in Sweden suggests that exposure to air pollution is associated with an increased risk of psychiatric diagnoses in children and adolescents. The research found a 9% increase in medication for at least one psychiatric diagnosis with a 10 microgram per cubic meter increase in nitrogen dioxide concentration.
Severe air quality issues persist in Fort McMurray due to ongoing wildfires, with a Health Quality Index of 10+ reported in the region. The fire, covering over 522,892 hectares, remains out of control, prompting evacuation orders for multiple communities.
New research suggests that even small amounts of air pollution may have long-term health effects on the developing fetus, increasing the risk of premature birth and lifelong neurological and respiratory disorders. The study found biological evidence of intrauterine inflammation in pregnant women exposed to high levels of air pollution.
Indoor air pollution from smoke, building materials, and spores kills millions each year. The research aims to combat air quality issues with smart city technologies and real-time data monitoring. Dr. Prashant Kumar explains the need for better indoor pollution monitoring to protect human health.
A study in Southern California found significant reductions in bronchitic symptoms among children due to decreases in air pollution levels. The analysis of 4,602 children aged 5-18 years revealed a proportional association between improved air quality and decreased respiratory issues, particularly among those with asthma.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that exposure to even low levels of air pollution affects children's lung function. Children living near major highways showed significant reductions in lung function, with those exposed to higher levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) a...
Researchers at Washington State University will use new modeling techniques to predict air pollution changes in the western US due to climate change. The study will focus on small particulate matter, a major contributor to health issues like asthma and lung cancer.
A new study has found that moss can be a useful bioindicator of cadmium air pollution in urban areas. Researchers used moss to track down previously unknown pollution sources in Portland and created a fine-scale map of cadmium deposition across the city.
Research associates outdoor air pollution with dry eye disease, finding decreased humidity and increased ozone levels increase DED risk. PM10 was not associated with DED, possibly due to reflex tearing or low environmental levels.
A University of Leeds study reveals EU policies have reduced air pollution across Europe, preventing an estimated 80,000 premature deaths per year. The findings demonstrate a 35% decrease in fine particles since 1970, significantly improving public health.
A rat study published in the Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology found that exposure to Beijing's polluted air increases weight and metabolic dysfunctions. The study also showed that pregnant rats exposed to polluted air had higher levels of insulin resistance, a precursor to Type 2 diabetes.
Research found a significant correlation between air quality and stroke cases, with higher PM2.5 levels in the South linked to a higher prevalence of stroke. Temperature also played a role in air quality and stroke risk.
New research shows that more than half of the world's 5.5 million premature deaths due to air pollution occur in China and India. The study highlights the urgent need for even more aggressive strategies to reduce emissions from coal and other sectors.
Research by the University of British Columbia found that babies born to mothers exposed to air pollution from traffic had a higher risk of developing asthma before age six. The study, which included over 65,000 children in Metro Vancouver, linked increased exposure to traffic-related pollutants with an increased risk of asthma.
A new study found that exposure to air pollution more than 30 years ago can still affect an individual's mortality risk today. The research, published in the journal Thorax, estimated air pollution levels in areas where individuals lived in 1971, 1981, 1991 and 2001, using historic air quality measurements.
Babies born to mothers exposed to air pollution from traffic sources during pregnancy have an increased risk of developing asthma before the age of 5 years. Exposure to nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, two markers of traffic-related air pollution, was found to increase this risk.
High-resolution satellite maps track air pollution trends over the last decade, revealing a human fingerprint on global air quality. Nitrogen dioxide levels have decreased significantly in the US and Western Europe due to environmental regulations, while China saw an increase in emissions.
A study by the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science found that emissions controls on coal-fired power plants reduced mercury levels in the air by up to 75% over a 10-year period. This reduction was strongly correlated with power plant emissions from Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.