Scientists have shown how diesel exhaust particles directly affect the lungs to initiate symptoms such as a tightening of airways and cough. The study found that chemicals on the surface of diesel exhaust particles stimulate nerves in the lungs, leading to respiratory reflexes.
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 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.
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 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.
Research suggests that high levels of traffic-related air pollution can lead to lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, also known as "good" cholesterol. This can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing the number and functionality of HDL particles.
Researchers found that vitamin B supplements nearly reversed negative effects on heart rate, white blood count, and lymphocyte count in healthy non-smokers exposed to fine particle pollution. The findings suggest a potential preventive pharmacological intervention using B vitamins to contain air pollution health effects.
A new study estimates that 12% of global premature deaths related to PM2.5 pollution are caused by emissions in a different region, while 22% are associated with goods produced for consumption in another region. The study highlights the need for international cooperation to reduce air pollution and its health impacts.
A study published in Nature found that air pollution mortality is disproportionately felt by people living near producing regions, often far from where goods are consumed. The researchers estimated that 22% of fine-particulate-matter air pollution deaths were related to goods produced elsewhere.
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 at Georgia Tech found that changes in atmospheric circulation, caused by Arctic sea ice loss and increased Eurasian snowfall, contribute to stagnant air conditions over China. This leads to the buildup of pollution, exacerbating winter haze problems in regions like Beijing. The study suggests that global climate change will...
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.
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 new study suggests that air pollution can dissolve iron particles in airborne particles, increasing the amount of greenhouse gases that the world's oceans can absorb. Scientists have found thick sulphate coatings containing soluble iron on iron-rich particles from steel manufacturing and coal burning in the East China Sea.
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...
USC-led study finds that older women living in areas with high PM2.5 levels are 81% more at risk for global cognitive decline and 92% more likely to develop dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Exposure to air pollution particles may accelerate brain aging and promote Alzheimer's disease.
Despite enacted policies, China's smog remains due to climate change and uncertainty over pollution sources, with nitrogen dioxide and ammonia contributing significantly. Research suggests targeting volatile organic compounds from vehicles could help clean up the air.
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.
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.
Scientists have identified interleukin-1α as the key event triggering allergic reactions to air pollution. The release of IL-1α leads to inflammation in the lungs and intensifies the immune response, suggesting a promising therapeutic target for respiratory illnesses associated with air pollution.
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.
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.
A UBC study recommends cyclists ride at 12-20 km/h and pedestrians walk at 2-6 km/h to reduce air pollution inhalation. The ideal travel speeds, or minimum-dose speeds, vary by age and sex group, with faster speeds increasing pollution risk.
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 multi-country randomized controlled trial will assess the impact of cleaner burning cooking stoves on household air pollution and health in four low- and medium-income countries. The study aims to provide compelling evidence for national and global policies to reduce household air pollution among vulnerable populations.
Exposure to air pollution at home increases the risk of developing insulin resistance, a pre-diabetic state of type 2 diabetes. The study analyzed data from nearly 3,000 participants and found that people with impaired glucose metabolism are particularly vulnerable to the effects of air pollution.
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.
Reducing ozone and fine particulate matter to protective levels could save 9,320 lives annually, reduce serious illnesses by 21,400, and decrease impacted days by 19.3 million. The study highlights the benefits of stricter standards in metropolitan areas with high air pollution concentrations.
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.
Long-term exposure to household air pollution from fuels like kerosene, diesel, or natural gas may increase the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular death. Burning cleaner fuels, such as natural gas, is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular deaths, according to new research.
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 published in The Lancet Neurology reveals that air pollution is a major contributor to stroke worldwide, accounting for nearly a third of the global burden. Modifiable risk factors such as smoking, poor diet, and low physical activity are also significant causes of stroke.
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.
A new study found that air pollution exposure can worsen blood sugar levels, cholesterol and other risk factors for heart disease. Participants with diabetes experienced higher changes in blood glucose and cholesterol levels when exposed to higher levels of particulate matter.
A decade-long study of thousands of Americans found that exposure to fine particulate matter and traffic-related pollutants accelerates the progression of coronary artery calcium scores. This acceleration is associated with a 20% faster rate of calcium deposits in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease.
Research reveals that nitrogen-rich fertilizers and animal waste combine with combustion emissions to form solid particles causing disease and death. The good news is that declining combustion emissions may reduce fine-particle pollution even if fertilizer use doubles.
A new study finds that walking and cycling have significant health benefits, outweighing the risks of air pollution, even in cities with high levels of pollution. The research suggests that only a small minority of workers in extremely polluted cities may be at risk due to prolonged exposure.
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...
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.
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 by NYU Langone Health reveals that air pollution in the US is responsible for approximately 3% of premature births, with a total economic cost of $4.33 billion annually. The majority of these births occur in urban counties, primarily in Southern California and the Eastern U.S.
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.
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.