A study by researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and Harvard found that exposure to high air temperature during pregnancy increases the risk of lower birth weight and can cause preterm birth. High temperatures of 8.5 °C in the last trimester were associated with a 17g decrease in birth weight.
A Drexel University team conducted a mobile air quality monitoring campaign to assess the impact of natural gas extraction on air quality in the Marcellus Shale region. The study found relatively small increases in air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic chemicals, with elevated ultrafine particles from compressor s...
Researchers found that air pollution directly impacts cognition, with particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide affecting the central nervous system via the sense of smell. Impaired lung function was also linked to cognitive decline in elderly women, regardless of air pollution exposure.
A new study predicts that increased air conditioning adoption will lead to significant increases in energy consumption and strain on energy infrastructures worldwide. The authors call for action now to develop more energy-efficient and affordable air conditioners for poorer populations.
Research found that long-term exposure to fine particle air pollution, particularly at low levels, can cause subtle structural changes in the brain and increase the risk of covert brain infarcts. This association was strongest among older adults and those with relatively healthy brains.
A recent study by University of Toronto engineers found that air pollution from vehicle tailpipes can spread farther than thought, with varying levels across cities. One in three Canadians lives within 250 meters of a major roadway, where exposure to pollutants can be up to ten times higher.
Researchers detect human fingerprint of industrial pollutants in Borneo rainforest, revealing impact on ozone layer and forest health. Air pollution from East Asia affects air quality in equatorial Southeast Asia, introducing chemicals to the stratosphere.
A new University of Copenhagen study found that exercise reduces premature mortality risk more than air pollution, even in polluted urban areas. The research suggests exercising in green spaces with low air pollution is still beneficial.
A study found that poor indoor air quality in nursing homes negatively affects the lung health of elderly residents, with pollutants like PM10 and NO2 linked to breathlessness and cough. The researchers called for improved ventilation and regular respiratory checks to mitigate the issue.
A 20-year study found that improved air quality in Southern California led to significant gains in lung function development among millennial children. Lung growth accelerated as air pollution declined, resulting in lower rates of abnormally low lung function and reduced risks of respiratory disease.
Research suggests chronic exposure to air pollution increases the risk of stroke by causing fatty substances to build up in the neck arteries. The study found those living in areas with high levels of fine particulate matter had a 24% greater risk of carotid artery stenosis compared to those in cleaner areas.
A new on-board air filtration system developed for school buses reduces exposure to vehicular pollutants by up to 88%, making it cleaner way to transport children. The HECA filtration system could protect the 25 million American children who commute on school buses nearly every day from harmful exposures.
Current EU legislation will lead to significant improvements in particulate matter pollution, but many areas of Europe will still exceed limits. The study identifies Eastern Europe, Southern Poland, and major cities as hotspots that require targeted emission controls.
NASA's Aqua satellite revealed cloud top temperatures of -28C/-18F and -23C/-9F over the northeastern US, significantly colder than surface temperatures, which ranged from 4F/-16C to 23F/-5C in affected areas. The extreme cold was part of an Arctic air mass that brought wind chills below zero and single numbers across the region.
Researchers found that geo-stationary satellites can greatly improve air-quality forecasting by providing aerosol optical depth every hour in high resolution. Combining this data with low Earth-orbiting satellite data produces more detailed maps for improved forecasts.
Research finds higher air pollution levels in England's most deprived neighborhoods, with ethnic minority areas also severely affected. The study highlights the need to reduce vehicle emissions in urban areas to address environmental inequality.
A new study finds that traditional yak dung burning in Tibetan households releases high levels of fine particulate matter, including black carbon. The pollution poses a significant health risk to the local population, who spend most of their time indoors during the cold season.
Experts recommend reducing air pollution exposure and decreasing fossil fuel use to combat cardiovascular risk. People with heart disease are urged to follow these guidelines to minimize harm from air pollution.
New research reveals hand dryers can spread bacteria in public toilets, increasing the risk of infection. Studies found airborne germ counts were 27 times higher around jet air dryers compared to paper towels.
A recent study has found a strong association between air pollution and the development of chronic kidney disease. The research, which analyzed data from over 1.1 million people in the US, revealed that even low levels of particulate matter can increase the risk of CKD.
Exposure to tobacco smoke and near-roadway air pollution contributes to childhood obesity development. The study found increased weight gain in children exposed to both air pollutants compared to those with no exposure.
By 2050, cumulative exposure to ozone during the summer is expected to be high enough to damage vegetation globally. Ozone levels will remain below safe limits if greenhouse gas emissions peak in 2040, but may exceed safe limits if emissions continue to rise until 2100.
Scientists are developing low-cost air-cleaning devices to replace expensive metals like platinum and palladium. Recent studies have shown promising results in improving indoor air quality, potentially alleviating symptoms of 'sick-building syndrome'
A community-based study found air pollutants released by unconventional oil and gas production exceed recommended levels in the US, with hazardous chemicals like benzene, hydrogen sulfide, and formaldehyde detected. The study highlights the need for improved air-quality monitoring programs near these sites.
A new study reveals that consumers assume high or low levels of quality in price ranges where quality is more variable. Consistency in quality within a price range leads to incorrect predictions about product quality.
A new study confirms a strong link between air pollution and lung health in European adults, with people suffering from obesity particularly vulnerable. The findings emphasize the importance of educating about clean air and urge policymakers to update guidelines to meet WHO-recommended air quality standards.
Research led by UC Riverside scientist James O. Sickman found declining levels of carbonaceous particles in Sierra Nevada lakes, indicating improved air quality and reduced acid rain. This decline has allowed sensitive aquatic species to thrive, preserving native clams, zooplankton, sponges, and invertebrates.
A third of the world's population uses plant-based solid fuels for cooking, heating, and lighting, resulting in high levels of household air pollution. The Commission concludes that an estimated 600-800 million families worldwide are at increased risk of illnesses such as respiratory tract infections and lung cancer.
A new study from MIT warns that climate change and air pollution can combine to reduce crop yields, with effects varying by region. The study found that ozone pollution can cause significant damage to crops, particularly in the US where stricter regulations may mitigate its impact.
Scientists at the University of Maryland have successfully created air waveguides that can guide light beams over long distances without loss of power. This breakthrough has significant implications for various applications, including long-range laser communications, pollution detection, and topographic mapping.
The new NASA images demonstrate a significant reduction in nitrogen dioxide levels across the United States over the past decade, indicating improved air quality. This decrease is attributed to regulations, technological advancements, and economic changes, despite increasing population and vehicle numbers.
A study by Duke University researchers found a strong association between improved air quality and declining death rates from emphysema, asthma, and pneumonia in North Carolina. The study analyzed data from 1993-2010 and found that reductions in sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and fine particulates were significantly correlated with l...
A new study reveals that exposure to air pollution early in life can produce harmful changes in the brains of mice, including enlargement of the lateral ventricles seen in humans with autism and schizophrenia. The findings are consistent with recent studies showing a link between air pollution and autism in children.
Researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health analyzed air quality in seven Baltimore waterpipe bars and found elevated levels of carbon monoxide and air nicotine. The study's results suggest that waterpipe smoking creates higher indoor air pollution than cigarette smoking, posing increased health risks to patron...
A study found that exposure to particulate air pollution during the second trimester of pregnancy increases the risk of developing asthma in early childhood, particularly among non-obese mothers. The research suggests that timing of exposure may be crucial in understanding this relationship.
A new study from the University of Iowa reveals that Iowa's air quality is generally clean, but with notable variations between urban and rural areas. The research found higher concentrations of fine particulate pollutants in urban locations, particularly associated with vehicle exhaust and industrial activity.
The Signal Fire in New Mexico is a rapidly spreading wildfire with 507 firefighters and resources from NASA. The fire's cause is believed to be human, with evacuations ordered for residents near the affected area.
A NASA simulation shows that stratospheric ozone intrusions have a significant impact on ground-level ozone concentrations in the US West, with effects two to three times greater than previously estimated. High-resolution models can now comprehensively examine these events for the first time.
A study by UC Davis researchers found that laboratory chamber walls can suppress the formation of secondary organic aerosol in the atmosphere. This effect has contributed to underpredictions of SOA concentrations in regional air quality models, which impacts air quality and climate.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai will investigate the potential links between air pollution and brain cancer, with a focus on three pollutants: naphthalene, butadiene, and isoprene. The study aims to determine if prolonged exposure to these toxins can cause molecular changes in the brain that lead to brain tumor development.
Researchers at Saarland University have developed a novel sensor system that can monitor airborne contaminants and automatically adjust ventilation levels to maintain high-quality indoor air. The system has the potential to reduce energy consumption by up to 50% and minimize health hazards associated with poor air quality.
The University of Cincinnati has received over $1 million from the US Air Force to fund seven research projects studying the effects of air medical evacuation. Researchers will investigate how altitude affects medical equipment, resuscitation methods, and caregiver performance during flights.
A study of over 100,000 people found that long-term exposure to particulate matter in outdoor air is strongly linked to heart attacks and angina. The association persists at levels of exposure below the current European limits for PM2.5 and PM10.
Researchers are monitoring air pollution levels and their impact on health using advanced methods like X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The study aims to measure the specific chemical makeup of polluted air and its effects on human health.
Air quality in Greece has deteriorated by 30% since the financial crisis, with fine particles lodged deep into lung tissue posing health risks. Burning cheaper fuel sources like wood and trash for heating has contributed to this issue.
Researchers analyzed hot-air balloon tour crashes from 2000-2011, finding 78 crashes involving 518 occupants, with 91 serious injuries and 5 fatalities. Targeted interventions may improve crash outcomes and decrease injury severity.
A growing body of evidence suggests a causal link between traffic-related air pollution and the development of asthma in children and adults. The authors highlight four strategies to mitigate its effects, including reducing vehicle emissions and modifying current infrastructure.
A large European study found that exposure to even low levels of air pollution during pregnancy increases the risk of lower birthweight babies. The study estimated that reducing PM2.5 levels could prevent up to 22% of cases of low birthweight.
Research presented at the Acute Cardiac Care Congress 2013 found a significant association between air pollution levels and admission for acute cardiovascular events. The study also showed that older people and men were more susceptible to arrhythmias and acute coronary syndromes at increasing levels of air pollution.
A month-long study by University of Houston aims to enhance air quality forecasting using satellite data and numerical models. The team collected extensive data from mobile labs, aircraft, and satellites to develop more accurate pollution sensors.
Researchers found that African dust particles more than doubled during a major Saharan dust intrusion in Houston, Texas, raising concerns about health risks for vulnerable populations. The study provides new insights into the impact of Saharan air outbreaks on climate and human health, including potential effects on hurricane activity.
A new study by Brigham Young University professor Arden Pope found a 35% reduction in deaths and disability attributable to air pollution in the US since 1990. This improvement is attributed to cleaner air quality, with significant reductions in cardiovascular disease and respiratory problems.
A new study estimates that human-caused outdoor air pollution causes around 470,000 premature deaths each year due to increased ozone levels. Additionally, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is linked to an estimated 2.1 million annual deaths. The effects of past climate change on air quality and health are found to be relatively small.
A European-wide study found that prolonged exposure to particulate air pollution increases the risk of lung cancer, particularly adenocarcinoma, at concentrations below EU limit values. The analysis of 17 cohort studies involved over 313,000 people and found a strong association between air pollution and lung cancer risk.
The Air Force has announced 29 university researchers at 26 institutions will receive awards totaling $12.7 million for research instrumentation. These awards support the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment for cutting-edge defense research.
Researchers in the Southern Oxidant and Aerosol Study (SOAS) investigate how chemical reactions between human-related pollution and plant-emitted VOCs affect air quality in the U.S. Southeast. The project aims to uncover the controlling processes of biosphere-atmosphere interactions, which can impact regional climate and air chemistry.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a high-efficiency zinc-air battery with improved catalytic activity and durability, paving the way for a low-cost alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries.
Researchers at PNNL and BPA identified two unique methods and two sites in eastern Washington for compressed air energy storage. These plants can store wind energy produced at night and release it when demand is high, providing flexibility to balance the region's highly variable wind energy generation.
Fine-particle air pollution and nighttime traffic noise pollution independently associated with subclinical atherosclerosis. Researchers found strong associations among younger participants, those with coronary artery disease, and statin users.
The Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research advocates for tightening the Air Quality Directive to set better standards, improve air quality, and protect human health. Researchers recommend regulating pollutants like particulate matter, ground-level ozone, and benzo(a)pyrene to reduce the negative impacts of air pollution.