A recent survey by Drexel University researchers found that there is a lack of understanding about the costs and benefits of improving indoor air quality, even among building owners and designers. The study suggests that increasing ventilation and using better air filters can significantly improve health and productivity, but many peop...
The University of California, Davis has been awarded contracts for two major federal fine particle air quality monitoring networks: IMPROVE and CSN. This will provide data that helps inform national air quality standards and regulations, with a focus on visibility and human health in urban areas.
The study reveals that traffic is the largest source of urban air pollution, responsible for 25% of particulate matter. Domestic fuel burning and industrial activities also contribute significantly to air pollution, with regional variations observed.
A nationwide study found that women with type 2 diabetes are most susceptible to the adverse cardiovascular risks posed by long-term air pollution exposure. The researchers discovered a significant increase in cardiovascular disease risk, particularly among women over 70, obese, and living in polluted regions.
A new study using state-of-the-art computer models finds that most aerosol species will increase under climate change associated with greenhouse-gas-induced warming. This could lead to reduced air quality and increased atmospheric aerosols, outweighing the decrease in precipitation in certain regions.
A major new study found that people with heart disease face an increased risk of a serious heart attack during poor air quality days. Researchers at the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute identified a strong association between bad air quality days and a higher risk of STEMI, the most dangerous type of heart attack.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that surface solar radiation in China has decreased due to higher air pollution and lower wind speeds. The research reveals that the solar dimming increased significantly during the day in polluted areas, with 20% of reduced solar radiation attributed to aerosols.
A new study finds that reducing short-lived pollutants like methane and aerosols can substantially improve air quality while also mitigating climate change. The measures, which target the oil and gas industry, could lower global temperatures by up to 0.22°C by 2050 and reduce life expectancy losses due to air pollution.
A study published in Environmental Research Letters found that peak-time emissions from diesel trains at London's Paddington Station exceeded European air quality recommendations and were higher than nearby roadsides on most days. The station's semi-enclosed design contributed to elevated concentrations of particulate matter, nitrogen ...
Exposure to high-concentration airborne particulate matter PM2.5 has been shown to directly affect the liver, triggering liver fibrosis in animal models. The study highlights air pollution as an independent risk factor for liver fibrosis, with implications for medical care and health policy-making.
Research suggests that exposure to particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide air pollutants is associated with an increased risk of severe heart attacks. The study found that men aged 75 and above were more susceptible to fine particles, while younger individuals were more affected by NO2.
Researchers used satellite observations and atmospheric modeling to calculate the impact of fires from industrial concessions on air quality. The study found that these fires contribute significantly to air pollution, particularly in regions with degraded peatlands and deforested areas.
BGU researchers discovered that infected cellphones can use GSM phone frequencies to exfiltrate small bits of data, such as security keys and passwords, from 'air-gapped' computers. The 'GSMem' malicious software uses electromagnetic waves from phones to receive and transmit data over long distances.
A nationwide study finds that fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, surge on July 4 due to fireworks, with concentrations 42% higher than usual on average. The study's results will help improve air quality predictions and raise awareness about the health risks of particle pollution.
A team of researchers found that improving air quality worldwide could reduce pollution-related deaths by millions of people each year. Meeting the World Health Organization's particulate air quality guidelines could prevent up to 2.1 million deaths annually.
A study of 1403 women found that those exposed to higher levels of air pollution had reduced white matter in their brains. Ambient particulate air pollutants may have a deleterious effect on brain aging, according to researchers.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.