Research finds that paved surfaces in cities like Houston can lead to stagnant air and increased pollution by altering wind patterns. By adding parks and lakes, cities may be able to improve air quality by blowing away pollutants.
A recent study found that Delhi's radical changes in air quality regulations had a substantial positive effect on the health of city residents. The research used remote sensing imagery to measure the effects of air quality on health, and found that poorer men exhibited significant negative relationships between ambient air and respirat...
Researchers report that US military personnel in Iraq are frequently exposed to polluted air with fine particulate matter, exceeding guidelines and posing long-term health threats. Chronic exposure has been linked to various health problems, including increased hospital admissions and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers discovered a new mechanism by which air pollution particles form, with heavier compounds contributing most to particle formation. This discovery has significant implications for understanding and predicting urban air quality.
A new research center at MSU will study air pollutants' impact on cardiometabolic syndrome, a collection of risk factors for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The team aims to understand how air pollution promotes the development of these conditions, particularly in vulnerable populations.
A study published in The Lancet found that air pollution increases the risk of triggering a heart attack by 5%, while cocaine use increases the risk by 23 times. Air pollution poses a significant public health risk, with substantial decreases needed to meet WHO standards.
A study published in the Annals of Surgery found that high-quality trauma hospitals have significantly lower death rates and spending compared to average-quality hospitals. The research suggests that achieving better quality may be less expensive in the long run, with fewer patient complications translating into cost savings.
Researchers found a strong link between climate and air pollution in Gothenburg, where extreme cold air from Siberia leads to high nitrogen oxide concentrations. The study, published in Atmospheric Environment, shows that air quality standards were exceeded more frequently during negative NAO phases.
Researchers discovered that sports stadiums and street lighting can increase daytime ozone levels, a key air pollutant in heavily populated areas. This effect is significant for cities struggling to meet stricter government air pollution limits.
Researchers discovered that bright light from sports stadiums and urban street lights can boost daytime ozone levels, a key air pollutant in many areas. Cities may need to consider the unexpected effects of night-time lighting on air quality.
A field study has been conducted to investigate the causes of winter inversions in urban areas like Salt Lake City, which can trap pollutants and lead to poor air quality. The researchers used a range of methods, including weather balloons, cars, and gliders, to collect data on temperature, wind, and moisture.
Researchers have re-examined the assumption that organic molecules in the air evaporate quickly, discovering that they actually evaporate much slower than expected. This finding could significantly impact climate and air quality models, suggesting that there may be no missing source of atmospheric organics.
Research reveals that exposure to fine-particulate air pollution in early life increases abdominal fat and insulin resistance in mice, regardless of diet. The study suggests a potential mechanism for pollution's effects on health, highlighting the need for therapeutic options targeting specific genes.
A new Montreal study suggests a link between air pollution from traffic and an increased risk of post-menopausal breast cancer. The study found that women living in areas with high levels of nitrogen dioxide, a by-product of vehicular traffic, were more likely to develop breast cancer.
The 'Cleanair' system reduces building energy consumption by up to 25%, saving CO2 emissions and improving indoor air quality. Lab tests have proven its effectiveness in removing various pollutants, including particles, viruses, and volatile organic compounds, making it a game-changer for asthmatics and overall health.
A study by Empa found that car air conditioning systems account for up to 30% of fuel consumption in hot climates, but turning off the system when the temperature drops below 18°C can save two-thirds of this extra consumption. The study also found that diesel vehicles consume less fuel with air conditioning on than petrol engines.
Researchers in India have designed a new motorcycle engine that uses compressed air to turn an air turbine, generating power for up to 40 minutes. The technology has the potential to significantly reduce emissions in areas where motorcycles are a major source of transportation.
A new study establishes a link between air pollution, temperature increases, and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), a known cause of cardiovascular diseases. The study found that short-term elevations in temperature were associated with increased severity of SDB, while particulate pollution was linked to poorer sleep quality.
Kudzu's chemical reaction contributes to surface ozone pollution, causing 50% more unhealthy ozone days. The invasive vine's production of isoprene and nitric oxide exacerbates air quality issues.
Air and water pollution in China pose significant health risks, with indoor air pollution from solid fuels responsible for millions of premature deaths. The country has made some progress in reducing industrial waste and improving access to piped water, but more efforts are needed to address the issue.
Research reveals commercial cooking as a significant source of air pollutants, including carcinogenic chemicals. The study found that fatty foods cooked with high heat and certain oils increase emissions, highlighting the need for emission control measures.
Scientists found nitryl chloride levels comparable to those in marine air near Boulder, Colo., indicating a global source of the pollutant. Chloride from coal burning and other non-coastal areas may contribute to smog formation.
A Virginia Tech study found that women are more affected by air pollution during marathons due to their smaller tracheas, which can cause irritation. Higher levels of particulate matter in the air were associated with slower running times for women compared to men, who showed no significant impact.
A new RAND Corporation study finds California's failure to meet air pollution standards costs over $193 million in hospital-based medical care from 2005-2007. Exposure to ozone and particulate pollution causes nearly 30,000 emergency room visits and hospital admissions.
Scientists discover a disused SCUBA tank filled with air in 1968, extending the longest record of greenhouse gases in the Southern Hemisphere. The find uses archived data to analyze propellants, refrigerants and aluminium smelter emissions not widely used in Melbourne at that time.
A review of airline passengers and crew exposed to TB found no evidence of transmission during air travel. Only 10 out of 4328 passengers tested positive, with no reported cases of active TB resulting from air travel.
A new $1.3 million study aims to understand and simulate 'cold-air pools' that trap pollutants in the Salt Lake Valley, causing poor air quality. The research will utilize models and instruments to analyze temperature and wind patterns, shedding light on the challenges of simulating these events.
Research reveals that school classroom air contains significantly higher levels of ultrafine particles than polluted outdoor air, posing a risk to students' lung health. The study found elevated particle levels during art activities and cleaning with detergents.
Computer scientists at UC San Diego are creating a network of environmental sensors attached to people's clothing, which will provide up-to-the-minute information on outdoor and indoor air quality. The system, called CitiSense, aims to empower individuals to make healthier choices by giving them real-time data on polluted areas.
Researchers have identified five common indoor plants that can effectively remove harmful VOCs from the air, reducing stress and symptoms of ill health. These plants, including purple waffle plant, English ivy, and Asparagus fern, have been shown to improve air quality and overall well-being.
A new study reveals that some neighborhoods with high levels of walkability also have low levels of air pollution, while others prioritize one over the other. Neighborhoods designed for walkability often encourage higher daily activity levels, which can mitigate health issues linked to air pollution and physical inactivity.
Researchers at Air Force Office of Scientific Research have successfully established high-data-rate optical links over long distances using adaptive optics to overcome atmospheric distortions. The next step is to conduct flight tests at increased altitudes to demonstrate air-to-ground quantum communications capabilities.
A study of 120,000 children from 1997-2006 found that improved air quality was associated with a decrease in frequent otitis media cases. The findings suggest that cleaner air may have direct health benefits, particularly for vulnerable populations like children.
Researchers will analyze fine and ultrafine particles in air pollution using the $400,000 AirCARE 2 laboratory. The study aims to understand how pollutant particles exacerbate pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular disease.
A new study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal suggests that air pollution may trigger appendicitis in adults. The research found correlations between high levels of ozone and nitrogen dioxide and the incidence of appendicitis among different age groups and genders.
The 'Dust Alert' sensor measures dust, pollen, and toxins in the air, providing real-time contamination levels and precise chemical composition analysis. This invention can help improve air quality, mitigate health risks, and provide critical information for urban planners.
Researchers found that three common houseplants significantly reduced indoor ozone concentrations in a simulated environment. The study suggests using plants as a cost-effective tool to mitigate indoor air pollution, especially in developing countries where expensive technology may not be feasible.
A study found that worsening sleep quality over five years was associated with poorer mental quality of life, while increasing daytime sleepiness symptoms affected both physical and mental quality of life. Objective measures of sleep did not show a significant association with quality of life.
A Cornell study found that regulating traffic density and encouraging public transportation can significantly impact local air quality. The Chinese government's measures during the 2008 Olympics resulted in notable reductions in car emissions of black carbon, carbon dioxide, and ultrafine particles.
Dr. David Yap receives prestigious Amethyst Award from Ontario Public Service for his work combating air pollution in Canada and the United States. The award recognizes his contributions to developing air quality management programs, including the Air Quality Index and Smog Alert Programs.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a technique that uses sensors to monitor refrigerant temperature and estimate the amount of refrigerant in an air conditioning system, saving energy and reducing maintenance costs. The new method could be easily integrated into automotive and household air conditioners.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon researchers found that particulate matter in downtown Pittsburgh is more affected by major sources to the city's southeast than previously thought. The most polluted days often occur when winds are from the southeast, increasing PM levels above the National Air Quality Standard.
Researchers used guinea pigs to test air disinfection methods, finding that UV lights and negative ionizers reduced TB transmission. The study showed a significant decrease in TB infection rates when UV lights and fans were used to ventilate patient room air.
A new study published in Neurology found that higher temperatures and lower barometric air pressure may increase the risk of headaches. Air pollution levels had no effect on headache risk in the study. The study examined 7,054 people diagnosed with headache in a Boston emergency department over seven years.
The Collaborative Center on Multidisciplinary Sciences (CCMS) will investigate futuristic aircraft designs such as SensorCraft, flapping micro-air vehicles, and supersonic long-range strike aircraft. Initial funding of $2.25 million for five years will support the center's efforts.
A recent study by Brigham Young University and Harvard School of Public Health found that reducing air pollution in the US increases life expectancy by nearly three years, with cleaner air contributing up to five months of that increase.
A new book provides a comprehensive overview of air pollution research, focusing on wildland fires' impact on humans and the environment. The 686-page book includes 26 research papers by 85 experts, covering regional perspectives and current tools for managing forests affected by fire and climate change.
Researchers found a novel connection between high levels of air pollution and the risk of appendicitis, with patients approximately 15% more likely to be hospitalized on days of highest ozone concentrations. The effect was strongest during summer months, when people were more outside.
A new CU-Boulder study reveals that air quality regulations primarily target primary particles, while secondary particles formed by oxidized VOCs contribute significantly to poor air quality in the Los Angeles region. The study suggests that regulations need to focus on reducing VOC emissions from gases such as gasoline vapors.
A new observational study describes the world's weather patterns and climate influences by revealing four distinct atmospheric circulation cells. The cells create temperature and wind distribution in the mid-latitudes, including the UK, Europe, and US, which was previously not fully understood.
Researchers at UC San Diego found that ship smoke can be a significant contributor to poor air quality in coastal cities, particularly in California. The study reveals that high-sulfur fuel emissions from ships burning bunker oil can produce primary sulfate particles, which are especially fine and harmful to human health.
Research shows air pollution damages heart and blood vessels, leading to increased rates of hospitalization for cardiac illness and even death. Exposure to ultrafine pollutants triggers an inflammatory response that can cause arrhythmias and speed the progression of atherosclerosis.
Athletes with asthma face increased risk of symptoms due to high minute ventilation and poor air quality during exercise. Individualized management plans are crucial to comply with anti-doping regulations.
A new study finds that sea salt and urban/shipping pollution combine to create a highly toxic mixture of ground-level ozone and pollutants in coastal areas. Researchers detected unusually high levels of nitryl chloride, a key contributor to air pollution, where these two pollutants meet in the southeastern US.
Researchers found that using HEPA filters for two days significantly improved microvascular function in healthy, non-smoking elderly individuals. The study suggests that indoor air filtration could be a feasible means of reducing cardiovascular risk by removing ultrafine, fine and coarse air particles.
Researchers developed a testing apparatus to track air flow distribution in finned-tube heat exchangers, comparing results with CFD simulations. This could lead to improved heat pump efficiency by 5% and reduced material cost.
Researchers are working on operational global forecasts of air pollution, which could aid in improving air quality and addressing climate change. NASA satellites are providing crucial data to support these efforts, helping to evaluate the effectiveness of environmental regulations.
Researchers found that indoor concentrations of particulate pollution frequently exceeded standards for outdoor air, with high levels recorded in homes of patients with COPD. The study highlights the need for further research into the impact of indoor air quality on adults with COPD.
A new UCLA study found that women exposed to high levels of air pollution in Los Angeles County were more likely to have preterm babies. The research, which analyzed data from over 2,500 births in 2003, controlled for other risk factors and found a significant link between air pollution exposure and increased preterm birth rates.
Researchers found that urban air pollution increases indices of cardiovascular risk, including inflammation, oxidative stress, coagulation, and autonomic dysfunction, in healthy Taiwanese college students. The study suggests a link between air pollution and systemic inflammation/oxidative stress in young adults.