A systematic review and meta-analysis of previous studies found that short-term exposure to major air pollutants is associated with an increased risk of heart attack. The study suggests three possible mechanisms for this association: inflammation, abnormal cardiac autonomic system regulation, and increased blood viscosity.
A large prospective study indicates that chronic air pollution may accelerate cognitive decline in older adults, particularly in women. Higher levels of particulate matter exposure were associated with significantly faster cognitive decline over a four-year period.
A new study reveals the true extent of healthcare costs associated with living close to busy roads, estimating annual costs of $18 million in two Southern California communities. The 'asthma career cost' method takes into account childhood asthma cases and broad costs, exceeding average household income levels.
Researchers found that the total cost of asthma due to pollution is significantly higher than past estimates, with an additional $18 million in annual costs in Long Beach and Riverside, Calif. The study reveals that exposure to traffic-related air pollution is a major cause of asthma and exacerbates attacks.
A new study led by Patricia Coogan found that cumulative levels of nitrogen oxides increase the risks of type 2 diabetes and hypertension in African-American women. Exposure to particulate matter also showed a significant association with increased risk, but evidence was weaker.
Scientists found that rain and wind contributed significantly to reducing pollution levels in Beijing during the 2008 Summer Olympics. Emission controls implemented by Chinese officials were complemented by natural factors, highlighting the importance of regional-scale controls to achieve long-term reductions.
Coogan will investigate the effects of air pollution on hypertension and diabetes incidence in African American women, using data from the Black Women's Health Study. The study aims to inform public policy on air quality regulation and provide insight into a novel pathway whereby air pollution causes cardiovascular events.
A multi-national team, including USC scientists, found that indoor pollution has been drastically reduced at the church housing the famous painting by 88 and 94 percent. However, fatty lipids from visitors' skin still pose a threat of soiling on the Last Supper, despite strict visitor access regulations.
A recent study found a significant increase in hydrocarbon levels along the Galicia coast five years after the Prestige oil spill, primarily due to forest fires in 2006. The pollution surge was attributed to the badly-handled ship course and subsequent pyrogenic pollution sources.
A new report proposes science-based strategies to monitor and set limits for air pollution, aiming to protect and restore U.S. ecosystem health. The authors review current pollution evaluation criteria and propose critical loads of pollutants to design policy and manage ecosystems.
Efforts to dismantle clean air laws threaten public health, and experts urge physicians to educate Congress on the critical role of regulation in preventing air pollution's negative effects. The Clean Air Act authorizes the EPA to reduce airborne contaminants, and its amendments have been passed with bipartisan support.
A Californian-based study found traffic-related air pollution, particularly PAH, is linked to a 30% increase in premature births. Seasonal changes and proximity to the coast also affect pollutant concentrations.
A new study shows that trees in London's urban areas remove between 850 to 2000 tonnes of particulate pollution from the air every year. This research uses a prediction model to estimate future air quality and suggests that targeted tree planting and a mix of evergreen species can maximize benefits.
Excess nitrogen levels in air and water pose significant threats to human health, including respiratory problems and cancer risk. Nitrogen pollution also exacerbates climate change, but reducing it could lessen these impacts.
A Johns Hopkins study found that indoor air cleaners can greatly reduce household air pollution and lower daytime asthma symptoms. However, they did not counter all ill effects of second-hand smoke. The researchers recommend using air cleaners as a temporary tool to achieve a smoke-free environment.
Researchers found a significant association between indoor air pollution and increased blood pressure among older women. Exposure to small-particle air pollution can cause premature death and lung disease, while cleaner fuels and stoves could cut cardiovascular risk by up to 22%.
Long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to physical changes in the brain and negative effects on learning, memory, and mood. Mice exposed to polluted air showed reduced cell complexity, inflammation, and depressive-like behaviors.
Groundwater pollution is a significant issue worldwide due to increasing water consumption and waste disposal. Computer algorithms can help identify pollution sources by processing available data, such as pollutant concentrations and monitoring data.
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 new study found that schools in areas with high industrial air pollution levels had lower attendance rates and higher failure rates on standardized tests. Minority students were disproportionately affected, highlighting the need for environmental justice measures to protect children's health.
Research at the University at Buffalo found that early life air pollution exposure and motherhood may alter DNA, increasing premenopausal breast cancer risk. Decreased E-cadherin promoter methylation was associated with higher birth exposure, while increased p16 methylation linked to first child birth in higher-pollution areas.
A major new study reveals that nitrogen pollution is costing Europe around £60-£280 billion annually, more than double the income gained from using nitrogen fertilizers. The report also identifies key threats, including toxic algal blooms, air pollution, and loss of plant diversity.
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 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.
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 are developing a smartphone app to track air pollution exposure over time, providing a more accurate method for assessing health risks. The two-year study will use GPS-equipped smartphones to collect data on participants' locations and air pollution levels.
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.
Researchers found that portable HEPA filters reduced fine particulate matter and woodsmoke concentrations, improving endothelial function and decreasing inflammation. These findings support the hypothesis that reducing particle concentration can favorably influence cardiovascular morbidity.
Researchers at King's College London are creating a mathematical model to measure personal exposure to traffic pollution, allowing individuals to adapt their journeys and reduce harmful emissions. The project will also study the effects of different particles on human health, leading to more focused traffic planning.
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 study by Sara Adar and colleagues found that long-term air pollution exposure is associated with narrowing of retinal arterioles, a microvascular change linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk. Short-term pollution exposure also showed weak associations with retinal vessel changes.
Researchers discovered that exposure to high levels of air pollution narrows tiny blood vessels in the retina, increasing the risk of heart disease. Exposure to even small amounts of pollution can cause a 3% increase in heart disease risk for women living in polluted areas.
Research found significant associations between air pollution and COPD incidence, with stronger effects in men, obese patients, and those with pre-existing diabetes and asthma. Long-term exposure may be a true risk factor for developing severe COPD.
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.
A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that exposure to air pollution suppressed immune system regulatory T cells, leading to increased severity of asthma symptoms and lower lung capacity. The research suggests a potential long-term effect of polluted air on children's health.
A region-wide study found that toxic pollution falling onto Puget Sound's waters has significantly decreased since 1991, with some pollutants decreasing by as much as 99%. However, industrial areas like Tacoma still have high air-deposited contamination levels, with the Port of Tacoma site recording the highest deposition rates.
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 new study by Long Island Jewish Medical Center and The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research found that fine particles of pollution can increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest. For every 10ug/m3 rise in small particle air pollution, there was a four-to-ten percent increase in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.
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.
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.
A study of young adults in Mexico City found that exposure to particulate matter and endotoxins can cause chronic inflammation in the heart, increasing the risk of heart disease. The research highlights the importance of understanding how air pollution affects the human heart, particularly in vulnerable populations.
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.
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.
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.
Research by McMaster University scientist Mark Loeb found that long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter increases the risk of hospitalization for pneumonia in adults aged 65 and older. Exposure to air pollution may compromise lung immune defenses, making individuals more susceptible to pneumonia.
A new study found that air pollution increases the risk of bronchiolitis in infants, with higher exposure levels associated with a significant increase in risk. The research analyzed data from nearly 12,000 infant diagnoses and found that traffic-derived air pollutants were linked to an increased risk of bronchiolitis.
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 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 K-State institute's intern program has received the National Pollution Prevention Roundtable's Most Valuable Pollution Prevention Program award for its innovation and measurable results in reducing waste and emissions. The program, launched in 2006, has led to significant environmental improvements and cost savings for participatin...
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.
Air pollution in eastern China has reduced the amount of light rainfall and decreased days of light rain by 23 percent, affecting crop growth and health. Researchers found that smaller water droplets created by aerosols impede rain cloud formation.
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.
Particulate air pollution during the 2008 Beijing Olympics was twice as high as recent games in Athens and triple that of Atlanta. Despite government efforts to reduce pollution, levels were unacceptable for most dangerous particulate matter 100% of the time, posing serious health risks to athletes and spectators.
A new tool developed at Purdue University helps sort out how to choose the best non-point source pollution control strategies for water resources. By analyzing data from an area, it can compute the most cost-effective solutions in just a few hours.
A study suggests air pollution may contribute to non-specific abdominal pain in young women, while another study shows that moderate alcohol intake can reduce the risk of gallstones. The findings highlight the importance of environmental factors and lifestyle choices on GI health.