A study in Great Britain found that even low levels of air pollution boost the chances of an early death, especially from respiratory diseases. The research, which spanned over 16 years, revealed strong links between black smoke and sulphur dioxide with increased risk of mortality.
Researchers found that mice exposed to ozone before infection died more often than those breathed filtered air. Female mice were also less likely to survive pneumonia exposure compared to males, regardless of genetic variation. The study suggests considering the impact of environmental pollutants on health by gender.
A new report from NIST and EPA offers building owners retrofit options to improve safety against airborne chemical and biological hazards. The report evaluates 14 alternative techniques, including filtration and air cleaning systems, and provides a life-cycle cost analysis tool.
A study by Queensland University of Technology found that droplets carrying viruses can travel large distances in the air, posing a risk to people breathing nearby. The research dispels the myth that viruses only travel a short distance from a person, suggesting that one infected individual can spread the virus simply by exhaling.
Computer simulations of Hurricane Bonnie's movement show that pockets of warm humid air flowing from the hurricane's eye to its ring of thunderstorms boost energy, increasing storm strength. This 'turbocharger' effect helps hurricanes remain intense despite weakening influences like cooler ocean temperatures and wind shear.
A study by Mailman School of Public Health researchers predicts a significant increase in summer temperatures and ozone levels in NYC by 2050, posing serious health risks. The study uses a unique modeling system to simulate the combined effects of land use, climate change, and air quality on environmental conditions.
A RAND Corporation report found mixed results from laboratory tests of Save the World Air's ZEFS device, suggesting its effectiveness in reducing tailpipe pollutants and increasing fuel efficiency is uncertain. Further testing is needed to confirm or refute the technology's performance.
The U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory has developed emission control strategies to meet air quality goals for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. The modeling study, funded by the EPA, suggests that regional pollutants and ozone build up over several days due to meteorology and topography.
Researchers directly derived air-sea momentum exchange from ocean current observations under Hurricane Ivan, confirming the trend that momentum transfer decreases at high wind speeds. The findings improve storm surge modeling and have significant implications for ocean circulation and numerical model accuracy.
Research reveals that reindeer males use their inflated air sacs to produce unique, high-pitched rutting calls that signal their fighting ability and attractiveness to females. This adaptation allows males to conserve energy while deterring rivals and attracting mates.
Scientists at UC Irvine found that ozone-emitting air purifiers can create additional microscopic particles when used with household cleaning products, increasing harmful particulate matter levels. The researchers developed a mathematical model to predict whether an air purifier will make the air dirtier in a given indoor environment.
Pollutants from Central American biomass burning influence air quality and climate in the United States, particularly visibility and surface air temperatures. The smoke plumes also trap aerosols in the lower atmosphere, worsening air quality.
A Rice University study recommends lowering Houston's toxic air pollutant levels due to high health risks. The report proposes a new set of air quality standards based on the underlying toxicology of four pollutants, including benzene and formaldehyde.
Researchers found that pollutants from forest fires in Alaska and Canada significantly increased ozone pollution levels above Houston on July 19-20, 2004. The study highlighted the critical role of imported sources in local air quality, emphasizing the need for improved air quality forecasting and solutions.
The University of Houston's Moody Tower Atmospheric Chemistry Facility conducts round-the-clock monitoring for the Texas Air Quality Study-II. Researchers collect data on various pollutants, including ozone-forming compounds, and develop a Gulf Coast Air Quality Model to improve air quality predictions.
Research found that air travel affects both the peak date and rate of spread of flu in the US. The study analyzed government records on deaths from flu and pneumonia between 1996 and 2005 and discovered that flu season started about two weeks later than usual after 9/11 restrictions on air travel were implemented.
Scientists on the NASA African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analyses (NAMMA) mission used a combination of satellites and aircraft to study hurricanes. They found surprisingly strong winds in tropical disturbances and evidence of dry air, which typically comes from the Sahara Air Layer.
The Institute for Multi-dimensional Air Quality Studies has developed an ozone forecaster to increase public awareness and help Texas manage air quality. The system provides detailed forecasts, including hourly data from air pollution monitors, to assist individuals with respiratory problems.
Researchers at UCI create tool to analyze thousands of variables, predicting potential effect of distributed generation on Southern California air by 2010. The study found that maximum levels of ozone and particulate matter could increase slightly, but the impact would be far less than other power-production alternatives.
Scientists are using a powerful array of instruments to dissect the region's atmosphere and understand intense urban air pollution episodes. The experiment is also evaluating next-gen weather forecasting tools and tracking water vapor, a stronger greenhouse gas involved in climate change.
A new study found that air pollution increases the risk of death by 32% for people with diabetes, 28% for those with COPD, and 27% for those with congestive heart failure. Lowering air pollution levels can lead to improved health outcomes and longer lifespans.
A recent study by the University of California - Irvine has found that indoor air purifiers producing even small amounts of ozone can exceed public health standards. This increases exposure to ozone levels in excess of health guidelines for people operating these devices indoors, potentially worsening respiratory issues such as asthma.
Researchers investigate transformation of air pollution as it flows downwind from Mexico City, focusing on impacts on human health and climate. The study aims to understand pollution transport across continents and assess regional air quality and climate effects.
Researchers evaluated innovative approaches to mitigate the urban heat island effect, including light-colored surfaces and vegetation. Strategies such as planting urban forests and creating living roofs showed promise in reducing air temperatures.
Researchers found that air pollution can cause atherosclerosis, the hardening of arteries, when combined with a high-fat diet. Mice exposed to polluted air developed more plaque and high blood pressure, indicating a clear cause-and-effect relationship between PM2.5 exposure and cardiovascular disease.
The University of California, Davis has been awarded an $8 million EPA grant to establish a research center focused on the health effects of air pollution. The center will study the impact of particulate matter on adults and children, with a goal of informing policy decisions at the national and state levels.
A new study finds that oil mist technology can reduce airborne hazards in concentrated swine feeding operations, improving indoor air quality and controlling emissions. The innovation provides a tool for animal producers to comply with regulations and mitigate public health risks associated with confined animal farming.
A study examining air quality over 37,000 days found a one percent higher risk of hospitalization for ischemic stroke on high-pollution days. The researchers believe that particulate matter in the air promotes inflammation and can lead to changes in heart rate and blood pressure.
Researchers simulated conditions of three building types in six cities and found that improved air tightness would result in energy savings ranging from 9-37%. The study suggests that increased airtightness can lead to smaller but still significant cost savings in warmer climates.
By mid-century, air quality in the Western United States is expected to decline due to climate change, with a doubling of stagnant days in the region. In contrast, the Midwest may see improved air quality thanks to increased cloud cover, which could offset warming temperatures.
Climate models have significantly underestimated changes in air pressure, leading to a lower estimate of global warming's effect on weather patterns. Air pressure trends have contributed to temperature increases and rainfall changes in regions like Scotland, UK, and Siberia.
A new study called MESA Air aims to better define air pollution standards by tracking the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events in 8,700 participants. The researchers will measure the effect of repeated exposure to six major air pollutants over a 10-year period.
A new study found that low-income, African-American communities in Maryland are more likely to be exposed to high levels of air pollutants, increasing their cancer risk. The study suggests that targeted emissions-reduction policies can help mitigate this disparity and improve health outcomes for these communities.
A new study analyzing Medicare data from four quality improvement organizations found no significant improvements in most clinical areas, despite a larger investment. However, participating hospitals showed better results in screening and administering pneumonia vaccinations.
A study published in Pediatrics recommends new guidelines for air bag safety in children. The research found that children under 14 are at high risk of serious injury from air bags when sitting in the front passenger seat, while older children benefit from air bag protection.
Researchers have developed a new positive air pressure chamber that enables early upright gait rehabilitation after lower-extremity orthopaedic surgery. The device allows for precise adjustment of air pressure to minimize impact on the patient's joints and facilitate faster healing.
Aura is providing unprecedented spatial resolution to monitor global pollution production and transport, offering new insights into climate changes and the recovery of the Earth's protective stratospheric ozone layer. The satellite's instruments study tropospheric chemistry and provide daily global monitoring of air pollution.
A study found that air pollution from Canadian forest fires increased eight-fold in Baltimore, with indoor levels reaching as high as 366 ug/m3. The researchers suggest reviewing health advisories to protect vulnerable individuals from transcontinental transport of pollutants.
Researchers have re-determined the content of argon in air, finding it to be approximately 0.9332%, very close to historical measurements made 100 years ago. This new value is significant for precision mass measurements, which require accurate corrections for air density.
A new study suggests that providing air rather than 100% oxygen for newborn babies requiring ventilation after delivery can reduce infant mortality. The findings are based on a systematic review and meta-analysis of five trials, which found that 5% fewer babies given air died compared to those given 100% oxygen.
The new UCI Environmental Molecular Science Institute will investigate how chemical reactions occur at the boundary between air and liquid droplets, affecting atmospheric pollution and climate change. Researchers will use theory, experiments, and computer modeling to gain new insights into smog formation and acid rain.
A study by James L. Repace found that ventilation in bars and casinos does not control health risks for hospitality workers. After Delaware's smoking ban took effect, air quality levels improved dramatically, with respirable particulate pollution and carcinogenic pollutants eliminated.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that air pollution can significantly reduce lung function in children between ages 10 and 18. Researchers tracked air pollutant levels in Southern California communities and found a correlation between poor air quality and decreased forced expiratory volume.
A new study reveals that New England forests are under greater threat from air pollution compared to those in the Southeast region. The research used lichen community composition as an indicator of air pollution and found that nearly one-eighth of the New England area is affected by poorer air quality.
Aura, NASA's latest Earth-observing satellite, was launched to study the health of the Earth's atmosphere, focusing on ozone layer recovery and climate change. The satellite will survey the atmosphere from the troposphere to the stratosphere, using four instruments to collect data on air quality and its impact on the planet.
A six-week field experiment will gather data on regional air quality, intercontinental transport of polluted air masses, and human health effects. The study, ICARTT, involves five countries, universities, and government agencies.
Airborne viruses were detected in 32% of office building air filters, with higher carbon dioxide levels linked to increased exposure risk. Researchers also found that healthcare workers treating SARS patients were at high risk of developing the disease due to endotracheal intubation.
Research reveals that air pollution has a debilitating effect on the lungs of obese children, with twice as strong associations compared to their normal-weight counterparts. The study found that increased inflammation due to obesity exacerbates the negative impact of air pollution on lung function.
A study by Texas A&M University reveals Houston's air quality is severely impacted due to industrial emissions and auto exhaust, posing a significant health risk to its 5 million residents. The city must take steps to curb its air pollution problems, including alternative energy sources and more efficient transportation.
A recent study found that air pollution significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular deaths, with a 45% mortality rate attributed to heart disease, compared to 8.2% for respiratory diseases. The researchers propose that inflammation and nervous system changes may be key mechanisms behind this association.
A study found a significant positive association between cardiovascular disease deaths and air pollutants in Athens, Greece, with a 10-mg/m3 increase in black smoke linked to a 4% increase in CVD deaths. High carbon monoxide levels also showed a strong correlation with increased heart disease risk.
Researchers found that exposure to fine particles of less than 10 micrometers increased the risk of heart attacks in smokers, even at levels lower than current national standards. Air pollution levels in Dijon remained under four on the ATMO index 86 percent of the time.
The project will model air quality in the US, factoring in climate-driven changes, wildfires, and land use shifts. Researchers aim to better understand how future climate may impact urban and regional air quality.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center are studying the link between brain cancer and air pollution, led by Dr. Keith Black. The study aims to determine whether exposure to toxic air pollutants can cause changes in brain tissue associated with brain cancer formation.
An environmental epidemiologist from UGA aims to investigate how air pollution affects pregnant women and their unborn babies, building on his earlier research in Peru. He plans to measure personal pollution exposure of 100 pregnant women in Trujillo and analyze blood, urine, and cord blood samples.
Researchers examining the link between cabin air quality and health will collect data from a sample of flights, recording cabin air quality and perceptions of comfort and health by flight attendants and passengers. The study aims to inform the development of air quality standards for commercial aircraft.
The UCR engineer will measure particulates in air to improve measurement methods and determine the source of fine particle air pollution. The researcher will use special instruments to quantify and minimize errors in results, aiming to provide more accurate data on air pollution.
Research aims to determine if indoor air quality in classrooms affects children's health and academic performance. The study will examine the effects of improved ventilation, temperature control, and reduced airborne pollutants on students.
Researchers found a 0.5% increase in cardiovascular deaths and 2% increase in respiratory problems four days after stagnant air, confirming guidelines for people with pulmonary disease. The study used 28 years of weather data to analyze mortality rates and provided insight into the relationship between air stagnation and health outcomes.
A study by Therese Mar found a significant association between stagnant air and respiratory deaths, as well as cardiovascular deaths. The research used wind data to analyze the effects of air pollution on mortality over a 28-year period.