Researchers have discovered evidence of pre-industrial mercury pollution in the Andes, dating back to 1400 BC, and challenge current thinking on the rise of mining societies. Mercury pollution was initially caused by mine dust from vermillion production, but later increased with Inca control of mines.
Research suggests that air pollution is a significant contributor to heart disease, particularly among the elderly, those with coronary artery disease, diabetics, women, and obese individuals. Exposure to particulate matter can increase blood pressure, activate enzymes that cause plaque rupture, and lead to a heart attack.
A new decade-long database of aerosol measurements over land has been compiled, revealing a global decline in clear sky visibility from 1973 to 2007. This trend is indicative of increases in airborne pollution and its impact on climate change research.
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.
A new study by the American Geophysical Union estimates that commercial ships emit 0.9 teragrams of particulate pollution annually, contributing almost 30% of smog-forming nitrogen oxide gases. The study highlights the significant health risks to coastal communities due to ship pollutants.
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 meta-analysis of decades-long experimental evidence reveals that modern day concentrations of ground level ozone pollution are decreasing tree growth in northern and temperate mid-latitudes. The study predicts a 17% reduction in tree growth by the end of the century if current fossil fuel dependence continues.
A new method for tracing zinc pollution in the atmosphere has been developed, which can identify the source of the pollution. This breakthrough could improve pollution monitoring and inform national and international strategies to reduce zinc pollution.
A new study finds that air pollution has a significant impact on heart health, with personal exposure leading to increased blood pressure and systolic blood pressure. Community-level exposure is also associated with impaired blood vessel functioning, potentially contributing to sudden heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.
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.
Researchers found environmental pollutants can cause 'environmental laryngitis' through animal models, citing exposure to dust mites and air pollution as triggers for the condition. This finding is significant given recent reports on diminishing air quality and increased unhealthy levels of ozone and particle pollution.
A new study suggests that air pollution can both increase and decrease rainfall, depending on local environmental conditions. The research, led by Prof. Daniel Rosenfeld of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, found that aerosol particles in the air can affect cloud formation and precipitation patterns.
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.
A new OSU study finds that exposure to bad air can significantly spike blood pressure in those already predisposed to high blood pressure. Researchers exposed rats to everyday human-breathed pollutants and observed a direct link between air pollution and cardiovascular disease.
A study found a strong association between air pollution and an increased risk of developing deep vein thrombosis, with higher exposure levels leading to faster clotting. The risk was stronger in men than women, highlighting the need for tighter air quality standards.
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.
A new NASA study uses satellite data to estimate the amount of pollution from East Asian forest fires, urban exhaust, and industrial production that reaches western North America. The study estimates that 15% of local US & Canada emissions are offset by pollution aerosols coming from East Asia.
A new study by Queensland University of Technology scientists found that exposure to air pollution significantly reduces foetus size during pregnancy. Mothers with higher exposure to air pollution had foetuses that were smaller in terms of abdominal circumference, head circumference and femur length.
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.
New research from Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine identifies how microscopic air pollution kills people at risk. The study found that lungs inflamed by the pollution secrete a substance that causes blood to clot, raising the risk of fatal heart attacks or strokes.
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.
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.
Research by a Chinese-Israeli team shows that air pollution significantly reduces precipitation on mountains in semi-arid regions, highlighting the dire consequences for water resources in the Middle East and worldwide. The study found that increasing levels of manmade air pollution have led to a 20% decrease in precipitation on Mount ...
A Texas A&M University researcher has found that severe pollution from China and India is intensifying storm tracks over the Pacific Ocean, leading to more frequent and severe weather events worldwide. The study suggests a direct link between human-made pollution and climate change.
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.
A study published in Inhalation Toxicology found that rats exposed to highway pollution showed a significant drop in heart rate and disruption of the autonomic nervous system. This discovery highlights the potential risks of air pollution on cardiovascular health, particularly for individuals with pre-existing heart disease.
A systematic review found smokers have a higher risk of TB infection and disease compared to non-smokers. Indoor air pollution from tobacco smoke was also associated with an increased risk of TB infection, disease, and mortality.
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.
Research published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that high hourly air pollution levels significantly increase the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage. The study analyzed data from 13 major urban areas in Japan and found a doubling of stroke risk when particulate matter levels exceeded 200 ug/m3 two hours before death.
A new study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that dogs in the home can increase cough, phlegm production, and bronchitis responses in children with asthma. The researchers speculate that endotoxin from dog dander may be the cause of this increased response.
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.
Satellite images from ESA's ENVISAT and NASA's Aura Satellite reveal a UK record heatwave and significant increases in nitrogen dioxide pollution. The data shows extreme temperature and pollution effects on large conurbations, while smaller cities display more moderate levels.
Scientists at NASA have found that aerosol particles in air pollution can prevent clouds from forming, while lighter particles can help them form. This discovery could improve climate predictions and understanding of the Earth's climate system.
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 found that exposure to fine particle air pollution and a high-fat diet together contribute to the development of atherosclerosis in laboratory mice. The study suggests that even low concentrations of air pollution may accelerate the progression of atherosclerosis, particularly among those with risk factors.
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 by University of Michigan researchers finds that market-based incentives, such as pollution taxes and emissions permits, can reduce pollution abatement costs for businesses. However, these approaches may not be effective in areas with localized pollution where the source of pollution matters.
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.
Children living closer to freeways are more likely to develop asthma, according to a new study published in the journal Epidemiology. Higher levels of nitrogen dioxide around their homes also increased the risk of developing asthma.
A University of Southern California-led study found that air pollution poses a greater danger to health than previously thought, with a two- to three-fold increase in chronic health effects compared to earlier estimates. The study revealed a significant link between fine particle levels and increased risk of death from heart disease, l...
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 significant association was found between air pollution and an increased risk of ventricular tachyarrhythmias among patients with implanted cardioverter defibrillators. The risk was particularly high when particulate air pollution, black carbon, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide were present.
Researchers found that exposure to fine particles in air pollution impairs blood vessel reactivity in people with diabetes, leading to a higher risk of heart problems. The study also suggests that this association may help explain previous findings on the link between air pollution and cardiovascular issues in diabetics.
A new UC study reveals that children inside school buses inhale significantly more exhaust pollutants than those outside, particularly among older buses. The researchers found that for every metric ton of pollution emitted by a school bus, kids on that bus inhale comparable or larger amounts of pollution.
A new study reveals that nitrogen pollution from fossil-fuel combustion is a significant source of watershed pollution, particularly in wet climates. Climate change models predict increased nitrogen pollution in the northeastern US, which could undermine efforts to restore coastal ecosystems like the Chesapeake Bay.
Researchers analyzed satellite data from four years of MISR observations to find a concentrated pool of particles over Bihar, largely due to inefficient biofuel burning. The pollution affects human health and local climate, with altered temperature and precipitation patterns.
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.
A new study found that long-term air pollution exposure contributes to cardiovascular problems at an early stage of the disease, enhancing atherosclerosis. The strongest association was seen in women over 60, with a 15.7% increase in CIMT for every 10 ug/m3 increase in PM2.5.
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.
The study aims to understand the health effects of air pollution and cardiovascular disease, recruiting 8,700 participants in nine communities across the US. It will examine subclinical measures of atherosclerosis and clinical cardiovascular events, incorporating factors like diet and exposure to second-hand tobacco.
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.
Scientists from NASA's Terra satellite are tracking global air pollution trends, shedding light on how pollutants spread around the globe. The data reveals seasonal and annual variations in CO and aerosol levels, providing clues about Earth's changing climate.