Scientists use NASA satellites and balloon-borne sensors to track the movement of a pollution train traveling from the Indian Ocean to the South Atlantic. The study reveals that Asian pollution can flow southward, get caught up in clouds, and reach as far as Brazil.
A new method for studying pollution history using shell remains has been developed, allowing scientists to track environmental changes without harming endangered species. By analyzing geochemical and taphonomic signatures of dead mussel shells, researchers can determine the impact of pollution on ecosystems and track population decline.
Research shows that regional governments can effectively curb air pollution by working with neighboring countries to monitor and address the issue. Local involvement in solving global environmental problems is critical, as many of the same activities causing global climate change also produce local pollution. Experts believe that regio...
Scientists found a significant link between clouds and pollution transport in the Asian-Pacific region. Clouds mask pollutants from spacecraft sensors, leading to underestimated pollution levels.
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.
Researchers will monitor elderly individuals with existing heart disease to see how daily air pollution levels impact their ailments. The study aims to find an association between ultrafine particles and the severity of heart disease, which could lead to better air pollution regulations and improved medical treatment.
Field experiments on Mexican reefs show that modest nutrient pollution can increase coral mortality by facilitating disease spread. Further steps should be taken to reduce agricultural runoff, sewage pollution, and deforestation to protect coral reef health.
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.
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.
A Cornell University study found city-grown air pollution, particularly ozone, hinders rural tree growth. Contrary to expectations, city trees outperformed their country counterparts in terms of biomass.
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.
A NASA study found that El Nino events, such as the 1997-1998 event, lead to unusually high biomass burning globally, producing more pollution than fossil fuel combustion. The study assessed smoke pollution from biomass burning in Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America during these droughts.
Satellite images from NASA's MOPITT project show high levels of carbon monoxide in regions prone to pollution, such as Southeast Asia and Australia. These images provide a new tool for monitoring air quality and tracking the spread of pollutants over long distances.
A UCI study reveals a new method to identify and track specific sources of water pollution at beaches by combining bacteria sampling with genetic testing. The approach has already led to significant reductions in bacteria levels and beach closures in Catalina Island.
Research suggests that reducing air pollution can lead to significant cost savings in healthcare, particularly for outpatient care. The study found a strong correlation between air pollution levels and respiratory admissions, with the greatest hospital admissions occurring in the Deep South.
The MINOS study found high levels of air pollution over the Mediterranean Sea, originating from both western and eastern Europe, as well as South Asia. The pollution transport follows prevailing winds and affects ecosystems and human health, while aerosols alter solar radiation absorption and climate patterns.
Researchers have developed a method to distinguish between human pollution and natural atmospheric particles using MODIS satellite data. This breakthrough allows for more precise quantification of the role of human aerosols in Earth's weather and climate systems.
Researchers will quantify the long-term effects of PM2.5 particles on lung function and asthma exacerbations in children with moderate to severe asthma. The study aims to determine if environmental interventions can reduce asthma severity and improve lung function.
Researchers found clean-air slots with pristine air, sandwiched between polluted layers in southern Africa. These 'clean-air slots' can persist for days on end over thousands of square miles.
Research suggests that air pollution from vehicle emissions may cause new cases of asthma in children who participate in team sports, especially in communities with high ozone levels. This is contrary to conventional wisdom that air pollution worsens existing asthma but does not trigger it.
Researchers found a significant link between exposure to high levels of ozone and carbon monoxide during the second month of pregnancy and an increased risk of conotruncal heart defects. The study analyzed data from over 9,000 babies born in Los Angeles and found that women exposed to elevated pollution levels were three times as likel...
Children who move away from polluted areas exhibit increased lung function growth compared to those staying in Los Angeles, while pollution levels affect growth rates differently. The study supports earlier findings that air quality impacts children's lung health.
Scientists took detailed measurements of a pollution plume containing Gobi desert dust and hydrocarbons on both sides of the Pacific, revealing elevated levels of pollutants. The study shows that Asian air pollution can affect air quality in North America, with significant implications for climate change.
A NASA study reveals that Zambia faces significant air quality challenges due to the transportation of pollutants across southern Africa. Ground-level ozone levels in Lusaka exceeded .90 parts per million during the day, posing serious health risks to local populations.
A new study by UC Berkeley researchers reveals that premature birth and low birthweight significantly exacerbate asthma symptoms in children when exposed to smog. Children born prematurely or with low birthweight are more likely to experience severe wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath on days with high air pollution levels.
Research highlights significant declines in lung function growth from air pollution and long-term effects of asthma on lung capacity. Studies found that children exposed to air pollution showed a 0.9% decline in annual lung function ability, while those with long-standing asthma experienced irreversible reductions in lung function.
Researchers at MIT found that urban air pollution will not have a big effect on global temperature change, with some regional effects possible. The study used a new method to couple urban air chemistry models with global climate models, allowing for more accurate predictions.
A national team of over 150 researchers will study air pollution in the Houston region, combining data from six research aircraft and 60 ground-based monitoring stations. The goal is to identify cost-effective ways to control pollutants and protect public health.
The book analyzes the accumulative effects of industrial development over 40 years, showing changes in pollution patterns and potential risks to agricultural food production. Historical studies of heavy metal pollution are used to illustrate how spatial patterns have changed over time.
A recent study published in Science reveals that urban and industrial air pollution can suppress rainfall and snowfall by creating clouds with abnormally small water droplets. This phenomenon occurs when pollution particles act as 'seeding' sites, preventing cloud moisture from condensing into raindrops and ice crystals.
Researchers at Michigan Technological University and Arizona State University have launched an open internet-based workshop on pollution prevention research and teaching in higher education. The goal of the workshop is to formulate recommendations and guidelines for pollution prevention research in academia, with a focus on establishin...
Researchers have confirmed that Asian air pollution can travel to the US West Coast under specific meteorological conditions, with pollutants including carbon monoxide and particulates. The study found that air reaches the West Coast in about seven days, but can take as few as four or 10 days, depending on weather patterns.
A Johns Hopkins University researcher is creating reliable predictions about how contamination will spread through soil, enabling public officials to charge equitable pollution impact fees. This information can also benefit private builders by deciding whether building on a particular site will be too costly due to pollution impact fees.
The report highlights the problems caused by nonpoint source pollution, including eutrophication, which can lead to fish kills, coral reef destruction, and shellfish poisoning. The report provides solutions, such as reducing fertilizer applications, improving sewer systems, and restoring wetlands.
Researchers found that urbanization reduces stream diversity, but tolerates insects like midges, which are pollution-tolerant. Stream quality is affected by factors like road runoff, pavement pollution, and sediment, highlighting the need for sustainable land use practices to preserve aquatic ecosystems.
An international team of scientists conducted a study on air pollution in Mexico City's basin, where inversions trap pollutants and fine particles pose significant health risks. The study provides insights into particle concentrations, transport patterns, and implications for U.S. cities.
A new study shows that nearly half of rural eastern US sites would not meet the new ozone standard, posing health risks to residents. The researchers argue that a regional approach is needed to address rural air pollution, requiring cooperation among states and communities.
A new report by Resources for the Future highlights the District of Columbia's environmental priorities, ranking drinking water and air pollution as top concerns. The study suggests creating a separate environmental agency to address these issues, which have serious consequences for attracting businesses and residents.
A European research project will develop high-tech sensors for cars to detect air pollution and enforce EU regulations. The sensors will be capable of detecting a range of gases, including CO, in real-time, allowing drivers to take action to reduce their impact on the environment.
Researchers at University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences used DNA testing to determine the source of pollution in two sites: Rookery Bay near Naples and Apalachicola Bay. The study found that both human and animal activities contributed to pollution, with wildlife causing a significant amount.