A recent study published in Scientific Reports found ultrafine magnetic iron oxide particles in London Underground air pollution, with average diameter of 10 nanometres. The authors propose that improved air pollution monitoring and efforts to reduce pollution levels could help mitigate health risks associated with exposure to these pa...
Research found that widespread electric vehicle adoption will significantly reduce air pollution and associated mortality in US metropolitan areas, with Los Angeles projected to see 1,163 fewer premature deaths annually. Electric vehicles could bring up to $12.61 billion in economic health benefits by 2050.
Researchers found that germicidal UV lamps can significantly decrease SARS-CoV-2 virus transmission risk, but also produce secondary VOCs and particulate matter, impacting indoor air quality. The study recommends using GUV systems in high-risk environments where benefits outweigh drawbacks.
Researchers found particulate air pollution concentrations between 10 to 20 times higher inside the Copenhagen Metro system compared to street level. The concentrations measured at stations were 109-168 µg m−3, exceeding EU's 25 µg m−3 standard.
Researchers found that using portable home air purifiers improved markers of cardiovascular health in people with COPD. The study tracked participants' lung and heart health over six months, revealing a 25% increase in heart rate variability among those using active HEPA and carbon filters.
A new study argues that India's expanding energy sector needs to balance climate change, air pollution, and social inequality. The analysis found that current policies are insufficient to cut emissions or reduce air quality inequities nationwide.
A new study by USC researchers demonstrates that high-efficiency air filtration systems can significantly improve indoor air quality. Operating such systems with portable HEPA air purifiers can maximize the removal of tiny airborne particles, reducing COVID-19 transmission risk by up to tenfold.
A new study aims to understand how an air quality alert system can help reduce the health risks posed by wood smoke in communities. Researchers are collecting data from participants who use Burner Alert, a UK-first system that provides real-time pollution levels and recommendations.
Research analyzed 350,994 participants and found that higher air pollution concentrations increased the risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Individuals with high air pollution exposure and low genetic risk faced a significantly higher risk of developing CKD compared to those with high genetic risk.
A CSU study found that racially segregated communities are exposed to a more concentrated form of air pollution, including toxic metals like lead and cadmium. This disparity is linked to systemic racial injustices and targeted emissions reductions can help reduce exposure.
A meta-analysis published in Neurology found an association between traffic-related air pollution and an increased risk of dementia. Fine particulate matter exposure was linked to a 3% increase in dementia risk, highlighting the importance of reducing air pollution to prevent this disease.
Researchers found that a community-specific approach eliminated pollution disparities and reduced overall pollution exposure. The new strategy targeted specific locations with high emissions, effectively addressing decades-long disparities in air quality.
The study found that fine particulate concentration levels decreased by 2-4 micrograms per cubic meter in host countries with embassy monitors. This reduction led to a significant decrease in premature mortality, resulting in annual health benefits of $127 million for the median city with an embassy monitor.
A Penn State-led researcher team found that population aging and low baseline mortality rates most impact outcomes on premature deaths due to air pollution. The study used past and projected data to model five future scenarios estimating premature deaths and identified areas of the world that could be most impacted.
Sharing real-time air quality readings can reduce fine particulate concentration levels by 2-4 micrograms per cubic metre each year, leading to significant health benefits. The research estimates annual health benefits of $171 million AUD for the median city.
A recent study has identified key factors influencing the eating quality of hybrid rice, including single-grain composition and physicochemical indicators. The research developed a novel technology to analyze these traits, enabling rapid and nondestructive detection of high-quality rice.
A University of Michigan study found that long-term air pollution exposure is associated with increased body size and composition measures in midlife women. High levels of physical activity offset the negative effects of air pollution on body fat and lean mass.
A study found that counties with more land enrolled in the USDA's Conservation Reserve Program have lower average concentrations of particulate air pollution. This is due to reduced nitrogen compounds and dust emissions from decreased agricultural activity and increased vegetative cover.
Researchers in China designed a strategy to improve zinc-air battery performance by combining two transition metals, atomic iron and nickel, which deliver high electrocatalytic activity. The resulting rechargeable batteries achieve high peak power density, working rates, and long lifespan.
A newly developed composite sponge-based air filter has demonstrated strong potential for applications in automobiles and industry, with high efficiency in removing particulate matter under harsh conditions. The filter's unique design and materials ensure good structural stability and adaptability to various environments.
An interdisciplinary team is investigating air and water quality at the Cocopah Tribal Head Start and Day Care, which will also inform capacity building for monitoring programs. The study aims to increase local awareness of environmental exposure issues affecting children.
Researchers found that air pollutants, particularly fine particles and nitrogen dioxide, increase the risk of COVID-19 hospitalizations up to 30% in vaccinated individuals. Long-term exposure also worsens outcomes, even among those fully vaccinated, highlighting the importance of improving indoor air quality.
Researchers observed a short-term 'seesaw' phenomenon in haze pollution over the North China Plain, with periods of high pollution followed by low haze levels. The study suggests that sudden changes in atmospheric movement linked to abnormal sea surface temperatures are responsible for this behavior.
A study by Colorado State University found that indoor air contains more known human toxins than outdoor air, particularly when cooking or cleaning. The research, called HOMEChem, identified compounds like benzene, formaldehyde, and acrolein as potential health risks.
A recent study reveals that anthropogenic air pollution contributes significantly to poor air quality and climate change in the Middle East. The research found that hazardous fine particulate matter from human activities accounts for around 53% of aerosol visible optical depth, posing a significant health risk.
A mobile app will be developed to record cigarette smoke exposure and other air pollutants in everyday locations, engaging Black and American Indian youth as Citizen Scientists. The study aims to enhance youth engagement in healthy environments and local clean-air policies.
Research finds that short-term air pollution exposure increases risk of hospital admission for autistic children, with boys more at risk than girls. The study suggests that reducing air pollution could lower these risks and improve quality of life for affected individuals.
A NASA initiative studies wildfire-induced air pollution by measuring atmospheric CO and O3 levels using airborne observations. The study found that CO levels increased in the plume as it was transported away from the fire site, while plume age was associated with distance in both vertical and horizontal directions.
A new study from the University of Surrey found that simple measures such as green screens, air purifiers, and school street initiatives can significantly reduce air pollution levels in classrooms and playgrounds. The research shows that these measures can cut outdoor and indoor exposure to toxins by up to 57% and 36% respectively.
Computer simulations reveal that animals rearing up to smell the air is part of an efficient strategy for locating scent sources. Animals use physics to navigate turbulent environments, pausing and standing on hind legs to catch distant scents in the air.
Researchers analyzed satellite-based data to study daily variations in air quality across 11 major US cities, revealing disproportionate impacts on economically disadvantaged communities. The findings suggest climate change could exacerbate these differences, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to reduce emissions and impr...
Research has focused on understanding and resolving air-sensitivity in sodium-based layered oxide cathode materials. Strategies include surface coating, washing, and element substitution to improve air stability.
Researchers developed Direct Air Capture technology to remove carbon dioxide from the air using special rail cars attached to trains. The technology harnesses sustainable energy generated during braking to capture significant quantities of CO2, making it commercially viable and attractive.
A team has developed a plan to retrofit train cars with direct air capture technology, which can remove up to 6,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. The system uses energy generated from the train's braking system, reducing costs and environmental impact.
Researchers at Boston College found air-pollution-related disease, death and IQ loss occur in every city and town in Massachusetts. The study estimated a cumulative impact on childhood cognitive development of almost 2 million Performance IQ points lost.
The 'Buen Aire Para Todos' project will create a new air quality monitoring system with stationary and mobile sensors, improving data on air quality for local residents. The project aims to expand community awareness, education, and outreach to help residents better understand air quality measurements.
The air-stability of sodium-based layered-oxide cathode materials is crucial for the practical application of sodium-ion batteries. Several components in air participate in chemical and physical reactions with the material, leading to degradation.
Researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC found that extreme heat and air pollution coincide to increase mortality risk by 21%. Deaths due to cardiovascular and respiratory conditions also increased significantly on days with both extreme heat and air pollution.
A recent study found that hydroxymethanesulfonate (HMS) accounts for a significant portion of Fairbanks' fine particulate pollution, with concentrations substantially higher than observed elsewhere. The research sheds light on the causes and makeup of dirty air in the community.
A new Boston-area study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health reveals that natural gas used in homes contains varying levels of volatile organic chemicals. The research found that even small amounts of hazardous air pollutants could impact indoor air quality and degrade outdoor air quality when gas leaks occur.
A recent study published in Environment International found that young adults exposed to higher levels of ambient and household air pollution had poorer lung function. Household air pollution from unvented biomass stoves was particularly detrimental, causing a significant decrease in lung capacity.
A new study reveals that using portable HEPA filter air cleaners during pregnancy can improve cognitive development in children. The UGAAR randomized controlled trial found that children born to mothers with air cleaner use had higher intelligence quotients and verbal comprehension scores, indicating a potential benefit of reducing exp...
A European map of aerosol pollution has been created to help improve human health by identifying the main sources of fine dust. The study found that residential heating with solid combustibles and traffic are major contributors to air pollution, highlighting the need for stricter regulations.
Children are at higher risk of health changes due to air pollution and climate change impacts, including increased asthma rates and vector-borne diseases. Caregivers can take steps to minimize exposure by making personal and family changes such as using electric cars, reducing meat consumption, and improving indoor air quality.
A study found that US adults receiving hemodialysis with high air pollution exposure have more heart attacks and strokes compared to those with low exposure. The strongest associations were noted among patients who were Asian, older, or had chronic lung disease at dialysis initiation.
A new study published in Neurology found that living in areas with higher air pollution is associated with an increased risk of in-hospital death from stroke. The risk varies depending on the size of the air pollution particles, with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) posing a significant threat.
Researchers at Nagoya University developed a device combining an air-curtain and LED irradiation to inactivate viruses in close environments. The technology blocks exhaled air and destroys virus particles, inactivating 99.9% of COVID-19 particles.
Researchers at University of Limerick developed a new sponge-like porous material capable of capturing trace amounts of benzene, a toxic pollutant, from the air with low energy consumption. The material has strong affinity for benzene and can capture it even when present at very low concentrations.
Researchers developed a desktop air curtain system that blocks all incoming aerosol particles, effective as an indirect barrier in healthcare settings. The device's blocking effect was tested on patients during blood collection, showing promising results.
An anti-idling campaign at two elementary schools reduced idling time by 38% and improved air quality, according to a study published in the Atmosphere journal. The campaign, which involved teachers and parents, also found localized pollution hotspots around schools caused by car emissions.
Research using a network model and air pollution data before and during COVID-19 outbreaks found that surrounding traffic conditions influenced air quality in certain cities. Pollution tended to peak in cities as they contained the virus, with some cities experiencing worse air quality than ever.
Exposure to certain air pollutants is associated with a greater likelihood of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. The study found a significant link between traffic-related pollutants and COVID-19 infection risk, suggesting that improving air quality may have public health benefits.
Wildfires in the Pacific Northwest are altering seasonal air pollution patterns and causing a spike in unhealthy pollutants in August. The research found that carbon monoxide levels have increased sharply, indicating the extent of smoke's impacts on clean air gains.
A new study reveals rapid degradation in air quality and increases in urban exposure to hazardous pollutants in tropical megacities. The research found significant annual increases in pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and fine particles, attributed to emerging industries and residential sources.
Researchers at KIST developed a bifunctional electrocatalyst with a staggered p-n heterojunction that significantly improves the rates of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in zinc-air batteries. The technology utilizes solar energy, resulting in improved energy density and excellent cycle performance.
Research suggests California's environmental regulations preferentially protect white populations from exposure to air pollution. Asian and Hispanic communities experience significantly more air pollution compared to predominantly white neighborhoods across the state. The study finds that even after accounting for income, disparities i...
Researchers found that using indoor fans can increase the indoor temperature threshold before discomfort sets in by 3-4°C, reducing the need for air conditioners. The study also revealed a significant reduction in energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70%.
A new study developed by Jenna Krall predicts air pollution model performance in health studies, improving their accuracy. The approach helps determine whether air pollution prediction models can be used in epidemiologic studies, assessing health effects.
The University of Surrey has developed a method to capture CO2 directly from the air and use dynamic catalysis to create carbon-negative methanol, which could offset the cost of direct air capture. The project aims to produce a valuable chemical that can help scale up direct air capture technology.
A new study from the University of Surrey found that three-quarters of kitchens in low-income homes across 12 major global cities are heavily polluted by cooking emissions. The most significant contributors to poor air quality were poor ventilation and fuel choices, with frying food leading to particularly high levels of indoor pollution.