A new study finds that rising temperatures will increase harmful plant emissions and dust, leading to a 14% boost in air pollution. The degradation in future air quality from natural sources is predicted to be significant, with two-thirds of the pollution coming from plants.
A new study by PSE Healthy Energy and the University of California, Berkeley aims to investigate the relationship between exposure to air pollution, heat, and humidity with birth outcomes. The research will analyze disparities in local exposure across the region and develop targeted solutions to protect vulnerable populations.
A Kaiser Permanente study of 3.7 million adults found long-term exposure to fine particle air pollution increases the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular disease, especially in neighborhoods with lower socioeconomic status. The research lends support for strengthening air quality standards to protect public health.
A preliminary study found a nationwide association between Parkinson's disease and air pollution exposure, with the highest levels of fine particulate matter linked to increased risk. The Mississippi-Ohio River Valley was identified as a hotspot for Parkinson's disease, where risk increases with increasing air pollution exposure.
A new study published in the European Respiratory Journal reports that children's lung capacity has improved in areas with decreased air pollution in Stockholm. The researchers found a 20% lower risk of significantly impaired lung function in participants living in areas with better air quality.
A novel air filter made from corn protein has been developed that can capture small particulates and toxic chemicals like formaldehyde. The filter, which uses functional groups to grab molecules, shows promise for improving air quality in regions with poor air pollution.
A large study found that air pollution accelerates bone loss from osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, particularly on the lumbar spine. Nitrogen oxides were identified as a major contributor to this damage.
A recent study by the University of Surrey found that classrooms have higher levels of air pollution, particularly coarse particles and CO2, than outdoor areas. The researchers recommend installing real-time pollutant monitoring devices and strategic placement of air purifiers to minimize these levels.
Researchers found that electric car adoption in California was associated with real-world reductions in air pollution and asthma-related emergency room visits. The study also highlighted an 'adoption gap' between low-resource zip codes, pointing to opportunities for environmental justice.
A study by MIT researchers found that chess players perform worse and make more errors when exposed to high levels of fine particulate matter in the air. The probability of error increases by 2.1 percentage points, while the magnitude of those errors rises by 10.8%. Cleaner air leads to clearer heads and sharper thinking.
A new study by University of British Columbia researchers found that brief exposure to diesel exhaust causes decreased brain connectivity and may impair cognitive performance. The study's findings suggest a link between air pollution and altered brain network connectivity in humans.
Measurements taken by University of Copenhagen researchers show high air pollution levels in the Copenhagen metro, with ultra-small particles 10-20 times higher than on heavily trafficked streets. The pollution comes mainly from trains' brakes and rails, posing a health risk to frequent users.
Researchers developed machine learning models to accurately calculate fine particulate matter in urban air pollution using AI and traffic data. The models provide a high-resolution estimation of city street pollution surface, enabling transportation and epidemiology studies to assess health impacts.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered that the London Underground is contaminated with ultrafine metallic particles, including maghemite, which can be inhaled and enter the bloodstream. The particles are so small that they evade traditional air pollution monitoring methods, posing a significant risk to public health.
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...
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.
Exposure to traffic-related air pollution linked to an increased risk of having two or more physical and mental health conditions. Participants exposed to higher concentrations of fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide had a greater risk of developing multiple long-term health conditions.
A new study from the University of Surrey found that behaviour change campaigns and technology can significantly reduce air pollution in schools. Implementing these interventions can lead to a reduction in outdoor nitrogen dioxide exposure by up to 23% compared to business-as-usual activities.
Research reveals microplastic fibres in all samples, with majority found in Antarctic air, indicating animals breathe them. Antarctic sea ice also traps microplastics, acting as a temporary sink for global plastic pollution.
A new study found that schools with more students of color and those who receive free or reduced-price lunches have higher concentrations of pollutants, exacerbating health issues such as asthma and heart disease. Long-term exposure to these pollutants can result in increased risk of hospitalization or death.
A new study found that long-term exposure to air pollution can increase the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease in teenagers. The review of eight studies involving over 15,000 adolescents aged 12 and above found a significant association between air pollution and rising diastolic blood pressure.
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.
Leading global plastics experts call for an ambitious 0% new plastic waste target by 2040 to tackle plastic pollution and climate change. The University of Portsmouth's Global Plastics Policy Centre recommends a coordinated global strategy, clear metrics, and harmonized national policies to achieve this goal.
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.
A new USC study found that air pollution and psychological stress during pregnancy can disrupt fetal growth, leading to lower birth weights. Mothers living in environmentally burdened neighborhoods with high levels of air pollution and stress face the greatest risk of having low-birth-weight babies.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A new study found that air pollution from factories and vehicles is associated with faster disease progression and premature death for patients with fibrotic interstitial lung disease. Increasing levels of PM2.5 were linked to more severe disease, faster disease progression, and higher likelihood of dying sooner.
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.
Particle radioactivity from radon in air pollution increases toxicity and risk of death from cardiovascular disease, especially from heart attack and stroke. Researchers used spatiotemporal predictions to estimate exposure and found that higher gross beta-activity levels increased the risk of death from these conditions.
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.
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.
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.
A study found that high levels of air pollution were associated with increased risks of transitioning from healthy to having a stroke, cardiovascular events after stroke, and death. Exposure to particulate matter, nitrogen oxide, and nitrogen dioxide was linked to these outcomes.
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 £7M NIHR award will scale clean energy access to improve health, gender equality and climate in sub-Saharan Africa. The project aims to address household air pollution, a significant risk factor for global disease, and will focus on informing national strategies to meet the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 7.
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 new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that air pollution may trigger irregular heart rhythms in healthy teenagers, with exposure causing arrhythmias to occur within two hours. The research analyzed data from over 300 adolescents and found a significant impact of fine particulate matter on cardiac ...
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.
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...
Researchers from Vancouver, British Columbia found a significant association between cumulative three-year versus 20-year exposure to air pollution and the risk of developing lung cancer in women who have never smoked. The study showed that even a 3-year exposure significantly underestimates lifetime exposure to PM2.5 prior to diagnosis.
A new study from UC Davis links air pollution exposure to increased inflammation and decreased cardiac regulation in children. Elevated markers of interleukin-6 and lower cardiac autonomic regulation were found in blood samples of healthy children aged 9-11 who lived near areas with high levels of PM2.5 during wildfires.
A study by Columbia University and Drexel University found that the transition to cleaner fuels and engines in New York City's bus fleet led to declines in air pollution concentrations, including nitrogen oxides and black carbon. The findings suggest that similar changes can be realized in other cities to mitigate air pollution.
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.
A new study led by the University of Washington strengthens evidence that air pollution can harm childhood behavioral problems and IQ. Researchers found prenatal and postnatal exposure to nitrogen dioxide and small-particle air pollution were associated with poorer child behavioral functioning and cognitive performance.
Researchers from the University of York discovered a link between reducing particle pollution and increasing surface ozone pollution in some emerging economies. The study found that reducing particle pollution can lead to a 20-30% increase in ozone pollution, impacting health, ecosystems, and agriculture.
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 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 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 nationwide study by UTEP researchers found that public housing residents experience higher levels of fine particulate matter, disproportionately affecting Black, Hispanic, disabled, and low-income populations. The study highlights the need for environmental, public health, and housing policies to address air pollution disparities.
A recent study found that higher exposure to air pollution is associated with increased functional brain connectivity among several brain regions in preadolescents. The findings also identify the first years of life as the most sensitive period for exposure to air pollution, with black carbon particles being the most associated polluta...
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.
Climate-related events and air pollution disproportionately affect socially and economically disadvantaged children, exacerbating health issues such as preterm birth, respiratory illness, and malnutrition. The authors emphasize the need for simultaneous adaptation and mitigation strategies to protect children's health.
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.