A low-cost box fan air cleaner can greatly decrease airborne virus particles in public school classrooms by drawing in contaminated air and filtering out clean air. Placing the air cleaner near an HUV or other ventilation unit is most effective in reducing aerosol spread.
A new study estimated that improved air quality during the first wave of COVID-19 in Spain's provincial capital cities prevented around 150 premature deaths. The reduction in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels by 51% during lockdown periods led to a significant decrease in premature mortality.
A new study estimates that US food production is responsible for 16,000 annual deaths due to poor air quality, primarily from animal production. Improving animal and crop management practices, as well as eating more plant-rich diets, can substantially reduce mortality from food-related air pollution.
Researchers found that US agriculture contributes to 15,900 annual deaths due to poor air quality, mainly from ammonia emissions. Improving livestock manure management and using fertilizer additives can reduce mortality from poor air quality by consuming more plant-based foods.
A recent study by the Institute of Atmospheric Physics found that indoor aerosol species are primarily from outdoor air exchange. The researchers measured indoor PM2.5 concentrations and chemical compositions, revealing differences in organic aerosol due to temperature changes. Improved ventilation strategies may actually increase expo...
London's low-income households face higher levels of indoor air pollution due to poor housing quality and surrounding environmental factors. Long-term exposure to pollutants like PM2.5, NOx, and CO can lead to health problems such as respiratory issues and cardiovascular complications.
A meta-analysis of 14 air pollution studies found that short- and long-term exposure to certain environmental air pollutants is associated with elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels in children and adolescents. Regular blood pressure measurement can help identify individuals with elevated blood pressure early.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory has developed a non-invasive air leak detection method that uses imaging technique to visualize air leaks and calculate volumetric flow. The lab also engineered a microbe to efficiently turn waste into itaconic acid, an industrial chemical used in plastics and paints. Additionally, researchers demonstrated...
A new study from the University of Utah ties worsening wildfire activity to poor air quality events in Western regions, with smoke impacts clear into September. The researchers found consistent trends in air quality correlating with wildfire activity, but with different spatial patterns in August and September.
The ACS Quality Verification Program utilizes data surveillance, standardized processes, and systems to identify quality improvement issues and improve surgical patient care. The program's 12 standards provide a framework for hospitals to implement robust surgical quality improvement initiatives.
A multidecade study found higher rates of mental illness symptoms among young adults exposed to traffic-related air pollutants during childhood and adolescence. The link between air pollution exposure and mental health symptoms was observed across sub-domains of psychopathology, with strongest links to thought disorder symptoms.
A recent study reveals increased levels of air pollutants in cities like Kanpur and Delhi in India, while showing decreasing trends in the UK. The researchers used satellite observations to monitor these changes, highlighting the need for continued enforcement of clean air policies.
A new study models people's exposure to air pollution by race-ethnicity and income level, finding that exposure disparities among people of color and white people are driven by nearly all emission source types. The researchers found that air pollution disparities arise from a more systemic set of causes than previously understood.
A modeling study suggests that rapid air exchanges can cause a spike in viral concentrations within 30 minutes and remain elevated for up to 90 minutes. Increasing outdoor air and strong filtration reduce transmission risk, but the effect of increased ventilation rate is less obvious.
A new analysis of air pollution data from five large Chinese cities found statistically significant differences between locally-reported and US embassy-reported measurements. The study suggests that when air quality is poor, local stations systematically report lower PM2.5 levels than reported by US stations.
Researchers at UC Riverside develop method to estimate air quality in neighborhoods affected by wildfire smoke, providing critical data for public health officials. The new approach fills gaps in current methods by predicting particulate matter concentrations over short distances.
A new study found that short-term exposure to hazardous air quality from wildfire smoke can harm skin health, particularly for those with eczema. The research, conducted during the Camp Fire in 2018, saw a significant increase in patients visiting clinics with concerns of eczema and general itch.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have discovered that certain aerosol particles can exhibit three distinct liquid phases, changing our understanding of air pollutants in the atmosphere. This finding has significant implications for improving atmospheric models and climate predictions.
New studies show a similar association between ambient air pollution and worse COVID-19 outcomes, with long-term exposure linked to increased risk of infection and death. The pandemic has highlighted the need for stricter air quality standards and improved respiratory health worldwide.
A new study has revealed high levels of air pollution in Kinshasa and Brazzaville, two major cities in sub-Saharan Africa. PM2.5 concentrations were found to be more than four times higher than World Health Organization guidelines, posing significant health risks.
A new commentary examines links between air pollution and COVID-19 outcomes, finding associations between long-term fine particle exposure and increased mortality. Higher air pollution exposure also impairs the immune system, leading to increased susceptibility to viruses and more severe infections.
A team of scientists developed a deep learning model that improves air quality estimates by combining satellite and ground-based observations. The model achieved higher spatial and temporal resolution, enabling more accurate predictions of nitrogen dioxide levels in the Los Angeles area.
The study reveals that air pollution in the San Francisco Bay Area causes over 3,000 deaths and 5,500 new childhood asthma cases each year. Health impacts vary dramatically within neighborhoods, with certain areas experiencing a much larger burden.
A systematic review of literature found that only 17% of quality improvement articles in PICUs met high standards, highlighting a need for better reporting practices. The study suggests that bringing the KAIZEN philosophy to kid healthcare can improve the timely delivery of medical care.
A proof-of-concept study shows that animal DNA can be collected from air samples, enabling new ecological and health assessments. The technique has potential applications in forensics, anthropology, and even medicine, such as understanding airborne diseases like Covid-19.
A new analysis found that California's stringent diesel emissions standards have lowered the expected number of deaths linked to diesel exhaust by 50%. The study also suggests that adopting similar rules nationwide could produce similar benefits, particularly for communities that have suffered the worst impacts of air pollution.
Filtration with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters is the most popular choice in hospitals and clinical settings. Other methods using ultraviolet C (UVC) light and bipolar ionization also show promise, but research on their effectiveness against COVID-19 is still evolving.
A study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology found that high speed air hand dryers spread more contamination than paper towels, with levels of surface contamination 10 times higher after air dryer use. Microbes can also transfer to clothing and other surfaces via contaminated hands.
A new study found that some air purifiers, marketed for COVID-19, can create a suite of other pollutants. The devices, which use ionizing technology, can decrease some VOCs but increase others, including harmful substances like formaldehyde and ozone.
The study found that many regions with high air pollution don't measure PM2.5 levels and have weak standards, while places like Canada and Australia have strict enforcement. High population density is not a barrier to fighting air pollution successfully, as seen in countries like Japan and Singapore.
A unique curved barrier design deflects pollution away from pedestrians and back onto the road, improving air quality in an inexpensive manner. The researchers also found that these barriers can mitigate noise pollution and increase green infrastructure.
Colorado State University researchers are part of a NASA team analyzing air quality and health data. The project aims to create a dataset identifying pollutant concentrations across the US from 2006 to present, facilitating studies connecting air quality to health outcomes.
Researchers found that portable HEPA air purifiers can significantly reduce in-air aerosols and spread of SARS-CoV-2, suggesting optimal placement directly in front of the person or instrument expelling aerosols. A ventilation rate of 288 cubic meters per hour is recommended for each person within the room.
Computational air quality models have been adapted to better understand pollution challenges in Latin America, providing valuable insights for governments and authorities. The models can help identify the most cost-effective ways of achieving air quality improvements in cities like Bogotá.
A new study published in Diabetologia found that regular physical activity significantly reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes for people living in polluted regions. The research, conducted in Taiwan, investigated the combined effects of physical activity and air pollution on type 2 diabetes risk.
The study found that air pollutants decreased more than carbon dioxide during the lockdown, confirming earlier assumptions. The researchers also revealed that domestic and commercial energy consumption contribute less to nitrogen oxide emissions than previously thought, with traffic responsible for over 90% of emissions.
A recent study found that aircraft cabins have the lowest levels of tiny aerosol particles, making them a good option for indoor spaces with low air pollution. The study measured air quality in various environments, including restaurants, offices, and vehicles, and found that aircraft air is exchanged frequently, removing pollutants.
A recent study found that China's Clean Air Act led to a significant decline in atmospheric deposition of heavy metals, with beneficial effects on soil pollution. The act reduced fine particles and sulfate aerosols, resulting in lower levels of toxic metals like cadmium in the environment.
A new Stanford-led study investigates air pollution's effects at the single cell level and its impact on cardiovascular and immune systems in children. The analysis reveals that brief exposure to fine particulate matter can alter gene regulation, potentially leading to increased risk of disease later in life.
Research found that long-term exposure to low levels of air pollution increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and respiratory issues. The study analyzed hospitalization records for over 63 million Medicare enrollees and found a significant association between air pollution and increased hospital admissions.
Research finds elevated air pollution events, like wildfire smoke and inversions, impact indoor spaces. Indoor air quality is up to 30% of outdoor levels during inversions, while wildfires can increase pollution by 78%.
Air pollution levels from shale gas development may have exceeded air quality standards, affecting over 36,000 people in PA, according to Penn State scientists. Doubling the required setback distance reduced exposure by about half.
In a new study, Northwestern University researchers found that air quality and public health benefits of electric vehicles in China depend on the type of transport electrified and the composition of the electric grid. Electrifying 40% of heavy-duty vehicles improved air quality while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study by NYU Langone Health found that New York City's subway system has the highest airborne particle concentration, with some stations reaching up to 77 times the typical outdoor air quality. The study measured air quality in 71 stations across four cities and found that even cleaner neighborhoods struggle with pollutants.
A study by University of South Florida researcher Yasin Elshorbany found that dramatic decreases in traffic caused by COVID-19 shutdowns improved air quality in some states, such as New York and Florida. However, additional forms of pollution in other parts of the country were not offset by these reductions.
Experts recommend improving air quality in classrooms using HEPA filters and portable units, similar to the airline industry's strategy. Keeping doors open is also suggested as a temporary solution until feasibility studies are conducted.
A study published by the University of Edinburgh found that exposure to air pollution in childhood is associated with a decline in thinking skills up to 60 years later. The research used historical data to estimate exposure levels and analyzed the relationship between air pollution and cognitive change throughout life.
Researchers found that intensive blood pressure lowering is effective in reducing cardiovascular risk, especially in patients exposed to high levels of fine particulate matter. The study suggests that ambient air pollution may influence the benefit of intensive BP lowering.
Aarhus University researcher Kasper Vita Kristensen is investigating indoor air chemicals, which affect health, productivity, and learning. His project aims to identify chemical sources, processes, and technologies to create a healthier indoor climate for children.
Four leading cardiovascular organizations call for structural actions to reduce air pollutants' harmful exposure, highlighting healthcare providers' crucial role in preventing illnesses. The statement emphasizes the importance of integrating air quality into disease management approaches and educating the public on clean air's benefits.
Researchers found that air purifiers in elevators can increase saliva droplet dispersal and spread COVID-19. Installing an air purifier alters airflow significantly but does not eliminate airborne transmission.
A recent study by University College London researchers found that people living in areas with high levels of air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter, are at increased risk of developing AMD. The study suggests that improving air quality could be a key public health priority to reduce the risk of eye disease.
A new study has found that COVID-19 lockdowns led to smaller-than-expected reductions in NO2 emissions and increased ozone levels in cities worldwide. Concentrations of fine particles (PM2.5) decreased in most cities except London and Paris.
A modelling study suggests that pregnant women in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, exposed to poor air quality, are at higher risk of stillbirths and miscarriages. The study estimated 349,681 pregnancy losses per year associated with exposure to PM2.5 concentrations exceeding India's air quality standard.
A new University of Colorado Boulder study found that exercising individuals emit up to five times more chemicals from their body than sedentary people, which combine with bleach cleaners to form unknown airborne chemicals. The team detected a specific reaction product, N-chloraldimines, in gym air, raising concerns about indoor air qu...
An international research team has developed a new zinc-air battery chemistry using a non-alkaline, aqueous electrolyte, overcoming previous technical obstacles. The new battery exhibits higher chemical stability and electrochemical reversibility, with potential to compete with lithium-ion batteries.
A new study by Columbia University Mailman School researchers simulates the potential future health and economic benefits from sustained air quality improvements. They estimate cumulative benefits of clean air during a five-year period would amount to thousands of avoided cases of illness and death, as well as associated economic benef...
Exposure to fine particulate air pollution is associated with a greater likelihood of chronic kidney disease. The risk is stronger in urban areas, males, younger adults, and those without comorbid diseases. Air pollution levels can be estimated using satellite-based information.
A prototype 16-channel head AIR coil from GE Healthcare has been shown to perform better than a conventional 8-channel head coil for in vivo whole-brain imaging, but not as well as a 32-channel coil. The coil's lightweight and flexible design exhibits improved electrical characteristics that could lead to future design improvements.
A new study by Cornell University researchers found that improved air quality under the Clean Air Act saved nearly 20 percent of birdlife in the US, potentially averting 1.5 billion bird deaths over the past 40 years.