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.
A University of Illinois study reveals racial discrimination in the home-renting process actively sorts minority renters into neighborhoods with higher levels of pollution. This leads to disparities in residential pollution exposures and contributes to health issues like respiratory illnesses and stress.
A study by researchers at the University of Bologna found that sea turtles have high levels of plastic debris in their faeces, which can alter their gut microbiota and compromise their health. The Adriatic Sea is a major hotspot for marine pollution, with over 10 million tons of plastic entering the oceans every year.
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 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%.
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.
A recent review of over 300 studies found that cancer is linked to pollution in around 30 aquatic species, including skin and liver cancers. The study highlights the need for further research on the effects of chronic low-to-medium level exposure to oncogenic pollutants on wild animal health.
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.
Fine particulate air pollution stimulates production of inflammatory cells, leading to inflammation of the arteries and elevated risk of heart attacks and strokes. Researchers found that exposure to high levels of fine particulate matter increased the risk of cardiovascular events by 29% beyond other confounders.
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.
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.
A new study published in Science of the Total Environment reveals mangroves are significantly impacted by plastic pollution from rivers, with 54% of habitats within 20km of a polluting river. River deltas receive 52% of plastic pollution, while rocky shores receive only 6%
A large-scale study found that air pollution is associated with an increased risk of progressive and irreversible sight loss due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Higher exposure to fine particulate matter was linked to a higher risk of AMD, while other pollutants were associated with changes in retinal structure.
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 study from Lehigh University finds that light pollution may increase the likelihood of preterm birth, with a possible increase of up to 12.9%. The researchers suggest that circadian rhythm disruption could be a biological mechanism underlying this link.
A study from University of Illinois agricultural economists found that Illinois residents value efforts to reduce watershed pollution and are willing to pay for environmental improvements. Respondents were surveyed on their willingness to pay for various water quality improvements, with a 50% reduction in algal blooms estimated to be w...
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 study led by US and Indian researchers found that air pollution in India resulted in 1.67 million deaths in 2019, accounting for 17.8 percent of all deaths in the country. The economic loss was $36.8 billion, equivalent to 1.36 percent of GDP.
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.
Researchers have developed a renewable energy-driven food processing and drying system that alleviates both pollution and landfill issues. The system uses high temperature thermal energy storage to provide heated air for drying, replacing fossil fuels and reducing air pollution.
A study found that urban tree canopy cover and reduced light pollution during migration seasons contribute to higher species richness. Conversely, higher levels of artificial light at night were associated with lower species counts, particularly during winter and summer.
A new report reveals widespread ocean pollution poses significant human health risks, affecting 3 billion people. The study recommends banning coal combustion and single-use plastics to mitigate these impacts.
A new study successfully tracks 'bottle tags' through the Ganges River system and into the Bay of Bengal, revealing how plastic pollution moves through rivers. The tracking method uses reclaimed bottles with custom-designed electronics, allowing for detailed insights into river transport of plastic pollution.
A new study found that frequent peak air pollution exposure was associated with reduced math and English language arts test scores for third graders in Salt Lake County. Chronic exposure also had an impact on test scores, but the effect disappeared when controlling for social disadvantage factors.
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.
A new study using AI and satellite technologies has produced the most detailed coverage of air pollution in Britain to date, revealing the South-East as the most polluted region. The research also shows an overall decline in air pollution in Great Britain over the last decade, with hotspots identified in urban and industrial areas.
A new study from 23 Utah-based researchers estimates that air pollution shortens the average Utahn's life by 2 years and costs the economy around $1.9 billion annually. The study also found that many state-level actions could reduce air pollution by double-digit percentages while benefiting the economy.
A study of women aged 80 found a significant association between air pollution exposure and increased depressive symptoms. Long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide or fine particulate air pollution was linked to small but notable effects on depressive symptoms.
The four-year project will map the sources of plastic waste, investigate its effects and generate solutions to reduce waste. Researchers will work with governments, businesses and communities to co-design effective ways to cut plastic pollution.
A recent study published in Nature Food found that countries have a significant impact on nitrogen pollution, often multiple times greater than their effect on crop yields. Countries can curb fertiliser use without compromising yield by adjusting institutions, economic development, population size, and farm production processes.
Air pollution and noise exposure are linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Researchers recommend reducing air pollution limits to prevent thousands of excess deaths. They also suggest strategies for mitigating road traffic and aircraft noise, such as quieter tires and better flight routing.
A study estimates that long-term exposure to air pollution increases COVID-19 deaths by 15% globally, with higher proportions found in Europe and East Asia. Air pollution exacerbates health outcomes by aggravating co-morbidities and causing inflammation, leading to increased vulnerability to COVID-19.
An international team led by the University of Exeter and National University of Singapore is investigating plastic pollution in Southeast Asia's marine ecosystems. The three-year project will assess life cycles and impacts on wildlife, identifying solutions to prevent plastic pollution.
A NUS study found that poor outdoor air quality in China drives consumers to use food delivery services, resulting in increased plastic waste from packaging. The study revealed a strong causal link between air pollution and plastic waste, with a 100 μg/m³ increase in PM2.5 levels raising food delivery consumption by 7.2%.
A large-scale study found significant associations between air pollution and an increased risk of hospital admissions for several neurological disorders. The research analyzed data from over 63 million US adults and linked fine particulate pollution with higher rates of Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and other dementias.
Research in Salt Lake City schools found a correlation between poor air quality and increased school absences. Even mild elevations in air pollution were associated with higher absenteeism rates, particularly among elementary students. The study suggests that low-level air pollution can have cumulative effects on health and education.
Researchers discovered markers of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and motor neurone disease in the brains of young Mexico City residents exposed to dirty air, linked to particulate pollution. Tiny nanoparticles were also found, which can cause inflammation and oxidative stress.
A new study found that China's aerosol pollution reduction efforts have caused warming in northern latitudes, potentially masking some effects of global warming. The research suggests that the reductions in particulate pollution may have unmasked around 0.1 degrees Celsius of greenhouse-gas-induced warming.
A study of tree rings from Norilsk, Russia has shown that industrial pollution in the Arctic region has a far greater impact than previously thought. The research reveals widespread damage to the boreal forest, with declining tree growth affecting carbon sequestration and global climate.
A recent study by Cardiff University researchers found that high levels of air pollution force people indoors, leading to higher electricity consumption in both residential and commercial buildings. The effects are particularly pronounced in lower-income families and those from ethnic minority backgrounds.
Research led by Queen Mary University of London finds air pollution particles, including metals, in placentas of 15 London women, suggesting a link between maternal inhalation and fetal exposure. The study highlights the need for further research to fully understand the effects of air pollution on fetal development.
A new study finds that global plastic emissions may exceed reduction targets by 2030, requiring a fundamental transformation of the plastics economy. To mitigate this issue, experts suggest reducing unnecessary plastics, establishing global limits for new production, and improving waste management.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that people with atrial fibrillation have a 1.2-fold higher risk of stroke when exposed to greater levels of pollution. The study, which included neighborhood-specific pollution data, emphasizes the importance of air pollution alerts in advising the ...
A study found that lockdowns in Scotland had little impact on outdoor air pollution, with no decline in toxic fine particles despite a 65% reduction in vehicles on the road. Instead, people may be at greater risk from air pollution in their own homes due to increased indoor exposure.
Researchers aim to curb idling, a main source of pollution, by using displays similar to speed limit signs. The system will collect and integrate air-quality measurements, local weather conditions, and thermal images to provide feedback to drivers.
Research presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress shows that babies exposed to levels of air pollution within EU standards develop poorer lung function as children and teenagers. Long-term exposure to air pollution is also linked to a higher risk of developing asthma in adults, according to a second study.
Researchers found that air pollution contributed to a pre-diabetic state similar to eating an unhealthy diet, with effects reversible upon cessation. Living in densely polluted environments may be added as a risk factor for cardiometabolic diseases.
A NUS study found that households respond to air pollution by increasing electricity consumption, leading to higher carbon emissions. Cleaner urban air can reduce energy demand and mitigate carbon emissions. The study highlights the need for policymakers to consider the impact of air quality on energy demand in developing countries.
A study published in Cerebrovascular Diseases found a statistically significant link between short-term air pollution and stroke hospitalisations in Dublin. Higher levels of coarse particles, fine particles, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide were associated with increased risks of stroke.
Researchers found that setting vehicle ventilation correctly can reduce exposure to pollutants like PM2.5 and NO2 by up to 49% and 34%, respectively. By closing windows and taking a 'cleaner' route, passengers can significantly lower their inhalation dose of air pollution.
Honey bees from highly polluted sites in India show reduced survival rates and altered physiological characteristics, indicating air pollution's negative impact on their health. The study suggests that air pollution may also affect ecosystem services, highlighting the need for further research to address this issue.
A study found that commuters in poor cities experience higher levels of in-car air pollution, with windows-open setting exposing passengers to hotspots of pollution for up to a third of the total travel length. Car cabin filters were more effective in removing pollutants than fine particles.
A new study finds that air pollution distribution has remained largely unchanged, with disadvantaged communities more likely to have higher levels of particulate pollution. The concentration of fine particulate air pollution has decreased by 70% since 1981 in the US, but socioeconomic disparities persist.
A new study analyzed China's national network of air monitoring stations and found that nitrogen dioxide concentrations dropped by 27% on average, while particulate matter (PM2.5) saw a modest reduction of 11%. Ozone pollution showed little change despite the lockdown.
A team of global experts predicts that plastic waste flowing into the seas each year could more than double by 2040, with 710 million tonnes expected to be discarded into the environment. Improving waste collection services is seen as the single most effective step in reducing pollution.
A new study models a 78% reduction in global plastic pollution by 2040 with immediate and coordinated action. However, even this best-case scenario predicts 710 million metric tons of plastic will still reach the environment.
Researchers found that regular physical activity is a safe approach for people living in polluted regions to prevent high blood pressure. High blood pressure risk increased with higher levels of air pollution, but each increase in physical activity level led to a lower risk.
Exposure to high levels of fine particulate air pollution from wildfires is associated with a 4% higher death rate among patients with kidney failure. Patients with kidney failure are particularly susceptible to the effects of wildfire smoke, highlighting the need for research into managing exposure during wildfire episodes.
A new study found that older women who eat more fish may counteract the negative effects of air pollution on their brains. The research discovered a link between higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and greater brain volumes, particularly in white matter and the hippocampus.