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.
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.
Researchers found a decrease in nitrogen dioxide concentrations at most monitoring sites, but no significant improvement in particulate matter. In contrast, some areas experienced worse air quality in April 2020 compared to previous years.
Research found that areas with better air quality and higher greenness measures have lower rates of heart disease deaths. The study suggests that promoting environmental policies to support increased green spaces could lead to improved cardiovascular health.
Researchers found that particulate matter (PM2.5) is overestimated in winter and ozone (O3) is underestimated in urban areas compared to suburban areas across all of China. This highlights the need for more data outside urban areas to accurately assess air pollution impacts on ecosystem functions.
Researchers tracked and flew through wildfire plumes from the source to collect data on how chemical composition changes over time. The study found that smoke forecasts may incorrectly predict particles in staler smoke, which could impact air quality estimates.
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.
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 new study found that COVID-19 lockdowns led to significant improvements in air quality, averting an estimated 24,200 premature deaths in China and 2,190 in Europe. The study suggests that strong measures can be implemented to reduce air pollution and mitigate its impact on human health.
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.
Dry air is eroding Tropical Storm Norbert's strength by suppressing the development of thunderstorms that need warm, moist air to form. The storm has weakened due to entrainment of dry air, disrupting its compact system and limiting its ability to strengthen.
Aerosol particles play a significant role in heat absorption and deflection by the atmosphere. Researchers have now detected the rate at which these tiny particles leave the atmosphere, revealing a much narrower range of lifetimes than previously suggested. This new understanding can improve climate models and air quality forecasting.
A new study shows that clean air is achievable globally with policy interventions in multiple sectors, including environmental policies, energy and climate policies, and agricultural production system transformation. The required measures would also contribute to sustainable development and human development goals.
Key findings from a comprehensive literature review highlight the importance of top-down commitment to quality, mid-level leadership, and committee structure in achieving high-quality surgical outcomes. The study supports the ACS Quality Verification Program's Optimal Resources for Surgical Quality framework.
Researchers at the University of Utah found that measuring magnetic particles on evergreen needles can provide a high-resolution, year-round picture of air quality. The study correlated needle magnetism to general air quality, suggesting a new method for mapping particulate matter distributions at a high resolution and low cost.
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.
A new study finds that asphalt is a significant source of air pollutants, particularly during hot and sunny conditions. The researchers discovered complex mixtures of organic compounds emitted by common road and roofing asphalts, comparable to motor vehicle emissions in Los Angeles.
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.
Scientists developed a highly sensitive and accurate Nitrogen Dioxide sensor, which can detect below 20 parts-per-billion of NO2 in under 15 minutes. The device has potential applications in domestic, public, and industrial settings to prevent respiratory issues and infant morbidity.
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.
Researchers developed the Cold Tube, a system of rectangular panels that absorb heat radiation from a person's body, creating a cooling sensation. This technology can be used in outdoor spaces like summer fairs and public markets, reducing energy consumption by up to 50%.
Four low-cost air quality monitors provided actionable information during wildfire events, with correlations to reference monitors being 'phenomenally good.' However, the devices required adjustments and checks to use their numbers, with an estimated adjustment factor of 0.48 for PurpleAir PA-II monitors.
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.
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.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted discrepancies in EU state aid provided to airlines, airports, and air transport stakeholders. Dr. Steven Truxal's article identifies the varying levels of support offered by individual EU states, with some conditions attached.
George Mason University's Daniel Tong will receive $83,748 from NOAA to develop an integrated model system predicting air quality and greenhouse gas emissions at a city scale. The three-year project aims to simulate the evolution of criteria air pollutants and greenhouse gases in a changing climate.
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.
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.
Tropical cyclones use warm air as fuel to form and strengthen. Cloud top temperatures provide information about the strongest storms within a tropical cyclone, which can indicate heavy rain and potential hurricane formation.
A Cranfield University team will monitor and analyze air quality levels within the region, utilizing sensor technology and data analytics to inform sustainable development plans. The study aims to mitigate the impact of growth on air quality, aligning with UK Government ambitions for a neutral or positive environmental gain.
A recent study by the Institute of Atmospheric Physics found that Beijing's air quality did not improve as expected during the COVID-19 lockdown, with secondary aerosol species showing only small changes. The research highlights a challenge for mitigating secondary air pollution in regions with high concentrations of gaseous precursors.
Research on air pollution's impact on ILD reveals associations between pollutant exposure and increased risk of developing the disease. Epigenetic methods hold promise for understanding this relationship, but more study is needed to quantify effects.
A Stanford-led study reveals a strong connection between air pollution and infant mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. The researchers found that even small increases in particulate matter concentrations lead to significant increases in infant mortality rates.
Researchers used a statistical method to remove weather influences from air pollution data in Saxony, finding that traffic density is the most important factor. Adjusted for weather, NOx concentrations decreased by an average of 10 micrograms per cubic meter between 2015 and 2018.
A new analysis of 16 years of health data reveals that long-term exposure to fine particles leads to increased mortality rates among the elderly. If current EPA standards were lowered, over 140,000 lives might have been saved within a decade.
A new study reveals strong links between exposure to air pollution and COVID-19 transmission. Analysis of air pollution, COVID-19 cases, and fatality rates in London demonstrates a connection between increased levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM2.5) and higher risk of viral transmission.
Researchers linked long-term exposure to fine particulate air pollution with premature death among older Americans, suggesting current US standards are insufficient. Strengthening standards could lead to a 6%-7% decrease in mortality risk and save thousands of lives.
Researchers found a 8% increase in sunlight reaching solar panels in Delhi due to reduced air pollution. The cleaner air allowed for more efficient energy production from solar panels.
A study published in National Science Review found that COVID-19 lockdowns in China led to a sharp reduction in transportation emissions, but this was offset by an increase in secondary particle formation due to enhanced atmospheric oxidizing capacity. The study suggests that coordinated control of various primary emissions is necessar...
A recent study published in Climate and Atmospheric Science reveals that half of the world's population is exposed to increasing air pollution. The research highlights that air pollution constitutes a major threat to public health, with an estimated four million deaths annually attributed to outdoor air pollution.