A new particle analysis technique offers a promising way to monitor air pollution by capturing and analyzing individual airborne particles. The approach provides highly reproducible, real-time results and can identify the size and refractive index of particles, which is essential for assessing health risks.
A new study published in International Journal of Epidemiology found a strong association between air pollution and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in peri-urban South India. People exposed to higher levels of fine particles had a higher CIMT index, indicating a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Restoring native vegetation could cut air pollution by an average of 27 percent, according to a new study published in Environmental Science & Technology. The research found that nature-based solutions might be cheaper options for cleaning the air near industrial sites and other pollution sources.
Researchers analyzed data to determine the feasibility of using nature-based solutions to combat air pollution. The study found that NBS can support native wildlife and are adaptable, cost-effective, and a truly green solution in reducing pollution and climate change.
A new study found a link between prenatal exposure to particulate matter and structural changes in the corpus callosum, associated with ADHD and ASD. Children exposed to higher levels of PM2.5 showed reduced corpus callosum volume and increased hyperactivity.
Research found that maternal exposure to particulate air pollution during pregnancy is associated with decreased heart rate variability in six-month-old infants. This decrease in heart rate variability is a known risk factor for mental and physical health problems later in life.
Researchers discovered significant lead pollution at Kincaid Mounds site due to galena processing and use by Native Americans. Sediment core samples revealed higher lead levels during the pre-Columbian period, tracing back to galena deposits in Missouri and the Upper Mississippi Valley.
A new study by Colorado State University researchers found a strong link between short-term exposure to air pollution and aggressive behavior, including aggravated assaults and other violent crimes across the continental United States. The results showed a 1.4% increase in violent crimes for every 10 microgram-per-cubic-meter increase ...
A new study suggests that aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may protect the lungs from short-term spikes in air pollution. The researchers found that nearly half of the negative impact of particulate matter on lung function was reduced with NSAID use.
A study of nearly eight million live births found that air pollutants like particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and sulphur dioxide are associated with a 20-50% increased risk of death in babies. Exposure to these pollutants also reduces lung function in children as early as the first trimester of pregnancy.
Three studies from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center reveal a strong association between short-term air pollution exposure and exacerbations of psychiatric disorders in children, with higher risks for disadvantaged neighborhoods. The research also found links to generalized anxiety and depression in otherwise healthy children.
Air pollution from fine particulate matter is associated with premature mortality, with the US economy suffering $20 billion in damages annually. Policymakers should consider regulations that target the agriculture and transportation sectors to mitigate this issue.
A large international study found that more than 70% of cardiovascular disease and deaths globally may be attributed to a small number of modifiable risk factors. The 14 identified risk factors include hypertension, low education, poor diet, air pollution, and indoor air pollution, which have varying impacts on health across countries ...
A study published in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences found that air pollution under clear skies significantly reduces the amount of sunlight reaching Earth's surface. The study highlights the negative impact of air pollution on renewable energy harvesting and associated economic burdens, as well as its effects on air purity.
Research finds that patients from areas with cleaner air are more sensitive to changes in pollution, while those from more polluted cities can adapt to fluctuations. A higher incidence of PCI procedures was observed in winter and rose along with increasing pollution.
A new international study found a link between air pollution and increased mortality rates, particularly among Australians who are more sensitive to particulate matter. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, analyzed data from 652 cities across 24 countries and regions.
Research by Ohio State University found that low-income and African-American communities continue to face disproportionate levels of air pollution, exacerbating existing health disparities. The study's findings suggest that efforts to control pollution are not effectively addressing these inequities.
A study published by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health found that air pollution from particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and black carbon is responsible for 33% of new childhood asthma cases in Europe, highlighting the need to update WHO air quality guidelines to better protect children's health.
Researchers found that even low levels of traffic-related air pollution can cause inflammation and mitochondrial damage in the lungs of mice. The study's results suggest that people living alongside major traffic corridors should be aware of potential respiratory health risks.
A new study reveals that water-use policies in northwestern India have led to increased air pollution due to delayed rice harvests and concentrated agricultural burnings. The study found almost 30% higher atmospheric concentrations of fine particulate matter, posing significant concerns for human health.
A study found that current fine particulate matter pollution in the US is associated with an estimated 15,612 female deaths and 14,757 male deaths, resulting in a loss of national life expectancy by 0.15 years for women and 0.13 years for men. Lowering PM2.5 pollution could benefit the entire US population and reduce health inequalities.
Infants born to mothers exposed to high levels of air pollution are more likely to be admitted to a newborn intensive care unit (NICU), with risks increasing from 4% to 147%. The study suggests that limiting pregnant women's exposure to high levels of air pollutants may help reduce NICU admissions.
A new study suggests that reducing China's ozone pollution can prevent hundreds of thousands of premature deaths by 2050. The research found that climate change alone could cause a 11% increase in ozone pollution, leading to an additional 62,000 premature deaths.
A new study from the University at Buffalo found a significant association between long-term exposure to air pollution and the severity of coronary artery calcium, or plaque buildup in artery walls. The study suggests that China may need to revise its standard for nitrogen dioxide limits to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
A study using Arctic ice cores shows that lead pollution levels correlate with economic growth and decline, indicating the impact of European events on the environment. The research found exponential increases in lead pollution during the past 1,500 years, with a significant decrease since the passage of pollution abatement policies.
A massive study of over 300,000 people found that air pollution significantly reduces lung function and increases the risk of developing COPD. Exposure to high levels of particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide was linked to lung aging equivalent to two years of aging.
A study on Arctic lead pollution reveals a significant increase in emissions from European industries during the Middle Ages, coinciding with technological advancements and economic growth. The pollution level declined substantially after pollution abatement policies were enacted, but still remains much higher than historical levels.
Significant reductions in pollution and mortality rates have been achieved in the UK over the past 40 years due to effective policies. Emissions of PM2.5, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, and non-methane volatile organic compounds all reduced substantially between 1970 and 2010.
A new study published in the Journal of Public Health suggests a significant link between long-term exposure to ambient air pollution and an increased risk of developing hypertension. The researchers also found associations between air pollution levels and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, higher triglyceride levels, and ob...
A new study using a rat model with high blood pressure found that air pollution-like irritants alter the defensive heart-lung reflex, leading to increased heart rates and abnormal rhythms. The research suggests that chronic hypertension may remodel airway sensory nerves controlling this reflex.
A new study by WSU researchers found surprisingly high levels of indoor air pollutants, including formaldehyde and possibly mercury, in carefully monitored homes. Temperature fluctuations inside the homes led to increased pollution levels, which varied throughout the day.
Research reveals that urban pollution from Manaus significantly impacts cloud production and rainfall in the Amazon, with far-reaching consequences for regional and global climate patterns. The study found an average increase of 200% in secondary organic aerosols, leading to a 400% boost in aerosol formation.
A new study found that even short stays in polluted cities can cause significant breathing problems and coughing in healthy adults, which can take at least a week to recover from. The research team analyzed lung and heart health in travelers visiting highly polluted cities like India and China.
A new study by Columbia University researchers found that the city's Clean Air Taxi regulations led to significant reductions in air pollution emissions, with overall fuel efficiency of medallion taxis doubling between 2009 and 2015. The emission reductions were associated with decreases in concentrations of pollutants in the city's air.
Researchers found 69 metabolites changed significantly when air pollution fluctuated during the Beijing Olympics, affecting systems like cardiovascular and nervous systems. The study identified two major metabolic signatures, including lipids and dipeptides, which were involved in oxidative stress, inflammation, and other processes.
Research from Binghamton University finds that exposure to light at night can decrease hatching success in tadpoles and make them more susceptible to additional stressors like road salt pollution and parasites. The study suggests that combining light pollution with other stressors may have negative impacts on amphibian populations.
Exposure to fine particulate matter during pregnancy impairs fetal development, leading to smaller organs and metabolic disorders in adulthood. The study highlights the importance of reducing prenatal air pollution exposure to prevent long-term health consequences.
Over the past decade, US air pollution has led to a decline in mortality impacts from fine particle (PM2.5) pollution, but ground-level ozone (O3) pollution has remained relatively unchanged. This report estimates health impacts of air pollution for every US city and highlights the need for continued efforts to reduce these pollutants.
Researchers found significant increases in myo-inositol levels and generalized anxiety symptoms among children exposed to traffic-related air pollution. The study suggests a partial link between high TRAP exposure and increased anxiety, highlighting the potential impact on population health.
Researchers found that high levels of PM10 reduced average tree growth by up to 37% and varied interannually with pollution levels during driest months. Trees exposed to higher levels of pollution grew less in trunk diameter development throughout their lives.
Lab tests show plastic chemicals impair growth and function of ocean's most abundant photosynthetic bacteria, Prochlorococcus. Exposure to plastics alters gene expression, potentially harming entire ecosystem.
Researchers have found traces of Roman-era pollution in the ice of Mont Blanc, revealing significant atmospheric pollution from heavy metals. The study provides a record of atmospheric conditions in ancient Rome and sheds light on the impact of ancient emissions on the present-day environment in Europe.
Researchers argue that Spain's current regulations on light pollution are inadequate and propose a change in approach to minimize the problem. Using white light instead of yellow light can provide significant energy savings while maintaining user safety, with potential benefits for environmental and economic aspects as well.
A recent study found that targeting nitrogen oxides emitted by cars and power plants may increase harmful wintertime air pollution in the US West. Instead, limiting volatile organic compounds could be a more effective way to reduce particulate matter pollution.
Recent hybridization of Gulf killifish has enabled them to adapt quickly to extreme pollution in the heavily polluted Houston Ship Channel. The study found that fish from more polluted sites were most resistant to pollution and that resistance was inherited through multiple generations.
A new analysis suggests that eliminating emissions from dirty household fuels like wood, dung, coal, and kerosene could bring India's outdoor air pollution levels below the country's standard. This could reduce air pollution-related deaths by approximately 13% and save around 270,000 lives annually.
Researchers from NYU Tandon School of Engineering have developed models to assess pollution exposures at the neighborhood level, but propose advancing to individual-level assessments using data from environmental sensors, mobile, and wearable devices. This could provide evidence-based arguments for change, particularly impacting indivi...
This study characterizes spatial and temporal variations in particulate-bound PAH pollution in Ulaanbaatar, identifying sources and health risks. High PAH concentrations were found in areas with coal and wood combustion, highlighting the need for effective air pollution control strategies.
China's regional pollution policies are causing unintended spillover effects, increasing air and water pollution in neighboring provinces. The models project a significant increase in pollutants, carbon dioxide emissions, and water consumption outside the capital cities.
A study published in The Lancet Planetary Health estimates that traffic-related air pollution is associated with 170 new cases of traffic pollution-related asthma per 100,000 children every year. Globally, 13% of childhood asthma cases diagnosed each year are linked to traffic pollution.
A recent study estimates that 4 million children worldwide develop asthma each year due to exposure to nitrogen dioxide pollution. The study found that urban areas account for 64% of these new cases, and cities with high NO2 concentrations also experience high levels of greenhouse gas emissions.
A study by UC Berkeley scientists found that falling levels of air pollution are causing the decline in California's tule fog, which may help improve traffic safety in the region. The researchers analyzed data from 1930 to 2016 and found a strong correlation between air pollutant emissions and fog frequency.
Researchers created an interactive heat map and city-by-city table detailing the distribution of childhood asthma due to traffic-related air pollution across the United States. Between 2000 and 2010, asthma cases attributable to traffic-related air pollution decreased by 33%, with over 140,000 cases reported in 2010.
Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids can modify asthma severity and response to indoor air pollution in children, while higher levels of omega-6 may exacerbate the condition. The study found a correlation between increased neutrophils in response to particulate pollution and higher levels of omega-6 in the diet.
A six-month study of children with asthma found that higher omega-3 fatty acid intake was associated with lower odds of daytime asthma symptoms in response to indoor air pollution. Conversely, higher omega-6 intake was linked to more severe asthma and increased inflammation. The study suggests that dietary recommendations can help prot...
A recent study suggests that rapidly phasing out air pollution emissions can prevent approximately 3.6 million avoidable deaths each year, while also increasing rainfall in drought-prone regions and limiting global warming. The researchers found that removing fossil fuel-related and all anthropogenic emissions could achieve the 2°C tar...
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that air pollution is responsible for an estimated 8.8 million extra deaths globally, with Europe accounting for nearly 800,000 excess deaths annually. In Europe, air pollution causes an estimated 790,000 extra deaths and between 40-80% are due to cardiovascular diseases.
Air pollution exposure varies significantly among racial-ethnic groups in the US, with blacks and Hispanics facing higher levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) than their individual contributions to total PM2.5 exposure. Consumption patterns also play a crucial role in determining these disparities.
Researchers found that PM2.5 pollution is disproportionately caused by the consumption of goods and services by the non-Hispanic white majority, but disproportionately inhaled by black and Hispanic minorities. This disparity is driven by differences in consumption patterns and exposure to pollution.
A joint study by King's College London and Airparif found that air pollution in both cities has improved since 2010, but not enough to meet legal limits. Newer diesel cars and buses have led to declines in particle pollution, while nitrogen dioxide levels from traffic in London have deteriorated.