A Virginia Tech assistant professor has received an NSF CAREER award to develop a system measuring air pollution using bicycles and smartphones, aiming to educate citizens about pollution and promote cleaner habits. The project will also explore alternative urban design approaches to reduce exposure.
A study by MIT researchers found that over half of US air-quality-related early deaths are caused by emissions from other states. Electric power generation is the main culprit, accounting for up to 75% of cases. However, deaths associated with air pollution have decreased significantly since 2005, with a 30% reduction in 2018.
A new study from the University of Surrey found that Cairo car drivers are exposed to dangerous levels of air pollution, particularly in cross-city routes. Drivers who leave their windows open can be exposed to 65% more PM10 and 48% more PM2.5 than those with windows closed and AC on.
A new study by ISGlobal found that nearly half of all childhood asthma cases in Barcelona are attributable to air pollution. The study highlights the impact of air pollution on socioeconomic groups, particularly the less disadvantaged children.
A study simulated city centre pollution levels and found that bad air for just two hours caused cardiovascular disease effects lasting a whole day. The research suggests even 'safe' pollution levels can be devastating to health, emphasizing the need for improved air quality in cities.
A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that people living in areas with high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) experience more severe rhinitis symptoms, including nasal congestion and sneezing.
Researchers developed a machine learning-based method to estimate life-years lost and cost associated with air pollution exposure. The study found that the elderly population is most vulnerable, with those with chronic conditions facing over 30 times higher mortality risk than typical Medicare beneficiaries.
Wildfires in south eastern Brazil produce airborne pollution that worsens air quality in major cities such as Sao Paulo, cancelling efforts to improve the urban environment. The study found long-range transport of smoke contributes to poor air quality and smog in cities up to 2,000 km away.
Researchers found that combined exposure to air pollution and early life stress affects attention and thought problems in school-age children. The study, published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, suggests a 'double hit' on shared biological pathways connected to these issues.
A comprehensive study by the University of Surrey shows that local activities like construction, vehicle traffic, and domestic heating contribute significantly to Delhi's high air pollution levels. The research highlights a clear trend with higher pollutant levels in winter months, mainly due to crop burning and biomass burning.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that children exposed to high levels of air pollution during childhood are at a higher risk of developing schizophrenia. The study showed an increased risk of approximately 20% for every 10 μg/m3 increase in daily average air pollution.
A new study has found an association between exposure to air pollution and poor bone health. Fine particles in the air were linked to lower levels of bone mass, while biomass fuel use was not correlated. The study's findings contribute to a growing body of evidence on the impact of particulate air pollution on bone health.
A new study analyzes UK cities' air pollution concentrations, revealing some perform better than expected due to dispersal. Cities like Milton Keynes and Stoke-on-Trent benefit from spacious layouts, while densely populated areas like Luton struggle with pollution concentration.
A new analysis found that people exposed to higher levels of air pollution are more likely to experience depression or die by suicide. Reducing global average exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) could result in a 15% reduction in depression risk worldwide.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have discovered a phenomenon where certain gas molecules produce more harmful particles as NOx emissions decrease. This knowledge can help politicians adopt better measures to combat air pollution and improve climate models.
Researchers recommend simplifying air quality testing methods to improve accuracy in simulating atmospheric chemical reactions and reducing pollution. A combination of bottom-up and top-down techniques can help achieve more accurate results.
Research shows air pollution harms hearts in humans and marine species through similar mechanisms, with PM2.5 being a major contributor to increased risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. The study highlights the importance of reducing air pollution to protect human health.
Studies use portable sensor technology and cellphone apps to measure air pollutant exposure, providing insights into reducing public health risks. Key findings include increased risks of respiratory diseases in children exposed to air pollution.
A new report published in the American Thoracic Society's journal shows that reductions in air pollution have fast and dramatic impacts on health-outcomes, including decreases in all-cause morbidity. The study found improvements in health were striking, with significant benefits among non-smokers.
Fine particulate air pollution has been linked to several common diseases that cause hospitalizations, including septicemia, fluid and electrolyte disorders, renal failure, and skin and tissue infections. The study found substantial health care and economic costs associated with even small increases in PM2.5 exposure.
A new study by the University of British Columbia found that even low levels of air pollution increase the risk of deaths in Canada. The research suggests that millions of Canadians live in high-pollution areas, leading to a significant health burden.
A new UCL-led study found that living in a more polluted area is associated with a greater likelihood of having glaucoma, a debilitating eye condition that can cause blindness. People in areas with high levels of fine particulate matter pollution were 6% more likely to report having glaucoma than those in less-polluted areas.
Researchers found that air pollution from electricity generation led to about 16,000 premature deaths in the continental US, with higher exposures for black and white non-Latino Americans. Emissions from coal-fired power plants accounted for 91% of premature deaths, with significant disparities persisting across states.
A nationwide study published in Brain found that higher exposure to fine particle pollution, or PM 2.5, was associated with greater declines in memory performance and more Alzheimer's-like brain changes in older women. The researchers used data from 998 women aged 73-87 and adjusted for other factors.
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 from Drexel University review a decade of studies on the air-purifying effects of potted plants and find that natural ventilation is far more effective at cleaning the air than plants. To compete with building air handling systems, it would take between 10 to 1,000 plants per square meter of floor space.
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.
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 University of Surrey study suggests that clear guidelines for green infrastructure can maximize benefits and reverse air pollution effects. The researchers argue that housing developers, urban planners, and politicians need easy-to-follow guidelines to create healthier built communities.
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.
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.
A new study from the University of Surrey found that involving citizens in air quality research improves their understanding of pollution's impact on health. Citizens were encouraged to debate research and conduct their own studies, resulting in more accurate knowledge.
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.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found a strong link between long-term exposure to air pollution and an increased risk of emphysema in the US population. The study analyzed data from over 7,000 participants and found that consistent results were found across six metropolitan regions.
A new study finds that long-term exposure to all major air pollutants increases the risk of emphysema by roughly the equivalent of smoking a pack of cigarettes a day for 29 years. Ground-level ozone levels are rising due to climate change, and the US study suggests that this increase may lead to an increased risk of chronic lung disease.
Climate change is expected to exacerbate China's air pollution issues, leading to increased mortality rates. The study predicts that nearly 40% of the additional deaths could be attributed to atmospheric stagnation events and heat waves.
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.
Research from the Center for Air Quality, Climate, and Energy Solutions at Carnegie Mellon University found significant human health benefits when air quality is better than the current national ambient air quality standard. The studies estimated that improving air quality could save over 30,000 lives annually.
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 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.
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.
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.