Articles tagged with Air Pollution
A study by CNRS and partners found that policies like replacing wood heaters with modern stoves and reducing motor vehicle traffic can meet health objectives while generating significant economic benefits. The analysis shows that such measures could lead to an annual benefit of €629 per capita, outweighing the cost.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that racial and ethnic minorities, as well as low-income groups in the US are being exposed to higher levels of dangerous fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) than other groups.
Research suggests long term exposure to particulate matter in the air may increase the risk of COVID-19 infection by 5%, with effects most pronounced on respiratory health. The study found associations between air pollution and increased infection rates, particularly among older age groups.
A new study reveals that circular waste management systems can effectively reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants, with the potential to eliminate open burning of waste by 2050. The researchers estimate that this could account for almost a quarter of global methane emissions.
A new modelling framework internalizes air pollution's economic impacts on human mortality, considering climate constraints and aerosol feedback. The study finds that optimized air pollution interventions generate considerable health benefits, avoiding 1.62 million premature deaths by mid-century.
Researchers at NIST developed new standards and calibrations for optical microscopes, enabling accurate measurement of microdroplet volumes smaller than 100 trillionths of a liter. They combined microscopy with gravimetry to verify results, linking their findings to fundamental constants of nature.
Exposure to nitrogen dioxide and fine particles is associated with increased beta-amyloid protein deposition and neurofilament light in cerebrospinal fluid, indicating a potential risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. The study highlights the importance of reducing exposure to air pollution to mitigate this risk.
A German study finds that ambulance call-outs for heart attacks increase when air pollution is high, but decrease with warmer weather. The research highlights the need for better planning and resource allocation by hospitals to address climate change-related changes in weather conditions.
Researchers found that exposure to six major air pollutants remains higher for racial and ethnic minorities than white Americans, regardless of income level. The study used models incorporating data from satellites and EPA monitoring stations to map pollution levels onto census demographic groups across the contiguous US.
A field study found that sea spray aerosols contain pollutants like perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), potentially harmful compounds known as "forever chemicals". The researchers estimated global emissions of PFAAs from oceans to air could be up to 756 U.S. tons annually.
A study by Stockholm University researchers found that PFAS from the ocean re-emitted into air with crashing waves significantly contribute to PFAS air pollution in coastal areas. The transportation of toxic substances from seawater to marine air via sea spray aerosols poses a significant threat to health and the environment.
Research led by the University of Bristol and Peking University has found that China is responsible for over half of the global increase in dichloromethane emissions since 2011. The chemical, used as a solvent in various industrial applications, poses a significant threat to ozone layer recovery.
A new study found that reducing vehicle emissions since 2008 has resulted in a significant drop in deaths due to air pollution, with estimated social benefits of $270 billion in the US. Passenger light-duty vehicles, such as SUVs and pickup trucks, continue to contribute a substantial amount of air pollution in major metropolitan areas.
Researchers have standardized black carbon measurements in the Arctic, improving our understanding of climate change. By correlating absorption coefficients with COSMOS measurements, they derived reliable conversion factors for various instruments, enabling more accurate climate modeling and air quality assessments.
Hospitalized COVID-19 patients with chronic exposure to higher particulate matter had increased risks for ICU admission and death. Chronic air pollution exposure was associated with an 11% higher risk of mortality and a 13% higher risk of ICU admission.
The study found that the ban of heating oil #6 was effective in reducing fine particles, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide levels in NYC. The reductions were independent of other sources of air pollution, suggesting a significant impact on public health outcomes.
Seasonal air pollution may contribute to asthma emergency department visits even in areas with generally low pollutant levels. The study used Bayesian time-stratified case-crossover models to examine associations between air pollution and asthma seasons.
A new study found that air pollution in areas with high levels of particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide can negate the benefits of vigorous physical activity on certain markers of brain disease. This includes reduced white matter hyperintensities and gray matter volume, indicating poorer brain health.
A large-scale epidemiologic study in China identified links between long-term exposure to ambient air pollution and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Long-term exposure to air pollution may increase the risk of MAFLD, especially in individuals with unhealthy lifestyles and central obesity.
Researchers used creative methods to explore perceptions of air pollution with local communities in Nairobi's informal settlements. They found contrasting definitions of air pollution and differing views on who was responsible for solutions.
Research found a significant correlation between increased atmospheric temperature and asthma attacks in children. Lower SO2 levels during the state of emergency also contributed to reduced asthma exacerbations, suggesting that environmental factors play a crucial role in asthma management.
A recent study found associations between air and water pollutants and changes in the human sex ratio at birth. Pollutants such as PCBs, iron, lead, and chromium were linked to an increased or decreased ratio of baby boys to girls.
A new study estimates that urban cycling could prevent up to 200,000 premature deaths annually if countries support high levels of cycling by 2050. In the US alone, over 15,000 deaths could be prevented each year through urban cycling.
A team of scientists used satellite images to track ammonia concentrations in the air above Los Angeles before and during the pandemic lockdown. They discovered that cars may produce up to 95% of this harmful pollutant throughout the city, significantly higher than previous estimates.
A recent study by NTU Singapore has found a strong link between increasing air pollution and the rise of lung adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer. The study also discovered that declining smoking rates are associated with lower incidence of lung squamous cell carcinoma.
Researchers at University of Technology Sydney identified microRNA-21 as a potential therapeutic target for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Inhibition of microRNA-21 using antagomir-21 reduced inflammation and improved lung capacity in experimental models.
Researchers found that vehicles accounted for 60-84% of total NH3 emissions in western Los Angeles, significantly higher than government estimates. This discovery suggests a substantial health impact from vehicle-related ammonia, which has been largely under-recognized and uncontrolled.
A new study demonstrates the importance of supply-side enhancements to increase clean fuel consumption in sub-Saharan Africa. Supply-side interventions such as shortening distances to retail points and improving access to multi-burner stoves are found to be crucial for accelerating growth of the clean cooking market.
A study found that long-term exposure to air pollution increases the risk of developing COVID-19 symptoms, especially among older men and those living in poverty. However, no association was found between infection and exposure to air pollutants.
Researchers from NTU Singapore found significant increases in pollutant emissions at major international seaports during the COVID-19 pandemic. Emissions rose by over 100% in some ports, with container ships and dry bulk carriers experiencing the largest spikes.
Pollution has been linked to nine million deaths worldwide in 2019, with five million due to cardiovascular disease. The researchers emphasize the need for individual physicians to consider pollution as a risk factor when treating patients, and advocate for government-supported interventions to reduce exposure.
Two leading US physicians urge doctors to screen patients for exposure to indoor and outdoor air pollution, recommending interventions to limit exposure and improve cardiovascular health. Governments also have a primary responsibility to adopt technologies and regulations that reduce air pollution.
A new study found that air pollution is a major health risk for people living in low-income neighborhoods with high concentrations of PM2.5, leading to increased rates of chronic diseases and mortality. The study highlights the need for targeted policy solutions to address environmental health disparities.
A new study reveals that genetic predisposition for depression combined with exposure to high-particulate-matter air pollution greatly elevates the risk of depression. The study found that the combination of genes and air pollution has a multiplier effect on the risk of depression, suggesting potentially widespread brain effects.
High air pollution exposure worsens COPD patients' quality of life, while living far from green spaces also reports negative effects. Access to blue and green spaces improves mental and physical health through increased physical activity.
Research found strong correlation between Arctic black carbon abundance and mid-latitude biomass burning, indicating models underestimate BC contribution from biomass burning by a factor of three. This has significant implications for Arctic warming and climate change.
Researchers used computer simulations to predict the presence of hydroxyl radicals, which clean pollutants from the atmosphere. The study showed that traditional models had widely varying forecasts due to uncertainties in gas emissions, and that better models can aid in combating climate change.
Researchers at University of Maryland School of Medicine discovered that air pollution causes inflammation in the brain, leading to reduced sperm counts in mice. The findings suggest it may be possible to develop treatments for various medical conditions caused by air pollution.
A German study reveals that glyphosate and dozens of other pesticides are spreading through the air for miles into national parks and cities. The analysis was published in a peer-reviewed journal and shows that agricultural toxins like glyphosate are classified as probably carcinogenic to humans by the World Health Organisation.
A Stanford University study found higher levels of air pollutants within 2.5 miles of oil and gas wells, likely worsening negative health outcomes for nearby residents. The research reveals that wells emit toxic particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and ozone, posing a risk to residents' health.
A large national study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that long-term exposure to permissible concentrations of air pollution increases mortality risk, particularly among elderly people and those living in lower-income areas. The study suggests current air pollution limits are inadequate to protect vulnerable groups.
Researchers developed a novel machine learning algorithm to identify previously unknown air pollutant mixtures linked to poor asthma outcomes in children. The study found that early exposure to individual and mixed pollutants can lead to longer-term problems with asthma, affecting about seven percent of US children.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated plastic pollution, with global waste generation increasing by twice the amount in 2020 compared to 2019. To address this issue, researchers advocate for a transition to novel sustainable practices and technologies, including biodegradable plastics and efficient recycling processes.
A new study finds that air pollution is responsible for 1.1 million deaths across Africa in 2019, with household air pollution accounting for 700,000 fatalities. The study also reveals that air pollution is costing African countries billions in gross domestic product and hindering the intellectual development of children.
A Brazilian study examines the causal relationship between outdoor air pollution and students' cognitive performance in Brazil. The findings suggest that an increase of 10 micrograms per cubic meter of PM10 decreases students' scores by 6.1 points, with poorer students more susceptible to air pollution's effects.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that long-term exposure to air pollution and road traffic noise may be associated with an increased risk of developing heart failure. The correlation appears to be greater in people who are former smokers or have high blood pressure.
A new study reveals that while Western US wildfires contribute more health problems, they affect a greater number of people in the Eastern US due to higher smoke concentrations. The researchers estimated 6,300 extra deaths annually from long-term smoke exposure, with most occurring in populous states.
A new study estimates that over 3 billion people worldwide will still mainly use polluting fuels like wood and charcoal by 2030. This disproportionately affects Sub-Saharan Africa, where the number of people using these fuels is growing rapidly.
Researchers developed a dynamic respirator that modulates pore size in response to changing conditions like exercise and air pollution. The device features an AI-powered system that adjusts filtration characteristics wirelessly, providing improved breathability and comfort.
A study finds that N95 respirators can significantly reduce hospital visits due to wildfire smoke exposure. The researchers estimated a 22-39% reduction in hospitalizations if N95s were widely used.
A new study found that benzo(a)pyrene plays a small part in the global risk of developing PAH-associated cancer, with 89% of the risk coming from other unregulated chemicals. Degradation products formed in the atmosphere can also be more toxic than the emitted PAHs.
Researchers found a decline in pollutant concentrations worldwide during the 2020 lockdown, particularly in Central Europe. The study attributed these reductions to the lockdown's impact on sectors like road and air transport, but noted that weather conditions also played a significant role.
An international study found Canadians have the highest relative risk of respiratory mortality resulting from wildfire pollution. Exposure to fine particulate matter from wildfires increased risks of all causes, cardiovascular, and respiratory mortality, with about 0.4 percent of total mortality attributable to wildfire smoke.
A new study from NYU Langone Health found that losing weight and managing excess body fat can significantly reduce the risk of lung disease in firefighters exposed to toxic substances on 9/11. The study analyzed 20 years of data from over 5,700 first responders and identified five key factors that predict lung disease.
A new study has detected high levels of PFAS chemicals in indoor air, particularly in carpets and other products treated with the forever chemicals. The research suggests that children may be exposed to these harmful substances through inhalation, highlighting the need for reduced use of PFAS in products.
A new air-sampling system developed by researchers can detect an unprecedented range of potentially harmful airborne compounds. The system uses a special badge or pen attached to clothes or placed in a pocket to capture a broad spectrum of volatile organic compounds, allowing for more comprehensive exposure assessments.
A new study from the University of Surrey found that keeping car windows open while wearing a mask is best for reducing Covid-19 risk in cars. However, this approach also increases occupants' exposure to toxic air pollution particles. The optimal balance is running air conditioning on ambient mode with windows closed.
A team of scientists used low-cost sensor networks to map pollution exposure in real-time during the 2018 Kīlauea Volcano eruption. The study provided highly granular estimates of human exposure to fine particulate matter and sulfur dioxide gas, enabling communities to make informed decisions about their health.
A Stanford University study suggests that wildfire smoke exposure during pregnancy increases the risk of preterm birth, with as many as 7,000 extra births attributed to this factor between 2007 and 2012. The research highlights the need for investment in prescribed burns, mechanical thinning, or other efforts to reduce extreme wildfires.
Scientists have developed novel gas sensors with improved detection sensitivity and durability by combining organic and inorganic materials. The hybrid sensors boast high durability and high sensitivity, making them suitable for portable gas sensing applications.