Articles tagged with Air Pollution
A short-lived resurgence in CFC-11 emissions in eastern China will not delay the recovery of Earth's ozone layer, according to new research. The AGAGE network helped track down the origins of the new emissions, which were found to be largely coming from eastern China.
Researchers have successfully demonstrated the efficacy of ozone in neutralizing Coronavirus on various surfaces, including aerosols and hard-to-reach locations. The study shows that ozone disinfection can be an inexpensive and readily available solution to combat COVID-19, with a high statistical success rate of above 90%.
Researchers found significant differences in VOC concentrations and proportions vertically between winter and summer. Alkanes were the largest chemical species, primarily from gasoline combustion, which increased with altitude.
A new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health highlights the benefits to health if countries adopt climate plans consistent with the Paris Agreement. Adopting such policies could save up to 6.4 million lives due to better diet, cleaner air, and increased exercise per year across nine countries.
A team of Chinese researchers developed a material that can both quickly detect and efficiently remove ozone. The porous material, called an imine COF, works reliably at high humidity and over a wide temperature range.
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.
A new study improves a computer modelling system to predict the impact of ozone on soybean production, estimating damage at 10% yield reduction for normal ozone levels and less than half that for extreme levels. The research aims to inform policy decisions to limit surface ozone levels.
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.
Researchers found that local emissions significantly contribute to the formation of regional haze and particle growth in Beijing. The study suggests that a reduction of anthropogenic gaseous precursors can suppress particle growth, leading to haze alleviation.
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 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.
China's stringent air pollution control policies have led to a significant decrease in aerosol concentrations, but winter haze events still occur. A recent study found that the controls have resulted in a much stronger increase in surface solar radiation in eastern and central China.
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.
Researchers discovered that a molecule related to tire preservative 6PPD is highly toxic to coho salmon, causing acute mortality. The team identified 6PPD-quinone as the culprit chemical, which transforms when exposed to ozone and kills salmon.
A new study found that air pollution in neighborhoods is associated with an increased likelihood of amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that exposure to microscopic airborne particles may be implicated in tens of thousands of cases of the disease.
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.
A new study by University of Surrey experts found that trees can effectively reduce the urban heat island effect in many European cities. The research simulated temperature increases in Guildford, UK under different green infrastructure scenarios and found that trees were the most effective form of mitigation.
A study by ISGlobal found that exposure to high levels of air pollution, particularly during pregnancy, is associated with higher blood pressure in childhood. The research team analyzed data from 4,279 children living in six European cities and found a significant link between NO2 levels and diastolic blood pressure.
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 new study found that burning biomass fuels like wood and crop residues contributes to 32% of premature deaths due to inhaling fine particle pollutants in China. Residential energy use, especially indoor emissions, pose significant health risks, with indoor PM2.5 concentrations being 3 times higher than outdoor air concentrations.
A large longitudinal study found that exposure to air pollution during early childhood may lead to an increase in body mass index (BMI), while living in areas with greater green space and a more favorable built environment mix may be associated with a decrease in BMI. The study analyzed data from nearly 80,000 children and suggested th...
Researchers found that long-term exposure to urban air pollution, particularly nitrogen dioxide, enhances susceptibility to severe COVID-19 death outcomes. NO2 levels were associated with increased case-fatality and mortality rates.
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.
Scientists study tree rings to reveal how Arctic dimming kills trees and limits growth due to reduced sunlight from industrial pollution. The research found massive tree mortality associated with the Norilsk mining complex in northern Siberia.
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 study found that long-term exposure to PM2.5 in China is associated with a significant mortality burden, accounting for 30.8 million premature deaths between 2000 and 2016.
Research shows that air pollution from ozone levels damages the scent of flowers, deterring moths. However, when given a chance, moths quickly learn that even polluted floral odors may lead to nutritious nectar rewards. This learning ability is crucial for moths to adapt to changing environments.
Researchers found an overall increase in ozone levels above the Northern Hemisphere over the past 20 years, despite lower ground-level ozone in some areas. Ozone increases were most pronounced in tropical regions and mid-latitude areas.
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 study published by The BMJ found that children exposed to high levels of fine air pollutants (PM2.5) are more likely to develop asthma and persistent wheezing. Higher levels of PM2.5, as well as exposure to other pollutants, were associated with an increased risk of developing these conditions.
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.
The WVU toxicologist aims to improve health and well-being in susceptible populations by studying the impact of air pollution on lung regeneration. He plans to identify adverse outcomes of carbon black and ground level ozone inhalation, and study mechanisms leading to lung injury and impairment of lung regeneration.
A study by MIT researchers found that COVID-19 shutdowns resulted in an 8.3% increase in solar power output in Delhi, attributed to a 50% reduction in air pollution. This demonstrates the impact of reduced emissions on solar panel efficiency and provides valuable data for future models.
This study reveals that El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-modulated vegetation fires in Southeast Asia dominate the springtime trans-Pacific transport of ozone across the entire North Pacific Ocean. The enhanced ozone plumes stretch over 15,000 km from the South China Sea to Southwestern North America and the Gulf of Mexico.
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.
A new study suggests that vehicle electrification has substantial potential to reduce both climate change and air pollution damages. However, a clean electricity grid is crucial for a sustainable transportation future.
A new study confirms that toxic metallic air pollution nanoparticles are getting inside the crucial energy-producing structures within the hearts of people living in polluted cities, causing cardiac stress. The researchers found iron-rich nanoparticles inside the damaged heart cells of a 26-year-old and even a three-year-old toddler.
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 new study from the University of Surrey discovered that roadside hedges protect human health by reducing air pollution exposure, but at the cost of harming plant health. The researchers found that fine particles on leaves were more prevalent on the traffic-facing side of the hedge.
A new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that long-term exposure to fine particulate outdoor air pollution is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease and death worldwide. The study analyzed data from 157,436 adults across 21 countries and found a significant link between PM2.5 exposure and cardiovascular events.
During COVID-19 lockdowns, China experienced up to 90% reductions in certain emissions, but also saw a significant increase in particulate matter pollution. This unexpected phenomenon highlights the need for a comprehensive regulation of precursor gases from all sectors.
A new George Mason University study reveals women commuters exposed to higher levels of pollutants during rush hour trips, with no correlation between trip length and exposure levels. The research aims to inform strategies for reducing air pollution's health effects, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Researchers used in situ observations and simulations to understand the composition and sources of aerosols in the Asian Tropopause Aerosol Layer (ATAL). They found that part of the aerosols were transported from the Earth surface and upper troposphere, influencing the ATAL's formation.
Ozone pollution in China's most populated and industrialized city clusters poses a great challenge due to diverse precursors. Long-term research is necessary to accurately determine main sources of ozone and inform effective control strategies.
Researchers found microplastics in remote and protected areas of western US National Parks, highlighting the importance of reducing plastic pollution. Atmospheric transport plays a crucial role in distributing microplastics globally, with smaller particles traveling farther under dry conditions.
A study published in Environment International found that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and black carbon increases the risk of vascular damage in people living in India. The research, which analyzed data from over 3,000 individuals, showed a non-linear association between PM2.5 exposure and vascular injury.
Researchers find air pollution can alter social behaviors in mice, causing inflammation that damages healthy tissues. Chronic exposure to particulate matter is also associated with boosted production of amyloid plaques, a key feature of Alzheimer's disease.
A new study has found that people living in urban areas have a 29% higher risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) compared to those living in rural areas. The research also suggests that air pollution, specifically particulate matter (PM), may be a contributing factor to the development of MS.
A new UCLA study found that chemicals in diesel exhaust can trigger the toxic buildup of alpha-synuclein proteins in brain cells, a common occurrence in people with Parkinson's. The research used zebrafish and human cells to confirm the link between air pollution and brain damage.
A recent study led by a Texas A&M University professor reveals that South Asia will be threatened by frequent extreme heat and high air pollution days. By 2050, occurrences of both extremes are projected to increase in frequency by 75% and 175%, respectively, posing significant risks to human health.
A new study reveals that CFC replacements are accumulating in the Canadian Arctic, with levels of degradation products tenfold increasing between 1986 and 2014. The findings suggest that these substances are as concerning as their predecessors and do not break down, posing a threat to the ecosystem.
A recent study found a significant decrease in PM2.5 concentrations in eastern China and corresponding reductions in heavily polluted days. However, surface ozone levels have been increasing in most cities during the same period, indicating stronger photochemical pollution.
A new study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found a strong association between the loss of green space and an increase in cardiometabolic risk factors, including hypertension, obesity, and hyperglycaemia. The study analyzed data from over 6,000 adults living in an area south of Hyderabad undergoing urbanization.
A new study by ISGlobal found an association between air pollution exposure during pregnancy and delays in physical growth in early childhood. The research analyzed data from over 1,700 mother-child pairs and estimated exposure to nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter during the first trimester of pregnancy.
A new study found that regions with permanently high levels of nitrogen dioxide have significantly more deaths from Covid-19. This correlation suggests that persistent air pollution may have contributed to poorer health in affected populations, making them more susceptible to the virus.
A new study by the University of Surrey found that babies in popular low-riding pushchairs inhale 44% more harmful pollutants than their parents during school runs. Pushchair covers can reduce pollutant exposure by up to 39%, according to researchers.
A study at Karolinska Institutet found that long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with an increased risk of dementia. The researchers also found that cardiovascular disease plays a key role in this association, and that reducing emissions can help mitigate the risk.
A recent study found that most ammonia emitted from fertilized paddy fields deposits near the source, rather than entering the atmosphere. This process reduces atmospheric ammonia pollution and is a result of dry deposition.