Articles tagged with Air Pollution
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A recent study published in Pediatrics found a strong link between air pollution exposure during pregnancy and increased risk of behavioral problems in children. Maternal psychological distress also played a significant role, with children experiencing anxiety, depression, attention problems, and aggressive behavior.
Honeybees rely on floral odours to find and identify flowers. Diesel exhaust fumes alter the profile of these odours, affecting foraging efficiency and pollination. The study found that NOx gases, particularly nitrogen dioxide, are key facilitators of this change.
A new study published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics finds that gas flaring from oil extraction in the Arctic accounts for 42% of black carbon concentrations. Residential combustion emissions also play a significant role in black carbon pollution, contributing to the warming effect on ice and snow.
A nationwide study found that cold weather increases heart attack risk, with temperatures below 10°C significantly correlated. Unlike air pollution, which has a negligible effect, temperature plays a crucial role in triggering acute myocardial infarction.
Research reveals that burning incense generates indoor air pollutants that cause inflammation in human lung cells, similar to cigarette smoke. The study recommends improving ventilation and using alternative combustion devices to mitigate this health risk.
A systematic review found that short-term air pollutant exposure raises the risk of heart failure hospitalization and death. Modest reductions in major pollutants could prevent thousands of hospitalizations and save millions annually.
A new MIT study estimates that air pollution from coal emissions in China shortens lives by 2.5 billion years, with particulate matter levels over 400 micrograms per cubic meter found in the region. The research uses quasi-experimental methods to project life expectancy losses for 500 million Chinese residents north of the Huai River.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that NRF2 signaling plays a role in regulating cell metabolism, leading to increased energy production and tumor cell proliferation. The study demonstrates the importance of targeting Nrf2 with small molecule inhibitors to intervene in therapeutic resistance.
A new study from Harvard School of Public Health found that women exposed to high levels of air pollution while pregnant were up to twice as likely to have a child with autism. The study examined data from over 116,000 nurses and found associations between air pollution and autism risk in children.
A research team at UCSF has found that exposure to nitrogen dioxide during infancy is strongly linked with later development of childhood asthma among African Americans and Latinos. The study indicates that traffic-related pollution might be a cause of the disease, calling for tightened U.S government standards for annual exposure to NO2.
A study by Georgia State University researcher Jeremy Diem found that a decrease in pollution following the passage of the Clean Air Act of 1970 led to an increase in summer rainfall for the Atlanta metropolitan area. Precipitation levels dropped in the 1950s and 1960s due to air pollution, but rebounded in the late 1970s as pollution ...
Conscious Clothing's wearable breathing analysis tool calculates inhaled particulate matter and transmits data to Bluetooth-capable devices. Researchers can now monitor relationships between air pollutants and individual health responses in real-time.
Research found a significant association between early-life exposure to traffic-related air pollution and increased hyperactivity scores in children at age 7. The study suggests that traffic pollution may have long-lasting effects on the developing brain.
Fine-particle air pollution and nighttime traffic noise pollution independently associated with subclinical atherosclerosis. Researchers found strong associations among younger participants, those with coronary artery disease, and statin users.
A new study has found that living near a major roadway during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of respiratory infection in children. The study included 1,271 mother-child pairs and found that those who lived closer to the road had a higher risk of developing respiratory infections by age 3.
A study of over 1,100 adults who had a stroke found that those living closest to major roads had lower kidney function and increased cardiovascular death rates. Exposure to air pollution from traffic was linked to reduced renal function and an increased risk of cardiovascular events.
A new study published in Diabetologia found that growing up in areas with high air pollution increases the risk of insulin resistance in children. The research used data from two prospective German birth cohort studies and found a significant association between air pollution exposure and increased levels of insulin resistance.
The article describes progress in introducing cleaner cook stoves to developing countries, cutting fuel use and air pollution exposure. The new stoves can reduce climate-warming emissions and improve health outcomes for millions of people worldwide.
Researchers found evidence of lead pollution in a lagoon at 3,020 m altitude, tracing it back to ancient metallurgical activities. The study suggests that human activity significantly impacted the environment during the Holocene period.
Long-term exposure to air pollution may be linked to heart attacks and strokes by speeding up atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Higher concentrations of fine particulate air pollution were found to be linked to faster thickening of the inner two layers of the common carotid artery.
Long-term exposure to air pollution may accelerate atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Fine particulate air pollution was found to be associated with faster thickening of the inner two layers of the common carotid artery.
A large cohort study found that long-term exposure to fine particle matter and road traffic noise are associated with atherosclerosis. Exposure to PM2.5 and proximity to major roads increased aortic calcification, while night time noise also showed a borderline increase in thoracic aorta calcification.
New research indicates that reducing emissions of black carbon, methane, and other pollutants can significantly slow sea level rise. The study found that cuts in these four heat-trapping pollutants could temporarily forestall the rate of sea level rise by roughly 25 to 50 percent.
UCLA researchers found a potential link between exposure to traffic-related air pollution and several rare childhood cancers, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia, germ-cell tumors, and retinoblastoma. The study analyzed data from 3,950 children born in California between 1998 and 2007.
A new NASA study reveals that extreme cold, man-made chemicals, and a stagnant atmosphere contributed to the 2011 Arctic ozone hole. The Arctic's ozone levels were about 20% lower than its late winter average due to unusual atmospheric conditions.
Researchers analyze air pollution levels and health effects, identifying communities at higher risk for respiratory diseases. The study aims to improve understanding of cause-and-effect relationships between pollution and health outcomes.
A large study found that one in 20 cases of pre-eclampsia may be linked to increased levels of ozone during the first three months of pregnancy. Mothers with asthma are more vulnerable, and ozone exposure was associated with a higher risk of premature birth and pre-eclampsia.
A large international study of over three million births found that higher particulate air pollution levels were associated with increased rates of low birth weight. The study, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, highlights the need for policy makers to address air pollution to prevent serious health consequences.
A University at Buffalo study found that indoor air pollution contributes significantly to lung cancer risk in Chinese women, despite low smoking rates. The research measured particulate matter levels inside homes and linked them to lung cancer incidence, highlighting the need for improved ventilation systems and public education.
Scientists at the Universities of York and Leeds have made a significant discovery about the cause of ozone destruction over oceans. The research team found that the principal source of iodine oxide can be explained by emissions of hypoiodous acid and molecular iodine.
A groundbreaking air cleaning device developed by the University of Copenhagen has successfully removed Volatile Organic Compounds from industrial emissions. The invention uses natural processes to clean indoor air and remove pollutants, resulting in improved relations between businesses and their neighbors.
Scientists detected over 2,100 unique microbial species in two large dust plumes originating in Asia, significantly higher than the 18 found using traditional culturing methods. The discovery challenges existing understanding of the atmosphere as a conveyor belt and highlights its potential as an ecosystem.
The University of Illinois is developing ozone-resistant corn strains with the potential to increase yields and reduce costs, as estimated losses due to ozone damage in US corn production could be around $700 million. The research aims to improve crop resilience to environmental stressors.
Lab research reveals airborne particles form a protective vessel for pollutant transport, with pollutants trapped inside lasting longer. The symbiotic relationship between pollutants and airborne particles explains how city pollution reaches the Arctic.
Ground-level ozone concentrations are already high enough to damage crop production, reducing seed yields by roughly half a bushel per acre for each additional part per billion. Researchers found that potential increases in background ozone could lead to yield losses of 9-19 percent by 2030.
Slowing container ships to 14mph reduced emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and soot by 60-70% compared to traditional speeds. Imposing speed limits near ports could significantly reduce pollution and protect local populations' health.
A new study found that exposure to traffic-related air pollution during infancy is associated with decreased lung function at age eight, especially in boys and children sensitized to common allergens. The findings suggest early exposure may have long-term adverse effects on respiratory health.
A recent study found that gestational exposure to urban air pollution is associated with lower vitamin D levels in offspring, potentially affecting their risk of developing diseases later in life. Maternal vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy may have an influence on the development of asthma and allergic diseases in children.
Research published in the FASEB Journal found that pregnant mice exposed to diesel exhaust were more likely to have obese offspring with insulin resistance. The study suggests a link between air pollution exposure in utero and metabolic disorders in adulthood. Males were particularly affected, while females only showed increased weight...
A small study exposed young, healthy volunteers to ozone for two hours, showing vascular inflammation and changes in autonomic nervous system control. The findings suggest a plausible explanation for the link between acute ozone exposure and death.
Researchers develop algorithm to track pollutants in water and atmosphere, identifying exact location of leaks as soon as possible. The model takes into account diffusion, convection, and reaction, providing unique solution given observable data.
Researchers developed coatings that use nanoparticles to interact with sunlight and break down pollutants like nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxides. The coating is thin, adaptable, and durable, making it suitable for construction materials.
A new study finds that children exposed to high levels of naphthalene are at increased risk for chromosomal aberrations, including translocations. The researchers discovered a link between naphthalene exposure and an increased likelihood of chromosomal aberrations in children.
A new study reveals that prenatal exposure to air pollution can have persistent effects on lung function development in children with asthma. The research found associations between nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter exposure during pregnancy and lower pulmonary function growth in childhood.
Researchers found that pollution strengthens thunderstorm clouds, causing them to capture more heat and warm the atmosphere. The warming effect dominated over cooling, with larger anvils trapping more heat at night.
A UC Riverside-led team identifies black carbon and tropospheric ozone as the primary drivers of large-scale atmospheric circulation change in the Northern hemisphere tropics. The expansion of the tropical belt is projected to impact regional agriculture, economy, and society due to changes in precipitation patterns.
Scientists are targeting thunderstorms in Alabama, Colorado, and Oklahoma to discover the influence of thunderstorms on air just beneath the stratosphere. The Deep Convective Clouds & Chemistry (DC3) Experiment will explore how thunderstorms affect climate by forming upper-atmosphere ozone, a greenhouse gas with a strong warming effect.
Researchers launch DC3 experiment to understand thunderstorms' influence on air just beneath the stratosphere, a little-explored region that affects Earth's climate. They aim to explore ozone formation and its impact on climate change by tracking pollutants and chemical reactions.
A recent study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine found that city center residents are almost twice as likely to develop coronary artery calcification as those living in less polluted urban and rural areas. The study also discovered that males, older participants, diabetics, and smokers face higher risks.
A new study by Harvard researchers found a significant association between long-term fine particle air pollution exposure and higher rates of hospital admissions for pneumonia, heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes in older adults. The study used novel prediction models to estimate zip code concentrations of fine air particles and compa...
A Columbia University study finds pregnant women exposed to high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are more likely to have obese children. Children of mothers with high PAH exposure were nearly twice as likely to be obese at age 5 and 7, with an average weight gain of 2.4 lbs.
Researchers are using community modeling to address complex issues like climate change, air pollution and desertification. The approach involves teams of experts pooling data and ideas in a collaborative process.
A large prospective study indicates that chronic air pollution may accelerate cognitive decline in older adults, particularly in women. Higher levels of particulate matter exposure were associated with significantly faster cognitive decline over a four-year period.
A new study reveals the true extent of healthcare costs associated with living close to busy roads, estimating annual costs of $18 million in two Southern California communities. The 'asthma career cost' method takes into account childhood asthma cases and broad costs, exceeding average household income levels.
A new study led by Patricia Coogan found that cumulative levels of nitrogen oxides increase the risks of type 2 diabetes and hypertension in African-American women. Exposure to particulate matter also showed a significant association with increased risk, but evidence was weaker.
Researchers have developed a technology that reduces air pollutant emissions from chicken and swine barns by up to 79% while recovering heat. The system uses biofiltration and heat exchangers to temper fresh air and generate heat, reducing energy consumption.
Researchers found positive trends in ozone levels over the Iberian Peninsula between 1995 and 2008, with quicker recovery rates in industrial areas. The study suggests that ground-level ozone, a secondary pollutant, contributed to the recovery of stratospheric ozone levels.
Satellite observations confirm a nearly 40% decline in sulfur dioxide emissions from coal power plants since 2005, with a significant reduction in acid rain and health problems. The Clean Air Interstate Rule implemented in 2005 is credited for the decline, with desulfurization devices and pollution credits contributing to the reduction.
A new study reveals that air pollution can exacerbate severe storms while suppressing gentle rains, according to the researchers. The findings have significant implications for water resource management in regions across the US and globally.
A new study finds that air pollution increases precipitation in wet regions while decreasing it in dry regions, exacerbating severe storms. The research provides clear evidence of aerosols' impact on weather and climate, with significant implications for water resource management.