Articles tagged with Air Pollution
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Compound heat and air pollution episodes are becoming more frequent and intense in US cities, posing a significant threat to public health. The study found that urban areas experience more frequent overlaps of extreme heat with harmful air pollutants than surrounding rural areas.
A study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that long-term exposure to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) from metals like nickel and vanadium, and sulfate particles, is strongly linked to asthma hospitalizations. The researchers identified these compounds as the most harmful components in the PM2.5 mixture.
A major new study quantifies the health impacts of outdoor air pollution from US oil and gas activities, revealing widespread disparities in exposure and health burden across racial and ethnic groups. The research estimates 91,000 premature deaths annually, with Black, Asian, Native American, and Hispanic populations most affected.
Researchers found a strong correlation between industrial pollution exposure during pregnancy and the risk of intellectual disabilities in grandchildren. A study using Utah Population Database data revealed that grandmothers' prenatal exposures can increase the risk of intellectual disabilities in their grandchildren's children.
Purdue researchers found that heat-based hair care routines release significant amounts of airborne nanoparticles, posing serious health risks. The team's study reveals that using typical store-bought hair care products can expose individuals to upward of 10 billion nanoparticles in a single session.
Researchers found that heat-related increases in airborne pollutants can be just as deadly as high temperatures. The study revealed concerning levels of ozone, oxygenated VOCs, and acid-rich nanoparticles during heatwaves.
A new study suggests that exposure to wildfire-derived PM2.5 is linked to increased mortality and morbidity, with a 93% underestimation of the actual death toll. The research estimated 535 annual deaths from all causes due to short-term exposure to wildfire smoke.
A study by the University of Michigan found that counties with animal feeding operations have higher levels of air pollution, particularly PM2.5, linked to heart and respiratory issues. These operations also tend to be located near vulnerable communities with lower health insurance coverage and education.
New research finds that wildfire smoke substantially increases ozone concentrations, even in remote areas with few human emission sources. The study suggests that removing anthropogenic NOx emissions would not eliminate ozone problems, as fires can still produce ozone.
A new study published in JACC found that using portable HEPA air filters at home can significantly lower systolic blood pressure in adults with elevated readings. The study found an average 2.8 mmHg reduction in SBP after one month of HEPA filtration.
Researchers used SPARTAN network data to find black carbon concentrations in low- and middle-income areas across the Global South were grossly underestimated, with up to a two-fold underestimation. The study highlights the need for renewed attention to characterizing harmful black carbon in these regions.
A new study found that most air cleaning technologies have not been tested on humans and their potential risks are not yet fully understood. Researchers recommend choosing technologies independently tested in real-world environments to reduce illness in homes, schools, or workplaces.
Recent research from American Meteorological Society journals predicts a new record for lightning and a decrease in hurricane frequency. Additionally, fire forecasts have been updated to better manage water resources in Colorado's Gunnison River Basin.
Researchers found surprisingly high concentrations of small-diameter microplastics in air samples from their homes and cars, estimating adults inhale 68,000 particles per day. The study suggests health risks due to inhalation of lung-penetrating microplastics may be higher than previously thought.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that energy-efficient strategies can have a significant impact on public health in the European Union. The research reveals dramatic differences in health burdens from electricity use based on the source of energy used, with cou...
Research analysis of over 29 million people reveals a positive association between three types of air pollutant and dementia. The study found that long-term exposure to PM2.5, NO2, and soot increases the relative risk of dementia by 17%, 3% and 13%, respectively.
Research found that chronic exposure to PM10 and PM2.5 air pollutants activates harmful allergic-like immune responses in the lungs, leading to inflammation and scarring. The study suggests targeting oxidative stress or modulating NRF2 activity could be a new strategy to treat pollution-induced allergic inflammation.
A team of researchers from Chung-Ang University has developed an innovative air filter that mimics the way mucus-coated nasal hairs trap particles, achieving remarkable filtration efficiency. The particle-removing oil-coated (PRO) filter is a significant leap forward in air purification, offering improved performance and sustainability.
A community-driven study found that air pollutants, including particulate matter and black carbon, were highest when bulldozer activity and wind from the coal terminal coincided. The study supports long-standing complaints of Curtis Bay residents about coal-related air pollution.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed a low-cost, long-lasting indoor formaldehyde sensor with a unique polymer coating. The coating extends the sensor's half-life by 200% and enables it to regenerate when performance degrades.
Air pollution across the UK decreased between 2015 and 2024, with nitrogen dioxide and fine particles showing improvement. However, surface ozone pollution increased by 17%, breaching safety limits frequently.
A new study finds that cleaner air in East Asia, particularly China, has contributed to the recent acceleration in global warming. The region's aerosol reductions account for most of the observed warming since 2010, even after accounting for natural fluctuation events.
A new study published in Communications Earth and Environment suggests that the cleanup of air pollution in East Asia has likely accelerated global warming. The reduction in sulfate emissions from countries like China has partially unmasked greenhouse gas-driven warming, leading to record-breaking surface temperatures.
Researchers found that sewage spills from land to sea coincided with winds of at least 6.5m/s on 178 days within a two-year period, potentially sending microplastics into the air. The study suggests that coastal towns and cities may be exposed to billions of airborne microplastic particles.
A large European meta-analysis has found that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) during pregnancy and childhood is associated with an increased risk of childhood overweight or obesity. Higher levels of PM2.5 during pregnancy were linked to a 23% increased risk of childhood obesity in children aged 9-12 years.
Researchers found a positive correlation between exposure to black carbon and the likelihood of hospital visits for respiratory-related issues, particularly among older adults and women. The study also highlights the disproportionate impact of air pollution on certain populations.
A study published in JACC found that long-term exposure to wildfire smoke may increase the risk of heart failure, particularly among older adults, women, and those living in lower-income areas. The risk was found to be higher with increased levels of PM2.5 air pollution from wildfires compared to other types of air pollution.
Prescribed burns contribute to significant air pollution in the southeast, particularly in minority and low-income areas. Climate change may exacerbate these impacts as fewer burn days become available.
A new study from the University of California, Riverside shows that sealing manure ponds at a Central Valley farm can dramatically reduce atmospheric methane emissions. The researchers found that this method can achieve an 80% reduction in emissions, comparable to California state officials' climate planning estimates.
Researchers found that COPD patients have a larger accumulation of carbon deposits in their alveolar macrophage cells, which grow abnormally large and cause inflammation. This buildup is associated with worsened lung function.
Aged desert dust particles have been found to facilitate the formation of secondary organic aerosols (SOA), a major component of airborne particles, in dusty areas. This finding challenges conventional wisdom and could account for up to two thirds of SOA in such regions.
Scientists used high-tech instrument to measure aerosol particles and detected Medium Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (MCCPs) for the first time in the Western Hemisphere. MCCPs are known to be released into the air when sewage sludge fertilizers are applied to fields.
A nationwide study reveals that methane leaks from energy-intensive states like Texas lower air quality for people in neighboring states. Strong environmental regulations are shown to reduce hazardous gas leaks and improve safety.
A new study uses preserved plants and animals from natural history museums to track pollution trends over two centuries. Researchers found significant changes in pollutant levels between specimens collected in the 19th and 20th centuries, highlighting the impact of industrial activity on human health.
A new Emory University study found that air pollution particles can disrupt maternal metabolisms, increasing the risk of premature and early term births. The research, which analyzed blood samples from pregnant women in Atlanta, highlights the need for better understanding and strategies to address this issue.
Researchers from Hokkaido University found that chemical processes in the atmosphere, such as buffering effects and acidity-driven gas-particle partitioning, contribute to the persistence of nitrates. These findings help improve climate modeling by refining atmospheric nitrate levels.
Exposure to PM2.5 air pollutants impairs mucociliary clearance, a key protective mechanism in the respiratory tract, leading to severe airway damage and respiratory diseases. Researchers have identified the enzyme ALDH1A1 as a potential therapeutic target to reverse this damage and strengthen our respiratory defenses.
Researchers found that adopting new digital systems to help oceangoing container ships get in line to offload their cargo at busy ports reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 16-24%. This intervention is cheap and utilizes existing technology.
A new study reveals that pollutants from the Tijuana River are transmitted to both water and air through coastal aerosols, affecting public health and environment. The study found high levels of illicit drugs, personal care products, and chemicals in aerosols, posing risks to residents living near the border.
Researchers measured air quality over 19 months to capture both smoky and clear days, finding increases in fine aerosols and carbon monoxide during wildfires. The study has implications for weather, cloud formation, and public health.
Researchers developed a new computer modeling approach to simulate the behavior of tiny nanoparticles in the air, improving accuracy and efficiency. This could lead to better monitoring of air pollution and more precise ways of predicting its effects on human health.
A new study found that personal care products like perfumes and unscented lotions disrupt the human oxidation field, a natural protective shield around the body. This disruption can lead to a decrease in ozone barrier strength, making people more vulnerable to indoor air pollutants.
A NTU Singapore study found that robust air pollution control measures can prevent 36,000 ozone-related premature deaths annually in Southeast Asia by 2050. Implementing stringent emission reduction measures could drop annual deaths by 22,000 under a business-as-usual scenario.
A study found that children exposed to higher levels of air pollution experienced rapid weight gain and higher BMI by age 13, leading to increased insulin resistance in their mid-20s. The study suggests early interventions can help reduce the risk of chronic disease.
The University of Texas at Arlington researcher Yunyao Li has been selected by NASA to develop a system that provides early warnings of hazardous air pollution from wildfires. The project aims to enhance wildfire air quality forecasting capabilities and develop tools for decision-making processes related to health management.
A new study assesses the tradeoffs between clean air and clean water, finding that boiling contaminated water generally outweighs health risks from air pollution. The research supports prioritizing household access to clean water, especially for young children.
A research team used the EnMAP satellite to detect carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide in power plant emissions with unprecedented spatial resolution. The study provides new insights into industrial pollutant emissions and enables more transparent satellite-based monitoring.
A recent study from POSTECH University evaluated ground-level NO2 concentrations using satellite remote sensing data, revealing significant socioeconomic disparities in air pollution exposure. The research found that areas with higher socioeconomic levels had higher NO2 concentrations, contradicting previous findings in other countries.
Researchers found that atmospheric mercury levels have decreased significantly due to reduced human-caused emissions, mainly attributed to the Minamata Convention. The study also revealed that soil emissions now make up a larger fraction of total mercury emissions, with re-emissions from soil posing a future challenge.
A new study from Texas A&M University found that residents' knowledge of environmental health risks is the most important factor in their decision to take a home buyout. Residents who live in areas with high levels of risk and are more concerned about environmental risks are more willing to accept a buyout.
A new study found that brick kiln owners in Bangladesh are willing to implement energy-efficient operational changes after receiving training and support. The changes led to a 23% reduction in energy use and substantial savings in coal expenditures.
The research mapped air pollution levels and carbon dioxide emissions in over 13,000 urban areas globally, highlighting regional disparities and progress towards cleaner air. Urban areas with aggressive environmental policies saw simultaneous declines in all pollutants.
Researchers found that drastic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions could significantly reduce deaths from poor air quality, particularly in deprived regions of Europe. The study suggests that strong climate mitigation would also lead to a more equitable burden of air quality mortality across the continent.
A study by the University of Eastern Finland reveals that traffic-derived ultrafine particles influence gene regulation in human olfactory mucosa cells, particularly affecting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. The findings suggest a potential link between air pollution and neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at University at Albany found a near full recovery from metal pollution in Adirondack surface waters since the enactment of the Clean Air Act. The study analyzed sediment samples and found a greater than 90% reduction in metal contamination across four ponds.
A new study by the University of Bath found that London's Low Emission Zones significantly reduced harmful pollutants, resulting in lower sick leave rates and improved mental well-being. The introduction of Ultra Low Emission Zones also delivered substantial cost savings.
A study found that exposure to traffic-related air pollution in childhood is associated with increased body mass index (BMI) and insulin resistance later in life. Higher BMI growth from early adolescence into young adulthood may partially explain this link.
Researchers from UT Arlington discovered that many wastewater treatment plants are unable to effectively remove dangerous microplastics, which can transport other pollutants into the environment. This poses potential long-term health impacts for humans, including cardiovascular disease and cancer.
A new study found that over 50 million people in the US live in counties with no air-quality monitoring, increasing their exposure to air pollution. Rural areas, particularly those in the Midwest and South, were more likely to lack monitoring sites, often due to poverty and limited access to healthcare.
Scientists at Stanford University have discovered a method to perform prescribed burns with drastically reduced health implications by adjusting burn conditions. By tweaking moisture, heat, and oxygen levels, PAH emissions can be slashed by up to 77%, cutting cancer risks from smoke exposure by over 50%.