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.
Researchers found that fragrant essential oils can produce small, ultrafine byproducts called secondary organic aerosols (SOAs), causing eye and airway irritation. The study also revealed that spa layout and ventilation significantly affect indoor air pollutant levels during aromatherapy
Efficient stoves could save nearly 2 million lives each year by reducing respiratory disease and deforestation. Women and children are disproportionately affected by inefficient stoves due to their role in gathering fuel.
A new study predicts that climate change will lead to a significant increase in ozone-related deaths in several European countries. The largest increases are expected in Belgium, France, Spain and Portugal, with predicted rises of up to 14%.
A new study finds that congestion pricing works best when partnered with land-use planning, suggesting that the two strategies are mutually supportive. The study analyzed data from a Portland mileage-fee pilot program and found that VMT reduction is greater in traditional neighborhoods than suburban ones.
Empa researchers found significant discrepancies in greenhouse gas emissions reports, particularly from Western European countries. The study reveals that countries like Italy and the Netherlands underreported their HFC-23 emissions, while others like France and Germany reported accurate figures.
Researchers found a significant association between indoor air pollution and increased blood pressure among older women. Exposure to small-particle air pollution can cause premature death and lung disease, while cleaner fuels and stoves could cut cardiovascular risk by up to 22%.
Long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to physical changes in the brain and negative effects on learning, memory, and mood. Mice exposed to polluted air showed reduced cell complexity, inflammation, and depressive-like behaviors.
Researchers at University of Gothenburg find climate change will significantly increase risk of ozone damage to plants due to rising ozone concentrations and higher temperatures. This can lead to premature aging and smaller harvests with lower quality for agricultural crops.
New lab experiments reveal that sulfur dioxide molecules are captured by the top-most surface water molecules when approaching a water surface at low temperatures, forming reactive aqueous particulates. The findings have important implications for understanding airborne pollutants and their role in global warming.
Research at the University at Buffalo found that early life air pollution exposure and motherhood may alter DNA, increasing premenopausal breast cancer risk. Decreased E-cadherin promoter methylation was associated with higher birth exposure, while increased p16 methylation linked to first child birth in higher-pollution areas.
Researchers in China have developed a genetically modified form of E. coli that can extract toxic pesticides like parathion and methyl parathion from the air with high efficiency. The biofilter system has shown average removal efficiencies of up to 95.2% for parathion and 98.6% for methyl parathion.
Research at Ohio State University found that polluted air can activate a protein triggering white blood cell release, leading to widespread inflammation. Chronic exposure to particulate matter increases the risk of cardiovascular problems and diseases like diabetes and obesity.
Research suggests that living near a busy road junction increases the likelihood of premature birth by 4.4%. The study found that even short distances from freeways can have negative effects on gestation times. Reducing traffic emissions through improved vehicles or public transport use could provide immediate health benefits.
Research tracking lung transplant patients living near roads found they had double the risk of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome and mortality. The study suggests traffic air pollution is a significant risk factor for lung transplant recipients, with proximity to main roads impacting health outcomes.
A new research center at MSU will study air pollutants' impact on cardiometabolic syndrome, a collection of risk factors for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The team aims to understand how air pollution promotes the development of these conditions, particularly in vulnerable populations.
A study published in The Lancet found that air pollution increases the risk of triggering a heart attack by 5%, while cocaine use increases the risk by 23 times. Air pollution poses a significant public health risk, with substantial decreases needed to meet WHO standards.
A new study concludes that the air pollution control measures implemented in Beijing during the 2008 Olympic Games can significantly reduce lifetime lung cancer risk. If continued, these measures could lead to about 10,000 fewer lifetime cases of lung cancer.
Researchers are developing a smartphone app to track air pollution exposure over time, providing a more accurate method for assessing health risks. The two-year study will use GPS-equipped smartphones to collect data on participants' locations and air pollution levels.
A multi-agency project investigates the effects of air pollution on California's precipitation, with research flights documenting cloud microphysics and aerosol impacts. The goal is to improve climate projections and planning for water and energy resources.
Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a porous framework that can capture common air pollutants and emit glowing colors when exposed to ultraviolet light. This breakthrough enables the creation of portable, solid-state pollution detectors with potential applications in medicine, pharmaceuticals, and industry.
Scientists have found that thirdhand smoke, the invisible remains of cigarette smoke, can react with ozone in indoor air to form potentially toxic pollutants on surfaces. This can lead to adverse health effects, particularly for vulnerable populations like babies crawling on carpet or people eating food tainted by thirdhand smoke.
Researchers found that global levels of hydroxyl radical, a critical player in atmospheric chemistry, are stable and vary by only a few percent every year. This discovery improves confidence in projecting the future of Earth's atmosphere and reduces concerns about human-caused or natural changes.
A study by Sara Adar and colleagues found that long-term air pollution exposure is associated with narrowing of retinal arterioles, a microvascular change linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk. Short-term pollution exposure also showed weak associations with retinal vessel changes.
Researchers discovered that exposure to high levels of air pollution narrows tiny blood vessels in the retina, increasing the risk of heart disease. Exposure to even small amounts of pollution can cause a 3% increase in heart disease risk for women living in polluted areas.
A new study by NCAR scientists finds that deciduous plants absorb about a third more oVOCs than previously thought, taking in 36% more compounds globally. This process cleanses the atmosphere, with plants adapting their metabolism to absorb chemicals as a response to stress.
A recent study published in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health found that exposure to Kilauea's vog increases health risks, including headaches, sore throats, and acute airway problems. Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable due to their nose-breathing habits.
Research found significant associations between air pollution and COPD incidence, with stronger effects in men, obese patients, and those with pre-existing diabetes and asthma. Long-term exposure may be a true risk factor for developing severe COPD.