Articles tagged with Air Pollution
The US is responsible for 23% of global greenhouse-gas emissions. The editorial emphasizes the need for changes in law and tax incentives to persuade citizens to use fewer fossil fuels and adopt recycling initiatives.
The ozone layer is showing signs of slowing down its destruction due to the global ban on chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), according to a new study. The research team found that ozone depletion in the upper stratosphere has slowed since 1997, but the trend is not reflected in the lower stratosphere.
The Carnegie Institution's study found that elevated CO2 and nitrogen pollution reduced wildflower diversity, while increased water levels increased overall plant diversity. The four treatment combinations resulted in a decrease in wildflower species but an increase in grasses.
Researchers confirm that particulate air pollution and ozone react with pollutants over Lake Michigan, generating more toxic compounds. City residents may experience high concentrations of hazardous substances before they dissipate, increasing the risk of asthma attacks.
A study by Therese Mar found a significant association between stagnant air and respiratory deaths, as well as cardiovascular deaths. The research used wind data to analyze the effects of air pollution on mortality over a 28-year period.
Recent studies investigate the toxic potential of ultrafine and fine particles, finding worsening health outcomes for people with chronic heart and lung disease. Exposure to small particles also contributes to increased risk of emergency visits, hospitalizations, and death.
Scientists discovered a freshening trend in the Labrador Sea and found that mixing of warm and cool waters may prevent El Nino. Additionally, researchers speculated about the cause of high Arctic ozone loss and suggested Martian methane could be an indicator of subsurface life.
Satellite images from NASA's MOPITT project show high levels of carbon monoxide in regions prone to pollution, such as Southeast Asia and Australia. These images provide a new tool for monitoring air quality and tracking the spread of pollutants over long distances.
Research suggests that reducing air pollution can lead to significant cost savings in healthcare, particularly for outpatient care. The study found a strong correlation between air pollution levels and respiratory admissions, with the greatest hospital admissions occurring in the Deep South.
A new study by UC Davis professor Thomas Cahill found that indoor spaces near Ground Zero can be effectively cleaned of very fine particles and toxins, providing reassurance for residents. However, the study also identified diesel pollution from vehicles in the area as a continuing health threat.
The GISS 'SI2000' climate model demonstrates that global temperature change is mainly a response to human-made forcings, such as carbon dioxide and methane. The study projects possible futures under two contrasting scenarios, with minimal warming if air pollution decreases and CO2 emissions are stabilized.
Researchers used the GISS SI2000 climate model to simulate past and future global temperature changes, finding that human-made forcings are mainly responsible for recent warming. The study suggests that reducing air pollution and stabilizing carbon dioxide emissions could limit warming to 0.75°C over the next 50 years.
Researchers have developed a method to distinguish between human pollution and natural atmospheric particles using MODIS satellite data. This breakthrough allows for more precise quantification of the role of human aerosols in Earth's weather and climate systems.
A UB researcher observed a significant correlation between air pollution and diabetes prevalence in the US, suggesting potential environmental toxins may contribute to the disease. The study found states with high TRI emissions had higher diabetes rates, while low-emission states had lower rates.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that low-income households and child-care facilities in New York state have high levels of air pollutants, including radon, lead, and mold. These pollutants can lead to serious health issues such as lead poisoning, asthma attacks, and allergies.
Researchers at Ohio State University have synthesized hydrogen thioperoxide (HSOH), a sulfur-containing molecule considered a 'missing link' in its chemical family. The molecule's unique spectral pattern was recorded using a new laboratory instrument, FASSST, allowing scientists to study it for the first time.
Researchers studying isoprene emissions from oak trees in Houston have found that these reactions can lead to increased ozone production and ground-level air pollution. The study aims to understand the critical steps in this process to mitigate environmental damage.
A retrospective study of 21,232 farmers in Xuanwei, China found that switching from unvented to vented stoves resulted in a 41% reduction in lung cancer risk for men and 46% for women. Indoor air pollution levels decreased by 65% with the new stove installations.
NASA's SHADOZ project has solved a decade-old mystery about the source of Atlantic ozone, revealing a 'wave-one pattern' that is predominantly in the troposphere. The data also show that the tropical tropopause is not a sharp boundary but a 2-mile thick transition layer.
Aerosols from pollution particles reduce ice crystal sizes in thunderstorms, leading to less precipitation over land. Aerosol levels are highest over Northern Africa, with smaller ice crystals found in clouds above the eastern Pacific and southern Indian Oceans.
Lester, a renowned chemist from Salem, Virginia, has won the ACS E.V. Murphree Award in Industrial and Engineering Chemistry for his pioneering contributions to catalytic converter technology. This innovation has significantly reduced pollutants in automobile exhaust by 99 percent since 1975.
New research suggests that unpolluted forests may exhibit more uniform nitrogen biogeochemistry than previously thought, with complex and idiosyncratic responses to human activities. This challenges long-held assumptions about the ecological function of forests near populated regions.
A nationwide study found long-term exposure to air pollution with high concentrations of tiny particles increases the risk of dying from lung cancer and heart disease. Fine particulate matter levels comparable to second-hand smoke pose significant health risks in polluted cities.
The University of Southern Mississippi has developed an eco-friendly paint, American Pride, which will be used to paint one-fifth of the Pentagon's interior walls. The paint, made from castor oil and other non-toxic materials, has shown exceptional durability and quality in lab tests.
A US study suggests that playing outdoor team sports in areas of high ozone concentration can increase the risk of developing asthma in children. The research found that children who played three or more sports in high-ozone environments were more than three times as likely to develop asthma compared to those who did not participate.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a novel biofiltration technique that uses bacteria to eliminate odors from pulp mill gas streams. The new technology operates at higher temperatures than existing methods, making it more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
The Southern African Regional Science Initiative (SAFARI 2000) study investigated coupled land-atmosphere processes associated with aerosols and trace gases. Key findings show the impact of southern African emissions on climate, as visualized through satellite, airborne, and ground-based observations.
A new study suggests that tiny aerosols from human-produced pollution can weaken the global hydrological cycle, affecting water availability and quality. The research, published in Science, reveals that these particles can limit sunlight reaching the ocean, leading to reduced rainfall over polluted regions.
Researchers measured aerosols in clean marine conditions and under polluted conditions, revealing large concentrations of particulate material including mineral dust. The findings will help reduce uncertainties in global climate models and develop better policies.
Researchers at Texas A&M University found that wind-borne pollutants can travel long distances, contaminating both air and water. They used rain and air samplers to collect pollutants in Corpus Christi Bay and estimated the amounts deposited into the bay area.
A new NASA satellite sensor and field experiment reveals that aerosols can both cool the surface and warm the atmosphere. By analyzing data from the Indian Ocean Experiment (INDOEX) campaign, scientists found a regional cooling effect of up to three times greater than the warming effect of greenhouse gases.
Researchers at Texas A&M University are developing instruments to measure aerosol pollution's impact on climate. The devices will study aerosols' interaction with light, absorption of sunlight, and their effect on cloud formation.
A Penn State researcher explains how atmospheric chemistry can alter the composition of air, affecting environmental quality, and how pollutants like acetone and formaldehyde contribute to ozone production. The study also explores the role of nitrogen oxide in complex chemical reactions that produce hydrogen oxides.
Research finds Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia cases clustered in San Francisco and Cincinnati zip code areas, highlighting epidemiologic features of the infection. Asthmatic children's susceptibility to ozone pollution is linked to low birthweight or prematurity, with boys showing a greater response.
Researchers at MIT found that urban air pollution will not have a big effect on global temperature change, with some regional effects possible. The study used a new method to couple urban air chemistry models with global climate models, allowing for more accurate predictions.
A new polymer additive, polyisobutylene, may dramatically increase mileage and engine power with less pollution. It can produce a 10 percent increase in horsepower and a 20 percent increase in mileage.
Ground-level ozone levels are high enough to reduce growth and yield of sensitive plants on Long Island, where important agriculture is located. White clover has been particularly affected, with a 24-27% reduction in growth rate.
High levels of ground-level ozone have been found to severely impact the growth of ozone-sensitive crops on Long Island, including spinach, grapes, pumpkins, watermelons, and tomatoes. This research highlights the urgent need for attention to be paid to ambient ozone levels in agricultural areas.
Researchers create molecular-level studies of pollutant-catalyst interactions using X-ray diffraction and neutron scattering techniques. Their findings may lead to improved pollution traps by optimizing catalyst design and surface area.
A recent study published in Science reveals that urban and industrial air pollution can suppress rainfall and snowfall by creating clouds with abnormally small water droplets. This phenomenon occurs when pollution particles act as 'seeding' sites, preventing cloud moisture from condensing into raindrops and ice crystals.
The US Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $8.2 million to the University of Washington for a research center studying air pollution and its effects on human health. The Northwest Research Center will examine fine particles, particulate matter under 2.5 microns in size, and their association with daily health outcomes.
Researchers have found detectable levels of tributyltin in Gulf oysters, which can be toxic to crustaceans. Additionally, the Mississippi River has shown improvement in water quality, with a decrease in volatile organic compounds detected since 20 years ago.
Engineers at Purdue University have developed a training program that instructs workers on techniques to minimize styrene emissions. The program resulted in a 42.4% decrease in emissions, with an additional 19% reduction in the quantity of styrene needed for the job.
A USGS study published in Atmospheric Environment reveals that air in Washington's Mount Rainier National Park contains higher concentrations of ozone than nearby urban areas. This poses a threat to park visitors and the beautiful forests, wetlands, and alpine meadows within the park.
Researchers at University at Buffalo discovered that aerosol clusters can amplify chemical reactions, creating carcinogenic by-products from benign reagents. The study may provide a better understanding of how air pollution forms and inform regulation strategies.
Robert W. Pitz is using advanced laser diagnostics to study gasoline burning characteristics in direct injection engines, aiming to reduce pollutants while maintaining efficiency. His research may lead to the development of next-generation engines with improved fuel economy and reduced emissions.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a method to measure pollutants produced by combustion, using laser-induced fluorescence. This technique has the potential to significantly reduce nitric oxide production in next-generation jet engines, designed for lean direct injection.
The report highlights the problems caused by nonpoint source pollution, including eutrophication, which can lead to fish kills, coral reef destruction, and shellfish poisoning. The report provides solutions, such as reducing fertilizer applications, improving sewer systems, and restoring wetlands.
An international team of scientists conducted a study on air pollution in Mexico City's basin, where inversions trap pollutants and fine particles pose significant health risks. The study provides insights into particle concentrations, transport patterns, and implications for U.S. cities.
The UW smogmobile generates no emissions and can actually remove pollutants from the air as its fuel is produced. Its efficiency is currently around 20% due to a less-than-ideal motor design, but further development aims to increase range to match gas-powered vehicles.