Articles tagged with Air Pollution
Long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with a higher need for help with lost independence in later life. Traffic-related sources generate the largest and most consistent increases in risk, suggesting controlling air pollution may delay or divert care needs.
A recent study by researchers from ACS found that landfill gas can release per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into the air, posing potential health risks. The study analyzed vented gases at three landfills in Florida and discovered unexpectedly high levels of airborne PFAS.
The Deepwater Horizon oil spill released nearly 5 million barrels of crude oil and hydrocarbon gases, affecting an area of 1,100 square miles, nearly nine times larger than earlier studies. Biodiversity loss among harpacticoid copepods declined dramatically due to the spill.
A new study reveals that micro- and nanoplastics may boost the risk of non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The tiny particles are absorbed into the human body through food, air, and other sources, potentially leading to increased inflammation and severity of these conditions.
A new study reveals that the East Palestine train accident released inorganic pollutants into the atmosphere, which were found in precipitation across a large geographical area covering at least 16 states. The pollutants also reached southern Canada and North Carolina, posing significant risks to aquatic flora and fauna.
Researchers found that adding nitrogen to concrete could significantly reduce global levels of potentially harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) created by the construction industry. This process could contribute to a reduction in NOx emissions by 3.4-6.9 megatonnes, representing 6-13% of industry-related emissions in 2021.
Researchers measured concerning levels of ethylene oxide in Louisiana's 'Cancer Alley' using mobile optical instruments. The study revealed that most locations had ethylene oxide levels above the EPA's acceptable upper limit, with some areas having potentially serious health risks for facility workers.
A cohort study found that severe dust exposure increased the risk of dementia in World Trade Center responders under 65. Using personalized protective equipment may prevent this age of onset, according to the research.
Nitrous-oxide emissions have increased by 40% over the past four decades, resulting in accelerating atmospheric accumulation of this potent greenhouse gas. Agricultural production is the largest source of emissions, and improving practices can help reduce nitrous-oxide emissions and water pollution.
A study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that children exposed to weed pollen in urban environments are at higher risk of developing respiratory health problems, including asthma. However, tree canopy can mitigate this effect to some degree.
The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology is developing affordable gas sensors for environmental monitoring and occupational safety. The €8 million AMUSENS project aims to create portable, cost-effective sensors using nanotechnology and artificial intelligence.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology highlights how pollution is a greater health threat than war, terrorism, and other diseases. The researchers emphasize the need for better monitoring of pollutants to identify at-risk communities and understand individual-level risk factors.
A new research paper finds higher particulate pollution in areas near the Salton Sea after water was diverted to San Diego. The study, led by University of California - Davis professor Eric Edwards, models lakebed exposure and tracks dust movement over time, showing increased pollution in disadvantaged communities.
A new UC Riverside study found that boreal forests in the northern hemisphere are particularly vulnerable to negative effects of cleaning up aerosol pollution. Reducing levels of human-made aerosols causes an increase in wildfires, especially in northern hemisphere forests.
A study of over 9,000 participants found that small increases in fine particulate matter during pregnancy and childhood were associated with more psychotic experiences and depression symptoms later in life. Higher noise pollution exposure in childhood and teenage years was linked to increased anxiety symptoms.
Early-life air and noise pollution exposure were associated with increased risk of psychotic experiences, depression, and anxiety from adolescence to young adulthood. Interventions to reduce pollution exposure could potentially improve population mental health.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory identified 28 trace metals in secondhand and thirdhand tobacco smoke, including cadmium, arsenic, and chromium. The study found that the predicted indoor air concentration for these metals exceeded California's cancer risk guidelines, highlighting the need to understand their contrib...
A recent study reveals that reducing primary emissions has a significant impact on decreasing fine particles and ozone levels in China's North China Plain region. The research, published in Atmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters, found that controlling anthropogenic emissions can effectively mitigate secondary pollution during summer.
Replacing diesel school buses with electric ones can yield up to $247,600 in climate and health benefits per individual bus, according to a new study. The benefits include reduced greenhouse gas emissions and lower rates of adult mortality and childhood asthma.
A study by Duke and Columbia Universities found that non-white older adults with mild cognitive impairment reside in areas with more environmental injustices than their white peers. The study suggests that location, race, and environmental factors may interact to impact brain health.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that long-term exposure to air pollution accelerates cognitive decline and increases risk of dementia. The research, which followed a cohort of nurses for 27 years, also suggests that physical activity may mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution.
A new model combines wildfire smoke forecasts and ground-based sensor data to help public health officials plan targeted interventions. The researchers found that urban and rural communities already burdened by pollution face higher air pollution levels during unexpected smoke events.
The RefMap project aims to reduce aviation's environmental impact by optimizing flight paths using data on wind, noise, CO2 emissions. Researchers are developing models to predict drone noise disturbance and improve UAV trajectories, with the goal of creating a digital service for airlines and airports.
A new study estimates that gas stove use in U.S. households may be responsible for up to 200,000 childhood asthma cases annually, with high levels of nitrogen dioxide exposure also causing thousands of deaths. The research found that even electric stoves produce no NO2, and that ventilation is key to reducing pollutant exposures.
A recent study by University of Technology Sydney has modelled the transfer and deposition of plastic particles in the human respiratory system. The results have identified hotspots where plastic particles can accumulate, particularly in the nasal cavity and lungs, posing a risk to respiratory health.
A Rutgers study found that nanoparticles from household products can be resuspended in the air, reaching human breathing zones, and increasing exposure for children. The researchers used an enclosed chamber to simulate spraying and resuspension of particles, confirming the potential health risks.
The implementation of China's National Action Plan on Air Pollution Prevention and Control resulted in decreased mean daily fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels between 2013 and 2017. The associated acute health effects on total and circulatory mortality significantly decreased, with a reduced exposure-response relationship observed ...
A study published in Environmental Research found a significant association between black carbon particles and cardiac fibrosis, a marker of heart disease. The risk is higher for hypertensive individuals, with smokers facing the highest risks among non-hypertensive individuals.
Researchers have analyzed over a thousand images of snow to study its optical properties. The findings show promise in improving avalanche safety and autonomous car technology, but more data is needed.
A new study by National Jewish Health researchers found that air pollutants can disrupt the skin barrier, contributing to the development and exacerbation of allergic diseases. The study's findings highlight the importance of minimizing exposure to pollutants from an early age, with potential long-term effects on future generations.
A study published in Environment International found that exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) during the first two years of life is associated with poorer attentional function in children aged 4-8, particularly in boys. The association persists even after adjusting for other factors.
A new study reveals that retention ponds and wetlands can significantly reduce the amount of tyre particles entering aquatic environments, with an average reduction of 75%. The research found that tyre wear particles outweigh other forms of microplastics, but are also removed in greater quantities.
A new hypothesis paper proposes that Parkinson's disease starts in either the brain's smell center or the body's intestinal tract, tied to environmental factors. The study suggests that exposure to pesticides, air pollution, and tainted food may predispose to the disease.
Researchers found that elevated ozone levels remove mating barriers between different fly species, leading to increased hybridization and sterile offspring. The study used four species of Drosophila and found that ozone concentrations often measured on hot days can cause flies to mate with closely related species.
Scientists uncovered insights into pre-industrial aerosol formation processes in an environment with minimal human influences. Researchers observed the release of highly oxygenated organic molecules at night, leading to aerosol particle formation resembling the pre-industrial atmosphere.
Elevated surface ozone concentrations in China pose a significant threat to human health and crop yields. A study found that extreme heat exacerbates ozone pollution through complex chemical and physical processes, particularly during stagnant weather conditions.
A study found significant decreases in average nitrogen dioxide concentrations and social inequities in California's air pollution during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Non-urban areas saw a 17% decrease, while urban areas experienced a 50% reduction, primarily due to reduced traffic.
Researchers developed a self-cleaning wall paint using waste-valorized titanium oxide nanoparticles, which can bind and break down pollutants, and then degrade them when exposed to sunlight. The paint combines several advantages, including air pollutant removal, longer durability, and reduced production costs.
A new study finds that extreme tropical cyclone rainfall is increasing across the continental US, while climate warming restricts 'outdoor days' for people living in developing countries. Additionally, air pollution increases mortality risks from heat, especially when combined with other factors like wildfires and reduced aerosols.
A study by Washington State University found that exposure to multiple air pollutants was associated with asthma symptoms among elementary school children. The researchers identified 25 combinations of air pollutants linked to asthma, with one group from a lower-income neighborhood experiencing higher exposure levels.
Scientists find that increased Asian aerosol emissions slow the AMOC's movements, reducing solar heating and cooling the Earth's climate. Reducing these emissions can help stabilize the AMOC, according to a study published in Nature Communications.
Research finds a nearly 40% decline in respirable particulate matter (PM2.5) in Krakow, Poland, following policy changes targeting coal emissions. This improvement translates to substantial benefits for children's outcomes, including fewer asthma cases and better birth outcomes.
A global rise in Legionnaires' disease since 2000 has puzzled experts. The study suggests that a decline in sulfur dioxide air pollution may be contributing to the increase, as airborne water droplets carrying Legionella bacteria become more acidic and inhospitable to the bacteria.
Researchers found up to 80% of aerosol particles emitted during light braking are electrically charged, which could be exploited to reduce air pollution from vehicles. The study's findings highlight a previously overlooked environmental justice issue in high-traffic areas.
Research using historical satellite images shows that methane emissions in Turkmenistan increased following the Soviet Union's collapse, contradicting previous theories. This finding suggests that economic decline led to reduced oversight and more deliberate off-gassing of methane from oil and gas wells.
Researchers found that certain plants like ivy and lavender are effective at trapping particles of pollution on their leaves. The study suggests that a mix of plant species can produce the most effective green walls, depending on their leaf shape and micromorphological properties.
A new study by Monash University reveals that short-term exposure to high levels of air pollution results in over 1 million premature deaths worldwide every year. The highest mortality burden is found in crowded, highly polluted areas in eastern Asia, southern Asia, and western Africa.
Agricultural activities in Lombardy have a significant impact on PM2.5 concentration, comparable to other known sources of pollution. The study used innovative GEOAI models to analyze the relationship between land use and air pollution, providing new insights into agricultural pollutants.
A PSU study analyzed the meteorology behind the September 2020 Western United States extreme weather event, which caused record-breaking cold temperatures and early-season snowfall in the Rocky Mountains. The research found that a highly amplified wave pattern persisted for several days, fueled by dry air from western Canada.
Researchers found that Indigenous communities in California were exposed to 1.7 times more wildfire smoke than expected, with the average annual exposure being a critical factor in understanding long-term health effects. The study proposes new metrics to measure cumulative exposure and duration of smoke exposure.
Research suggests that magnetite particles, found in air pollution, can induce signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. The study exposed mice to fine particles of iron, magnetite, and diesel hydrocarbons, finding that magnetite induced Alzheimer's disease pathologies, including neuronal cell loss and amyloid plaque formation.
Researchers found a causal link between air pollution and suicide rates in China, estimating that reducing air pollution has prevented 46,000 deaths. The study isolated the effect of pollution on mental health by using weather conditions to tease apart confounding factors.
A study of 5,279 children found that early-life exposure to air pollution significantly increases the risk of developing asthma by early and middle childhood. The study highlights the need for targeted environmental interventions and greater health equity in urban communities.
A new study by Purdue University finds that cooking on a gas stove can emit more nanocluster aerosol into the air than vehicles running on gas or diesel. This tiny particle pollution could increase the risk of developing asthma and other respiratory illnesses, especially for children.
A new study finds that aerosol emissions like sulfur dioxide have offset the increase in rainfall caused by greenhouse gases. As air pollution diminishes, average and extreme rains may increase.
A new study found that chronic exposure to PM2.5 is associated with increased risk of hospital admission for various cardiovascular conditions, particularly ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease. The study suggests that lowering annual average PM2.5 levels could decrease overall cardiovascular hospitalizations by 15%.
Researchers found that people with higher air pollution exposure were more likely to have high amounts of amyloid plaques in their brains, which are associated with Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that environmental factors like air pollution may contribute to Alzheimer's disease, especially in those without the APOE e4 gene va...
Research suggests that highways through historically redlined areas contribute to higher levels of air pollution, including nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter. These pollutants disproportionately affect communities of color, highlighting the need for remediation programs and clean technology incentives.
Children exposed to higher levels of airborne lead in their first five years showed slightly lower IQs and less self-control, with boys being more susceptible. The study's findings support the importance of reducing environmental pollution on child development.
A new study by MIT researchers reveals that global deforestation is a previously overlooked driver of human-made mercury emissions, with the Amazon rainforest playing a crucial role in mitigating this issue. The study estimates that curbing Amazon deforestation could reduce mercury pollution by 30%, highlighting the need for worldwide ...