Articles tagged with Air Pollution
Researchers developed sensors using aerogels to detect formaldehyde, a common indoor air pollutant, with real-time detection capabilities. The sensors require minimal power and can distinguish between different gases.
A University of Washington team discovered that nitrate radicals in the air degrade scent chemicals released by wildflowers, making them undetectable to nighttime pollinators. The researchers found that pollution likely has worldwide impacts on pollination, with areas including western North America and Europe most affected.
Researchers have discovered pollutants from burning fossil fuels in Mediterranean corals, providing a potential new tool to track pollution. The study found significant increases in pollutant particles between 1969 and 1992, aligning with Europe's industrialization and coal consumption.
A recent analysis found a strong link between air pollution and mortality from cardiovascular diseases worldwide. In low-income countries, household air pollution caused significantly more stroke-related deaths than outdoor air pollution.
A study from Chalmers University of Technology found that the production and use of ammonia as a marine fuel can lead to eutrophication, acidification, and emissions of potent greenhouse gases. Researchers warn that the pursuit of low-carbon fuels may create new environmental challenges.
A study by the University of Malaga and the Future Power Systems Group of the University of Birmingham found that oxygenated biofuels blended with diesel can reduce soot emissions by over 90%. The research uses bio-alcohols and bio-ketones, which are produced from low-carbon biomass residues, to achieve this reduction.
New research reveals how human activities affect the marine phosphorus cycle in coastal seas, leading to changes in coastal biodiversity and ecosystem services. The study identifies an 'Anthropogenic Nitrogen Pump' that reduces phosphate levels, limiting algae growth, and enhances the utilization of dissolved organic phosphorus.
Air pollution emissions have decreased substantially in the US over the last four decades, but racial and socioeconomic disparities remain. The study found that certain populations experienced relatively smaller reductions or even increases in air pollution emissions, highlighting the need for targeted policies to address inequities.
The ATS 2024 International Conference in San Diego will feature scientific sessions and expert interviews on the latest developments in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. The conference will cover key subjects such as COVID-19, asthma, COPD, and air pollution.
An international team of scientists found evidence of ancient heavy metal pollution in Antarctic ice cores from early Andean cultures and Spanish Colonial mining dating back to the 13th century. The study, published in Science of the Total Environment, reveals significant lead and other toxic metals were released into the atmosphere as...
New research from the University of Bristol found that exposure to high humidity and temperature during pregnancy can influence blood pressure changes in children. The study analyzed over 7,000 participants and found a steeper increase in blood pressure with higher relative humidity and a slower increase with higher temperature.
A new study using personal wristband monitors has collected unprecedented data on air pollution exposures in pregnant individuals in New York City. The findings identified complex interactions between demographics and behaviors that shape exposure to individual compounds, highlighting the need for further research to understand these p...
Reducing air pollution to pre-pandemic levels can protect Himalayan glaciers and prevent melting by the end of the century. Clean energy and lower-emission modes of transport would bring significant benefits for sustainable water supplies and ecosystems in Asia.
A new study highlights the wide range of urban exposures during early childhood that can influence growth and development, including air and noise pollution, overcrowding, and limited green space. The first 2000 days of life are a critical period for physical, cognitive, social, and emotional health outcomes.
Research finds that animated short videos are an effective means for disseminating environmental health information to health professionals. The studies showed significant increases in participant knowledge and perceived comfort in identifying at-risk patients impacted by air pollution.
Researchers at NTU Singapore found that indoor air quality can affect creativity, with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from products like detergents and perfumes affecting participants' ability to build 3D models. By reducing TVOC levels by 72%, creative potential can be improved by 12%.
Researchers developed a new approach to improve particle-reinforced rubber's fatigue threshold by increasing polymer chain length and entanglement density. This multiscale stress deconcentration method increases the material's resistance to crack growth under repeated stretching, reducing pollution from shed rubber particles.
Researchers found that neighborhoods within 3 kilometers of an Amazon last-mile delivery station experience twice the amount of delivery van and truck traffic as farther-away areas. These neighborhoods are disproportionately home to low-income households and people of color, who order 14% fewer packages than average. The study highligh...
Miniaturized electrochemical sensors offer low-cost, time-efficient analysis and high specificity and sensitivity for toxic heavy metal detection. However, limitations in selectivity, detail, and interference by foreign species hinder on-site analysis.
Researchers investigating aerosol pollution's impact on climate change will use NOAA's SPEAR model to project how future climate hazards could be affected by different emission scenarios. The study seeks to characterize the uncertainty of aerosol emissions and their influence on climate change.
A randomized trial found that unfiltered traffic-related air pollution caused a rapid and significant increase in blood pressure, which persisted for more than 24 hours. The study suggests that effective cabin air filtration may reduce the negative effects of air pollution on blood pressure.
Researchers found that breathing unfiltered highway air significantly increases passengers' blood pressure during rush-hour traffic. The study's findings suggest a complex mechanism by which traffic-related air pollution interferes with blood pressure regulation.
A new study found that exposure to coal particulate air pollutants is associated with a mortality risk more than double that of exposure to PM2.5 from other sources. The researchers estimated that 460,000 deaths were attributable to coal PM2.5 in the US between 1999 and 2020.
Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem discover that pollutants trigger significant changes in large-scale weather patterns, leading to enhanced radiative forcing. Aerosols stop rain in some areas, causing moisture to move to regions with big clouds, which release heat and strengthen winds.
A systematic review of air filtration systems found little evidence to support their effectiveness in reducing the risk of viral infections. The study analyzed 32 studies and found no strong evidence that air treatment technologies can protect people from catching airborne respiratory or gastrointestinal infections.
Research from Rutgers University found that air pollution during critical periods of prenatal and early infant development may negatively alter anogenital distance, a measure of hormone exposure. Higher levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) were associated with shorter anogenital length at birth and in males at age one.
A new study reveals that C4 crops are significantly less sensitive to ozone pollution than C3 crops, with potential implications for improving crop productivity and resilience. The research suggests that C4 bioenergy feedstocks can maintain performance in regions with high ozone levels.
A new study from Intermountain Health reveals that air pollution from wildfires and winter inversions poses different risks of heart attack and severe chest pain. Short-term increases in fine particulate matter were associated with increased risk of heart attack during the winter inversion season, but not summer wildfire season.
A new report highlights Africa's deteriorating air quality, with particulate matter concentration levels five to ten times the World Health Organisation's recommended level. The researchers call for collective efforts, regionally tailored solutions, and global collaboration to tackle this issue.
Scientists developed a synthetic melanin that accelerates wound healing and protects against sun damage. The cream also quiets the immune system, allowing for continuous repair and reducing inflammation.
Research from Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences estimates that humans have increased atmospheric mercury levels sevenfold, with a pre-anthropogenic baseline of around 580 megagrams. Human emissions from coal-fired power plants and waste-incineration are responsible for the majority of this increase.
A recent study found that people living in areas with high levels of fine particulate matter have a 56% greater risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The Mississippi-Ohio River Valley and parts of Texas, Kansas, and eastern Michigan were identified as regions with higher rates of the disease.
A new study finds that heat-related cardiovascular deaths may more than double in the US by the middle of the century, with elderly and Black adults being most at risk. The projections suggest that reducing greenhouse gas emissions can mitigate this impact, but infrastructure interventions such as increasing tree cover may also be effe...
Existing UK air pollution regulations will reduce thousands of premature adult deaths, but have limited impact on protecting sensitive ecosystems. The study found that even with the most effective technically feasible measures, air pollution would still harm UK's natural habitats and ecosystems.
Researchers at the University of Houston have discovered that microalgae can be used to sequester carbon dioxide and convert it into mass-produced proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. This process has the potential to transform food production, treat wastewater, and produce sustainable biofuels.
A new study reveals that living near major roads is associated with a higher incidence of dementia and alterations in brain structure due to air pollution. The research, conducted in China and the UK, analyzed data from 460,901 participants over 12.8 years.
A new study by Emory and Harvard researchers found that high air pollution exposure during childhood is associated with earlier onset of menstruation in US girls. This increased risk is linked to cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers later in life.
A new study found that residents of neighborhoods with more greenspace tend to have longer telomeres, indicating better cellular health. However, the positive impact of greenspace is not enough to compensate for other environmental challenges like air pollution and racial segregation.
A study of 340,000 pregnant women in southern California found a significant association between long-term exposure to antepartum and postpartum air pollution and increased risks of postpartum depression. The findings highlight the importance of identifying modifiable environmental risk factors to improve maternal mental health.
A WVU team is providing free technical assistance to local industrial facilities to reduce their impact on environmental and community health. The project aims to support businesses in making changes that benefit their communities while maintaining profitability.
Research from Colorado State University shows wildfire smoke can attach to home surfaces like carpet and drapes, extending exposure and potentially causing health problems. Simple surface cleaning, such as vacuuming or mopping, can reduce exposure and limit risk.
The study predicts a reduction in snowpack decline of less than half due to cleaner snow from reduced pollution, warming temperatures still dominate the effect. Cleaner snow can be expected in the future, reducing the impact on mountain ecosystems.
A team from the University of Illinois used solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) to measure the effects of elevated ozone on soybean plants, finding a 36% decrease in SIF during the late growing season. The study confirms that decreased SIF is a sign of stress and provides a non-invasive way to study photosynthesis.
Research reveals correlation between financial sector risks and increased carbon footprint in bank loans, hindering humanity's progress towards a green economy. The study analyzed CFBL data for 37 countries from 2010 to 2018, finding that systemic risk within the banking sector raised the CFBL in developed countries.
Researchers at Princeton University demonstrated that ocean bursting bubbles can transport microplastics into the atmosphere, adding to evidence of plastic pollution's oceanic reach. The study projects an annual emission of around 100,000 metric tons of microplastics from the ocean.
A study using 29 low-cost instruments revealed PM2.5 values exceeded Indian national standards, associated with crop residue burning and secondary formation. The data will aid in addressing environmental impacts of air pollution.
A recent study used a dense measurement network to track the transport of crop residue burning pollutants from Punjab to Delhi NCR, revealing high levels of PM2.5. The measurements showed that the Indian national air quality standard for PM2.5 were frequently exceeded in the region.
A new study review found children from families with low incomes and families of color are exposed to more neurotoxic chemicals, leading to greater harm on brain development. This disparity is attributed to their neighborhoods being located near factories, chemical plants, highways, and agricultural fields where pesticides are applied.
A meta-analysis published in Neurology found that short-term exposure to air pollution is linked to an increased risk of stroke and death from stroke. The study involved 110 studies with over 18 million cases of stroke.
A study by University at Buffalo researchers found exposure to unclean cooking fuels and passive smoke during pregnancy and early childhood are associated with developmental delays in children. Infants and young children spend more time indoors and are particularly vulnerable to indoor pollutants.
Researchers found an average of 41 microplastic particles per square meter per day settled from the atmosphere, while sediment samples contained denser particles with higher population densities. The study suggests clothing is likely the prominent source of microplastics to the Ganges River system.
Researchers developed a 'lab-on-a-drone' system to detect and analyze pollutants like hydrogen sulfide gas. The device was used to track air quality at a wastewater treatment plant, providing real-time monitoring of smelly H2S gas concentrations.
A new study confirms that roadside hedges can dramatically reduce air pollution around schools by soaking up ultrafine particles emitted by traffic. Hedges have been found to act as protective barriers, capturing and filtering out harmful particles.
Research found alterations in proteins that can affect autophagy, a self-eating process of damaged cells. Healthy newborns showed individual responses to prenatal exposure to air pollution, with some more vulnerable than others. The study aims to understand the impact on breathing problems during infancy and childhood.
Researchers have developed a new method to calculate the health and climate impacts of reducing buildings' energy consumption. The tool estimates co-benefits under different energy use scenarios, providing insights into the economic value of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and premature deaths caused by air pollution.
A new study found that ozone substantially changes floral odour plumes, reducing honeybees' ability to recognise odours by up to 90%. This degradation affects pollinators' crucial role in the natural environment, with implications for food security and biodiversity.
Research found that women exposed to air pollution give birth to smaller babies, with PM2.5 and other pollutants associated with average reductions in birth weight. However, living in greener areas was linked to slightly higher birth weights, suggesting a potential mitigation effect.
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science have developed a catalyst support based on titanium dioxide powder to facilitate effective CO2 reduction. The study demonstrated increased hydrogen production and enhanced catalytic performance with silver nanoparticles loaded onto the TiO2 surface.
A new study from Aarhus University reveals that indoor air pollution from candle smoke and cooking fumes can cause irritation and inflammation in young individuals with mild asthma. The research found indications of DNA damage and signs of inflammation in the blood, highlighting the need for proper ventilation when cooking or burning c...
Researchers found that Canadian wildfire smoke exposure led to a slightly higher bump in asthma-related hospital visits compared to high-pollen days. However, other potential health effects, such as heart attacks and strokes, require further investigation.