Articles tagged with Air Pollution
A new framework by Concordia researchers shows that electrifying bus fleets can lead to significant reductions in greenhouse-gas emissions and maintenance costs. The study analyzed four Canadian cities and found a 18.7-34.6% reduction in cumulative GHG emissions from 2019 to 2030
A new study from the University of Massachusetts Amherst found that the wealthiest 10% of Americans are responsible for 40% of the nation's total greenhouse gas emissions. The study suggests that policymakers adopt taxes focused on shareholders and the carbon intensity of investment incomes to equitably meet climate goals.
A team of researchers has determined that microplastic particles are present in the marine atmosphere, even in remote parts of the world. The study found that different types of plastics, including polyester and polyethylene terephthalate, were detected in air samples collected from various sites along the Norwegian coast.
Scientists have designed catalyst-coated lampshades that transform indoor air pollutants into harmless compounds using waste heat from lamps. The technology targets volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which account for most indoor airborne pollutants, and has been shown to work with halogen and incandescent light bulbs.
A nationally representative study found that higher residential levels of fine particulate matter were associated with greater rates of incident dementia. The findings suggest that intervening on key emission sources could have value in reducing dementia risk, although further research is needed.
A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study found that chronic exposure to fine particulate air pollutants (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) increases the risk of colorectal and prostate cancers in older adults. NO2 exposure was also associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, while PM2.5 exposure had mixed results.
A team of researchers from Harvard and Hong Kong Baptist University identified patterns to predict extreme heat and ozone days in China. The model correlated sea surface temperature anomalies with increases in heat waves and ozone about 80% of the time, providing a forecast for the government to prepare resources.
A large long-term study found exposure to high levels of air pollution is associated with increased community mental health services use among people with dementia. Reducing nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter could help free up resources in overstretched psychiatric services.
A study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that chronic exposure to fine particulate air pollutants (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) may increase non-lung cancer risk in older adults, with significant associations with colorectal and prostate cancers.
A study led by ISGlobal found that moving to areas with higher levels of air pollution was associated with a small increase in body mass index in young children. The effect was stronger in preschool- and primary school children, and independent of socioeconomic status.
Researchers have developed an easy-to-manufacture e-nose that can rapidly and accurately 'sniff-out' volatile compounds, including those used in hazardous waste and disease diagnosis. The sensor uses machine learning to identify specific VOCs and determine their concentration.
Researchers have developed a new catalyst that can remove up to 90% of unburned methane from natural-gas engine exhaust at low temperatures, addressing a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. The breakthrough could lead to lower exhaust emissions and mitigate global warming.
Researchers found that high levels of vitamin B-related amino acids, such as homocysteine and low methionine levels, increased the risk of dementia associated with particulate matter exposure. The study suggests a possible link among air pollution, amino acids, and dementia.
A new study finds that living in neighborhoods with higher air pollution, lower walkability, and density are associated with a greater incidence rate of hospitalization due to COVID-19. Neighborhoods with higher public transit quality and access also show a higher incidence rate of hospitalization.
A new study by Washington University researchers identifies primary organics as the main drivers of high PM2.5 concentrations over South Asia, attributing 1 million deaths to residential combustion and industry emissions in 2019.
Prof. Dr. Marta Litter takes over as Editor-In-Chief of Journal of Photocatalysis, bringing her extensive expertise and experience to lead the journal into a new era of excellence. Her research on heterogeneous photocatalysis and iron-based nanomaterials has led to over 250 scientific publications.
Research suggests that air pollution particles can compromise insects' olfactory perception, making it harder for them to detect food and potential mates. This finding is particularly concerning as about 40% of Earth's landmass is exposed to high particle air pollution concentrations.
A recent study led by the University of Colorado Boulder found that burning from the Marshall Fire left a mark on buildings, with elevated concentrations of carcinogenic materials like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) detected in dust samples. The research aims to inform best practices for recovering after future wildfires.
A recent study suggests that Black Americans experience accelerated biological aging compared to White Americans, primarily due to lower socioeconomic status and exposure to air pollution. The findings highlight the significant impact of environmental factors on epigenetic aging disparities between racial groups.
A study from the University of Washington found that ultrafine particle exposure is not felt equitably in Seattle, with racial and socioeconomic disparities observed. The research used mobile monitoring to examine long-term average levels of four pollutants, including ultrafine particles, fine particles, and nitrogen dioxide.
Scientists at Chalmers University of Technology have created a new method for removing mercury from concentrated sulphuric acid, reducing levels by more than 90%. This innovation could lead to reduced mercury emissions and the production of high-purity, non-toxic products in industries such as mining and metal refining.
Researchers at Penn State found a significant association between salivary cotinine and heavy metals such as copper, zinc, lead, in children exposed to tobacco smoke. The study suggests that environmental tobacco smoke exposure may be a source of increased children's exposure to heavy metals.
A new UMass Amherst study aims to develop a more robust understanding of the effects of ambient air pollution on women's reproductive health. The researcher will analyze data from 1,228 participants to identify mechanisms and susceptible reproductive processes across the menstrual cycle and early pregnancy.
A recent study found that air pollution, particularly particulate matter, accelerates snowmelt in the Himalayas. Reduced anthropogenic pollutant emissions during the Indian lockdown in 2020 prevented 27 Mt of ice and snow melt, highlighting the impact of decreasing pollution on combating climate change.
Researchers at Duke University have discovered a way to make rubbery materials up to nine times more durable without compromising their elasticity. This breakthrough could help reduce microplastic pollution from car tires, with estimates suggesting that tire wear alone releases millions of metric tons of debris into the environment eac...
A recent study led by Princeton University researchers found that China's industrial parks can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and freshwater consumption by transitioning to clean energy sources. The study estimates that this transition could lead to a reduction of 40% in energy supply emissions, equivalent to 7% of China...
A study found that exposure to air pollution increased the risk of contracting Covid-19, being hospitalized, and dying from the disease. Long-term exposure to pollutants even at levels below EU limits was associated with a higher burden on healthcare systems.
A new study by Stanford University finds that gas stoves can raise indoor levels of benzene, a chemical linked to leukemia and other blood cell cancers. The researchers found that exhaust fans often ineffective at eliminating benzene exposure, and concentrations measured in bedrooms can exceed national health benchmarks.
A new study found that the 2022 snow season had the highest snowpack dust concentrations of any year since observations began in 2009, accelerating snowmelt by 17 days. The dry lakebed of the Great Salt Lake contributed the highest dust emissions per surface area, threatening Utah's water supply.
Research found dog bite incidence increases by 11% on hot days with high UV levels and by 4% on warm days, but no association with air pollution. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.
A new study reveals that product trade plays a pivotal role in shifting pollution and its associated health burdens across sectors and regions in China. Consumption-based effects from sectors such as food, light industry, equipment, construction, and services cause significantly higher deaths than those from a production perspective.
Researchers found that electric rideshare fleets can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but may also increase air pollution and traffic problems. The study used real-world data from Chicago to simulate the impacts of electrification.
A new study estimates that the overall benefits of switching ride-hailing vehicles from gasoline to electric would be very modest, with a 3% gain per trip. The study found that traffic-related factors, such as congestion and crash risk, dominate societal costs, outweighing emissions reductions.
A new study from Harvard University reveals that despite the national reduction of mercury emissions by 90% since the implementation of the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards in 2011, two regions - Texas and North Dakota - continue to be major sources of toxic air pollution. The research highlights significant sociodemographic disparitie...
A new study by Duke University researchers reveals that the amount of toxic elements leaching out of coal ash depends largely on its nanoscale structure. The discovery highlights the complexity of coal ash as a material and emphasizes the need for closer examination of fine details within the ash to understand environmental risks.
Researchers discovered that years with high combustion emissions in South Asia lead to higher atmospheric optical thickness and plateau pollutant concentrations. Rainfall reduces pollutants through wet sedimentation, while a decrease in rainfall intensifies combustion emissions.
A new UNC study estimates that minority communities within 100 meters of major roadways face up to 15% higher PM2.5 and 35% higher NO2 exposure than white communities. The study reveals significant exposure inequities across the US, with vulnerable populations facing a greater burden of pollutants.
The study assesses and quantifies safety and justice for humanity on Earth, finding that numerous boundaries are already transgressed. The results conclude that a just approach is essential to planetary stability, and setting targets can prevent significant harm.
Research suggests that windshield washer fluid is a significant source of vehicle-derived pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can contribute to ozone formation. The study found that the levels of these non-fuel-derived gases will likely remain unchanged even as drivers transition to electric vehicles.
A study by University of Technology Sydney found that plants can remove 97% of toxic compounds, including cancer-causing pollutants, from indoor air in just eight hours. This breakthrough discovery highlights the critical role played by indoor plants and green walls in improving air quality.
A study of 4.6 million adults in Catalonia found an association between long-term exposure to PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide, and black carbon with a higher risk of severe COVID-19 hospitalization and death. The research suggests that reducing air pollution levels may improve population health.
Researchers found both dryer types produce microfiber pollution, including water pollution from lint traps. Simple remedy is to clean lint filters and dispose of collected fibers as dry waste to reduce microfiber release.
New research suggests that fine particulate matter catalyzes oxidative stress in the lungs by converting peroxides into highly reactive hydroxyl radicals. This study challenges current paradigms for assessing air pollution's differential toxicity.
Researchers discovered that air pollution particles trigger autophagy, a cellular defense process, which has an upper threshold and may reduce its effectiveness against other threats. This finding provides new insights into the link between air pollution and lung disease.
Researchers found improved cookstoves produce twice as many harmful ultrafine air pollution particles (PM0.1) as conventional stoves. Despite reducing fine particles by up to 65%, they increase ultrafine particle emission.
A study found that air pollution, especially polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, increases neuroinflammation and worsens movement disorders in mice with ischemic strokes. This suggests that air pollution may be a contributing factor to decreased prognosis in stroke patients.
A new study reveals a shared molecular response to nanoparticles, linking immune activation and particulate matter exposure. The findings propose a solution to the 'one-chemical-one-signature' problem in chemical safety assessment.
A new study found that air pollution from the oil and gas sector has substantial adverse impacts on air quality and human health, resulting in 7,500 excess deaths, 410,000 asthma attacks, and $77 billion in annual health costs. The pollutants nitrogen oxide, fine particulate matter, and ozone from U.S. oil and gas production were respo...
A Chinese Medical Journal review highlights the health hazards of air pollution, particularly from fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease, hospitalization, and respiratory mortality. The study suggests that reducing PM2.5 levels through government interventions and individual...
A recent analysis of California's Clean Vehicle Rebate Project reveals that electric vehicles primarily reduce air pollution in affluent, white neighborhoods. However, the benefits of cleaner transportation are largely absent from disadvantaged communities, highlighting concerns about environmental justice.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution is associated with an increase in hospital procedures for heart failure patients, including stress tests and prothrombin time tests. This suggests that high PM2.5 exposure may lead to increased cardiovascular morbidity and promp...
Exposure to air pollution is associated with worse verbal fluency and episodic memory in individuals with the APOE-4 allele. Higher levels of PM2.5 and NO2 are linked to increased cognitive decline over time, highlighting the importance of early identification and modification of modifiable risk factors.
A new study by Silent Spring Institute and University of California, Berkeley found over 100 product types contain Prop 65 VOCs, posing significant health risks. The analysis revealed more than 5,000 tons of toxic chemicals are released from consumer products in homes and workplaces every year.
A new study suggests that increased exposure to air pollution may be associated with first hospital admissions for acute kidney injury. The research found a link between PM2.5, NO2, and O3 exposure and an increased risk of AKI, even at low annual exposures.
A new study from the University of Chicago shows a direct link between social determinants of health and suicide risk, with counties experiencing high levels of social vulnerability having nearly double the suicide rate as those with lower levels. The study proposes several public health policies to address these disparities.
A new study reveals an association between poor air quality in India and impaired cognition in infants under two. The study found that air quality was poorer in homes that used solid cooking materials like cow dung cake, and that reducing cooking emissions could have benefits to infants' emerging cognitive abilities.
Researchers at POSTECH have successfully developed perovskite solar cells using novel additives, achieving high power conversion efficiency and fill factor. The use of alkylammonium formats enables the elimination of surface defects, leading to more stable and efficient solar cells.
A new study by Texas A&M University researchers shows that exposure to ultrafine particles during pregnancy enhances the risk for respiratory viral infections, including influenza. Pregnant women are already at increased risk for severe flu, and air pollution exacerbates this vulnerability.
A new study reveals that certain wellbeing-related factors, such as household income, internet access, and air pollution levels, are associated with economic growth in European Union countries. Western Europe's strong link to economic growth is attributed to disposable household income, inter-regional mobility, and housing, whereas Cen...
Scientists at the University of Córdoba develop biodegradable materials from agricultural waste to clean air. The new material, with a three-dimensional structure, increases photocatalytic particles' exposure to light, resulting in enhanced air purification.