Articles tagged with Air Pollution
A team of BU School of Public Health researchers will study the cumulative impacts of chemical hazards and climate change on 21 communities surrounding the Mystic River Watershed. They aim to identify solutions that protect vulnerable populations from both chemical and climate stressors.
A study of 3.7 million adults in California found long-term exposure to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) at moderate concentrations is associated with increased risks of heart attack and cardiovascular disease mortality. The findings suggest the current regulatory standard may not be sufficiently protective.
Researchers at The University of Manchester have developed stable, porous materials that capture and separate benzene, a volatile organic compound and major air pollutant. These materials, UiO-66 and MFM-300, demonstrate high adsorption of benzene at low pressures and concentrations.
A preliminary study found a nationwide association between Parkinson's disease and air pollution exposure, with the highest levels of fine particulate matter linked to increased risk. The Mississippi-Ohio River Valley was identified as a hotspot for Parkinson's disease, where risk increases with increasing air pollution exposure.
A large study found that air pollution accelerates bone loss from osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, particularly on the lumbar spine. Nitrogen oxides were identified as a major contributor to this damage.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found a significant association between long-term exposure to air pollution and an increased risk of late-life depression diagnosis in older adults. The research analyzed data from 8.9 million Medicare enrollees, highlighting the potential health impacts of air pollution on mental health.
A study of London adolescents found long-term exposure to PM2.5 is associated with higher blood pressure, particularly in girls. Exposure to high levels of nitrogen dioxide was also linked to lower blood pressure in this group.
A study of 3,284 London adolescents found associations between air pollutants and blood pressure. Higher nitrogen dioxide exposure was linked to lower systolic blood pressure in girls, while higher particulate matter 2.5 exposure was linked to higher systolic blood pressure in boys.
Replacing biomass-burning cookstoves in sub-Saharan Africa could save 463,000 lives and $66 billion in health costs. However, adoption has been sluggish due to high upfront costs, with many households unable to afford cleaner alternatives.
Researchers found that electric car adoption in California was associated with real-world reductions in air pollution and asthma-related emergency room visits. The study also highlighted an 'adoption gap' between low-resource zip codes, pointing to opportunities for environmental justice.
A large-scale study of 389,000 participants found a significant association between long-term exposure to multiple ambient air pollutants and the risk of depression and anxiety. The findings suggest that reducing joint exposure to multiple air pollutants could alleviate the burden of these diseases.
New research reveals that nitrogen released by gas-powered machines causes dry soil to let go of carbon and release it back into the atmosphere. The study found that excess nitrogen acidifies soils, leading to a loss of carbon stored in association with calcium.
A Polish study reveals that birch trees grown in highly polluted areas produce pollen with higher levels of the main allergen. The research found significant changes in the physicochemical properties and allergen content of birch tree pollen.
A new study by University of British Columbia researchers found that brief exposure to diesel exhaust causes decreased brain connectivity and may impair cognitive performance. The study's findings suggest a link between air pollution and altered brain network connectivity in humans.
Research on Latino mother-child pairs reveals that prenatal pollution exposure is associated with deficits in motor coordination, language skills, and cognitive development at age 2. The study found significant correlations between exposure to particulate matter and lower composite cognitive scores.
New measurement technologies will support the global effort to reduce airborne mercury levels. The study improves accuracy and efficiency in quantifying ambient reactive mercury.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have found that jet engine lubrication oils are a significant source of ultrafine particles. These tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and trigger inflammatory reactions, potentially contributing to cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers develop AI model to predict exhaust gas emissions from ships under different air-to-fuel ratios. The ensemble dataset and double ensemble models produce the most accurate emission predictions for CO2, NOx, and SO2 gases.
A new study by Dr. Urenmisan Afinotan from the University of Exeter Law School reveals that weak penalties and loopholes in Nigeria's legislation are failing to deter gas flaring in the Niger Delta, despite efforts since the 1960s. The study highlights the need for stronger regulations to mitigate climate change.
Scientists at Aston University are developing processes to capture low-cost energy from rice straw, with the goal of powering Indonesia's households and reducing air pollution. The project aims to increase energy extraction from rice straw from 35% to 70%, providing a sustainable source of locally generated energy.
A new study examines the dual nature of skateboarding as both a polluting and sustainable activity. Skateboarders often navigate grey spaces with heavy air pollution, yet they also bring eco-friendly innovations like bamboo boards and hemp clothing to the sport.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports found ultrafine magnetic iron oxide particles in London Underground air pollution, with average diameter of 10 nanometres. The authors propose that improved air pollution monitoring and efforts to reduce pollution levels could help mitigate health risks associated with exposure to these pa...
Global rates of type 2 diabetes in adolescents and young adults have increased significantly between 1990 and 2019, with countries with lower socioeconomic development and women under 30 showing the largest increases. High body mass index is the main contributing factor to this trend.
Researchers found that using portable home air purifiers improved markers of cardiovascular health in people with COPD. The study tracked participants' lung and heart health over six months, revealing a 25% increase in heart rate variability among those using active HEPA and carbon filters.
Exposure to traffic-related air pollution linked to an increased risk of having two or more physical and mental health conditions. Participants exposed to higher concentrations of fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide had a greater risk of developing multiple long-term health conditions.
Researchers developed a new inversion method to retrieve tropospheric ozone profiles using ground-based MAX-DOAS measurements. The method accurately obtained tropospheric ozone concentrations and profiles, with highly correlated results from Lidar and in-situ measurements.
A new study found that long-term exposure to air pollution can increase the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease in teenagers. The review of eight studies involving over 15,000 adolescents aged 12 and above found a significant association between air pollution and rising diastolic blood pressure.
A scoping review found that climate change and air pollution are linked to worsening symptoms of neurologic diseases. Exposure to pollutants like nitrates and fine particulate matter is associated with increased risk of stroke, headaches, dementia, and multiple sclerosis.
Researchers at the University of Oldenburg have developed a new statistical model that accurately describes wind turbulence and generates fully three-dimensional wind fields using limited measurement points. This breakthrough enables precise wind turbine load estimation and improves wind farm planning, with applications in various fiel...
The November issue of CHEST journal features new guidelines for perioperative management, studies on COVID-19 treatment and COPD treatment, as well as research on sleep apnea and long COVID. These findings have significant implications for patient care and healthcare resource use.
A new study found that stop-and-go traffic may be linked to reduced birthweight, with a nine-gram decrease in weight among infants born to parents who reside in areas with heavy traffic. This association was seen even after controlling for background air pollution levels and other environmental co-exposures.
Researchers at Lehigh University have secured $13.2 million in funding to improve hydrogen generation and carbon capture/sequestration technologies through a partnership with Georgia Tech's UNCAGE-ME Center. The goal is to develop catalysts that can mitigate the degradation of these technologies in real-world conditions.
A study by King's College London found a significant correlation between deaths due to indoor household pollution and eclampsia rates. The researchers evaluated over 2,690 cases of eclampsia in eight low- and middle-income countries and discovered that indoor cooking with solid fuels increases the risk of adverse birth outcomes.
A recent study suggests that even low levels of fine particulate matter can cause significant mortality risk, contributing to 1.5 million extra deaths globally each year. The research used Canadian data to inform global estimates and highlights the need for improved air quality guidelines.
A recent study found that exposure to fine particulate matter during pregnancy is associated with delays in children's gross motor, fine motor, and personal-social development. The study of 17,683 infants in Taiwan suggests that protection from air pollution should start during pregnancy.
Research found that air pollution from diesel exhaust and ozone significantly reduces the reproductive success of parasitic wasps controlling aphids on oilseed rape plants. The pollutants alter plant chemistry, attracting a specific wasp species more successfully.
The ASU-led SW-IFL aims to understand complex relationships between extreme heat, atmospheric pollutants, and limited water supply on vulnerable urban subpopulations. The integrated field laboratory will combine high-resolution data, advanced computer modeling, and community engagement to create regionally specific predictive tools.
A CSU study found that racially segregated communities are exposed to a more concentrated form of air pollution, including toxic metals like lead and cadmium. This disparity is linked to systemic racial injustices and targeted emissions reductions can help reduce exposure.
Rice University engineers have developed a method to convert hydrogen sulfide into high-demand hydrogen gas and sulfur in a single step using gold nanoparticles. The process gets all its energy from light, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional remediation methods.
Climate change is exacerbating health crises among migrant workers in the US agriculture sector, with extreme heat and chemical exposure posing significant risks. The Lancet report highlights the unequal burdens of climate change, particularly on vulnerable populations.
Sharing real-time air quality readings can reduce fine particulate concentration levels by 2-4 micrograms per cubic metre each year, leading to significant health benefits. The research estimates annual health benefits of $171 million AUD for the median city.
Researchers found that a community-specific approach eliminated pollution disparities and reduced overall pollution exposure. The new strategy targeted specific locations with high emissions, effectively addressing decades-long disparities in air quality.
The researchers developed a conformable multimodal sensor face mask (cMaSK) with 17 sensors around the edge of the mask that measure capacitance, temperature, humidity, air pressure, and other parameters. The study found that mask fit was significantly worse for women than men due to gender-related differences in face shape and size.
A UMass Amherst researcher is developing an eco-friendly drift reduction agent using essential oils derived from food waste to reduce pesticide use, while also creating a potentially scalable process for plant-based seafood that mimics the texture of fish meat.
A newly developed composite sponge-based air filter has demonstrated strong potential for applications in automobiles and industry, with high efficiency in removing particulate matter under harsh conditions. The filter's unique design and materials ensure good structural stability and adaptability to various environments.
A Brazilian study of 26,616 tree falls in São Paulo found that building height and neighborhood age are key factors influencing the risk of tree failure. Sidewalk width and tree height were also found to be significant variables. The research provides valuable insights for urban planning and tree management in the city.
A new study found that ultrafine particle concentration decreased by 48% during the COVID-19 state-of-emergency period due to reduced aviation and road activity. This reduction corresponded with flight activity dropping by 74% and highway traffic volume decreasing by 51%.
Excess ground-level ozone damages plant foliage, alters flowering patterns, and blocks pollinators' access to flowers. Ozone also disrupts plant-pollinator communication through altered chemical signatures.
The study found that kitchens with more people present during cooking sessions exhibited higher carbon dioxide levels. Kitchens with both doors and windows open during cooking showed optimal thermal comfort conditions, reducing CO2 levels by 14%. Cleaner fuels and electric appliances can reduce CO2 levels within a kitchen by over 32%.
A study found that high levels of air pollution were associated with increased risks of transitioning from healthy to having a stroke, cardiovascular events after stroke, and death. Exposure to particulate matter, nitrogen oxide, and nitrogen dioxide was linked to these outcomes.
Researchers found that air pollutants, particularly fine particles and nitrogen dioxide, increase the risk of COVID-19 hospitalizations up to 30% in vaccinated individuals. Long-term exposure also worsens outcomes, even among those fully vaccinated, highlighting the importance of improving indoor air quality.
Research finds that short-term air pollution exposure increases risk of hospital admission for autistic children, with boys more at risk than girls. The study suggests that reducing air pollution could lower these risks and improve quality of life for affected individuals.
Researchers found that fatty acids in cooking emissions form a stable film on surfaces, protecting trapped pollutants from breakdown. This film can become rougher and attract water, trapping toxins underneath.
A new study found that decarbonization efforts in Texas significantly reduce air pollution-related health effects, offsetting the cost of these efforts. However, Black and low-income communities still face higher levels of air pollution and related health effects.
A new study reveals that conifers release substantial quantities of volatile organic compounds in response to bark-feeding weevils, providing cues to neighboring seedlings. This complex communication process is altered by air pollution.
Scientists have discovered a link between air pollution and lung cancer in people who have never smoked. Exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5) has been shown to promote cancerous changes in airway cells with EGFR and KRAS gene mutations, driving them towards a cancer stem cell-like state.
Late-breaking results at ESMO Congress 2022 reveal a strong association between air pollution and non-small cell lung cancer, with exposure to particulate matter linked to increased risk. The research underscores the need for environmental sustainability in oncology, particularly in cancer prevention and early detection.
A team of researchers found microplastics in water trapped in plant leaf axils, a first-time discovery that highlights the global risk of contamination. The study, conducted in Slovakia, used teasel phytotelmata, small aquatic ecosystems formed by plants, to detect the presence of microplastics.
A new study found that low-income pregnant women living in polluted neighborhoods had a 60% increased risk of testing positive for COVID-19. The study, led by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, examined the relationship between long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and COVID-19 test results.
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) have developed a more robust and realistic general method for dealing with wind-driven phenomena in geostatistical modeling, which promises to greatly improve the accuracy of pollutant dispersion prediction.