Articles tagged with Air Quality
Researchers found that cloth masks are only marginally beneficial in protecting people from particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers, and remove only 39-65% of standard particles. The most commonly used cloth mask products perform poorly compared to alternative options.
The project aims to investigate the effectiveness of giving communities access to low-cost portable air pollution monitoring devices in improving air quality and addressing environmental justice concerns. The researchers will educate adults, facilitate cross-community collaboration, and encourage beneficial policy decisions.
Reducing ozone and fine particulate matter to protective levels could save 9,320 lives annually, reduce serious illnesses by 21,400, and decrease impacted days by 19.3 million. The study highlights the benefits of stricter standards in metropolitan areas with high air pollution concentrations.
A new study suggests that improvements in air quality over the Potomac watershed led to recent progress on water quality in the Chesapeake Bay. Researchers found a nearly universal improvement in water quality, with decreasing nitrate concentrations and reversing nitrogen saturation in the basin.
Research suggests that certain microbes in the air can be beneficial for human health, reducing allergy rates and improving immune function. By designing buildings with ventilation systems that bring in fresh outdoor air, architects can facilitate exposure to these beneficial microbes.
New research reveals that households in Beijing contribute significantly to outdoor pollution, producing 50% of black carbon emissions and 69% of organic carbon emissions. The use of solid fuels for heating and cooking in homes is a major source of ill health in China, with air pollution ranking as a leading cause of premature death.
Scientists discovered 39 unreported and significant sources of toxic sulfur dioxide emissions using a new satellite-based method. The data reveals that these sources account for about 12 percent of all human-made emissions, impacting regional air quality significantly.
Severe air quality issues persist in Fort McMurray due to ongoing wildfires, with a Health Quality Index of 10+ reported in the region. The fire, covering over 522,892 hectares, remains out of control, prompting evacuation orders for multiple communities.
Researchers found the Bakken Formation in North Dakota and Montana emits roughly 2% of global ethane, equivalent to 250,000 tons per year. This single region's emissions are 10-100 times larger than reported inventories and impact air quality across North America.
A new study led by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that even low levels of air pollution can harm children's lung function. Children living close to major roadways had decreased lung function by age 8, with exposure to fine particulate matter and soot being the main factors.
Researchers found that exhaled e-cigarette particles are liquid droplets that evaporate rapidly, unlike smoking conventional cigarettes. The study suggests vaping indoors is unlikely to pose an air quality issue.
Indoor air pollution from smoke, building materials, and spores kills millions each year. The research aims to combat air quality issues with smart city technologies and real-time data monitoring. Dr. Prashant Kumar explains the need for better indoor pollution monitoring to protect human health.
A USC study found that improved air quality in the Los Angeles region has led to a significant reduction in respiratory symptoms among children, including bronchitic symptoms. The study tracked 4,602 children over 20 years and found a 16-32% decrease in these symptoms, even among those without asthma.
A study in Southern California found significant reductions in bronchitic symptoms among children due to decreases in air pollution levels. The analysis of 4,602 children aged 5-18 years revealed a proportional association between improved air quality and decreased respiratory issues, particularly among those with asthma.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that exposure to even low levels of air pollution affects children's lung function. Children living near major highways showed significant reductions in lung function, with those exposed to higher levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) a...
Researchers at Washington State University will use new modeling techniques to predict air pollution changes in the western US due to climate change. The study will focus on small particulate matter, a major contributor to health issues like asthma and lung cancer.
A new study found that daily e-cigarette formaldehyde exposure from three formats is well below the World Health Organization's safe levels. The results showed that even heavy use of these products still only results in daily formaldehyde exposure less than one-sixth of indoor air quality standards.
A University of Leeds study reveals EU policies have reduced air pollution across Europe, preventing an estimated 80,000 premature deaths per year. The findings demonstrate a 35% decrease in fine particles since 1970, significantly improving public health.
Research found a significant correlation between air quality and stroke cases, with higher PM2.5 levels in the South linked to a higher prevalence of stroke. Temperature also played a role in air quality and stroke risk.
New research shows that more than half of the world's 5.5 million premature deaths due to air pollution occur in China and India. The study highlights the urgent need for even more aggressive strategies to reduce emissions from coal and other sectors.
High-resolution satellite maps track air pollution trends over the last decade, revealing a human fingerprint on global air quality. Nitrogen dioxide levels have decreased significantly in the US and Western Europe due to environmental regulations, while China saw an increase in emissions.
Anne Thompson has received the 2015 Roger Revelle Medal for her groundbreaking research on ozone and other trace gases in the troposphere and stratosphere. Her work, conducted in the 1980s and early 1990s, established a link between chemical changes, climate forcings, and the earth's oxidizing capacity.
A recent survey by Drexel University researchers found that there is a lack of understanding about the costs and benefits of improving indoor air quality, even among building owners and designers. The study suggests that increasing ventilation and using better air filters can significantly improve health and productivity, but many peop...
The University of California, Davis has been awarded contracts for two major federal fine particle air quality monitoring networks: IMPROVE and CSN. This will provide data that helps inform national air quality standards and regulations, with a focus on visibility and human health in urban areas.
A study found that lowering China's air pollution to 2008 Olympics levels could prevent 304,000 stroke deaths and 619,000 coronary heart disease deaths by 2030. Achieving the World Health Organization's pollution goal would yield greater life year gains.
A new study using state-of-the-art computer models finds that most aerosol species will increase under climate change associated with greenhouse-gas-induced warming. This could lead to reduced air quality and increased atmospheric aerosols, outweighing the decrease in precipitation in certain regions.
A major new study found that people with heart disease face an increased risk of a serious heart attack during poor air quality days. Researchers at the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute identified a strong association between bad air quality days and a higher risk of STEMI, the most dangerous type of heart attack.
Fireworks can cause a 25% reduction in visibility due to atmospheric particulate matter, raising concerns for motorist and pedestrian safety. Improved forecasting of visibility degradation is expected thanks to the research.
A study by the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health found that CicLAvia significantly reduces air quality in Los Angeles neighborhoods. The event decreases ultrafine particle presence and particulate matter readings by up to 49% along closed streets, and even lower rates on nearby streets still open to traffic.
A new study by University of York academics reveals that green walls can lead to higher levels of ultrafine particles (UFPs) indoors due to the oxidation of outdoor plant species. This could have significant implications for indoor air quality, particularly in offices with high temperatures and pollution.
A study by Mrs Lee Koh found that walking on side-street routes instead of main roads can reduce peaks in harmful air pollution. By avoiding busy streets, individuals can minimize their short-term and long-term exposure to black carbon particulate matter, a major component of urban air pollution.
A new study finds that reducing short-lived pollutants like methane and aerosols can substantially improve air quality while also mitigating climate change. The measures, which target the oil and gas industry, could lower global temperatures by up to 0.22°C by 2050 and reduce life expectancy losses due to air pollution.
A study published in Environmental Research Letters found that peak-time emissions from diesel trains at London's Paddington Station exceeded European air quality recommendations and were higher than nearby roadsides on most days. The station's semi-enclosed design contributed to elevated concentrations of particulate matter, nitrogen ...
Research from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston found a slight increase in mortality risk associated with fine particulate matter in the air. The study analyzed PM2.5 components and found that ammonium, nitrate, sulfate, and vanadium were most strongly linked to increased mortality risk, especially during winter ...
Researchers from the University of Leicester found that trees increase turbulence and reduce road traffic emissions by 7%, improving air quality for pedestrians. This study highlights the importance of urban planning decisions incorporating trees to benefit both public health and environment.
Researchers used satellite observations and atmospheric modeling to calculate the impact of fires from industrial concessions on air quality. The study found that these fires contribute significantly to air pollution, particularly in regions with degraded peatlands and deforested areas.
A comprehensive review of studies on green buildings found that occupants experience better indoor air quality, reduced exposure to allergens and pollutants, and improved physical and mental health. Green buildings also improve productivity, reduce absenteeism, and enhance patient care in hospitals.
A nationwide study finds that fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, surge on July 4 due to fireworks, with concentrations 42% higher than usual on average. The study's results will help improve air quality predictions and raise awareness about the health risks of particle pollution.
A team of researchers found that improving air quality worldwide could reduce pollution-related deaths by millions of people each year. Meeting the World Health Organization's particulate air quality guidelines could prevent up to 2.1 million deaths annually.
A stricter federal standard for ozone pollution would require more scientific measurements and models to accurately determine sources of pollution. This is crucial as ozone pollution has multiple sources, some beyond local control, and its effects on human health and the environment are significant.
A Drexel University team conducted a mobile air quality monitoring campaign to assess the impact of natural gas extraction on air quality in the Marcellus Shale region. The study found relatively small increases in air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic chemicals, with elevated ultrafine particles from compressor s...
A new study published in Nature Communications reveals a strong connection between high ozone days in the western US during late spring and La Niña events. This connection can be used to forecast ozone levels several months in advance, improving public education and air quality management in these regions.
A recent study by University of Toronto engineers found that air pollution from vehicle tailpipes can spread farther than thought, with varying levels across cities. One in three Canadians lives within 250 meters of a major roadway, where exposure to pollutants can be up to ten times higher.
A study found that poor indoor air quality in nursing homes negatively affects the lung health of elderly residents, with pollutants like PM10 and NO2 linked to breathlessness and cough. The researchers called for improved ventilation and regular respiratory checks to mitigate the issue.
A 20-year study found that improved air quality in Southern California led to significant gains in lung function development among millennial children. Lung growth accelerated as air pollution declined, resulting in lower rates of abnormally low lung function and reduced risks of respiratory disease.
Current EU legislation will lead to significant improvements in particulate matter pollution, but many areas of Europe will still exceed limits. The study identifies Eastern Europe, Southern Poland, and major cities as hotspots that require targeted emission controls.
By 2050, cumulative exposure to ozone during the summer is expected to be high enough to damage vegetation globally. Ozone levels will remain below safe limits if greenhouse gas emissions peak in 2040, but may exceed safe limits if emissions continue to rise until 2100.
In eastern China, smoke from slash and burn agriculture exacerbates air quality problems. The region experiences worsening haze in fall and winter due to trapped pollutants near the surface.
Researchers found that high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) triggered pollution-forming reactions in winter, concentrating ozone pollution. Ozone levels in northeastern Utah exceeded national air quality standards 49 times during the winter season.
A new study from Harvard, Syracuse, and Boston University scientists reveals that strong carbon standards for power plants can significantly reduce air pollution and provide substantial human health benefits. The research estimates that such standards could prevent thousands of premature deaths and hospitalizations every year in the US.
A new study confirms a strong link between air pollution and lung health in European adults, with people suffering from obesity particularly vulnerable. The findings emphasize the importance of educating about clean air and urge policymakers to update guidelines to meet WHO-recommended air quality standards.
Research led by UC Riverside scientist James O. Sickman found declining levels of carbonaceous particles in Sierra Nevada lakes, indicating improved air quality and reduced acid rain. This decline has allowed sensitive aquatic species to thrive, preserving native clams, zooplankton, sponges, and invertebrates.
Researchers analyzed African dust transported to South America, finding large seasonal peaks in winter and spring. Dust concentrations exceeded World Health Organization guidelines, posing respiratory health risks.
Fires and smoke are as widespread as they were in July, with hundreds of fires detected across the region. The Air Quality Health Index reached 12 on August 3, indicating a high health risk due to air pollution.
A major field project on the northern Front Range of Colorado will provide needed information to officials seeking to ensure healthy air. The study, FRAPPÉ, uses specially equipped aircraft, networks of ground-based instruments, and sophisticated computer simulations to track summertime ozone pollution.
The new NASA images demonstrate a significant reduction in nitrogen dioxide levels across the United States over the past decade, indicating improved air quality. This decrease is attributed to regulations, technological advancements, and economic changes, despite increasing population and vehicle numbers.
Researchers at CU-Boulder and NCAR aim to reduce deadly air pollution from residential cooking using technology and behavioral change. They'll measure pollution levels in west Africa and assess health impacts on households using modern cookstoves.
Researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health analyzed air quality in seven Baltimore waterpipe bars and found elevated levels of carbon monoxide and air nicotine. The study's results suggest that waterpipe smoking creates higher indoor air pollution than cigarette smoking, posing increased health risks to patron...
A new study from the University of Iowa reveals that Iowa's air quality is generally clean, but with notable variations between urban and rural areas. The research found higher concentrations of fine particulate pollutants in urban locations, particularly associated with vehicle exhaust and industrial activity.
A NASA simulation shows that stratospheric ozone intrusions have a significant impact on ground-level ozone concentrations in the US West, with effects two to three times greater than previously estimated. High-resolution models can now comprehensively examine these events for the first time.