Articles tagged with Air Quality
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.
A study by UC Davis researchers found that laboratory chamber walls can suppress the formation of secondary organic aerosol in the atmosphere. This effect has contributed to underpredictions of SOA concentrations in regional air quality models, which impacts air quality and climate.
A wildfire broke out in the foothills of Angeles National Forest, spreading quickly and prompting air quality concerns. Nearly 500 firefighters battled the blaze, which destroyed over 1,700 acres and at least two homes due to gusty winds and low humidity.
Researchers are monitoring air pollution levels and their impact on health using advanced methods like X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The study aims to measure the specific chemical makeup of polluted air and its effects on human health.
Air quality in Greece has deteriorated by 30% since the financial crisis, with fine particles lodged deep into lung tissue posing health risks. Burning cheaper fuel sources like wood and trash for heating has contributed to this issue.
A month-long study by University of Houston aims to enhance air quality forecasting using satellite data and numerical models. The team collected extensive data from mobile labs, aircraft, and satellites to develop more accurate pollution sensors.
A new study by Brigham Young University professor Arden Pope found a 35% reduction in deaths and disability attributable to air pollution in the US since 1990. This improvement is attributed to cleaner air quality, with significant reductions in cardiovascular disease and respiratory problems.
The Rim Fire has burned over 385 square miles, 80% containment achieved, but low humidity threatens growth. Spot fires remain a concern, with firefighters patrolling to mop up and monitor lines.
A Harvard University study projects that wildfires in the western United States will be three weeks longer, up to twice as smoky, and burn a wider area by 2050. Climate change is expected to exacerbate fire season due to warmer temperatures.
Citizens in Greater Bilbao value the cultural services of Green Belt ecosystems, such as leisure and tranquillity, with nearly all respondents aware that ecosystems provide services. The study highlights the need for citizen participation and proper regulation to preserve these valuable ecosystem services.
A series of forest fires near James Bay, Quebec have consumed over 617,000 acres of land, causing air quality problems for Canadians and Americans. The smoke has been pushed by winds to southern Ontario and the northeastern US state of Maine.
Researchers in the Southern Oxidant and Aerosol Study (SOAS) investigate how chemical reactions between human-related pollution and plant-emitted VOCs affect air quality in the U.S. Southeast. The project aims to uncover the controlling processes of biosphere-atmosphere interactions, which can impact regional climate and air chemistry.
The Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research advocates for tightening the Air Quality Directive to set better standards, improve air quality, and protect human health. Researchers recommend regulating pollutants like particulate matter, ground-level ozone, and benzo(a)pyrene to reduce the negative impacts of air pollution.
A fast-moving brush fire broke out in Riverside County, forcing the evacuation of several communities and destroying one home. Over 400 firefighters have been working to contain the nearly 3,000-acre Summit Fire.
A recent study published in Atmospheric Environment found that air pollution from wildland fires and urban areas is reducing air quality at Devils Postpile National Monument. Ozone concentrations exceeded California standards, posing a risk to sensitive individuals, and may have phytotoxic effects on plants.
OzoneMap is a free mobile app that provides real-time air quality reports for the greater Houston area. It features a map of the city with colored clouds illustrating ozone levels, allowing users to select from three different maps and access information on health effects.
A team of graduate students from Concordia University developed a watchdog tool to evaluate the level of compliance between urban planning goals and environmental impact assessments of development projects. The study found that the proposal adopted in 2009 for the Turcot highway interchange was inadequate for long-term sustainability.
Researchers have developed small, portable sensors that can track ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide levels in the air. These sensors, part of the CitiSense system, allow users to monitor their local air quality on their smartphones, providing valuable insights into pollution patterns.
Four finalists have been selected in the My Air, My Health Challenge to create wearable sensors that measure airborne pollutants and related physiological data. The challenge aims to spur development of personal devices gathering health and air quality data for long-term health outcomes.
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory will build the TEMPO instrument, which will monitor major air pollutants across the North American continent hourly. This will enable scientists to improve emission inventories and evaluate effective emission-control strategies.
The National Center for Atmospheric Research is launching a three-year, international study to analyze the effects of smoke from traditional cooking methods on human health. The researchers will combine sensors with computer models to examine links between air pollutants and diseases such as meningitis in northern Ghana.
A CU-Boulder-led team will examine social, ecological, and economic aspects of natural gas development. The project aims to provide a framework for society to evaluate the trade-offs associated with the benefits and costs of natural gas development.
A Tufts University researcher has developed a new statistical model that estimates air pollution exposure for previous time periods where direct data is lacking. The study shows that air quality improves when unemployment rises.
Better air quality indicators are needed to address the risks of global urbanization on health. The World Health Organization estimates that outdoor air pollution causes 1.34 million premature deaths annually, with many low- and middle-income countries lacking reliable data.
A new hand-held sensor detects high levels of carbon dioxide in classroom air, which can cause drowsiness and negatively impact learning. The sensor's data can help optimize HVAC systems to improve indoor air quality.
The Houston Clean Air Network provides real-time air quality updates using maps of the greater Houston area. The site allows users to track ozone levels and plan their day accordingly, benefiting those with health concerns about ozone or respiratory illnesses like asthma.
A 2009-2010 study by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre found an average 66% decrease in sulphur dioxide concentrations in EU harbors, while non-EU ports showed no change. The policy limits fuel sulfur content to less than 0.1%.
A study by Carnegie Mellon University reveals that biogenic particles formed from pine tree emissions are chemically transformed by free radicals, altering their properties and concentrations. This finding can help improve climate and air quality prediction models and enable regulatory agencies to make more effective decisions.
The air quality worldwide will be as bad as it already is nowadays in urban areas of Southeast Asia by 2050 if no action is taken. Eastern China and northern India are expected to experience drastic decreases in air quality, while the Arabian Gulf region and North America will see an increase in ozone levels.
A study published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics predicts that most of the world's population will face degraded air quality by 2050 if man-made emissions continue as usual. The average world citizen will experience similar air pollution to today's average East Asian citizen, resulting in severe health effects.
A study by the University of Sheffield found that kitchen air quality can be hazardous, with nitrogen dioxide levels three times higher than recommended outside concentrations. The research highlights the need for more data on indoor pollutants and calls for action to improve home air quality.
A recent study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has pinpointed indoor air quality risks in the United Arab Emirates as a significant health concern. The research found that residents are exposed to high levels of pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and formaldehyde, which can lead to respiratory iss...
A Rice University study found that federal efforts were most effective at reducing pollutants, while state implementation plans played a smaller role. The study's findings suggest that nationally, ozone levels have improved substantially due to federal and EPA efforts.
Researchers found exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from vehicle traffic increases the risk of ischemic strokes, even at safe levels. The peak risk occurs 12-14 hours before a stroke, and reducing PM2.5 pollution by 20% could have prevented 6,100 stroke hospitalizations.
The research aims to determine the impacts of various emission sources on fine particle concentrations in Santiago de Chile. The study reveals that transport is the biggest source of fine particles in the city.
A recent study found that Delhi's radical changes in air quality regulations had a substantial positive effect on the health of city residents. The research used remote sensing imagery to measure the effects of air quality on health, and found that poorer men exhibited significant negative relationships between ambient air and respirat...