Articles tagged with Air Quality
Researchers found that residents in San Francisco and Los Angeles reduced PM2.5 particulate matter by half indoors on smoky days, despite outdoor levels remaining three times higher. Newer homes with central air conditioning performed better at keeping wildfire smoke out.
A study published in The BMJ found that long-term exposure to air pollution below current standards is associated with higher mortality rates. Researchers analyzed data from eight European groups and found that even at low concentrations, particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and black carbon were linked to increased natural deaths.
A new air-sampling system developed by researchers can detect an unprecedented range of potentially harmful airborne compounds. The system uses a special badge or pen attached to clothes or placed in a pocket to capture a broad spectrum of volatile organic compounds, allowing for more comprehensive exposure assessments.
A team of scientists used low-cost sensor networks to map pollution exposure in real-time during the 2018 Kīlauea Volcano eruption. The study provided highly granular estimates of human exposure to fine particulate matter and sulfur dioxide gas, enabling communities to make informed decisions about their health.
A Stanford University study suggests that wildfire smoke exposure during pregnancy increases the risk of preterm birth, with as many as 7,000 extra births attributed to this factor between 2007 and 2012. The research highlights the need for investment in prescribed burns, mechanical thinning, or other efforts to reduce extreme wildfires.
Scientists have developed novel gas sensors with improved detection sensitivity and durability by combining organic and inorganic materials. The hybrid sensors boast high durability and high sensitivity, making them suitable for portable gas sensing applications.
A new MIT study highlights the importance of careful classroom ventilation in reducing the spread of Covid-19 aerosols. Researchers found that certain configurations, such as closed windows and limited upward air movement, can lead to higher concentrations of potentially problematic aerosols.
Researchers will investigate how air pollutants in indoor spaces, such as homes and schools, affect children with asthma and people living in urban homes. A new platform will be developed to rank the toxicity of common air pollutants and establish links with neurological disease.
During COVID-19 lockdowns, air pollution fell in residential and commercial areas, but rebounded faster in residential areas. The study found that residential heating and cooling are significant components of the air quality equation, with implications for low-carbon energy policies.
A new open-source software, GI4RAQ Platform, enables practitioners to estimate pollutant concentration changes resulting from different planting schemes in streets. It focuses on key pollutants from road transport and provides a detailed analysis of the urban form and planting specified by users.
Researchers have found a significant link between air pollution and an increased risk of dysmenorrhea, a common condition characterized by severe menstrual cramps. Long-term exposure to pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter was shown to raise the risk of developing the disorder by up to 33 times.
Domestic burning of wood and dung fuels in Neolithic homes would have exceeded modern internationally-agreed standards for indoor air quality, exposing inhabitants to unsafe levels of particulates. The study suggests that chronic exposure to PM2.5 could be linked to bone lesions found in the remains of Çatalhöyük's inhabitants.
Researchers are using satellite and ground-based tools to measure air quality, revealing significant differences in nitrogen dioxide levels between majority white and minority communities. This study aims to inform policymakers about the need to mitigate inequity in air pollution, which disproportionately affects communities of color.
A study found that vehicle electrification may produce similar air quality effects as during the COVID-19 pandemic, but with decreased magnitude. The model accounted for nonlinear relationships between emission rates and atmospheric chemistry, highlighting the need to mitigate off-road emissions.
Researchers found that airborne lead in London is attributable to resuspended dust, not current coal burning or seasonally variable sources. Historical contributions of leaded gasoline remain a significant source of environmental lead.
Researchers deployed a network of low-cost sensors to measure sulfur dioxide and particulate matter concentrations in volcanic smog during the 2018 Kilauea eruption. The system enabled fine-scale measurements and monitoring of plume chemical evolution over time, providing valuable insights into extreme air quality events.
Researchers found that up to 40% of lead in airborne particles comes from legacy leaded petrol, highlighting the persistence of contaminants introduced by human activities. Long-term low-level exposure to lead can have detrimental health effects, and measures should be taken to reduce further lead emissions.
Research by University of Southampton and Central University of Jharkhand found a significant environmental improvement in major urban areas across India during the 2020 March to May lockdown. The study revealed a 12% decrease in Nitrogen Dioxide and a 40% reduction over New Delhi, with land surface temperature decreasing by up to 1°C.
Researchers advocate for updated ventilation standards, including pathogen control and flexible systems, to combat airborne virus transmission. The new guidelines aim to improve indoor air quality, reducing healthcare costs and increasing labor productivity.
By achieving carbon neutrality, China can reduce PM2.5 concentrations from over 10 μg/m3 to around 8 μg/m3, meeting national air quality standards.
Research suggests that implementing ATS-recommended air quality standards could prevent tens of thousands of deaths, lung cancer cases, and illnesses. By meeting these standards, the US could avoid an estimated 14,650 deaths, 2,950 lung cancer cases, and 33,000 additional illnesses annually.
Researchers urge universal recognition that respiratory infections can be prevented by improving indoor ventilation systems. The researchers propose a paradigm shift in combating airborne pathogens, demanding more action on controlling hazards of airborne transmission.
A group of scientists recommends introducing new mechanisms to keep pathogen levels in building air flow low, citing the need for a paradigm shift in building design and operation. This approach can also reduce exposure to other air pollutants and improve wellbeing.
A group of researchers from 14 countries is urging a universal recognition of the need to control airborne pathogens in buildings. The experts recommend improved ventilation systems, including higher airflow rates, filtration, and disinfection, as well as real-time monitors to track indoor air quality.
A new study estimated that improved air quality during the first wave of COVID-19 in Spain's provincial capital cities prevented around 150 premature deaths. The reduction in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels by 51% during lockdown periods led to a significant decrease in premature mortality.
A new study estimates that US food production is responsible for 16,000 annual deaths due to poor air quality, primarily from animal production. Improving animal and crop management practices, as well as eating more plant-rich diets, can substantially reduce mortality from food-related air pollution.
Researchers found that US agriculture contributes to 15,900 annual deaths due to poor air quality, mainly from ammonia emissions. Improving livestock manure management and using fertilizer additives can reduce mortality from poor air quality by consuming more plant-based foods.
A recent study by the Institute of Atmospheric Physics found that indoor aerosol species are primarily from outdoor air exchange. The researchers measured indoor PM2.5 concentrations and chemical compositions, revealing differences in organic aerosol due to temperature changes. Improved ventilation strategies may actually increase expo...
A new study from the University of Utah ties worsening wildfire activity to poor air quality events in Western regions, with smoke impacts clear into September. The researchers found consistent trends in air quality correlating with wildfire activity, but with different spatial patterns in August and September.
A recent study reveals increased levels of air pollutants in cities like Kanpur and Delhi in India, while showing decreasing trends in the UK. The researchers used satellite observations to monitor these changes, highlighting the need for continued enforcement of clean air policies.
A new study models people's exposure to air pollution by race-ethnicity and income level, finding that exposure disparities among people of color and white people are driven by nearly all emission source types. The researchers found that air pollution disparities arise from a more systemic set of causes than previously understood.
Researchers at UC Riverside develop method to estimate air quality in neighborhoods affected by wildfire smoke, providing critical data for public health officials. The new approach fills gaps in current methods by predicting particulate matter concentrations over short distances.
A new analysis of air pollution data from five large Chinese cities found statistically significant differences between locally-reported and US embassy-reported measurements. The study suggests that when air quality is poor, local stations systematically report lower PM2.5 levels than reported by US stations.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have discovered that certain aerosol particles can exhibit three distinct liquid phases, changing our understanding of air pollutants in the atmosphere. This finding has significant implications for improving atmospheric models and climate predictions.
A Yale study analyzing 40 million deaths found that even short-term exposure to ambient CO below current guidelines was associated with increased mortality. The research suggests reducing ambient CO concentrations could achieve considerable public health benefits through stricter control of traffic emissions.
A new study has revealed high levels of air pollution in Kinshasa and Brazzaville, two major cities in sub-Saharan Africa. PM2.5 concentrations were found to be more than four times higher than World Health Organization guidelines, posing significant health risks.
A new commentary examines links between air pollution and COVID-19 outcomes, finding associations between long-term fine particle exposure and increased mortality. Higher air pollution exposure also impairs the immune system, leading to increased susceptibility to viruses and more severe infections.
A team of scientists developed a deep learning model that improves air quality estimates by combining satellite and ground-based observations. The model achieved higher spatial and temporal resolution, enabling more accurate predictions of nitrogen dioxide levels in the Los Angeles area.
Researchers found that social norm and outcome efficacy messaging successfully increased drivers to turn off their engines, reducing PM2.5 concentrations. Permanent road signage was installed at railway level crossings to encourage similar behavior.
A new analysis found that California's stringent diesel emissions standards have lowered the expected number of deaths linked to diesel exhaust by 50%. The study also suggests that adopting similar rules nationwide could produce similar benefits, particularly for communities that have suffered the worst impacts of air pollution.
Research suggests even slight increases in nitrogen dioxide levels are associated with significant rises in cardiovascular and respiratory deaths. The study's findings support revising and tightening current air quality guidelines for greater public health benefit.
A five-member team led by Jingqiu Mao at the University of Alaska Fairbanks is working on a tool to provide air quality forecasts for Alaskans and visitors. The team will use satellite data, ground-based instruments, and computer models to create a web-based forecast that can help wildland fire managers deploy resources effectively.
The study found that many regions with high air pollution don't measure PM2.5 levels and have weak standards, while places like Canada and Australia have strict enforcement. High population density is not a barrier to fighting air pollution successfully, as seen in countries like Japan and Singapore.
Computational air quality models have been adapted to better understand pollution challenges in Latin America, providing valuable insights for governments and authorities. The models can help identify the most cost-effective ways of achieving air quality improvements in cities like Bogotá.
Colorado State University researchers are part of a NASA team analyzing air quality and health data. The project aims to create a dataset identifying pollutant concentrations across the US from 2006 to present, facilitating studies connecting air quality to health outcomes.
A unique curved barrier design deflects pollution away from pedestrians and back onto the road, improving air quality in an inexpensive manner. The researchers also found that these barriers can mitigate noise pollution and increase green infrastructure.
A recent study found that aircraft cabins have the lowest levels of tiny aerosol particles, making them a good option for indoor spaces with low air pollution. The study measured air quality in various environments, including restaurants, offices, and vehicles, and found that aircraft air is exchanged frequently, removing pollutants.
Research finds elevated air pollution events, like wildfire smoke and inversions, impact indoor spaces. Indoor air quality is up to 30% of outdoor levels during inversions, while wildfires can increase pollution by 78%.
Air pollution levels from shale gas development may have exceeded air quality standards, affecting over 36,000 people in PA, according to Penn State scientists. Doubling the required setback distance reduced exposure by about half.
In a new study, Northwestern University researchers found that air quality and public health benefits of electric vehicles in China depend on the type of transport electrified and the composition of the electric grid. Electrifying 40% of heavy-duty vehicles improved air quality while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study by NYU Langone Health found that New York City's subway system has the highest airborne particle concentration, with some stations reaching up to 77 times the typical outdoor air quality. The study measured air quality in 71 stations across four cities and found that even cleaner neighborhoods struggle with pollutants.
A study by University of South Florida researcher Yasin Elshorbany found that dramatic decreases in traffic caused by COVID-19 shutdowns improved air quality in some states, such as New York and Florida. However, additional forms of pollution in other parts of the country were not offset by these reductions.
Experts recommend improving air quality in classrooms using HEPA filters and portable units, similar to the airline industry's strategy. Keeping doors open is also suggested as a temporary solution until feasibility studies are conducted.
A new study has found that COVID-19 lockdowns led to smaller-than-expected reductions in NO2 emissions and increased ozone levels in cities worldwide. Concentrations of fine particles (PM2.5) decreased in most cities except London and Paris.
A modelling study suggests that pregnant women in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, exposed to poor air quality, are at higher risk of stillbirths and miscarriages. The study estimated 349,681 pregnancy losses per year associated with exposure to PM2.5 concentrations exceeding India's air quality standard.
A new University of Colorado Boulder study found that exercising individuals emit up to five times more chemicals from their body than sedentary people, which combine with bleach cleaners to form unknown airborne chemicals. The team detected a specific reaction product, N-chloraldimines, in gym air, raising concerns about indoor air qu...
A new study by Columbia University Mailman School researchers simulates the potential future health and economic benefits from sustained air quality improvements. They estimate cumulative benefits of clean air during a five-year period would amount to thousands of avoided cases of illness and death, as well as associated economic benef...
A new study uses mobile air quality sensors on light rail trains to monitor greenhouse gas emissions in the Salt Lake Valley. The system provides a highly cost-effective way to cover larger areas and fill gaps in emissions estimates, with results comparable to stationary sensors.
Wildfire smoke aerosolizes bacteria and fungi from burning materials, potentially infecting people who breathe in the plumes. Researchers argue that public health sciences must expand their focus to include the impact of microbial cargo on human populations
Research finds that particulate emissions from cooking can survive in the atmosphere for several days, contributing to poor air quality and human health. The study's findings have significant implications for climate change and city planning.