Articles tagged with Air Quality
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 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.
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.
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.
A new study by Cornell University researchers found that improved air quality under the Clean Air Act saved nearly 20 percent of birdlife in the US, potentially averting 1.5 billion bird deaths over the past 40 years.
A team from Oklahoma State University developed techniques to model environmental hazards for autonomous aircraft, while another group at the University of Surrey investigated building wakes to enhance air quality. Researchers also found an unbalanced exchange flow in natural ventilation systems, which can slow down cooling.
A new study from 23 Utah-based researchers estimates that air pollution shortens the average Utahn's life by 2 years and costs the economy around $1.9 billion annually. The study also found that many state-level actions could reduce air pollution by double-digit percentages while benefiting the economy.
Researchers found a decrease in nitrogen dioxide concentrations at most monitoring sites, but no significant improvement in particulate matter. In contrast, some areas experienced worse air quality in April 2020 compared to previous years.
Research found that areas with better air quality and higher greenness measures have lower rates of heart disease deaths. The study suggests that promoting environmental policies to support increased green spaces could lead to improved cardiovascular health.
Researchers found that particulate matter (PM2.5) is overestimated in winter and ozone (O3) is underestimated in urban areas compared to suburban areas across all of China. This highlights the need for more data outside urban areas to accurately assess air pollution impacts on ecosystem functions.
Researchers tracked and flew through wildfire plumes from the source to collect data on how chemical composition changes over time. The study found that smoke forecasts may incorrectly predict particles in staler smoke, which could impact air quality estimates.
A new study found that COVID-19 lockdowns led to significant improvements in air quality, averting an estimated 24,200 premature deaths in China and 2,190 in Europe. The study suggests that strong measures can be implemented to reduce air pollution and mitigate its impact on human health.
Scientists from around the world collaborated to develop digital tools to track, understand and predict COVID-19 effects. The Digital Sprint produced innovative solutions for Air Quality, Recovery, Ecosystem Services and Visualising Risk.
Research in Salt Lake City schools found a correlation between poor air quality and increased school absences. Even mild elevations in air pollution were associated with higher absenteeism rates, particularly among elementary students. The study suggests that low-level air pollution can have cumulative effects on health and education.
Researchers investigated urban grime samples from US cities, revealing that it absorbs sunlight, which can speed up or slow down chemical reactions affecting air and water quality. The study found differences in ion levels between North American and European cities.
A new study found that China's aerosol pollution reduction efforts have caused warming in northern latitudes, potentially masking some effects of global warming. The research suggests that the reductions in particulate pollution may have unmasked around 0.1 degrees Celsius of greenhouse-gas-induced warming.
A new study shows that clean air is achievable globally with policy interventions in multiple sectors, including environmental policies, energy and climate policies, and agricultural production system transformation. The required measures would also contribute to sustainable development and human development goals.
Researchers at the University of Utah found that measuring magnetic particles on evergreen needles can provide a high-resolution, year-round picture of air quality. The study correlated needle magnetism to general air quality, suggesting a new method for mapping particulate matter distributions at a high resolution and low cost.
Researchers provide first global satellite measurements of isoprene, a natural hydrocarbon affecting Earth's atmosphere. Isoprene reacts with pollutants and reduces atmospheric capacity to scrub itself of pollutants.
A new study finds that asphalt is a significant source of air pollutants, particularly during hot and sunny conditions. The researchers discovered complex mixtures of organic compounds emitted by common road and roofing asphalts, comparable to motor vehicle emissions in Los Angeles.
Researchers aim to curb idling, a main source of pollution, by using displays similar to speed limit signs. The system will collect and integrate air-quality measurements, local weather conditions, and thermal images to provide feedback to drivers.
A new study by University of Utah researchers found a correlation between media coverage of weather and air quality, and transit ridership. The study suggests that favorable weather conditions and comfort are associated with increased ridership, while poor air quality may discourage usage.
Scientists developed a highly sensitive and accurate Nitrogen Dioxide sensor, which can detect below 20 parts-per-billion of NO2 in under 15 minutes. The device has potential applications in domestic, public, and industrial settings to prevent respiratory issues and infant morbidity.
Four low-cost air quality monitors provided actionable information during wildfire events, with correlations to reference monitors being 'phenomenally good.' However, the devices required adjustments and checks to use their numbers, with an estimated adjustment factor of 0.48 for PurpleAir PA-II monitors.
George Mason University's Daniel Tong will receive $83,748 from NOAA to develop an integrated model system predicting air quality and greenhouse gas emissions at a city scale. The three-year project aims to simulate the evolution of criteria air pollutants and greenhouse gases in a changing climate.
A new study analyzed China's national network of air monitoring stations and found that nitrogen dioxide concentrations dropped by 27% on average, while particulate matter (PM2.5) saw a modest reduction of 11%. Ozone pollution showed little change despite the lockdown.
A recent study found that COVID-19 lockdowns in five Indian cities reduced harmful fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations by up to 54%, comparable to reductions in other cities worldwide. The lockdown also saved an estimated 630 lives and $690 million in health costs.
A new University of Minnesota study identifies livestock, wood stoves, farms, and residential buildings as significant contributors to deadly air pollution in the United States. The research highlights the need for targeted regulations to reduce emissions from these sources, which account for a substantial portion of PM2.5-related deaths.
A recent study by the Institute of Atmospheric Physics found that Beijing's air quality did not improve as expected during the COVID-19 lockdown, with secondary aerosol species showing only small changes. The research highlights a challenge for mitigating secondary air pollution in regions with high concentrations of gaseous precursors.
A Cranfield University team will monitor and analyze air quality levels within the region, utilizing sensor technology and data analytics to inform sustainable development plans. The study aims to mitigate the impact of growth on air quality, aligning with UK Government ambitions for a neutral or positive environmental gain.
Researchers linked long-term exposure to fine particulate air pollution with premature death among older Americans, suggesting current US standards are insufficient. Strengthening standards could lead to a 6%-7% decrease in mortality risk and save thousands of lives.
A new analysis of 16 years of health data reveals that long-term exposure to fine particles leads to increased mortality rates among the elderly. If current EPA standards were lowered, over 140,000 lives might have been saved within a decade.
The study reveals a significant drop in PM2.5 levels in China since 2011, while India is experiencing a plateau phase. The researchers' hybrid dataset shows that effective controls can be remarkably effective at reducing air pollution.
A study published in National Science Review found that COVID-19 lockdowns in China led to a sharp reduction in transportation emissions, but this was offset by an increase in secondary particle formation due to enhanced atmospheric oxidizing capacity. The study suggests that coordinated control of various primary emissions is necessar...
A recent study published in Climate and Atmospheric Science reveals that half of the world's population is exposed to increasing air pollution. The research highlights that air pollution constitutes a major threat to public health, with an estimated four million deaths annually attributed to outdoor air pollution.
A new sensor-based system developed by RMIT University and Arup uses artificial intelligence to measure staff comfort and concentration in flexible working spaces. The study found that office temperature, sleep quality, and meeting schedules significantly impact perceived concentration levels.
A long-term study found that residents' daily activities, such as cooking and heating, significantly impact indoor ultrafine particle concentrations. The study, conducted in German apartments, showed that indoor activities account for most ultrafine particles, with outdoor air pollution playing a lesser role.
A new study reveals that minority students and charter schools experience higher concentrations of PM 2.5 levels even on clean air days, highlighting the need for policies to protect school-aged children from environmental harm. The research used a community-university partnership to analyze data from 174 public schools in Salt Lake Co...
Lockdowns led to significant reductions in nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter pollution globally, with decreases of up to 60% in some regions. However, surface ozone levels increased by a factor of 1.5-2 in northern China due to decreased nitrogen dioxide pollution.
Three major African cities show significant reductions in visibility since the 1970s, with Nairobi experiencing the greatest loss, due to increased particulate matter emissions from vehicles and energy generation. PM pollution levels have also increased by 182% in Nairobi, 162% in Kenya, and 62% in Uganda.
Duke University researchers use a machine learning algorithm to estimate ground-level air pollution with high accuracy and resolution, surpassing current methods. The approach uses high-resolution micro-satellite imagery and weather data to detect tiny airborne particles like PM2.5.
A study found children are exposed to three times higher levels of PM2.5 during morning drop-offs due to idling cars. Researchers recommend safe parking and green hedges to reduce air pollution.
The 2018 Saddleworth Moor Fire in Northern England had a significant impact on air quality, with poor conditions affecting over 4.5 million people. The fires caused substantial increases in PM2.5 pollution, resulting in up to 165% more deaths brought forward due to pollution.
Open biomass burning has a significant impact on regional air quality, especially in Northeast China. The study found that the number of fire points concentrated in two key periods: March-April and October-November, with most fires occurring in cropland.
Researchers validate TRAX air quality sensor data, showcasing its ability to capture air pollution events, including summer fireworks and winter inversions. The expanded dataset provides insights into air mass exchange between the Salt Lake and Utah counties.
A large study found daily exposure to ground level ozone in cities worldwide is associated with an increased risk of death. The study suggests that more than 6,000 deaths each year could be avoided if countries implemented stricter air quality standards.
A new study found a significant association between fine particulate matter PM2.5 and out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, with increased risks even at low concentrations. The nationwide Japanese study, the largest of its kind, highlights the urgent need to improve air quality and reduce cardiovascular impacts.
Researchers tracked pollutants from Canadian and US wildfires to reach NYC, causing significant increases in air quality advisories. The study highlights the need for policy-makers to consider long-term air quality management plans due to increasing wildfire smoke.
Wildfires in south eastern Brazil produce airborne pollution that worsens air quality in major cities such as Sao Paulo, cancelling efforts to improve the urban environment. The study found long-range transport of smoke contributes to poor air quality and smog in cities up to 2,000 km away.
A recent study by Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare found that indoor air quality is connected to respiratory and general symptoms like colds and headaches. However, the association was too weak to reliably assess indoor air quality based on reported symptoms.
A new study published in Contemporary Economic Policy found that Japan's 1992 automobile law led to a 3-6% reduction in ambient nitrogen dioxide concentrations over two decades. The law resulted in estimated cost savings of $104 million due to reduced asthma-related mortality.