Articles tagged with Chemical Pollution
A new study finds that Black, Latinx, and low-income people are disproportionately exposed to drilling-related pollution near active oil and gas wells in California. This exposure has been linked to various health issues, including asthma, preterm births, and other problems.
Ozone exposure destroys pheromones essential for fly mating, leading to abnormal behavior and reduced female attraction. The study's findings highlight the devastating impact of air pollution on insect populations.
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 Keck School of Medicine study found exposure to PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals,' disrupts key biological processes in children and young adults, increasing risk of diseases such as developmental disorders, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The study highlights the importance of regulating PFAS as a class of chemicals.
A recent study has linked high levels of certain chemical pollutants to an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 disease. The research found that individuals with higher blood concentrations of specific pollutants were more likely to become infected and develop the disease.
A new study reveals a significant increase in nocturnal production of nitrate radicals in China, which could exacerbate air pollution and pose a major health threat. The country's 'hot-spot' for nitrate radical production may worsen ozone and fine particulate pollution if emissions are not reduced.
Measurements taken by University of Copenhagen researchers show high air pollution levels in the Copenhagen metro, with ultra-small particles 10-20 times higher than on heavily trafficked streets. The pollution comes mainly from trains' brakes and rails, posing a health risk to frequent users.
Scientists at Rice University, Stanford University, and UT Austin have developed a mechanism to generate solvated electrons through plasmon resonance, making it easier to turn light into these clean, zero-byproduct chemicals. This breakthrough could lead to new ways of driving chemical reactions and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study by Environmental Working Group scientists reveals that consuming one serving of freshwater fish per year is equivalent to ingesting water with high levels of the toxic chemical PFOS for a month. The study analyzed data from over 500 fish samples and found median amounts of PFAS in freshwater fish to be 280 times greater tha...
A study published in Environmental Research Letters finds that human-ignited fires are responsible for over 67% of small smoke particles called PM2.5 in the US, leading to 20,000 premature deaths annually. The research highlights the need for ignition-focused management plans to reduce human-ignited fires and minimize health impacts.
Scientists discovered high levels of toxic chemicals, including 4-nonylphenol from toilet paper, in the bodies of orcas in B.C., which may contribute to their population decline. Forever chemicals like 7:3-fluorotelomer carboxylic acid were also found, highlighting the need for pollution management and regulation.
A study by Brown University and Silent Spring Institute found that inexpensive DIY air filters called Corsi-Rosenthal boxes can significantly decrease indoor air concentrations of PFAS and phthalates. The boxes, made from MERV-13 filters, duct tape, a fan, and cardboard, reduced PFAS levels by 40% to 60% and phthalates by 30% to 60%.
Researchers at the University of California, Riverside, have created a novel method to break down per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as 'forever chemicals', in contaminated water. The hydrogen-infusion and UV light-based process achieves high molecular destruction rates without generating unwanted byproducts.
Researchers have launched five projects to investigate the impact of pollution on UK rivers, which fail to meet good ecological status due to pollutants like chemicals, microplastics, and pharmaceuticals. The projects aim to improve water quality, biodiversity, and resilience to climate change.
The scientists emphasize the need for urgent course correction due to inconsistent chemical frameworks. They highlight the importance of comprehensive chemical regulation from production stages to product use and disposal.
A new peer-reviewed article highlights the diversity and complexity of chemicals in plastics, which could severely undermine the global plastics treaty's effectiveness. The study identifies over 10,000 chemical substances used in plastic production, leading to varied chemical compositions among different manufacturers.
A new study highlights the complexity of chemicals in plastics, which could undermine the effectiveness of a global plastics treaty. The diversity of chemicals in plastics poses challenges to recycling and waste management, making it difficult to ensure the integrity and safety of products over extended lifetimes.
Researchers discovered how enzymes metabolize chiral PCBs, leading to neurodevelopmental issues. The study found that mirror-image isomers are metabolized differently, causing selective toxicity in humans and animals.
A recent study identifies over 10,000 chemical substances used in plastic production, highlighting the complexity of plastics and their negative impacts on human and ecosystem health. The diversity of chemicals makes it difficult to achieve standardized plastic formulations, posing challenges to recycling and pollution solutions.
Scientists at Northwestern Medicine have discovered a causal link between environmental phthalates and increased uterine fibroid growth. Exposure to certain phthalates, such as DEHP, may activate a hormonal pathway that causes fibroid tumors to grow. This study explains the mechanisms behind this association.
Researchers will develop a new model to describe complex soot particles in the atmosphere, improving accuracy in predicting climate warming caused by soot. The project aims to reduce uncertainty over soot's impact on climate change and air quality.
Researchers found that fertilizers change the electric field surrounding a flower, affecting bees' ability to navigate and feed. This alteration lasts for up to 25 minutes and can persist beyond a single use of chemicals.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that buildings renovated with healthier furnishings had significantly lower levels of PFAS than those with conventional furnishings. The researchers analyzed dust in indoor spaces and found that organic fluorine levels were also lower in the healthier spaces.
The study found that scrubber discharge water accounts for up to 9% of certain carcinogenic and environmentally harmful substances in the Baltic Sea. This increase is partly due to a significant growth in ships equipped with scrubbers, which has tripled since the study was carried out.
A new study found that air pollution from factories and vehicles is associated with faster disease progression and premature death for patients with fibrotic interstitial lung disease. Increasing levels of PM2.5 were linked to more severe disease, faster disease progression, and higher likelihood of dying sooner.
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.
Researchers have developed a new framework using high-throughput 'omics' technologies to detect the effects of ambient chemical mixtures on living organisms, including water fleas. The approach enables water fleas to detect bioactive components and predict toxicity in other species.
A recent study reveals that anthropogenic air pollution contributes significantly to poor air quality and climate change in the Middle East. The research found that hazardous fine particulate matter from human activities accounts for around 53% of aerosol visible optical depth, posing a significant health risk.
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.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a reactor that can completely break down two of the most common forever chemicals, PFOA and PFOS. The reactor uses supercritical water to destroy these recalcitrant molecules, leaving only harmless substances such as carbon dioxide and fluoride salts.
New polymer-based membranes developed at KAUST enable greener separation of simple to complex hydrocarbon mixtures, reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions in crude oil refineries. The membranes' stability and selectivity can be tuned by thermal crosslinking, allowing for higher purity components and removal of byproducts.
Small amounts of highly weathered oil residues from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster were still present in the surroundings ten years later. The study suggests that many environmental impacts are caused by chemically altered oil components, which can have different toxicities and physical properties.
Researchers from Keck School of Medicine found a strong association between PFOS exposure and liver cancer risk, with the strongest link seen in the top 10% of PFOS exposure. The study suggests that PFOS may disrupt normal liver function, leading to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and increased risk of liver cancer.
New evidence from Antarctica shows toxic fluorinated forever chemicals have increased markedly in recent decades, with scientists believing CFC-replacements are a likely source. The most abundant chemical discovered was perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), which has been linked to human exposure and immune system impairment.
Researchers created a composite of boron nitride and titanium dioxide that harnesses UV-A energy to break apart PFOA molecules in water, degrading 99% of the pollutant in less than three hours. The catalyst is more efficient than existing methods, offering new hope for removing PFOA from drinking water.
Researchers at UMass Amherst investigate how embryonic exposure to PFAS chemicals affects pancreatic development and glucose regulation. Preliminary data suggest a link between PFAS exposure and elevated fructosamine levels, indicating potential long-term diabetes risk.
Researchers at MIT develop a biodegradable system based on silk to replace microplastics added to agricultural products, paints, and cosmetics. The new material is made from widely available and less expensive silk protein, which can be dissolved using a scalable water-based process.
A new study by Oregon State University found that Houston residents experienced a significant increase in chemical exposure after Hurricane Harvey, with 75% of chemicals detected at higher concentrations. The study used silicone wristbands to measure exposure to hazardous chemicals, including pesticides and industrial compounds.
A study published in Environmental Research found that prenatal exposure to specific phthalates is associated with a slightly elevated risk of children starting puberty between 7 and 10 years old. Higher prenatal exposure to certain phthalates, such as DEHP, was linked to an increased risk of puberty onset, particularly in normal-weigh...
A recent study reveals that PFAS significantly increase litter decomposition and alter soil pH, impacting nutrient cycles and ecosystem processes. The presence of PFAS also exerts detrimental effects on soil respiration, microbial populations, and water-stable aggregates.
A systematic literature review found that existing chemical risk assessments are inadequate and contradictory. The review of 74 toxicology studies and 74 epidemiological studies revealed an underestimation of the levels of flame retardants needed to cause harmful health effects.
A study by Rice University finds that agricultural nitrogen emissions cause substantial damage to air quality, human health, and the climate. The researchers quantified emissions from fertilized soils over three years and found that ammonia had a much larger impact on damages than nitrogen oxides and nitrous oxide.
The proposed Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework fails to address the totality of chemical pollutants threatening ecosystems worldwide. Researchers urge negotiators to include persistent and toxic substances like mercury and PFAS in the agreement.
Researchers have developed a new analysis method that accurately measures microplastic particles and fibers in the Indian Ocean. The study found an average concentration of 50 microplastic particles per cubic meter, with paint particles and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) being the most common types.
A new analysis found over 10 million tonnes of PCB-containing materials remain globally, posing public health and environmental threats. The Stockholm Convention's deadline for elimination is nearing, but most countries are not on track to meet it.
Environmental advocates argue that chemical recycling doesn't eliminate single-use plastics, which remain a significant pollution concern. The Biden administration is seeking comment on exempting industry processes from Clean Air Act regulations, amid growing state legislation encouraging advanced recycling.
The Lancet report states that air pollution, water pollution, and chemical pollution are responsible for nine million deaths globally. Despite declining mortality from traditional pollution, industrial pollution has increased over the past two decades, offsetting these gains.
Researchers have identified efficient technologies to remove endocrine disruptors from wastewater, including ozonation and adsorption with activated carbon. These methods can be added to existing treatment plants, improving performance without major changes.
Researchers monitored mercury levels in artificial lakes to identify sources and factors affecting concentration. Most mercury originated from soil in catchment areas, with surface runoff contributing in shorter-residence time reservoirs.
A study by American Chemical Society researchers reveals that 54 of the 93 surveyed items contained fluorine, an indicator of PFAS. The team found that 19 products had precursor compounds that can be transformed into highly stable perfluoroalkyl acids, which are linked to various health issues.
A new study finds that many children's products, including those labeled as water- or stain-resistant, contain harmful PFAS chemicals. The research highlights the need for stricter safety standards in green certifications and retailer accountability to prevent toxic chemical pollution.
Researchers create high-performance catalyst to pull ammonia and solid fertilizer from low-level nitrates in industrial wastewater, reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The process works at room temperature and under ambient pressure, with potential for decentralized ammonia production.
Researchers found that Australian native rushes, including Phragmites australis, can significantly remove PFAS chemicals from contaminated surface water. The study used floating wetlands as a mechanism for plants to grow hydroponically and showed a 42-53% removal of legacy PFAS contaminants.
A new study published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety reveals that microplastics in the Cauvery River may be causing growth defects in fish, including skeletal deformities and DNA damage. The study found that pollutants from slow-flowing and stagnant sites caused significant harm to zebrafish embryos.
Researchers have discovered a new source of haze-building hydroxyl radicals in soot particles, which can lead to accelerated haze formation. This discovery offers new possibilities for air purification and the development of environmentally friendly catalysts using light radiation.
Scientists have proposed a new two-step methodology to eliminate polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) from the environment. The approach involves chemical functionalization, replacing chlorine atoms with hydroxyl groups, followed by thermal destruction at lower temperatures than traditional incineration methods.
A new study found that heavy traffic near roads is a significant contributor to water pollution, with contaminants from vehicle fluids, paints, and tires affecting nearby rivers. The study suggests that these pollutants come from road surfaces and are transported to watersheds through stormwater run-off.
A new study analyzes sediment cores from the North Sea, showing a significant accumulation of pollutants since the industrial revolution. The researchers found that the deposition of pollutants is linked to fine sediments transported by currents, causing a strong accumulation on the seabed.
A recent global study found that more than a quarter of the world's rivers had pharmaceutical concentrations at potentially toxic levels. The study, which included data from over 258 rivers across seven continents, also revealed concurrent contamination by multiple classes of pharmaceuticals.
Researchers found that kitchen sponges provide an optimal environment for microbial diversity by mimicking the separation and communal spaces found in healthy soil. This complex structure supports both solitary and diverse bacterial communities, leading to higher biodiversity levels.