Tres Lagunas Fire, New Mexico
The Tres Lagunas Fire has burned over 7,476 acres in New Mexico and forced evacuations for hundreds of homes and primary residences. The fire started on May 30 due to a downed power line and is currently uncontained.
Smoke
Articles tagged with Smoke
Agricultural fires in western Mexico
Dozens of agricultural fires were detected in western Mexico, likely set to manage land for crop growth, but producing smoke that degrades air quality. The fires were outlined in red by NASA's MODIS satellite on May 30, 2013.
A survey of GPs reveals that many identify nicotine as a harmful cigarette-smoke component
Many GPs incorrectly view nicotine as more harmful than smoke, despite understanding that smoking is riskier. This misunderstanding may influence advice on alternative nicotine products.
Aggressive behavior linked specifically to secondhand smoke exposure in childhood
Children exposed to secondhand smoke in early childhood are more likely to grow up physically aggressive and antisocial. The study, controlled for factors like parental antisocial behavior, found a statistical correlation between secondhand smoke exposure and deviant behavior.
Bed sharing leads to fivefold increase in risk of cot death for babies whose parents do not smoke
A new study from London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that bed sharing with breastfed babies under 3 months increases the risk of cot death by fivefold, even if parents do not smoke. The study suggests that promoting room sharing could save up to 40% of cot death cases in the UK.
Combined wood and tobacco smoke exposure increases risk and symptoms of COPD
A population-based study found that exposure to both wood smoke and tobacco smoke significantly increases the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and experiencing more frequent and severe symptoms. The study also found that those exposed to both types of smoke had poorer lung function scores and more phlegm,...
Individuals who drink heavily and smoke may show 'early aging' of the brain
A study finds that active smokers with alcohol dependence show more problems with memory, problem-solving skills, and cognitive efficiency than non-smokers. The effects become greater with increasing age, suggesting that chronic cigarette smoking and excessive alcohol consumption exacerbate neurocognitive decline in older adults.
Non-smoking hotel rooms still expose occupants to tobacco smoke
A study found that non-smoking hotel rooms can be polluted with third-hand smoke, even if the hotel has a partial smoking ban. Non-smokers who stayed at these hotels had higher levels of nicotine and other pollutants in their urine and finger wipes compared to those staying in total smoking banned hotels.
Satellite animation shows smoke from California's Springs fire
The NOAA GOES infrared and visible imagery created a 17-second animation of the smoke plume from May 3 to May 5, showing it blow westward into the eastern Pacific. The fire consumed 28,000 acres of brush in the coastal area northwest of Los Angeles.
Satellite captures night-time image of California's Springs fire
A NASA satellite captured a clear image of the growing Springs Fire in California using its highly sensitive instrument. The fire consumed over 28,000 acres of brush before being brought under control by firefighting efforts.
Secondhand smoke presents greater threat to teen girls than boys
Exposure to secondhand smoke at home has been linked to lower levels of 'good' cholesterol in teenage girls, increasing their risk of heart disease. The study found that 17-year-old girls exposed to passive smoking had declined HDL cholesterol levels, making them more vulnerable to cardiovascular disease.
SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 30, 2013
England's smoking ban linked to annual 5 percent drop in emergency admissions for asthma
A study analyzing emergency admissions for asthma among adults in England found a significant annual 5% drop following the introduction of the country's smoking ban in 2007. The study, published in Thorax, confirms the value of public health interventions and attributes the association to reduced secondhand smoke exposure.
Fires in the Yucatan Peninsula
Dozens of fires have been detected in the Yucatan Peninsula, with many believed to be deliberately set for agriculture purposes. The region is experiencing its dry season, which often leads to an increase in fires.
Fires in Southeastern United States
Thousands of wildfires are burning across the southeastern United States, with many prescribed fires also taking place to manage undergrowth and agricultural purposes. The National Interagency Fire Center reports 17 large fires, including three uncontained ones.
Fires in Victoria, Australia
NASA's Aqua satellite captured smoke and heat signatures from fires in Victoria's national parks on April 9, 2013. The affected areas include Snowy River, Errinundra, and Coopracamba National Parks.
Smoking may negatively impact kidney function among adolescents
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that exposure to tobacco smoke can damage adolescent kidneys, with effects beginning in childhood. The research used a nationally representative sample of US adolescents and found associations between tobacco use and lower kidney function.
Early COPD diagnosis possible with nuclear medicine
A new nuclear medicine technique can detect early changes to the lung caused by cigarette smoke exposure, providing a noninvasive method for studying lung dysfunction in preclinical models. This technique has the potential to be applied clinically to study and diagnose the early stages of COPD.
SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateApr 1, 2013
Cancer biologists find DNA-damaging toxins in common plant-based foods
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine has identified DNA-damaging toxins in commonly consumed plant-based foods, including liquid smoke flavoring, black and green teas, and coffee. The toxins, pyrogallol and gallic acid, can activate the p53 gene, which is associated with cancer.
Smokefree workplaces linked to smokefree homes in India
A study by Imperial College London found that adults in India who work in smokefree environments are more likely to live in a smokefree home. The implementation of smokefree legislation has been associated with reduced second-hand smoke exposure at home, highlighting the effectiveness of such laws.
Reducing smokers' exposure to cigarette smoke toxicants -- our first clinical study results
A six-week study in Germany showed that test products significantly reduced exposure to certain toxicants, including acrolein and tobacco-specific nitrosamines. The results demonstrate the potential of these technologies to lower health risks associated with smoking.
SourceR&D at British American Tobacco·JournalRegulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology·DateMar 25, 2013
Penn study finds smoking prolongs fracture healing
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that smoking delays fracture healing and increases post-operative complications. The research, which analyzed over 6,480 patient cases, shows that smokers take roughly six weeks longer to heal than non-smokers.
Scientists create new tools for battling secondhand smoke
Researchers at Dartmouth College have created a breakthrough device that can immediately detect secondhand tobacco smoke and even third-hand smoke. The sensor is small, light, and can be used in various settings to reduce the risk of health effects associated with environmental tobacco smoke.
Dartmouth researchers invent real time secondhand smoke sensor
Researchers at Dartmouth College have invented a mini prototype that can detect nicotine vapor molecules in real time, pinpointing when and where exposure occurred. The device has the potential to enforce no-smoking regulations and raise awareness about secondhand smoke risks.
Secondhand smoke exposure linked to signs of heart disease
Research found that people exposed to secondhand tobacco smoke have a higher risk of developing early signs of heart disease, including coronary artery calcification. The study also shows that the level of exposure to secondhand smoke is directly linked to the severity of CAC.
Contraband tobacco use hinders smoking cessation
A study published in CMAJ found that people who smoke contraband cigarettes are less likely to stop smoking compared to those who smoke premium or discount cigarettes. Contraband cigarettes are widely available and significantly cheaper than legitimate options.
SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 4, 2013
Postmenopausal women who smoked are more likely to lose teeth due to periodontal disease
A recent study found that postmenopausal women who smoked had significantly higher odds of experiencing tooth loss due to periodontal disease. The researchers also discovered that the more women smoked, the greater their risk of losing teeth as a result of periodontal disease.
Infrared digital holography allows firefighters to see through flames, image moving people
A new imaging technique using infrared digital holography allows firefighters to see through thick veils of smoke and walls of flame to find people in need of rescue. The system can capture a live, 3-D movie of the room and its contents, enabling the detection of moving people.
UTHealth: Alcohol consumption may be in response to smoking cessation
Researchers at UTHealth found that alcohol use can increase smoking and smoking urges in women attempting to quit. Higher, more volatile smoking urges were reported before drinking, suggesting a potential vicious cycle where smoking urges lead to alcohol consumption.
SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalExperimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology·DateFeb 12, 2013
Around 1 in 10 young mentally ill teens drinks, smokes, and uses cannabis
A cross-sectional study found that around 1 in 10 young teens with mental health issues also drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, and use cannabis on a weekly basis. The prevalence of this pattern of substance use increases with age and is linked to poorer mental and physical health outcomes.
Indoor air puts Chinese women nonsmokers at risk
A University at Buffalo study found that indoor air pollution contributes significantly to lung cancer risk in Chinese women, despite low smoking rates. The research measured particulate matter levels inside homes and linked them to lung cancer incidence, highlighting the need for improved ventilation systems and public education.
New way to identify 'smoked' grapes and wines
Scientists have developed a test to detect smoke taint in grapes and wines, which can be used to manage the production of smoky-tasting wines. The test uses laboratory tests to identify substances formed in grapes after exposure to smoke.
Smokers who quit before age 40 have lifespan almost as long as people who never smoked
Smokers who quit between ages 35 and 44 regained about nine years of life, while those who quit between ages 45-54 and 55-64 gained six and four years, respectively. Women who smoke like men also die like men.
Reduction in air pollution from wood stoves associated with significantly reduced risk of death
Research suggests a significant link between reduced biomass smoke pollution and decreased all-cause mortality, particularly among men. A study in Tasmania found that interventions to reduce wood heater use led to a 40% decrease in particulate air pollution and a 22.8% reduction in respiratory mortality for males alone.
Ceramic indoor cookstove use did not significantly lower child pneumonia risk in rural Kenya
A year-long study found that ceramic cookstoves in rural Kenya reduced air pollution but had no significant impact on pneumonia rates among young children. Despite lower smoke levels and respiratory symptoms, the stoves did not demonstrate a substantial health benefit.
Second-hand smoke increases risk of invasive meningococcal disease in children
Exposure to second-hand smoke significantly increases the risk of invasive meningococcal disease in children, with doubled risks at home and tripled risks for those born to smoking mothers. The study estimates an extra 630 cases of childhood invasive meningococcal disease per year.
Putting electronic cigarettes to the test
Researchers at Fraunhofer WKI conducted a study to analyze emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ultrafine particles, and formaldehyde from e-cigarettes. The results showed lower emissions of VOCs and ultrafine particles when smoking an e-cigarette compared to conventional cigarettes.
Smoking may worsen hangover after heavy drinking
Research suggests that smoking is linked to an increased risk of hangovers, with college students who smoked more heavily experiencing more severe symptoms. The study's findings imply a direct effect of tobacco smoking on hangovers, possibly due to the release of dopamine and nicotine receptors in the brain.
SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateDec 5, 2012
As cigarette taxes go up, heavy smoking goes down
A recent study found that heavy smokers who experienced significant price hikes from increased taxes reduced their smoking by an average of 35% more than lighter smokers. This suggests that higher taxes can lead to a substantial decrease in smoking behaviors among the most heavy users, which is a positive development for public health.
Housing quality associated with children's burn injury risk
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that homes with more housing quality code violations were less likely to have a working smoke alarm and safe hot water temperatures. The study, which surveyed low-income families in Baltimore, highlights the importance of improving home safety measures to reduce burn injuries among children.
Indoor workplace smoking bans garner strong support from Hoosiers
A recent Indiana survey found nearly 75% of Hoosiers in favor of a statewide or community indoor workplace smoking ban. The study suggests that policy makers have the backing of their constituents to pass such legislation. Support was consistent across most groups, with strong backing from non-smokers and those unaware of health risks.
Stroke survivors who smoke raise risk of more strokes, heart attack, death
A study published by the American Heart Association found that smoking survivors have a 30% higher risk of poor outcomes compared to non-smokers. Quitting smoking before a stroke also reduces this risk. The study suggests targeting smoking cessation programs for disadvantaged youth who are more likely to smoke.
Zeroing in on the 'science of sound propagation' in burning buildings
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have created an acoustic navigation system that can locate open doors inside burning buildings. The system uses a parametric array to create focused sound waves that can penetrate moderate-sized flames, providing firefighters with vital information to navigate safely.
New antidote for smoke-related cyanide toxicity shows promise
Researchers at CHEST 2012 present a promising new antidote, cobinamide, to reverse cyanide toxicity in smoke inhalation victims. The study showed that intravenous cobinamide reversed cyanide toxicity without adverse effects, offering hope for mass casualty exposure scenarios.
Secondhand smoke in cars, bars impairs breathing within 20 minutes
Exposure to secondhand smoke in cars and bars significantly affects airway resistance and impedance within 20 minutes. The study found that short-term exposure to concentrated smoke particulates led to immediate physiologic changes in normal airways.
Smoking in cars produces harmful pollutants at levels above WHO indoor air quality standards
A study found that smoking in cars produces hazardous particulate matter levels, exceeding WHO guidelines, even with windows open or AC on. This exposure can harm child passengers' health due to faster breathing rates and less developed immune systems.
Tobacco contains highly toxic compounds not regulated by law
A study analyzing ten brands of cigarettes found significant variations in the concentrations of harmful and carcinogenic substances, which are not regulated by law. The researchers developed catalysts to reduce the toxicity levels of tobacco, including a material that reduces carbon monoxide emissions by 23%.
SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalFood and Chemical Toxicology·DateOct 1, 2012
Uptick in cinematic smoking
A new UCSF study reveals a significant uptick in cinematic smoking, with top-grossing films featuring nearly 1,900 tobacco incidents in 2011. The increase in onscreen smoking targeted young audiences, contributing to the risk of starting to smoke and developing tobacco-induced disease.
Study of cigarette and waterpipe tobacco smoking shows knowledge gap in perceived health risks
A new study by Virginia Commonwealth University found that people who smoke both cigarettes and waterpipes have inadequate understanding of the dangers of tobacco smoking, putting them at higher risk of addiction and disease. The study also revealed a common misconception that waterpipe smoking is less harmful than cigarette smoking.
Secondhand smoke takes large physical and economic toll
A new study reveals that secondhand smoke exposure disproportionately affects African Americans, especially black infants, resulting in higher mortality rates. The study found that communities of color experience the greatest losses due to secondhand smoke, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateSep 20, 2012
Passive smoking also affects neurodevelopment in babies
A new study by experts at CRAMC University reveals that newborns exposed to nicotine from active and passive smoking mothers show poor physiological, sensory, motor, and attention responses. The researchers analyzed the behavior of 282 healthy newborns using the Neonatal Behavioural Evaluation Scale.
Popular kids in US and Mexico more likely to smoke, USC studies show
A USC-led study confirms a strong correlation between popularity and smoking behavior among high school students in the US and Mexico. Popular students were found to become smokers earlier and form friendships with other smokers.
SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateSep 6, 2012
Rapid response in cases of smoke poisoning
Researchers at the University of Zurich have developed a rapid detection method for blood cyanide, reducing analysis time from up to an hour. This allows emergency responders to administer antidotes promptly and monitor treatment more effectively.
Adolescent smokers have artery damage
Research presented at ESC Congress found that adolescent smokers have thicker artery walls, indicating early development of atherosclerosis. Early exposure to tobacco smoke is associated with various adverse health outcomes in children and adolescents.
Secondhand smoke impairs vital cough reflex in kids
Children exposed to secondhand smoke have a less sensitive cough reflex, making them more susceptible to environmental threats and increasing the risk of developing respiratory illnesses like pneumonia and bronchitis. The study's findings highlight a previously unrecognized public health risk from exposure to secondhand smoke.
SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalContributions to Tobacco & Nicotine Research·DateAug 20, 2012
New estimates reveal enormity of global tobacco use and urgent need to redouble control efforts
Global tobacco use remains high, with nearly half of adult men in developing countries still using tobacco products, and women starting to smoke at younger ages. Quit rates are also low, with less than 20% of adults reporting cessation in most countries.
Plain packaging of cigarettes encourages young smokers to heed health warnings
New research published in Addiction suggests that plain packaging of cigarettes can draw attention to health warnings and deter young smokers. The study found that students who were occasional or had tried smoking before paid more attention to the health warnings on plain packs.
Empa X-ray expert 'decodes' diesel soot
The study found that diesel soot triggers a genetic detoxification mechanism in human lung cells but also contains toxic substances like carboxyl groups. The World Health Organization has reclassified diesel soot as a cause of lung cancer based on sufficient evidence.
SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalToxicology Letters·DateAug 6, 2012
Solving the mystery of how cigarette smoking weakens bones
Researchers found that cigarette smoke produces large amounts of two proteins that stimulate the production of osteoclasts, cells responsible for breaking down old bone. This process weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures and disability among older people.
NASA observes the Waldo Canyon Fire, Colorado
The Waldo Canyon Fire has burned over 15,517 acres near Colorado Springs, forcing evacuations of at least 32,000 people. NASA satellites continue to provide coverage of the fire, which is currently being battled by over 750 firefighters.
Secondhand smoke is linked to Type 2 diabetes and obesity
Adults exposed to secondhand smoke have higher rates of Type 2 diabetes and obesity compared to nonsmokers. They also experienced insulin resistance, higher fasting blood glucose, and a higher body mass index.