Articles tagged with Smoke
A new study found that exposure to remote wildfire smoke drifting across the US led to a 20% increase in medical visits for heart and lung conditions. Patients who were older, non-smokers, and more socio-economically affluent were at higher risk on poor air quality days.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that prolonged exposure to wildfire pollution can decrease life expectancy by about one week. Living in green neighborhoods with more extensive greenspaces can be beneficial for health, but even small increases can lead to slight life expectancy gains.
Researchers tracked farmworker movement and behavior in response to wildfire smoke using cell phone data from over 12,000 workers. The study found that workers reduced their hours worked by 37% on smoky days and switched fields to avoid worst conditions.
Research reveals that US cities in Western states had the highest average smoke levels over five years, but 2023 saw metropolitan areas like Baltimore flooded with unhealthy smoke. The algorithm helped identify cities with significant air pollution from wildfires, including Sacramento, Medford, and Bend.
The USC-led CLIMA Center will investigate the combined impacts of climate-related exposures and adaptation capacity on human health, using a transdisciplinary approach. The center aims to inform policies that protect vulnerable communities and strengthen climate resilience.
A cohort study found that long-term exposure to wildfire and fine particulate matter was associated with dementia diagnoses. The study suggests that reducing wildfire PM2.5 exposure could decrease dementia diagnoses and address health disparities.
A recent study led by the University of Washington found that higher long-term exposure to wildfire smoke is associated with a significant increase in the odds of developing dementia. The researchers analyzed health records of 1.2 million Southern California residents and found that exposure to wildfire PM2.5 increased the risk of deme...
The new NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Quitting Smoking provide critical support and guidance for individuals with cancer seeking to quit smoking. The guidelines offer a fresh perspective and renewed hope, featuring multiple evidence-based options, including nicotine replacement therapy, behavior therapy, and non-nicotine medicines.
Light ex-smokers experience a CVD risk reduction similar to never-smokers within years of smoking cessation. Heavy ex-smokers require longer periods, up to 25 years, for their residual CVD risk to align with that of never-smokers.
This prospective cohort study found that evidence-based smoking cessation treatment within 6 months of a cancer diagnosis significantly improves survival outcomes. Smoking cessation is an essential early clinical intervention for patients with cancer, supporting the maximization of survival benefits.
A new grant will investigate the role of social media in teen e-cigarette and cigarette use. Researchers will analyze social influences, particularly through online networks, to understand how teens are influenced to smoke and use e-cigarettes. The study aims to develop effective interventions to reduce nicotine product use among teens.
Forest fires globally emitted half a billion tonnes more CO2 in the last two decades, with increased severity and extent driven by climate change. The study reveals alarming shifts in forest fire patterns, posing significant challenges for global targets to combat climate change.
Research at UC Davis found that megafire smoke can lower energy reserves in orchard trees and cut nut production by half, affecting plants for months after the fire. The study suggests that trees are vulnerable to smoke like humans, impacting agricultural and natural environments.
A cross-sectional study found that 87% of Instagram posts from synthetic nicotine brand accounts failed to comply with FDA health warning requirements. This non-compliance may contribute to increased youth engagement with tobacco marketing.
A University of Colorado Boulder study of 10,000 pre-teens found that increased wildfire smoke exposure was linked to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other internalizing symptoms. Repeated high-level exposures had a greater impact on risk than annual averages or maximum levels.
Scientists have created a way to lessen smoke taint in wine by adding molecularly imprinted polymers during or after fermentation. The technique selectively removes undesirable volatile compounds while preserving desirable constituents.
The UC Irvine study found that frequent wildfires and smoke exposure take a significant toll on physical and mental health, local economies, and community resilience. Residents shared stories of breathing difficulties, sinus problems, eye irritation, psychological stress, anxiety, and fear due to persistent smoke and extreme heat.
A study found disparities in tobacco ad exposure among U.S. adults based on race/ethnicity, education level, and smoking status, highlighting the need for targeted public health interventions to vulnerable populations. The study aims to inform regulation of tobacco ads to reduce their impact.
A tailored, interactive text message intervention was found to increase self-reported vaping cessation rates among adolescents recruited via social media channels. The program effectively reduced dual use and prevented teens from starting to smoke.
Discrepancies in e-cigarette products containing nicotine analogues may lead to uncertainty about user exposure, hindering risk assessment for clinical and regulatory purposes. The largely unknown acute and chronic inhalation hazards and addictive potential of nicotine analogues pose a significant concern.
A study by UNESP found that smoke from two concentrations stimulates germination in 32% of plant species, with some grasses growing faster. The results could aid restoration strategies for degraded areas and offer a competitive advantage to certain Cerrado species after fires.
Researchers at Oregon State University found that wildfire smoke can reduce temperature stress on young seedlings, making them more resilient to extreme heat events. The study showed a significant cooling effect of wildfire smoke, similar to an increase in canopy cover, which can provide benefits for tree regeneration.
A cross-sectional study found lower nicotine absorption in children exposed to secondhand e-cigarette vapor compared to tobacco smoke. Exposure to e-cigarette vapor still posed a significant health risk to children, however.
A cohort study found that cannabis use was an independent risk factor for COVID-19-related complications, even after considering other risk factors. The study suggests that cannabis may increase the risk of severe illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19.
A randomized clinical trial found that both electronic cigarettes containing nicotine and varenicline were effective for 6-month smoking cessation. The study results suggest a potential new approach to smoking cessation.
A study found that nearly all US lakes were exposed to wildfire smoke for at least one day per year between 2019 and 2021. The researchers introduced a new metric, the 'lake-smoke day', to track smoke prevalence at lakes, which could help establish a baseline to better understand the extent of wildfire impacts.
Australian scientists have developed an AI-powered system to detect bushfires from space, reducing detection time by 500 times compared to traditional methods. The system uses hyperspectral imagery and onboard AI to identify fire smoke before it takes hold, allowing for faster responses and preventing loss of life and property.
A recent study published in Communications: Earth & Environment found that wildfires covered 70% of California during the largest fire seasons on record. The study measured the impact of wildfire smoke on lakes and found changes in temperature, light, and oxygen levels, affecting lake productivity and health.
A study found that healthcare professionals attending certain endoscopic gastrointestinal procedures can be exposed to dangerous toxin levels, similar to smoking a cigarette. The researchers suggest possible solutions such as using insufflators or masks to reduce smoke exposure during procedures.
A new model combines wildfire smoke forecasts and ground-based sensor data to help public health officials plan targeted interventions. The researchers found that urban and rural communities already burdened by pollution face higher air pollution levels during unexpected smoke events.
Increasing varenicline dosage enhanced abstinence rates in individuals who initially failed with the medication. For non-abstainers, a dosage increase or switch to varenicline also showed promise as rescue strategies.
Researchers will explore health effects of fire exposure in the wildland-urban interface, measuring exposure risk and evaluating effective interventions such as rapid reporting of data and improved personal protective equipment. The study aims to reduce firefighter health risks and improve overall public health responses.
A study found open waste burning increases health risks to a remote Arctic community due to high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution. Continuous air quality monitoring is crucial for protecting public health, particularly in the Arctic region.
Researchers have developed a bio-based hyperbranched flame retardant called PA-DAD, which significantly improves the limiting oxygen index values and UL-94 ratings of epoxy resin composites. The addition of PA-DAD also enhances the mechanical properties of EP composites, including tensile, flexural, and impact strengths.
The new campus brings together expertise on atmospheric and biodiversity research to study interactions between the atmosphere and biosphere, particularly in the context of rapid climate change. Researchers will investigate effects of aerosol particles from vegetation on air quality, Earth's radiation balance and vegetation patterns.
The study found that while cigarettes maintained market share, their popularity decreased, allowing for a more diverse marketplace at various price points. Modern oral nicotine products, such as nicotine pouches, emerged as the fastest-growing and most price-stable options.
Researchers found that Indigenous communities in California were exposed to 1.7 times more wildfire smoke than expected, with the average annual exposure being a critical factor in understanding long-term health effects. The study proposes new metrics to measure cumulative exposure and duration of smoke exposure.
A study of 8,988 preadolescent children found a significant link between tobacco product use and an increased risk of suicide attempts among elementary school-aged children. The findings suggest that emerging tobacco products are also associated with this increased risk, emphasizing the need for preventive policies.
A survey study reveals primary care pediatricians lack preparedness in managing adolescent OUD, with a notable gap compared to other substance use disorders. The results underscore the importance of workforce training programs to address this critical healthcare issue.
A study of 2.9 million Korean adults found that quitting smoking at any age reduced the risk of cancer, particularly lung cancer, after 10 years. Early cessation before middle age led to a substantial risk reduction in lung cancer.
A recent study by Curtin University found that 1454 avoidable deaths occurred due to fine particle air pollution from extreme events like bushfires and dust storms. The research suggests nearly one-third of these deaths could be prevented if pollution events were reduced by 5 per cent.
In a randomized clinical trial of 1,068 smokers, electronic cigarettes were shown to be as effective as varenicline in aiding smoking cessation, while being more effective than nicotine chewing gum. The study suggests that e-cigarettes may offer a viable alternative for quitting smoking with minimal behavioral support.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a spray coating for grapes that can prevent off-flavors caused by wildfire smoke. The coatings, made with cellulose nanofibers and chitosan, block or capture wildfire smoke compounds, protecting wine quality.
A new study by the University of Technology Sydney suggests that office air conditioning can reduce the risk of harm from wildfire smoke. The researchers found that air conditioning filters in UTS Buildings 4 and 7 captured a significant portion of wildfire smoke, reducing exposure to toxic particles for staff and students.
New research finds that PAHs in wildfire smoke can persist on indoor materials for weeks, posing health risks. Effective household cleaning techniques, such as laundering cotton and using glass cleaners, can significantly reduce exposure.
A study found polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Southern Resident killer whales and Bigg's killer whales off the coast of B.C., with contaminants from oil spills and wildfire smoke. The presence of PAHs suggests recent exposures to toxic chemicals, emphasizing the need for improved pollution management.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open analyzed data from 10,000 US adolescents and found a significant increase in e-cigarette use during late pregnancy. However, the study revealed no statistically significant association between e-cigarette use and an increased risk of small-for-gestational-age birth among adolescents.
A study of 353,000 US adults found a decline in smoking prevalence from 2011 to 2022, except for those 65 and older. The greatest gains in reducing smoking-attributable morbidity and mortality can be achieved by targeting individuals with low socioeconomic status.
A study of 438,000 U.S. adults found that smoking cessation can significantly reduce cardiovascular, cancer, and respiratory mortality rates. Within a decade of quitting, former smokers' risk of cardiovascular death was approximately one-third that of continuing smokers.
A nationally representative survey reveals a shift in tobacco use among young adults, with historically low cigarette use and higher e-cigarette use. Exclusive e-cigarette users are unlikely to transition to combustible tobacco.
Research reveals that smoke from individual extreme forest fires can lead to global impacts, influencing the energy balance of the atmosphere and global climate. The study found a significant temperature increase in upper air layers and weakening of lower stratospheric circulation.
Research highlights short-term increases in fine particulate air pollution associated with increased health care visits for heart attacks and unstable chest pain. The risk for each cardiac event differs by season, with summer wildfires causing immediate hospitalization needs for chest pain but delayed action for heart attacks.
E-cigarette use persisted among young adults aged 18-24, with 71.5% of those who used e-cigarettes never having used combustible cigarettes. This finding highlights the need for targeted public health policies.
Research from Colorado State University shows wildfire smoke can attach to home surfaces like carpet and drapes, extending exposure and potentially causing health problems. Simple surface cleaning, such as vacuuming or mopping, can reduce exposure and limit risk.
A new study reveals a reversal in the trend of early-onset lung cancer, now affecting younger women and middle-aged adults. The increased incidence in women is attributed to rising rates among those born in the 1960s, without higher smoking prevalence.
Researchers found that Canadian wildfire smoke exposure led to a slightly higher bump in asthma-related hospital visits compared to high-pollen days. However, other potential health effects, such as heart attacks and strokes, require further investigation.
Researchers from FAU will examine the effects of smoke-related air pollution on social isolation, cognitive function and risk of Alzheimer's disease in rural residents along Lake Okeechobee. The five-year study aims to promote early awareness of the disease and earlier modification of associated risk factors.
Researchers used AI and mobility data to enhance air pollution models, improving accuracy by an average of 17.5% and identifying hotspots with high PM2.5 levels. This integrated approach can inform targeted health alerts and safety measures for areas with poor air quality.
Adults increasingly perceive daily cannabis smoking as safer than tobacco and secondhand smoke exposure, despite existing science suggesting otherwise. This survey study of 5,035 adults found a significant shift in perceptions over four years.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis discovered that wildfires emit dark brown carbon, a potent climate-warming particle that absorbs solar radiation. This finding has broad implications for climate models and highlights the need to revise existing approaches to account for the unexpected effects of brown carbon.