A recent study by Desert Research Institute found that cold wildfire smoke can make soil surfaces hydrophobic, leading to severe water repellency and increased erosion. The research used sand samples treated with both hot and cold smoke, showing similar results in terms of water absorption time.
A Chinese study found a strong association between exposure to secondhand smoke and ADHD symptoms in school-age children. The researchers assessed prenatal, early postnatal or current exposure and symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among 1,044 children.
A study by Virginia Commonwealth University researchers found that secondhand smoke exposure during pregnancy is associated with epigenetic changes in babies, which can increase the risk of developmental disorders and cancer. The study analyzed data from over 100 pregnant women and found correlations between low levels of cotinine, a n...
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A new study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that chronic exposure to second-hand smoke results in lower body weight and cognitive impairments, particularly affecting males. Researchers used a specially designed 'smoking robot' to expose mice to cigarette smoke over 10 months.
Research presented at the ATS 2021 International Conference found that cumulative tobacco smoke exposure during pregnancy and childhood is associated with decreased lung function in children. Even small amounts of secondhand smoke exposure can have detrimental effects on children's lung function.
A study by Queen Mary University of London compared the safety and effects of heat not burn product IQOS with cigarettes, Juul, and refillable e-cigarettes. IQOS delivered less nicotine, had lower nicotine delivery than Juul, and was less effective in reducing urges to smoke.
A three-year study at West Virginia University is exploring the effects of vaping during pregnancy on long-term health outcomes in offspring. The research team has found that vaping can cause a similar dysfunctional response in blood vessels as smoking, leading to potential serious issues.
A study by the American College of Cardiology found that nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke have a 35% increased risk of developing heart failure. The association was strongest in men and among those with previous heart conditions, highlighting the need for education and stringent smoke-free policies.
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A new study found that repeat vape aerosol exposure had little impact on lung tissue, unlike combustible cigarette smoke, which caused significant biological responses in lung cell models.
The American Thoracic Society releases a report highlighting the need for research on wildfire smoke's effects on respiratory and cardiovascular health, as well as communication strategies to protect public health. The report emphasizes the importance of coordinated federal response and dedicated funding to mitigate health risks.
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.
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Recent studies point to links between environmental exposures and health risks, including respiratory problems from hog farms and inflammation caused by triclosan. Gulf War veterans may also be more susceptible to alcohol-induced liver damage due to environmental factors.
Exposure to secondhand smoke increases oral cancer risk by 51%, according to a review of existing research. Long-term exposure is associated with significantly higher risk, highlighting the need for effective prevention programmes.
A modeling study suggests that rapid air exchanges can cause a spike in viral concentrations within 30 minutes and remain elevated for up to 90 minutes. Increasing outdoor air and strong filtration reduce transmission risk, but the effect of increased ventilation rate is less obvious.
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A new study found that short-term exposure to hazardous air quality from wildfire smoke can harm skin health, particularly for those with eczema. The research, conducted during the Camp Fire in 2018, saw a significant increase in patients visiting clinics with concerns of eczema and general itch.
A UC Riverside-led team developed a simple method to assess contaminants in household fabrics exposed to thirdhand smoke. The study found that THS chemicals are more extractable from fabrics in humid environments, posing greater exposure risks for people living in such conditions.
Researchers identified a genetic pathway that could help treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by sweeping out excess mucus from the lungs. The pathway involves the ANT2 gene, which produces proteins that enhance cilia function and hydration layer formation in lung cells.
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A new study reveals that Canada's 2016-2017 menthol cigarette ban led to significant increases in smokers attempting to quit, successfully quitting, and experiencing lower relapse rates. The study estimates an additional 923,000 smokers could quit if the US implemented a similar ban.
The new guidelines recommend yearly low-dose CT scans for Americans aged 50-80 with a 20 pack-year smoking history or those who quit less than 15 years ago. The expanded criteria aim to reduce lung cancer disparities in Black people and women.
Researchers have developed a novel instrument to measure the effects of water on wildfire smoke absorption, which could enhance light absorption by up to 20%. The findings were tested in laboratory experiments and will be deployed next year as part of a DOE campaign to better understand fire impacts.
Children exposed to tobacco smoke are more likely to use emergent health services, leading to higher costs and toll on the nation's healthcare system. The study highlights the need for prevention strategies such as standardized interventions in urgent care settings and promoting smoke-free home and car policies.
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.
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A recent study published in Toxicological Research & Application compared the effects of vape aerosol and cigarette smoke on human lung tissue. The research found that exposure to vape aerosol had a minimal impact on gene expression compared to combustible cigarettes.
A survey of English smokers found that ethnic minority groups were less likely to use e-cigarettes as a means of reducing cigarette consumption or during temporary abstinence. This disparity may contribute to the higher risk of smoking-related diseases among these groups, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
A study found that Australian fires created a spreading stratospheric haze, peaking in January to March and persisting through July. The particles were transported by mid-latitude cyclone belts and weather patterns, eventually settling around the entire hemisphere.
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Australian wildfires injected massive amounts of smoke into the stratosphere, causing record-breaking levels of atmospheric aerosols in the Southern Hemisphere. The effect was comparable to that of a moderate volcanic eruption and caused significant cooling over cloud-free ocean regions.
A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that cannabis use among adults with children in states where legalization has occurred increased significantly. The study highlights the need for education on protecting youth from secondhand cannabis smoke, which poses health risks similar to tobacco smoke.
A recent study suggests that non-O blood type increases the risk of stroke in women who smoke and take oral contraceptives, with nearly five times the likelihood of a stroke compared to those without these factors. Blood type was found to be an independent risk factor after adjusting for other variables.
The National Cancer Institute funded a 5-year grant to integrate two evidence-based programs: Some Things are Better Outside and SafeCare. The goal is to eliminate child secondhand smoke exposure and reduce cancer risk among families involved with child protection services.
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Long-range wildfire smoke is associated with increased hospitalizations for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cardiovascular health outcomes. Local wildfires were found to be protective of residents' health due to evacuation efforts and media coverage.
Researchers confirm that fine particles in wildfire smoke can be several times more harmful to human respiratory health than particulate matter from car exhaust and other sources. The study, focused on Southern California, highlights the risks of tiny airborne particles with diameters of up to 2.5 microns.
Researchers found that cigarette smoke affects communication between bacteria, causing a negative effect on the formation of biofilm in lungs. Cigarette filters helped lower toxicity levels, highlighting the need for new filter development to reduce harm.
A new study reveals that menthol cigarettes contributed to a significant increase in smoking prevalence among US youth and adults between 1980 and 2018. The researchers estimated that the availability of menthol cigarettes led to 10.1 million extra smokers, resulting in 378,000 premature deaths over the 38-year period.
A new study found that daily emails about tobacco chemicals and health risks increased smokers' desire to quit by almost 10%. The messages, combined with graphic images, were sufficient to stimulate quit intentions. Researchers believe this innovative strategy can inform the FDA's educational campaigns.
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A landmark study reveals that airborne particulate matter is contaminated with tobacco smoke-driven particulates, with Nicotelline identified as a suitable marker. The study shows a ubiquitous presence of Nicotelline even at low concentrations, with geographical variability linked to population density and tobacco use prevalence.
A recent OSU study found that support for smoke- and tobacco-free campus policies grew substantially over a five-year span, with increased support among tobacco users. The study analyzed two surveys conducted at OSU in 2013 and 2018, showing a significant shift in attitudes towards tobacco-free policies.
A new study suggests that Native American farmers in the Jemez Mountains of northern New Mexico learned to manage fire as an ally to prevent dangerous blazes, clearing flammable material and promoting forest resilience. The ancient practice of controlled burns could help mitigate modern wildfires.
A study published in Nature Communications found that wildfire smoke is more cooling than current models assume. The research team used observations from around the world and compared them to climate model results, revealing a significant difference.
Researchers define surgical smoke as a hazardous vapor composed of aerosolized chemicals, with potential to obscure vision, cause respiratory issues, and even contain viruses. Laws mandating its evacuation from operating rooms are recommended to reduce health impacts.
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Two new studies from the University of Rochester Medical Center found an association between vaping and difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions. Adolescents who started vaping before age 14 were more likely to experience mental fog than those who started later.
Researchers found that almost two-thirds of light smokers (1-4 cigarettes/day) and a quarter of those smoking less than weekly were addicted. The study suggests that clinicians should consider lighter smokers for treatment, as they may still require assistance to quit.
Wildfire smoke carries microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, that can spread infection when inhaled. The study highlights the potential for wildfires to become a source of bioaerosols, which can travel long distances and impact human health.
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
A new study found that young people who prefer to stay up late are more impulsive, anxious, and likely to engage in substance use. The research suggests that improving sleep hygiene could reduce these behaviors among young adults.
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Researchers found that ozone reacts with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on surfaces to produce new compounds. The study characterized these compounds for the first time and found they form over time, decreasing THC levels.
A study found that people who cook with biomass fuels like wood are at risk of suffering considerable damage to their lungs due to breathing in dangerous concentrations of pollutants and bacterial toxins. The researchers also found a smaller subset of biomass users who had very high levels of air trapping and abnormal tissue mechanics.
A new study finds that e-cigarette use is associated with a higher risk of cigarette smoking among adolescents who had no prior intention of taking up conventional smoking. E-cigarette users are more than four times more likely to start smoking cigarettes one year later compared to non-users.
Research shows that adult global longitudinal strain declines significantly with increased exposure to secondhand smoke in childhood. The study found a link between childhood smoking exposure and decreased heart function in adulthood, highlighting the importance of protecting children from passive smoking.
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A new BU study finds that bisexual youth are twice as likely to start smoking compared to their straight peers. Coming out as lesbian or gay did not increase the risk of smoking. The research highlights the need for targeted public health interventions to address the unique challenges faced by bisexual young people.
A new study by NYU Langone researchers found that tenant exposure to secondhand smoke in NYCHA buildings has not declined despite a smoking ban implemented one year ago. The policy requires more intensive efforts to support and enforce the rule, including better training for building managers and resident education.
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 global team of researchers found a record-setting smoke cloud from Australian wildfires that measured 1,000 kilometers across and remained intact for three months. The team's findings provide critical information on the impact of wildfires on the Earth's atmosphere, which is expected to increase due to climate change.
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A study by Stanford researchers recommends clear guidelines on mask use during wildfires and COVID-19 crises. They suggest reconciling evidence-based messaging, clarifying mask types, and providing culturally sensitive formats to reach vulnerable groups.
Research shows that intensive smoking cessation counseling for newly diagnosed cancer patients improves quality of life, reduces complications and increases survival. The study found that providing six months of inexpensive tobacco cessation support at diagnosis can result in significant cost savings and improved health outcomes.
Researchers found that male voice, female voice, and hybrid voice-tone alarms awakened 85-89% of children and prompted 84-89% to escape, outperforming the high-frequency tone alarm. These alarms may reduce residential fire-related injuries and deaths among children.
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The August Complex of fires has grown to over 1,000,000 acres burned, making it the largest fire in California's history. The complex is 58% contained and poses a significant threat to structures in several areas, including Hidden Valley and Wildwood.
A UCSF study found parents are more likely to know their child is using e-cigarettes if they're older and male, but less aware of vaping compared to smoking. Parents setting strict household rules can help prevent tobacco use in children.
A study found that video messages are significantly more effective than text-only messages in influencing parent smokers' intentions to protect their children from secondhand smoke. Videos depicting the risks and solutions were most effective, especially when including recommendations for cessation and exposure reduction.
A recent study by University of Kentucky researchers uses new technology to identify receptors responsible for encoding the complex odor of cigarette smoke. The study's findings could lead to the development of blockers to improve smoking cessation rates, which are notoriously low.
New research by British American Tobacco indicates that modern oral nicotine products (MOPs) are less biologically active than traditional cigarettes and snus, with some products failing to elicit a biological response. The study suggests MOPs may be a reduced-risk option for users who switch completely from smoking.
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