A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital identifies asthma, history of smoking, and chronic sinusitis as key risk factors for early COPD among US Hispanics/Latinos. The prevalence of early COPD was found to be 7.6 percent in this population, suggesting younger individuals are also susceptible to the disease.
Air pollution attributed to lung cancer ranks highest in Balkan countries and Poland, particularly among those aged 50-69. The top five countries are Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Bosnia/Herzegovina, and Poland.
A first-of-its-kind global study links short-term exposure to wildfire-related fine particulate matter to increased all-cause, respiratory, and cardiovascular mortalities. The research found that over 33,500 deaths annually are directly attributable to wildfire pollution in cities worldwide.
A study found that over 50 US localities allow indoor cannabis smoking lounges, exposing customers and employees to secondhand cannabis smoke. Most laws do not require smoke-free environments or effective ventilation, putting public health at risk.
A study published in Reproductive Toxicology found that rhesus macaques exposed to wildfire smoke early in pregnancy had an increased rate of miscarriage. The researchers discovered that high levels of small particles (PM2.5) and phthalates, known endocrine disruptors, were present in the smoke.
A new study from NYU Langone Health found that losing weight and managing excess body fat can significantly reduce the risk of lung disease in firefighters exposed to toxic substances on 9/11. The study analyzed 20 years of data from over 5,700 first responders and identified five key factors that predict lung disease.
Researchers found that residents in San Francisco and Los Angeles reduced PM2.5 particulate matter by half indoors on smoky days, despite outdoor levels remaining three times higher. Newer homes with central air conditioning performed better at keeping wildfire smoke out.
Researchers studied Northern California residents' responses to wildfire smoke, finding that social norms and social support significantly influence protective health actions. The study aims to promote safer behavior by understanding how people interact with information and make decisions during smoke events.
A new study finds that early-life exposure to tobacco smoke is associated with accelerated biological ageing in children. The analysis of over 1,000 children in six European countries revealed that maternal tobacco smoke during pregnancy and indoor exposure to black carbon are linked to an acceleration in epigenetic ageing.
Researchers found that taxi drivers who smoked cigarettes were more likely to cheat riders after the federal excise tax on cigarettes was raised. This spillover effect occurs when targeted individuals defraud others due to perceived unfairness and reduced buying power.
Children of parents who regularly use marijuana may experience more viral respiratory infections than those whose parents do not. The study highlights the potential risks of second-hand marijuana smoke exposure on young children's health and suggests targeting public health messaging to raise awareness about these issues.
A group of leading doctors and health experts warn that the UK government has failed to deliver on its promise to make England smoke-free by 2030. The smoking rate remains high, with over 200,000 children under 16 starting to smoke in the last two years.
A longitudinal study of 63,540 Australian women with more than one child found that 30% of smoking mothers-to-be were able to quit for their next pregnancies, reducing the risk of early birth. Quitting smoking during pregnancy can substantially reduce the risk of future preterm births.
A new study published in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology found a significant association between wildfire smoke exposure and an increased risk of contracting COVID-19 in Reno, Nev. During a prolonged 2020 wildfire smoke event, PM2.5 levels were associated with a 17.7% rise in COVID-19 cases.
Research finds that exhaled heated tobacco aerosol particles are droplets comprised of 75-85% water, evaporating quickly and not impacting indoor air quality. The aerosol is mostly composed of water droplets, unlike cigarette smoke, which lingers in the air and exceeds IAQ standards.
A new study by R&D at British American Tobacco found that switching to exclusive use of glo resulted in significant reductions in exposure to toxicants and indicators of potential harm compared to continuing to smoke. The study showed similar reductions in biomarkers as those who stopped smoking completely.
Researchers found that wildfire smoke affects the ability to observe more than a third of common bird species in Washington state. Higher concentrations of fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, were associated with harder-to-observe bird species, while some species became easier to detect when smoke was present.
A UBC Sauder study reveals that cigarette tax hikes can help bigger brands like Marlboro but harm consumers, whereas smoking restrictions tend to affect smaller players and reduce brand appeal. The researchers also found that anti-tobacco ads have a neutral impact on large brands.
A recent study published in Drug and Chemical Toxicology found that BAT's modern oral nicotine pouches have a comparable toxicant profile to NRTs, with significantly lower levels of toxicants than traditional oral snus. The study suggests that MO products should be placed close to NRTs on the reduced-risk product continuum.
University of Washington researchers develop a deep learning method to animate flowing materials in a single photo, creating seamless looping videos. The technique uses predicted motion and combines it with symmetry to create believable animations.
The study used ground and satellite measurements to show that the forest fire aerosol disturbed the free troposphere over Leipzig, Germany, and attenuated sunlight by a third. The Aeolus satellite provided valuable data on aerosols in the atmosphere.
Researchers have discovered significant smoke aerosols in pre-industrial Southern Hemisphere ice core samples, revealing a much fierier past than previously thought. This finding helps to refine climate predictions by accounting for the cooling effect of smoke particles, which may have been underestimated in current models.
A new study published in Science Advances reveals that the pre-industrial Southern Hemisphere was much smokier than previously thought, shedding light on the future impacts of global climate change. This research used ice core samples to determine the amount of smoke aerosols in the pre-industrial atmosphere.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.