Articles tagged with Smoke
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.
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 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
A new study found that wildfire smoke leads to a 6.1% increase in medical visits for asthma patients compared to days with similar pollution levels from other sources. The research team suggests that wildfire PM is more hazardous than non-wildfire PM for asthma patients, likely due to differences in chemical composition or human behavior.
Researchers detected nitrous acid levels two to four times higher than expected in wildfire plumes globally, driving increased ozone pollution and air quality harm. The chemical accelerates the formation of lung-damaging ozone pollution downwind of fires, with significant variations depending on ecosystem type.
A New Zealand survey found that e-cigarette use is increasing among smokers and recent quitters, with most common reasons being to help quit or cut down on smoking. The study suggests e-cigarettes are contributing to reducing smoking prevalence, but more work is needed to achieve the goal of becoming smokefree by 2025.
A study by San Diego State University researchers found that cleaning thirdhand smoke residue in homes can reduce nicotine contamination, but the effects are temporary. Frequent vacuuming, dusting, and surface cleaning can help minimize exposure to household dust and touch surfaces.
Wildfires have ravaged western states, with over 3.1 million acres burned in California alone. Climate experts blame drought, heat, and strong winds for the disaster.
Aerosols from western fires detected by NASA's Terra instrument pose a significant threat to climate and human health. High concentrations of aerosols can reduce visibility, impact respiratory systems, and exacerbate cardiovascular issues.
The analysis found that adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a decreased risk of rheumatoid arthritis in women who smoked or used to smoke. Among these individuals, high adherence to the Mediterranean diet resulted in 383 cases per 1 million people per year compared to 515 cases per 1 million people per year.
A study found that lockdowns in Scotland had little impact on outdoor air pollution, with no decline in toxic fine particles despite a 65% reduction in vehicles on the road. Instead, people may be at greater risk from air pollution in their own homes due to increased indoor exposure.
A new UC study found that children exposed to tobacco smoke have higher rates of hospital admissions and respiratory-related procedures, with increased risk of asthma treatments. The study suggests that emergency departments should screen for tobacco smoke exposure and provide resources to families.
The NOAA-NASA Suomi NPP satellite captured images of smoke obscuring the US landscape, indicating a significant area of deep red range suggesting hazardous aerosol concentrations. Aerosols from fires can affect climate, visibility, and human health, particularly respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
The NOAA-NASA satellite has revealed detailed images of the Elkhorn Fire in California, highlighting burned areas and fire-affected regions. The satellite's reflective solar bands provide valuable information for firefighters and scientists to track the spread of the fire.
Research at National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) found that people's sense of danger lowers when exposed to smoke, leading to a false sense of security. The most critical factor for evacuation decisions is perceived risk, with increasing perceptions leading to increased likelihood of evacuation.
The Suomi NPP satellite captured two images of California's wildfires, showing the direction of smoke travel and aerosol layer thickness. The smoke was traveling in two directions, with some heading east to Salt Lake City and others west into the Pacific Ocean.
Researchers at UQ and Griffith University use quantum superposition of order to successfully transmit information through two noisy channels. The technique, which can nullify the effect of one noisy medium on another, has potential applications in satellite communication and secret sharing.
A recent study by Colorado State University atmospheric scientists aims to settle the debate on black carbon's impact on cloud formation. The research found that black carbon is not as important as previously thought for ice particle formation in mid-level clouds.
A massive wildfire complex has engulfed California, with over 650 fires burning in the state. NASA's Terra satellite captured the smoke-engulfed state on August 24, 2020, revealing a pervasive smoky pall that has affected areas from California to Minnesota and Nebraska.
Four low-cost air quality monitors provided actionable information during wildfire events, with correlations to reference monitors being 'phenomenally good.' However, the devices required adjustments and checks to use their numbers, with an estimated adjustment factor of 0.48 for PurpleAir PA-II monitors.
The Apple Fire has grown to 26,850 acres with 15% containment, spreading into sparse wilderness areas due to low moisture content and high temperatures. NASA's Aqua satellite provided two images of the fire, including a true color image and one showing corrected reflectance bands for burn scar detection.
A study found that smokers, even those with a lower body mass index (BMI), have a higher risk of depositing fat in organs and tissues compared to non-smokers. This excess fat can disrupt normal functions and increase health complications such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Researchers found that COVID-19 patients who smoke or vape are more vulnerable to viral and bacterial infections, as well as cerebrovascular-neurological dysfunction. The study suggests that the virus can affect the brain and lead to ischemic strokes in smokers.
Experts say mask requirements protect workers at retail stores and restaurants from COVID-19. Mandatory mask-wearing could normalize in the US like it has in east Asia.
Exposure to wildfire smoke affects the body's respiratory and cardiovascular systems almost immediately, according to a UBC study. The researchers found that even within one hour of exposure, ambulance dispatches related to respiratory and cardiovascular conditions increased.
The Bighorn Fire, which started in the Catalina Mountains on June 5th, has grown to 65,536 acres and is 33 percent contained. The Suomi NPP satellite captured a massive smoke trail extending 63 miles southeast and 41 miles northeast, providing critical information for fire management and ecosystem monitoring.
Researchers found a causal link between prolonged loneliness and increased likelihood of smoking behavior, including starting to smoke, smoking more cigarettes, and decreasing chances of quitting. The study used Mendelian randomization, a novel research method, to explore the relationship between loneliness and substance abuse.
Researchers found that Māori and Pacific people who struggle to quit smoking may find it easier to switch to vaping if they find it satisfying and are exposed to fewer smoking cues. The study provides valuable insights into the uptake of electronic nicotine delivery systems among these communities.
Research on mice shows that gut microbiome alterations can slow cancer growth when exposed to cigarette smoke. Cancer-promoting effects of smoke are eliminated with antibiotics, and the immune system plays a crucial role in this process.
Researchers recreated DNA damage caused by tobacco smoke in laboratory-grown human bladder tissues. The study found that while direct DNA damage from smoke toxins is unlikely to cause bladder cancer, they may accelerate other DNA-damaging events.
Research comparing teen e-cigarette users with those who tried other tobacco products first found that only a tiny proportion of experimental vapers went on to smoke. Young vapers were less likely to smoke than peers trying out other tobacco products, contradicting previous studies linking teen vaping to smoking.
Research discovered that tobacco smoke off-gassing transports contaminants equivalent to several cigarettes of secondhand smoke into indoor areas. Thirdhand smoke includes residual chemicals left on surfaces and skin, presenting significant health risks to non-smokers.
A new study from Yale University reveals that third-hand smoke can travel into indoor spaces through human contact, exposing non-smokers to hazardous chemicals. The research found that even in well-ventilated areas like movie theaters, people can carry and release third-hand smoke contaminants, posing health risks.
Research shows that concentrations of nicotine and smoking-related volatile organic compounds spike when moviegoers enter a non-smoking theater, equivalent to up to 10 cigarettes of secondhand smoke. The study highlights the need for regulation and warns of the health risks of thirdhand exposure, especially for infants and children.
A new vapour product called iSwitch has been shown to have significantly fewer and lower levels of certain toxicants compared to cigarette smoke. The study found that the iSwitch vapour contained no or extremely low levels of analytes, even when used at high power settings.
A team of UBC Okanagan researchers has developed a preventative strategy for protecting grapes from volatile phenols in smoke, which can impact wine flavor. Applying an agricultural spray composed of phospholipids to wine grapes one week before exposure to simulated forest fire smoke significantly reduces smoky flavor compounds.
A new study published in Annals of Surgery found that nearly all weight-loss surgery patients quit smoking at least a month before their operation, but the prevalence of smoking steadily climbs back to pre-surgery levels within seven years. The researchers suggest that ongoing support is needed to reduce and quickly respond to relapses.
A new study from UC Davis finds significant disparities between employers' and employees' approaches to wildfire smoke concerns. Many farmworkers prioritize work over safety, while some employers lack clear plans or protocols for managing air quality.
A recent study by the Keck School of Medicine found that vapers and smokers exhibit similar epigenetic changes in their genome, which can cause genes to malfunction. These chemical alterations are commonly found in human cancer and other serious diseases.
Researchers analyzed data from over 49,000 adults and found that while overall smoking rates have decreased among Americans aged 20+, the rate of stroke survivors who smoke remains steady. The study emphasizes the importance of quitting smoking for stroke survivors, citing the highly addictive nature of nicotine.