Articles tagged with Particulate Matter
Scientists at North Carolina State University have created a highly-porous, superadhesive mesh that can capture both large and small microplastic particles, including those as small as tens of nanometers. The mesh is made from sustainable biopolymers and can clean microplastics from both saltwater and freshwater.
A study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found a strong association between air pollution, particularly PM2.5, and increased disease activity and flare risk in RA patients. The study suggests that avoiding prolonged exposure to poor air quality may help reduce disease activity.
A novel dynamic imine bond adhesive technology enhances commercial filters with improved particle retention and filtration performance, increasing efficiency and lifespan by up to 10-30% and extending filter lifespan by nearly a factor of two.
A study of 997,701 ED visits in Alberta and Ontario found a significant association between wildfire-sourced PM2.5 and a 6% increase in ED visits for migraine and primary headache syndromes. Associations were attenuated in less deprived areas, suggesting that wildfire-sourced PM2.5 may trigger severe headache episodes requiring ED care.
A European cohort study suggests that childhood exposure to air pollution at home and school increases the risk of metabolic syndrome. The study found stronger associations with metabolic syndrome risk at school than at home.
Exposure to even moderate levels of multiple air pollutants during critical stages of pregnancy may increase the risk of preterm birth. The study found that a mixture of ozone and fine particulate matter posed the strongest relationship to early preterm birth.
A new study finds herbal cigarettes can be as damaging as tobacco cigarettes, emitting comparable or even more harmful emissions. Fine particles and oxidative potential were measured, revealing a significant risk to cardiovascular and respiratory health.
A study found that even low levels of particulate matter in the air increased hospitalization risk for men with kidney diseases. Men aged 19-50 were most at risk, with prolonged exposure to high concentrations increasing the risk of chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury.
A drone equipped with low-cost air quality sensors has revealed unexpectedly high concentrations of particulate matter at around 100 meters above ground level in Delhi. The findings suggest that current model simulations underestimate PM2.5 mass concentrations during morning haze episodes, highlighting the need for better mitigation st...
Researchers have developed a chemical-free method to upcycle waste chitin into high-performance porous carbons, which can efficiently capture and release hydrocarbons. The materials' pore structure can be precisely tuned through steam activation time, leading to improved adsorption and desorption performance.
A study analyzing air pollutants' impact on lung cancer reveals that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) increases the risk of all subtypes, while NO2, O3, and SO2 are linked to non-small-cell lung cancer. No associations were found between gaseous pollutants and small-cell carcinoma.
A new study from the ECHO Program found that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) before and after birth may influence childhood blood pressure patterns. High blood pressure in children is a growing concern worldwide, with nearly 80% increase over two decades.
A cohort study found higher fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure associated with lower birth weight, particularly in early and mid-pregnancy. The study's findings suggest that understanding windows of susceptibility to environmental exposures can inform strategies for limiting exposure during critical periods.
A cohort study found associations between exposure to multiple fine particulate matter components and increased depression risk among US Medicare population members. The study highlights the importance of targeted regulation to protect vulnerable populations from harmful air pollution.
A soft coral's ability to stiffen its skeleton in response to danger has been studied by Penn Engineers, revealing a mechanism known as granular jamming. By compacting mineral particles and expelling water, the coral's tissues create a rigid structure that can withstand external forces.
A new study published by Yonsei University reveals that air pollution is a significant contributor to workplace accidents, increasing the risk of accidents and fatalities by 2.6 times when PM2.5 concentrations double. The study estimates economic losses of up to $10 billion annually.
A large cohort study found associations between prenatal fine particulate matter components and postnatal ozone exposure with increased risk of autism spectrum disorder. These findings suggest that air pollution may play a role in the etiology of autism, warranting further research.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology have successfully synthesized Prussian Blue with an octahedral morphology by using a specialized solvent. The new crystal shape enhances electrochemical reactivity and stable performance in sodium-ion hybrid capacitors.
Researchers found that soot particles can transform their shape and behavior within hours of becoming airborne, altering their ability to warm or cool the atmosphere. This rapid transformation affects both soot's warming and cooling effects, as well as its lifetime.
Researchers have confirmed the existence of hidden motions in granular materials like soil and snow, which can control their movement. This discovery could help understand how landslides and avalanches work, as well as benefit industries such as construction and grain filling.
A recent study analyzed hourly data from nearly 750 low-cost and regulatory air pollution sensors throughout LA to understand the impact of wildfires on air quality. The findings suggest that combining different data sources, including ground-based sensors and satellite data, can provide more accurate and comprehensive information.
Researchers found that sewage spills from land to sea coincided with winds of at least 6.5m/s on 178 days within a two-year period, potentially sending microplastics into the air. The study suggests that coastal towns and cities may be exposed to billions of airborne microplastic particles.
A long-term study from Saxony shows a significant decrease in air pollution in Eastern Europe, with PM1 concentrations falling by 28% per year. The study's findings indicate improved air quality due to clean energy measures and lower emissions from transportation.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology and Jeonbuk National University successfully trapped mechanical waves within a single resonator, overcoming a century-old physics barrier. The discovery opens new possibilities for energy harvesting, ultra-sensitive sensors, and advanced communications.
A recent study found that volcanic ash from Kīlauea prompted a rare and large summertime phytoplankton bloom in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre. The blooms were stimulated by iron and other trace elements in the ash, producing massive growth of nitrogen-fixing microbes and organic matter.
A new study published in The Journals of Gerontology: Series A found that long-term exposure to high levels of air pollution is associated with lower scores in key cognitive abilities, especially language skills. Exposure to nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter was linked to poorer language performance.
A new study found that exposure to fine particulate air pollution from wildfire smoke was associated with increased visits to emergency departments for mental health conditions. The study suggests that wildfire smoke may play a direct role in worsening mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.
A cross-sectional study found wildfire smoke exposure associated with increased odds of mental health-related emergency department visits. The study suggests a possible increase in demand for mental health services during wildfire events.
A team of chemists from Virginia Tech found a way to visualize the intricate structure and chemical reactions of battery interfaces using an X-ray beam line. This breakthrough enables researchers to gain better control over these critical surfaces, potentially leading to cheaper, higher performance batteries.
Research shows that highly reactive components in particulate matter disappear within hours, leading to inaccurate estimates of their presence and potential health risks. This discovery highlights the need for more accurate measurements and better protective measures.
A liquid robot that can transform, separate, and fuse like living cells has been developed by SNU researchers. The robot features particle-armored hydrophobic particles for structural stability and exceptional deformability for flexibility.
Researchers found systemic monitoring disparities for six major pollutants across US Census groups, with Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders facing the largest gaps. The study highlights the need to consider biases in datasets beyond algorithmic bias.
New Delhi's air pollution is more severe than previously estimated, with particles absorbing atmospheric water vapor leading to significant underestimation of particulate matter levels. The study highlights the importance of considering hygroscopic growth and its impact on air quality assessments.
Researchers discover that disordered solids lose stability at low-frequency vibrations near zero, leading to a 'loose state' where particles slide in clusters. The theory applies to materials with negligible thermal fluctuations, including those found in space.
A new study by the University of Southampton has found that brake pad emissions can be more toxic than diesel exhaust, particularly due to high copper content. The research highlights the need for policy changes to mitigate the health effects of vehicle particulate matter, as electric vehicles are not emission-free.
Researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo developed porous organic crystals with ultrahigh-density amines, achieving fast CO2 adsorption and high thermal stability. The unique 2.5-dimensional skeleton reduces the cost for CO2 separation from flue gases.
A new study reveals that people may be exposed to unhealthy levels of airborne pollutants inside their homes, even if the outdoor air quality is good. Researchers used low-cost sensors and innovative techniques to compare particulate matter in three homes, finding significant differences in PM levels.
A study by Virginia Tech researchers found that electric vehicles generally produce less non-exhaust emissions than gasoline-powered vehicles when driving in city conditions. The research also highlights the environmental benefits of regenerative braking, which reduces brake abrasion emissions.
A study by the University of Tokyo reveals that fine particulate pollution PM2.5 exacerbates pre-existing conditions in elderly populations, leading to higher hospitalization rates and premature mortality, with significant socioeconomic challenges for rural regions with limited medical resources.
Research reveals that even short-term exposure to high levels of particulate matter air pollution impairs cognitive functions such as selective attention and emotion recognition. This study highlights the urgent need for stricter air quality regulations and public health measures to combat the harmful effects of pollution on brain health.
The ASCENT project provides real-time advanced air pollutant measurements, including PM2.5 aerosols and chemical components, to help increase public safety amidst the LA fires. The network measures chemicals emitted by burning structures and household materials, such as lead and chlorine, which can have toxic or carcinogenic effects.
China's particulate matter emissions have followed an environmental Kuznets curve, peaking in the mid-1990s. However, finer PM fractions and carbonaceous components have increased due to shifts in industrial energy usage and residential sector transitions. This poses new challenges for air quality policies.
A recent study found that biomass burning products are toxic to human lung cells, causing inflammation and oxidative stress. The research emphasizes the need for extended air quality networks across the European Union to monitor key biomass burning markers.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that lower access to air conditioning increases the need for emergency care for wildfire smoke exposure. People living in areas with low air conditioning availability are at higher risk, especially children and the Black population.
A new study found that while lung cancer deaths decreased globally from 1990 to 2019, mortality linked to tobacco use and air pollution increased. Tobacco remains the leading cause of death, accounting for 66% of TBL cancer deaths in 2019, while particulate matter pollution is a growing concern.
A new study by researchers at Brown University found that greater race-day pollution is associated with slower average marathon finish times. Runners' efforts to optimize their performance should consider the effect of air pollution.
A Dartmouth-led study suggests using clay to convert CO2 into food for zooplankton, which expel it as carbon-filled feces in the deep sea. This method accelerates the ocean's natural cycle for removing carbon from the atmosphere.
A new study reveals woodburning contributes significantly to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels in the region, accounting for 25% of total PM2.5 mass. The experts recommend targeted measures to mitigate health risks associated with woodburning activities, including raising public awareness and promoting cleaner alternatives.
A new analysis from PSE Healthy Energy reveals that fine particulate matter emissions from petrochemical facilities contribute to nearly 1,500 premature deaths annually, with estimated economic impacts of $17 billion. The study found that industry growth led to a 12% increase in greenhouse gas emissions between 2012 and 2021.
A German Research Foundation-funded project led by Stefan Mecking aims to quantify the biodegradation of polyethylene. The team develops methods to distinguish carbon dioxide from plastic and investigate factors influencing biodegradability, such as molecular structure and functional groups.
A new study finds that fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) exposure is associated with altered immune responses and increased inflammation in pregnant women, leading to adverse birth outcomes. The study highlights the importance of minimizing air pollution exposure in pregnant women to protect maternal and fetal health.
A new study by the University of Birmingham has found that air fryers emit significantly lower levels of particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than other cooking methods. The researchers measured pollutant levels in a well-controlled research kitchen and found that improving ventilation can help reduce indoor pollution.
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 study by the University of Bonn and Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais shows that forest protection measures significantly reduce particulate matter in the air, leading to a decrease in hospital stays and deaths due to respiratory diseases. Protective measures are estimated to save around 680 human lives per year.
A new study published in PLOS ONE suggests that air pollution exposure may be associated with an increased risk of eczema. Data from hundreds of thousands of U.S. adults found that every 10-µm/m3 increase in PM2.5 levels doubles the eczema rate among residents.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports correlates higher levels of pollutant particulate matter with increased occurrences of head and neck aerodigestive cancer. The research found a significant association between exposure to PM2.5 and the incidence of head and neck cancer, shedding light on the environmental factor contributi...
A USC study found that children living closest to the Salton Sea experience more respiratory issues due to airborne dust, triggering asthma, coughing, and disrupted sleep. The study also suggests that dust events have a greater impact on wheezing and sleep disturbances among children in these areas.
A USC study involving 8,500 children found that exposure to certain sources of air pollution, particularly ammonium nitrate, is linked to poor learning and memory performance in 9- and 10-year-olds. This study contributes to the mounting evidence that fine particulate matter PM2.5 can cause neurocognitive harm across the lifespan.
Researchers developed porous dermal fillers that accelerate tissue healing and regeneration for diabetic wounds. The novel approach combining electrospinning and electrospraying technologies creates biocompatible microspheres that promote cell migration, granulation tissue formation, and neovascularization.
A new meta-analysis suggests that almost a third of asthma cases are attributable to long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), with significant health impacts on children and adults. The study highlights the urgent need for policymakers to combat air pollution through stringent legislation.