Articles tagged with Particulate Matter
NASA captured satellite images reveal extensive wildfires in central Russia, with hotspots and smoke plumes indicating active fires. The smoke contains various pollutants, including carbon monoxide and particulate matter, posing health risks to nearby populations.
A multi-disciplinary team from Monash University has been awarded a $275,000 grant to develop strategies for reducing diesel particulate matter (DPM) emissions in underground coalmines. The project will explore ways to improve the service life of DPFs and potentially replace diesel engines with electric motors.
Researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health analyzed air quality in seven Baltimore waterpipe bars and found elevated levels of carbon monoxide and air nicotine. The study's results suggest that waterpipe smoking creates higher indoor air pollution than cigarette smoking, posing increased health risks to patron...
A new study suggests that olive oil supplements can counteract the negative cardiovascular effects of exposure to air pollution particles. The study found that olive oil supplementation improved endothelial function and reduced blood markers associated with vasoconstriction after exposure to fine/ultrafine particulate matter.
A new study from the University of Iowa reveals that Iowa's air quality is generally clean, but with notable variations between urban and rural areas. The research found higher concentrations of fine particulate pollutants in urban locations, particularly associated with vehicle exhaust and industrial activity.
Research clarifies that ammonia emissions from agricultural exports have a substantial impact on air quality, with the study estimating an annual health cost of $36 billion. The findings suggest that reducing ammonia emissions could lead to significant societal benefits, particularly in the Northeast and Great Lakes region.
A Rice University analysis of state implementation plans reveals that most urban areas have met the next benchmark for reducing airborne particulate matter. The study found that PM 2.5 concentrations declined by an average 2.6 micrograms per cubic meter in regions that filed SIPs to attain the standard by 2009.
Researchers found a significant link between exposure to inhaled particulate matter at Ground Zero and the development of obstructive sleep apnea and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in first responders. The study also showed that those with PTSD had higher levels of inflammation, increasing their risk for cardiovascular disease.
Heinrich Jaeger will present a lecture on the cyclical nature of his research, which spans from basic science to technological applications and back again. The study of granular materials has led to new insights into jamming, a property that describes the transition from liquid- to solid-like behavior.
Research suggests that subarctic lakes are sensitive to changes in snowmelt, with many at risk of drying out due to climate change. Additionally, scientists have found that seafloor sites could potentially store centuries' worth of carbon emissions through industrial-scale carbon capture and storage programs.
A study of over 100,000 people found that long-term exposure to particulate matter in outdoor air is strongly linked to heart attacks and angina. The association persists at levels of exposure below the current European limits for PM2.5 and PM10.
A significant link has been found between high levels of exposure to particulate matter by first responders at Ground Zero and the development of kidney damage. Albuminuria, a sign of kidney disease, was significantly higher in those with high exposure levels.
First responders at Ground Zero experienced significant kidney damage after exposure to particulate matter. The study found a linear trend between level of exposure and measures of poor kidney function.
A large European study found that exposure to even low levels of air pollution during pregnancy increases the risk of lower birthweight babies. The study estimated that reducing PM2.5 levels could prevent up to 22% of cases of low birthweight.
Researchers at MIT created a layer of tiny grains that can funnel acoustic waves, potentially leading to smaller electronic devices and new types of blast-shielding material. The discovery could also enable the development of microbalances capable of measuring tiny changes in weight.
A systematic review found that short-term air pollutant exposure raises the risk of heart failure hospitalization and death. Modest reductions in major pollutants could prevent thousands of hospitalizations and save millions annually.
A new MIT study estimates that air pollution from coal emissions in China shortens lives by 2.5 billion years, with particulate matter levels over 400 micrograms per cubic meter found in the region. The research uses quasi-experimental methods to project life expectancy losses for 500 million Chinese residents north of the Huai River.
Researchers from Bonn University found that particulate matter salt compounds can decrease the drought tolerance of trees, leading to forest decline. The study reveals a physical mechanism where deliquescent salts form wick-like structures that remove water from leaves, promoting dehydration.
A Forest Service study found that urban trees can remove fine particulate air pollution, saving lives. The study estimated the impact of urban forests on PM2.5 concentrations and associated health effects in 10 US cities.
A new rodent study reveals that chronic drinking intensifies lung damage caused by particulate matter, leading to decreased lung function. Chronic drinking impairs alveolar macrophage function, which plays a critical role in protecting the lungs from particulates and airway repair.
New research reveals how trees produce particulate matter through the chemical reaction of isoprene with nitrogen oxides. This mechanism helps predict air quality episodes and impacts public health and climate change. Trees' natural defense against oxygen damage plays a surprising role in creating environmental concerns.
Long-term exposure to air pollution may be linked to heart attacks and strokes by speeding up atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Higher concentrations of fine particulate air pollution were found to be linked to faster thickening of the inner two layers of the common carotid artery.
Researchers analyzed how particle shape affects the behavior of jammed materials, employing a computer algorithm to optimize shape configurations. The results were verified through large-scale 3D printed tests, providing insights into the complex interactions between particles and material properties.
Researchers found that forces between individual grains are what drives changes in behavior and state of granular materials like sand or dirt, not temperature. This discovery reveals a new understanding of how granular systems equilibrate, challenging the conventional wisdom on thermodynamics.
A large international study of over three million births found that higher particulate air pollution levels were associated with increased rates of low birth weight. The study, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, highlights the need for policy makers to address air pollution to prevent serious health consequences.
A new study found an association between reduced fine particulate matter and increased life expectancy in US counties from 2000 to 2007. Reducing air pollution levels may be more beneficial for women, with a stronger link in urban areas.
A study of 279 children with autism and 245 control subjects found exposure to traffic-related air pollution during pregnancy and the first year of life was associated with an increased risk of autism. Children living in homes with high levels of modeled traffic pollution were three times more likely to have autism.
Research shows that exposure to fine air particulate matter may be an environmental risk factor for reduced cognitive function in older adults. Cognitive decline was associated with every ten point increase in fine air particulate matter exposures, equivalent to aging three years.
Researchers have found a way to enhance the detection of explosives on surfaces, allowing for more accurate and effective airport security screenings. By adding functional groups to swab materials, they can collect smaller amounts of explosive residue, making it easier to detect even tiny traces.
A study found that smoking in cars produces hazardous particulate matter levels, exceeding WHO guidelines, even with windows open or AC on. This exposure can harm child passengers' health due to faster breathing rates and less developed immune systems.
Particulate pollution in the late 20th century created a 'warming hole' over the eastern United States, delaying the warming expected from increasing greenhouse gases. The effects of this pollution were amplified by interactions between clouds and particles, leading to greater cooling at the surface.
Diesel technologies have drastically cut particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions in new tractor trailer trucks, with reductions of 98% for NOx and 95% for PM. The emission cuts are attributed to exhaust gas recirculation and selective catalytic reduction technologies.
Researchers developed a new model that predicts the flow of granular materials like sand, considering the size of individual grains. The model improves on existing continuum models by accounting for grain size effects, which were previously overlooked.
A recent study found that manganese concentrations in airborne particulate matter are higher in residential neighborhoods near industrial sites than in the surrounding areas. The study, conducted across five US counties, suggests that manganese toxicity varies significantly by geographic location.
A large prospective study indicates that chronic air pollution may accelerate cognitive decline in older adults, particularly in women. Higher levels of particulate matter exposure were associated with significantly faster cognitive decline over a four-year period.
Researchers found exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from vehicle traffic increases the risk of ischemic strokes, even at safe levels. The peak risk occurs 12-14 hours before a stroke, and reducing PM2.5 pollution by 20% could have prevented 6,100 stroke hospitalizations.
The MMS cleanroom features state-of-the-art technology that filters air to remove contaminants with 30% less energy under low-load conditions. This design choice saves NASA tens of thousands of dollars in electric bills each year, paving the way for future facility innovations.
A team of researchers explains how granular materials change from flowing to solid states through shearing, which can help engineers and manufacturers. They discovered that even without density changes, the discs exhibited a solid state due to the shape of the box changing.
A University of Georgia study documents declines in lung function among firefighters working at prescribed burns, suggesting a link between smoke and particulate matter exposure. The research underscores the need for improved occupational exposure limits to protect workers' health.
Researchers found that dyslipidemia and elevated heart rate increased the risk of developing abnormal lung function, while elevated amylin levels reduced this risk. The study suggests that systemic inflammation may play a role in promoting lung function impairment after particulate exposure.
A new study shows that trees in London's urban areas remove between 850 to 2000 tonnes of particulate pollution from the air every year. This research uses a prediction model to estimate future air quality and suggests that targeted tree planting and a mix of evergreen species can maximize benefits.
Researchers developed a theoretical model to understand how to best avoid jamming of soft matter, which can be applied in food and cosmetics production. The model takes into account common properties between three classes of materials: soft matter, metallic liquids, and granular materials.
Researchers have identified a novel method for detecting weak points in disordered materials like glass, which may lead to better understanding of material failure and potential applications. The study combines theoretical modeling with experimental results, shedding light on the principles governing material responses.
A portable device will be built to map real-time particulate matter concentrations on Southern California highways. This study aims to quantify the highest potential exposure to particulate matter during daily commutes, enabling a better assessment of public exposure to particulate emissions on highways.
USDA scientists conducted a four-year project to sample emissions from seven cotton gins across the Cotton Belt. The research aims to better understand PM2.5 emissions and support stricter federal standards. By analyzing data collected from 126 ambient air samplers, researchers hope to improve the accuracy of dust particle measurements.
A new study reveals that exposure to vehicle pollution can cause significant brain damage in mice, including signs of memory loss and Alzheimer's disease. The tiny particles from burning fossil fuels and weathered car parts are too small for filters to trap, raising concerns about human health.
Researchers report that US military personnel in Iraq are frequently exposed to polluted air with fine particulate matter, exceeding guidelines and posing long-term health threats. Chronic exposure has been linked to various health problems, including increased hospital admissions and cardiovascular disease.
A study published in Chemical Research in Toxicology found that wood smoke particulate matter contains higher levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are linked to DNA damage and disease. The researchers also discovered that WSPM causes inflammation and greater activity in genes linked to disease.
Researchers created a universal gripper using ground coffee and a latex party balloon, which conforms to objects rather than being designed for specific ones. The gripper works by pressing down on the object with the balloon and then releasing it, allowing for seamless grip and release.
Researchers discover biogenic secondary organic aerosol (SOA) particles formed from vegetation are solid and glass-like, affecting their ability to absorb water and act as cloud nuclei. This finding redirects the atmospheric fine particle research worldwide.
A national epidemiologic study finds a strong link between adult diabetes and particulate air pollution, persisting after adjustment for other risk factors. The relationship was seen even at exposure levels below the current EPA safety limit.
Researchers found that over 70% of particulates released during fires are ultrafine and can be inhaled into the lungs. Firefighters are at a higher risk of heart disease due to exposure to these harmful particles, particularly those with low physical fitness or health.
Researchers created a long-term global map of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) using satellite data, providing a comprehensive view of health-sapping air pollution worldwide. The map shows high levels of PM2.5 in Africa and Asia, with over 80% of the world's population breathing polluted air.
A new study by Long Island Jewish Medical Center and The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research found that fine particles of pollution can increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest. For every 10ug/m3 rise in small particle air pollution, there was a four-to-ten percent increase in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.
A team of UC Riverside researchers is working with the California Air Resources Board to improve a method for measuring diesel particulate emissions. The research could provide the groundwork for strengthening standards for diesel particulates, and has already led to the collection of over 24,000 analytical samples.
A study by the University of Duisburg-Essen found that people living in polluted urban areas experience higher blood pressure due to exposure to fine and coarse particulate matter. This association remains even after accounting for other factors such as age, gender, smoking, and weight.
A study of young adults in Mexico City found that exposure to particulate matter and endotoxins can cause chronic inflammation in the heart, increasing the risk of heart disease. The research highlights the importance of understanding how air pollution affects the human heart, particularly in vulnerable populations.
The study, published by the Oklahoma Tobacco Research Center, reveals hazardous air quality levels due to secondhand tobacco smoke in 'smoking' rooms. The average particulate level measured was beyond the EPA's hazardous extreme, posing a risk to employees and patrons.
A new field of study, materials dynamics, is being developed to examine substances in a state of flow during manufacturing. The collaboration combines strengths in simulation and modeling with experiment design and theory to develop design principles for next-generation materials.
A new study by Western Washington University scientists found that leaves along busy bus routes are up to 10 times more magnetic than those on quieter streets, indicating higher levels of air pollution. This simple and effective method could be used to monitor particulate matter in urban environments.