All articles tagged with #air quality
Vox reports the EPA will stop assigning a dollar value to health benefits (like avoided deaths and hospital visits) in cost-benefit analyses for PM2.5 and ozone rules, evaluating costs without monetized health gains, a shift that experts warn could weaken protections and tilt decisions toward polluters.
A study in Tel Aviv found that traffic pollution, especially NOx gases and PM2.5 particles, directly influences the Earth's atmospheric electric field, with effects peaking during rush hours and diminishing on weekends, highlighting the link between urban air quality and atmospheric electrical phenomena.
A study by Pusan National University found that common household appliances like toasters and hair dryers emit trillions of ultrafine particles, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and contain heavy metals, potentially increasing health risks such as asthma and cardiovascular diseases. The research highlights the need for improved appliance design and stricter regulations to reduce indoor air pollution.
Delhi's air quality has deteriorated to 'very poor' due to a combination of firecracker use during Diwali, vehicular emissions, and increased crop residue burning in neighboring states, compounded by winter weather conditions that trap pollutants, highlighting the need for long-term, collaborative solutions to address recurring air pollution crises.
Delhi woke up to severe air pollution after Diwali, with the AQI reaching 360 due to fireworks, vehicular emissions, and crop stubble burning, despite restrictions and a court order to use green crackers. The pollution levels are dangerously high, posing health risks, and experts warn that relaxed rules may worsen awareness of air quality issues.
A researcher has developed a low-cost air quality estimation system using a microcontroller with a camera and a trained AI model to analyze sky images, offering a novel approach that complements traditional sensors, though with some limitations in accuracy.
A massive fire at Chevron's oil refinery in El Segundo caused alarm among residents, highlighting concerns about air quality and safety, but officials confirmed no injuries or significant damage, and life in the area is gradually returning to normal.
Recent studies reveal a significant link between air pollution and the triggering or worsening of psoriasis, an autoimmune skin condition, with pollutants like PM2.5 and PAHs contributing to inflammation and immune activation. Individuals in polluted environments, such as those near sugarcane burning or factories, are at increased risk, highlighting the need for regulatory action and personal protective measures.
A study in China found that air pollution, particularly PM2.5 and NO2, is linked to increased risk of myopia in children, with reducing pollution levels improving vision scores and potentially preventing irreversible eye conditions.
Strong winds in Washington have stirred up ash from the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption, causing hazy conditions and potential hazards for aircraft and health, though the volcano remains at a normal alert level and no recent eruption has occurred.
A study finds that heat from wildfires in the western U.S. may improve air quality in the eastern U.S. by altering weather patterns and increasing rainfall, which washes away pollution, highlighting a complex paradox in wildfire effects.
A study found that using a HEPA air purifier at home can significantly reduce blood pressure, especially for those living near busy roads, suggesting that improving indoor air quality may benefit cardiovascular health.
An explosion at U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works in Pennsylvania resulted in at least one death, multiple injuries, and a rescue operation for those trapped, with authorities monitoring air quality and advising residents to stay indoors; investigations are ongoing.
The article offers various health tips including eating most calories before 7 p.m. to align with circadian rhythms, caring for your feet with toe spacers and rolling balls, avoiding frequent fries to reduce diabetes risk, using HEPA filters for better indoor air quality, and making small dietary changes like adding fatty fish and spices, while also advising moderation in screen time and ultraprocessed foods for overall health improvement.
The Canyon Fire in Southern California, which burned approximately 5,370 acres and was 47% contained, led to the lifting of evacuation orders in parts of Ventura and Los Angeles counties. Firefighters made significant progress thanks to favorable weather and aerial support, though the fire remains active and continues to threaten areas eastward. Minor injuries occurred among firefighters, and air quality advisories remain in effect due to smoke. The fire is part of a larger wildfire situation in California, including the ongoing Gifford Fire.