Air Pollution News and Research

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Experts to discuss impacts of air pollution on life expectancy, cardiovascular disease

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is sponsoring a seminar called "Breathe Cleaner, Live Longer: Understanding Air Pollution after 40 Years." The event is co-sponsored by the American Heart Association and the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology.

21 May 2010

Air pollution associated with cardiopulmonary mortality, morbidity: Researchers

Breathing polluted air increases stress on the heart's regulation capacity, up to six hours after inhalation of combustion-related small particles called PM2.5, according to Penn State College of Medicine researchers.

20 May 2010

High fat diet linked to exacerbation of asthma

In a new study researchers have found a connection between exacerbation of bronchial asthma and high calorie burgers and fries. Diet and lifestyle have been linked to asthma for some time now but this is the first real evidence. With the advent of unhealthy diets the incidence and prevalence of asthma is on the rise. In 2007, about 34.1 million Americans had asthma, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. From 1980 through 1994, the prevalence of asthma increased by 75 percent.

17 May 2010

People who live in urban areas tend to have higher blood pressure: Researchers

People who live in urban areas where particulate air pollution is high tend to have higher blood pressure than those who live in less polluted areas, according to researchers from the University of Dusiburg-Essen in Germany.

17 May 2010

Exposure to fine particulate matter can trigger cardiovascular deaths, heart attacks

The scientific evidence linking air pollution to heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular death has "substantially strengthened," and people, particularly those at high cardiovascular risk, should limit their exposure, according to an updated American Heart Association scientific statement.

11 May 2010

GEI reminds communities to minimize exposure to airborne chemicals, other indoor air pollutants

In light of Asthma Awareness Month, the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute reminds families and communities to be proactive about minimizing their exposure to airborne chemicals and other indoor air pollutants.

4 May 2010

Study indicates a strong link between socio-economic status and asthma

New research shows Inuit populations in the Canadian Arctic have asthma rates far below Aboriginal people in other parts of Canada, especially those in urban centres.

4 May 2010

Air pollution can damage heart and lead to increased risk of heart disease: Study

A post-mortem study of the hearts of 21 young people in Mexico City has found that the heart begins to show the adverse effects of air pollution at a young age and that tiny bits of inactivated bacteria that hitch a ride on pollutants may make the problem worse.

29 Apr 2010

Medication-free home ventilation system designed to remove allergens

According to a recent report by USA Today, due to 2010's unusually cold winter temperatures, allergy sufferers are now poised to experience the worst pollen season in years, with pollen counts skyrocketing and sufferers hiding indoors to avoid exposure. Yet as allergens creep indoors, sufferers continue to cough, sneeze and seek relief. With the introduction of EZ Breathe, a new innovative home ventilation system designed to remove allergens and reduce indoor concentrations of pollen, allergy sufferers now have a medication-free solution.

27 Apr 2010

Long-term monitoring of young leukaemia survivors necessary to identify declining lung health: Researchers

Children who have survived leukaemia may need to have regular monitoring to ensure their lungs remain healthy if they had a bone marrow transplantation during their treatment, US scientists have said.

23 Apr 2010

Prenatal exposure to pollutants can affect children's cognitive development: CCCEH study

A study by the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health carried out in Krakow, Poland has found that prenatal exposure to pollutants can adversely affect children's cognitive development at age 5, confirming previous findings in a New York City study.

21 Apr 2010

Breathe California names CODA Automotive as winner of Clean Air Award

CODA Automotive, a California-based electric car and battery company, was named a Clean Air Award winner in the technology development category by Breathe California. The award, presented today in San Francisco, highlights standout efforts to combat climate change and air pollution in the business, government, education and non-profit sectors.

17 Apr 2010

WHO issues guidance on ash cloud from Iceland volcanic explosion

The ash cloud from the volcanic explosion in Iceland contains fine particles, similar to those emitted from other sources of particulate matter (PM); but as long as ash remains in the upper atmosphere, there will not likely be an increased risk of health effects, according to WHO.

17 Apr 2010

Long-term monitoring and education needed to protect lungs of young patients

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital investigators have identified childhood cancer survivors who are at increased risk for deteriorating lung health, in part due to the lifesaving bone marrow transplants they underwent years earlier.

16 Apr 2010

Excessive cleanliness can cause allergies

Allergies have become a widespread in developed countries: hay fever, eczema, hives and asthma are all increasingly prevalent. The reason? Excessive cleanliness is to blame according to Dr. Guy Delespesse, a professor at the Universit- de Montr-al Faculty of Medicine.

15 Apr 2010

New computer system may help reduce air quality problems

The Universidad Politécnica de Madrid's School of Computing has developed a computer system that can robustly and efficiently control and forecast air pollution.

15 Apr 2010

New research highlights adverse effects of air pollution on human reproduction

Exposure to an increased level of air pollutants, especially nitrogen dioxide, has been associated with lower likelihoods of successful pregnancy among women undergoing in vitro fertilization, according to a team of fertility researchers.

13 Apr 2010

Women living in northeastern U.S. more likely to develop RA: Study

Women living in the northeastern United States are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis, suggesting a link between the autoimmune disease and vitamin D deficiency, says a new study led by a Boston University School of Public Health researcher.

8 Apr 2010

WHO launches campaign to highlight urban planning to improve public health

Urban settings have a direct impact on the health of the people who live there. On World Health Day WHO is launching a campaign to highlight urban planning as a crucial link to building a healthy 21st century. In particular, the Organization calls upon municipal authorities, concerned residents, advocates for healthy living and others to take a close look at health inequities in cities and take action.

7 Apr 2010

Traffic-related pollution near schools contributes to pediatric asthma

Living near major highways has been linked to childhood asthma, but a new study led by researchers at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California suggests that traffic-related pollution near schools is also contributing to the development of asthma in kids.

7 Apr 2010