Pollution

Environmental exposures, from air and ocean pollution to climate change and urbanization, have profound and far-reaching effects on human health and well-being. This hub brings together authoritative, evidence-based articles that examine the health risks associated with pollution, microplastics, toxicants, and environmental changes, alongside practical strategies for risk reduction and public health protection. Explore how environmental hazards influence conditions such as asthma, neurological health, pregnancy outcomes, and skin health, and discover the vital connections between planetary health and individual well-being. These resources support informed decision-making for clinicians, policymakers, and the public alike.

Bacterial Risks at Beaches and Evidence-Based Safety Strategies

Beaches face escalating risks from microbial contamination due to climate change and human activity, increasing the burden of waterborne illnesses for swimmers. Integrating advanced monitoring technologies, improved public education, and policy reforms is essential for protecting beachgoers’ health.

AAM - Air pollution and Alzheimer's

Anti-Pollution Skincare: Protecting Skin in Urban Environments

How do Microplastics Affect Our Health?

How PFAS Are Impacting Human Health

Air Pollution and Eye Health

How Air Pollution Impacts Brain Health

What are the Health Effects of Exhaust Emissions?

How Does the Health of Our Planet Affect Our Own Health?

What Impact does Climate Change have on Our Health?

Healthcare During The Climate Crisis

How has COVID-19 Influenced Pollution?

See more featured articles »

Urbanization and Human Health

Pollution and Alzheimer's

Environmental Hazards in Pregnancy

Can Weather or Air Pollution Trigger Migraine?

The Role of Toxicology in Wildlife Conservation

Air Pollution and Lung Health

Pollution and Mental Health

What is Planetary Health?

Environmental Health Hazards: An Overview

5 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Microplastic Intake

Autism and Particulate Air Matter

Ocean Pollution and Human Health

The Effect of Climate Change on Asthma

Pollution and Mental Health

How Composting Protects Public Health and Our Planet

What are the Health Effects of Exhaust Emissions?

Health Effects of Artificial Light

Latest Pollution News and Research

Emphysema detected on CT predicts mortality from all causes

Emphysema detected on baseline low-dose chest CT (LDCT) in the lung cancer screening cohort of more than 9,000 asymptomatic adults was associated with death from all causes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cardiovascular disease within a 25-year follow-up period in a new study published today in Radiology, a journal of the Radiological Society of North America.

10 Sep 2025

Pesticide exposure during pregnancy linked to higher death risk in children with leukemia

Public concern continues to grow about the harmful effects of pesticides and other environmental pollutants, especially for children. Pesticides have previously been linked to a higher risk of developing childhood leukemia.

9 Sep 2025

Researchers reveal why no level of air pollution is safe for respiratory health

A review in the Journal of Clinical Investigation shows how particulate matter damages the lungs through oxidative stress, inflammation, and immune disruption. It links air pollution to asthma, COPD, lung cancer, infections, and millions of premature deaths, with no safe exposure threshold.

9 Sep 2025

Air pollution exposure linked to faster progression of Alzheimer’s disease

Exposure to high concentrations of air pollution may worsen Alzheimer's disease (AD) by accelerating the buildup of toxic proteins in the brain and speeding up cognitive decline.

8 Sep 2025

Study finds possible molecular connection between air pollution and Lewy body dementia risk

A team of researchers found there is a possible molecular connection between air pollution and an increased risk of developing Lewy body dementia.

4 Sep 2025

At CDC, worries mount that agency has taken anti-science turn

Public health and access to lifesaving vaccines are on the line in a high-stakes leadership battle at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

3 Sep 2025

Metals and sulfate particles drive asthma hospitalizations linked to air pollution

Metals, particularly nickel and vanadium, and sulfate particles are the components of fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) that most strongly contribute to the association between long-term exposure to air pollution and hospitalization among asthma sufferers, according to a new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

29 Aug 2025

COPD care pathways improve hospital outcomes and standardize treatment

Using a care pathway focused on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can lead to shorter hospital stays, increased referrals to pulmonary rehabilitation, and improved standardization of care, according to a new study.

28 Aug 2025

Killifish study reveals multi-generational impacts of exposure to crude oil and flame retardants

A tiny fish with transparent embryos is helping University of California, Davis, researchers shed light on how exposure to crude oil and flame retardants can affect behavior, skeletal growth, cardiac health and other internal functions in offspring and subsequent generations.

28 Aug 2025

People with schizophrenia are more likely to develop COPD

People with schizophrenia are more likely to develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), suggesting a possible syndemic relationship between the two diseases, in addition to people not seeking appropriate medical care.

26 Aug 2025

Study finds major health burden from oil and gas pollution across the United States

Air pollution from oil and gas is causing 91,000 premature deaths and hundreds of thousands of health issues across the United States annually, with Black, Asian, Native American and Hispanic groups consistently the most affected, finds a major new study led by researchers at UCL and the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI).

22 Aug 2025

Urban heat and pollution linked to behavioral changes in children

Individuals living in urban cities are experiencing the combined effect of increasing temperatures and poor air quality, often referred to as the urban heat dome.

22 Aug 2025

Improving COPD care by enhancing communication and education

Prioritizing communications between patients and health care providers and increasing patient education about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) could help improve patient care, according to a new study.

21 Aug 2025

How dietary formaldehyde links to worsening diabetes and memory loss

A new review reveals how everyday foods and hidden exposures to formaldehyde may fuel insulin resistance and chip away at memory, but also points to dietary patterns and emerging therapies that could help reduce the risk.

20 Aug 2025

Why zinc may be the missing nutrient in childhood asthma care

The role of zinc in childhood asthma is critical; deficiency may worsen symptoms, while supplementation could provide a safe, effective treatment alternative.

19 Aug 2025

Eating over 60g of almonds a day may protect DNA and cut oxidative damage

A meta-analysis of eight clinical trials found that almond supplementation, especially at doses above 60 g/day, significantly reduced oxidative DNA and lipid damage and improved antioxidant enzyme activity in adults. The benefits varied by biomarker and were influenced by dose, preparation, and participant characteristics.

14 Aug 2025

HEPA filtration reduces blood pressure for highway residents

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13 Aug 2025

New study reveals gaps in research on environmental antibiotic resistance

Antibiotic resistance in the environment is a growing and largely overlooked crisis receiving inconsistent attention, that may very well have dire consequences for human health, according to a new study led by the University of Surrey.

7 Aug 2025

Air purifiers can lower blood pressure in at-risk adults

Using portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifiers at home can significantly lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) in adults with elevated baseline readings — even in areas with relatively low overall air pollution levels, according to a study published today in JACC, the flagship journal of the American College of Cardiology.

6 Aug 2025

This physician-scientist is taking on Trump on behalf of disadvantaged communities

As smoke from Canadian wildfires drifted across North America, and western U.S. states girded for their annual fire siege, Neeta Thakur was well into her search for ways to offset the damage of such fumes on people's health, especially among minority and low-income communities.

5 Aug 2025