First lockdown's effect on air pollution was overstated, our study reveals
Exaggerating how much lockdown improved air quality could allow us to underestimate the scale of the air pollution problem.
William Bloss, Professor of Atmospheric Science, University of Birmingham •
conversation
Jan. 13, 2021 • ~7 min
Jan. 13, 2021 • ~7 min
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Air pollution may contribute to Alzheimer’s and dementia risk – here's what we're learning from brain scans
The tiny air pollutants known as PM2.5, emitted by vehicles, factories and power plants, aren’t just a hazard for lungs. A study finds more brain shrinkage in older women exposed to pollution.
Jiu-Chiuan Chen, Associate Professor of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California •
conversation
Jan. 5, 2021 • ~7 min
Jan. 5, 2021 • ~7 min
alzheimers-disease medicine brain pollution dementia science aging air-pollution womens-health pm-25 vehicles brain-health
Wildfire smoke changes dramatically as it ages, and that matters for downwind air quality – here's what we learned flying through smoke plumes
Thousands of chemical compounds in wildfire smoke are interacting with each other and sunlight as the smoke travels. For people downwind, it can become more toxic over time.
Brett B. Palm, Postdoctoral Researcher in Atmospheric Chemistry, University of Washington •
conversation
Dec. 17, 2020 • ~8 min
Dec. 17, 2020 • ~8 min
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EPA decides to reject the latest science, endanger public health and ignore the law by keeping an outdated fine particle air pollution standard
After a 5-year review, the EPA is leaving US standards for fine particle air pollution unchanged, even though recent studies suggest that tightening them could save thousands of lives yearly.
H. Christopher Frey, Glenn E. Futrell Distinguished University Professor of Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University •
conversation
May 1, 2020 • ~9 min
May 1, 2020 • ~9 min
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