Can technology clean up our air? An atmospheric scientist got a glimpse of the future

A surprising number of new consumer tech products promise to improve air quality.

Alastair Lewis, Professor of Atmospheric Chemistry at the National Centre for Atmospheric Science and University of York, University of York • conversation
Jan. 15, 2024 ~6 min

Wildfire smoke leaves harmful gases in floors and walls − air purifiers aren’t enough, new study shows, but you can clean it up

Wildfire smoke, even from fires far away, carries potentially harmful gases that, once inside, tend to stick around. An air quality specialist offers an easy, cheap, effective way to deal with it.

Delphine Farmer, Professor of Chemistry, Colorado State University • conversation
Oct. 13, 2023 ~8 min


Expanding London's Ulez has sparked fractious debate – psychologists explain how it can be de-escalated

The psychology of disagreement offers insight into why there is such a strong polarisation in opinions surrounding London’s expanded Ulez.

Lee White, Honorary Research Fellow, City, University of London • conversation
Oct. 11, 2023 ~7 min

From pests to pollutants, keeping schools healthy and clean is no simple task

For students to learn in a safe, healthy environment, school administrators must deal with a myriad of potential environmental contaminants, from allergens to cockroaches.

Janet Hurley, Extension Program Specialist, Texas A&M University • conversation
Sept. 29, 2023 ~8 min

North America’s summer of wildfire smoke: 2023 was only the beginning

Thick smoke pouring in from Canada’s wildfires canceled baseball games and pushed air quality in major US cities to the worst in the world.

Peter S. Thorne, University of Iowa Distinguished Chair, Professor of Environmental Health, University of Iowa • conversation
Sept. 1, 2023 ~9 min

AI can help forecast air quality, but freak events like 2023's summer of wildfire smoke require traditional methods too

Air quality forecasting is getting better, thanks in part to AI. That’s good, given the health impact of air pollution. An environmental engineer explains how systems warn of incoming smog or smoke.

Joshua S. Fu, Chancellor's Professor in Engineering, Climate Change and Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Tennessee • conversation
Aug. 9, 2023 ~6 min

Chess players perform worse when air quality is poor – and other high-skilled workers could be affected too

Air pollution causes chess players to make more errors – this may have implications for high-skilled professionals.

Francis Pope, Professor of Atmospheric Sciences, University of Birmingham • conversation
Feb. 8, 2023 ~7 min

London Underground polluted with particles small enough to enter the human bloodstream -- new research

New research reveals that the London Underground is polluted with small particles which may carry negative health effects for humans.

Hassan Aftab Sheikh, PhD Researcher in Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge • conversation
Dec. 19, 2022 ~7 min


70 years on from London's Great Smog, we still need cleaner air to protect health

A new report by the UK’s Chief Medical Officer sets out what must happen.

William Bloss, Professor of Atmospheric Science, University of Birmingham • conversation
Dec. 9, 2022 ~7 min

Investing in indoor air quality improvements in schools will reduce COVID transmission and help students learn

A lot of federal money is now available for making school buildings healthier. Two environmental health experts explain how school districts can best use it.

Jonathan Levy, Professor and Chair, Department of Environmental Health, Boston University • conversation
Oct. 7, 2022 ~9 min

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