-
How a dangerous stew of air pollution is choking the United States
In September 2020, the skies in Oregon turned crimson as dozens of wildfires scorched forests in the Cascade Mountains. In just three days, the blazes engulfed nearly 4,000 square kilometres — more than had burnt in Oregon during the previous 36 years combined. For two weeks, the acrid air held residents hostage in their homes. The Oregon Health Authority documented a 38% increase in respiratory-related visits to hospital emergency departments during September 2020, compared with the previous month. It was “the worst two-week period I’ve ever experienced for air pollution anywhere — including India, China and Bangladesh”, says Perry Hystad at Oregon State University in Corvallis, who studies the health…
-
Study links air pollution to higher risk of stroke and related death
Share on PinterestAccording to a long-term study, air pollution increases the risk of having a first stroke, additional strokes, and death. Fairfax Media Archives/Getty Images A new study tracked the effect of air pollution on the risk of having a first and subsequent stroke and of dying from resulting cardiovascular issues. Researchers tracked the health records of a large number of people and their exposure to air pollutants. The study focuses on PM 2.5 pollution, tiny air particles that are hazardous to human health. New research from the Sun Yat-sen University School of Public Health in Guangzhou, China, amplifies how air pollution could affect the trajectory of health from stroke…
-
A potential connection between dementia and air pollution
In the past decade, a growing body of research has shown that air pollution harms older adults’ brains, contributing to cognitive decline and dementia. What hasn’t been clear is whether improving air quality would benefit brain health. Two studies published this year by researchers at six universities and the National Institute on Aging provide the first evidence of such benefits in an older population. One report, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that the risk of dementia declined significantly in women 74 and older following a decade-long reduction in two types of air pollution: nitrogen dioxide, a gaseous byproduct of emissions from motor vehicles, industrial…
-
Legal Agreement Spurs EPA to Take Stronger Steps to Reduce Smog Pollution in Areas of Five States With Some of Nation’s Worst Air Quality
OAKLAND, Calif.— As a result of a legal agreement with environmental groups, the Environmental Protection Agency has downgraded the smog pollution rating in portions of five states from “serious” to “severe.” The downgrade will trigger more protective measures to reduce the dangerous levels of smog pollution. The areas affected have some of the nation’s worst air quality. The EPA downgraded the areas because their ground-level ozone pollution — commonly called smog — continues to exceed levels that are safe for human health, wildlife and plants. “Recognizing the reality that these areas have a severe smog problem marks an important step forward in reducing this dangerous pollution,” said Ryan Maher, an…
