Mercury levels in seabirds living off the coast of British Columbia have been stable in recent years. New research suggests that this may be due to changes in their diet, not pollution control.
Energy Secretary Rick Perry has proposed to reward coal plants for stockpiling fuel onsite – allegedly making the power system more reliable. Two economists give this idea a failing grade.
Nathalie Redon, IMT Nord Europe – Institut Mines-Télécom
The use of small devices to measure the presence of fine particles in the air is becoming widespread. They’re one more weapon to fight against air pollution, but questions remain on their reliability.
In recent years the number of motor vehicles – and the pollution they generate – has grown astronomically, leading some citydwellers to wear facemasks in the hopes of protecting themselves. So do they work?
Fulvio Amato, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) and Teresa Moreno, Instituto de Diagnóstico Ambiental y Estudios del Agua (IDAEA - CSIC)
Subways seem like the perfect solution to improve air quality in cities. But what about air quality underground?
A recent study shows that large piles of coal produce measurable quantities of fine particulate air pollution within a 25-mile radius. Covering coal trains and storage piles could reduce the problem.
Australia is the 16th-largest emitter of mercury in the world. A huge amount comes from coal power stations – and a new report argues our pollution guidelines are hopelessly lax.
Kanyiva Muindi, African Population and Health Research Center and Blessing Mberu, African Population and Health Research Center
Research in Kenya’s capital found average levels of hazardous solid and liquid particles in the air within households were three times more than the WHO recommended maximum level.
Guang Zeng, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research and Jason West, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
A new study suggests climate change will cause changes to patterns of ground-level ozone and smog – two deadly pollutants set to increase deaths by about 260,000 worldwide by the end of the century.
Many new housing developments are being built along busy roads and rail lines, but lack design features that would reduce occupants’ exposure to harmful traffic pollution.
As the latest controversy about tunnel exhaust stacks and respiratory health plays out in the media, some community members are proposing solutions that just don’t make sense.
In November 2016, smog in New Delhi was 16 times above safe levels. An Indian researcher dug into the data to find out why, and how India can keep its capital breathing safely.
Coal-fired power plants produce air pollution that kills thousands of Americans every year. President Trump’s embrace of coal energy will delay a shift to cleaner fuels that is saving money and lives.
Large livestock farms, known as CAFOs, have polluted air and water in many communities. A recent court decision will force CAFOs to report their air emissions from manure and other sources.
Professor & Chair in Air Quality and Health; Founding Director, Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE), Co-Director, Institute for Sustainability, University of Surrey, University of Surrey