News tagged with 'Air Pollution'

The average American has a cancer risk of 36 in 1 million if exposed to toxic air pollution, according to a new report by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Air toxins are known to or suspected of causing cancer and other serious health problems.

Defective Chinese Drywall? Residents of South Florida are complaining about a foul smell coming from drywall or plasterboard that is made in China. Pipes and wires are also corroding. The health department has received 39 complaints and some residents have had to leave. A leading national builder says it will help people relocate and fix the problem.

Cleaner air translates to a longer life, concludes a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. 51 cities around the country were studied and the life expectancy has increased by nearly five months in the cities with the cleanest air. 

Following federal litigation, the EPA has agreed to slash the amount of allowable airborne lead to one-tenth the amount currently allowed.  The problem is the lead recycling industry must comply and there is a lack of lead monitors nationwide. 

A new study finds small particles found in air pollution can negatively impact heart patients who have coronary heart disease, by impairing the heart’s ability to conduct electrical signals.

Vinyl shower curtains tested by The Center for Health, Environment, and Justice (CHEJ) from five popular retailers, were found to contain high concentrations of polyvinyl chloride (PCV) chemicals associated with cancer and other health problems. The amount of chemicals present was 16 times greater than the guideline for indoor air quality. 

Up to 24,000 deaths a year among Californians are linked to air pollution, new research finds.  That is triple the previous estimate and may be shaving off up to 10 years of life of those living in congested areas.  

Tiny particles of pollution in the air, a fraction of the width of a hair, seem to increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis(DVT)  or blood clots in the legs.  The study was done at the Harvard School of Public Health and is the first to suggest that air particulates are not just bad for the heart but also for the veins.

Exciting research finds that the greater number of trees, the reduction in asthma incidents among youngsters in New York City.  Researchers hope to expand their research around the "Million Trees NYC" project that will see one million new trees planted in the city over the next 10 years.

Move over Los Angeles, Pittsburgh has grabbed your thunder and not in a good way. The American Lung Association in its “State of the Air” report released Thursday, says Pittsburgh surpassed Los Angeles because of short-term particle pollution which combines ash, soot, chemicals, metals diesel and aerosols as well as smog or ozone.