Microplastic “Hotspots” Identified in Long Island
Forensic and environmental specialists have collaborated to create a new scientific technique for identifying microplastic pollution ‘hotspots’ in open waters. The technique was tested in…
Pollution News
Pollution refers to the introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment, leading to adverse effects on the natural world and human health. It can manifest in various forms, including air, water, soil, and noise pollution, each with specific sources and impacts. Air pollution is typically caused by industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and chemical fumes, contributing to respiratory ailments and other health issues. Water pollution results from the discharge of industrial waste, agricultural chemicals, and untreated sewage into water bodies, severely affecting aquatic life and safe drinking water supplies. Soil pollution involves the contamination of land areas with chemicals, heavy metals, and non-biodegradable waste, which can lead to decreased soil fertility and risks to human health. Noise pollution, less visible but equally harmful, results from loud noises produced by traffic, industrial activities, and urban development, impacting both human well-being and wildlife. Efforts to manage and reduce pollution involve regulations, green technology innovations, and community actions aimed at preserving environmental health and enhancing the quality of life.
How Lasers Could Solve the World’s Plastic Problem
A team has created a laser technique to break down tough plastics into valuable components, offering a new, sustainable approach to tackling global plastic pollution….
Startling: Humans Are Absorbing Microplastics, and It Is Increasing Our Risk of Cancer, Diabetes, and Heart Disease
Rising levels of micro- and nanoplastics are potentially increasing the risk of serious health conditions like cancer and diabetes, prompting calls for comprehensive global research…
Warning: 97% of Tested North American Natural Gas Samples Contain Cancer-Causing Benzene
The results underscore the importance of implementing more rigorous standards for odorizing natural gas and detecting leaks. New findings reveal that individuals with an average…
Is Your Pregnancy Diet Safe? The Latest Research on Fish and Mercury
Researchers have introduced a novel approach to evaluate the neurodevelopmental effects of fish consumption during pregnancy, focusing on the balance between mercury exposure and nutritional…
The Surprising Truth: How Long “Biodegradable” Straws Last in Ocean Waters
Studies show that biodegradable straws made from paper and bioplastics like CDA and PHA degrade in ocean water within 8 to 20 months, offering a…
Hidden Dangers: Johns Hopkins Unmasks Hazardous Chemicals in Biosolid Fertilizers
Researchers create new list of possibly toxic contaminants commonly found in biosolids nationwide. A study by Johns Hopkins University highlights the presence of hazardous chemicals…
Common Household Cleaning Product Found To Release Trillions of Microplastic Fibers
Melamine sponges release trillions of microplastic fibers monthly, posing environmental risks. Making denser sponges and using alternative cleaning methods are recommended solutions. If you’ve ever…
New Bioplastic Straw Degrades Even Faster in the Ocean Than Paper
Researchers determine the lifetimes of commercial drinking straws in the coastal ocean and develop a prototype bioplastic straw that degrades even faster than paper. A…
Far-Reaching Fallout: Tracing Toxic Trails From the Ohio Train Disaster
The February 2023 Norfolk Southern train accident in East Palestine, Ohio, led to widespread environmental pollution, affecting areas from the Midwest to the Northeast and…
Toxic Legacies: The Lasting Threat of Historic DDT Dumping off Los Angeles Coast
New research shows that deep-sea fish near Catalina Island are contaminated with DDT-related chemicals, revealing ongoing risks from decades-old pollution. During the mid-20th century, the…
New Findings: Air Pollution’s Surprising Effect on Heart Risk for Cancer Patients
Air pollution significantly worsens cardiovascular risks in cancer survivors, contributing to higher morbidity and mortality, with the most profound impacts on disadvantaged populations. Although modern…
Scientists Discover Marine Fungus That Can Eat Plastic
Researchers found that the fungus Parengyodontium album degrades UV-exposed polyethylene in the ocean, suggesting that similar fungi might also break down plastics in deeper waters….
Airborne Poison: Johns Hopkins Detects Toxic Gas Swamping Louisiana
A Johns Hopkins study revealed alarmingly high ethylene oxide levels in Louisiana, suggesting underreported cancer risks and the urgency for better air quality monitoring and…
Popular Myth Debunked: New Study Clears Dark Chocolate of Health Risks
Tulane University’s study confirms that consuming dark chocolate daily is safe for adults, posing minimal health risks and offering significant nutritional benefits. Chocolate enthusiasts might…
The Ultimate Killer: Pollution Deadlier Than War, Terrorism, and Major Diseases
Manmade pollutants and climate change contribute to millions of deaths from cardiovascular disease each year, warn a coalition of leading scientists. A new series published…
Quantifying the Fallout: Particulate Matter and Public Health at the Salton Sea
Increased dust from the Salton Sea’s drying lakebed is raising air pollution levels, impacting disadvantaged communities the most, with ongoing water diversions exacerbating the situation….
Plastic Invasion: Microplastics Found Lodged in Human and Dog Testicular Tissue
University of New Mexico researchers found microplastics in human and canine testicular tissues, raising concerns about reproductive health. The study discovered 12 types of microplastics,…