https://youtu.be/LofU0m8OsJ4 Every second counts during an emergency response emergency vehicles rely on drivers to do their part and clear the… See the most recent messages from LASD - South Los Angeles Station, Los Angeles County Sheriff, powered by Nixle Sign up to receive messages by email & text message The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department asks you to please celebrate this historical day responsibly Don’t make #CincodeMayo a deadly holiday due to drunk & drugged driving we responded to a call of a person with a lower leg injury near Switzer Falls in the Angeles National Forest We had rescuers going down trail as @SEBLASD Air Rescue 5 lowered a medic to the victim The primary Mission of Parking Enforcement Detail (PED) is to ensure the residents of the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County are provided with expeditious vehicle movement to help alleviate parking congestion improve the availability of parking choices and to assist the communities in addressing all parking related matters apportion scarce parking spaces for all legitimate vehicles by insuring those who violate parking regulations are properly addressed through the California Vehicle Codes (CVC) the Los Angeles County Vehicle Codes (LACoVC) and other various municipal codes Each Los Angeles County Sheriff's Station has a Parking Enforcement unit Please visit the Stations page to find your local Sheriff's Station Station Locations Please visit the LA county Sheriff's Department Pay by web site Pay by web For more street services in LA County please report your problem here: Public Works Los Angeles County To contact the proper Sheriff's station for your parking concerns and to send an email request for service; first determine who services your address by entering the area location address and click the "Find" button "We look forward to improving our coverage for customers in Central Florida," said Rick Rogers "Our expanded presence in this market strengthens our footprint across Florida which means we will be able to bring our top-tier services to more people throughout the state." Gator Air Conditioning has offered reliable HVAC services for residents in Manatee and Sarasota counties for more than two decades The company provides heating and air conditioning services for residential and light commercial applications as well as indoor air quality (IAQ) testing All of Gator's work comes with a six-month "Fixed Right the First Time" guarantee "Our team is excited to join one of the leading plumbing air conditioning and electric companies in Florida This combination will help us broaden our opportunities and serve more people," said James Romagnola "We look forward to what the future holds as part of the Del-Air family." Del-Air has built a strong reputation as the air conditioning and heating contractor of choice for Florida homeowners For more information about Del-Air or to see the company's discount offers, visit https://www.delair.com/ Del-Air is majority owned by Astara Capital Partners MEDIA CONTACT:Heather RipleyRipley PR(865) 977-1973[email protected] Florida's foremost indoor comfort provider is expanding its service area in the northeast corridor.. has expanded its Residential New Construction (RNC).. Construction & Building HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning) Household, Consumer & Cosmetics Corporate Expansion Do not sell or share my personal information: An official website of the United States government JavaScript appears to be disabled on this computer. Please click here to see any active alerts Radon is invisible - you can't see or smell it Take action against the second leading cause of lung cancer The new ASHRAE Guideline 44 recommends measures to protect building occupants from smoke during wildfire and prescribed burn events Flood water can make the air in your home unhealthy carpet and furniture if they remain wet for more than 24 hours.  Learn about flood cleanup Learn how to reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke inside your home. We spend about 90% of our time indoors? Indoor Air Quality impacts everyone, including those who may be more vulnerable - children, the elderly, and people with health conditions like asthma and heart disease. Learn how source control, ventilation and filtration can reduce exposure to indoor pollutants and improve indoor air quality Learn about indoor air quality and ways to improve it where we live Learn about indoor air quality in different building types Learn about indoor air pollutants and sources Learn about indoor air science and technologies used to help improve indoor air quality Discover indoor air quality networking and funding opportunities links to Indoor air-related webinars and helpful resources See trending IAQ topics and get the information you need to improve your indoor air quality. Find IAQ-related publications, factsheets, and infographics Find answers to your IAQ-related questions Find contact information for EPA's 10 regional offices and state IAQ information Subscribe to Indoor Air Quality Email Updates (TSX:AGI; NYSE:AGI) (“Alamos” or the “Company”) today announced it has been granted approval of an amendment to its existing environmental impact assessment (Manifestación de Impacto Ambiental “MIA") by Mexico’s Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (“SEMARNAT”) allowing for the start of construction on the Puerto Del Aire (“PDA”) project located within the Mulatos District “Mulatos is our founding operation and a steady producer since 2005 Through a long-track record of exploration success we have discovered and developed a number of high-return projects that have continued to extend the mine life of the Mulatos District Having achieved this key permitting milestone through long-standing community PDA is expected to significantly extend the mine life of the District as our next high-return project with significant exploration upside With an initial Mineral Reserve and Resource declared on PDA at the end of 2021 the transition from discovery to construction has been rapid and exemplifies the exploration upside within the District,” said John A construction activities on PDA are expected to begin ramping up toward the middle of 2025 Capital spending on PDA is expected to total $37 to $40 million in 2025 to advance underground development and procurement of mill long lead time items The remainder of the total initial capital estimate of $165 million will be spent in 2026 and 2027 with first production anticipated mid-2027 PDA is a higher-grade underground deposit located adjacent to the main Mulatos pit The results of a positive internal economic study were announced in September 2024 and highlighted an attractive Annual gold production is expected to average 127,000 ounces over the first four years and 104,000 ounces over an eight-year mine life based on Mineral Reserves at the end of 2023 Mine-site all-in sustaining costs are expected to average $1,003 per payable ounce PDA has an estimated after-tax Net Present Value (“NPV”) (5%) of $269 million and after-tax Internal Rate of Return (“IRR”) of 46% using a base case gold price of $1,950 per ounce and MXN/USD foreign exchange rate of 18:1 PDA has an estimated after-tax NPV (5%) of $492 million and an after-tax IRR of 73% The project contains significant exploration upside with PDA open in multiple directions and higher grade mineralization intersected below the past producing Cerro Pelon open pit This is expected to support an initial underground Mineral Resource at Cerro Pelon with the 2024 year-end update to be released in February 2025 Cerro Pelon represents upside as a potential source of additional feed to the PDA sulphide mill that could extend the higher rates of production beyond the first four years of the current mine plan Alamos is a Canadian-based intermediate gold producer with diversified production from three operations in North America This includes the Island Gold District and Young-Davidson mine in northern Ontario the Company has a strong portfolio of growth projects including the Phase 3+ Expansion at Island Gold Alamos employs more than 2,400 people and is committed to the highest standards of sustainable development The Company’s shares are traded on the TSX and NYSE under the symbol “AGI” Corporate Development & Investor Relations (416) 368-9932 x 5439 Khalid ElhajVice President, Business Development & Investor Relations(416) 368-9932 x 5427ir@alamosgold.com The TSX and NYSE have not reviewed and do not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements This news release contains or incorporates by reference “forward-looking statements” and “forward-looking information” as defined under applicable Canadian and U.S outcomes or developments that the Company expects to occur are forward-looking statements and are generally identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expect" or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions or statements that certain actions occur or be achieved or the negative connotation of such terms Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based on information estimates and projections as of the date of this news release Forward-looking statements in this news release include expectations or future financial or operating performance pertaining to other metal prices and foreign exchange rates; the nature and stability of relationships with the Mexican authorities and administration; community support; and other statements that express management's expectations or estimates of future performance The Company cautions that forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon several factors and assumptions that while considered reasonable by management at the time of making such statements are inherently subject to significant business Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements and information Such factors include (without limitation): the actual results of current exploration activities; conclusions of economic and geological evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; any impacts of any illnesses epidemics or pandemics on operations and the broader market including the nature and duration of any regulatory responses; state and federal orders or mandates (including with respect to mining operations generally or auxiliary businesses or services required for the Company’s operations) in Mexico; changes in national and local government legislation controls or regulations; failure to comply with environmental and health and safety laws and regulations; labour and contractor availability (and being able to secure the same on favourable terms); ability to sell or deliver gold doré bars; disruptions in the maintenance or provision of required infrastructure and information technology systems; fluctuations in the price of gold or certain other commodities such as and electricity; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities including geotechnical challenges and changes to production estimates (which assume accuracy of projected ore grade recovery timing and recovery rate estimates and may be impacted by unscheduled maintenance); changes in foreign exchange rates (particularly the Canadian dollar pressures and cave-ins; the risk that the Company’s mines may not perform as planned; uncertainty with the Company's ability to secure additional capital to execute its business plans; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development risks in obtaining and maintaining necessary licenses contests over title to properties; expropriation or nationalization of property; political or economic developments in Canada or Mexico and other jurisdictions in which the Company may carry on business in the future; increased costs and risks related to the potential impact of climate change; the costs and timing of construction and development of new deposits; risk of loss due to sabotage protests and other civil disturbances; the impact of global liquidity and credit availability and the values of assets and liabilities based on projected future cash flows; and business opportunities that may be pursued by the Company The foregoing should be reviewed in conjunction with the information risk factors and assumptions found in this news release The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information Alamos prepares its disclosure in accordance with the requirements of securities laws in effect in Canada all Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates included in this document have been prepared in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”) and the Canadian Institute of Mining Metallurgy and Petroleum (the “CIM”) - CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators which established standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects Mining disclosure in the United States was previously required to comply with SEC Industry Guide 7 (“SEC Industry Guide 7”) under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) has adopted final rules to replace SEC Industry Guide 7 with new mining disclosure rules under sub-part 1300 of Regulation S-K of the U.S Securities Act (“Regulation S-K 1300”) which became mandatory for U.S reporting companies beginning with the first fiscal year commencing on or after January 1 the SEC now recognizes estimates of “Measured Mineral Resources” “Indicated Mineral Resources” and “Inferred Mineral Resources” the SEC has amended its definitions of “Proven Mineral Reserves” and “Probable Mineral Reserves” to be substantially similar to international standards Investors are cautioned that while the above terms are “substantially similar” to CIM Definitions there are differences in the definitions under Regulation S-K 1300 and the CIM Standards there is no assurance any mineral reserves or mineral resources that the Company may report as “proven mineral reserves” “indicated mineral resources” and “inferred mineral resources” under NI 43-101 would be the same had the Company prepared the mineral reserve or mineral resource estimates under the standards adopted under Regulation S-K 1300 investors are also cautioned that while the SEC recognizes “measured mineral resources” “indicated mineral resources” and “inferred mineral resources” under Regulation S-K 1300 investors should not assume that any part or all of the mineralization in these categories will ever be converted into a higher category of mineral resources or into mineral reserves Mineralization described using these terms has a greater degree of uncertainty as to its existence and feasibility than mineralization that has been characterized as reserves investors are cautioned not to assume that any measured mineral resources or inferred mineral resources that the Company reports are or will be economically or legally mineable Cautionary Note Regarding non-GAAP Measures and Additional GAAP Measures The Company believes that investors use certain non-GAAP and additional GAAP measures as indicators to assess gold mining companies They are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared with GAAP “Cash flow from operating activities before changes in non-cash working capital” is a non-GAAP performance measure that could provide an indication of the Company’s ability to generate cash flows from operations and is calculated by adding back the change in non-cash working capital to “cash provided by (used in) operating activities” as presented on the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows “Cash flow per share” is calculated by dividing “cash flow from operations before changes in working capital” by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period “Free cash flow” is a non-GAAP performance measure that is calculated as cash flows from operations net of cash flows invested in mineral property plant and equipment and exploration and evaluation assets as presented on the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows and that would provide an indication of the Company’s ability to generate cash flows from its mineral projects “Mine site free cash flow” is a non-GAAP measure which includes cash flow from operating activities at less capital expenditures at each mine site “Return on equity” is defined as earnings from continuing operations divided by the average total equity for the current and previous year “Mining cost per tonne of ore” and “cost per tonne of ore” are non-GAAP performance measures that could provide an indication of the mining and processing efficiency and effectiveness of the mine These measures are calculated by dividing the relevant mining and processing costs and total costs by the tonnes of ore processed in the period “Cost per tonne of ore” is usually affected by operating efficiencies and waste-to-ore ratios in the period “Total capital expenditures per ounce produced” is a non-GAAP term used to assess the level of capital intensity of a project and is calculated by taking the total growth and sustaining capital of a project divided by ounces produced life of mine and “all-in costs per ounce” as used in this analysis are non-GAAP terms typically used by gold mining companies to assess the level of gross margin available to the Company by subtracting these costs from the unit price realized during the period These non-GAAP terms are also used to assess the ability of a mining company to generate cash flow from operations There may be some variation in the method of computation of these metrics as determined by the Company compared with other mining companies “total cash costs” reflects mining and processing costs allocated from in-process and doré inventory and associated royalties with ounces of gold sold in the period Total cash costs per ounce are exclusive of exploration costs “All-in sustaining costs per ounce” include total cash costs share based compensation and sustaining capital costs “Mine-site all-in sustaining costs” include total cash costs and sustaining capital costs for the mine-site but exclude an allocation of corporate and administrative and share based compensation “Adjusted net earnings” and “adjusted earnings per share” are non-GAAP financial measures with no standard meaning under IFRS “Adjusted net earnings” excludes the following from net earnings: foreign exchange gain (loss) and foreign exchange gain (loss) recorded in deferred tax expense “Adjusted earnings per share” is calculated by dividing “adjusted net earnings” by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period User login but the pandemic made them more popular than ever.. Shall we go to some terraces around Madrid Here are some of the most beautiful and spacious ones that are close to a park Ramses, next to El Retiro Park (Plaza de la Independencia where you can enjoy hot chocolate and churros as well as other traditional Spanish dishes La Terraza de Florida Retiro, in the heart of El Retiro Park We’re going to round off our tour of Madrid’s terrazas in the same spot as where we started. Let’s go back to El Retiro Park but this time we’re going to step inside and head to the Florida Retiro a classy restaurant with a superb outdoor area Featuring a decor inspired by oases in the Moroccan desert they offer a varied menu and a great selection of cocktails prepared by Óscar Molina Café del Lago, in Casa de Campo (P.º del Embarcadero Situated in the heart of Casa de Campo, Madrid’s largest public park and a wonderful place to relax, this terraza offers fabulous views of the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral The menu includes share plates like Galician-style octopus and platters of Iberian cold cuts and dishes such as Rioja-style cod and fabe beans with clams Villa Verbena, next to the lake at Casa de Campo  (Paseo de María Teresa This restaurant, which occupies one of the kiosks around the lake is located next to the Casa de Campo Lake It boasts a large terrace and serves a wide variety of dishes La Manzana in the heart of Casa de Campo (Avenida de Rodajos Located within Casa de Campo this restaurant specialises in authentic dishes from Asturias and has a large terrace open all year round the terrace is covered with a cosy marquee it is opened up so you can enjoy the sunshine Kiosco La Perla, next to Oeste Park (Paseo del Pintor Rosales If you’re enjoying a walk in Oeste Park and suddenly feel a bit peckish we recommend you make your way to this old classic on Paseo del Pintor Rosales Renowned for its leche merengada (milkshake with cinnamon) On warm days they turn on the mist sprayers so you won’t want to leave Café del Río Terrace (Avenida de Portugal, 1) and Terraza Playa, next to Madrid Río Park (Paseo de Yeserías which is often frequented by people who have gone to the park to do some sports Terraza Atenas, next to Atenas Park (Calle Segovia) a popular form of entertainment at that time in Puente de Vallecas (C/ Benjamín Palencia) On clear days you can see practically the whole of Madrid from this modest-looking outdoor café with enviable vistas. It is located in Puente de Vallecas district, next to the Cerro del Tío Pío which has been nicknamed the Park of the Seven Tits by the locals because of its seven hills After a long day shopping in La Vaguada shopping centre this terraza is a good place in which to sit back They also serve food and their menu is particularly popular with children: hamburgers Real Jardín Botánico bar-restaurant, in the Royal Botanical Gardens Located in the main pavilion of the Royal Botanical Gardens it is surrounded by nature and beautiful gardens. This terrace is open to all visitors to the garden during opening hours but it is necessary to purchase an entrance ticket in Dehesa de la Villa (Calle de Francos Rodríguez Luis Almansa, the entrepreneur behind the success of El Ancla at Casa de Campo Lake in Madrid, has opened another restaurant in Dehesa de la Villa La Francachela Casino de la Reina (Paseo de la Chopera This refurbished kiosk-terrace is in the park next to Casino de la Reina relax and disconnect whilst savouring Mediterranean dishes.  It is possible to have an aperitif a light lunch or an informal snack in the evening accompanied by a long drink Café de la Paloma, in Dehesa de la Villa (Calle de Francos Rodríguez Located in the North-West of Madrid, inside Dehesa de la Villa park this restaurant boasts an area that has been conserved as a wood with green spaces. It serves a wide range of dishes and it is renowned for its combination of traditional and modern flavours Make the most of the good weather and check out our top picks of outdoor actitivies and events relax on a terrace with a drink or a meal and watch the sun set in Madrid you will enjoy our light and an inexhaustible array of culture Madrid's excellent transport system allows you to get around the city quickly and safely by bus The Fuente del Berro Park is a splendid landscaped garden that was ordered by King Philip IV retains all the charm and the original structure a monumental green space between Plaza de España this 400-year-old park has once again be opened to the public One of the best places to watch the sun set in Madrid known popularly as the "park of the seven boobs".  In the east of Madrid lies one of the city's most unknown parks Don’t miss its stunning almond trees which blossom in late February!  This park is ideal for different activities This green space offers extensive leisure areas and facilities for various sporting activities Green space in the Villa de Vallecas district This natural environment surrounded by the River Manzanares in the Usera area is ideal for leisure and recreation Green area located in the Ciudad Jardín neighbourhood which houses three fragments of the famous Berlin Wall A secret garden in Hapsburg Madrid with fruit trees and an 18th-century bronze fountain Paseo del Arte (Art Walk) has a surprise in store for visitors: a tropical garden in this important train station This elegant garden situated in south Retiro must be seen during the spring months Enjoy the world’s most beautiful rosebushes in one of the largest gardens in Madrid this funeral monument was brought stone by stone from Egypt Discover the city's most popular sights and attractions from one of Europe's largest royal palaces to the magnificent Prado Museum and the Real Madrid football stadium.  The city’s new official sightseeing and tourist travel pass Our online store (in Spanish) sells artisan souvenirs Sign Up for Newsletter Los Angeles County has opened its latest Homekey project, Aviation Apartments, with its nonprofit partner, Venice Community Housing. Among the new tenants are people who participated in the County’s first Pathway Home encampment resolution Aviation Apartments is a former hotel in the Del Aire neighborhood which has been converted into 47 homes for people who have experienced homelessness “These Homekey housing sites, diverse in geography and populations served, are helping to provide critical housing in our fight to end homelessness,” said Supervisor Holly Mitchell “Thank you to the Del Aire Neighborhood Association for working with our office Residents receive wraparound supportive services provided by trained professional social service teams and health care partners Services include mental and physical health services assistance in obtaining and maintaining benefits and referrals to community-based services and resources residents enjoy easy access to the Metro C Line and bus routes LA County has been awarded Homekey grants to acquire 32 properties with a combined 2,157 units to convert into interim or permanent housing for people experiencing homelessness Pathway Home is an LA County Homeless Initiative-led encampment resolution program that is a critical component of the County’s comprehensive response to the local emergency on homelessness adopted by the Board of Supervisors in 2023 By leveraging emergency powers and partnerships with local jurisdictions Pathway Home is a full-circle solution that brings people off the streets into immediately available interim housing accompanied by a comprehensive suite of supportive services and Air pollution is an environmental health problem. Exposure to high levels of air pollutants can increase the risk of respiratory infections nearly 380,320 people die from poor air quality including mortality associated with ambient air pollution and household air pollution at even lower concentrations than previously thought To articulate efforts to address the challenges of air quality and improve the health of the population PAHO and UNEP will develop this series of webinars that seek to strengthen the capacities of the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean in matters of air quality surveillance development of air quality regulatory frameworks and strengthening governance mechanisms This initiative also contributes to the implementation of the Regional Air Quality Action Plan 2022-2025 of the Intergovernmental Air Pollution Network for Latin America and the Caribbean This is the third session of this serie, which was launched on August 7th 2024 This third session has as its theme: Global Air Quality Management Experiences: Development of Air Quality Regulation in the United States and Europe Washington DC)OTHER TIME ZONES: 8:00am (Mexico) Register Update to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards in the United States Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards The EU Ambient Air Quality Directive: review and amendment Deputy Head of Unit for Clean Air & Urban Policy Policy officer Clean Air and Urban Policy Unit A new tag team has been making waves in All Elite Wrestling and after weeks of simply going by their individual names they finally have a team name that AEW has filed to trademark On March 18, AEW filed to trademark the name "Titanes Del Aire" for entertainment services in the nature of live professional wrestling performances translated from Spanish as "The Titans of the Air" is the name that current ROH World Television Champion Komander and the unbeaten Hologram will now be known as going forward Komander and Hologram picked up their first victory as a tag team during the Zero Hour portion of the AEW Revolution pay-per-view on March 9, defeating the team of Lee Johnson and Blake Christian, while also feuding with La Faccion Ingobrenable in recent weeks Los Titanes Del Aire have attempted to fight off the likes of The Beast Mortos and Dralistico for a number of weeks and they will hope to finally settle the score with their rivals this week on "AEW Collision" when the four men meet in a tag team match Fireworks are beautiful – right Let’s get into the science behind the sparklers and find out: How do fireworks cause air pollution?See how fireworks are made and how they create huge amounts of air pollution when they explode Every firework relies on a series of chemical reactions to achieve a certain size These chemicals are packed into a tube called an aerial shell that’s packed with chemicals and explosives Here’s the ingredient list for a typical firework black powder helps the firework get into the air and blow up and potassium nitrate (also called saltpeter) It’s used in two important parts of the firework process: These are chemicals that help give fireworks their wide range of colors Fireworks achieves certain colors and shades by applying heat to chemical compounds: These are the small concentrations of explosives in a firework that blow up and fly in many directions when ignited Notice how a firework looks like a bunch of long Each light results from a single “star” in the firework shell Stars can also be arranged in shapes inside the aerial shell so that they look like happy faces Remember that fireworks are basically explosions of chemicals in solid form Millions of combustion particles and gases are released into the air during these splashes of color on the sky Many are also blown around for miles in atmospheric wind currents includes three distinct types of particles: Fireworks generate huge concentrations of pollutants from colorants and explosives as well as from the metals and fuses that make up the firework itself One study conducted in Albany, New York right after a celebration found that PM pollutant concentrations can be up to eight times higher than normal in the hours right after a fireworks show – and up to 10 times higher than even pollution from vehicle traffic in the same area (1) The study also pointed out that wind conditions can cause those pollutants to stay in the air for as long as five hours after a fireworks show – and up to 77% of the particulate pollution in the air originates from those fireworks alone Other studies have shown similar increases in local air pollution right after a fireworks show and specified what exactly gets into the air after a few fireworks explosions: If you have a respiratory condition like asthma chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) you probably already know the kind of symptoms that chemicals from a fireworks show can cause – shortness of breath But fireworks can be harmful even if you don’t have any existing respiratory issues Some of the symptoms you might experience because of poor air quality caused by fireworks include (7,8): And even though fireworks only result in temporary increases in local air pollution fireworks air pollution can travel for miles and cause bad air quality around the world making the effects of air pollution more severe even in regions that never see a fireworks show The good thing about fireworks is that they’re usually temporary and can be easily avoided Here are some tips for protecting yourself from the air pollution caused by fireworks: Many of us enjoy a good fireworks show and can’t remember a holiday celebration or theme park trip without one But the truth is that fireworks add a significant amount of air pollution into your local atmosphere These pollutants can last for hours or days on end exposing you and your neighbors to possible long-term health effects or do something about it – fireworks shows may never go away but there’s plenty you can do to help yourself and others confront the unique air quality problems associated with fireworks One study conducted in Albany, New York [1] Zhang J, et al. (2019). Detailed measurements of submicron particles from an Independence Day fireworks event in Albany, New York using HR-ToF-AMS [2] Wang Y, et al. (2007). The air pollution caused by the burning of fireworks during the lantern festival in Beijing [3] Masih A, et al. (2014). Study of noise and atmospheric pollution during the festival of lights (Deepawali) in the north central part of India – a case study [4] Seidel DJ, et al. (2015). Effects of Independence Day fireworks on atmospheric concentrations of fine particulate matter in the United States [5] Greven FE, et al. (2019). Air pollution during New Year’s fireworks and daily mortality in the Netherlands [6] Gouder C, et al. (2014). Potential impact of fireworks on respiratory health [7] Bach W, et al. (1975). Fireworks pollution and health [8] Hoyos CD, et al. (2020). Effects of fireworks on particulate matter concentration in a narrow valley: The case of the Medellín metropolitan area [9] Lin S. (2004, July 12). Disney’s smoke-free launches [10] Walters J. (2018, July 4). Fourth of July: Drones to replace firework displays due to wildfire risk. The Guardian [11] BBC News. (2020, January 3). Shanghai New Year drone display was pre-recorded featuring advanced HyperHEPA filtration for particles of all sizes and V5-Cell filtration for gases and odors The HealthPro Plus XE model includes smart air monitoring ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Del-Air Plumbing, Air Conditioning and Electric has announced the acquisition and merger of ARS®/Rescue Rooter® Vero Beach ARS® Vero Beach is a trusted brand serving Florida's east coast with plumbing The new partnership will provide diversified services for ARS®/Rescue Rooter® customers and clients to include a full suite of home services from Del-Air plumbing and complete household electrical "Homeowners serviced by ARS® Vero Beach and throughout Florida's eastern coastline can now take advantage of all the home services Del-Air provides central Florida homeowners Our collaboration with ARS® Vero Beach is intended to help provide a premier home comfort experience for all ARS® Vero Beach homes and businesses," stated Rick Rogers All services previously provided for ARS®/Rescue Rooter® Vero Beach customers are now available from Del-Air MEDIA CONTACT:Heather RipleyRipley PR(865) 977-1973[email protected] Computer & Electronics All official European Union website addresses are in the europa.eu domain Just under 240,000 deaths per year in the European Union can be attributed to exposure to fine particulate matter according to the latest European Environment Agency (EEA) air quality health impact assessment published today as the new EU rules enter into force that Europeans remain exposed to air pollutant concentrations considerably above recommended World Health Organization (WHO) levels A separate assessment also found that nearly three quarters of Europe’s ecosystems are exposed to damaging levels of air pollution Despite the challenges in reducing our exposure to air pollutants, the data confirm a trend that the estimated impact on health caused by long-term exposure to three key air pollutants (fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and ozone) is improving, according to the EEA briefing ‘Harm to human health from air pollution in Europe: burden of disease status 2024’. Between 2005 and 2022, the number of deaths in the EU attributable to fine particulate matter or PM2.5 fell by 45%, remaining on track to achieve the 55% reduction target outlined in the EU zero pollution action plan for 2030. New EU air quality rules in placeThe revised ambient air quality directive brings the EU air quality limits values closer to the WHO standards supporting further reductions in the health impacts of air pollution over the coming years air pollution continues to be the top environmental health risk to Europeans (followed by other factors such as exposure to noise chemicals and the increasing effects of climate-related heatwaves on health) causing chronic illness and attributable deaths at least 239,000 deaths in the EU in 2022 were attributable to exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution above the WHO recommended concentration of 5 µg/m3 70,000 deaths are attributable to exposure to ozone (O3) pollution and 48,000 deaths to exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution These attributable deaths could have been avoided by meeting the WHO’s guideline values in 2022. Key information for each country is included in a separate annex to this press release, including information on national level health and ecosystem impacts.  In addition to premature deaths, the impacts from living with diseases related to air pollution are significant. It is vital that these impacts are considered when assessing the overall health burden of air pollution, as well as the benefits that would arise from cleaner air in Europe, the EEA briefing says. Air pollution's impact on natureAir pollution also has a negative impact on our nature. A separate EEA briefing ‘Impacts of air pollution on ecosystems in Europe’, looks at how vegetation is exposed to key air pollutants and how this translates into crops yield and economic losses. The EEA briefing found that nitrogen in the air, which is deposited on ecosystems, increases the nutrient loading (eutrophication) leading to changes in the ecosystem structure and function (changes in plant species that can grow in an area). Notably, 73% of ecosystems in the EU were above critical loads for eutrophication in 2022. The zero pollution action plan includes the objective to reduce the area of ecosystems where nitrogen deposition exceeds critical loads by 25% by 2030 compared to the levels in 2005. This objective is currently unlikely to be met, as it fell by 13% between 2005 and 2022. Background The EEA briefings: ‘Harm to human health from air pollution in Europe: burden of disease status 2024’ and the ‘Impacts of air pollution on ecosystems in Europe’ are part of the EEA's air quality in Europe 2024 package The EEA has been estimating number of deaths attributable to exposure to air pollution since 2014 The EEA uses the recommendations for health impacts set out in the 2021 WHO air quality guidelines the health impacts of different air pollutants should not be added together to avoid double counting due to some overlaps in data This is the case for both mortality and illness In addition to these two briefings, updated factsheets on air pollution have also been published for each country These factsheets provide a summary of key data related to air pollution emissions and air quality including trends in pollution over time and the health impacts related to pollution impacts in each country The revised Air Quality Directive, Directive (EU) 2024/2881 The Directive introduces new air quality standards to be attained in 2030 that align closer with WHO recommendations and an obligation to monitor additional pollutants such as ultrafine particles Additional information on the revised directive can be found in the news item and the video by the European Commission Even before COVID-19 forced much of the world to wear masks for protection, people have always had a variety of opinions regarding air pollution masks especially when COVID-19 vaccines began to roll out and called the necessity of masks into question But with many affordable masks widely available numerous public health agencies strongly recommend that you wear an anti-pollution mask during airborne infectious disease outbreaks to help protect yourself from both air pollution and airborne infections Substantial evidence suggests that masks are highly effective against air pollution and in environments with a high risk of exposure to harmful airborne infections, such as shared office spaces, classrooms The question of which is the best pollution mask to wear, however, is just as important a decision as choosing to wear a mask to begin with. And not all pollution masks are equal – some are nearly useless against the most dangerous and harmful particles like PM2.5 and COVID-19 aerosols Here’s a guide to differentiating between the good and the ineffective when it comes to air pollution masks Here are the features that we used to evaluate the efficacy of our recommended air pollution masks also known as air quality masks or smog masks Many protective face masks are given a rating of N90 This common notation stands for the percentage of fine particles (down to 0.3 microns) that the mask has been tested to block Other common standards include KN95 and FFP2 both of which are equivalent to the N95 standard for particles down to 0.3 microns If your goal is protection against particle pollution or airborne infectious aerosols or N95 pollution mask should be your standard The key to any mask’s effectiveness is the seal A good seal suctions the air quality mask to your face during inhalation causing the paper to bend inwards and create a concave surface For masks with a firm plastic construction you should be able to prevent the inflow of air by covering filters with the palm of your hand creating a breathing space by resting far away from the face to help reduce the tightness or difficulty breathing that snug-fitting masks can produce This is particularly important for air quality masks used during outdoor exercise or during long periods of use outside of medical environments as filtration is a much more pressing concern than breathability in critical medical contexts directed outflow through exhaust valves can also help stop some masks from becoming moist with condensation from your breath and wildfire smoke with a protective KN95/FFP2 face mask CLICK HERE The best air pollution masks filter up to 95% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns using internationally recognized standards These masks are generally tested for 95% efficacy against the following airborne particles: a mask’s seal is arguably the most important element of an effective air quality mask A good air pollution mask uses high-quality sealing techniques with fabric or silicone that allow the mask to comfortably fit the contour of your face This helps keep particles from leaking in or out of your air quality mask helping protect you from airborne particles while also protecting others from any infected aerosols that you may breathe out comfortable straps help make the seal around your nose and chin airtight providing another layer of protection against leakage while also helping prevent pain or discomfort from tightened straps Though a wide variety of protective scarves and cotton face coverings are available in supermarkets and convenience stores take note of the quality before making a purchase Many scarves and fabric masks are made of cotton and other materials that are effective mostly against large infected droplets from coughs and sneezes along with other measures like social distancing Cotton masks also tend to have large gaps that the pollution filter cannot reach Even common N95 paper masks often lack a method to tighten straps while others lack a sturdy clip to create a tight seal around the nose One-strap paper or ordinary surgical masks can help reduce transmission of large infected droplets as long as they’re used along with other protective measures this type of mask is not an effective face mask for air pollution since it does not protect against coarse and fine pollution particles ranging from 0.3-10 microns in size In addition to poor air pollution filtration these masks almost always have ineffective or non-existent seals as air can flow freely in and out of the sides of the mask these masks are not recommended for use against air pollution or infectious aerosols in the absence of other protective measures while N95 pollution masks and KN95 masks with exhaust valves can help with breathability and moisture reduction these valves will emit exhaled respiratory aerosols when you breathe out This can also release infected respiratory aerosols into the air Even if you’re asymptomatic or vaccinated against COVID-19 you can still spread infected particles this way This can put those around you at greater risk for airborne infections There’s no question about the incredibly detrimental health effects caused by fine particle pollution as well as airborne infections like the flu and the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus responsible for COVID-19 Wearing an air pollution mask can help reduce these health effects significantly The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that nearly 1 in 8 deaths worldwide can be attributed to air pollution (1). A report by Greenpeace Southeast Asia using IQAir data further estimated the human cost of air pollution at over 160,000 people in the world’s five biggest cities in 2020 alone (2) Data from the COVID-19 pandemic has also illustrated how air pollution can make COVID-19 cases worse A 2020 Harvard study found that the risk for severe or fatal COVID-19 symptoms went up by 8% for every rise in PM2.5 of 1 microgram per cubic meter (𝜇g/m3) (3) Wearing a highly effective air pollution mask has been shown to help reduce the risk of exposure to PM2.5 and other airborne particulates, decreasing the chance of illness and death related to air pollution. A 2018 study in Beijing, China suggests that smog masks with filtration equivalent to N95 or FFP2 were most effective for filtering PM2.5 and diesel soot (4) Wearing air quality masks has also been proven effective for reducing transmission of airborne COVID-19 A 2020 study in Health Affairs found that statewide mask mandates in the United States prevented 200,000 cases of COVID-19 between March 31 and May 22 alone (5) Another 2020 study in One Earth suggests that air quality masks equivalent to N95 and FFP2 help provide protection from both PM2.5 and COVID-19 aerosols (6) Wear a mask even if you’ve received one or more doses of a COVID-19 vaccine especially if you’re around others who have not been vaccinated (7) Consult your local or national public health guidelines for the latest recommendations on mask-wearing following vaccination A 2021 study in Nature Medicine suggests that antibodies resulting from COVID-19 illness or vaccination for specific SARS-CoV-2 variants may not be as effective against transmission of newer or untested variants such as those that have emerged from the United Kingdom Get vaccinated and wear an air quality mask to help protect yourself during outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 variants While masks are crucial for protection against airborne infections their role in guarding against other environmental hazards Wildfire smoke contains harmful particles that can trigger lung inflammation Prolonged exposure is particularly dangerous for vulnerable groups The fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in wildfire smoke is similar in size to COVID-19 particles making masks like N95s highly effective in both scenarios and can protect against both viruses and smoke particles which can reach deep into the lungs and cause significant health issues For optimal protection against wildfire smoke experts recommend masks with high filtration efficiency The best air pollution masks are rated N95 or FFP2 since they are the most effective against particle pollution and airborne infections especially if the mask has a tight seal and adjustable straps Basic cotton or fabric face coverings are largely ineffective against both air pollution and airborne infections but can still provide some protection against large infected droplets from coughs and sneezes when used with other measures like social distancing Paper and surgical masks are only recommended for protection against large droplets as well And even if you’re vaccinated against COVID-19 wear an air quality mask when recommended by public health officials Substantial evidence suggests that masks are highly effective against air pollution and in environments with a high risk of exposure to harmful airborne infections, such as shared office spaces, classrooms The question of which is the best pollution mask to wear, however, is just as important a decision as choosing to wear a mask to begin with. And not all pollution masks are equal – some are nearly useless against the most dangerous and harmful particles like PM2.5 and COVID-19 aerosols Many protective face masks are given a rating of N90 CLICK HERE The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that nearly 1 in 8 deaths worldwide can be attributed to air pollution (1). A report by Greenpeace Southeast Asia using IQAir data further estimated the human cost of air pollution at over 160,000 people in the world’s five biggest cities in 2020 alone (2) Data from the COVID-19 pandemic has also illustrated how air pollution can make COVID-19 cases worse Wearing a highly effective air pollution mask has been shown to help reduce the risk of exposure to PM2.5 and other airborne particulates, decreasing the chance of illness and death related to air pollution. A 2018 study in Beijing, China suggests that smog masks with filtration equivalent to N95 [1] World Health Organization. (2014, March 25). 7 million premature deaths annually linked to air pollution [2] Greenpeace. (2021). Tracking the cost of air pollution [3] Wu X, et al. (2020). Exposure to air pollution and COVID-19 mortality in the United States: A nationwide cross-sectional study [4] Cherrie JW, et al. (2018). Effectiveness of face masks used to protect Beijing residents against particulate air pollution Occupational & Environmental Medicine [5] Lyu W, et al. (2020). Community use of face masks and COVID-19: Evidence from a natural experiment of state mandates in the US [6] Xu J, et al. (2020). Air-filtering masks for respiratory protection from PM2.5 and pandemic pathogens [7] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). When you’ve been fully vaccinated: How to protect yourself and others [8] Chen RE, et al. (2021). Resistance of SARS-CoV-2 variants to neutralization by monoclonal and serum-derived polyclonal antibodies [9] Lauring AS, et al. (2021). Genetic variants of SARS-CoV-2—what do they mean? JAMA [10] World Health Organization. (2020, December 31). SARS-CoV-2 variants [11] Fontanet A, et al. (2021). SARS-CoV-2 variants and ending the COVID-19 pandemic IQAir Mask redefines what wearing a protective KN95/FFP2 mask should feel like Engineered to not only provide superior reduction for a wide range of airborne pollutants but also designed to provide the most comfortable wearing experience ever all-day protection KN95-certified air pollution mask filters 95% of particles down to 0.3 microns The 2023 World Air Quality report is in and it reveals that far too many major cities are severely polluted Over 80 million people live in the five most polluted major cities Below are listed major cities grappling with severe air quality issues and a selection of the most polluted big cities in each other region Over 80 million people live in the major cities outlined here And millions more individuals experienced frequent exposure to poor air quality in 2023 Learn about the state of air quality around the world DOWNLOAD NOW Kolkata, home to over 15 million residents, recorded an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 47.8 µg/m³ in 2023 The main sources of pollution in Kolkata include vehicle emissions Traffic congestion and older vehicles significantly contribute to air pollution while various industries around and within the city elevate PM2.5 levels the use of biomass for cooking and heating exacerbates air quality issues Kolkata has recently introduced electric buses and stricter pollution controls for industries to combat air pollution Karachi grapples with significant air quality issues the city’s average annual PM2.5 concentration was 56.4 µg/m³ Karachi's pollution stems from vehicle emissions contributing to health problems among its over 17 million residents High numbers of older vehicles and lax emission standards worsen air quality while numerous factories emit pollutants without adequate filtration Rapid development and the natural arid climate increase airborne dust particles Karachi is working on initiatives to monitor and improve air quality including increasing green spaces and enhancing waste management to reduce open burning Dhaka is the capital and most populous city of Bangladesh The city recorded an average annual PM2.5 concentration of 80.2 µg/m³ in 2023 more than 16 times the WHO's recommended level This marks a significant increase from 2022’s average of 65.8 µg/m³ The main sources of pollution include brick kilns contributing heavily to air pollution despite laws intended to restrict their locations and Climate Change plans to use a brick kiln tracker to enforce regulations and reduce pollution at the source Dhaka’s government acknowledges the severity of air pollution from brick manufacturing and aims to regulate and curb significant pollution sources with the introduction of new technology Comprehensive strategies and effective implementation of control measures are urgently needed to safeguard public health 11,021,000 people reside in Lahore That means that over 11 million people were exposed to an average annual PM2.5 concentration of 99.5 µg/m3 in 2023 – hazardous levels of poor air quality that pose a significant risk to human health Lahore was the most polluted city in the world in 2022. The city’s thick smog, fueled by crop burning in Punjab Province, vehicle emissions, and brick kiln smoke, has sparked grassroots activism to increase air quality monitoring across the country significant hurdles remain in mitigating pollution sources Delhi India is a mega-city home to over 29 million people and is the second largest city on Earth the city’s average annual PM2.5 concentration was 102.1 µg/m3 a significant increase from the 2022 average of 93 µg/m³ Delhi was the fourth most polluted large city in the world in both 2021 and 2022 meaning that air quality continues to worsen Delhi air pollution is frequently hazardous due to regional crop burning Poor air quality was a global problem in 2023 Outside of South and Central Asia, the most polluted major city was Hotan China with an average annual PM2.5 concentration of 87.3 µg/m3 Ras Al Khaimah finds air quality frequently impacted by desert sandstorms As in previous years, PM2.5 concentrations remained high in Africa and Asia. South Tangerang had an average annual PM2.5 concentration of 71.7 µg/m3 South Africa lying near Johannesburg and Pretoria Those PM2.5 concentrations made each city the most polluted major cities in Southeast Asia and Africa The most polluted major cities in the Americas in 2023 were in Mexico and Canada Guadalajara, Mexico was the most polluted major city in Latin America & Caribbean and had an average annual PM2.5 concentration of 25.8 µg/m3. Edmonton a city frequently subjected to smoke from the extreme 2023 Canadian wildfire season became the most polluted Northern America major city at an average annual PM2.5 concentration of 16.6 µg/m3 Europe’s most polluted city, Igdir had an average annual PM2.5 concentration 47.2 µg/m3 In Oceania, Perth Australia was the most polluted regional major city with 3.4 µg/m3 the city was within the World Health Organization’s air quality guideline of 5 µg/m3 Air pollution can affect millions of lives You can play a part in improving urban air quality: We can only fully appreciate how dangerous air pollution is for city dwellers when cities are equipped with reliable air quality data There remain significant gaps in air quality data for regions like Africa real-time access to air quality data is a critical component in informing people about poor air quality being equipped to act on poor air quality days and taking informed steps to reduce air pollution at its source More lives can be saved and health outcomes improved when people the world over know what’s in their air DOWNLOAD NOW Kolkata, home to over 15 million residents, recorded an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 47.8 µg/m³ in 2023 Karachi Dhaka 11,021,000 people reside in Lahore Lahore was the most polluted city in the world in 2022. The city’s thick smog, fueled by crop burning in Punjab Province, vehicle emissions, and brick kiln smoke, has sparked grassroots activism to increase air quality monitoring across the country Delhi Outside of South and Central Asia, the most polluted major city was Hotan Ras Al Khaimah As in previous years, PM2.5 concentrations remained high in Africa and Asia. South Tangerang Guadalajara, Mexico was the most polluted major city in Latin America & Caribbean and had an average annual PM2.5 concentration of 25.8 µg/m3. Edmonton Europe’s most polluted city, Igdir In Oceania, Perth personally enriching adventure that allows us to experience incredible scenery and see the world with a newfound perspective But road travel can also expose us to unhealthy pollutants and harm air quality 12 Clean air travel tipsGet expert tips to help keep you safe from airborne viruses while you’re on the go there are plenty of ways to minimize your exposure to highway air pollution Here are six tips to enjoying a clean air road trip this summer Start your journey off right. It’s a good idea to choose exceptionally clean road trip destinations, places with a better record for clean air than their peers. If you are wondering how a destination on your bucket list stacks up air quality-wise, the 2023 World Air Quality Report is a powerful resource Some big tourist destinations enjoyed surprisingly great air quality in 2023. For instance, Las Vegas, Nevada experienced a good air quality for much of the year If you have your heart set on visiting certain places known to have poor air quality, those locations may have cleaner air during certain times of year than in others. For example, wildfire smoke may be a concern in the western United States especially during certain months of the year It might be better to either pick a different destination or schedule your visit when seasonal issues are less of a concern Even the cleanest cities can be unexpectedly impacted by air quality events (like wildfire smoke). It’s important to keep an eye on your current air quality and to plan for the week ahead. The AirVisual App for Apple or Android includes real-time air quality updates and a 7-day air quality forecast and health recommendations from the free AirVisual app Clean Air Wherever You TravelExplore Atem Series travel air purifiersfor healthy air on your next journey Do your part to reduce emissions on the road by ensuring your car is as fuel-efficient as possible: (1) If the air quality changes for the worse while you’re on the road and you still want to go outdoors, a snug-fitting, KN95/FFP2 mask can keep you from breathing dust You can and should cut down your exposure to air pollution caused by vehicles Research shows that living and working near roadways can impact your lung function and lead to asthma and cardiovascular disease (2) To lower your exposure to in-car pollution on the road: but the indoor air quality could affect your health and comfort during your overnight stay and VOCs from cleaning materials can all affect indoor air quality in hotels and other lodging Maybe “hitting the road” means not getting in a motor vehicle at all consider finding travel alternatives that let you spend more time outdoors – hike or cycle those beautiful vistas already close to home and New York City have huge parks found on maps of the USA – the National Mall and Central Park respectively – that are fully accessible by public transit; or you can run look for a nearby national park and spend your visit outdoors Check out the park nearest you and see which outdoor activities you can enjoy To deepen your appreciation for a place and lessen your carbon footprint try planning longer trips and staying in one place This will prevent excessive travel-related emissions opt for a nearby domestic stay or staycation Using these tips will ensure that you and your fellow travelers enjoy the health benefits of clean air Start your journey off right. It’s a good idea to choose exceptionally clean road trip destinations, places with a better record for clean air than their peers. If you are wondering how a destination on your bucket list stacks up air quality-wise, the 2023 World Air Quality Report is a powerful resource Some big tourist destinations enjoyed surprisingly great air quality in 2023. For instance, Las Vegas, Nevada experienced a good air quality for much of the year If you have your heart set on visiting certain places known to have poor air quality, those locations may have cleaner air during certain times of year than in others. For example, wildfire smoke may be a concern in the western United States Even the cleanest cities can be unexpectedly impacted by air quality events (like wildfire smoke). It’s important to keep an eye on your current air quality and to plan for the week ahead. The AirVisual App for Apple or Android includes real-time air quality updates and a 7-day air quality forecast If the air quality changes for the worse while you’re on the road and you still want to go outdoors, a snug-fitting, KN95/FFP2 mask can keep you from breathing dust [1] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2023, August 09). What you can do to reduce pollution from vehicles and engines. [2] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2023, November 272). Research on near roadway and other near source air pollution. [3] United States National Park Service. (2024, April 17). National Park System. The air in your car contains a mixture of toxic fumes and gases that are potentially harmful to your health and the health of those you love The Atem Car air purifier and its revolutionary HyperHEPA Plus filter use air filtration technology tested and certified to capture a wide range of in-cabin air pollutants compact housing designed to blend into any vehicle cabin (Español) Pollutants in the air we breathe can be bad for our health Babies in the womb and young children are especially vulnerable as their bodies are growing and developing Urban air in particular can often be more polluted than air in the surrounding regions and sewage treatment plants are sited near residential areas And typical urban living in apartment buildings spreads secondhand smoke easily to many non-smoking homes and burning candles can build up in apartments particularly when they are not well ventilated far more city dwellers struggle with asthma than people who live in the suburbs or rural areas we learned that a lot of urban air pollution comes from heavy traffic Trucks and buses are the worst polluters as they use diesel fuel Trucks and buses without new emission controls can produce a lot of pollution 50 times more than vehicles using gasoline and lungs (upper respiratory system) can’t filter out black carbon particles because they are so small These particles get deep into the lungs and can make breathing difficult They can also worsen existing allergic and asthmatic conditions Our studies show that black carbon from street traffic also comes indoors Pollution-measuring machines placed in the homes of our study participants are finding nearly the same amount of black carbon inside homes as outside Pollution can originate from inside homes too. Our pollution measuring machines have found more tiny particles of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) indoors than outdoors Common indoor sources are home heating fuels See below for more on what you can do to reduce air pollution at home Some PAH are known to increase the risk of cancer Our studies of mothers and newborns show that babies exposed to higher levels of PAH in the womb are born with cell damage that could increase their risk for cancer A combination of PAH and secondhand smoke increases health risks for children All the babies in our study of mothers and newborns in Washington Heights and the South Bronx were exposed to PAH in the womb But children who were also exposed to secondhand smoke have a higher risk of health problems: Babies exposed to high levels of PAH and secondhand smoke in the womb were born smaller than babies exposed to low levels they also scored lower on tests of learning ability Babies exposed to high levels of PAH in the womb and secondhand smoke after birth coughed and wheezed more as one-year-olds and had more breathing problems and probable asthma diagnoses as two-year-olds than those with lower exposures there is a lot you can do to reduce harmful exposures at home There are also clean air campaigns you can join to help lower air pollution levels in your community and don’t let other people smoke near your children or in your home Limit the use of candles and incense in your home Eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables every day Get involved with people in your neighborhood who are working to clean up the air Community organizations coordinate effective clean air campaigns that are producing results Allow fewer trucks and buses in residential neighborhoods Require trucks and buses to be equipped with new emission controls Prohibit trucks and buses from allowing their engines to idle when they stop for more than a few minutes ascertaining that the most current pollution control devices are being used and that operations comply with code Campaign to keep non-operational stations and plants closed Work to keep new stations and plants from opening in or near residential areas Increase residents’ environmental health awareness Teach local residents to advocate for themselves and their neighborhoods Share knowledge of pollution sources and other relevant information with environmental and community groups citywide Collaborate with researchers at area universities to help learn about the health effects of pollution We are committed to the well-being and success of all community members Columbia complies with all applicable civil rights laws and does not engage in illegal preferences or discrimination 1.833.739.0139 | Available 24/7 It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Janet Delaire-Dore at her home in Barrie She is survived by her loving husband and best friend She is also survived by her sister Wendy Belbeck-Brownbridge (Bob Thompson) and by her brother Lloyd Bulbeck (Kathy) She will be missed by her beloved grandchildren and especially by her affectionate little dog She is pre-deceased by her brother Wayne Bulbeck her parents William Bulbeck and Alyn Bulbeck Janet worked at Pace Credit Union in Stroud She was known for her ready laugh and warm hospitality Her Sunday suppers for close friends were legendary Online memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.peacefultransition.ca Our deepest condolences to Paul & family her contagious sense of humour and her infectious laugh❤️ Rest in Peace Janet She was a part of our Family and best friend to my sister Janet Tanner….We use to call them the Two Janets!..JT & JB Janet moved to Bass Lake when we were little and we became besties after one day of school swimming and skating on a frozen Bass Lake And bad memories of having our ears pierced by my mom and getting Toni perms Will miss you dear friend and our online chats I am so sorry to hear about Janet’s passing my condolences to Paul and all the family Take care my thoughts and prayers will be with you all She was the best always great for a good laugh and such a positive attitude Upload Picture:  (Allowed file types: jpg © PEACEFUL TRANSITION | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Air quality has improved considerably in Europe over the past decades but polluted air is still the biggest environmental health hazard in Europe and globally According to the European Environment Agency’s (EEA) analysis on air quality data for 2022 and 2023 Europe’s air quality continues improving but pollution remains above recommended safe levels The EEA briefing ‘Europe’s air quality status 2024’ presents data on levels of key air pollutants in Europe in 2022 and 2023 and compares these concentrations to the EU air quality standards and World Health Organization (WHO) health-based guideline levels The 2022 data are final and validated by reporting countries while the 2023 analysis is based on provisional data Europe’s air quality is improving but EU standards are still not met across Europe only 2% of European monitoring stations registered fine particulate concentrations above the EU annual limit value almost all Europeans (96%) who live in cities are exposed to concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that are above the WHO guideline level) Fine particulate matter is the air pollutant that causes the greatest negative health impacts across Europe These particles come mainly from solid fuels used for domestic heating The EEA briefing also shows that there are significant differences between countries and regions with areas in central and eastern Europe showing higher levels of pollution only Iceland had fine particulate concentrations that were lower than the WHO guideline level Concentrations higher than the EU limit value were measured in three EU Member States: Croatia The EEA briefing is the first analysis in the EEA’s ‘Air quality in Europe 2024’ package the EEA will publish briefings on air pollutant emissions and on impacts of air pollution on ecosystems and human health This includes estimates on deaths and ill health that can be attributed to poor air quality First Investment in Astara Capital Partners Fund I 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Astara Capital Partners LLC ("Astara") announced today that a newly formed affiliate of Astara Capital Fund I has made an investment in Del-Air Heating and Air Conditioning ("Del-Air" or the "Company") in partnership with the Company's employee owners Del-Air is a leading provider of residential HVAC installation and service and light commercial HVAC services and replacements throughout the Florida market Astara also announced that Rick Rogers has joined Del-Air as Chief Executive Officer and Faizzy Saghir has joined as Chief Operating Officer Saghir are proven business leaders with successful track records in the HVAC industry They will work closely with the Company's management team to driver operational excellence and strategic growth "Del-Air has been the most recognized HVAC name in Central Florida for many decades and we are excited to partner with its employee owners in this investment" said Rob Groberg Del-Air is debt free and has a capital structure that positions it to invest in its people and systems to drive growth across all of its business units." "Del-Air is the first platform investment in our newly raised fund This acquisition is a perfect fit with our investment strategy of acquiring great companies where our capital and operational resources will build a stronger organization with sustainable value" said Michael Ranson "We are grateful for the support of our investors and for the trust that the employees of Del-Air who have owned the Company through an ESOP for almost 20 years We look forward to a terrific partnership with all of them." a multi-regional roofing platform specializing in re-roofing services for residential Astara Capital Partners ("Astara") an operationally focused private equity firm that invests in middle market companies Retail Household Products Consumer Electronics New land use regulations could bring updated zoning and opportunities for new housing to unincorporated communities in the South Bay, according to a notice distributed this month by the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning The South Bay Area Plan described in the notice as a new community-based plan would establish new zoning rules for 11 communities which fall under Los Angeles County's land use authority: which border incorporated cities such as El Segundo with an average age of just under 37 years An estimated 56 percent of those residents are homeowners while the remaining 44 percent are renters The new plan is intended to establish new areawide and community goals relating to land use and development, while also implementing zone changes required by Los Angeles County's new housing element. This would result in changes to certain residential and commercial areas to facilitate greater housing construction, such as the West Carson Transit Oriented District Specific Plan area the South Bay Plan also includes provisions intended to preserve naturally occurring affordable housing while also encouraging new commercial activity by promoting "accessory commercial units" and mobile food vending Similar elements have also been included in the pending update to the Boyle Heights Community Plan in the City of Los Angeles Starting from a kick-off point in July 2023 implementation of the South Bay Area Plan is expected to occur over a roughly 20-month period with adoption by the Board of Supervisors expected by late 2024 Twitter / Facebook / LinkedIn / Threads / Instagram Hazy skies during the summer months should be as concerning as they look or particulate pollution related to wildfire smoke which can cause potentially severe health effects the combination of all three is plaguing the air These conditions can coexist because heat increases ozone levels and smoke from wildfires are triggered when conditions are hot and dry. "It is something we are experiencing more frequently due to climate change and hotter and drier conditions," says Cheryl Pirozzi, MD a pulmonologist at University of Utah Health Several health effects could be triggered due to these environmental exposures Everyone is vulnerable to experiencing complications during times of high pollution Those who are most at risk of severe health effects are older adults people with underlying heart and lung disease The best way to protect yourself during times of poor air quality is to avoid activity outside when air pollution and heat are high morning is best when temperatures are cooler and air pollution levels are lower It's important to pay attention to your body If you are experiencing concerning symptoms such as troubled breathing Certain well-fitting face masks with particulate filters such as N95 and N99 masks can help reduce exposure to particulate pollution they do not reduce exposure to gaseous pollutants or heat and Pirozzi says overall health benefits haven't been well established Using HEPA filters in the home can also help reduce levels of particulate pollution Copyright © 2025 University of Utah Health A short walk south of Metro's Aviation/LAX Station in the unincorporated community of Del Aire wood framing is nearing its peak at the site of a new multifamily residential development The project site, which spans a half-acre at 11814-11824 Aviation Boulevard is approved for the construction of a six-story Plans also call for 42 parking spaces in a street-level garage According to Los Angeles County Assessor's records, the project site is owned by William Ashley, Inc. The company which is managed by William Ali Pournamdari Readers may recall that the building was originally planned as a six-story 152-room hotel in roughly the same building envelope building permits on file with the County confirm that the project is now a residential development Renderings of the earlier project depicted a contemporary podium-type building with a C-shaped footprint wrapping a courtyard and a swimming pool The new development is the second in recent years to rise near Aviation/LAX Station, following a 264-unit apartment complex which was completed in 2016 Accurately measuring air quality is the foundation of California’s efforts to reduce air pollution For more than 50 years California has maintained one of the most extensive air monitoring networks in the world collecting data on a wide range of pollutants The information we get from this network makes it possible to track our progress in cleaning the air and identify the most effective actions needed to meet health-based air standards Find real time and historical air quality data by air district The California Air Resources Board is one of six boards and offices under the umbrella of the California Environmental Protection Agency 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Del-Air Heating and Air Conditioning ("Del-Air" or the "Company") announced today that it has received a growth investment from Astara Capital Partners Employees of the Company will continue to own a material stake in the Company Del-Air is a leading provider of HVAC residential new construction installations Del-Air has grown to over 600 employees with locations in Sanford Del-Air serves many of the largest volume home builders in these markets and over 17,000 residential and commercial customers an Operator with Astara Capital Partners and Chairman of the Del-Air Board of Directors "The Astara team is thrilled to add Del-Air to our portfolio we have assembled a leadership team that has a proven track record of growing both HVAC residential new construction and HVAC home services businesses Together we will build upon Del-Air's position as the premiere HVAC platform in the Florida market."  Del-Air has deepened its management team by adding new positions and recruiting experienced leaders from the industry who have over 100 combined years of trades experience These individuals include Rick Rogers (CEO) and Greg Faris (VP Residential New Construction Business Development).  "We are excited to join and lead a company with such a great legacy customer focus and growth potential," said Rick Rogers CEO of Del-Air Heating and Air Conditioning Del-Air will be debt free and have the liquidity to invest in its people we will invest in and substantially grow both the new construction and the home services divisions of the Company." "Our leadership team's focus on employee training and development will position Del-Air to continue to be the employer of choice," said Faizzy Saghir COO of Del-Air Heating and Air Conditioning "Our deep history of success in the residential HVAC industry combined with investments in systems and capabilities to serve our customers will allow us to provide a best-in-class experience to our customers." "It's refreshing to see Del-Air's impressive employee tenure and engagement Our goal is to build on this great foundation." "We will add resources to expand our ability to serve our builder customers and pave the way for Del-Air to capture an even larger share of the Florida HVAC residential new construction market," said Greg Faris VP RNC Business Development of Del-Air Heating and Air Conditioning Details of the transaction were not disclosed Rob Haines407-476-3651[email protected] SOURCE Del-Air Heating Air Conditioning Plumbing and Electrical by Valeria Fernandez From Kashmir to Russia to Mexico and beyond, journalism is under threat. Reporters Without Borders estimates that nearly three-quarters of the 180 countries on its World Press Freedom Index either completely or partially block the work of newsrooms. The threats to journalists are physical, political and, especially under authoritarian regimes, increasingly existential. In our Reporting at Risk series, Nieman Reports is publishing essays by journalists who are managing to do vital independent reporting — often at great personal risk on building a village at a time when the world feels scary and distant We were barely starting the first season of our Spanish-language podcast to talk about health for immigrant women and non-binary and trans people when I broke the news to my partner in crime: "I'm pregnant!" Maritza L The beauty of having a co-producer that is also a mom and your comadre — a trustworthy and intimate friend — is that she gets it Covid-19 vaccines were not yet available in Arizona to us and this added another layer to our production challenges Would I feel safe conducting interviews in person Would we be OK locking ourselves into a studio for hours to record tracks Maritza was patient and understood the extra anxiety I had because of the pandemic The gestation of "Comadres al Aire" began amid the pandemic like that springing from the conversations between our extended families of comadres we drew from the relationships we built over the years to cover the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants in Arizona — one of them the disparities in access to our healthcare system we found a place to pour that human part of ourselves so often neglected because of the daily grind of covering the news we have almost 40 years of experience in journalism writing in Spanish for an immigrant audience — people like us We also embarked on a cross-over journey to write in English so our work could have an impact on policy change my heart needed the purpose of journalism to be grounded in community A type of journalism that doesn't talk about immigrants as "them" because you are them We like to say that in Comadres we talk about del vientre al subconsciente — from the womb to the subconscious — and that we are among friends (estamos en confianza) We're reaching people on the internet and over the radio airwaves with Radio Bilingue reaching those still affected by the digital divide We've been slowly building a village at a time when the world has felt more scary and distant The voices that are joining our podcasts — doctors and activists — are building a community of mutual aid to change the narratives about our health and confront inequalities and we are putting into action what our community asked for Showing that change comes when we talk to our communities Help advance the Nieman Foundation’s mission “to promote and elevate the standards of journalism” by making a donation © 2024 by the President and Fellows of Harvard College The skies above Torre del Mar on the eastern stretch of the Costa del Sol will be filled with the buzz of some of Europe’s most spectacular airborne displays again from 6 to 8 September as the town’s international air festival returns for its ninth year Announcing the details on Monday 2 September festival director Pablo González promised that this year’s show would be a “powerful festival with a strong focus on jets” He added that there will be “the best pilots at national and international level with the presence The Italian Wefly Team says it is “the only air patrol in the world in which two of the three pilots are disabled” González said that among other aircraft taking part for the first time is the Saeta H220 jet manufactured in Spain and part of the country’s air force “of which there are only two left in use at the moment” There are also plenty of familiar names in this year’s lineup including the ever-popular Eurofighter The full list of aircraft participating is as follows: Real Aeroclub de Sevilla Patrulla Papea del Ejército del Aire y del Espacio Canadair Grupo 43 del Ejército del Aire y del Espacio FA18 Hornet of the Air and Space Army and the Eurofighter of the Air and Space Army Spectators will be able to watch the teams as they practice on Friday and Saturday and then the full show will be taking place on Sunday morning The show can be seen along Torre del Mar’s coastline and also from Caleta de Vélez and as far as Benajarafe there will also be an aeromodelling exhibition on the promenade by the Club Aeromodelismo Axarquía and on Saturday 7 September the Aspa patrol team will be signing posters from 12 to 3.15pm in the Biblioplaya area of the beach and For full details and the full programme visit: Facebook – Festival Aero Internacional Torre del Mar or www.festivalaereotorredelmar.com Comentar es una ventaja exclusiva para registrados CA's delightful mix of outdoor adventures This unique locale is tucked neatly amidst bustling urban life offering residents an idyllic retreat filled with alluring sites and parks teeming with flora and fauna make it a dream come true for families Just a stone's throw away, the El Segundo Butterfly Preserve in Venice is a fantastic attraction This haven is home to thousands of colorful butterflies a sight that brings the magic of nature up close and personal Does your business rank among the best in California Learn more about our selection criteria and vetting process attracts residents with its friendly service and nostalgic atmosphere make sure to visit New York Deli & Bagel in Los Angeles The area is close to a number of top-notch educational institutions including the Wiseburn Unified School District This district is also close to the lauded Da Vinci Schools which is praised for its dedication to academic excellence and innovative teaching methods El Camino College also offers higher education opportunities for those looking to further their studies Del Aire's vibrant business scene is full of opportunity. It’s quite close to Mattel, Inc, the multinational toy manufacturing company, providing numerous job prospects for its residents. The city also thrives on its proximity to the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), teeming with potential job opportunities in various fields It offers a perfect blend of urban and suburban living We’ll be your trustee Little Tokyo guide with a day’s worth of fun things to do in Little Tokyo If you're looking for something fun to do there are plenty of fun and free things to do in San Francisco Feel the knowledge flood from its elegant red-tile roofs as you wander the town’s beautiful college campus in search of hidden finds Enjoy the perfect California spring weather at these ideal spots for a spring vacation in California Check your inbox soon for the latest from California.com. (JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Jersey City Theater Center presents the International Arts Exchange Project (IAEP) on Thursday February 15 at 7:00pm as a part of the Voices International Theater Festival This captivating cultural experience featuring Los Escultores del Aire/Danza Abend/Catalonia-USA/Costa Rica transcends borders through the universal language of the arts the audience is invited to engage in a unique networking experience fostering connections and conversations that go beyond geographical boundaries “JCTC’s mission is to foster unity among diverse communities through the arts Join us as we bring together two outstanding performing arts companies offering the community and professionals the opportunity to witness exceptional talent from around the globe we firmly believe in the power of the arts to unite people and our goal is to break down barriers by crossing cultural divides,” stated Olga Levina we are excited to welcome partners from Barcelona from Nau Ivanow Performing Arts Center for working sessions to exchange the best practices in arts management and discuss new collaborative projects.” Los Escultores del Aire is an international company based in Barcelona that seeks to mix different performing arts the company has seven shows in its repertoire and a notable international tour and awards Their particular way of understanding the art of movement has led them to make several important collaborations including Cirque du Soleil and Catalan public television they launched their Lab Project pedagogical offer training related artists in the arts of movement in both its Online and In-Person versions and Los Escultores del Aire offers a space for meeting and exchange that lives and breathes between the performer and the spectator Danza Abend is an independent dance company that was founded in 1983 It is the independent dance group with the most years of activity in Costa Rica Danza Abend is a concept of its founder and creator who was a fundamental pillar of dance in Costa Rica both as a teacher and as a choreographer and dancer Gigirey was the group's director until 2006 when she died The dance company maintains its own style of work in its stagings which have come to obtain recognition nationally and internationally such as the Award for Best Choreography of the National Theater of Costa Rica bringing current topics to the stage and supporting the choreographic creation of new creative talents Jersey City Theater Center (JCTC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts organization committed to inspiring conversations about important issues of our times through the arts Co-founded by Executive Producer Olga Levina Jersey City Theater Center (JCTC) produces and presents universal yet locally relevant works emphasizing social justice and human rights JCTC has provided a platform for all artistic voices to be heard in Jersey City with the aim of sparking meaningful cross-cultural dialogue that helps build a greater understanding mutual respect and better communities in New Jersey An estimated 280 million people worldwide experience a mental health condition like depression (1). Research suggests that exposure toair pollution may inflict some of the earliest and most long-lasting damage on cognitionand mental health (2) Some major areas of research linking air pollution and mental health include: Research increasingly illustrates the impact that dirty air has on mental illness Some studies show that even brief, temporary air pollution exposure may be linked to an increased risk for mental disorders like depression and schizophrenia with damage starting as early as childhood The World Health Organization estimates that over 90 percent of children around the world breathe polluted air at levels considered detrimental to health and development (3) Since children’s brains and behavior are still developing up to their late teens and early adulthood, air pollution—especially PM2.5(particulate matter with a diameter size of 2.5 microns or smaller)—may have an outsized impact on their mental and emotional development with effects on cognitive and behavioral outcomes as well PM2.5 is particulate matter pollution measuring 2.5 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3) or less Among air pollutants that are typically measured it is widely recognized that PM2.5 has the greatest impact on health One proposed link between PM2.5 and cases of mental health disturbances in young children suggests that extreme cases of mental health symptoms resulting from air pollution exposure are serious enough to send children to the emergency room for psychiatric evaluation A 2019 study in Environmental Health Perspectives studied short-term exposure to PM2.5 in over 6,800 children up to 18 years old sent to an emergency department at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio for symptoms considered psychiatric emergencies short-term increase in PM2.5 of 10 micrograms per cubic meter may be responsible for a significant increase in the number of children brought to the hospital for severe psychiatric symptoms The researchers also suggested that PM2.5 exposure worsens existing inflammation in the brain caused by everyday stressors that result in mental health symptoms A 2016 review article in Psychopharmacology specifically looked at the role of brain cells called microglia due to their documented inflammation in response to life changes the researchers concluded that increased microglial inflammation from stress may increase a child’s risk of mental health disorders later in life In connection with the stress brought on by air pollution exposure this means that children already stressed from the struggles of growing up as well as stressors linked to or poverty may have an even higher risk of severe sometimes emergency mental health symptoms when air pollution levels rise even a little bit A 2020 study in Toronto, Canada validated this link between air pollution and emergency room (ER) visits for mental health symptoms (8) Looking at 83,985 ER visits for people aged 8-24 from April 2004 and December 2015, researchers found that increases in PM2.5, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide were all associated with increased ER visits sometimes up to 5 days after initial exposure to that pollutant Researchers calculated just how much each pollutant needed to rise in airborne concentration to result in increased ER visits for mental health emergencies: These two studies build on an earlier 2019 study in Psychiatry Research that looked at whether PM2.5 and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were connected to mental health issues like anxiety attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) This study focused on 284 children who were part of a long-term study of twins born to nearly 1,200 families in the United Kingdom between 1994 and 1995 Using air quality data from the addresses of these twins’ families along with mental health data from medical and psychiatric evaluations of the children themselves over time researchers found that even relatively low PM2.5 and NO2 exposure in childhood may increase the risk of major depressive disorders and conduct disorders by age 18 the higher the possible risk of depression since symptoms of mental health conditions get worse when airborne pollutants rise they should also diminish once air pollution levels fall But the impact of air pollution on mental health and cognitive development persists long after exposure to increased levels of airborne pollutants Childhood symptoms of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety may also lay the groundwork in the brain’s wiring and chemistry for increasingly severe mental health symptoms into the teen years and beyond A 4-year longitudinal study published in JAMA Psychiatry in 2020 found that mental health symptoms left untreated in childhood could permanently alter brain activity This happens when connections between different parts of the brain are weakened by mental health conditions and can result in the development of conditions like anxiety the weaker the brain’s ability to process and cope with these symptoms This can lead to permanent or chronic anxiety and depression that may continue to persist until treated with behavioral or psychiatric interventions This study lends significant support to the idea that air pollution exposure in childhood may cause mental health symptoms that could change the way a child’s brain processes emotions for the rest of their life Conditions like anxiety and depression can sometimes be difficult to manage and symptoms can become debilitating if left untreated or without sustainable management strategies (11) Air pollution exposure can increase the severity of these symptoms or cause them to appear in children who may have had no previous risk factors for mental health conditions a condition associated with disruptive behavioral changes like aggression and a lack of also tend to develop the symptoms of antisocial personality disorder in adulthood – better known as sociopathy (12) The effects of air pollution on mental health aren’t just limited to children Many findings on air pollution and depression first came out of research done on mice and how their behavior changed in response to air pollution exposure researchers exposed mice to increased PM2.5 levels for eight hours a day This is about the same level of PM2.5 exposure as someone who lives in a relatively pollutant-free suburb and commutes into a polluted urban area (13) The researchers found not only that PM2.5 exposure may have made it harder for mice to learn new tasks such as how to get through a new maze layout but also that mice exposed to heightened PM2.5 showed classic signs of depression in mice They gave up more quickly during difficult tasks and appeared to lose interest in activities that the mice were once excited about Researchers then looked closer at the differences in the brains of depressed mice exposed to air pollution and those not exposed to any pollution who didn’t show similar signs of depression The mice who’d been exposed to commuter levels of pollution had significantly more cytokines in their brains Cytokines are among the most notable signs of harmful inflammation in the body and one of the biggest contributors to mental health conditions like depression and anxiety(14) These early findings have also been researched in humans – and the results appear more extreme than those found in mice In a 2019 analysis in PLOS Biology, researchers looked at mental health data from 151 million people in the United States and 1.4 million people in Denmark focusing on four specific psychiatric disorders (15): researchers found that long periods of exposure to increased air pollution may be linked to a nearly 17% rise in cases of bipolar disorder This also held true for major depressive disorder with air pollution believed to have increased depression diagnoses by up to 6% with increases in diagnoses by almost 20% in some cases Researchers pointed out that particulate matter were likely the most significant actors in the relationship between air pollution and mental health in their analysis Further analyzing a series of earlier studies the researchers also posed the following links between airborne pollutants and mental health: Improving and maintaining mental health is a lifelong challenge. This is especially true in regards to the emotional stress of work or life events along with physical and mental responses to air pollution and other environmental factors, such as polluted water or chemicals in plastics Here are some tips to help keep air pollution from exacerbating mental health symptoms and better manage mental health Mental health treatment plans will vary from person to person based on symptoms and diagnoses A holistic plan should be designed by a person and their healthcare or mental health provider to uniquely fit a person’s individual needs Not all mental health conditions are manageable solely with behavioral or environmental changes or schizophrenia can result from underlying causes like brain chemical imbalances or conditions like hypothyroidism These conditions may require additional medication for desired psychological and behavioral outcomes but a treatment or management plan prescribed by a doctor or licensed mental health specialist may be necessary to help control lifestyle disruptions from mental health symptoms Knowing air pollution trends can help you learn when to stay indoors to avoid outdoor pollution or to learn what areas of your home or workplace may contain high levels of pollutants, such as your garage or any areas where people smoke An air quality monitor can help track current air quality as well as see trends and forecasts in your local air quality to plan ahead It’s possible to encounter poor air quality at any point in the day Many people spend up to 90% or more of their day indoors so using strategies to improve indoor air quality can help reduce mental health symptoms associated with air pollution Many people spend more than half of their day at home sleeping And the home can be a source of many dangerous airborne pollutants Use a room air purifier or whole-house air purifier to help keep the air clean in individual spaces or throughout an entire home or kitchens where most people spend the majority of their time indoors at home daily average commute time ranges from 23 minutes (Italy) to 56 minutes (China) (17).Multiply that by the typical commute—five days a week 52 weeks a year—and that’s an average of 5,980 to 14,560 minutes each year when an individual may be breathing in particulate matter and dangerous oxides that seep into cars from outdoor vehicle exhaust and interior vehicle components Try a car air purifier to help reduce exposure to abnormally high concentrations of vehicle pollutants during traffic rush hours The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that most full-time workers in the United States spend up to 8.5 hours a day at work Bacteria and viruses are frequently transmitted among coworkers and chemicals can originate from cologne and perfume as well as industrial cleaning products(18) Keep a personal air purifier at workspaces or offices to breathe clean air whenever working at a desk or shared workspaces Building air quality improvement programs like IQAir Clean Air Facility can also identify major sources of poor indoor air quality at work and help mitigate air pollution through HVAC air filtration or other customized solutions Breathing cleaner air is a significant step toward reducing some environmental triggers of mental health symptoms Clean air also has a host of other positive effects including improved cognitive function and greater longevity (19)(20) Mental health treatment and management is holistic – there’s no single solution for everyone’s mental health symptoms Talk to a physician or mental health provider to help decide how to manage symptoms in the long term Call the Suicide Prevention Hotline in your country or dial 988 in the United States anytime at if you or someone you know is struggling with depression and suicide or suicidal thoughts (21) Some studies show that even brief, temporary air pollution exposure may be linked to an increased risk for mental disorders like depression and schizophrenia Since children’s brains and behavior are still developing up to their late teens and early adulthood, air pollution—especially PM2.5(particulate matter with a diameter size of 2.5 microns or smaller)—may have an outsized impact on their mental and emotional development A 2019 study in Environmental Health Perspectives studied short-term exposure to PM2.5 in over 6,800 children up to 18 years old sent to an emergency department at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio for symptoms considered psychiatric emergencies A 2020 study in Toronto, Canada validated this link between air pollution and emergency room (ER) visits for mental health symptoms (8) Looking at 83,985 ER visits for people aged 8-24 from April 2004 and December 2015, researchers found that increases in PM2.5, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide were all associated with increased ER visits This study focused on 284 children who were part of a long-term study of twins born to nearly 1,200 families in the United Kingdom between 1994 and 1995 In a 2019 analysis in PLOS Biology, researchers looked at mental health data from 151 million people in the United States and 1.4 million people in Denmark Improving and maintaining mental health is a lifelong challenge. This is especially true in regards to the emotional stress of work or life events along with physical and mental responses to air pollution and other environmental factors, such as polluted water or chemicals in plastics Knowing air pollution trends can help you learn when to stay indoors to avoid outdoor pollution or to learn what areas of your home or workplace may contain high levels of pollutants, such as your garage or any areas where people smoke An air quality monitor can help track current air quality as well as see trends and forecasts in your local air quality to plan ahead Use a room air purifier or whole-house air purifier to help keep the air clean in individual spaces or throughout an entire home Try a car air purifier to help reduce exposure to abnormally high concentrations of vehicle pollutants during traffic rush hours Keep a personal air purifier at workspaces Building air quality improvement programs like IQAir Clean Air Facility can also identify major sources of poor indoor air quality at work and help mitigate air pollution through HVAC air filtration or other customized solutions Call the Suicide Prevention Hotline in your country or dial 988 in the United States anytime at if you or someone you know is struggling with depression and suicide or suicidal thoughts (21) [1] World Health Organization. (2021). Depression [2] Ali NA, et al. (2019). Growing evidence for the impact of air pollution on depression [3] World Health Organization. (2018). More than 90% of the world’s children breathe toxic air every day [4] Brokamp C, et al (2019). Pediatric psychiatric emergency department utilization and fine particulate matter: A case-crossover study [5] Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Suicide and suicidal thoughts [6] Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Adjustment disorders [7] Calcia MA, et al. (2016). Stress and neuroinflammation: A systematic review of the effects of stress on microglia and the implications for mental illness [8] Szyszkowicz M, et al. (2020). Air pollution and emergency department visits for mental disorders among youth International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health [9] Roberts S, et al. (2019). Exploration of NO2 and PM2.5 air pollution and mental health problems using high-resolution data in London-based children from a UK longitudinal cohort study [10] Whitfield-Gabrieli S, et al. (2019). Association of intrinsic brain architecture with changes in attentional and mood symptoms during development [11] National Institute of Mental Health. (2022). Depression. [12] Pisano S, et al. (2017). Conduct disorders and psychopathy in children and adolescents: Aetiology, clinical presentation and treatment strategies of callous-unemotional traits [13] Fonken LK, et al. (2011). Air pollution impairs cognition, provokes depressive-like behaviors and alters hippocampal cytokine expression and morphology [14] Teeling JL, et al. (2009). Systemic infection and inflammation in acute CNS injury and chronic neurodegeneration: Underlying mechanisms [15] Khan A, et al. (2019). Environmental pollution is associated with increased risk of psychiatric disorders in the US and Denmark Temperature and wind are often included on air quality maps that display real-time pollutant information But why are these environmental factors listed Here is a review of how wind and temperature interact with pollutants to impact air quality Wind can be helpful in dispersing pollutants. When pollutants linger over a region, wind may disperse pollutants out of the region and reduce concentrations of more intense pollutants in any one region.[1]This can also blow pollutants far away from their source - as happened when western U.S. wildfire smoke sent particle pollutants as far away as western Europe geography can occasionally pose a challenge for wind in dispersing pollutants Pollutants may not be pushed out of valleys if the prevailing winds are unable to rise over mountain ranges pollutants can gather in higher concentrations at the base of the mountain – or worse A 2009 study in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres found that mountain valley breezes played a role in creating a second layer of pollution in Beijing Mountain valley breezes blowing predominantly southward gathered surface pollutants from the city and created a second elevated pollution layer flowing in a northward direction over the city Pollutants from that layer could return to the surface and affect residents a second time Rain can help to dilute high concentrations of airborne pollutants. Because coarse particulate matter (PM10) like dust, dirt, and pollen is larger and heavier than other particles, rain can help PM10 settle to the ground more quickly than smaller fine particulate matter (PM2.5).[3] Rain is less effective in diluting PM2.5. Researchers in Lanzhou, China measured how much rain impacted concentrations of PM10 and PM1 in the air from 2005 to 2007.[4] Extremely heavy rain could reduce larger particle pollutants by a small amount but had almost no effect on particles smaller than 2.5 microns they can also attract aerosolized particle pollutants in a process called coagulation In a paper published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics in 2015 researchers found that the smaller a droplet the easier it was for the water to attract aerosols.[5] Low relative humidity was also helpful in the process If the source of air pollution happens to be a wildfire a heavy rain can also be helpful in dousing fires and ending smoke emissions Summer heat can lead to haze – a fog-like appearance most often found in urban areas. But instead of being composed of tiny water droplets like fog, summer haze is actually ground-level ozone When nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from combustion – often vehicles – interact with sunlight Ozone is less common when there is high humidity Sunny weather and high temperatures can have an additional negative impact on air quality When high temperatures exceed norms and last for an extended period of time resulting heatwaves can lay the ground for dangerous air quality conditions Heatwaves can fuel wildfires. In British Columbia, Canada during June and July 2021 intense heat reaching 121.2 degrees created extremely dried ground vegetation When a severe thunderstorm rolled through the region 29,000 lighting strikes contributed to 62 fast-moving wildfires in the province.[8,9] The village of Lytton known for its normally high temperatures and dry climate by Canadian standards Some of the world’s worst pollution days cans coincide with winter especially when a region is prone to temperature inversions Temperature or thermal inversions can occur over cities or mountain valleys when warm air forms over cooler air on the ground Temperature inversion caps and traps pollution in an area preventing pollution from dispersing to other locations Inversions can also be influenced by heat island-induced circulation in urban areas The heat island effect occurs when buildings and city infrastructure absorb heat more than surrounding trees and water bodies This leads to higher temperatures in urban areas than in outlying According to 2014 and 2015 studies in the Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology layers of air in an inversion interact with heat and pollutants in urban areas to serious air pollution.[10,11] If the urban area happens to be in a valley air circulation is complicated by urban heat and poor ventilation options for dispersing pollutants out of the island Cities located in valleys or near mountain ranges such as Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, Denver and Mexico City can be subject to severe pollution through temperature inversions.[12,13,14,15] Cold temperatures often mean people must turn to combustion to warm their homes Cooking and fuel fires can lead to days of extremely heavy particle matter pollution for people who burn low-cost wood During the winter of 2020 to 2021, winter fuel choices led to hazardous air quality conditions for urban citizens in Mongolia, Afghanistan, and Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia During winter, any home with a wood-burning fireplace or wood burner can be a source of indoor and outdoor air pollution a recent study warns that wood burners can pose a threat to indoor air quality tripling the amount of air pollution inside a home.[16] A 2020 study published in Atmosphere reviewed wood burner use in South Yorkshire England.[17] The study concluded that when burners were lit average particle levels rose from 27 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3) to 195 μg/m3 air quality index considers 195 μg/m3 to be “ Very Unhealthy” and temperature all interact to improve or Knowing environmental conditions and how they interact with airborne pollution can help in better understanding what’s contributing to poor air quality Wind can be helpful in dispersing pollutants. When pollutants linger over a region, wind may disperse pollutants out of the region and reduce concentrations of more intense pollutants in any one region.[1]This can also blow pollutants far away from their source - as happened when western U.S. wildfire smoke sent particle pollutants as far away as western Europe Rain can help to dilute high concentrations of airborne pollutants. Because coarse particulate matter (PM10) like dust, dirt, and pollen is larger and heavier than other particles, rain can help PM10 settle to the ground more quickly than smaller fine particulate matter (PM2.5).[3] Rain is less effective in diluting PM2.5. Researchers in Lanzhou, China measured how much rain impacted concentrations of PM10 Summer heat can lead to haze – a fog-like appearance most often found in urban areas. But instead of being composed of tiny water droplets like fog, summer haze is actually ground-level ozone When nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from combustion – often vehicles – interact with sunlight Heatwaves can fuel wildfires. In British Columbia, Canada during June and July 2021 The village of Lytton Wildfires, in turn, generate smoke and PM2.5 which can drift for thousands of miles from their source when carried on prevailing winds. For example, smoke from 26,000 individual Amazon wildfires in 2019 could be detected 11,000 miles away in Papua New Guinea and Australia Cities located in valleys or near mountain ranges such as Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, Denver During the winter of 2020 to 2021, winter fuel choices led to hazardous air quality conditions for urban citizens in Mongolia, Afghanistan, and Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia During winter, any home with a wood-burning fireplace or wood burner can be a source of indoor and outdoor air pollution [1] Samson P. (1988). Atmospheric transport and dispersion of air pollutants associated with vehicular emissions. Air Pollution [2] Chen Y, et al. (2009). Aircraft study of Mountain Chimney Effect of Beijing, China. Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres [3] Yoo, JM, et al. (2014). New indices for wet scavenging of air pollutants (O3, CO, NO2, SO2, and PM10) by summertime rain. Atmospheric Environment [4] Feng X, et al. (2011). Influence of different weather events on concentrations of particulate matter with different sizes in Lanzhou, China. Journal of Environmental Sciences [5] Dryer A, et al. (2015). Laboratory studies of collection efficiency of sub-micrometer aerosol particles by cloud droplets on a single-droplet basis. Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics [6] United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2021). Trends in ozone adjusted for weather conditions. [7] Bendix A. (2019, January 12). 15 major cities around the world that are starting to ban cars. Business Insider. and there is no better time to be on the streets of New York—especially at our city’s bustling outdoor restaurants our temporary outdoor dining program served millions of New Yorkers and saved 100,000 jobs and all those who depend on the restaurant industry to get back to work – and New Yorkers to get back to socializing safely after being cooped up indoors Outdoor dining transformed our cityscape for the better making our sidewalks and neighborhoods livelier and more welcoming and helping our small businesses thrive While it may have been an improvised solution at first outdoor dining helped us reimagine how we use our public spaces and quickly became a beloved feature of New York City life Abandoned and poorly maintained sheds became a haven for rats and an eyesore for residents We have removed more than 300 of these problem sheds from our neighborhoods our new permanent outdoor dining program will build on what we learned during the pandemic and in subsequent years It will provide clear design guidelines that will help keep our streets clean and rat-free while giving restaurant owners the opportunity to exercise their creativity It will significantly expand sidewalk dining from an option that was available almost exclusively in Manhattan to become a year-round feature in all five boroughs all New Yorkers will be able to enjoy the many benefits of outdoor dining This equitable and inclusive approach will continue to bring vibrancy to our diverse neighborhoods and help our city’s economic recovery The new program will also make street dining possible for eight months out of the year This will allow the city to clean and repair streets in the off-season and ensure that unused structures are not left up indefinitely This new vision for outdoor dining addresses many different needs: it will deliver outdoor space for restaurants and a high quality of life in our communities our new program will make life easier for all the small restaurant owners who are pillars of our communities There will be one process for all outdoor dining I would like to thank Councilmember Marjorie Velázquez and the many others who have worked tirelessly to bring New York City a permanent outdoor dining program that helps communities thrive and creates quality jobs for hardworking New Yorkers Our new permanent outdoor dining program allows us to expand the opportunities that were created during the pandemic and continues to build the New York City of tomorrow Eric Adams is the 110th Mayor of New York City. For more, please visit nyc.gov Las comidas al aire libre mejoran nuestro paisaje urbano y no hay mejor momento para estar en las calles de Nueva York especialmente en los bulliciosos restaurantes al aire libre de nuestra ciudad nuestro programa temporal de restaurantes al aire libre dio servicio a millones de neoyorquinos y salvó 100,000 puestos de trabajo y a todos los que dependían de la industria restaurantera y a los neoyorquinos volver a socializar de forma segura después de haber estado encerrados en casa Los restaurantes al aire libre han mejorado nuestro paisaje urbano haciendo que nuestras aceras y barrios sean más animados y acogedores y ayudando a prosperar a nuestros pequeños negocios Aunque al principio fue una solución improvisada los restaurantes al aire libre nos ayudaron a rediseñar el uso de los espacios públicos y pronto se convirtieron en un elemento muy querido de la vida neoyorquina Pero los restaurantes al aire libre también plantearon problemas Los cobertizos abandonados y mal mantenidos se convirtieron en un refugio para las ratas y en un adefesio para los residentes  Hemos retirado más de 300 de estos cobertizos problemáticos de nuestros barrios nuestro nuevo programa permanente de restaurantes al aire libre se basará en lo aprendido durante la pandemia y en años posteriores y hará que las comidas al aire libre sean más ágiles Proporcionará directrices de diseño claras que ayudarán a mantener nuestras calles limpias y libres de ratas al tiempo que dará a los propietarios de restaurantes la oportunidad de ejercer su creatividad  Ampliará significativamente la posibilidad de comer en la acera que dejará de ser una opción disponible casi exclusivamente en Manhattan para convertirse en una opción disponible todo el año en los cinco condados todos los neoyorquinos podrán disfrutar de las muchas ventajas de comer al aire libre  Este enfoque equitativo e integrador seguirá aportando dinamismo a nuestros barrios diversos y contribuirá a la recuperación económica de nuestra ciudad El nuevo programa también permitirá disfrutar de un servicio de restaurante en la calle durante ocho meses al año la ciudad podrá limpiar y reparar las calles fuera de temporada y evitar que las estructuras que no sean utilizadas queden levantadas indefinidamente Esta nueva visión de la gastronomía al aire libre responde a muchas necesidades diferentes: ofrecerá espacio al aire libre para restaurantes calles limpias y una alta calidad de vida en nuestras comunidades nuestro nuevo programa facilitará la vida a todos los propietarios de pequeños restaurantes que son pilares de nuestras comunidades Habrá un único proceso para todos los restaurantes al aire libre dependiente de un solo organismo municipal Desde el Upper West Side hasta Far Rockaway Me gustaría agradecer a la concejala Marjorie Velázquez y a los muchos otros que han trabajado incansablemente para ofrecer a la ciudad de Nueva York un programa permanente de restaurantes al aire libre que ayude a las comunidades a prosperar y cree puestos de trabajo de calidad para los trabajadores neoyorquinos Nuestro nuevo programa permanente de restaurantes al aire libre nos permite ampliar las oportunidades creadas durante la pandemia y seguir construyendo la ciudad de Nueva York del futuro Eric Adams es el 110º alcalde de la ciudad de Nueva York. Para obtenermás información, por favor visite nyc.gov     As cold winds blow across the northern European plains and through Balkan valleys many Europeans are relying on inexpensive local fuel sources for home heating heavy reliance on wood and coal burning for home heating could worsen an already unhealthy air quality outlook for the region While demand for wood is high even in economically advantaged nations like Germany and Czechia some poorer countries and communities are turning to burning wood and the energy crisis could make a bad situation worse this winter European energy prices have been increasing since 2021 Much of Europe relies on the United States But as imports were reduced from all three sources this year European gas consumption and inflation have risen Making matters worse, human-caused climate change from air pollution is increasing energy demand. Northern European homes that in past years did not need summer air conditioning stifled under a record summer heat wave in 2022 an event that also contributed to higher energy prices Climate change means higher temperatures and more wildfires; it can also mean colder winters in some countries Desperation for affordable heating in Eastern Europe is causing the worst air quality on the continent to threaten people’s health and endanger lives Bosnia Herzegovina is a largely mountainous country as is the case in much of Central Mountainous geography can contribute to poor air quality when air circulation is stifled and high concentrations of pollutants build up in the valleys (2) Winter air quality in Bosnian cities regularly exceeded the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guideline by over 10 times in January The WHO guideline for annual average PM2.5 concentration is no more than 5 micrograms per cubic meter of air (μg/m3) PM2.5 is a pollutant measuring 2.5 microns in diameter or less Unhealthy air quality measured in Bosnia Herzegovina The U.S. Embassy air quality monitoring station in Sarajevo measured an average PM2.5 concentration of 98 μg/m3 for January 2022 While the average PM2.5 concentration for November 2022 is comparably lower at 38 μg/m3 firewood burning could still worsen air quality conditions Firewood burning is expected to rise this winter, which could further exacerbate poor air quality. Bosnia Herzegovina and Bulgaria banned wood exports in part due to concerns that there wouldn’t be enough wood for domestic use (3) Despite poor air quality and coal’s contribution to smog Poland suspended its ban on households burning brown or lignite coal in September (4) The country had sought to reduce its high dependence on coal for domestic heating – a legacy of the communist era – but backtracked when prices rose following a ban on Russian coal Lifting the ban on household coal burning may see increasingly smoggy wintertime skies over Warsaw Air quality indices ranged from moderate to unhealthy levels across almost all of Poland on November 9 This trend in worsening air quality has been consistent since October when the average monthly measurement of PM2.5 concentrations was 17 μg/m3 at the Komunikacyjna PM2.5 levels thus far for November have averaged to concentrations of 20 μg/m3 Warsaw’s air quality has much improved when compared to 2021 average PM2.5 concentrations were 37 μg/m3 in February 2021 the average was down to just 15 μg/m3 in February 2022 A return to widespread household wood and brown coal burning may bring those poor air quality numbers back in line with 2021 Widespread moderate to unhealthy air quality measured in Poland There are concerns that even lifting the ban on household coal burning won’t meet Polish energy needs possibly leading to even more desperate measures Around 60 percent of households may not have enough coal for the entire winter Poland endures 40,000 premature deaths per year linked to air pollution Only Bulgaria surpasses that number per capita in the European Union Further south, there are other factors that impact poor air quality in Southeastern Europe. The region is host to 16 coal-fired power plants which are heavier polluters than other European coal-fired plants. A plant in Kosovo is one of the most polluting power plants on the continent Industrial plants and car exhaust from older vehicles are also contributing regional polluters woodburning can be a significant regional pollutant A previous financial crisis forced people to turn to more wood-burning to reduce their energy costs an economic downturn affected energy prices as is happening in 2022 As residents turned to the forests to heat their homes cities like Athens and Thessaloniki were choked with smoke (6) Unhealthy air quality was widespread in Bulgaria Unhealthy air quality measured in Thessaloniki In Greece, an air quality monitor operated by Aristotle University of Thessaloniki measured a upswing in average concentrations of PM2.5 from September to November Monthly average concentrations of PM2.5 measured 12 The PM2.5 concentrations are also a worrying increase from 2021 measurements Monthly average PM2.5 concentrations for November 2021 were 26 μg/m3 unhealthy concentrations of PM2.5 around the city Poor air quality may persist if wood-burning becomes a staple heating fuel in Greece this winter When people struggle to stay warm during an energy crisis it’s understandable that they will turn to any means necessary to keep their homes at a safe temperature Governments may feel pressured to loosen environmental protections to control energy costs these short-term and dangerous energy policies can put human health at risk through increased exposure to deadly pollutants and by contributing to environmental degradation Here’s what’s needed – reduced dependence on heavily polluting energy imports and increased investment in sustainable renewable resources By committing to cutting polluting energy sources governments will save lives and be more agile during future economic and political crises Making matters worse, human-caused climate change from air pollution is increasing energy demand. Northern European homes that in past years did not need summer air conditioning stifled under a record summer heat wave in 2022 Winter air quality in Bosnian cities regularly exceeded the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guideline by over 10 times in January PM2.5 is a pollutant measuring 2.5 microns in diameter or less The U.S. Embassy air quality monitoring station in Sarajevo measured an average PM2.5 concentration of 98 μg/m3 for January 2022 Firewood burning is expected to rise this winter, which could further exacerbate poor air quality. Bosnia Herzegovina and Bulgaria banned wood exports in part due to concerns that there wouldn’t be enough wood for domestic use (3) Lifting the ban on household coal burning may see increasingly smoggy wintertime skies over Warsaw Further south, there are other factors that impact poor air quality in Southeastern Europe. The region is host to 16 coal-fired power plants which are heavier polluters than other European coal-fired plants. A plant in Kosovo is one of the most polluting power plants on the continent In Greece, an air quality monitor operated by Aristotle University of Thessaloniki measured a upswing in average concentrations of PM2.5 from September to November [1] Rao D. (2022, September 25). Europe's energy crisis, explained. The Week [2] Huseinovic S. (2019, November 11). 'Choking season' in the Balkans [3] Kirby J. (2022, October 17). Why firewood is suddenly in high demand in Germany [4] Reuters. (2022, September 29). Poland allows sue of brown coal to heat homes amid supply crisis. [5] Martewicz M, et al. (2022, October 5). People in Poland are burning trash to stay warm this winter [6] CBS News. (2013, January 24). Greece financial crisis, high fuel taxes prompt Greeks to burn wood instead of oil, choking Athens with smoke. [7] Saffari A, et al. (2013). Increased biomass burning due to the economic crisis in Greece and its adverse impact on wintertime air quality in Thessaloniki. Environmental Science & Technology An empty commercial building near Metro's Aviation/LAX Station has bitten the dust clearing the way for the construction of a new hotel The project site, located on a half-acre site at 11814-11824 Aviation Boulevard in the unincorporated community of Del Aire is approved for the construction of a six-story building featuring 128 guest rooms and street-level parking for 50 vehicles According to a staff report from the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning, the developer of the proposed hotel is a Hawthorne-based entity called William Ashley, Inc.  The company Renderings of the project included with the staff report depict the hotel as a contemporary podium-type building.  The rooms would be located in a C-shaped footprint around a courtyard with a swimming pool the applicant indicated in correspondence with the Department of Regional Planning that it was in negotiations with a Hilton brand to operate the proposed hotel While commercially zoned land is uncommon in the Del Aire community, the new hotel is not the only project to rise in proximity to Aviation/LAX station in recent years.  A 264-unit apartment complex opened just south of the elevation rail stop in 2016 The overwhelming scientific consensus according to more than 99.9 percent of peer-reviewed studies is clear – climate change is real and man-made (1) Climate change results in increased flooding more extreme wildfire seasons that all directly affect our welfare (2)(3)(4) Climate change is predicted to have devastating long-term effects on human health and safety Regional impacts provided by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change include (5): The key driver of climate change is air pollution caused by methane emissions and fossil fuel burning These two environmental hazards are deeply intertwined and must be addressed together The consequences of climate change are dire and the need for mitigating action is urgent Because the connection between air pollution and climate change is well-established it’s critical to understand the complex interaction between pollutants and our environment Air pollutants comes in two physical states: solid, particulate matter and gas-phase pollutants. Gas-phase pollutants, such as greenhouse gases (GHGs) consist of methane, nitrous oxides, and carbon dioxide These pollutants enter the Earth’s atmosphere in unprecedented concentrations causing our planet’s climate system to change When greenhouse gases absorb radiation, they also trap the sun’s heat and stop them from entering space. This creates a greenhouse effect, gradually raising the Earth’s temperature (6). \n\n\n\nNotably, many significant air pollutants like PM2.5 aren’t gases – they’re particles PM2.5 are particle pollutants measuring 2.5 microns in diameter or less The chemistry surrounding PM2.5 is not as dynamic and volatile as gas-phase pollutants particulate pollution can deeply harm human health over 7 million people die every year due to mainly particulate matter pollution as it is linked to increased heart and lung illnesses and other serious health effects most government write laws and develop policy separating greenhouse gas emissions (also known as gas-phase air pollution) and particulate matter air pollution This is not to be confused with the “ozone layer,” the protective shield in the Earth’s stratosphere that protects us from the sun’s radiation (7) While ground ozone by itself is a pollutant heat has the added impact of increasing particle pollutants high heat increases dust circulation and creates conditions favorable for wildfires A careless camper in a back country forest or lightning strikes can spark massive infernos which then carry smoke for hundreds or thousands of miles There are many ways in which air pollution directly impacts the weather Higher concentrations of particle pollution can affect cloud formation When there are moderate concentrations of particle pollutants This can also alter traditional rainfall patterns with significant potential consequences (8) when an area has experienced long periods of drought and vegetation is dry It’s often lightning strikes that spark wildfires which leads to noxious wildfire smoke and particulate matter If there is an extreme concentration of particle pollution – as may be found in smoke – those concentrations can block sunlight and cool the earth’s surface Particulate matter itself can affect global warming in various ways, depending on its composition. In general, light-colored particles will reflect sunlight away from and cool the earth. Dark particles absorb heat, having a warming effect. Sulphates and nitrates are light particles which cool; black carbon absorbs heat Black carbon can have a particularly negative effect when it settles on Arctic ice the less white space exists to reflect sunlight and heat away from Earth – so this contributes doubly toward global warming Both black carbon and ozone trap heat in the atmosphere The stakes are high in reducing air pollution and mitigating climate change Air pollution directly impacts our ability to breathe and live healthy lives Reducing climate change severity is the key to maintaining a sustainable planet for future generations The science connecting these environmental issues demands an approach that addresses both problems at the same time air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions come from many of the same sources Significant contributors to both include carbon-based fuel combustion combustion that results in vehicle and industrial emissions Both issues can often be combated simultaneously by reducing harmful emissions and lowering our carbon footprint We can reduce our carbon footprint on a personal level and through advocacy for national and international cooperation in reducing carbon emissions Many countries have pledged to meet goals in reducing emissions through international treaties like the 2015 Paris Agreement (9) But we also know that no country in the world is meeting the World Health Organization’s recently updated guidance to reduce their annual average PM2.5 concentrations to 5 µg/m3 or less (micrograms per cubic meter air) Until countries set their national policies with that goal in mind particle pollutant levels will remain above safe levels for human health – and will continue to have an impact on climate change We can each pledge to take meaningful steps to lower our personal carbon footprint in many ways: As awareness of the link between air pollution and climate change grows it’s increasingly important for policymakers to make the connection between the common sources of these problems and find solutions that address both urgent issues We all can help prevent air pollution and climate change as well Through our individual choices and advocacy Air pollutants comes in two physical states: solid, particulate matter and gas-phase pollutants. Gas-phase pollutants, such as greenhouse gases (GHGs) consist of methane, nitrous oxides, and carbon dioxide Particulate matter itself can affect global warming in various ways, depending on its composition. In general, light-colored particles will reflect sunlight away from and cool the earth. Dark particles absorb heat, having a warming effect. Sulphates and nitrates are light particles which cool; black carbon absorbs heat We can each pledge to take meaningful steps to lower our personal carbon footprint in many ways: You can play an active role in raising air pollution awareness by providing your community with a low-cost air quality monitor. Air quality monitors can notify you and anyone following your station when air quality falls below safe standards, empowering you take immediate action like closing windows, wearing a mask outdoors, or running a high-efficiency air purifier.  [1] Ramanujan K. (2021, October 2021). More than 99.9% of studies agree: Humans caused climate change. Cornell Chronicle [2] Shepherd C, et al. (2022, July 8). China’s summer floods and heat waves fuel plans for a changing climate. The Washington Post [3] Colbert A. (2022, June 1). A force of nature: Hurricanes in a changing climate. NASA [4] Coleman J. (2022, May 23). Climate change made South Asian heatwave 30 times more likely. Nature [5] U.S. Department of the Interior. (NA). What are the long-term effects of climate change? [6] European Commission. (NA). Causes of climate change. [7] Department of Environment Food & Rural Affairs, UK. (NA). What is stratospheric ozone? [8] NASA. (2018, September 24). NASA study untangles smoke, pollution effects on clouds.  [9] United Nations Climate Change. (NA). The Paris Agreement. The World Health Organization (WHO) released revised air quality guidelines on September 22 the first major update to the standards in 15 years.1 produced from evidence-based data and information and a growing awareness that no amount of air pollution is safe for human beings resulted in nearly all pollutant standards being strengthened in comparison to the air quality guidelines established in 2005 (published in 2006).2 If target levels of pollution are implemented by governments these new guidelines will save lives by reducing preventable airborne pollutant deaths The WHO noted that updating the newly updated air quality guideline (AQG) levels was motivated by a desire to save lives The guidelines are intended to spur greater global reductions in pollution emissions Some of the updated key air pollutants also contribute to human-induced climate change, which can create conditions for deadlier wildfires. Wildfire can result in greater exposure to airborne pollutants All key pollutants listed in the 2005 guidelines were reviewed and revised Key pollutant guidelines that were revised included: Each pollutant received a recommended AQG level based on an average time typically annually or over a 24-hour period While nearly all of the recommended levels were strengthened a few air quality guidelines from the 2005 update and later 2010 indoor air quality guidelines weren’t re-evaluated or revised.3 Here’s a pollutant-by-pollutant look at the guideline changes Airborne particulate matter (PM) is found in dust, soot, dirt, and smoke. Power plant combustion, vehicle combustion, and wildfires are major sources of PM Pictured: Air quality index measurements displayed across the globe provide a visual representation of toxic airborne pollutants Guidelines for coarse and fine particulate matter were updated for annual and 24-hour averaging times PM2.5 are particulates measuring 2.5 micrometers (µm) in diameter or less measuring 10 micrometers in diameter or less the highest recommended average annual emission level for PM2.5 was 10 μg/m3 The 24-hour level changed from 25 μg/m3 in 2005 to 15 μg/m3 The recommended average annual emission level for PM10 was 20 μg/m3 in 2005 The 24-hour level was updated from 50 μg/m3 in 2005 to 45 μg/m3 The WHO determined that there was not enough data to provide guidelines for other types of PM, including black carbon and elemental carbon, sand and dust storm particles, and ultrafine particles (UFPs) – aerosolized particles measuring as little as little as 0.1 micrometers in diameter or less But the organization did create a set of best practices for managing those pollutants while recommending further study into their individual risks and mitigation methods Tropospheric ozone, or ground-level ozone, is both a pollutant and a greenhouse gas. It’s created by the interaction of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Tropospheric ozone is the primary ingredient in smog The WHO established a recommended AQG level of 60 μg/m3 during “peak season.” The standard is new for 2021 Peak season refers to the six consecutive months with the highest running-average of ozone concentration mean ozone concentrations are averaged over a daily maximum of 8-hours Most nitrogen dioxide in the environment comes from burning fuel in vehicles and power plants Nitrogen dioxide is a component in forming tropospheric ozone WHO guidelines were sharply revised from 40 to just 10 μg/m3 on average annually A new standard level of 25 μg/m3 on average per 24-hour period was also recommended Nitrogen dioxide guidelines of 200 μg/m3 on average per hour are still valid Nearly all sulfur dioxide emissions come from human activity and industrial activity The WHO’s sulfur dioxide recommendations were to raise the level from 20 μg/m3 to 40 μg/m3 in a 24-hour period – the only pollutant level to ease in 2021 Sulfur dioxide guidelines of 500 μg/m3 on average for a 10-minute interval weren’t re-evaluated and remain the recommendation and tasteless gas caused by incomplete combustion The gas is poisonous; carbon monoxide poisoning can kill people The recommended level of 4 mg/m3 averaged over a 24-hour period is new to the 2021 guidelines Several previous carbon monoxide standards weren’t changed The WHO air quality guidelines aren’t a legally binding standard or document countries and legislative bodies regularly refer to the WHO guidelines when setting airborne pollutant control legal policy The new air quality guidelines were determined by six systematic reviews that took over 500 papers into account The new air quality standards will challenge governments to do much more to protect the health of their citizens. According to the 2020 World Air Quality Report half of European cities exceeded the WHO’s target – the old 2005 target of 10 μg/m3 – for annual PM2.5 pollution cities failed to meet the air quality guidelines and Chinese citizens faced PM2.5 exposure at three times the target recommendation is one of the leading environmental threats to human health PM2.5 causes as many as 7 million preventable deaths every year The WHO projects that if the world were able to meet these new guidelines approximately 80 percent of PM2.5-related preventable deaths could be avoided.4 While all pollutants pose a health threat to human beings PM2.5 and ultrafine particles are the most dangerous Common health problems and diseases caused by PM2.5 and UFPs include:5,6 The strengthened air quality guidelines are intended to curb preventable deaths Acting on the recommendations is an urgent next step in reducing disease associated with airborne pollutants While it’s important that policymakers quickly step up to meet or improve on the revised target levels individuals and organizations can also act to help clean the air Organizations can help too. Learn how to become a clean air facility or clean air school Some of the updated key air pollutants also contribute to human-induced climate change, which can create conditions for deadlier wildfires. Wildfire can Airborne particulate matter (PM) is found in dust, soot, dirt, and smoke. Power plant combustion, vehicle combustion, and wildfires are major sources of PM Pictured: Air quality index measurements displayed across the globe provide a visual representation of toxic airborne pollutants The WHO determined that there was not enough data to provide guidelines for other types of PM, including black carbon and elemental carbon, sand and dust storm particles, and ultrafine particles (UFPs) – aerosolized particles measuring as little as little as 0.1 micrometers in diameter or less Tropospheric ozone, or ground-level ozone, is both a pollutant and a greenhouse gas. It’s created by the interaction of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) The new air quality standards will challenge governments to do much more to protect the health of their citizens. According to the 2020 World Air Quality Report Organizations can help too. Learn how to become a clean air facility or clean air school [1] World Health Organization. (2021, September 22). WHO global air quality guidelines: particulate matter (‎PM2.5 and PM10)‎, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide. [2] World Health Organization. (2006). Air quality guidelines: global update 2005: particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. [3] World Health Organization. (2010). WHO guidelines for indoor air quality: selected pollutants. [4] Johnson C, et al. (2021, September 22). New WHO Global Air Quality Guidelines aim to save millions of lives from air pollution. World Health Organization [5] Zhang X, et al. (2018). PM2.5 meets blood: In vivo damages and immune defense. DOI: /10.4209/aaqr.2017.05.0167 [6] Government of Canada. (2013). Particulate matter 2.5 and 10. This work, USAFA Falcon Telescope on Display at FIDAE, by Michael Davis, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright This work, FIDAE 2022 wraps up in Santiago, Chile, by Michael Davis, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page.