Pollution News and Research

Latest Pollution News and Research

Microplastics exposure linked to increased risk of chronic diseases

Tiny fragments of plastic have become ubiquitous in our environment and our bodies. Higher exposure to these microplastics, which can be inadvertently consumed or inhaled, is associated with a heightened prevalence of chronic noncommunicable diseases, according to new research being presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session (ACC.25).

25 Mar 2025

Sticking to Life’s Essential 8 slashes cancer risk, major study shows

Long-term adherence to the American Heart Association’s “Life’s Essential 8” lifestyle score significantly reduces the risk of overall and site-specific cancers. Stable high LE8 scores over four years were linked to notably lower risks of lung, breast, liver, and colorectal cancers in a large Chinese cohort study.

23 Mar 2025

Cities recognized for fighting noncommunicable diseases and injuries

Today, during the annual Partnership for Healthy Cities Summit in Paris, three cities were recognized for their achievements in preventing noncommunicable diseases and injuries: Córdoba, Argentina; Fortaleza, Brazil; and Greater Manchester, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

20 Mar 2025

Northwestern study shows health benefits of zero-emission vehicles for Chicago

Guided by the lived experiences of community partners, Northwestern University scientists have simulated the effects of zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) adoption on future air quality for the greater Chicago area.

18 Mar 2025

Women with certain pregnancy blood pressure patterns face higher risk of hypertension

Women with blood pressure levels in a range considered clinically normal during pregnancy but no mid-pregnancy drop in blood pressure face an increased risk of developing hypertension in the five years after giving birth.

18 Mar 2025

A global movement to address the health impacts of air pollution

In an unprecedented show of unity, more than 47 million health professionals, patients, advocates, representatives from civil society organizations, and individuals worldwide have signed a resounding call for urgent action to reduce air pollution and to protect people's health from its devastating impacts.

18 Mar 2025

Study examines the mechanisms behind long-term consequences of childhood stress

Early-life adversity affects more than half of the world's children and is a significant risk factor for cognitive and mental health problems later in life.

17 Mar 2025

Polluted soil and water are fueling a global heart disease epidemic

A new study in Atherosclerosis shows that soil and water pollution, including microplastics and toxic chemicals, significantly raise cardiovascular disease risks. The research highlights how emerging contaminants and poor environmental practices drive global health threats.

16 Mar 2025

Mitochondria may hold key to reducing inflammaging in aging cells

In humans and other multicellular organisms, cells multiply. This defining feature allows embryos to grow into adulthood, and enables the healing of the many bumps, bruises and scrapes along the way.

14 Mar 2025

Social advantage reduces risk of age-related diseases and slows aging

People with favorable socioeconomic conditions, such as high incomes or education levels, face a reduced risk of age-related diseases and show fewer signs of biological aging than peers of the same age, finds a new study led by University College London (UCL) researchers.

14 Mar 2025

Nature-based therapies can be promising complementary approaches to pain management

In a new study, an international team of neuroscientists led by the University of Vienna has shown that experiencing nature can alleviate acute physical pain.

13 Mar 2025

Study shows impact of statins and aspirin on muscle health in smokers

For current and former smokers, statins may reduce the amount of chest muscle loss, while aspirin may contribute to increased chest muscle loss, according to a new study.

13 Mar 2025

Environmental factors and genes play key role in cancer development

A new editorial was published in Oncotarget, Volume 16, on March 10, 2025, titled "EXPOSOMES and GENES: The duo influencing CANCER initiation and progression."

11 Mar 2025

Arthritis and COPD together raise mortality risk

People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and arthritis have a higher risk of death than people with arthritis who do not have COPD, according to a new study.

11 Mar 2025

PlasticHeal project sheds light on hidden health effects of nanoplastics

Microplastics and nanoplastics, two of the smallest and most invisible forms of plastic pollution, may pose risks to human health.

11 Mar 2025

Environmental factors play key role in cognitive decline and dementia risk

A new study from the University of Georgia College of Public Health focuses on the powerful role our surroundings play in shaping dementia risk. Led by Assistant Professor of Health Policy and Management Suhang Song, this meta-analysis demonstrates that factors including air pollution and access to green or blue spaces can significantly raise or lower the odds of cognitive decline and developing dementia.

7 Mar 2025

Environmental research effort aims to improve health in Houston's vulnerable neighborhoods

Garett Sansom, DrPH, and Lindsay Sansom, PhD, with the Texas A&M University School of Public Health, have been named principal investigator and co-principal investigator of a new, one-year effort funded by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Gulf Research Program to evaluate soil conditions in two northeast Houston neighborhoods and foster community engagement by local residents.

7 Mar 2025

Mental health disorders are often overlooked in COPD patients

Mental health disorders in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are underdiagnosed and undertreated, leading to worsened symptoms and decreased quality of life, according to a new study.

6 Mar 2025

Study links environmental chemical exposures to faster biological aging

A new research paper was published in Aging (Aging-US) on February 11, 2025, Volume 17, Issue 2, titled "Exposome-wide association study of environmental chemical exposures and epigenetic aging in the national health and nutrition examination survey."

5 Mar 2025

Microplastic contamination found in downstream rivers of Latin America

It is well known that microplastics are collecting in the world's oceans at an alarming rate, but research on the cancer-linked pollutant in rivers remains limited.

4 Mar 2025