Air Quality Headlines Around the World

KSL News | 6 May 2025 | The Climate Prediction Center’s summer 2025 forecast projects significantly above-average temperatures across much of the U.S., with the West — including Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico — facing heightened wildfire risk due to heat and drought. In Utah, rising temperatures, poor air quality, and increased wildfire threats reflect broader climate change trends, with Salt Lake City now ranked among the worst U.S. cities for ozone pollution and short-term particulate matter.

SFGATE | 6 May 2025 | A shelter-in-place was issued Monday morning after a fire at the Valero refinery in Benicia sent thick, black smoke drifting through the area. While the fire was reported as under control and air quality remained “healthy” as of 11 a.m., officials are conducting ongoing air monitoring amid public health concerns, just weeks after Valero announced potential plans to shutter the refinery by 2026.

ri-urbans | 6 May 2025 | A new RI-URBANS study led by Karine Sartelet mapped air pollution at sub-100-meter resolution across five European cities, analyzing both traditional pollutants like NO₂ and PM₂.₅ and emerging ones such as black carbon and ultrafine particles. The research emphasizes the critical role of fine-scale modeling in accurately assessing exposure and guiding EU air quality policy updates.

Arizona Capitol Times | 6 May 2025 | Arizona’s air quality crisis is worsening, with Maricopa County now averaging nearly 55 unhealthy ozone days per year, and advocates are urging the EPA to strengthen—not roll back—clean air protections. Despite public support for clean energy and tougher pollution standards, proposed federal policy reversals threaten to increase health risks in a state already struggling with extreme heat, wildfires, and long-term ozone nonattainment.

GlobeNewswire | 6 May 2025 | The U.S. indoor air quality market is projected to grow from $10.5 billion in 2024 to $12.9 billion by 2029, driven by rising pollution, health concerns, and stricter regulations, according to BCC Research. With the South leading in market share and air purifiers dominating product demand, consumer awareness and technological innovation are reshaping the landscape of IAQ solutions nationwide.

Inside Climate News | 6 May 2025 | Ember McCoy, a doctoral researcher studying air pollution in Detroit’s Black and Latino neighborhoods, is among hundreds affected by the Trump administration’s abrupt halt of existing National Science Foundation grants linked to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The funding freeze has jeopardized environmental justice research and sparked legal and academic backlash over its impact on underserved communities.

Washington State Department of Ecology | 6 May 2025 | In celebration of Air Quality Awareness Week, Washington state’s Department of Ecology is spotlighting the behind-the-scenes teams who maintain its air monitoring network—ensuring real-time, reliable data to protect public health. From the Telemetry Team’s rapid data troubleshooting to the Calibration and QA crews’ technical precision, these unsung “air quality superheroes” keep the public informed and empowered to respond to pollution.

Business Wire | 6 May 2025 | During Air Quality Awareness Week, Clean Air Partners is urging Baltimore-Washington residents to cut air pollution by greening their lawn care habits—highlighting that an hour of gas-powered mowing can emit as much pollution as a 300-mile drive. The group is promoting electric tool exchanges and backyard sustainability tips as part of a campaign to protect public health and reduce ground-level ozone.

American Lung Association | 6 May 2025 | The 2025 State of the Air report reveals a sharp rise in ozone pollution across the U.S., driven not only by extreme heat but also by wildfire smoke, which fuels ozone formation even thousands of miles from the source. Once declining thanks to emissions controls, ozone levels are now rebounding—putting millions at heightened risk of serious respiratory and cardiovascular harm as climate change intensifies wildfires.

The Washington Post | 6 May 2025 | The Trump administration briefly suspended air-quality monitoring at all 63 U.S. national parks, halting data collection critical for regulating pollution and protecting public health—though the decision was later reversed following internal pushback. Experts warn such disruptions undermine efforts to track harmful pollutants like ozone and particulate matter, which affect both ecosystems and human health.

The Kathmandu Post | 5 May 2025 | Kathmandu’s air quality crisis—driven by vehicle emissions, construction dust, and forest fires—is costing Nepal up to $4 billion annually and cutting citizens’ life expectancy by years. A proposed shift toward treating clean air as a national economic and health priority includes forming a Clean Air Task Force, launching green transport bonds, and piloting emissions trading systems to combat what experts call Nepal’s “billion-dollar smog.”

The Guardian | 5 May 2025 | The Miami Grand Prix has become a billion-dollar spectacle of celebrity and speed, but its placement in the predominantly Black, working-class community of Miami Gardens has raised lasting concerns about environmental justice and displacement. While lawsuits over noise and air pollution have failed to gain traction, critics argue the event reflects a broader pattern of pushing disruptive developments into communities with the least political power to resist.

BBC | 5 May 2025 | Surrey has launched its first School Street scheme near Farnham Heath End School, restricting vehicle access on Bullers Road during peak hours to cut air pollution and improve safety. The initiative is part of a £3 million county-wide investment, with more schemes planned for other schools.

ScienceDirect.com | 5 May 2025 | Researchers have developed innovative calixarene-based cryopolymers that can both detect and remove pollutants from air and water, addressing a major gap in current remediation technologies. These porous materials operate via dual absorption mechanisms and visibly detect airborne NO₂, offering a multifunctional platform for environmental cleanup.

EurekAlert! | 5 May 2025 | A CMAJ study found that Ontario saw a significant spike—up to 24%—in asthma-related emergency visits following early June 2023 wildfire smoke, though a second episode later that month had no similar effect. Researchers suggest protective medications and behavioral adaptations may have helped, while experts urge Canada to adopt consistent strategies to reduce smoke exposure as wildfires grow more frequent and severe.

CMAJ | 5 May 2025 | Decades of top-down air pollution regulations have improved public health, but wildfire smoke—uncontrollable at its source—is now emerging as a major, unregulated threat. As evidence mounts linking wildfire smoke to a wide range of acute and chronic health harms, experts call for policy-driven solutions like indoor air standards and worker protections to reduce exposure and mitigate long-term health impacts.

Space | 5 May 2025 | Scientists aboard a jet tracked the fiery reentry of ESA’s Salsa satellite, capturing rare data on the atmospheric breakup and chemical emissions of space debris. The findings revealed elements like lithium, potassium, and aluminum, offering early insights into how satellite burn-ups may contribute to long-term air pollution and ozone depletion.

The New Indian Express | 5 May 2025 | Delhi is preparing to trial cloud-seeding as a potential pollution control and rain-enhancement method, with IIT-Kanpur tasked to execute the plan if approved. The ₹1.5 crore-per-trial project aims to test whether artificial rainfall can help reduce air pollution, pending clearances from 13 regulatory agencies.

probashirdiganta.com | 5 May 2025 | Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, was ranked as the world’s second most polluted city in terms of air quality, according to IQAir data . The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached hazardous levels, reflecting severe health risks for its over 20 million residents.

CMAJ | 5 May 2025 | Ontario’s record wildfire smoke in June 2023 triggered a sharp rise in asthma-related emergency visits—peaking at 24% above normal—particularly among adults and children. Despite worse air quality later that month, the initial smoke episode had a stronger health impact, highlighting how timing and prior exposure can influence respiratory outcomes.

The Express Tribune | 5 May 2025 | Despite worsening air pollution, Karachi lacks the infrastructure to monitor or respond to its growing air quality crisis, operating just 12 analysers for a city of over 20 million. Experts urge immediate investment in monitoring systems, emission controls, and regulatory reform to address the escalating public health and environmental emergency.

T3 | 5 May 2025 | Vitesy has launched the Eteria, its most compact and eco-friendly air purifier yet, designed for portability and real-time air quality monitoring via a mobile app. Made from recycled materials and featuring a reusable ceramic filter, the Eteria offers sustainable air purification with low energy use—ideal for allergy sufferers and conscious consumers alike.

AOL.com | 5 May 2025 | Tracey Woodruff, a UCSF public health expert, shared how she reduces her family’s exposure to microplastics by cooking fresh meals, avoiding plastics in heat, and thrifting natural fiber clothing. While she emphasizes gradual habit changes over perfection, she also calls for stronger government regulation to prevent toxic plastics from entering homes in the first place.

Liberian Observer | 5 May 2025 | Liberia’s Environmental Protection Agency has launched a nationwide compliance tour to assess environmental standards across all 15 counties, targeting sectors like mining, forestry, and agriculture. The initiative includes air, water, and soil testing and seeks to enforce environmental permits while fostering collaboration among national and local stakeholders.

CNET | 5 May 2025 | After months of home monitoring, residents in Nevada, Oregon, and California discovered surprising sources of indoor air pollution—from gas and electric stoves to humidifiers, leaf blowers, and mattresses. Experts emphasize the importance of tracking air quality metrics like PM2.5, VOCs, and CO2 to better understand health risks and guide the use of purifiers, ventilation, and safer household products.

KSL News | 4 May 2025 | Running a gas-powered leaf blower or mower for just one hour emits as much pollution as driving over 700 miles, making small engines surprisingly potent contributors to Utah’s poor air quality. Experts urge a switch to electric tools and cleaner practices as pollution from vehicles, industry, and outdated lawn equipment continues to threaten public health across the state’s air-trapping valleys.

Yahoo | 4 May 2025 | Harvard researchers are emphasizing the lesser-known but deadly link between air pollution and heart disease, reaffirming findings from the landmark Six Cities Study. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), especially from fossil fuel combustion and wildfires, is now recognized as a major contributor to cardiovascular deaths worldwide.

Gizmodo | 3 May 2025 | The Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor tracks five key indoor pollutants—including PM2.5, VOCs, and carbon monoxide—helping users identify hidden hazards and improve their home’s air. Currently available for $55 (21% off), it integrates with Alexa to trigger smart devices and notify users of poor air quality in real time.

Living on Earth | 3 May 2025 | Nearly half of Americans now live in areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution, according to the American Lung Association’s latest State of the Air report, which found a sharp rise in exposure to ozone and particle pollution. The report also highlights growing environmental inequities, with people of color—especially Latinos—disproportionately affected by toxic air.

CP24 | 2 May 2025 | Cooler spring weather briefly delayed allergy symptoms in Toronto, but rising temperatures are now triggering a surge in highly allergenic pollen like birch, ash, and oak. Experts predict an intense but average-length allergy season, with tree pollen peaking in May before transitioning to grass and ragweed later in the summer, as climate change drives longer and more severe pollen seasons across Canada.

CBS News | 2 May 2025 | The Senate has voted 52–46 to overturn an EPA rule requiring major industrial polluters to permanently maintain strict controls on seven highly toxic air pollutants, marking an unprecedented rollback of the Clean Air Act. Critics warn the move endangers public health by allowing facilities to reduce pollution controls over time, while supporters claim it incentivizes innovation and regulatory flexibility.

Electropages | 2 May 2025 | Panasonic’s new SN-GCQB1 laser-type air quality sensor, now available from Mouser Electronics, offers precise monitoring of temperature, humidity, particulate matter, VOCs, and eCO2 for both indoor and outdoor environments. With features like a laser diode, onboard MPU, auto-calibration, and electromagnetic shielding, the compact sensor is suited for smart buildings, HVAC systems, and portable air monitoring devices.

Kentucky Lantern | 2 May 2025 | Louisville’s air regulator plans to challenge the EPA’s termination of a $1 million environmental justice grant meant to fund air toxics monitoring near the Rubbertown industrial area. The canceled study aimed to assess health impacts from pollution in West Louisville—where residents face stark disparities in air quality and life expectancy—by involving researchers, health centers, and community groups in data collection and public health response.

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania | 2 May 2025 | The Pennsylvania DEP has launched the nation’s most intensive air monitoring study of unconventional gas wells, gaining full access to a CNX site to track emissions through every stage of development. This multi-year initiative, part of a broader transparency effort by the Shapiro administration, aims to generate real-time data on VOCs and PM2.5 to inform public health protections and future energy policies.

IIASA PURE | 2 May 2025 | A new study using European health and environmental data finds that exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 significantly impairs cognitive performance in older adults, with effects varying by education level and gender. The research underscores the urgent need for air quality policies that consider environmental impacts on aging populations, particularly women with lower educational attainment.

USGBC | 2 May 2025 | A new white paper by GBCI India and Hollingsworth & Vose highlights how advanced filter media can maintain high indoor air quality in polluted regions without significantly increasing HVAC energy use. The research emphasizes the importance of balancing filtration efficiency and pressure drop to ensure both occupant health and sustainable building performance.

GlobeNewswire | 2 May 2025 | Camfil USA has announced “Air Quality Week,” a five-day educational campaign running May 5–9 to raise awareness about the health and environmental impacts of air pollution. With daily themes ranging from wildfire smoke to indoor pollutants and ecosystem effects, the initiative offers science-based resources for schools, healthcare, industry, and the public through freely accessible content.

Cureus | 2 May 2025 | Improving indoor air quality in schools through enhanced ventilation and monitoring can significantly reduce asthma-related absences and improve cognitive performance among students. Research highlights the effectiveness of strategies like HEPA filtration and outdoor air exchange, urging policymakers to adopt scalable, evidence-based interventions for healthier learning environments.

BridgeDetroit | 2 May 2025 | Residents in Southwest Detroit reported hazardous odors near Marathon Petroleum, with air monitors detecting elevated sulfur levels despite no confirmed violations or releases from the refinery. The incident underscores the region’s persistent air quality issues tied to multiple industrial sources, prompting renewed calls for vigilance and public reporting.

Forbes | 2 May 2025 | The American Lung Association’s latest “State of the Air” report finds that nearly half of Americans are now exposed to harmful air pollution, driven by increasing ozone levels and fine particulate matter linked to climate change. Despite decades of progress under the Clean Air Act, rising wildfire activity, extreme heat, and recent policy rollbacks are threatening hard-won public health gains.

IQAir | 2 May 2025 | Severe flooding is impacting central and southern Oklahoma, including Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and multiple counties, following record-breaking rainfall and slow-moving storms. Mandatory evacuations, emergency declarations, and widespread road closures have been issued as rivers continue to rise and more storms threaten the region.

Newsweek | 2 May 2025 | The American Lung Association’s 2025 report reveals a sharp rise in air pollution across U.S. cities traditionally known for clean air, with nearly half the population now living in counties receiving failing grades for ozone or particle pollution. Experts attribute the worsening conditions to extreme heat and wildfire smoke, which have driven record levels of unhealthy air days in regions like the Midwest and Northwest.

Planet Detroit | 1 May 2025 | The Trump administration canceled an NSF grant supporting research on community experiences of air pollution in Detroit’s 48217 ZIP code, citing new funding priorities that exclude DEI-related work. The decision cut off hundreds of projects nationwide and raised concerns about the future of health equity research in heavily polluted communities.

Colorado Newsline | 1 May 2025 | Colorado’s proposed Landfill Methane Rule aims to cut harmful landfill air pollution—including methane, benzene, and hydrogen sulfide—by requiring advanced gas collection, biocovers, and enclosed flaring. The rule sets some of the strongest air quality standards in the country, addressing both climate and public health risks tied to landfill emissions.

Psychiatry Advisor | 1 May 2025 | A study of older adults in England found that long-term exposure to high levels of NO₂ and PM2.5 was linked to poorer cognitive performance, especially in language, memory, and executive function. The strongest effects were associated with PM2.5 from industrial and residential fuel combustion, highlighting air pollution’s impact on brain health.

Frontiers | 1 May 2025 | This study found that even low concentrations of air pollution significantly increased respiratory outpatient visits in Fuzhou, with children disproportionately affected. Pollutants like NO₂ and PM₁₀ had immediate effects, while SO₂ and PM₂.₅ showed delayed impacts, underscoring health risks in low-pollution regions.

ScienceDirect.com | 1 May 2025 | A systematic review of 87 studies on airborne SVOC sampling revealed that 39% of analyte recoveries failed to meet EPA guidelines, raising concerns about data reliability for quantitative assessments. The study calls for standardized recovery reporting and improved sample preparation methods to enhance accuracy and comparability across air quality research.

La Voz Colorado | 1 May 2025 | Denver’s Love My Air program has expanded into community health clinics, bringing real-time air quality monitoring and environmental health education directly to patients and providers. Supported by a Kaiser Permanente grant, this initiative enhances local pollution data access and empowers residents to make informed health decisions.

National Park Service | 1 May 2025 | Cape Cod National Seashore scientists are using long-term air quality and precipitation monitoring to track improvements in ecosystem health, such as a 20-fold reduction in pond acidity since the 1990s. By studying pollutants like mercury, ozone, and particulate matter, they link atmospheric changes to broader ecological and human health impacts across the park.

ScienceDirect.com | 1 May 2025 | This study found that while atmospheric PM2.5 data correlates with indoor air quality, it underrepresents the contribution of crustal elements and construction dust found indoors. Traffic emissions were a consistent source across all environments, but ambient data alone may not fully capture indoor exposure risks.

Envirotech Online | 1 May 2025 | A Kingston University study has shown that compact, AI-enhanced air pollution sensors can provide highly accurate, real-time data at a fraction of the cost of traditional systems. These portable devices, developed in collaboration with Technocomm Consulting Ltd, could transform local air quality monitoring and inform public health responses worldwide.

University of Colorado Boulder | 30 Apr 2025 | Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) is increasingly used in HVAC systems to inhibit microbial growth on cooling coils and drain pans, reducing maintenance needs and improving energy efficiency. Research shows that UVGI enhances airflow, boosts coil performance, and supports better indoor air quality—leading to both direct energy savings and indirect health and productivity benefits in building occupants.

GlobeNewswire | 30 Apr 2025 | A new blog from Camfil Canada highlights the hidden dangers of poor indoor air quality in commercial kitchens, pointing to pollutants like grease vapors and combustion byproducts that affect staff health and HVAC performance. The piece offers tailored filtration solutions to help kitchens across Canada meet regulatory standards while improving air quality and energy efficiency.

Verywell Health | 30 Apr 2025 | Climate change is emerging as a serious risk factor for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), with heat waves, wildfire smoke, and worsening air pollution driving new cases and exacerbating existing ones. Experts warn that these environmental exposures may lead to earlier onset in younger populations, prompting calls to rethink screening guidelines and improve public health protections.

Nature | 30 Apr 2025 | A new study analyzing 270 Chinese cities finds that government environmental attention, green efficiency, and air quality are dynamically linked, with varying degrees of coordination across regions and time. The research highlights the government’s role as a driving force and offers policy guidance to support sustainable development and ecological progress in China and other developing nations.

WXPR | 30 Apr 2025 | Once a clean air success story, the U.S. is now seeing worsening air quality due to rising wildfire smoke, as highlighted in the latest State of the Air report. Researchers like Dr. Tracey Holloway are turning to satellite technology to better track pollution and adapt strategies for protecting public health amid a changing climate.

KSL NewsRadio | 30 Apr 2025 | A recent dust storm from the exposed Great Salt Lake lakebed blanketed parts of Salt Lake City, raising concerns about toxic airborne minerals like arsenic and lead. With limited monitoring infrastructure in place, advocates warn that increasingly frequent storms pose a growing public health crisis for vulnerable communities across the region.

Pasadena Now | 30 Apr 2025 | Caltech will host a free webinar on May 2 exploring the health impacts of air pollution following the 2025 Los Angeles fires, featuring scientists from Caltech, JPL, USC, and UT Austin. The panel will share real-time research findings and insights into how wildfire smoke affects air quality and public health across Southern California.

Environment – European Union | 30 Apr 2025 | Stricter sulphur emission limits for ships will take effect on May 1 with the launch of the Mediterranean Emission Control Area, aiming to cut air and water pollution in one of the world’s busiest seas. The move mirrors successful efforts in Northern Europe and is expected to improve coastal health and environmental resilience while supporting cleaner maritime practices.

Marble Falls Newspaper | 30 Apr 2025 | Members of a mining watchdog group have taken air quality matters into their own hands. Randy Printz of saveburnet.com recently shared with a state committee his efforts to provide information about quarry dust in the air.

AZoSensors | 30 Apr 2025 | NASA is testing compact, commercially available air quality monitors aboard the ISS to evaluate their performance in microgravity—a key step toward sustainable human missions to the Moon and Mars. Early results show these shoebox-sized devices can reliably detect airborne particles in space, potentially replacing bulky, expensive legacy systems in future off-world habitats.

Denver7 | 30 Apr 2025 | A new initiative at Denver’s Tepeyac Community Health Center is integrating air quality monitoring directly into patient care, with an outdoor air monitor and indoor educational kiosk now available. The program, supported by DDPHE and Love My Air, aims to help communities disproportionately affected by pollution track real-time data and connect it to respiratory and cardiac health outcomes.

Center for Biological Diversity | 29 Apr 2025 | A federal appeals court struck down the EPA’s approval of a Colorado rule that let oil and gas operations release unlimited air pollution without permits, calling the agency’s actions “arbitrary and capricious.” The ruling strengthens protections under the Clean Air Act and highlights growing legal challenges to pollution loopholes in multiple states.

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health | 29 Apr 2025 | A landmark Harvard study linking air pollution to reduced life expectancy transformed public health policy and sparked decades of clean air advocacy. At a recent Harvard Chan Studio event, experts revisited the groundbreaking research, discussed the ongoing fight against air pollution, and explored solutions for a healthier future.

National Parks Conservation Association | 29 Apr 2025 | Scientific research has been essential to protecting America’s national parks for over a century, but recent funding cuts, staffing losses, and policy rollbacks are threatening this legacy. Without strong scientific support, park conservation efforts — from wildlife protection to air quality monitoring — face serious risks, putting ecosystems, public safety, and future generations in jeopardy.

Xinhua | 29 Apr 2025 | Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment is urging toll road operators to install air quality monitoring stations, plant more trees, and enforce vehicle emission tests to better combat urban air pollution. With motor vehicles contributing up to 57% of pollution during the dry season, these measures aim to pinpoint sources and strengthen air quality management in major cities.

ScienceDirect.com | 29 Apr 2025 | A new global study reveals that traffic-sourced PM2.5 pollution has increased over the past two decades, now contributing significantly to total fine particulate exposure, especially in Asia and colder seasons. While high-income countries show the highest proportions, the study highlights growing global inequalities in traffic-related air pollution and provides critical data to support environmental justice and pollution control efforts.

EurekAlert! | 29 Apr 2025 | Long-term measurements in rural Saxony show a steady decline in PM1 air pollution, particularly from Eastern Europe, but highlight a concerning rise in biomass burning emissions. Researchers emphasize that while clean air policies are making an impact, ongoing monitoring of particle sources and chemical composition is critical for protecting health and improving climate models.

Envirotech Online | 29 Apr 2025 | Perched high on Hawaii’s Mauna Loa, the Mauna Loa Observatory has provided the world’s longest continuous record of atmospheric CO₂, revealing humanity’s accelerating impact on the climate. From the iconic Keeling Curve to today’s record-breaking carbon levels, the observatory remains a vital benchmark for understanding and confronting global climate change.

Content Media Solution | 29 Apr 2025 | Axis Communications has launched its first indoor air quality sensors, the AXIS D6210 and D6310, designed to monitor pollutants, detect vaping and smoking, and integrate seamlessly with existing Axis IP devices. These new sensors aim to improve health, safety, and operational efficiency across diverse indoor environments, while also supporting smarter energy management and long-term business planning.

International Journalists’ Network | 29 Apr 2025 | Air pollution, responsible for millions of premature deaths worldwide, often goes underreported due to government gaps and corporate cover-ups. This guide highlights powerful open-source tools that investigative journalists can use to track real-time air quality, identify pollution sources, and uncover the industries behind environmental damage.

Mongabay-India | 28 Apr 2025 | In Surat, India’s first emissions trading system for industrial air pollution reduced particulate matter emissions by 20–30%, outperforming traditional regulatory methods. By allowing factories to buy and sell pollution permits under a capped total emissions limit, the system incentivized cleaner operations and improved regulatory enforcement.

Nature | 28 Apr 2025 | Researchers used machine learning and Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) to separate and quantify the impacts of meteorology versus emissions on PM2.5 levels in Greater Bangkok, finding that winter pollution is heavily influenced by stagnant weather conditions despite ongoing emission controls. The study highlights key meteorological drivers like humidity and wind patterns and suggests that future air quality policies must address both emissions and weather-related variability to be effective.

Hospital Healthcare Europe | 28 Apr 2025 | New guidelines from the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology highlight the critical role of indoor air pollution in asthma development and management, urging personalized exposure assessments and adaptation strategies. Broader actions—including continuous air quality monitoring, advanced ventilation, and stronger public health policies—are needed to improve indoor environments and prevent chronic disease across vulnerable populations.

NJ.com | 28 Apr 2025 | Despite persistent air quality challenges, several New Jersey counties — including Essex, Burlington, and Cape May — lack comprehensive air pollution monitoring, leaving over two million residents with limited data on local conditions. State officials acknowledge the gaps and are working to expand monitoring efforts, but experts warn that under-monitoring in high-risk areas could mask serious health risks.

KNPR | 28 Apr 2025 | Many counties across the Mountain West are bracing for harmful air quality this summer, driven by wildfire smoke, ground-level ozone, and rising heat. Areas like Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Albuquerque are expected to see worsening pollution levels, with officials warning that topography and distant wildfire smoke will further exacerbate air quality challenges.

University of Colorado Boulder | 27 Apr 2025 | The Denver Aerosol Sources and Health (DASH) study employed daily PM2.5 sampling and detailed chemical speciation from 2002 to 2008 in Denver to pinpoint source contributions that most adversely affect health. By linking these source profiles to a range of health endpoints—from mortality and hospitalizations to asthma control—this research aims to inform more effective air pollution mitigation strategies and protect public health.

ScienceDirect.com | 27 Apr 2025 | Airborne dust pollution, particularly in the mining environment, poses significant environmental and health risks due to its fine particulate matter. Traditional monitoring methods, while widely used, face limitations in real-time detection and spatial accuracy. In this study, an image-based methodology is presented for quantifying dust concentration, integrating texture and color features to enhance detection precision.

Android Police | 27 Apr 2025 | Smart home air quality sensors and purifiers can significantly improve indoor health and comfort, but choosing the right devices, proper placement, and regular maintenance are key to their effectiveness. Experts recommend monitoring CO₂ levels, selecting purifiers sized for your space, and keeping track of outdoor air quality to maintain a healthier living environment.

ScienceDirect.com | 27 Apr 2025 | A nationwide study combining health survey data and air pollution measurements found that exposure to pollutants like PM2.5 and ozone is strongly linked to higher rates of chronic diseases, particularly among low-income and minority communities. The findings highlight persistent environmental health disparities in the U.S., with residents near oil and gas sites facing especially elevated risks.

Detroit Free Press | 26 Apr 2025 | British research has strengthened the link between long-term air pollution exposure and declines in cognitive function among older adults, with pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and PM2.5 implicated in lower brain performance. While causality has not been definitively proven, researchers are confident that ongoing exposure to polluted air significantly impacts brain health over time.

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania | 26 Apr 2025 | The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issued an air quality alert for Cumberland County as wildfire smoke pushed pollution levels into the Code Yellow to Code Orange range, particularly along the I-81 corridor. Sensitive groups are urged to limit outdoor activity until rain arrives to improve conditions later in the day.

Environmental Protection | 26 Apr 2025 | As workplace wellness gains attention, industrial hygienists are increasingly highlighting indoor air quality (IAQ) as a critical factor in protecting worker health and safety. Poor IAQ can lead to a range of health issues, and experts emphasize that proactive monitoring and ventilation improvements are essential components of a safe, productive work environment.

ScienceDirect.com | 26 Apr 2025 | A study of a restricted bus depot found that indoor concentrations of particulate matter and black carbon were significantly higher than outdoor levels, driven by bus emissions, maintenance activities, and limited ventilation. Researchers demonstrated that optimized placement and operation of air purifiers can meaningfully reduce larger particle concentrations, but noted challenges in filtering ultrafine particles due to turbulence and airflow dynamics.

Boston University | 26 Apr 2025 | Researchers at Boston University have developed a low-cost method to estimate classroom air ventilation rates using real-time CO₂ data, offering schools a scalable tool to monitor and improve indoor air quality. Their work, based on thousands of sensors across Boston Public Schools, highlights the urgent need for targeted ventilation improvements to safeguard student health and enhance learning environments.

CDC | 25 Apr 2025 | Travelers, especially those with respiratory or heart conditions, are advised to check destination air quality using resources like AirNow or the World Air Quality Index and take precautions during severe pollution events. NIOSH-approved respirators offer meaningful protection outdoors, while indoor risks such as carbon monoxide and secondhand smoke can be mitigated with proper ventilation and CO detectors.

Daily Mail | 25 Apr 2025 | Chicago experienced a sudden spike in reported air pollution, with some air quality trackers showing hazardous AQI levels near 500, typically seen only during major disasters. However, conflicting data from different sources and a lack of visible environmental triggers left residents confused, raising questions about the accuracy and coordination of air quality monitoring systems.

Newsweek | 25 Apr 2025 | California cities like Bakersfield, Visalia, and Fresno topped the list for worst year-round particle pollution in the American Lung Association’s 2025 report, highlighting the state’s ongoing air quality challenges. The report links pollution from vehicles, industry, and wildfires to serious health risks, and warns that regulatory rollbacks could worsen public health outcomes nationwide.

American Lung Association | 25 Apr 2025 | The American Lung Association’s 2025 “State of the Air” report finds that 156 million Americans—nearly half the population—live in areas with unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution, a sharp increase driven by wildfires and extreme heat. The report also highlights stark disparities in pollution exposure by race and calls for stronger support of the EPA to address worsening air quality nationwide.

Nature | 25 Apr 2025 | Researchers in Beijing found that Cupressaceae pollen concentrations are positively correlated with air pollutants like PM2.5, NOx, and O3, and that meteorological factors such as temperature and humidity strongly influence these relationships on both daily and hourly scales. The study highlights how co-exposure to allergens and pollutants under certain weather conditions can elevate respiratory allergy risks in urban and suburban environments.

Envirotech Online | 13 Mar 2025 | In this episode, we explore the two major forces shaping the sector at the start of 2025—one pushing for stricter environmental monitoring and regulation, the other advocating for reduced oversight and deregulation.

Phys.org | 12 Mar 2025 | New Delhi’s air pollution is more severe than previously estimated, with particles absorbing atmospheric water vapor, leading to particulate matter levels across the city being underestimated by up to 20%, a new study reveals.

BioTechniques | 12 Mar 2025 | A chemical reaction that is increased in response to air pollution may contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

Environmental Protection Agency | 12 Mar 2025 | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the agency will undertake 31 historic actions in the greatest and most consequential day of deregulation in U.S. history, to advance President Trump’s Day One executive orders and Power the Great American Comeback.

NPR | 12 Mar 2025 | The Environmental Protection Agency announced plans to target more than two dozen rules and policies in what the agency called the “most consequential day of deregulation in U.S. history.”

Fox 59 | 12 Mar 2025 | A new study from Purdue is shedding light on chemicals in your home from air fresheners and scented products that could be dangerous to your health over time.

Delaware Gazette | 12 Mar 2025 | The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) has released its annual End-of-Season Air Quality Report, analyzing air quality trends from November 2023 to October 2024.

WyoToday.com | 12 Mar 2025 | The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Air Quality Division (AQD) has rescheduled an open house for a mobile ambient monitoring station in Lysite.

USA Today | 12 Mar 2025 | The South Asian countries of Pakistan, India and Bangladesh are among the most polluted countries in the world while Australia, New Zealand and Iceland are among the least polluted countries, a new study by IQAir had determined.

The Conversation | 12 Mar 2025 | Clean air is a fundamental right. However, every day, 100 children under the age of five tragically lose their lives in east Asia and the Pacific due to a silent killer – air pollution.

IRIS | 12 Mar 2025

Envirotech Online | 12 Mar 2025 | Air pollution has long been a critical environmental and public health issue, particularly in regions with high industrial activity.

12 Mar 2025 | As the US State Department pulls the plug on air quality monitoring programmes in Beijing and around the world, concerns grow over pollution accountability

VnExpress International | 11 Mar 2025 | Most of the world has dirty air, with just 17% of cities globally meeting air pollution guidelines, a report on Tuesday found.

Scripps News | 11 Mar 2025 | The most polluted cities in the United States included Shafter and Ontario in California, Burns in Oregon and in the top spot — South Padre Island, Texas.

CNN | 11 Mar 2025 | The majority of these cities – 13 – are in the world’s most populous country, India, where booming economic growth is fired largely by coal and where hundreds of millions live in traffic-clogged and congested megacities.

Envirotech Online | 11 Mar 2025 | Pinpointing the exact source of volatile pollutants is a complex challenge. Traditional methods often involve time-consuming off-site analysis, delaying mitigation efforts.

ScienceDirect.com | 11 Mar 2025 | Low-cost sensors (LCSs) can address gaps in regulatory air quality monitoring station (AQMS) distribution, but they face data quality issues and spatial misalignment challenges when calibrating large-scale LCS networks against AQMS networks.

Forbes | 11 Mar 2025 | Fewer than one in five (17%) of global cities are meeting World Health Organization (WHO) air pollution guidelines, according to a new analysis.

Reuters | 11 Mar 2025 | Only seven countries met World Health Organization (WHO) air quality standards last year, data showed on Tuesday, as researchers warned that the war on smog would only get harder after the United States shut down its global monitoring efforts.

The Telegraph | 11 Mar 2025 | Thailand’s Royal Rainmakers take to the skies in a bid to release Bangkok from a toxic chokehold

Politico.eu | 11 Mar 2025 | Air pollution exceeds safe levels in nearly every EU country — but it’s nothing compared to New Delhi.

ET HealthWorld | 11 Mar 2025 | Significant data gaps, especially in Asia and Africa, cloud the worldwide picture, and many developing countries have relied on air quality sensors mounted on U.S. embassy and consulate buildings to track their smog levels.

NBC News | 11 Mar 2025 | Chad, in central Africa, is the world’s most polluted country, while California has the worst air pollution in North America, according to an IQAir report.

Union County Daily Digital | 10 Mar 2025 | The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) has released its annual End-of-Season Air Quality Report, analyzing air quality trends from November 2023 to October 2024. The report provides an in-depth analysis of air quality conditions, key factors influencing air quality, and steps the public can take to improve regional air conditions and protect their health.

Smart Cities Dive | 10 Mar 2025 | As wildfires ravaged the Los Angeles area in January, some residents evacuated, others opened their homes to family and friends and many became citizen scientists, using their phones to check the air quality around them.

Nature | 10 Mar 2025 | Urban areas exhibit significant gradients in Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) concentration variability.

Atlanta Journal-Constitution | 10 Mar 2025 | Most of the world has dirty air, with just 17% of cities globally meeting air pollution guidelines, a report Tuesday found.

Chosunbiz | 10 Mar 2025 | The Health and Safety Promotion Agency (Director Kim Chang-geun), under the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, announced on the 10th that it will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Korea Educational Environment Protection Agency (Director Cho Myung-yeon) at 11 a.m. on the 11th to strengthen school environmental hygiene management.

Montsame.mn | 10 Mar 2025 | On March 8, 2025, Governor of the Capital City and Mayor of Ulaanbaatar Nyambaatar Khishgee informed the members of the Performance Monitoring Unit regarding the draft regulation for the installation of electric heaters and gas-powered appliances in households of the ger areas located in the air quality improvement zones and provision of the price incentives for their use.

УНН | 10 Mar 2025 | A low level of air pollution has been recorded in Kyiv, and the radiation background is normal. The average level of pollution is observed only on three streets of the city.

Nature | 10 Mar 2025 | Human and animal populations increasingly encounter smoke pollution as climate change enhances the frequency and intensity of wildfires.

Inside Climate News | 10 Mar 2025 | Growing research suggests that “black snow,” a byproduct of the sugarcane harvest, is harming residents’ health. The politically powerful sugar growers say the air quality meets standards.

Nation Thailand | 10 Mar 2025 | Bangkok Noi has transformed Bang Khun Si Market into a benchmark for waste separation, demonstrating how systematic efforts can significantly reduce waste generation.

The Times | 9 Mar 2025 | The junior Chinese diplomat Wang Shuai is one of those put-upon officials you have to feel sorry for.

The Guardian | 7 Mar 2025 | People in London have been breathing significantly cleaner air since the expansion of the ultra low emission zone (Ulez), a study has found.

E&E News | 6 Mar 2025 | The House on Wednesday approved two more resolutions targeting rules issued during the waning days of the Biden administration.

UAMS News | 6 Mar 2025 | A researcher at the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has received a $1.9 million grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) to study the role of environmental exposures in the development of early onset breast cancer in Arkansas women.

JD Supra | 6 Mar 2025 | The Tennessee Air Pollution Control Board issued a February 24th Technical Secretary’s Proposed Order and Assessment of Civil Penalty (“Order”) to Bonnell Aluminum, Inc. (“Bonnell”) addressing an alleged Air Permit violation. See Case No. APC25-0014.

The Independent | 6 Mar 2025 | Cooking on a gas hob can generate higher levels of air pollution than those found on a busy London road, a snapshot investigation by consumer group Which? has revealed.

Cal Alumni Association | 6 Mar 2025 | David Lu ’16 didn’t know how clear the sky could be or the true color vibrancy of flowers until he came to the Bay Area in June 2012. Growing up in Shanghai, the sky was gray with smog and everything was covered in a layer of dust and pollutants.

Euronews.com | 6 Mar 2025 | The US government will stop sharing air quality data gathered from its embassies and consulates, worrying local scientists and experts who say the effort was vital to monitor global air quality and improve public health.

Mint | 5 Mar 2025 | A US program that provided global air quality data from sensors at more than 80 embassies and consulates has been halted on budget grounds, adding to curbs as President Donald Trump’s administration limits funding for environmental and climate work overseas.

Reasons to be Cheerful | 5 Mar 2025 | See what stories caught our attention this week, from declining global emissions to rave reviews for electric heat pumps.

Red Lake Nation News | 5 Mar 2025 | The State Department on Tuesday halted efforts to monitor air quality levels around the world, ending a program that had provided data about a major global health risk.

ACS Publications – American Chemical Society | 5 Mar 2025 | Estimating human exposure to formaldehyde (HCHO) is challenging due to sparse in situ measurements over India.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | 4 Mar 2025

CIDRAP – University of Minnesota | 4 Mar 2025 | A combination of genetic predisposition and long-term exposure to air pollution, as well as each factor independently, may facilitate and worsen COVID-19 infection, per a study published yesterday in PNAS.

Barron’s | 4 Mar 2025 | The United States on Tuesday ended pollution tracking by its embassies that had been a vital source of data especially in Beijing, as President Donald Trump slashes overseas and environmental spending.

The New York Times | 4 Mar 2025

The Washington Post | 4 Mar 2025

ABC7 News | 4 Mar 2025 | California is launching a major expansion of a mobile air quality monitoring program, deploying vehicles equipped with advanced pollution sensors to 64 cities across the state.

The Public’s Radio | 4 Mar 2025 | Air pollution results in over 7 million deaths each year. In this episode of Possibly, we look at the most common way to measure air quality, the Air Quality Index, and what it means for you.

Telegraph Herald | 3 Mar 2025

Newsweek | 3 Mar 2025 | Millions of people in Southern California have been advised to keep their windows shut and limit time spent outdoors after air-quality alerts were issued for the area due to harmful levels of particle pollution from windblown dust.

ScienceDirect.com | 3 Mar 2025 | Association between prenatal exposure to particulate matter speciation and childhood asthma was limited, and study of sensitive exposure window was needed.

Limerick.ie | 3 Mar 2025 | In October 2024, more than 400 citizen scientists measured levels of the harmful air pollutant, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), in Limerick’s Metropolitan District area as part of the Clean Air Together Limerick City project.

90.5 WESA | 3 Mar 2025 | Residents living within a mile of a US Steel plant in Braddock have until March 17 to opt out of a class action settlement over alleged air pollution at the plant.

RSC Education | 3 Mar 2025

USC Today – University of Southern California | 3 Mar 2025

The Oklahoman | 3 Mar 2025

Climate.gov | 3 Mar 2025

probashirdiganta.com | 3 Mar 2025

Runlovers | 3 Mar 2025

Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service | 3 Mar 2025

Environment – European Union | 3 Mar 2025

MyChesCo | 2 Mar 2025

Environmental XPRT | 2 Mar 2025

NewsBreak | 2 Mar 2025

openPR.com | 2 Mar 2025

Pollution Online | 2 Mar 2025

University of Colorado Boulder | 27 Feb 2025

Phys.org | 27 Feb 2025

Muni.org | 27 Feb 2025

Earthworks | 27 Feb 2025

European Environment Agency – European Union | 27 Feb 2025

European Environmental Bureau | 27 Feb 2025

The Augusta Press | 27 Feb 2025

American Lung Association | 27 Feb 2025

European Environmental Bureau | 27 Feb 2025

Envirotech Online | 27 Feb 2025 | The sweeping cuts to the federal public lands workforce under the Trump administration pose an existential threat to biodiversity, environmental health, and the future of conservation in the United States.

Spherical Insights | 27 Feb 2025

ScienceDirect.com | 27 Feb 2025

Grand View Research | 27 Feb 2025

Texas Standard | 26 Feb 2025

VOA Learning English | 26 Feb 2025

American Lung Association | 26 Feb 2025

KAWC | 26 Feb 2025

PRWeb | 26 Feb 2025

World Health Organization (WHO) | 26 Feb 2025

Envirotech Online | 26 Feb 2025

United Nations Development Programme | 26 Feb 2025

Columbia SIPA – Columbia University | 25 Feb 2025

Iowa DNR | 25 Feb 2025

Nature | 25 Feb 2025

SFGATE | 25 Feb 2025

PR Newswire | 25 Feb 2025

Mountain State Spotlight | 25 Feb 2025

Columbia SIPA – Columbia University | 25 Feb 2025

Science News | 25 Feb 2025

ScienceDirect.com | 24 Feb 2025

SBS | 23 Feb 2025

Real Simple | 24 Feb 2025

Forbes | 24 Feb 2025

RTI Radio Taiwan International | 24 Feb 2025

CDPHE – Colorado.gov/AirQuality | 24 Feb 2025

ScienceDirect.com | 24 Feb 2025

Hindustan Times | 24 Feb 2025

ResearchGate | 24 Feb 2025

probashirdiganta.com | 24 Feb 2025