Legacy heavy metals from past industrial activity combine with traffic paint; asphalt; and bits of tires, brakes, and car parts to create toxic dust on our roadways.
air pollution
Posted inNews
Podcast: Night of the Killer Smog
In the latest episode of its Centennial series, AGU’s Third Pod from the Sun tells the story of two air quality disasters that served as catalysts for clean air regulations in the mid-20th century.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Fading Air Pollution Reduces Fog in Central Valley
The tule fog in California’s Central Valley is notorious for causing delays and accidents throughout the region; however, a decrease in air pollutants is reducing the fog’s frequency.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
A New Look at Winter Air Quality in the Northeastern U.S.
Past studies underestimated a major pollution source, particularly in rural areas.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Previous Research Has Underestimated Black Carbon Emissions
New observational constraints suggest that U.S. emissions of this heat-absorbing aerosol were 80% higher during the late 20th century than prior estimates have indicated.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Probing Wildfire Smoke Plumes Up Close
Direct observations from flights over coastal California reveal more about aerosol plumes released by burning biomass.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Ozone Pollution Deaths in India Higher Than Previously Thought
Reducing emissions could avert more than 300,000 deaths per year by 2050.
Posted inEditors' Highlights
How Brown Carbon and Coatings on Black Carbon Affect Absorption
While ambient black carbon absorption is shown largely independent of coatings, distinct types of atmospheric brown carbon coexist, deriving from primary emissions and secondary processing.
Posted inNews
Stroke Deaths Rise, Life Expectancy Falls with Polluted Air
The connection between poor air quality and higher stroke mortality was strongest in southern states across a region known as the “stroke belt.”
Posted inNews
Heavy Air Pollution May Lower Cognitive Test Scores
A new study found that verbal and math test scores in China dropped with reduced air quality. The effects were especially pronounced for men and elderly populations.