Latest news with #ozone
CBC
15-07-2025
- Climate
- CBC
Elevated air pollution leads to air quality advisory for Windsor, Chatham, Sarnia region
Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent and Sarnia-Lambton can all expect elevated air pollution levels again Tuesday. Environment and Climate Change Canada has once again issued a special weather statement for the region. This time, the weather office says weather conditions are expected to cause increasing levels of ozone. It expects Air Quality Health Index values to be in the moderate range Tuesday with short-term high-risk values caused by ozone combining with residual smoke. "When air pollution levels are high, everyone should limit time outdoors," the weather office said. "Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events." Common symptoms from exposure to increased air pollution include eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. Anyone who thinks they are having a medical emergency should seek immediate medical assistance, weather officials said. People more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution include people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors. When indoors, people should keep windows and doors closed as much as possible, the weather office said. They can improve their indoor air quality by using a clean, good quality air filter in their ventilation systems and/or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles. The region is also currently under a heat warning. When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, the weather office said people should prioritize keeping cool. They should also check in on others who are in their care or live nearby who may be more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists make game-changing breakthrough in battle against smog: 'We've gained a clearer picture'
Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have pioneered a complex detection model for elevated ground-level ozone powered by artificial intelligence. In an ecological context, "ozone" — a gas that is both naturally occurring in the atmosphere and human made — is often associated with "the ozone layer," a protective portion of the Earth's stratosphere that shields humans from the most harmful effects of ultraviolet rays. In the 1980s, researchers discovered that the use of refrigerants and aerosol sprays had caused the ozone layer to thin precipitously. In response, governments heeded the warnings of scientists and reversed course, with the two largest holes set to be "healed" completely by 2066. Ground-level ozone (O3) is not protective, though, and it's a key component of a form of air pollution known as "smog." According to the Environmental Protection Agency, ground-level ozone forms when emissions and other airborne contaminants interact with sunlight. Ground-level ozone is also responsible for an estimated 365,000 deaths worldwide each year, 70% of which occur in India and China. High levels of ground-level ozone are broadly detrimental to human health and longevity. Research indicates the contaminant can have adverse effects on fetal brain development. O3 is also devastating to crops and, ultimately, the global food supply. In China, where the issue is particularly pronounced, the team of researchers harnessed a sequential convolutional long short-term memory network, as the academy's report detailed. This technology allows for a deeper integrated analysis of visual data in a chronological and sequential framework. "Conventional machine learning models often neglect these spatiotemporal dynamics, while numerical models suffer from high computational costs and limited ability to predict high-concentration ozone episodes," the researchers noted. Their results were compelling. Their "model achieved high prediction accuracy" of 83% in the North China Plain and 56% for the Yangtze River Delta. Do you worry about air pollution in and around your home? Yes — always Yes — often Yes — sometimes No — never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Overall, their model appeared to overcome existing limitations in forecasting models currently in use. It further "successfully quantified the impact of typhoon position shifts on regional ozone levels," adding another layer of functionality to their novel approach to quantifying ground-level ozone. Professor Pinhua Xie led the study. Xie explained in the academy's report why the model could materially offset the adverse effects of O3 pollution in China due to the robust data it generates. "We've gained a clearer picture of how weather patterns drive ozone pollution, which can really support better early warnings for high-risk ozone days," Xie remarked. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
CBS News
29-06-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Pittsburgh in for a calm, but humid weather day on Sunday
We finally get a break from the rain and storms today. You'd think we'd also get a break from humidity and heat as well but that isn't going to be the case. Today will be hotter than yesterday with highs near 88 degrees. WEATHER LINKS: Current Conditions | School Closings & Delays | Submit Your Weather Photos Yesterday's high was 86°. Humidity levels will also remain in the high range with dewpoints in the upper 60s all day long. Temperatures do finally dip below 70 degrees this morning; the first time we've done that since last Saturday. Conditions in Pittsburgh on Sunday, June 29, 2025 KDKA Weather Center As we head through the day, there are a couple of things to talk about. First off, if you're reading this before 10 a.m., there is likely some fairly dense fog out there in spots, with the fog being denser to the north of Pittsburgh, where skies were clear all night. Places south of I-70 probably won't see too much fog due to cloudy skies not allowing sufficient cooling. The other issue is the potential for high ozone levels making their way to the surface. Ozone develops due to a chemical process in the mid-levels due to greenhouse gases and energy from the sun's rays. Most development happens in the afternoon. At least for now, readings remain low, but that may change this afternoon. Estimates from Saturday's rainfall KDKA Weather Center We will monitor things there, but at least this morning, I am not seeing anything too concerning. Looking ahead, there seems to be some uncertainty about Monday when it comes to rain and storm chances. As of this morning, the Storm Prediction Center has us painted in as a marginal level one out of five risk of severe weather on Monday. They do not have us having a severe weather risk on Tuesday. Potential for severe weather on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 KDKA Weather Center I think the data this morning is heavily leaning towards the higher risk of severe weather happening on Tuesday. There is a chance for strong storms as a warm front lifts through late Monday into Tuesday, but this storm chance happens right at midnight. Most storm activity should come on Tuesday. Similar to what we have seen over the past couple of days, strong winds and flooding due to downpours are the main concern. Tuesday is when relief really arrives as a cold front sweeps through, taking the excess moisture with it. Temperatures at that time will return to near normal for this time of the year, with highs hitting the mid-80s for the rest of the week, with morning lows in the mid to low 60s. 7-day forecast: June 29, 2025 KDKA Weather Center Stay up to date with the KDKA Mobile App – which you can download here!
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Heat wave: Air quality alert issued June 24 for Lower Hudson Valley, NYC metro area
The New York Department of Environmental Conservation and the National Weather Service has announced an air quality advisory Tuesday, June 24 for Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties; along with New York City and Long Island as the state's first major heat wave of the year is causing poor breathing conditions for residents. The advisory went into effect at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 24 and will last until 11 p.m., the NWS said. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said ground level ozone pollutants in the air due to the heat could exceed safe air quality index levels over 100. Related: Gov. Kathy Hochul extends New York weather state of emergency through July. Here's why As of 2:30 p.m., measured the Lower Hudson Valley's Air Quality Index as "Moderate," with an AQI score of 63 and an Ozone level of 58, making the air potentially for sensitive groups. Weather Second day of extreme heat in NY: Heat index up to 107 in Lower Hudson Valley June 24 "When pollution levels are elevated, the New York State Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects," the NWS said. "People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young, and those with preexisting respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease. Those with symptoms should consider consulting their personal physician." NYSDEC said those at risk should stay inside and limit physical activity. According to the NWS, a toll-free air quality hotline has been established for New Yorkers. Stay informed on air quality by calling 1-800-535-1345. This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Lower Hudson Valley, NYC, Long Island NY air quality alert issued
Medscape
18-06-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Heat, Poor Air Quality Ups Heart Attack Risk
Simultaneous exposure to ozone pollution and high temperatures significantly increases the risk for acute myocardial infarction (MI) among adults in the US, according to a recent study published in Circulation . The findings highlight the dangers of joint environmental stressors even at moderate levels and the importance of timely patient counseling. Using nationwide private insurance claims data from 2016 to 2020, researchers from Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, and collaborators identified 270,123 cases of acute MI in people aged 18-64 years. They found joint exposure to ground-level ozone (60 ppb) and high temperatures — roughly 90-95 °F — increased the risk for an MI by 33% compared to cooler, low-ozone days. Even under moderate conditions, such as an ozone count of 50 ppb and typical temperatures around 70 °F, the risk increased by 15%. 'The lag 0f effect means clinicians need to pay close attention to high-pollution and hot days in real time,' said Lingzhi Chu, PhD, a postdoctoral associate in the Department of Environmental Health Sciences at the Yale School of Public Health and colead author of the study 'Clinicians should emphasize to younger patients that moderate levels still pose risks' to cardiovascular health. Mary Johnson, PhD, a principal research scientist of environmental health at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, said the findings bring much-needed attention to a younger demographic. 'This study is important because it focuses on a younger age group that is often overlooked in cardiovascular research,' said Johnson, who was not involved in the study. 'Typically, you don't think about heart attacks happening in people in the young adult category.' Johnson also noted the value of examining heat and ozone together. 'We've seen studies showing impacts from temperature and from ozone individually,' she said, 'but looking at them together, and especially looking at differences between men and women, is important.' Different Risks by Sex According to the study, women showed increased vulnerability on days with both high ozone and temperatures around 90-95 degrees, while men experienced heightened risk even when only one factor was elevated. The difference in exposure-response patterns by sex was statistically significant ( P = .016). Chu said clinicians should tailor counseling based on patient demographics. 'The sex difference that males are vulnerable to mild exposures is critical,' Chu said. 'Young men need targeted proactive counselling.' While the researchers did not assess comorbidities like hypertension or diabetes, Chu acknowledged these conditions could affect risk. 'The potential pathophysiology suggests hypertension, diabetes, or obesity may compound risks, but further research is warranted,' Chu said. Johnson said these findings should challenge assumptions in primary care because these clinicians often are the first to encounter patients of the age group studied. 'Just because you're young and healthy does not necessarily rule out the risk of a cardiac event,' she said. 'Especially if there's a combination of poor air quality and elevated temperature.' Communicating Practical Prevention Acute MI is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, with approximately 800,000 cases annually in the US. Adults younger than 55 years, and particularly women, account for a growing share of acute MIs. Chu recommended several practical prevention strategies clinicians can share with patients: Adjusting the timing of outdoor activities, staying hydrated, and using cooling methods such as fans or air conditioning. She also acknowledged the challenge clinicians face in educating patients without overwhelming them. 'Clinicians may consider framing mitigation as simple behavior changes rather than drastic life changes to prevent patient overwhelm,' she said. 'Some of these simple changes — like checking air quality apps, closing windows on high-ozone days, or staying hydrated — support overall health, not just cardiovascular health.' Johnson agreed. 'While we can't individually control wildfires or ozone formation, everyone can be aware of ozone levels and temperature before going outside or doing anything physically strenuous,' she said. Health Equity Concern The study relied on data from individuals with private insurance, a limitation both Chu and Johnson acknowledged. 'That population has access to care,' Johnson said. 'But what about the uninsured or underinsured? They may be more at risk because they often live in areas with worse air quality and lack resources to adapt, like access to cooling systems or healthcare.' She added that events like sudden cardiac death may be underreported in uninsured populations. 'They don't go to the emergency room. They die before they get there,' Johnson said. 'So the real risk may actually be higher than what this study captured.' Johnson said the findings also highlight a critical shift in how clinicians should view environmental risk. 'It's accurate to say we can no longer think about air pollution and environmental risks as being linked only to chronic conditions,' said Johnson. 'There are acute consequences, too, and this study illustrates that clearly.' A study published last month in the journal Epidemiology found prolonged exposure to the particulate matter in wildfire smoke was associated with small increases in the risk for several cardiovascular diseases, especially hypertension. As climate change drives more frequent heat waves and worsens air quality, both Chu and Johnson said clinicians are on the front lines of patient education and prevention. 'Clinicians are key players in translating environmental health research into actionable prevention,' Chu said. 'This study reinforces the need to think beyond traditional risk factors.' Chu and Johnson reported no relevant financial conflicts of interest.
