Pollution

New research shows that children with autism are two to three times more likely than other children to have been previously exposed to air pollution during infancy. Time Magazine reports that the study's findings were published in the Archives of General Psychiatry and show a link between early exposure to air pollution and autism spectrum disorders.

"We're not saying that air pollution causes autism. We're saying it may be a risk factor for autism," Heather Volk, lead author on the new study and an assistant professor of preventive medicine at the University of Southern California, told the news source. "Autism is a complex disorder and it’s likely there are many factors contributing."

The news source claims that researchers analyzed 500 children living in California. According to the study, children in the top 25 percent of pollution exposure were more likely to be diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder than kids in the bottom 25 percent of the pollution level scale.

New parents or those about to become parents can install a home air purifier to reduce the presence of harmful air pollutants in the home. An IQAir HealthPro Plus HEPA Air purifier can improve air quality in a house and potentially have a positive impact on a child's health.

Air pollution levels rose to unhealthy levels in southwestern New Hampshire during peak holiday travel times last week. As a result, officials from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services advised that sensitive individuals in the region take precautions and protect their health by limiting exposure, reports The Keene Sentinel.

The elderly, young children and those afflicted with respiratory conditions like asthma or bronchitis should consider spending time indoors and limiting strenuous activity when air quality warnings are released. According to the news source, the department forecast high concentration levels of fine particulate matter due to temperature conditions and increased travel volumes.

Air quality has been linked to numerous health effects, which is why a homeowner may find investing in a IQAir HealthPro Plus HEPA Air purifier an ideal way to reduce air pollutants in a house. The unit effectively removes common air pollutants - allowing individuals to breathe easier. A home air purifier can allow a person to feel comfortable and safe in his or her house.

The Washington Dulles International Airport is not only one of the busiest are transportation hubs in the United States, but it is also one of the smokiest. According to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control, busy American airports that allow smoking in designated terminal areas register air pollution levels five times higher than completely smoke-free airports.

NewsChannel 8 reports that areas designated for smoking in the airport such as certain bars, restaurants and other rooms registered pollution levels 23 times higher than in smoke-free airports despite the installation of air pollution control technology such as high-end ventilation systems.

"The findings...further confirm that ventilated smoking rooms and designated smoking areas are not effective," Dr. Tim McAfee, the director of the CDC's Office on Smoking and Health, told the news source.

Raised air pollution levels from smoking are a growing concern among travelers and homeowners. People who rent apartments or own condos in combined buildings may find smoke lingering from past tenants or coming from connecting ventilation shafts. Using a home air purifier like the IQAir HealthPro Plus HEPA Air purifier can reduce the presence of fine particulate matter in a home.

An air quality watch has been issued following a fire near Coon Creek in San Luis Obispo County. The Santa Maria Times reports that the health watch was issued by the county Public Health Department and the Air Pollution Control District.

The smoke from the fire is traveling downwind and is negatively impacting air quality as monitoring stations record elevated levels of fine particulate matter and soot in Santa Maria and Lompoc.

Those people who are considered "at risk," like the elderly, children and those with heart or lung disease or any respiratory condition, should remain indoors. Anyone experiencing shortness of breath or elevated levels of coughing are advised to monitor their condition to determine if going to a hospital or medical clinic is warranted.

Smoke and fine particulate levels can negatively impact the health of anyone at any age. Concerned individuals can invest in a home air purifier to reduce the presence of these pollutants throughout the year. A unit like IQAir HealthPro Plus HEPA Air purifier benefits everyone spending significant time in a space.

In a new study, researchers are learning that the air quality of an individual neighborhood can reveal the local culture and industry of the area. While the New York Daily News reports that all residents of the Big Apple are regularly breathing in bacteria, pollen, clothing fibers, fungus, tire rubber, dead skin cells, cooking fat and carbon emissions, certain communities have higher levels of individual pollutants than others.

According to scientist Bill Logan, who conducted the research, the air quality of a neighborhood is like an invisible stamp of its businesses, lifestyle and culture. For example, in midtown there were a high number of skin cells from all races, potentially a reflection of the diverse population. In contrast, in Williamsburg there were high levels of blue jeans, tire rubber, nail polish and pollen. The news source reports that this combination has been dubbed "the hipster sample."

A homeowner concerned about the health effects of breathing in fine particulate matter – regardless of what community he or she lives in - can purchase a home air purifier. A unit like the IQAir HealthPro Plus HEPA Air purifier reduces air pollution levels in a house to improve the health of residents.

Soon, California's greenhouse gas emitters will have the option of buying pollution permits. CBS News reports that this is a landmark moment for the cap-and trade system, which was designed to control pollution emissions in a given region and encourage the adoption of green-technology.

Environmentalists and legislatures have debated the effectiveness of a cap-and-trade system for a significant amount of time without a national solution. California's program is the most expansive option of its kind. The news source reports that this latest development is a key part of the state's 2006 climate change laws that are currently being implemented.

More than 350 businesses will take part in the auction.

"The auction will take place," said Evan Westrup, a spokesman for the governor, according to the news source. "We will be monitoring the program very closely and the Air Resources Board will make modifications as appropriate."

Homeowners located in an area with a business that has purchased more permits from the cap-and-trade auction may want to consider using home air purifiers to reduce the presence of fine particulate matter.

A fire at the Chevron refinery that produced a black cloud of smoke on August 6, 2012 resulted in 15,000 people seeking treatment at local hospitals and clinics. As a result, the Richmond City Council and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District are urging the company to use new pollution-control technology to rebuild the plant.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that Chevron officials are contesting the request by telling air quality specialists that the company does not plan to increase production and is instead intending to repair existing equipment. 

Some local residents and air quality officials are not pleased with the company's decision and are calling for legal intervention.

"Chevron and public officials should know already that this community is not going to sit back and let them continue to pollute us. We're going to figure out how to fix this problem," Greg Karras, senior scientist with the advocacy group Communities for a Better Environment, told the news source.

Many local homeowners were impacted by the smog created by the August plant fire. Residents concerned about future pollution production can purchase home air purifiers. Units like the IQAir HealthPro Plus HEPA Air Purifiers can reduce the presence of fine particulate matter in a home and remove increased risk for respiratory problems.

Fine particulate pollution levels in Fairbanks, Alaska, have reached unhealthy levels. The Daily News-Miner reports that the classifications and warnings issued to local residents are intended to notify individuals of the problem. Residents who are considered sensitive, like those with asthma, poor lung function, bronchitis or other respiratory conditions, are advised to stay inside and try to limit physical exertion.

Pollution levels in the North Pole have surpassed federal standards. Despite the breach, county officials are not worried about the air quality violation hurting the region's ability to obtain federal grants. Federal funding can often be pulled from municipal projects in regions that fail to comply with Environmental Protection Agency standards.

According to the news source, the Fairbanks region is classified by the EPA as non-compliant with federal quality standards.

In 2012, the North Pole's air pollution levels have reached unhealthy levels three times. Homeowners concerned about the impact of fine particulate matter on their health can invest in IQAir HealthPro Plus HEPA Air Purifiers. The home purifier can easily reduce the presence of common pollutants from a house.

On Wednesday, November 7, 2012, the Allegheny County Board of Health will vote on new air pollution guidelines. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that if the board approves the new regulations, the new guidelines will replace those set in place in 1988.

The new rules will help the Allegheny County Health Department regulate and disperse industry-approval permits to businesses in the region. The news source claims that the backing of the new fine particulate matter restrictions could improve the health of local residents - especially those with respiratory conditions like asthma or bronchitis.

According to a report released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in June 2009, residents in Clairton and Glassport, two towns in Allegheny County, are 20 times more likely to develop cancer from air pollutants than the average American citizen.

Homeowners in Allegheny County are exposed to high levels of fine particulate matter that could increase their risk of developing cancer, having a heart attack or decreasing lung function. By purchasing IQAir HealthPro Plus HEPA Air Purifiers, a person can decrease his or her exposure to harmful pollutants.

The first day of November marked the beginning of the winter pollution season. From now until April 1, 2013, residents in the Salt Lake City area are required to follow wood-burning mandates that impose restrictions during certain periods.

The Desert News reports that Utah state environmental officials have also been debating whether the county needs to worry about the amount of fine particulate matter that can accrue at any point during the winter. The proposal suggests vehicle emission testing in Cache County, tighter dust controls and new limits on battery emissions.

"This plan is likely to have a greater impact on public health than any other state action for the next several decades, and yet the plan utterly fails to protect Wasatch Front residents," a joint statement released by Utah Physicians for Healthy Environment and Western Resource Advocates stated, according to the news source.

During winter, when pollution levels can suddenly spike due to new weather patterns, homeowners may want to use a home air purifier. IQAir HealthPro Plus HEPA Air Purifiers can reduce the presence of fine particulate matter within a home and help deliver a cleaner living environment to residents.