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Studies find global COVID-19 lockdowns have significantly reduced PM2.5 and NO2 pollution, but ozone up

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Levels of two major air pollutants have been reduced significantly since lockdowns began in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but a secondary pollutant—ground-level ozone—has increased in China, according to new research. For comparison, columns over the same time periods are shown for 2019. —Guy Brasseur.

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Study finds rising temperatures increase risk of unhealthy ozone levels absent sharp cuts in precursors

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Ozone pollution across the continental United States will become far more difficult to keep in check as temperatures rise, according to new work led by the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). Ozone formation. Even short periods of unhealthy ozone levels can cause local death rates to rise. Scenario A2 and RCP 8.5.

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Toyota Central R&D Labs develops new ferrihydrite material that effectively removes ozone from air

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Comparison of O 3. Japan) report in the journal Angewandte Chemie the development of a mesoporous two-line ferrihydrite (2LFh)—ferrihydrite is a widespread mineral composed of iron, oxygen, and water—that could lead to a new generation of ozone filters in electrostatic devices and aircraft applications. Mathew et al.

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Study finds damage due to premature mortality from PM2.5 decreased >20% from 2008 to 2014

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We do not include damages from morbidity or other pollutants such as exposure to nitrogen oxides (NO x ) or ozone. This critical normalization of pollution damage facilitates comparisons of the pollution intensity of output across time within sector and across the economy within a time period. —Tschofen et al. 1905030116.

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NOAA, partners find about 98% decline in VOCs concentrations in LA Basin over last 50 years despite 3x increase in use of gasoline and diesel

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VOCs, primarily emitted from the tailpipes of vehicles, are a key ingredient in the formation of ground-level ozone which, at high levels, can harm people’s lungs and damage crops and other plants. —lead author Carsten Warneke, Ph.D.,

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PSI team develops web tool for consumers to compare environmental impact of passenger cars in detail

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Deterioration of the ozone layer [kg CFC-11-eq.]. The Carculator graphically presents these values for all selected vehicles in parallel, for ease of comparison. The system will graph lifecycle impact for a range of specified powertrains, for a large number of impact categories: Climate change [kg CO 2 -eq.].

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Researchers suggest that air quality tests need simplifying to help reduce dangerous emissions

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They focused their comparison on techniques used in a three-dimensional model commonly used by environmental agencies to simulate ozone, particulate matter, and atmospheric acid concentrations, and develop effective emission reduction strategies. We consider this to be a “bottom-up” approach,” says Stockwell.

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