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York study: Less traffic in first UK lockdown reduced NO2 pollution but caused increase in surface ozone

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Less traffic on the roads during the first COVID-19 lockdown in the UK led to a reduction in air pollution but may have caused potentially damaging surface ozone levels to rise, according to a new study led by researchers at the University of York. These results are a cautionary tale. —Professor Lee. Drysdale, W. and Palmer, P.

Ozone 397
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Study links ambient PM2.5 and ozone specifically caused by vehicle exhaust emissions to ~361,000 premature deaths worldwide in 2010 and ~385,000 in 2015

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and ozone deaths, associated mortality rates, and population in G20 economies in 2015. and ozone worldwide in 2010 and ~385,000 in 2015, equivalent to 11.7% and ozone premature deaths in 2010 and 11.4% and ozone concentrations from transportation emissions resulted in 7.8 Transportation-attributable PM 2.5 Together, PM 2.5

Ozone 230
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Study finds São Paulo switch from ethanol to gasoline dropped local ozone levels by 20%, increased CO and nitric oxide concentrations

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A study by a pair of researchers at Northwestern University found that when fuel prices drove residents of São Paulo, Brazil, to switch from ethanol to gasoline in their flexible-fuel vehicles, local ozone levels dropped 20%. Ozone levels are relatively high in São Paulo, with hourly concentrations above 75 and 125 µg m ?3

Ozone 316
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Study uncovers role of longer-chain unburned hydrocarbon emissions from diesels in London air pollution; calls for regulatory shift

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The study found that 60% of the winter primary hydrocarbon hydroxyl radical reactivity in London is from those diesel-related hydrocarbons; the authors predicted that the longer-chain HCs contribute up to 50 % of the ozone production potential in London. Dunmore et al. Dunmore et al. Dunmore et al.

London 150
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HEI study finds London Congestion Charging Scheme shows little evidence of improving air quality

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The London Congestion Charging Scheme (CCS)—which charged for travel into central London and reduced traffic volume ( earlier post )—has shown little evidence that it improved air quality as well, according to Part I of a new study published by the Health Effects Institute (HEI). Frank Kelly, H.

London 299
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Study provides more insight into air pollution mechanisms that cause cardiovascular diseases

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course, fine, ultrafine particles) and gaseous pollutants such as ozone, on vascular function. Key research questions focused on components of air pollution (particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide) that are particularly damaging to the cardiovascular system and mechanisms that damage the vessels.

Pollution 220
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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., —Warneke et al. Warneke, C., de Gouw, J. Holloway, J. Peischl, T. Ryerson, E. Trainer, and D.