Aerosol pollutants from cooking may last longer in the atmosphere – new study
New insights into the behaviour of aerosols from cooking emissions and sea spray reveal that particles may take up more water than previously thought, potentially changing how long the particles remain in the atmosphere.
Research led by the University of Birmingham found pollutants that form nanostructures could absorb substantially more water than simple models have previously suggested. Taking on water means the droplets become heavier and will eventually be removed from the atmosphere when they fall as rain.
The team, also involving researchers from the University of Bath, used facilities at Diamond Light Source, to study the water uptake of oleic acid, a molecule commonly found in emissions from cooking and in spray from the ocean’s surface. They used a technique called Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) to chart the relationship between the structure inside the particle and both its ability to absorb water and its reactivity.
Working at Diamond’s I22 beamline with the I22 team and experts from the Central Laser Facility operated by the Science and Technology Facilities Council at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, the team also studied changes in the structures of polluting particles, caused by changes in humidity. They showed that as molecules react with ozone in the atmosphere and break down, they can also reform into different 3-D structures with varying abilities to absorb water and to react with other chemicals.
The findings, published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, suggest these combined effects work to keep oleic acid particles circulating in the atmosphere for longer.
“As we develop our understanding of how these particles behave in the atmosphere, we will be able to design more sophisticated strategies for the control of air pollution,” said lead researcher
Professor Christian Pfrang. “For example, protecting harmful emissions from degrading in the atmosphere could allow them to travel and disperse further through the atmosphere, thus substantially increasing the pollutant’s reach.”
He added: “Our results show that aerosols exist in a really dynamic state, with complex structures being formed as well as being destroyed. Each of these states allows polluting molecules to linger in the atmosphere for longer. To reduce exposure to pollutants from cooking, people should consider making more use of extractor fans and ensuring that kitchens are well ventilated to allow aerosol particles to escape rapidly.”
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Journal
Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics
Method of Research
Experimental study
Subject of Research
Not applicable
Article Title
Experimental observation of the impact of nanostructure on hygroscopicity and reactivity of fatty acid atmospheric aerosol proxies
Article Publication Date
10-Dec-2024
Air pollution linked to rising depression rates, study finds
A groundbreaking study published in Environmental Science and Ecotechnology has revealed a strong connection between long-term air pollution exposure and an increased risk of depression. The research, led by Harbin Medical University and Cranfield University, analyzed data from over 12,000 participants in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS).
The study identifies sulfur dioxide (SO₂) as the most significant contributor to depression risk, with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and carbon monoxide (CO) also linked to depressive symptoms. These pollutants were found to have a compounded impact when combined, highlighting the dangers of multi-pollutant exposure.
The research also explored potential mechanisms, finding that cognitive and physical impairments partially mediate the link between pollution and depression. The findings emphasize the mental health risks posed by environmental pollutants and call for urgent action to reduce their levels.
“Our findings underscore the critical need for integrated air quality management to improve both physical and mental health,” the authors noted. Targeting SO₂ and other key pollutants could significantly alleviate the public health burden of depression, particularly among vulnerable populations like middle-aged and older adults.
With millions exposed to unsafe air quality levels worldwide, this study highlights the intersection of environmental and mental health challenges, calling for stricter pollution controls and targeted interventions.
Journal
Environmental Science and Ecotechnology
Method of Research
Observational study
Subject of Research
People
Article Title
Synergistic air pollution exposure elevates depression risk: A cohort study
Woodburning creates major PM2.5 air pollution issue in UK West Midlands
Woodburning has a major impact on air quality in Birmingham and the wider West Midlands region of the UK – accounting for a substantial proportion of all fine pollution particles and representing a significant risk to public health, a new study reveals.
University of Birmingham researchers found that biomass burning, primarily from woodburning activities, such as heating homes using woodburning stoves or logs on open fires, contributes significantly to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels in the region – accounting for some 25% of the total PM2.5 mass.
Publishing their findings today (10 Dec) in Atmospheric Environment, the researchers call for targeted measures to mitigate health risks associated with PM2.5 emissions from woodburning activities.
The experts found woodburning-related PM2.5 concentrations seven times higher than those observed in 2008-2010. They also discovered that the impact of woodburning is particularly pronounced during winter months, contributing up to around half of PM2.5 concentrations - a seasonal spike attributed to people heating their homes.
Exposure to elevated PM2.5 levels poses severe health risks, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, low birthweight, and increased mortality rates. The study estimates that reducing woodburning emissions could significantly decrease mortality and life-years lost due to air pollution in the West Midlands.
Lead author Dr Deepchandra Srivastava commented: "Our study highlights the significant increase in woodburning activity in the past 10 years, making it one of the most important sources of air pollution in the West Midlands.”
Lead investigator of the study, Professor Zongbo Shi commented: “We need to see immediate and coordinated actions at local and national levels to reduce wood burning, improve air quality - including enhancement and enforcement of smoke control areas to curb emissions from woodburning stoves and open fires. This has great potential to reduce PM2.5-related health risks and decrease mortality in the region.”
The experts also recommend raising public awareness about the health impacts of woodburning and promoting best practices, such as burning only dry, seasoned wood and maintaining stoves properly, as crucial steps in reducing pollution.
Researchers are also calling for local regulations to be strengthened to promote the use of cleaner alternatives, such as electric heating or heat pumps. They say that, to further improve air quality in the West Midlands, wider national and international policy interventions are also needed to address regional and transboundary PM2.5-related exposure.
Larissa Lockwood, Director of Clean Air at Global Action Plan said: “Lighting fires in our homes is now the largest source of toxic fine particle air pollution in the UK, presenting a range of serious health risks including heart and lung disease, diabetes, and dementia.
“Despite growing evidence of the UK’s burning problem - like this new research from the University of Birmingham - many people are still unaware that wood burning is harming our health and the planet.
“While many work to communicate these harms through moments such as Clean Air Night, we need urgent action from central government to share these harms with people across the UK and empower local authorities to tackle this growing source of air pollution in ways that are appropriate for their local communities. Join people across the country in learning the facts about wood burning this Clean Air Night (22 January 2025).”
This research was conducted as part of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)-funded West Midlands Air Quality Improvement Programme (WM-Air), led by Professor William Bloss. Researchers analysed PM2.5 samples collected in 2021 and 2022 at two urban background sites in Birmingham, utilizing advanced receptor modelling techniques to identify and quantify pollution sources.
PM2.5 refers to tiny airborne particles or droplets that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter and represents a serious health concern because it can be inhaled into our lungs and cause a range of health issues. It can come from a variety of sources, including woodburning, vehicle and industrial emissions, power plants, cooking, cigarettes and smoking.
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For more information, please contact Tony Moran, International Communications Manager, tel: +44 (0)7827 832312: email: t.moran@bham.ac.uk
Notes to editor:
The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst the world’s top 100 institutions. Its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham, including researchers, teachers and more than 8,000 international students from over 150 countries.
‘Comparative Receptor Modelling for the Sources of Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) at Urban Sites in the UK’ - Deepchandra Srivastava, Supattarachai Saksakulkrai, W. Joe F. Acton, Daniel J. Rooney, James Hall, Siqi Hou, Mark Wolstencroft, Suzanne Bartington, Roy M. Harrison, Zongbo Shi, and William J. Bloss is published in Atmospheric Environment.
WM-Air – the West Midlands Air Quality Improvement Programme - is an initiative to support the improvement of air quality, and associated health, environmental and economic benefits, in the West Midlands. Project partners include the West Midlands Combined Authority, Transport for West Midlands, local authorities across the region including Birmingham and Coventry City Councils, HS2, and the Birmingham & Solihull NHS Sustainability & Transformation Partnership, plus a number of private sector organisations and local businesses.
Air pollution in the West Midlands affects some 2.8 million people, reducing average life expectancy by up to 6 months, and is responsible for direct and indirect economic costs of several hundred million pounds per year. Air quality is therefore a key priority for local and regional government, and for the health and wellbeing of the region’s population.
Journal
Atmospheric Environment
Method of Research
Experimental study
Subject of Research
People
Article Title
Comparative Receptor Modelling for the Sources of Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) at Urban Sites in the UK
Article Publication Date
10-Dec-2024
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