Latest news with #NO2
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Researchers make critical breakthrough after using powerful satellite to track dangerous pollution: 'Large-scale missions'
Research published this March in the journal Environmental Research Letters has demonstrated an impressive new way to zero in on heavy polluters and monitor evolving pollution problems, according to a release via Researchers at the Max Planck Institute and Heidelberg University have established a method for using a German satellite, the Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program, or EnMAP, to determine the amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) present in the same area "with an unprecedented spatial resolution." These common air pollutants are generally released from the same source, so measuring one or the other independently has been challenging to date. This team leveraged the new technique to assess emissions from power plants. The technology used for such measurements has typically "only [achieved] a spatial resolution of 3 to 5 kilometers" (about 1.9 to 3.1 miles), according to the release. But the EnMAP can achieve an "exceptionally high level of spatial detail" of a 30-meter (98-foot) square, producing more precise and usable data. NO2 isn't technically a greenhouse gas like CO2, methane (CH4), or nitrous oxide (N2O), though it is harmful when in the home. Meanwhile, because NO2 is so often emitted alongside CO2, it is often used to measure CO2 based on an assumed ratio. With independent measuring made possible with the EnMAP, readings can now provide more accurate and insightful information. The EnMAP has been in the sky for three years as of April and has been key to numerous climate-related studies. The paper's co-authors are hopeful about the future applications of the method they have developed using the satellite. "Our study shows how satellites with high spatial resolution can contribute to the targeted monitoring of industrial emissions in the future—in addition to large-scale missions such as the European CO2M satellite," said research leader Thomas Wagner in a statement. With accurate data being key to catching polluters as well as tracking potential improvements, there's the possibility for innovative measurement techniques to play a role in not only penalties for offenders but also in setting more pro-environment policies down the line. Do you worry about air pollution in your town? All the time Often Only sometimes Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. 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.
BBC News
29-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
York city centre pollution levels fall below legal limit
Recent air pollution levels at monitoring sites across York were all below legal limits for the first time since the pandemic, according to council data.A City of York Council report found that 2024 nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions at the Gillygate and Bootham junction fell by 27% when compared to 2023, when it reached its highest recorded level of 43 micrograms per cubic metre of air (μg/m3).Blossom Street near its junction with Queen Street had the highest recorded NO2 level at 32µg/m3 in 2024 - still falling below the 40µg/m3 legal report described the findings as a "public health and environmental success". It suggested grants given to taxi drivers to help buy low or zero emission cars had made a difference, along with phasing out fossil fuel-powered vehicles in the council's own fleet. The report proposed that air quality management areas may be revoked in future years if the reductions continued, according to the Local Democracy Reporting also found:The highest maximum yearly mean concentration was recorded at the Blossom Street and Holgate Road junction, reaching 32.4µg/m3It was followed by 31.1µg/m3 at the Gillygate and Bootham junction Yearly average levels were down by 12% in Heworth Green and 8% in Holgate RoadLevels at Nunnery Lane, Fulford Road and Lawrence Street were down by 8%, 7% and 2% respectivelyA 6% increase recorded at Fishergate is thought to be linked to a nearby construction site"For the first time since the pandemic, all monitored locations meet legal NO2 limits," it said. "Good air quality reduces absence from work and education due to air pollution related illnesses." Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
BBC News
10-04-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Newcastle's Stephenson Road a nitrogen dioxide pollution hotspot
A city may have to wait 20 years to cut pollution levels to legal limits because of issues with a single Road in Heaton, Newcastle, has high levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and difficulties tackling the problem means the city is not forecast to meet targets until as late as 2045 -13 years behind the rest of Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said one street could cause an entire area to be considered in breach of legal pollution limits and Tyneside had a particular "localised hotspot".Newcastle City Council identified that as Stephenson Road and said it "remained committed" to tackling its high NO2 levels. NO2 is a toxic gas which exacerbates asthma, impedes lung development and raises the risk of lung response to a parliamentary question, Defra said 13 urban areas in England with a population greater than 250,000 exceeded the annual mean limit value for NO2 in included Tyneside, Greater London and the Bristol urban area. The department said it did not hold "up-to-date detailed modelled projections" on the impact of current policies in reducing NO2 concentrations, but current estimates suggested all failing regions would comply by 2032, except for would meet the target by 2045 at the latest, Defra added.A Newcastle City Council spokesman said Stephenson Road experienced high pollution due to its "topography", as well as it being "a main bus route, busy junction and main route connecting North Tyneside into Newcastle".They also noted nearby residential streets did not exceed legal limits for the pollutant. Pollution trap Prof Margaret Bell at Newcastle University said there could be several reasons why the problem was so bad at this particular addition to the heavy traffic the road experienced, it was also very close to a grade-separated roundabout, she said, which "traps the pollution"."There's no ventilation under that roundabout," she said. "So the pollution will be building up and going out at the sides."Buildings around this "canyon" also sheltered the area from wind, she said, further cutting the level of pollution that could be as the roads at the site are on hills, cars are forced to accelerate which produces more pollution, according to Prof council said it was working with the government's Joint Air Quality Unit to tackle pollution issues on Stephenson Road, but it was not possible to "predict a precise date" when levels would become compliant in Newcastle. The road sits outside of the city's Clean Air Zone (CAZ) which was introduced in 2023. The local authority said data published since the launch of CAZ suggested "an overall improvement" in air both Defra and the council said a transition to low emission vehicles should lead to air pollution levels falling city council spokesperson said: "We know that poor air quality is harmful to everyone's health and we remain committed to tackling areas where we are still seeing unacceptably high levels of NO2." Follow BBC Newcastle on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram.
Saba Yemen
10-03-2025
- Health
- Saba Yemen
Study: Gas cooking is more harmful to health than London's busy streets
London - Saba: A recent study conducted by the Which consumer group revealed that cooking with gas stoves may cause higher levels of air pollution than those found on London's busy streets, raising concerns about its health effects. The study showed that cooking with gas leads to increased levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particles (PM2.5) in the air, two pollutants linked to serious health problems such as asthma, heart disease and cancer. In an experiment involving five volunteers, the results showed that gas stoves caused a significant increase in nitrogen dioxide levels, with levels more than doubling during cooking. In contrast, the study did not record any significant increase in pollution levels inside a home that used an induction stove (electric stove). It was also found that pollution from gas cooking persists for long periods after cooking, exposing people in closed homes to ongoing health risks. The study recommended good ventilation while cooking and the use of air extractors to reduce the risk, and suggested considering switching to an induction cooktop as a safer option.
Sky News
07-03-2025
- Automotive
- Sky News
'Anti-poison' ULEZ scheme has lowered air pollution most in London boroughs that opposed it
London boroughs that resisted the expansion of the ULEZ ultra low emissions scheme have enjoyed the greatest fall in a dangerous air pollutant since it was brought in, a review has found. Sutton, Croydon and Merton and Bromley and Harrow all opposed Labour mayor Sir Sadiq Khan 's plan to expand the ULEZ to all London boroughs in August 2023. The City Hall study, which was reviewed by independent experts, analysed the impact of the expanded ULEZ over its first year. It found levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx), which drives asthma and lung cancer, were 15% lower across all three boroughs than they would have been had they not been added to the scheme. NOx levels from cars and vans across the whole of outer London were estimated to be 14% lower. The policy, which charges drivers £12.50 for driving polluting, non-compliant vehicles, has seen the number of such cars in London fell by nearly 100,000 on an average day. Anyone who fails to pay the charge is fined. Drivers have had to pay more than £400m in these fines since the scheme expanded, analysis of TfL figures by the PA news agency found. The Tory government at the time branded it "Labour's war on motorists", saying it would oblige drivers to buy new cars or cough up for the fees. The policy has "not been anti-car, it's been anti-poison," Sir Sadiq told Sky News's Anna Jones today. "The point is... by driving a pollution vehicle you yourself are breathing in poison, your kids in the back are breathing in poison." He added: "No level of air pollution is safe. It can lead to thousands of premature deaths and a whole host of health issues, from asthma to cancer, heart disease, strokes and dementia." In London, more than 3,500 premature deaths per year were driven by toxic air, according to Imperial College London. Overall, since the scheme first launched in 2019, levels of another toxic gas NO2 have decreased by 27% across the entire capital. The report also concluded ULEZ expansion has had "no negative impact" on footfall or spending in shops or leisure destinations in any part of London, while there has been "no notable change in average traffic flow". But Colin Smith, leader of Bromley Council, criticised the "one size fits all lunacy" approach of applying the policy across London. He said it had forced people to switch jobs, "destroyed care networks" and created a "huge financial expense for people and businesses having to buy new vehicles they didn't want or need". The Mayor said: " If we were speaking 60 years ago, there'd be discussion, a debate about whether tobacco was dangerous and whether we should reduce smoking. I'm hoping now people know the science is quite clear: air pollution kills."
