Air Pollution Exposure in Childhood Impacts Brain Function
New research from the Netherlands provides compelling evidence that early exposure to air pollution can disrupt brain development, with potential consequences for emotional and cognitive functioning throughout adolescence. This is the latest evidence that air pollution isn’t just a respiratory hazard – it is quietly altering how the brain functions as children grow. In a groundbreaking […]
The Connection Between Heat Advisories and Air Quality
Thanks to a heat dome, people across the American Midwest and Northeast, plus parts of Canada, are currently experiencing record-breaking heat before summer has officially begun. An estimated 150 million people are expected to experience temperatures in the 90s this week!1 There will likely be more where that came from – last summer, the heat dome […]
Summer Goals: Improving Air Quality in Schools with ESSER
Summer is here! As the summer break offers a respite from the bustling activities of the school year, it also presents a prime opportunity for parents and teachers to focus on a crucial but often overlooked aspect of education: air quality in schools. While educators meticulously plan curriculums, extracurricular activities, and classroom decorations, the air […]
The Total Solar Eclipse and Air Pollution
On Monday, April 8, a celestial ballet will bring together the sun, the moon, and the Earth in a mesmerizing display a.k.a. a total solar eclipse. What’s extra exciting about this particular eclipse is that it’ll happen over large areas of land, instead of out over the ocean, with a sizable population that can enjoy […]
Microplastics and Nanoplastics: Invisible Hazards
Starting in the twentieth century, plastic revolutionized numerous industries and aspects of daily life due to its versatility, durability, and affordability. Many experts refer to the current archeological period as the “Plastic Age” because of the widespread production, use, and disposal of plastic materials. Unfortunately, the universal adoption of plastic materials in modern society has […]
State of The Air 2024: Air Pollution Persists
Every breath we take shapes our health and well-being, and understanding the quality of the air we breathe is crucial in order to safeguard the health of all our systems: respiratory, circulatory, immune, etc. The American Lung Association (ALA) has served as a beacon of knowledge and advocacy in the ongoing battle for clean air, annually releasing […]
Air Pollution Exposure in Pregnancy Impacts Newborn Health
Are you thinking of having children? Or perhaps you’re hoping some grandchildren will come into your life? The journey of pregnancy is an exciting and transformative time in a family, marked by a myriad of joys and anticipation. It is also a time of careful consideration for both the mother and her unborn child. There […]
Betting on Football? Count on Clean Air for the Win
Now that Christmas is in the rearview mirror and the New Year has taken hold, some folks are gearing up for the next highlight of winter: Superbowl LVIII. (Or “Superbowl 58” for anyone rusty on their Roman numerals.) The big game will be Sunday, February 11th. But first, we have the National Football League (NFL) post-season to […]
The Top 10 Blog Posts of 2024: Insights from Austin Air
As 2024 comes to a close, we’re looking back on the most impactful and thought-provoking blog posts we’ve shared throughout the year. From invisible hazards to groundbreaking research, these articles reflect our commitment to enhancing air quality and health. You’ll also find some surprises. Here are the highlights according to members of the Austin Air […]