Children's stunted lungs show recovery in ultra low emission zone

Introduction of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone linked to improved lung growth in children

Masks and respirators for prevention of respiratory infections: a state of the science review

SUMMARY This narrative review and meta-analysis summarizes a broad evidence base on the benefits—and also the practicalities, disbenefits, harms and personal, sociocultural and environmental impacts—of masks and masking. Our synthesis of evidence from over 100 published reviews and selected primary studies, including re-analyzing contested meta-analyses of key clinical trials, produced seven key findings. First, there is strong and consistent evidence for airborne transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and other respiratory pathogens. Second, masks are, if correctly and consistently worn, effective in reducing transmission of respiratory diseases and show a dose-response effect. Third, respirators are significantly more effective than medical or cloth masks. Fourth, mask mandates are, overall, effective in reducing community transmission of respiratory pathogens. Fifth, masks are important sociocultural symbols; non-adherence to masking is sometimes linked to political and ideological beliefs and to widely circulated mis- or disinformation. Sixth, while there is much evidence that masks are not generally harmful to the general population, masking may be relatively contraindicated in individuals with certain medical conditions, who may require exemption. Furthermore, certain groups (notably D/deaf people) are disadvantaged when others are masked. Finally, there are risks to the environment from single-use masks and respirators. We propose an agenda for future research, including improved characterization of the situations in which masking should be recommended or mandated; attention to comfort and acceptability; generalized and disability-focused communication support in settings where masks are worn; and development and testing of novel materials and designs for improved filtration, breathability, and environmental impact.

Masks and respirators for prevention of respiratory infections: a state of the science review

SUMMARY This narrative review and meta-analysis summarizes a broad evidence base on the benefits—and also the practicalities, disbenefits, harms and personal, sociocultural and environmental impacts—of masks and masking. Our synthesis of evidence from over 100 published reviews and selected primary studies, including re-analyzing contested meta-analyses of key clinical trials, produced seven key findings. First, there is strong and consistent evidence for airborne transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and other respiratory pathogens. Second, masks are, if correctly and consistently worn, effective in reducing transmission of respiratory diseases and show a dose-response effect. Third, respirators are significantly more effective than medical or cloth masks. Fourth, mask mandates are, overall, effective in reducing community transmission of respiratory pathogens. Fifth, masks are important sociocultural symbols; non-adherence to masking is sometimes linked to political and ideological beliefs and to widely circulated mis- or disinformation. Sixth, while there is much evidence that masks are not generally harmful to the general population, masking may be relatively contraindicated in individuals with certain medical conditions, who may require exemption. Furthermore, certain groups (notably D/deaf people) are disadvantaged when others are masked. Finally, there are risks to the environment from single-use masks and respirators. We propose an agenda for future research, including improved characterization of the situations in which masking should be recommended or mandated; attention to comfort and acceptability; generalized and disability-focused communication support in settings where masks are worn; and development and testing of novel materials and designs for improved filtration, breathability, and environmental impact.

We Need More Research on how CO2 Affects Cognition

A growing body of research indicates there are potentially large health benefits to improving indoor air quality.

From the gut to the lung: microbiota-associated metabolites as regulators of respiratory immunometabolism

The development and progression of respiratory diseases are influenced by both the local pulmonary microenvironment and the intestinal ecosystem. Research on the gut-lung axis has shown that diverse small-molecule metabolites produced or modified by the gut microbiota can cross the intestinal barrier and enter the systemic circulation, where they may modulate immune-cell response thresholds, functional polarisation, and inflammatory dynamics in the distal lung. The local respiratory microbiota may also contribute to the pulmonary metabolic microenvironment, although its role in metabolite production and immune regulation remains less clearly defined.

Paris said au revoir to cars. Air pollution maps reveal a dramatic change.

Air pollution fell substantially as the city restricted car traffic and made way for parks and bike lanes.

Tracheobronchomalacia/Large Airway Collapse and Physiotherapy

This leaflet is intended to provide information to people who have tracheobronchomalacia (or sometimes referred to as large airway collapse), their families and carers. It explains what tracheobronchomalacia is and how physiotherapy can play a part in its treatment.

Taking a look at looksmaxxing — and what parents should know

The trend among boys and young men of optimizing their physical appearance includes dangerous practices. Experts offer advice on how to talk to their sons about body image and healthy behaviors.

KOSA isn't designed to help kids.

Congress is using kids to hold Big Tech accountable. Kids will get hurt in the process. Moving forward, we need to center youth.

Opinion | A Breath of Fresh Air With Brian Eno

The musician and record producer Brian Eno delves into his experiments with ambient music, his thoughts on generative A.I. and his deep gratitude for the uniqueness of human life.

Atmosphere Account Resilience - Ted's Leaflet

Low-cost measurement of face mask efficacy for filtering expelled droplets during speech

A simple method was developed for evaluating the efficacy of face masks to reduce respiratory droplet emission during speaking. , Mandates for mask use in public during the recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, worsened by global shortage of commercial supplies, have led to widespread use of homemade masks and mask alternatives. It is assumed that wearing such masks reduces the likelihood for an infected person to spread the disease, but many of these mask designs have not been tested in practice. We have demonstrated a simple optical measurement method to evaluate the efficacy of masks to reduce the transmission of respiratory droplets during regular speech. In proof-of-principle studies, we compared a variety of commonly available mask types and observed that some mask types approach the performance of standard surgical masks, while some mask alternatives, such as neck gaiters or bandanas, offer very little protection. Our measurement setup is inexpensive and can be built and operated by nonexperts, allowing for rapid evaluation of mask performance during speech, sneezing, or coughing.