Children's lung capacity caught up with their peers in less polluted areas once a clean air zone came in, a study shows.
Introduction of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone linked to improved lung growth in children
The Mysterious Vaping Illness That’s ‘Becoming an Epidemic’ (Published 2019)
A surge of severe lung ailments has baffled doctors and public health experts.
Air pollution causes ‘huge’ reduction in intelligence, study reveals
Impact of high levels of toxic air ‘is equivalent to having lost a year of education’
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.
Kids in ICE Detention Up 10x in Trump’s Second Term
Advocates warn trauma from detentions will cause kids lifelong damage.
Contribution of Indoor Air and Dust to Children’s Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Exposure in the Faroe Islands
Abstract. The people of the Faroe Islands are uniquely exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs); despite no local production of these compoun
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.
How one hour of slow breathing changed my life
An introductory breathing class fixed my sleep and left me calmer than ever. It took me years to find out why
The Kids Who Beat Autism (Published 2014)
New research suggests that one in 10 autistic children sheds symptoms before adulthood. But no one knows why they do — or why others do not.
A Lost Secret: How To Get Kids To Pay Attention
Maya kids do better on tests measuring attention, researchers say it's because these kids have something that many American kids have lost.
The Possibilities for Child Liberation
Children's liberation movements have challenged the notion that limited responsibilities for young people must come with limited rights.
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.
The Dark Side Of Inhaling Rare Xenon Gas | VICE | Blueprint
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.
This stopped me in my tracks. An independent study by @qmul.bsky.social has found that after ULEZ was introduced, children’s lungs grew faster in Central London and have now caught up with children outside of the capital. Incredible.
Queen Mary University of London
Air pollution stunts children’s lung growth. New Queen Mary research found that improvements in air quality after the introduction of London’s ULEZ are associated with accelerated lung growth in children. Read more: shorturl.at/Jx86o
