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Levels of several air pollutants are higher indoors than outdoors

New European research finds that the levels of several harmful air pollutants are greater indoors than outdoors, and even greater when measured on the person themselves. The levels of benzene are especially concerning and often exceed EU limits.




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Do climate policies need a 'pollution safety margin'?

A recent analysis suggests climate change policies may have to include a 'pollution safety margin' which accounts for the warming impact of many air pollutants. Available evidence suggests that policies to reduce the harmful effects of air pollutants could accelerate climate change over coming decades by cutting emissions that currently contribute to cooling the climate.




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Do strict speed limits really reduce traffic emissions?

Environmental policy makers increasingly rely on computer models to test traffic policies. Researchers have investigated the impact of reducing speed limits on traffic emissions using two different models, but the models produced some contradictory results. The researchers therefore warn policy makers to interpret model results very carefully and to avoid relying on simple 'macroscopic' models.




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Does ISO 14001 certification reduce industry pollution?

Companies with environmental standard ISO 14001 certification may emit just as much air pollution as non-certified companies, according to a recent study. The results suggest companies see ISO 14001 as a way to appear environmentally responsible rather than to actively improve their environmental credentials.




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Researchers assess indoor air pollution across Europe

The quality of indoor air varies widely across Europe, according to a recent study. However, more data are needed from a range of locations, especially in towns and cities, and greater harmonisation of sampling and analysis procedures are needed to develop a more comprehensive picture of European indoor air quality.




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Researchers assess indoor air pollution across Europe

The quality of indoor air varies widely across Europe, according to a recent study. Poor indoor air quality is mainly due to household products, outdoor pollution and smoking yielding high levels of organic pollutants harmful to human health. The study indicates higher levels of indoor air pollution in southern Europe than in northern Europe, and with an associated risk of cancer higher than the acceptable unit risk. However the present data must be improved in order to get more precise risk estimates




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Urban forests: could they be doing us a disservice?

There is a growing body of scientific research into the health benefits of urban forests, such as improving air quality and providing recreational space. However, new research challenges the assumption that their overall impact on quality of life is always positive and land planners need to take into account ecosystem disservices as well as services, say the researchers.




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Five years on: changes to vehicle fleets and air quality in London’s low emission zone

Low emission zones (LEZs), which restrict access for high emission vehicles, have proven to be a successful way to improve air quality in line with EU regulations. An analysis of London’s LEZ has revealed discernible reductions in air pollution levels five years after implementation.




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Indoor pollution modelled to inform policy on home insulation

Increased insulation in homes could reduce ventilation and lead to greater exposure to indoor air pollution, a new study suggests. This, in turn, could affect health. The researchers modelled exposure to fine particles, which indicated that insulating half the homes in Greece by 2020 could lead to a 6% increase in adverse health effects. Sources of indoor air pollution should be reduced as far as possible and, failing that, sufficient airing is key, they recommend.




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Wood burning in London undermines low traffic emissions' gains

Particulate matter (PM) emissions from domestic wood burning in London are higher than the PM reductions achieved through London’s Low Emission Zone, finds a new study. The research suggests that increases in wood burning could risk undermining policies aimed at meeting EU PM10 targets.




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Greater risk of heart defects for babies born near unconventional gas wells in Colorado

Pregnant women living within 16 km of unconventional gas wells in Colorado, US, are up to 30% more likely to give birth to a baby with a heart defect, new research has found. These findings suggest that more research is needed to understand the potential health impact of natural gas developments, say the researchers.




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Simple Swedish device effectively reduces harmful indoor air pollution

Indoor air quality can be significantly improved using a simple device which traps harmful chemicals emitted from glues, paints and building materials, a new study has shown. Designed in Sweden, the researchers demonstrate that the 'surface emissions trap', especially effective for damp buildings, also prevents emissions from mould and can remove unpleasant odours.




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Wider gaps between cycle paths and traffic reduce active commuters’ air pollution dose

Setting cycle and footpaths further back from the road can significantly lower the amount of air pollution that cyclists and pedestrians inhale, suggests new research. While wide gaps are not always practical, the study shows that even small increases in distance could substantially reduce the dose of pollution.




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Health impacts of climate change in the indoor environment: a UK review

The health risks associated with climate-induced changes to indoor environments are explored in a new study. UK-based researchers synthesised findings of how climate change — and mitigation and adaptation measures — might affect the inside of buildings, through overheating, air quality, allergies and infections, flood risk and other exposure risks.




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Subway stations with platform sliding doors and good ventilation reduce passengers’ exposure to PM2.5

Underground trains are among the most widely used public transport systems in cities worldwide. A study investigating the chemical composition and source of particles in Barcelona subway stations found that a new station design, with sliding doors that separate the platform from the tunnel and good ventilation, reduced the concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) by over 50% compared with older station designs.




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OFFICAIR project finds seasonal variation in indoor air quality in modern office buildings

A new study aimed at increasing knowledge of indoor air quality (IAQ) in recently built or refurbished office buildings has found that levels of pollutants are mostly within World Health Organization (WHO) air-quality guidelines, however they vary between seasons. In addition, some levels of particulate matter were found to exceed WHO guideline values. The OFFICAIR project was funded by the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme.




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Environmentally persistent free radicals: what do we know about this newly recognised class of pollutants?

The most important findings from over a decade of research into environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs), a new class of environmental pollutants, are presented in a recent review. These toxic particles could be partly responsible for some of the health problems, such as asthma, associated with particulate matter (PM) exposure. The researchers issue a warning that some engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) could increase levels of EPFRs in the environment.




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Rhodococcus bacteria can help clean up fuel-contaminated sites

Fuel spillages and leaks from petroleum storage facilities can lead to serious pollution of soils and underground water. In a recent study, two strains of Rhodococcus bacteria were found to be effective at degrading a number of petroleum hydrocarbons and thus helping clean up contaminated sites.




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How CIOs are using the cloud to take on shadow IT

There’s a growing phenomenon in CIOs’ lives, and it’s called Shadow IT: other departments like finance and marketing bypassing the IT department and buying their own technology.




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Cortex 1: I Don't Really Like Work

This week, Myke quizzes Grey about the devices he uses to get his work done, and Grey gets very disappointed about how Myke arranges his iPhone.




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Cortex 43: Tornado Bigshot

Myke discovered his ranking, Grey will not switch, and they both answer #askcortex questions before the Cortexmas season begins.




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Project #1129: Door and Lock repai




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Three NSW men arrested over alleged purchase of child-like sex dolls

Three men have been arrested as a result of coordinated operations conducted across NSW in two days, targeting purchasers of child-like sex dolls.




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Two men jailed over multi-million dollar cocaine importation

The Sydney District Court today sentenced two men to a combined 17.5 years imprisonment over a 2018 seizure of almost 115 kilograms of cocaine.




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Doreen man to face court over child abuse material offences

A 45-year-old man will face Melbourne Magistrate’s Court today, charged in relation to child abuse material offences.




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Million-dollar homes aren't the mansions they used to be

CBS News




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Nashville’s Million-Dollar Homes Are Shrinking Fastest in U.S.

Bloomberg




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Large Storm Door and and Screen




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Refinance Dominates Mortgage Applications in the Aftermath of Brexit

Refinance requests increased 132 percent following the Brexit vote as borrowers capitalize on historically low mortgage rates, according to Zillow Group Mortgages analysis




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Home Sales Show First Positive Signs After Dramatic Slowdown in March

The median list price of homes on the market in the U.S. is slightly higher than a year ago




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Bouncing back after baby just don’t call them Super Mums

For some it was the realisation of the impossible dream, for others it was the sheer determination to return to the top. Meet 10 mums who are combining parenthood with a career as an elite athlete. Just don’t call them Super Mums.




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VDOT FERRYBOAT POWHATAN REACHES MAJOR CONSTRUCTION MILESTONE, LOWERED INTO WATER FOR FIRST TIME - Newest Jamestown-Scotland Ferry boat expected to arrive this fall

Above: Powhatan in the water at VT Halter Marine following a successful launch on August 11, 2018 PASCAGOULA, MISSISSIPPI – The Virginia...




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VDOT PREPARED TO ASSIST TRAVELERS AHEAD OF HURRICANE FLORENCE

SUFFOLK– The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is assessing travel needs and making preparations to assist motorists ahead of Hurricane...




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VDOT PREPARATIONS CONTINUE IN HAMPTON ROADS AS POTENTIAL HURRICANE IMPACTS REMAIN - VDOT Hampton Roads takes additional measures to ease travel and maintain access to roads and facilities for evacuees throughout the region

SUFFOLK– As Hurricane Florence approaches the coast, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Hampton Roads District continues to monitor...




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VDOT HAMPTON ROADS READY FOR HURRICANE IMPACTS - VDOT continues to monitor weather with crews at the ready

SUFFOLK – While landfall of Hurricane Florence is imminent along the North Carolina coast, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Hampton...




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VDOT CONTINUES STORM RESPONSE, READIES FOR EVACUEES' RETURN - Road operations returning to normal over the weekend

VIRGINIA BEACH – The Virginia Department of Transportation Hampton Roads District continues to monitor interstate and rural road conditions while...




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VDOT PREPARED IN HAMPTON ROADS FOR POTENTIAL TROPICAL STORM MICHAEL IMPACTS - Pay close attention to local forecasts and official announcements for safety messages

SUFFOLK– As Tropical Storm Michael approaches, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Hampton Roads District stands ready to respond to...




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RETURN OF THE MAC: Government says McDonald's safe to re-open for deliveries

ENVIRONMENT Secretary, George Eustice, says fast-food restaurants like KFC, McDonald's and Burger King can re-open for deliveries and take-aways, but stressed the need for safety and social distancing.










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ROUTE 3 NOW OPEN IN LANCASTER COUNTY - VDOT crews have completed emergency repair work following damage from Tropical Storm Michael

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. ⸺ Route 3 in Lancaster County has reopened to through traffic between Route 201 and Route 600 in the Lively area. The road...




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CSX WILL CLOSE LANSDOWNE ROAD IN FREDERICKSBURG FOR RAILROAD MAINTENANCE NEXT WEEK - Lansdowne Road will be closed to through traffic from Nov. 12-17

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. ˗˗  CSX will close Lansdowne Road in Fredericksburg to through traffic on Monday, Nov. 12 through early  Saturday, Nov. 17  to...




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New exhibition in North London examines issues of race in Britain

An exhibition examining themes of race opens in North London next month.




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Kanye goes west as Kim goes east amid lockdown tensions

It’s the same story whether you’re a celeb or a pleb - we’re all getting on each other’s nerves in lockdown. And it’s the same story for Kim and Kanye.




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Support for domestic abuse victims in lockdown in Hertfordshire

'Coronavirus lockdown is not responsible for domestic abuse - people are.'




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This man turned lockdown boredom into internet fame with one household item

In normal times, boredom is easily alleviated through the gamut of activity on our doorsteps. Coffee mornings, the cinema, body rubs, pubs and clubs all grab our attention, but when limitations are enforced, oh, what to do?