Cleaning with bleach could create indoor air pollutants

For generations, people have used chlorine bleach to clean and disinfect their homes. However, researchers have now discovered that bleach fumes, in combination with light and a citrus compound found in many household products, can form airborne particles that might be harmful when inhaled by pets or people.

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Curbing diesel emission could reduce big city mortality rate

US cities could see a decline in mortality rates and an improved economy through midcentury if federal and local governments maintain stringent air pollution policies and diminish concentrations of diesel freight truck exhaust, according to new research.

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Laser-based system detects fires even in dusty, harsh environments

Researchers have developed a new laser-based system that offers an efficient and low-cost way to detect fires in challenging environments such as industrial facilities or large construction sites. With further development, the system could eventually detect fires that are more than a kilometer away.

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Aerosols from coniferous forests no longer cool the climate as much

Emissions of greenhouse gases have a warming effect on the climate, whereas small airborne particles in the atmosphere, aerosols, act as a cooling mechanism. That is the received wisdom in any case. However, new research can now show that the tiniest aerosols are increasing at the expense of the normal sized and slightly larger aerosols — and it is only the latter that have a cooling effect.

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Emissions from cannabis growing facilities may impact indoor and regional air quality

Scientists have studied air quality inside of four cannabis growing facilities in Nevada and California. They recorded high levels of BVOCs (biogenic volatile organic compounds) and butane inside each growing facility, which can contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone if released into the outdoors.

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