The Latest Breaking News on Pollution

Traffic, mobiles, music … let’s turn the volume down

Letters: Readers respond to an editorial on the health impact of noise pollution

The Guardian - UK · Aug 2

Household chemicals end up as pollutants if not disposed of correctly. What shouldn’t go down the drain?

To safely get rid of household chemicals without harming the environment, keep in mind handy rules such as the ‘three Ps’

The Guardian - AU · Aug 1

A Massachusetts mother helped save one of America's dirtiest rivers. Her campaign paved the way for landmark clean water laws

In 1962, Marion Stoddart moved with her husband and three young children to Groton, Massachusetts, settling less than a mile from the Nashua River. At the time, the Nashua ranked among the ten most polluted rivers in the United States, running a different colour depending on what paper mills and…

The Times of India · Jul 31

‘Be more French’: Sadiq Khan urged to impose speed limit cuts and driving restrictions during high ozone pollution

During heatwaves, harmful ozone gas forms near the ground when other pollutants react together in strong sunlight

Evening Standard · Jul 29

Idaho Air Quality Reaches Very Unhealthy as Oregon Wildfire Smoke Settles Over the Boise Treasure Valley

Idaho DEQ forecasts very unhealthy air for the Boise Treasure Valley through Tuesday as Oregon wildfire smoke lingers. Who is at risk and what to do.

Medical Daily · Jul 28

United States sewers hide $13 million in metals per million residents, including an estimated $2.6 million in gold and silver

Sewage sludge from wastewater treatment plants contains valuable metals. Researchers estimate these metals could be worth millions for large communities annually. Gold and silver alone contribute significantly to this potential economic value. Recovering these metals presents technical and economic challenges for cities. This discovery highlights urban resource potential and material…

The Times of India · Jul 28

For decades, zinc smelters polluted Pennsylvania’s Blue Mountain; crews later used mushroom compost and aircraft seeding to help vegetation return

Palmerton's Blue Mountain suffered severe environmental damage from zinc factory emissions. Heavy metals altered the landscape, harming vegetation and wildlife habitats. Restoration efforts focused on improving soil conditions and re-establishing plant cover. Aircraft distributed materials to treat difficult-to-access contaminated areas. The long-term work demonstrates ecosystem recovery after careful land treatment.

The Times of India · Jul 28

In 1990, Congress created a cap-and-trade programme to cut acid-rain pollution from power plants; over decades, SO₂ emissions fell by more than 95%

The Acid Rain Program significantly cut sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions. This initiative utilized a cap-and-trade system for flexible pollution reduction. Over three decades, emissions dropped by over ninety-five percent. Acid deposition and its environmental impacts have also measurably declined. The program remains a successful example of long-term environmental…

The Times of India · Jul 28

How can you keep yourself safe from forever chemicals and cadmium in food? (Part 2/2)

Food-related health warnings have become increasingly frequent in recent years, to the point where maintaining a diet free of contaminants can seem almost impossible. So what’s the best way to limit your exposure, and will there ever be a way to fully remove these harmful pollutants from our blood? FRANCE…

France 24 · Jul 28

In 1969, Chattanooga was declared America's worst city for particulate pollution; three years after imposing strict controls, every major polluter met the new standard

Chattanooga was once the nation's most polluted city due to industrial emissions. Local officials implemented stricter pollution regulations which improved air quality significantly. Within three years, all pollution sources in Hamilton County met new standards. The city later met federal clean air standards and attracted new investment. Chattanooga's sustained effort…

The Times of India · Jul 27