The presence of disinfection by-products (DBPs) in drinking water is an emerging health concern. DBPs come in many classes and are chemically diverse, making them challenging to monitor. Swedish researchers have evaluated a new method for the simultaneous determination of a broader range of DBPs than typically possible using other available techniques. The method uses gas chromatography (a laboratory technique that separates and analyses vaporisable compounds in a mixture), together with a halogen-specific detector (XSD). Having been tested in real water samples from two municipal waterworks in Sweden, the method has been optimised for the simultaneous determination of a wide range of neutral DBPs.

A new study highlights the need for new policies to stop the rise of nitrogen oxide emissions in China. The researchers suggest that the positive impact of policies to reduce sulphur dioxide emissions are not enough in themselves to avoid soil acidification, as they will be outweighed over the next decade by the impact of nitrogen emissions.

Reductions in air pollution in European cities significantly reduce the number of premature deaths, according to researchers. However, these results need to be communicated effectively to policy makers in order to have an impact.

20 years of policies in Europe to reduce emissions that contribute to the formation of ozone have successfully reduced short-term peak ozone levels, according to a new study conducted in central England. However, tougher targets are needed to further reduce average annual levels.

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.

Assessing the impact of large urban areas on air quality and climate change needs an integrated approach with a range of spatial and temporal scales, according to researchers. The EU-funded MEGAPOLI project considers time scales from seconds to decades and spatial scales from local to global.

Low emission zones (LEZs) that restrict old vehicles in city centres may need implementation in combination with other traffic policies to have greater impacts on air quality, according to new research. A study that measured emission levels before and after the introduction of LEZs in five Dutch cities indicated that air pollution concentrations were reduced but not to a statistically significant level.

A new study finds that meeting WHO Air Quality Guidelines (AQG) on particulate emissions by 2030, thereby improving global human health, will require a combination of stringent policies on air pollution, climate change and access to clean cooking fuels.

Levels of particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere are linked to ammonia emissions. However, reducing ammonia emissions only as far as targets set out by the Gothenburg Protocol will not necessarily ensure compliance with EU PM limits, according to a new study. Greater reductions in ammonia emissions would reduce the number of days when PM limit values are exceeded, the researchers found.

Careful planting and pruning is needed to ensure that air pollution in tree-lined streets is minimised, new research suggests. While planting trees in urban areas can have many benefits, such as enhancing biodiversity, trees can trap particulate matter pollution, say the study’s authors.

A new analysis calls for clear policy guidelines to be adopted in developing countries to direct the development of genetically modified crops which could help contribute to greater food security in developing countries.

Risk assessments of potential bird mortality caused by planned wind farms should be assessed at the scale of the individual turbine rather than the whole farm, according to new research. It indicated that risk assessments made prior to building are not predicting the actual level of mortality when the farm is built.

Every year some of the world’s best young musicians would jet into London to audition for a bursary with the Southbank Sinfonia. Simon Over wanted to cut down on those thousands of air miles and hours in transit. He also didn’t want to miss out on youngsters who couldn’t afford the fare.

New York Times

A co-ordinated medical intervention that saw a distressed Jessica Marais rushed to a Sydney hospital by ambulance last weekend raises an important question: what can be done when repeat rehab fails?

A new app to show users if they've come into contact with someone with Covid-19 is being trialled this week.

The post Pop-up hospital may be answer to future pandemic needs appeared first on The Lead SA.

FAIRFAX, Va. – Rolling lane closures are planned to occur in both directions on I-66 between Route 29 in Gainesville and Sudley Road (Route 234...

SALEM – A crash involving a tractor-trailer has closed exit 143 on I-81 this morning. Access to I-81 from I-581 and access to I-581 from I-81 has been impacted and drivers will need to seek alternate routes during the morning commute. I-81 southbound to exit 143 with access to I-581 southbound is closed. Travelers on southbound I-81 requiring access to I-581 will need to use Route 11 to Peters Creek Road or use Route 460 at exit 150 to return to I-581 or to access the downtown Roanoke area. I-581 northbound to I-81 southbound is closed. Travelers on I-581 from Roanoke heading to Salem using I-81 will need to use Peters Creek Road or other side roads for access back to I-81 at exit 141. In addition, drivers traveling on I-81 northbound and from I-581 to access northbound I-81 should expect delays and heavy congestion. The right lane of I-81 northbound at exit 143 is also closed. Drivers should expect delays in this area through at least 8 a.m. and further delays are possible through the morning.

How we as a community can help to support the parents and celebrate the beauty of special needs children.

These dreamy landscape photographs will have nature lovers everywhere pining, "Mother Earth, won't you be my Valentine?"

The engineering mentality based around cars vs. the needs of kids, cyclists and seniors isn't safe for pedestrians. Here are 11 ways to make streets safer.

Pedestrian scrambles, an idea championed by Henry Barnes in Denver, stop the flow of traffic and allow pedestrians to cross the street in all directions.

Dependence on GPS hampers your brain's ability to navigate and can even lead you astray. Don't leave home without a trusty paper map.

The transit of Venus is so rare that it's visible only once every century or so, and will next to be seen by our descendents in 2117.

The only safe food 2-year-old Micah can eat is fresh, organic peaches. He has food-protein induced enterocolitis syndrome, or FPIES.

The AAP clarified their child car seat guidelines to make them easier for parents to follow.

Despite the HPV vaccine being effective at preventing infections and cancers down the line, just one-third of teen girls complete the injection series.

Certain female spiders are infamous for eating their partners after sex, but some actually pounce on suitors, fangs first, before mating.

Schools don’t have to discard textbooks with the old food pyramid in them. They can supplement what they have with free material about MyPlate from the USDA.

You know those baby registry lists you get in the mail when someone slips those retailers the news that you’re expecting? You’ll find everything from Exersa

German tree-planting advocate brings his Stop talking. Start planting message to the United Nations.

Getting more of this key nutrient could be more important than worrying about sodium intake.

The Swedish ritual of Årsgång or "year walk" is said to reveal visions of the future — if you can complete the requirements.

If you're holding back from buying an electric or plug-in hybrid, read this story. Some of what you think you know may turn out to be wrong.

Michael Moss' exposure of the food industry in "Salt Sugar Fat" will open your eyes.

The latest Pinterest-worthy food trend further solidifies the avocado as one of the world's most versatile and beloved fruits.

Climate activist Bill McKibben says now is the time for the Obama administration to stand up to the richest industry on Earth.

Select Home Depot stores across 6 states are now selling the Skystream 3.7, a personal wind turbine that's quiet, compact and capable of producing up to 400 kWh

More than half of Thanksgiving guests will be taking dessert for the holiday. Whether it’s pumpkin pie or not, we’ve got you covered.

8 strange and surprising facts about the T. rex, king of the dinosaurs.

Does 'fracking' need a new name? The slang for hydraulic fracturing sounds dirty and disconcerting — and now a study finds it even curbs support for the contr

This grizzly bear cub thought he was just enjoying a day at the river's edge before a scallop shell ruined it.

Measles can weaken the immune system for years afterward.

You know you'll be interrupted at work, so learn to plan for it.

Consider helping our honeybees by planting native flowers.

Robert Redford shares why he has joined the fight against the coal mine.

To chill or not to chill? For these items often found in the refrigerator, the answer ranges from 'not always' to a resounding 'never!'

Since the end of its space shuttle program, NASA is relying more and more on commercial space travel.

At the 85th Annual Meeting of the United States Conference of Mayors in Miami Beach, leaders pledge to make the switch to 100% renewable energy by 2035.