Pollutants

Pollutants are substances or energy emissions introduced into the environment at levels that cause harm to living organisms, ecosystems or human systems. They can be chemical, physical or biological in nature and include air contaminants, waterborne chemicals, solid waste, noise and thermal discharges. Pollutants may originate from industrial activity, transport, agriculture, waste management or natural sources, and their impacts depend on concentration, persistence, exposure pathways and toxicity.

Image: Dentist cleaning patient's teeth with tools (s. Air pollution)
Air pollution particles worsen gum disease and alter oral tissuesScience

Air pollution particles worsen gum disease and alter oral tissues

Mouse experiments show that exposure to urban PM₂.₅ increases oxidative stress and inflammation while worsening damage to periodontal tissues Summary: Fine particulate air pollution can…
SourceSourceAugust 20, 2026 Full article
Image: Infographic - Percentage of monitoring stations in 2024 achieving air quality EU standards/guideline levels
Air quality improving in Europe but more effort needed: reportNews

Air quality improving in Europe but more effort needed: report

Copenhagen, Denmark | AFP Air quality in Europe is improving but more effort is needed to reach the European Union's 2030 targets, the European Environment Agency…
SourceSourceApril 30, 2026 Full article
Image: Polar bear at sunset on ice
Climate Science Digest: March 31, 2026Science

Climate Science Digest: March 31, 2026

Explore the latest insights from top science journals in the Muser Press roundup (March 31, 2026), featuring impactful research on climate change challenges. In brief:…
Muser NewsDeskMuser NewsDeskMarch 31, 2026 Full article
Image: Polar bear at sunset on ice
Climate Science Digest: March 17, 2026Science

Climate Science Digest: March 17, 2026

Explore the latest insights from top science journals in the Muser Press roundup (March 17, 2026), featuring impactful research on climate change challenges. In brief:…
Muser NewsDeskMuser NewsDeskMarch 17, 2026 Full article
Image: ringed seal (Pusa hispida)
Arctic warming and toxic pollutants linked to malnutrition in ringed sealsScience

Arctic warming and toxic pollutants linked to malnutrition in ringed seals

New research shows a single year of warmer-than-average Arctic temperatures can cause malnutrition in Arctic seals, intensifying risks to Inuit food security and northern ecosystems…
SourceSourceFebruary 23, 2026 Full article
Image: Male surgeon removing surgical gloves in operation theater at hospital
Greening Canadian hospital operating roomsScience

Greening Canadian hospital operating rooms

How to 'green' operating rooms: new CMAJ guideline advises reduce, reuse, recycle, and rethink Summary: A new guideline published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal)…
SourceSourceFebruary 9, 2026 Full article
Image: AI art of Earth - climate change effects (s. science, climate, Muser)
Climate Science Digest: December 15, 2025Science

Climate Science Digest: December 15, 2025

Explore the latest insights from top science journals in the Muser Press roundup (December 15, 2025), featuring impactful research on climate change challenges. In brief:…
Muser NewsDeskMuser NewsDeskDecember 15, 2025 Full article
Image: AI art of Earth - climate change effects (s. science, climate, Muser)
Climate Science Digest: October 29, 2025Science

Climate Science Digest: October 29, 2025

Explore the latest insights from top science journals in the Muser Press daily roundup (October 29, 2025), featuring impactful research on climate change challenges. In…
Muser NewsDeskMuser NewsDeskOctober 29, 2025 Full article
Image: Illustration - air pollution and wildfire smoke may contribute to memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease
Air pollution and wildfire smoke linked to memory loss in Alzheimer’sScience

Air pollution and wildfire smoke linked to memory loss in Alzheimer’s

Scientists discovered how a chemical modification of a key brain protein – potentially triggered by climate change-induced air pollution, pesticides, wildfires and processed meats –…
SourceSourceFebruary 28, 2025 Full article
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Decomposing ‘refrigerants’, a potent greenhouse gas, using industrial wasteScience

Decomposing ‘refrigerants’, a potent greenhouse gas, using industrial waste

Developing a catalyst to decompose refrigerants, which are 1,300 times more potent than carbon dioxide, using industrial waste known as red mud. By National Research…
SourceSourceJuly 22, 2024 Full article
Image: View of Earth and satellite
Planetary boundary layer revealed: satellites illuminate atmospheric mysteriesScience

Planetary boundary layer revealed: satellites illuminate atmospheric mysteries

Unlocking the secrets of Earth's planetary boundary layer (PBL), a pivotal zone influencing air quality and climate, a new study offers unprecedented insights into atmospheric…
SourceSourceJune 18, 2024 Full article