35 News & Press Releases found
European Commission, Environment DG News
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Traffic pollution associated with risk of developing type 2 diabetes
Long-term exposure to traffic-related air particle pollution is linked with type 2 diabetes, a new study in Germany has found. Furthermore, the study found that people living close to busy roads were at greater risk of developing the disease than ...
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Green spaces linked to improved cognitive development in schoolchildren
Exposure of primary schoolchildren to outdoor green spaces is linked to an improvement in their cognitive development, finds a new study, which is the first of its kind. The association may be partly explained by reductions in traffic-related air ...
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Nature in urban environments reduces stress
Contact with nature in urban areas can have numerous health benefits, a new study finds. The researchers found people whose homes had views of different kinds of vegetation had significantly lower levels of stress hormones, indicating that green ...
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Pharmaceutical pollution levels in European rivers assessed
Concentrations of three pharmaceuticals (ethinylestradiol, oestradiol and diclofenac), have been mapped in a recent study of European rivers. The researchers predict that levels of ethinylestradiol, a contraceptive and hormone replacement drug, ...
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Trees in urban areas may improve mental health
Doctors prescribe fewer antidepressants in urban areas with more trees on the street, according to recent UK research. The study examined the link between mental health and wellbeing and the presence of trees in London neighbourhoods. Its findings ...
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Health of vulnerable people exposed to noise is under-researched
Vulnerable groups of people, including those with long-term illnesses, those sensitive to noise or tinnitus (ringing of the ears), people with mental health problems and unborn and newly born babies, are often more susceptible to physical and ...
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Aircraft noise at night can result in dysfunction of blood vessels and cause long-term cardiovascular disease
Recent research into the impact of different levels of noise on 75 volunteers reveals that disturbed sleep caused by night-time aircraft noise can damage blood vessels and increase the levels of stress hormones. As these physical changes are ...
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Time spent in traffic has major effect on personal exposure to cancer-causing chemicals
Our lifestyles determine how often we are exposed to cancer-causing chemicals, such as those in traffic emissions and cigarette smoke. A Swedish study reveals how exposure to these chemicals varies from person to person. Among its findings, the ...
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Environment: 17 companies nominated for the 2014 European Business Awards for the Environment
The shortlist for the 2014 European Business Awards for the Environment (EBAE) has been revealed, following a two-day jury meeting in Rome, Italy. The 17 finalists come from 10 countries. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Lyon on 1st ...
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Childhood obesity linked to traffic pollution
Traffic pollution contributes to childhood obesity, a recent study concludes. In the US investigation of over 4 500 children, the researchers estimated that air pollution increased the body mass index (BMI) of 10-year olds in the most polluted areas ...
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Air pollution from road traffic can raise blood pressure
High blood pressure is linked to long-term exposure to traffic-related air pollution, new research suggests. After accounting for lifestyle factors, socioeconomic status and pre-existing health conditions, the researchers found that a rise in ...
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Green spaces can have positive, long-term effects on mental health
Moving to an area with good access to green spaces has a positive, lasting effect on residents’ mental health, new research suggests. The study shows that people who move to greener areas report considerably improved mental health three years ...
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Pesticides and pharmaceuticals influence riverbed communities of microbes
Changes in complex microbial communities known as ‘biofilms’ at the bottom of rivers can reveal the effects of pesticide and pharmaceutical pollution of river water, according to a recent study. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs ...
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If you think the economy is more important than the environment, try holding your breath while counting your money
Ladies and Gentlemen, Distinguished guests, It is a pleasure to be here today. I wish to thank the Environment Agency and the European Policy Centre for organising this event. It is again very timely. I would like to use it as a kind of curtain ...
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New Biocides Regulation improves human health and environmental protection
A new Regulation on biocidal products applying from 1st September will significantly increase the safety and simplify the authorisation procedure of biocides used and placed on the market in the EU. Biocides are chemicals used to suppress harmful ...
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Biodiversity may help to prevent malaria outbreaks
Biodiversity could play a key role in preventing future outbreaks of malaria in tropical forests, according to a new study. Results indicate that a greater number of mosquito species could increase competition for mosquitoes that spread malarial ...
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Ash inhalation increases risk of lung infection
Inhaling volcanic ash could weaken the body’s natural defences against infection, a recent study concludes. A team of researchers collected samples of ash from the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull volcano eruption in Iceland and, in laboratory ...
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Living close to heavy traffic strongly linked to heart disease deaths
A strong link between long-term exposure to vehicle pollution and deaths from heart disease and lung cancer has been found in a study of over a million individuals. The researchers say their results are relevant to European policymaking relating to ...
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Increased biodiversity decreases the spread of disease
Decreasing biodiversity in an ecosystem can increase the spread of disease, research suggests. Researchers studying amphibian communities in natural wetland ecosystems as well as controlled experiments have shown that as diversity increased, ...
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Road traffic noise increases risk of diabetes
Increasing noise levels are a global environmental concern, and have been linked to important health issues, such as heart disease and cognitive development. New Danish research has now shown that it is also associated with an increased risk of ...