Pollution
Chemists Are Figuring Out How to Recycle Our Clothes
Chemical processes could recycle the cellulose from clothing waste into renewed fibers for garment makers
Pollution89 articles archived since 1845
Pollution
Los Angeles Bans New Oil Wells, Plans to Close Existing Ones
The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously on Friday to ban new oil and gas wells in the city and eventually close existing ones
Pollution
How Safe are U.S. Rivers 50 Years after the Clean Water Act?
Millions of miles of U.S. rivers have dramatically improved in the half-century after the Clean Water Act, but climate change and other types of pollution still pose threats
Pollution
People Exposed to Harmful Wildfire Smoke Often Live Far from Lung Specialists
Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of wildfires, and those most affected by their pollution must drive miles to access care
Engineering
Frequent Breaks in Undersea Pipelines Mean Fixes Are Possible for Nord Stream
While international experts try to figure out what caused the ruptures in the Nord Stream pipeline, engineers have multiple options to try and fix it
Pollution
The Sky Needs Its ‘Silent Spring’ Moment
A surge of new research underscores the growing global problem of light pollution—as well as the urgent need for public awareness and action
Fossil Fuels
What Do Mysterious Nord Stream Methane Leaks Mean for Climate Change?
Researchers are rushing to calculate the greenhouse-gas emissions resulting from mysterious leaks in major gas pipelines that connect Russia to Europe
Pollution
The Race to Stop a Plastics Plant Scores a Crucial Win
In Louisiana, home to miles of polluting industries, slowing the progress of Formosa Plastics is critical to social and environmental justice
Climate Change
How the Montreal Protocol Helped Save Earth from a Climate Time Bomb
The landmark Montreal Protocol treaty, agreed to 35 years ago this month, has reduced the use of chemicals that not only thinned the ozone layer but also warmed the planet
Pollution
It’s Time to Fight Light Pollution
Learn about Viking women, doughnuts in the brain, nuclear weapons, and more in the October issue of Scientific American
Pollution
A Growing Drinking Water Crisis Threatens American Cities and Towns
The Jackson, Miss., disaster rings alarm bells about myriad problems lurking in water systems across the country
Pollution
Cheap New Method Breaks Down ‘Forever Chemicals’
A new technique destroys persistent PFAS without requiring high pressures and temperatures
Engineering
Scientists Invent a Paper Battery—Just Add Water
A new disposable battery is made of paper and other sustainable materials and is activated with a few drops of water
Pollution
Eating Too Much Protein Makes Pee a Problem Pollutant in the U.S.
Protein-packed diets add excess nitrogen to the environment through urine, rivaling pollution from agricultural fertilizers
Pollution
The Environmental Disasters Now Threatening Ukraine
Ukraine’s former environment minister explains the Russian invasion’s dangerous impact on water and nuclear safety
Public Health
When Heat Waves Meet Air Pollution, Death Risks Rise Substantially
Rising temperatures and more frequent wildfires are taking a grim toll on human health
Public Health
Regulating Power Plants Is a Health Issue
Doctors must get more involved in the public health crises that climate change will bring
Pollution
What Air Pollution in South Korea Can Teach the World about Misinformation
Tracking how misinformation campaigns begin and amplify can give scientists tools to combat them
Food
Spray-On, Rinse-Off Food ‘Wrapper’ Can Cut Plastic Packaging
The coating deters microorganisms to fight both food waste and foodborne illness
Pollution
Racism Drives Environmental Inequality—But Most Americans Don’t Realize
Survey finds that most people think poverty is why pollution disproportionately affects Black people, despite evidence that racism is the major cause
