The Morning Briefing: Air pollution

"The Morning Briefing" is SmartPlanet's daily roundup of must-reads from the web. This morning we're reading about air pollution.

1.) 5 dangerous air pollutants measured on 5 continents. A new study found that short-term exposure -- less than seven days -- to major air pollutants except ozone was associated with an increase in heart attacks. Although the risk is 'relatively small' in comparison to factors including smoking or diabetes, as so many people around the world are breathing in elements such as carbon monoxide, the risk can be considered substantial for public health.

2.) Worsening air pollution costs China? A study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has found that China's worsening air pollution, after decades of unrestricted economic growth, cost the country $112 billion in 2005 in lost economic productivity.

3.) Canadian air pollution experts moved to 'other priorities'.Environment Canada has taken the decision to cut back on its monitoring of air pollution that can cause health problems for Canadians, reassigning scientists involved in that monitoring to 'other priorities'.

4.) Air pollution control permit approved for biomass project. A renewable energy facility proposed for Fair Haven, Vt., has received an air quality permit from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (VT-DEC). The permit is the first issued to a combined electric generating and pellet manufacturing facility anywhere in the United States.

5.) Coal-burning plant in Alexandria fined $208K for 2011 air quality violations.An Alexandria coal-burning power plant scheduled in October has been fined about $280,700 for violating air-quality laws. GenOn Energy's Potomac River Generating Station went over its nitrogen oxides limit six times between June and July last year. It is reported to be the largest fine ever imposed against the plant.

Bonus: Clean Air Produces Higher Home Prices

Image credit: Dave Hosford

Related:

• Office work increases toxicity in bloodstreams?
• Air pollution costs China $112 billion
• Barcelona start-up delivers zero-emission on two wheels
• Ba-bye to six more U.S. coal plants

This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com