Clean Air Research
Past Seminars and Webinars
The Air Science 40 seminar series is an unparalleled opportunity to learn about air quality science from leading experts who continue to break new ground in the field.
Five Years of PM Research Progress Webinar
EPA, Office of Research and Development
Dec. 15, 2:00 - 3:30pm EST
Introduction (6 pp, 928KB, About PDF)
One Atmosphere: The Intersection of Air Quality and Climate (21 pp, 1.8 MB, About PDF)
Speaker: Dan Costa, Sc.D., National Program Director for Air research, EPA Office of Research and Development
Recent advances in assessing sources, exposure and health effects of air pollution (46 pp, 4.9 MB, About PDF)
Speaker: Ian Gilmour, Ph.D., Chief (acting), Cardiopulmonary and Immunotoxicology Branch
EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD) supports clean air research that puts new tools and information in the hands of air quality managers and regulators to protect the air we breathe. EPA studies have shown that tiny particles released when fossil fuels are burned harm the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. These particles are especially harmful to the most vulnerable populations: the young, older adults and those with pre-existing health conditions. Future research around air quality, climate, and energy is needed.
EPA is moving forward with a "multipollutant" approach to air pollution research and an important series of studies near high-traffic roads. EPA will continue investigations of how climate change will impact the air we breathe, with a focus on protecting current and future generations from air pollution health risks.
Five Years of PM Research Progress Webinar
The Southern California Particle Center (SCPC)
Dec. 8, 2:00 - 3:30pm EST
Introduction (4 pp, 928KB, About PDF)
Five Years of Progress in Particulate Matter Research (52 pp, 2.9 MB, About PDF)
Speaker: John Froines, Ph.D., co-director
Southern California carries a heavy burden of air pollution, much of it created by traffic. In 2009, Southern California cities occupied five of the top ten spots on the American Lung Association’s list of most air polluted cities in the country. Research focused on the Los Angeles basin, characterizing multiple sources of PM, how different types of PM are formed, resulting health impacts from PM types, and how the elderly with cardiopulmonary disease are at particular risk.
Types of PM include the chemical composition and physical characteristics of PM from different sources (cars, trucks, ships, etc), seasons, and locations. Results to date have pointed to specific particle sizes, chemical components, and sources which may be causing the most harm.
Five Years of PM Research Progress Webinar
The Rochester PM Research Center
Dec. 1, 2:00 - 3:30pm EST
Introduction (5 pp, 1.2 MB, About PDF)
Extrapulmonary effects of ambient ultrafine particles:
Controlled clinical and animal studies (32 pp, 3.2 MB, About PDF).
Speaker: Mark Frampton, M.D., lead investigator
Ultrafine particles and
immediate responses of the cardiovascular system (17 pp, 859KB, About PDF).
Speaker: Annette Peters, Ph.D., lead investigator
Research at Rochester has focused on identifying the health hazards of airborne ultrafine particles from different sources, particle characterization and the intrinsic potential of these particles for generating oxygen radicals. The Center contributed to the understanding of particle effects on the cardiovascular and central nervous systems (CNS). Center investigators identified populations that are at high risk for these ultrafine particle effects. They have also studied how early life exposures may affect pulmonary and CNS functions later in life. The Center's studies have shown that traffic-related ultrafine particles affect the blood vessels, heart and brain and reveal how genetic variations can alter responses to particulate matter.
Five Years of Progress in PM Research Webinar
San Joaquin Valley Aerosol Health Effects Research Center
Nov. 17, 2:00 - 3:30pm EST
Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Health Effects
Introduction (4 pp, 879 KB, About PDF)
Presentation: Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Health Effects of
Airborne Particles (42 pp, 5.4 MB, About PDF)
Speakers: Anthony Wexler, Ph.D., director, and Kent Pinkerton, Ph.D., associate director
The San Joaquin Valley is one of the worst areas for particle pollution in the country. Residents of the region report some of the highest rates of asthma symptoms and asthma-related emergency department visits in all of California. Researchers studied effects of PM from the highly polluted San Joaquin Valley, including the effects on blood vessels and the developing lung, acute gene expression, and central nervous system and brain effects. Studies also explored the mechanisms that contribute to these adverse health outcomes.
Five Years of Progress in PM Research Webinar
Harvard PM Research Center
Nov. 10, 2:00 - 3:30pm EST
Linking Individual PM Pollutants with Specific Health Risk
Introduction (4 pp, 843KB, About PDF)
Presentation: Novel Exposure Scenarios to Define the Health Effects of Particle Sources (40 pp, 1 MB, About PDF)
Presentation: Gene Environment Interactions in the Association of Air Pollution with Cardiovascular Disease (20 pp, 86 KB, About PDF)
Speakers: John Godleski, M.D., associate director, and Joel Schwartz, Ph.D., lead investigator
The Harvard PM Center conducted research on the biological and chemical causes of health effects, the sources and types of pollution that are associated with adverse health effects, and which people are at the highest risk. Scientists focused on cardiovascular health through traffic studies, including exposures from tunnels, and studies with local, elderly veterans.
Researchers also explored various cardiovascular aspects of disease including blood pressure, heart rate, blood vessel narrowing, and inflammatory indicators. Pollution particles containing certain chemicals and particle sizes were linked to increased health effects. Center scientists have also shown that particles that have spent time in the atmosphere and traffic particles could be more toxic.
Five Years of Progress in PM Research Webinar
Hopkins Center for PM Research
Nov 3, 2:00 - 3:30pm EST
Introduction (4 pp, 948 KB, About PDF)
Presentation: Geographical Differences in PM Health Effects, Composition and Toxicity (36 pp, 1.8 MB, About PDF)
Speaker: Patrick Breysse, Ph.D., director
Particles are complex and their impact on health depends on more than just mass. Working to identify the most toxic characteristics of particles and the sources that produce them, the Hopkins Center analyzed national data on particle pollution and health risks like mortality, hospital admissions, and emergency room visits.Mapping health risks of PM across the US using Medicare data, the Center focused on the elderly and identified where health risks are very different, why those differences exist, and how particle composition contributes to adverse health outcomes.
Five Years of Progress in PM Research Webinar
Health Effects Institute (HEI)
Oct. 27, 2:00 - 3:30pm EST
Building Science for a Multipollutant Future
Introduction (4 pp, 929 KB, About PDF)
Presentation: Building Science for a Multipollutant Future: The HEI Strategic Plan (88 pp, 2.17 MB, About PDF)
Speakers: Dan Greenbaum , president, and Robert O'Keefe, vice president
HEI produces trusted science on air pollution and health to help lead to cleaner air and better public health. Over the last five years that has included hallmark studies on effects of particulate matter and gases, assessments of new fuels and technologies, new research trying to track the health outcomes of air quality improvements, and special reviews of the literature on mobile source air toxics, exposure to traffic pollution, and the effects of air pollution on health in the developing countries of Asia. A partnership of EPA and industry, HEI just launched its Strategic Plan 2010 - 2015 and is initiating new multipollutant exposure and health research, launching a new round of "health outcomes" research, and examining the emissions and health implications of a host of new fuels and technologies.
Tuesday September 28, 2010: 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Rayburn House Office Bldg, Room 2325
Air Quality in a Changing Climate
What the Future Holds for the Air We Breathe
Co-sponsored by the American Geophysical Union (AGU)
Introductory Remarks:
Rep. Brian Baird, Co-Chairman, House Subcommittee on Energy and Environment (invited)
Presentation by Kevin Teichman, PhD
Presentation (7 pp, 182.63 KB, About PDF)
Dr. Teichman is the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Science in the Office of Research and Development (ORD) at EPA. He has previously served as the Acting Science Advisor to the EPA and Director of the Office of Science Policy within ORD. In addition, he helped lead the planning of EPA's research program, striving to ensure the research program responded to the EPA's needs and maintained its leadership role in the environmental research community.
Presentation by Dan Costa, Sc.D
Presentation (15 pp, 1.05 MB, About PDF)
Dr. Costa is the National Program Director for Air Research in the Office of Research & Development at EPA. Previously, he served as Chief of the Pulmonary Toxicology Branch of the National Health and Environmental Research Laboratory. He continues to research the effect of pollution on cardiopulmonary function.
Presentation by Darrell Winner, PhD
Presentation (23 pp, 2.25 MB, About PDF)
Dr. Winner is the National Program Director for Global Change Research in EPA's Office of Research and Development. He previously served as Applied Science Division Director of EPA's National Center for Environmental Research. Winner will present the rising challenge of meeting clean air goals in a changing climate.
Presentation by Jonathan Samet, MD, MS
Presentation (45 pp, 3.48 MB, About PDF)
Dr. Samet is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Preventative Medicine at the University of Southern California. He is also Director of the Institute of Global Health at USC and Chair of the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee. A leading authority on the health effects of smoking and air pollution, Samet has worked actively to promote tobacco control worldwide. He will discuss the impact of climate change on the future of air research and global human health.
Wednesday July 21, 2010: 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Rayburn House Office Bldg, Room 2325
Clean Air For All?
Air Quality Across Social and Spatial Lines, Co-sponsored by The American Thoracic Society (ATS)
Opening remarks by Congresswoman Donna Edwards and Paul Anastas, PhD, Assistant Administrator for EPA's Office of Research and Development
Presentation by Marie Lynn Miranda, PhD, AB
Presentation (27 pp, 9.3 MB, About PDF)
Dr. Miranda is an Associate Professor of Environmental Sciences & Policy at Duke University. She is also the Director of Duke’s Children's Environmental Health Initiative, a research, education, and outreach program that aims to foster environments where children can prosper. Miranda’s experience lies in children's environmental health, environmental justice and spatial modeling. She will present how air pollution impacts birth outcomes and the role of environmental justice.
Presentation by Alan Vette, PhD
Presentation (25 pp, 2.6 MB, About PDF)
Dr. Vette is a Physical Scientist in the Exposure Measurements and Analysis Branch of EPA’s Human Exposure and Atmospheric Sciences Division. His research has recently focused on understanding the impact of mobile sources on air quality and human exposures near roadways. He has received multiple EPA awards for his research achievements. Vette will present groundbreaking research on near-road air pollution.
Monday June 7, 2010: 10:00 - 11:30am
EPA East Bldg Room 1153 or via webcast
Air Pollution—A Matter of the Heart
How Polluted Air Causes Cardiovascular Disease, co-sponsored by the American Heart Association (AHA)
Opening remarks by Kevin Teichman, PhD
Video
Presentation (7 pp, 207 KB, About PDF)
Dr. Teichman is the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Science in the Office of Research and Development (ORD) at EPA. He has previously served as the Acting Science Advisor to the EPA and Director of the Office of Science Policy within ORD. In addition, he helped lead the planning of EPA's research program, striving to ensure the research program responded to the EPA's needs and maintained its leadership role in the environmental research community.
Opening remarks by by Dan Costa, Sc.D
Video
Presentation (18 pp, 1.4 MB, About PDF)
Dr. Costa is the National Program Director for Air Research in the Office of Research & Development at EPA. Previously, he served as Chief of the Pulmonary Toxicology Branch of the National Health and Environmental Research Laboratory. He continues to research the effect of pollution on cardiopulmonary function. Costa presented a lecture entitled Air Science at EPA: The Long Road from Donora.
Presentation by Robert Devlin, PhD
Video
Presentation (30 pp, 1.6 MB, About PDF)
Robert Devlin, Ph.D., is a Senior Scientist in the Environmental Public Health Division of the EPA. He previously served as Chief of the Clinical Research Branch in that Division. His research focuses on using a combination of epidemiology, clinical, and in vitro toxicology approaches to understand the health effects of air pollutants in humans. Dr. Devlin will present a lecture discussing recent important findings on the cardiac and respiratory impacts of air pollutant exposure.
Presentation by Joel Kaufman, MD, MPH
Video
Presentation (29 pp, 2.0 MB, About PDF)
Dr. Kaufman is a physician and professor of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences at the University of Washington. Dr. Kaufman directs the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis & Air Pollution (MESA Air), a major epidemiological study of air pollution, atherosclerosis and clinical cardiovascular effects. He will present cutting edge research and findings from the ongoing MESA Air program.
Friday May 21, 2010: 12:00 - 1:30 pm
Rayburn House Office Bldg Room 2325
Breathe Cleaner, Live Longer
Understanding Air Pollution After 40 years, co-sponsored by the American Heart Association (AHA)
Watch the presentations.
Read a recap of the seminar on EPA's Greenversations blog.
Opening remarks by Kevin Teichman, PhD
Video
Presentation (7 pp, 1.8 MB, About PDF)
Dr. Teichman is the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Science in the Office of Research and Development (ORD) at EPA. He has previously served as the Acting Science Advisor to the EPA and Director of the Office of Science Policy within ORD. In addition, he helped lead the planning of EPA's research program, striving to ensure the research program responded to the EPA's needs and maintained its leadership role in the environmental research community.
Presentation by Dan Costa, Sc.D
Video
Presentation (10 pp, 1.4 MB, About PDF)
Dr. Costa is the National Program Director for Air Research in the Office of Research & Development at EPA. Previously, he served as Chief of the Pulmonary Toxicology Branch of the National Health and Environmental Research Laboratory. He continues to research the effect of pollution on cardiopulmonary function. Costa presented a lecture entitled Air Science at EPA: The Long Road from Donora.
Presentation by Arden Pope, PhD
Video
Presentation (31 pp, 3.1 MB, About PDF)
Dr. Pope is a researcher and professor at Brigham Young University, specializing in natural resource and environmental economics. His cross-disciplinary research in environmental epidemiology resulted in seminal studies on the effects of air pollution on pulmonary and cardiovascular health. Pope discussed a recent finding improved air quality increases life span.
Presentation by Robert Brook, MD
Video
Presentation (18 pp, 1 MB, About PDF)
Dr. Brook is a researcher and associate professor at the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Michigan. His current research interests include endothelial dysfunction and the cardiovascular effects of air pollution. His clinical work focuses on hypertension and preventative cardiovascular medicine. He presented groundbreaking research on the links between cardiovascular disease and air quality.