News

UCI's Chemistry Department has recognized 15 researchers for their work in promoting a strong safety culture in their labs. Of the 15, five are AirUCI team members!  While they are not the safety representatives for their labs, these individuals show that anyone can be a positive role model for exemplary safety practices.  The AirUCI team members are Madeline Cooke, Kristen Johnson, Lucia Liu, Marcus Marracci, and Steven Nguyen.  Congratulations, all!

A new study published by AirUCI's Tires and Brakes (TAB) team is the subject of an article published June 3rd.  The team showed that most of the particles emitted during light braking carry an electric charge, largely dependent on the material makeup of brake pads—something that could potentially be exploited to help reduce air pollution from vehicles. “If the particles are charged, they can be removed easily from the air before they have a chance to have an impact at all on health,” said AirUCI Prof. Jim Smith, one of the faculty involved in the study. 
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AirUCI faculty Mike Kleinman is quoted in a House Beautiful article on the health and environmental effects of backyard or campground fire pits.  Wood smoke is made up of fine particles, including soot and particulate matter 2.5, and also generate gases.  "Wood fire smoke contributes to air pollution and the fine particles contribute to lung and heart disease," Mike says.  "People who have respiratory problems are more likely to be at risk from health effects related to fire pit emissions, and those with pre-existing heart disease might also be at elevated risk when it comes to exposure to wood smoke."  The most dangerous instances of outdoor fire pit use include any that burn treated or painted wood or wood products— or if accelerants are used to get the fire stared — because those are very often toxic, Mike says. Read the article

Research conducted in AirUCI's Randerson, Czimczik, and Guenther groups points to increased instability in forest ecosystems.  In the Randerson group, AirUCI grad student Jinhyuk Kim led a study that found ecosystems at high latitudes are becoming increasingly unstable as a result of increased wildfires.  “We’re seeing higher levels of photosynthesis that persist for decades after fire,” said Jinhyuk. “Instead of the evergreen conifer forest coming back right away, in some regions, we see a long-term replacement of these forests with faster-growing species.”  In a study led by Allison Welch, AirUCI grad student in the Czimczik group, her team explored plant expansion across the Arctic ecosystem.  “With increasing temperatures and wildfire activity, we’re seeing increased growth of bigger, deciduous shrubs,” said Allison.

Hui Wang, AirUCI grad student in the Guenther group, conducted a third study which was focused on an unexpected rise in emissions of isoprene – an important molecule that influences local climate through its effects on ozone, aerosols, and methane levels.  “This change will indirectly change the climate,” said Hui, noting that rising temperatures have prompted plants to release more isoprene.  Read the article