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Pollution

What you need to know about the gases, toxins, and garbage that make their way into water, air, and land.

Latest in Pollution

leaded gasoline reminder
Health

Childhood leaded gasoline exposure damaged Americans’ mental health

By Lauren Leffer

A Mila mini air purifier and a Mila air purifier next to each other.
Gear

My Mila air purifiers are the most stylish ones I’ve tested, and they’re almost 30% off for Cyber Monday

By Amanda Reed

two leopards fighting in dirt
Environment

14 dramatic moments from the 2024 Nature’s Best Photo Awards

By Popular Science Team

Spare parts of plastic 'Garfield' phones are displayed on the beach on March 28, 2019 in Plouarzel, western France, after being collected from a sea cave by environmental activists.
Environment

6 of the weirdest things to ever wash up on the beach

By Lauren Leffer

Geospatial scientists have found a way to detect plastic waste on remote beaches, bringing us closer to global monitoring options.
Science

Satellite imaging can now spot plastic trash hiding on beaches

By Mack DeGeurin

Jumping carp disrupt recreational boating and other water-based activities.
Environment

Chicago’s dirty water may be keeping invasive species at bay

By Lauren Leffer

The best smart air purifiers on a plain white background.
Gear

The best smart air purifiers of 2024, tested and reviewed

By Terri Williams

Migrating birds introduce forever chemicals into the food chain.
Environment

Migrating seabirds are bringing forever chemicals into the Arctic

By William von Herff / Hakai Magazine

a microscope image of a small crustacean with a round body, two large antennae come from its head, and several small legs
Environment

Sorry, zooplankton don’t want to eat your poop

By Laura Baisas

Turns out, micro and nano plastics degrade differently.
Science

Scientists finally get a 3D view of degrading microplastics

By Mack DeGeurin

water flowing from pipes
Science

How heavy rain can make you sick

By Lauren Leffer

Starship test launch in 2021
Science

SpaceX accused of dumping polluted Starship wastewater in Texas for years

By Andrew Paul

bee on dandelion
Environment

Air pollution makes it harder for bees to smell flowers

By Katarina Zimmer / Knowable Magazine

aerial drone view of an industrial installation that produces per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, PFAS
Climate Change

LED lights may be key to breaking down forever chemicals

By Andrew Paul

VERO four legged robot vacuuming cigarette butts
Technology

This plodding robot sucks up cigarette butts

By Andrew Paul

Thick clouds of fine particulate matter blow off China in this 2016 satellite photo (oriented with north to the left).
Environment

How the Blob was born

By Michael Allen / Hakai Magazine

Dragonfly resting on flower
Animals

Dragonflies reveal how toxic mercury moves in nature

By Andrew Paul

WIPP site in New Mexico
Environment

Finding a forever home for nuclear waste

By Sarah Scoles/Undark

Best air quality monitors sliced header
Gear

The best air quality monitors for 2024, according to experts

By John Alexander

Golden Anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis) in the Red Sea, Egypt
Climate Change

Mass extinction 183 million years ago offers dire warning for modern oceans

By Andrew Paul