Warming May Be Driving Surge In Airborne Chemical Pollution in L.A.: Study

"Warmer temperatures may be catalyzing a climb in vaporized chemical contaminants across Los Angeles, a new study has found.

Even though the California city, like so many other U.S. urban hotspots, boasts meaningful declines in transportation-related emissions, residents are still contending with unhealthy air pollution levels, the study authors noted.

The contaminants in question are known as “volatile organic compounds” (VOCs), or carbon-containing chemicals that can vaporize into the air.

With VOC levels in Los Angeles still high, the researchers sought to uncover their sources — ultimately publishing their findings in Science on Wednesday."

Sharon Udasin reports for The Hill June 20, 2024.