Summary:
- Cockroaches are known to be pests, but recent research has shown that they can also contribute to air pollution.
- Cockroaches release a chemical compound called trans-2-nonenal, which can react with other compounds in the air to form particulate matter that is harmful to human health.
- This discovery highlights the need to better understand the impact of insects on air quality, as they may be a significant but overlooked source of pollution in urban environments.