1
|
Jia H, Xu J, Ning L, Feng T, Cao P, Gao S, Shang P, Yu X. Ambient air pollution, temperature and hospital admissions due to respiratory diseases in a cold, industrial city. J Glob Health 2022; 12:04085. [PMID: 36243957 PMCID: PMC9569423 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.12.04085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The influences of air pollution exposure and temperature on respiratory diseases have become major global health concerns. This study investigated the relationship between ambient air pollutant concentrations and temperature in cold industrial cities that have the risk of hospitalization for respiratory diseases. Methods A time-series study was conducted in Changchun, China, from 2015 to 2019 to analyse the number of daily admissions for respiratory diseases, air pollutant concentrations, and meteorological factors. Time-series decomposition was applied to analyse the trend and characteristics of the number of admissions. Generalized additive models and distributed lag nonlinear models were constructed to explore the effects of air pollutant concentrations and temperature on the number of admissions. Results The number of daily admissions showed an increasing trend, and the seasonal fluctuation was obvious, with more daily admissions in winter and spring than in summer and autumn. There were positive and gradually decreasing lag effects of PM10, PM2.5, NO2, and CO concentrations on the number of admissions, whereas O3 showed a J-shaped trend. The results showed that within the 7-day lag period, 0.5°C was the temperature associated with the lowest relative risk of admission due to respiratory disease, and extremely low and high temperatures (<-18°C, >27°C, respectively) increased the risk of hospitalization for respiratory diseases by 8.3% and 12.1%, respectively. Conclusions From 2015 to 2019, respiratory diseases in Changchun showed an increasing trend with obvious seasonality. The increased concentrations of SO2, NO2, CO, PM2.5, O3 and PM10 lead to an increased risk of hospitalization for respiratory diseases, with a significant lag effect. Both extreme heat and cold could lead to increases in the risk of admission due to respiratory disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Jia
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun City, Jilin Province, China
| | - Jiaying Xu
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun City, Jilin Province, China
| | - Liangwen Ning
- School of Public Administration, Jilin University, Changchun City, Jilin Province, China
| | - Tianyu Feng
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun City, Jilin Province, China
| | - Peng Cao
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun City, Jilin Province, China
| | - Shang Gao
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun City, Jilin Province, China
| | - Panpan Shang
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun City, Jilin Province, China
| | - Xihe Yu
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun City, Jilin Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Shabani Isenaj Z, Berisha M, Gjorgjev D, Dimovska M, Moshammer H, Ukëhaxhaj A. Air Pollution in Kosovo: Short Term Effects on Hospital Visits of Children Due to Respiratory Health Diagnoses. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10141. [PMID: 36011773 PMCID: PMC9407926 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191610141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The Republic of Kosovo is a small country in the Balkans. The capital city of Pristina hosts most of its population and is situated in a mountain basin with poor air exchange, especially during winter. Domestic heating, road transport, industry and coal-fired power plants contribute to high levels of air pollution. We performed a time-series analysis on effects of particulate air pollution (PM2.5) on respiratory health of children and adolescents, using hospital admission and ambulatory visit numbers from the pediatric university clinic. From 2018 until 2020, daily mean concentrations of PM2.5 ranged between 2.41 and 161.03 µg/m³. On average, there were 6.7 ambulatory visits per day with lower numbers on weekends and during the first COVID-19 wave in 2020. An increase in PM2.5 led to an immediate increase in visit numbers that lasted over several days. Averaged over a full week, this amounted to about a 1% increase per 10 µg/m³. There were, on average, 1.7 hospital admissions per day. Two and three days after a rise in air pollution, there was also a rise in admission numbers, followed by a decline during the consecutive days. This might indicate that the wards were overstressed because of high admission numbers and restricted additional admissions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zana Shabani Isenaj
- Medical Faculty, University of Hasan Pristina, George Bush 31, 10000 Pristina, Kosovo
| | - Merita Berisha
- Medical Faculty, University of Hasan Pristina, George Bush 31, 10000 Pristina, Kosovo
- National Institute of Public Health, St. Mother Teresa pn, Rrethi i Hospitalit, 10000 Pristina, Kosovo
| | - Dragan Gjorgjev
- Faculty of Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Mirjana Dimovska
- Faculty of Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Hanns Moshammer
- Department of Environmental Health, ZPH, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Hygiene, Medical University of Karakalpakstan, Nukus 230100, Uzbekistan
| | - Antigona Ukëhaxhaj
- National Institute of Public Health, St. Mother Teresa pn, Rrethi i Hospitalit, 10000 Pristina, Kosovo
- Faculty of Medicine, University Fehmi Agani, Ismail Qemali n.n., 50000 Gjakove, Kosovo
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
He M, Zhong Y, Chen Y, Zhong N, Lai K. Association of short-term exposure to air pollution with emergency visits for respiratory diseases in children. iScience 2022; 25:104879. [PMID: 36065191 PMCID: PMC9440288 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ambient air pollutants are health hazards to children. This study comprised 773,504 emergency department visits (EDVs) at 0–14 years of age with respiratory diseases in southern China. All air pollutants were positively associated with EDVs of total respiratory diseases, especially pneumonia. NO2, PM10, and PM2.5 had intraday effects and cumulative effects on asthma EDVs. The effect of SO2, PM10, and PM2.5 on pneumonia EDVs was stronger in girls than in boys. The effect of NO2 on acute upper respiratory tract infection EDVs was greater in children aged 0–5 years old; however, the effect of PM10 on acute upper respiratory tract infection EDVs was greater in the 6–14 years group. In a two-pollutant model, NO2 was associated with bronchitis and pneumonia, and PM10 was associated with acute upper respiratory tract infection. In this time-series study, NO2 and PM10 were risk indicators for respiratory diseases in children. Air pollution associates with children emergency visits for respiratory diseases NO2 and PM10 are risk indicators for respiratory diseases in children Young children are more sensitive to gaseous pollutants School-age children are more sensitive to PM10
Collapse
|
4
|
Impact of COVID-19 Mobility Changes on Air Quality in Warsaw. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12157372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
During a pandemic, the mobility of people changes significantly from the normal situation (the number of trips made, the directions of travel and the modes of transport used). Changes in mobility depend on the scale of the pandemic threat and the scale of the restrictions introduced and assessing the impact of these changes is not straightforward. This raises the question of the social cost of changes in mobility and their impact on the environment, including air quality. The article shows that it is possible to determine this impact using big data from mobile operators’-SIM card movements and data from air quality monitoring stations. Data on SIM card movements allows for reconstructing the state of the transport system before and during the different phases of a pandemic. The changes in mobility of people determined in this way can be related to the results of measurements of pollutant concentrations in the air. In this way, it is possible to identify links between mobility changes and air quality. The article presents the extent (in relation to the state without the pandemic) of changes in the mobility of the population during the pandemic and the related impact on air quality using the example of Warsaw.
Collapse
|
5
|
Nazar W, Niedoszytko M. Air Pollution in Poland: A 2022 Narrative Review with Focus on Respiratory Diseases. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19020895. [PMID: 35055718 PMCID: PMC8775633 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19020895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
According to the World Bank Group, 36 of the 50 most polluted cities in the European Union are in Poland. Thus, ambient air pollution and its detrimental health effects are a matter of immense importance in Poland. This narrative review aims to analyse current findings on air pollution and health in Poland, with a focus on respiratory diseases, including COVID-19, as well as the Poles’ awareness of air pollution. PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases were searched. In total, results from 71 research papers were summarized qualitatively. In Poland, increased air pollution levels are linked to increased general and respiratory disease mortality rates, higher prevalence of respiratory diseases, including asthma, lung cancer and COVID-19 infections, reduced forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC). The proximity of high traffic areas exacerbates respiratory health problems. People living in more polluted regions (south of Poland) and in the winter season have a higher level of air pollution awareness. There is an urgent need to reduce air pollution levels and increase public awareness of this threat. A larger number of multi-city studies are needed in Poland to consistently track the burden of diseases attributable to air pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Nazar
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Marii Skłodowskiej-Curie 3a, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-530-087-968
| | - Marek Niedoszytko
- Department of Allergology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Smoluchowskiego 17, 80-214 Gdańsk, Poland;
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Higher Number of Yeast-like Fungi in the Air in 2018 after an Emergency Discharge of Raw Sewage to the Gulf of Gdańsk—Use of Contingency Tables. Symmetry (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/sym13081522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the differences between the number of yeast-like fungi and molds in the coastal air of five coastal towns of the Gulf of Gdańsk in 2014–2017 vs. 2018, which saw an emergency discharge of sewage. In 2014–2017, a total of 62 duplicate samples were collected in the coastal towns of Hel, Puck, Gdynia, Sopot, and Gdańsk-Brzeźno. In 2018, after the emergency disposal of raw sewage, 26 air samples were collected. A Pearson chi-squared test of independence showed that during 2018 in Hel and Sopot, the mean number of molds and yeast-like fungi was higher than in 2014–2017. The result was significantly positive, p ≤ 2.22 × 10−16. The analysis of the General Asymptotic Symmetry Test showed that in Puck and Gdańsk-Brzeźno, the average number of Aspergillus sp. mold fungi was higher in 2018 after an emergency discharge of sewage into the Gulf of Gdańsk compared to the period 2014–2017. The result was not statistically significant. In addition, the average number of Penicillium sp. molds in 2018 in Gdańsk-Brzeźno was higher than in 2014–2017, but statistically insignificant (p = 0.9593). In 2018, the average number of Cladosporium sp. molds in Sopot was higher, but also statistically insignificant (p = 0.2114) compared to 2014–2017. Our results indicate that the study of the number of yeast-like fungi in the air may indicate coastal areas that may be particularly at risk of bacterial or mycological pathogens, e.g., after an emergency discharge of raw sewage.
Collapse
|
7
|
Wrotek A, Badyda A, Czechowski PO, Owczarek T, Dąbrowiecki P, Jackowska T. Air Pollutants' Concentrations Are Associated with Increased Number of RSV Hospitalizations in Polish Children. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10153224. [PMID: 34362009 PMCID: PMC8348891 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10153224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) contributes significantly to pediatric hospitalizations. An association between air pollution and an increased number of RSV cases has been suggested. We sought to evaluate the short-term impact of air pollutants on RSV hospitalizations in Polish children in the period 2010–2019. Daily concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 10 μm and 2.5 μm, respectively) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were analyzed in general regression models (GRM) to establish their influence and full interaction scheme. Significant seasonal and annual periodicity among 53,221 hospitalizations was observed; finally, data from the 2012–2019 RSV high-risk seasons created models for seven agglomerations. The addition of PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 to the basic model for RSV seasonality explained 23% (4.9–31%, univariate model) to 31.4% (8.4–31%, multivariate model) of the variance in RSV hospitalizations. A 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 concentrations was associated with 0.134 (0.087–0.16), 0.097 (0.031–0.087), and 0.212 (0.04–0.29) average increases in hospitalizations, respectively. In the multivariate models, PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 alone, as well as PM2.5–NO2, PM2.5–PM10, and PM10–NO2 interactions, were associated with hospitalizations in some of the locations, while the metaregression showed statistically significant interactions between each of the pollutants, and between the pollutants and the year of the study. The inclusion of PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 in GRM explains a significant number of RSV hospitalizations. The pollutants act alone and interact together in a varied manner. Reducing air contamination might decrease the costs of hospital healthcare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- August Wrotek
- Department of Pediatrics, The Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Pediatrics, Bielanski Hospital, 01-809 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence: (A.W.); (A.B.); (T.J.)
| | - Artur Badyda
- Faculty of Building Services Hydro- and Environmental Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-653 Warsaw, Poland
- Polish Federation of Asthma Allergy and COPD Patients’ Associations, 01-604 Warsaw, Poland;
- Correspondence: (A.W.); (A.B.); (T.J.)
| | - Piotr O. Czechowski
- Department of Quantitative Methods and Environmental Management, Faculty of Management and Quality Science, Gdynia Maritime University, 81-225 Gdynia, Poland; (P.O.C.); (T.O.)
| | - Tomasz Owczarek
- Department of Quantitative Methods and Environmental Management, Faculty of Management and Quality Science, Gdynia Maritime University, 81-225 Gdynia, Poland; (P.O.C.); (T.O.)
| | - Piotr Dąbrowiecki
- Polish Federation of Asthma Allergy and COPD Patients’ Associations, 01-604 Warsaw, Poland;
- Department of Allergology and Infectious Diseases, Military Institute of Medicine, 04-141 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Teresa Jackowska
- Department of Pediatrics, The Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Pediatrics, Bielanski Hospital, 01-809 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence: (A.W.); (A.B.); (T.J.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Dąbrowiecki P, Adamkiewicz Ł, Mucha D, Czechowski PO, Soliński M, Chciałowski A, Badyda A. Impact of Air Pollution on Lung Function among Preadolescent Children in Two Cities in Poland. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10112375. [PMID: 34071258 PMCID: PMC8198305 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10112375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ambient air pollution impairs lung development in children, particularly in industrialized areas. The air quality in Zabrze, a city located in the Upper Silesian Industrial Region of Poland, is among the worst in Europe. We compared lung function and the frequency of respiratory or allergic symptoms between children living in Zabrze and those living in Gdynia, a city on the Baltic coast, which has the best long-term air quality in Poland. We enrolled children aged 9–15 years from both cities who were able to perform a spirometry. The following spirometry variables were measured for all participants: forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume during the first second of expiration (FEV1), FEV1/FVC index, and peak expiratory flow (PEF). The frequencies of respiratory or allergic symptoms were taken from a survey completed by the participants’ parents. In total, 258 children from Gdynia and 512 children from Zabrze were examined. The mean values of FVC, FEV1, and PEF were significantly greater among children in Gdynia than those reported in Zabrze (p ≤ 0.032), and the frequencies of seasonal rhinorrhea (p = 0.015) or coughing episodes (p = 0.022) were significantly higher in Zabrze than in Gdynia. In conclusion, lung function was significantly impaired in children living in Zabrze, an area which is associated with poor air quality. Strategies to improve air quality in the Silesia region are urgently needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Dąbrowiecki
- Department of Allergology and Infectious Diseases, Military Institute of Medicine, 04-141 Warsaw, Poland;
- Polish Federation of Asthma, Allergy and COPD Patients Associations, 01-604 Warsaw, Poland;
- Correspondence:
| | - Łukasz Adamkiewicz
- Cracow Smog Alert, 31-104 Krakow, Poland; (Ł.A.); (D.M.)
- European Clean Air Center, 31-104 Krakow, Poland
| | - Dominika Mucha
- Cracow Smog Alert, 31-104 Krakow, Poland; (Ł.A.); (D.M.)
- Faculty of Building Services, Hydro- and Environmental Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-653 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Oskar Czechowski
- Department of Quantitative Methods and Environmental Management, Faculty of Management and Quality Science, Gdynia Maritime University, 83 Morska Street, 81-225 Gdynia, Poland;
| | - Mateusz Soliński
- Faculty of Physics, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-662 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Andrzej Chciałowski
- Department of Allergology and Infectious Diseases, Military Institute of Medicine, 04-141 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Artur Badyda
- Polish Federation of Asthma, Allergy and COPD Patients Associations, 01-604 Warsaw, Poland;
- Faculty of Building Services, Hydro- and Environmental Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-653 Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Air Pollution Increases the Incidence of Upper Respiratory Tract Symptoms among Polish Children. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10102150. [PMID: 34065636 PMCID: PMC8156299 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10102150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A substantial proportion of airway disease’s global burden is attributable to exposure to air pollution. This study aimed to investigate the association between air pollution, assessed as concentrations of particulate matter PM2.5 and PM10 on the upper respiratory tract symptoms (URTS) in children. A nation-wide, questionnaire-based study was conducted in Poland in winter 2018/2019 in a population of 1475 children, comparing URTS throughout the study period with publicly available data on airborne particulate matter. A general regression model was used to evaluate the lag effects between daily changes in PM10 and PM2.5 and the number of children reporting URTS and their severity. PM10 and PM2.5 in the single-pollutant models had significant effects on the number of children reporting URTS. The prevalence of URTS: “runny nose”, “sneezing” and “cough” was positively associated with 12-week mean PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations. In the locations with the highest average concentration of PM, the symptoms of runny nose, cough and sneezing were increased by 10%, 9% and 11%, respectively, compared to the cities with the lowest PM concentrations. This study showed that moderate-term exposure (12 week observation period) to air pollution was associated with an increased risk of URTS among children aged 3–12 years in Poland. These findings may influence public debate and future policy at the national and international levels to improve air quality in cities and improve children’s health.
Collapse
|
10
|
B L, QF H, WP L, XY S, JJ W. Decrease of respiratory diseases in one social children welfare institute in Shanxi Province during COVID-19. J Public Health (Oxf) 2021; 43:61-66. [PMID: 32876673 PMCID: PMC7499666 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdaa150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To assess the impact of disinfection measures on the incidence of common diseases in children welfare institute during the epidemic of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), and provide a basis for the daily disinfection management of children welfare institute. Methods This study surveyed and analyzed common diseases among children under the age of 14 in one social children welfare institute in Shanxi Province from January to May in 2018–2020 by the year-on-year method. Results The prevalence rate of respiratory diseases in 2020 was a significantly negative growth compared with 2018 and 2019. There was no obvious pattern of changes in digestive diseases group. Conclusion In view of the above anti-epidemic measures, it indicates that the children gathering institutions should strengthen effective personal protection and public health management to reduce infectious disease among children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liu B
- Address correspondence to Jingjing Wei, E-mail:
| | | | | | - Shi XY
- Department of Pediatrics, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Wei JJ
- Address correspondence to Jingjing Wei, E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Plavcová E, Urban A. Intensified impacts on mortality due to compound winter extremes in the Czech Republic. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 746:141033. [PMID: 32750577 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Although impacts of extremely cold temperatures on human health have been widely studied, adverse effects of other extreme weather phenomena have so far received much less attention. We employed a high-quality long-term mortality time series (1982-2017) to evaluate impacts of extreme winter weather in the Czech Republic. We aimed to clarify whether compound events of extreme weather cause larger impacts on mortality than do each type of extreme if evaluated individually. Using daily data from the E-OBS and ERA5 datasets, we analyzed 9 types of extreme events: extreme wind gust, precipitation, snowfall, and sudden temperature and pressure changes. Relative mortality deviations from the adjusted baseline were used to estimate the immediate effect of the selected extreme events on excess mortality. The impact was adjusted for the effect of extreme cold. Extreme events associated with sudden rise of minimum temperature and pressure drops had generally significant impact on excess mortality (3.7% and 1.4% increase). The impacts were even more pronounced if these events occurred simultaneously or were compounded with other types of extremes, such as heavy precipitation, snowfall, maximum temperature rise, and their combinations (increase as great as 14.4%). Effects of some compound events were significant even for combinations of extremes having no significant impact on mortality when evaluated separately. On the other hand, a "protective" effect of pressure increases reduced the risk for its compound events. Meteorological patterns during extreme events linked to excess mortality indicate passage of a low-pressure system northerly from the study domain. We identified extreme winter weather events other than cold temperatures with significant impact on excess mortality. Our results suggest that occurrence of compound extreme events strengthen the impacts on mortality and therefore analysis of multiple meteorological parameters is a useful approach in defining adverse weather conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Plavcová
- Institute of Atmospheric Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Aleš Urban
- Institute of Atmospheric Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Gaseous Pollutants and Particulate Matter (PM) in Ambient Air and the Number of New Cases of Type 1 Diabetes in Children and Adolescents in the Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:1648264. [PMID: 32099842 PMCID: PMC7036089 DOI: 10.1155/2020/1648264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The increase in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) incidence in children is worrying and not yet fully explored. It is suggested that probably air pollution exposure could contribute to the development of T1DM. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between the concentration of gaseous pollutants including, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitric oxides (NOx), sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM) in the air, and the number of new cases of T1DM in children. The number of new cases of T1DM was obtained from the Clinic of Paediatrics, Diabetology, and Endocrinology, Medical University of Gdańsk. The number of children of 0-18 years old in Pomeranian Voivodeship was acquired from the Statistical Yearbook. The concentrations of PM10 absorbance, NO2, NOx, SO2, and CO were measured at 41 measuring posts, between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2016. It was detected that the average annual concentration of PM10 was higher than the value acceptable to the WHO. Furthermore, the average 24-hour concentration of PM10 was 92 μg/m3 and was higher compared to the acceptable value of 50 μg/m3 (acc. to EU and WHO). Moreover, the number of new cases of T1DM showed a correlation with the annual average concentration of PM10 (β = 2.396, p < 0.001), SO2 (β = 2.294, p < 0.001), and CO (β = 2.452, p < 0.001). High exposure to gaseous pollutants and particulate matter in ambient air may be one of the factors contributing to the risk of developing T1DM in children. Therefore, it is important to take action to decrease air pollutant emissions in Poland. It is crucial to gradually but consistently eliminate the use of solid fuels, such as coal and wood in households, in favour of natural gas and electricity. The development of new technologies to improve air quality, such as "best available techniques" (BAT) or renewable energy sources (water, wind, and solar generation) is of critical importance as well.
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhao D, Xin J, Gong C, Quan J, Liu G, Zhao W, Wang Y, Liu Z, Song T. The formation mechanism of air pollution episodes in Beijing city: Insights into the measured feedback between aerosol radiative forcing and the atmospheric boundary layer stability. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 692:371-381. [PMID: 31351281 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.07.255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Based on the high-resolution observation of meteorological factors profiles, particulate matter concentration and aerosol radiative forcing (ARF) from 25 August to 17 November 2018 in Beijing, the feedback between ARF and the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) stability was systematically investigated during air pollution episodes. There was the initial explosive growth in particulate matter (PM) concentration that PM2.5 sharply increased from ~8μgm-3 to ~100μgm-3, with aerosol optical depth (AOD) increasing from ~0.25 to ~0.58. This was the transport phase dominated by the southerly winds. As PM increased, the high aerosol loading scattered more solar radiation cooling the earth-atmosphere system (ARF at the top of the atmospheric column (TOA): from ~5Wm-2 to ~-52Wm-2). Meanwhile, high aerosol loading absorbed more solar radiation and heated the atmospheric layer with ARF at the interior of the atmospheric column (ATM) increasing from ~21Wm-2 to ~42Wm-2. The absorption and scattering effects of aerosol together cooled the surface (ARF at the surface of the atmospheric column (SFC): from ~-16Wm-2 to ~-90Wm-2). Thus, the ABL stability rapidly increased in the following cumulative phase and heavy pollution phase with a strong temperature inversion (inversion depth of ~300-1000m) occurring. In turn, the persistent temperature inversion caused the significant accumulation of moisture (water vapor density of ~5-10gm-3) and pollutants, and PM were prone to physicochemical reactions in the high-humidity environment, further increasing PM. It was the constant feedback effect between ARF and the ABL stability that continually reduced atmospheric environmental capacity and aggravated air pollution (PM2.5 and AOD reaching ~95-125μgm-3 and ~1.38-1.75, respectively). Finally, the feedback was broken by dry, clean and strong north winds appearing in Beijing in the dissipation phase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Boundary Layer Physics and Atmospheric Chemistry (LAPC), Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jinyuan Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Boundary Layer Physics and Atmospheric Chemistry (LAPC), Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Collaborative Innovation Center on Forecast and Evaluation of Meteorological Disasters, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing 210044, China.
| | - Chongshui Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Boundary Layer Physics and Atmospheric Chemistry (LAPC), Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, China; Institute of Arid Meteorology, China Meteorological Administration, Lanzhou 730020, China; Key Laboratory of Arid Climatic Change and Reducing Disaster of Gansu Province, China; Key Laboratory of Arid Climatic Chance and Disaster Reduction, China Meteorological Administration, Lanzhou, China; Northwestern Regional Center of Numerical Weather Prediction, China
| | - Jiannong Quan
- Institute of Urban Meteorology, Chinese Meteorological Administration, Beijing, China
| | - Guangjing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Boundary Layer Physics and Atmospheric Chemistry (LAPC), Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Wenpeng Zhao
- College of Meteorology and Oceanography, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China; College of Computing, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China
| | - Yuesi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Boundary Layer Physics and Atmospheric Chemistry (LAPC), Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Zan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Boundary Layer Physics and Atmospheric Chemistry (LAPC), Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Tao Song
- State Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Boundary Layer Physics and Atmospheric Chemistry (LAPC), Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Schweitzer MD, Calzadilla AS, Salamo O, Sharifi A, Kumar N, Holt G, Campos M, Mirsaeidi M. Lung health in era of climate change and dust storms. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 163:36-42. [PMID: 29426026 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Dust storms are strong winds which lead to particle exposure over extensive areas. These storms influence air quality on both a local and global scale which lead to both short and long-term effects. The frequency of dust storms has been on the rise during the last decade. Forecasts suggest that their incidence will increase as a response to the effects of climate change and anthropogenic activities. Elderly people, young children, and individuals with chronic cardiopulmonary diseases are at the greatest risk for health effects of dust storms. A wide variety of infectious and non-infectious diseases have been associated with dust exposure. Influenza A virus, pulmonary coccidioidomycosis, bacterial pneumonia, and meningococcal meningitis are a few examples of dust-related infectious diseases. Among non-infectious diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, sarcoidosis and pulmonary fibrosis have been associated with dust contact. Here, we review two molecular mechanisms of dust induced lung disease for asthma and sarcoidosis. We can also then further understand the mechanisms by which dust particles disturb airway epithelial and immune cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Schweitzer
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | | | - Oriana Salamo
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Arash Sharifi
- Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Naresh Kumar
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Gregory Holt
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States; Miami VA Healthcare System, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Michael Campos
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States; Miami VA Healthcare System, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Mehdi Mirsaeidi
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States; Miami VA Healthcare System, Miami, FL, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wang M, Sun Y, Zheng F, Gao Y, Zhang S, Wei Y, Zhao P, Jin Y, Li Y. Changes of respiratory function on urine volume, renal AQP1, and AQP2 in mice with bronchial asthma and effects of lung-diffusing herb Platycodon grandiflorus (JACQ.) A.DC. JOURNAL OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICAL SCIENCES 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcms.2018.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
|
16
|
Khaniabadi YO, Fanelli R, De Marco A, Daryanoosh SM, Kloog I, Hopke PK, Conti GO, Ferrante M, Mohammadi MJ, Babaei AA, Basiri H, Goudarzi G. Hospital admissions in Iran for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases attributed to the Middle Eastern Dust storms. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:16860-16868. [PMID: 28573562 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-9298-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The main objective of this study was to assess the possible effects of airborne particulate matter less than 10 μm in diameter (PM10) from the Middle Eastern Dust (MED) events on human health in Khorramabad (Iran) in terms of estimated hospital admissions (morbidity) for cardiovascular diseases (HACD) and for respiratory diseases (HARD) during the period of 2015 to 2016. The AirQ program developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) was used to estimate the potential health impacts to daily PM10 exposures. The numbers of excess cases for cardiovascular/respiratory morbidity were 20/51, 72/185, and 20/53 on normal, dusty, and MED event days, respectively. The highest number of hospital admissions was estimated for PM10 concentrations in the range of 40 to 49 μg/m3, i.e, lower than the daily (50 μg/m3) limit value established by WHO. The results also showed that 4.7% (95% CI 3.2-6.7%) and 4.2% (95% CI 2.6-5.8%) of HARD and HACD, respectively, were attributed to PM10 concentrations above 10 μg/m3. The study demonstrates a significant impact of air pollution on people, which is manifested primarily as respiratory and cardiovascular problems. To reduce these effects, several immediate actions should be taken by the local authorities to control the impacts of dust storms on residents' health, e.g., developing a green beltway along the Iran-Iraq border and management of water such as irrigation of dry areas that would be effective as mitigation strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuef Omidi Khaniabadi
- Health Care System of Karoon, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Roberto Fanelli
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, IRCCS, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche, Mario Negri, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra De Marco
- Department of Territorial and Production Systems Sustainability, ENEA, Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Itai Kloog
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard University, 665 Huntington Avenue, Landmark Center Room 415, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Philip K Hopke
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
- Center for Air Resources Engineering and Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, 13699, USA
| | - Gea Oliveri Conti
- Environmental and Food Hygiene Laboratories (LIAA) of Department of Medical Sciences, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", Hygiene and Public Health, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Margherita Ferrante
- Environmental and Food Hygiene Laboratories (LIAA) of Department of Medical Sciences, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", Hygiene and Public Health, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Ali Akbar Babaei
- Environmental Technologies Research Center (ETRC), Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Hassan Basiri
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Goudarzi
- Environmental Technologies Research Center (ETRC), Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Air Pollution and Respiratory Diseases Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
Background Ambient (outdoor) air pollution has been implicated as a major cause of acute cardiovascular and pulmonary illnesses and increased risk for acute and chronic effects after chronic exposures, including mortality and morbidity. In 2008, due to persistent health concerns about its workforce and their dependents, the US Mission in China began monitoring air quality at the US Embassy in Beijing. Subsequently, monitoring stations were also established at US consulates at Shanghai (2011), Guangzhou (2011), Chengdu (2012), and Shenyang (2013). Objectives To determine whether there have been definable trends in air quality in these five Chinese cities. Methods Air monitoring results from each locale for accumulated PM2.5 particulate matter were calculated hourly. Accumulated data were organized, culled using a standardized set of heuristics, and analyzed for trends. Results China’s capital city, Beijing, experienced decreased PM2.5 from 2013 through 2015, but no significant long-term downward trend from 2008 through 2015. Shanghai has not shown any definable air quality trend since 2012. Chengdu experienced some improvement in air quality since 2013, but none discernible from 2012 through 2015. Guangzhou had generally better air quality, and a downward trend since 2012. Shenyang experienced increasingly severe air pollution from 2013 through 2015. Conclusion There appear to have been recent tangible, though modest, improvements in air quality in three large Chinese cities: Beijing, Chengdu, and Guangzhou, but no apparent progress in Shanghai, and a worrisome decline in air quality observed in Shenyang. Despite recent progress, there is a long way to go before even the cities which show improvement reach Chinese standards.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - George A Conway
- Division of Global Health Protection, Center for Global Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Martenies SE, Wilkins D, Batterman SA. Health impact metrics for air pollution management strategies. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2015; 85:84-95. [PMID: 26372694 PMCID: PMC4648637 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2015.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2015] [Revised: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Health impact assessments (HIAs) inform policy and decision making by providing information regarding future health concerns, and quantitative HIAs now are being used for local and urban-scale projects. HIA results can be expressed using a variety of metrics that differ in meaningful ways, and guidance is lacking with respect to best practices for the development and use of HIA metrics. This study reviews HIA metrics pertaining to air quality management and presents evaluative criteria for their selection and use. These are illustrated in a case study where PM2.5 concentrations are lowered from 10 to 8μg/m(3) in an urban area of 1.8 million people. Health impact functions are used to estimate the number of premature deaths, unscheduled hospitalizations and other morbidity outcomes. The most common metric in recent quantitative HIAs has been the number of cases of adverse outcomes avoided. Other metrics include time-based measures, e.g., disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), monetized impacts, functional-unit based measures, e.g., benefits per ton of emissions reduced, and other economic indicators, e.g., cost-benefit ratios. These metrics are evaluated by considering their comprehensiveness, the spatial and temporal resolution of the analysis, how equity considerations are facilitated, and the analysis and presentation of uncertainty. In the case study, the greatest number of avoided cases occurs for low severity morbidity outcomes, e.g., asthma exacerbations (n=28,000) and minor-restricted activity days (n=37,000); while DALYs and monetized impacts are driven by the severity, duration and value assigned to a relatively low number of premature deaths (n=190 to 230 per year). The selection of appropriate metrics depends on the problem context and boundaries, the severity of impacts, and community values regarding health. The number of avoided cases provides an estimate of the number of people affected, and monetized impacts facilitate additional economic analyses useful to policy analysis. DALYs are commonly used as an aggregate measure of health impacts and can be used to compare impacts across studies. Benefits per ton metrics may be appropriate when changes in emissions rates can be estimated. To address community concerns and HIA objectives, a combination of metrics is suggested.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheena E Martenies
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Donele Wilkins
- Green Door Initiative, 5555 Conner Street Suite 1017A, Detroit, MI 48213, USA
| | - Stuart A Batterman
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Gerber A, Hofen-Hohloch AV, Schulze J, Groneberg DA. Tobacco smoke particles and indoor air quality (ToPIQ-II) - a modified study protocol and first results. J Occup Med Toxicol 2015; 10:5. [PMID: 25717342 PMCID: PMC4339475 DOI: 10.1186/s12995-015-0047-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS)-associated particulate matter (PM) has to be seen as an independent health hazard and needs to be discussed separately from the already well-known toxic and carcinogenic compounds contained in cigarette smoke. We believe that brand-specific amounts of PM are of public interest and should be investigated. Methods An automatic environmental tobacco smoke emitter was developed and placed into a glass-chamber to generate cigarette smoke as reliably as possible. Cigarettes were smoked automatically according to a standardized protocol. Mean concentrations (Cmean) and area under the curve (AUC) of PM2.5 released by the brands P&S, Virginia (without filter) and the 3R4F standard research cigarette of the University of Kentucky, USA, were measured and compared with each other. Results Cmean PM2.5 of 3R4F reference was 1,725 μg/m3, for P&S: 1,982 μg/m3 and for Virginia without filter: 1,525 μg/m3. AUC PM2.5 for 3R4F reference was: 527,644 μg/m3×sec, for P&S: 606,171 μg/m3×sec, and for Virginia without filter: 464,788 μg/m3×sec. Conclusions Our modified ToPIQ-II study protocol shows significant brand-specific differences in the amounts of PM2.5 released by cigarettes into the environment, when compared to 3R4F reference cigarettes. We believe that information about PM-release of all relevant brands in relation to reference cigarettes should be published. In the light of PM as an independent risk factor for morbidity and mortality, this may serve as a basis for further epidemiologic investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Gerber
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Haus 9b, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Alexander V Hofen-Hohloch
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Haus 9b, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Johannes Schulze
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Haus 9b, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - David A Groneberg
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Haus 9b, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| |
Collapse
|