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Pastor-Sierra K, Espitia-Pérez L, Espitia-Pérez P, Peñata-Taborda A, Brango H, Galeano-Páez C, Bru-Cordero OE, Palma-Parra M, Díaz SM, Trillos C, Briceño L, Idrovo ÁJ, Miranda-Pacheco J, Téllez E, Jiménez-Vidal L, Coneo-Pretelt A, Álvarez AH, Arteaga-Arroyo G, Ricardo-Caldera D, Salcedo-Arteaga S, Porras-Ramírez A, Varona-Uribe M. Micronuclei frequency and exposure to chemical mixtures in three Colombian mining populations. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 901:165789. [PMID: 37499817 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The Colombian mining industry has witnessed significant growth. Depending on the scale and mineral extracted, complex chemical mixtures are generated, impacting the health of occupationally exposed populations and communities near mining projects. Increasing evidence suggests that chromosomal instability (CIN) is an important link between the development of certain diseases and exposure to complex mixtures. To better understand the effects of exposure to complex mixtures we performed a biomonitoring study on 407 healthy individuals from four areas: three located in municipalities exploiting different-scale mining systems and a reference area with no mining activity. Large, medium, and small-scale mining systems were analyzed in Montelibano (Córdoba), artisanal and small-scale mining (ASGM) in Nechí (Antioquia), and a closed mining system in Aranzazu (Caldas). The reference area with no mining activity was established in Montería (Córdoba). ICP-MS measured multi-elemental exposure in hair, and CIN was evaluated using the cytokinesis-block micronucleus technique (MNBN). Exposure to mixtures of chemical elements was comparable in workers and residents of the mining areas but significantly higher compared to reference individuals. In Montelibano, increased MNBN frequencies were associated with combined exposure to Se, Hg, Mn, Pb, and Mg. This distinct pattern significantly differed from other areas. Specifically, in Nechí, Cr, Ni, Hg, Se, and Mg emerged as the primary contributors to elevated frequencies of MNBN. In contrast, a combination of Hg and Ni played a role in increasing MNBN in Aranzazu. Interestingly, Se consistently correlated with increased MNBN frequencies across all active mining areas. Chemical elements in Montelibano exhibit a broader range compared to other mining zones, reflecting the characteristics of the high-impact and large-scale mining in the area. This research provides valuable insights into the effects of exposure to chemical mixtures, underscoring the importance of employing this approach in the risk assessment of communities, especially those from residential areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Pastor-Sierra
- Grupo de Investigación Biomédica y Biología Molecular, Universidad del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia; Programa de doctorado en Salud Pública, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Lyda Espitia-Pérez
- Grupo de Investigación Biomédica y Biología Molecular, Universidad del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia.
| | - Pedro Espitia-Pérez
- Grupo de Investigación Biomédica y Biología Molecular, Universidad del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Ana Peñata-Taborda
- Grupo de Investigación Biomédica y Biología Molecular, Universidad del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Hugo Brango
- Departamento de Matemáticas y Estadística, Universidad del Norte, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Claudia Galeano-Páez
- Grupo de Investigación Biomédica y Biología Molecular, Universidad del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | | | - Marien Palma-Parra
- Dirección de Investigación en Salud Pública, Grupo de Salud Ambiental y Laboral, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Sonia M Díaz
- Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Carlos Trillos
- Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Leonardo Briceño
- Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Álvaro J Idrovo
- Departamento de Salud Pública, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Juan Miranda-Pacheco
- Grupo de Investigación Biomédica y Biología Molecular, Universidad del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Eliana Téllez
- Dirección de Investigación en Salud Pública, Grupo de Salud Ambiental y Laboral, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Luisa Jiménez-Vidal
- Grupo de Investigación Biomédica y Biología Molecular, Universidad del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Andrés Coneo-Pretelt
- Grupo de Investigación Biomédica y Biología Molecular, Universidad del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Alicia Humanez Álvarez
- Grupo de Investigación Biomédica y Biología Molecular, Universidad del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Gean Arteaga-Arroyo
- Grupo de Investigación Biomédica y Biología Molecular, Universidad del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Dina Ricardo-Caldera
- Grupo de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales y Resistencia Bacteriana, Universidad del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Shirley Salcedo-Arteaga
- Grupo de Investigación Biomédica y Biología Molecular, Universidad del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | | | - Marcela Varona-Uribe
- Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
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Flunker JC, Sanderson WT, Christian WJ, Mannino DM, Browning SR. Environmental exposures and pulmonary function among adult residents of rural Appalachian Kentucky. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023:10.1038/s41370-023-00584-4. [PMID: 37644126 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-023-00584-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estimated residential exposures of adults to roadway density and several metrics of resource extraction, including coal mining and oil and gas drilling, were hypothesized to contribute to the prevalence of respiratory disease in rural Appalachia. OBJECTIVE Determine how small-area geographic variation in residential environmental exposures impacts measures of pulmonary function among adults in a community-based study. METHODS We examined associations between residential environmental respiratory exposures and pulmonary function among 827 adult participants of the "The Mountain Air Project", a community-based, cross-sectional study in Southeastern Kentucky during 2016-2018. Exposures characterized the density of roadways, oil/gas wells, or current/past surface and underground coal mining at the level of 14-digit hydrologic unit code (HUC), or valley "hollow" where participants resided. Each participant completed an in-person interview to obtain extensive background data on risk factors, health history, and occupational and environmental exposures, as well as a spirometry test administered by experienced study staff at their place of residence. Multivariable linear regression was used to model the adjusted association between each environmental exposure and percent predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1PP) and forced vital capacity (FVCPP). RESULTS Adjusted regression models indicate persons living in HUCs with the highest level of roadway density experienced a reduction in both FEV1PP (-4.3: 95% CI: -7.44 -1.15;) and FVCPP (-3.8: 95% CI: -6.38, -1.21) versus persons in HUCs with the lowest roadway density. No associations were detected between the metrics associated with mining and oil and gas operations and individual pulmonary function. IMPACT STATEMENT Our work demonstrates the potential adverse impact of roadway-related exposures on the respiratory health of rural Appalachia residents. We employed a novel method of small-area exposure classification based on the hydrologic unit code (HUC), representing potential exposure levels per hollow occurring in proximity to the residence, and controlled for individual-level risk factors for reduced respiratory health. We highlight an overlooked yet ubiquitous source of residential exposure from motor vehicles that may contribute to the regionally high prevalence of respiratory disease in rural Appalachia.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Flunker
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Wayne T Sanderson
- Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, College of Agriculture, Food, and the Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - W Jay Christian
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - David M Mannino
- Department of Pulmonology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Steven R Browning
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
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Sani A, Abdullahi IL, Khan MI, Cao C. Analyses of oxidative DNA damage among coal vendors via single cell gel electrophoresis and quantification of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine. Mol Cell Biochem 2023:10.1007/s11010-023-04826-9. [PMID: 37594629 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04826-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Looking at the development status of Nigeria and other developing nations, most low-income and rural households often use coal as a source of energy which necessitates its trade very close to the communities. Moreover, the effects of exposure to coal mining activities are rarely explored or yet to be studied, not to mention the numerous street coal vendors in Nigeria. This study investigated the oxidative stress levels in serum and urine through the biomarker 8-OHdG and DNA damage via single cell gel electrophoresis (alkaline comet assay). Blood and urine levels of 8-OHdG from 130 coal vendors and 130 population-based controls were determined by ELISA. Alkaline comet assay was also performed on white blood cells for DNA damage. The average values of 8-OHdG in serum and urine of coal vendors were 22.82 and 16.03 ng/ml respectively, which were significantly greater than those detected in controls (p < 0.001; 15.46 and 10.40 ng/ml of 8-OHdG in serum and urine respectively). The average tail length, % DNA in tail and olive tail moment were 25.06 μm, 18.71% and 4.42 respectively for coal vendors. However, for controls, the average values were 4.72 μm, 3.63% and 1.50 for tail length, % DNA in tail and olive tail moment respectively which were much lower than coal vendors (p < 0.001). Therefore, prolonged exposure to coal dusts could lead to higher serum and urinary 8-OHdG and significant DNA damage in coal vendors observed in tail length, % DNA in tail, and olive tail moment by single cell gel electrophoresis. It is therefore established that coal vendors exhibit a huge risk from oxidative stress and assessment of 8-OHdG with single cell gel electrophoresis has proven to be a feasible tool as biomarkers of DNA damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Sani
- Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic, Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Bayero University, Kano, 3011, Nigeria.
| | - Ibrahim Lawal Abdullahi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Bayero University, Kano, 3011, Nigeria
| | - Muhammad Idrees Khan
- Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic, Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - ChengXi Cao
- Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic, Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
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Marmett B, Carvalho RB, Muccillo-Baisch AL, Baisch PRM, Dos Santos M, Garcia EM, Rhoden CR, da Silva Júnior FMR. Emissions monitoring and carcinogenic risk assessment of PM 10-bounded PAHs in the air from Candiota's coal activity area, Brazil. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:899-911. [PMID: 35347512 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-022-01253-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The city of Candiota contains a great amount of coal resources. Coal activities, including coal combustion, are major releasers of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The PAHs are considered priority air pollutants regarding their large carcinogenic potential. So, the carcinogenic risk assessment of populations living near areas with PAH sources is mandatory. This study aimed to evaluate the carcinogenic health risk of the PAH inhalation exposure of individuals living in Candiota City. A total of 158 individuals were enrolled in the study. Monitoring of PAH and meteorological parameters were carried out, and the health risk assessment was determined through the benzo(a)pyrene equivalent toxic equivalent quotient (BaP-TEQ) and the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) estimation. The coal activity area of Candiota demonstrated an annual PAH concentration of 27.7 ng/m3, PM10 concentration of 26.3 µg/m3, SO2 concentration of 9.5 µg/m3, a BaP-TEQ value of 0.3 ng/m3, and a daily inhalation of 62.4 ng/day. The comparison among seasons showed no difference in PAH concentration and BaP-TEQ. It was observed ILCR values of 2.8 × 10-6 and 2.6 × 10-6 for estimation based on reference and real values, respectively, and these levels were above the reference limit of 10-6, indicating cancer risk. Therefore, an epidemiological survey of cancer cases in the region and its relationship with environmental exposure and air pollutants levels must be required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Marmett
- Laboratory of Atmospheric Pollution, Graduate Program in Health Science, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Rua Sarmento Leite, 245, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil.
| | - Roseana Boek Carvalho
- Laboratory of Atmospheric Pollution, Graduate Program in Health Science, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Rua Sarmento Leite, 245, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Ana Luíza Muccillo-Baisch
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas (ICB), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande-FURG, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina (FAMED), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande-FURG, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Marina Dos Santos
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas (ICB), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande-FURG, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina (FAMED), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande-FURG, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Claudia Ramos Rhoden
- Laboratory of Atmospheric Pollution, Graduate Program in Health Science, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Rua Sarmento Leite, 245, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Flávio Manoel Rodrigues da Silva Júnior
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas (ICB), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande-FURG, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina (FAMED), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande-FURG, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
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Kamunur K, Ketegenov T, Kalugin S, Karagulanova A, Zhaksibaev M. The role of the alkaline promoter on the formation of strength and burning of coal briquettes. SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sajce.2022.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
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Cooper DB, Walker CJ, Christian WJ. Maternal proximity to mountain-top removal mining and birth defects in Appalachian Kentucky, 1997-2003. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272998. [PMID: 35951600 PMCID: PMC9371306 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Extraction of coal through mountaintop removal mining (MTR) alters many dimensions of the landscape. Explosive blasts, exposed rock, and coal washing have the potential to pollute air and water. Previous research suggests that infants born to mothers living in areas with MTR have a higher prevalence of birth defects. In this cross-sectional study, we further examine the relationship between MTR activity and several types of birth defects. Maternal exposure to MTR was assessed using remote sensing data from Skytruth, which captures MTR activity in the Central Appalachian region of the United States. Active MTR area was quantified within a five-kilometer buffer surrounding geocoded maternal address captured on birth records for live births to Appalachian Kentucky mothers between 1997 and 2003 (N = 95,581). We assigned high, medium, and low exposure based on the tertile of total MTR area within 5-km, and births with no MTR within this buffer were assigned zero exposure. The presence or absence of a birth defect grouped into six major organ systems was identified using birth records alone. Finally, we applied conditional multiple imputation for variables with missing values before conducting separate multivariable log-binomial regression models for each birth defect group. Prevalence ratio (PR) estimates were adjusted for individual level covariates from birth records. The prevalence of gastro-intestinal defects was significantly higher in birth records with high and low active MTR exposure compared to records with no exposure. (High exposure: PR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.14-3.47; low exposure PR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.06-3.31). This study supports some of the existing findings of previous ecological studies. Research addressing the relationship between gastro-intestinal birth defects and MTR coal mining is warranted but should carefully consider temporal dimensions of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel B. Cooper
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States of America
| | - Courtney J. Walker
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States of America
| | - W. Jay Christian
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States of America
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Hua Y, Nie W, Guo L, Cai X, Cheng L. The control effect of 3D spiral wind-curtain generator on respirable dust pollution during tunnelling process. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:68212-68228. [PMID: 34264497 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-14899-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The respirable dust pollution produced in the cutting process of tunnelling machine during tunnelling process is a serious threat to the health of workers. The key to solve this problem is to build an effective ventilation system in the tunnel. In this paper, experiments were designed and implemented to obtain the temporal-spatial evolution of respirable dust pollution before and after the 3D spiral wind-curtain generator was used for tunnel auxiliary ventilation, and the CFD method was used to supplement and visualize the experimental results. Before the 3D spiral wind-curtain generator was used, the respirable dust gradually diffused from the cutting face to other spaces of the tunnel, and finally presented a stable state with time. After using the 3D spiral wind-curtain generator for auxiliary ventilation, the dust diffusion speed in the tunnel was slower than before, and the dust concentration was lower than before. When adjusting the position of the generator and installing it 20m away from the cutting face, an effective dust control wind-curtain formed within the range of 3.5 ~ 6.5m away from the cutting face. With the increase of time, the dust is stably controlled within the space of 4.5m away from the cutting face, and then pumped away by the exhaust fan, so as to purify the tunnel environment and ensure the tunnel's cleanliness and safety and efficient excavation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Hua
- College of Safety and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266590, Shandong Province, China
- State Key Laboratory of Mining Disaster Prevention and Control Co-founded by Shandong Province and the Ministry of Science and Technology, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266590, China
| | - Wen Nie
- College of Safety and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266590, Shandong Province, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Mining Disaster Prevention and Control Co-founded by Shandong Province and the Ministry of Science and Technology, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266590, China.
| | - Lidian Guo
- College of Safety and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266590, Shandong Province, China
- State Key Laboratory of Mining Disaster Prevention and Control Co-founded by Shandong Province and the Ministry of Science and Technology, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266590, China
| | - Xiaojiao Cai
- College of Safety and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266590, Shandong Province, China
- State Key Laboratory of Mining Disaster Prevention and Control Co-founded by Shandong Province and the Ministry of Science and Technology, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266590, China
| | - Lei Cheng
- College of Safety and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266590, Shandong Province, China
- State Key Laboratory of Mining Disaster Prevention and Control Co-founded by Shandong Province and the Ministry of Science and Technology, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266590, China
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Yang K, Zhao X, Wei Z, Zhang J. Development overview of paste backfill technology in China's coal mines: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:67957-67969. [PMID: 34637124 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16940-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
After years of development, paste backfill technology has become an important part of China's green safety mine construction and coal green mining technology system in the new era. In this paper, the research status of paste backfill technology in China's coal mines is expounded from the aspects of paste backfill materials, strata control theory, and paste backfill technological process. Based on the statistics of the distribution number of coal mines adopting paste backfill technology, several typical paste backfill mines are listed, and the parameters of backfill panel, geological conditions, and paste backfill effect are analyzed, the general conditions of applying paste backfill technology in coal mines are summarized. Finally, some problems in the application of paste backfill technology are pointed out, and the future development of backfill mining is prospected from the research and development of backfill materials, deep underground backfill mining, intelligent paste backfill, and other aspects. This paper provides a reference for a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the current development status of paste backfill technology in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Mining Response and Disaster Prevention and Control in Deep Coal Mine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232001, China
- Energy Research Institute of Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center (Anhui Energy Laboratory), Hefei Anhui, 230000, China
- Key Laboratory of Mining Coal Safety and Efficiently Constructed By Anhui Province and Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232001, China
- School of Mining Engineering, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232001, China
| | - Xinyuan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Mining Response and Disaster Prevention and Control in Deep Coal Mine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232001, China.
- Key Laboratory of Mining Coal Safety and Efficiently Constructed By Anhui Province and Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232001, China.
- School of Mining Engineering, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232001, China.
| | - Zhen Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Mining Response and Disaster Prevention and Control in Deep Coal Mine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232001, China
- Key Laboratory of Mining Coal Safety and Efficiently Constructed By Anhui Province and Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232001, China
- School of Mining Engineering, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232001, China
| | - Jiqiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Mining Response and Disaster Prevention and Control in Deep Coal Mine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232001, China
- Key Laboratory of Mining Coal Safety and Efficiently Constructed By Anhui Province and Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232001, China
- School of Mining Engineering, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232001, China
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9
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Small DS, Firth DW, Keele LJ, Huber M, Passarella M, Lorch SA, Burris HH. Surface mining and low birth weight in central appalachia. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 196:110340. [PMID: 33098818 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surface mining has become a significant method of coal mining in the Central Appalachian region of the eastern United States alongside the traditional underground mining. Concerns have been raised about the health effects of this surface mining, particularly mountaintop removal mining where coal is mined upon steep mountaintops by removing the mountaintop through clearcutting forests and explosives. METHODS We used a control group design with a pretest and a posttest to assess the associations of surface mining in Central Appalachia with low birth weight and other adverse birth outcomes. The pretest period is 1977-1989, a period of low surface mining activity. We consider three posttest periods: 1990-1998, 1999-2011 and 2012-2017, with 1999-2011 as the primary analysis and the other periods as secondary analyses. Surface mining in Central Appalachia increased after 1989, partly resulting from the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 which made surface mining in Appalachia more financially attractive. For the primary analysis, we fit a logistic regression model of the primary outcome (low birth weight, <2500 g) on dummy variables for county and year; individual level maternal/infant covariates (maternal race, maternal age, infant sex and whether birth was a multiple birth); and the amount of surface mining during the year of the birth in the maternal county of residence. RESULTS Our analysis sample consisted of 783,328 infants -- 482,284 infants born from 1977 to 2017 to women residing in substantial surface mining activity counties and 301,044 infants born from 1977 to 2017 to women residing in matched control counties. Compared to the pre-period of low surface mining from 1977 to 1989, for the primary analysis posttest period of 1999-2011, there was an estimated relative increase in low birth weight in surface mining counties compared to matched control counties that was not statistically significant (odds ratio for a 5 percentage point increase in area disturbed by surface mining: 1.07, 95% confidence interval (0.96, 1.20), p-value: .22). For the secondary analysis posttest period of 1990-1998, there was no increase (odds ratio: 0.91, 95% confidence interval: (0.74, 1.13), p-value: .41). For the secondary analysis posttest period of 2012-2017, there was a statistically significant relative increase (odds ratio: 1.28, 95% confidence interval: (1.08, 1.50), p-value: .004). Qualitatively similar results were found for the outcomes of very low birth weight, preterm birth and small-for-gestational age. CONCLUSIONS We examined the hypothesis that surface mining activity in Central Appalachia contributes to low birth weight using an observational study. We found evidence in secondary analyses that surface mining was associated with low birth weight in the 2012-2017 time period and potentially beginning in the early to mid 2000's. Evidence for an association was not found prior to 2000. A potential explanation for this pattern of association is that surface mining caused an increase in low birth weight but its onset was delayed. Future research is needed to clarify the findings and if replicated, identify the mechanism necessary to mitigate the impacts of mining on adverse birth outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan S Small
- Department of Statistics, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Daniel W Firth
- Daniel W Firth Dba 4E Analytics, Kingsport, TN, 37664, USA
| | - Luke J Keele
- Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Matthew Huber
- Division of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Molly Passarella
- Division of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Scott A Lorch
- Division of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Heather H Burris
- Division of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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Myrick JG, Hendryx M. Health information source use and trust among a vulnerable rural disparities population. J Rural Health 2021; 37:537-544. [PMID: 33666269 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Because rural residents, particularly those near mining sites, are susceptible to numerous environmental health hazards, it is important to gain deeper insights into their use and trust of health information, which they may employ to help recognize symptoms, learn ways to reduce exposure, or find health care. METHODS We surveyed residents (N = 101) of rural Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia to assess predictors of health information source use and trust. A project manager administered face-to-face paper and pencil questionnaires assessing demographics, health status, smoking behavior, and health information use and source trust. Bivariate correlations and ordinary least squares regressions were used to analyze the data. FINDINGS The data suggest that rural individuals frequently use nurses, doctors, and websites to seek health information, whereas traditional media are often not their preferred channel for health information. Media sources were not found as trustworthy as interpersonal and medical health information sources. While only 13.0% of individuals in the sample said they ever turned to county or state health departments for health information, these sources were trusted more than any media source and more than friends. Moreover, living closer to active mining sites-meaning these individuals are at a higher risk of environmental health hazards-predicted even less use of traditional media and greater trust in peer sources. CONCLUSIONS Not all sources of health information are equally used or trusted by individuals from a rural disparities population. The findings have implications for health campaign message dissemination and intervention designs targeting individuals in rural Appalachia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Gall Myrick
- Department of Media Studies, Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michael Hendryx
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
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Zazouli MA, Dehbandi R, Mohammadyan M, Aarabi M, Dominguez AO, Kelly FJ, Khodabakhshloo N, Rahman MM, Naidu R. Physico-chemical properties and reactive oxygen species generation by respirable coal dust: Implication for human health risk assessment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 405:124185. [PMID: 33189473 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the mineralogy, micro-morphology, chemical characteristics and oxidation toxicity of respirable dusts generated in underground coal mines. The active sampling was applied to collect airborne particulates with aerodynamic diameter <4 µm (PM4) at depth greater than 500 m from earth surface. The average mass concentration of PM4 was extremely higher than recommended values. QXRD and FESEM-EDS analyses were applied to study the micro-mineralogy and micro-morphology of respirable dusts. The chemical analysis by ICP-MS revealed an enrichment of V, Cr, Cu, Zn, As, Ag, Cd and Sb in respirable dust compared with the background environment and world coals. The EPA's health risk model showed that the health risk posed by Cr and Co in all workplaces exceeded the acceptable risk value for human health. The synthetic respiratory tract lining fluid (RTLF) model was utilized to achieve a novel insight into the toxicity of respirable coal dust. The result showed an overall depletion of lung surface antioxidants with the decreasing trend of ascorbic acid > reduced glutathione >> urate, implying low- to medium level of oxidative stress. The result of this study can be applied globally by decision-makers to decrease hazardous exposure of mine workers to respirable dust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ali Zazouli
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Health Sciences Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Reza Dehbandi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Health Sciences Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
| | - Mahmoud Mohammadyan
- Health Sciences Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mohsen Aarabi
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ana Oliete Dominguez
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, White City Campus, 80-92 Wood Lane, London, UK
| | - Frank J Kelly
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, White City Campus, 80-92 Wood Lane, London, UK
| | - Nafise Khodabakhshloo
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, Shiraz 71454, Iran; Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Mohammad Mahmudur Rahman
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC-CARE), ATC Building, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Ravi Naidu
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC-CARE), ATC Building, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
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Maternal proximity to Central Appalachia surface mining and birth outcomes. Environ Epidemiol 2021; 5:e128. [PMID: 33778360 PMCID: PMC7939414 DOI: 10.1097/ee9.0000000000000128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Maternal residency in Central Appalachia counties with coal production has been previously associated with increased rates of low birth weight (LBW). To refine the relationship between surface mining and birth outcomes, this study employs finer spatiotemporal estimates of exposure.
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Enrichment Mechanisms of Gallium and Indium in No. 9 Coals in Anjialing Mine, Ningwu Coalfield, North China, with a Preliminary Discussion on Their Potential Health Risks. MINERALS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/min11010064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
To provide a comprehensive insight into the enrichment mechanism of gallium and indium in No. 9 coals, eighteen samples were collected from Anjialing mine, Ningwu Coalfield, Shanxi Province for coal petrological, mineralogical and geochemical analyses. The results suggested that Ga and In enrichment mainly hosted in the top horizons, with average concentration coefficients of 8.99 and 2.73 respectively, compared with the rest of horizons (2.46 for Ga and 1.69 for In). Source apportionment indicated that Ga and In were mainly derived from bauxite of Benxi Formation in Yinshan Oldland, while In could originate from felsic magmatic rocks in Yinshan Oldland as well. In addition, weak oxidation condition, medium to intensive weathering, transgression and input of terrestrial higher plants had positive effects on Ga and In enrichment. With the rapid expansion of emerging electronics manufacturing, Ga and In, of which potential risks on human health were neglected previously, were recently considered as hazardous elements. Therefore, this paper also discussed the potential pathways that these elements threatened human health. We suggested that potential risks on environment and human health caused by Ga and In enrichment in coals and coal-related products should be taken into account besides their economic value.
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Environmental Impacts of Coal-Mining and Coal-Fired Power-Plant Activities in a Developing Country with Global Context. ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-63422-3_24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Air Pollution Emissions 2008-2018 from Australian Coal Mining: Implications for Public and Occupational Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17051570. [PMID: 32121344 PMCID: PMC7084742 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17051570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Occupational exposure limits for respirable coal dust are based on exposure during working hours, but coal miners may experience additional community-based exposures during nonworking hours. We analyzed Australia National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) data for the years 2008–2018 to estimate air pollutants (metals, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter ≤ 10 micrometers (PM10) and ≤2.5 micrometers (PM2.5)) originating from coal mines. PM10 levels from community-based air monitors in Queensland and New South Wales were also compared between mining and nonmining communities. Results indicated that tons of coal mined increased over the study period, and that levels of particulate matter, metals, and nitrogen oxides increased significantly over time as well. Coal mines accounted for 42.1% of national PM10 air emissions from NPI sites. PM2.5 from coal mines accounted for 19.5% of the national total, metals for 12.1%, and nitrogen oxides for 10.1%. Coal mining occurred in 57 different post codes; the 20 coal-mining post codes with the highest PM10 emissions were home to 160,037 people. Emissions of all studied pollutants were significantly higher from coal mining sites than from other types of NPI sites. Results from community-based air monitoring stations indicated significantly higher population PM10 exposure in coal mining communities than in nonmining communities. The health of the public at large is impacted by coal mining, but to the extent that miners also live near coal mining operations, their total exposure is underestimated by consideration of exposure only during working hours.
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Hendryx M, Wang S, Romanak KA, Salamova A, Venier M. Personal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Appalachian mining communities. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 257:113501. [PMID: 31706774 PMCID: PMC6981027 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Coal mining activities may increase residential exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), but personal PAH exposures have not been studied in mining areas. We used silicone wristbands as passive personal samplers to estimate PAH exposures in coal mining communities in Central Appalachia in the United States. Adults (N = 101) wore wristbands for one week; 51 resided in communities within approximately three miles of surface mining sites, and 50 resided 10 or more miles from mining sites. Passive indoor polyurethane foam (PUF) sampling was conducted in residents' homes, and a sample of 16 outdoor PUF samples were also collected. Nine PAH congeners were commonly detected in wristbands (mean ± standard deviation), including phenanthrene (50.2 ± 68.7 ng/g), benz[a]anthracene (20.2 ± 58.2 ng/g), fluoranthene (19.4 ± 24.1 ng/g) and pyrene (15.2 ± 18.2 ng/g). Controlling for participant characteristics and season, participants living closer to mining sites had significantly higher levels of phenanthrene, fluorene, fluoranthene, pyrene and ∑PAHs in wristbands compared to participants living farther from mining. Indoor air showed no significant group differences except for pyrene, but outdoor air showed significant or marginally significant differences for phenanthrene, fluorene, pyrene and ∑PAHs. The results suggest that mining community residents face exposure to outdoor mining-related pollutants, and demonstrate that personal silicone wristbands can be deployed as effective passive sampling devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hendryx
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University, 1025 E, 7th St., Bloomington, USA.
| | - Shaorui Wang
- O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Kevin A Romanak
- O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Amina Salamova
- O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Marta Venier
- O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
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Abstract
This article reviews evidence for the public health impacts of coal across the extraction, processing, use, and waste disposal continuum. Surface coal mining and processing impose public health risks on residential communities through air and water pollution. Burning coal in power plants emits more nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, and heavy metals per unit of energy than any other fuel source and impairs global public health. Coal ash disposal exposes communities to heavy metals and particulate matter waste. Use of coal in domestic households causes public health harm concentrated in developing nations. Across the coal continuum, adverse impacts are disproportionately felt by persons of poor socioeconomic status, contributing to health inequities. Despite efforts to develop renewable energy sources, coal use has not declined on a global scale. Concentrated efforts to eliminate coal as an energy source are imperative to improve public health and avert serious climate change consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hendryx
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, USA;
| | - Keith J Zullig
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506, USA;
| | - Juhua Luo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, USA;
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18
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Song W, Yang Y, Qi R, Li J, Pan X. Suppression of coal dust by microbially induced carbonate precipitation usingStaphylococcus succinus. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:35968-35977. [PMID: 31709483 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06488-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Coal dust from open-cast mines is a significant air pollutant; thus, dust particles and toxins contained in the dust are a severe threat to human health and ecosystems. Microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) is a low-cost and environmentally friendly way to suppress coal dust. With high urease activity and tolerance to coal dust, a bacterial strain, Staphylococcus succinus J3, was isolated from soil in a mine area. Thus, in dust suppression experiments, we used coal dust dominated by fine granule particles (100-250 μm) from an open-cast mine. Consequently, four factors were identified: initial bacterial biomass, calcium concentration, urea concentration, and spraying frequency; we investigated their effects on MICP as a dust suppression technique using one-factor-at-a-time experiments. Maximum threshold broken wind speed (45.5 m s-1) and pressure (912 kPa) were obtained under the following condition: OD600 = 0.7, 40 mmol calcium, 6% (w/w) urea in the bonding solution which was sprayed five times in 35 days. Pearson correlation analysis described that urea concentration and spraying frequency both significantly positive correlations with the threshold broken wind speed and pressure via Pearson analysis. When the coal dust suppression process was complete, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy showed that a solidified layer of calcareous precipitate had formed on the surface of the dust. These results indicate that Staphylococcus succinus J3 has considerable potential for use in MICP as a coal dust suppression technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Song
- State Key Laboratory of Desert & Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Yuyi Yang
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100049, China
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Ran Qi
- Chinese People's Armed Police Golden Eighth Detachment, Urumqi, 830026, China
| | - Junpeng Li
- School of Life Science, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, China
| | - Xiangliang Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Desert & Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China.
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China.
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19
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Salm AK, Benson MJ. Increased Dementia Mortality in West Virginia Counties with Mountaintop Removal Mining? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16214278. [PMID: 31689936 PMCID: PMC6862248 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16214278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) is elevated in areas of mountaintop removal mining (MTM), a practice that has been ongoing in some counties of West Virginia (WV) USA since the 1970s. PM inhalation has been linked to central nervous system pathophysiology, including cognitive decline and dementia. Here we compared county dementia mortality statistics in MTM vs. non-MTM WV counties over a period spanning 2001–2015. We found significantly elevated age-adjusted vascular or unspecified dementia mortality/100,000 population in WV MTM counties where, after adjusting for socioeconomic variables, dementia mortality was 15.60 (±3.14 Standard Error of the Mean (S.E.M.)) times higher than that of non-MTM counties. Further analyses with satellite imaging data revealed a highly significant positive correlation between the number of distinct mining sites vs. both mean and cumulative vascular and unspecified dementia mortality over the 15 year period. This was in contrast to finding only a weak relationship between dementia mortality rates and the overall square kilometers mined. No effect of living in an MTM county was found for the rate of Alzheimer’s type dementia and possible reasons for this are considered. Based on these results, and the current literature, we hypothesize that inhalation of PM associated with MTM contributes to dementia mortality of the vascular or unspecified types. However, limitations inherent in ecological-type studies such as this, preclude definitive extrapolation to individuals in MTM-counties at this time. We hope these findings will inspire follow-up cohort and case-controlled type studies to determine if specific causative factors associated with living near MTM can be identified. Given the need for caregiving and medical support, increased dementia mortality of the magnitude seen here could, unfortunately, place great demands upon MTM county public health resources in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K Salm
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Laboratory Medicine, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA.
| | - Michael J Benson
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA.
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Hendryx M, Yonts SD, Li Y, Luo J. Mountaintop removal mining and multiple illness symptoms: A latent class analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 657:764-769. [PMID: 30677941 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.12.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mountaintop removal mining has been associated with multiple types of disease outcomes for populations living nearby. The current study tested whether latent classes identifying people with symptoms from multiple organ systems were associated with residence in mountaintop mining communities. METHODS We used data from three cross-sectional household community surveys conducted in three Appalachian states (N = 2756). The surveys contained information on 29 recent illness symptoms grouped into eight organ systems (respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, skin, eye-ear-nose-throat, neurological, and other.) We identified latent classes, and then tested whether classes with higher probabilities of multiple symptoms would be associated with residence in mountaintop removal areas after control for covariates. RESULTS Three latent classes were identified, including a low-symptom referent class, an intermediate class, and a class with high symptom probability across organ systems. Controlling for covariates, latent classes characterized by intermediate and high multi-symptom probabilities were significantly associated with residence near mountaintop removal mining, with the highest odds ratio for the MTR versus control condition for the high multi-symptom group (OR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.80-2.61). CONCLUSIONS Symptoms across multiple organ systems were related to residential proximity to mountaintop removal mining. Prior research has established multiple environmental contaminants related to mining that may contribute to poor population health through more than one exposure route or chemical of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hendryx
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, United States of America.
| | - Sarah D Yonts
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, United States of America
| | - Yueyao Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, United States of America
| | - Juhua Luo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, United States of America
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21
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Hendryx M, Higginbotham N, Ewald B, Connor LH. Air Quality in Association With Rural Coal Mining and Combustion in New South Wales Australia. J Rural Health 2019; 35:518-527. [PMID: 30742340 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Rural areas may face under-recognized threats to air quality. We tested 2 hypotheses that 1) rural areas in New South Wales, Australia, would have better air quality than metropolitan Sydney, and that 2) the rural Upper Hunter region characterized by coal mining and coal combustion would have worse air quality than other rural areas of the state. METHODS We analyzed 2017 daily mean values for New South Wales, Australia, for particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2 ), nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2 ), and NOx (sum of NO and NO2 ). Forty-six air monitoring stations were grouped into 6 rural and urban regional areas. Linear regression models examined pollution levels in association with rural and urban regions and meteorological covariates. RESULTS Findings show that daily mean pollutant levels in the rural Upper Hunter were the highest of all regions, and were significantly higher than metropolitan Sydney, with and without control for weather conditions, for every pollutant. For example, daily mean PM2.5 was 8.64 µg/m3 in the rural Upper Hunter, compared to 7.23 µg/m3 in metropolitan Sydney. CONCLUSIONS Results highlight the need to consider both urban and rural sources of pollution in air quality studies, and appropriate policy steps to address likely rural air pollution from coal mining.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hendryx
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Nicholas Higginbotham
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Benjamin Ewald
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Linda H Connor
- Department of Anthropology, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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22
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Yang Z, Li J, Zipper CE, Shen Y, Miao H, Donovan PF. Identification of the disturbance and trajectory types in mining areas using multitemporal remote sensing images. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 644:916-927. [PMID: 30743889 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.06.341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 06/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Surface coal mining disturbances affect the local ecology, human populations and environmental quality. Thus, much public attention has been focused on mining issues and the need for monitoring of environmental disturbances in mining areas. An automated method for identifying mining disturbances, and for characterizing recovery of vegetative cover on disturbed areas using multitemporal Landsat imagery is described. The method analyzes normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data to identify sample points with multitemporal spectral characteristics ("trajectories") that indicate the presence of environmental disturbances caused by mining. A typical disturbance template of mining areas is created by analyzing NDVI trajectories of disturbed points and used to describe NDVI multitemporal patterns before, during, and following disturbances. The multitemporal sequences of disturbed sample points are dynamically matched with the typical disturbance template to obtain information including the disturbance year, trajectory type, and the nature of vegetation recovery. The method requires manual analysis of randomly selected sample points from within the study area to calculate several thresholds; once those thresholds are determined, the method's application can be automated. We applied the method to a stack of 26 Landsat images over a 32-year period, 1984 to 2015, for mining areas of Martin County KY and Logan County WV in eastern USA. When compared with the samples determined by direct interpretation, the method identified mining disturbances with 97% accuracy, the disturbance year with 90% accuracy, and disturbance-recovery trajectory type with 90% accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Yang
- College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, D11 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Li
- College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, D11 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100083, People's Republic of China.
| | - Carl E Zipper
- School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Smyth Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Yingying Shen
- College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, D11 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Miao
- College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, D11 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Patricia F Donovan
- School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Smyth Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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Espitia-Pérez L, da Silva J, Espitia-Pérez P, Brango H, Salcedo-Arteaga S, Hoyos-Giraldo LS, de Souza CT, Dias JF, Agudelo-Castañeda D, Valdés Toscano A, Gómez-Pérez M, Henriques JAP. Cytogenetic instability in populations with residential proximity to open-pit coal mine in Northern Colombia in relation to PM 10 and PM 2.5 levels. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2018; 148:453-466. [PMID: 29102906 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2017.10.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Revised: 09/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies indicate that living in proximity to coal mines is correlated with numerous diseases including cancer, and that exposure to PM10 and PM2.5 components could be associated with this phenomenon. However, the understanding of the mechanisms by which PM exerts its adverse effects is still incomplete and comes mainly from studies in occupationally exposed populations. The aims of this study were to: (1) evaluate DNA damage in lymphocytes assessing the cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome assay (CBMN-cyt) parameters; (2) identify aneugenic or clastogenic effects in lymphocytes of exposed populations using CREST immunostaining for micronuclei; (3) evaluate multi-elemental composition of atmospheric particulate matter; and (4) verify relation between the DNA damage and PM2.5 and PM10 levels around the mining area. Analysis revealed a significant increase in micronuclei frequency in binucleated (MNBN) and mononucleated (MNMONO) cells of individuals with residential proximity to open-pit coal mines compared to residents from non-mining areas. Correlation analysis demonstrated a highly significant association between PM2.5 levels, MNBN frequencies and CREST+ micronuclei induction in exposed residents. These results suggest that PM2.5 fraction generated in coal mining activities may induce whole chromosome loss (aneuploidy) preferentially, although there are also chromosome breaks. Analysis of the chemical composition of PM2.5 by PIXE demonstrated that Si, S, K and Cr concentrations varied significantly between coal mining and reference areas. Enrichment factor values (EF) showed that S, Cr and Cu were highly enriched in the coal mining areas. Compared to reference area, mining regions had also higher concentrations of extractable organic matter (EOM) related to nonpolar and polar compounds. Our results demonstrate that PM2.5 fraction represents the most important health risk for residents living near open-pit mines, underscoring the need for incorporation of ambient air standards based on PM2.5 measures in coal mining areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyda Espitia-Pérez
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Laboratorio de Investigación Biomédica y Biología Molecular, Universidad del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia; Departamento de Ciencias Básicas - Facultad de Ciencias e Ingenierías, Universidad del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia; Departamento de Biofísica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Juliana da Silva
- Laboratório de Genética Toxicológica, Universidade Luterana do Brasil, ULBRA, Canoas, RS, Brazil.
| | - Pedro Espitia-Pérez
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Laboratorio de Investigación Biomédica y Biología Molecular, Universidad del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Hugo Brango
- Instituto de Matemática e Estatística, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Shirley Salcedo-Arteaga
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Laboratorio de Investigación Biomédica y Biología Molecular, Universidad del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Luz Stella Hoyos-Giraldo
- Department of Biology, Research Group Genetic Toxicology and Cytogenetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Education, Universidad del Cauca, Popayán, Cauca, Colombia
| | - Claudia T de Souza
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Química - Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Johnny F Dias
- Laboratório de Implantação Iônica, Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Dayana Agudelo-Castañeda
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universidad del Norte, Km 5 Vía Puerto Colombia, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Ana Valdés Toscano
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Laboratorio de Investigación Biomédica y Biología Molecular, Universidad del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Miguel Gómez-Pérez
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Laboratorio de Investigación Biomédica y Biología Molecular, Universidad del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - João A P Henriques
- Departamento de Biofísica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Boyles AL, Blain RB, Rochester JR, Avanasi R, Goldhaber SB, McComb S, Holmgren SD, Masten SA, Thayer KA. Systematic review of community health impacts of mountaintop removal mining. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2017; 107:163-172. [PMID: 28738262 PMCID: PMC5562233 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Revised: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this evaluation is to understand the human health impacts of mountaintop removal (MTR) mining, the major method of coal mining in and around Central Appalachia. MTR mining impacts the air, water, and soil and raises concerns about potential adverse health effects in neighboring communities; exposures associated with MTR mining include particulate matter (PM), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), metals, hydrogen sulfide, and other recognized harmful substances. METHODS A systematic review was conducted of published studies of MTR mining and community health, occupational studies of MTR mining, and any available animal and in vitro experimental studies investigating the effects of exposures to MTR-mining-related chemical mixtures. Six databases (Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, Toxline, and Web of Science) were searched with customized terms, and no restrictions on publication year or language, through October 27, 2016. The eligibility criteria included all human population studies and animal models of human health, direct and indirect measures of MTR-mining exposure, any health-related effect or change in physiological response, and any study design type. Risk of bias was assessed for observational and experimental studies using an approach developed by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT). To provide context for these health effects, a summary of the exposure literature is included that focuses on describing findings for outdoor air, indoor air, and drinking water. RESULTS From a literature search capturing 3088 studies, 33 human studies (29 community, four occupational), four experimental studies (two in rat, one in vitro and in mice, one in C. elegans), and 58 MTR mining exposure studies were identified. A number of health findings were reported in observational human studies, including cardiopulmonary effects, mortality, and birth defects. However, concerns for risk of bias were identified, especially with respect to exposure characterization, accounting for confounding variables (such as socioeconomic status), and methods used to assess health outcomes. Typically, exposure was assessed by proximity of residence or hospital to coal mining or production level at the county level. In addition, assessing the consistency of findings was challenging because separate publications likely included overlapping case and comparison groups. For example, 11 studies of mortality were conducted with most reporting higher rates associated with coal mining, but many of these relied on the same national datasets and were unable to consider individual-level contributors to mortality such as poor socioeconomic status or smoking. Two studies of adult rats reported impaired microvascular and cardiac mitochondrial function after intratracheal exposure to PM from MTR-mining sites. Exposures associated with MTR mining included reports of PM levels that sometimes exceeded Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards; higher levels of dust, trace metals, hydrogen sulfide gas; and a report of increased public drinking water violations. DISCUSSION This systematic review could not reach conclusions on community health effects of MTR mining because of the strong potential for bias in the current body of human literature. Improved characterization of exposures by future community health studies and further study of the effects of MTR mining chemical mixtures in experimental models will be critical to determining health risks of MTR mining to communities. Without such work, uncertainty will remain regarding the impact of these practices on the health of the people who breathe the air and drink the water affected by MTR mining.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abee L Boyles
- Office of Health Assessment and Translation, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services, Durham, NC, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Stephanie D Holmgren
- Office of Science Information Management, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Scott A Masten
- Office of Nomination and Selection, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kristina A Thayer
- Office of Health Assessment and Translation, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services, Durham, NC, USA
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Krometis LA, Gohlke J, Kolivras K, Satterwhite E, Marmagas SW, Marr LC. Environmental health disparities in the Central Appalachian region of the United States. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2017; 32:253-266. [PMID: 28682789 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2017-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Health disparities that cannot be fully explained by socio-behavioral factors persist in the Central Appalachian region of the United States. A review of available studies of environmental impacts on Appalachian health and analysis of recent public data indicates that while disparities exist, most studies of local environmental quality focus on the preservation of nonhuman biodiversity rather than on effects on human health. The limited public health studies available focus primarily on the impacts of coal mining and do not measure personal exposure, constraining the ability to identify causal relationships between environmental conditions and public health. Future efforts must engage community members in examining all potential sources of environmental health disparities to identify effective potential interventions.
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Aneja VP, Pillai PR, Isherwood A, Morgan P, Aneja SP. Particulate matter pollution in the coal-producing regions of the Appalachian Mountains: Integrated ground-based measurements and satellite analysis. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2017; 67:421-430. [PMID: 27731783 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2016.1245686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED This study integrates the relationship between measured surface concentrations of particulate matter 10 μm or less in diameter (PM10), satellite-derived aerosol optical depth (AOD), and meteorology in Roda, Virginia, during 2008. A multiple regression model was developed to predict the concentrations of particles 2.5 μm or less in diameter (PM2.5) at an additional location in the Appalachia region, Bristol, TN. The model was developed by combining AOD retrievals from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectro-radiometer (MODIS) sensor on board the EOS Terra and Aqua Satellites with the surface meteorological observations. The multiple regression model predicted PM2.5 (r2 = 0.62), and the two-variable (AOD-PM2.5) model predicted PM2.5 (r2 = 0.4). The developed model was validated using particulate matter recordings and meteorology observations from another location in the Appalachia region, Hazard, Kentucky. The model was extrapolated to the Roda, VA, sampling site to predict PM2.5 mass concentrations. We used 10 km x 10 km resolution MODIS 550 nm AOD to predict ground level PM2.5. For the relevant period in 2008, in Roda, VA, the predicted PM2.5 mass concentration is 9.11 ± 5.16 μg m-3 (mean ± 1SD). IMPLICATIONS This is the first study that couples ground-based Particulate Matter measurements with satellite retrievals to predict surface air pollution at Roda, Virginia. Roda is representative of the Appalachian communities that are commonly located in narrow valleys, or "hollows," where homes are placed directly along the roads in a region of active mountaintop mining operations. Our study suggests that proximity to heavy coal truck traffic subjects these communities to chronic exposure to coal dust and leads us to conclude that there is an urgent need for new regulations to address the primary sources of this particulate matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viney P Aneja
- a Department of Marine , Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences, North Carolina State University , Raleigh , NC , USA
| | - Priya R Pillai
- a Department of Marine , Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences, North Carolina State University , Raleigh , NC , USA
| | - Aaron Isherwood
- b Sierra Club Environmental Law Program , Oakland , CA , USA
| | - Peter Morgan
- b Sierra Club Environmental Law Program , Oakland , CA , USA
| | - Saurabh P Aneja
- b Sierra Club Environmental Law Program , Oakland , CA , USA
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Nichols CE, Shepherd DL, Knuckles TL, Thapa D, Stricker JC, Stapleton PA, Minarchick VC, Erdely A, Zeidler-Erdely PC, Alway SE, Nurkiewicz TR, Hollander JM. Cardiac and mitochondrial dysfunction following acute pulmonary exposure to mountaintop removal mining particulate matter. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2015; 309:H2017-30. [PMID: 26497962 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00353.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Throughout the United States, air pollution correlates with adverse health outcomes, and cardiovascular disease incidence is commonly increased following environmental exposure. In areas surrounding active mountaintop removal mines (MTM), a further increase in cardiovascular morbidity is observed and may be attributed in part to particulate matter (PM) released from the mine. The mitochondrion has been shown to be central in the etiology of many cardiovascular diseases, yet its roles in PM-related cardiovascular effects are not realized. In this study, we sought to elucidate the cardiac processes that are disrupted following exposure to mountaintop removal mining particulate matter (PM MTM). To address this question, we exposed male Sprague-Dawley rats to PM MTM, collected within one mile of an active MTM site, using intratracheal instillation. Twenty-four hours following exposure, we evaluated cardiac function, apoptotic indices, and mitochondrial function. PM MTM exposure elicited a significant decrease in ejection fraction and fractional shortening compared with controls. Investigation into the cellular impacts of PM MTM exposure identified a significant increase in mitochondrial-induced apoptotic signaling, as reflected by an increase in TUNEL-positive nuclei and increased caspase-3 and -9 activities. Finally, a significant increase in mitochondrial transition pore opening leading to decreased mitochondrial function was identified following exposure. In conclusion, our data suggest that pulmonary exposure to PM MTM increases cardiac mitochondrial-associated apoptotic signaling and decreases mitochondrial function concomitant with decreased cardiac function. These results suggest that increased cardiovascular disease incidence in populations surrounding MTM mines may be associated with increased cardiac cell apoptotic signaling and decreased mitochondrial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody E Nichols
- West Virginia University School of Medicine, Division of Exercise Physiology, Morgantown, West Virginia; Center for Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Danielle L Shepherd
- West Virginia University School of Medicine, Division of Exercise Physiology, Morgantown, West Virginia; Center for Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Travis L Knuckles
- Center for Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences, Morgantown, West Virginia; West Virginia University, School of Public Health, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Dharendra Thapa
- West Virginia University School of Medicine, Division of Exercise Physiology, Morgantown, West Virginia; Center for Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Janelle C Stricker
- Center for Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Phoebe A Stapleton
- Center for Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences, Morgantown, West Virginia; West Virginia University, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Valerie C Minarchick
- Center for Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences, Morgantown, West Virginia; West Virginia University, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Aaron Erdely
- West Virginia University, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Morgantown, West Virginia; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Patti C Zeidler-Erdely
- West Virginia University, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Morgantown, West Virginia; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Stephen E Alway
- West Virginia University School of Medicine, Division of Exercise Physiology, Morgantown, West Virginia; Center for Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Timothy R Nurkiewicz
- Center for Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences, Morgantown, West Virginia; West Virginia University, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - John M Hollander
- West Virginia University School of Medicine, Division of Exercise Physiology, Morgantown, West Virginia; Center for Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences, Morgantown, West Virginia;
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