1
|
McCarron A, Semple S, Swanson V, Braban CF, Gillespie C, Price HD. "I have to stay inside …": Experiences of air pollution for people with asthma. Health Place 2024; 85:103150. [PMID: 38064920 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.103150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Asthma, characterized by airway inflammation, sensitization and constriction, and leading to symptoms including cough and dyspnoea, affects millions of people globally. Air pollution is a known asthma trigger, yet how it is experienced is understudied and how individuals with asthma interact with air quality information and manage exacerbation risks is unclear. This study aimed to explore how people living with asthma in Scotland, UK, experienced and managed their asthma in relation to air pollution. We explored these issues with 36 participants using semi-structured interviews. We found that self-protection measures were influenced by place and sense of control (with the home being a "safe space"), and that the perception of clean(er) air had a liberating effect on outdoor activities. We discuss how these insights could shape air quality-related health advice in future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy McCarron
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK.
| | - Sean Semple
- Institute for Social Marketing and Health, University of Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK.
| | | | | | - Colin Gillespie
- Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Stirling, FK9 4TZ, UK.
| | - Heather D Price
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Novak R, Robinson JA, Frantzidis C, Sejdullahu I, Persico MG, Kontić D, Sarigiannis D, Kocman D. Integrated assessment of personal monitor applications for evaluating exposure to urban stressors: A scoping review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 226:115685. [PMID: 36921791 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Urban stressors pose a health risk, and individual-level assessments provide necessary and fine-grained insight into exposure. An ever-increasing amount of research literature on individual-level exposure to urban stressors using data collected with personal monitors, has called for an integrated assessment approach to identify trends, gaps and needs, and provide recommendations for future research. To this end, a scoping review of the respective literature was performed, as part of the H2020 URBANOME project. Moreover, three specific aims were identified: (i) determine current state of research, (ii) analyse literature according with a waterfall methodological framework and identify gaps and needs, and (iii) provide recommendations for more integrated, inclusive and robust approaches. Knowledge and gaps were extracted based on a systematic approach, e.g., data extraction questionnaires, as well as through the expertise of the researchers performing the review. The findings were assessed through a waterfall methodology of delineating projects into four phases. Studies described in the papers vary in their scope, with most assessing exposure in a single macro domain, though a trend of moving towards multi-domain assessment is evident. Simultaneous measurements of multiple stressors are not common, and papers predominantly assess exposure to air pollution. As urban environments become more diverse, stakeholders from different groups are included in the study designs. Most frequently (per the quadruple helix model), civil society/NGO groups are involved, followed by government and policymakers, while business or private sector stakeholders are less frequently represented. Participants in general function as data collectors and are rarely involved in other phases of the research. While more active involvement is not necessary, more collaborative approaches show higher engagement and motivation of participants to alter their lifestyles based on the research results. The identified trends, gaps and needs can aid future exposure research and provide recommendations on addressing different urban communities and stakeholders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rok Novak
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Johanna Amalia Robinson
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Center for Research and Development, Slovenian Institute for Adult Education, Ulica Ambrožiča Novljana 5, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Christos Frantzidis
- Biomedical Engineering & Aerospace Neuroscience (BEAN), Laboratory of Medical Physics and Digital Innovation, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece; Greek Aerospace Medical Association and Space Research (GASMA-SR), Greece
| | - Iliriana Sejdullahu
- Ambiente Italia Società a Responsabilità Limitata, Department of Adaptation and Resilience, 20129, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Giovanni Persico
- Urban Resilience Department, City of Milan, Italy; Postgraduate School of Health Statistics and Biometrics, Department of Clinical and Community Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Davor Kontić
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Centre for Participatory Research, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Dimosthenis Sarigiannis
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece; HERACLES Research Centre on the Exposome and Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece; Department of Science, Technology and Society, University School of Advanced Study IUSS, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - David Kocman
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Park YM, Chavez D, Sousan S, Figueroa-Bernal N, Alvarez JR, Rocha-Peralta J. Personal exposure monitoring using GPS-enabled portable air pollution sensors: A strategy to promote citizen awareness and behavioral changes regarding indoor and outdoor air pollution. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 33:347-357. [PMID: 36513791 PMCID: PMC10238623 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-022-00515-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about how individuals are exposed to air pollution in various daily activity spaces due to a lack of data collected in the full range of spatial contexts in which they spend their time. The limited understanding makes it difficult for people to act in informed ways to reduce their exposure both indoors and outdoors. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to (1) assess whether personalized air quality data collected using GPS-enabled portable monitors (GeoAir2), coupled with travel-activity diaries, promote people's awareness and behavioral changes regarding indoor and outdoor air pollution and (2) demonstrate the effect of places and activities on personal exposure by analyzing individual exposure profiles. METHODS 44 participants carried GeoAir2 to collect geo-referenced air pollution data and completed travel-activity diaries for three days. These data were then combined for spatial data analysis and visualization. Participants also completed pre- and post-session surveys about awareness and behaviors regarding air pollution. Paired-sample t-tests were performed to evaluate changes in knowledge, attitudes/perceptions, and behavioral intentions/practices, respectively. Lastly, follow-up interviews were conducted with a subset of participants. RESULTS Most participants experienced PM2.5 peaks indoors, especially when cooking at home, and had the lowest exposure in transit. Participants reported becoming more aware of air quality in their surroundings and more concerned about its health effects (t = 3.92, p = 0.000) and took more action or were more motivated to alter their behaviors to mitigate their exposure (t = 3.40, p = 0.000) after the intervention than before. However, there was no significant improvement in knowledge (t = 0.897; p = 0.187). SIGNIFICANCE Personal exposure monitoring, combined with travel-activity diaries, leads to positive changes in attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors related to air pollution. This study highlights the importance of citizen engagement in air monitoring for effective risk communication and air pollution management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoo Min Park
- Department of Geography, Planning, and Environment, Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA.
| | - Denise Chavez
- Department of Geography, Planning, and Environment, Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA
| | - Sinan Sousan
- Department of Public Health, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA
- North Carolina Agromedicine Institute, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA
| | - Natalia Figueroa-Bernal
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, College of Health and Human Performance, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA
- Association of Mexicans in North Carolina, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
McCarron A, Semple S, Braban CF, Swanson V, Gillespie C, Price HD. Public engagement with air quality data: using health behaviour change theory to support exposure-minimising behaviours. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 33:321-331. [PMID: 35764891 PMCID: PMC10234807 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-022-00449-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to air pollution prematurely kills 7 million people globally every year. Policy measures designed to reduce emissions of pollutants, improve ambient air and consequently reduce health impacts, can be effective, but are generally slow to generate change. Individual actions can therefore supplement policy measures and more immediately reduce people's exposure to air pollution. Air quality indices (AQI) are used globally (though not universally) to translate complex air quality data into a single unitless metric, which can be paired with advice to encourage behaviour change. Here we explore, with reference to health behaviour theories, why these are frequently insufficient to instigate individual change. We examine the health behaviour theoretical steps linking air quality data with reduced air pollution exposure and (consequently) improved public health, arguing that a combination of more 'personalised' air quality data and greater public engagement with these data will together better support individual action. Based on this, we present a novel framework, which, when used to shape air quality interventions, has the potential to yield more effective and sustainable interventions to reduce individual exposures and thus reduce the global public health burden of air pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy McCarron
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK.
| | - Sean Semple
- Institute of Social Marketing and Health, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | | | | | | | - Heather D Price
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bernasconi S, Angelucci A, Aliverti A. A Scoping Review on Wearable Devices for Environmental Monitoring and Their Application for Health and Wellness. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:5994. [PMID: 36015755 PMCID: PMC9415849 DOI: 10.3390/s22165994] [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: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This scoping review is focused on wearable devices for environmental monitoring. First, the main pollutants are presented, followed by sensing technologies that are used for the parameters of interest. Selected examples of wearables and portables are divided into commercially available and research-level projects. While many commercial products are in fact portable, there is an increasing interest in using a completely wearable technology. This allows us to correlate the pollution level to other personal information (performed activity, position, and respiratory parameters) and thus to estimate personal exposure to given pollutants. The fact that there are no univocal indices to estimate outdoor or indoor air quality is also an open problem. Finally, applications of wearables for environmental monitoring are discussed. Combining environmental monitoring with other devices would permit better choices of where to perform sports activities, especially in highly polluted areas, and provide detailed information on the living conditions of individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessandra Angelucci
- Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Energy Poverty Evaluation Using a Three-Dimensional and Territorial Indicator: A Case Study in Chile. BUILDINGS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/buildings12081125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Energy poverty (EP) is a problem that affects a large part of the world population, leaving those most vulnerable to suffer from unhealthy indoor conditions in their homes, being cold in winter months, struggling with their monetary situation, and even reducing social activities with relatives. In this context, it is important to assess EP situations and identify those factors that most affect each one. This paper, through the evaluation and adaptation of the Three-dimensional and Territorial Indicator of Energy Poverty (EPITT in Spanish), developed by the Energy Poverty Network in Chile (RedPE Chile), assesses the different EP situations in a social-housing case study located in south-central Chile. The results show different EP situations depending on the dimensions studied, e.g., 35% of households had food and hygiene issues, 27% had issues with lighting and electrical devices, 72% with climate control in the home, and 68% experienced equality in energy expenditure issues. It is possible to say that energy expenditure is the dimension that most influences the EP situation. Furthermore, the values in the different dimensions are below the national average, mainly because of the poor quality of housing, limitations in access to energy, and low income. In conclusion, the adaptation of EPTTI provides a better understanding of EP vulnerability at the local scale.
Collapse
|
7
|
Zulkifli A, Rani NLA, Abdul Mutalib RNS, Dobson R, Ibrahim TAE, Abd Latif NH, O’Donnell R, Uny I, Zainal Abidin E, Semple S. Measuring secondhand smoke in homes in Malaysia: A
feasibility study comparing indoor fine particulate (PM<sub>2.5</sub>)
concentrations following an educational feedback
intervention to create smoke-free homes during the
COVID-19 pandemic. Tob Induc Dis 2022; 20:64. [PMID: 35865971 PMCID: PMC9272415 DOI: 10.18332/tid/150338] [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] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Extensive regulations have been introduced to reduce secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure among non-smokers in Malaysia. However, there is still a need to encourage behavior change of smokers in relation to making homes smoke-free. This feasibility study aimed to use low-cost air pollution monitors to quantify SHS concentrations in Malaysian households and to explore the practicality of using personalized feedback in educating families to make their homes smoke-free. METHODS A total of 35 smokers in three states in Malaysia were recruited via snowball and convenience sampling methods. Indoor fine particulate (PM2.5) concentrations in participants’ homes were measured for 7 days before and after educational intervention using a pre-defined template, which included personalized air-quality feedback, and information on SHS impacts were given. The feedback was delivered over two 20-minute phone calls or in-person sessions following the completion of the air-quality measurements. Data were corrected for outdoor PM2.5 concentrations from the nearest environmental monitor. RESULTS Despite the challenges in conducting the project during COVID-19 pandemic, the delivery of the intervention was found to be feasible. Twenty-seven (77%) out of 35 participants completed PM2.5 measurements and received a complete intervention. The median (IQR: 25th –75th percentile concentrations) SHS-PM2.5 concentrations at baseline and follow-up were 18.3 µg/m3 (IQR: 13.3–28.3) and 16.2 µg/m3 (IQR: 10.4 – 25.6), respectively. There was a reduction of SHS-PM2.5 concentrations at follow-up measurement in the houses of 17 participants (63%). The change in corrected indoor PM2.5 concentrations between baseline and follow-up was not statistically significant (Z= -1.01, p=0.29). CONCLUSIONS This educational intervention, combining the use of a low-cost air particle counter with personalized air-quality feedback, was found to be feasible in the Malaysian setting. It has potential to trigger behavior change among smokers, reducing indoor smoking and consequent SHS concentrations, and increasing smoke-free home implementation. A large-scale trial is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aziemah Zulkifli
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Nurul Latiffah Abd Rani
- Faculty of Ocean Engineering Technology and Informatics, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Malaysia
| | | | - Ruaraidh Dobson
- Institute for Social Marketing and Health, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
| | - Tengku Azmina Engku Ibrahim
- Faculty of Ocean Engineering Technology and Informatics, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Malaysia
| | - Norul Hernani Abd Latif
- Department of Biomedical Science, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Rachel O’Donnell
- Institute for Social Marketing and Health, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
| | - Isabelle Uny
- Institute for Social Marketing and Health, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
| | - Emilia Zainal Abidin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Sean Semple
- Institute for Social Marketing and Health, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Deng X, Song Y, He Q, Xu D, Qi Y. Does Internet use improve farmers' perception of environmental pollution? Evidence from rural China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:44832-44844. [PMID: 35138544 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19076-3] [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: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
People's weak perceptions of environmental pollution (PEP) threaten the achievement of the Global Sustainable Goals, especially in rural areas. However, Internet use may improve farmer's PEP. Thus, based on survey data from rural China, this study uses an endogenous switching regression model (ESRM) to remove the selection bias and quantitatively evaluate the impact of Internet use on the farmers' PEP. The results of this study show that (1) for group of farmers using the Internet, if they do not use the Internet, their PEP may decrease by 91.004% and (2) for group of farmers not using the Internet, if they use the Internet, their PEP may increase by 100.160%. These results provide the evidence for developing countries aiming to improve their residents' PEP and provide a new path for solving the problem of global environmental pollution and realizing sustainability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Deng
- College of Economics, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiming Song
- College of Economics, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang He
- College of Economics, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Dingde Xu
- College of Management, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanbin Qi
- College of Economics, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
An IoT-Aware Solution to Support Governments in Air Pollution Monitoring Based on the Combination of Real-Time Data and Citizen Feedback. SENSORS 2022; 22:s22031000. [PMID: 35161750 PMCID: PMC8839545 DOI: 10.3390/s22031000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
One of the main concerns of the last century is regarding the air pollution and its effects caused on human health. Its impact is particularly evident in cities and urban areas where governments are trying to mitigate its effects. Although different solutions have been already proposed, citizens continue to report bad conditions in the areas in which they live. This paper proposes a solution to support governments in monitoring the city pollution through the combination of user feedbacks/reports and real-time data acquired through dedicated mobile IoT sensors dynamically re-located by government officials to verify the reported conditions of specific areas. The mobile devices leverage on dedicated sensors to monitor the air quality and capture main roads traffic conditions through machine learning techniques. The system exposes a mobile application and a website to support the collection of citizens’ reports and show gathered data to both institutions and end-users. A proof-of-concept of the proposed solution has been prototyped in a medium-sized university campus. Both the performance and functional validation have demonstrated the feasibility and the effectiveness of the system and allowed the definition of some lessons learned, as well as future works.
Collapse
|
10
|
The Grass Is Always Greener on My Side: A Field Experiment Examining the Home Halo Effect. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12166335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Wood-burning pollution is a severe problem in southern Chile, where every winter, people are exposed to unhealthy ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations. Urban air quality is a major concern for health officials, but public awareness campaigns tend to focus on outdoor hazards. Our understanding of how residents are exposed and perceive air pollution risks in their homes remains incomplete. This study explores the ability of participants to perceive indoor air quality. We collected data on 81 households, combining perceptions of air quality with objective measurements of PM2.5. Residents’ evaluations of air quality were systematically compared to inspectors’ evaluations in order to examine the home halo effect. We found that residents tended to overestimate air quality in their homes. We discuss how our data supported the existence of a home halo effect, but also point out the possibility that individuals’ ability to perceive air quality in indoor spaces is limited by other factors.
Collapse
|