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Asri AK, Newman GD, Tao Z, Zhu R, Chen HL, Lung SCC, Wu CD. What is the spatiotemporal pattern of benzene concentration spread over susceptible area surrounding the Hartman Park community, Houston, Texas? JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 474:134666. [PMID: 38815389 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
The Hartman Park community in Houston, Texas-USA, is in a highly polluted area which poses significant risks to its predominantly Hispanic and lower-income residents. Surrounded by dense clustering of industrial facilities compounds health and safety hazards, exacerbating environmental and social inequalities. Such conditions emphasize the urgent need for environmental measures that focus on investigating ambient air quality. This study estimated benzene, one of the most reported pollutants in Hartman Park, using machine learning-based approaches. Benzene data was collected in residential areas in the neighborhood and analyzed using a combination of five machine-learning algorithms (i.e., XGBR, GBR, LGBMR, CBR, RFR) through a newly developed ensemble learning model. Evaluations on model robustness, overfitting tests, 10-fold cross-validation, internal and stratified validation were performed. We found that the ensemble model depicted about 98.7% spatial variability of benzene (Adj. R2 =0.987). Through rigorous validations, stability of model performance was confirmed. Several predictors that contribute to benzene were identified, including temperature, developed intensity areas, leaking petroleum storage tank, and traffic-related factors. Analyzing spatial patterns, we found high benzene spread over areas near industrial zones as well as in residential areas. Overall, our study area was exposed to high benzene levels and requires extra attention from relevant authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aji Kusumaning Asri
- Department of Geomatics, College of Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Galen D Newman
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, School of Architecture Texas A&M University, 3137 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Zhihan Tao
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, School of Architecture Texas A&M University, 3137 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Rui Zhu
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, School of Architecture Texas A&M University, 3137 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Hsiu-Ling Chen
- Department of Food Safety Hygiene and Risk Management, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Shih-Chun Candice Lung
- Research Center for Environmental Changes, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Atmospheric Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Institute of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chih-Da Wu
- Department of Geomatics, College of Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, ROC; National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan, ROC; Innovation and Development Center of Sustainable Agriculture, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City 402, Taiwan, ROC; Research Center for Precision Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan, ROC.
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2
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Danforth CG, Portier C, Ensor KB, Hopkins L, Evans B, Quist AJL, McGraw KE, Craft E. Development and demonstration of a data visualization platform of short-term guidelines for ambient air levels of benzene during disaster response in Houston, Texas. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2024; 20:533-546. [PMID: 37462252 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Industrial disasters have caused hazardous air pollution and public health impacts. Response officials have developed limited exposure guidelines to direct them during the event; often, guidelines are outdated and may not represent relevant elevated-exposure periods. The 2019 Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC) fire in Houston, Texas led to large-scale releases of benzene and presented a public health threat. This incident highlights the need for effective response and nimble, rapid public health communication. We developed a data-driven visualization tool to store, display, and interpret ambient benzene concentrations to assist health officials during environmental emergencies. Guidance values to interpret risk from acute exposure to benzene were updated using recent literature that also considers exposure periodicity. The visualization platform can process data from different sampling instruments and air monitors automatically, and displays information publicly in real time, along with the associated risk information and action recommendations. The protocol was validated by applying it retrospectively to the ITC event. The new guidance values are 6-30 times lower than those derived by the Texas regulatory agency. Fixed-site monitoring data, assessed using the protocol and revised thresholds, indicated that eight shelter-in-place and 17 air-quality alerts may have been considered. At least one of these shelter-in-place alerts corresponded to prolonged, elevated benzene concentrations (~1000 ppb). This new tool addresses essential gaps in the timely communication of air pollution measurements, provides context to understand potential health risks from exposure to benzene, and provides a clear protocol for local officials in responding to industrial air releases of benzene. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:533-546. © 2023 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kathy B Ensor
- George R. Brown School of Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Bryan Evans
- Kinder Institute for Urban Research, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Arbor J L Quist
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Katlyn E McGraw
- Environmental Health Sciences Department, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
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3
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Isinkaralar K. Improving the adsorption performance of non-polar benzene vapor by using lignin-based activated carbon. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:108706-108719. [PMID: 37752402 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30046-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Both indoor and outdoor contamination continually contain benzene vapor. It has primary concerns about long-term health risks to the living environment. Benzene is a crucial airborne pollutant in the environment due to its apparent acute toxicity, high volatility, and poor degradability. It is especially urgent to restrain benzene emissions due to the persistent concentration increase and stringent processes. Benzene adsorption is a highly efficient mechanism with low cost, low energy consumption, and a simple process. In this study, biomass-derived porous carbon materials (TCACs) were synthesized by pyrolysis activation combined with H3PO4, HNO3, and HCl. TCAC44 has the best activation conclusion, showing that surface area and pore volume were 1107 m2/g and 0.58 cm3/g treated with H3PO4 and so was chosen for subsequent benzene adsorption/desorption tests. The adsorption capacities of benzene for TCAC44 were increased from 58 mg/g for 35 °C + 95% RH to 121 mg/g for 25 °C + 15% RH and presented a higher adsorption capacity of benzene than TCAC101 and TCAC133. Otherwise, well recyclability of TCAC44 was revealed as the benzene adsorption capacity reductions were 22.49% after five adsorption-desorption cycles. Furthermore, the present study established the property-application relationships to promote and encourage future research on the newly synthesized innovative TCAC44 for benzene removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaan Isinkaralar
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Kastamonu University, 37150, Kastamonu, Türkiye.
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4
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Hyman S, Zhang J, Andersen ZJ, Cruickshank S, Møller P, Daras K, Williams R, Topping D, Lim YH. Long-term exposure to air pollution and COVID-19 severity: A cohort study in Greater Manchester, United Kingdom. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 327:121594. [PMID: 37030601 PMCID: PMC10079212 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to outdoor air pollution may affect incidence and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this retrospective cohort based on patient records from the Greater Manchester Care Records, all first COVID-19 cases diagnosed between March 1, 2020 and May 31, 2022 were followed until COVID-19 related hospitalization or death within 28 days. Long-term exposure was estimated using mean annual concentrations of particulate matter with diameter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5), ≤10 μm (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and benzene (C6H6) in 2019 using a validated air pollution model developed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The association of long-term exposure to air pollution with COVID-19 hospitalization and mortality were estimated using multivariate logistic regression models after adjusting for potential individual, temporal and spatial confounders. Significant positive associations were observed between PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, benzene and COVID-19 hospital admissions with odds ratios (95% Confidence Intervals [CI]) of 1.27 (1.25-1.30), 1.15 (1.13-1.17), 1.12 (1.10-1.14), 1.16 (1.14-1.18), and 1.39 (1.36-1.42), (per interquartile range [IQR]), respectively. Significant positive associations were also observed between PM2.5, PM10, SO2, or benzene and COVID-19 mortality with odds ratios (95% CI) of 1.39 (1.31-1.48), 1.23 (1.17-1.30), 1.18 (1.12-1.24), and 1.62 (1.52-1.72), per IQR, respectively. Individuals who were older, overweight or obese, current smokers, or had underlying comorbidities showed greater associations between all pollutants of interest and hospital admission, compared to the corresponding groups. Long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with developing severe COVID-19 after a positive SARS-CoV-2 infection, resulting in hospitalization or death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Hyman
- Department of Earth and Environmental Science, Centre for Atmospheric Science, School of Natural Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Jiawei Zhang
- Section of Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Zorana Jovanovic Andersen
- Section of Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sheena Cruickshank
- Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Peter Møller
- Section of Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Konstantinos Daras
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Richard Williams
- Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Science, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK; NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Greater Manchester, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - David Topping
- Department of Earth and Environmental Science, Centre for Atmospheric Science, School of Natural Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Youn-Hee Lim
- Section of Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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5
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Asosega KA, Aidoo EN, Adebanji AO, Owusu-Dabo E. Examining the risk factors for overweight and obesity among women in Ghana: A multilevel perspective. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16207. [PMID: 37229171 PMCID: PMC10205511 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Overweight/obesity prevalence is on the increase in epidemic proportions across Low- and Middle-Income countries (LMICs). The public health burden associated with obesity/overweight cannot be underestimated due to its association with chronic health outcomes. This study investigated the individual- and community level risk factors for obesity/overweight among reproductive women. The data used consist of 4393 reproductive women and form part of the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS). Information on these women are clustered within 427 communities. A 2-tier random intercept multilevel logistic model was used to assess the effect of individual- and community level factors on the likelihood of a woman to be obese/overweight. The obesity/overweight prevalence among reproductive women was estimated to be 35.5% (95% CI: 34.04, 36.90%), which significantly differed across clusters. Most at risk were women from middle-income households (aOR = 2.85; 95% CI: 2.28, 3.56), upper-income households (aOR = 5.019, 95% CI: 3.85, 6.55), attaining secondary education (aOR = 1.74; 95% CI: 1.41, 2.16), and higher (aOR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.14, 2.33), old age (20-29 years (aOR = 4.26; 95% CI: 3.142,5.78); 30-39 years (aOR = 8.59; 95% CI: 6.15, 12.00); 40-49 years (aOR = 12.81; 95% CI: 9.10, 18.16)). Significant differences in the probability of being overweight/obese between different communities were observed (MOR = 1.39). The high prevalence of overweight/obesity requires urgent public health interventions to prevent future public health crises. Efforts to strengthen the healthcare system, encourage lifestyle modification, and public health education are needed to solidify the gains of ensuring a healthy population by 2030 (SDG 3).
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Affiliation(s)
- Killian Asampana Asosega
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani, Ghana
| | - Eric Nimako Aidoo
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Atinuke Olusola Adebanji
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Ellis Owusu-Dabo
- Department of Global and International Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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Tee Lewis PG, Chiu WA, Nasser E, Proville J, Barone A, Danforth C, Kim B, Prozzi J, Craft E. Characterizing vulnerabilities to climate change across the United States. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 172:107772. [PMID: 36731185 PMCID: PMC10214772 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107772] [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: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Climate change will cause a range of related risks, including increases in infectious and chronic disease, intensified social and economic stresses, and more frequent extreme weather events. Vulnerable groups will be disproportionately affected due to greater exposure to climate risks and lower ability to prepare, adapt, and recover from their effects. Better understanding of the intersection of vulnerability and climate change risks is required to identify the most important drivers of future climate risks and effectively build resilience and deploy targeted adaptation efforts. Incorporating community stakeholder input, we identified and integrated available public health, social, economic, environmental, and climate data in the United States (U.S.), comprising 184 indicators, to develop a Climate Vulnerability Index (CVI) composed of four baseline vulnerabilities (health, social/economic, infrastructure, and environment) and three climate change risks (health, social/economic, extreme events). We find that the vulnerability to and risks from climate change are highly heterogeneous across the U.S. at the census tract scale, and geospatially cluster into complementary areas with similar climate risks but differing baseline vulnerabilities. Our results therefore demonstrate that not only are climate change risks both broadly and variably distributed across the U.S., but also that existing disparities are often further exacerbated by climate change. The CVI thus lays a data-driven, scientific foundation for future research on the intersection of climate change risks with health and other inequalities, while also identifying health impacts of climate change as the greatest research gap. Moreover, given U.S. government initiatives surrounding climate and equity, the CVI can be instrumental in empowering communities and policymakers to better prioritize resources and target interventions, providing a template for addressing local-scale climate and environmental justice globally.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Weihsueh A Chiu
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
| | - Ellu Nasser
- Environmental Defense Fund, Austin, TX, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Bumsik Kim
- Texas Transportation Institute, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
| | - Jolanda Prozzi
- Texas Transportation Institute, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
| | - Elena Craft
- Environmental Defense Fund, Austin, TX, USA.
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7
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Huang CC, Pan SC, Chin WS, Chen YC, Wu CD, Hsu CY, Lin P, Chen PC, Guo YL. Living proximity to petrochemical industries and the risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113128. [PMID: 35337833 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113128] [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: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Evidence regarding the negative neurodevelopmental effects of compound exposure to petrochemicals remains limited. We aimed to evaluate the association between exposure to petrochemical facilities and generated emissions during early life and the risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) development in children. We conducted a population-based birth cohort study using the 2004 to 2014 Taiwanese Birth Certificate Database and verified diagnoses of ADHD using the National Health Insurance Database. The level of petrochemical exposure in each participant's residential township was evaluated using the following 3 measurements: distance to the nearest petrochemical industrial plant (PIP), petrochemical exposure probability (accounting for monthly prevailing wind measurements), and monthly benzene concentrations estimated using kriging-based land-use regression models. We applied Cox proportional hazard models to evaluate the association. During the study period, 48,854 out of 1,863,963 children were diagnosed as having ADHD. The results revealed that residents of townships in close proximity to PIPs (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16-1.23, <3 vs. ≥10 km), highly affected by petrochemical-containing prevailing winds (HR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.08-1.16, ≥40% vs. <10%), and with high benzene concentrations (HR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.23-1.29, ≥0.75 vs. <0.55 ppb) were consistently associated with the increased risk of ADHD development in children. The findings of the sensitivity analysis remained robust, particularly for the 2004 to 2009 birth cohort and for models accounting for a longer duration of postnatal exposure. This work provided clear evidence that living near petrochemical plants increases the risk of ADHD development in children. Further studies are warranted to confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Chun Huang
- Environmental and Occupational Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Chun Pan
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Shan Chin
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Cheng Chen
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Chih-da Wu
- Department of Geomatics, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Yu Hsu
- Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, Ming Chi University of Technology, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Center for Environmental Sustainability and Human Health, Ming Chi University of Technology, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Pinpin Lin
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Pau-Chung Chen
- Environmental and Occupational Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan; Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
| | - Yue Leon Guo
- Environmental and Occupational Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan; Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taiwan.
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8
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Di Fonzo D, Fabri A, Pasetto R. Distributive justice in environmental health hazards from industrial contamination: A systematic review of national and near-national assessments of social inequalities. Soc Sci Med 2022; 297:114834. [PMID: 35217367 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.114834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Communities where polluting human activities are sited often show disadvantage in terms of social and economic variables. Environmental distributive justice studies seek to identify common characteristics in exposed populations and highlight the presence of environmental inequalities. We have conducted a review of the existing literature about justice in the distribution of health hazards from industrial pollution. We included papers investigating associations between social disadvantage and contamination through assessments at national or macro-area level. From each study we extracted: indicators for the social determinants of exposed communities (classified according to PROGRESS-plus categories); definition and measurement of environmental hazard (as either proximity to contamination sources, exposure to emissions or health impacts from pollutants); study design and methods; significant results. We retrieved 45 eligible articles. Most publications were from USA and had a nationwide scope with data at municipal/sub-municipal scale. Socioeconomic position and race/ethnicity were the social determinants most often explored, followed by occupation and education; air pollution was the commonest sort of contamination, while proximity prevailed as measurement of hazard. All papers found significant associations between social dimensions and health hazard from industrial contamination: the majority of associations supported an increased burden on vulnerable categories, especially ethnic minorities and unemployed - however, several relationships were found in the opposite direction or in both ways, particularly with wealth and education, reflecting a mixed reality where potential discrimination in siting decisions coexists with socioeconomic benefits for nearby communities due to industrial development. Assessments of environmental distributive justice are lacking in most countries and those that are conducted show vast methodological heterogeneity. We recommend consistency in models and indicators, the inclusion of female-led households among indicators of social disadvantage, and the adoption of a small scale to elicit significant findings and provide meaningful policy action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Di Fonzo
- Unit of Environmental and Social Epidemiology, Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy; School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Parma. Via Volturno 39, 43125, Parma, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Fabri
- Unit of Environmental and Social Epidemiology, Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy; WHO Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health in Contaminated Sites, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Pasetto
- Unit of Environmental and Social Epidemiology, Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy; WHO Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health in Contaminated Sites, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
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9
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Yang H, Zhang D, Liang R, Liu Z, Song Y, Yang L, Liu A. Formation of Multiple‐Helical Core‐Shell Structure from Polyphenyl and Boron Nitride Nanotube. ADVANCED THEORY AND SIMULATIONS 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/adts.202100078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Houbo Yang
- College of Mechanical and Vehicle Engineering Linyi University Linyi Shandong 276005 China
| | - Danhui Zhang
- College of Mechanical and Vehicle Engineering Linyi University Linyi Shandong 276005 China
| | - Ruquan Liang
- College of Mechanical and Vehicle Engineering Linyi University Linyi Shandong 276005 China
| | - Zhongkui Liu
- College of Mechanical and Vehicle Engineering Linyi University Linyi Shandong 276005 China
| | - Yuanmei Song
- College of Mechanical and Vehicle Engineering Linyi University Linyi Shandong 276005 China
| | - Liu Yang
- College of Mechanical and Vehicle Engineering Linyi University Linyi Shandong 276005 China
| | - Anmin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals School of Chemical Engineering Dalian University of Technology Panjin 124221 China
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10
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Kiaghadi A, Rifai HS, Dawson CN. The presence of Superfund sites as a determinant of life expectancy in the United States. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1947. [PMID: 33850131 PMCID: PMC8044172 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22249-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Superfund sites could affect life expectancy (LE) via increasing the likelihood of exposure to toxic chemicals. Here, we assess to what extent such presence could alter the LE independently and in the context of sociodemographic determinants. A nationwide geocoded statistical modeling at the census tract level was undertaken to estimate the magnitude of impact. Results showed a significant difference in LE among census tracts with at least one Superfund site and their neighboring tracts with no sites. The presence of a Superfund site could cause a decrease of -0.186 ± 0.027 years in LE. This adverse effect could be as high as -1.22 years in tracts with Superfund sites and high sociodemographic disadvantage. Specific characteristics of Superfund sites such as being prone to flooding and the absence of a cleanup strategy could amplify the adverse effect. Furthermore, the presence of Superfund sites amplifies the negative influence of sociodemographic factors at lower LEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Kiaghadi
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Hanadi S Rifai
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Clint N Dawson
- Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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11
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Vicens P, Heredia L, Bustamante E, Pérez Y, Domingo JL, Torrente M. Does living close to a petrochemical complex increase the adverse psychological effects of the COVID-19 lockdown? PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249058. [PMID: 33730077 PMCID: PMC7968890 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The petrochemical industry has made the economic development of many local communities possible, increasing employment opportunities and generating a complex network of closely-related secondary industries. However, it is known that petrochemical industries emit air pollutants, which have been related to different negative effects on mental health. In addition, many people around the world are being exposed to highly stressful situations deriving from the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdowns adopted by national and regional governments. The present study aims to analyse the possible differential effects on various psychological outcomes (stress, anxiety, depression and emotional regulation strategies) stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and consequent lockdown experienced by individuals living near an important petrochemical complex and subjects living in other areas, nonexposed to the characteristic environmental pollutants emitted by these kinds of complex. The sample consisted of 1607 subjects who answered an ad hoc questionnaire on lockdown conditions, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS) and the Emotional Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ). The results indicate that people living closer to petrochemical complexes reported greater risk perception [K = 73.42, p < 0.001, with a medium size effect (η2 = 0.061)]. However, no significant relationship between psychological variables and proximity to the focus was detected when comparing people living near to or far away from a chemical/petrochemical complex. Regarding the adverse psychological effects of the first lockdown due to COVID-19 on the general population in Catalonia, we can conclude that the conditions included in this survey were mainly related to changes in the participants' impulsivity levels, with different total impulsivity scores being obtained if they had minors in their care (p<0.001), if they had lost their jobs, if they were working (p<0.001), if they were not telecommuting (p<0.001), if they went out to work (p<0.001) or if they established routines (p = 0.009). However, we can also be fairly certain that the economic effects are going to be worse than those initially detected in this study. More research will be necessary to corroborate our results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paloma Vicens
- Department of Psychology, CRAMC (Research Center for Behavior Assessment), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, TECNATOX, School of Medicine, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - Luis Heredia
- Department of Psychology, CRAMC (Research Center for Behavior Assessment), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, TECNATOX, School of Medicine, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - Edgar Bustamante
- Department of Geography, GRATET, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Vila-seca, Spain
| | - Yolanda Pérez
- Department of Geography, GRATET, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Vila-seca, Spain
| | - José L. Domingo
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, TECNATOX, School of Medicine, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - Margarita Torrente
- Department of Psychology, CRAMC (Research Center for Behavior Assessment), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, TECNATOX, School of Medicine, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
- * E-mail:
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Marquès M, Domingo JL, Nadal M, Schuhmacher M. Health risks for the population living near petrochemical industrial complexes. 2. Adverse health outcomes other than cancer. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 730:139122. [PMID: 32388111 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Montse Marquès
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - José L Domingo
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Martí Nadal
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Marta Schuhmacher
- Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
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13
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Smułek W, Zdarta A, Grzywaczyk A, Guzik U, Siwińska-Ciesielczyk K, Ciesielczyk F, Strzemiecka B, Jesionowski T, Voelkel A, Kaczorek E. Evaluation of the physico-chemical properties of hydrocarbons-exposed bacterial biomass. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2020; 196:111310. [PMID: 32911293 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2020.111310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In the efforts for the removal of hazardous materials from the environment biological processes are a valuable tool. Although much attention has been paid to the changes in bacteria at the omics level, another, physical-chemical perspective on the issue is essential, as little is known of microbial response to continuous exposition on harmful substances. This study provides in-depth characterization of the physical-chemical parameters of bacterial biomass after hydrocarbons exposure. To provide comparability of the harmful effects of chlorotoluenes and xylenes non-exposed and 12-months hydrocarbons exposed cells were analyzed, using the advanced spectrometric methods, inverse gas chromatography and low-temperature N2 sorption to evaluate acid-base as well as dispersive properties of the studied biomass. Presented results indicate P. fluorescens B01 cells strategy aimed at protecting the cell, thus lowering its' biodegradation efficiency as a result of metabolic stress. The outcome of the study was that prolonged exposure to pollutants might reduce the bioavailability of hydrocarbons to bacteria cells, and consequently decrease the effectiveness of decontamination of polluted sites by indigenous microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Smułek
- Institute of Chemical Technology and Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Technology, Poznan University of Technology, Berdychowo 4, 60-965 Poznań, Poland
| | - Agata Zdarta
- Institute of Chemical Technology and Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Technology, Poznan University of Technology, Berdychowo 4, 60-965 Poznań, Poland.
| | - Adam Grzywaczyk
- Institute of Chemical Technology and Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Technology, Poznan University of Technology, Berdychowo 4, 60-965 Poznań, Poland
| | - Urszula Guzik
- University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of Biochemistry, Jagiellońska 28, 40-032 Katowice, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Siwińska-Ciesielczyk
- Institute of Chemical Technology and Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Technology, Poznan University of Technology, Berdychowo 4, 60-965 Poznań, Poland
| | - Filip Ciesielczyk
- Institute of Chemical Technology and Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Technology, Poznan University of Technology, Berdychowo 4, 60-965 Poznań, Poland
| | - Beata Strzemiecka
- Institute of Chemical Technology and Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Technology, Poznan University of Technology, Berdychowo 4, 60-965 Poznań, Poland
| | - Teofil Jesionowski
- Institute of Chemical Technology and Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Technology, Poznan University of Technology, Berdychowo 4, 60-965 Poznań, Poland
| | - Adam Voelkel
- Institute of Chemical Technology and Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Technology, Poznan University of Technology, Berdychowo 4, 60-965 Poznań, Poland
| | - Ewa Kaczorek
- Institute of Chemical Technology and Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Technology, Poznan University of Technology, Berdychowo 4, 60-965 Poznań, Poland
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