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Villarroel F, Ponce N, Gómez FA, Muñoz C, Ramírez E, Nualart F, Salinas P. Exposure to fine particulate matter 2.5 from wood combustion smoke causes vascular changes in placenta and reduce fetal size. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 127:108610. [PMID: 38750704 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
During gestation, maternal blood flow to the umbilical cord and placenta increases, facilitating efficient nutrient absorption, waste elimination, and effective gas exchange for the developing fetus. However, the effects of exposure to wood smoke during this period on these processes are unknown. We hypothesize that exposure to PM2.5, primarily sourced from wood combustion for home heating, affects placental vascular morphophysiology and fetal size. We used exposure chambers that received either filtered or unfiltered air. Female rats were exposed to PM2.5 during pre-gestational and/or gestational stages. Twenty-one days post-fertilization, placentas were collected via cesarean section. In these placentas, oxygen diffusion capacity was measured, and the expression of angiogenic factors was analyzed using qPCR and immunohistochemistry. In groups exposed to PM2.5 during pre-gestational and/or gestational stages, a decrease in fetal weight, crown-rump length, theoretical and specific diffusion capacity, and an increase in HIF-1α expression were observed. In groups exposed exclusively to PM2.5 during the pre-gestational stage, there was an increase in the expression of placental genes Flt-1, Kdr, and PIGF. Additionally, in the placental labyrinth region, the expression of angiogenic factors was elevated. Changes in angiogenesis and angiogenic factors reflect adaptations to hypoxia, impacting fetal growth and oxygen supply. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that exposure to PM2.5, emitted from wood smoke, in both pre-gestational and gestational stages, affects fetal development and placental health. This underscores the importance of addressing air pollution in areas with high levels of wood smoke, which poses a significant health risk to pregnant women and their fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca Villarroel
- Laboratory of Animal & Experimental Morphology, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile; MSc. Program in Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Nikol Ponce
- PhD Program in Morphological Sciences, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile; Center of Excellence in Surgical and Morphological Studies (CEMyQ), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Fernando A Gómez
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Cristián Muñoz
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Eder Ramírez
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Stem Cells NeuroCellT, Department of Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad de Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Francisco Nualart
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Stem Cells NeuroCellT, Department of Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad de Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile; Center for Advanced Microscopy CMA BIO-BIO, Universidad de Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Paulo Salinas
- Laboratory of Animal & Experimental Morphology, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile.
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Dai X, Shang W, Liu J, Xue M, Wang C. Achieving better indoor air quality with IoT systems for future buildings: Opportunities and challenges. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 895:164858. [PMID: 37343873 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
With the development of IoT technology and low-cost indoor air quality (IAQ) sensors, the IoT-based IAQ monitoring platform has garnered significant research interest and demonstrated its potential in enhancing IAQ management. This study presents a comprehensive review of previous research on the development and application of IoT-based IAQ platforms in different built environments. It offers detailed insights into the design and implementation of recent IoT-based IAQ platforms. The findings indicate that the IoT-based IAQ platforms are able to provide reliable information for IAQ monitoring. To ensure quality control of the IoT-based IAQ platform, it is suggested to replace the sensors every 4-6 months for reliable monitoring. In another aspect, integrating data-driven technology into the platform is crucial for IAQ prediction and efficient control of ventilation systems, leveraging the wealth of data available from the IoT platform. According to recent studies that applied data-driven algorithms for IAQ management, it can be confirmed that the data-driven algorithms are able to prompt IAQ by providing either more information or a control strategy. However, it should be noted that only 9.1 % of the developed platforms integrated data-driven models for IAQ management. Based on our findings, current challenges and further opportunities are discussed. Future studies should focus on integrating data-driven algorithms into IoT-based IAQ platforms and developing digital twins that can be used for real building IAQ management. However, there is obvious tension between controlling ventilation for energy efficiency versus better air quality. It is important to make a balance between energy efficiency and better air quality according to the current situations of specific built environments. Also, the next generation of IoT-based IAQ platforms should include occupants in the loop to create a more occupant-centric IAQ management approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xilei Dai
- Department of the Built Environment, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Architecture Drive, Singapore 117566, Singapore
| | - Wenzhe Shang
- Tianjin Key Lab of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Junjie Liu
- Tianjin Key Lab of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
| | - Min Xue
- Tianjin Key Lab of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Congcong Wang
- School of Environment and Energy Engineering, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing 100044, China
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Simon F, Gironás J, Rivera J, Vega A, Arce G, Molinos-Senante M, Jorquera H, Flamant G, Bustamante W, Greene M, Vargas I, Suárez F, Pastén P, Cortés S. Toward sustainability and resilience in Chilean cities: Lessons and recommendations for air, water, and soil issues. Heliyon 2023; 9:e18191. [PMID: 37519708 PMCID: PMC10372401 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Achieving sustainability and resilience depends on the conciliation of environmental, social, and economic issues integrated into a long-term perspective to ensure communities flourish. Many nations are transitioning toward both objectives, while at the same time addressing structural concerns that have not allowed them to look after the environment in the past. Chile is one of these nations dealing with such challenges within a particular administrative context, an increasing environmental awareness, and a set of unique and complex geophysical boundaries that impose a plethora of hazards for cities, ecosystems, and human health. This paper presents recent accomplishments and gaps, mostly from an environmental perspective, on issues related to air pollution, the urban water cycle, and soil contamination, in the path being followed by Chile toward urban sustainability and resilience. The focus is on the bonds between cities and their geophysical context, as well as the relationships between environmental issues, the built environment, and public health. The description and diagnosis are illustrated using two cities as case studies, Temuco and Copiapó, whose socioeconomic, geographical, and environmental attributes differ considerably. Particulate matter pollution produced by the residential sector, drinking water availability, wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and soil contamination from the mining industry are discussed for these cities. Overall, the case studies highlight how tackling these issues requires coordinated actions in multiple areas, including regulatory, information, and financial incentive measures. Finally, the policy analysis discusses frameworks and opportunities for Chilean cities, which may be of interest when conceiving transitional paths toward sustainability and resilience for other cities elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Simon
- Centro de Desarrollo Urbano Sustentable (CEDEUS), El Comendador 1916, Providencia, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jorge Gironás
- Centro de Desarrollo Urbano Sustentable (CEDEUS), El Comendador 1916, Providencia, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Ingeniería Hidráulica y Ambiental, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Avenida Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Macul, Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Investigación para la Gestión Integrada del Riesgo de Desastres (CIGIDEN), Avenida Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Macul, Santiago, Chile
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Cambio Global, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Avenida Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Macul, Santiago, Chile
| | - Javier Rivera
- Centro de Desarrollo Urbano Sustentable (CEDEUS), El Comendador 1916, Providencia, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alejandra Vega
- Centro de Desarrollo Urbano Sustentable (CEDEUS), El Comendador 1916, Providencia, Santiago, Chile
| | - Guillermo Arce
- Centro de Desarrollo Urbano Sustentable (CEDEUS), El Comendador 1916, Providencia, Santiago, Chile
| | - María Molinos-Senante
- Centro de Desarrollo Urbano Sustentable (CEDEUS), El Comendador 1916, Providencia, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Ingeniería Hidráulica y Ambiental, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Avenida Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Macul, Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Investigación para la Gestión Integrada del Riesgo de Desastres (CIGIDEN), Avenida Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Macul, Santiago, Chile
| | - Héctor Jorquera
- Centro de Desarrollo Urbano Sustentable (CEDEUS), El Comendador 1916, Providencia, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química y Bioprocesos, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Avenida Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Macul, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gilles Flamant
- Centro de Desarrollo Urbano Sustentable (CEDEUS), El Comendador 1916, Providencia, Santiago, Chile
| | - Waldo Bustamante
- Centro de Desarrollo Urbano Sustentable (CEDEUS), El Comendador 1916, Providencia, Santiago, Chile
- Escuela de Arquitectura, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, El Comendador 1916, Providencia, Santiago, Chile
| | - Margarita Greene
- Centro de Desarrollo Urbano Sustentable (CEDEUS), El Comendador 1916, Providencia, Santiago, Chile
- Escuela de Arquitectura, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, El Comendador 1916, Providencia, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ignacio Vargas
- Centro de Desarrollo Urbano Sustentable (CEDEUS), El Comendador 1916, Providencia, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Ingeniería Hidráulica y Ambiental, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Avenida Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Macul, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisco Suárez
- Centro de Desarrollo Urbano Sustentable (CEDEUS), El Comendador 1916, Providencia, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Ingeniería Hidráulica y Ambiental, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Avenida Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Macul, Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Excelencia en Geotermia de los Andes (CEGA), Plaza Ercilla 803, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo Pastén
- Centro de Desarrollo Urbano Sustentable (CEDEUS), El Comendador 1916, Providencia, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Ingeniería Hidráulica y Ambiental, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Avenida Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Macul, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sandra Cortés
- Centro de Desarrollo Urbano Sustentable (CEDEUS), El Comendador 1916, Providencia, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Salud Pública, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Diagonal Paraguay 362, Santiago, Chile
- Centro Avanzado de Enfermedades Crónicas (ACCDiS), Sergio Livingstone 1007, Independencia, Santiago, Chile
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Molina C, Manzano CA, Toro A R, Leiva G MA. The oxidative potential of airborne particulate matter in two urban areas of Chile: More than meets the eye. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 173:107866. [PMID: 36905772 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107866] [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: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative potential (OP) has gained attention as a parameter that can reveal the ability of different properties of particulate matter (PM) to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) as one single value. Moreover, OP is also believed to be a predictor of toxicity and hence the health effects of PM. This study evaluated the OP of PM10, PM2.5,and PM1.0samples using dithiothreitol assays in two cities of Chile (Santiago and Chillán). The results showed that the OP was different between cities, PM size fractions, and seasons. Additionally, OP was strongly correlated with certain metals and meteorological variables. Higher mass-normalized OP was observed during cold periods in Chillán and warm periods in Santiago and was associated with PM2.5 and PM1. On the other hand, volume-normalized OP was higher during winter in both cities and for PM10. Additionally, we compared the OP values to the Air Quality Index (AQI) scale and found cases of days that were classified as having "good" air quality (supposed to be less harmful to health) showing extremely high OP values that were similar to those on days that were classified as "unhealthy". Based on these results,we suggest using the OP as a complementary measure to the PM mass concentration because it includes important new information related to PM properties and compositions that could help improvecurrent air quality management tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Molina
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425, Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carlos A Manzano
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425, Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile; School of Public Health, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Dr., San Diego, CA 92182, United States
| | - Richard Toro A
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425, Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile
| | - Manuel A Leiva G
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425, Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile.
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Rojas C, Muñiz I, Quintana M, Simon F, Castillo B, de la Fuente H, Rivera J, Widener M. Short run "rebound effect" of COVID on the transport carbon footprint. CITIES (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 131:104039. [PMID: 36274919 PMCID: PMC9576918 DOI: 10.1016/j.cities.2022.104039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic completely transformed the mobility of cities. The restrictions on movement led to "empty cities" throughout the world, with some environmental effects in terms of clean air and the reduction of CO2 emissions. This research considers how COVID-19 mobility restrictions have affected the carbon footprint of four medium-sized Chilean cities (Coronel, Temuco, Valdivia, and Osorno) that have environmental problems and are highly dependent on motorized systems. The study uses data from 2400 household surveys at three distinct times: pre-pandemic - T0 (winter 2019), the time of implementation of restrictive mobility policies to contain the pandemic - T1 (winter 2020), and six months later when those restrictions were gradually lifted - T2 (summer 2021). The analysis suggests that CO2 emissions actually went up, declining in the winter 2020, but then increasing with the greater use of cars in the summer 2021 due to the temporary effects of commuting to work, ultimately reaching levels higher than the pre-pandemic values, known as the "rebound effect."
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Rojas
- Instituto de Estudios Urbanos y Territoriales, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Centro de Desarrollo Sustentable (CEDEUS), Chile
| | - Iván Muñiz
- Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Spain
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6
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Ainiwaer S, Chen Y, Shen G, Shen H, Ma J, Cheng H, Tao S. Characterization of the vertical variation in indoor PM 2.5 in an urban apartment in China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 308:119652. [PMID: 35760202 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Indoor air pollution has aroused increasing concerns due to its significant adverse health impacts. Indoor PM2.5 exposure assessments often rely on PM2.5 concentration measured at a single height, which overlooks the vertical variation of PM2.5 concentrations accompanied by various indoor activities. In this study, we characterize the vertical profile of PM2.5 concentration by monitoring PM2.5 concentration at eight different heights in the kitchen and the bedroom, respectively, using low-cost sensors with high temporal resolution. The localized enhancement of PM2.5 concentration in elevated heights in the kitchen during cooking was observed on clean and polluted days, showing dominating contribution from cooking activities. The source contribution from cooking and outdoor penetration was semi-quantified using regression models. Stratified source contribution from cooking activities was evident in the kitchen during the cooking period. The contribution in elevated heights (above 170 cm) almost tripled the contrition in bottom layers (below 140 cm). In contrast, little vertical variation was observed during other times of the day in the kitchen or the bedroom. The exposure level calculated using the multi-height measurement in this study is consistently higher than the exposure level estimated from the single-height (at 110 cm) measurement. A more significant discrepancy existed for the cookers (17.8%) than the non-cookers (13.5%). By profiling the vertical gradient of PM2.5 concentration, we show the necessity to conduct multi-height measurements or proper breathing-height measurements to obtain unbiased concentration information for source apportionment and exposure assessment. In particular, the multi-height measuring scheme will be crucial to inform household cooking emission regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subinuer Ainiwaer
- College of Urban Environmental Sciences, Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, Sino-French Institute for Earth System, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yilin Chen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Guofeng Shen
- College of Urban Environmental Sciences, Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, Sino-French Institute for Earth System, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Huizhong Shen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jianmin Ma
- College of Urban Environmental Sciences, Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, Sino-French Institute for Earth System, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Hefa Cheng
- College of Urban Environmental Sciences, Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, Sino-French Institute for Earth System, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Shu Tao
- College of Urban Environmental Sciences, Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, Sino-French Institute for Earth System, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
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7
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PM2.5 Pollution Levels and Chemical Components at Teahouses along the Poon Hill Trek in Nepal. ATMOSPHERE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos13071018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Unhealthy levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from the local burning of solid fuels, and from regional transport of pollutants, remain a major public health problem in the Himalayan foothill villages in Nepal. Teahouses (i.e., mountain lodges) along popular hiking trails in the lower Himalayas commonly use wood as the primary energy source for heating; however, little is known about teahouse air quality. The purpose of this study was to characterize the levels and chemical constituents of indoor and ambient PM2.5 at three villages along the Poon Hill circuit trek in the Annapurna Conservation Area in Nepal. A convenience sample of five PM2.5 measurements was collected with portable MicroPEM V.3.2A exposure monitors. Filters were analyzed for black and brown carbon using integrating sphere optical transmittance and 33 elemental constituents using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence. Median indoor PM2.5 over the sampling period was 41.3 µg/m3, whereas median ambient PM2.5 over the sampling period was 34.7 µg/m3. Chemical species associated with wood smoke, such as potassium (GM = 0.88 µg/m3), predominated. High indoor and ambient PM2.5 levels may pose a significant occupational health risk to teahouse workers, who may experience chronic exposures during trekking seasons. Our findings warrant additional research to characterize teahouse air pollution exposures more fully and to evaluate intervention measures.
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Boso À, Martínez A, Somos M, Álvarez B, Avedaño C, Hofflinger Á. No Country for Old Men. Assessing Socio-Spatial Relationships Between Air Quality Perceptions and Exposures in Southern Chile. APPLIED SPATIAL ANALYSIS AND POLICY 2022; 15:1219-1236. [PMID: 35607513 PMCID: PMC9117586 DOI: 10.1007/s12061-022-09446-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
An extensive body of research has been noted that many socially deprived communities tend to live in areas characterized by higher levels of outdoor air pollution. Whilst there is an expanding literature documenting this disproportionate distribution, most previous studies have taken place in the Global North, have focused with industrial or vehicle air pollution sources and have tend to ignore the complex interactions between exposures, public perceptions and social factors. In this paper, we investigate the social vulnerability to and risk perceptions of air pollution sourced from domestic heating in two Chilean cities with particularly high levels of PM2.5 during winter months. To this end, we integrate primary survey data, with geographically detailed estimates of air pollution exposures and area-level characteristics obtained from the Chilean Census. We first examine the spatial distribution of PM2.5 exposures and air quality perceptions, and subsequently explore relationships between socio-demographic characteristics, air pollution exposure, and health concerns. Our results revel evident spatial patterns of dispersion, with some neighborhoods being more polluted than others. Age and percentage of roofs in poor condition in the participant's census tract are the best predictors of PM2.5 exposure. We find no correlation between perceived and real levels of contamination. Our multivariate analysis indicates that personal perceptions of air quality are significantly associated with age, gender, family structure, and heating behaviors. Such detailed depictions provide insights into potential meaningful strategies to improve air quality and highlight the need to incorporate measures to better protect older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Àlex Boso
- Deparment of Social Science, Faculty of Social Science, Education and Humanities & Butamallín Research Centre for Global Change, Universidad de La Frontera, Avenida Francisco Salazar 01145, Temuco, Chile
- Department of Environment, Socio-Technical Research, CIEMAT, Avenida Complutense 40, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Aner Martínez
- Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universidad de La Frontera, Avenida Francisco Salazar 01145, 4780000 Temuco, Chile
| | - Marcelo Somos
- Butamallín Research Centre for Global Change & Department of Forest Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Forest Sciences, Universidad de La Frontera, Avenida Francisco Salazar 01145, 4780000 Temuco, Chile
| | - Boris Álvarez
- Núcleo en Ciencias Sociales Y Humanidades & Butamallín Research Centre for Global Change, Universidad de La Frontera, Avenida Francisco Salazar 01145, Temuco, Chile
| | - Constanza Avedaño
- Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universidad de La Frontera, Avenida Francisco Salazar 01145, Temuco, Chile
| | - Álvaro Hofflinger
- Núcleo en Ciencias Sociales Y Humanidades & Butamallín Research Centre for Global Change, Universidad de La Frontera, Avenida Francisco Salazar 01145, Temuco, Chile
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Airborne bacterial community associated with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) under different air quality indices in Temuco city, southern Chile. Arch Microbiol 2022; 204:148. [PMID: 35061108 PMCID: PMC8776980 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-021-02740-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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10
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Martinez-Soto A, Avendaño Vera CC, Boso A, Hofflinger A, Shupler M. Energy poverty influences urban outdoor air pollution levels during COVID-19 lockdown in south-central Chile. ENERGY POLICY 2021; 158:112571. [PMID: 34511701 PMCID: PMC8418915 DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2021.112571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The effect of COVID-19 lockdowns on ambient air pollution levels in urban south-central Chile, where outdoor air pollution primarily originates indoors from wood burning for heating, may differ from trends in cities where transportation and industrial emission sources dominate. This quasi-experimental study compared hourly fine (PM2.5) and coarse (PM10) particulate matter measurements from six air monitors (three beta attenuation monitors; three low-cost sensors) in commercial and low/middle-income residential areas of Temuco, Chile between 2019 and 2020. The potential impact of varying annual meterological conditions on air quality was also assessed. During COVID-19 lockdown, average monthly ambient PM2.5 concentrations in a commercial and middle-income residential neighborhood of Temuco were up to 50% higher (from 12 to 18 μg/m3) and 59% higher (from 22 to 35 μg/m3) than 2019 levels, respectively. Conversely, PM2.5 levels decreased by up to 52% (from 43 to 21 μg/m3) in low-income areas. The fine fraction of PM10 in April 2020 was 48% higher than in April 2017-2019 (from 50% to 74%) in a commercial area. These changes did not appear to result from meterological differences between years. During COVID-19 lockdown, higher outdoor PM2.5 pollution from wood heating existed in more affluent areas of Temuco, while PM2.5 concentrations declined among poorer households refraining from wood heating. To reduce air pollution and energy poverty in south-central Chile, affordability of clean heating fuels (e.g. electricity) should be a policy priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aner Martinez-Soto
- Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Constanza C Avendaño Vera
- Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Alex Boso
- Núcleo en Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades, Butamallín Research Center for Global Change, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Alvaro Hofflinger
- Núcleo en Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades, Butamallín Research Center for Global Change, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Matthew Shupler
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, UK
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11
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Jorquera H, Villalobos AM. Combining Cluster Analysis of Air Pollution and Meteorological Data with Receptor Model Results for Ambient PM 2.5 and PM 10. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E8455. [PMID: 33203137 PMCID: PMC7697898 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17228455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution regulation requires knowing major sources on any given zone, setting specific controls, and assessing how health risks evolve in response to those controls. Receptor models (RM) can identify major sources: transport, industry, residential, etc. However, RM results are typically available for short term periods, and there is a paucity of RM results for developing countries. We propose to combine a cluster analysis (CA) of air pollution and meteorological measurements with a short-term RM analysis to estimate a long-term, hourly source apportionment of ambient PM2.5 and PM10. We have developed a proof of the concept for this proposed methodology in three case studies: a large metropolitan zone, a city with dominant residential wood burning (RWB) emissions, and a city in the middle of a desert region. We have found it feasible to identify the major sources in the CA results and obtain hourly time series of their contributions, effectively extending short-term RM results to the whole ambient monitoring period. This methodology adds value to existing ambient data. The hourly time series results would allow researchers to apportion health benefits associated with specific air pollution regulations, estimate source-specific trends, improve emission inventories, and conduct environmental justice studies, among several potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor Jorquera
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química y Bioprocesos, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820244, Chile
- Centro de Desarrollo Urbano Sustentable, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7520245, Chile
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Biogeochemistry of Household Dust Samples Collected from Private Homes of a Portuguese Industrial City. GEOSCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/geosciences10100392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The main objectives of the present study were to (i) investigate the effects of mineralogy and solid-phase distribution on element bioaccessibility and (ii) perform a risk assessment to calculate the risks to human health via the ingestion pathway. Multiple discriminant analysis showed that the dust chemistry discriminates between indoor and outdoor samples. The solid-phase distribution of the elements in indoor dust indicated that a large proportion of zinc, nickel, lead, copper, and cobalt is associated with an aluminum oxy-hydroxides component, formed by the weathering of aluminum silicates. This component, which seems to influence the mobility of many trace elements, was identified for a group of indoor dust samples that probably had a considerable contribution from outdoor dust. An iron oxide component consisted of the highest percentage of chromium, arsenic, antimony, and tin, indicating low mobility for these elements. The bioaccessible fraction in the stomach phase from the unified BARGE method was generally high in zinc, cadmium, and lead and low in nickel, cobalt, copper, chromium, and antimony. Unlike other potentially toxic elements, copper and nickel associated with aluminum oxy-hydroxides and calcium carbonates were not extracted by the stomach solutions. These trace elements possibly form stable complexes with gastric fluid constituents such as pepsin and amino acid. Lead had a hazard quotient >1, which indicates the risk of non-carcinogenic health effects, especially for children.
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Amadou A, Coudon T, Praud D, Salizzoni P, Leffondre K, Lévêque E, Boutron-Ruault MC, Danjou AMN, Morelli X, Le Cornet C, Perrier L, Couvidat F, Bessagnet B, Caudeville J, Faure E, Mancini FR, Gulliver J, Severi G, Fervers B. Chronic Low-Dose Exposure to Xenoestrogen Ambient Air Pollutants and Breast Cancer Risk: XENAIR Protocol for a Case-Control Study Nested Within the French E3N Cohort. JMIR Res Protoc 2020; 9:e15167. [PMID: 32930673 PMCID: PMC7525465 DOI: 10.2196/15167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer in women in industrialized countries. Lifestyle and environmental factors, particularly endocrine-disrupting pollutants, have been suggested to play a role in breast cancer risk. Current epidemiological studies, although not fully consistent, suggest a positive association of breast cancer risk with exposure to several International Agency for Research on Cancer Group 1 air-pollutant carcinogens, such as particulate matter, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), dioxins, Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), and cadmium. However, epidemiological studies remain scarce and inconsistent. It has been proposed that the menopausal status could modify the relationship between pollutants and breast cancer and that the association varies with hormone receptor status. Objective The XENAIR project will investigate the association of breast cancer risk (overall and by hormone receptor status) with chronic exposure to selected air pollutants, including particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), BaP, dioxins, PCB-153, and cadmium. Methods Our research is based on a case-control study nested within the French national E3N cohort of 5222 invasive breast cancer cases identified during follow-up from 1990 to 2011, and 5222 matched controls. A questionnaire was sent to all participants to collect their lifetime residential addresses and information on indoor pollution. We will assess these exposures using complementary models of land-use regression, atmospheric dispersion, and regional chemistry-transport (CHIMERE) models, via a Geographic Information System. Associations with breast cancer risk will be modeled using conditional logistic regression models. We will also study the impact of exposure on DNA methylation and interactions with genetic polymorphisms. Appropriate statistical methods, including Bayesian modeling, principal component analysis, and cluster analysis, will be used to assess the impact of multipollutant exposure. The fraction of breast cancer cases attributable to air pollution will be estimated. Results The XENAIR project will contribute to current knowledge on the health effects of air pollution and identify and understand environmental modifiable risk factors related to breast cancer risk. Conclusions The results will provide relevant evidence to governments and policy-makers to improve effective public health prevention strategies on air pollution. The XENAIR dataset can be used in future efforts to study the effects of exposure to air pollution associated with other chronic conditions. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/15167
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Affiliation(s)
- Amina Amadou
- Department of Prevention Cancer Environment, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France.,Inserm UA 08 Radiations: Défense, Santé, Environnement, Lyon, France
| | - Thomas Coudon
- Department of Prevention Cancer Environment, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France.,Ecole Centrale de Lyon, INSA, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Ecully, France
| | - Delphine Praud
- Department of Prevention Cancer Environment, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France.,Inserm UA 08 Radiations: Défense, Santé, Environnement, Lyon, France
| | - Pietro Salizzoni
- Ecole Centrale de Lyon, INSA, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Ecully, France
| | - Karen Leffondre
- ISPED, Inserm U1219, Bordeaux Population Health Center, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Emilie Lévêque
- ISPED, Inserm U1219, Bordeaux Population Health Center, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Marie-Christine Boutron-Ruault
- Centre de Recherche en Epidémiologie et Santé des Populations (CESP, Inserm U1018), Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Aurélie M N Danjou
- Department of Prevention Cancer Environment, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Xavier Morelli
- Department of Prevention Cancer Environment, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Charlotte Le Cornet
- Department of Prevention Cancer Environment, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France.,Division of Cancer Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lionel Perrier
- Univ Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, GATE L-SE UMR 5824, Lyon, France
| | - Florian Couvidat
- National Institute for industrial Environment and Risks (INERIS), Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
| | - Bertrand Bessagnet
- National Institute for industrial Environment and Risks (INERIS), Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
| | - Julien Caudeville
- National Institute for industrial Environment and Risks (INERIS), Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
| | - Elodie Faure
- Department of Prevention Cancer Environment, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Francesca Romana Mancini
- Centre de Recherche en Epidémiologie et Santé des Populations (CESP, Inserm U1018), Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - John Gulliver
- Centre for Environmental Health and Sustainability, School of Geography, Geology and the Environment, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Gianluca Severi
- Centre de Recherche en Epidémiologie et Santé des Populations (CESP, Inserm U1018), Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Béatrice Fervers
- Department of Prevention Cancer Environment, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France.,Inserm UA 08 Radiations: Défense, Santé, Environnement, Lyon, France
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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.
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Boso À, Álvarez B, Oltra C, Garrido J, Muñoz C, Hofflinger Á. Out of sight, out of mind: participatory sensing for monitoring indoor air quality. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2020; 192:104. [PMID: 31915931 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-019-8058-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In southern Chile, epidemiological studies have linked high levels of air pollution produced by the use of wood-burning stoves with the incidence of numerous diseases. Using a quasi-experimental design, this study explores the potential of participatory sensing strategies to transform experiences, perceptions, attitudes, and daily routine activities in 15 households equipped with wood-burning stoves in the city of Temuco, Chile. The results suggest that the experience of using a low-cost sensor improves household members' awareness levels of air pollution. However, the information provided by the sensors does not seem to improve the participants' self-efficacy to control air quality and protect themselves from pollution. The high degree of involvement with the participatory sensing experience indicates that the distribution of low-cost sensors could be a key element in the risk communication policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Àlex Boso
- Nucleus of Social Sciences and Humanities. Butamallin Research Center for Global Change, Universidad de La Frontera, Avenida Francisco Salazar, 01145, Temuco, Chile.
| | - Boris Álvarez
- Nucleus of Social Sciences and Humanities. Butamallin Research Center for Global Change, Universidad de La Frontera, Avenida Francisco Salazar, 01145, Temuco, Chile
| | - Christian Oltra
- Department of Environment, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaime Garrido
- Department of Social Sciences, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Carlos Muñoz
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Álvaro Hofflinger
- Nucleus of Social Sciences and Humanities. Butamallin Research Center for Global Change, Universidad de La Frontera, Avenida Francisco Salazar, 01145, Temuco, Chile
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Deng M, Li P, Shan M, Yang X. Characterizing dynamic relationships between burning rate and pollutant emission rates in a forced-draft gasifier stove consuming biomass pellet fuels. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 255:113338. [PMID: 31610506 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113338] [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: 06/09/2019] [Revised: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Biomass is a dominant solid fuel type worldwide. Traditional biomass combustion leads to severe indoor and ambient environmental problems. Biomass pellet utilization in forced-draft gasifier stoves is regarded as an improved approach to these problems. Previous studies on forced-draft biomass stoves mainly considered average emission amounts and lacked details of the combustion properties and dynamic correlations between emissions and combustion. This study used a dynamic measurement system to test a typical forced-draft gasifier stove consuming wood pellets and maize straw pellets. Real-time fuel burning rate, that partly reflects the combustion performance, and CO, NOx and PM2.5 emission rates, over a whole combustion course, were monitored. In all tests, the burning rate rose to a high and stable level, and then sharply subsided. CO, NOx and PM2.5 emission rates varied across the combustion course. CO (NOx) emissions have a negative (positive) logarithmic linear relationship with burning rate, while no consistent relationship was observed for PM2.5 emission rate. The identified relationships between burning rate and pollutant emission rates suggest the possibility of estimating emission performance of forced-draft biomass pellet stoves based on combustion indicators, or vice versa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengsi Deng
- Department of Building Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Pengchao Li
- Department of Building Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Ming Shan
- Department of Building Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Xudong Yang
- Department of Building Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
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