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Parasin N, Amnuaylojaroen T, Saokaew S. Prenatal PM 2.5 Exposure and Its Association with Low Birth Weight: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. TOXICS 2024; 12:446. [PMID: 39058098 PMCID: PMC11280910 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12070446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to PM2.5 while pregnant is associated with negative effects on low birth weight (LBW). This study employed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the impact of PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy on LBW. A search of databases such as Scopus, ScienceDirect, and PubMed identified thirteen appropriate studies. This study used a random-effects model to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each trimester. The findings revealed a significant relationship between PM2.5 exposure and LBW in both the first and second trimesters (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.00-1.09, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between trimesters (p = 0.704). The results emphasize the persistent influence of PM2.5 on fetal development throughout all stages of pregnancy. Reducing air pollution is critical for improving pregnancy outcomes and decreasing the incidence of LBW. Further study is needed to improve exposure assessments and investigate the underlying biological pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nichapa Parasin
- School of Allied Health Science, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand;
| | - Teerachai Amnuaylojaroen
- School of Energy and Environment, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand
- Atmospheric Pollution and Climate Change Research Units, School of Energy and Environment, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand
| | - Surasak Saokaew
- Division of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Care, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand;
- Unit of Excellence on Clinical Outcomes Research and Integration (UNICORN), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand
- Center of Health Outcomes Research and Therapeutic Safety (Cohorts), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand
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Amnuaylojaroen T, Parasin N, Saokaew S. Exploring the association between early-life air pollution exposure and autism spectrum disorders in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 125:108582. [PMID: 38556115 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108582] [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: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
The objective of this meta-analysis is to investigate the association between air pollution and the vulnerability of children to autism spectrum disorders (ASD). A thorough examination and analysis of data obtained from a compilation of 14 studies was undertaken, with a particular emphasis on investigating the effects of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), oxide of nitrogen (NOx), ozone (O3), and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) on individuals diagnosed with ASD. The findings demonstrate a moderate association between exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ASD, as indicated by a combined odds ratio (OR) of 1.13 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) spanning from 0.77 to 1.549. O3 shows a combined odds ratio (OR) of 0.82, along with a 95% confidence interval (CI) ranging from 0.49 to 1.14. NOx shows a moderate level of heterogeneity (I² = 75.9%, p = 0.002), suggesting that the impact of NOx on the risk of ASD. There is a statistically significant relationship between exposure to O3 and ASD, although the strength of this relationship is diminished. The findings demonstrated a noteworthy correlation between exposure to PM10 and PM2.5 and the occurrence of ASD. The study found a significant correlation, in relation to PM2.5, with a combined odds ratio (OR) of 1.22 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) ranging from 1.11 to 1.34. The findings have significant implications for the formulation of programs aimed at reducing exposure to harmful chemicals, especially among vulnerable groups such as children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teerachai Amnuaylojaroen
- School of Energy and Environment, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand; Atmospheric Pollution and Climate Change Research Units, School of Energy and Environment, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand.
| | - Nichapa Parasin
- School of Allied Health Science, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand
| | - Surasak Saokaew
- Division of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Care, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand; Unit of Excellence on Clinical Outcomes Research and Integration (UNICORN), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand; Center of Health Outcomes Research and Therapeutic Safety (Cohorts), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand
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Leslie LK, Orr CJ, Turner AL, Mink R, Leonard MB, Sabadosa KA, Vinci RJ. Child Health and the US Pediatric Subspecialty Workforce: Planning for the Future. Pediatrics 2024; 153:e2023063678B. [PMID: 38299999 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-063678b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
This article opens a multi-article Pediatrics supplement that provides a rigorous analysis of the projected pediatric subspecialty workforce in the United States. Congenital variations, epigenetics, exposures, lifestyle, preventive care, and medical interventions from conception through young adulthood set the stage for health and wellbeing in adulthood. Although care provided by pediatric subspecialists is associated with better outcomes and lower costs compared with adult providers, the authors of recent articles in the lay and medical literature have questioned the capacity of pediatric subspecialists to meet children's health care needs. This article highlights that, despite numerous advances in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, the last decade has witnessed increasing numbers of children with acute or chronic physical and mental health disorders, including medical complexity, obesity, type 2 diabetes, anxiety, depression, and suicidality, all of which are exacerbated by poverty, racism, and other social drivers of health. In this article, we then describe the variability in the demographics, practice characteristics, and geographic distribution of the 15 core pediatric subspecialties certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. We then discuss the rationale and approach to the development of a pediatric subspecialty workforce model that forecasts subspecialist supply from 2020 to 2040 for 14 subspecialties at the national and subnational levels (not including the newest subspecialty, pediatric hospital medicine), accounting for US Census Bureau child population projections. The model does not account for the unique physical and mental needs of individual children, nor does it address the increasingly precarious commitment to, and financing of, pediatric subspecialty care in the US health care system impacting market demand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurel K Leslie
- American Board of Pediatrics, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Colin J Orr
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine at Chapel Hill, ChapelHill, North Carolina
| | - Adam L Turner
- American Board of Pediatrics, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Richard Mink
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Torrance, California
| | - Mary B Leonard
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| | | | - Robert J Vinci
- Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
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Bradley M, Dean K, Lim S, Laurens KR, Harris F, Tzoumakis S, O'Hare K, Carr VJ, Green MJ. Early life exposure to air pollution and psychotic-like experiences, emotional symptoms, and conduct problems in middle childhood. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024; 59:87-98. [PMID: 37470830 PMCID: PMC10799785 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02533-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air pollution has been linked to a variety of childhood mental health problems, but results are inconsistent across studies and the effect of exposure timing is unclear. We examined the associations between air pollution exposure at two time-points in early development and psychotic-like experiences (PLEs), and emotional and conduct symptoms, assessed in middle childhood (mean age 11.5 years). METHODS Participants were 19,932 children selected from the NSW Child Development Study (NSW-CDS) with available linked multi-agency data from birth, and self-reported psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) and psychopathology at age 11-12 years (middle childhood). We used binomial logistic regression to examine associations between exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) at two time-points (birth and middle childhood) and middle childhood PLEs, and emotional and conduct symptoms, with consideration of socioeconomic status and other potential confounding factors in adjusted models. RESULTS In fully adjusted models, NO2 exposure in middle childhood was associated with concurrent PLEs (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.02-1.20). Similar associations with PLEs were found for middle childhood exposure to PM2.5 (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.01-1.09). Neither NO2 nor PM2.5 exposure was associated with emotional symptoms or conduct problems in this study. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the need for a better understanding of potential mechanisms of action of NO2 in the brain during childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Bradley
- School of Clinical Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Kimberlie Dean
- School of Clinical Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Samsung Lim
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Biosecurity Program, Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kristin R Laurens
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Felicity Harris
- School of Clinical Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Stacy Tzoumakis
- School of Clinical Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - Kirstie O'Hare
- School of Clinical Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Vaughan J Carr
- School of Clinical Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Melissa J Green
- School of Clinical Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Najeeb MI, Ahmad MD, Anjum AA, Maqbool A, Ali MA, Nawaz M, Ali T, Manzoor R. Distribution, screening and biochemical characterization of indigenous microalgae for bio-mass and bio-energy production potential from three districts of Pakistan. BRAZ J BIOL 2024; 84:e261698. [DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.261698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract Trend of biofuel production from microalgal triacylglycerols is enhancing, because this substrate is a good sustainable and advantageous alternative to oil and gas fuel. In the present study, indigenous micro algal isolates were screened from water (n=30) and soil (n=30) samples collected from three districts of Punjab, Pakistan to evaluate their biofuel production potential. The samples were inoculated on BG – 11 agar medium plates by incubating at room temperature of 25°C providing 1000 lux for 16h light cycle followed by 8h of dark cycle for 15 d. Water samples were found to be rich in microalgae and 65.33% microalgae (49 isolates) were isolated from Faisalabad district. On the basis of microscopic morphology microalgal isolates (n=180) were selected and subjected to lipid detection by Nile red staining assay. Nile red positive isolates (n=23) were processed for biochemical (lipid, protein and carbohydrates) characterization. AIN63 isolate showed higher lipids (17.4%) content as detected by micro vanillin assay. Algal isolate AIN128 showed best protein contents (42.91%) detected by Bradford assay and AIN172 isolate showed higher carbohydrate contents (73.83%) as detected by anthrone assay. The selected algal isolates were also analyzed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for confirmation of carbohydrate, protein and lipid analysis. These indigenous algae have the potential for in-vitro biofuel production from agricultural waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. I. Najeeb
- University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pakistan
| | - M.-D. Ahmad
- University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pakistan
| | - A. A. Anjum
- University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pakistan
| | - A. Maqbool
- University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pakistan
| | - M. A. Ali
- University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pakistan
| | - M. Nawaz
- University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pakistan
| | - T. Ali
- University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pakistan
| | - R. Manzoor
- University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pakistan
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Wang YC, Yu SE, Su YL, Cheng IC, Chuang YC, Chen YS, Chen JZ. NiFe 2O 4 Material on Carbon Paper as an Electrocatalyst for Alkaline Water Electrolysis Module. MICROMACHINES 2023; 15:62. [PMID: 38258181 PMCID: PMC10819468 DOI: 10.3390/mi15010062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
NiFe2O4 material is grown on carbon paper (CP) with the hydrothermal method for use as electrocatalysts in an alkaline electrolyzer. NiFe2O4 material is used as the anode and cathode catalysts (named NiFe(+)/NiFe(-) hereafter). The results are compared with those obtained using CP/NiFe as the anode and CP/Ru as the cathode (named NiFe)(+)/Ru(-) hereafter). During cell operation with NiFe(+)/Ru(-), the current density reaches 500 mA/cm2 at a cell voltage of 1.79 V, with a specific energy consumption of 4.9 kWh/m3 and an energy efficiency of 66.2%. In comparison, for NiFe(+)/NiFe(-), the current density reaches 500 mA/cm2 at a cell voltage of 2.23 V, with a specific energy consumption of 5.7 kWh/m3 and an energy efficiency of 56.6%. The Faradaic efficiency is 96-99%. With the current density fixed at 400 mA/cm2, after performing a test for 150 h, the cell voltage with NiFe(+)/Ru(-) increases by 0.167 V, whereas that with NiFe(+)/NiFe(-) decreases by only 0.010 V. Good, long-term stability is demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Chyi Wang
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, National Taiwan University, Taipei City 106319, Taiwan; (Y.-C.W.); (Y.-L.S.)
| | - Shuo-En Yu
- Graduate School of Advanced Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei City 106319, Taiwan;
| | - Yu-Lun Su
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, National Taiwan University, Taipei City 106319, Taiwan; (Y.-C.W.); (Y.-L.S.)
| | - I-Chun Cheng
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Graduate Institute of Photonics and Optoelectronics, National Taiwan University, Taipei City 106319, Taiwan;
- Innovative Photonics Advanced Research Center (i-PARC), National Taiwan University, Taipei City 106319, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Cheng Chuang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Advanced Institute of Manufacturing with High-Tech Innovations, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi County 621301, Taiwan; (Y.-C.C.); (Y.-S.C.)
| | - Yong-Song Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Advanced Institute of Manufacturing with High-Tech Innovations, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi County 621301, Taiwan; (Y.-C.C.); (Y.-S.C.)
| | - Jian-Zhang Chen
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, National Taiwan University, Taipei City 106319, Taiwan; (Y.-C.W.); (Y.-L.S.)
- Graduate School of Advanced Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei City 106319, Taiwan;
- Innovative Photonics Advanced Research Center (i-PARC), National Taiwan University, Taipei City 106319, Taiwan
- Advanced Research Center for Green Materials Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei City 106319, Taiwan
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Li Y, Hu Q, Wu N, Wang H, Sun X, Hu G, Sun Z, Jiang Y. Acoustic characterization for creep behaviors of marine sandy hydrate-bearing sediment. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22199. [PMID: 38097693 PMCID: PMC10721890 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49523-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine natural gas hydrate (NGH) is a promising substitutive low-carbon energy resource, whereas NGH-production induced geoengineering concerns remain challenging. Advanced forecast of possible geoengineering risks is the fundamental for eco-friendly NGH exploitation. Reservoir creep deformation is an early symptom of the geoengineering risks. However, whether the creep deformation behaviors of the NGH-bearing strata is predictable remains controversial. In this study, a series of multi-step loading creep test are conducted for sandy gas hydrate bearing sediment (GHBS) samples, during which the ultrasonic responses are recorded simultaneously. The acoustic velocity, compression-to-shear velocity ratio, Poission's ratio, main frequency, and main frequency amplitude are used to characterize creep failures of the GHBS for the first time. Combining analyses of the creep behaviors and acoustic responses yield the following conclusions. Firstly, the long-term strength derived from creeping test is 0.45-0.60 times of the shear strength derived from triaxial shearing. Ignoring the creep effect might underestimate the scale and intensity of possible geoengineering risks during long-term NGH exploitation. Secondly, the acoustic velocity increases gently and then decreases continuously during creeping. Once the accelerated creep appears, the acoustic velocity plummets significantly, together with a sudden decrease in the compression-to-shear velocity ratio, and fluctuations in the main frequency and its amplitude. Furthermore, the main frequency and its amplitude shall fluctuate abruptly prior to the emergence of the accelerated creep. Therefore, we anticipate that the combination of abnormal fluctuations of main frequency and its amplitude can be used as early-warning indicators for possible creep failure of the GHBS. The results might have great significance for in-situ detection and prediction of possible reservoir failure during long-term NGH exploitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanlong Li
- Key Laboratory of Gas Hydrate, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao Institute of Marine Geology, Qingdao, 266237, China
- Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, 266237, China
- Graduate School of Engineering, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, 852-8521, Japan
| | - Qiaobo Hu
- Key Laboratory of Gas Hydrate, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao Institute of Marine Geology, Qingdao, 266237, China
- Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, 266237, China
- Sanya Offshore Oil and Gas Research Institute, Northeast Petroleum University, Sanya, 572025, China
| | - Nengyou Wu
- Key Laboratory of Gas Hydrate, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao Institute of Marine Geology, Qingdao, 266237, China.
- Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, 266237, China.
| | - Hongbin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Gas Hydrate, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao Institute of Marine Geology, Qingdao, 266237, China
- Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Xiaofeng Sun
- Sanya Offshore Oil and Gas Research Institute, Northeast Petroleum University, Sanya, 572025, China
| | - Gaowei Hu
- Key Laboratory of Gas Hydrate, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao Institute of Marine Geology, Qingdao, 266237, China
- Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Zhiwen Sun
- Key Laboratory of Gas Hydrate, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao Institute of Marine Geology, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Yujing Jiang
- Graduate School of Engineering, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, 852-8521, Japan.
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Pandey SP, Upadhyay R, Prakash R, Kumar S. Performance and emission analysis of blends of bio-oil obtained by catalytic pyrolysis of Argemone mexicana seeds with diesel in a CI engine. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:125034-125047. [PMID: 36502482 PMCID: PMC9741757 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24648-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Because of their adaptability and user-friendliness, internal combustion engines are widely used for a variety of purposes, including the generation of consistent power as well as transportation. As a result, the question of whether or not these engines can make use of bio-oils is an important one today. Bio-oils derived from biomass pyrolysis differ significantly from those derived from petroleum-based fuels and biodiesel. They could, however, be valuable alternatives to fossil fuels in order to attain a carbon-neutral future. Bio-oil obtained from catalytic pyrolysis of Argemone Mexicana seed using titanium oxide (TiO2) nanoparticles was employed in IC engine to check its suitability as an alternative fuel. Engine performance analysis was conducted at B5, B10, B15, B20, B25, and B30 blend for different parameters such as brake thermal efficiency, exhaust gas temperature, and brake-specific fuel consumption with change in engine load. Emission analysis was also carried out for carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon, nitrogen oxides, and carbon dioxide emissions. It was found that B30 blend resembled best performance and the bio-oil produced from catalytic pyrolysis of Argemone mexicana seed can be utilised as a substitute of fossil fuels in IC engine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satya Prakash Pandey
- Department of Energy Engineering, Central University of Jharkhand, Ranchi, India
| | - Rakesh Upadhyay
- Department of Energy Engineering, Central University of Jharkhand, Ranchi, India
| | - Ramakrishnan Prakash
- Department of Thermal and Energy Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu India
| | - Sachin Kumar
- Department of Energy Engineering, Central University of Jharkhand, Ranchi, India
- Centre of Excellence – Green and Efficient Energy Technology (CoE-GEET), CUJ, Ranchi, India
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9
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Seastedt H, Nadeau K. Factors by which global warming worsens allergic disease. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2023; 131:694-702. [PMID: 37689112 PMCID: PMC10873081 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2023.08.610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Increased use of fossil fuels has led to global warming with concomitant increases in the severity and frequency of extreme weather events such as wildfires and sand and dust storms. These changes have led to increases in air pollutants such as particulate matter and greenhouse gases. Global warming is also associated with increases in pollen season length and pollen concentration. Particulate matter, greenhouse gases, and pollen synergistically increase the incidence and severity of allergic diseases. Other indirect factors such as droughts, flooding, thunderstorms, heat waves, water pollution, human migration, deforestation, loss of green space, and decreasing biodiversity (including microbial diversity) also affect the incidence and severity of allergic disease. Global warming and extreme weather events are expected to increase in the coming decades, and further increases in allergic diseases are expected, exacerbating the already high health care burden associated with these diseases. There is an urgent need to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change to improve human health. Human health and planetary health are connected and the concept of One Health, which is an integrated, unifying approach to balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and the environment needs to be emphasized. Clinicians are trusted members of the community, and they need to take a strong leadership role in educating patients on climate change and its adverse effects on human health. They also need to advocate for policy changes that decrease the use of fossil fuels and increase biodiversity and green space to enable a healthier and more sustainable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Seastedt
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Kari Nadeau
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts.
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Das AK, Behera S, Mohanty S, Behera N, Mohanty K. Performance and emission characteristics analysis of a CI engine fueled with distilled pyrolytic waste plastic oil/ethanol/diesel blends. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023:10.1007/s11356-023-31091-6. [PMID: 38010545 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31091-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
The current energy challenges in agriculture, industry, and transportation are aggravated by insufficient liquid petroleum fuels, strained by rapid depletion, and higher demand in the international market. Existing environmental pollution due to higher fossil fuel consumption, certainly draws the attention of many researchers to identify a better alternative fuel concerning engine efficiency and exhaust emissions. Waste plastic oil (WPO) derived by thermo-catalytic pyrolysis is found to be a promising alternative fuel due to it's similar fuel properties to diesel. WPO contains long-chain hydrocarbons and high-molecular-weight aromatics which can be eliminated by fractional distillation, resulting in the production of distilled waste plastic oil (DPO). Ethanol is added in addition to DPO in the diesel fuel mixture in order to improve combustion for better performance and reduce emissions. The current study focused on the preparation of homogenous fuel mixtures (DPO/ethanol/diesel) to evaluate it's engine efficiency and exhaust emissions as compared to pure diesel and confirmed that it has the potential to be an alternate fuel for the CI engine. Test engine trials were performed to determine the potential engine characteristics, for instance, thermal efficiency, specific fuel consumptions, and exhaust temperature, by using various fuel mixtures (80D10DPO10E, 70D15DPO15E, 60D20DPO20E, 50D25DPO25E) under different loading conditions of the test engine. Major pollutants including unburned hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides were measured by a standard emission analyzer. The BTE was increased by 3.7%, and the BSFC was 16.67% less for the 60D20DPO20E mixture so as to diesel at full load. CO emission was found to comparatively increase at higher concentrations and decrease at higher loads. Compared to diesel, the NOx and HC emission were shown to be lowered at low loads and increased at higher loads. The study concluded that the fuel mixture of 60D20DPO20E showed the best engine performance and reduced emissions as compared to diesel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amar Kumar Das
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Gandhi Institute For Technology (GIFT) Autonomous, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Pin-752054, India.
| | - Shibaprasad Behera
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Gandhi Institute For Technology (GIFT) Autonomous, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Pin-752054, India
| | - Swopneswar Mohanty
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Gandhi Institute For Technology (GIFT) Autonomous, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Pin-752054, India
| | - Nilakantha Behera
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Gandhi Institute For Technology (GIFT) Autonomous, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Pin-752054, India
| | - Kirtiswarup Mohanty
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Gandhi Institute For Technology (GIFT) Autonomous, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Pin-752054, India
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Leong M, Karr CJ, Shah SI, Brumberg HL. Before the first breath: why ambient air pollution and climate change should matter to neonatal-perinatal providers. J Perinatol 2023; 43:1059-1066. [PMID: 36038659 PMCID: PMC9421104 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-022-01479-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Common outdoor air pollutants present threats to fetal and neonatal health, placing neonatal-perinatal clinical specialists in an important role for harm reduction through patient counseling and advocacy. Climate change is intertwined with air pollution and influences air quality. There is increasing evidence demonstrating the unique vulnerability in the development of adverse health consequences from exposures during the preconception, prenatal, and early postnatal periods, as well as promising indications that policies aimed at addressing these toxicants have improved birth outcomes. Advocacy by neonatal-perinatal providers articulating the potential impact of pollutants on newborns and mothers is essential to promoting improvements in air quality and reducing exposures. The goal of this review is to update neonatal-perinatal clinical specialists on the key ambient air pollutants of concern, their sources and health effects, and to outline strategies for protecting patients and communities from documented adverse health consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Leong
- Division of Neonatology, Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, Westchester Medical Center and Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA.
| | - Catherine J Karr
- Departments of Pediatrics and Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences and Northwest Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Shetal I Shah
- Division of Neonatology, Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, Westchester Medical Center and Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Heather L Brumberg
- Division of Neonatology, Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, Westchester Medical Center and Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
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12
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Yusuf B, Oladepo SA, Ganiyu SA. Biodiesel Production from Waste Cooking Oil via β-Zeolite-Supported Sulfated Metal Oxide Catalyst Systems. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:23720-23732. [PMID: 37426238 PMCID: PMC10324085 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c01892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Waste cooking oil (WCO) is a readily available and cheap feedstock for biodiesel production. However, WCO contains high levels of free fatty acids (FFAs), which negatively impact the biodiesel yield if homogeneous catalysts are used. Heterogeneous solid acid catalysts are preferred for low-cost feedstocks because the catalysts are highly insensitive to high levels of FFA in the feedstock. Therefore, in the present study, we synthesized and evaluated different solid catalysts, pure β-zeolite, ZnO-β-zeolite, and SO42-/ZnO-β-zeolite for the production of biodiesel using WCO as feedstock. The synthesized catalysts were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), pyridine-FTIR, N2 adsorption-desorption, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy, while the biodiesel product was analyzed using nuclear magnetic resonance (1H and 13C NMR) and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. The results revealed that the SO42-/ZnO-β-zeolite catalyst showed excellent catalytic performance for simultaneous transesterification and esterification of WCO, with a higher percentage conversion than the ZnO-β-zeolite and pure β-zeolite catalyst, due to the large pore size and high acidity. The SO42-/ZnO-β-zeolite catalyst exhibits 6.5 nm pore size, a total pore volume of 0.17 cm3/g, and high surface area of 250.26 m2/g. Experimental parameters such as catalyst loading, methanol:oil molar ratio, temperature, and reaction time were varied in order to establish the optimal parameters. The highest WCO conversion of 96.9% was obtained using the SO42-/ZnO-β-zeolite catalyst under an optimum reaction condition of 3.0 wt % catalyst loading, 200 °C reaction temperature, and 15:1 molar ratio of methanol to oil in 8 h reaction time. The WCO-derived biodiesel properties conform to the ASTM6751 standard specification. Our investigation of its kinetics revealed that the reaction follows a pseudo first-order kinetic model, with an activation energy (Ea) of 38.58 kJ/mol. Moreover, the stability and reusability of the catalysts were evaluated, and it was found that the SO42-/ZnO-β-zeolite catalyst exhibited good stability, giving a biodiesel conversion of over 80% after three synthesis cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basiru
O. Yusuf
- Department
of Chemistry, King Fahd University of Petroleum
and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia
| | - Sulayman A. Oladepo
- Department
of Chemistry, King Fahd University of Petroleum
and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia
- Interdisciplinary
Research Center for Advanced Materials (IRC-AM), King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Saheed A. Ganiyu
- Department
of Chemistry, King Fahd University of Petroleum
and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia
- Interdisciplinary
Research Center for Refining and Advanced Chemicals (IRC-RAC), King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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13
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Limaye VS, Magal A, Joshi J, Maji S, Dutta P, Rajput P, Pingle S, Madan P, Mukerjee P, Bano S, Beig G, Mavalankar D, Jaiswal A, Knowlton K. Air quality and health co-benefits of climate change mitigation and adaptation actions by 2030: an interdisciplinary modeling study in Ahmedabad, India. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH, HEALTH : ERH 2023; 1:021003. [PMID: 36873423 PMCID: PMC9975964 DOI: 10.1088/2752-5309/aca7d8] [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: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Climate change-driven temperature increases worsen air quality in places where coal combustion powers electricity for air conditioning. Climate solutions that substitute clean and renewable energy in place of polluting coal and promote adaptation to warming through reflective cool roofs can reduce cooling energy demand in buildings, lower power sector carbon emissions, and improve air quality and health. We investigate the air quality and health co-benefits of climate solutions in Ahmedabad, India-a city where air pollution levels exceed national health-based standards-through an interdisciplinary modeling approach. Using a 2018 baseline, we quantify changes in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution and all-cause mortality in 2030 from increasing renewable energy use (mitigation) and expanding Ahmedabad's cool roofs heat resilience program (adaptation). We apply local demographic and health data and compare a 2030 mitigation and adaptation (M&A) scenario to a 2030 business-as-usual (BAU) scenario (without climate change response actions), each relative to 2018 pollution levels. We estimate that the 2030 BAU scenario results in an increase of PM2.5 air pollution of 4.13 µg m-3 from 2018 compared to a 0.11 µg m-3 decline from 2018 under the 2030 M&A scenario. Reduced PM2.5 air pollution under 2030 M&A results in 1216-1414 fewer premature all-cause deaths annually compared to 2030 BAU. Achievement of National Clean Air Programme, National Ambient Air Quality Standards, or World Health Organization annual PM2.5 Air Quality Guideline targets in 2030 results in up to 6510, 9047, or 17 369 fewer annual deaths, respectively, relative to 2030 BAU. This comprehensive modeling method is adaptable to estimate local air quality and health co-benefits in other settings by integrating climate, energy, cooling, land cover, air pollution, and health data. Our findings demonstrate that city-level climate change response policies can achieve substantial air quality and health co-benefits. Such work can inform public discourse on the near-term health benefits of mitigation and adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay S Limaye
- Natural Resources Defense Council 40 West 20th Street, New York, NY 10011, United States of America
| | - Akhilesh Magal
- Gujarat Energy and Research Management Institute (Former), PDPU Road, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382007, India
| | - Jaykumar Joshi
- Gujarat Energy and Research Management Institute (Former), PDPU Road, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382007, India
| | - Sujit Maji
- Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Dr Homi Bhabha Road, Panchawati, Pashan, Pune, Maharashtra 411008, India
| | - Priya Dutta
- Indian Institute of Public Health, Gandhinagar, NH-147, Palaj Village, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382042, India
| | - Prashant Rajput
- Indian Institute of Public Health, Gandhinagar, NH-147, Palaj Village, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382042, India
| | - Shyam Pingle
- Indian Institute of Public Health, Gandhinagar, NH-147, Palaj Village, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382042, India
| | - Prima Madan
- Natural Resources Defense Council 40 West 20th Street, New York, NY 10011, United States of America
| | - Polash Mukerjee
- Natural Resources Defense Council 40 West 20th Street, New York, NY 10011, United States of America
| | - Shahana Bano
- Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Dr Homi Bhabha Road, Panchawati, Pashan, Pune, Maharashtra 411008, India
| | - Gufran Beig
- Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Dr Homi Bhabha Road, Panchawati, Pashan, Pune, Maharashtra 411008, India
| | - Dileep Mavalankar
- Indian Institute of Public Health, Gandhinagar, NH-147, Palaj Village, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382042, India
| | - Anjali Jaiswal
- Natural Resources Defense Council 40 West 20th Street, New York, NY 10011, United States of America
| | - Kim Knowlton
- Natural Resources Defense Council 40 West 20th Street, New York, NY 10011, United States of America
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, United States of America
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14
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Milner J, Hughes R, Chowdhury S, Picetti R, Ghosh R, Yeung S, Lelieveld J, Dangour AD, Wilkinson P. Air pollution and child health impacts of decarbonization in 16 global cities: Modelling study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 175:107972. [PMID: 37192572 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Most research on the air pollution-related health effects of decarbonization has focused on adults. We assess the potential health benefits that could be achieved in children and young people in a global sample of 16 cities through global decarbonization actions. We modelled annual average concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) at 1x1 km resolution in the cities using a general circulation/atmospheric chemistry model assuming removal of all global combustion-related emissions from land transport, industries, domestic energy use and power generation. We modelled the impact on childhood asthma incidence and adverse birth outcomes (low birthweight, pre-term births) using published exposure-response relationships. Removal of combustion emissions was estimated to decrease annual average PM2.5 by between 2.9 μg/m3 (8.4%) in Freetown and 45.4 μg/m3 (63.7%) in Dhaka. For NO2, the range was from 0.3 ppb (7.9%) in Freetown to 18.8 ppb (92.3%) in Mexico City. Estimated reductions in asthma incidence ranged from close to zero in Freetown, Tamale and Harare to 149 cases per 100,000 population in Los Angeles. For pre-term birth, modelled impacts ranged from a reduction of 135 per 100,000 births in Dar es Salaam to 2,818 per 100,000 births in Bhubaneswar and, for low birthweight, from 75 per 100,000 births in Dar es Salaam to 2,951 per 100,000 births in Dhaka. The large variations chiefly reflect differences in the magnitudes of air pollution reductions and estimated underlying disease rates. Across the 16 cities, the reduction in childhood asthma incidence represents more than one-fifth of the current burden, and an almost 10% reduction in pre-term and low birthweight births. Decarbonization actions that remove combustion-related emissions contributing to ambient PM2.5 and NO2 would likely lead to substantial but geographically-varied reductions in childhood asthma and adverse birth outcomes, though there are uncertainties in causality and the precision of estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Milner
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Robert Hughes
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sourangsu Chowdhury
- Department of Atmospheric Chemistry, Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Mainz, Germany; CICERO Center for International Climate Research, Oslo, Norway
| | - Roberto Picetti
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Rakesh Ghosh
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Shunmay Yeung
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jos Lelieveld
- Department of Atmospheric Chemistry, Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Alan D Dangour
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Paul Wilkinson
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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15
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Lovasi GS, Treat CA, Fry D, Shah I, Clougherty JE, Berberian A, Perera FP, Kioumourtzoglou MA. Clean fleets, different streets: evaluating the effect of New York City's clean bus program on changes to estimated ambient air pollution. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 33:332-338. [PMID: 35906405 PMCID: PMC10234802 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-022-00454-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Motor vehicles, including public transit buses, are a major source of air pollution in New York City (NYC) and worldwide. To address this problem, governments and transit agencies have implemented policies to introduce cleaner vehicles into transit fleets. Beginning in 2000, the Metropolitan Transit Agency began deploying compressed natural gas, hybrid electric, and low-sulfur diesel buses to reduce urban air pollution. OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that bus fleet changes incorporating cleaner vehicles would have detectable effects on air pollution concentrations between 2009 and 2014, as measured by the New York City Community Air Survey (NYCCAS). METHODS Depot- and route-specific information allowed identification of areas with larger or smaller changes in the proportion of distance traveled by clean buses. Data were assembled for 9670 300 m × 300 m grid cell areas with annual concentration estimates for nitrogen oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and black carbon (BC) from NYCCAS. Spatial error models adjusted for truck route presence and total traffic volume. RESULTS While concentrations of all three pollutants declined between 2009 and 2014 even in the 39.7% of cells without bus service, the decline in concentrations of NO and NO2 was greater in areas with more bus service and with higher proportional shifts toward clean buses. Conversely, the decline in BC concentration was slower in areas with more bus service and higher proportional clean bus shifts. SIGNIFICANCE These results provide evidence that the NYC clean bus program impacted concentrations of air pollution, particularly in reductions of NO2. Further work can investigate the potential impact of these changes on health outcomes in NYC residents. IMPACT STATEMENT Urban air pollution from diesel-burning buses is an important health exposure. The New York Metropolitan Transit Agency has worked to deploy cleaner buses into their fleet, but the impact of this policy has not been evaluated. Successful reductions in air pollution are critical for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina S Lovasi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Urban Health Collaborative, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christian A Treat
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Urban Health Collaborative, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dustin Fry
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Urban Health Collaborative, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Isha Shah
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Jane E Clougherty
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alique Berberian
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Frederica P Perera
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Marianthi-Anna Kioumourtzoglou
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
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16
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Flanagan E, Malmqvist E, Rittner R, Gustafsson P, Källén K, Oudin A. Exposure to local, source-specific ambient air pollution during pregnancy and autism in children: a cohort study from southern Sweden. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3848. [PMID: 36890287 PMCID: PMC9995328 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30877-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence of air pollution exposure, namely, ambient particulate matter (PM), during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism in children is growing; however, the unique PM sources that contribute to this association are currently unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate local, source-specific ambient PM exposure during pregnancy and its associations with childhood autism, specifically, and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) as a group. A cohort of 40,245 singleton births from 2000 to 2009 in Scania, Sweden, was combined with data on locally emitted PM with an aerodynamic diameter < 2.5 µm (PM2.5). A flat, two-dimensional dispersion model was used to assess local PM2.5 concentrations (all-source PM2.5, small-scale residential heating- mainly wood burning, tailpipe exhaust, and vehicle wear-and-tear) at the mother's residential address during pregnancy. Associations were analyzed using binary logistic regression. Exposure to local PM2.5 during pregnancy from each of the investigated sources was associated with childhood autism in the fully adjusted models. For ASD, similar, but less pronounced, associations were found. The results add to existing evidence that exposure to air pollution during pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of childhood autism. Further, these findings suggest that locally produced emissions from both residential wood burning and road traffic-related sources (tailpipe exhaust and vehicle wear-and-tear) contribute to this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Flanagan
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Ebba Malmqvist
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ralf Rittner
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Peik Gustafsson
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Karin Källén
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Anna Oudin
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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17
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Fatima K, Pandith AH, Manzoor T, Qureashi A. DFT Studies on a Metal Oxide@Graphene-Decorated D-π 1-π 2-A Novel Multi-Junction Light-Harvesting System for Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Applications. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:8865-8875. [PMID: 36910968 PMCID: PMC9996585 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c00333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Graphene nanocomposites have emerged as potential photoanode materials for increased performance of the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) via charge transfer. Various metal-oxide-decorated graphene nanocomposites have widespread applications in energy devices, such as solar cells, fuel cells, batteries, sensors, electrocatalysis, and photocatalysis. However, the possible role of these composites in DSSC applications has largely remained unexplored. Herein, we studied a Sb2O3-decorated graphene-D-π1-π2-A sensitized TiO2 nanocomposite (dye-(TiO2)9/Sb2O3@GO) as a model multi-junction light-harvesting system and examined the impact of various π-bridges on the optical and photovoltaic properties of the push-pull dye system employed in this light-harvesting system. We have shown that by changing the spacer unit, the light sensitivity of nanocomposites can be varied from visible to near-infrared wavelengths. Furthermore, with the integration of metal-oxide-decorated graphene nanocomposites on D-π1-π2-A systems and D-π-A systems, composite photoelectrodes displayed better optical and photovoltaic characteristics with an enhanced absorption spectrum in the wavelength range of 800-1000 nm. The performance of the D-π1-π2-A system has been evaluated in terms of various photovoltaic parameters such as the highest occupied molecular orbital-lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy gaps, excited-state oxidation potential (E dye *), free energy of electron injection (G inject), total reorganization energy (λtotal), and open-circuit voltage (V oc). This work throws light on the current trends and the future opportunities in graphene-metal oxide nanocomposite-based DSSCs for better harvesting of the solar spectrum and better performance of solar devices.
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18
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Anake WU, Nnamani EA. Indoor air quality in day-care centres: a global review. AIR QUALITY, ATMOSPHERE, & HEALTH 2023; 16:997-1022. [PMID: 36819788 PMCID: PMC9930043 DOI: 10.1007/s11869-023-01320-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
A healthy indoor environment is critical for children due to the severe effect of poor indoor air quality (IAQ) on their overall well-being. Day-care centres (DCCs) are important indoor microenvironments for children apart from their homes. Therefore, monitoring IAQ in this microenvironment is vital because of the vulnerability of the occupants. This review gives a global overview of the predominant indoor chemical pollutant levels monitored in DCCs, compares their concentration with available regulations for IAQ, evaluates the sources and health risk effects of chemical pollutants and proposes strategies for enhancing IAQ in DCCs. Thirty-seven (37) articles were used based on specific stated inclusion and exclusion criteria. Continents like Europe and Asia have the most published studies in indoor DCCs. The decreasing trend of pollutants examined in most studies include particulate matter > carbon dioxide > formaldehyde > carbon monoxide > total volatile organic compounds > volatile organic compounds > nitrogen dioxide > ozone > benzene > sulphur dioxide = radon. Particulate matter in the size and mass concentration range of PM10 (0.116-1920.71 μg/m3) > PM2.5 (0.279.2-260.74 μg/m3) was the most investigated pollutant. While nitrogen dioxide, radon and carbon monoxide were consistent with the existing national and international reference values for IAQ across the continents, exceedances occurred in other pollutants. The limited number of indoor chemical pollutant studies suggests the need for more comprehensive studies on IAQ in DCC globally. Further studies should highlight the availability of low-cost sensors and mobile analytical equipment that will promote affordable ground-level data accessibility. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11869-023-01320-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winifred U. Anake
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science & Technology, Covenant University, Km10 Idiroko Road, Ota, Nigeria
| | - Esther A. Nnamani
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science & Technology, Covenant University, Km10 Idiroko Road, Ota, Nigeria
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19
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Herbstman JB, Romano ME, Li X, Jacobson LP, Margolis AE, Hamra GB, Bennett DH, Braun JM, Buckley JP, Colburn T, Deoni S, Hoepner LA, Morello-Frosch R, Riley KW, Sathyanarayana S, Schantz SL, Trasande L, Woodruff TJ, Perera FP, Karagas MR. Characterizing changes in behaviors associated with chemical exposures during the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0277679. [PMID: 36638141 PMCID: PMC9838870 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic-and its associated restrictions-have changed many behaviors that can influence environmental exposures including chemicals found in commercial products, packaging and those resulting from pollution. The pandemic also constitutes a stressful life event, leading to symptoms of acute traumatic stress. Data indicate that the combination of environmental exposure and psychological stress jointly contribute to adverse child health outcomes. Within the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO)-wide Cohort, a national consortium initiated to understand the effects of environmental exposures on child health and development, our objective was to assess whether there were pandemic-related changes in behavior that may be associated with environmental exposures. A total of 1535 participants from nine cohorts completed a survey via RedCap from December 2020 through May 2021. The questionnaire identified behavioral changes associated with the COVID-19 pandemic in expected directions, providing evidence of construct validity. Behavior changes reported by at least a quarter of the respondents include eating less fast food and using fewer ultra-processed foods, hair products, and cosmetics. At least a quarter of respondents reported eating more home cooked meals and using more antibacterial soaps, liquid soaps, hand sanitizers, antibacterial and bleach cleaners. Most frequent predictors of behavior change included Hispanic ethnicity and older age (35 years and older). Respondents experiencing greater COVID-related stress altered their behaviors more than those not reporting stress. These findings highlight that behavior change associated with the pandemic, and pandemic-related psychological stress often co-occur. Thus, prevention strategies and campaigns that limit environmental exposures, support stress reduction, and facilitate behavioral change may lead to the largest health benefits in the context of a pandemic. Analyzing biomarker data in these participants will be helpful to determine if behavior changes reported associate with measured changes in exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie B. Herbstman
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Megan E. Romano
- Department of Epidemiology, Dartmouth College Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, NH, United States of America
| | - Xiuhong Li
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Lisa P. Jacobson
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Amy E. Margolis
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Ghassan B. Hamra
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Deborah H. Bennett
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California—Davis, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | - Joseph M. Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States of America
| | - Jessie P. Buckley
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Trina Colburn
- Department of Child Health, Behavior, and Development, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Sean Deoni
- Department of Pediatrics, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, United States of America
| | - Lori A. Hoepner
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Rachel Morello-Frosch
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of California—Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States of America
| | - Kylie Wheelock Riley
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, Health, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Sheela Sathyanarayana
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Susan L. Schantz
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois—Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States of America
| | - Leonardo Trasande
- Departments of Pediatrics and Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Tracey J. Woodruff
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Frederica P. Perera
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Margaret R. Karagas
- Department of Epidemiology, Dartmouth College Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, NH, United States of America
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Siddique HMA. Industrialization, energy consumption, and environmental pollution: evidence from South Asia. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:4094-4102. [PMID: 35963967 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22317-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study has been carried out to analyze the contribution of industrialization and energy consumption by keeping the role of urbanization on environmental pollution for South Asia. The study used Augmented Mean Group (AMG), Common Correlated Effects Mean Group (CCEMG) analysis, Westerlund co-integration test, and Dumitrescu-Hurlin causality test for the panel of South Asia covering the period 1984-2016. To measure the status of environmental pollution, CO2 is taken as a proxy indicator, and industrialization is measured by the industrial value-added. The results of AMG demonstrate that industrialization and energy consumption are significant indicators of environmental pollution and these empirical findings are also confirmed by the CCEMG model. The long-run co-integration between industrialization, energy use, urbanization, capital, and environmental pollution is also confirmed by the Westerlund co-integration test. The findings of the Dumitrescu-Hurlin causality test also confirmed the bidirectional causality between industrialization and pollution. A unidirectional causality is observed from energy consumption to pollution. The study suggests formulating policies for energy-efficient technologies in the industrial sector and the high-speed pattern of urbanization.
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Coomes KE, Buonocore JJ, Levy JI, Arter C, Arunachalam S, Buckley L, Berberian A, Gunasti J, Perera F. Assessment of the health benefits to children of a transportation climate policy in New York City. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 215:114165. [PMID: 36087775 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114165] [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: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assessments of health and environmental effects of clean air and climate policies have revealed substantial health benefits due to reductions in air pollution, but have included few pediatric outcomes or assessed benefits at the neighborhood level. OBJECTIVES We estimated benefits across a suite of child health outcomes in 42 New York City (NYC) neighborhoods under the proposed regional Transportation and Climate Initiative. We also estimated their distribution across racial/ethnic and socioeconomic groups. METHODS We estimated changes in ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations associated with on-road emissions under nine different predefined cap-and-invest scenarios. Health outcomes, including selected adverse birth, respiratory, and neurodevelopmental outcomes, were estimated using a program similar to the U.S. EPA BenMAP program. We stratified the associated monetized benefits across racial/ethnic and socioeconomic groups. RESULTS The benefits varied widely over the different cap-and-investment scenarios. For a 25% reduction in carbon emissions from 2022 to 2032 and a strategy prioritizing public transit investments, NYC would have an estimated 48 fewer medical visits for childhood asthma, 13,000 avoided asthma exacerbations not requiring medical visits, 640 fewer respiratory illnesses unrelated to asthma, and 9 avoided adverse birth outcomes (infant mortality, preterm birth, and term low birth weight) annually, starting in 2032. The total estimated annual avoided costs are $22 million. City-wide, Black and Hispanic children would experience 1.7 times the health benefits per capita than White and Non-Hispanic White children, respectively. Under the same scenario, neighborhoods experiencing the highest poverty rates in NYC would experience about 2.5 times the health benefits per capita than the lowest poverty neighborhoods. CONCLUSION A cap-and-invest strategy to reduce carbon emissions from the transportation sector could provide substantial health and monetized benefits to children in NYC through reductions in criteria pollutant concentrations, with greater benefits among Black and Hispanic children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn E Coomes
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Calvin Arter
- Institute for the Environment, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Laura Buckley
- School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alique Berberian
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Jonathan Gunasti
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory Univerity, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Frederica Perera
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA.
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22
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Li D, Zhou Y, Ding H, Chang L, Fu N, Wang X, Tao X. Removing BaP from soil by biochar prepared with medicago and corn straw using batch and solid-phase extraction method. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2022; 14:4209-4218. [PMID: 36226683 DOI: 10.1039/d2ay00823h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Low-cost materials with a highly efficient adsorption capability prepared from corn straw and medicago (abbreviated to CB and MB), which can effectively remove benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) from contaminated soil, were prepared at a temperature of 350 °C under limited-oxygen conditions. The appearance traits, contents of C, H, N and functional group types of CB and MB were obtained by SEM, elemental analysis and FT-IR. Through the batch method, it was found that the adsorption of BaP by CB and MB was in accordance with pseudo-secondary kinetics because the correlation coefficients are 0.855 with CB and 0.948 with MB, respectively, and the maximum adsorption capacity in the fitting (CB: 78.2 mg kg-1, MB: 88.8 mg kg-1) was consistent with the actual measurement (CB: 79.8 mg kg-1, MB: 89.3 mg kg-1). Freundlich and Langmuir equations can well describe the isothermal adsorption data of CB and MB due to the correlation coefficients all being greater than 0.87. Soil samples treated with ASE were separated by solid-phase extraction (SPE) with different biochar contents in packed columns. It was found that the contributions of CB and MB to the removal of BaP increased from 58.5% and 60.4% to 80.6% and 82.1%, respectively, which could effectively reduce BaP in polluted soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Li
- Gansu Province Environmental Monitoring Center, No. 225, Yanerwan Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou City, Gansu Province, China.
| | - Yi'an Zhou
- Gansu Province Environmental Monitoring Center, No. 225, Yanerwan Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou City, Gansu Province, China.
| | - Haixia Ding
- Gansu Province Environmental Monitoring Center, No. 225, Yanerwan Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou City, Gansu Province, China.
| | - Lu Chang
- Gansu Province Environmental Monitoring Center, No. 225, Yanerwan Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou City, Gansu Province, China.
| | - Ning Fu
- Gansu Province Environmental Monitoring Center, No. 225, Yanerwan Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou City, Gansu Province, China.
| | - Xia Wang
- Gansu Province Environmental Monitoring Center, No. 225, Yanerwan Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou City, Gansu Province, China.
| | - Xuemei Tao
- Gansu Province Environmental Monitoring Center, No. 225, Yanerwan Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou City, Gansu Province, China.
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Flanagan E, Malmqvist E, Gustafsson S, Oudin A. Estimated public health benefits of a low-emission zone in Malmö, Sweden. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 214:114124. [PMID: 35998694 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114124] [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: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Low-emission zones (LEZ) have been increasingly implemented in cities throughout Europe as a measure to reduce the adverse health effects and premature deaths associated with traffic-related air pollution. In the present study, a health impact analysis was conducted to estimate the effect of a hypothetical LEZ on mortality and morbidity in Malmö, Sweden. Baseline health statistics were gathered from health registers and applied to each resident according to individual-level data on age and/or sex. Concentration-response parameters were derived from current epidemiological literature, specifically meta-analyses. A Gaussian dispersion model (AERMOD) combined with a detailed emission database was used to calculate NO2 emissions from traffic, which could be applied on an individual-level using data on each person's residential coordinates. The adjusted exposure scenario replaced all vehicles on municipal roads having Euro 5 or lower emission standards with Euro 6 equivalents. This LEZ would, on average, decrease NO2 concentrations by 13.4%, preventing an estimated 9-26 deaths in Malmö each year. Additionally, 12 respiratory disease hospitalizations, 8 childhood asthma cases, and 9 cases of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were estimated to be avoided annually. These results suggest that LEZs can effectively improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and safeguard public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Flanagan
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, 22242, Lund, Skåne, Sweden.
| | - Ebba Malmqvist
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, 22242, Lund, Skåne, Sweden.
| | - Susanna Gustafsson
- Environmental Department of the City of Malmö, 21154, Malmö, Skåne, Sweden.
| | - Anna Oudin
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, 22242, Lund, Skåne, Sweden; Sustainable Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, 90187, Umeå, Västerbotten, Sweden.
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24
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Wang P, Zhou Y, Zhao Y, Zhao W, Wang H, Li J, Zhang L, Wu M, Xiao X, Shi H, Ma W, Zhang Y. Prenatal fine particulate matter exposure associated with placental small extracellular vesicle derived microRNA and child neurodevelopmental delays. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 841:156747. [PMID: 35716750 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Prenatal fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure has been linked to adverse neurodevelopment. However, epidemiological evidence remains inconclusive and little information about the effects of various PM2.5 components on child neurodevelopment is currently known. The underlying mechanism was also not elucidated. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of PM2.5 and components exposure on child neurodevelopmental delays and the role of placental small extracellular vesicles (sEVs)-derived miRNAs in the associations. METHODS We included 267 mother-child pairs in this analysis. Prenatal PM2.5 and components (i.e. elements, water-soluble ions, and PAHs) exposure during three trimesters were monitored through personal PM2.5 sampling. Child neurodevelopment at 2, 6, and 12 months old were evaluated by Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). We isolated sEVs from placental tissue to analyze the change of sEVs-derived miRNAs in response to PM2.5. Associations between the PM2.5-associated miRNAs and child neurodevelopment were evaluated using multivariate linear regression models. RESULTS The PM2.5 exposure levels in the three trimesters range from 2.51 to 185.21 μg/m3. Prenatal PM2.5 and the components of Pb, Al, V and Ti exposure in the second and third trimester were related to decreased ASQ scores communication, problem-solving and personal-social domains in children aged 2 or 6 months. RNA sequencing identified fifteen differentially expressed miRNAs. The miR-101-3p and miR-520d-5p were negatively associated with PM2.5 and Pb component. miR-320a-3p expression was positively associated with PM2.5 and V component. Meanwhile, the miR-320a-3p was associated with decreased ASQ scores, as reflected by ASQ-T (β: -2.154, 95 % CI: -4.313, -0.516) and problem-solving domain (β: -0.605, 95 % CI: -1.111, -0.099) in children aged 6 months. CONCLUSION Prenatal exposure to PM2.5 and its Pb, Al, V & Ti component were associated with infant neurodevelopmental delays. The placenta sEVs derived miRNAs, especially miR-320a-3p, might contribute to an increased risk of neurodevelopmental delays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengpeng Wang
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, China; Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yuhan Zhou
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, China; Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yingya Zhao
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Wenxuan Zhao
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, China; Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hang Wang
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, China; Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jinhong Li
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, China; Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Liyi Zhang
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, China; Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Min Wu
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xirong Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Huijing Shi
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, China; Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wenjuan Ma
- Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201199, China.
| | - Yunhui Zhang
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, China; Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Landrigan PJ, Fisher S, Kenny ME, Gedeon B, Bryan L, Mu J, Bellinger D. A replicable strategy for mapping air pollution's community-level health impacts and catalyzing prevention. Environ Health 2022; 21:70. [PMID: 35843932 PMCID: PMC9288863 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-022-00879-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air pollution was responsible for an estimated 6.7 million deaths globally in 2019 and 197,000 deaths in the United States. Fossil fuel combustion is the major source. HYPOTHESIS Mapping air pollution's health impacts at the community level using publicly available data and open-source software will provide a replicable strategy for catalyzing pollution prevention. METHODS Using EPA's Environmental Benefits Mapping and Analysis (BenMAP-CE) software and state data, we quantified the effects of airborne fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution on disease, death and children's cognitive function (IQ Loss) in each city and town in Massachusetts. To develop a first-order estimate of PM2.5 pollution's impact on child IQ, we derived a concentration-response coefficient through literature review. FINDINGS The annual mean PM2.5 concentration in Massachusetts in 2019 was 6.3 μg/M3, a level below EPA's standard of 12 μg/M3 and above WHO's guideline of 5 μg/M3. In adults, PM2.5 pollution was responsible for an estimated 2780 (Confidence Interval [CI] 2726 - 2853) deaths: 1677 (CI, 1346 - 1926) from cardiovascular disease, 2185 (CI, 941-3409) from lung cancer, 200 (CI, 66-316) from stroke, and 343 (CI, 222-458) from chronic respiratory disease. In children, PM2.5 pollution was responsible for 308 (CI, 105-471) low-weight births, 15,386 (CJ, 5433-23,483) asthma cases, and a provisionally estimated loss of nearly 2 million Performance IQ points; IQ loss impairs children's school performance, reduces graduation rates and decreases lifetime earnings. Air-pollution-related disease, death and IQ loss were most severe in low-income, minority communities, but occurred in every city and town in Massachusetts regardless of location, demographics or median family income. CONCLUSION Disease, death and IQ loss occur at air pollution exposure levels below current EPA standards. Prevention of disease and premature death and preservation of children's cognitive function will require that EPA air quality standards be tightened. Enduring prevention will require government-incentivized transition to renewable energy coupled with phase-outs of subsidies and tax breaks for fossil fuels. Highly localized information on air pollution's impacts on health and on children's cognitive function has potential to catalyze pollution prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J Landrigan
- Global Observatory on Pollution and Health, Boston College, Boston, MA, USA.
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monaco, MC, Monaco.
| | - Samantha Fisher
- Global Observatory on Pollution and Health, Boston College, Boston, MA, USA
- Environmental; Epidemiology Program, City University of New York, New York, USA
| | - Maureen E Kenny
- Lynch School of Education and Human Development, Boston College, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brittney Gedeon
- Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences, Boston College, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Luke Bryan
- Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences, Boston College, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jenna Mu
- Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences, Boston College, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David Bellinger
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
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26
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Daouda M, Mujtaba MN, Yang Q, Seyram K, Lee AG, Tawiah T, Ae-Ngibise KA, Chillrud SN, Jack D, Asante KP. Prediction of personal exposure to PM 2.5 in mother-child pairs in rural Ghana. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2022; 32:629-636. [PMID: 35301434 PMCID: PMC9355911 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-022-00420-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air pollution epidemiological studies usually rely on estimates of long-term exposure to air pollutants, which are difficult to ascertain. This problem is accentuated in settings where sources of personal exposure differ from those of ambient concentrations, including household air pollution environments where cooking is an important source. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of estimating usual exposure to PM2.5 based on short-term measurements. METHODS We leveraged three types of short-term measurements from a cohort of mother-child pairs in 26 communities in rural Ghana: (A) personal exposure to PM2.5 in mothers and age four children, ambient PM2.5 concentrations (B) at the community level, and (C) at a central site. Baseline models were linear mixed models with a random intercept for community or for participant. Lowest root-mean-square-error (RMSE) was used to select the best-performing model. RESULTS We analyzed 240 community-days and 251 participant-days of PM2.5. Medians (IQR) of PM2.5 were 19.5 (36.5) μg/m3 for the central site, 28.7 (41.5) μg/m3 for the communities, 70.6 (56.9) μg/m3 for mothers, and 80.9 (74.1) μg/m3 for children. The ICCs (95% CI) for community ambient and personal exposure were 0.30 (0.17, 0.47) and 0.74 (0.65, 0.81) respectively. The sources of variability differed during the Harmattan season. Children's daily exposure was best predicted by models that used community ambient compared to mother's exposure as a predictor (log-scale RMSE: 0.165 vs 0.325). CONCLUSION Our results support the feasibility of predicting usual personal exposure to PM2.5 using short-term measurements in settings where household air pollution is an important source of exposure. Our results also suggest that mother's exposure may not be the best proxy for child's exposure at age four.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misbath Daouda
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Mohammed Nuhu Mujtaba
- Kintampo Health Research Centre, Ghana Health Service, Bono East Region, Kintampo, Ghana
| | - Qiang Yang
- Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kaali Seyram
- Kintampo Health Research Centre, Ghana Health Service, Bono East Region, Kintampo, Ghana
| | - Alison G Lee
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Theresa Tawiah
- Kintampo Health Research Centre, Ghana Health Service, Bono East Region, Kintampo, Ghana
| | - Kenneth A Ae-Ngibise
- Kintampo Health Research Centre, Ghana Health Service, Bono East Region, Kintampo, Ghana
| | - Steve N Chillrud
- Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Darby Jack
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kwaku Poku Asante
- Kintampo Health Research Centre, Ghana Health Service, Bono East Region, Kintampo, Ghana
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Flanagan E, Oudin A, Walles J, Abera A, Mattisson K, Isaxon C, Malmqvist E. Ambient and indoor air pollution exposure and adverse birth outcomes in Adama, Ethiopia. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 164:107251. [PMID: 35533531 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution poses a threat to human health, with pregnant women and their developing fetuses being particularly vulnerable. A high dual burden of ambient and indoor air pollution exposure has been identified in Ethiopia, but studies investigating their effects on adverse birth outcomes are currently lacking. This study explores the association between ambient air pollution (NOX and NO2) and indoor air pollution (cooking fuel type) and fetal and neonatal death in Adama, Ethiopia. A prospective cohort of mothers and their babies was used, into which pregnant women were recruited at their first antenatal visit (n = 2085) from November 2015 to February 2018. Previously developed land-use regression models were utilized to assess ambient concentrations of NOX and NO2 at the residential address, whereas data on cooking fuel type was derived from questionnaires. Birth outcome data was obtained from self-reported questionnaire responses during the participant's postnatal visit or by phone if an in-person meeting was not possible. Binary logistic regression was employed to assess associations within the final study population (n = 1616) using both univariate and multivariate models; the latter of which adjusted for age, education, parity, and HIV status. Odds ratios (OR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. Within the cohort, 69 instances of fetal death (n = 16 miscarriages; n = 53 stillbirths) and 16 cases of neonatal death were identified. The findings suggest a tendency towards an association between ambient NOX and NO2 exposure during pregnancy and an increased risk of fetal death overall as well as stillbirth, specifically. However, statistical significance was not observed. Results for indoor air pollution and neonatal death were inconclusive. As limited evidence on the effects of exposure to ambient air pollution on adverse birth outcomes exists in Sub-Saharan Africa and Ethiopia, additional studies with larger study populations should be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Flanagan
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Anna Oudin
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - John Walles
- Clinical Infection Medicine, Department of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Asmamaw Abera
- Ethiopia Institute of Water Resources, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Kristoffer Mattisson
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Christina Isaxon
- Division of Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology, Department of Design Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, LTH, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ebba Malmqvist
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Theron LC, Abreu-Villaça Y, Augusto-Oliveira M, Brennan C, Crespo-Lopez ME, de Paula Arrifano G, Glazer L, Gwata N, Lin L, Mareschal I, Mermelstein S, Sartori L, Stieger L, Trotta A, Hadfield K. A systematic review of the mental health risks and resilience among pollution-exposed adolescents. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 146:55-66. [PMID: 34953306 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Pollution is harmful to human physical health and wellbeing. What is less well established is the relationship between adolescent mental health - a growing public health concern - and pollution. In response, we systematically reviewed studies documenting associations between pollution and mental health in adolescents. We searched Africa Wide, Medline, PsycArticles, PsycInfo, PubMed, CINAHL, ERIC, SciELO, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection for studies published up to 10 April 2020 that investigated exposure to any pollutant and symptoms of anxiety; depression; disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorders; neurodevelopmental disorders; psychosis; or substance abuse in 10-24-year-olds (i.e., adolescents as per expanded and more inclusive definition of adolescence). This identified 2291 records and we assessed 128 papers for inclusion. We used a narrative synthesis to coalesce the studies' findings. This review is registered on PROSPERO, CRD42020176664. Seventeen studies from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America were included. Air and water pollution exposure was associated with elevated symptoms of depression, generalised anxiety, psychosis, and/or disruptive, impulse control and conduct disorder. Exposure to lead and solvents was associated with neurodevelopmental impairments. Most studies neglected factors that could have supported the mental health resilience of adolescents exposed to pollution. Notwithstanding the limited quality of most reviewed studies, results suggest that pollution exposure is a risk to adolescent mental health. High-quality research is urgently required, including the factors and processes that protect the mental health of pollution-exposed adolescents. Studies with adolescents living in low- and lower middle-income countries and the southern hemisphere must be prioritized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda C Theron
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - Yael Abreu-Villaça
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Marcus Augusto-Oliveira
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Brazil.
| | - Caroline Brennan
- Department of Biological and Experimental Psychology, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom.
| | - Maria Elena Crespo-Lopez
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Brazil.
| | - Gabriela de Paula Arrifano
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Brazil.
| | - Lilah Glazer
- Department of Biological and Experimental Psychology, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom.
| | - Netsai Gwata
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - Liyuan Lin
- Department of Biological and Experimental Psychology, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom.
| | - Isabelle Mareschal
- Department of Biological and Experimental Psychology, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom.
| | | | - Luke Sartori
- Department of Biological and Experimental Psychology, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom.
| | - Liesl Stieger
- Education Library, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - Andres Trotta
- Institute of Collective Health, National University of Lanús, Argentina.
| | - Kristin Hadfield
- Trinity Centre for Global Health, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland; School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.
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Abstract
Individuals born extremely preterm (before 28 weeks of gestation) comprise only about 0.7% of births in the United States and an even lower proportion in other high resource countries. However, these individuals account for a disproportionate number of children with cerebral palsy, intellectual deficit, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and epilepsy. This review describes two large multiple center cohorts comprised of individuals born extremely preterm: the EPICURE cohort, recruited 1995 in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, and the Extremely Low Gestational Age Newborn (ELGAN), recruited 2002-2004 in five states in the United States. The primary focus of these studies has been neurodevelopmental disorders, but also of interest are growth, respiratory illness, and parent- and self-reported global health and well-being. Both of these studies indicate that among individuals born extremely preterm the risks of most neurodevelopmental disorders are increased. Early life factors that contribute to this risk include perinatal brain damage, some of which can be identified using neonatal head ultrasound, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and neonatal systemic inflammation. Prenatal factors, particularly the family's socioeconomic position, also appear to contribute to risk. For most adverse outcomes, the risk is higher in males. Young adults born extremely preterm who have neurodevelopmental impairment, as compared to those without such impairment, rate their quality of life lower. However, young adults born extremely preterm who do not have neurodevelopmental impairments rate their quality of life as being similar to that of young adults born at term. Finally, we summarize the current state of interventions designed to improve the life course of extremely premature infants, with particular focus on efforts to prevent premature birth and on postnatal efforts to prevent adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve L Taylor
- Genevieve L Taylor MD: Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine
| | - T Michael O'Shea
- T. Michael O'Shea, MD, MPH: Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine.
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Fuller MG, Cavanaugh N, Green S, Duderstadt K. Climate Change and State of the Science for Children's Health and Environmental Health Equity. J Pediatr Health Care 2022; 36:20-26. [PMID: 34493406 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2021.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Climate change is impacting the physical and mental health of children and families. This is a state of the science update regarding the impacts of climate change for pediatric-focused health care providers and advanced practice registered nurses. METHOD Using an equity lens, the authors reviewed and synthesized current literature regarding the adverse impacts of climate change. RESULTS The poor and communities of color are disproportionately impacted by climate change. Physical health impacts include increased vector and water-born infectious diseases, increases in asthma and respiratory infections, and undernutrition. Social disruptions lead to human trafficking. Climate change is associated with mental health concerns, including anxiety and posttraumatic stress after natural disasters. DISCUSSION As clinicians, pediatric-focused providers, and advanced practice registered nurses should use multipronged and interdisciplinary approaches to address or prevent the adverse impacts of climate change. Advocacy at all government levels is necessary to safeguard children and vulnerable populations.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Climate change remains a major threat to the health and well-being of children globally. This article reviews the myriad health effects of climate change on children throughout their lives and discusses ways in which the general pediatrician can be an advocate for climate solutions. RECENT FINDINGS Rising atmospheric temperatures, increased air pollution, and destabilized weather patterns all lead to adverse health outcomes for children and adverse obstetric outcomes. However, the impact of climate change is not evenly distributed. Children living in poverty are more likely to be adversely impacted by the changing climate. SUMMARY Ongoing and emerging research suggests that children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The primary care pediatrician is encouraged to see this irrefutable evidence as a call to action for advocacy on behalf of our patients and the planet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Brodie
- Division of General and Community Pediatrics, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Elizabeth A Silberholz
- Division of General Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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32
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Galarneau E. Editorial to "Polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) in the Canadian environment: Overview of results and knowledge gaps from the special issue". ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 285:117607. [PMID: 34148676 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Galarneau
- Air Quality Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 4905 Dufferin Street, Toronto, ON, M3H 5T4, Canada.
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33
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Haghani A, Feinberg JI, Lewis KC, Ladd-Acosta C, Johnson RG, Jaffe AE, Sioutas C, Finch CE, Campbell DB, Morgan TE, Volk HE. Cerebral cortex and blood transcriptome changes in mouse neonates prenatally exposed to air pollution particulate matter. J Neurodev Disord 2021; 13:30. [PMID: 34429070 PMCID: PMC8383458 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-021-09380-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Prenatal exposure to air pollutants is associated with increased risk for neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. However, few studies have identified transcriptional changes related to air pollutant exposure. Methods RNA sequencing was used to examine transcriptomic changes in blood and cerebral cortex of three male and three female mouse neonates prenatally exposed to traffic-related nano-sized particulate matter (nPM) compared to three male and three female mouse neonates prenatally exposed to control filter air. Results We identified 19 nPM-associated differentially expressed genes (nPM-DEGs) in blood and 124 nPM-DEGs in cerebral cortex. The cerebral cortex transcriptional responses to nPM suggested neuroinflammation involvement, including CREB1, BDNF, and IFNγ genes. Both blood and brain tissues showed nPM transcriptional changes related to DNA damage, oxidative stress, and immune responses. Three blood nPM-DEGs showed a canonical correlation of 0.98 with 14 nPM-DEGS in the cerebral cortex, suggesting a convergence of gene expression changes in blood and cerebral cortex. Exploratory sex-stratified analyses suggested a higher number of nPM-DEGs in female cerebral cortex than male cerebral cortex. The sex-stratified analyses identified 2 nPM-DEGs (Rgl2 and Gm37534) shared between blood and cerebral cortex in a sex-dependent manner. Conclusions Our findings suggest that prenatal nPM exposure induces transcriptional changes in the cerebral cortex, some of which are also observed in blood. Further research is needed to replicate nPM-induced transcriptional changes with additional biologically relevant time points for brain development. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s11689-021-09380-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Haghani
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jason I Feinberg
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kristy C Lewis
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Christine Ladd-Acosta
- Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Richard G Johnson
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Andrew E Jaffe
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Center for Computational Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Constantinos Sioutas
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Caleb E Finch
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Daniel B Campbell
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Todd E Morgan
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Heather E Volk
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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34
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To T, Zhu J, Terebessy E, Zhang K, Fong I, Pinault L, Jerrett M, Robichaud A, Ménard R, van Donkelaar A, Martin RV, Hystad P, Brook JR, Dell S, Stieb D. Does exposure to air pollution increase the risk of acute care in young children with asthma? An Ontario, Canada study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 199:111302. [PMID: 34019894 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Owing to their greater outdoor activity and ongoing lung development, children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5). However, the effects of PM2.5 components are poorly understood. This study aimed to use a longitudinal birth cohort of children with physician-diagnosed incident asthma to investigate the effect of PM2.5 components at birth on morbidity measured by health services utilization. Of 1277 Toronto Child Health Evaluation Questionnaire (T-CHEQ) participants, the study population included 362 children diagnosed with asthma who were followed for a mean of 13 years from birth until March 31, 2016, or loss-to-follow-up. Concentrations of PM2.5 and its components were assigned based on participants' postal codes at birth. Study outcomes included counts of asthma, asthma-related, and all-cause health services use. Poisson regression in single-, two-, and multi-pollutant models was used to estimate rate ratios (RR) per interquartile range (IQR) increase of exposures. Covariates were included in all models to further adjust for potential confounding. The adjusted RR for sulfate (SO4) and all-cause hospitalizations was statistically significant with RR = 2.23 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.25-3.96) in a multi-pollutant model with nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3). In multi-pollutant models with oxidants, the adjusted RRs for SO4 of all-cause hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) visits were also statistically significant with RR = 2.31 (95% CI: 1.32-4.03) and RR = 1.39 (95% CI: 1.02-1.90), respectively. While unadjusted single-pollutant RRs for asthma-specific and asthma-related health services use with the SO4 component of PM2.5 were above one, none were statistically significant. This study found significant associations with exposure to SO4 in PM2.5 and all-cause acute care, chiefly for hospitalizations, in children with asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa To
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Canada; Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Jingqin Zhu
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Canada; Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emilie Terebessy
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Canada
| | - Kimball Zhang
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Canada; Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ivy Fong
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Canada
| | | | - Michael Jerrett
- The University of California, Los Angeles, Fielding School of Public Health, CA, USA
| | - Alain Robichaud
- Air Quality Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada
| | - Richard Ménard
- Air Quality Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada
| | - Aaron van Donkelaar
- Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science, Dalhousie University, Canada; Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Randall V Martin
- Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science, Dalhousie University, Canada; Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, USA
| | - Perry Hystad
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, USA
| | - Jeffrey R Brook
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Sharon Dell
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Canada; Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Provincial Health Services Authority, BC Children's Hospital, Canada
| | - Dave Stieb
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Canada
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Fattahi A. The effect of cross-section geometry on the performance of a solar nanofluid heater in a parabolic solar receiver: A comparison study. J Taiwan Inst Chem Eng 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtice.2021.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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36
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Fermo P, Artíñano B, De Gennaro G, Pantaleo AM, Parente A, Battaglia F, Colicino E, Di Tanna G, Goncalves da Silva Junior A, Pereira IG, Garcia GS, Garcia Goncalves LM, Comite V, Miani A. Improving indoor air quality through an air purifier able to reduce aerosol particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs): Experimental results. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 197:111131. [PMID: 33865819 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The adverse effects of fine particulate matter (PM) and many volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on human health are well known. Fine particles are, in fact, those most capable of penetrating in depth into the respiratory system. People spend most of their time indoors where concentrations of some pollutants are sometimes higher than outdoors. Therefore, there is the need to ensure a healthy indoor environment and for this purpose the use of an air purifier can be a valuable aid especially now since it was demonstrated that indoor air quality has a high impact on spreading of viral infections such as that due to SARS-COVID19. In this study, we tested a commercial system that can be used as an air purifier. In particular it was verified its efficiency in reducing concentrations of PM10 (particles with aerodynamic diameter less than 10 μm), PM2.5 (particles with aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm), PM1 (particles with aerodynamic diameter less than 1 μm), and particles number in the range 0.3 μm-10 μm. Furthermore, its capacity in reducing VOCs concentration was also checked. PM measurements were carried out by means of a portable optical particle counter (OPC) instrument simulating the working conditions typical of a household environment. In particular we showed that the tested air purifier significantly reduced both PM10 and PM2.5 by 16.8 and 7.25 times respectively that corresponds to a reduction of about 90% and 80%. A clear reduction of VOCs concentrations was also observed since a decrease of over 50% of these gaseous substances was achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Fermo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, Milan, 20133, Italy; Italian Society of Environmental Medicine, (SIMA), Milan, 20123, Italy.
| | - Begoña Artíñano
- Centre for Energy, Environment and Technologies (CIEMAT), Madrid, Spain
| | - Gianluigi De Gennaro
- Italian Society of Environmental Medicine, (SIMA), Milan, 20123, Italy; Department of Biology, University "Aldo Moro" of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Parente
- Université Libre de Bruxelles, Ecole Polytechnique de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | | | | | - Gianluca Di Tanna
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Valeria Comite
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Alessandro Miani
- Italian Society of Environmental Medicine, (SIMA), Milan, 20123, Italy; Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Theron LC, Abreu-Villaça Y, Augusto-Oliveira M, Brennan CH, Crespo-Lopez ME, de Paula Arrifano G, Glazer L, Lin L, Mareschal I, Sartori L, Stieger L, Trotta A, Hadfield K. Effects of pollution on adolescent mental health: a systematic review protocol. Syst Rev 2021; 10:85. [PMID: 33773602 PMCID: PMC8005223 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-021-01639-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whilst there is little uncertainty about the deleterious impact of pollution on human and planetary health, pollution's impact on adolescent mental health is less well understood. This is particularly true for young people in underdeveloped and developing world contexts, about whom research is generally lacking. Furthermore, although adolescent resilience continues to be a research priority, little attention has been paid to adolescent pathways of resilience in the face or aftermath of pollution exposure. The objective of this study will be to examine the associations between pollution and mental health in 10- to 24-year-olds (i.e. adolescents). METHODS We designed and registered a study protocol for a systematic review of studies which link pollution and mental health in adolescents. We will include observational studies (e.g. cohort, case-control, time series analyses) that assess the associations between exposure to any form of pollution and the mental health of 10- to 24-year-olds. The primary outcome will be symptoms associated with neurodevelopmental disorders; disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorders; depressive disorders; anxiety disorders; substance disorders; and schizophrenia. No secondary outcomes will be considered. Literature searches will be conducted in multiple electronic databases (from inception onwards), including PubMed, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, SciELO, ERIC, and Africa-Wide. Two investigators will independently screen all citations, full-text articles, and abstract data. The methodological quality (or bias) of included studies will be appraised using appropriate tools. We will provide a narrative synthesis of the evidence. DISCUSSION This systematic review will evaluate the evidence on the associations between pollution and the mental health of 10- to 24-year-olds. Our findings will be of potential interest to multiple audiences (including adolescent patients/clients, their families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, scientists, and policy makers) and could be used to develop prevention and intervention strategies as well as focus future research. Results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42020176664.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda C. Theron
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Yael Abreu-Villaça
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcus Augusto-Oliveira
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Caroline H. Brennan
- Department of Biological and Experimental Psychology, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Maria Elena Crespo-Lopez
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Gabriela de Paula Arrifano
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Lilah Glazer
- Nanchang Joint Programme, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences (SBCS), Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Liyuan Lin
- Department of Biological and Experimental Psychology, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Isabelle Mareschal
- Department of Biological and Experimental Psychology, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Luke Sartori
- Department of Biological and Experimental Psychology, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Liesl Stieger
- Education Library, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Andres Trotta
- Institute of Collective Health, National University of Lanús, Remedios de Escalada, Argentina
| | - Kristin Hadfield
- Trinity Centre for Global Health, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Kim JH, Jung S, Lin KYA, Rinklebe J, Kwon EE. Comparative study on carbon dioxide-cofed catalytic pyrolysis of grass and woody biomass. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2021; 323:124633. [PMID: 33412496 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2020.124633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the mechanistic functions of CO2 on the pyrolysis of two different biomasses to elucidate the effect of CO2 on syngas formations during pyrolysis. To this end, CO2-assisted pyrolysis of cellulosic biomass (barnyard grass, Echinochloa) and lignin-rich woody biomass (retinispora, Chamaecyparis obtusa) were compared. The confirmed mechanistic effectiveness of CO2 on pyrolysis of biomass was gas phase reactions between CO2 and volatile matters from biomass pyrolysis. Lignin-rich biomass had more CO2 susceptibility, resulting in more enhanced CO formation via the gas phase reactions. To expedite the slow reaction rate of the gas phase reactions during biomass pyrolysis, earth-abundant catalysts (Co/SiO2 and Ni/SiO2) were employed for pyrolysis of two biomass substrates. With Co and Ni catalysts, the syngas formations were 2 and 3 times higher comparing to the pyrolysis of without catalyst. The cumulative formations of syngas from lignin-rich biomass was nearly doubled than that from cellulosic biomass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Hun Kim
- Department of Environment and Energy, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungyup Jung
- Department of Environment and Energy, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Kun-Yi Andrew Lin
- Department of Environmental Engineering & Innovation and Development Center of Sustainable Agriculture, National Chung Hsing University, 250 Kuo-Kuang Road, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- Department of Environment and Energy, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea; Soil and Groundwater Management, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water- and Waste-Management, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, University of Wuppertal, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Eilhann E Kwon
- Department of Environment and Energy, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea.
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Daouda M, Henneman L, Kioumourtzoglou MA, Gemmill A, Zigler C, Casey J. Association between county-level coal-fired power plant pollution and racial disparities in preterm births from 2000 to 2018. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS : ERL [WEB SITE] 2021; 16:034055. [PMID: 34531925 PMCID: PMC8443161 DOI: 10.1088/1748-9326/abe4f7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Coal has historically been a primary energy source in the United States. The byproducts of coal combustion, such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5), have increasingly been associated with adverse birth outcomes. The goal of this study was to leverage the current progressive transition away from coal in the United States (U.S.) to assess whether coal PM2.5 is associated with preterm birth rates and whether this association differs by maternal Black/White race/ethnicity. Using a novel dispersion modeling approach, we estimated PM2.5 pollution from coal-fired power plants nationwide at the county-level during the study period (2000-2018). We also obtained county-level preterm birth rates for non-Hispanic White and non-Hispanic Black mothers. We used a generalized additive mixed model to estimate the relationship between coal PM2.5 and preterm birth rates, overall and stratified by maternal race. We included a natural spline to allow for non-linearity in the concentration-response curve. We observed a positive non-linear relationship between coal PM2.5 and preterm birth rate, which plateaued at higher levels of pollution. We also observed differential associations by maternal race; the association was stronger for White women, especially at higher levels of coal PM2.5 (> 2.0 μg/m3). Our findings suggest that the transition away from coal may reduce preterm birth rates in the U.S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misbath Daouda
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lucas Henneman
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Alison Gemmill
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Corwin Zigler
- Department of Statistics and Data Sciences, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Joan Casey
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
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40
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Helldén D, Andersson C, Nilsson M, Ebi KL, Friberg P, Alfvén T. Climate change and child health: a scoping review and an expanded conceptual framework. Lancet Planet Health 2021; 5:e164-e175. [PMID: 33713617 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(20)30274-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Climate change can have detrimental effects on child health and wellbeing. Despite the imperative for a fuller understanding of how climate change affects child health and wellbeing, a systematic approach and focus solely on children (aged <18 years) has been lacking. In this Scoping Review, we did a literature search on the impacts of climate change on child health from January, 2000, to June, 2019. The included studies explicitly linked an alteration of an exposure to a risk factor for child health to climate change or climate variability. In total, 2970 original articles, reviews, and other documents were identified, of which 371 were analysed. Employing an expanded framework, our analysis showed that the effects of climate change on child health act through direct and indirect pathways, with implications for determinants of child health as well as morbidity and mortality from a range of diseases. This understanding can be further enhanced by using a broader range of research methods, studying overlooked populations and geographical regions, investigating the costs and benefits of mitigation and adaptation for child health, and considering the position of climate change and child health within the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Present and future generations of children bear and will continue to bear an unacceptably high disease burden from climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Helldén
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Camilla Andersson
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Maria Nilsson
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Kristie L Ebi
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Peter Friberg
- Swedish Institute for Global Health Transformation, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Tobias Alfvén
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Sachs' Children and Youth Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Tevlin A, Galarneau E, Zhang T, Hung H. Polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) in the Canadian environment: Ambient air and deposition. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 271:116232. [PMID: 33412446 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.116232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) in Canadian air and deposition were examined at the national scale for the first time in over twenty-five years. Air concentrations spanned four orders of magnitude, and were highest near industrial emitters and lowest in the Arctic. Declines in unsubstituted PAHs were observed at locations close to industrial facilities that had reduced emissions, but trends elsewhere were modest or negligible. Retene concentrations are increasing at several locations. Ambient concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene exceeded Ontario's health-based guideline in many urban/industrial areas. The estimated toxicity of the ambient PAC mixture increased by up to a factor of six when including compounds beyond the US EPA PAHs. Knowledge of PAC deposition is limited to the Laurentian Great Lakes and Athabasca Oil Sands regions. The atmosphere remained a net source of PAHs to the Great Lakes, though atmospheric inputs were decreasing with halving times of 26-30 years. Chemical transport modelling substantially overestimated wet deposition, but model performance is unknown for dry deposition. Sources from Asia, Europe and North America contributed to Arctic and Sub-Arctic concentrations, whereas transboundary or long-range transport have not been assessed outside Canada's north. Climate-related impacts from re-emission and forest fires were implicated in maintaining air concentrations in the high Arctic that were not consistent with global emissions reductions. Industrial emission decreases were substantial at the national scale, but their influence on the environment was limited to areas near relevant facilities. When examined through the lens of ambient levels at the local scale, evidence suggested that contributions from residential wood combustion and motor vehicles were smaller and larger, respectively, than those reported in national inventories. Future work aimed at characterizing PACs beyond the EPA PAHs, improving measurement coverage, elucidating deposition phenomena, and refining estimates of source contributions would assist in reducing remaining knowledge gaps about PACs in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Tevlin
- Air Quality Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 4905 Dufferin Street, Toronto, Ontario, M3H 5T4, Canada
| | - Elisabeth Galarneau
- Air Quality Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 4905 Dufferin Street, Toronto, Ontario, M3H 5T4, Canada.
| | - Tianchu Zhang
- Air Quality Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 4905 Dufferin Street, Toronto, Ontario, M3H 5T4, Canada
| | - Hayley Hung
- Air Quality Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 4905 Dufferin Street, Toronto, Ontario, M3H 5T4, Canada
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Abstract
Pollutant agents are exponentially increasing in modern society since industrialization processes and technology are being developed worldwide. Impact of pollution on public health is well known but little has been described on the association between environmental pollutants and mental health. A literature search on PubMed and EMBASE has been conducted and 134 articles published on the issue of pollution and mental health have been included, cited, reviewed, and summarized. Emerging evidences have been collected on association between major environmental pollutants (air pollutants, heavy metals, ionizing radiation [IR], organophosphate pesticides, light pollution, noise pollution, environmental catastrophes) and various mental health disorders including anxiety, mood, and psychotic syndromes. Underlying pathogenesis includes direct and indirect effects of these agents on brain, respectively, due to their biological effect on human Central Nervous System or related to some levels of stress generated by the exposure to the pollutant agents over the time. Most of emerging evidences are still nonconclusive. Further studies should clarify how industrial production, the exploitation of certain resources, the proximity to waste and energy residues, noise, and the change in lifestyles are connected with psychological distress and mental health problems for the affected populations.
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43
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Perera F, Berberian A, Cooley D, Shenaut E, Olmstead H, Ross Z, Matte T. Potential health benefits of sustained air quality improvements in New York City: A simulation based on air pollution levels during the COVID-19 shutdown. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 193:110555. [PMID: 33285156 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
New York City (NYC) experienced a sharp decline in air pollution during the COVID-19 shutdown period (March 15, 2020 to May 15, 2020)-albeit at high social and economic costs. It provided a unique opportunity to simulate a scenario in which the city-wide air quality improvement during the shutdown were sustained over the five-year period, 2021 through 2025, allowing us to estimate the potential public health benefits to children and adults and their associated economic benefits. We focused on fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and modeled potential future health benefits to children and adults. The analysis considered outcomes in children that have not generally been accounted for in clean air benefits assessments, including preterm birth, term low birthweight, infant mortality, child asthma incidence, child asthma hospital admissions and emergency department visits, autism spectrum disorder, as well as adult mortality. We estimated a city-wide 23% improvement in PM2.5 levels during the COVID-19 shutdown months compared to the average level for those months in 2015-2018 (the business as usual period). Based on the data for 2020, we extrapolated the ambient levels of PM2.5 for the following five-year period. The estimated cumulative benefits for 2021-2025 included thousands of avoided cases of illness and death, with associated economic benefits from $31.8 billion to $77 billion. This "natural experiment," tragic though the cause, has provided a hypothetical clean air scenario that can be considered aspirational-one that could be achieved through transportation, climate, and environmental policies that support robust economic recovery with similarly reduced emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederica Perera
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, USA.
| | - Alique Berberian
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | - Zev Ross
- Zev Ross Spatial Analysis, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Thomas Matte
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, USA
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44
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Wang Y, Perera F, Guo J, Riley KW, Durham T, Ross Z, Ananth CV, Baccarelli A, Wang S, Herbstman JB. A methodological pipeline to generate an epigenetic marker of prenatal exposure to air pollution indicators. Epigenetics 2021; 17:32-40. [PMID: 33465004 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2021.1872926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A barrier in the children's environmental health field has been the lack of early-warning systems to identify risks of childhood illness and developmental disorders. We aimed to develop a methodology to identify an accessible biomarker measured in a small amount of blood to distinguish newborns at elevated risk from a toxic prenatal exposure, using air pollutants as a case study. Because air pollutants are associated with altered DNA methylation, we developed a pipeline using DNA methylation signatures measured in umbilical cord blood, which could be used as predictors of prenatal exposure. We used air pollution indicators, including modelled trimester-specific and pregnancy average NO2 and PM2.5, and DNA methylation signatures from Illumina arrays measured in two New York City-based longitudinal birth cohorts from the Columbia Centre for Children's Environmental Health. We developed a screening plus three-part pipeline that incorporates selection, testing, and validation to identify whether DNA methylation can be used to predict exposure to prenatal air pollution indicators, NO2 and PM2.5. Applying this pipeline, we found that cord blood DNA methylation could be used to predict high vs. low average pregnancy NO2 (AUC = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.52-0.68, with validation AUC = 0.60). Similar results were found for high vs. low third trimester NO2. In this proof of concept study using air pollutants as an example, we provide an approach (with a generalizable analytic pipeline) that can be used for prediction of prenatal exposure to contaminants. This approach has potential to identify children at risk of developmental disorders and illness resulting from prenatal exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Wang
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York.,Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Frederica Perera
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York.,Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Jia Guo
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York.,Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Kylie W Riley
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York.,Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Teresa Durham
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York.,Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Zev Ross
- ZevRoss Spatial Analysis, Ithaca, New York
| | - Cande V Ananth
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University New Brunswick, New Jersey.,Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI), Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey.,Cardiovascular Institute of New Jersey (CVINJ), Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey.,Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Andrea Baccarelli
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Shuang Wang
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York.,Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Julie B Herbstman
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York.,Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
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Bangma JT, Hartwell H, Santos HP, O'Shea TM, Fry RC. Placental programming, perinatal inflammation, and neurodevelopment impairment among those born extremely preterm. Pediatr Res 2021; 89:326-335. [PMID: 33184498 PMCID: PMC7658618 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-020-01236-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Individuals born extremely preterm are at significant risk for impaired neurodevelopment. After discharge from the neonatal intensive care, associations between the child's well-being and factors in the home and social environment become increasingly apparent. Mothers' prenatal health and socioeconomic status are associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes, and emotional and behavioral problems. Research on early life risk factors and on mechanisms underlying inter-individual differences in neurodevelopment later in life can inform the design of personalized approaches to prevention. Here, we review early life predictors of inter-individual differences in later life neurodevelopment among those born extremely preterm. Among biological mechanisms that mediate relationships between early life predictors and later neurodevelopmental outcomes, we highlight evidence for disrupted placental processes and regulated at least in part via epigenetic mechanisms, as well as perinatal inflammation. In relation to these mechanisms, we focus on four prenatal antecedents of impaired neurodevelopment, namely, (1) fetal growth restriction, (2) maternal obesity, (3) placental microorganisms, and (4) socioeconomic adversity. In the future, this knowledge may inform efforts to detect and prevent adverse outcomes in infants born extremely preterm. IMPACT: This review highlights early life risk factors and mechanisms underlying inter-individual differences in neurodevelopment later in life. The review emphasizes research on early life risk factors (fetal growth restriction, maternal obesity, placental microorganisms, and socioeconomic adversity) and on mechanisms (disrupted placental processes and perinatal inflammation) underlying inter-individual differences in neurodevelopment later in life. The findings highlighted here may inform efforts to detect and prevent adverse outcomes in infants born extremely preterm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline T Bangma
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Hadley Hartwell
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Hudson P Santos
- Biobehavioral Laboratory, School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - T Michael O'Shea
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rebecca C Fry
- Biobehavioral Laboratory, School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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46
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Benefit Analysis of the 1st Spanish Air Pollution Control Programme on Health Impacts and Associated Externalities. ATMOSPHERE 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos12010032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This paper aims to provide scientific support for decision-making in the field of improving air quality by evaluating pollution reduction measures included in the current Spanish policy framework of the 1st National Air Pollution Control Programme (NAPCP). First, the health impacts of air quality are estimated by using the concentrations estimated by multiscale air quality modeling and the recommended concentration–response functions (CRF), specifically as a result of exposure to particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3). Second, the associated external costs are calculated by monetization techniques. Two scenarios are analyzed: a package including existing measures (WM2030) and a package with additional measures (WAM2030). Compared with the baseline scenario, an improvement was found in the health effects of NO2, PM10, and PM2.5, while for O3 there was a slight worsening, mainly due to the increase in the O3 metric used (SOMO35), which increases over some urban areas. Despite this, the monetary valuation of the total effects on health as a whole shows external benefits due to the adoption of measures (WM2030), compared with the reference scenario (no measures) of more than € 17.5 billion and, when considering the additional measures (WAM2030), benefits of about € 58.1 billion.
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47
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Perera F, Cooley D, Berberian A, Mills D, Kinney P. Response to "Comment on 'Co-Benefits to Children's Health of the U.S. Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative'". ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2020; 128:128002. [PMID: 33355480 PMCID: PMC7757376 DOI: 10.1289/ehp8626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Frederica Perera
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Alique Berberian
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - David Mills
- Peak to Peak Economics, LLC, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Patrick Kinney
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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48
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Rittner R, Flanagan E, Oudin A, Malmqvist E. Health Impacts from Ambient Particle Exposure in Southern Sweden. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17145064. [PMID: 32674378 PMCID: PMC7400131 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17145064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
A health impact assessment (HIA) is an important tool for making informed decisions regarding the design and evaluation of environmental interventions. In this study, we performed a quantitative HIA for the population of Scania (1,247,993), the southernmost county in Sweden, in 2016. The impact of annual mean concentrations of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter <2.5 µm (PM2.5), modeled at their home residences for the year 2011, on mortality, asthma, dementia, autism spectrum disorders, preeclampsia and low birth weight (LBW) was explored. Concentration–response (C-R) functions were taken from epidemiological studies reporting meta-analyses when available, and otherwise from single epidemiological studies. The average level of PM2.5 experienced by the study population was 11.88 µg/m3. The PM2.5 exposure was estimated to cause 9–11% of cases of LBW and 6% of deaths from natural causes. Locally produced PM2.5 alone contributed to 2–9% of the cases of diseases and disorders investigated. Reducing concentrations to a maximum of 10 µg/m3 would, according to our estimations, reduce mortality by 3% and reduce cases of LBW by 2%. Further analyses of separate emission sources’ distinct effects were also presented. Reduction of air pollution levels in the study area would, as expected, have a substantial effect on both mortality and adverse health outcomes. Reductions should be aimed for by local authorities and on national and even international levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Rittner
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Health, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden; (E.F.); (A.O.); (E.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +46-4617-3189
| | - Erin Flanagan
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Health, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden; (E.F.); (A.O.); (E.M.)
| | - Anna Oudin
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Health, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden; (E.F.); (A.O.); (E.M.)
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Ebba Malmqvist
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Health, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden; (E.F.); (A.O.); (E.M.)
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Perera F, Cooley D, Berberian A, Mills D, Kinney P. Co-Benefits to Children's Health of the U.S. Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2020; 128:77006. [PMID: 32749866 PMCID: PMC7388687 DOI: 10.1289/ehp6706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While various policies have been implemented globally to mitigate climate change and reduce exposure to toxic air pollutants, policy assessments have considered few if any of the benefits to children. OBJECTIVE To comprehensively assess the co-benefits of climate change mitigation to children, we expanded the suite of adverse health outcomes in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Benefits Mapping and Analysis Program (BenMAP) to include additional outcomes associated with prenatal and childhood exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5). We applied this newly expanded program to an assessment of the U.S. Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), the United States' first regional market-based regulatory program designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the electric power sector within the Northeast. METHODS We used calculated changes in ambient PM2.5 concentrations for the period 2009-2014, with newly incorporated concentration-response (C-R) functions to quantify changes in the incidence of preterm birth (PTB), term low birth weight (TLBW), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and asthma. These outcomes are causally or likely to be causally related to PM2.5 exposure. Cost per case estimates were incorporated to monetize those changes in incidence. RESULTS The estimated avoided cases of adverse child health outcomes included 537 asthma cases, 112 preterm births, 98 cases of ASD, and 56 cases of TLBW, with an associated avoided cost estimate ranging from $191 to $350 million. In a previous analysis of health benefits of RGGI, the only benefits accruing to children were limited to prevented cases of infant mortality and respiratory illnesses, with a monetized impact of $8.1 million-only 2-4% of the new results attributable to RGGI. CONCLUSION The results of this innovative analysis indicate that RGGI has provided substantial child health benefits beyond those initially considered. Moreover, those health benefits had significant estimated economic value. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP6706.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederica Perera
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Alique Berberian
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - David Mills
- Peak to Peak Economics, LLC, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Patrick Kinney
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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50
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Attributable Risk to Assess the Health Impact of Air Pollution: Advances, Controversies, State of the Art and Future Needs. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17124512. [PMID: 32585937 PMCID: PMC7344816 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17124512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Despite the increased attention given to the health impact assessment of air pollution and to the strategies to control it in both scientific literature and concrete interventions, the results of the implementations, especially those involving traffic, have not always been satisfactory and there is still disagreement about the most appropriate interventions and the methods to assess their effectiveness. This state-of-the-art article reviews the recent interpretation of the concepts that concern the impact assessment, and compares old and new measurements of attributable risk and attributable fraction. It also summarizes the ongoing discussion about the designs and methods for assessing the air pollution impact with particular attention to improvements due to spatio-temporal analysis and other new approaches, such as studying short term effects in cohorts, and the still discussed methods of predicting the values of attributable risk (AR). Finally, the study presents the more recent analytic perspectives and the methods for directly assessing the effects of not yet implemented interventions on air quality and health, in accordance with the suggestion in the strategic plan 2020-2025 from the Health Effect Institute.
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