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Moon HG, Bae S, Chae Y, Kim YJ, Kim HM, Song M, Bae MS, Lee CH, Ha T, Seo JS, Kim S. Assessment of potential ecological risk for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in urban soils with high level of atmospheric particulate matter concentration. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 272:116014. [PMID: 38295737 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116014] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are known to be representative carcinogenic environmental pollutants with high toxicity. However, information on the potential ecological and environmental risks of PAH contamination in soil remains scarce. Thus, this study was evaluated the potential ecological risks of PAHs in soils of five Korean areas (Gunsan (GS), Gwangju, Yeongnam, Busan, and Gangwon) using organic carbon (OC)-normalized analysis, mean effect range-median quotient (M-ERM-Q), toxic equivalent quantity (TEQ) analysis, and risk quotient (RQ) derived by the species sensitivity distribution model. In this study, atmospheric particulate matter has a significant effect on soil pollution in GS through the presence of hopanes and the similar pattern of PAHs in soil and atmospheric PAHs. From analysis of source identification, combustion sources in soils of GS were important PAH sources. For PAHs in soils of GS, the OC-normalized analysis, M-ERM-Q, and TEQ analysis have 26.78 × 105 ng/g-OC, 0.218, and 49.72, respectively. Therefore, the potential ecological risk assessment results showed that GS had moderate-high ecological risk and moderate-high carcinogenic risk, whereas the other regions had low ecological risk and low-moderate carcinogenic risk. The risk level (M-ERM-Q) of PAH contamination in GS was similar to that in Changchun and Xiangxi Bay in China. The Port Harcourt City in Nigeria for PAH has the highest risk (M-ERM-Q = 4.02 and TEQ = 7923). Especially, compared to China (RQPhe =0.025 and 0.05), and Nigeria (0.059), phenanthrene showed the highest ecological risk in Korea (0.001-0.18). Korea should focus on controlling the release of PAHs originating from the PM in GS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hi Gyu Moon
- Ecological Risk Assessment Center, Gyeongnam Branch Institute, Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT), Jinju 52834, the Republic of Korea
| | - Seonhee Bae
- Ecological Risk Assessment Center, Gyeongnam Branch Institute, Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT), Jinju 52834, the Republic of Korea
| | - Yooeun Chae
- Ecological Risk Assessment Center, Gyeongnam Branch Institute, Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT), Jinju 52834, the Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Jae Kim
- Medical Industry Venture Center, Korea Testing Laboratory, Wonju 26495, the Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung-Min Kim
- Ecological Risk Assessment Center, Gyeongnam Branch Institute, Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT), Jinju 52834, the Republic of Korea
| | - Mijung Song
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Jeonbuk National University, the Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Suk Bae
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Mokpo National University, Muan 58554, the Republic of Korea
| | - Chil-Hyoung Lee
- Green Energy & Nano Technology R&D Group, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, Gwangju 61012, the Republic of Korea
| | - Taewon Ha
- Green Energy & Nano Technology R&D Group, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, Gwangju 61012, the Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Su Seo
- Ecological Risk Assessment Center, Gyeongnam Branch Institute, Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT), Jinju 52834, the Republic of Korea.
| | - Sooyeon Kim
- Ecological Risk Assessment Center, Gyeongnam Branch Institute, Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT), Jinju 52834, the Republic of Korea.
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2
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Noghanibehambari H, Fletcher J. Dust to Feed, Dust to Gray: The Effect of in Utero Exposure to the Dust Bowl on Old-Age Longevity. Demography 2024; 61:87-113. [PMID: 38214503 DOI: 10.1215/00703370-11140760] [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] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Intensive agriculture and deep plowing caused topsoil erosion and dust storms during the 1930s, affecting agricultural income and land values for years. Given the growing literature on the relevance of in utero and early-life exposures, it is surprising that studies focusing on links between the Dust Bowl and later-life health have produced inconclusive and mixed results. We reevaluate this literature and study the long-term effects of in utero and early-life exposure to topsoil erosion caused by the 1930s Dust Bowl on old-age longevity. Specifically, using Social Security Administration death records linked with the full-count 1940 census, we conduct event studies with difference-in-differences designs to compare the longevity of individuals in high- versus low-topsoil-erosion counties before versus after 1930. We find intent-to-treat reductions in longevity of approximately 0.85 months for those born in high-erosion counties after 1930. We show that these effects are not an artifact of preexisting trends in longevity. Additional analyses suggest that the effects are more pronounced among children raised in farm households, females, and those whose mothers had lower education. We also provide suggestive evidence that reductions in adulthood income are a likely mechanism for the effects we document.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jason Fletcher
- La Follette School of Public Affairs, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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3
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Noghanibehambari H, Bagheri H, Salari M, Tavassoli N, Javid R, Toranji M. Breathing in the future: prenatal exposure to air pollution and infants' health outcomes in the USA. Public Health 2023; 225:198-205. [PMID: 37939461 PMCID: PMC10842113 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the impact of air pollution on birth outcomes in the USA over several decades. STUDY DESIGN Approximately 70 million birth records were assessed for the years 1980-2020. This study focussed on seven measures of birth outcomes, including birth weight, low birth weight, very low birth weight, full-term birth weight, foetal growth, gestational age and very premature birth. METHODS An instrumental variable identification strategy was used that exploited within county-month and within month-year of birth variations in exposure to precipitation-induced changes in air pollution. RESULTS Air pollution was found to have negative and large effects on a wide range of birth outcomes. The study findings suggest that a one-standard-deviation increase in ozone was associated with a 6.4% and 12.8% increase (from the mean) in the proportion of low birth weight and very preterm birth infants, respectively. Further analyses suggest that these effects were heterogeneous across trimesters of pregnancy and reveal larger impacts during the second and third trimesters. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that the ordinary least square estimates of previous studies considerably underestimate the true effects of pollution on birth outcomes. Policies that aim to improve the health capital of future generations should allocate more resources and initiatives to improving environmental air quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Noghanibehambari
- Center for Demography of Health and Aging, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - H Bagheri
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - M Salari
- Department of Accounting, Finance, and Economics, California State University Dominguez Hills, Carson, CA 90747, USA.
| | - N Tavassoli
- Department of Economics, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA.
| | - R Javid
- School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - M Toranji
- Department of Economics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
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4
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Lwin KS, Tobias A, Chua PL, Yuan L, Thawonmas R, Ith S, Htay ZW, Yu LS, Yamasaki L, Roqué M, Querol X, Fussell JC, Nadeau KC, Stafoggia M, Saliba NA, Sheng Ng CF, Hashizume M. Effects of Desert Dust and Sandstorms on Human Health: A Scoping Review. GEOHEALTH 2023; 7:e2022GH000728. [PMID: 36874170 PMCID: PMC9976568 DOI: 10.1029/2022gh000728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Desert dust and sandstorms are recurring environmental phenomena that are reported to produce serious health risks worldwide. This scoping review was conducted to identify the most likely health effects of desert dust and sandstorms and the methods used to characterize desert dust exposure from the existing epidemiological literature. We systematically searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus to identify studies that reported the effects of desert dust and sandstorms on human health. Search terms referred to desert dust or sandstorm exposure, names of major deserts, and health outcomes. Health effects were cross-tabulated with study design variables (e.g., epidemiological design and methods to quantify dust exposure), desert dust source, health outcomes and conditions. We identified 204 studies that met the inclusion criteria for the scoping review. More than half of the studies (52.9%) used a time-series study design. However, we found a substantial variation in the methods used to identify and quantify desert dust exposure. The binary metric of dust exposure was more frequently used than the continuous metric for all desert dust source locations. Most studies (84.8%) reported significant associations between desert dust and adverse health effects, mainly for respiratory and cardiovascular mortality and morbidity causes. Although there is a large body of evidence on the health effects of desert dust and sandstorms, the existing epidemiological studies have significant limitations related to exposure measurement and statistical analysis that potentially contribute to inconsistencies in determining the effect of desert dust on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaung Suu Lwin
- Department of Global Health PolicyGraduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Aurelio Tobias
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water ResearchSpanish Council for Scientific ResearchBarcelonaSpain
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global HealthNagasaki UniversityNagasakiJapan
| | - Paul Lester Chua
- Department of Global Health PolicyGraduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Lei Yuan
- Department of Global Health PolicyGraduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Ramita Thawonmas
- Department of Global Health PolicyGraduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Sophearen Ith
- Department of Global Health PolicyGraduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Zin Wai Htay
- Department of Global Health PolicyGraduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Lin Szu Yu
- Department of Global Health PolicyGraduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Lisa Yamasaki
- Department of Global Health PolicyGraduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
- School of MedicineNagasaki UniversityNagasakiJapan
| | - Marta Roqué
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre ‐ Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU)BarcelonaSpain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP)MadridSpain
| | - Xavier Querol
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water ResearchSpanish Council for Scientific ResearchBarcelonaSpain
| | - Julia C. Fussell
- National Institute for Health ResearchHealth Protection Research Unit in Environmental Exposures and HealthSchool of Public HealthImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Kari Christine Nadeau
- Sean N Parker Center for Allergy & Asthma ResearchStanford UniversityMountain ViewCAUSA
| | | | - Najat A. Saliba
- Faculty of Arts and SciencesAmerican University of BeirutBeirutLebanon
| | - Chris Fook Sheng Ng
- Department of Global Health PolicyGraduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Masahiro Hashizume
- Department of Global Health PolicyGraduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
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5
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Li Y, Xu S, Yin J, Huang G. Effect of air pollution on adult chronic diseases: Evidence from a quasi-natural experiment in China. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1105965. [PMID: 36711355 PMCID: PMC9880427 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1105965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
We utilize a quasi-experiment derived from China's Huai River policy to investigate the effect of air pollution on adult chronic diseases. The policy led to higher pollution exposure in cities north of the river boundary because they received centralized coal-based heating supply from the government during winter, whereas cities in the south did not. By applying a geographic regression discontinuity design based on distance from the Huai River, we determine that a 10 μg/m3 increase in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) raises chronic diseases rates by 3.2% in adults, particularly cardiorespiratory system diseases. Furthermore, the same effects are observed on multiple chronic disease rates, but the rates are reduced to 1.3%. The effect of pollution exposure varies depending on age, gender, and urban/rural status. Our findings imply that reducing 10 μg/m3 of the average nationwide level of PM2.5 concentration will save 27.46 billion CNY (4.16 billion USD) in chronic disease costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- College of Management, Guangdong AIB Polytechnic, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sheng Xu
- School of Health Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Sheng Xu ✉
| | - Jinghua Yin
- School of Insurance, Guangdong University of Finance, Guangzhou, China,Department of Economics, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guan Huang
- Wenlan School of Business, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, China
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6
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Saharan Dust and Childhood Respiratory Symptoms in Benin. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19084743. [PMID: 35457613 PMCID: PMC9025829 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Mineral dust is one of the largest natural constituents of coarse particulate matter (PM10). Most of these dust emissions originate from northern Africa, and several hundred tera-grams of dust are emitted annually from this region. Previous evidence has linked dust PM10 to adverse respiratory outcomes in children. However, most of these studies have been from high-income countries (HICs) or examined dust from other regions of the world, mainly Asia. Evidence from low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs) in Africa is scarce. Respiratory infections are one of the leading causes of under-five mortality across the globe. However, there is a poignant disparity in studies examining these outcomes in children in the region where most dust is emitted. This study linked remotely sensed satellite data to a nationally representative survey to examine acute exposure to dust in children living in Benin using a time-stratified case-crossover analysis. We identified acute effects of exposure to dust and increased risk of cough in children under five. The effect of increased risk is strongest within two weeks of exposure and dissipates by four weeks. Children living in rural areas and households with lower income had a greater risk of adverse respiratory outcomes when exposed to dust. We could elucidate the specific period and conditions of increased risk for respiratory problems in children living in Benin.
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7
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Yang JH, Park S, Kim S, Cho Y, Yoh JJ. Accurate real-time monitoring of fine dust using a densely connected convolutional networks with measured plasma emissions. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 293:133604. [PMID: 35033517 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.133604] [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: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Accurate identification and monitoring of fine dust are emerging as a primary global issue for addressing the harmful effects of fine dust on public health. Identifying the source of fine dust is indispensable for ensuring the human lifespan as well as preventing environmental disasters. Here a simple yet effective spark-induced plasma spectroscopy (SIPS) unit combined with deep learning for real-time classification is verified as a fast and precise PM (particulate matter) source identification technique. SIPS promises portable use, label-free detection, source identification, and chemical susceptibility in a single step with acceptable speed and accuracy. In particular, the densely connected convolutional networks (DenseNet) are used with measured spark-induced plasma emission datasets to identify PM sources at above 98%. The identification performance was compared with other common classification methods, and DenseNet with dropouts (30%), optimized batch size (16), and cyclic learning rate training emerged as the most promising source identification method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Ho Yang
- Department of Aerospace Engineering, Seoul National University 1 Gwanakro, Gwanakgu, Seoul, 151-742, South Korea
| | - Sanghoon Park
- Department of Aerospace Engineering, Seoul National University 1 Gwanakro, Gwanakgu, Seoul, 151-742, South Korea
| | - Seonghwan Kim
- Smart Device Team, Samsung Research, Samsung Electronics Seoul R&D Campus, Umyeon-dong 33, Seongchon-gil, Secho-gu, Seoul, 06765, South Korea
| | - Youngkyu Cho
- Smart Device Team, Samsung Research, Samsung Electronics Seoul R&D Campus, Umyeon-dong 33, Seongchon-gil, Secho-gu, Seoul, 06765, South Korea
| | - Jack J Yoh
- Department of Aerospace Engineering, Seoul National University 1 Gwanakro, Gwanakgu, Seoul, 151-742, South Korea.
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8
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The Potential Impact of Smog Spell on Humans' Health Amid COVID-19 Rages. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111408. [PMID: 34769924 PMCID: PMC8583367 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Rapid and unchecked industrialization and the combustion of fossil fuels have engendered a state of fear in urban settlements. Smog is a visible form of air pollution that arises due to the over-emissions of some primary pollutants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), hydrocarbons, SO2, NO, and NO2 which further react in the atmosphere and give rise to toxic and carcinogenic secondary smog components. Smog reduces the visibility on roads and results in road accidents and cancellation of flights. Uptake of primary and secondary pollutants of smog is responsible for several deleterious diseases of which respiratory disorders, cardiovascular dysfunction, neurological disorders, and cancer are discussed here. Children and pregnant women are more prone to the hazards of smog. The worsening menace of smog on one hand and occurrence of pandemic i.e., COVID-19 on the other may increase the mortality rate. But the implementation of lockdown during pandemics has favored the atmosphere in some ways, which will be highlighted in the article. On the whole, the focus of this article will be on the dubious relationship between smog and coronavirus.
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Aghababaeian H, Ostadtaghizadeh A, Ardalan A, Asgary A, Akbary M, Yekaninejad MS, Stephens C. Global Health Impacts of Dust Storms: A Systematic Review. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2021; 15:11786302211018390. [PMID: 34103932 PMCID: PMC8150667 DOI: 10.1177/11786302211018390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dust storms and their impacts on health are becoming a major public health issue. The current study examines the health impacts of dust storms around the world to provide an overview of this issue. METHOD In this systematic review, 140 relevant and authoritative English articles on the impacts of dust storms on health (up to September 2019) were identified and extracted from 28 968 articles using valid keywords from various databases (PubMed, WOS, EMBASE, and Scopus) and multiple screening steps. Selected papers were then qualitatively examined and evaluated. Evaluation results were summarized using an Extraction Table. RESULTS The results of the study are divided into two parts: short and long-term impacts of dust storms. Short-term impacts include mortality, visitation, emergency medical dispatch, hospitalization, increased symptoms, and decreased pulmonary function. Long-term impacts include pregnancy, cognitive difficulties, and birth problems. Additionally, this study shows that dust storms have devastating impacts on health, affecting cardiovascular and respiratory health in particular. CONCLUSION The findings of this study show that dust storms have significant public health impacts. More attention should be paid to these natural hazards to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate these hazardous events to reduce their negative health impacts.Registration: PROSPERO registration number CRD42018093325.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamidreza Aghababaeian
- Department of Health in Emergencies and Disasters, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Center for Air Pollution Research (CAPR), Institute for Environmental Research (IER), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Nursing and Emergency, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
| | - Abbas Ostadtaghizadeh
- Department of Health in Emergencies and Disasters, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Center for Air Pollution Research (CAPR), Institute for Environmental Research (IER), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Ardalan
- Department of Health in Emergencies and Disasters, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Asgary
- Disaster and Emergency Management, School of Administrative Studies, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mehry Akbary
- Department of Climatology, Faculty of Geographical Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mir Saeed Yekaninejad
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Carolyn Stephens
- UCL Bartlett Development Planning Unit, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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10
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Ko H. Behavioral responses to the 2015 MERS epidemic in Korea. ECONOMICS AND HUMAN BIOLOGY 2021; 41:100965. [PMID: 33373821 PMCID: PMC8026384 DOI: 10.1016/j.ehb.2020.100965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Understanding behavioral responses to epidemics is important in evaluating the broad health consequences of emerging infectious diseases. Building on the economic epidemiology literature, this study investigates individual behavioral responses to the 2015 Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) epidemic in Korea using a panel of individuals in a nationally representative survey. Results show that exposure to the epidemic led to lasting impacts on smoking and drinking behaviors, indicating that emerging infectious disease outbreaks are motivations for behavioral changes and opportunities for public policy interventions. In particular, individuals in the hardest-hit regions or socially connected persons were more likely to change their risky behaviors, suggesting that intensity of exposure and social interactions are potential mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hansoo Ko
- ew York University Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, 295 Lafayette St 2nd Floor, New York, NY, 10012, USA.
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11
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Kim M, Kim YM, Lee JY, Yang HK, Kim H, Ahn S, Baek SY, Kim J, Ahn K. Seasonal and monthly variation in peak expiratory flow rate in children with asthma. Asia Pac Allergy 2021; 11:e19. [PMID: 34007829 PMCID: PMC8103013 DOI: 10.5415/apallergy.2021.11.e19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although understanding the seasonal patterns of asthma deterioration is important to prevent asthma exacerbation, previous approaches have limitations in evaluating the actual trend of asthma exacerbation. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the seasonal and monthly variations in the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) among children with asthma. Methods A total of 89 patients with asthma were enrolled between December 2012 and March 2015. The PEFR in the morning and evening was recorded daily, and the percentage change in PEFR from baseline was calculated. Generalized estimating equation models were constructed after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and sensitization to house dust mites or pollen. Results The PEFR records of 11,222 person-days showed a significant decrease in the morning and evening in autumn than in winter by -1.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], -3.73 to -0.15) and -2.1% (95% CI, -3.80 to -0.37), respectively. The morning PEFR was significantly lower in April, August, October, and December than in January with changes of -4.2% (95% CI, -7.08 to -1.23) in April, -3.1% (95% CI, -5.79 to -0.47) in August, -3.7% (95% CI, -6.09 to -1.21) in October, and -1.9% (95% CI, -3.62 to -0.12) in December. The percentage change of evening PEFR significantly decreased by -3.3% (95% CI, -6.38 to -0.25) in April and by -3.3% (95% CI, -5.56 to -1.07) in October. Conclusion The PEFR in children with asthma was lower in autumn than in winter. In terms of monthly patterns, the PEFR was significantly reduced in April and October than in January. These results can serve as a basis for preventing asthma exacerbations by developing seasonal or monthly management strategies for children with asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minji Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Chungnam National University Sejong Hospital, Sejong, Korea
| | - Young-Min Kim
- Environmental Health Center for Atopic Diseases, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji Young Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Hallym University Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Hea-Kyoung Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Oz Pediatrics Clinic, Yongin, Korea
| | - Hyunmi Kim
- Environmental Health Center for Atopic Diseases, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soohyun Ahn
- Department of Mathematics, Ajou University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Sun-Young Baek
- Statistics and Data Center, Research Institute for Future Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jihyun Kim
- Environmental Health Center for Atopic Diseases, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kangmo Ahn
- Environmental Health Center for Atopic Diseases, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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12
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Yoo G. Real-time information on air pollution and avoidance behavior: evidence from South Korea. POPULATION AND ENVIRONMENT 2021; 42:406-424. [PMID: 33191965 PMCID: PMC7653214 DOI: 10.1007/s11111-020-00368-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
This study provides new empirical evidence on the relationship between information about air pollution and avoidance behavior. Many countries provide real-time information to describe the current level of air pollution exposure. However, little research has been done on people's reactions to that real-time information. Using data on attendance at professional baseball games in South Korea, this study investigates whether real-time information on particulate matter affects individuals' decisions to participate in outdoor activities. Regression models that include various fixed effects are used for the analysis, with the results showing that real-time alerts reduce the number of baseball game spectators by 7%, and that the size of the effect is not statistically different from that of air pollution forecasts. The study demonstrates that providing real-time information can be a way to protect the public's health from the threat of air pollution. Moreover, the findings suggest that having easy access to the relevant information and an awareness of the risks involved are necessary for a real-time information policy to succeed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geunsik Yoo
- Department of Economics, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826 Korea
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13
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Karimi SM, Pouran H, Majbouri M, Moradi-Lakeh M, Hakimian H. Saharan sand and dust storms and neonatal mortality: Evidence from Burkina Faso. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 729:139053. [PMID: 32498181 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
West African populations are exposed to the longest and harshest dust storms on the planet, the Saharan sand and dust storms (SDS). Nonetheless, little is known about the effects of the severe storms on early-life health in West Africa. This study investigated the association of the risk of neonatal mortality, an indicator of the population's early-life health, with potential prenatal and neonatal exposure to the Saharan SDS. Data on 30,552 under-five children from Burkina Faso's 1993, 2003, and 2010 demographic and health surveys were matched to the particulate matters (PM) and terrestrial air temperature and precipitation forecasts. Exposure to dust events was measured by the number of days with average PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations above a series of threshold. Intensity-dependent patterns of associations between neonatal mortality and both prenatal and birth month exposure to dust events were identified. There was no association if average daily PM10 and PM2.5 levels were <60 and 30 μg/m3, respectively. However, strong associations, which increase almost linearly with the intensity of exposure, were identified when daily PM10 and PM2.5 levels ranged from 70 to 150 and from 40 to 70 μg/m3, respectively. At the higher PM levels, the association for the gestation period decreased, but that for the birth month remained mostly unresponsive to changes in the PM levels. Larger associations were identified when siblings were compared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed M Karimi
- University of Louisville, Department of Health Management and System Sciences, United States of America.
| | - Hamid Pouran
- University of Wolverhampton, Department of Science and Engineering, United Kingdom.
| | - Mahdi Majbouri
- Babson College, Department of Economics, United States of America.
| | - Maziar Moradi-Lakeh
- Iran University of Medical Sciences, Department of Community Medicine, Iran.
| | - Hassan Hakimian
- College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Middle Eastern Studies Department, Qatar.
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Lim S, Yoon HI, Song KH, Kim ES, Kim HB. Face masks and containment of COVID-19: experience from South Korea. J Hosp Infect 2020; 106:206-207. [PMID: 32540463 PMCID: PMC7291980 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2020.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- S Lim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - H I Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - K-H Song
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - E S Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - H B Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea.
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15
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Hashizume M, Kim Y, Ng CFS, Chung Y, Madaniyazi L, Bell ML, Guo YL, Kan H, Honda Y, Yi SM, Kim H, Nishiwaki Y. Health Effects of Asian Dust: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2020; 128:66001. [PMID: 32589456 PMCID: PMC7319773 DOI: 10.1289/ehp5312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Potential adverse health effects of Asian dust exposure have been reported, but systematic reviews and quantitative syntheses are lacking. OBJECTIVE We reviewed epidemiologic studies that assessed the risk of mortality, hospital admissions, and symptoms/dysfunction associated with exposure to Asian dust. METHODS We performed a systematic search of PubMed and Web of Science to identify studies that reported the association between Asian dust exposure and human health outcomes. We conducted separate meta-analyses using a random-effects model for mortality and hospital admissions for a specific health outcome and assessed pooled estimates for each lag when at least three studies were available for a specific lag. RESULTS We identified 89 studies that met our inclusion criteria for the systematic review, and 21 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled estimates (percentage changes) of mortality from circulatory and respiratory causes for Asian dust days vs. non-Asian dust days were 2.33% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.76, 3.93] increase at lag 0 and 3.99% (95% CI: 0.08, 8.06) increase at lag 3, respectively. The increased risk for hospital admissions for respiratory disease, asthma, and pneumonia peaked at lag 3 by 8.85% (95% CI: 0.80, 17.55), 14.55% (95% CI: 6.74, 22.94), and 8.51% (95% CI: 2.89, 14.44), respectively. Seven of 12 studies reported reduced peak expiratory flow, and 16 of 21 studies reported increased respiratory symptoms associated with Asian dust exposure. There were substantial variations between the studies in definitions of Asian dust, study designs, model specifications, and confounder controls. DISCUSSION We found evidence of increased mortality and hospital admissions for circulatory and respiratory events. However, the number of studies included in the meta-analysis was not large and further evidences are merited to strengthen our conclusions. Standardized protocols for epidemiological studies would facilitate interstudy comparisons. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP5312.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Hashizume
- Department of Global Health Policy, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yoonhee Kim
- Department of Global Environmental Health, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chris Fook Sheng Ng
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yeonseung Chung
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Lina Madaniyazi
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Michelle L Bell
- School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Yue Leon Guo
- Environmental and Occupational Medicine, National Taiwan University (NTU) and NTU Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Haidong Kan
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yasushi Honda
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Seung-Muk Yi
- Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Kim
- Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yuji Nishiwaki
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Medicine, Toho University, Tokyo, Japan
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16
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Inoue T, Nunokawa N, Kurisu D, Ogasawara K. Particulate air pollution, birth outcomes, and infant mortality: Evidence from Japan's automobile emission control law of 1992. SSM Popul Health 2020; 11:100590. [PMID: 32551355 PMCID: PMC7287145 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2020.100590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the impacts of the Automobile NOx Law of 1992 on ambient air pollutants and fetal and infant health outcomes in Japan. Using panel data taken from more than 1500 monitoring stations between 1987 and 1997, we find that NOx and SO2 levels reduced by 5% and 11%, respectively in regulated areas following the 1992 regulation. In addition, using a municipal-level panel data set from Japan's Vital Statistics Survey and a difference-in-differences approach, we find that the regulation explains most of the improvements in the fetal death rate after the regulation came into effect. This study provides evidence on the positive impacts of this large-scale automobile regulation policy on fetal health. We estimate the effects of Automobile NOx Law on fetal and infant health. Monitoring station-level and municipal-level panel datasets are used. Regression differences-in-differences models are adopted. NOx and SO2 levels were reduced by 5% and 11% by the regulation. The fetal death rate was substantially improved by the regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuki Inoue
- Department of Business Economics, School of Management, Tokyo University of Science, 1-11-2, Fujimi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-0071, Japan
| | - Nana Nunokawa
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Economics, School of Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1, Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 152-8552, Japan
| | - Daisuke Kurisu
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Economics, School of Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1, Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 152-8552, Japan
| | - Kota Ogasawara
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Economics, School of Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1, Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 152-8552, Japan
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17
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Hasunuma H, Ichinose T, Ueda K, Odajima H, Kanatani K, Shimizu A, Takami A, Takeuchi A, Nishiwaki Y, Watanabe M, Hashizume M. [Health Effects of Asian Dust Events: A Literature Review Update of Epidemiological Evidence]. Nihon Eiseigaku Zasshi 2020; 74. [PMID: 31875632 DOI: 10.1265/jjh.19010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Asian dust is a phenomenon involving the long-range transport of atmospheric pollutants originating from the desert areas of China and Mongolia. In recent years, the health effects of Asian dust have raised public concerns. Numerous studies on the health effects of Asian dust have been published since the last review in 2010. Thus, a literature review was conducted to shed light on the latest epidemiologic findings. PubMed and Science Direct databases were used for the review of epidemiologic studies published between June 2009 and April 2018. We identified 53 epidemiologic studies. Mortality, ambulance transportation, hospitalization/medical examination, changes in symptomatic, functional, and examination findings, as well as birth outcomes have been reported as outcomes. When the outcomes were categorized by disease, the effects of Asian dust on respiratory, cardiovascular, and allergic diseases raised concerns. The common evidences of causation between Asian dust and these diseases were the consistency of findings and temporal sequence of association. As results of research on dose-response relationships have become available, and the possibility that the health effects of Asian dust may vary depending on its chemical composition has been pointed out, further research using the exposure level indicators of Asian dust or its chemical composition should be conducted. Furthermore, with focus on the crucial issue of reducing exposure, research related to prevention and raising awareness should be further promoted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Takamichi Ichinose
- Department of Health Sciences, Oita University of Nursing and Health Sciences
| | - Kayo Ueda
- Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University
| | | | - Kumiko Kanatani
- Graduate School of Medicine and Public Health, Kyoto University
| | - Atsushi Shimizu
- Center for Reginal Environmental Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies
| | - Akinori Takami
- Center for Reginal Environmental Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies
| | - Ayano Takeuchi
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, Keio University
| | - Yuji Nishiwaki
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Medicine, Toho University
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18
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Li Z, Chen L, Li M, Cohen J. Prenatal exposure to sand and dust storms and children's cognitive function in China: a quasi-experimental study. Lancet Planet Health 2018; 2:e214-e222. [PMID: 29709285 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(18)30068-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Revised: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While there is evidence that sand and dust storms can have adverse health effects, the effects of such storms on children's cognitive function has not been explored. We examined whether prenatal exposure to sand and dust storms affects children's cognitive function and, if so, whether harmful effects of sand and dust storms vary by the trimester of exposure. METHODS This study used nationally representative data from the China Family Panel Studies between 2010 and 2014 and data on sand and dust storms from the national Sand and Dust Weather Almanac. We selected four indicators of children's cognitive function: mathematics test scores, word-recognition test scores, the age the child began speaking in whole sentences, and the age the child began counting from one to ten. Since the annual incidence of sand and dust storms is highly variable and is largely unpredictable, we used a region-and-year fixed-effect model to compare the cognitive function of children born in the same region and year but with varying amounts of prenatal exposure to sand and dust storms. We also investigated whether the effect of sand and dust storms varied by the specific month of prenatal exposure. FINDINGS We included 1236 observations for the analysis of mathematics and word-recognition test scores, 2693 observations in the analysis of the age the child began speaking in whole sentences, and 1951 observations for the analysis of the age the child began counting from one to ten. Every 10 additional days of prenatal exposure to sand and dust storms was associated with a 0·20 SD (95% CI 0·06 to 0·35, p=0·009) reduction in word test scores, 0·04 (-0·00 to 0·09, p=0·089) additional months to begin speaking in sentences, and 0·14 (0·03 to 0·25, p=0·021) additional months to begin counting, but was not significantly associated with mathematics test scores (reduction of 0·02 SD, -0·19 to 0·15). 10 additional days of prenatal exposure to sand and dust storms in the seventh gestational month was associated with a 0·18 SD (0·10 to 0·25) reduction in mathematics test scores, a 0·34 SD (0·18 to 0·50) reduction in word test scores, an additional 0·33 months (0·07 to 0·59) to begin speaking in sentences, and an additional 0·20 months (0·04 to 0·35) to begin counting. INTERPRETATION Our results suggest that protecting pregnant women from the effects of sand and dust storms in the critical periods of fetal brain development could generate benefits for the cognitive function of the next generation. FUNDING None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihui Li
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | | | - Mingqiang Li
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jessica Cohen
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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