1
|
Kirenga BJ, Chakaya J, Yimer G, Nyale G, Haile T, Muttamba W, Mugenyi L, Katagira W, Worodria W, Aanyu-Tukamuhebwa H, Lugogo N, Joloba M, Mersha TB, Bekele A, Makumbi F, Mekasha A, Green CL, de Jong C, Kamya M, van der Molen T. The burden of severe asthma in sub-Saharan Africa: Findings from the African Severe Asthma Project. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. GLOBAL 2024; 3:100209. [PMID: 38328803 PMCID: PMC10847773 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacig.2024.100209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Background Severe asthma is associated with high morbidity, mortality, and health care utilization, but its burden in Africa is unknown. Objective We sought to determine the burden (prevalence, mortality, and activity and work impairment) of severe asthma in 3 countries in East Africa: Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia. Methods Using the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society case definition of severe asthma, we analyzed for the prevalence of severe asthma (requiring Global Initiative for Asthma [GINA] steps 4-5 asthma medications for the previous year to achieve control) and severe refractory asthma (remains uncontrolled despite treatment with GINA steps 4-5 asthma medications) in a cohort of 1086 asthma patients who had been in care for 12 months and had received all GINA-recommended medications. Asthma control was assessed by the asthma control questionnaire (ACQ). Results Overall, the prevalence of severe asthma and severe refractory asthma was 25.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 23.1-28.3) and 4.6% (95% CI, 3.5-6.0), respectively. Patients with severe asthma were (nonsevere vs severe vs severe refractory) older (39, 42, 45 years, P = .011), had high skin prick test reactivity (67.1%, 76.0%, 76.0%, P = .004), had lower forced expiratory volume in 1 second percentage (81%, 61%, 55.5%, P < .001), had lower quality of life score (129, 127 vs 121, P < .001), and had higher activity impairment (10%, 30%, 50%, P < .001). Factors independently associated with severe asthma were hypertension comorbidity; adjusted odds ratio 2.21 (1.10-4.47), P = .027, high bronchial hyperresponsiveness questionnaire score; adjusted odds ratio 2.16 (1.01-4.61), P = .047 and higher ACQ score at baseline 2.80 (1.55-5.08), P = .001. Conclusion The prevalence of severe asthma in Africa is high and is associated with high morbidity and poor quality of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruce J. Kirenga
- Makerere University Lung Institute, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jeremiah Chakaya
- Kenya Association of Physicians Against TB and Lung Diseases, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Getnet Yimer
- Addis Ababa University College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - George Nyale
- Kenya Association of Physicians Against TB and Lung Diseases, Nairobi, Kenya
- Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Tewodros Haile
- Addis Ababa University College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Winters Muttamba
- Makerere University Lung Institute, Kampala, Uganda
- Division of Infection and Global Health, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Levicatus Mugenyi
- Makerere University Lung Institute, Kampala, Uganda
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | | | | | - Njira Lugogo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich
| | - Moses Joloba
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Tesfaye B. Mersha
- Division of Asthma Research, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Amsalu Bekele
- Addis Ababa University College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Fred Makumbi
- School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Amha Mekasha
- Addis Ababa University College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Cynthia L. Green
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Corina de Jong
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care, GRIAC-Primary Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Moses Kamya
- Department of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Thys van der Molen
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care, GRIAC-Primary Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Swetschinski L, Fong KC, Morello-Frosch R, Marshall JD, Bell ML. Exposures to ambient particulate matter are associated with reduced adult earnings potential. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023:116391. [PMID: 37308068 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The societal costs of air pollution have historically been measured in terms of premature deaths (including the corresponding values of statistical lives lost), disability-adjusted life years, and medical costs. Emerging research, however, demonstrated potential impacts of air pollution on human capital formation. Extended contact with pollutants such as airborne particulate matter among young persons whose biological systems are still developing can result in pulmonary, neurobehavioral, and birth complications, hindering academic performance as well as skills and knowledge acquisition. Using a dataset that tracks 2014-2015 incomes for 96.2% of Americans born between 1979 and 1983, we assessed the association between childhood exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and adult earnings outcomes across U.S. Census tracts. After accounting for pertinent economic covariates and regional random effects, our regression models indicate that early-life exposure to PM2.5 is associated with lower predicted income percentiles by mid-adulthood; all else equal, children raised in high pollution tracts (at the 75th percentile of PM2.5) are estimated to have approximately a 0.51 decrease in income percentile relative to children raised in low pollution tracts (at the 25th percentile of PM2.5). For a person earning the median income, this difference corresponds to a $436 lower annual income (in 2015 USD). We estimate that 2014-2015 earnings for the 1978-1983 birth cohort would have been ∼$7.18 billion higher had their childhood exposure met U.S. air quality standards for PM2.5. Stratified models show that the relationship between PM2.5 and diminished earnings is more pronounced for low-income children and for children living in rural environments. These findings raise concerns about long-term environmental and economic justice for children living in areas with poor air quality where air pollution could act as a barrier to intergenerational class equity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucien Swetschinski
- Yale School of the Environment, Yale University, 195 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA.
| | - Kelvin C Fong
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
| | - Rachel Morello-Frosch
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California-Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA; School of Public Health, University of California-Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
| | - Julian D Marshall
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Michelle L Bell
- Yale School of the Environment, Yale University, 195 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kelchtermans J, Hakonarson H. The role of gene-ambient air pollution interactions in paediatric asthma. Eur Respir Rev 2022; 31:31/166/220094. [PMID: 36384702 PMCID: PMC9724879 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0094-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, asthma prevention and treatment remain a challenge. Ambient air pollution (AAP) is an environmental risk factor of special interest in asthma research. AAP is poorly defined and has been subdivided either by the origin of the air pollution or by the specific bioactive compounds. The link between AAP exposure and asthma exacerbations is well established and has been extensively reviewed. In this narrative review, we discuss the specific genetic variants that have been associated with increased AAP sensitivity and impact in paediatric asthma. We highlight the relative importance of variants associated with genes with a role in oxidant defences and the nuclear factor-κB pathway supporting a potential central role for these pathways in AAP sensitivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jelte Kelchtermans
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA,The Center of Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Division of Pulmonary Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Corresponding author: Jelte Kelchtermans ()
| | - Hakon Hakonarson
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA,The Center of Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Division of Pulmonary Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
|
5
|
Park Y, Kim SH, Kim SP, Ryu J, Yi J, Kim JY, Yoon HJ. Spatial autocorrelation may bias the risk estimation: An application of eigenvector spatial filtering on the risk of air pollutant on asthma. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 843:157053. [PMID: 35780885 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Air pollutants are major risk factors for respiratory diseases, particularly asthma, socially and spatially correlated. Many existing environment-asthma-related studies, however, have evaluated the impact of crude trends at the largest district level, which accounts only for temporal effects and may produce biased results with spatial autocorrelation. This study aimed to investigate how the spatial autocorrelation affects the air pollution effect estimations (sulfur dioxide [SO2], nitrogen dioxide [NO2], carbon monoxide [CO], and particulate matter [PM10]) on daily asthma emergency department (ED) visits in two metropolitan areas in Korea (Seoul Metropolitan Area [SMA] and Busan Metropolitan City, Ulsan Metropolitan City, Gyeongsangnamdo [BUG]). We applied eigenvector spatial filter (ESF) to the spatio-temporal model to remove spatial autocorrelation and distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) to explore nonlinear patterns between air pollutant concentration and lagged days on the three models including aggregated model (a temporal model), spatial model without ESF, and spatial model with ESF (both are spatio-temporal models). The effect of SO2 was not statistically significant for asthma ED visits in the aggregated model for SMA (cumulative relative risks [CRR] = 0.99, confidence intervals [CI]: 0.93-1.05), while the effect was statistically significant in the spatial model with ESF (CRR = 1.10, CI: 1.08-1.12). NO2 and CO were positively correlated to asthma ED visits in the spatial model without ESF (CRR = 0.84, CI: 0.81-0.86; 0.91, 0.89-0.94, respectively), but the spatial model with ESF showed significant risks (CRR = 1.21, CI: 1.18-1.24; 1.13, 1.11-1.16). Moreover, the spatial model with ESF successfully removed spatial autocorrelation (P-values for Moran's I 0.83-0.98) and demonstrated the highest model fit (McFadden's pseudo R2 0.42-0.43 for SMA and 0.26-0.27 for BUG) among the three models. Our findings demonstrate how ESF can be introduced into spatial correlation to remove bias and construct more reliable models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yujin Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Su Hwan Kim
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Pyo Kim
- Interdisciplinary Program of Medical Informatics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jiwon Ryu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinyeong Yi
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jin Youp Kim
- Interdisciplinary Program of Medical Informatics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ilsan Hospital, Dongguk University, Goyang, Gyeonggi, South Korea
| | - Hyung-Jin Yoon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Interdisciplinary Program of Medical Informatics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Medical Big Data Research Center, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Luo J, Liu H, Hua S, Song L. The Correlation of PM2.5 Exposure with Acute Attack and Steroid Sensitivity in Asthma. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:2756147. [PMID: 36033576 PMCID: PMC9410784 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2756147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Bronchial asthma is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory system. Asthma primarily manifests in reversible airflow limitation and airway inflammation, airway remodeling, and persistent airway hyperresponsiveness. PM2.5, also known as fine particulate matter, is the main component of air pollution and refers to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤2.5 μm. PM2.5 can be suspended in the air for an extensive time and, in addition, can contain or adsorb heavy metals, toxic gases, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, bacterial viruses, and other harmful substances. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that, in addition to increasing the incidence of asthma, PM2.5 exposure results in a significant increase in the incidence of hospital visits and deaths due to acute asthma attacks. Furthermore, PM2.5 was reported to induce glucocorticoid resistance in asthmatic individuals. Although various countries have implemented strict control measures, due to the wide range of PM2.5 sources, complex components, and unknown pathogenic mechanisms involving the atmosphere, environment, chemistry, and toxicology, PM2.5 damage to human health still cannot be effectively controlled. In this present review, we summarized the current knowledge base regarding the relationship between PM2.5 toxicity and the onset, acute attack prevalence, and steroid sensitivity in asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Luo
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Center for Pathogen Biology and Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Han Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Center for Pathogen Biology and Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Shucheng Hua
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Center for Pathogen Biology and Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Lei Song
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Center for Pathogen Biology and Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Keulers L, Dehghani A, Knippels L, Garssen J, Papadopoulos N, Folkerts G, Braber S, van Bergenhenegouwen J. Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics to prevent or combat air pollution consequences: The gut-lung axis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 302:119066. [PMID: 35240267 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution exposure is a public health emergency, which attributes globally to an estimated seven million deaths on a yearly basis We are all exposed to air pollutants, varying from ambient air pollution hanging over cities to dust inside the home. It is a mixture of airborne particulate matter and gases that can be subdivided into three categories based on particle diameter. The smallest category called PM0.1 is the most abundant. A fraction of the particles included in this category might enter the blood stream spreading to other parts of the body. As air pollutants can enter the body via the lungs and gut, growing evidence links its exposure to gastrointestinal and respiratory impairments and diseases, like asthma, rhinitis, respiratory tract infections, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and abdominal pain. It has become evident that there exists a crosstalk between the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, commonly referred to as the gut-lung axis. Via microbial secretions, metabolites, immune mediators and lipid profiles, these two separate organ systems can influence each other. Well-known immunomodulators and gut health stimulators are probiotics, prebiotics, together called synbiotics. They might combat air pollution-induced systemic inflammation and oxidative stress by optimizing the microbiota composition and microbial metabolites, thereby stimulating anti-inflammatory pathways and strengthening mucosal and epithelial barriers. Although clinical studies investigating the role of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics in an air pollution setting are lacking, these interventions show promising health promoting effects by affecting the gastrointestinal- and respiratory tract. This review summarizes the current data on how air pollution can affect the gut-lung axis and might impact gut and lung health. It will further elaborate on the potential role of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics on the gut-lung axis, and gut and lung health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Loret Keulers
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584, CG, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Danone Nutricia Research, Uppsalalaan 12, 3584, CT, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Ali Dehghani
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584, CG, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Leon Knippels
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584, CG, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Danone Nutricia Research, Uppsalalaan 12, 3584, CT, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Johan Garssen
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584, CG, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Danone Nutricia Research, Uppsalalaan 12, 3584, CT, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Nikolaos Papadopoulos
- Centre for Paediatrics and Child Health, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, Oxford Road M13 9PL, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Gert Folkerts
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584, CG, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Saskia Braber
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584, CG, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen van Bergenhenegouwen
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584, CG, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Danone Nutricia Research, Uppsalalaan 12, 3584, CT, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Juskiene I, Prokopciuk N, Franck U, Valiulis A, Valskys V, Mesceriakova V, Kvedariene V, Valiulyte I, Poluzioroviene E, Sauliene I, Valiulis A. Indoor air pollution effects on pediatric asthma are submicron aerosol particle-dependent. Eur J Pediatr 2022; 181:2469-2480. [PMID: 35312840 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-022-04443-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The school environment is crucial for the child's health and well-being. On the other hand, the data about the role of school's aerosol pollution on the etiology of chronic non-communicable diseases remain scarce. This study aims to evaluate the level of indoor aerosol pollution in primary schools and its relation to the incidence of doctor's diagnosed asthma among younger school-age children. The cross-sectional study was carried out in 11 primary schools of Vilnius during 1 year of education from autumn 2017 to spring 2018. Particle number (PNC) and mass (PMC) concentrations in the size range of 0.3-10 µm were measured using an Optical Particle Sizer (OPS, TSI model 3330). The annual incidence of doctor's diagnosed asthma in each school was calculated retrospectively from the data of medical records. The total number of 6-11 years old children who participated in the study was 3638. The incidence of asthma per school ranged from 1.8 to 6.0%. Mean indoor air pollution based on measurements in classrooms during the lessons was calculated for each school. Levels of PNC and PMC in schools ranged between 33.0 and 168.0 particles/cm3 and 1.7-6.8 µg/m3, respectively. There was a statistically significant correlation between the incidence of asthma and PNC as well as asthma and PMC in the particle size range of 0.3-1 µm (r = 0.66, p = 0.028) and (r = 0.71, p = 0.017) respectively. No significant correlation was found between asthma incidence and indoor air pollution in the particle size range of 0.3-2.5 and 0.3-10 µm. Conclusion: We concluded that the number and mass concentrations of indoor air aerosol pollution in primary schools in the particle size range of 0.3-1 µm are primarily associated with the incidence of doctor's diagnosed asthma among younger school-age children. What is Known: • Both indoor and outdoor aerosol pollution is associated with bronchial asthma in children. What is New: • The incidence of bronchial asthma among younger school age children is related to indoor air quality in primary schools. • Aerosol pollutants in the size range of 0.3-1 µm in contrast to larger size range particles can play major role in the etiology of bronchial asthma in children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Izabele Juskiene
- Clinic of Children's Diseases, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Vilnius University Faculty of Medicine, Antakalnio Str. 57, Vilnius, LT-10207, Lithuania
| | - Nina Prokopciuk
- Clinic of Children's Diseases, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Vilnius University Faculty of Medicine, Antakalnio Str. 57, Vilnius, LT-10207, Lithuania. .,Department of Pathology, Forensic Medicine and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Vilnius University Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Ulrich Franck
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Algirdas Valiulis
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical and Sports Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, Vilnius University Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Vaidotas Valskys
- Center of Life Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | | | - Violeta Kvedariene
- Department of Pathology, Forensic Medicine and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Vilnius University Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania.,Clinic of Chest Diseases and Allergology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Vilnius University Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Indre Valiulyte
- Vilnius University Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania.,Kantonsspital Thurgau, Frauenfeld, Switzerland
| | - Edita Poluzioroviene
- Clinic of Children's Diseases, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Vilnius University Faculty of Medicine, Antakalnio Str. 57, Vilnius, LT-10207, Lithuania
| | | | - Arunas Valiulis
- Clinic of Children's Diseases, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Vilnius University Faculty of Medicine, Antakalnio Str. 57, Vilnius, LT-10207, Lithuania.,Department of Public Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Vilnius University Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kang I, McCreery A, Azimi P, Gramigna A, Baca G, Abromitis K, Wang M, Zeng Y, Scheu R, Crowder T, Evens A, Stephens B. Indoor air quality impacts of residential mechanical ventilation system retrofits in existing homes in Chicago, IL. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 804:150129. [PMID: 34798726 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical ventilation systems are used in residences to introduce ventilation air and dilute indoor-generated pollutants. A variety of ventilation system types can be used in home retrofits, influencing indoor air quality (IAQ) in different ways. Here we describe the Breathe Easy Project, a >2-year longitudinal, pseudo-randomized, crossover study designed to assess IAQ and adult asthma outcomes before and after installing residential mechanical ventilation systems in 40 existing homes in Chicago, IL. Each home received one of three types of ventilation systems: continuous exhaust-only, intermittent powered central-fan-integrated-supply (CFIS), or continuous balanced system with an energy recovery ventilator (ERV). Homes with central heating and/or cooling systems also received MERV 10 filter replacements. Approximately weeklong field measurements were conducted at each home on a quarterly basis throughout the study to monitor environmental conditions, ventilation operation, and indoor and outdoor pollutants, including size-resolved particles (0.3-10 μm), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and indoor formaldehyde (HCHO). Mean reductions in indoor/outdoor (I/O) ratios across all systems after the intervention were approximately 12% (p = 0.001), 10% (p = 0.008), 42% (p < 0.001), 39% (p = 0.002), and 33% (p = 0.007), for CO2, NO2, and estimated PM1, PM2.5, and PM10, respectively. There was a reduction in I/O ratios for all measured constituents with each type of system, on average, but with varying magnitude and levels of statistical significance. The magnitudes of mean differences in I/O pollutant concentrations ratios were generally largest for most pollutants in the homes that received continuous balanced with ERV and smallest in the homes that received intermittent CFIS systems, with apparent benefits to providing ventilation continuously rather than intermittently. All ventilation system types maintained similar indoor temperatures during pre- and post-intervention periods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Insung Kang
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Parham Azimi
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Kari Abromitis
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mingyu Wang
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yicheng Zeng
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | | | | | - Brent Stephens
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Huang J, Yang X, Fan F, Hu Y, Wang X, Zhu S, Ren G, Wang G. Outdoor air pollution and the risk of asthma exacerbations in single lag0 and lag1 exposure patterns: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Asthma 2021; 59:2322-2339. [PMID: 34809505 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2021.2008429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To synthesize evidence regarding the relationship between outdoor air pollution and risk of asthma exacerbations in single lag0 and lag1 exposure patterns.Methods: We performed a systematic literature search using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials, China National Knowledge Internet, Chinese BioMedical, and Wanfang databases. Articles published until August 1, 2020 and the reference lists of the relevant articles were reviewed. Two authors independently evaluated the eligible articles and performed structured extraction of the relevant information. Pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of lag0 and lag1 exposure patterns were estimated using random-effect models.Results: Eighty-four studies met the eligibility criteria and provided sufficient information for meta-analysis. Outdoor air pollutants were associated with increased risk of asthma exacerbations in both single lag0 and lag1 exposure patterns [lag0: RR (95% CI) (pollutants), 1.057(1.011, 1.103) (air quality index, AQI), 1.007 (1.005, 1.010) (particulate matter of diameter ≤ 2.5 μm, PM2.5), 1.009 (1.005, 1.012) (particulate matter of diameter, PM10), 1.010 (1.006, 1.014) (NO2), 1.030 (1.011, 1.048) (CO), 1.005 (1.002, 1.009) (O3); lag1:1.064(1.022, 1.106) (AQI), 1.005 (1.002, 1.008) (PM2.5), 1.007 (1.004, 1.011) (PM10), 1.008 (1.004, 1.012) (NO2), 1.025 (1.007, 1.042) (CO), 1.010 (1.006, 1.013) (O3)], except SO2 [lag0: RR (95% CI), 1.004 (1.000, 1.007); lag1: RR (95% CI), 1.003 (0.999, 1.006)]. Subgroup analyses revealed stronger effects in children and asthma exacerbations associated with other events (including symptoms, lung function changes, and medication use).Conclusion: Outdoor air pollution increases the asthma exacerbation risk in single lag0 and lag1 exposure patterns.Trial registration: PROSPERO, CRD42020204097. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/02770903.2021.2008429 .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junjun Huang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fangfang Fan
- Department of Cardiology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Hu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Sainan Zhu
- Department of Biostatistics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Guanhua Ren
- Department of Library, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Guangfa Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Feo-Brito F, Alfaya Arias T, Amo-Salas M, Somoza Álvarez ML, Haroun Díaz E, Mayorga Mayorga C, Fernández Santamaría R, Urra Ardanaz JM. Clinical impact and immunological alterations in asthmatic patients allergic to grass pollen subjected to high urban pollution in Madrid. Clin Exp Allergy 2021; 52:530-539. [PMID: 34741765 DOI: 10.1111/cea.14041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of asthma has increased in recent decades. Among the reasons for this increase is environmental pollution. Pollutants cause bronchial inflammation and introduce modifications in the pollen, making it more allergenic. OBJECTIVE Assess symptoms and medication requirements of asthmatic patients with grass allergies in Madrid (high urban pollution) and Ciudad Real (low pollution), and simultaneously evaluate the in vitro effects that pollen collected in both areas has on the immune cells of patients. METHODS During two pollen seasons, patients from both cities were included. The patients recorded their symptoms and the asthma medication they took daily. In both cities, pollen data, pollutants and meteorological variables were evaluated. The response to different cell populations from patients in both areas were analysed after "in vitro" stimulation with pollen from both cities. RESULTS The symptoms and medication use of the patients in Madrid was 29.94% higher. The NO2 concentration in Madrid was triple that of Ciudad Real (33.4 vs. 9.1 µg/m3 of air). All other pollutants had very similar concentrations during the study period. Pollen from the high pollution area caused a significant enhancement of T-CD8+ and NK cells proliferation compared with pollen of low pollution area, independently of the patient's origin. CONCLUSION Asthmatic patients from Madrid have a worse clinical evolution than those from Ciudad Real because of higher levels of urban pollution, and this could be driven by the higher capacity of pollen of Madrid to activate T-CD8+ and NK cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Feo-Brito
- Allergy, Hospital General Universitario de Ciudad Real, Ciudad Real, Spain.,Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | | | - Mariano Amo-Salas
- Facultad de Medicina de Ciudad Real, Departamento de Matemáticas, Universidad de Castilla La Mancha (UCLM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Rubén Fernández Santamaría
- Allergy Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain.,Allergy Clinical Unit, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - José Miguel Urra Ardanaz
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), Ciudad Real, Spain.,Immunology, Hospital General Universitario de Ciudad Real, Ciudad Real, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Vu BN, Tapia V, Ebelt S, Gonzales GF, Liu Y, Steenland K. The association between asthma emergency department visits and satellite-derived PM 2.5 in Lima, Peru. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 199:111226. [PMID: 33957138 PMCID: PMC8195863 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma affects millions of people worldwide. Lima, Peru is one of the most polluted cities in the Americas but has insufficient ground PM2.5 (particulate matter that are 2.5 μm or less in diameter) measurements to conduct epidemiologic studies regarding air pollution. PM2.5 estimates from a satellite-driven model have recently been made, enabling a study between asthma and PM2.5. OBJECTIVE We conducted a daily time-series analysis to determine the association between asthma emergency department (ED) visits and estimated ambient PM2.5 levels in Lima, Peru from 2010 to 2016. METHODS We used Poisson generalized linear models to regress aggregated counts of asthma on district-level population weighted PM2.5. Indicator variables for hospitals, districts, and day of week were included to account for spatial and temporal autocorrelation while assessing same day, previous day, day before previous and average across all 3-day exposures. We also included temperature and humidity to account for meteorology and used dichotomous percent poverty and gender variables to assess effect modification. RESULTS There were 103,974 cases of asthma ED visits during the study period across 39 districts in Lima. We found a 3.7% (95% CI: 1.7%-5.8%) increase in ED visits for every interquartile range (IQR, 6.02 μg/m3) increase in PM2.5 same day exposure with no age stratification. For the 0-18 years age group, we found a 4.5% (95% CI: 2.2%-6.8%) increase in ED visits for every IQR increase in PM2.5 same day exposure. For the 19-64 years age group, we found a 6.0% (95% CI: 1.0%-11.0%) increase in ED visits for every IQR in average 3-day exposure. For the 65 years and up age group, we found a 16.0% (95% CI: 7.0%-24.0%) decrease in ED visits for every IQR increase in PM2.5 average 3-day exposure, although the number of visits in this age group was low (4,488). We found no effect modification by SES or gender. DISCUSSION Results from this study provide additional literature on use of satellite-driven exposure estimates in time-series analyses and evidence for the association between PM2.5 and asthma in a low- and middle-income (LMIC) country.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan N Vu
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States.
| | - Vilma Tapia
- Laboratory of Reproduction and Endocrinology, Laboratories of Investigation and Development (LID), Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana, Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru; Department of Biological and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru; Instituto de Investigaciones de la Altura, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Stefanie Ebelt
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Gustavo F Gonzales
- Laboratory of Reproduction and Endocrinology, Laboratories of Investigation and Development (LID), Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana, Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru; Department of Biological and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru; Instituto de Investigaciones de la Altura, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Yang Liu
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Kyle Steenland
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Yang X, Zhang Y, Zhan X, Xu X, Li S, Xu X, Ying S, Chen Z. Particulate matter exposure is highly correlated to pediatric asthma exacerbation. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:17818-17829. [PMID: 34254951 PMCID: PMC8312457 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is a heterogeneous disease in which environmental factors play an important role, and the effect of particulate matter (PM) on the occurrence and severity of asthma is drawing more attention. This study aims to identify the correlation between PM and pediatric asthma exacerbation and explore the potential mechanisms. The asthma visits data (N = 16,779,739) in a university-based tertiary children’s hospital from January 2013 to December 2017 were collected, and the relationship between asthma visits and local PM concentration was analyzed. For further study, we established a house dust mite (HDM)-induced allergic airway inflammation model with PM intervention. We detected a correlation between PM concentration and pediatric asthma visits, especially in children under 6 years old. The in vivo data showed that PM aggravated HDM-induced airway inflammation, and IL-33 neutralizing antibody exerted a protective role. Our study suggests that PM is a risk factor in promoting pediatric asthma exacerbation, in which IL-33 might be a promising target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yang
- Department of Pulmonology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Department of Pulmonology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Xueqin Zhan
- Department of Pulmonology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Xuchen Xu
- Department of Pulmonology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Shuxian Li
- Department of Pulmonology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Xuefeng Xu
- Department of Rheumatology Immunology and Allergy, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Songmin Ying
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, China.,International Institutes of Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 322000, China
| | - Zhimin Chen
- Department of Pulmonology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, Hangzhou 310052, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Shankar HM, Rice MB. Update on Climate Change: Its Impact on Respiratory Health at Work, Home, and at Play. Clin Chest Med 2021; 41:753-761. [PMID: 33153692 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccm.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Climate change is a crisis of vast proportions that has serious implications for pulmonary health. Increasing global temperatures influence respiratory health through extreme weather events, wildfires, prolonged allergy seasons, and worsening air pollution. Children, elderly patients, and patients with underlying lung disease are at elevated risk of complications from these effects of climate change. This paper summarizes the myriad ways in which climate change affects the respiratory health of patients at home and in outdoor environments and outlines measures for patients to protect themselves.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hari M Shankar
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, 839 West Gates Building, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Mary B Rice
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, KS/BM23, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Marmett B, Carvalho RB, Dorneles GP, Nunes RB, Rhoden CR. Should I stay or should I go: Can air pollution reduce the health benefits of physical exercise? Med Hypotheses 2020; 144:109993. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.109993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
|
16
|
Tiotiu AI, Novakova P, Nedeva D, Chong-Neto HJ, Novakova S, Steiropoulos P, Kowal K. Impact of Air Pollution on Asthma Outcomes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17176212. [PMID: 32867076 PMCID: PMC7503605 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17176212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by variable airflow obstruction, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and airway inflammation. Evidence suggests that air pollution has a negative impact on asthma outcomes in both adult and pediatric populations. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on the effect of various outdoor and indoor pollutants on asthma outcomes, their burden on its management, as well as to highlight the measures that could result in improved asthma outcomes. Traffic-related air pollution, nitrogen dioxide and second-hand smoking (SHS) exposures represent significant risk factors for asthma development in children. Nevertheless, a causal relation between air pollution and development of adult asthma is not clearly established. Exposure to outdoor pollutants can induce asthma symptoms, exacerbations and decreases in lung function. Active tobacco smoking is associated with poorer asthma control, while exposure to SHS increases the risk of asthma exacerbations, respiratory symptoms and healthcare utilization. Other indoor pollutants such as heating sources and molds can also negatively impact the course of asthma. Global measures, that aim to reduce exposure to air pollutants, are highly needed in order to improve the outcomes and management of adult and pediatric asthma in addition to the existing guidelines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angelica I. Tiotiu
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital of Nancy, 54395 Nancy, France
- Development of Adaptation and Disadvantage, Cardiorespiratory Regulations and Motor Control (EA 3450 DevAH), University of Lorraine, 54395 Nancy, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-383-154-299
| | - Plamena Novakova
- Clinic of Clinical Allergy, Medical University, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria;
| | | | - Herberto Jose Chong-Neto
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 80000-000, Brazil;
| | - Silviya Novakova
- Allergy Unit, Internal Consulting Department, University Hospital “St. George”, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
| | - Paschalis Steiropoulos
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, University General Hospital Dragana, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece;
| | - Krzysztof Kowal
- Department of Allergology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-037 Bialystok, Poland;
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Tran BL, Chang CC, Hsu CS, Chen CC, Tseng WC, Hsu SH. Threshold Effects of PM2.5 Exposure on Particle-Related Mortality in China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16193549. [PMID: 31546750 PMCID: PMC6801731 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16193549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Ambient air pollution from energy use and other sources is a major environmental risk factor in the incidence and progression of serious diseases, such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. This study elucidates the health effects of energy consumption from air pollution in China based on multiple threshold effects of the population-weighted exposure to PM2.5 (fine particles less than 2.5 microns in diameter) on particle-related mortality rate. We firstly estimate the causal relationship between coal consumption and PM2.5 in China for 2004-2010 using a panel regression model. Panel threshold models are applied to access the non-linear relationships between PM2.5 and cause-specific mortality rates that indicate the health effects are dependent on the PM2.5 ranges. By combining these steps, we calculate the health impacts of coal consumption based on threshold effects of PM2.5. We find that a 1% coal consumption increase induces a 0.23% increase in PM2.5. A triple threshold effect is found between PM2.5 and cardiovascular mortality; for example, increasing PM2.5 exposure causes cardiovascular mortality rate to increase when PM2.5 lies in 17.7-21.6 μg/m3 and 21.6-34.3 μg/m3, with the estimated increments being 0.81% and 0.26%, respectively, corresponding to 1% PM2.5 increase. A single threshold effect of SO2 on respiratory mortality rate is identified and allows the estimation of the mortality effects of PM2.5 regarding the two regimes of SO2. Finally, we access the health impacts of coal consumption under specific estimated thresholds. This study provides a better understanding of sources contributing to related-air pollution mortality. The multi-threshold effect of PM2.5 could be considered for further applications in harmonizing emission standards in China and other developing countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Linh Tran
- Department of Applied Economics, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan.
| | | | - Chia-Sheng Hsu
- Institute of Economics, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan.
| | - Chi-Chung Chen
- Department of Applied Economics, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan.
| | - Wei-Chun Tseng
- Department of Applied Economics, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan.
| | - Shih-Hsun Hsu
- Department of Agricultural Economics, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Gharibi H, Entwistle MR, Schweizer D, Tavallali P, Thao C, Cisneros R. Methyl-bromide and asthma emergency department visits in California, USA from 2005 to 2011. J Asthma 2019; 57:1227-1236. [PMID: 31311358 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2019.1645167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Urban monitors of Methyl bromide (MBr), not typically near application sites, are used to investigate the impact of ambient concentrations on asthma Emergency Department (ED) visits.Methods: 4262 ED visits from August to February of 2005 to 2011 in Central and Southern California were selected from California's Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD). A bidirectional-symmetric case-crossover study design using conditional logistic regression model was used to obtain the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval associated with a 0.01 ppb (interquartile range) increase in MBr.Results: The population sample was comprised of 46.0% male and 53.9% females. Ethnic groups included 32.0% Non-Hispanic White, 23.5% Non-Hispanic Black, and 44.4% Hispanic. Age distribution was between 2 and 5 years old (11.6%), 6 and 18 years old (23.5%), 19 and 40 years old (29.3%), 41 and 64 years old (24.1%), and 65 or older (6.9%). There was a positive association between MBr and asthma ED visits among Non-Hispanic Blacks [OR: 1.065 (95% confidence intervals: 1.019, 1.108)] and Hispanics [OR: 1.107 (95% confidence intervals: 1.043, 1.173)], while Non-Hispanic Whites did not have an association with asthma ED visits. Positive association between MBr and asthma ED visits was found only among 6 to 18 [OR: 1.071 (95% confidence intervals: 1.016, 1.125)] years old.Conclusion: An increase in MBr concentration was found to be associated with an increase of the odds of having asthma ED visits in California among 6 to 18 years old and disproportionately affects Non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanics over Non-Hispanic Whites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Gharibi
- Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, USA
| | - Marcela R Entwistle
- Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, USA
| | - Donald Schweizer
- Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, USA.,USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region, Clovis, CA, USA
| | - Pooya Tavallali
- Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, USA
| | - Chia Thao
- Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, USA
| | - Ricardo Cisneros
- Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, USA.,Public Health, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Howard DB, Thé J, Soria R, Fann N, Schaeffer R, Saphores JDM. Health benefits and control costs of tightening particulate matter emissions standards for coal power plants - The case of Northeast Brazil. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 124:420-430. [PMID: 30682597 PMCID: PMC7227787 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM) caused an estimated 4.2 million deaths worldwide in 2015. However, PM emission standards for power plants vary widely. To explore if the current levels of these standards are sufficiently stringent in a simple cost-benefit framework, we compared the health benefits (avoided monetized health costs) with the control costs of tightening PM emission standards for coal-fired power plants in Northeast (NE) Brazil, where ambient PM concentrations are below World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. We considered three Brazilian PM10 (PMx refers to PM with a diameter under x micrometers) emission standards and a stricter U.S. EPA standard for recent power plants. Our integrated methodology simulates hourly electricity grid dispatch from utility-scale power plants, disperses the resulting PM2.5, and estimates selected human health impacts from PM2.5 exposure using the latest integrated exposure-response model. Since the emissions inventories required to model secondary PM are not available in our study area, we modeled only primary PM so our benefit estimates are conservative. We found that tightening existing PM10 emission standards yields health benefits that are over 60 times greater than emissions control costs in all the scenarios we considered. The monetary value of avoided hospital admissions alone is at least four times as large as the corresponding control costs. These results provide strong arguments for considering tightening PM emission standards for coal-fired power plants worldwide, including in regions that meet WHO guidelines and in developing countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel B Howard
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
| | - Jesse Thé
- Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, University of Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada.
| | - Rafael Soria
- Departmento de Ingeniería Mecánica, Escuela Politécnica Nacional, Ladrón de Guevara E11·253, Quito, Pichincha EC 17-01-2759, Ecuador.
| | - Neal Fann
- National Expert and Team Lead for Assessing the Benefits of Air Quality, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, NC 27709, USA.
| | - Roberto Schaeffer
- Energy Planning Program, COPPE, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-972 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Jean-Daniel M Saphores
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Economics, University of California, Irvine 92697, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
A Closer Look at the Bivariate Association between Ambient Air Pollution and Allergic Diseases: The Role of Spatial Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15081625. [PMID: 30071675 PMCID: PMC6121458 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15081625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 07/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Although previous ecological studies investigating the association between air pollution and allergic diseases accounted for temporal or seasonal relationships, few studies address spatial non-stationarity or autocorrelation explicitly. Our objective was to examine bivariate correlation between outdoor air pollutants and the prevalence of allergic diseases, highlighting the limitation of a non-spatial correlation measure, and suggesting an alternative to address spatial autocorrelation. The 5-year prevalence data (2011⁻2015) of allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and asthma were integrated with the measures of four major air pollutants (SO₂, NO₂, CO, and PM10) for each of the 423 sub-districts of Seoul. Lee's L statistics, which captures how much bivariate associations are spatially clustered, was calculated and compared with Pearson's correlation coefficient for each pair of the air pollutants and allergic diseases. A series of maps showing spatiotemporal patterns of allergic diseases at the sub-district level reveals a substantial degree of spatial heterogeneity. A high spatial autocorrelation was observed for all pollutants and diseases, leading to significant dissimilarities between the two bivariate association measures. The local L statistics identifies the areas where a specific air pollutant is considered to be contributing to a type of allergic disease. This study suggests that a bivariate correlation measure between air pollutants and allergic diseases should capture spatially-clustered phenomenon of the association, and detect the local instability in their relationships. It highlights the role of spatial analysis in investigating the contribution of the local-level spatiotemporal dynamics of air pollution to trends and the distribution of allergic diseases.
Collapse
|
21
|
Holm SM, Balmes J, Gillette D, Hartin K, Seto E, Lindeman D, Polanco D, Fong E. Cooking behaviors are related to household particulate matter exposure in children with asthma in the urban East Bay Area of Northern California. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0197199. [PMID: 29874253 PMCID: PMC5991365 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma is a common childhood disease that leads to many missed days of school and parents' work. There are multiple environmental contributors to asthma symptoms and understanding the potential factors inside children's homes is crucial. METHODS This is a dual cohort study measuring household particulate matter (PM2.5), behaviors, and factors that influence air quality and asthma symptoms in the urban homes of children (ages 6-10) with asthma; one cohort had cigarette smoke exposure in the home (n = 13) and the other did not (n = 22). Exposure data included measurements every 5 minutes for a month. RESULTS In the entire study population, a large contributor to elevations in indoor PM2.5 above 35 μg/m3 was not using the stove hood when cooking (8.5% higher, CI 3.1-13.9%, p<0.005). Median PM values during cooking times were 0.88 μg/m3 higher than those during non-cooking times (95% CI 0.33-1.42). Mean monthly household PM2.5 level was significantly related to the presence of a cigarette smoker in the home (10.1 μg/m3 higher, 95% CI 5.2-15.1, p<0.001) when controlling for use of the stove hood and proximity to major roadway. There was a trend toward increased odds of persistent asthma with increases in average monthly PM2.5 (OR 1.1, 95% CI 0.97-1.3, p = 0.16). CONCLUSIONS Consideration of only outdoor PM2.5 may obscure potentially modifiable risks for asthma symptoms. Specifically, this preliminary study suggests that cooking behaviors may contribute to the burden of PM2.5 in the homes of children with asthma and thus to asthma symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M. Holm
- UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, Oakland, CA, United States of America
- University of California Berkeley, School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology, Berkeley, CA, United States of America
- University of California San Francisco, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - John Balmes
- University of California San Francisco, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
- University of California Berkeley, School of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health Sciences, Berkeley, CA, United States of America
| | - Dan Gillette
- University of California Berkeley, Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society, Berkeley, CA, United States of America
| | - Kris Hartin
- University of Washington, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Edmund Seto
- University of Washington, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - David Lindeman
- University of California Berkeley, Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society, Berkeley, CA, United States of America
| | - Dianna Polanco
- University of California Berkeley, Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society, Berkeley, CA, United States of America
| | - Edward Fong
- Department of Pediatrics, Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children, Honolulu, HI, United States of America
- University of Hawaii-Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Chien LC, Chen YA, Yu HL. Lagged Influence of Fine Particulate Matter and Geographic Disparities on Clinic Visits for Children's Asthma in Taiwan. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15040829. [PMID: 29690596 PMCID: PMC5923871 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15040829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have revealed the influence of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on increased medication use, hospital admission, and emergency room visits for asthma attack in children, but the lagged influence of PM2.5 on children’s asthma and geographic disparities of children’s asthma have rarely been discussed simultaneously. This study investigated the documented diagnosis of children’s asthma in clinic visits for children aged less than 15 years old that were associated with PM2.5 in two counties located in west-central Taiwan during 2005–2010. The result shows that PM2.5 had a significant lagged effect on children’s asthma for up to 6 days. A significantly higher relative risk for children’s asthma was more likely to happen at 2-day lag compared to the present day when PM2.5 increased from 36.17 μg/m3 to 81.26 μg/m3. Considering all lagged effects, the highest relative risk for children’s asthma was 1.08 (95% CI = 1.05, 1.11) as PM2.5 increased as high as 64.66 μg/m3. In addition, geographic disparities of children’s asthma were significant, and 47.83% of areas were identified to have children vulnerable to asthma. To sum up, our findings can serve as a valuable reference for the implementation of an early warning to governmental agencies about a susceptible population of children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lung-Chang Chien
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA.
| | - Yu-An Chen
- Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan.
| | - Hwa-Lung Yu
- Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Mady LJ, Schwarzbach HL, Moore JA, Boudreau RM, Kaffenberger TM, Willson TJ, Lee SE. The association of air pollutants and allergic and nonallergic rhinitis in chronic rhinosinusitis. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol 2017; 8:369-376. [DOI: 10.1002/alr.22060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Leila J. Mady
- Department of Otolaryngology; University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh PA
| | | | - John A. Moore
- Department of Otolaryngology; University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh PA
| | - Robert M. Boudreau
- Department of Epidemiology; University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health; Pittsburgh PA
| | | | - Thomas J. Willson
- Department of Otolaryngology; San Antonio Military Medical Center; Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences; San Antonio TX
| | - Stella E. Lee
- Department of Otolaryngology; University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh PA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Mady LJ, Schwarzbach HL, Moore JA, Boudreau RM, Tripathy S, Kinnee E, Dodson ZM, Willson TJ, Clougherty JE, Lee SE. Air pollutants may be environmental risk factors in chronic rhinosinusitis disease progression. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol 2017; 8:377-384. [PMID: 29210519 DOI: 10.1002/alr.22052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the role of environmental exposures in the pathophysiology of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). In this study, we measured the impact of air pollutants (particulate matter 2.5 [PM2.5 ] and black carbon [BC]) on CRS with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) and CRS without nasal polyposis (CRSsNP). METHODS Spatial modeling from pollutant monitoring sites was used to estimate exposures surrounding residences for patients meeting inclusion criteria (total patients, n = 234; CRSsNP, n = 96; CRSwNP, n = 138). Disease severity outcome measures included modified Lund-Mackay score (LMS), systemic steroids, number of functional endoscopic sinus surgeries (FESS), and 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) score. PM2.5 and BC exposures were correlated with outcome measures. RESULTS Mean PM2.5 and BC findings were not significantly different between CRSwNP and CRSsNP patients or patients with and without asthma. Among those with CRSsNP, PM2.5 was significantly associated with undergoing FESS. For each unit increase in PM2.5 , there was a 1.89-fold increased risk in the proportion of CRSsNP patients who required further surgery (p = 0.015). This association was not identified in CRSwNP patients (p = 0.445). BC was also significantly associated with SNOT-22 score in the CRSsNP group. For each 0.1-unit increase in BC, there was a 7.97-unit increase in SNOT-22 (p = 0.008). A similar, although not significant, increase in SNOT-22 was found with increasing BC in the CRSwNP group (p = 0.728). CONCLUSION Air pollutants correlate with CRS symptom severity that may be influenced by exposure levels, with a more pronounced impact on CRSsNP patients. This study is the first to demonstrate the possible role of inhalant pollutants in CRS phenotypes, addressing a critical knowledge gap in environmental risk factors for disease progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leila J Mady
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | | | - John A Moore
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Robert M Boudreau
- Graduate School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | | | | | | | - Thomas J Willson
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Department of Otolaryngology, San Antonio Military Medical Center, San Antonio, TX
| | | | - Stella E Lee
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Prieto-Parra L, Yohannessen K, Brea C, Vidal D, Ubilla CA, Ruiz-Rudolph P. Air pollution, PM 2.5 composition, source factors, and respiratory symptoms in asthmatic and nonasthmatic children in Santiago, Chile. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2017; 101:190-200. [PMID: 28202226 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2017.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Revised: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the association of respiratory symptoms and medication use and exposure to various air pollutants, PM2.5 components, and source factors in a panel of asthmatic and nonasthmatic children in Santiago, Chile. To this end, 174 children (90 asthmatics and 84 nonasthmatics) were followed throughout the winter months of 2010 and 2011. During the study period, children filled out daily diaries to record respiratory symptoms and medication use. Air pollution data were obtained from government central site measurements and a PM2.5 characterization campaign. PM2.5 source factors were obtained using positive matrix factorization (PMF). Associations of symptoms and exposure to pollutants and source-factor daily scores were modeled separately for asthmatic and nonasthmatic children using mixed logistic regression models with random intercepts, controlling for weather, day of the week, year, and viral outbreaks. Overall, high concentrations of air pollutants and PM2.5 components were observed. Six source factors were identified by PMF (motor vehicles, marine aerosol, copper smelter, secondary sulfates, wood burning, and soil dust). Overall, single pollutant models showed significant and strong associations between 7-day exposures for several criteria pollutants (PM2.5, NO2, O3), PM2.5 components (OC, K, S, Se, V), and source factors (secondary sulfate) and coughing, wheezing and three other respiratory symptoms in both in asthmatic and nonasthmatic children. No associations were found for use of rescue inhalers in asthmatics. Two-pollutant models showed that several associations remained significant after including PM2.5, and other criteria pollutants, in the models, particularly components and source factors associated with industrial sources. In conclusion, exposure to air pollutants, especially PM2.5, NO2, and O3, were found to exacerbate respiratory symptoms in both asthmatic and nonasthmatic children. Some of the results suggest that PM2.5 components associated with a secondary sulfate source may have a greater impact on some symptoms than PM2.5. In general, the results of this study show important associations at concentrations close or below current air quality standards.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Prieto-Parra
- Programa de Magister en Salud Pública, Instituto de Salud Poblacional, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Karla Yohannessen
- Departamento de Pediatría y Cirugía Infantil Norte, Hospital de Niños Roberto del Río, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Programa de Salud Ambiental, Instituto de Salud Poblacional, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cecilia Brea
- Departamento de Pediatría y Cirugía Infantil Norte, Hospital de Niños Roberto del Río, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Daniella Vidal
- Departamento de Pediatría y Cirugía Infantil Norte, Hospital de Niños Roberto del Río, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carlos A Ubilla
- Departamento de Pediatría y Cirugía Infantil Norte, Hospital de Niños Roberto del Río, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo Ruiz-Rudolph
- Programa de Salud Ambiental, Instituto de Salud Poblacional, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Fattore E, Davoli E, Castiglioni S, Bosetti C, Re Depaolini A, Marzona I, Zuccato E, Fanelli R. Wastewater-based epidemiological evaluation of the effect of air pollution on short-acting beta-agonist consumption for acute asthma treatment. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 150:106-111. [PMID: 27281687 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.05.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Asthma, one of the most common chronic diseases in the world and a leading cause of hospitalization among children, has been associated with outdoor air pollution. We applied the wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) approach to study the association between the use of salbutamol, a short-acting beta-agonist used to treat acute bronchospasm, and air pollution in the population of Milan, Italy. Composite 24-h samples of untreated wastewater were collected daily and analyzed for human metabolic residues of salbutamol by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Corresponding daily outdoor concentrations of particular matter up to 10µm (PM10) and 2.5µm (PM2.5) in aerodynamic diameter, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, sulfur dioxide, and benzene were collected from the public air monitoring network. Associations at different lag times (0-10 days) were assessed by a log-linear Poisson regression model. We found significant direct associations between defined daily doses (DDD) of salbutamol and mean daily concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 up to nine days of lag time. The highest rate ratio, and 95% confidence interval (CI), of DDD of salbutamol was 1.06 (95% CI: 1.02-1.10) and 1.07 (95% CI: 1.02-1.12) at seven days of lag time and for an increase of 10 μg/m(3) of PM10 and PM2.5, respectively. Reducing the mean daily PM10 concentration in Milan from 50 to 30μg/m(3) means that 852 (95% CI: 483-1504) daily doses of salbutamol per day would not be used. These results confirm the association between asthma and outdoor PM10 and PM2.5 and prove the potential of the WBE approach to quantitatively estimate the relation between environmental exposures and diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Fattore
- Department of Environmental Health Science, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", via Giuseppe La Masa 19, 20156 Milan, Italy.
| | - Enrico Davoli
- Department of Environmental Health Science, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", via Giuseppe La Masa 19, 20156 Milan, Italy.
| | - Sara Castiglioni
- Department of Environmental Health Science, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", via Giuseppe La Masa 19, 20156 Milan, Italy.
| | - Cristina Bosetti
- Department of Epidemiology, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", via Giuseppe La Masa 19, 20156 Milan, Italy.
| | - Andrea Re Depaolini
- Department of Environmental Health Science, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", via Giuseppe La Masa 19, 20156 Milan, Italy.
| | - Irene Marzona
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", via Giuseppe La Masa 19, 20156 Milan, Italy.
| | - Ettore Zuccato
- Department of Environmental Health Science, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", via Giuseppe La Masa 19, 20156 Milan, Italy.
| | - Roberto Fanelli
- Department of Environmental Health Science, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", via Giuseppe La Masa 19, 20156 Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Noh J, Sohn J, Cho J, Cho SK, Choi YJ, Kim C, Shin DC. Short-term Effects of Ambient Air Pollution on Emergency Department Visits for Asthma: An Assessment of Effect Modification by Prior Allergic Disease History. J Prev Med Public Health 2016; 49:329-341. [PMID: 27744674 PMCID: PMC5066424 DOI: 10.3961/jpmph.16.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives The goal of this study was to investigate the short-term effect of ambient air pollution on emergency department (ED) visits in Seoul for asthma according to patients’ prior history of allergic diseases. Methods Data on ED visits from 2005 to 2009 were obtained from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. To evaluate the risk of ED visits for asthma related to ambient air pollutants (carbon monoxide [CO], nitrogen dioxide [NO2], ozone [O3], sulfur dioxide [SO2], and particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter <10 μm [PM10]), a generalized additive model with a Poisson distribution was used; a single-lag model and a cumulative-effect model (average concentration over the previous 1-7 days) were also explored. The percent increase and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for each interquartile range (IQR) increment in the concentration of each air pollutant. Subgroup analyses were done by age, gender, the presence of allergic disease, and season. Results A total of 33 751 asthma attack cases were observed during the study period. The strongest association was a 9.6% increase (95% CI, 6.9% to 12.3%) in the risk of ED visits for asthma per IQR increase in O3 concentration. IQR changes in NO2 and PM10 concentrations were also significantly associated with ED visits in the cumulative lag 7 model. Among patients with a prior history of allergic rhinitis or atopic dermatitis, the risk of ED visits for asthma per IQR increase in PM10 concentration was higher (3.9%; 95% CI, 1.2% to 6.7%) than in patients with no such history. Conclusions Ambient air pollutants were positively associated with ED visits for asthma, especially among subjects with a prior history of allergic rhinitis or atopic dermatitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juhwan Noh
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jungwoo Sohn
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jaelim Cho
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Gachon University Gil Hospital, Incheon, Korea
| | - Seong-Kyung Cho
- Department of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yoon Jung Choi
- Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, Seoul, Korea
| | - Changsoo Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong Chun Shin
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Institute for Environmental Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Casas L, Simons K, Nawrot TS, Brasseur O, Declerck P, Buyl R, Coomans D, Nemery B, Van Nieuwenhuyse A. Respiratory medication sales and urban air pollution in Brussels (2005 to 2011). ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2016; 94:576-582. [PMID: 27346740 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Revised: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated the associations between daily sales of respiratory medication and air pollutants in the Brussels-Capital Region between 2005 and 2011. METHODS We used over-dispersed Poisson Generalized Linear Models to regress daily individual reimbursement data of prescribed asthma and COPD medication from the social security database against each subject's residential exposure to outdoor particulate matter (PM10) or NO2 estimated, by interpolation from monitoring stations. We calculated cumulative risk ratios (RR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) for interquartile ranges (IQR) of exposure for different windows of past exposure for the entire population and for seven age groups. RESULTS Median daily concentrations of PM10 and NO2 were 25μg/m(3) (IQR=17.1) and 38μg/m(3) (IQR=20.5), respectively. PM10 was associated with daily medication sales among individuals aged 13 to 64y. For NO2, significant associations were observed among all age groups except >84y. The highest RR were observed for NO2, among adolescents, including three weeks lags (RR=1.187 95%CI: 1.097-1.285). CONCLUSION The associations found between temporal changes in exposure to air pollutants and daily sales of respiratory medication in Brussels indicate that urban air pollution contributes to asthma and COPD morbidity in the general population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Casas
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Dr Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Koen Simons
- Unit Health and Environment, Scientific Institute of Public Health, Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Public Health, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Olivier Brasseur
- Department Laboratory and Air Quality, Brussels Environment, Gulledelle 100, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Priscilla Declerck
- Department Laboratory and Air Quality, Brussels Environment, Gulledelle 100, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ronald Buyl
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Public Health, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Danny Coomans
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Public Health, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Benoit Nemery
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - An Van Nieuwenhuyse
- Unit Health and Environment, Scientific Institute of Public Health, Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Webb E, Hays J, Dyrszka L, Rodriguez B, Cox C, Huffling K, Bushkin-Bedient S. Potential hazards of air pollutant emissions from unconventional oil and natural gas operations on the respiratory health of children and infants. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2016; 31:225-243. [PMID: 27171386 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2014-0070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2014] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Research on air pollutant emissions associated with unconventional oil and gas (UOG) development has grown significantly in recent years. Empirical investigations have focused on the identification and measurement of oil and gas air pollutants [e.g. volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM), methane] and the influence of UOG on local and regional ambient air quality (e.g. tropospheric ozone). While more studies to better characterize spatial and temporal trends in exposure among children and newborns near UOG sites are needed, existing research suggests that exposure to air pollutants emitted during lifecycle operations can potentially lead to adverse respiratory outcomes in this population. Children are known to be at a greater risk from exposure to air pollutants, which can impair lung function and neurodevelopment, or exacerbate existing conditions, such as asthma, because the respiratory system is particularly vulnerable during development in-utero, the postnatal period, and early childhood. In this article, we review the literature relevant to respiratory risks of UOG on infants and children. Existing epidemiology studies document the impact of air pollutant exposure on children in other contexts and suggest impacts near UOG. Research is sparse on long-term health risks associated with frequent acute exposures - especially in children - hence our interpretation of these findings may be conservative. Many data gaps remain, but existing data support precautionary measures to protect the health of infants and children.
Collapse
|
30
|
Fan J, Li S, Fan C, Bai Z, Yang K. The impact of PM2.5 on asthma emergency department visits: a systematic review and meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:843-50. [PMID: 26347419 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-5321-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Although the relationship between asthma and exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been frequently measured, reported conclusions have not been consistent. As emergency department (ED) visits are an effective way to estimate health outcomes for people with asthma and short-term exposure to PM2.5, this review systematically searched five databases without language or geographical restrictions from inception to January 13, 2015 to study the impact of PM2.5 on asthma ED visits. A random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). With respect to short-term effects, asthma ED visits increased at higher PM2.5 concentrations (RR 1.5% per 10 μg/m(3); 95% CI 1.2-1.7%), and children were more susceptible (3.6% per 10 μg/m(3); 95% CI 1.8, 5.3%) than adults (1.7, 95% CI 0.7%, 2.8%) to increased PM2.5; the ED visits increased during the warm season by 3.7% (95% CI 0.5, 6.9%) per 10 μg/m(3) increase in PM2.5, which was higher than the corresponding increase during the cold season (2.6, 95% CI 0.7-4.6%). This demonstrates that ambient PM2.5 has an adverse impact on asthma ED visits after short-term exposure and that children are a high-risk population when PM2.5 concentrations are high, particularly in warm seasons, during which measures should be taken to prevent PM2.5.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingchun Fan
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, No. 199 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China.
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, No. 222 Tianshui South Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China.
- First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, No. 1 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China.
| | - Shulan Li
- Department of Ultrasound, People's Hospital of Gansu Province, No. 204 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China.
| | - Chunling Fan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Gansu Provincial Cancer Hospital, No. 2 Xiaoxihu East Street, Qilihe District, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730050, China.
| | - Zhenggang Bai
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, No. 199 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China.
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, No. 222 Tianshui South Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China.
| | - Kehu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, No. 199 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China.
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, No. 222 Tianshui South Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Sigsgaard T, Forsberg B, Annesi-Maesano I, Blomberg A, Bølling A, Boman C, Bønløkke J, Brauer M, Bruce N, Héroux ME, Hirvonen MR, Kelly F, Künzli N, Lundbäck B, Moshammer H, Noonan C, Pagels J, Sallsten G, Sculier JP, Brunekreef B. Health impacts of anthropogenic biomass burning in the developed world. Eur Respir J 2015; 46:1577-88. [PMID: 26405285 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01865-2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Climate change policies have stimulated a shift towards renewable energy sources such as biomass. The economic crisis of 2008 has also increased the practice of household biomass burning as it is often cheaper than using oil, gas or electricity for heating. As a result, household biomass combustion is becoming an important source of air pollutants in the European Union.This position paper discusses the contribution of biomass combustion to pollution levels in Europe, and the emerging evidence on the adverse health effects of biomass combustion products.Epidemiological studies in the developed world have documented associations between indoor and outdoor exposure to biomass combustion products and a range of adverse health effects. A conservative estimate of the current contribution of biomass smoke to premature mortality in Europe amounts to at least 40 000 deaths per year.We conclude that emissions from current biomass combustion products negatively affect respiratory and, possibly, cardiovascular health in Europe. Biomass combustion emissions, in contrast to emissions from most other sources of air pollution, are increasing. More needs to be done to further document the health effects of biomass combustion in Europe, and to reduce emissions of harmful biomass combustion products to protect public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Torben Sigsgaard
- University of Aarhus, Institute of Public Health, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Bertil Forsberg
- Dept of Public Health and Clinical Medicine/Environmental Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Isabella Annesi-Maesano
- INSERM UMR-S 1136, Institute Pierre Louis of Epidemiology and Public Health, Epidemiology of Allergic and Respiratory Diseases, Paris, France UPMC, UMR-S 1136, Institute Pierre Louis of Epidemiology and Public Health, Epidemiology of Allergic and Respiratory Diseases, Paris, France
| | - Anders Blomberg
- Dept of Public Health and Clinical Medicine/Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Anette Bølling
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Division of Environmental Medicine, Dept of Air Pollution and Noise, Oslo, Norway
| | - Christoffer Boman
- Thermochemical Energy Conversion Laboratory, Dept of Applied Physics and Electronics, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jakob Bønløkke
- University of Aarhus, Institute of Public Health, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Michael Brauer
- University of British Columbia, School of Population and Public Health, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Nino Künzli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bo Lundbäck
- Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hanns Moshammer
- Medical University of Vienna, Institute of Environmental Health, Vienna, Austria
| | - Curtis Noonan
- The University of Montana, Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - Joachim Pagels
- Lund University, Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology, Lund, Sweden
| | - Gerd Sallsten
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Bert Brunekreef
- Utrecht University, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Huang CC, Wen HJ, Chen PC, Chiang TL, Lin SJ, Guo YL. Prenatal air pollutant exposure and occurrence of atopic dermatitis. Br J Dermatol 2015. [PMID: 26202732 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.14039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hereditary and environmental factors have been related to the occurrence of atopic dermatitis (AD) in early childhood. However, the role of prenatal and early postnatal exposure to air pollutants has not been totally elucidated. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the association between prenatal air pollutant exposure and occurrence of AD. METHODS In total 24 200 infant-mother pairs were recruited to participate in the Taiwan Birth Cohort Study in 2005 using multistage stratified sampling. Medical history, including physician-diagnosed AD, was inquired by questionnaire at the infant's age of 6 months. Monthly averages of five criteria air pollutants - NO2 , CO, O3 , SO2 and PM10 - were retrieved from 66 air-quality-monitoring stations, and interpolated to all administrative districts using the kriging method. Exposure data during each of the three gestational trimesters and three months after birth were calculated for each study subject, and odds ratios (ORs) of AD occurrence were calculated by logistic regression. RESULTS Among the participants, 16 686 mother-infant pairs were qualified for and included in the analysis. Among them, 1206 infants (7·2%) had been diagnosed as having AD before the age of 6 months, and the prevalence was higher in boys (8·3%) than in girls (6·1%). The occurrence of AD was significantly associated with CO exposure during the whole gestational period [adjusted OR (aOR) 1·37, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·06-1·78] and the first trimester (aOR 1·51, 95% CI 1·16-1·97). We did not observe any significant association among the other air pollutants during either the whole gestational period or any period of the three trimesters and 3 months after birth. CONCLUSIONS Our study found a relationship between AD occurrence and gestational exposure to CO, where exposure during the first trimester seemed to be the most important.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C C Huang
- Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University (NTU) and NTU Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - H J Wen
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - P C Chen
- Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University (NTU) and NTU Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - T L Chiang
- Institute of Health Policy and Management, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - S J Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, Chi Mei Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Y L Guo
- Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University (NTU) and NTU Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Rohr AC, Campleman SL, Long CM, Peterson MK, Weatherstone S, Quick W, Lewis A. Potential Occupational Exposures and Health Risks Associated with Biomass-Based Power Generation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2015; 12:8542-605. [PMID: 26206568 PMCID: PMC4515735 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph120708542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Revised: 07/03/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Biomass is increasingly being used for power generation; however, assessment of potential occupational health and safety (OH&S) concerns related to usage of biomass fuels in combustion-based generation remains limited. We reviewed the available literature on known and potential OH&S issues associated with biomass-based fuel usage for electricity generation at the utility scale. We considered three potential exposure scenarios--pre-combustion exposure to material associated with the fuel, exposure to combustion products, and post-combustion exposure to ash and residues. Testing of dust, fungal and bacterial levels at two power stations was also undertaken. Results indicated that dust concentrations within biomass plants can be extremely variable, with peak levels in some areas exceeding occupational exposure limits for wood dust and general inhalable dust. Fungal spore types, identified as common environmental species, were higher than in outdoor air. Our review suggests that pre-combustion risks, including bioaerosols and biogenic organics, should be considered further. Combustion and post-combustion risks appear similar to current fossil-based combustion. In light of limited available information, additional studies at power plants utilizing a variety of technologies and biomass fuels are recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annette C Rohr
- Electric Power Research Institute, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Susan Weatherstone
- ON Technologies (Ratcliffe) Ltd., Ratcliffe on Soar, Nottinghamshire, NG11 0EE, UK.
| | - Will Quick
- ON Technologies (Ratcliffe) Ltd., Ratcliffe on Soar, Nottinghamshire, NG11 0EE, UK.
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Loftus C, Yost M, Sampson P, Arias G, Torres E, Vasquez VB, Bhatti P, Karr C. Regional PM2.5 and asthma morbidity in an agricultural community: a panel study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 136:505-12. [PMID: 25460673 PMCID: PMC4425279 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2014.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2014] [Revised: 09/21/2014] [Accepted: 10/15/2014] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elevated pediatric asthma morbidity has been observed in rural US communities, but the role of the ambient environment in exacerbating rural asthma is poorly understood. OBJECTIVES To investigate associations between particulate matter less than 2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5) and pediatric asthma exacerbations in an agricultural community of Washington State. METHODS School-aged children with asthma (n=58) were followed for up to 25 months with repeated measures of respiratory health. Asthma symptoms and quick-relief medication use were assessed biweekly through phone administered surveys (n=2023 interviews). In addition, subjects used home peak flow meters on a daily basis to measure forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (n=7830 measurements). Regional PM2.5 was measured at a single air monitor located centrally in the study region. To assess relationships between PM2.5 and these outcomes we used linear regression with generalized estimating equations, adjusting for meteorological and temporal confounders. Effect modification by atopy was explored as well. RESULTS An interquartile increase (IQR) in weekly PM2.5 of 6.7 μg/m(3) was associated with an increase in reported asthma symptoms Specific symptoms including wheezing, limitation of activities, and nighttime waking displayed the strongest associations. FEV1 as a percent of predicted decreased by 0.9% (95%CI: -1.8, 0.0) for an IQR increase in PM2.5 one day prior, and by 1.4% (95%CI: -2.7, -0.2) when restricted to children with atopic asthma. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence that PM2.5 in an agricultural setting contributes to elevated asthma morbidity. Further work on identifying and mitigating sources of PM2.5 in the area is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Loftus
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Box 357236, Seattle, WA 98195, United States.
| | - Michael Yost
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Box 357234, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Paul Sampson
- Department of Statistics, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Washington, Box 354322, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Griselda Arias
- Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic, Yakima, WA, United States
| | - Elizabeth Torres
- Northwest Education Center, Radio KDNA, 121 Sunnyside Avenue, Granger, WA 98932, United States
| | - Victoria Breckwich Vasquez
- Pacific Northwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Box 357234, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Parveen Bhatti
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Box 357236, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Catherine Karr
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Box 357236, Seattle, WA 98195, United States; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Box 357234, Seattle, WA 98195, United States; Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Box 356320, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Yitshak-Sade M, Novack V, Katra I, Gorodischer R, Tal A, Novack L. Non-anthropogenic dust exposure and asthma medication purchase in children. Eur Respir J 2014; 45:652-60. [PMID: 25323244 DOI: 10.1183/09031936.00078614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Air pollution has been shown to increase frequency of asthma attacks, as usually measured by hospitalisation rates. We hypothesise that purchase of asthma reliever medications will reflect a broader association between the environmental exposure and asthma exacerbations. In a time series analysis, we estimated the association of dust storms with mild asthma manifestations, as indicated by medication purchases, during 2005-2011. We compared our results with the estimation of the association of dust storms with hospitalisations due to asthma and asthma-like symptoms. We detected 289 dust storms characterised by high levels of particulate matter <10 μm in diameter. We identified 42,920 children with asthma, wheezing or asthma-like symptoms, of whom 2418 were hospitalised. We observed a higher risk of asthma medication purchase on the day of a mild dust storm (relative risk 1.05, 95% CI 1.00-1.10). The next peak in drug purchases was 3 days later and was more pronounced among Bedouin-Arab children. Stratified analyses showed higher risks for hospitalisation among Bedouin-Arab children; especially among children living in temporary houses (relative risk 1.33, 95% CI 1.04-1.71). We observed an increased risk of asthma medication purchase associated with mild dust storms. The risk observed for hospitalisation was more pronounced among the rural Bedouin-Arab population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maayan Yitshak-Sade
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel Clinical Research Center, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Victor Novack
- Clinical Research Center, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Itzhak Katra
- Dept of Geography and Environmental Development, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Rafael Gorodischer
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel Dept of Pediatrics, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Asher Tal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel Dept of Pediatrics, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Lena Novack
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Kravchenko J, Akushevich I, Abernethy AP, Holman S, Ross WG, Lyerly HK. Long-term dynamics of death rates of emphysema, asthma, and pneumonia and improving air quality. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2014; 9:613-27. [PMID: 25018627 PMCID: PMC4075234 DOI: 10.2147/copd.s59995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The respiratory tract is a major target of exposure to air pollutants, and respiratory diseases are associated with both short- and long-term exposures. We hypothesized that improved air quality in North Carolina was associated with reduced rates of death from respiratory diseases in local populations. MATERIALS AND METHODS We analyzed the trends of emphysema, asthma, and pneumonia mortality and changes of the levels of ozone, sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matters (PM2.5 and PM10) using monthly data measurements from air-monitoring stations in North Carolina in 1993-2010. The log-linear model was used to evaluate associations between air-pollutant levels and age-adjusted death rates (per 100,000 of population) calculated for 5-year age-groups and for standard 2000 North Carolina population. The studied associations were adjusted by age group-specific smoking prevalence and seasonal fluctuations of disease-specific respiratory deaths. RESULTS Decline in emphysema deaths was associated with decreasing levels of SO2 and CO in the air, decline in asthma deaths-with lower SO2, CO, and PM10 levels, and decline in pneumonia deaths-with lower levels of SO2. Sensitivity analyses were performed to study potential effects of the change from International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9 to ICD-10 codes, the effects of air pollutants on mortality during summer and winter, the impact of approach when only the underlying causes of deaths were used, and when mortality and air-quality data were analyzed on the county level. In each case, the results of sensitivity analyses demonstrated stability. The importance of analysis of pneumonia as an underlying cause of death was also highlighted. CONCLUSION Significant associations were observed between decreasing death rates of emphysema, asthma, and pneumonia and decreases in levels of ambient air pollutants in North Carolina.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Igor Akushevich
- Center for Population Health and Aging, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Amy P Abernethy
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sheila Holman
- Division of Air Quality, North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - William G Ross
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - H Kim Lyerly
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Van Ryswyk K, Wheeler AJ, Wallace L, Kearney J, You H, Kulka R, Xu X. Impact of microenvironments and personal activities on personal PM2.5 exposures among asthmatic children. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2014; 24:260-268. [PMID: 23632991 DOI: 10.1038/jes.2013.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2012] [Revised: 01/26/2013] [Accepted: 02/07/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Personal activity patterns have often been suggested as a source of unexplained variability when comparing personal particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure to modeled data using central site or microenvironmental data. To characterize the effect of personal activity patterns on asthmatic children's personal PM2.5 exposure, data from the Windsor, Ontario Exposure Assessment Study were analyzed. The children spent on an average 67.1±12.7% (winter) and 72.3±22.6% (summer) of their time indoors at home where they received 51.7±14.8% and 66.3±19.0% of their PM2.5 exposure, respectively. In winter, 17.7±5.9% of their time was spent at school where they received 38.6±11.7% of their PM2.5 exposure. In summer, they spent 10.3±11.8% 'indoors away from home', which represented 23.4±18.3% of their PM2.5 exposure. Personal activity codes adapted from those of the National Human Activity Pattern Survey and the Canadian Human Activity Pattern Survey were assigned to the children's activities. Of the over 100 available activity codes, 19 activities collectively encompassed nearly 95% of their time. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models found that, while indoors at home, relative to daytime periods when sedentary activities were conducted, several personal activities were associated with significantly elevated personal PM2.5 exposures. Indoor playing represented a mean increase in PM2.5 of 10.1 μg/m(3) (95% CI 6.3-13.8) and 11.6 μg/m(3) (95% CI 8.1-15.1) in winter and summer, respectively, as estimated by a personal nephelometer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keith Van Ryswyk
- Air Health Science Division, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amanda J Wheeler
- Air Health Science Division, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Jill Kearney
- Air Health Science Division, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hongyu You
- Air Health Science Division, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ryan Kulka
- Air Health Science Division, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xiaohong Xu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Addition of PM 2.5 into the national ambient air quality standards of China and the contribution to air pollution control: the case study of Wuhan, China. ScientificWorldJournal 2014; 2014:768405. [PMID: 24982994 PMCID: PMC3997137 DOI: 10.1155/2014/768405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 10/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
PM2.5 has gradually become a major environmental problem of China with its rapid economic development, urbanization, and increasing of motor vehicles. Findings and awareness of serious PM2.5 pollution make the PM2.5 a new criterion pollutant of the Chinese National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) revised in 2012. The 2012 NAAQS sets the PM2.5 concentrate limitation with the 24-hour average value and the annual mean value. Wuhan is quite typical among central and southern China in climate, economy, development level, and energy consumption. The data are cited from the official website of Wuhan Environmental Protection Bureau and cover the period from 1 January to 30 June 2013. The data definitely confirm the existence of serious PM2.5 pollution in Wuhan and indicate that the addition of PM2.5 as a criterion pollutant significantly brings down the attainment rate of air quality. The example of Wuhan reveals that local governments should take measures to reduce the emission of PM2.5 if it affects the attainment rate and the performance evaluation value of air quality. The main contribution of 2012 NAAQS is that it brings down the attainment rate of the air quality and forces local governmental officials to take the measures accordingly.
Collapse
|
39
|
Prevalence of asthma and respiratory symptoms in 15-17 year-old Greek-Cypriots by proximity of their community of residence to power plants: Cyprus 2006-07. Public Health 2014; 128:288-96. [PMID: 24602856 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2013.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2013] [Revised: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 11/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Numerous studies have reported adverse effects of traffic pollution on respiratory health. Exposure to power plants emissions has not been as comprehensively studied. The prevalence of asthma and respiratory symptoms was investigated among 15-17 year-olds in communities in the vicinity of power plants in Cyprus in relation to the rest of the island. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study METHODS Based on responses of 5817 participants to the ISAAC questionnaire, study outcomes were: active asthma (i.e. report of asthma and current symptoms), inactive asthma and respiratory symptoms without a diagnosis. Associations in terms of the distance of the participants' community to any of the three power plants were investigated in logistic models before and after adjusting for known confounders. RESULTS At 7.4% (95% CI: 4.5, 11.3), the prevalence of active asthma in communities at 5 km of power plants appeared elevated but reduced to national levels of 5% at longer distances. Adjusted odds ratio for active asthma was 1.83 (95% CI: 1.04, 3.24) in the 5 km zone compared to 30 km away. No clear pattern was observed for inactive asthma while the odds ratio of respiratory symptoms in the absence of diagnosis was 0.76 (95% CI: 0.58, 1.01) in the affected communities. CONCLUSIONS Higher prevalence of active asthma was observed in the vicinity of power plants, with no evidence of a distance-response relationship. With less than 5% of this age-group residing in close proximity to power plants, this corresponds to a small fraction of active asthma attributable to power plant emissions.
Collapse
|
40
|
Guidotti TL. Decision time on standards for particulate matter in the United States. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2013; 68:63-65. [PMID: 23428054 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2013.760360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
|
41
|
Clearing the air: a review of the effects of particulate matter air pollution on human health. J Med Toxicol 2012; 8:166-75. [PMID: 22194192 DOI: 10.1007/s13181-011-0203-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 705] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization estimates that particulate matter (PM) air pollution contributes to approximately 800,000 premature deaths each year, ranking it the 13th leading cause of mortality worldwide. However, many studies show that the relationship is deeper and far more complicated than originally thought. PM is a portion of air pollution that is made up of extremely small particles and liquid droplets containing acids, organic chemicals, metals, and soil or dust particles. PM is categorized by size and continues to be the fraction of air pollution that is most reliably associated with human disease. PM is thought to contribute to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease by the mechanisms of systemic inflammation, direct and indirect coagulation activation, and direct translocation into systemic circulation. The data demonstrating PM's effect on the cardiovascular system are strong. Populations subjected to long-term exposure to PM have a significantly higher cardiovascular incident and mortality rate. Short-term acute exposures subtly increase the rate of cardiovascular events within days of a pollution spike. The data are not as strong for PM's effects on cerebrovascular disease, though some data and similar mechanisms suggest a lesser result with smaller amplitude. Respiratory diseases are also exacerbated by exposure to PM. PM causes respiratory morbidity and mortality by creating oxidative stress and inflammation that leads to pulmonary anatomic and physiologic remodeling. The literature shows PM causes worsening respiratory symptoms, more frequent medication use, decreased lung function, recurrent health care utilization, and increased mortality. PM exposure has been shown to have a small but significant adverse effect on cardiovascular, respiratory, and to a lesser extent, cerebrovascular disease. These consistent results are shown by multiple studies with varying populations, protocols, and regions. The data demonstrate a dose-dependent relationship between PM and human disease, and that removal from a PM-rich environment decreases the prevalence of these diseases. While further study is needed to elucidate the effects of composition, chemistry, and the PM effect on susceptible populations, the preponderance of data shows that PM exposure causes a small but significant increase in human morbidity and mortality. Most sources agree on certain "common sense" recommendations, although there are lonely limited data to support them. Indoor PM exposure can be reduced by the usage of air conditioning and particulate filters, decreasing indoor combustion for heating and cooking, and smoking cessation. Susceptible populations, such as the elderly or asthmatics, may benefit from limiting their outdoor activity during peak traffic periods or poor air quality days. These simple changes may benefit individual patients in both short-term symptomatic control and long-term cardiovascular and respiratory complications.
Collapse
|
42
|
Li S, Williams G, Jalaludin B, Baker P. Panel studies of air pollution on children's lung function and respiratory symptoms: a literature review. J Asthma 2012; 49:895-910. [PMID: 23016510 DOI: 10.3109/02770903.2012.724129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This article reviews panel studies of air pollution on children's respiratory health and proposes future research directions. METHODS The PubMed electronic database was used to search published original epidemiological studies in peer-reviewed journals from 2000 to November 2011. Children's age was limited to ≤18 years old. A total of 33 relevant articles were obtained, with 20 articles relating to lung function, 21 articles relating to respiratory symptoms, and 8 articles examining both. RESULTS Most studies suggested the adverse effects of air pollution on children's lung function and respiratory symptoms. Particles and NO(2) showed more significant results, whereas effects of SO(2) were not consistent. A few studies indicated that O(3) interacted with temperature and sometimes seemed to be a protective factor for children's respiratory health. Negative associations between air pollutants and pulmonary health were more serious in asthmatic children than in healthy subjects. However, many outcomes depended on the number of lag days. Peak expiratory flow (PEF) was the most usual measurement for children's lung function, followed by forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)). CONCLUSIONS There are significant adverse effects of air pollution on children's pulmonary health, especially for asthmatics. Future studies need to examine the lag effects of air pollution on children's lung function and respiratory symptoms. Ambient temperature is predicted to change worldwide due to climate change, which will threaten population health. Further research is needed to examine the effects of ambient temperature and the interactive effects between air pollution and ambient temperature on children's lung function and respiratory symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Li
- School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Noonan CW, Ward TJ. Asthma randomized trial of indoor wood smoke (ARTIS): rationale and methods. Contemp Clin Trials 2012; 33:1080-7. [PMID: 22735495 PMCID: PMC3408844 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2012.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2012] [Revised: 05/18/2012] [Accepted: 06/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Particulate matter (PM) exposures have been linked with poor respiratory health outcomes, especially among susceptible populations such as asthmatic children. Smoke from biomass combustion for residential home heating is an important source of PM in many rural or peri-urban areas in the United States. AIM To assess the efficacy of residential interventions that reduce indoor PM exposure from wood stoves and to quantify the corresponding improvements in quality of life and health outcomes for asthmatic children. DESIGN The asthma randomized trial of indoor wood smoke (ARTIS) study is an in-home intervention study of susceptible children exposed to biomass combustion smoke. Children, ages 7 to 17, with persistent asthma and living in homes that heat with wood stoves were recruited for this three arm randomized placebo-controlled trial. Two household-level intervention strategies, wood stove replacement and air filters, were compared to a sham air filter placebo. Improvement in quality of life of asthmatic children was the primary outcome. Secondary asthma-related health outcomes included peak expiratory flow (PEF) and forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV(1)), biomarkers in exhaled breath condensate, and frequency of asthma symptoms, medication usage, and healthcare utilization. Exposure outcomes included indoor and outdoor PM(2.5) mass, particle counts of several size fractions, and carbon monoxide. DISCUSSION To our knowledge, this was the first randomized trial in the US to utilize interventions targeting residential wood stoves to assess the impact on indoor PM and health outcomes in a susceptible population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Curtis W. Noonan
- Corresponding author: Curtis W. Noonan, Ph.D., Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, 32 Campus Drive, The University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, , Phone: 406.243.4957, Fax: 406.243.2807
| | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
O’Neill MS, Breton CV, Devlin RB, Utell MJ. Air pollution and health: emerging information on susceptible populations. AIR QUALITY, ATMOSPHERE, & HEALTH 2012; 5:189-201. [PMID: 25741389 PMCID: PMC4345419 DOI: 10.1007/s11869-011-0150-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Outdoor air pollution poses risks to human health in communities around the world, and research on populations who are most susceptible continues to reveal new insights. Human susceptibility to adverse health effects from exposure to air pollution can be related to underlying disease; demographic or anthropometric characteristics; genetic profile; race and ethnicity; lifestyle, behaviors, and socioeconomic position; and location of residence or daily activities. In health research, an individual or group may have an enhanced responsiveness to a given, identical level of pollution exposure compared to those who are less susceptible. Or, people in these different groups may experience varying levels of exposure (for example, a theoretically homogeneous population whose members differ only by proximity to a road). Often the information available for health research may relate to both exposure and enhanced response to a given dose of pollution. This paper discusses the general direction of research on susceptibility to air pollution, with a general though not an exclusive focus on particulate matter, with specific examples of research on susceptibility related to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma, and genetic and epigenetic features. We conclude by commenting how emerging knowledge of susceptibility can inform policy for controlling pollution sources and exposures to yield maximal health benefit and discuss two areas of emerging interest: studying air pollution and its connection to perinatal health, as well as land use and urban infrastructure design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie S. O’Neill
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 6631 SPH Tower, 109 South Observatory, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA
| | - Carrie V. Breton
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar St. CHP 236, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Robert B. Devlin
- Clinical Research Branch, Environmental Public Health Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 104 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7315, USA
| | - Mark J. Utell
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Box EHSC, 575 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, USA. Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Box EHSC, 575 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Rava M, Marcon A, Girardi P, Pironi V, Silocchi C, Ricci P, de Marco R. Proximity to wood factories and hospitalizations for respiratory diseases in children. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2011; 410-411:80-86. [PMID: 22018964 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2011.09.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2011] [Revised: 09/27/2011] [Accepted: 09/28/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to air pollutants emitted by wood industries has been associated with increased prevalence of respiratory and irritation symptoms. OBJECTIVES To study whether proximity to wood industries was associated with risk of hospitalization for respiratory diseases in children. METHODS In December 2006, the large majority of the children (3-14 years) living in the Viadana district (Northern Italy) were surveyed through a parental questionnaire (n=3854). Hospital discharge records for respiratory diseases (2002-2006) were obtained from the local Health Unit. The children were geocoded and the distance from their home/school to the wood industries was used as exposure indicator. Poisson regression models were used to assess the association between the distance and hospitalizations. RESULTS The hospitalization rates for respiratory diseases increased with proximity to the wood industries: they were 7.55 (95% CI 5.58, 10.22) ×1000 person-year for those who lived far from any wood industry, 11.84 (95% CI 8.87, 15.81) ×1000 person-year for those <2km from the small wood factories and 16.61 (95% CI: 13.57, 20.33) ×1000 person-year for those living within 2km from the two big chipboard industries. CONCLUSIONS Proximity to wood industries is associated with a higher risk of hospitalization for respiratory diseases and respiratory symptoms in children. Studies with direct measures of exposure are needed and a follow-up of exposed population is advisable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Rava
- Unit of Epidemiology & Medical Statistics, Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Roy A, Sheffield P, Wong K, Trasande L. The effects of outdoor air pollutants on the costs of pediatric asthma hospitalizations in the United States, 1999 to 2007. Med Care 2011; 49:810-7. [PMID: 21430578 PMCID: PMC3710105 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0b013e31820fbd9b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute exposure to outdoor air pollutants has been associated with increased pediatric asthma morbidity. However, the impact of subchronic exposures is largely unknown. OBJECTIVE To examine the association between subchronic exposure to 6 outdoor air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, ozone, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide) and pediatric asthma hospitalization length of stay, charges, and costs. METHODS We linked pediatric asthma hospitalization discharge data from a nationally representative dataset, the 1999-2007 Nationwide Inpatient Sample, with outdoor air pollution data from the Environmental Protection Agency. Hospitals with no air quality data within 10 miles were excluded. Our predictor was the average concentration of 6 pollutants near the hospital during the month of admission. We conducted bivariate analyses using Spearman correlations and multivariable analyses using Poisson regression for length of stay and linear regression for log-transformed charges and costs, controlling for patient demographics, hospital characteristics, and month of admission. RESULTS In unadjusted analyses, all 6 pollutants had minimal correlation with the 3 outcomes (ρ<0.1, P<0.001). In multivariable analyses, a 1-unit (μg/m) increase in monthly PM2.5 led to a $123 increase in charges (95% confidence interval $40-249) and a $47 increase in costs (95% confidence interval $15-93). No other pollutants were significant predictors of charges or costs or length of stay. CONCLUSION Subchronic PM2.5 exposure is associated with increased costs for pediatric asthma hospitalizations. Policy changes to reduce outdoor subchronic pollutant exposure may lead to improved asthma outcomes and substantial savings in healthcare spending.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angkana Roy
- Departments of Preventive Medicine and Pediatrics, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Auten RL, Foster WM. Biochemical effects of ozone on asthma during postnatal development. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2011; 1810:1114-9. [PMID: 21276837 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2011.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2010] [Revised: 01/05/2011] [Accepted: 01/21/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ozone exposure during early life has the potential to contribute to the development of asthma as well as to exacerbate underlying allergic asthma. SCOPE OF REVIEW Developmentally regulated aspects of sensitivity to ozone exposure and downstream biochemical and cellular responses. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS Developmental differences in antioxidant defense responses, respiratory physiology, and vulnerabilities to cellular injury during particular developmental stages all contribute to disparities in the health effects of ozone exposure between children and adults. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Ozone exposure has the capacity to affect multiple aspects of the "effector arc" of airway hyperresponsiveness, ranging from initial epithelial damage and neural excitation to neural reprogramming during infancy. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Biochemistry of Asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Auten
- Department of Pediatrics (Neonatal Medicine), Duke University, DUMC Box 3373, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Menichini F, Mudu P. Drug consumption and air pollution: an overview. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2010; 19:1300-15. [PMID: 20927798 DOI: 10.1002/pds.2033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2009] [Revised: 07/14/2010] [Accepted: 07/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Acute respiratory symptoms are among the health effects of air pollution exposure. Studies over the past decades have linked respiratory drug use (consumption or sales) with changes in air pollution conditions. METHODS Twenty-one studies were analyzed to discuss whether increased levels of air pollution are associated with the use of medications for respiratory diseases. RESULTS Epidemiological studies agree that variation in the drug use is related to air pollution exposure. In panel studies, although asthmatics are more sensitive to air pollution effects, the increase in drug use was comparable and similar to non-asthmatics. Ecological studies confirm a significant association in respiratory drug sales depending on the selected lags (that is the time elapsing between air pollution measurement and the resulting drug use). The results of a meta-analysis of two ecological studies showed an increase in risk for increase in daily mean concentration of some pollutant (10 µg m(-3) ). For Black Smoke RR=1.007 (95% CI 1.004-1.011) for lag 1, and RR=1.008 (95% CI 1.005-1.010) for lag 8. For Nitrogen dioxide, RR=1.008 (95% CI 1.005-1.012) for lag 8 and for Sulfur dioxide, RR=1.005 (95% CI 1.001-1.010) for lag 9. CONCLUSIONS The analysis of drug use provides useful data for the evaluation of risks which derive from exposure to air pollution. More studies are needed to measure the effects of air pollution on respiratory medication use. Lags of up to 14 days have to be considered and the pollutants to be considered should include particulate matter and ozone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Menichini
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition and Health Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy.
| | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Mar TF, Koenig JQ, Primomo J. Associations between asthma emergency visits and particulate matter sources, including diesel emissions from stationary generators in Tacoma, Washington. Inhal Toxicol 2010; 22:445-8. [PMID: 20384437 DOI: 10.3109/08958370903575774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of particulate matter air pollution, including emissions from diesel generators, on visits to emergency departments for asthma. Daily asthma case data from participating hospitals in the greater Tacoma, Washington area were obtained. Daily asthma emergency room visit data were available from six Tacoma hospitals from January 3, 1998 to May 30, 2002. Only emergency visits where the primary discharge diagnosis was asthma were included in the analysis. Air pollution, daily temperature and relative humidity data were obtained from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. An association between daily PM2.5 and emergency department (ED) visits for asthma at lag days 2 and 3 was observed. The relative risk for lag day 2 was 1.04 (95% confidence interval[CI]: 1.01, 1.07) and for lag day 3 was 1.03 (1.0, 1.06). A significant association between ED visits for asthma and increased use of diesel generators was not detected. The use of low-sulfur diesel oil may have mitigated potential adverse health effects. These data indicate that air pollution in a medium-sized coastal city may be sufficient to have a public health impact on asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Therese F Mar
- Transition School, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Huynh P, Salam MT, Morphew T, Kwong KYC, Scott L. Residential Proximity to Freeways is Associated with Uncontrolled Asthma in Inner-City Hispanic Children and Adolescents. J Allergy (Cairo) 2010; 2010:157249. [PMID: 20948882 PMCID: PMC2948442 DOI: 10.1155/2010/157249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2009] [Accepted: 03/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Proximity to heavy traffic has been linked to increased asthma severity. However, it is unknown whether exposure to heavy traffic is associated with the ability to maintain asthma control. Objectives. This study examines whether exposure to heavy traffic is associated with the ability to maintain asthma control in inner-city children. Methods. 756 inner-city asthmatic Hispanic children were followed for one year in a pediatric asthma management program (Breathmobile). At each scheduled visit, asthma specialist tracked patients' asthma severity and managed their asthma based on the NAEPP guidelines. The patients' residential distance from the nearest freeway was calculated based on residential address at study entry. Distance to nearest freeway was used as a surrogate marker for high exposure from traffic-related air pollutants. Results. Patients who lived near a freeway were significantly more likely to have asthma that was not well controlled (P = .03). Patients with intermittent and mild baseline severity have a two-fold increased risk of having asthma that is uncontrolled if they lived <2 miles from a freeway (OR = 2.2, P = .04). Conclusion. In children with asthma, residential proximity to freeways is associated with uncontrolled asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Huynh
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Los Angeles County and University of Southern California Medical Center, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Muhammad T. Salam
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Tricia Morphew
- Southern California Chapter, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA
| | - Kenny Y. C. Kwong
- Division of Allergy-Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Lyne Scott
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Los Angeles County and University of Southern California Medical Center, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| |
Collapse
|