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County-Wide Mortality Assessments Attributable to PM2.5 Emissions from Coal Consumption in Taiwan. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031599. [PMID: 35162624 PMCID: PMC8835574 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Over one-third of energy is generated from coal consumption in Taiwan. In order to estimate the health impact assessment attributable to PM2.5 concentrations emitted from coal consumption in Taiwan. We applied a Gaussian trajectory transfer-coefficient model to obtain county-wide PM2.5 exposures from coal consumption, which includes coal-fired power plants and combined heat and power plants. Next, we calculated the mortality burden attributable to PM2.5 emitted by coal consumption using the comparative risk assessment framework developed by the Global Burden of Disease study. Based on county-level data, the average PM2.5 emissions from coal-fired plants in Taiwan was estimated at 2.03 ± 1.29 (range: 0.32–5.64) μg/m3. With PM2.5 increments greater than 0.1 μg/m3, there were as many as 16 counties and 66 air quality monitoring stations affected by coal-fired plants and 6 counties and 18 monitoring stations affected by combined heat and power plants. The maximum distances affected by coal-fired and combined heat and power plants were 272 km and 157 km, respectively. Our findings show that more counties were affected by coal-fired plants than by combined heat and power plants with significant increments of PM2.5 emissions. We estimated that 359.6 (95% CI: 334.8–384.9) annual adult deaths and 124.4 (95% CI: 116.4–132.3) annual premature deaths were attributable to PM2.5 emitted by coal-fired plants in Taiwan. Even in six counties without power plants, there were 75.8 (95% CI: 60.1–91.5) deaths and 25.8 (95%CI: 20.7–30.9) premature deaths annually attributable to PM2.5 emitted from neighboring coal-fired plants. This study presents a precise and effective integrated approach for assessing air pollution and the health impacts of coal-fired and combined heat and power plants.
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Balram D, Lian KY, Sebastian N. A novel soft sensor based warning system for hazardous ground-level ozone using advanced damped least squares neural network. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 205:111168. [PMID: 32846299 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Estimation of hazardous air pollutants in the urban environment for maintaining public safety is a significant concern to mankind. In this paper, we have developed an efficient air quality warning system based on a low-cost and robust ground-level ozone soft sensor. The soft sensor was developed based on a novel technique of damped least squares neural network (DLSNN) with greedy backward elimination (GBE) for the estimation of hazardous ground-level ozone. Only three meteorological factors were used as input variables in the estimation of ground-level ozone and we have used weighted k-nearest neighbors (WkNN) classifier with fast response for development of air quality warning system. We have chosen the urban areas of Taiwan for this study and have analyzed seasonal variations in the ground-level ozone concentration of various cities in Taiwan as part of this work. Moreover, descriptive statistics and linear dependence of ozone concentration based on Spearman correlation coefficient, Kendall's tau coefficient, and Pearson coefficient are calculated. The proposed DLSNN/GBE method exhibited excellent performance resulting in very low mean square error (MSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and high coefficient of determination (R2) compared to other traditional approaches in ozone concentration estimation. We have achieved a good fit in the determination of ozone concentration from meteorological features of atmosphere. Moreover, the excellent performance of proposed urban air quality warning system was evident from the good F1-score value of 0.952 achieved by the WkNN classifier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Balram
- Department of Electrical Engineering, National Taipei University of Technology, No. 1, Section 3, Zhongxiao East Road, Taipei, 106, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Kuang-Yow Lian
- Department of Electrical Engineering, National Taipei University of Technology, No. 1, Section 3, Zhongxiao East Road, Taipei, 106, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Neethu Sebastian
- Institute of Organic and Polymeric Materials, National Taipei University of Technology, No. 1, Section 3, Zhongxiao East Road, Taipei, 106, Taiwan, ROC
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Tian Y, Wu Y, Liu H, Si Y, Wu Y, Wang X, Wang M, Wu J, Chen L, Wei C, Wu T, Gao P, Hu Y. The impact of ambient ozone pollution on pneumonia: A nationwide time-series analysis. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 136:105498. [PMID: 31991238 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Few large multicity studies have assessed acute effect of tropospheric ozone pollution on pneumonia risk. We aimed to examine the relation between day-to-day changes in ozone concentrations and hospital admissions for pneumonia in China. We conducted a national time-series study in 184 major Chinese cities from 2014 to 2017. City-specific relation between ozone concentrations and pneumonia admissions was evaluated using an over-dispersed generalized additive model. Random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to pool the city-specific estimates. Two-pollutant models were fitted to test the robustness of the relations. We also investigated potential effect modifiers. Overall, we observed increased admissions for pneumonia associated with ozone exposure. The national-average estimates per 10-μg/m3 increase in ozone were 0.14% (95% CI: 0.03%-0.25%) at lag 0 day in the whole year, 0.30% (95% CI: 0.17%-0.43%) at lag 0 day in the warm season, and 0.20% (95% CI: 0.05%-0.34%) at lag 1 day in the cool season. Two-pollutant models indicated that the ozone effects were not confounded by PM2.5, SO2, NO2 or CO. The association between ozone and pneumonia was stronger in the elderly. Ozone levels and gross domestic product per capita reduced the effects of ozone, and smoking enhanced the effects of ozone. In conclusion, we estimated an increase in daily pneumonia admissions associated with ozone exposure in China. As the first national study in China to report acute effect of ozone on pneumonia hospitalizations, our findings are incredibly meaningful in terms of both ozone pollution related policy development and pneumonia prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaohua Tian
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13 Hangkong Road, 430030 Wuhan, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13 Hangkong Road, 430030 Wuhan, China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, No. 38 Xueyuan Road, 100191 Beijing, China
| | - Yiqun Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, No. 38 Xueyuan Road, 100191 Beijing, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, No. 38 Xueyuan Road, 100191 Beijing, China; Medical Informatics Center, Peking University, No. 38 Xueyuan Road, 100191 Beijing, China
| | - Yaqin Si
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, No. 38 Xueyuan Road, 100191 Beijing, China; Beijing HealthCom Data Technology Co. Ltd, No. 18 Fengtai North Road, 10/F Hengtai Plaza Block C, 100071 Beijing, China
| | - Yao Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, No. 38 Xueyuan Road, 100191 Beijing, China
| | - Xiaowen Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, No. 38 Xueyuan Road, 100191 Beijing, China
| | - Mengying Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, No. 38 Xueyuan Road, 100191 Beijing, China
| | - Junhui Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, No. 38 Xueyuan Road, 100191 Beijing, China
| | - Libo Chen
- Beijing HealthCom Data Technology Co. Ltd, No. 18 Fengtai North Road, 10/F Hengtai Plaza Block C, 100071 Beijing, China
| | - Chen Wei
- Beijing HealthCom Data Technology Co. Ltd, No. 18 Fengtai North Road, 10/F Hengtai Plaza Block C, 100071 Beijing, China
| | - Tao Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, No. 38 Xueyuan Road, 100191 Beijing, China
| | - Pei Gao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, No. 38 Xueyuan Road, 100191 Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.
| | - Yonghua Hu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, No. 38 Xueyuan Road, 100191 Beijing, China; Medical Informatics Center, Peking University, No. 38 Xueyuan Road, 100191 Beijing, China.
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Abstract
RATIONALE The relationship between air pollution and pneumonia is poorly understood. OBJECTIVES To examine relationships between short-term air pollution exposure and number and severity of pneumonia cases along the Wasatch Front in Utah, a region with periodic high levels of outdoor air pollution. METHODS We applied time-stratified case-crossover analyses with distributed lag to patients presenting to seven emergency departments with pneumonia over a 2-year period. We compared levels of particulate matter less than or equal to 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone at patient residences with emergency department cases, hospitalizations, objectively defined severe pneumonia, and mortality. We calculated direct cost impacts of particulate matter less than or equal to 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter reduction. RESULTS We evaluated 4,336 pneumonia cases in seven hospitals. Among adults aged 65 years and older, we found consistently positive associations between particulate matter less than or equal to 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter within 6 days of presentation and instances of pneumonia (Lag Day 1 adjusted odds ratio, 1.35 per 10 μg/m3 over 12 μg/m3; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-1.57), severe pneumonia (Lag Day 1 adjusted odds ratio, 1.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-1.80), and inpatient mortality (Lag Day 5 adjusted odds ratio, 1.50; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-2.16). Smaller associations were found between nitrogen dioxide exposure and pneumonia occurrence, severity, and inpatient and 30-day mortality. Ozone exposure was modestly associated with increased instance and severity of pneumonia in younger adults. Particulate matter less than or equal to 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter and nitrogen dioxide effects were greatest in colder months, and ozone effects were greatest in warmer months. Reduction of particulate matter less than or equal to 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter levels to less than 12.0 mg/m3 could prevent 76-112 cases of pneumonia per year in these hospitals serving approximately half of the Wasatch Front's population, reducing direct medical facility costs by $807,000 annually. CONCLUSIONS Among older adults, short-term ambient particulate matter less than or equal to 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter exposure is associated with more emergency department visits and hospitalizations for pneumonia, severe pneumonia, increased mortality, and increased healthcare costs. Nitrogen dioxide and ozone modestly increase pneumonia risk and illness severity.
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Ruchiraset A, Tantrakarnapa K. Time series modeling of pneumonia admissions and its association with air pollution and climate variables in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:33277-33285. [PMID: 30255274 PMCID: PMC6245022 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3284-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to predict the number of pneumonia cases in Chiang Mai Province. An autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) was used in data fitting and to predict future pneumonia cases monthly. Total pneumonia cases of 67,583 were recorded in Chiang Mai during 2003-2014 that the monthly pattern of case was similar every year. Monthly pneumonia cases were increased during February and September, which are the periods of winter and rainy season in Thailand and decreased during April to July (the period of summer season to early rainy season). Using available data on 12 years of pneumonia cases, air pollution, and climate in Chiang Mai, the optimum ARIMA model was investigated based on several conditions. Seasonal change was included in the models due to statistically strong season conditions. Twelve ARIMA model (ARMODEL1-ARMODEL12) scenarios were investigated. Results showed that the most appropriate model was ARIMA (1,0,2)(2,0,0)[12] with PM10 (ARMODEL5) exhibiting the lowest AIC of - 38.29. The predicted number of monthly pneumonia cases by using ARMODEL5 during January to March 2013 was 727, 707, and 658 cases, while the real number was 804, 868, and 783 cases, respectively. This finding indicated that PM10 held the most important role to predict monthly pneumonia cases in Chiang Mai, and the model was able to predict future pneumonia cases in Chiang Mai accurately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apaporn Ruchiraset
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kraichat Tantrakarnapa
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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Bunz M, Mücke HG. [Climate change - physical and mental consequences]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2018; 60:632-639. [PMID: 28447137 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-017-2548-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Climate change has already had a large influence on the human environmental system and directly or indirectly affects physical and mental health. Triggered by extreme meteorological conditions, for example, storms, floods, earth slides and heat periods, the direct consequences range from illnesses to serious accidents with injuries, or in extreme cases fatalities. Indirectly, a changed environment due to climate change affects, amongst other things, the cardiovascular system and respiratory tract, and can also cause allergies and infectious diseases. In addition, increasing confrontation with environmental impacts may cause negative psychological effects such as posttraumatic stress disorders and anxiety, but also aggression, distress and depressive symptoms. The extent and severity of the health consequences depend on individual pre-disposition, resilience, behaviour and adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxie Bunz
- Abteilung Umwelthygiene, Fachgebiet II 1.5: Umweltmedizin und gesundheitliche Bewertung, Umweltbundesamt, Corrensplatz 1, 14195, Berlin, Deutschland.
| | - Hans-Guido Mücke
- Abteilung Umwelthygiene, Fachgebiet II 1.5: Umweltmedizin und gesundheitliche Bewertung, Umweltbundesamt, Corrensplatz 1, 14195, Berlin, Deutschland
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Relationship of Meteorological and Air Pollution Parameters with Pneumonia in Elderly Patients. Emerg Med Int 2018; 2018:4183203. [PMID: 29755789 PMCID: PMC5884022 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4183203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2017] [Accepted: 02/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between pneumonia and meteorological parameters (temperature, humidity, precipitation, airborne particles, sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitrite oxide (NO), and nitric oxide (NOX)) in patients with the diagnosis of pneumonia in the emergency department. Methods Our study was performed retrospectively with patients over 65 years of age who were diagnosed with pneumonia. The meteorological variables in the days of diagnosing pneumonia were compared with the meteorological variables in the days without diagnosis of pneumonia. The sociodemographic characteristics, complete blood count of the patients, and meteorological parameters (temperature, humidity, precipitation, airborne particles, SO2, CO, NO2, NO, and NOX) were investigated. Results When the temperature was high and low, the number of days consulted due to pneumonia was related to low air temperature (p < 0.05). During the periods when PM 10, NO, NO2, NOX, and CO levels were high, the number of days referred for pneumonia was increased (p < 0.05). Conclusion As a result, climatic (temperature, humidity, pressure levels, rain, etc.) and environmental factors (airborne particles, CO, NO, and NOX) were found to be effective in the number of patients admitted to the hospital due to pneumonia.
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Blount RJ, Pascopella L, Catanzaro DG, Barry PM, English PB, Segal MR, Flood J, Meltzer D, Jones B, Balmes J, Nahid P. Traffic-Related Air Pollution and All-Cause Mortality during Tuberculosis Treatment in California. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2017; 125:097026. [PMID: 28963088 PMCID: PMC5915191 DOI: 10.1289/ehp1699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ambient air pollution and tuberculosis (TB) have an impact on public health worldwide, yet associations between the two remain uncertain. OBJECTIVE We determined the impact of residential traffic on mortality during treatment of active TB. METHODS From 2000-2012, we enrolled 32,875 patients in California with active TB and followed them throughout treatment. We obtained patient data from the California Tuberculosis Registry and calculated traffic volumes and traffic densities in 100- to 400-m radius buffers around residential addresses. We used Cox models to determine mortality hazard ratios, controlling for demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical potential confounders. We categorized traffic exposures as quintiles and determined trends using Wald tests. RESULTS Participants contributed 22,576 person-years at risk. There were 2,305 deaths during treatment for a crude mortality rate of 1,021 deaths per 10,000 person-years. Traffic volumes and traffic densities in all buffers around patient residences were associated with increased mortality during TB treatment, although the findings were not statistically significant in all buffers. As the buffer size decreased, fifth-quintile mortality hazards increased, and trends across quintiles of traffic exposure became more statistically significant. Increasing quintiles of nearest-road traffic volumes in the 100-m buffer were associated with 3%, 14%, 19%, and 28% increased risk of death during TB treatment [first quintile, referent; second quintile hazard ratio (HR)=1.03 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.86, 1.25]; third quintile HR=1.14 (95% CI: 0.95, 1.37); fourth quintile HR=1.19 (95% CI: 0.99, 1.43); fifth quintile HR=1.28 (95% CI: 1.07, 1.53), respectively; p-trend=0.002]. CONCLUSIONS Residential proximity to road traffic volumes and traffic density were associated with increased all-cause mortality in patients undergoing treatment for active tuberculosis even after adjusting for multiple demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical factors, suggesting that TB patients are susceptible to the adverse health effects of traffic-related air pollution. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP1699.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Blount
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of California, San Francisco , San Francisco, California, USA
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, University of California, San Francisco , San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Lisa Pascopella
- Tuberculosis Control Branch, California Department of Public Health , Richmond, California, USA
| | - Donald G Catanzaro
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas , Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| | - Pennan M Barry
- Tuberculosis Control Branch, California Department of Public Health , Richmond, California, USA
| | - Paul B English
- Environmental Health Investigations Branch, California Department of Public Health , Richmond, California, USA
| | - Mark R Segal
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco , San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jennifer Flood
- Tuberculosis Control Branch, California Department of Public Health , Richmond, California, USA
| | - Dan Meltzer
- California Environmental Health Tracking Program , Public Health Institute , Oakland, California, USA
| | - Brenda Jones
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Southern California , Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - John Balmes
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of California, San Francisco , San Francisco, California, USA
- Environmental Health Sciences, University of California, Berkeley , Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Payam Nahid
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of California, San Francisco , San Francisco, California, USA
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Tuan TS, Venâncio TS, Nascimento LFC. Air pollutants and hospitalization due to pneumonia among children. An ecological time series study. SAO PAULO MED J 2015; 133:408-13. [PMID: 26648429 PMCID: PMC10871797 DOI: 10.1590/1516-3180.2014.00122601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE Exposure to air pollutants is one of the factors responsible for hospitalizations due to pneumonia among children. This has considerable financial cost, along with social cost. A study to identify the role of this exposure in relation to hospital admissions due to pneumonia among children up to 10 years of age was conducted. DESIGN AND SETTING Ecological time series study using data from São José dos Campos, Brazil. METHODS Daily data on hospitalizations due to pneumonia and on the pollutants CO, O3, PM10 and SO2, temperature and humidity in São José dos Campos, in 2012, were analyzed. A generalized additive model of Poisson's regression was used. Relative risks for hospitalizations due to pneumonia, according to lags of 0-5 days, were estimated. The population-attributable fraction, number of avoidable hospitalizations and cost savings from avoidable hospitalizations were calculated. RESULTS There were 539 admissions. Exposure to CO and O3 was seen to be associated with hospitalizations, with risks of 1.10 and 1.15 on the third day after exposure to increased CO concentration of 200 ppb and ozone concentration of 20 µg/m3. Exposure to the pollutants of particulate matter and sulfur dioxide were not shown to be associated with hospitalizations. Decreases in CO and ozone concentrations could lead to 49 fewer hospitalizations and cost reductions of R$ 39,000.00. CONCLUSION Exposure to certain air pollutants produces harmful effects on children's health, even in a medium-sized city. Public policies to reduce emissions of these pollutants need to be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tassia Soldi Tuan
- Department of Medicine, Universidade de Taubaté, Taubaté, São Paulo, Brazil
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γδ T Cells Are Required for M2 Macrophage Polarization and Resolution of Ozone-Induced Pulmonary Inflammation in Mice. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0131236. [PMID: 26135595 PMCID: PMC4489797 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined the role of γδ T cells in the induction of alternatively activated M2 macrophages and the resolution of inflammation after ozone exposure. Wildtype (WT) mice and mice deficient in γδ T cells (TCRδ-/- mice) were exposed to air or to ozone (0.3 ppm for up to 72h) and euthanized immediately or 1, 3, or 5 days after cessation of exposure. In WT mice, M2 macrophages accumulated in the lungs over the course of ozone exposure. Pulmonary mRNA abundance of the M2 genes, Arg1, Retnla, and Clec10a, also increased after ozone. In contrast, no evidence of M2 polarization was observed in TCRδ-/- mice. WT but not TCRδ-/- mice expressed the M2c polarizing cytokine, IL-17A, after ozone exposure and WT mice treated with an IL-17A neutralizing antibody exhibited attenuated ozone-induced M2 gene expression. In WT mice, ozone-induced increases in bronchoalveolar lavage neutrophils and macrophages resolved quickly after cessation of ozone exposure returning to air exposed levels within 3 days. However, lack of M2 macrophages in TCRδ-/- mice was associated with delayed clearance of inflammatory cells after cessation of ozone and increased accumulation of apoptotic macrophages in the lungs. Delayed restoration of normal lung architecture was also observed in TCRδ-/- mice. In summary, our data indicate that γδ T cells are required for the resolution of ozone-induced inflammation, likely because γδ T cells, through their secretion of IL-17A, contribute to changes in macrophage polarization that promote clearance of apoptotic cells.
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Qiu H, Tian LW, Pun VC, Ho KF, Wong TW, Yu ITS. Coarse particulate matter associated with increased risk of emergency hospital admissions for pneumonia in Hong Kong. Thorax 2014; 69:1027-33. [DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2014-205429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Makra L, Matyasovszky I, Bálint B, Csépe Z. Association of allergic rhinitis or asthma with pollen and chemical pollutants in Szeged, Hungary, 1999-2007. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2014; 58:753-68. [PMID: 23558448 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-013-0656-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2012] [Revised: 02/26/2013] [Accepted: 02/26/2013] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The effect of biological (pollen) and chemical air pollutants on respiratory hospital admissions for the Szeged region in Southern Hungary is analysed. A 9-year (1999-2007) database includes--besides daily number of respiratory hospital admissions--daily mean concentrations of CO, PM10, NO, NO2, O3 and SO2. Two pollen variables (Ambrosia and total pollen excluding Ambrosia) are also included. The analysis was performed for patients with chronic respiratory complaints (allergic rhinitis or asthma bronchiale) for two age categories (adults and the elderly) of males and females. Factor analysis was performed to clarify the relative importance of the pollutant variables affecting respiratory complaints. Using selected low and high quantiles corresponding to probability distributions of respiratory hospital admissions, averages of two data sets of each air pollutant variable were evaluated. Elements of these data sets were chosen according to whether actual daily patient numbers were below or above their quantile value. A nonparametric regression technique was applied to discriminate between extreme and non-extreme numbers of respiratory admissions using pollen and chemical pollutants as explanatory variables. The strongest correlations between extreme patient numbers and pollutants can be observed during the pollen season of Ambrosia, while the pollen-free period exhibits the weakest relationships. The elderly group with asthma bronchiale is characterised by lower correlations between extreme patient numbers and pollutants compared to adults and allergic rhinitis, respectively. The ratio of the number of correct decisions on the exceedance of a quantile resulted in similar conclusions as those obtained by using multiple correlations.
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Affiliation(s)
- László Makra
- Department of Climatology and Landscape Ecology, University of Szeged, POB 653, 6701, Szeged, Hungary,
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Mathews JA, Williams AS, Brand JD, Wurmbrand AP, Chen L, Ninin FMC, Si H, Kasahara DI, Shore SA. γδ T cells are required for pulmonary IL-17A expression after ozone exposure in mice: role of TNFα. PLoS One 2014; 9:e97707. [PMID: 24823369 PMCID: PMC4019643 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ozone is an air pollutant that causes pulmonary symptoms. In mice, ozone exposure causes pulmonary injury and increases bronchoalveolar lavage macrophages and neutrophils. We have shown that IL-17A is important in the recruitment of neutrophils after subacute ozone exposure (0.3 ppm for 24–72 h). We hypothesized that γδ T cells are the main producers of IL-17A after subacute ozone. To explore this hypothesis we exposed wildtype mice and mice deficient in γδ T cells (TCRδ−/−) to ozone or room air. Ozone-induced increases in BAL macrophages and neutrophils were attenuated in TCRδ−/− mice. Ozone increased the number of γδ T cells in the lungs and increased pulmonary Il17a mRNA expression and the number of IL-17A+ CD45+ cells in the lungs and these effects were abolished in TCRδ−/− mice. Ozone-induced increases in factors downstream of IL-17A signaling, including G-CSF, IL-6, IP-10 and KC were also decreased in TCRδ−/− versus wildtype mice. Neutralization of IL-17A during ozone exposure in wildtype mice mimicked the effects of γδ T cell deficiency. TNFR2 deficiency and etanercept, a TNFα antagonist, also reduced ozone-induced increases in Il17a mRNA, IL-17A+ CD45+ cells and BAL G-CSF as well as BAL neutrophils. TNFR2 deficient mice also had decreased ozone-induced increases in Ccl20, a chemoattractant for IL-17A+ γδ T cells. Il17a mRNA and IL-17A+ γδ T cells were also lower in obese Cpefat versus lean WT mice exposed to subacute ozone, consistent with the reduced neutrophil recruitment observed in the obese mice. Taken together, our data indicate that pulmonary inflammation induced by subacute ozone requires γδ T cells and TNFα-dependent recruitment of IL-17A+ γδ T cells to the lung.
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MESH Headings
- Analysis of Variance
- Animals
- Bronchoalveolar Lavage
- DNA Primers/genetics
- Etanercept
- Flow Cytometry
- Immunoglobulin G
- Interleukin-17/metabolism
- Lung/drug effects
- Lung/immunology
- Macrophages/immunology
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Neutrophils/immunology
- Ozone/toxicity
- Pneumonia/chemically induced
- Pneumonia/immunology
- Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/metabolism
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type II
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel A. Mathews
- Molecular and Integrative Physiological Sciences Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Alison S. Williams
- Molecular and Integrative Physiological Sciences Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey D. Brand
- Molecular and Integrative Physiological Sciences Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Allison P. Wurmbrand
- Molecular and Integrative Physiological Sciences Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Lucas Chen
- Molecular and Integrative Physiological Sciences Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Fernanda MC. Ninin
- Molecular and Integrative Physiological Sciences Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Huiqing Si
- Molecular and Integrative Physiological Sciences Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - David I. Kasahara
- Molecular and Integrative Physiological Sciences Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Stephanie A. Shore
- Molecular and Integrative Physiological Sciences Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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14
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A GIS based approach for assessing the association between air pollution and asthma in New York State, USA. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2014; 11:4845-69. [PMID: 24806193 PMCID: PMC4053878 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph110504845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Revised: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 04/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Studies on asthma have shown that air pollution can lead to increased asthma prevalence. The aim of this study is to examine the association between air pollution (fine particulate matter (PM2.5), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and ozone (O3)) and human health (asthma emergency department visit rate (AEVR) and asthma discharge rate (ADR)) among residents of New York, USA during the period 2005 to 2007. Annual rates of asthma were calculated from population estimates for 2005, 2006, and 2007 and number of asthma hospital discharge and emergency department visits. Population data for New York were taken from US Bureau of Census, and asthma data were obtained from New York State Department of Health, National Asthma Survey surveillance report. Data on the concentrations of PM2.5, SO2 and ground level ozone were obtained from various air quality monitoring stations distributed in different counties. Annual means of these concentrations were compared to annual variations in asthma prevalence by using Pearson correlation coefficient. We found different associations between the annual mean concentration of PM2.5, SO2 and surface ozone and the annual rates of asthma discharge and asthma emergency visit from 2005 to 2007. A positive correlation coefficient was observed between the annual mean concentration of PM2.5, and SO2 and the annual rates of asthma discharge and asthma emergency department visit from 2005 to 2007. However, the correlation coefficient between annual mean concentrations of ground ozone and the annual rates of asthma discharge and asthma emergency visit was found to be negative from 2005 to 2007. Our study suggests that the association between elevated concentrations of PM2.5 and SO2 and asthma prevalence among residents of New York State in USA is consistent enough to assume concretely a plausible and significant association.
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Hsieh YL, Tsai SS, Yang CY. Fine particulate air pollution and hospital admissions for congestive heart failure: a case-crossover study in Taipei. Inhal Toxicol 2014; 25:455-60. [PMID: 23876070 DOI: 10.3109/08958378.2013.804609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
This study was undertaken to determine whether there was an association between fine particles (PM₂.₅) levels and hospital admissions for congestive heart failure (CHF) in Taipei, Taiwan. Hospital admissions for CHF and ambient air pollution data for Taipei were obtained for the period 2006-2010. The relative risk of hospital admissions was estimated using a case-crossover approach, controlling for weather variables, day of the week, seasonality and long-term time trends. For the single pollutant model (without adjustment for other pollutants), increased CHF admissions were significantly associated with PM₂.₅ both on warm days (>23 °C) and cool days (<23 °C), with an interquartile range increase associated with a 13% (95% CI = 9-17%) and 3% (95% CI = 0-7%) increase in CHF admissions, respectively. In the two-pollutant models, PM₂.₅ remained significant after the inclusion of SO₂ or O₃ both on warm and cool days. This study provides evidence that higher levels of PM₂.₅ increase the risk of hospital admissions for CHF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Lun Hsieh
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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16
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Tsai SS, Yang CY. Fine particulate air pollution and hospital admissions for pneumonia in a subtropical city: Taipei, Taiwan. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2014; 77:192-201. [PMID: 24555678 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2013.853337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
This study was undertaken to determine whether there was a correlation between fine particles (PM2.5) levels and hospital admissions for pneumonia in Taipei, Taiwan. Hospital admissions for pneumonia and ambient air pollution data for Taipei were obtained for the period from 2006 to 2010. The relative risk of hospital admissions for pneumonia was estimated using a case-crossover approach, controlling for weather variables, day of the week, seasonality, and long-term time trends. For the single-pollutant model (without adjustment for other pollutants), increased numbers of admissions for pneumonia were significantly associated with higher PM2.5 levels both on warm days (>23°C) and on cool days (<23°C). This was accompanied by an interquartile range elevation correlated with a 12% (95% CI = 16%-13%) and 4% (95% CI = 3%-6%) rise in number of admissions for pneumonia, respectively. In the two-pollutant models, PM2.5 remained significant after inclusion of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) or ozone (O₃) both on warm and on cool days. This study provides evidence that higher levels of PM2.5 increase the risk of hospital admissions for pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shang-Shyue Tsai
- a Department of Healthcare Administration , I-Shou University , Kaohsiung , Taiwan
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17
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Blount RJ, Djawe K, Daly KR, Jarlsberg LG, Fong S, Balmes J, Miller RF, Walzer PD, Huang L. Ambient air pollution associated with suppressed serologic responses to Pneumocystis jirovecii in a prospective cohort of HIV-infected patients with Pneumocystis pneumonia. PLoS One 2013; 8:e80795. [PMID: 24236202 PMCID: PMC3827464 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0080795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2013] [Accepted: 10/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ambient air pollution (AAP) may be associated with increased risk for Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP). The mechanisms underlying this association remain uncertain. OBJECTIVES To determine if real-life exposures to AAP are associated with suppressed IgM antibody responses to P. jirovecii in HIV-infected (HIV+) patients with active PCP, and to determine if AAP, mediated by suppressed serologic responses to Pneumocystis, is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. METHODS We conducted a prospective cohort study in HIV+ patients residing in San Francisco and admitted to San Francisco General Hospital with microscopically confirmed PCP. Our AAP predictors were ambient air concentrations of particulate matter of < 10 µm in diameter (PM10) and < 2.5 µm in diameter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) measured immediately prior to hospital admission and 2 weeks prior to admission. Our primary outcomes were the IgM serologic responses to four recombinant P. jirovecii major surface glycoprotein (Msg) constructs: MsgC1, MsgC3, MsgC8, and MsgC9. RESULTS Elevated PM10 and NO2 exposures immediately prior to and two weeks prior to hospital admission were associated with decreased IgM antibody responses to P. jirovecii Msg. For exposures immediately prior to admission, every 10 µg/m(3) increase in PM10 was associated with a 25 to 35% decrease in IgM responses to Msg (statistically significant for all the Msg constructs), and every 10 ppb increase in NO2 was associated with a 19-45% decrease in IgM responses to Msg (statistically significant for MsgC8 and MsgC9). Similar findings were seen with exposures two weeks prior to admission, but for fewer of the Msg constructs. CONCLUSIONS Real life exposures to PM10 and NO2 were associated with suppressed IgM responses to P. jirovecii Msg in HIV+ patients admitted with PCP, suggesting a mechanism of immunotoxicity by which AAP increases host susceptibility to pulmonary infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J. Blount
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Kpandja Djawe
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Environmental Health, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Kieran R. Daly
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Leah G. Jarlsberg
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Serena Fong
- HIV/AIDS Division, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - John Balmes
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Robert F. Miller
- Research Department of Infection and Population Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Healthcare, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter D. Walzer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Environmental Health, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Laurence Huang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- HIV/AIDS Division, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
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18
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Tsai SS, Chang CC, Yang CY. Fine particulate air pollution and hospital admissions for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a case-crossover study in Taipei. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2013; 10:6015-26. [PMID: 24284359 PMCID: PMC3863884 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph10116015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2013] [Revised: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 11/05/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
We undertook this study to investigate whether there is an association between atmospheric fine particles (PM2.5) levels and inpatient admissions for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Taipei, Taiwan. Data on inpatient admissions for COPD and ambient on air pollution levels in Taipei were obtained for years 2006 to 2010. We estimated the relative risk of inpatient admissions for COPD using a case-crossover design with the following control variables: weather measures, day of the week, seasonality, and long-term time trends. For the single-pollutant model (not controlling for other atmospheric pollutants), COPD admissions were significantly and positively associated with higher PM2.5 levels during both warm days (>23 °C) and cool days (<23 °C), with an interquartile range increase of 12% (95% CI = 8-16%) and 3% (95% CI = 0-7%) in COPD admissions, respectively. In the two-pollutant models, PM2.5 remained significant even controlling for SO2 or O3 on both warm and cool days. Taken as a whole, our study demonstrates that higher levels of PM2.5 may increase the risk of inpatient admissions for COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shang-Shyue Tsai
- Department of Healthcare Administration, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 824, Taiwan; E-Mail:
| | - Chih-Ching Chang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan; E-Mail:
| | - Chun-Yuh Yang
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Division of Environmental Health and Occupational Medicine, National Health Research Institute, Miaoli 350, Taiwan
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19
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Zhang Y, Mo J, Weschler CJ. Reducing health risks from indoor exposures in rapidly developing urban China. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2013; 121:751-5. [PMID: 23665813 PMCID: PMC3701998 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1205983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2012] [Accepted: 04/23/2013] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the past two decades there has been a large migration of China's population from rural to urban regions. At the same time, residences in cities have changed in character from single-story or low-rise buildings to high-rise structures constructed and furnished with many synthetic materials. As a consequence, indoor exposures (to pollutants with outdoor and indoor sources) have changed significantly. OBJECTIVES We briefly discuss the inferred impact that urbanization and modernization have had on indoor exposures and public health in China. We argue that growing adverse health costs associated with these changes are not inevitable, and we present steps that could be taken to reduce indoor exposures to harmful pollutants. DISCUSSION As documented by China's Ministry of Health, there have been significant increases in morbidity and mortality among urban residents over the past 20 years. Evidence suggests that the population's exposure to air pollutants has contributed to increases in lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, and birth defects. Whether a pollutant has an outdoor or an indoor source, most exposure to the pollutant occurs indoors. Going forward, indoor exposures can be reduced by limiting the ingress of outdoor pollutants (while providing adequate ventilation with clean air), minimizing indoor sources of pollutants, updating government policies related to indoor pollution, and addressing indoor air quality during a building's initial design. CONCLUSIONS Taking the suggested steps could lead to significant reductions in morbidity and mortality, greatly reducing the societal costs associated with pollutant derived ill health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinping Zhang
- Department of Building Science, School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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20
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Chang CC, Kuo CC, Liou SH, Yang CY. Fine particulate air pollution and hospital admissions for myocardial infarction in a subtropical city: Taipei, Taiwan. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2013; 76:440-448. [PMID: 23611182 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2013.771559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
This study was undertaken to determine whether there was a correlation between fine particles (PM2.5) levels and hospital admissions for myocardial infarction (MI) in Taipei, Taiwan. Hospital admissions for MI and ambient air pollution data for Taipei were obtained for the period 2006-2010. The relative risk of hospital admissions for MI was estimated using a casecrossover approach, controlling for weather variables, day of the week, seasonality, and longterm time trends. For the single-pollutant model (without adjustment for other pollutants), increased numbers of MI admissions were significantly associated with higher PM2.5 levels both on warm days (>23°C) and on cool days (<23°C). This was accompanied by an interquartile range elevation correlated with a 10% (95% CI = 6-15%) and 5% (95% CI = 1-9%) rise in number of MI admissions, respectively. In the two-pollutant models, PM2.5 remained significant after inclusion of SO2 or O3 on both warm and cool days. This study provides evidence that higher levels of PM2.5 increase the risk of hospital admissions for MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Ching Chang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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21
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Makra L, Matyasovszky I, Bálint B. Association of allergic asthma emergency room visits with the main biological and chemical air pollutants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2012; 432:288-96. [PMID: 22750174 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.05.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2012] [Revised: 05/27/2012] [Accepted: 05/28/2012] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Joint effect of biological (pollen) and chemical air pollutants on asthma emergency room (ER) visits was analyzed for Szeged region of Southern Hungary. Our database of a nine-year period (1999-2007) includes daily number of asthma emergency room (ER) visits, and daily mean concentrations of CO, PM(10), NO, NO(2), O(3) and SO(2), furthermore two pollen variables (Ambrosia and total pollen excluding Ambrosia), as well. The analysis was performed for ER visits of asthma bronchiale using two age groups (adults and the elderly) of males and females for three seasons. Factor analysis was performed in order to clarify the relative importance of the pollutant variables affecting asthma ER visits. Asthma ER visits denote notably stronger associations with the pollutants in adult male than in adult female patients both for the pollen season of Ambrosia and the pollen-free season. Furthermore, adults are substantially more sensitive to severe asthma attack than the elderly for the season of total pollen excluding Ambrosia pollen. The joint effect of the chemical and pollen variables is the highest for the asthma ER cases in the pollen season of Ambrosia, basically due to the extra impact of the total pollen excluding Ambrosia pollen and partly due to Ambrosia pollen. A nonparametric regression technique was applied to discriminate between events of ER visit-no ER visit using pollen and chemical pollutants as explaining variables. Based on multiple correlations, the strongest relationships between ER visits and pollutants are observed during the pollen-free season. The elderly group with asthma bronchiale is characterized by weaker relationships between ER visits and pollutants compared to adults. Ratio of the number of correct decisions on the events of ER visit-no ER visit is lowest for the season of total pollen excluding Ambrosia pollen. Otherwise, similar conclusions hold as those received by multiple correlations.
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Affiliation(s)
- László Makra
- Department of Climatology and Landscape Ecology, University of Szeged, HU-6701 Szeged, P.O.B. 653, Hungary.
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22
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Vieira SE, Stein RT, Ferraro AA, Pastro LD, Pedro SSC, Lemos M, da Silva ER, Sly PD, Saldiva PH. Urban air pollutants are significant risk factors for asthma and pneumonia in children: the influence of location on the measurement of pollutants. Arch Bronconeumol 2012; 48:389-95. [PMID: 22763046 DOI: 10.1016/j.arbres.2012.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2012] [Revised: 04/10/2012] [Accepted: 05/08/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air pollution is associated with a substantial burden on human health; however, the most important pollutants may vary with location. Proper monitoring is necessary to determine the effect of these pollutants on respiratory health. OBJECTIVES This study was designed to evaluate the role of outdoor, indoor and personal exposure to combustion-related pollutants NO(2) and O(3) on respiratory health of children in a non-affluent urban area of São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS Levels of NO(2) and O(3) were continuously measured in outdoor and indoor air, as well as personal exposure, for 30 days using passive measurement monitors. Respiratory health was assessed with a Brazilian version of the ISAAC questionnaire. RESULTS Complete data were available from 64 children, aged 6-10 years. Respiratory morbidity was high, with 43 (67.2%) reporting having had wheezing at any time, 27 (42.2%) wheezing in the last month, 17 (26.6%) asthma at any time and 21 (32.8%) pneumonia at any time. Correlations between levels of NO(2) and O(3) measured in the three locations evaluated were poor. Levels of NO(2) in indoor air and personal exposure to O(3) were independently associated with asthma (both cases P=.02), pneumonia (O(3), P=.02) and wheezing at any time (both cases P<.01). No associations were seen between outdoor NO(2) and O(3) and respiratory health. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to higher levels of NO(2) and O(3) was associated with increased risk for asthma and pneumonia in children. Nonetheless, the place where the pollutants are measured influences the results. The measurements taken in indoor and personal exposure were the most accurate.
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23
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Kang JH, Keller JJ, Chen CS, Lin HC. Asian Dust Storm Events are Associated With an Acute Increase in Pneumonia Hospitalization. Ann Epidemiol 2012; 22:257-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2012.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2011] [Revised: 01/11/2012] [Accepted: 02/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Shore SA, Williams ES, Chen L, Benedito LAP, Kasahara DI, Zhu M. Impact of aging on pulmonary responses to acute ozone exposure in mice: role of TNFR1. Inhal Toxicol 2011; 23:878-88. [PMID: 22066571 DOI: 10.3109/08958378.2011.622316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Chamber studies in adult humans indicate reduced responses to acute ozone with increasing age. Age-related changes in TNFα have been observed. TNFα induced inflammation is predominantly mediated through TNFR1. OBJECTIVE To examine the impact of aging on inflammatory responses to acute ozone exposure in mice and determine the role of TNFR1 in age-related differences. MATERIALS AND METHODS Wildtype and TNFR1 deficient (TNFR1(-/-)) mice aged 7 or 39 weeks were exposed to ozone (2 ppm for 3 h). Four hours after exposure, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed and BAL cells, cytokines, chemokines, and protein were examined. RESULTS Ozone-induced increases in BAL neutrophils and in neutrophil chemotactic factors were lower in 39- versus 7-week-old wildtype, but not (TNFR1(-/-)) mice. There was no effect of TNFR1 genotype in 7-week-old mice, but in 39-week-old mice, BAL neutrophils and BAL concentrations of MCP-1, KC, MIP-2, IL-6 and IP-10 were significantly greater following ozone exposure in TNFR1(-/-) versus wildtype mice. BAL concentrations of the soluble form of the TNFR1 receptor (sTNFR1) were substantially increased in 39-week-old versus 7-week-old mice, regardless of exposure. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The data suggest that increased levels of sTNFR1 in the lungs of the 39-week-old mice may neutralize TNFα and protect these older mice against ozone-induced inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie A Shore
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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25
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Neupane B, Jerrett M, Burnett RT, Marrie T, Arain A, Loeb M. Long-term exposure to ambient air pollution and risk of hospitalization with community-acquired pneumonia in older adults. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2009; 181:47-53. [PMID: 19797763 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.200901-0160oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Little is known about the long-term effects of air pollution on pneumonia hospitalization in the elderly. OBJECTIVES To assess the effect of long-term exposure to ambient nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and fine particulate matter with diameter equal to or smaller than 2.5 microm (PM(2.5)) on hospitalization for community-acquired pneumonia in older adults. METHODS We used a population-based case-control study in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. We enrolled 345 hospitalized patients aged 65 years or more for community-acquired pneumonia and 494 control participants, aged 65 years and more, randomly selected from the same community as cases from July 2003 to April 2005. Health data were collected by personal interview. Annual average levels of nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and PM(2.5) before the study period were estimated at the residential addresses of participants by inverse distance weighting, bicubic splined and land use regression methods and merged with participants' health data. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Long-term exposure to higher levels of nitrogen dioxide and PM(2.5) was significantly associated with hospitalization for community-acquired pneumonia (odds ratio [OR], 2.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25 to 4.21; P = 0.007 and OR, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.20 to 4.24; P = 0.012, respectively, over the 5th-95th percentile range increase of exposure). Sulfur dioxide did not appear to have any association (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.59 to 1.61; P = 0.918). Results were somewhat sensitive to the choice of methods used to estimate air pollutant levels at residential addresses, although all risks from nitrogen dioxide and PM(2.5) exposure were positive and generally significant. CONCLUSIONS In older adults, exposure to ambient nitrogen dioxide and PM(2.5) was associated with hospitalization for community-acquired pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binod Neupane
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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