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Ambient Air Pollution Shapes Bacterial and Fungal Ivy Leaf Communities. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9102088. [PMID: 34683409 PMCID: PMC8540654 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9102088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ambient air pollution exerts deleterious effects on our environment. Continuously exposed to the atmosphere, diverse communities of microorganisms thrive on leaf surfaces, the phylloplane. The composition of these communities is dynamic, responding to many environmental factors including ambient air pollution. In this field study, over a 2 year period, we sampled Hedera helix (ivy) leaves at six locations exposed to different ambient air pollution conditions. Daily, we monitored ambient black carbon (BC), PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone concentrations and found that ambient air pollution led to a 2–7-fold BC increase on leaves, the phylloplane BC load. Our results further indicated that the phylloplane BC load correlates with the diversity of bacterial and fungal leaf communities, impacting diversity more than seasonal effects. The bacterial genera Novosphingobium, Hymenobacter, and Methylorubrum, and the fungal genus Ampelomyces were indicators for communities exposed to the highest phylloplane BC load. Parallel to this, we present one fungal and two bacterial phylloplane strains isolated from an air-polluted environment able to degrade benzene, toluene, and/or xylene, including a genomics-based description of the degradation pathways involved. The findings of this study suggest that ambient air pollution shapes microbial leaf communities, by affecting diversity and supporting members able to degrade airborne pollutants.
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Patten KT, Valenzuela AE, Wallis C, Berg EL, Silverman JL, Bein KJ, Wexler AS, Lein PJ. The Effects of Chronic Exposure to Ambient Traffic-Related Air Pollution on Alzheimer's Disease Phenotypes in Wildtype and Genetically Predisposed Male and Female Rats. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2021; 129:57005. [PMID: 33971107 PMCID: PMC8110309 DOI: 10.1289/ehp8905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological data link traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) to increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Preclinical data corroborating this association are largely from studies of male animals exposed acutely or subchronically to high levels of isolated fractions of TRAP. What remains unclear is whether chronic exposure to ambient TRAP modifies AD risk and the influence of sex on this interaction. OBJECTIVES This study sought to assess effects of chronic exposure to ambient TRAP on the time to onset and severity of AD phenotypes in a preclinical model and to determine whether sex or genetic susceptibility influences outcomes. METHODS Male and female TgF344-AD rats that express human AD risk genes and wildtype littermates were housed in a vivarium adjacent to a heavily trafficked tunnel in Northern California and exposed for up to 14 months to filtered air (FA) or TRAP drawn from the tunnel and delivered to animals unchanged in real time. Refractive particles in the brain and AD phenotypes were quantified in 3-, 6-, 10-, and 15-month-old animals using hyperspectral imaging, behavioral testing, and neuropathologic measures. RESULTS Particulate matter (PM) concentrations in TRAP exposure chambers fluctuated with traffic flow but remained below 24-h PM with aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) U.S. National Ambient Air Quality Standards limits. Ultrafine PM was a predominant component of TRAP. Nano-sized refractive particles were detected in the hippocampus of TRAP animals. TRAP-exposed animals had more amyloid plaque deposition, higher hyperphosphorylated tau levels, more neuronal cell loss, and greater cognitive deficits in an age-, genotype-, and sex-dependent manner. TRAP-exposed animals also had more microglial cell activation, but not astrogliosis. DISCUSSION These data demonstrate that chronic exposure to ambient TRAP promoted AD phenotypes in wildtype and genetically susceptible rats. TRAP effects varied according to age, sex, and genotype, suggesting that AD progression depends on complex interactions between environment and genetics. These findings suggest current PM2.5 regulations are insufficient to protect the aging brain. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP8905.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelley T. Patten
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California Davis (UC Davis) School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California, USA
| | - Anthony E. Valenzuela
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California Davis (UC Davis) School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth L. Berg
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Jill L. Silverman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
- The MIND Institute, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Keith J. Bein
- Air Quality Research Center, UC Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Center for Health and the Environment, UC Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Anthony S. Wexler
- Air Quality Research Center, UC Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Land, Air and Water Resources, UC Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Pamela J. Lein
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California Davis (UC Davis) School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California, USA
- The MIND Institute, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
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Song M, Liu Y, Li X, Lu S. Advances on Atmospheric Oxidation Mechanism of Typical Aromatic Hydrocarbons. ACTA CHIMICA SINICA 2021. [DOI: 10.6023/a21050224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Edwards S, Zhao G, Tran J, Patten KT, Valenzuela A, Wallis C, Bein KJ, Wexler AS, Lein PJ, Rao X. Pathological Cardiopulmonary Evaluation of Rats Chronically Exposed to Traffic-Related Air Pollution. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2020; 128:127003. [PMID: 33275451 PMCID: PMC7717845 DOI: 10.1289/ehp7045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) is made up of complex mixtures of particulate matter, gases and volatile compounds. However, the effects of TRAP on the cardiopulmonary system in most animal studies have been tested using acute exposure to singular pollutants. The cardiopulmonary effects and molecular mechanisms in animals that are chronically exposed to unmodified air pollution as a whole have yet to be studied. Additionally, sex-dependent toxicity of TRAP exposure has rarely been evaluated. OBJECTIVES This study sought to assess the cardiopulmonary effect of chronic exposure to unmodified, real-world TRAP in both female and male rats. METHODS Four-week-old male and female rats were exposed to TRAP or filtered air for 14 months in a novel facility drawing air from a major freeway tunnel system in Northern California. Inflammation and oxidative stress markers were examined in the lung, heart, spleen, and plasma, and TRAP deposits were quantified in the lungs of both male and female rats. RESULTS Elemental analysis showed higher levels of eight elements in the female lungs and one element in the male lungs. Expression of genes related to fibrosis, aging, oxidative stress, and inflammation were higher in the rat hearts exposed to TRAP, with female rats being more susceptible than males. Enhanced collagen accumulation was found only in the TRAP-exposed female hearts. Plasma cytokine secretion was higher in both female and male rats, but inflammatory macrophages were higher only in TRAP-exposed male spleens. DISCUSSION Our results in rats suggest pathological consequences from chronic TRAP exposure, including sex differences indicating females may be more susceptible to TRAP-induced cardiac fibrosis. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP7045.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Edwards
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Gang Zhao
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Joanne Tran
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- University of Portland, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Kelley T. Patten
- Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Anthony Valenzuela
- Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Christopher Wallis
- Air Quality Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Keith J. Bein
- Air Quality Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Anthony S. Wexler
- Air Quality Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Land, Air and Water Resources, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Pamela J. Lein
- Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Xiaoquan Rao
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
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Kapp J, Weber C, Schmitt K, Pernau HF, Wöllenstein J. Resonant Photoacoustic Spectroscopy of NO₂ with a UV-LED Based Sensor. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 19:E724. [PMID: 30754637 PMCID: PMC6387121 DOI: 10.3390/s19030724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) is a poisonous trace gas that requires monitoring in urban areas. Accurate measurement in sub-ppm concentrations represents a wide application field for suitable economical sensors. We present a novel approach to measure NO 2 with a photoacoustic sensor using a T-shaped resonance cell. An inexpensive UV-LED with a peak wavelength of 405 nm as radiation source as well as a commercial MEMS microphone for acoustic detection were used. In this work, a cell has been developed that enables a "non-contact" feedthrough of the divergent LED beam. Thus, unwanted background noise due to absorption on the inside walls is minimized. As part of the development, an acoustic simulation has been carried out to find the resonance frequencies and to visualize the resulting standing wave patterns in various geometries. The pressure amplitude was calculated for different shapes and sizes. A model iteratively optimized in this way forms the basis of a construction that was built for gas measurement by rapid prototyping methods. The real resonance frequencies were compared to the ones found in simulation. The limit of detection was determined in a nitrogen dioxide measurement to be 200 ppb (6 σ ) for a cell made of aluminum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Kapp
- Department of Microsystems Engineering-IMTEK, University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Christian Weber
- Department of Microsystems Engineering-IMTEK, University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg, Germany.
- Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM, 79110 Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Katrin Schmitt
- Department of Microsystems Engineering-IMTEK, University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg, Germany.
- Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM, 79110 Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Hans-Fridtjof Pernau
- Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM, 79110 Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Jürgen Wöllenstein
- Department of Microsystems Engineering-IMTEK, University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg, Germany.
- Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM, 79110 Freiburg, Germany.
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Avens HJ, Maskrey JR, Insley AL, Unice KM, Reid RCD, Sahmel J. Characterization of airborne BTEX exposures during use of lawnmowers and trimmers. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2018; 74:197-205. [PMID: 29319452 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2018.1426552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Few studies have evaluated airborne exposures to benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) during operation of two-stroke and four-stroke small engines, such as those in lawn maintenance equipment. Full-shift, 8-hour personal samples were collected during a simulation study to characterize yard maintenance activities including mowing, trimming, and fueling. Short-term, 15-minute personal samples were collected to separately evaluate mowing and trimming exposures. Mean 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) BTEX concentrations were 2.3, 5.8, 0.91, and 4.6 ppb, respectively (n = 2). Mean 15-minute TWA BTEX concentrations were 1.6, 1.8, 0.22, and 1.3 ppb, respectively, during mowing and 1.2, 3.6, 0.68, and 3.3 ppb, respectively, during trimming (n = 3 per task). Measured BTEX concentrations during fueling were 20-110, 61-310, 8-41, and 40-203 ppb, respectively (n = 2, duration 2-3 minutes). These exposure concentrations were well below applicable US occupational exposure limits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jennifer Sahmel
- c Insight Exposure and Risk Sciences , Inc., Boulder , CO , United States
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Cowie CT, Ding D, Rolfe MI, Mayne DJ, Jalaludin B, Bauman A, Morgan GG. Neighbourhood walkability, road density and socio-economic status in Sydney, Australia. Environ Health 2016; 15:58. [PMID: 27117232 PMCID: PMC4847364 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-016-0135-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Planning and transport agencies play a vital role in influencing the design of townscapes, travel modes and travel behaviors, which in turn impact on the walkability of neighbourhoods and residents' physical activity opportunities. Optimising neighbourhood walkability is desirable in built environments, however, the population health benefits of walkability may be offset by increased exposure to traffic related air pollution. This paper describes the spatial distribution of neighbourhood walkability and weighted road density, a marker for traffic related air pollution, in Sydney, Australia. As exposure to air pollution is related to socio-economic status in some cities, this paper also examines the spatial distribution of weighted road density and walkability by socio-economic status (SES). METHODS We calculated walkability, weighted road density (as a measure of traffic related air pollution) and SES, using predefined and validated measures, for 5858 Sydney neighbourhoods, representing 3.6 million population. We overlaid tertiles of walkability and weighted road density to define "sweet-spots" (high walkability-low weighted road density), and "sour- spots" (low walkability-high weighted road density) neighbourhoods. We also examined the distribution of walkability and weighted road density by SES quintiles. RESULTS Walkability and weighted road density showed a clear east-west gradient across the region. Our study found that only 4 % of Sydney's population lived in sweet-spot" neighbourhoods with high walkability and low weighted road density (desirable), and these tended to be located closer to the city centre. A greater proportion of neighbourhoods had health limiting attributes of high weighted road density or low walkability (about 20 % each), and over 5 % of the population lived in "sour-spot" neighbourhoods with low walkability and high weighted road density (least desirable). These neighbourhoods were more distant from the city centre and scattered more widely. There were no linear trends between walkability/weighted road density and neighbourhood SES. CONCLUSIONS Our walkability and weighted road density maps and associated analyses by SES can help identify neighbourhoods with inequalities in health-promoting or health-limiting environments. Planning agencies should seek out opportunities for increased neighbourhood walkability through improved urban development and transport planning, which simultaneously minimizes exposure to traffic related air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine T. Cowie
- />South West Sydney Clinical School, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW Australia
- />Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW Australia
- />Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Ding Ding
- />Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Margaret I. Rolfe
- />University Centre for Rural Health, University of Sydney, Lismore, NSW Australia
| | - Darren J. Mayne
- />Public Health Unit, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Wollongong, NSW Australia
- />Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW Australia
- />Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW Australia
- />Graduate School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW Australia
| | - Bin Jalaludin
- />South West Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW Australia
- />School of Public Health and Community Medicine, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Adrian Bauman
- />Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Geoffrey G. Morgan
- />University Centre for Rural Health, University of Sydney, Lismore, NSW Australia
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Augusto S, Pinho P, Santos A, Botelho MJ, Palma-Oliveira J, Branquinho C. Declining trends of PCDD/Fs in lichens over a decade in a Mediterranean area with multiple pollution sources. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 508:95-100. [PMID: 25459753 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.11.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Revised: 11/20/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Lichens are one of the most useful environmental biomonitors, due to their ability to clearly reflect atmospheric deposition of pollutants. Dioxin and furan (PCDD/F) emissions have been reported to be decreasing in North European countries as a consequence of European regulations. This reduction has been perceptible across several environmental matrices, but it hasn't yet been shown in lichens as typical biomonitors of atmospheric pollution. In this work we compared concentrations of PCDD/Fs in two lichen species collected in a Mediterranean area with mixed land-uses, encompassing urban, industrial and natural areas, in 2009 and 2011 with the ones obtained in the same species collected in the same region in 2000. We found that PCDD/F concentrations in both lichen species have decreased approximately 70% since 2000 whereas industrial emissions have only decreased 25% for the same period. This substantial greater reduction observed in lichens may be due to several causes; after excluding fires as a possible explanation, we point out that possible causes could not only be the overall decrease in industrial emissions but also other causes such as traffic reduction and/or increase efficiency in the use of fuels. Capsule: PCDD/F concentrations in lichens have decreased 70% over the last decade, whereas industrial emissions have only decreased 25%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Augusto
- CE3C-Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, Bloco C2, Piso 5, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; TECNATOX Group, Chemical Engineering Department, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, C/ Països Catalans, n° 26, 43007 Tarragona, Spain.
| | - Pedro Pinho
- CE3C-Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, Bloco C2, Piso 5, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; Centre for Natural Resources and the Environment, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa (CERENA-IST-UL), Portugal.
| | - Artur Santos
- CE3C-Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, Bloco C2, Piso 5, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | | | - José Palma-Oliveira
- Secil Companhia Geral de Cal e Cimento, Lisboa, Portugal; FP-University of Lisbon, Alameda da Universidade, 1649-013 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Cristina Branquinho
- CE3C-Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, Bloco C2, Piso 5, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
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A Framework for Assessment of the Influence of China’s Urban Underground Space Developments on the Urban Microclimate. SUSTAINABILITY 2014. [DOI: 10.3390/su6128536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Cowie CT, Rose N, Ezz W, Xuan W, Cortes-Waterman A, Belousova E, Toelle BG, Sheppeard V, Marks GB. Respiratory health before and after the opening of a road traffic tunnel: a planned evaluation. PLoS One 2012; 7:e48921. [PMID: 23209560 PMCID: PMC3510202 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2012] [Accepted: 10/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The construction of a new road tunnel in Sydney, Australia, and concomitant reduction in traffic on a major road presented the opportunity to study the effects of this traffic intervention on respiratory health. Methods We made measurements in a cohort of residents in the year before the tunnel opened (2006) and in each of two years afterwards (2007–2008). Cohort members resided in one of four exposure zones, including a control zone. Each year, a respiratory questionnaire was administered (n = 2,978) and a panel sub-cohort (n = 380) performed spirometry once and recorded peak expiratory flow and symptoms twice daily for nine weeks. Results There was no consistent evidence of improvement in respiratory health in residents living along the bypassed main road, despite a reduction in traffic from 90,000 to 45,000 vpd. Residents living near tunnel feeder roads reported more upper respiratory symptoms in the survey but not in the panel sub-cohort. Residents living around the tunnel ventilation stack reported more upper and lower respiratory symptoms and had lower spirometric volumes after the tunnel opened. Air pollutant levels measured near the stack did not increase over the study period. Conclusion The finding of adverse health effects among residents living around the stack is unexpected and difficult to explain, but might be due to unmeasured pollutants or risk factors or an unrecognized pollutant source nearby. The lack of improvement in respiratory health among people living along the bypassed main road probably reflects a minimal change in exposure due to distance of residence from the road.
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Cowie CT, Ezz W, Xuan W, Lilley W, Rose N, Rae M, Marks GB. A randomised cross-over cohort study of exposure to emissions from a road tunnel ventilation stack. BMJ Open 2012; 2:bmjopen-2012-001201. [PMID: 22904331 PMCID: PMC3425893 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2012-001201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Road tunnels are increasingly important components of urban infrastructure. However, knowledge of their health impact on surrounding communities is limited. Our objective was to estimate the short-term respiratory health effects of exposure to emissions from a road tunnel ventilation stack. METHODS We conducted a randomised cross-over cohort study in 36 volunteers who underwent three exposure scenarios in 2006 before the road tunnel opened, and in 2007 (n=27) and 2008 (n=20) after the tunnel opened. Exposure downwind of the stack was compared to upwind of the stack and to a distant heavily trafficked location adjacent to a main road. Spirometry, exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) and symptom scores were measured repeatedly during each 2 h exposure session. RESULTS Downwind locations were associated with increased reports of 'dry nose' (score difference 0.36; 95% CI 0.09 to 0.63) compared with the control location (2006 vs 2007/2008), but not with impaired lung function, increased airway inflammation or other symptoms. The heavily trafficked location was associated with significantly increased eNO (ratio=1.09; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.14), eye (score difference 0.05; 95% CI 0.01 to 0.10) and chest (score difference 0.21; 95% CI 0.09 to 0.33) symptoms compared to the stack locations. CONCLUSIONS There was no consistent evidence of adverse respiratory effects from short-term exposures downwind of the tunnel ventilation stack, except for dry nose symptoms. However, the findings of increased airway inflammation and symptoms in subjects after only 2 h exposure at the heavily trafficked location, are suggestive of detrimental effects of short-term exposures to traffic-related air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine T Cowie
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Asthma and Airways, Sydney, Australia
| | - Wafaa Ezz
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Asthma and Airways, Sydney, Australia
| | - Wei Xuan
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Asthma and Airways, Sydney, Australia
| | - William Lilley
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Nectarios Rose
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- NSW Health Department, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael Rae
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Guy B Marks
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Vereecken L, Francisco JS. Theoretical studies of atmospheric reaction mechanisms in the troposphere. Chem Soc Rev 2012; 41:6259-93. [DOI: 10.1039/c2cs35070j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 311] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Vilavert L, Nadal M, Mari M, Schuhmacher M, Domingo JL. Monitoring temporal trends in environmental levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans: results from a 10-year surveillance program of a hazardous waste incinerator. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2010; 59:521-531. [PMID: 20401654 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-010-9523-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2010] [Accepted: 04/02/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The only hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) in Spain has been operating in Constantí (Tarragona County, Catalonia) since 1999. Before its construction, a surveillance program was initiated to monitor the concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in the neighborhood of the facility. In 2008, 40 soil and 40 vegetation samples were collected and PCDD/F levels determined. The median PCDD/F concentration in soil was 0.49 ng international toxic equivalents (I-TEQ)/kg. Although it meant a nonsignificant decrease of 44% with respect to the preoperational survey, important fluctuations of the levels of PCDD/Fs through time were found in some specific sites. Therefore, a new survey was performed 1 year later (2009) by deleting those sampling sites with inconstant values, which mostly coincided with urban zones. In 2009, the median level of PCDD/Fs in soils was found to be 0.42 ng I-TEQ/kg. In contrast, median PCDD/F levels in vegetation were 1.11 ng I-TEQ/kg, a significant increase compared with previous surveys (range of the median 0.21-0.25 ng I-TEQ/kg). However, this increase was uniformly observed in the entire sampling area, suggesting that lack of rainfall was a key parameter for decreasing plant dilution and wash-up of pollutants on vegetation. This indicates that in surveillance programs, information must be obtained from different sources because the use of a single compartment may yield significant misinterpretation when evaluating temporal trends of environmental pollutants. Human health risks derived from exposure to PCDD/Fs were also assessed for the local population. The results indicated that current concentrations of these contaminants do not pose any additional carcinogenic or noncarcinogenic risk for those people living near the HWI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lolita Vilavert
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
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Knibbs LD, de Dear RJ, Morawska L. Effect of cabin ventilation rate on ultrafine particle exposure inside automobiles. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2010; 44:3546-51. [PMID: 20369882 DOI: 10.1021/es9038209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
We alternately measured on-road and in-vehicle ultrafine (<100 nm) particle (UFP) concentration for 5 passenger vehicles that comprised an age range of 18 years. A range of cabin ventilation settings were assessed during 301 trips through a 4 km road tunnel in Sydney, Australia. Outdoor air flow (ventilation) rates under these settings were quantified on open roads using tracer gas techniques. Significant variability in tunnel trip average median in-cabin/on-road (I/O) UFP ratios was observed (0.08 to approximately 1.0). Based on data spanning all test automobiles and ventilation settings, a positive linear relationship was found between outdoor air flow rate and I/O ratio, with the former accounting for a substantial proportion of variation in the latter (R(2) = 0.81). UFP concentrations recorded in-cabin during tunnel travel were significantly higher than those reported by comparable studies performed on open roadways. A simple mathematical model afforded the ability to predict tunnel trip average in-cabin UFP concentrations with good accuracy. Our data indicate that under certain conditions, in-cabin UFP exposures incurred during tunnel travel may contribute significantly to daily exposure. The UFP exposure of automobile occupants appears strongly related to their choice of ventilation setting and vehicle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke D Knibbs
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.
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