1
|
Ritz BR. A Long Way from Steubenville: Environmental Epidemiology in a Rapidly Changing World. Am J Epidemiol 2023; 192:1811-1819. [PMID: 35166328 PMCID: PMC11043788 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwac031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This commentary focuses on research that has long been at the core of environmental epidemiology: studies of the health effects of air pollution. It highlights publications in the American Journal of Epidemiology going back more than 50 years that have contributed to the debate about the validity of this research and its meaning for public policy. Technological advances have greatly expanded the toolbox of environmental epidemiologists in terms of measuring and analyzing complex exposures in large populations. Yet, discussions about biases in estimating air pollution health effects have always been and remain intense. Epidemiologists have brought new methodologies and concepts to this research, alleviating some but not all concerns. Here, the focus is on seminal epidemiologic work that established valid links between air pollution exposures and health outcomes and generated data for environmental policies and prevention. With this commentary, I hope to inspire epidemiologists to address many more of the burning environmental health questions-wildfires included-with a similar scientific doggedness. The rapidly changing conditions of our planet are challenging us to innovate and offer solutions, albeit perhaps a little bit faster this time around.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beate R Ritz
- Correspondence to Dr. Beate Ritz, Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, 650 Charles Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1772 (e-mail: )
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dockery DW. Synergy of Biostatistics and Epidemiology in Air Pollution Health Effects Studies. Int Stat Rev 2022; 90:S67-S81. [PMID: 36636699 PMCID: PMC9828424 DOI: 10.1111/insr.12525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The extraordinary advances in quantifying the health effects of ambient air pollution over the last five decades have led to dramatic improvement in air quality in the United States. This work has been possible through innovative epidemiologic study designs coupled with advanced statistical analytic methods. This paper presents a historical perspective on the coordinated developments of epidemiologic designs and statistical methods for air pollution health effects studies at the Harvard School of Public Health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Douglas W. Dockery
- Department of Environmental HealthHarvard TH Chan School of Public Health665 Huntington AveBostonMA02115USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lindberg J, Wurth M, Frank BP, Tang S, LaDuke G, Trojanowski R, Butcher T, Mahajan D. Realistic operation of two residential cordwood-fired outdoor hydronic heater appliances-Part 3: Optical properties of black and brown carbon emissions. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2022; 72:777-790. [PMID: 35775659 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2022.2051776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Residential biomass combustion is a source of carbonaceous aerosol. Inefficient combustion, particularly of solid fuels produces large quantities of black and brown carbon (BC and BrC). These particle types are important as they have noted effects on climate forcing and human health. One method of measuring these quantities is by measurement of aerosol light-absorption and scattering, which can be performed using an aethalometer and nephelometer, respectively. These instruments are widely deployed in the study of ambient air and are frequently used in air quality modeling and source apportionment studies. In this study, we will describe (1) a method for measuring primary BC and BrC emissions from two residential log-fired wood hydronic heaters and (2) the BC and BrC emission from these devices over a wide range of operating conditions, such as cold-starts, warm-starts, four different levels of output ranging from 15% to 100% maximum rated output, and periods of repeated cycling. The range in flue-gas BC concentrations, measured using an aethalometer at the 880 nanometer (nm) wavelength, were between 5.09 × 102 and 2.24 × 104 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3) while the scattering coefficient of the flue-gas, measured by a nephelometer at 880 nm, ranged between 2.20 × 103 and 8.56 × 105 inverse megameters (Mm-1). The BrC concentrations, measured using the 370 nm wavelength of an aethalometer, were between 9.10 × 101 and 3.56 × 104 µg/m3. The calculated Angstrom Absorption Exponent (AAE) of the flue-gas aerosol ranged between 1.54 and 3.63. Performing a comparison between the measured BC concentration and an external particulate matter (PM) concentration showed that overall BC makes up roughly a quarter of the PM emitted by either of the two appliances. Further for both appliances, the cold-start and the test phase immediately following it had the highest BC and BrC concentrations, the highest measured scattering coefficient, as well as a low AAE.Implications: In this work we provide information on the black and brown carbon emissions from outdoor cordwood-fired hydronic heaters. Aethalometer based black carbon measurements are common in atmospheric science, but are uncommonly used in laboratory studies. This work helps to bridge that gap. This data helps to inform the work of modelers and policy makers interested in hydronic heaters and source apportioning biomass combustion emissions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jake Lindberg
- Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York, USA
- Brookhaven National Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Science Department, Energy Conversion Group, Upton, New York, USA
| | - Marilyn Wurth
- York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Air Resources, Bureau of Mobile Sources & Technology Development, Emissions Measurement Research GroupNew, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Brian P Frank
- York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Air Resources, Bureau of Mobile Sources & Technology Development, Emissions Measurement Research GroupNew, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Shida Tang
- York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Air Resources, Bureau of Mobile Sources & Technology Development, Emissions Measurement Research GroupNew, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Gil LaDuke
- York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Air Resources, Bureau of Mobile Sources & Technology Development, Emissions Measurement Research GroupNew, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Rebecca Trojanowski
- Brookhaven National Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Science Department, Energy Conversion Group, Upton, New York, USA
- Department of Earth and Environmental Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Thomas Butcher
- Brookhaven National Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Science Department, Energy Conversion Group, Upton, New York, USA
| | - Devinder Mahajan
- Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Miller CA. Fifty years of EPA science for air quality management and control. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 67:1017-1028. [PMID: 33837478 PMCID: PMC8106583 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-021-01468-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Research and development has been a key part of the foundation for improvements in US air quality since the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 50 years ago. Although the scientific accomplishments and advances over the course of EPA's history are often overshadowed by policy debates, much of the air pollution science and engineering we now consider to be routine did not exist when EPA was established. Many of the advances in air pollutant measurement, monitoring, modeling, and control were developed by EPA researchers or supported by EPA programs. The technical foundation built during EPA's early years has since given the Agency the scientific ability to respond quickly and effectively to unexpected and emerging issues. Equally important, EPA also developed approaches to conducting and presenting science in policy settings to ensure that the science was as objective and complete as possible and was communicated effectively. A look back at some of the accomplishments of EPA scientists and engineers provides a reminder that the cumulative effect of continual, incremental advances can result in large and lasting benefits to society.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles Andrew Miller
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Influence of Meteorological Conditions and Aerosol Properties on the COVID-19 Contamination of the Population in Coastal and Continental Areas in France: Study of Offshore and Onshore Winds. ATMOSPHERE 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos12040523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Human behaviors probably represent the most important causes of the SARS-Cov-2 virus propagation. However, the role of virus transport by aerosols—and therefore the influence of atmospheric conditions (temperature, humidity, type and concentration of aerosols)—on the spread of the epidemic remains an open and still debated question. This work aims to study whether or not the meteorological conditions related to the different aerosol properties in continental and coastal urbanized areas might influence the atmospheric transport of the SARS-Cov-2 virus. Our analysis focuses on the lockdown period to reduce the differences in the social behavior and highlight those of the weather conditions. As an example, we investigated the contamination cases during March 2020 in two specific French areas located in both continental and coastal areas with regard to the meteorological conditions and the corresponding aerosol properties, the optical depth (AOD) and the Angstrom exponent provided by the AERONET network. The results show that the analysis of aerosol ground-based data can be of interest to assess a virus survey. We found that moderate to strong onshore winds occurring in coastal regions and inducing humid environment and large sea-spray production episodes coincides with smaller COVID-19 contamination rates. We assume that the coagulation of SARS-Cov-2 viral particles with hygroscopic salty sea-spray aerosols might tend to inhibit its viral infectivity via possible reaction with NaCl, especially in high relative humidity environments typical of maritime sites.
Collapse
|
6
|
Shah MH, Wang N, Ullah I, Akbar A, Khan K, Bah K. Does environment quality and public spending on environment promote life expectancy in China? Evidence from a nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag approach. Int J Health Plann Manage 2020; 36:545-560. [PMID: 33351191 DOI: 10.1002/hpm.3100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental quality has become a growing concern for Chinese society since the last 2 decades in China. The large contribution of different pollutants severely affected the environmental quality that untimely affects life expectancy in the country. In this backdrop, the present study investigates the impact of environmental quality and public spending on the environment for life expectancy in China using the period 1999Q1-2017Q4. We employ nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag model (ARDL) approach for the empirical assessment. The outcomes of the study reveal the existence of a long-run relationship between environmental quality, public spending on the environment and life expectancy in China. The empirical finding reported that life expectancy reacts differently in response to positive and negative shocks of environmental quality both in the long- and short-run. Environmental quality and spending on the environment increase the life expectancy, furthermore, population has a positive and significant association with life expectancy only in short run while in long run it does not affect. Hence, the government needs to roll out policies to enhance environmental quality and ensure adequate funding for environmental preservation, to achieve both longevity of society and sustainability of the eco-system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Haroon Shah
- Binjiang College, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Nianyong Wang
- School of Finance, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Irfan Ullah
- Reading Academy, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ahsan Akbar
- International Business School, Guangzhou College of South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Karamat Khan
- School of Finance, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Kebba Bah
- School of Finance, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cai Y, Huang T, Liu X, Xu G. The effects of "Fangcang, Huoshenshan, and Leishenshan" hospitals and environmental factors on the mortality of COVID-19. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9578. [PMID: 32742816 PMCID: PMC7380280 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In December 2019, a novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) broke out in Wuhan, China; however, the factors affecting the mortality of COVID-19 remain unclear. Methods Thirty-two days of data (the growth rate/mortality of COVID-19 cases) that were shared by Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Weather Net were collected by two authors independently. Student’s t-test or Mann-Whitney U test was used to test the difference in the mortality of confirmed/severe cases before and after the use of “Fangcang, Huoshenshan, and Leishenshan” makeshift hospitals (MSHs). We also studied whether the above outcomes of COVID-19 cases were related to air temperature (AT), relative humidity (RH), or air quality index (AQI) by performing Pearson’s analysis or Spearman’s analysis. Results Eight days after the use of MSHs, the mortality of confirmed cases was significantly decreased both in Wuhan (t = 4.5, P < 0.001) and Hubei (U = 0, P < 0.001), (t and U are the test statistic used to test the significance of the difference). In contrast, the mortality of confirmed cases remained unchanged in non-Hubei regions (U = 76, P = 0.106). While on day 12 and day 16 after the use of MSHs, the reduce in mortality was still significant both in Wuhan and Hubei; but in non-Hubei regions, the reduce also became significant this time (U = 123, P = 0.036; U = 171, P = 0.015, respectively). Mortality of confirmed cases was found to be negatively correlated with AT both in Wuhan (r = − 0.441, P = 0.012) and Hubei (r = − 0.440, P = 0.012). Also, both the growth rate and the mortality of COVID-19 cases were found to be significantly correlated with AQI in Wuhan and Hubei. However, no significant correlation between RH and the growth rate/mortality of COVID-19 cases was found in our study. Conclusions Our findings indicated that both the use of MSHs, the rise of AT, and the improvement of air quality were beneficial to the survival of COVID-19 patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuwen Cai
- Department of Nephrology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Tianlun Huang
- Department of Nephrology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Nephrology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Gaosi Xu
- Department of Nephrology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) [...]
Collapse
|
9
|
Beaudeau P. A Systematic Review of the Time Series Studies Addressing the Endemic Risk of Acute Gastroenteritis According to Drinking Water Operation Conditions in Urban Areas of Developed Countries. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15050867. [PMID: 29701701 PMCID: PMC5981906 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15050867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Time series studies (TSS) can be viewed as an inexpensive way to tackle the non-epidemic health risk from fecal pathogens in tap water in urban areas. Following the PRISMA recommendations, I reviewed TSS addressing the endemic risk of acute gastroenteritis risk according to drinking water operation conditions in urban areas of developed countries. Eighteen studies were included, covering 17 urban sites (seven in North-America and 10 in Europe) with study populations ranging from 50,000 to 9 million people. Most studies used general practitioner consultations or visits to hospitals for acute gastroenteritis (AGE) as health outcomes. In 11 of the 17 sites, a significant and plausible association was found between turbidity (or particle count) in finished water and the AGE indicator. When provided and significant, the interquartile excess of relative risk estimates ranged from 3–13%. When examined, water temperature, river flow, and produced flow were strongly associated with the AGE indicator. The potential of TSS for the study of the health risk from fecal pathogens in tap water is limited by the lack of specificity of turbidity and its site-sensitive value as an exposure proxy. Nevertheless, at the DWS level, TSS could help water operators to identify operational conditions most at risk, almost if considering other water operation indicators, in addition to turbidity, as possible relevant proxies for exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Beaudeau
- Santé Publique France, 14 rue du Val-d'Osne, 94415 Saint-Maurice CEDEX, France.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
Our vision of good health is changing. Extraordinary progress was made over the course of the 20th century—life expectancy at birth increased by nearly 30 years and scientific insights revealed that our health fates are determined by interacting factors within each of the five major health domains. As life expectancies extend far beyond customary notions of old age, attention shifts from survival and toward improving the quality of life. Our beliefs about what makes for a healthy life are reorienting around a vision of new possibilities, in which we take full advantage of what we know about getting each child off to the right start; providing all the opportunity for lifelong vitality borne of healthy lifestyles; designing safe and nurturing physical environments for our communities; assuring that all have access to the kind of medical care they need; protecting the isolated or estranged from the illness or injury that often accompanies their condition; and providing comfort and choices for all at the end of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Michael McGinnis
- Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Route 1 and College Road East, P.O. Box 2316, Princeton, NJ 08543, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Yahaya A, Nor NM, Habibullah MS, Ghani JA, Noor ZM. How relevant is environmental quality to per capita health expenditures? Empirical evidence from panel of developing countries. SPRINGERPLUS 2016; 5:925. [PMID: 27386369 PMCID: PMC4927551 DOI: 10.1186/s40064-016-2505-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Developing countries have witnessed economic growth as their GDP keeps increasing steadily over the years. The growth led to higher energy consumption which eventually leads to increase in air pollutions that pose a danger to human health. People's healthcare demand, in turn, increase due to the changes in the socioeconomic life and improvement in the health technology. This study is an attempt to investigate the impact of environmental quality on per capital health expenditure in 125 developing countries within a panel cointegration framework from 1995 to 2012. RESULTS We found out that a long-run relationship exists between per capita health expenditure and all explanatory variables as they were panel cointegrated. The explanatory variables were found to be statistically significant in explaining the per capita health expenditure. The result further revealed that CO2 has the highest explanatory power on the per capita health expenditure. The impact of the explanatory power of the variables is greater in the long-run compared to the short-run. Based on this result, we conclude that environmental quality is a powerful determinant of health expenditure in developing countries. CONCLUSION Therefore, developing countries should as a matter of health care policy give provision of healthy air a priority via effective policy implementation on environmental management and control measures to lessen the pressure on health care expenditure. Moreover more environmental proxies with alternative methods should be considered in the future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adamu Yahaya
- Economics Department, Faculty of Economics and Management, University Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Norashidah Mohamed Nor
- Economics Department, Faculty of Economics and Management, University Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Muzafar Shah Habibullah
- Economics Department, Faculty of Economics and Management, University Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Judhiana Abd Ghani
- Economics Department, Faculty of Economics and Management, University Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Zaleha Mohd Noor
- Economics Department, Faculty of Economics and Management, University Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Gorai AK, Tchounwou PB, Tuluri F. Association between Ambient Air Pollution and Asthma Prevalence in Different Population Groups Residing in Eastern Texas, USA. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:378. [PMID: 27043587 PMCID: PMC4847040 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13040378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Revised: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Air pollution has been an on-going research focus due to its detrimental impact on human health. However, its specific effects on asthma prevalence in different age groups, genders and races are not well understood. Thus, the present study was designed to examine the association between selected air pollutants and asthma prevalence in different population groups during 2010 in the eastern part of Texas, USA.The pollutants considered were particulate matter (PM2.5 with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 micrometers) and surface ozone. The population groups were categorized based on age, gender, and race. County-wise asthma hospital discharge data for different age, gender, and racial groups were obtained from Texas Asthma Control Program, Office of Surveillance, Evaluation and Research, Texas Department of State Health Services. The annual means of the air pollutants were obtained from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA)'s air quality system data mart program. Pearson correlation analyzes were conducted to examine the relationship between the annual mean concentrations of pollutants and asthma discharge rates (ADR) for different age groups, genders, and races. The results reveal that there is no significant association or relationship between ADR and exposure of air pollutants (PM2.5, and O₃). The study results showed a positive correlation between PM2.5 and ADR and a negative correlation between ADR and ozone in most of the cases. These correlations were not statistically significant, and can be better explained by considering the local weather conditions. The research findings facilitate identification of hotspots for controlling the most affected populations from further environmental exposure to air pollution, and for preventing or reducing the health impacts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amit Kr Gorai
- Department of Mining Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha 769008, India.
| | - Paul B Tchounwou
- NIH/NIMHD RCMI Center for Environmental Health, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217, USA.
| | - Francis Tuluri
- Department of Industrial System and Technology, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Kumar P, Gupta NC. Commuter exposure to inhalable, thoracic and alveolic particles in various transportation modes in Delhi. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 541:535-541. [PMID: 26439646 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.09.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Revised: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
A public health concern is to understand the linkages between specific pollution sources and adverse health impacts. Commuting can be viewed as one of the significant-exposure activity in high-vehicle density areas. This paper investigates the commuter exposure to inhalable, thoracic and alveolic particles in various transportation modes in Delhi, India. Air pollution levels are significantly contributed by automobile exhaust and also in-vehicle exposure can be higher sometime than ambient levels. Motorcycle, auto rickshaw, car and bus were selected to study particles concentration along two routes in Delhi between Kashmere Gate and Dwarka. The bus and auto rickshaw were running on compressed natural gas (CNG) while the car and motorcycle were operated on gasoline fuel. Aerosol spectrometer was employed to measure inhalable, thoracic and alveolic particles during morning and evening rush hours for five weekdays. From the study, we observed that the concentration levels of these particles were greatly influenced by transportation modes. Concentrations of inhalable particles were found higher during morning in auto rickshaw (332.81 ± 90.97 μg/m(3)) while the commuter of bus exhibited higher exposure of thoracic particles (292.23 ± 110.45 μg/m(3)) and car commuters were exposed to maximum concentrations of alveolic particles (222.37 ± 26.56 μg/m(3)). We observed that in evening car commuters experienced maximum concentrations of all sizes of particles among the four commuting modes. Interestingly, motorcycle commuters were exposed to lower levels of inhalable and thoracic particles during morning and evening hours as compared to other modes of transport. The mean values were found greater than the median values for all the modes of transport suggesting that positive skewed distributions are characteristics of naturally occurring phenomenon.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pramod Kumar
- University School of Environment Management, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Sector -16C, Dwarka, New Delhi 110078, India
| | - N C Gupta
- University School of Environment Management, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Sector -16C, Dwarka, New Delhi 110078, India.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Measuring scholarly use of government information: An altmetrics analysis of federal statistics. GOVERNMENT INFORMATION QUARTERLY 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.giq.2015.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
15
|
Nakhlé MM, Farah W, Ziade N, Abboud M, Coussa-Koniski ML, Annesi-Maesano I. Beirut Air Pollution and Health Effects - BAPHE study protocol and objectives. Multidiscip Respir Med 2015; 10:21. [PMID: 26146554 PMCID: PMC4491268 DOI: 10.1186/s40248-015-0016-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent studies investigating the health effects of air pollution have proven an existing impact around and below international air quality guidelines and standards. These studies were based on accessible data from official registers managed by public authorities. The protocol followed in BAPHE project is described; its benefits and disadvantages are presented and discussed in this paper. Methods Based on the review of several international studies we developed a custom made approach in BAPHE (Beirut Air Pollution and Health Effects) project in order to analyze the short term health effects of air pollution taking into consideration the lack of data availability from official sources. Results PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations were measured in Beirut for the period starting from the 1st of January 2012 to the 31st of December 2012. The annual average concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 exceeded WHO’s annual average limits by 150 % and 200 %, respectively. Health data for 11,567 individuals were collected over 12 months. A variation of hospital admission causes was observed by age categories and gender. Conclusions This article presents a simple protocol and the descriptive results of its application in the frame of an eco-epidemiological study in Lebanon. We believe that this work is not only important on a local scale, but it could be helpful for environmental epidemiological studies in other countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Mrad Nakhlé
- Biology Department, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon ; Arcenciel, Environment Program, B.P. 165216 Beirut, Lebanon ; INSERM, UMR_S 1136, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Equipe EPAR, F-75013 Paris, France ; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 1136, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Equipe EPAR, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Wehbeh Farah
- Physics Department, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nelly Ziade
- Rheumatology Department, Hôtel Dieu de France Hospital, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Maher Abboud
- Chemistry Department, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Isabella Annesi-Maesano
- INSERM, UMR_S 1136, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Equipe EPAR, F-75013 Paris, France ; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 1136, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Equipe EPAR, F-75013 Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Mage DT. Comment on Schwartz, J.; Dockery, D.W.; Neas, M.L. 1996. Is daily mortality associated specifically with fine particles?; J. Air Waste Manage. Assoc. 46: 927-939. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2015; 65:511-513. [PMID: 25947308 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2015.1029812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
|
17
|
Galatioto F, Bell MC, Hill G. Understanding the characteristics of the microenvironments in urban street canyons through analysis of pollution measured using a novel pervasive sensor array. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2014; 186:7443-60. [PMID: 25108661 PMCID: PMC4183894 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-014-3939-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2013] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents results of comprehensive analyses of data from the first 122 commercially available wireless environmental pervasive sensors (motes), developed by Newcastle University and deployed in England. Measurements of pollution, meteorology and traffic are used to investigate the complexity of the physical and chemical processes governing the levels of traffic-related pollution in urban areas. Following a brief introduction on health impacts associated with air quality, description of the mote technology is given. Cluster analysis statistics to investigate the relationship between different pollutant types and traffic data demonstrated that traffic flow regimes alone cannot be used to estimate diurnal kerbside pollutant concentrations. Also, the absolute levels, whilst dependent on meteorological conditions and static parameters are only partially governed by the pollutant dispersion. The research clearly illustrates the benefits and added value of pervasive concentration measurement in urban micro environments with potential to effectively evaluate human exposure to transport-related emissions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Galatioto
- School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Newcastle University, Devonshire Building–Kensington Terrace, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU UK
| | - Margaret Carol Bell
- School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Newcastle University, Devonshire Building–Kensington Terrace, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU UK
| | - Graeme Hill
- School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Newcastle University, Devonshire Building–Kensington Terrace, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU UK
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Andrade Filho VSD, Artaxo P, Hacon S, Carmo CND, Cirino G. Aerosols from biomass burning and respiratory diseases in children, Manaus, Northern Brazil. Rev Saude Publica 2014; 47:239-47. [PMID: 24037350 DOI: 10.1590/s0034-8910.2013047004011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2011] [Accepted: 07/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of fine particulate matter emitted through biomass burning on hospitalizations for respiratory diseases in children living in Manaus, Northern Brazil. METHODS Descriptive study with ecologic time series design carried out in Manaus from 2002 to 2009. Hospital admission data were obtained from the Unified Health System database. PM2.5 levels were estimated using aerosol remote sensing through the measurement of aerosol optical depth at a wavelength of 550 nm. Statistical methods were used in the data analysis, with Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression between variables, with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS The region of Manaus showed low PM2.5 concentrations when compared to the Southern Amazonian region. Between August and November (dry period in the region), was when the highest mean levels of PM2.5, estimated between 18 to 23 µg/m3, and the largest number of fires were observed. For the rainy season, an average of 12 µg/m3, 66% lower than the dry season measurements (20.6 µg/m3) was observed. The highest rates of hospitalization were observed during the rainy season and April was the month with the highest levels at 2.51/1,000 children. A positive association between hospital admissions and relative humidity (R = 0.126; p-value = 0.005) was observed, while the association between admissions and PM2.5 was negative and statistically significant (R = -0.168; p-value = 0.003). The R 2 of the final model (Hospitalizations = 2.19*Humidity - 1.60*PM2.5 - 0.23*Precipitation) explained 84% of hospitalizations due to respiratory disease in children living in Manaus, considering the independent variables statistically significant (humidity, PM2.5, and precipitation). CONCLUSIONS Hospital admissions for respiratory diseases in children in Manaus, were more related to weather conditions and in particular relative humidity, than to exposure to aerosols emitted by biomass burning in the Amazonian region.
Collapse
|
19
|
de Souza A, Guo Y, Pavão HG, Fernandes WA. Effects of Air Pollution on Disease Respiratory: Structures Lag. Health (London) 2014. [DOI: 10.4236/health.2014.612163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
20
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many studies have reported associations between ambient particulate matter (PM) and adverse health effects, focused on either short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) PM exposures. For chronic effects, the studied cohorts have rarely been representative of the population. We present a novel exposure model combining satellite aerosol optical depth and land-use data to investigate both the long- and short-term effects of PM2.5 exposures on population mortality in Massachusetts, United States, for the years 2000-2008. METHODS All deaths were geocoded. We performed two separate analyses: a time-series analysis (for short-term exposure) where counts in each geographic grid cell were regressed against cell-specific short-term PM2.5 exposure, temperature, socioeconomic data, lung cancer rates (as a surrogate for smoking), and a spline of time (to control for season and trends). In addition, for long-term exposure, we performed a relative incidence analysis using two long-term exposure metrics: regional 10 × 10 km PM2.5 predictions and local deviations from the cell average based on land use within 50 m of the residence. We tested whether these predicted the proportion of deaths from PM-related causes (cardiovascular and respiratory diseases). RESULTS For short-term exposure, we found that for every 10-µg/m increase in PM 2.5 exposure there was a 2.8% increase in PM-related mortality (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.0-3.5). For the long-term exposure at the grid cell level, we found an odds ratio (OR) for every 10-µg/m increase in long-term PM2.5 exposure of 1.6 (CI = 1.5-1.8) for particle-related diseases. Local PM2.5 had an OR of 1.4 (CI = 1.3-1.5), which was independent of and additive to the grid cell effect. CONCLUSIONS We have developed a novel PM2.5 exposure model based on remote sensing data to assess both short- and long-term human exposures. Our approach allows us to gain spatial resolution in acute effects and an assessment of long-term effects in the entire population rather than a selective sample from urban locations.
Collapse
|
21
|
|
22
|
Vu VH, Le XQ, Pham NH, Hens L. Application of GIS and modelling in health risk assessment for urban road mobility. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 20:5138-49. [PMID: 23354617 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-013-1492-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2012] [Accepted: 01/14/2013] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Transport is an essential sector in modern societies. It connects economic sectors and industries. Next to its contribution to economic development and social interconnection, it also causes adverse impacts on the environment and results in health hazards. Transport is a major source of ground air pollution, especially in urban areas, and therefore contributes to the health problems, such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, cancer and physical injuries. This paper presents the results of a health risk assessment that quantifies the mortality and the diseases associated with particulate matter pollution resulting from urban road transport in Haiphong City, Vietnam. The focus is on the integration of modelling and geographic information system approaches in the exposure analysis to increase the accuracy of the assessment and to produce timely and consistent assessment results. The modelling was done to estimate traffic conditions and concentrations of particulate matters based on geo-referenced data. The study shows that health burdens due to particulate matter in Haiphong include 1,200 extra deaths for the situation in 2007. This figure can double by 2020 as the result of the fast economic development the city pursues. In addition, 51,000 extra hospital admissions and more than 850,000 restricted activity days are expected by 2020.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Van-Hieu Vu
- Department of Human Ecology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
|
24
|
|
25
|
Correia AW, Pope CA, Dockery DW, Wang Y, Ezzati M, Dominici F. Effect of air pollution control on life expectancy in the United States: an analysis of 545 U.S. counties for the period from 2000 to 2007. Epidemiology 2013; 24:23-31. [PMID: 23211349 PMCID: PMC3521092 DOI: 10.1097/ede.0b013e3182770237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years (2000-2007), ambient levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) have continued to decline as a result of interventions, but the decline has been at a slower rate than previous years (1980-2000). Whether these more recent and slower declines of PM2.5 levels continue to improve life expectancy and whether they benefit all populations equally is unknown. METHODS We assembled a data set for 545 U.S. counties consisting of yearly county-specific average PM2.5, yearly county-specific life expectancy, and several potentially confounding variables measuring socioeconomic status, smoking prevalence, and demographic characteristics for the years 2000 and 2007. We used regression models to estimate the association between reductions in PM2.5 and changes in life expectancy for the period from 2000 to 2007. RESULTS A decrease of 10 μg/m in the concentration of PM2.5 was associated with an increase in mean life expectancy of 0.35 years (SD = 0.16 years, P = 0.033). This association was stronger in more urban and densely populated counties. CONCLUSIONS Reductions in PM2.5 were associated with improvements in life expectancy for the period from 2000 to 2007. Air pollution control in the last decade has continued to have a positive impact on public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew W. Correia
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, 655 Huntington Avenue, HSPH Building 2, 4 Floor, Boston, MA 02115
| | - C. Arden Pope
- Department of Economics, Brigham Young University, 142 Faculty Office Building, Provo, UT 84602
| | - Douglas W. Dockery
- Departments of Environmental Health and Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, 655 Huntington Avenue, HSPH Building 1, 1301B, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Yun Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, 655 Huntington Avenue, HSPH Building 2, 4 Floor, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Majid Ezzati
- MRC-HPA Centre for Environment and Health and Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, St Mary’s Campus, London W2 1PG
| | - Francesca Dominici
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, 655 Huntington Avenue, HSPH Building 2, 4 Floor, Boston, MA 02115, , P: (617) 432-1056; F: (617)-739-1781
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Distributed lag associations between respiratory illnesses and mortality with suspended particle concentration in Tula, a highly polluted industrial region in Central Mexico. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2012; 86:321-32. [PMID: 22484788 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-012-0768-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2011] [Accepted: 03/22/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to evaluate the association between changes in airborne particulate matter concentration (PM) with changes in cases of mortality, acute respiratory infections (ARI) and asthma over 2004-2008 in an industrialized and polluted region in central Mexico. METHODS A generalized linear model with a Poisson distribution and a negative binomial analysis was used to evaluate the influence of PM and temperature on all-cause mortality (All-cause-M), cause-specific mortality (Cause-specific-M), ARI and asthma, using cubic spline functions and distributed lags of PM. Estimated changes in relative risk were calculated for an exposure corresponding to each increase of 10 μg/m(3) in PM level. RESULTS Associations between PM and mortality and morbidity were statistically most consistent for total suspended particulate (TSP) than for particulate matter <10 μM aerodynamic diameter (PM10). The greatest effects in mortality were observed with a 3-week lag, and effects were greater for Cause-specific-M. We also found a displacement effect up to 4-week lag for Cause-specific-M and TSP. The greatest effects in morbidity were observed at 0-week lag, yet they were statistically marginal and were greater for asthma. We found a displacement effect at 4-5-6-week lag for asthma and TSP. All associations of mortality and morbidity, expressed as change in relative risk, were greater with PM10; however, all of them were statistically marginal. CONCLUSIONS Increased respiratory morbidity and mortality is associated with weekly changes of PM air pollution in the region. A reduction in air pollutants from industrial sources would benefit life quality and health of the exposed population.
Collapse
|
27
|
Losonczy G. Small (<2.5 micron) particulate matter concentration of ambient air and early death in Hungary. Orv Hetil 2012; 153:285-8. [DOI: 10.1556/oh.2012.29315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The small (<2.5 micron) particulate matter concentration of ambient air is constantly measured and estimated over Europe, based on the recommendations of the WHO and the Council of Europe. Concentration of small size particulate matter has been found to be very high in Central and Eastern Europe, including central and eastern regions of Hungary. Epidemiologic evidence indicates strong direct correlation between small size particulate matter pollution and incidences of cardiopulmonary disease and lung cancer. As compared to Slovakia or the Czech Republic and after correction for population size, Hungary has the highest number of years of life lost due to small size particulate matter pollution related cardiopulmonary disease and lung cancer. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 285–288.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- György Losonczy
- Semmelweis Egyetem, Általános Orvostudományi Kar Pulmonológiai Klinika Budapest Diósárok út 1/C 1125
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Greven S, Dominici F, Zeger S. An Approach to the Estimation of Chronic Air Pollution Effects Using Spatio-Temporal Information. J Am Stat Assoc 2012; 106:396-406. [PMID: 28751799 PMCID: PMC5525028 DOI: 10.1198/jasa.2011.ap09392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
There is substantial observational evidence that long-term exposure to particulate air pollution is associated with premature death in urban populations. Estimates of the magnitude of these effects derive largely from cross-sectional comparisons of adjusted mortality rates among cities with varying pollution levels. Such estimates are potentially confounded by other differences among the populations correlated with air pollution, for example, socioeconomic factors. An alternative approach is to study covariation of particulate matter and mortality across time within a city, as has been done in investigations of short-term exposures. In either event, observational studies like these are subject to confounding by unmeasured variables. Therefore the ability to detect such confounding and to derive estimates less affected by confounding are a high priority. In this article, we describe and apply a method of decomposing the exposure variable into components with variation at distinct temporal, spatial, and time by space scales, here focusing on the components involving time. Starting from a proportional hazard model, we derive a Poisson regression model and estimate two regression coefficients: the "global" coefficient that measures the association between national trends in pollution and mortality; and the "local" coefficient, derived from space by time variation, that measures the association between location-specific trends in pollution and mortality adjusted by the national trends. Absent unmeasured confounders and given valid model assumptions, the scale-specific coefficients should be similar; substantial differences in these coefficients constitute a basis for questioning the model. We derive a backfitting algorithm to fit our model to very large spatio-temporal datasets. We apply our methods to the Medicare Cohort Air Pollution Study (MCAPS), which includes individual-level information on time of death and age on a population of 18.2 million for the period 2000-2006. Results based on the global coefficient indicate a large increase in the national life expectancy for reductions in the yearly national average of PM2.5. However, this coefficient based on national trends in PM2.5 and mortality is likely to be confounded by other variables trending on the national level. Confounding of the local coefficient by unmeasured factors is less likely, although it cannot be ruled out. Based on the local coefficient alone, we are not able to demonstrate any change in life expectancy for a reduction in PM2.5. We use additional survey data available for a subset of the data to investigate sensitivity of results to the inclusion of additional covariates, but both coefficients remain largely unchanged.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Greven
- Emmy Noether Junior Research Group Leader, Department of Statistics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Francesca Dominici
- Professor, Department of Biostatistics, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Scott Zeger
- Professor, Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Marzouk M, Madany M. Health effects associated with passenger vehicles: monetary values of air pollution. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2012; 67:145-154. [PMID: 22845727 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2011.598889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution is regarded as one of the highest priorities in environmental protection in both developed and developing countries. High levels of air pollution have adverse effects on human health that might cause premature death. This study presents the monetary value estimates for the adverse human health effects resulted from ambient air pollution. It aids decision makers to set priorities in the public health relevance of pollution abatement. The main driver of policymaker is the need to reduce the avoidable cardiopulmonary morbidity and mortality from pollutant exposures. The monetary valuation involves 2 steps: (i) relate levels of pollutants to mortality and morbidity (concentration-response relationships) and (ii) apply unit economic values. Cost of air pollution associated with passenger vehicles running over a major traffic bridge (6th of October Elevated Highway) is presented as a case study to demonstrate the use of monetary value of air pollution. The study proves that the cost of air pollution is extremely high and should not be overlooked.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Marzouk
- Structural Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University, Giza, Eygpt. mm
| | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Abstract
In this paper, some nonlinear mathematical models are proposed and analyzed to study the spread of asthma due to inhaled pollutants from Industry. The following two types of demographics are considered here; (i) population with constant immigration, (ii) population with logistic growth. In each type of demography, the following three cases have been considered regarding the release of pollutant into the environment; (i) when emission of the pollutant into the environment is constant, (ii) when emission of the pollutant is population dependent, and (iii) when emission of the pollutant is periodic. Using stability theory of differential equations and computer simulation, it is shown that due to an increase in the air pollutant, the asthmatic (diseased) population increases in the region under consideration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- MINI GHOSH
- Department of Mathematics, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, Kanpur 208016, India
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Huang CH, Lin LY, Tsai MS, Hsu CY, Chen HW, Wang TD, Chang WT, Cheng TJ, Chen WJ. Acute cardiac dysfunction after short-term diesel exhaust particles exposure. Toxicol Lett 2010; 192:349-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2009.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2009] [Revised: 11/03/2009] [Accepted: 11/04/2009] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
|
32
|
|
33
|
Kumar N, Foster AD. Air quality interventions and spatial dynamics of air pollution in Delhi and its surroundings. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 4:85-111. [PMID: 23105916 DOI: 10.1504/ijewm.2009.026886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The paper examines the spatial distribution of air pollution in response to recent air quality regulations in Delhi, India. Air pollution was monitored at 113 sites spread across Delhi and its surrounding areas from July-December 2003. From the analysis of these data three important findings emerge. First, air pollution levels in Delhi and its surroundings were significantly higher than that recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Second, air quality regulations in the city adversely affected the air quality of the areas surrounding Delhi. Third, industries and trucks were identified as the major contributors of both fine and coarse particles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naresh Kumar
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Miami, FL 33136
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Abstract
In the 1980's it was generally felt that particulate air pollution concentrations in the United States were not a hazard to the public health. However, in the early 1990's the application of econometric time-series studies and prospective cohort studies suggested increased mortality associated with acute (daily) and chronic (decades) exposures to particulate air pollution commonly observed in the developed world. The epidemiologic evidence was not supported by evidence of causal associations from other disciplines. Nevertheless, the EPA moved to tighten controls on fine particulate air pollution. The debate over the science was played out in public hearings and the courts. The experience provides lessons on the use of epidemiologic data in setting public policy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Douglas W Dockery
- Departments of Environmental Health and Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Liang WM, Wei HY, Kuo HW. Association between daily mortality from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and air pollution in Taiwan. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2009; 109:51-8. [PMID: 19027107 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2008.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2007] [Revised: 09/24/2008] [Accepted: 10/01/2008] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many studies have investigated the effects of air pollutants on disease and mortality. However, the results remain inconsistent and inconclusive. We thought that the impact of different seasons or ages of people may explain these differences. METHODS Measurement of the five pollutants (particulate matter <10 microm in aerodynamic diameter (PM(10)), SO(2), NO(2), O(3), and CO) was monitored by automated measuring units at five different stations. Monitoring stations were provided by the Taiwan Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from 1997 to 1999. The subjects in the study were classified in two groups: those 65 years of age and older, and those of all ages (including the subjects in the > or =65 group). Data on daily mortality caused by respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, and all other causes including the two aforementioned was collected by the Taiwan Department of Health (DOH). A time-series regression model was used to analyze the relative risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases due to air pollution in the summer and winter seasons. RESULTS Risk of death from all causes and mortality from cardiovascular diseases during winter was significantly positively correlated with levels of SO(2), CO, and NO(2) for both groups of subjects and additionally with PM(10) for the elderly (> or =65 years old) group. There were significant positive correlations with respiratory diseases and levels of O(3) for both groups. However, the only significant positive correlation was with O(3) (RR=1.283) for the elderly group during summer. No other parameters showed significance for either group. CONCLUSION Our findings contribute to the evidence of an association between SO(2), CO, NO(2), and PM(10) and mortality from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, especially among elderly people during the winter season.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Miin Liang
- Institute of Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Thurston GD, Bekkedal MYV, Roberts EM, Ito K, Pope CA, Glenn BS, Ozkaynak H, Utell MJ. Use of health information in air pollution health research: past successes and emerging needs. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2009; 19:45-58. [PMID: 18781194 DOI: 10.1038/jes.2008.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2007] [Accepted: 06/19/2008] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
In September 2006, the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) co-organized a symposium on "Air Pollution Exposure and Health." The main objective of this symposium was to identify opportunities for improving the use of exposure and health information in future studies of air pollution health effects. This paper deals with the health information needs of such studies. We begin with a selected review of different types of health data and how they were used in previous epidemiologic studies of health effects of ambient particulate matter (PM). We then examine the current and emerging information needs of the environmental health community, dealing with PM and other air pollutants of health concern. We conclude that the past use of routinely collected health data proved to be essential for activities to protect public health, including the identification and evaluation of health hazards by air pollution research, setting standards for criteria pollutants, surveillance of health outcomes to identify incidence trends, and the more recent CDC environmental public health tracking program. Unfortunately, access to vital statistics records that have informed such pivotal research has recently been curtailed sharply, threatening the continuation of the type of research necessary to support future standard setting and research on emerging exposure and health problems (e.g. asthma, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and others), as well as our ability to evaluate the efficacy of regulatory and other prevention activities. A comprehensive devoted effort, perhaps new legislation, will be needed to address the standardization, centralization, and sharing of data sets, as well as to harmonize the interpretation of confidentiality and privacy protections across jurisdictions. These actions, combined with assuring researchers and public health practitioners appropriate access to data for evaluation of environmental risks, will be essential for the achievement of our environmental health protection goals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George D Thurston
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, Tuxedo Park, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Brüske-Hohlfeld I, Preissler G, Jauch KW, Pitz M, Nowak D, Peters A, Wichmann HE. Surgical smoke and ultrafine particles. J Occup Med Toxicol 2008; 3:31. [PMID: 19055750 PMCID: PMC2621226 DOI: 10.1186/1745-6673-3-31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2008] [Accepted: 12/03/2008] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Electrocautery, laser tissue ablation, and ultrasonic scalpel tissue dissection all generate a 'surgical smoke' containing ultrafine (<100 nm) and accumulation mode particles (< 1 μm). Epidemiological and toxicological studies have shown that exposure to particulate air pollution is associated with adverse cardiovascular and respiratory health effects. Methods To measure the amount of generated particulates in 'surgical smoke' during different surgical procedures and to quantify the particle number concentration for operation room personnel a condensation particle counter (CPC, model 3007, TSI Inc.) was applied. Results Electro-cauterization and argon plasma tissue coagulation induced the production of very high number concentration (> 100000 cm-3) of particles in the diameter range of 10 nm to 1 μm. The peak concentration was confined to the immediate local surrounding of the production side. In the presence of a very efficient air conditioning system the increment and decrement of ultrafine particle occurrence was a matter of seconds, with accumulation of lower particle number concentrations in the operation room for only a few minutes. Conclusion Our investigation showed a short term very high exposure to ultrafine particles for surgeons and close assisting operating personnel – alternating with longer periods of low exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irene Brüske-Hohlfeld
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Gerhard Preissler
- Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Klinikum Grosshadern, Department of Surgery, München, Germany
| | - Karl-Walter Jauch
- Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Klinikum Grosshadern, Department of Surgery, München, Germany
| | - Mike Pitz
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Neuherberg, Germany.,University of Augsburg, Center for Science and Environment, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Dennis Nowak
- Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, München, Germany
| | - Annette Peters
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - H-Erich Wichmann
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Neuherberg, Germany.,IBE (Chair of Epidemiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University) München, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Saldarriaga H, Villalobos R, Solano G, Amador O, Gaspariano R, Palma R, Munive Z. ALIPHATIC, POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS AND NITRATED-POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS IN PM10IN SOUTHWESTERN MEXICO CITY. Polycycl Aromat Compd 2008. [DOI: 10.1080/10406630802373822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
39
|
Yang W, Omaye ST. Air pollutants, oxidative stress and human health. Mutat Res 2008; 674:45-54. [PMID: 19013537 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2008.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2008] [Accepted: 10/15/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Air pollutants have, and continue to be, major contributing factors to chronic diseases and mortality, subsequently impacting public health. Chronic diseases include: chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), cardiovascular diseases (CVD), asthma, and cancer. Byproducts of oxidative stress found in air pollutants are common initiators or promoters of the damage produced in such chronic diseases. Such air pollutants include: ozone, sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. Interaction between oxidative stress byproducts and certain genes within our population may modulate the expression of specific chronic diseases. In this brief review we attempt to provide some insight into what we currently know about the health problems associated with various air pollutants and their relationship in promoting chronic diseases through changes in oxidative stress and modulation of gene expression. Such insight eventually may direct the means for effective public health prevention and treatment of diseases associated with air pollution and treatment of diseases associated with air pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yang
- School of Community Health Sciences and Environmental Sciences Graduate Program, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Peter A. Valberg Ann Y. Watson. ALTERNATIVE HYPOTHESES LINKING OUTDOOR PARTICULATE MATTER WITH DAILY MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY. Inhal Toxicol 2008. [DOI: 10.1080/089583798197493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
|
41
|
Moolgavkar SH, Luebeck EC, Hall TA, Anderson EL. Particulate Air Pollution, Sulfur Dioxide, and Daily Mortality: A Reanalysis of the Steubenville Data. Inhal Toxicol 2008. [DOI: 10.3109/08958379509014269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
42
|
Kinney PL, Ito K, Thurston GD. A Sensitivity Analysis of Mortality/Pm-10 Associations in Los Angeles. Inhal Toxicol 2008. [DOI: 10.3109/08958379509014271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
43
|
Pope CA, Dockery DW, Schwartz J. Review of Epidemiological Evidence of Health Effects of Particulate Air Pollution. Inhal Toxicol 2008. [DOI: 10.3109/08958379509014267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 477] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
44
|
Ito K, Kinney PL, Thurston GD. Variations in PM-10 Concentrations Within two Metropolitan Areas and Their Implications for Health Effects Analyses. Inhal Toxicol 2008. [DOI: 10.3109/08958379509014477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
45
|
Poster Abstracts. Inhal Toxicol 2008. [DOI: 10.3109/08958379509014485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
46
|
Lyon JL, Mori M, Gao R. Is There a causal Association Between Excess Mortality and Exposure to PM-10 air Pollution? Additional Analyses by Location, year, Season, and Cause of Death. Inhal Toxicol 2008. [DOI: 10.3109/08958379509014468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
47
|
Li Y, Roth HD. Daily Mortality Analysis by Using Different Regression Models in Philadelphia County, 1973–1990. Inhal Toxicol 2008. [DOI: 10.3109/08958379509014270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
48
|
Bell ML, Davis DL, Cifuentes LA, Krupnick AJ, Morgenstern RD, Thurston GD. Ancillary human health benefits of improved air quality resulting from climate change mitigation. Environ Health 2008; 7:41. [PMID: 18671873 PMCID: PMC2519068 DOI: 10.1186/1476-069x-7-41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2008] [Accepted: 07/31/2008] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation policies can provide ancillary benefits in terms of short-term improvements in air quality and associated health benefits. Several studies have analyzed the ancillary impacts of GHG policies for a variety of locations, pollutants, and policies. In this paper we review the existing evidence on ancillary health benefits relating to air pollution from various GHG strategies and provide a framework for such analysis. METHODS We evaluate techniques used in different stages of such research for estimation of: (1) changes in air pollutant concentrations; (2) avoided adverse health endpoints; and (3) economic valuation of health consequences. The limitations and merits of various methods are examined. Finally, we conclude with recommendations for ancillary benefits analysis and related research gaps in the relevant disciplines. RESULTS We found that to date most assessments have focused their analysis more heavily on one aspect of the framework (e.g., economic analysis). While a wide range of methods was applied to various policies and regions, results from multiple studies provide strong evidence that the short-term public health and economic benefits of ancillary benefits related to GHG mitigation strategies are substantial. Further, results of these analyses are likely to be underestimates because there are a number of important unquantified health and economic endpoints. CONCLUSION Remaining challenges include integrating the understanding of the relative toxicity of particulate matter by components or sources, developing better estimates of public health and environmental impacts on selected sub-populations, and devising new methods for evaluating heretofore unquantified and non-monetized benefits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L Bell
- School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Devra L Davis
- Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, CNPAV 435, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Luis A Cifuentes
- Industrial and Systems Engineering Department, P. Catholic University of Chile, Engineering School, Santiago, Chile
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
The potential impact of climate change on annual and seasonal mortality for three cities in Québec, Canada. Int J Health Geogr 2008; 7:23. [PMID: 18498630 PMCID: PMC2410102 DOI: 10.1186/1476-072x-7-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2008] [Accepted: 05/22/2008] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of climate change and particularly increasing temperature on mortality has been examined for three cities in the province of Québec, Canada. METHODS Generalized linear Poisson regression has been fitted to the total daily mortality for each city. Smooth parametric cubic splines of temperature and humidity have been used to do nonlinear modeling of these parameters. The model, to control for day of the week and for non-temperature seasonal factors, used a smooth function of time, including delayed effects. The model was then used to assess variation in mortality for simulated future temperatures obtained from an atmospheric General Circulation Model coupled with downscaling regression techniques. Two CO2 emission scenarios are considered (scenarios A2 and B2). Projections are made for future periods around year 2020 (2010-2039), 2050 (2040-2069) and 2080 (2070-2099). RESULTS A significant association between mortality and current temperature has been found for the three cities. Under CO2 emission scenarios A2 and B2, the mortality model predicts a significant increase in mortality in the summertime, and a smaller, but significant decrease in the fall season. The slight variations in projected mortality for future winter and spring seasons were found to be not statistically significant. The variations in projected annual mortality are dominated by an increase in mortality in the summer, which is not balanced by the decrease in mortality in the fall and winter seasons. The summer increase and the annual mortality range respectively from about 2% and 0.5% for the 2020 period, to 10% and 3% for the years around 2080. The difference between the mortality variations projected with the A2 or B2 scenarios was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION For the three cities, the two CO2 emission scenarios considered led to an increase in annual mortality, which contrasts with most European countries, where the projected increase in summer mortality with respect to climate change is overbalanced by the decrease in winter mortality. This highlights the importance of place in such analyses. The method proposed here to establish these estimates is general and can also be applied to small cities, where mortality rates are relatively low (ex. two deaths/day).
Collapse
|
50
|
Arantes-Costa FM, Lopes FDTQS, Toledo AC, Magliarelli-Filho PA, Moriya HT, Carvalho-Oliveira R, Mauad T, Saldiva PHN, Martins MA. Effects of residual oil fly ash (ROFA) in mice with chronic allergic pulmonary inflammation. Toxicol Pathol 2008; 36:680-6. [PMID: 18477768 DOI: 10.1177/0192623308317427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to particulate matter (PM) air pollution is associated with increased asthma morbidity. Residual oil flash ash (ROFA) is rich in water-soluble transition metals, which are involved in the pathological effects of PM. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of intranasal administration of ROFA on pulmonary inflammation, pulmonary responsiveness, and excess mucus production in a mouse model of chronic pulmonary allergic inflammation. BALB/c mice received intraperitoneal injections of ovalbumin (OVA) solution (days 1 and 14). OVA challenges were performed on days 22, 24, 26, and 28. After the challenge, mice were intranasally instilled with ROFA. After forty-eight hours, pulmonary responsiveness was performed. Mice were sacrificed, and lungs were removed for morphometric analysis. OVA-exposed mice presented eosinophilia in the bronchovascular space (p < .001), increased pulmonary responsiveness (p < .001), and epithelial remodeling (p = .003). ROFA instillation increased pulmonary responsiveness (p = .004) and decreased the area of ciliated cells in the airway epithelium (p = .006). The combined ROFA instillation and OVA exposure induced a further increase in values of pulmonary responsiveness (p = .043) and a decrease in the number of ciliated cells in the airway epithelium (p = .017). PM exposure results in pulmonary effects that are more intense in mice with chronic allergic pulmonary inflammation.
Collapse
|