1
|
The Impact of COVID-19 Related Changes on Air Quality in Birmingham, Alabama, United States. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19063168. [PMID: 35328857 PMCID: PMC8951610 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Air pollution is responsible for a wide range of health effects in exposed populations. Variations in local air pollution can affect local population health outcomes. The strict regulations imposed during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic ('lockdowns') resulted in a unique situation where human mobility was limited significantly, resulting in improved air quality in several major cities. The main goal of this study was to investigate if lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted air quality in Birmingham, Alabama-a city with a history of high air pollution levels-with a focus on PM2.5 (Particulate Matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 µm) and NO2 (Nitrogen dioxide). Daily air pollutant and traffic data were obtained for the Birmingham Metropolitan Area for the period January to October 2020, and previous years. Mean PM2.5 and NO2 concentrations and traffic volumes during the official city/state lockdown period (24 March to 30 April 2020) were compared to pre- and post-lockdown means. The mean PM2.5 and NO2 concentrations during the lockdown did not significantly differ from that of the pre- or post-lockdown periods. However, NO2 significantly decreased even after the lockdown order was removed, with the mean decreasing significantly compared to pre-lockdown and lockdown periods. Both PM2.5 and NO2 annual means in 2020 were significantly lower than the annual means in 2019, indicating the occurrence of significant changes over the longer term that were not limited by defined lockdown periods. Traffic significantly increased after the lockdown order was removed but did not correlate with the two pollutants studied. Therefore, we conclude that the Stay at Home/lockdown regulations and other COVID-19 restrictions had an impact on the air quality of Birmingham Alabama; although these lockdown impacts varied for each pollutant and were not limited only by the official lockdown dates/periods.
Collapse
|
2
|
Liu Y, Han X, Cui X, Zhao X, Zhao X, Zheng H, Zhang B, Ren X. Association Between Air Pollutants and Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Time Stratified Case-Crossover Design With a Distributed Lag Nonlinear Model. GEOHEALTH 2022; 6:e2021GH000529. [PMID: 35128294 PMCID: PMC8802523 DOI: 10.1029/2021gh000529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Acute exacerbation of chronic obstruction pulmonary disease (AECOPD) as a respiratory disease, is considered to be related to air pollution by more and more studies. However, the evidence on how air pollution affect the incidence of AECOPD and whether there are population differences is still insufficient. Therefore, we select PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NO2, CO, and O3 as representatives combined with daily AECOPD admission data from 1 January 2015 to 26 June 2016 in the rural areas of Qingyang, northwestern China to explore the associations of air pollution with AECOPD. Based on a time-stratified case-crossover design, we constructed a distributed lag nonlinear model to qualify the single and cumulative lagged effects of air pollution on AECOPD. Stratified related risks by sex and age were also reported. The cumulative exposure-response curves were approximately linear for PM2.5, "V"-shaped for PM10, "U"-shaped for NO2 and inverted-"V" for SO2, CO and O3. Exposure to high-PM2.5 (42 μg/m3), high-PM10 (91 μg/m3), high-SO2 (58 μg/m3), low-NO2 (12 μg/m3), and high-CO (1.55 mg/m3) increased the risk of AECOPD. Females aged 15-64 were more susceptible under extreme concentrations of PM2.5, SO2, CO, and low-PM10 than other subgroups. In addition, adults aged 15-64 were more sensitive to extreme concentrations of NO2 compared with the elderly ≥65 years old, while the latter were more sensitive to high-PM10. High-SO2, high-NO2, and extreme concentrations of PM2.5 had the greatest effects on the day of exposure, while low-SO2 and low-CO had lagged effects on AECOPD. Precautionary measures should be taken with a focus on vulnerable subgroups, to control hospitalization for AECOPD associated with air pollutants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanchen Liu
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health StatisticsSchool of Public HealthLanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
| | - Xiaoli Han
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health StatisticsSchool of Public HealthLanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
- Administration Department of Nosocomial InfectionAffiliated Hospital of Gansu Medical CollegePingliangChina
| | - Xudong Cui
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health StatisticsSchool of Public HealthLanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
| | - Xiangkai Zhao
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health StatisticsSchool of Public HealthLanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
| | - Xin Zhao
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health StatisticsSchool of Public HealthLanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
| | - Hongmiao Zheng
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health StatisticsSchool of Public HealthLanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
| | - Benzhong Zhang
- Institute of Occupational and Environmental HygieneSchool of Public HealthLanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
| | - Xiaowei Ren
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health StatisticsSchool of Public HealthLanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
- Now at Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsSchool of Public HealthLanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
County-Wide Mortality Assessments Attributable to PM2.5 Emissions from Coal Consumption in Taiwan. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031599. [PMID: 35162624 PMCID: PMC8835574 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Over one-third of energy is generated from coal consumption in Taiwan. In order to estimate the health impact assessment attributable to PM2.5 concentrations emitted from coal consumption in Taiwan. We applied a Gaussian trajectory transfer-coefficient model to obtain county-wide PM2.5 exposures from coal consumption, which includes coal-fired power plants and combined heat and power plants. Next, we calculated the mortality burden attributable to PM2.5 emitted by coal consumption using the comparative risk assessment framework developed by the Global Burden of Disease study. Based on county-level data, the average PM2.5 emissions from coal-fired plants in Taiwan was estimated at 2.03 ± 1.29 (range: 0.32–5.64) μg/m3. With PM2.5 increments greater than 0.1 μg/m3, there were as many as 16 counties and 66 air quality monitoring stations affected by coal-fired plants and 6 counties and 18 monitoring stations affected by combined heat and power plants. The maximum distances affected by coal-fired and combined heat and power plants were 272 km and 157 km, respectively. Our findings show that more counties were affected by coal-fired plants than by combined heat and power plants with significant increments of PM2.5 emissions. We estimated that 359.6 (95% CI: 334.8–384.9) annual adult deaths and 124.4 (95% CI: 116.4–132.3) annual premature deaths were attributable to PM2.5 emitted by coal-fired plants in Taiwan. Even in six counties without power plants, there were 75.8 (95% CI: 60.1–91.5) deaths and 25.8 (95%CI: 20.7–30.9) premature deaths annually attributable to PM2.5 emitted from neighboring coal-fired plants. This study presents a precise and effective integrated approach for assessing air pollution and the health impacts of coal-fired and combined heat and power plants.
Collapse
|
4
|
Air Pollution and Mortality in the Elderly in Kerman, Iran. HEALTH SCOPE 2021. [DOI: 10.5812/jhealthscope.105567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Today, air pollution is a major issue in the world, particularly in metropolitan areas. Objectives: Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the relation between air pollution and mortality in the elderly in Kerman City. Methods: This ecological study was conducted using 2006 - 2013 mortality data inquired from the Deputy of Health of Kerman University of Medical Sciences. The data on cardiovascular and respiratory mortality, as well as death due to trauma, diabetes, and other diseases that happened in men and women aged 60 and higher were extracted. Air pollution data (CO, SO2, O3, NO, NO2, NOx, and PM10) for the same time frame were inquired from the Environmental Protection Agency of Kerman Province. Negative binomial regression was used to evaluate the relation between air pollutants and mortality using STATA13 software. Results: During the study period, a total of 14,793 deaths occurred in elderly men and women in Kerman City. Cardiovascular diseases were the leading cause of death. The results of multivariate analysis of air pollutants indicated that NO was directly and significantly related to the total number of deaths in the elderly, and increase in sulfur dioxide, ozone and NO was significantly related to increased mortality among elderly women. Carbon monoxide was significantly related to cardiovascular death of the elderly. But air pollutants did not show any significant effect on respiratory-, trauma-, and diabetes-related deaths. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that there is a significant relation between air pollution and mortality in the elderly. Accordingly, a warning system is suggested to reduce the elderly’s commuting on highly air polluted days.
Collapse
|
5
|
Forastiere L, Carugno M, Baccini M. Assessing short-term impact of PM 10 on mortality using a semiparametric generalized propensity score approach. Environ Health 2020; 19:46. [PMID: 32357874 PMCID: PMC7193397 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-020-00599-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The shape of the exposure-response curve describing the effects of air pollution on population health has crucial regulatory implications, and it is important in assessing causal impacts of hypothetical policies of air pollution reduction. METHODS After having reformulated the problem of assessing the short-term impact of air pollution on health within the potential outcome approach to causal inference, we developed a method based on the generalized propensity score (GPS) to estimate the average dose-response function (aDRF) and quantify attributable deaths under different counterfactual scenarios of air pollution reduction. We applied the proposed approach to assess the impact of airborne particles with a diameter less than or equal to 10 μm (PM10) on deaths from natural, cardiovascular and respiratory causes in the city of Milan, Italy (2003-2006). RESULTS As opposed to what is commonly assumed, the estimated aDRFs were not linear, being steeper for low-moderate values of exposure. In the case of natural mortality, the curve became flatter for higher levels; this behavior was less pronounced for cause-specific mortality. The effect was larger in days characterized by higher temperature. According to the curves, we estimated that a hypothetical intervention able to set the daily exposure levels exceeding 40 μg/m3 to exactly 40 would have avoided 1157 deaths (90%CI: 689, 1645) in the whole study period, 312 of which for respiratory causes and 771 for cardiovascular causes. These impacts were higher than those obtained previously from regression-based methods. CONCLUSION This novel method based on the GPS allowed estimating the average dose-response function and calculating attributable deaths, without requiring strong assumptions about the shape of the relationship. Its potential as a tool for investigating effect modification by temperature and its use in other environmental epidemiology contexts deserve further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Forastiere
- Department of Statistics, Computer Science, Applications, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 59, Florence, 50134 Italy
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT US
| | - Michele Carugno
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan and Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Baccini
- Department of Statistics, Computer Science, Applications, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 59, Florence, 50134 Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fan M, He G, Zhou M. The winter choke: Coal-Fired heating, air pollution, and mortality in China. JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS 2020; 71:102316. [PMID: 32179329 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2020.102316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
China's coal-fired winter heating systems generate large amounts of hazardous emissions that significantly deteriorate air quality. Exploiting regression discontinuity designs based on the exact starting dates of winter heating across different cities, we estimate the contemporaneous impact of winter heating on air pollution and health. We find that turning on the winter heating system increased the weekly Air Quality Index by 36% and caused 14% increase in mortality rate. This implies that a 10-point increase in the weekly Air Quality Index causes a 2.2% increase in overall mortality. People in poor and rural areas are particularly affected by the rapid deterioration in air quality; this implies that the health impact of air pollution may be mitigated by improved socio-economic conditions. Exploratory cost-benefit analysis suggests that replacing coal with natural gas for heating can improve social welfare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maoyong Fan
- Department of Economics, Ball Sate University, Muncie, IN 47306, United States.
| | - Guojun He
- Division of Social Science, Division of Environment and Sustainability, and Department of Economics, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, HK, China.
| | - Maigeng Zhou
- National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chio CP, Lo WC, Tsuang BJ, Hu CC, Ku KC, Chen YJ, Lin HH, Chan CC. Health impact assessment of PM 2.5 from a planned coal-fired power plant in Taiwan. J Formos Med Assoc 2019; 118:1494-1503. [PMID: 31495542 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2019.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the impact of a planned coal-fired power plant (CFPPT) in Shenao on air quality and health at subnational levels in Taiwan. METHODS We applied the Gaussian trajectory transfer-coefficient (GTx) model to estimate annual average PM2.5 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm) increments in 19 Taiwanese cities and counties caused by CFPPT operation. A population health risk assessment was performed by incorporating evidence of the health effects of PM2.5 provided by prospective studies and estimating long-term PM2.5 exposure. Additionally, we considered ischemic heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and chronic obstruct pulmonary disease as the primary outcomes. The population-attributable fraction was used to estimate the county-level mortality burden attributable to CFPPT-generated PM2.5 in 2025. RESULTS The estimated annual PM2.5 increments ranged from 0.004 μg/m3 (Taitung County) to 0.28 μg/m3 (Hsinchu County) due to the Shenao CFPPT. The total and premature deaths attributable to PM2.5 from Shenao CFPPT operation in Taiwan during 2025-2040 would be 576 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 537-619) and 145 (95% CI: 136-155), respectively. Notably, we estimated 198 (95% CI: 169-234) deaths and 58 (95% CI: 51-66) premature deaths, respectively, in New Taipei City, which accounted for over a quarter of the total deaths. Overall, the mortality rate attributable to the Shenao CFPPT in Taiwan was 6 per 10,000. CONCLUSION A scientific approach should be adopted for assessing the impacts of CFPPT operation on population health, which can serve as a valuable policymaking reference for the government.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Pin Chio
- Innovation and Policy Center for Population Health and Sustainable Environment, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, No. 17, Xuzhou Rd, Taipei, 10055, Taiwan; Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Science, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, No. 17, Xuzhou Rd, Taipei, 10055, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Cheng Lo
- Graduate Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, No. 17, Xuzhou Rd, Taipei, 10055, Taiwan; Institute of Statistical Science, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Academia Rd., Sec. 2, Nankang, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Ben-Jei Tsuang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Innovation and Development Center of Sustainable Agriculture (IDCSA), National Chung-Hsing University, Taiwan. No. 145, Xingda Rd., Taichung, 40227, Taiwan
| | - Chieh-Chun Hu
- Graduate Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, No. 17, Xuzhou Rd, Taipei, 10055, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Chen Ku
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Innovation and Development Center of Sustainable Agriculture (IDCSA), National Chung-Hsing University, Taiwan. No. 145, Xingda Rd., Taichung, 40227, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Jen Chen
- Greenpeace East Asia, No.109, Sec. 1, Chongqing S. Rd., Taipei, 10045, Taiwan
| | - Hsien-Ho Lin
- Innovation and Policy Center for Population Health and Sustainable Environment, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, No. 17, Xuzhou Rd, Taipei, 10055, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, No. 17, Xuzhou Rd, Taipei, 10055, Taiwan.
| | - Chang-Chuan Chan
- Innovation and Policy Center for Population Health and Sustainable Environment, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, No. 17, Xuzhou Rd, Taipei, 10055, Taiwan; Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Science, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, No. 17, Xuzhou Rd, Taipei, 10055, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Vilas Boas DS, Matsuda M, Toffoletto O, Garcia MLB, Saldiva PHN, Marquezini MV. Workers of São Paulo city, Brazil, exposed to air pollution: Assessment of genotoxicity. MUTATION RESEARCH-GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2018; 834:18-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|
9
|
DuPont A. Improving and monitoring air quality. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:15253-15263. [PMID: 29667050 PMCID: PMC6668705 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-1897-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Since the authorization of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, the air quality in the USA has significantly improved because of strong public support. The lessons learned over the last 25 years are being shared with the policy analysts, technical professionals, and scientist who endeavor to improve air quality in their communities. This paper will review how the USA has achieved the "high" standard of air quality that was envisioned in the early 1990s. This document will describe SO2 gas emission reduction technology and highlight operation of emission monitoring technology. This paper describes the basic process operation of an air pollution control scrubber. A technical review of measures required to operate and maintain a large-scale pollution control system will be described. Also, the author explains how quality assurance procedures in performance of continuous emission monitoring plays a significant role in reducing air pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- André DuPont
- Environmental Engineer, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, 20460, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sofianopoulou E, Pless-Mulloli T, Rushton S, Diggle PJ. Modeling Seasonal and Spatiotemporal Variation: The Example of Respiratory Prescribing. Am J Epidemiol 2017; 186:101-108. [PMID: 28453604 PMCID: PMC5860516 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kww246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Many measures of chronic diseases, including respiratory disease, exhibit seasonal variation together with residual correlation between consecutive time periods and neighboring areas. We demonstrate a strategy for modeling data that exhibit both seasonal trend and spatiotemporal correlation, using an application to respiratory prescribing. We analyzed 55 months (2002-2006) of prescribing data from the northeast of England, in the United Kingdom. We estimated the seasonal pattern of prescribing by fitting a dynamic harmonic regression (DHR) model to salbutamol prescribing in relation to temperature. We compared the output of DHR models to static sinusoidal regression models. We used the DHR-fitted values as an offset in mixed-effects models that aimed to account for the remaining spatiotemporal variation in prescribing rates. As diagnostic checks, we assessed spatial and temporal correlation separately and jointly. Our application of a DHR model resulted in a better fit to the seasonal variation of prescribing than was obtained with a static model. After adjusting for the fitted values from the DHR model, we did not detect any remaining spatiotemporal correlation in the model's residuals. Using a DHR model and temperature data to account for the periodicity of prescribing proved to be an efficient way to capture its seasonal variation. The diagnostic procedures indicated that there was no need to model any remaining correlation explicitly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Sofianopoulou
- Correspondence to Dr. Eleni Sofianopoulou, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, 2 Worts’ Causeway, Cambridge CB1 8RN, United Kingdom (e-mail: )
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Altemose B, Robson MG, Kipen HM, Ohman Strickland P, Meng Q, Gong J, Huang W, Wang G, Rich DQ, Zhu T, Zhang J. Association of air pollution sources and aldehydes with biomarkers of blood coagulation, pulmonary inflammation, and systemic oxidative stress. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2017; 27:244-250. [PMID: 27436693 DOI: 10.1038/jes.2016.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Using data collected before, during, and after the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, this study examines associations between biomarkers of blood coagulation (vWF, sCD62P and sCD40L), pulmonary inflammation (EBC pH, EBC nitrite, and eNO), and systemic oxidative stress (urinary 8-OHdG) with sources of air pollution identified utilizing principal component analysis and with concentrations of three aldehydes of health concern. Associations between the biomarkers and the air pollution source types and aldehydes were examined using a linear mixed effects model, regressing through seven lag days and controlling for ambient temperature, relative humidity, gender, and day of week for the biomarker measurements. The biomarkers for pulmonary inflammation, particularly EBC pH and eNO, were most consistently associated with vehicle and industrial combustion, oil combustion, and vegetative burning. The biomarkers for blood coagulation, particularly vWF and sCD62p, were most consistently associated with oil combustion. Systemic oxidative stress biomarker (8-OHdG) was most consistently associated with vehicle and industrial combustion. The associations of the biomarkers were generally not significant or consistent with secondary formation of pollutants and with the aldehydes. The findings support policies to control anthropogenic pollution sources rather than natural soil or road dust from a cardio-respiratory health standpoint.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brent Altemose
- School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Mark G Robson
- School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Howard M Kipen
- Environmental and Occupational Sciences Institute (EOHSI), Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Qingyu Meng
- School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jicheng Gong
- Nicholas School of the Environment and Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Global Health Research Center, Duke Kunshan University, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Guangfa Wang
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - David Q Rich
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Tong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Junfeng Zhang
- Nicholas School of the Environment and Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Global Health Research Center, Duke Kunshan University, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
The short-term effects of air pollutants on respiratory disease mortality in Wuhan, China: comparison of time-series and case-crossover analyses. Sci Rep 2017; 7:40482. [PMID: 28084399 PMCID: PMC5234024 DOI: 10.1038/srep40482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Few studies have compared different methods when exploring the short-term effects of air pollutants on respiratory disease mortality in Wuhan, China. This study assesses the association between air pollutants and respiratory disease mortality with both time-series and time-stratified-case-crossover designs. The generalized additive model (GAM) and the conditional logistic regression model were used to assess the short-term effects of air pollutants on respiratory disease mortality. Stratified analyses were performed by age, sex, and diseases. A 10 μg/m3 increment in SO2 level was associated with an increase in relative risk for all respiratory disease mortality of 2.4% and 1.9% in the case-crossover and time-series analyses in single pollutant models, respectively. Strong evidence of an association between NO2 and daily respiratory disease mortality among men or people older than 65 years was found in the case-crossover study. There was a positive association between air pollutants and respiratory disease mortality in Wuhan, China. Both time-series and case-crossover analyses consistently reveal the association between three air pollutants and respiratory disease mortality. The estimates of association between air pollution and respiratory disease mortality from the case-crossover analysis displayed greater variation than that from the time-series analysis.
Collapse
|
13
|
Shen X, Tsui KL, Zou C, Woodall WH. Self-Starting Monitoring Scheme for Poisson Count Data With Varying Population Sizes. Technometrics 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/00401706.2015.1075423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobei Shen
- Department of Systems Engineering and Engineering Management, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kwok-Leung Tsui
- Department of Systems Engineering and Engineering Management, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Changliang Zou
- Institute of Statistics and LPMC Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Godri Pollitt KJ, Maikawa CL, Wheeler AJ, Weichenthal S, Dobbin NA, Liu L, Goldberg MS. Trace metal exposure is associated with increased exhaled nitric oxide in asthmatic children. Environ Health 2016; 15:94. [PMID: 27586245 PMCID: PMC5009709 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-016-0173-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with asthma experience increased susceptibility to airborne pollutants. Exposure to traffic and industrial activity have been positively associated with exacerbation of symptoms as well as emergency room visits and hospitalisations. The effect of trace metals contained in fine particulate matter (aerodynamic diameter 2.5 μm and lower, PM2.5) on acute health effects amongst asthmatic children has not been well investigated. The objective of this panel study in asthmatic children was to determine the association between personal daily exposure to ambient trace metals and airway inflammation, as measured by fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). METHODS Daily concentrations of trace metals contained on PM2.5 were determined from personal samples (n = 217) collected from 70 asthmatic school aged children in Montreal, Canada, over ten consecutive days. FeNO was measured daily using standard techniques. RESULTS A positive association was found between FeNO and children's exposure to an indicator of vehicular non-tailpipe emissions (8.9 % increase for an increase in the interquartile range (IQR) in barium, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 2.8, 15.4) as well as exposure to an indicator of industrial emissions (7.6 % increase per IQR increase in vanadium, 95 % CI: 0.1, 15.8). Elevated FeNO was also suggested for other metals on the day after the exposure: 10.3 % increase per IQR increase in aluminium (95 % CI: 4.2, 16.6) and 7.5 % increase per IQR increase in iron (95 % CI: 1.5, 13.9) at a 1-day lag period. CONCLUSIONS Exposures to ambient PM2.5 containing trace metals that are markers of traffic and industrial-derived emissions were associated in asthmatic children with an enhanced FeNO response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krystal J. Godri Pollitt
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, 149D Goessman Lab, 686 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003 USA
| | - Caitlin L. Maikawa
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, 149D Goessman Lab, 686 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003 USA
| | - Amanda J. Wheeler
- Health Canada, Air Health Science Division, Ottawa, ON Canada
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 23, Hobart, TAS 7000 Australia
| | - Scott Weichenthal
- Health Canada, Air Health Science Division, Ottawa, ON Canada
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Nina A. Dobbin
- Health Canada, Air Health Science Division, Ottawa, ON Canada
| | - Ling Liu
- Health Canada, Population Studies Division, Ottawa, ON Canada
| | - Mark S. Goldberg
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Acute respiratory and cardiovascular health effects of an air pollution event, January 2013, Jinan, China. Public Health 2016; 131:99-102. [DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2015.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2015] [Revised: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
16
|
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
|
17
|
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
|
18
|
Bari M, Kindzierski WB. Fifteen-year trends in criteria air pollutants in oil sands communities of Alberta, Canada. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2015; 74:200-208. [PMID: 25454237 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2014.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Revised: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 10/12/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
An investigation of ambient air quality was undertaken at three communities within the Athabasca Oil Sands Region (AOSR) of Alberta, Canada (Fort McKay, Fort McMurray, and Fort Chipewyan). Daily and seasonal patterns and 15-year trends were investigated for several criteria air pollutants over the period of 1998 to 2012. A parametric trend detection method using percentiles from frequency distributions of 1h concentrations for a pollutant during each year was used. Variables representing 50th, 65th, 80th, 90th, 95th and 98th percentile concentrations each year were identified from frequency distributions and used for trend analysis. Small increasing concentration trends were observed for nitrogen dioxide (<1ppb/year) at Fort McKay and Fort McMurray over the period consistent with increasing emissions of oxides of nitrogen (ca. 1000tons/year) from industrial developments. Emissions from all oil sands facilities appear to be contributing to the trend at Fort McKay, whereas both emissions from within the community (vehicles and commercial) and oil sands facility emissions appear to be contributing to the trend at Fort McMurray. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions from industrial developments in the AOSR were unchanged during the period (101,000±7000tons/year; mean±standard deviation) and no meaningful trends were judged to be occurring at all community stations. No meaningful trends occurred for ozone and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) at all community stations and carbon monoxide at one station in Fort McMurray. Air quality in Fort Chipewyan was much better and quite separate in terms of absence of factors influencing criteria air pollutant concentrations at the other community stations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Bari
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-57 South Academic Building, 11405-87 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 1C9.
| | - Warren B Kindzierski
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-57 South Academic Building, 11405-87 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 1C9
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Paiva RFDPDS. Morbidade hospitalar por doenças associadas à poluição do ar na cidade de Volta Redonda, Rio de Janeiro: casos e custo econômico. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1590/1414-462x201400020004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Este trabalho teve como objetivo estimar os casos de internação hospitalar por doenças respiratórias selecionadas associados aos níveis de poluição atmosférica na cidade de Volta Redonda (RJ), no período de 2005 a 2007. Foi estimada uma função de regressão de Poisson a partir dos dados diários sobre Autorização de Internação Hospitalar (AIH) disponibilizados pelo Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS) - variável dependente, níveis diários de poluentes encontrados na atmosfera coletados pelo Instituto Estadual do Ambiente (INEA) e variáveis de controle. Como principal resultado destaca-se que, das 5.235 internações pelo grupo de doenças avaliado, 6% (317 casos) estão associadas aos níveis de poluentes encontrados na atmosfera. O custo econômico gerado pelas hospitalizações, captado por meio do Método dos Custos Evitados, foi de R$ 170.711,83. Concluiu-se que a existência de substâncias poluentes na atmosfera contribui para o acometimento da população por doenças respiratórias, levando a perdas de bem-estar e econômicas, além de elevar o dispêndio do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) com o tratamento e a recuperação das condições de saúde dos pacientes. Nesse contexto, faz-se imprescindível a adoção de políticas que reduzam/eliminem os níveis de poluentes na atmosfera e, em consequência, os prejuízos econômicos e desconfortos gerados.
Collapse
|
20
|
|
21
|
Abdel-Salam MMM. Indoor particulate matter in urban residences of Alexandria, Egypt. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2013; 63:956-962. [PMID: 24010376 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2013.801374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Indoor particulate matter samples were collected in 17 homes in an urban area in Alexandria during the summer season. During air measurement in all selected homes, parallel outdoor air samples were taken in the balconies of the domestic residences. It was found that the mean indoor PM2.5 and PM10 (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter < or = 2.5 and < or = 10 microm, respectively) concentrations were 53.5 +/- 15.2 and 77.2 +/- 15.1 microg/m3, respectively. The corresponding mean outdoor levels were 66.2 +/- 16.5 and 123.8 +/- 32.1 microg/m3, respectively. PM2.5 concentrations accounted, on average, for 68.8 +/- 12.8% of the total PM10 concentrations indoors, whereas PM2.5 contributed to 53.7 +/- 4.9% of the total outdoor PM10 concentrations. The median indoor/outdoor mass concentration (I/O) ratios were 0.81 (range: 0.43-1.45) and 0.65 (range: 0.4-1.07) for PM2.5 and PM10, respectively. Only four homes were found with I/O ratios above 1, indicating significant contribution from indoor sources. Poor correlation was seen between the indoor PM10 and PM2.5 levels and the corresponding outdoor concentrations. PM10 levels were significantly correlated with PM2.5 loadings indoors and outdoors and this might be related to PM10 and PM2.5 originating from similar particulate matter emission sources. Smoking, cooking using gas stoves, and cleaning were the major indoor sources contributed to elevated indoor levels of PM10 and PM2.5. IMPLICATIONS The current study presents results of the first PM2.5 and PM10 study in homes located in the city of Alexandria, Egypt. Scarce data are available on indoor air quality in Egypt. Poor correlation was seen between the indoor and outdoor particulate matter concentrations. Indoor sources such as smoking, cooking, and cleaning were found to be the major contributors to elevated indoor levels of PM10 and PM2.5.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud M M Abdel-Salam
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Park HY, Bae S, Hong YC. PM₁₀ exposure and non-accidental mortality in Asian populations: a meta-analysis of time-series and case-crossover studies. J Prev Med Public Health 2013; 46:10-8. [PMID: 23407325 PMCID: PMC3567321 DOI: 10.3961/jpmph.2013.46.1.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2012] [Accepted: 11/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives We investigated the association between particulate matter less than 10 µm in aerodynamic diameter (PM10) exposure and non-accidental mortality in Asian populations by meta-analysis, using both time-series and case-crossover analysis. Methods Among the 819 published studies searched from PubMed and EMBASE using key words related to PM10 exposure and non-accidental mortality in Asian countries, 8 time-series and 4 case-crossover studies were selected for meta-analysis after exclusion by selection criteria. We obtained the relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of non-accidental mortality per 10 µg/m3 increase of daily PM10 from each study. We used Q statistics to test the heterogeneity of the results among the different studies and evaluated for publication bias using Begg funnel plot and Egger test. Results Testing for heterogeneity showed significance (p<0.001); thus, we applied a random-effects model. RR (95% CI) per 10 µg/m3 increase of daily PM10 for both the time-series and case-crossover studies combined, time-series studies relative risk only, and case-crossover studies only, were 1.0047 (1.0033 to 1.0062), 1.0057 (1.0029 to 1.0086), and 1.0027 (1.0010 to 1.0043), respectively. The non-significant Egger test suggested that this analysis was not likely to have a publication bias. Conclusions We found a significant positive association between PM10 exposure and non-accidental mortality among Asian populations. Continued investigations are encouraged to contribute to the health impact assessment and public health management of air pollution in Asian countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hye Yin Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Cox T, Popken D, Ricci PF. Temperature, Not Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5), is Causally Associated with Short-Term Acute Daily Mortality Rates: Results from One Hundred United States Cities. Dose Response 2012; 11:319-43. [PMID: 23983662 DOI: 10.2203/dose-response.12-034.cox] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposures to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in air (C) have been suspected of contributing causally to increased acute (e.g., same-day or next-day) human mortality rates (R). We tested this causal hypothesis in 100 United States cities using the publicly available NMMAPS database. Although a significant, approximately linear, statistical C-R association exists in simple statistical models, closer analysis suggests that it is not causal. Surprisingly, conditioning on other variables that have been extensively considered in previous analyses (usually using splines or other smoothers to approximate their effects), such as month of the year and mean daily temperature, suggests that they create strong, nonlinear confounding that explains the statistical association between PM2.5 and mortality rates in this data set. As this finding disagrees with conventional wisdom, we apply several different techniques to examine it. Conditional independence tests for potential causation, non-parametric classification tree analysis, Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA), and Granger-Sims causality testing, show no evidence that PM2.5 concentrations have any causal impact on increasing mortality rates. This apparent absence of a causal C-R relation, despite their statistical association, has potentially important implications for managing and communicating the uncertain health risks associated with, but not necessarily caused by, PM2.5 exposures.
Collapse
|
24
|
Bukowski J, Nicolich M, Lewis RJ. Extreme sensitivity and the practical implications of risk assessment thresholds. Dose Response 2012; 11:130-53. [PMID: 23930098 PMCID: PMC3682194 DOI: 10.2203/dose-response.12-002.lewis] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional risk-assessment theory assumes the existence of a threshold for non-cancer health effects. However, a recent trend in environmental regulation rejects this assumption in favor of non-threshold linearity for these endpoints. This trend is driven largely by two related concepts: (1) a theoretical assumption of wide-ranging human sensitivity, and (2) inability to detect thresholds in epidemiologic models. Wide-ranging sensitivity assumes a subpopulation with extreme background vulnerability, so that even trivial environmental exposures are hazardous to someone somewhere. We use examples from the real world of clinical medicine to show that this theoretical assumption is inconsistent with the biology of mammalian systems and the realities of patient care. Using examples from particulate-matter air-pollution research, we further show that failure to reject linearity is usually driven by statistical rather than biological considerations, and that nonlinear/threshold models often have a similar or better fit than their linear counterparts. This evidence suggests the existence of practical, real-world thresholds for most chemical exposures.
Collapse
|
25
|
Khan MF, Hirano K, Masunaga S. Assessment of the sources of suspended particulate matter aerosol using US EPA PMF 3.0. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2012; 184:1063-1083. [PMID: 21472386 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-011-2021-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2010] [Accepted: 03/16/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The main purpose of this paper was to carry out a source apportionment of suspended particulate matter (SPM) samples using positive matrix factorization procedure. The central and local Government of Japan introduced strict emission regulations in 2002/10 and 2003/10, respectively, in curbing SPM pollution from major metropolitans. This paper also highlighted the impact of the measures taken by the central and local Government of Japan on the reduction of SPM and the contributions of sources. SPM samples were collected for 6 years starting from 1999 to 2005 at two sites, i.e., site A (urban) and site B (suburban) of Yokohama, Japan. Microwave digestion and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) were employed to measure Mg, Al, Ca, V, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Ag, Cd, Cs, Ba, Pb and Bi, while water soluble ions (Na(+), NH₄⁺, K(+), Ca(2+), Mg(2+), Cl(-), NO₃⁻ and SO₄²⁻ as well as carbonaceous mass (EC and OC) were analyzed using ion chromatograph and CHN analyzer, respectively. The sources identified at two sites were automobile, soil dust, marine aerosol, mixed sources, and secondarily formed aerosol. Also, source quantification was performed. Automobile and soil dust were striking contributors at site A. Automobile and soil dust of SPM aerosol might be produced from local origin at current study areas. Besides, Asian dust had an impact on high concentrations of SPM aerosol in some certain period of the year due to the outflows of East Asian emission. In contrast, secondary aerosol in the form of sulfate and ammonium as well as mixed sources (coal, long-transported Cs, and other unknown sources) were remarkable at site B. Stationary/industrial combustion has apparently more impact on the release of SPM components at site B than A. Automobile regulations in 2002 and 2003, respectively, resulted in reduction of SPM by 28% for site A and 16% for site B. There was also net reduction of automobile contribution at both sites due to the above measures being implemented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Firoz Khan
- Graduate School of Environment & Information Sciences, Yokohama National University, 79-7, Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama, 240-8501, Japan.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Exploring Land Use and Land Cover Effects on Air Quality in Central Alabama Using GIS and Remote Sensing. REMOTE SENSING 2011. [DOI: 10.3390/rs3122552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
27
|
McCracken J, Smith KR, Stone P, Díaz A, Arana B, Schwartz J. Intervention to lower household wood smoke exposure in Guatemala reduces ST-segment depression on electrocardiograms. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2011; 119:1562-8. [PMID: 21669557 PMCID: PMC3226487 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1002834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2010] [Accepted: 06/13/2011] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A large body of evidence suggests that fine particulate matter (PM) air pollution is a cause of cardiovascular disease, but little is known in particular about the cardiovascular effects of indoor air pollution from household use of solid fuels in developing countries. RESPIRE (Randomized Exposure Study of Pollution Indoors and Respiratory Effects) was a randomized trial of a chimney woodstove that reduces wood smoke exposure. OBJECTIVES We tested the hypotheses that the stove intervention, compared with open fire use, would reduce ST-segment depression and increase heart rate variability (HRV). METHODS We used two complementary study designs: a) between-groups comparisons based on randomized stove assignment, and b) before-and-after comparisons within control subjects who used open fires during the trial and received chimney stoves after the trial. Electrocardiogram sessions that lasted 20 hr were repeated up to three times among 49 intervention and 70 control women 38-84 years of age, and 55 control subjects were also assessed after receiving stoves. HRV and ST-segment values were assessed for each 30-min period. ST-segment depression was defined as an average value below -1.00 mm. Personal fine PM [aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 μm (PM₂.₅] exposures were measured for 24 hr before each electrocardiogram. RESULTS PM₂.₅ exposure means were 266 and 102 μg/m³ during the trial period in the control and intervention groups, respectively. During the trial, the stove intervention was associated with an odds ratio of 0.26 (95% confidence interval, 0.08-0.90) for ST-segment depression. We found similar associations with the before-and-after comparison. The intervention was not significantly associated with HRV. CONCLUSIONS The stove intervention was associated with reduced occurrence of nonspecific ST-segment depression, suggesting that household wood smoke exposures affect ventricular repolarization and potentially cardiovascular health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John McCracken
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Lim D, Ikeda A, Vu KKT, Yamaguchi KT, Tyner TR, Hasson AS. Method development for the measurement of quinone levels in urine. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2011; 879:3592-8. [PMID: 22024390 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2011.09.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2011] [Revised: 09/20/2011] [Accepted: 09/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A method was developed for the quantification of 1-4 ring quinones in urine samples using liquid-liquid extraction followed by analysis with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Detection limits for the ten quinones analyzed are in the range 1-2 nmol dm(-3). The potential use of this approach to monitor urinary quinone levels was then evaluated in urine samples from both Sprague-Dawley rats and human subjects. Rats were exposed to 9,10-phenanthraquinone (PQ) by both injection and ingestion (mixed with solid food and dissolved in drinking water). Urinary levels of PQ were found to increase by up to a factor of ten compared to control samples, and the levels were found to depend on both the dose and duration of exposure. Samples were also collected and analyzed periodically from human subjects over the course of six months. Eight quinones were detected in the samples, with levels varying from below the detection limit up to 3 μmol dm(-3).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dianne Lim
- Department of Chemistry, California State University, Fresno, CA 93740, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Zhao Q, Liang Z, Tao S, Zhu J, Du Y. Effects of air pollution on neonatal prematurity in Guangzhou of China: a time-series study. Environ Health 2011; 10:2. [PMID: 21214958 PMCID: PMC3024279 DOI: 10.1186/1476-069x-10-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2010] [Accepted: 01/10/2011] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the last decade, a few studies have investigated the possible adverse effects of ambient air pollution on preterm birth. However, the correlation between them still remains unclear, due to insufficient evidences. METHODS The correlation between air pollution and preterm birth in Guangzhou city was examined by using the Generalized Additive Model (GAM) extended Poisson regression model in which we controlled the confounding factors such as meteorological factors, time trends, weather and day of the week (DOW). We also adjusted the co linearity of air pollutants by using Principal Component Analysis. The meteorological data and air pollution data were obtained from the Meteorological Bureau and the Environmental Monitoring Centre, while the medical records of newborns were collected from the perinatal health database of all obstetric institutions in Guangzhou, China in 2007. RESULTS In 2007, the average daily concentrations of NO₂, PM₁₀ and SO₂ in Guangzhou, were 61.04, 82.51 and 51.67 μg/m³ respectively, where each day an average of 21.47 preterm babies were delivered. Pearson correlation analysis suggested a negative correlation between the concentrations of NO₂, PM₁₀, SO₂, and temperature as well as relative humidity. As for the time-series GAM analysis, the results of single air pollutant model suggested that the cumulative effects of NO₂, PM₁₀ and SO₂ reached its peak on day 3, day 4 and day 3 respectively. An increase of 100 μg/m³ of air pollutants corresponded to relative risks (RRs) of 1.0542 (95%CI: 1.0080 ~1.1003), 1.0688 (95%CI: 1.0074 ~1.1301) and 1.1298 (95%CI: 1.0480 ~1.2116) respectively. After adjusting co linearity by using the Principal Component Analysis, the GAM model of the three air pollutants suggested that an increase of 100 μg/m³ of air pollutants corresponded to RRs of 1.0185 (95%CI: 1.0056~1.0313), 1.0215 (95%CI: 1.0066 ~1.0365) and 1.0326 (95%CI: 1.0101 ~1.0552) on day 0; and RRs of the three air pollutants, at their strongest cumulative effects, were 1.0219 (95%CI: 1.0053~1.0386), 1.0274 (95%CI: 1.0066~1.0482) and 1.0388 (95%CI: 1.0096 ~1.0681) respectively. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that the daily concentrations of air pollutants such as NO₂, PM₁₀ and SO₂ have a positive correlation with the preterm births in Guangzhou, China.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingguo Zhao
- College of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, PR China
- Guangdong Women and Children Health Hospital, Guangzhou 510010, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Zhijiang Liang
- Guangdong Women and Children Health Hospital, Guangzhou 510010, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Shijuan Tao
- Guangdong Women and Children Health Hospital, Guangzhou 510010, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Juan Zhu
- Guangdong Women and Children Health Hospital, Guangzhou 510010, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Yukai Du
- College of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Wang L, Green FHY, Smiley-Jewell SM, Pinkerton KE. Susceptibility of the aging lung to environmental injury. Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2010; 31:539-53. [PMID: 20941655 DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1265895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
With an ever-increasing number of elderly individuals in the world, a better understanding of the issues associated with aging and the environment is needed. The respiratory system is one of the primary interfaces between the body and the external environment. An expanding number of studies suggest that the aging pulmonary system (>65 years) is at increased risk for adverse health effects from environmental insult, such as by air pollutants, infection, and climate change. However, the mechanism(s) for increased susceptibility in this subpopulation are not well understood. In this review, we provide a limited but comprehensive overview of how the lung ages, examples of environmental exposures associated with injury to the aging lung, and potential mechanisms underlying the increased vulnerability of the aging lung to injury from environmental factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California at Davis, One Shields Ave., Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Hystad PU, Setton EM, Allen RW, Keller PC, Brauer M. Modeling residential fine particulate matter infiltration for exposure assessment. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2009; 19:570-579. [PMID: 18716606 DOI: 10.1038/jes.2008.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2007] [Accepted: 06/09/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Individuals spend the majority of their time indoors; therefore, estimating infiltration of outdoor-generated fine particulate matter (PM(2.5)) can help reduce exposure misclassification in epidemiological studies. As indoor measurements in individual homes are not feasible in large epidemiological studies, we evaluated the potential of using readily available data to predict infiltration of ambient PM(2.5) into residences. Indoor and outdoor light scattering measurements were collected for 84 homes in Seattle, Washington, USA, and Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, to estimate residential infiltration efficiencies. Meteorological variables and spatial property assessment data (SPAD), containing detailed housing characteristics for individual residences, were compiled for both study areas using a geographic information system. Multiple linear regression was used to construct models of infiltration based on these data. Heating (October to February) and non-heating (March to September) season accounted for 36% of the yearly variation in detached residential infiltration. Two SPAD housing characteristic variables, low building value, and heating with forced air, predicted 37% of the variation found between detached residential infiltration during the heating season. The final model, incorporating temperature and the two SPAD housing characteristic variables, with a seasonal interaction term, explained 54% of detached residential infiltration. Residences with low building values had higher infiltration efficiencies than other residences, which could lead to greater exposure gradients between low and high socioeconomic status individuals than previously identified using only ambient PM(2.5) concentrations. This modeling approach holds promise for incorporating infiltration efficiencies into large epidemiology studies, thereby reducing exposure misclassification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Perry U Hystad
- Department of Geography, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Duc H, Jalaludin B, Morgan G. ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN AIR POLLUTION AND HOSPITAL VISITS FOR CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES IN THE ELDERLY IN SYDNEY USING BAYESIAN STATISTICAL METHODS. AUST NZ J STAT 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-842x.2009.00545.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
33
|
Valavanidis A, Fiotakis K, Vlachogianni T. Airborne particulate matter and human health: toxicological assessment and importance of size and composition of particles for oxidative damage and carcinogenic mechanisms. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, ENVIRONMENTAL CARCINOGENESIS & ECOTOXICOLOGY REVIEWS 2008; 26:339-62. [PMID: 19034792 DOI: 10.1080/10590500802494538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 716] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution has been considered a hazard to human health. In the past decades, many studies highlighted the role of ambient airborne particulate matter (PM) as an important environmental pollutant for many different cardiopulmonary diseases and lung cancer. Numerous epidemiological studies in the past 30 years found a strong exposure-response relationship between PM for short-term effects (premature mortality, hospital admissions) and long-term or cumulative health effects (morbidity, lung cancer, cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary diseases, etc). Current research on airborne particle-induced health effects investigates the critical characteristics of particulate matter that determine their biological effects. Several independent groups of investigators have shown that the size of the airborne particles and their surface area determine the potential to elicit inflammatory injury, oxidative damage, and other biological effects. These effects are stronger for fine and ultrafine particles because they can penetrate deeper into the airways of the respiratory tract and can reach the alveoli in which 50% are retained in the lung parenchyma. Composition of the PM varies greatly and depends on many factors. The major components of PM are transition metals, ions (sulfate, nitrate), organic compound, quinoid stable radicals of carbonaceous material, minerals, reactive gases, and materials of biologic origin. Results from toxicological research have shown that PM have several mechanisms of adverse cellular effects, such as cytotoxicity through oxidative stress mechanisms, oxygen-free radical-generating activity, DNA oxidative damage, mutagenicity, and stimulation of proinflammatory factors. In this review, the results of the most recent epidemiological and toxicological studies are summarized. In general, the evaluation of most of these studies shows that the smaller the size of PM the higher the toxicity through mechanisms of oxidative stress and inflammation. Some studies showed that the extractable organic compounds (a variety of chemicals with mutagenic and cytotoxic properties) contribute to various mechanisms of cytotoxicity; in addition, the water-soluble faction (mainly transition metals with redox potential) play an important role in the initiation of oxidative DNA damage and membrane lipid peroxidation. Associations between chemical compositions and particle toxicity tend to be stronger for the fine and ultrafine PM size fractions. Vehicular exhaust particles are found to be most responsible for small-sized airborne PM air pollution in urban areas. With these aspects in mind, future research should aim at establishing a cleared picture of the cytotoxic and carcinogenic mechanisms of PM in the lungs, as well as mechanisms of formation during internal engine combustion processes and other sources of airborne fine particles of air pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Valavanidis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Athens, University Campus Zogafou, Athens, Greece.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
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]
|
35
|
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]
|
36
|
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]
|
37
|
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]
|
38
|
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]
|
39
|
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]
|
40
|
Thurston GD, Kinney PL. Air Pollution Epidemiology: Considerations in Time-Series Modeling. Inhal Toxicol 2008. [DOI: 10.3109/08958379509014272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
41
|
Ambient air pollution and daily emergency department visits for asthma in Edmonton, Canada. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2008; 21:25-30. [PMID: 18468973 DOI: 10.2478/v10001-008-0002-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES As demonstrated by many studies, emergency department (ED) visits for asthma can be associated with air pollution exposures. The aim of this study was to examine and assess the potential relations between ED visits for asthma and the concentrations of ambient air pollutants. MATERIALS AND METHODS Generalized linear mixed model was applied to study 62,563 ED visits for asthma (ICD-9: 493) in Edmonton, Canada. Two age groups, with 10 years of age as a separator, were considered by gender and season of the year: all (I-XII), warm (IV-IX) and cold (X-III). RESULTS The percentage increase in daily ED visits for asthma was 17.8% (95% CI: 7.1-29.5) and 13.8% (95% CI: 3.3-25.3) for females below 10 years of age, in the period of IV-IX, for current day and 1-day lagged exposure to ozone (O(3)), respectively. The percentage increase was 19.2% (95% CI: 11.4-27.6) for males below 10 years of age, in the period of IV-IX, for 2-day lagged exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)). CONCLUSIONS The findings provide support for the hypothesis that ED visits for asthma are associated with exposure to O(3). This study underlines the significant role of air pollutants as triggering asthma attacks.
Collapse
|
42
|
Kiama SG, Adekunle JS, Maina JN. Comparative in vitro study of interactions between particles and respiratory surface macrophages, erythrocytes, and epithelial cells of the chicken and the rat. J Anat 2008; 213:452-63. [PMID: 18643797 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2008.00951.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In mammals, surface macrophages (SMs) play a foremost role in protecting the respiratory system by engulfing and destroying inhaled pathogens and harmful particulates. However, in birds, the direct defense role(s) that SMs perform remains ambiguous. Paucity and even lack of SMs have been reported in the avian respiratory system. It has been speculated that the pulmonary defenses in birds are inadequate and that birds are exceptionally susceptible to pulmonary diseases. In an endeavour to resolve the existing controversy, the phagocytic capacities of the respiratory SMs of the domestic fowl and the rat were compared under similar experimental conditions by exposure to polystyrene particles. In cells of equivalent diameters (8.5 microm in the chicken and 9.0 microm in the rat) and hence volumes, with the volume density of the engulfed polystyrene particles, i.e. the volume of the particles per unit volume of the cell (SM) of 23% in the chicken and 5% in the rat cells, the avian cells engulfed substantially more particles. Furthermore, the avian SMs phagocytized the particles more efficiently, i.e. at a faster rate. The chicken erythrocytes and the epithelial cells of the airways showed noteworthy phagocytic activity. In contrast to the rat cells that did not, 22% of the chicken erythrocytes phagocytized one to six particles. In birds, the phagocytic efficiencies of the SMs, erythrocytes, and epithelial cells may consolidate pulmonary defense. The assorted cellular defenses may explain how and why scarcity of SMs may not directly lead to a weak pulmonary defense. The perceived susceptibility of birds to respiratory diseases may stem from the human interventions that have included extreme genetic manipulation and intensive management for maximum productivity. The stress involved and the structural-functional disequilibria that have occurred from a 'directed evolutionary process', rather than weak immunological and cellular immunity, may explain the alleged vulnerability of the avian gas exchanger to diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S G Kiama
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology, University of Nairobi, P. O. Box 30197, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
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
|
44
|
Lin TC, Krishnaswamy G, Chi DS. Incense smoke: clinical, structural and molecular effects on airway disease. Clin Mol Allergy 2008; 6:3. [PMID: 18439280 PMCID: PMC2377255 DOI: 10.1186/1476-7961-6-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2008] [Accepted: 04/25/2008] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In Asian countries where the Buddhism and Taoism are mainstream religions, incense burning is a daily practice. A typical composition of stick incense consists of 21% (by weight) of herbal and wood powder, 35% of fragrance material, 11% of adhesive powder, and 33% of bamboo stick. Incense smoke (fumes) contains particulate matter (PM), gas products and many organic compounds. On average, incense burning produces particulates greater than 45 mg/g burned as compared to 10 mg/g burned for cigarettes. The gas products from burning incense include CO, CO2, NO2, SO2, and others. Incense burning also produces volatile organic compounds, such as benzene, toluene, and xylenes, as well as aldehydes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The air pollution in and around various temples has been documented to have harmful effects on health. When incense smoke pollutants are inhaled, they cause respiratory system dysfunction. Incense smoke is a risk factor for elevated cord blood IgE levels and has been indicated to cause allergic contact dermatitis. Incense smoke also has been associated with neoplasm and extracts of particulate matter from incense smoke are found to be mutagenic in the Ames Salmonella test with TA98 and activation. In order to prevent airway disease and other health problem, it is advisable that people should reduce the exposure time when they worship at the temple with heavy incense smokes, and ventilate their house when they burn incense at home.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ta-Chang Lin
- Department of Environmental Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Welty LJ, Peng RD, Zeger SL, Dominici F. Bayesian Distributed Lag Models: Estimating Effects of Particulate Matter Air Pollution on Daily Mortality. Biometrics 2008; 65:282-91. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1541-0420.2007.01039.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
46
|
Duzgoren-Aydin NS. Health effects of atmospheric particulates: a medical geology perspective. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, ENVIRONMENTAL CARCINOGENESIS & ECOTOXICOLOGY REVIEWS 2008; 26:1-39. [PMID: 18322866 DOI: 10.1080/10590500801907340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
In this review, atmospheric particulates as composite airborne earth materials often containing both natural and anthropogenic components were examined in the context of medical geology. Despite a vast number of both experimental and epidemiological studies confirming the direct and indirect links between atmospheric particulates and human health, the exact nature of mechanisms affecting the particulate-induced pathogenesis largely remains unexplored. Future in depth research on these areas would be most successful if potential mechanisms are examined with reference to the physical (e.g., size, shape and surface), chemical, mineralogical and source characteristics of particulate matters. The underlying goal of this review was to present the relevant terminology and processes proposed in the literature to explain the interfaces and interactions between atmospheric particles and human body within the framework of "atmospheric particle cycles." The complexities of the interactions were demonstrated through case studies focusing on particulate matter air pollution and malignant mesothelioma occurrences due to environmental exposure to erionite-a fibrous zeolite mineral. There is an urgent need for a standard protocol or speciation methods applicable to earth-materials to guide and streamline studies on etiology of mineral-induced diseases. This protocol or speciation methods should provide relevant procedures to determine the level and extent of physical, chemical and mineralogical heterogeneity of particulate matters as well as quantitative in-situ particulate characteristics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nurdan S Duzgoren-Aydin
- The University of Mississippi, National Center for Natural Products Research, University, Mississippi 38677, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Cazelles B, Chavez M, Magny GCD, Guégan JF, Hales S. Time-dependent spectral analysis of epidemiological time-series with wavelets. J R Soc Interface 2007; 4:625-36. [PMID: 17301013 PMCID: PMC2373388 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2007.0212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 228] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2006] [Accepted: 01/02/2007] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the current context of global infectious disease risks, a better understanding of the dynamics of major epidemics is urgently needed. Time-series analysis has appeared as an interesting approach to explore the dynamics of numerous diseases. Classical time-series methods can only be used for stationary time-series (in which the statistical properties do not vary with time). However, epidemiological time-series are typically noisy, complex and strongly non-stationary. Given this specific nature, wavelet analysis appears particularly attractive because it is well suited to the analysis of non-stationary signals. Here, we review the basic properties of the wavelet approach as an appropriate and elegant method for time-series analysis in epidemiological studies. The wavelet decomposition offers several advantages that are discussed in this paper based on epidemiological examples. In particular, the wavelet approach permits analysis of transient relationships between two signals and is especially suitable for gradual change in force by exogenous variables.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Cazelles
- CNRS UMR 7625, Ecole Normale Supérieure, 46 rue d'Ulm, 75230 Paris, France IRD UR GEODES, 93143 Bondy, France.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
McCracken JP, Smith KR, Díaz A, Mittleman MA, Schwartz J. Chimney stove intervention to reduce long-term wood smoke exposure lowers blood pressure among Guatemalan women. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2007; 115:996-1001. [PMID: 17637912 PMCID: PMC1913602 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.9888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2006] [Accepted: 02/14/2007] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE RESPIRE, a randomized trial of an improved cookstove, was conducted in Guatemala to assess health effects of long-term reductions in wood smoke exposure. Given the evidence that ambient particles increase blood pressure, we hypothesized that the intervention would lower blood pressure. METHODS TWO STUDY DESIGNS WERE USED: a) between-group comparisons based on randomized stove assignment, and b) before-and-after comparisons within subjects before and after they received improved stoves. From 2003 to 2005, we measured personal fine particle (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter < 2.5 microm; PM(2.5)) exposures and systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) among women > 38 years of age from the chimney woodstove intervention group (49 subjects) and traditional open wood fire control group (71 subjects). Measures were repeated up to three occasions. RESULTS Daily average PM(2.5) exposures were 264 and 102 microg/m(3) in the control and intervention groups, respectively. After adjusting for age, body mass index, an asset index, smoking, secondhand tobacco smoke, apparent temperature, season, day of week, time of day, and a random subject intercept, the improved stove intervention was associated with 3.7 mm Hg lower SBP [95% confidence interval (CI), -8.1 to 0.6] and 3.0 mm Hg lower DBP (95% CI, -5.7 to -0.4) compared with controls. In the second study design, among 55 control subjects measured both before and after receiving chimney stoves, similar associations were observed. CONCLUSION The between-group comparisons provide evidence, particularly for DBP, that the chimney stove reduces blood pressure, and the before-and-after comparisons are consistent with this evidence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John P McCracken
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Marshall G, Ferreccio C, Yuan Y, Bates MN, Steinmaus C, Selvin S, Liaw J, Smith AH. Fifty-year study of lung and bladder cancer mortality in Chile related to arsenic in drinking water. J Natl Cancer Inst 2007; 99:920-8. [PMID: 17565158 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djm004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 225] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Region II of Chile (the second most northerly administrative region) experienced dramatic increases in average arsenic water concentrations beginning in 1958, followed by marked declines in the 1970s when water treatment plants were installed. This history provides a unique opportunity to study time trends in the development of arsenic-related cancers, including lung and bladder cancers. METHODS We investigated lung and bladder cancer mortality from 1950 to 2000 for region II compared with region V, where drinking water was not contaminated with arsenic. Mortality data were obtained from 218,174 death certificates for the two regions for 1950-1970 and from mortality data tapes that identified 307,541 deaths in the two regions for 1971-2000. Poisson regression models were used to identify time trends in rate ratios (RRs) of mortality from lung and bladder cancers comparing region II with region V. RESULTS Lung and bladder cancer mortality rate ratios for region II compared with region V started to increase about 10 years after high arsenic exposures commenced and continued to rise until peaking in 1986-1997. The peak lung cancer mortality RRs were 3.61 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.13 to 4.16) for men and 3.26 (95% CI = 2.50 to 4.23) for women. The peak bladder cancer RRs were 6.10 (95% CI = 3.97 to 9.39) for men and 13.8 (95% CI = 7.74 to 24.5) for women. Combined lung and bladder cancer mortality rates in region II were highest in the period 1992-1994, with mortality rates of 153 and 50 per 100,000 men and women, respectively, in region II compared with 54 and 19 per 100,000 in region V. CONCLUSIONS Such large increases in total population cancer mortality rates have, to our knowledge, not been documented for any other environmental exposure. The long latency pattern is noteworthy, with mortality from lung and bladder cancers continuing to be high until the late 1990s, even though major decreases in arsenic exposure occurred more than 25 years earlier.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Marshall
- Departamento de Salud Pública, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Szyszkowicz M. Air Pollution and Daily Emergency Department Visits for Headache in Montreal, Canada. Headache 2007; 48:417-23. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2007.00808.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
|