Environmental air pollution has decremental effects on pulmonary function test parameters up to one week after exposure

Acute effects of ambient air pollution exposure on lung function in the elderly in Hangzhou, China

Evidence of an association between acute air pollution exposure and lung function in the elderly is limited. This study is cross-sectional. We quantified the effects of air pollution exposure on lung function among 256 elderly by using a linear mixed model. The results revealed that air pollutants had lag effects on lung function after adjusting for confounders. PM2.5 (Lag03, Lag 03 was defined three-day moving average, and so forth), PM10, NO2 (Lag04-Lag05) were significantly associated with reduced FEV1. PM2.5 (Lag01-Lag02), PM10 (Lag0-Lag07), NO2 (Lag0, Lag04), and SO2 (Lag0) were significantly associated with reduced Forced vital capacity (FVC). PM2.5 (Lag04-Lag07) and NO2 (Lag01-Lag07) were significantly associated with reduced FEF25%-75%. The results showed the adverse change was stronger after adjusting for other pollutants in the PM models, and women were more susceptible to air pollutants. Therefore, we should pay attention to the problem of air pollution in the elderly, especially in women.

Activation of epithelial and inflammatory pathways in adolescent elite athletes exposed to intense exercise and air pollution

RATIONALE

Participation in high-intensity exercise in early life might act as stressor to the airway barrier.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effect of intense exercise and associated exposure to air pollution on the airway barrier in adolescent elite athletes compared with healthy controls and to study exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) in this population.

METHODS

Early-career elite athletes attending 'Flemish-Elite-Sports-Schools' (12-18 years) of 4 different sport disciplines (n=90) and control subjects (n=25) were recruited. Presence of EIB was tested by the eucapnic voluntary hyperventilation (EVH) test. Markers at mRNA and protein level; RNA-sequencing; carbon load in airway macrophages were studied on induced sputum samples.

RESULTS

444 genes were differentially expressed in sputum from athletes compared with controls, which were related to inflammation and epithelial cell damage and sputum samples of athletes contained significantly more carbon loaded airway macrophages compared with controls (24%, 95% CI 20% to 36%, p<0.0004). Athletes had significantly higher substance P (13.3 pg/mL, 95% CI 2.0 to 19.2) and calprotectin (1237 ng/mL, 95% CI 531 to 2490) levels as well as IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α mRNA levels compared with controls (p<0.05). The incidence of EIB in athletes was 9%. The maximal fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (%) after EVH test in athletes was significantly associated with prior PM10 and PM2.5 exposure.

CONCLUSION

Early-career elite athletes showed increased markers of air pollution exposure, epithelial damage and airway inflammation compared with controls. Acute exposure to increased air pollution PM10 levels was linked to increased airway hyper-reactivity.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03587675.

Exposure to ambient gaseous air pollutants and adult lung function: a systematic review

Exposure to hazardous air pollutants is identified as most obvious premature mortality factors in the world. Numerous epidemiological studies have estimated exposure to air pollutants may cause pulmonary toxicity and the incidence of respiratory diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis and asthma. The currently research was performed to evaluation the association between gaseous pollutants and lung function in healthy adults. Articles related to this study were selected from researches of Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. A total of 2,644 articles were retrieved and 39 records were reviewed after removing duplicates and excluding irrelevant studies. The result of this systematic review indicated that there is some evidence on decreasing lung function with exposure to gaseous air pollutants (NO₂, SO₂, and O₃) which can have negative effects on human health. Although according to the evidence changes in lung function are mostly linked to the exposure to environmental pollutants including CO, O₃, NO₂ and SO₂, the results should be interpreted with caution considering some following issues discussed in this review. Therefore, further studies are required considering well-designed studies in large scales to strengthen the evidence.

COVID-19 Lockdown in Israel: The Environmental Effect on Ultrafine Particle Content in the Airway

Inhaled ultrafine particle (UFP) content in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) was observed as an airway inflammatory marker and an indicator of exposure to particulate matter (PM). The exceptional decline in air pollution during the COVID-19 lockdown was an opportunity to evaluate the effect of environmental changes on UFP airway content. We collected EBC samples from 30 healthy subjects during the first lockdown due to COVID-19 in Israel (March–April 2020) and compared them to EBC samples retrieved during April–June 2016 from 25 other healthy subjects (controls) living in the same northern Israeli district. All participants underwent EBC collection and blood sampling. Ambient air pollutant levels were collected from the Israeli Ministry of Environmental Protection’s online database. Data were acquired from the monitoring station closest to each subject’s home address, and means were calculated for a duration of 1 month preceding EBC collection. UFP contents were measured in the EBC and blood samples by means of the NanoSight LM20 system. There was a dramatic reduction in NO, NO₂, SO₂, and O₃ levels during lockdown compared to a similar period in 2016 (by 61%, 26%, 50%, and 45%, respectively). The specific NO₂ levels were 8.3 ppb for the lockdown group and 11.2 ppb for the controls (p = 0.01). The lockdown group had higher UFP concentrations in EBC and lower UFP concentrations in serum compared to controls (0.58 × 10⁸/mL and 4.3 × 10⁸/mL vs. 0.43 × 10⁸/mL and 6.7 × 10⁸/mL, p = 0.05 and p = 0.03, respectively). In this observational study, reduced levels of air pollution during the COVID-19 lockdown were reflected in increased levels of UFP airway contents. The suggested mechanism is that low airway inflammation levels during lockdown resulted in a decreased UFP translocation to serum. Further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

Spirometry parameter alterations due to exposure to indoor air pollutants in rural homes in Bogotá, Colombia

The aim of this study was to determine the association between the concentrations of intradomiciliary PM_2.5, CO, and BC and alterations in respiratory function parameters in a population living in rural dwellings in Bogotá, Colombia. For this cross-sectional study, people were recruited from the rural areas of the localities of Usme and Sumapaz in Bogotá. In total, 68 participants were recruited by means of nonrandom sampling. Indoor air monitoring of PM_2.5, BC, and CO was carried out. Additionally, evaluations of pulmonary function were performed using spirometry. The variables of pulmonary function were included in a multiple linear regression by successive steps and adjusted by the main variables described as modifiers of spirometry parameters, which are age, height, sex, disability, and a history of tobacco use. Assumptions of multicollinearity and the randomization of variances in the residuals were evaluated. Negative associations were found between spirometry parameters and the concentrations of indoor air pollutants. For FEV1/FVC and theoretical FEV1, there was a statistically significant association with the concentration of carbon monoxide (p = 0.003 and 0.019, respectively). The environmental concentrations were higher in homes where biomass was used for cooking, but these differences were statistically significant only for BC and CO (p = 0.008 and 0.03, respectively). The concentrations of carbon monoxide in rural homes were associated with alterations in respiratory function parameters.

Association between elevated serum bilirubin levels with preserved lung function under conditions of exposure to air pollution

BACKGROUND

High serum bilirubin levels have been shown to be associated with an improved pulmonary function test results. Their potential ability to similarly benefit pulmonary function in an environment of polluted air has not been tested. We retrospectively analyzed data of 15,605 apparently healthy individuals in order to evaluate the effect of serum bilirubin levels on forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1).

METHODS

Individuals attended the Tel-Aviv Medical Center Inflammatory Survey for a routine annual health check between February, 2002 and June, 2009 and were divided into low, medium and high serum bilirubin levels. Their FEV1 results were compared under various levels of air pollution. Air pollution and weather data were obtained from air pollution monitoring stations of the Israeli Ministry of Environmental Protection.

RESULTS

The elevated serum bilirubin concentrations on FEV1 were evaluated under moderate and high pollution levels FEV1 and were significantly higher in participants with high blood bilirubin levels compared to medium or low levels (p < 0.001 and p = 0.018, respectively). Participants with high levels of bilirubin had preserved FEV1 under exposure to high and medium pollution levels of both Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) and Carbon Monoxide (CO) pollutants (p = 0.003 and p = 0.022, respectively). The multivariate regression analysis revealed that the influence of bilirubin under conditions of air pollution remained significant even after adjustment for FEV1 confounders, but the interaction was not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated serum bilirubin concentrations are associated with preserved lung function in healthy individuals in Israel exposed to high levels of air pollution.

Cigarette-related cadmium and environmental pollution exposure are reflected in airway ultrafine particle content

Introduction

Particulate matter (PM) and cigarette-related cadmium exposure increases inflammation and smokers' susceptibility to developing lung diseases. The majority of inhaled metals are attached to the surface of ultrafine particles (UFPs). A low inhaled UFP content in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) reflects a high inflammatory status of airways.

Methods

EBC was collected from 58 COPD patients and 40 healthy smokers and nonsmokers. Participants underwent spirometry, diffusion capacity, EBC and blood sampling. Environmental pollution data were collected from monitoring stations. UFPs were measured in EBC and serum, and cadmium content was quantified.

Results

Subjects with low UFP concentrations in EBC (<0.18×10⁸·mL^-1) had been exposed to higher long-term PM_2.5 levels versus subjects with high UFP concentrations in EBC (>0.18×10⁸·mL^-1) (21.9 µg·m^-3 versus 17.4 µg·m^-3, p≤0.001). Long-term PM_2.5 exposure levels correlated negatively with UFP concentrations in EBC and positively with UFP concentrations in serum (r=-0.54, p≤0.001 and r=0.23, p=0.04, respectively). Healthy smokers had higher cadmium levels in EBC versus healthy nonsmokers and COPD patients (25.2 ppm versus 23.7 ppm and 23.3 ppm, p=0.02 and p=0.002, respectively). Subjects with low UFP concentrations in EBC also had low cadmium levels in EBC versus subjects with high UFP levels (22.8 ppm versus 24.2 ppm, p=0.004).

Conclusions

Low UFP concentration in EBC is an indicator of high-level PM exposure. High cadmium levels in EBC among smokers and the association between cadmium and UFP content in EBC among COPD patients indicate cadmium lung toxicity.

Effect of outdoor particulate air pollution on FEV1 in healthy adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The effect of acute and long-term exposures to outdoor particulate air pollution on lung function in healthy adults is not well established. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of studies that assessed the relationship of outdoor particulate air pollution and lung function in healthy adults. Studies that contained data on outdoor air particulate matter levels (PM₁₀ or PM_2.5) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁) in healthy adults were eligible for inclusion. Effect estimates, in relation to long-term and acute exposures, were quantified separately using random effects models. A total of 27 effect estimates from 23 studies were included in this review. Acute exposures were typically assessed with PM_2.5, while long-term exposures were predominantly represented by PM₁₀ A 10 µg/m3 increase in short-term PM_2.5 exposure (days) was associated with a -7.02 mL (95% CI -11.75 to -2.29) change in FEV₁ A 10 µg/m³ difference in long-term PM₁₀ exposure was associated with a -8.72 mL (95% CI -15.39 to -2.07) annual change in FEV₁ and an absolute difference in FEV₁ of -71.36 mL (95% CI -134.47 to -8.24). This study provides evidence that acute and long-term exposure to outdoor particulate air pollution are associated with decreased FEV₁ in healthy adults. Residual confounding from other risk factors, such as smoking, may explain some of the effect for long-term exposures. More studies are required to determine the relationship of long-term exposure to PM_2.5 and short-term exposure to PM₁₀, which may have different biologic mechanisms.

Carbon load in airway macrophages, DNA damage and lung function in taxi drivers exposed to traffic-related air pollution

To evaluate the potential applicability of carbon load in airway macrophages as a marker of exposure to traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) and its association with parameters of comet assay as a marker of DNA damage, and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in the group of taxi drivers in Iran. One hundred four male taxi drivers with at least 1-year job history were randomly selected from registered drivers in the taxi union. Airway macrophages were obtained via sputum induction, and then the area of airway macrophages occupied by carbon was measured. DNA damage was determined by comet assay. PFTs were measured by the spirometer. Most of the participants (89.4%) were non-smoker. In this study, 52.7% of non-smoker participants were able to give a sample of sputum with macrophage. Carbon content of airway macrophages was 0.2 μm². There was no significant difference in pulmonary function and comet assay parameters in terms of smoking status. There was an inverse correlation between carbon load with each of comet assay and PFTs parameters, although not statistically significant. This study identified that long-term exposure to TRAP can be a risk factor for pulmonary disorders.

Effects of Cardiorespiratory Exercise on Cognition in Older Women Exposed to Air Pollution

The aim was to analyze the effects of cardiorespiratory exercise and air pollution on cognition and cardiovascular markers in four groups of older women: the active/clean air group (AC), the active/polluted air group (AP), the sedentary/clean air group (SC), and the sedentary/polluted air group (SP). Active groups performed a training task based on progressive walking. Prior to and after the experiment, the following parameters were assessed: cognition, by Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE); maximum oxygen uptake (VO_2max), estimated by the Six-Minute Walk Test (6mWT); heart rate (HR); and oxygen saturation (SpO₂). There were significant differences (p < 0.05) between the AC and the SP in all the MMSE dimensions except “Registration”, and in all the physiological variables (VO_2max, SpO₂, HR). Aerobic exercise may be a protective factor against the effects that pollution have on cognition and on the mechanisms of oxygen transport.

Fine Particulate Constituents and Lung Dysfunction: A Time-Series Panel Study

The evidence is quite limited regarding the constituents of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) responsible for lung dysfunction. We designed a time-series panel study in 28 patients to examine the effects of 10 major constituents of PM_2.5 on lung function with repeated daily measurements from December 2012 to May 2013 in Shanghai, China. We applied a linear mixed-effect model combined with a distributed lag model to estimate the cumulative effects of PM_2.5 constituents on morning/evening forced expiratory volume in 1-s (FEV₁) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) over a week. The cumulative decreases in morning FEV₁, evening FEV₁, morning PEF and evening PEF associated with an interquartile range (35.8 μg/m³) increase in PM_2.5 concentrations were 33.49 [95% confidence interval(CI):2.45,54.53] mL, 16.80 (95%CI:3.75,29.86) mL, 4.48 (95%CI:2.30,6.66) L/min, and 1.31 (95%CI:-0.85,3.47) L/min, respectively. These results were not substantially changed after adjusting for gases in two-pollutant models. The associations of elemental carbon (EC) and nitrates with morning/evening FEV₁, and the associations of EC and sulfates with morning PEF were robust after controlling for PM_2.5. This study demonstrated that short-term exposure to PM_2.5 was associated with reduced pulmonary function. Some constituents (EC, sulfate and nitrate) may be responsible for the detrimental effects.

Climate Change and Air Pollution: Effects on Respiratory Allergy

A body of evidence suggests that major changes involving the atmosphere and the climate, including global warming induced by anthropogenic factors, have impact on the biosphere and human environment. Studies on the effects of climate change on respiratory allergy are still lacking and current knowledge is provided by epidemiological and experimental studies on the relationship between allergic respiratory diseases, asthma and environmental factors, such as meteorological variables, airborne allergens, and air pollution. Urbanization with its high levels of vehicle emissions, and a westernized lifestyle are linked to the rising frequency of respiratory allergic diseases and bronchial asthma observed over recent decades in most industrialized countries. However, it is not easy to evaluate the impact of climate changes and air pollution on the prevalence of asthma in the general population and on the timing of asthma exacerbations, although the global rise in asthma prevalence and severity could also be an effect of air pollution and climate change. Since airborne allergens and air pollutants are frequently increased contemporaneously in the atmosphere, an enhanced IgE-mediated response to aeroallergens and enhanced airway inflammation could account for the increasing frequency of respiratory allergy and asthma in atopic subjects in the last 5 decades. Pollen allergy is frequently used to study the relationship between air pollution and respiratory allergic diseases, such as rhinitis and bronchial asthma. Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that urbanization, high levels of vehicle emissions, and westernized lifestyle are correlated with an increased frequency of respiratory allergy prevalently in people who live in urban areas in comparison with people living in rural areas. Climatic factors (temperature, wind speed, humidity, thunderstorms, etc.) can affect both components (biological and chemical) of this interaction.

Effects on asthma and respiratory allergy of Climate change and air pollution

The major changes to our world are those involving the atmosphere and the climate, including global warming induced by anthropogenic factors, with impact on the biosphere and human environment. Studies on the effects of climate changes on respiratory allergy are still lacking and current knowledge is provided by epidemiological and experimental studies on the relationship between allergic respiratory diseases, asthma and environmental factors, like meteorological variables, airborne allergens and air pollution. Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that urbanization, high levels of vehicle emissions and westernized lifestyle are correlated with an increased frequency of respiratory allergy, mainly in people who live in urban areas in comparison with people living in rural areas. However, it is not easy to evaluate the impact of climate changes and air pollution on the prevalence of asthma in general and on the timing of asthma exacerbations, although the global rise in asthma prevalence and severity could be also considered an effect of air pollution and climate changes. Since airborne allergens and air pollutants are frequently increased contemporaneously in the atmosphere, enhanced IgE-mediated response to aeroallergens and enhanced airway inflammation could account for the increasing frequency of respiratory allergy and asthma in atopic subjects in the last five decades. Pollen allergy is frequently used to study the interrelationship between air pollution and respiratory allergic diseases such as rhinitis and bronchial asthma. Climatic factors (temperature, wind speed, humidity, thunderstorms, etc) can affect both components (biological and chemical) of this interaction. Scientific societies should be involved in advocacy activities, such as those realized by the Global Alliance against chronic Respiratory Diseases (GARD).

Factors associated with the annual change in forced expiratory volume in 1 second of officially acknowledged victims of pollution-related illness in improved environments: a longitudinal study

[Purpose] We examined factors affecting annual change in pulmonary function in residents previously exposed to air pollution in an area where pollution has been reduced and a long time period has elapsed. [Subjects and Methods] Data of 730 officially acknowledged victims of pollution-related illness from an annual survey during 2000 to 2009 were analyzed. The primary outcome was forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁), along with factors such as age, body composition, smoking habits, respiratory symptoms, and classification of medical management (an index of the need for treatment). Multiple regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with the annual change in FEV₁. [Results] Three significant factors were identified: smoking habit, classification of medical management, and gender. Smoking habits and classification of medical management had stronger effects on the annual change in FEV₁ than gender. [Conclusion] With an improved environment, continuation of smoking accelerates the decline in FEV₁.

Physical Function Traits of Long-term Officially Acknowledged Victims of Pollution-related Illnesses Compared with Elderly Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

[Purpose] To examine the long-term effects of air pollution on the physical functioning of a group of officially acknowledged victims of pollution-related illnesses (Victims group) who were exposed to air pollution more than 50 years ago, we compared them with age-matched patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD group). [Subjects and Methods] The Victims group comprised 34 subjects and the COPD group 24, all of whom were aged over 65 years. Respiratory function, muscle strength, exercise capacity and physical activity were measured and compared between the groups. [Results] The Victims group had significantly higher forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), proportion of predicted FEV1, proportion of predicted vital capacity (VC), and ratio of FEV1 to forced VC than the COPD group. Surprisingly, the muscle strength of the Victims group was significantly weaker, their incremental shuttle walking test distance was significantly shorter, and their physical activity was significantly less than those of the COPD group. [Conclusion] Although the pulmonary function of Victims was better than that of the COPD group, their physical functioning was worse. Exposure to air pollution 50 years ago appears to continue to adversely affect their physical function. It is particularly important to offer Victims rehabilitation to improve their exercise performance and physical activity.

Biological monitoring of particulate matter accumulated in the lungs of urban asthmatic children in the Tel-Aviv area

PURPOSE

Lung inflammation from exposure to airborne particulate matter (PM) may be responsible for morbidity in asthma, but several studies using environmental monitoring data showed inconsistent results. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the capability of induced sputum (IS) technology in order to biologically monitor PM in the lungs of urban asthmatic children.

METHODS

We collected clinical, demographic, biological and environmental monitoring data on 136 children referred for asthma evaluations. The study participants were divided into two groups according to IS eosinophil counts of <3% (non-eosinophilic inflammation, n = 52) and ≥3% (eosinophilic inflammation, n = 84).

RESULTS

The eosinophilic group displays significantly higher levels of fractional exhaled nitric oxide than the non-eosinophilic one (58.8 ± 47.5 vs 28.9 ± 34.2 ppm, p = 0.007). Particles (0-2.5 and 0-5 µm) comprised a strong risk factor for eosinophilic inflammation in IS (≥3%). Children with >80% of particles (0-2.5 µm) out of the total PM accumulated in the airways displayed the highest OR 10.7 (CI 2.052-56.4 p = 0.005) for an existing eosinophilic inflammation. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) enzyme levels in IS positively correlated with % eosinophils and with particles in IS ranging between 2 and 3 μm. The level of HO-1 enzyme activity and FEV1/FVC in children with <3% eosinophils, but not ≥3%, was positively and significantly correlated, showing a protective effect of HO-1.

CONCLUSION

Accumulation of PM involves oxidative stress pathways and is a risk factor for developing eosinophilic inflammation in asthmatic children. IS can biologically monitor this process.

Epigenetic influences on associations between air pollutants and lung function in elderly men: the normative aging study

BACKGROUND

Few studies have been performed on pulmonary effects of air pollution in the elderly--a vulnerable population with low reserve capacity--and mechanisms and susceptibility factors for potential effects are unclear.

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated the lag structure of air pollutant associations with lung function and potential effect modification by DNA methylation (< or ≥ median) at 26 individual CpG sites in nine candidate genes in a well-characterized cohort of elderly men.

METHODS

We measured forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1), and blood DNA methylation one to four times between 1999 and 2009 in 776 men from the Normative Aging Study. Air pollution was measured at fixed monitors 4 hr to 28 days before lung function tests. We used linear mixed-effects models to estimate the main effects of air pollutants and effect modification by DNA methylation.

RESULTS

An interquartile range (IQR) increase in subchronic exposure (3 to 28 days cumulated), but not in acute exposure (during the previous 4 hr, or the current or previous day), to black carbon, total and nontraffic particles with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 μm (PM2.5), carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide was associated with a 1-5% decrease in FVC and FEV1 (p < 0.05). Slope estimates were greater for FVC than FEV1, and increased with cumulative exposure. The estimates slopes for air pollutants (28 days cumulated) were higher in participants with low (< median) methylation in TLR2 at position 2 and position 5 and high (≥ median) methylation in GCR.

CONCLUSIONS

Subchronic exposure to traffic-related pollutants was associated with significantly reduced lung function in the elderly; nontraffic pollutants (particles, ozone) had weaker associations. Epigenetic mechanisms related to inflammation and immunity may influence these associations.

Chronic exposure to volcanogenic air pollution as cause of lung injury

Few studies were made regarding the pulmonary effects of exposure to volcanogenic air pollution, representing an unrecognized health risk for humans inhabiting non-eruptive volcanically active areas (10% of world human population). We tested the hypothesis whether chronic exposure to air pollution of volcanogenic origin causes lung injury, using wild mice (Mus musculus) as model. Lung injury was determined using histological morphometric parameters, inflammatory status (InfS) and the amount of black silver deposits (BSD). Mice exposed to volcanogenic air pollution have decreased percentage of alveolar space, alveolar perimeter and lung structural functionality (LSF) ratio and, increased alveolar septal thickness, amount of BSD and InfS. For the first time it is evidenced that non-eruptive active volcanism has a high potential to cause lung injury. This study also highlights the usefulness of M. musculus as bioindicator species, and of the developed biomarker of effect LSF ratio, for future animal and/or human biomonitoring programs.

Monitoring trace elements generated by automobiles: air pollutants with possible health impacts

Major transformations in the environmental composition are principally attributable to the combustion of fuels by automobiles. Motorized gasoline-powered two-stroke auto-rickshaws (TSA) and compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered four-stroke auto-rickshaws (FSA) are potential source of air pollution in south Asia and produce toxic amount of particulate matter (PM) to the environment. In this study, we attempted to characterize elemental pollutants from the PM of TSA and FSA using proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis. The observations of the existing investigation recognized significant increase in Al (P < 0.05), P (P < 0.01), and Zn (P < 0.01) from the PM samples of FSA. In addition, the concentrations of Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na and S were also observed exceeding the recommended National Institute for Environmental Studies limits. On the contrary, increased concentration of Sr and V were observed in the PM samples from TSA. It is generally believed that FSA generates smaller amount of PM but data obtained from FSA are clearly describing that emissions from FSA comprised potentially more toxic substances than TSA. The current research is specific to metropolitan population and has evidently revealed an inconsistent burden of exposure to air pollutants engendered by FSA in urban communities, which could lead to the disruption of several biological activities and may cause severe damage to entire ecological system.

Influence of season and location on pulmonary response to California's San Joaquin Valley airborne particulate matter

Season and location have documented impacts on particulate matter (PM)-induced morbidity and mortality. Seasonal and regional influences on the physical and chemical properties of PM₂.₅ (also known as fine/ultrafine PM) contribute to differences in exposure burden and adverse respiratory health outcomes experienced in California's San Joaquin Valley (SJV), which ranks among the worst in the nation for PM pollution. Current regulations are driven by the association between mass concentrations and adverse health outcomes. However, this association is difficult to reproduce in toxicological studies and suggests a role for other parameters, such as chemical composition, involved in PM-induced adverse pulmonary health effects. Pulmonary toxicity of summer/winter and rural/urban SJV PM was evaluated given the unique geography, metereology and sources of the region. Healthy juvenile male mice inhaled summer/winter and urban/rural concentrated ambient PM (CAP) or ambient PM for 6 h/d for 10 d, and pulmonary inflammatory responses were measured 48 h postexposure. Exposure concentrations ranged from 10 to 20 μg/m³ for ambient air control mice and from 86 to 284 μg/m³. Mice exposed to rural but not urban CAP, displayed significant neutrophil influx that was more than 50-fold greater than control levels, which ranged from 21 to 60 neutrophils/ml for all experiments. Pulmonary neutrophilic inflammation was measured despite lower CAP concentrations in the rural compared to the urban location and in the absence of cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, or elevations in cytokine and chemokines expression. Further, the inflammatory responses induced by rural winter CAP were associated with the highest levels of organic carbon (OC) and nitrates (NO₃⁻). Evidence indicates that regional/seasonal influences on PM chemical composition rather than PM mass may be associated with increased PM-induced adverse health effects.