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Holtgrewe L, Yoon D, Johnes C, Holgate S, Orlando L, Bevan J, Choudhury Y, Soan C, Daniels T. Clearing the air: Assessing healthcare professionals' awareness of air pollution's health consequences. Future Healthc J 2024; 11:100130. [PMID: 38774033 PMCID: PMC11106822 DOI: 10.1016/j.fhj.2024.100130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Air pollution (AP) significantly jeopardises health, with the Royal College of Physicians accepting the adverse effects of AP are not being sufficiently communicated to patients by healthcare professionals (HCP). To explore HCPs' understanding and attitudes toward AP and its health impacts, we conducted a service evaluation survey in a group of hospital doctors. A questionnaire comprising 20 questions about AP and its health associations was completed by 133 hospital doctors working at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, UK. While 65% (n = 86) of respondents strongly agreed that AP is relevant to health, 79% (n = 105) felt insufficiently trained on AP and its health associations. The survey shows that HCPs' knowledge of AP and its connection to poor health is a major barrier in discussions with patients. Further research is needed to understand whether these views are nationally shared among HCPs and to explore the most effective strategies for enhancing AP awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Holtgrewe
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Primary Care, Population Science and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - D. Yoon
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Primary Care, Population Science and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - C. Johnes
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Primary Care, Population Science and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - S. Holgate
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - L. Orlando
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - J. Bevan
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Primary Care, Population Science and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Y. Choudhury
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Primary Care, Population Science and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - C. Soan
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Primary Care, Population Science and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - T. Daniels
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Wessex Adult Cystic Fibrosis Service, University Hospital Southampton NHSFT, Southampton, UK
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van den Brekel L, Lenters V, Mackenbach JD, Hoek G, Wagtendonk A, Lakerveld J, Grobbee DE, Vaartjes I. Ethnic and socioeconomic inequalities in air pollution exposure: a cross-sectional analysis of nationwide individual-level data from the Netherlands. Lancet Planet Health 2024; 8:e18-e29. [PMID: 38199717 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(23)00258-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air pollution contributes to a large disease burden and some populations are disproportionately exposed. We aimed to evaluate ethnic and socioeconomic differences in exposure to air pollution in the Netherlands. METHODS We did a nationwide, cross-sectional analysis of all residents of the Netherlands on Jan 1, 2019. Sociodemographic information was centralised by Statistics Netherlands and mainly originated from the National Population Register, the tax register, and education registers. Concentrations of NO2, PM2·5, PM10, and elemental carbon, modelled by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, were linked to the individual-level demographic data. We assessed differences in air pollution exposures across the 40 largest minority ethnic groups. Evaluation of how ethnicity intersected with socioeconomic position in relation to exposures was done for the ten largest ethnic groups, plus Chinese and Indian groups, in both urban and rural areas using multivariable linear regression analyses. FINDINGS The total study population consisted of 17 251 511 individuals. Minority ethnic groups were consistently exposed to higher levels of air pollution than the ethnic Dutch population. The magnitude of inequalities varied between the minority ethnic groups, with 3-44% higher exposures to NO2 and 1-9% higher exposures to PM2·5 compared with the ethnic Dutch group. Average exposures were highest for the lowest socioeconomic group. Ethnic inequalities in exposure remained after adjustment for socioeconomic position and were of similar magnitude in urban and rural areas. INTERPRETATION The variability in air pollution exposure across ethnic and socioeconomic subgroups in the Netherlands indicates environmental injustice at the intersection of social characteristics. The health consequences of the observed inequalities and the underlying processes driving them warrant further investigation. FUNDING The Gravitation programme of the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science, the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research, the Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development, and Amsterdam University Medical Center.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lieke van den Brekel
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Utrecht University Medical Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Virissa Lenters
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Utrecht University Medical Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands; Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Joreintje D Mackenbach
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Upstream Team, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Gerard Hoek
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Alfred Wagtendonk
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Lakerveld
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Upstream Team, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Diederick E Grobbee
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Utrecht University Medical Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Ilonca Vaartjes
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Utrecht University Medical Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.
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Comparison of static and dynamic exposures to air pollution, noise, and greenness among seniors living in compact-city environments. Int J Health Geogr 2023; 22:3. [PMID: 36709304 PMCID: PMC9884423 DOI: 10.1186/s12942-023-00325-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
GPS technology and tracking study designs have gained popularity as a tool to go beyond the limitations of static exposure assessments based on the subject's residence. These dynamic exposure assessment methods offer high potential upside in terms of accuracy but also disadvantages in terms of cost, sample sizes, and types of data generated. Because of that, with our study we aim to understand in which cases researchers need to use GPS-based methods to guarantee the necessary accuracy in exposure assessment. With a sample of 113 seniors living in Barcelona (Spain) we compare their estimated daily exposures to air pollution (PM2.5, PM10, NO2), noise (dB), and greenness (NDVI) using static and dynamic exposure assessment techniques. Results indicate that significant differences between static and dynamic exposure assessments are only present in selected exposures, and would thus suggest that static assessments using the place of residence would provide accurate-enough values across a number of exposures in the case of seniors. Our models for Barcelona's seniors suggest that dynamic exposure would only be required in the case of exposure to smaller particulate matter (PM2.5) and exposure to noise levels. The study signals to the need to consider both the mobility patterns and the built environment context when deciding between static or dynamic measures of exposure assessment.
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Mainka A, Żak M. Synergistic or Antagonistic Health Effects of Long- and Short-Term Exposure to Ambient NO 2 and PM 2.5: A Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14079. [PMID: 36360958 PMCID: PMC9657687 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Studies on adverse health effects associated with air pollution mostly focus on individual pollutants. However, the air is a complex medium, and thus epidemiological studies face many challenges and limitations in the multipollutant approach. NO2 and PM2.5 have been selected as both originating from combustion processes and are considered to be the main pollutants associated with traffic; moreover, both elicit oxidative stress responses. An answer to the question of whether synergistic or antagonistic health effects of combined pollutants are demonstrated by pollutants monitored in ambient air is not explicit. Among the analyzed studies, only a few revealed statistical significance. Exposure to a single pollutant (PM2.5 or NO2) was mostly associated with a small increase in non-accidental mortality (HR:1.01-1.03). PM2.5 increase of <10 µg/m3 adjusted for NO2 as well as NO2 adjusted for PM2.5 resulted in a slightly lower health risk than a single pollutant. In the case of cardiovascular heart disease, mortality evoked by exposure to PM2.5 or NO2 adjusted for NO2 and PM2.5, respectively, revealed an antagonistic effect on health risk compared to the single pollutant. Both short- and long-term exposure to PM2.5 or NO2 adjusted for NO2 and PM2.5, respectively, revealed a synergistic effect appearing as higher mortality from respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Mainka
- Department of Air Protection, Silesian University of Technology, 22B Konarskiego St., 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
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Alifa M, Castruccio S, Bolster D, Bravo M, Crippa P. Information entropy tradeoffs for efficient uncertainty reduction in estimates of air pollution mortality. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113587. [PMID: 35654155 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Implementing effective policy to protect human health from the adverse effects of air pollution, such as premature mortality, requires reducing the uncertainty in health outcomes models. Here we present a novel method to reduce mortality uncertainty by increasing the amount of input data of air pollution and health outcomes, and then quantifying tradeoffs associated with the different data gained. We first present a study of long-term mortality from fine particulate matter (PM2.5) based on simulated data, followed by a real-world application of short-term PM2.5-related mortality in an urban area. We employ information yield curves to identify which variables more effectively reduce mortality uncertainty when increasing information. Our methodology can be used to explore how specific pollution scenarios will impact mortality and thus improve decision-making. The proposed framework is general and can be applied to any real case-scenario where knowledge in pollution, demographics, or health outcomes can be augmented through data acquisition or model improvements to generate more robust risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Alifa
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Stefano Castruccio
- Department of Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Diogo Bolster
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Mercedes Bravo
- Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Children's Environmental Health Initiative, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN, USA
| | - Paola Crippa
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
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Thomson KH, O'Connor N, Dangova KT, Gill S, Jackson S, Bliss DZ, Wallace SA, Pearson F. Rapid priority setting exercise on faecal incontinence for Cochrane Incontinence. BMJ Open Gastroenterol 2022; 9:bmjgast-2021-000847. [PMID: 35500941 PMCID: PMC9062784 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgast-2021-000847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This rapid priority setting exercise aimed to identify, expand, prioritise and explore stakeholder (patients, carers and healthcare practitioners) topic uncertainties on faecal incontinence (FI). Design An evidence gap map (EGM) was produced to give a visual overview of emerging trial evidence; existing systematic review-level evidence and FI stakeholder topic uncertainties derived from a survey. This EGM was used in a knowledge exchange workshop that promoted group discussions leading to the prioritisation and exploration of FI stakeholder identified topic uncertainties. Results Overall, a mismatch between the existing and emerging evidence and key FI stakeholder topic uncertainties was found. The prioritised topic uncertainties identified in the workshop were as follows: psychological support; lifestyle interventions; long-term effects of living with FI; education; constipation and the cultural impact of FI. When these six prioritised topic uncertainties were explored in more depth, the following themes were identified: education; impact and burden of living with FI; psychological support; healthcare service improvements and inconsistencies; the stigma of FI; treatments and management; culturally appropriate management and technology and its accessibility. Conclusions Topic uncertainties identified were broad and wide ranging even after prioritisation. More research is required to unpick the themes emerging from the in-depth discussion and explore these further to achieve a consensus on deliverable research questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie H Thomson
- NIHR Innovation Observatory, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Evidence Synthesis Group, Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Nicole O'Connor
- Evidence Synthesis Group, Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Cochrane Incontinence, Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Kim Tuyen Dangova
- NIHR Innovation Observatory, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sean Gill
- NIHR Innovation Observatory, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sara Jackson
- NIHR Innovation Observatory, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Donna Z Bliss
- School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Sheila A Wallace
- Evidence Synthesis Group, Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Cochrane Incontinence, Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Fiona Pearson
- NIHR Innovation Observatory, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Evidence Synthesis Group, Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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The Exposure of Workers at a Busy Road Node to PM 2.5: Occupational Risk Characterisation and Mitigation Measures. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19084636. [PMID: 35457502 PMCID: PMC9030231 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The link between air pollution and health burden in urban areas has been well researched. This has led to a plethora of effective policy-induced monitoring and interventions in the global south. However, the implication of pollutant species like PM2.5 in low middle income countries (LMIC) still remains a concern. By adopting a positivist philosophy and deductive reasoning, this research addresses the question, to what extent can we deliver effective interventions to improve air quality at a building structure located at a busy road node in a LMIC? This study assessed the temporal variability of pollutants around the university environment to provide a novel comparative evaluation of occupational shift patterns and the use of facemasks as risk control interventions. The findings indicate that the concentration of PM2.5, which can be as high as 300% compared to the WHO reference, was exacerbated by episodic events. With a notable decay period of approximately one-week, adequate protection and/or avoidance of hotspots are required for at-risk individuals within a busy road node. The use of masks with 80% efficiency provides sufficient mitigation against exposure risks to elevated PM2.5 concentrations without occupational shift, and 50% efficiency with at least ‘2 h ON, 2 h OFF’ occupational shift scenario.
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Zang ST, Wu QJ, Li XY, Gao C, Liu YS, Jiang YT, Zhang JY, Sun H, Chang Q, Zhao YH. Long-term PM 2.5 exposure and various health outcomes: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of observational studies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 812:152381. [PMID: 34914980 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Adverse effects from exposure to particulate matter <2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5) on health-related outcomes have been found in a range of experimental and epidemiological studies. This study aimed to assess the significance, validity, and reliability of the relationship between long-term PM2.5 exposure and various health outcomes. The Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, WANFANG, VIP, and SinoMed databases and reference lists of the retrieved review articles were searched to obtain meta-analysis and systematic reviews focusing on PM2.5-related outcomes as of August 31, 2021. Random-/fixed-effects models were applied to estimate summary effect size and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The quality of included meta-analyses was evaluated based on the AMSTAR 2 tool. Small-study effect and excess significance bias studies were conducted to further assess the associations. Registered PROSPERO number: CRD42020200606. This included 24 articles involving 71 associations between PM2.5 exposure and the health outcomes. The evidence for the positive association of 10 μg/m3 increments of long-term exposure to PM2.5 and stroke incidence in Europe was convincing (effect size = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.05-1.10). There was evidence that was highly suggestive of a positive association between 10 μg/m3 increments of long-term exposure to PM2.5 and the following health-related outcomes: mortality of lung cancer (effect size = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.08-1.13) and Alzheimer's disease (effect size = 4.79, 95% CI: 2.79-8.21). There was highly suggestive evidence that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease risk is positively associated with higher long-term PM2.5 exposure versus lower long-term PM2.5 exposure (effect size = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.88-2.86). In conclusion, the positive association of long-term exposure to PM2.5 and stroke incidence in Europe was convincing. Given the validity of numerous associations of long-term exposure to PM2.5 and health-related outcomes is subject to biases, more robust evidence is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Tian Zang
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
| | - Qi-Jun Wu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
| | - Xin-Yu Li
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Chang Gao
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Ya-Shu Liu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yu-Ting Jiang
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Jia-Yu Zhang
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Hui Sun
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Qing Chang
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
| | - Yu-Hong Zhao
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
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Kasdagli MI, Katsouyanni K, de Hoogh K, Lagiou P, Samoli E. Investigating the association between long-term exposure to air pollution and greenness with mortality from neurological, cardio-metabolic and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases in Greece. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 292:118372. [PMID: 34656679 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Long-term exposure to air pollution has been associated with increased natural-cause mortality, but the evidence on diagnoses-specific mortality outcomes is limited. Few studies have examined the potential synergistic effects of exposure to pollutants and greenness. We investigated the association between exposure to air pollution and greenness with nervous system related mortality, cardiometabolic and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) mortality in Greece, using an ecological study design. We collected socioeconomic and mortality data for 1035 municipal units from the 2011 Census. Annual PM2.5, NO2, BC and O3 concentrations for 2010 were predicted at 100 × 100 m grids by hybrid land use regression models. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was used for greenness. We applied single and two-exposure Poisson regression models on standardized mortality rates accounting for spatial autocorrelation. We assessed interactions between pollutants and greenness. An interquartile range increase in PM2.5, NO2 and BC was associated with increased risk in mortality from diseases of the nervous system (relative risk (RR): 1.14, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01, 1.28); 1.03 (95% CI: 0.99, 1.07); 1.05 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.10) respectively) and from cerebrovascular disease (RR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.18); 1.02 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.04); 1.02 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.04) respectively). PM2.5 was associated with ischemic heart disease mortality (RR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.10). We estimated inverse associations for all outcomes with O3 and for mortality from diseases of the nervous system or COPD with greenness. Estimates were mostly robust to co-exposure adjustment. Interactions were identified between NDVI and O3 or PM2.5 on mortality from the diseases of the nervous system, with higher effect estimates in greener areas. Our findings support the adverse effects of air pollution and the beneficial role of greenness on cardiovascular and nervous system related mortality. Further research is needed on diabetes mellitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Iosifina Kasdagli
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Klea Katsouyanni
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Environmental Research Group, MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College, United Kingdom
| | - Kees de Hoogh
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pagona Lagiou
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Evangelia Samoli
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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Diener A, Mudu P. How can vegetation protect us from air pollution? A critical review on green spaces' mitigation abilities for air-borne particles from a public health perspective - with implications for urban planning. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 796:148605. [PMID: 34271387 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution causes the largest death toll among environmental risks globally, but interventions to purify ambient air remain inadequate. Vegetation and green spaces have shown reductive effects on air-borne pollutants concentrations, especially of particulate matter (PM). Guidance on green space utilisation for air quality control remains scarce, however, as does its application in practise. To strengthen the foundation for research and interventions, we undertook a critical review of the state of science from a public health perspective. We used inter-disciplinary search strategies for published reviews on green spaces and air pollution in key scientific databases. Using the PRISMA checklist, we systematically identified reviews with quantitative analyses. For each of the presented PM mitigation mechanisms, we conducted additional searches focused on the most recent articles published between 2016 and early 2021. The included reviews differentiate three mitigation mechanisms of green spaces for PM: deposition, dispersion and modification. The most studied mechanism is deposition, particularly measures of mass and settling velocity of PM on plant leaves. We consolidate how green space setups differ by scale and context in their potentials to reduce peak exposures, stationary (point) or mobile (line) pollution sources, and the potentially most harmful PM components. The assessed findings suggest diverse optimisation options for green space interventions, particularly concerning plant selection, spatial setup, ventilation and maintenance - all alongside the consideration of supplementary vegetation effects like on temperature or water. Green spaces' reductive effects on air-borne PM concentrations are considerable, multi-mechanistic and varied by scale, context and vegetation characteristics. Such effect-modifying factors must be considered when rethinking public space design, as accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Weak linkages amid involved disciplines motivate the development of a research framework to strengthen health-oriented guidance. We conclude on an urgent need for an integrated and risk-based approach to PM mitigation through green space interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnt Diener
- European Centre for Environment and Health, Regional Office for Europe, World Health Organization, Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1, 53113 Bonn, North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany; Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University of Düsseldorf, Gurlittstr 55/II, 40223 Düsseldorf, North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany.
| | - Pierpaolo Mudu
- Department of Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants of Health, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; European Centre for Environment and Health, Regional Office for Europe, World Health Organization, Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1, 53113 Bonn, North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany
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Dominski FH, Lorenzetti Branco JH, Buonanno G, Stabile L, Gameiro da Silva M, Andrade A. Effects of air pollution on health: A mapping review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 201:111487. [PMID: 34116013 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been a notable increase in knowledge production on air pollution and human health. OBJECTIVE To analyze the state of the art on the effects of air pollution on human health through a mapping review of existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRs and MAs). METHODS The systematic mapping review was based on the recommendations for this type of scientific approach in environmental sciences. The search was performed using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cinahl, and Cochrane Library databases, from their inception through June 2020. RESULTS Among 3401 studies screened, 240 SRs and MAs satisfied the inclusion criteria. Five research questions were answered. There has been an overall progressive increase in publications since 2014. The majority of the SRs and MAs were carried out by researchers from institutions in China, the US, the UK, and Italy. Most studies performed a meta-analysis (161). In general, the reviews support the association of air pollution and health outcomes, and analyzed the effects of outdoor air pollution. The most commonly investigated health outcome type was the respiratory (mainly asthma and COPD), followed by cardiovascular outcomes (mainly stroke). Particulate matter (with a diameter of 2.5 μm (PM2.5) and 10 μm (PM10) or less) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were the most widely investigated pollutants in the reviews. The general population was the most common sample in the reviews, followed by children, and adults. The majority of the reviews investigated health outcomes of respiratory diseases in children, as well as cardiovascular diseases in all ages. Combining health outcomes and air pollutants, PM2.5 was included in a higher number of reviews in eight health outcomes, mainly cardiovascular diseases. DISCUSSION The majority of SRs and MAs showed that air pollution has harmful effects on health, with a focus on respiratory and cardiovascular outcomes. Future studies should extend the analysis to psychological and social aspects influenced by air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fábio Hech Dominski
- Laboratory of Sport and Exercise Psychology (Lape) - College of Health and Sport Science of the Santa Catarina State University (UDESC), Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Joaquim Henrique Lorenzetti Branco
- Laboratory of Sport and Exercise Psychology (Lape) - College of Health and Sport Science of the Santa Catarina State University (UDESC), Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Giorgio Buonanno
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, FR, Italy
| | - Luca Stabile
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, FR, Italy
| | | | - Alexandro Andrade
- Laboratory of Sport and Exercise Psychology (Lape) - College of Health and Sport Science of the Santa Catarina State University (UDESC), Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
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Gioda A, Beringui K, Justo EPS, Ventura LMB, Massone CG, Costa SSL, Oliveira SS, Araujo RGO, Nascimento NDM, Severino HGS, Duyck CB, de Souza JR, Saint Pierre TD. A Review on Atmospheric Analysis Focusing on Public Health, Environmental Legislation and Chemical Characterization. Crit Rev Anal Chem 2021; 52:1772-1794. [PMID: 34092145 DOI: 10.1080/10408347.2021.1919985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Atmospheric pollution has been considered one of the most important topics in environmental science once it can be related to the incidence of respiratory diseases, climate change, and others. Knowing the composition of this complex and variable mixture of gases and particulate matter is crucial to understand the damages it causes, help establish limit levels, reduce emissions, and mitigate risks. In this work, the current scenario of the legislation and guideline values for indoor and outdoor atmospheric parameters will be reviewed, focusing on the inorganic and organic compositions of particulate matter and on biomonitoring. Considering the concentration level of the contaminants in air and the physical aspects (meteorological conditions) involved in the dispersion of these contaminants, different approaches for air sampling and analysis have been developed in recent years. Finally, this review presents the importance of data analysis, whose main objective is to transform analytical results into reliable information about the significance of anthropic activities in air pollution and its possible sources. This information is a useful tool to help the government implement actions against atmospheric air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Gioda
- Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Karmel Beringui
- Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Elizanne P S Justo
- Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Luciana M B Ventura
- Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Instituto Estadual do Ambiente (INEA), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Carlos G Massone
- Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Silvânio Silvério Lopes Costa
- Núcleo de Petróleo e Gás, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil.,Departamento de Química Analítica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Sidimar Santos Oliveira
- Departamento de Química Analítica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Rennan Geovanny Oliveira Araujo
- Departamento de Química Analítica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia do CNPq - INCT de Energia e Ambiente, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Nivia de M Nascimento
- Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Departamento de Geoquímica e Departamento de Química Analítica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Hemmely Guilhermond S Severino
- Departamento de Geoquímica e Departamento de Química Analítica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Christiane B Duyck
- Departamento de Geoquímica e Departamento de Química Analítica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jefferson Rodrigues de Souza
- Laboratório de Ciências Químicas, Universidade Estadual Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro (UENF), Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Tatiana D Saint Pierre
- Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Domingo JL, Rovira J. Effects of air pollutants on the transmission and severity of respiratory viral infections. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 187:109650. [PMID: 32416357 PMCID: PMC7211639 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are among the outdoor air pollutants that are major factors in diseases, causing especially adverse respiratory effects in humans. On the other hand, the role of respiratory viruses in the pathogenesis of severe respiratory infections is an issue of great importance. The present literature review was aimed at assessing the potential effects of air pollutants on the transmission and severity of respiratory viral infections. We have reviewed the scientific literature regarding the association of outdoor air pollution and respiratory viruses on respiratory diseases. Evidence supports a clear association between air concentrations of some pollutants and human respiratory viruses interacting to adversely affect the respiratory system. Given the undoubted importance and topicality of the subject, we have paid special attention to the association between air pollutants and the transmission and severity of the effects caused by the coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2, which causes the COVID-19. Although to date, and by obvious reasons, the number of studies on this issue are still scarce, most results indicate that chronic exposure to air pollutants delays/complicates recovery of patients of COVID-19 and leads to more severe and lethal forms of this disease. This deserves immediate and in-depth experimental investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- José L Domingo
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorens 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Joaquim Rovira
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorens 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Avd. Països Catalans 26, 43007, Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
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