1
|
Deonarine A, Schwartz GE, Ruhl LS. Environmental Impacts of Coal Combustion Residuals: Current Understanding and Future Perspectives. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:1855-1869. [PMID: 36693217 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
On-site solid-waste impoundments, landfills, and receiving water bodies have served as long-term disposal sites for coal combustion residuals (CCRs) across the United States for decades and collectively contain billions of tons of CCR material. CCR components include fine particulate material, minerals, and trace elements such as mercury, arsenic, selenium, lead, etc., which can have deleterious effects on ecosystem functioning and public health. Effects on communities can occur through consumption of drinking water, fish, and other aquatic organisms. The structural failure of impoundments, water infiltration, leakage from impoundments due to poor construction and monitoring, and CCR effluent discharges to water bodies have in the past resulted in harmful environmental impacts. Moreover, the risks posed by CCRs are present to this day, as coal continues to account for 11% of the energy production in the United States. In this Critical Review, the legacy of CCR disposal and the concomitant risks posed to public health and ecosystems are assessed. The resiliency of CCR disposal sites in the context of increased frequency and intensity of storm events and other hazards, such as floods and earthquakes, is also evaluated. We discuss the current state of knowledge on the environmental fate of CCR-derived elements, as well as advances in and limitations of analytical tools, which can improve the current understanding of CCR environmental impacts in order to mitigate the associated risks. An assessment of the 2015 Coal Ash Final Rule is also presented, along with needs to improve monitoring of CCR disposal sites and regulatory enforcement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amrika Deonarine
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering, Texas Tech University, 911 Boston Avenue, Lubbock, Texas 79401, United States
| | - Grace E Schwartz
- Department of Chemistry, Wofford College, Spartanburg, South Carolina 29303, United States
| | - Laura S Ruhl
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Arkansas Little Rock, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang Y, Ke L, Ma X, Di Q. Impact of ground-level ozone exposure on sleep quality and electroencephalogram patterns at different time scales. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 218:115025. [PMID: 36502906 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.115025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Ozone exposure is associated with various adverse health outcomes, but its impact on sleep quality is uncertain. Here we assessed the causal effect of long-term (yearly and monthly) exposure to ozone on nocturnal workday sleep time in a national representative sample from the China Family Panel Study, using a difference-in-differences approach. We further followed ninety healthy Chinese young adults four times in four seasons from September 2020 to June 2021, measured their daily sleep architecture using accelerometers, ascertained daily ozone exposure, recorded 5-min eye-closed resting-state electroencephalogram (EEG) signals at the last day of each one-week-long measurement session, and explored the effect of ozone exposure on objectively-measured sleep architecture. In the national sample, we found that every 1 interquartile range (IQR) μg/m3 increase in yearly and monthly ozone exposure was causally associated with 7.31 (p = 0.0039) and 4.19 (p = 0.040) minutes decline in nocturnal workday sleep time; the dose-response curve represented a quasi-linear pattern with no safety threshold, and plateaued at higher concentrations. In the small-scale study with objectively-measured sleep architecture, we found that every 1 IQR μg/m3 increase in the weekly ozone exposure was associated with 5.33 min decrease in night-time total sleep time (p = 0.031), 1.63 percentage points decrease in sleep efficiency (p < 0.001), 1.99 min increase in sleep latency (p = 0.0070), and 5.34 min increase in wake after sleep onset time (p = 0.0016) in a quasi-linear pattern. Notably, we found the accumulating trend of ozone exposure on sleep quality during both the short-term and long-term periods. We also found that short-term ozone exposure was associated with altered EEG patterns, mediated by sleep quality. This study indicates that long-term and short-term ozone exposures have negative and accumulating impacts on sleep quality and might impair brain functioning. More hidden health burdens of ozone are worth exploring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yao Zhang
- Soochow College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China; Division of Sports Science & Physical Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Limei Ke
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Xindong Ma
- Division of Sports Science & Physical Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China; IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Qian Di
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China; Institute for Healthy China, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yao M, Li L, Yang M, Wu Y, Cheng F. Household air pollution and childhood stunting in China: A prospective cohort study. Front Public Health 2022; 10:985786. [PMID: 36388319 PMCID: PMC9650942 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.985786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Exposure to air pollution, especially indoor air pollution, was associated with an increased risk of childhood stunting. However, few longitudinal studies have explored the long-term impacts of indoor air pollution from household solid fuel use on child growth. We aimed to investigate the association between household air pollution (HAP) from solid fuel use and childhood stunting in Chinese children. Method The longitudinal data from the Chinese Family Panel Study over 2010-2018 were included in this study with a total of 6,013 children aged 0-15 years enrolled at baseline. Exposure to HAP was measured as solid fuel use for cooking, while solid fuel was defined as coal and firewood/straw according to the questionnaire survey. Stunting was defined as-2SD below the height-for-age z-score (HAZ) of the reference children. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models with time-varying exposures were employed to estimate the association between childhood stunting and HAP exposure. Results At baseline, children with exposure to HAP from combusting solid fuels had a relatively higher risk of stunting [OR (95%CI): 1.42 (1.24-1.63)]. Among children without stunning at baseline, those living in households with solid fuel use had a higher stunting risk over an 8-year follow-up [HR (95%CI): 2.05 (1.64-2.57)]. The risk of childhood stunting was increased for those with HAP exposure from firewood/straw combustion or with longer exposure duration [HR (95%CI): 2.21 (1.74-2.79) and 3.01 (2.23-4.08), respectively]. Meanwhile, this risk was significantly decreased among children from households switching from solid fuels to clean fuels [HR (95%CI): 0.53 (0.39-0.70)]. Solid fuel use was suggested to be a mediator of the relationship between poor socioeconomic factors (i.e., household income and parental education level) and childhood stunning, with a mediation effect ranging from 11.25 to 14.26%. Conclusions HAP exposure from solid fuel use was associated with childhood stunting. Poor parental education and low household income might be socioeconomic factors contributing to solid fuel use. Therefore, household energy policies to facilitate access to clean fuels are urgently needed, especially for low-income and low-educated households.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Yao
- Research Center for Economy of Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River, Chongqing Technology and Business University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lingou Li
- Department of Endocrinology, The First People's Hospital of Chong Qing Liang Jiang New Area, Chongqing, China
| | - Mei Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, The First People's Hospital of Chong Qing Liang Jiang New Area, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wu
- Health Management Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China,*Correspondence: Yuanyuan Wu
| | - Feifei Cheng
- Health Management Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China,Feifei Cheng
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang CH, Sears L, Myers JV, Brock GN, Sears CG, Zierold KM. Proximity to coal-fired power plants and neurobehavioral symptoms in children. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2022; 32:124-134. [PMID: 34257388 PMCID: PMC8275639 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-021-00369-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coal-fired power plants are a major source of air pollution that can impact children's health. Limited research has explored if proximity to coal-fired power plants contributes to children's neurobehavioral disorders. OBJECTIVE This community-based study collected primary data to investigate the relationships of residential proximity to power plants and neurobehavioral problems in children. METHODS 235 participants aged 6-14 years who lived within 10 miles of two power plants were recruited. Exposure to particulate matter ≤10 μm (PM10) was measured in children's homes using personal modular impactors. Neurobehavioral symptoms were assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Multiple regression models were performed to test the hypothesized associations between proximity/exposure and neurobehavioral symptoms. Geospatial statistical methods were used to map the spatial patterns of exposure and neurobehavioral symptoms. RESULTS A small proportion of the variations of neurobehavioral problems (social problems, affective problems, and anxiety problems) were explained by the regression models in which distance to power plants, traffic proximity, and neighborhood poverty was statistically associated with the neurobehavioral health outcomes. Statistically significant hot spots of participants who had elevated levels of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, and social problems were observed in the vicinity of the two power plants. SIGNIFICANCE Results of this study suggest an adverse impact of proximity to power plants on children's neurobehavioral health. Although coal-fired power plants are being phased out in the US, health concern about exposure from coal ash storage facilities remains. Furthermore, other countries in the world are increasing coal use and generating millions of tons of pollutants and coal ash. Findings from this study can inform public health policies to reduce children's risk of neurobehavioral symptoms in relation to proximity to power plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlie H Zhang
- Department of Geography & Geosciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Lonnie Sears
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - John V Myers
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Guy N Brock
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Clara G Sears
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Kristina M Zierold
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sohal B, Singh S, Singh SIK, Bhat SA, Kaur J, Singh J, Vig AP. Comparing the nutrient changes, heavy metals, and genotoxicity assessment before and after vermicomposting of thermal fly ash using Eisenia fetida. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:48154-48170. [PMID: 33904127 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13726-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Fly ash (FA) is available in an unstable state and can be ameliorated by vermicomposting. The different ratios of FA viz (FA10, FA15, FA20, FA25, FA50, FA75) were mixed with another organic waste, i.e., cattle dung. Supportive effects of FA were seen on the reproductive parameters of the earthworms up to FA25. Some beneficial changes have been reported in pH, EC, TOC, TKN, TAP, TNa, TK, and potentially toxic heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Cd, Co, Ni, Cr, Pb). The genotoxicity test was performed to assess the toxic effects of the fly ash which has not been done till now. Low genotoxicity potential and high onion root growth were observed in the post-vermicompost samples which were not even reported yet by any other study. These results clearly indicated that the vermicomposting process offers the best option to manage the FA by converting it into an ecofriendly, nutrient-rich, and properly detoxified manure with the help of earthworms which also indicate its economically best-fit applications for the large scale agricultural practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bhawana Sohal
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India
| | - Sharanpreet Singh
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India
| | | | | | - Jagdeep Kaur
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India
| | - Jaswinder Singh
- Department of Zoology, Khalsa College, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Adarsh Pal Vig
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Dupont-Soares M, Dos Santos M, Garcia EM, Soares MCF, Muccillo-Baisch AL, da Silva Júnior FMR. Maternal, neonatal and socio-economic factors associated with intellectual development among children from a coal mining region in Brazil. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2021; 43:3055-3066. [PMID: 33496915 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-021-00817-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Coal is the most aggressive energy sources in the environment. Several adverse outcomes on children's health exposure to coal pollutants have been reported. Pollutants from coal power plants adversely affect the intellectual development and capacity. The present study aimed to evaluate the intellectual development and associated factors among children living a city under the direct influence (DI) and six neighboring municipalities under the indirect influence (II) of coal mining activity in the largest coal reserve of Brazil. A structured questionnaire was completed by the child's guardian, and Raven's Progressive Color Matrices were administered to each child to assess intellectual development. A total of 778 children participated. In general, no significant difference was observed between the two cities. The DI city had better socioeconomic conditions than the II municipalities according to family income (< 0.001). The prevalence of children who were intellectually below average or with intellectual disabilities was 22.9%, and there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between municipalities. In both unadjusted and adjusted analyses, intellectual development was associated with maternal age, marital situation and maternal education level, birth weight, breast feeding, frequent children's daycare, paternal participation in children's care and child growth. Living in the DI area was not associated with intellectual disability. The results suggest that socioeconomic conditions and maternal and neonatal outcomes are more important than environmental factors for intellectual development of children living in a coal mining area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Dupont-Soares
- Programa de Pós Graduação eôôm Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Rua Visconde de Paranaguá 102 Centro, Rio Grande-RS, 96203-900, Brazil
| | - Marina Dos Santos
- Programa de Pós Graduação eôôm Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Rua Visconde de Paranaguá 102 Centro, Rio Grande-RS, 96203-900, Brazil
- Laboratório de Ensaios Farmacológicos E Toxicológicos - LEFT, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Av. Itália, km 8, Campus Carreiros, Rio Grande - RS, CEP 96203-900, Brazil
| | - Edariane Menestrino Garcia
- Programa de Pós Graduação eôôm Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Rua Visconde de Paranaguá 102 Centro, Rio Grande-RS, 96203-900, Brazil
| | - Maria Cristina Flores Soares
- Programa de Pós Graduação eôôm Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Rua Visconde de Paranaguá 102 Centro, Rio Grande-RS, 96203-900, Brazil
- Laboratório de Ensaios Farmacológicos E Toxicológicos - LEFT, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Av. Itália, km 8, Campus Carreiros, Rio Grande - RS, CEP 96203-900, Brazil
| | - Ana Luiza Muccillo-Baisch
- Programa de Pós Graduação eôôm Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Rua Visconde de Paranaguá 102 Centro, Rio Grande-RS, 96203-900, Brazil
- Laboratório de Ensaios Farmacológicos E Toxicológicos - LEFT, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Av. Itália, km 8, Campus Carreiros, Rio Grande - RS, CEP 96203-900, Brazil
| | - Flavio Manoel Rodrigues da Silva Júnior
- Programa de Pós Graduação eôôm Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Rua Visconde de Paranaguá 102 Centro, Rio Grande-RS, 96203-900, Brazil.
- Laboratório de Ensaios Farmacológicos E Toxicológicos - LEFT, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Av. Itália, km 8, Campus Carreiros, Rio Grande - RS, CEP 96203-900, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zierold KM, Myers JV, Brock GN, Sears CG, Sears LL, Zhang CH. Nail Samples of Children Living near Coal Ash Storage Facilities Suggest Fly Ash Exposure and Elevated Concentrations of Metal(loid)s. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:9074-9086. [PMID: 34132542 PMCID: PMC10725724 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c01541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Children who live near coal-fired power plants are exposed to coal fly ash, which is stored in landfills and surface impoundments near residential communities. Fly ash has the potential to be released as fugitive dust. Using data collected from 263 children living within 10 miles of coal ash storage facilities in Jefferson and Bullitt Counties, Kentucky, USA, we quantified the elements found in nail samples. Furthermore, using principal component analysis (PCA), we investigated whether metal(loid)s that are predominately found in fly ash loaded together to indicate potential exposure to fly ash. Concentrations of several neurotoxic metal(loid)s, such as chromium, manganese, and zinc, were higher than concentrations reported in other studies of both healthy and environmentally exposed children. From PCA, it was determined that iron, aluminum, and silicon in fly ash were found to load together in the nails of children living near coal ash storage facilities. These metal(loid)s were also highly correlated with each other. Last, results of geospatial analyses partially validated our hypothesis that children's proximity to power plants was associated with elevated levels of concentrations of fly ash metal(loid)s in nails. Taken together, nail samples may be a powerful tool in detecting exposure to fly ash.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina M Zierold
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham 35294, Alabama, United States
| | - John V Myers
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus 43210, Ohio, United States
| | - Guy N Brock
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus 43210, Ohio, United States
| | - Clara G Sears
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence 02912, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Lonnie L Sears
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville, Louisville 40292, Kentucky, United States
| | - Charlie H Zhang
- Department of Geography & Geosciences, University of Louisville, Louisville 40292, Kentucky, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Liu J, Ghastine L, Um P, Rovit E, Wu T. Environmental exposures and sleep outcomes: A review of evidence, potential mechanisms, and implications. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 196:110406. [PMID: 33130170 PMCID: PMC8081760 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Environmental exposures and poor sleep outcomes are known to have consequential effects on human health. This integrative review first seeks to present and synthesize existing literature investigating the relationship between exposure to various environmental factors and sleep health. We then present potential mechanisms of action as well as implications for policy and future research for each environmental exposure. Broadly, although studies are still emerging, empirical evidence has begun to show a positive association between adverse effects of heavy metal, noise pollution, light pollution, second-hand smoke, and air pollution exposures and various sleep problems. Specifically, these negative sleep outcomes range from subjective sleep manifestations, such as general sleep quality, sleep duration, daytime dysfunction, and daytime sleepiness, as well as objective sleep measures, including difficulties with sleep onset and maintenance, sleep stage or circadian rhythm interference, sleep arousal, REM activity, and sleep disordered breathing. However, the association between light exposure and sleep is less clear. Potential toxicological mechanisms are thought to include the direct effect of various environmental toxicants on the nervous, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Nevertheless, future research is required to tease out the exact pathways of action to explain the associations between each environmental factor and sleep, to inform possible therapies to negate the detrimental effects, and to increase efforts in decreasing exposure to these harmful environmental factors to improve health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianghong Liu
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, 418 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Lea Ghastine
- Ohio State University College of Medicine, 370 W 9th Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Phoebe Um
- Ohio State University College of Medicine, 370 W 9th Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Elizabeth Rovit
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, 418 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Tina Wu
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, 418 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zierold KM, Sears CG, Hagemeyer AN, Brock GN, Polivka BJ, Zhang CH, Sears L. Protocol for measuring indoor exposure to coal fly ash and heavy metals, and neurobehavioural symptoms in children aged 6 to 14 years old. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e038960. [PMID: 33234632 PMCID: PMC7684807 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-038960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fly ash is a waste product generated from burning coal for electricity. It is comprised of spherical particles ranging in size from 0.1 µm to over 100 µm in diameter that contain trace levels of heavy metals. Large countries such as China and India generate over 100 million tons per year while smaller countries like Italy and France generate 2 to 3 million tons per year. The USA generates over 36 million tons of ash, making it one of the largest industrial waste streams in the nation. Fly ash is stored in landfills and surface impoundments exposing communities to fugitive dust and heavy metals that leach into the groundwater. Limited information exists on the health impact of exposure to fly ash. This protocol represents the first research to assess children's exposure to coal fly ash and neurobehavioural outcomes. METHODS We measure indoor exposure to fly ash and heavy metals, and neurobehavioural symptoms in children aged 6 to 14 years old. Using air pollution samplers and lift tape samples, we collect particulate matter ≤10 µm that is analysed for fly ash and heavy metals. Toenails and fingernails are collected to assess body burden for 72 chemical elements. Using the Behavioural Assessment and Research System and the Child Behaviour Checklist, we collect information on neurobehavioural outcomes. Data collection began in September 2015 and will continue until February 2021. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study was approved by the Institutional Review Boards of the University of Louisville (#14.1069) and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (#300003807). We have collected data from 267 children who live within 10 miles of two power plants. Children are at a greater risk for environmental exposure which justifies the rationale for this study. Results of this study will be distributed at conferences, in peer-reviewed journals and to the participants of the study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina M Zierold
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Clara G Sears
- Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Abby N Hagemeyer
- Epidemiology and Population Health, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Guy N Brock
- Bioinformatics and the Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Barbara J Polivka
- School of Nursing, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Charlie H Zhang
- Department of Geography and Geosciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Lonnie Sears
- Department of Pediatrics, Health Sciences Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zierold KM, Odoh C. A review on fly ash from coal-fired power plants: chemical composition, regulations, and health evidence. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2020; 35:401-418. [PMID: 32324165 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2019-0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Throughout the world, coal is responsible for generating approximately 38% of power. Coal ash, a waste product, generated from the combustion of coal, consists of fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, and flue gas desulfurization material. Fly ash, which is the main component of coal ash, is composed of spherical particulate matter with diameters that range from 0.1 μm to >100 μm. Fly ash is predominately composed of silica, aluminum, iron, calcium, and oxygen, but the particles may also contain heavy metals such as arsenic and lead at trace levels. Most nations throughout the world do not consider fly ash a hazardous waste and therefore regulations on its disposal and storage are lacking. Fly ash that is not beneficially reused in products such as concrete is stored in landfills and surface impoundments. Fugitive dust emissions and leaching of metals into groundwater from landfills and surface impoundments may put people at risk for exposure. There are limited epidemiological studies regarding the health effects of fly ash exposure. In this article, the authors provide an overview of fly ash, its chemical composition, the regulations from nations generating the greatest amount of fly ash, and epidemiological evidence regarding the health impacts associated with exposure to fly ash.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina M Zierold
- Environmental Health Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Chisom Odoh
- Rehabilitation and Health Services, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sears L, Sears CG, Myers JV, Brock GN, Zierold KM. Associations of the Behavioral Assessment and Research System (BARS) neurobehavioral outcomes with attention problems in children living near coal ash storage sites. Neurotoxicology 2020; 81:11-17. [PMID: 32810513 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2020.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Environmental exposures have been linked to childhood problems with overactivity, attention, and impulse control, and an increased risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis. Two approaches to identify these types of exposure-related neurobehavioral problems include the use of computerized tests, such as the Behavioral Assessment and Research System (BARS), as well as the use of behavior rating scales. To assess comparability of these two types of measures, we analyzed data from 281 children aged 6 to 14 years enrolled in a 5-year research study investigating coal ash exposure and neurobehavioral health. All children lived in proximity of coal ash storage sites. We administered six computer tests from the BARS and obtained behavior measures from the parent-completed Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) ADHD DSM oriented scale. BARS test performance was associated with age indicating that the tests could be used to evaluate neurodevelopmental changes over time or across a wide age range. Tests within the BARS including Continuous Performance (CPT) false alarm (standardized estimate 1.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.67, 2.48), adjusted p = 0.006), Selective Attention (SAT) wrong count (standardized estimate 2.8, 95% CI (1.17, 4.44), adjusted p = 0.006), and SAT proportion correct (standardized estimate -2.45, 95% CI (-4.01, -0.88), adjusted p = 0.01) were associated with attention and impulse control problems on the CBCL after adjustment for multiple comparisons. Findings support that the BARS can contribute to research on environmental exposures by assessing subclinical behaviors related to ADHD such as sustained attention, impulse control, response inhibition, associative learning, and short-term memory. Future research can examine relationships of these BARS measures with biomarkers of neurotoxic exposures related to living near coal ash storage sites to better identify the potential risk for ADHD-related behaviors among children living near coal ash storage sites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lonnie Sears
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA.
| | - Clara G Sears
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
| | - John V Myers
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
| | - Guy N Brock
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
| | - Kristina M Zierold
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Liu J, Wu T, Liu Q, Wu S, Chen JC. Air pollution exposure and adverse sleep health across the life course: A systematic review. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 262:114263. [PMID: 32443219 PMCID: PMC7877449 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
An increasing number of epidemiological studies have examined air pollution as a possible contributor to adverse sleep health, but results are mixed. The aims of this systematic review are to investigate and summarize the associations between exposures to air pollutants and various sleep measures across the lifespan. PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycInfo were searched through October 2019 to identify original data-based research examining direct epidemiological associations between ambient and indoor air pollution exposures and various sleep health measures, including sleep quality, sleep duration, sleep disturbances, and daytime sleepiness. Twenty-two articles from 2010 to 2019 were selected for inclusion in this review, including a wide range of study populations (from early childhood to elderly) and locations (10 Asian, 4 North American, 3 European, 5 other). Due to variation in both exposure and outcome assessments, conducting a meta-analysis was not plausible. Twenty-one studies reported a generally positive association between exposure and poor sleep quality. While most studies focused on ambient air pollutants, five assessed the specific effect of indoor exposure. In children and adolescents, increased exposure to both ambient and indoor pollutants is associated with increased respiratory sleep problems and a variety of additional adverse sleep outcomes. In adults, air pollution exposure was most notably related to sleep disordered breathing. Existing literature generally shows a negative relationship between exposures to air pollution and sleep health in populations across different age groups, countries, and measures. While many associations between air pollution and sleep outcomes have been investigated, the mixed study methods and use of subjective air pollution and sleep measures result in a wide range of specific associations. Plausible toxicological mechanisms remain inconclusive. Future studies utilizing objective sleep measures and controlling for all air pollution exposures and individual encounters may help ameliorate variability in the results reported by current published literature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianghong Liu
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Tina Wu
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Qisijing Liu
- Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing, China
| | - Shaowei Wu
- Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing, China
| | - Jiu-Chiuan Chen
- University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
This article reviews evidence for the public health impacts of coal across the extraction, processing, use, and waste disposal continuum. Surface coal mining and processing impose public health risks on residential communities through air and water pollution. Burning coal in power plants emits more nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, and heavy metals per unit of energy than any other fuel source and impairs global public health. Coal ash disposal exposes communities to heavy metals and particulate matter waste. Use of coal in domestic households causes public health harm concentrated in developing nations. Across the coal continuum, adverse impacts are disproportionately felt by persons of poor socioeconomic status, contributing to health inequities. Despite efforts to develop renewable energy sources, coal use has not declined on a global scale. Concentrated efforts to eliminate coal as an energy source are imperative to improve public health and avert serious climate change consequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hendryx
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, USA;
| | - Keith J Zullig
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506, USA;
| | - Juhua Luo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Odoh C, Sears CG, Tompkins LK, Hagemeyer AN, Pfeiffer JA, Polivka BJ, Sears L, Brock GN, Zhang C, Zierold KM. Recruitment strategies and challenges: Lessons learned from a coal ash and children's health study. Res Nurs Health 2019; 42:446-457. [PMID: 31599010 PMCID: PMC10725728 DOI: 10.1002/nur.21986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to describe the approaches and recruitment strategies of a study focused on the impact of coal fly ash on neurobehavioral performance among children living in proximity to coal-burning power plants. Challenges encountered with each recruitment approach are highlighted as well as solutions used to overcome those challenges and ultimately enroll children and one of their parents or guardians. To ensure participants were distributed throughout the study area, geographical information systems were used to guide recruitment and achieve the target sample size (N = 300). Several approaches were employed to recruit the number of needed participants, including "shoe leather" or door-to-door recruitment, placement of flyers and brochures in public spaces, mailings to targeted addresses, media announcements, and local government outreach. Since September 2015, 265 participants have been enrolled in the study using a combination of the described recruitment approaches. Even with a well-designed plan, it is important to re-examine strategies at every step to maximize recruitment efforts. Researcher flexibility in adapting to new strategies is vital in facilitating recruitment efforts, and the recruitment of participants in the study remains a dynamic and evolving process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chisom Odoh
- Department of Rehabilitation and Health Services, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
| | - Clara G. Sears
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | | | - Abby N. Hagemeyer
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Jack A. Pfeiffer
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Barbara J. Polivka
- School of Nursing, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Lonnie Sears
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Guy N. Brock
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - C. Zhang
- Department of Geography and Geosciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Kristina M. Zierold
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hagemeyer AN, Sears CG, Zierold KM. Respiratory Health in Adults Residing Near a Coal-Burning Power Plant with Coal Ash Storage Facilities: A Cross-Sectional Epidemiological Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16193642. [PMID: 31569347 PMCID: PMC6801683 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16193642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Coal ash, the byproduct of burning coal made up of small particles, including heavy metals and radioactive elements, is discarded in open-air landfills where it can be emitted into the air, contributing to air pollution in the surrounding community. Few regulations exist regarding the storage, disposal, and transport of coal ash. There is limited research on the health impacts of coal ash exposure on communities. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among adults exposed to coal ash and non-exposed adults. A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted among two populations: one exposed to coal ash and one not exposed to coal ash. Perception of health (p-Value < 0.0001), cough (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 5.30, 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) = 2.60-11), shortness of breath (AOR = 2.59, 95% CI = 1.56-4.31), hoarseness (AOR = 4.02, 95% CI = 2.45-6.60), respiratory infections (AOR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.14-2.89), and mean overall respiratory health score (p-Value < 0.0001) were all statistically significantly greater in exposed adults (N = 231) when compared to non-exposed adults (N = 170). Adults residing near the coal ash facility were more likely to report respiratory symptoms than the non-exposed population. More research on the health impact of coal ash and storage regulations needs to be conducted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abby N Hagemeyer
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Clara G Sears
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Kristina M Zierold
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| |
Collapse
|