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Mallach G, Shutt R, Thomson EM, Valcin F, Kulka R, Weichenthal S. Randomized Cross-Over Study of In-Vehicle Cabin Air Filtration, Air Pollution Exposure, and Acute Changes to Heart Rate Variability, Saliva Cortisol, and Cognitive Function. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:3238-3247. [PMID: 36787278 PMCID: PMC9979657 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
To determine how traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) exposures affect commuter health, and whether cabin air filtration (CAF) can mitigate exposures, we conducted a cross-over study of 48 adults exposed to TRAP during two commutes with and without CAF. Measurements included particulate air pollutants (PM2.5, black carbon [BC], ultrafine particles [UFPs]), volatile organic compounds, and nitrogen dioxide. We measured participants' heart rate variability (HRV), saliva cortisol, and cognitive function. On average, CAF reduced concentrations of UFPs by 26,232 (95%CI: 11,734, 40,730) n/cm3, PM2.5 by 6 (95%CI: 5, 8) μg/m3, and BC by 1348 (95%CI: 1042, 1654) ng/m3, or 28, 30, and 32%, respectively. Each IQR increase in PM2.5 was associated with a 28% (95%CI: 2, 60) increase in high-frequency power HRV at the end of the commute and a 22% (95%CI: 7, 39) increase 45 min afterward. IQR increases in UFPs were associated with increased saliva cortisol in women during the commute (18% [95%CI: 0, 40]). IQR increases in UFPs were associated with strong switching costs (19% [95%CI: 2, 39]), indicating a reduced capacity for multitasking, and PM2.5 was associated with increased reaction latency, indicating slower responses (5% [95%CI: 1, 10]). CAF can reduce particulate exposures by almost a third.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Mallach
- Water
and Air Quality Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Robin Shutt
- Environmental
Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Errol M. Thomson
- Environmental
Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa K1A 0K9, Canada
- Department
of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Frédéric Valcin
- Water
and Air Quality Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Ryan Kulka
- Water
and Air Quality Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Scott Weichenthal
- Water
and Air Quality Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa K1A 0K9, Canada
- Department
of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal H3A 1G1, Canada
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Russell HS, Kappelt N, Fessa D, Frederickson LB, Bagkis E, Apostolidis P, Karatzas K, Schmidt JA, Hertel O, Johnson MS. Particulate air pollution in the Copenhagen metro part 2: Low-cost sensors and micro-environment classification. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 170:107645. [PMID: 36434885 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107645] [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: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In this study fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels throughout the Copenhagen metro system are measured for the first time and found to be ∼10 times the roadside levels in Copenhagen. In this Part 2 article, low-cost sensor (LCS) nodes designed for personal-exposure monitoring are tested against a conventional mid-range device (TSI DustTrak), and gravimetric methods. The nodes were found to be effective for personal exposure measurements inside the metro system, with R2 values of > 0.8 at 1-min and > 0.9 at 5-min time-resolution, with an average slope of 1.01 in both cases, in comparison to the reference, which is impressive for this dynamic environment. Micro-environment (ME) classification techniques are also developed and tested, involving the use of auxiliary sensors, measuring light, carbon dioxide, humidity, temperature and motion. The output from these sensors is used to distinguish between specific MEs, namely, being aboard trains travelling above- or under- ground, with 83 % accuracy, and determining whether sensors were aboard a train or stationary at a platform with 92 % accuracy. This information was used to show a 143 % increase in mean PM2.5 concentration for underground sections relative to overground, and 22 % increase for train vs. platform measurements. The ME classification method can also be used to improve calibration models, assist in accurate exposure assessment based on detailed time-activity patterns, and facilitate field studies that do not require personnel to record time-activity diaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo S Russell
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; AirLabs, Nannasgade 28, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; Danish Big Data Centre for Environment and Health (BERTHA), Aarhus University, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Niklas Kappelt
- AirLabs, Nannasgade 28, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; Department of Chemistry, Copenhagen University, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dafni Fessa
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Louise B Frederickson
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; AirLabs, Nannasgade 28, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; Danish Big Data Centre for Environment and Health (BERTHA), Aarhus University, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Evangelos Bagkis
- Environmental Informatics Research Group, School of Mechanical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Pantelis Apostolidis
- Environmental Informatics Research Group, School of Mechanical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Kostas Karatzas
- Environmental Informatics Research Group, School of Mechanical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Ole Hertel
- Danish Big Data Centre for Environment and Health (BERTHA), Aarhus University, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Matthew S Johnson
- AirLabs, Nannasgade 28, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; Department of Chemistry, Copenhagen University, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Rahman L, Mallach G, Kulka R, Halappanavar S. Microplastics and nanoplastics science: collecting and characterizing airborne microplastics in fine particulate matter. Nanotoxicology 2022; 15:1253-1278. [PMID: 35007468 DOI: 10.1080/17435390.2021.2018065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution in the environment is increasing, leading to growing concerns about human exposures and the subsequent impact on health. Although marine MP research has received significant attention in recent years, only a few studies have attempted characterization of MP in air and examined the MP uptake and influence via inhalation on human health. Moreover, the methods used for MP characterization in the marine environment require further optimization to be applicable to MP in the air. This paper details method for collecting and characterizing MP < 2.5 μm in air samples for the purposes of toxicological assessment. The first phase of the study evaluated (a) the suitability of various filter types to collect respirable airborne MP <2.5 μm, and; (b) the ability of Raman and enhanced darkfield-hyperspectral spectroscopy methods to identify MP reference standards collected from spiked filters and in cells after exposure to reference MP. In the second phase, these methods were employed to characterize MP <2.5 μm in personal, indoor and outdoor filter air samples and in cells following exposure to filter extracted material. The results showed the presence of a variety of MP in the respirable size fraction (0.1-1 µm aerodynamic diameter). Silver membrane filters were found not suitable for collecting and analyzing MP <2.5 μm. While it was easy to detect reference MP in cells post-exposure, the identity of only two types of air-borne MP was confirmed in cells. The study highlighted possible sources of artifacts and inconsistencies in analyzing airborne MP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luna Rahman
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Gary Mallach
- Water and Air Quality Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ryan Kulka
- Water and Air Quality Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sabina Halappanavar
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Janjua S, Powell P, Atkinson R, Stovold E, Fortescue R. Individual-level interventions to reduce personal exposure to outdoor air pollution and their effects on people with long-term respiratory conditions. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021; 8:CD013441. [PMID: 34368949 PMCID: PMC8407478 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013441.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND More than 90% of the global population lives in areas exceeding World Health Organization air quality limits. More than four million people each year are thought to die early due to air pollution, and poor air quality is thought to reduce an average European's life expectancy by one year. Individuals may be able to reduce health risks through interventions such as masks, behavioural changes and use of air quality alerts. To date, evidence is lacking about the efficacy and safety of such interventions for the general population and people with long-term respiratory conditions. This topic, and the review question relating to supporting evidence to avoid or lessen the effects of air pollution, emerged directly from a group of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in South London, UK. OBJECTIVES 1. To assess the efficacy, safety and acceptability of individual-level interventions that aim to help people with or without chronic respiratory conditions to reduce their exposure to outdoor air pollution. 2. To assess the efficacy, safety and acceptability of individual-level interventions that aim to help people with chronic respiratory conditions reduce the personal impact of outdoor air pollution and improve health outcomes. SEARCH METHODS We identified studies from the Cochrane Airways Trials Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and other major databases. We did not restrict our searches by date, language or publication type and included a search of the grey literature (e.g. unpublished information). We conducted the most recent search on 16 October 2020. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomised studies (NRS) that included a comparison treatment arm, in adults and children that investigated the effectiveness of an individual-level intervention to reduce risks of outdoor air pollution. We included studies in healthy individuals and those in people with long-term respiratory conditions. We excluded studies which focused on non-respiratory long-term conditions, such as cardiovascular disease. We did not restrict eligibility of studies based on outcomes. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard Cochrane methods. Two review authors independently selected trials for inclusion, extracted study characteristics and outcome data, and assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for RCTs and the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS-I) as appropriate. One review author entered data into the review; this was spot-checked by a second author. We planned to meta-analyse results from RCTs and NRS separately, using a random-effects model. This was not possible, so we presented evidence narratively. We assessed certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. Primary outcomes were: measures of air pollution exposure; exacerbation of respiratory conditions; hospital admissions; quality of life; and serious adverse events. MAIN RESULTS We identified 11 studies (3372 participants) meeting our inclusion criteria (10 RCTs and one NRS). Participants' ages ranged from 18 to 74 years, and the duration of studies ranged from 24 hours to 104 weeks. Six cross-over studies recruited healthy adults and five parallel studies included either people with pre-existing conditions (three studies) or only pregnant women (two studies). Interventions included masks (e.g. an N95 mask designed to filter out airborne particles) (five studies), an alternative cycle route (one study), air quality alerts and education (five studies). Studies were set in Australia, China, Iran, the UK, and the USA. Due to the diversity of study designs, populations, interventions and outcomes, we did not perform any meta-analyses and instead summarised results narratively. We judged both RCTs and the NRS to be at risk of bias from lack of blinding and lack of clarity regarding selection methods. Many studies did not provide a prepublished protocol or trial registration. From five studies (184 participants), we found that masks or altered cycle routes may have little or no impact on physiological markers of air pollution exposure (e.g. blood pressure and heart rate variability), but we are very uncertain about this estimate using the GRADE approach. We found conflicting evidence regarding health care usage from three studies of air pollution alerts, with one non-randomised cross-over trial (35 participants) reporting an increase in emergency hospital attendances and admissions, but the other two randomised parallel trials (1553 participants) reporting little to no difference. We also gave the evidence for this outcome a very uncertain GRADE rating. None of our included trials reported respiratory exacerbations, quality of life or serious adverse events. Secondary outcomes were not well reported, but indicated inconsistent impacts of air quality alerts and education interventions on adherence, with some trials reporting improvements in the intervention groups and others reporting little or no difference. Symptoms were reported by three trials, with one randomised cross-over trial (15 participants) reporting a small increase in breathing difficulties associated with the mask intervention, one non-randomised cross-over trial (35 participants) reporting reduced throat and nasal irritation in the lower-pollution cycle route group (but no clear difference in other respiratory symptoms), and another randomised parallel trial (519 participants) reporting no clear difference in symptoms between those who received a smog warning and those who did not. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The lack of evidence and study diversity has limited the conclusions of this review. Using a mask or a lower-pollution cycle route may mitigate some of the physiological impacts from air pollution, but evidence was very uncertain. We found conflicting results for other outcomes, including health care usage, symptoms and adherence/behaviour change. We did not find evidence for adverse events. Funders should consider commissioning larger, longer studies, using high-quality and well-described methods, recruiting participants with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Studies should report outcomes of importance to people with respiratory conditions, such as exacerbations, hospital admissions, quality of life and adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadia Janjua
- Cochrane Airways, Population Health Research Institute, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Richard Atkinson
- Population Health Research Institute, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth Stovold
- Cochrane Airways, Population Health Research Institute, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Rebecca Fortescue
- Cochrane Airways, Population Health Research Institute, St George's, University of London, London, UK
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Quinn C, Anderson GB, Magzamen S, Henry CS, Volckens J. Dynamic classification of personal microenvironments using a suite of wearable, low-cost sensors. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2020; 30:962-970. [PMID: 31937850 PMCID: PMC7358126 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-019-0198-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Human exposure to air pollution is associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. However, personal air pollution exposures can vary substantially depending on an individual's daily activity patterns and air quality within their residence and workplace. This work developed and validated an adaptive buffer size (ABS) algorithm capable of dynamically classifying an individual's time spent in predefined microenvironments using data from global positioning systems (GPS), motion sensors, temperature sensors, and light sensors. Twenty-two participants in Fort Collins, CO were recruited to carry a personal air sampler for a 48-h period. The personal sampler was retrofitted with a GPS and a pushbutton to complement the existing sensor measurements (temperature, motion, light). The pushbutton was used in conjunction with a traditional time-activity diary to note when the participant was located at "home", "work", or within an "other" microenvironment. The ABS algorithm predicted the amount of time spent in each microenvironment with a median accuracy of 99.1%, 98.9%, and 97.5% for the "home", "work", and "other" microenvironments. The ability to classify microenvironments dynamically in real time can enable the development of new sampling and measurement technologies that classify personal exposure by microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey Quinn
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - G Brooke Anderson
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Sheryl Magzamen
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Charles S Henry
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - John Volckens
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA.
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6
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Sugg MM, Fuhrmann CM, Runkle JD. Perceptions and experiences of outdoor occupational workers using digital devices for geospatial biometeorological monitoring. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2020; 64:471-483. [PMID: 31811392 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-019-01833-8] [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: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Wearable devices have the potential to track and monitor a wide range of biometeorological conditions (e.g., temperature, UV, air quality) and health outcomes (e.g., mental stress, physical activity, physiologic strain, and cognitive impairments). These sensors provide the potential for personalized environmental exposure information that can be harnessed for at-risk populations. Personalized environmental exposure information is of particular importance for populations that are continuously exposed to hazardous environmental conditions or with underlying health conditions. Yet, for these devices to be effective, individuals must be willing to monitor their health and, if prompted, adhere to warnings or notifications. To date, no study has examined the perceptions and use of digital devices and wearable sensors among vulnerable outdoor working populations. This study evaluated digital device use and perceptions among a population of groundworkers in three diverse geographic sites in the southeastern USA (Boone, NC, Raleigh, NC, and Starkville, MS). Our results demonstrate that biometeorological health interventions should focus on smartphone technology as a platform for monitoring environmental exposure and associated health outcomes. It was encouraging to find that those study participants were very likely to wear sensors and utilize global positioning system technology despite potential privacy issues. In addition, 3 out of 4 workers indicated that they would change their behavior if given a personalized heat preventive warning. Future development of wearable sensors and smartphone applications should integrate personalized weather warnings and ensure privacy to facilitate the use of these technologies among vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret M Sugg
- Department of Geography and Planning, Appalachian State University, P.O. Box 32066, Boone, NC, 28608, USA.
| | - Christopher M Fuhrmann
- Department of Geosciences, Mississippi State University, P.O. Box 5448, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA
| | - Jennifer D Runkle
- North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies, North Carolina State University, 151 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC, 28801, USA
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Samuels-Kalow ME, Camargo CA. The Use of Geographic Data to Improve Asthma Care Delivery and Population Health. Clin Chest Med 2018; 40:209-225. [PMID: 30691713 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccm.2018.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The authors examine uses of geographic data to improve asthma care delivery and population health and describe potential practice changes and areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret E Samuels-Kalow
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Zero Emerson Place Suite 104, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Carlos A Camargo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 920, Boston MA 02114, USA
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8
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A Review of GPS Trajectories Classification Based on Transportation Mode. SENSORS 2018; 18:s18113741. [PMID: 30400204 PMCID: PMC6263992 DOI: 10.3390/s18113741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
GPS trajectories generated by moving objects provide researchers with an excellent resource for revealing patterns of human activities. Relevant research based on GPS trajectories includes the fields of location-based services, transportation science, and urban studies among others. Research relating to how to obtain GPS data (e.g., GPS data acquisition, GPS data processing) is receiving significant attention because of the availability of GPS data collecting platforms. One such problem is the GPS data classification based on transportation mode. The challenge of classifying trajectories by transportation mode has approached detecting different modes of movement through the application of several strategies. From a GPS data acquisition point of view, this paper macroscopically classifies the transportation mode of GPS data into single-mode and mixed-mode. That means GPS trajectories collected based on one type of transportation mode are regarded as single-mode data; otherwise it is considered as mixed-mode data. The one big difference of classification strategy between single-mode and mixed-mode GPS data is whether we need to recognize the transition points or activity episodes first. Based on this, we systematically review existing classification methods for single-mode and mixed-mode GPS data and introduce the contributions of these methods as well as discuss their unresolved issues to provide directions for future studies in this field. Based on this review and the transportation application at hand, researchers can select the most appropriate method and endeavor to improve them.
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9
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Effects of Individual and Environmental Factors on GPS-Based Time Allocation in Urban Microenvironments Using GIS. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/app8102007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Time-activity patterns are an essential part of personal exposure assessment to various environmental factors. People move through different environments during the day and they have different daily activity patterns which are significantly influenced by individual characteristics and the residential environment. In this study, time spent in different microenvironments (MEs) were assessed for 125 participants for 7 consecutive days to evaluate the impact of individual characteristics on time-activity patterns in Kaunas, Lithuania. The data were collected with personal questionnaires and diaries. The global positioning system (GPS) sensor integrated into a smartphone was used to track daily movements and to assess time-activity patterns. The study results showed that behavioral and residential greenness have a statistically significant impact on time spent indoors. These results underline the high influence of the individual characteristics and environmental factors on time spent indoors, which is an important determinant for exposure assessment and health impact assessment studies.
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10
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Bijlsma N, Cohen MM. Expert clinician's perspectives on environmental medicine and toxicant assessment in clinical practice. Environ Health Prev Med 2018; 23:19. [PMID: 29769039 PMCID: PMC5956903 DOI: 10.1186/s12199-018-0709-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Most clinicians feel ill-equipped to assess or educate patients about toxicant exposures, and it is unclear how expert environmental medicine clinicians assess these exposures or treat exposure-related conditions. We aimed to explore expert clinicians’ perspectives on their practice of environmental medicine to determine the populations and toxicants that receive the most attention, identify how they deal with toxicant exposures and identify the challenges they face and where they obtain their knowledge. Methods A qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews with expert environmental clinicians in Australia and New Zealand was conducted. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, and themes were identified and collated until no new themes emerged. Results Five dominant themes emerged from 16 interviews: (1) environmental medicine is a divided profession based on type of practice, patient cohort seen and attitudes towards nutrition and exposure sources; (2) clinical assessment of toxicant exposures is challenging; (3) the environmental exposure history is the most important clinical tool; (4) patients with environmental sensitivities are increasing, have unique phenotypes, are complex to treat and rarely regain full health; and (5) educational and clinical resources on environmental medicine are lacking. Conclusions Environmental medicine is divided between integrative clinicians and occupational and environmental physicians based on their practice dynamics. All clinicians face challenges in assessing toxicant loads, and an exposure history is seen as the most useful tool. Standardised exposure assessment tools have the potential to significantly advance the clinical practice of environmental medicine and expand its reach across other clinical disciplines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Bijlsma
- RMIT, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, PO Box 71, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia.
| | - Marc Maurice Cohen
- RMIT, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, PO Box 71, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
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11
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Asimina S, Chapizanis D, Karakitsios S, Kontoroupis P, Asimakopoulos DN, Maggos T, Sarigiannis D. Assessing and enhancing the utility of low-cost activity and location sensors for exposure studies. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2018; 190:155. [PMID: 29464404 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-018-6537-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, the advancement of mobile technology in conjunction with the introduction of the concept of exposome has provided new dynamics to the exposure studies. Since the addressing of health outcomes related to environmental stressors is crucial, the improvement of exposure assessment methodology is of paramount importance. Towards this aim, a pilot study was carried out in the two major cities of Greece (Athens, Thessaloniki), investigating the applicability of commercially available fitness monitors and the Moves App for tracking people's location and activities, as well as for predicting the type of the encountered location, using advanced modeling techniques. Within the frame of the study, 21 individuals were using the Fitbit Flex activity tracker, a temperature logger, and the application Moves App on their smartphones. For the validation of the above equipment, participants were also carrying an Actigraph (activity sensor) and a GPS device. The data collected from Fitbit Flex, the temperature logger, and the GPS (speed) were used as input parameters in an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model for predicting the type of location. Analysis of the data showed that the Moves App tends to underestimate the daily steps counts in comparison with Fitbit Flex and Actigraph, respectively, while Moves App predicted the movement trajectory of an individual with reasonable accuracy, compared to a dedicated GPS. Finally, the encountered location was successfully predicted by the ANN in most of the cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stamatelopoulou Asimina
- Environmental Research Laboratory, I.N.RA.S.T.E.S., NCSR "DEMOKRITOS", Athens, Greece.
- Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| | - D Chapizanis
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - S Karakitsios
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - P Kontoroupis
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - D N Asimakopoulos
- Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - T Maggos
- Environmental Research Laboratory, I.N.RA.S.T.E.S., NCSR "DEMOKRITOS", Athens, Greece
| | - D Sarigiannis
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Institute for Advanced Study of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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12
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Matz CJ, Stieb DM, Egyed M, Brion O, Johnson M. Evaluation of daily time spent in transportation and traffic-influenced microenvironments by urban Canadians. AIR QUALITY, ATMOSPHERE, & HEALTH 2018; 11:209-220. [PMID: 29568337 PMCID: PMC5847121 DOI: 10.1007/s11869-017-0532-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to traffic and traffic-related air pollution is associated with a wide array of health effects. Time spent in a vehicle, in active transportation, along roadsides, and in close proximity to traffic can substantially contribute to daily exposure to air pollutants. For this study, we evaluated daily time spent in transportation and traffic-influenced microenvironments by urban Canadians using the Canadian Human Activity Pattern Survey (CHAPS) 2 results. Approximately 4-7% of daily time was spent in on- or near-road locations, mainly associated with being in a vehicle and smaller contributions from active transportation. Indoor microenvironments can be impacted by traffic emissions, especially when located near major roadways. Over 60% of the target population reported living within one block of a roadway with moderate to heavy traffic, which was variable with income level and city, and confirmed based on elevated NO2 exposure estimated using land use regression. Furthermore, over 55% of the target population ≤ 18 years reported attending a school or daycare in close proximity to moderate to heavy traffic, and little variation was observed based on income or city. The results underline the importance of traffic emissions as a major source of exposure in Canadian urban centers, given the time spent in traffic-influenced microenvironments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlyn J. Matz
- Air Health Effects Assessment Division, Health Canada, 269 Laurier Ave W, PL 4903C, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9 Canada
| | - David M. Stieb
- Population Studies Division, Health Canada, 445-757 West Hasting St., Federal Tower, Vancouver, BC V6C 1A1 Canada
| | - Marika Egyed
- Air Health Effects Assessment Division, Health Canada, 269 Laurier Ave W, PL 4903C, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9 Canada
| | - Orly Brion
- Population Studies Division, Health Canada, 101 Tunney’s Pasture Dr., PL 0201A, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9 Canada
| | - Markey Johnson
- Air Health Science Division, Health Canada, 269 Laurier Ave W, PL 4903C, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9 Canada
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13
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Hazlehurst MF, Spalt EW, Curl CL, Davey ME, Vedal S, Burke GL, Kaufman JD. Integrating data from multiple time-location measurement methods for use in exposure assessment: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis and Air Pollution (MESA Air). JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2017; 27:569-574. [PMID: 28120831 DOI: 10.1038/jes.2016.84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Tools to assess time-location patterns related to environmental exposures have expanded from reliance on time-location diaries (TLDs) and questionnaires to use of geospatial location devices such as data-logging Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment. The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis and Air Pollution obtained typical time-location patterns via questionnaire for 6424 adults in six US cities. At a later time (mean 4.6 years after questionnaire), a subset (n=128) participated in high-resolution data collection for specific 2-week periods resulting in concurrent GPS and detailed TLD data, which were aggregated to estimate time spent in various microenvironments. During these 2-week periods, participants were observed to spend the most time at home indoors (mean of 78%) and a small proportion of time in-vehicle (mean of 4%). Similar overall patterns were reported by these participants on the prior questionnaire (mean home indoors: 75%; mean in-vehicle: 4%). However, individual micro-environmental time estimates measured over specific 2-week periods were not highly correlated with an individual's questionnaire report of typical behavior (Spearman's ρ of 0.43 for home indoors and 0.39 for in-vehicle). Although questionnaire data about typical time-location patterns can inform interpretation of long-term epidemiological analyses and risk assessment, they may not reliably represent an individual's short-term experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marnie F Hazlehurst
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Elizabeth W Spalt
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Cynthia L Curl
- Department of Community and Environmental Health, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, USA
| | - Mark E Davey
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sverre Vedal
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Gregory L Burke
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Joel D Kaufman
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Patel CJ, Kerr J, Thomas DC, Mukherjee B, Ritz B, Chatterjee N, Jankowska M, Madan J, Karagas MR, McAllister KA, Mechanic LE, Fallin MD, Ladd-Acosta C, Blair IA, Teitelbaum SL, Amos CI. Opportunities and Challenges for Environmental Exposure Assessment in Population-Based Studies. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2017; 26:1370-1380. [PMID: 28710076 PMCID: PMC5581729 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-17-0459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing number and increasing diversity of factors are available for epidemiological studies. These measures provide new avenues for discovery and prevention, yet they also raise many challenges for adoption in epidemiological investigations. Here, we evaluate 1) designs to investigate diseases that consider heterogeneous and multidimensional indicators of exposure and behavior, 2) the implementation of numerous methods to capture indicators of exposure, and 3) the analytical methods required for discovery and validation. We find that case-control studies have provided insights into genetic susceptibility but are insufficient for characterizing complex effects of environmental factors on disease development. Prospective and two-phase designs are required but must balance extended data collection with follow-up of study participants. We discuss innovations in assessments including the microbiome; mass spectrometry and metabolomics; behavioral assessment; dietary, physical activity, and occupational exposure assessment; air pollution monitoring; and global positioning and individual sensors. We claim the the availability of extensive correlated data raises new challenges in disentangling specific exposures that influence cancer risk from among extensive and often correlated exposures. In conclusion, new high-dimensional exposure assessments offer many new opportunities for environmental assessment in cancer development. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(9); 1370-80. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chirag J Patel
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Jacqueline Kerr
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Duncan C Thomas
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Bhramar Mukherjee
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Beate Ritz
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Nilanjan Chatterjee
- Department of Biostatistics and Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Marta Jankowska
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Juliette Madan
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Margaret R Karagas
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Kimberly A McAllister
- Susceptibility and Population Health Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Leah E Mechanic
- Epidemiology and Genomics Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - M Daniele Fallin
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Ian A Blair
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology and Penn SRP Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Susan L Teitelbaum
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Christopher I Amos
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Lebanon, New Hampshire.
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15
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Klous G, Smit LAM, Borlée F, Coutinho RA, Kretzschmar MEE, Heederik DJJ, Huss A. Mobility assessment of a rural population in the Netherlands using GPS measurements. Int J Health Geogr 2017; 16:30. [PMID: 28793901 PMCID: PMC5551017 DOI: 10.1186/s12942-017-0103-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The home address is a common spatial proxy for exposure assessment in epidemiological studies but mobility may introduce exposure misclassification. Mobility can be assessed using self-reports or objectively measured using GPS logging but self-reports may not assess the same information as measured mobility. We aimed to assess mobility patterns of a rural population in the Netherlands using GPS measurements and self-reports and to compare GPS measured to self-reported data, and to evaluate correlates of differences in mobility patterns. Method In total 870 participants filled in a questionnaire regarding their transport modes and carried a GPS-logger for 7 consecutive days. Transport modes were assigned to GPS-tracks based on speed patterns. Correlates of measured mobility data were evaluated using multiple linear regression. We calculated walking, biking and motorised transport durations based on GPS and self-reported data and compared outcomes. We used Cohen’s kappa analyses to compare categorised self-reported and GPS measured data for time spent outdoors. Results Self-reported time spent walking and biking was strongly overestimated when compared to GPS measurements. Participants estimated their time spent in motorised transport accurately. Several variables were associated with differences in mobility patterns, we found for instance that obese people (BMI > 30 kg/m2) spent less time in non-motorised transport (GMR 0.69–0.74) and people with COPD tended to travel longer distances from home in motorised transport (GMR 1.42–1.51). Conclusions If time spent walking outdoors and biking is relevant for the exposure to environmental factors, then relying on the home address as a proxy for exposure location may introduce misclassification. In addition, this misclassification is potentially differential, and specific groups of people will show stronger misclassification of exposure than others. Performing GPS measurements and identifying explanatory factors of mobility patterns may assist in regression calibration of self-reports in other studies. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12942-017-0103-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gijs Klous
- Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands. .,Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Division Environmental Epidemiology and Veterinary Public Health (EEPI-VPH), Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Lidwien A M Smit
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Division Environmental Epidemiology and Veterinary Public Health (EEPI-VPH), Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Floor Borlée
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Division Environmental Epidemiology and Veterinary Public Health (EEPI-VPH), Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Roel A Coutinho
- Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mirjam E E Kretzschmar
- Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Dick J J Heederik
- Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Division Environmental Epidemiology and Veterinary Public Health (EEPI-VPH), Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anke Huss
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Division Environmental Epidemiology and Veterinary Public Health (EEPI-VPH), Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Sanchez M, Ambros A, Salmon M, Bhogadi S, Wilson RT, Kinra S, Marshall JD, Tonne C. Predictors of Daily Mobility of Adults in Peri-Urban South India. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14070783. [PMID: 28708095 PMCID: PMC5551221 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14070783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Daily mobility, an important aspect of environmental exposures and health behavior, has mainly been investigated in high-income countries. We aimed to identify the main dimensions of mobility and investigate their individual, contextual, and external predictors among men and women living in a peri-urban area of South India. We used 192 global positioning system (GPS)-recorded mobility tracks from 47 participants (24 women, 23 men) from the Cardiovascular Health effects of Air pollution in Telangana, India (CHAI) project (mean: 4.1 days/person). The mean age was 44 (standard deviation: 14) years. Half of the population was illiterate and 55% was in unskilled manual employment, mostly agriculture-related. Sex was the largest determinant of mobility. During daytime, time spent at home averaged 13.4 (3.7) h for women and 9.4 (4.2) h for men. Women's activity spaces were smaller and more circular than men's. A principal component analysis identified three main mobility dimensions related to the size of the activity space, the mobility in/around the residence, and mobility inside the village, explaining 86% (women) and 61% (men) of the total variability in mobility. Age, socioeconomic status, and urbanicity were associated with all three dimensions. Our results have multiple potential applications for improved assessment of environmental exposures and their effects on health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaux Sanchez
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), ISGlobal, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08002 Barcelona, Spain.
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Albert Ambros
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), ISGlobal, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08002 Barcelona, Spain.
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Maëlle Salmon
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), ISGlobal, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08002 Barcelona, Spain.
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Santhi Bhogadi
- Public Health Foundation of India, New Delhi 110070 e, India.
| | - Robin T Wilson
- Geography & Environment, University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK.
| | - Sanjay Kinra
- Department of Non-communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK.
| | - Julian D Marshall
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| | - Cathryn Tonne
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), ISGlobal, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08002 Barcelona, Spain.
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain.
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17
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Lee B, Lim C, Lee K. Classification of indoor-outdoor location using combined global positioning system (GPS) and temperature data for personal exposure assessment. Environ Health Prev Med 2017; 22:29. [PMID: 29165131 PMCID: PMC5664917 DOI: 10.1186/s12199-017-0637-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The objectives of this study was to determine the accuracy of indoor-outdoor classification based on GPS and temperature data in three different seasons. Methods In the present study, a global positioning system (GPS) was used alongside temperature data collected in the field by a technician who visited 53 different indoor locations during summer, autumn and winter. The indoor-outdoor location was determined by GPS data alone, and in combination with temperature data. Results Determination of location by the GPS signal alone, based on the loss of GPS signal and using the used number of satellites (NSAT) signal factor, simple percentage agreements of 73.6 ± 2.9%, 72.9 ± 3.4%, and 72.1 ± 3.1% were obtained for summer, autumn, and winter, respectively. However, when temperature and GPS data were combined, simple percentage agreements were significantly improved (87.9 ± 3.3%, 84.1 ± 2.8%, and 86.3 ± 3.1%, respectively). A temperature criterion for indoor-outdoor determination of ~ Δ 2°C for 2 min could be applied during all three seasons. Conclusion The results showed that combining GPS and temperature data improved the accuracy of indoor-outdoor determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Lee
- Department of Environmental Health science, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - C Lim
- Department of Environmental Health science, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - K Lee
- Department of Environmental Health science, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
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18
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Donaire-Gonzalez D, Valentín A, de Nazelle A, Ambros A, Carrasco-Turigas G, Seto E, Jerrett M, Nieuwenhuijsen MJ. Benefits of Mobile Phone Technology for Personal Environmental Monitoring. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2016; 4:e126. [PMID: 27833069 PMCID: PMC5122720 DOI: 10.2196/mhealth.5771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Revised: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Tracking individuals in environmental epidemiological studies using novel mobile phone technologies can provide valuable information on geolocation and physical activity, which will improve our understanding of environmental exposures. Objective The objective of this study was to assess the performance of one of the least expensive mobile phones on the market to track people's travel-activity pattern. Methods Adults living and working in Barcelona (72/162 bicycle commuters) carried simultaneously a mobile phone and a Global Positioning System (GPS) tracker and filled in a travel-activity diary (TAD) for 1 week (N=162). The CalFit app for mobile phones was used to log participants’ geographical location and physical activity. The geographical location data were assigned to different microenvironments (home, work or school, in transit, others) with a newly developed spatiotemporal map-matching algorithm. The tracking performance of the mobile phones was compared with that of the GPS trackers using chi-square test and Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test. The minute agreement across all microenvironments between the TAD and the algorithm was compared using the Gwet agreement coefficient (AC1). Results The mobile phone acquired locations for 905 (29.2%) more trips reported in travel diaries than the GPS tracker (P<.001) and had a median accuracy of 25 m. Subjects spent on average 57.9%, 19.9%, 9.0%, and 13.2% of time at home, work, in transit, and other places, respectively, according to the TAD and 57.5%, 18.8%, 11.6%, and 12.1%, respectively, according to the map-matching algorithm. The overall minute agreement between both methods was high (AC1 .811, 95% CI .810-.812). Conclusions The use of mobile phones running the CalFit app provides better information on which microenvironments people spend their time in than previous approaches based only on GPS trackers. The improvements of mobile phone technology in microenvironment determination are because the mobile phones are faster at identifying first locations and capable of getting location in challenging environments thanks to the combination of assisted-GPS technology and network positioning systems. Moreover, collecting location information from mobile phones, which are already carried by individuals, allows monitoring more people with a cheaper and less burdensome method than deploying GPS trackers.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Donaire-Gonzalez
- ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain.,Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,Ciber on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain.,Physical Activity and Sports Sciences Department, Fundació Blanquerna, Ramon Llull University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antònia Valentín
- ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain.,Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,Ciber on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Audrey de Nazelle
- Center for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Albert Ambros
- ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain.,Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,Ciber on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Glòria Carrasco-Turigas
- ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain.,Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,Ciber on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Edmund Seto
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Michael Jerrett
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States.,Department of Environmental Health, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Mark J Nieuwenhuijsen
- ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain.,Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,Ciber on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain
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Rabinovitch N, Adams CD, Strand M, Koehler K, Volckens J. Within-microenvironment exposure to particulate matter and health effects in children with asthma: a pilot study utilizing real-time personal monitoring with GPS interface. Environ Health 2016; 15:96. [PMID: 27724963 PMCID: PMC5057244 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-016-0181-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most particulate matter (PM) and health studies in children with asthma use exposures averaged over the course of a day and do not take into account spatial/temporal variability that presumably occurs as children move from home, into transit and then school microenvironments. The objectives of this work were to identify increases in morning PM exposure occurring within home, transit and school microenvironments and determine their associations with asthma-related inflammation and rescue medication use. METHODS In 2007-2008, thirty Denver-area schoolchildren with asthma performed personal PM exposure monitoring using a real-time sensor integrated with a geographic information system (GIS) to apportion exposures to home, transit and school microenvironments. Concurrently, daily monitoring of the airway inflammatory biomarker urinary leukotriene E4 (uLTE4) and albuterol usage was performed. RESULTS Mean PM exposures each morning were relatively well correlated between microenvironments for subject samples (0.3 < r < 0.8), thus limiting use of this exposure metric to attribute health effects to PM exposure in specific microenvironments. Within-microenvironment increases in exposure, such as would be characterized by one or a series of transient spikes or a sustained increase in concentration (exposure event), however, were not strongly correlated between microenvironments (|r| < 0.25). On days when children were exposed to a ≥ 5μg/m3 exposure event during transit, they demonstrated a 24.0 % increase in uLTE4 (95 % CI: 1.5 %, 51.5 %) and a 9.7 % (-5.9 %, 27.9 %) increase in albuterol usage compared to days without transit exposure events. Associations between exposure events and health outcomes in home and school microenvironments tended to be positive as well, but weaker than for transit. CONCLUSIONS School children with asthma moving across morning microenvironments experience spatially heterogeneous PM exposures with potentially varying health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Colby D. Adams
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO USA
| | - Matthew Strand
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO USA
| | - Kirsten Koehler
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MA USA
| | - John Volckens
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University, 1374 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523 USA
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20
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Maikawa CL, Weichenthal S, Wheeler AJ, Dobbin NA, Smargiassi A, Evans G, Liu L, Goldberg MS, Pollitt KJG. Particulate Oxidative Burden as a Predictor of Exhaled Nitric Oxide in Children with Asthma. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2016; 124:1616-1622. [PMID: 27152705 PMCID: PMC5047770 DOI: 10.1289/ehp175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Revised: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological studies have provided strong evidence that fine particulate matter (PM2.5; aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 μm) can exacerbate asthmatic symptoms in children. Pro-oxidant components of PM2.5 are capable of directly generating reactive oxygen species. Oxidative burden is used to describe the capacity of PM2.5 to generate reactive oxygen species in the lung. OBJECTIVE In this study we investigated the association between airway inflammation in asthmatic children and oxidative burden of PM2.5 personal exposure. METHODS Daily PM2.5 personal exposure samples (n = 249) of 62 asthmatic school-aged children in Montreal were collected over 10 consecutive days. The oxidative burden of PM2.5 samples was determined in vitro as the depletion of low-molecular-weight antioxidants (ascorbate and glutathione) from a synthetic model of the fluid lining the respiratory tract. Airway inflammation was measured daily as fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). RESULTS A positive association was identified between FeNO and glutathione-related oxidative burden exposure in the previous 24 hr (6.0% increase per interquartile range change in glutathione). Glutathione-related oxidative burden was further found to be positively associated with FeNO over 1-day lag and 2-day lag periods. Results further demonstrate that corticosteroid use may reduce the FeNO response to elevated glutathione-related oxidative burden exposure (no use, 15.8%; irregular use, 3.8%), whereas mold (22.1%), dust (10.6%), or fur (13.1%) allergies may increase FeNO in children with versus children without these allergies (11.5%). No association was found between PM2.5 mass or ascorbate-related oxidative burden and FeNO levels. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to PM2.5 with elevated glutathione-related oxidative burden was associated with increased FeNO. CITATION Maikawa CL, Weichenthal S, Wheeler AJ, Dobbin NA, Smargiassi A, Evans G, Liu L, Goldberg MS, Godri Pollitt KJ. 2016. Particulate oxidative burden as a predictor of exhaled nitric oxide in children with asthma. Environ Health Perspect 124:1616-1622; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/EHP175.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin L. Maikawa
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
- Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Scott Weichenthal
- Air Health Science Division, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Amanda J. Wheeler
- Air Health Science Division, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Nina A. Dobbin
- Air Health Science Division, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Audrey Smargiassi
- Département de santé environnementale et de santé au travail, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Greg Evans
- Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ling Liu
- Air Health Science Division, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mark S. Goldberg
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Krystal J. Godri Pollitt
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
- Address correspondence to K.J. Godri Pollitt, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, 149 Goessman Lab, 686 North Pleasant St., Amherst, MA 01003 USA. Telephone: 1 413 545 1778. E-mail:
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21
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Hoi TX, Phuong HT, Van Hung N. Using smartphone as a motion detector to collect time-microenvironment data for estimating the inhalation dose. Appl Radiat Isot 2016; 115:267-273. [PMID: 27451110 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2016.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Revised: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
During the production of iodine-131 from neutron irradiated tellurium dioxide by the dry distillation, a considerable amount of (131)I vapor is dispersed to the indoor air. People who routinely work at the production area may result in a significant risk of exposure to chronic intake by inhaled (131)I. This study aims to estimate the inhalation dose for individuals manipulating the (131)I at a radioisotope production. By using an application installed on smartphones, we collected the time-microenvironment data spent by a radiation group during work days in 2015. Simultaneously, we used a portable air sampler combined with radioiodine cartridges for grabbing the indoor air samples and then the daily averaged (131)I concentration was calculated. Finally, the time-microenvironment data jointed with the concentration to estimate the inhalation dose for the workers. The result showed that most of the workers had the annual internal dose in 1÷6mSv. We concluded that using smartphone as a motion detector is a possible and reliable way instead of the questionnaires, diary or GPS-based method. It is, however, only suitable for monitoring on fixed indoor environments and limited the targeted people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tran Xuan Hoi
- Faculty of Natural Science, Phu Yen University, 18 Tran Phu, Tuy Hoa, Vietnam; Faculty of Physics and Engineering Physics, VNUHCM-University of Science, 227 Nguyen Van Cu, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
| | - Huynh Truc Phuong
- Faculty of Physics and Engineering Physics, VNUHCM-University of Science, 227 Nguyen Van Cu, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
| | - Nguyen Van Hung
- Training Center, Nuclear Research Institute, 01 Nguyen Tu Luc, Da Lat, Vietnam.
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Refining Time-Activity Classification of Human Subjects Using the Global Positioning System. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0148875. [PMID: 26919723 PMCID: PMC4769278 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0148875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 01/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Detailed spatial location information is important in accurately estimating personal exposure to air pollution. Global Position System (GPS) has been widely used in tracking personal paths and activities. Previous researchers have developed time-activity classification models based on GPS data, most of them were developed for specific regions. An adaptive model for time-location classification can be widely applied to air pollution studies that use GPS to track individual level time-activity patterns. METHODS Time-activity data were collected for seven days using GPS loggers and accelerometers from thirteen adult participants from Southern California under free living conditions. We developed an automated model based on random forests to classify major time-activity patterns (i.e. indoor, outdoor-static, outdoor-walking, and in-vehicle travel). Sensitivity analysis was conducted to examine the contribution of the accelerometer data and the supplemental spatial data (i.e. roadway and tax parcel data) to the accuracy of time-activity classification. Our model was evaluated using both leave-one-fold-out and leave-one-subject-out methods. RESULTS Maximum speeds in averaging time intervals of 7 and 5 minutes, and distance to primary highways with limited access were found to be the three most important variables in the classification model. Leave-one-fold-out cross-validation showed an overall accuracy of 99.71%. Sensitivities varied from 84.62% (outdoor walking) to 99.90% (indoor). Specificities varied from 96.33% (indoor) to 99.98% (outdoor static). The exclusion of accelerometer and ambient light sensor variables caused a slight loss in sensitivity for outdoor walking, but little loss in overall accuracy. However, leave-one-subject-out cross-validation showed considerable loss in sensitivity for outdoor static and outdoor walking conditions. CONCLUSIONS The random forests classification model can achieve high accuracy for the four major time-activity categories. The model also performed well with just GPS, road and tax parcel data. However, caution is warranted when generalizing the model developed from a small number of subjects to other populations.
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Ouidir M, Giorgis-Allemand L, Lyon-Caen S, Morelli X, Cracowski C, Pontet S, Pin I, Lepeule J, Siroux V, Slama R. Estimation of exposure to atmospheric pollutants during pregnancy integrating space-time activity and indoor air levels: Does it make a difference? ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2015; 84:161-73. [PMID: 26300245 PMCID: PMC4776347 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2015.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2014] [Revised: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Studies of air pollution effects during pregnancy generally only consider exposure in the outdoor air at the home address. We aimed to compare exposure models differing in their ability to account for the spatial resolution of pollutants, space-time activity and indoor air pollution levels. We recruited 40 pregnant women in the Grenoble urban area, France, who carried a Global Positioning System (GPS) during up to 3 weeks; in a subgroup, indoor measurements of fine particles (PM2.5) were conducted at home (n=9) and personal exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) was assessed using passive air samplers (n=10). Outdoor concentrations of NO2, and PM2.5 were estimated from a dispersion model with a fine spatial resolution. Women spent on average 16 h per day at home. Considering only outdoor levels, for estimates at the home address, the correlation between the estimate using the nearest background air monitoring station and the estimate from the dispersion model was high (r=0.93) for PM2.5 and moderate (r=0.67) for NO2. The model incorporating clean GPS data was less correlated with the estimate relying on raw GPS data (r=0.77) than the model ignoring space-time activity (r=0.93). PM2.5 outdoor levels were not to moderately correlated with estimates from the model incorporating indoor measurements and space-time activity (r=-0.10 to 0.47), while NO2 personal levels were not correlated with outdoor levels (r=-0.42 to 0.03). In this urban area, accounting for space-time activity little influenced exposure estimates; in a subgroup of subjects (n=9), incorporating indoor pollution levels seemed to strongly modify them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Ouidir
- Inserm and Univ. Grenoble Alpes, IAB, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, Grenoble, France
| | - Lise Giorgis-Allemand
- Inserm and Univ. Grenoble Alpes, IAB, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, Grenoble, France
| | - Sarah Lyon-Caen
- Inserm and Univ. Grenoble Alpes, IAB, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, Grenoble, France
| | - Xavier Morelli
- Inserm and Univ. Grenoble Alpes, IAB, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, Grenoble, France
| | - Claire Cracowski
- CHU de Grenoble, Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Inserm CIC 1406, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Isabelle Pin
- Inserm and Univ. Grenoble Alpes, IAB, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, Grenoble, France; CHU de Grenoble, Pediatric department, Grenoble, France
| | - Johanna Lepeule
- Inserm and Univ. Grenoble Alpes, IAB, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, Grenoble, France
| | - Valérie Siroux
- Inserm and Univ. Grenoble Alpes, IAB, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, Grenoble, France
| | - Rémy Slama
- Inserm and Univ. Grenoble Alpes, IAB, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, Grenoble, France.
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