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Korukire N, Godson A, Mukamurigo J, Memunat AO, Izabayo J, Bashaija D, Ntakirutimana T. Patterns and disparities in indoor particulate matter levels in selected primary schools in Kigali, Rwanda. Heliyon 2024; 10:e35411. [PMID: 39170469 PMCID: PMC11336568 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Air pollution is a global environmental and public health challenge. There is limited evidence about the air quality in Rwanda, and the concentrations of particulate matter (PM), namely PM2.5 and PM10 in schools have not been well documented. This study evaluated patterns and disparities in indoor PM levels in selected primary schools in Kigali, Rwanda. The study collected PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations from six classrooms in six selected primary schools during the regular school study period in the dry season. Data were collected using mobile air sensors (purple air/PA-II-SD air quality) and an observation checklist. A Kruskal-Wallis test was performed to assess the difference in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations between the six schools. The post-hoc Mann-Whitney test was used to compare all group pairs. The results indicated a significant difference in both the indoor PM2.5 concentration (H (5) = 41.01, p < 0.001) and the indoor PM10 concentration (H (5) = 38.5, p < 0.001). The maximum concentration observed was 133.6 μg/m3 for PM2.5 and 158.5 μg/m3 for PM10. Schools in highly exposed areas tended to have higher concentrations of PM than schools in moderately exposed areas. Specifically, the daily average concentration of PM2.5 in schools located in highly exposed areas ranged from 39 μg/m³ to 118 μg/m³, while PM10 levels ranged from 44.0 μg/m³ to 126 μg/m³. In contrast, schools in moderately exposed areas had daily PM2.5 average concentrations ranging from 32.0 μg/m³ to 111.0 μg/m³ and daily PM10 average concentrations ranging from 38.0 μg/m³ to 119 μg/m³. Overall, the recorded values for both PM2.5 and PM10 in all sampled schools were higher than the World Health Organization air quality guidelines. Indoor air quality is poorer in schools situated in highly exposed areas. This study suggests interventions to improve school air quality for the benefit of school communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noel Korukire
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Rwanda
| | - Ana Godson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Judith Mukamurigo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Rwanda, Rwanda
| | - Akanbi Oyiza Memunat
- Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Federal University of Technology Minna, Nigeria
| | - Josias Izabayo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Mount Kenya University, Kenya
| | - David Bashaija
- Centre for Language Enhancement, University of Rwanda, Rwanda
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Pritwani S, Devasenapathy N. Assessment of Indoor Particulate Matter and Teacher's Perceived Indoor Climate in Government Schools of Bilaspur District, Chhattisgarh, India: A Cross-Sectional Study. Indian J Occup Environ Med 2024; 28:120-126. [PMID: 39114099 PMCID: PMC11302538 DOI: 10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_104_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Context Indoor air pollution (IAP) affects the long-term health, cognitive growth, and academic performance of children. Since children spend most of their time at school, quantifying IAP in classrooms is an important parameter for air pollution. Aim To assess the average particulate matter (PM) levels inside and outside of classrooms along with their associated factors and teacher's perceived indoor climate. Setting and Design Cross-sectional survey in nine government-run schools. Methods and Material PM2.5 and PM10 were measured inside the classroom and outdoors simultaneously during summers, using an Atmos monitor for two consecutive days, along with several school and classroom characteristics. Perception about indoor air quality was captured from teachers (n = 15) using a validated questionnaire. Statistical Analysis Mean values of PM using mixed effect linear regression. Perceived indoor air quality is presented using percentages. Results Mean indoor PM2.5 and PM10 was 52.5 µg/m3 and 65 µg/m3. Indoor and outdoor PM levels were highly correlated, but the indoor-outdoor ratio of PM concentrations was more than 1. Teachers were mostly bothered by dust, dirt, and noise in the schools. Conclusion Indoor air quality was higher than World Health Organization (WHO) standards but within the national standards. Need further research to find the exact cause for higher indoor PM levels compared to outdoor PM levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabhya Pritwani
- Department of Research and Development, The George Institute for Global Health, New Delhi, India
| | - Niveditha Devasenapathy
- Department of Research and Development, The George Institute for Global Health, New Delhi, India
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Ngobeni FC, Kekana MP. Community Health Risk Awareness and Knowledge of Air Pollution in Annadale, Polokwane Local Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2024; 18:11786302241226775. [PMID: 38269145 PMCID: PMC10807308 DOI: 10.1177/11786302241226775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Background Exposure to air pollution has detrimental effects on the elderly, women, people with pre-existing medical conditions, people living in poverty and children. The aim of the study was to investigate the extent of community awareness and knowledge on the health risks associated with exposure to air pollution. The study was conducted at Annadale residential area locally known as Ladanna surrounded by industrial areas and located in Polokwane Local Municipality under Capricorn District Municipality in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Methods A cross-sectional study design was used for the study, using self-administered questionnaires. The questionnaire was pre-tested on 10 respondents at Emdo Park (Extension 29) in Polokwane from 02 to 06 February 2021 and another fifteen respondents were pre-tested at Lesedi Park. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 376 respondents. Systematic sampling method was applied to select the households. SPSS version 26 was used to analyze data. Data was presented in the form of frequencies and percentages. Spearman rank correlation was used to measure the degree of association between 2 variables. A Chi-square test was used to compare the groups between the categorical variables. Multivariate Logistic Regression Model was used to assess associations of knowledge/awareness outcomes and sociodemographic characteristics with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (Cls) presented. Results Of 376 respondents, 221 (59%) were males and 154 (41%) females. The majority 113 (70%) of respondents were those between the age group 23 and 47 years and 353 (94%) were aware that if they don't protect themselves against polluted air, they may get sick, with age and educational status associated with their awareness (P < .05). About 361 (96%) knew what air pollution is and 188 (50%) think the air they breathe in Annadale is moderate. A total number of 278 (74%) said they feel sick/uncomfortable when the quality of air is bad. About 293 (78%) knew that people are exposed to air pollution by breathing contaminated air and 237 (63%) identified sewage smell as the main cause of air pollution. Internet 199 (53%) and television 177 (47%) were identified as the main source of information Those who were not aware of actions implemented to reduce air pollution were 180 (48%). Based on the results of the study, respondents' level of knowledge in Annadale was poor (71%) and their awareness was good (87%). Conclusions It is crucial that air pollution risk communication strategies be implemented to empower residents and improve the level of knowledge on the dangers of exposure to polluted air.
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Affiliation(s)
- Famola Charles Ngobeni
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Public Health, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, Limpopo, South Africa
| | - Mokoko Percy Kekana
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Public Health, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, Limpopo, South Africa
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Kalisa E, Clark ML, Ntakirutimana T, Amani M, Volckens J. Exposure to indoor and outdoor air pollution in schools in Africa: Current status, knowledge gaps, and a call to action. Heliyon 2023; 9:e18450. [PMID: 37560671 PMCID: PMC10407038 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic exposure to indoor and outdoor air pollution is linked to adverse human health impacts worldwide, and in children, these include increased respiratory symptoms, reduced cognitive and academic performance, and absences from school. African children are exposed to high levels of air pollution from aging diesel and gasoline second-hand vehicles, dusty roads, trash burning, and solid-fuel combustion for cooking. There is a need for more empirical evidence on the impact of air pollutants on schoolchildren in most countries of Africa. Therefore, we conducted a scoping review on schoolchildren's exposure to indoor and outdoor PM2.5 (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm and PM10 (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 10 μm) in Africa. Following PRISMA guidelines, our search strategy yielded 2975 records, of which eight peer-reviewed articles met our selection criteria and were considered in the final analysis. We also analyzed satellite data on PM2.5 and PM10 levels in five African regions from 1990 to 2019 and compared schoolchildren's exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 levels in Africa with available data from the rest of the world. The findings showed that schoolchildren in Africa are frequently exposed to PM2.5 and PM10 levels exceeding the recommended World Health Organization air quality guidelines. We conclude with a list of recommendations and strategies to reduce air pollution exposure in African schools. Education can help to produce citizens who are literate in environmental science and policy. More air quality measurements in schools and intervention studies are needed to protect schoolchildren's health and reduce exposure to air pollution in classrooms across Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Egide Kalisa
- College of Science and Technology, Center of Excellence in Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management, University of Rwanda, Kigali, P.O BOX, 4285, Kigali, Rwanda
- Air Quality Processes Research Section, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 4905 Dufferin Street, Toronto, M3H5T4, Canada
| | - Maggie L. Clark
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Theoneste Ntakirutimana
- University of Rwanda, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Kigali, P.O BOX, 4285, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Mabano Amani
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals (BEECA), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Av. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - John Volckens
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
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Estimating the burden of disease attributable to ambient air pollution (ambient PM2.5 and ambient ozone) in South Africa for 2000, 2006 and 2012. S Afr Med J 2022; 112:705-717. [DOI: 10.7196/samj.2022.v112i8b.16483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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Adhikari S, Jordaan A, Beukes JP, Siebert SJ. Anthropogenic Sources Dominate Foliar Chromium Dust Deposition in a Mining-Based Urban Region of South Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:2072. [PMID: 35206256 PMCID: PMC8872262 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Dust pollution can be severe in urban centers near mines and smelters. Identification of dust sources and assessing dust capturing plant morphological traits may help address the problem. A chromium (Cr) mining and ferrochrome smelting region in Sekhukhuneland, South Africa, was investigated to identify the sources of Cr in soil and plant leaf surfaces and to evaluate the association between Cr sources and plant morphology. Combinations of bi- and multivariate statistical analysis techniques were applied. Non-significant relation between Cr quantities in surface soil and on leaf surfaces suggested negligible Cr dust contribution from soil to leaves. Association among Cr, Fe, Mg, Al, and Si levels on leaf surfaces confirmed their shared origin, possibly from chromite containing dust dispersed by mines, smelters, roads, and tailings. Both plant morphology and Cr sources (number and proximity to mines and roads) conjointly determined Cr dust deposition on leaf surfaces. Air mass movement patterns further identified local polluters, i.e., mines, ferrochrome smelters, and roads, as dominant dust sources in the region. Common plant species showed Cr dust adhesion favouring traits (plant tallness, larger leaf area, dense epicuticular wax structures, and larger stomata) and projected dust mitigation prospects for Sekhukhuneland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sutapa Adhikari
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa;
| | - Anine Jordaan
- Laboratory for Electron Microscopy, Chemical Resource Beneficiation (CRB), North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa;
| | - Johan Paul Beukes
- Chemical Resource Beneficiation (CRB), North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa;
| | - Stefan John Siebert
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa;
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Olajide-Ibiejugba AO, Nkosi V, Takalani-Rathogwa F, Shirinde J, Wichmann J, Green RJ, Voyi K. Allergy and Household Living Conditions among Adolescents Living near Gold Mine Tailing Dumps in the Gauteng and North West Provinces of South Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 19:122. [PMID: 35010377 PMCID: PMC8750766 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This quantitative exploratory baseline study aimed to investigate whether allergy among adolescents was associated with household living conditions, including living near gold mine tailing dumps in South Africa. A questionnaire based on the International Study of Asthma and Allergies was used to collect information on allergy and household risk factors among adolescents (n = 5611). A chi-square test was applied to determine the relationship between community (exposed/unexposed) and confounding variables. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis (LRA) to estimate the likelihood of having doctor-diagnosed allergies. The overall prevalence of doctor-diagnosed allergies was 25.5%. The exposed communities had a higher prevalence of doctor-diagnosed allergies (26.97%) compared with the unexposed (22.69%) communities. The study found an association between doctor-diagnosed allergy and having fungus in the house, being female, currently having pets in and around the house, residing in the community for more than three years and living in communities located close to gold mine tailing dumps. Actions to implement buffer zones between gold mine tailing dumps and communities would support Sustainable Development Goals 3 (health) and 11 (sustainable cities and communities), while failing to address the current potential identified risk factors may pose a significant public health challenge. Local policymakers should also apply the precautionary principle to protect the health of children, especially with the location of human settlements relative to air pollution sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abike O. Olajide-Ibiejugba
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; (A.O.O.-I.); (J.S.); (J.W.); (K.V.)
| | - Vusumuzi Nkosi
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; (A.O.O.-I.); (J.S.); (J.W.); (K.V.)
- Environment and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Johannesburg 2094, South Africa
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Doornfontein Campus, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2094, South Africa
| | - Funzani Takalani-Rathogwa
- Department of Advanced Nursing Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa;
| | - Joyce Shirinde
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; (A.O.O.-I.); (J.S.); (J.W.); (K.V.)
| | - Janine Wichmann
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; (A.O.O.-I.); (J.S.); (J.W.); (K.V.)
| | - Robin J. Green
- Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa;
| | - Kuku Voyi
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; (A.O.O.-I.); (J.S.); (J.W.); (K.V.)
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A Systematic Review of Air Quality Sensors, Guidelines, and Measurement Studies for Indoor Air Quality Management. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12219045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The existence of indoor air pollutants—such as ozone, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, and total volatile organic compounds—is evidently a critical issue for human health. Over the past decade, various international agencies have continually refined and updated the quantitative air quality guidelines and standards in order to meet the requirements for indoor air quality management. This paper first provides a systematic review of the existing air quality guidelines and standards implemented by different agencies, which include the Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS); the World Health Organization (WHO); the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA); the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH); the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE); the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH); and the California ambient air quality standards (CAAQS). It then adds to this by providing a state-of-art review of the existing low-cost air quality sensor (LCAQS) technologies, and analyzes the corresponding specifications, such as the typical detection range, measurement tolerance or repeatability, data resolution, response time, supply current, and market price. Finally, it briefly reviews a sequence (array) of field measurement studies, which focuses on the technical measurement characteristics and their data analysis approaches.
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Environmental Impacts: Local Perspectives of Selected Mining Edge Communities in Sierra Leone. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12145525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite its contributions to the development of the country, the mining sector in Sierra Leone, has been attributed to a multitude of impacts on the environment. This article focuses on assessing the environmental impacts of mining in mining edge communities in Sierra Leone. A survey of 360 people from three mining edge communities (Sierra Rutile Limited (SRL), Bonthe district; Octea Mining Company (OMC), Kono district and Sierra Leone Mining Company (SLM), Port Loko district) was conducted. Key informant interviews, focus groups, and secondary data sources - Government policies and regulatory documents, government’s Mines Department annual reports-provided data for this article. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Analysis System with a mean separation done at α = 0.05 (SAS version 9.4). As a result of mining operations, the rates of deforestation, land degradation and destruction of farmlands, inadequate availability of clean water, poor air quality and noise pollution were the main impacts exacerbated by rutile, iron ore and diamond mining. Strategies as recommended by the local communities to be put in place, to restore ecological function in the mining edge communities include, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Mines and Mineral Agency, and other responsible authorities addressing weakness in mining and environmental policies, thereby strengthening enforcement and monitoring regulations relating to mining operations; and companies embarking on rehabilitation, reclamation, and restoration measures to ensure environmental sustainability.
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Joubert BR, Mantooth SN, McAllister KA. Environmental Health Research in Africa: Important Progress and Promising Opportunities. Front Genet 2020; 10:1166. [PMID: 32010175 PMCID: PMC6977412 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.01166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization in 2016 estimated that over 20% of the global disease burden and deaths were attributed to modifiable environmental factors. However, data clearly characterizing the impact of environmental exposures and health endpoints in African populations is limited. To describe recent progress and identify important research gaps, we reviewed literature on environmental health research in African populations over the last decade, as well as research incorporating both genomic and environmental factors. We queried PubMed for peer-reviewed research articles, reviews, or books examining environmental exposures and health outcomes in human populations in Africa. Searches utilized medical subheading (MeSH) terms for environmental exposure categories listed in the March 2018 US National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals, which includes chemicals with worldwide distributions. Our search strategy retrieved 540 relevant publications, with studies evaluating health impacts of ambient air pollution (n=105), indoor air pollution (n = 166), heavy metals (n = 130), pesticides (n = 95), dietary mold (n = 61), indoor mold (n = 9), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs, n = 0), electronic waste (n = 9), environmental phenols (n = 4), flame retardants (n = 8), and phthalates (n = 3), where publications could belong to more than one exposure category. Only 23 publications characterized both environmental and genomic risk factors. Cardiovascular and respiratory health endpoints impacted by air pollution were comparable to observations in other countries. Air pollution exposures unique to Africa and some other resource limited settings were dust and specific occupational exposures. Literature describing harmful health effects of metals, pesticides, and dietary mold represented a context unique to Africa. Studies of exposures to phthalates, PFASs, phenols, and flame retardants were very limited. These results underscore the need for further focus on current and emerging environmental and chemical health risks as well as better integration of genomic and environmental factors in African research studies. Environmental exposures with distinct routes of exposure, unique co-exposures and co-morbidities, combined with the extensive genomic diversity in Africa may lead to the identification of novel mechanisms underlying complex disease and promising potential for translation to global public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie R Joubert
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, NC, United States
| | | | - Kimberly A McAllister
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, NC, United States
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Vinnikov D, Tulekov Z, Raushanova A. Occupational exposure to particulate matter from air pollution in the outdoor workplaces in Almaty during the cold season. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227447. [PMID: 31923254 PMCID: PMC6953807 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A large fraction of population in Almaty and other Kazakhstan cities is employed in the outdoor jobs and likely exposed to high levels of particulate matter (PM) during the cold season. The magnitude of such occupational exposure remains unknown; therefore, the aim was to quantify the levels of exposure to PM10 in the outdoor workplaces in Almaty in order to guide future interventions of primary prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Vinnikov
- al-Farabi Kazakh National University, School of Public Health, Almaty, Kazakhstan
- National Research Tomsk State University, Tomsk, Russian Federation
- Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russian Federation
- * E-mail:
| | - Zhangir Tulekov
- al-Farabi Kazakh National University, School of Public Health, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Aizhan Raushanova
- al-Farabi Kazakh National University, School of Public Health, Almaty, Kazakhstan
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Katoto PDMC, Byamungu L, Brand AS, Mokaya J, Strijdom H, Goswami N, De Boever P, Nawrot TS, Nemery B. Ambient air pollution and health in Sub-Saharan Africa: Current evidence, perspectives and a call to action. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 173:174-188. [PMID: 30913485 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People from low- and middle-income countries are disproportionately affected by the global burden of adverse health effects caused by ambient air pollution (AAP). However, data from Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are still scarce. We systematically reviewed the literature to describe the existing knowledge on AAP and health outcomes in SSA. METHODS We searched PubMed, Medline-OVID, EMBASE and Scopus databases to identify studies of AAP and health outcomes published up to November 15, 2017. We used a systematic review approach to critically analyze and summarize levels of outdoor air pollutants, and data on health effects associated with AAP. We excluded occupational and indoor exposure studies. RESULTS We identified 60 articles, with 37 only describing levels of AAP and 23 assessing the association between air pollution and health outcomes. Most studies (75%) addressing the relation between AAP and disease were cross-sectional. In general, exposure data were only obtained for selected cities in the framework of temporary international collaborative research initiatives without structural long-term continuation. Measurements of AAP revealed 10-20 fold higher levels than WHO standards. Of the 23 studies reporting health effects, 14 originated from South Africa, and most countries within SSA contributed no data at all. No studies, except from South Africa, were based on reliable morbidity or mortality statistics at regional or country level. The majority of studies investigated self-reported respiratory symptoms. Children and the elderly were found to be more susceptible to AAP. CONCLUSION AAP and its negative health effects have been understudied in SSA compared with other continents. The limited direct measurements of air pollutants indicate that AAP in SAA cities is high compared with international standards. Efforts are needed to monitor AAP in African cities, to identify its main sources, and to reduce adverse health effects by enforcing legislation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick D M C Katoto
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, and Expertise Centre on Mining Governance (CEGEMI), Catholic University of Bukavu, Bukavu, Congo.
| | - Liliane Byamungu
- Department of Pediatric, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa.
| | - Amanda S Brand
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Jolynne Mokaya
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Hans Strijdom
- Division of Medical Physiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Nandu Goswami
- Department of Physiology and Otto Loewi Research Centre, Medical University of Graz, Austria.
| | - Patrick De Boever
- Environmental Risk and Health Unit, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium; Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium.
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium.
| | - Benoit Nemery
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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