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Allaouat S, Halonen JI, Jussila JJ, Tiittanen P, Ervasti J, Ngandu T, Mikkonen S, Yli-Tuomi T, Jousilahti P, Lanki T. Association between active commuting and low-grade inflammation: a population-based cross-sectional study. Eur J Public Health 2024; 34:292-298. [PMID: 38066664 PMCID: PMC10990550 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckad213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior studies suggest that physical activity lowers circulating C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. However, little is known about the association between regular active commuting, i.e. walking or cycling to work, and CRP concentrations. This study examines whether active commuting is associated with lower CRP. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study using population-based FINRISK data from 1997, 2002, 2007 and 2012. Participants were working adults living in Finland (n = 6208; mean age = 44 years; 53.6% women). We used linear and additive models adjusted for potential confounders to analyze whether daily active commuting, defined as the time spent walking or cycling to work, was associated with lower high-sensitivity (hs-) CRP serum concentrations compared with passive commuting. RESULTS We observed that daily active commuting for 45 min or more (vs. none) was associated with lower hs-CRP [% mean difference in the main model: -16.8%; 95% confidence interval (CI) -25.6% to -7.0%), and results were robust to adjustment for leisure-time and occupational physical activity, as well as diet. Similarly, active commuting for 15-29 min daily was associated with lower hs-CRP in the main model (-7.4; 95% CI -14.1 to -0.2), but the association attenuated to null after further adjustments. In subgroup analyses, associations were only observed for women. CONCLUSIONS Active commuting for at least 45 min a day was associated with lower levels of low-grade inflammation. Promoting active modes of transport may lead not only to reduced emissions from motorized traffic but also to population-level health benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Allaouat
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio and Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaana I Halonen
- Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio and Helsinki, Finland
| | - Juuso J Jussila
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio and Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pekka Tiittanen
- Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio and Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jenni Ervasti
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tiia Ngandu
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Santtu Mikkonen
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Tarja Yli-Tuomi
- Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio and Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pekka Jousilahti
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Timo Lanki
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio and Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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2
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Li J, Liu F, Liang F, Yang Y, Lu X, Gu D. Air pollution exposure and vascular endothelial function: a systematic review and meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:28525-28549. [PMID: 36702984 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25156-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial dysfunction is an early stage to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), but whether air pollution exposure has an effect on it remains unknown. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize epidemiological evidence between air pollution and endothelial dysfunction. We searched the database of PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science up to November 10, 2022. Fixed and random effect models were used to pool the effect change or percent change (% change) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of vascular function associated with particulate matter (PM) and gaseous pollutants. I2 statistics, funnel plot, and Egger's test were used to evaluate heterogeneity and publication bias. There were 34 articles included in systematic review, and 25 studies included in meta-analysis. For each 10 µg/m3 increment in short-term PM2.5 exposure, augmentation index (AIx) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) increased by 2.73% (95% CI: 1.89%, 3.57%) and 0.56% (95% CI: 0.22%, 0.89%), and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) decreased by 0.17% (95% CI: - 0.33%, - 0.00%). For each 10 µg/m3 increment in long-term PM2.5 exposure, FMD decreased by 0.99% (95% CI: - 1.41%, - 0.57%). The associations between remaining pollutants and outcomes were not statistically significant. The effect of short-term PM2.5 exposure on FMD change was stronger in population with younger age, lower female proportion, higher mean body mass index and higher PM2.5 exposure. Cardiac or vasoactive medication might attenuate this effect. Our study provides evidence that PM2.5 exposure had adverse impact on vascular endothelial function, indicating the importance of air quality improvement for early CVD prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyue Li
- Department of Epidemiology, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuwai Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Epidemiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 10037, China
| | - Fangchao Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuwai Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Epidemiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 10037, China
| | - Fengchao Liang
- Department of Epidemiology, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuwai Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Epidemiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 10037, China
- School of Public Health and Emergency Management, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yuxin Yang
- Department of Epidemiology, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuwai Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Epidemiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 10037, China
| | - Xiangfeng Lu
- Department of Epidemiology, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuwai Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Epidemiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 10037, China
| | - Dongfeng Gu
- Department of Epidemiology, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuwai Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Epidemiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 10037, China.
- School of Public Health and Emergency Management, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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3
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Willberg E, Poom A, Helle J, Toivonen T. Cyclists' exposure to air pollution, noise, and greenery: a population-level spatial analysis approach. Int J Health Geogr 2023; 22:5. [PMID: 36765331 PMCID: PMC9921333 DOI: 10.1186/s12942-023-00326-7] [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: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Urban travel exposes people to a range of environmental qualities with significant health and wellbeing impacts. Nevertheless, the understanding of travel-related environmental exposure has remained limited. Here, we present a novel approach for population-level assessment of multiple environmental exposure for active travel. It enables analyses of (1) urban scale exposure variation, (2) alternative routes' potential to improve exposure levels per exposure type, and (3) by combining multiple exposures. We demonstrate the approach's feasibility by analysing cyclists' air pollution, noise, and greenery exposure in Helsinki, Finland. We apply an in-house developed route-planning and exposure assessment software and integrate to the analysis 3.1 million cycling trips from the local bike-sharing system. We show that especially noise exposure from cycling exceeds healthy thresholds, but that cyclists can influence their exposure by route choice. The proposed approach enables planners and individual citizens to identify (un)healthy travel environments from the exposure perspective, and to compare areas in respect to how well their environmental quality supports active travel. Transferable open tools and data further support the implementation of the approach in other cities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Willberg
- Digital Geography Lab, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. .,Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science, Institute of Urban and Regional Studies, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Age Poom
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Digital Geography Lab, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland ,grid.10939.320000 0001 0943 7661Mobility Lab, Department of Geography, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia ,grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science, Institute of Urban and Regional Studies, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Joose Helle
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Digital Geography Lab, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tuuli Toivonen
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Digital Geography Lab, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland ,grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science, Institute of Urban and Regional Studies, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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4
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Die Feinstaubbelastung Radfahrender im innerstädtischen Straßenverkehr. ZENTRALBLATT FÜR ARBEITSMEDIZIN, ARBEITSSCHUTZ UND ERGONOMIE 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s40664-023-00494-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
ZusammenfassungFahrradfahren als Form der aktiven Fortbewegung bietet viele gesundheitliche Vorteile durch eine gesteigerte körperliche Aktivität. In städtischer Umgebung können diese Vorteile aufgrund der intensivierten Respiration beim Radfahren und der Nähe zum Fahrzeugverkehr mit einer assoziierten Exposition von verkehrsbedingter partikulärer Luftverschmutzung durch Feinstaub beeinträchtigt werden. Das Ziel dieser Übersichtsarbeit ist, eine Darstellung der aktuellen Literatur mit mobil erhobenen Daten zur Feinstaubbelastung Radfahrender im urbanen Raum zu geben sowie die darin beschriebenen Einflussfaktoren der Feinstaubkonzentrationen aus Meteorologie, Verkehr, Architektur und zeitlichen Bedingungen zu beschreiben. Fahrradfahren repräsentiert diesbezüglich eine effiziente Vorgehensweise zur Charakterisierung individueller Feinstaubbelastungen mit der Möglichkeit einer hohen räumlich-zeitlichen Auflösung. Unter Beachtung der Hintergrundkonzentration können Aussagen zur relativen Schadstoffexposition und des einhergehenden Gesundheitsrisikos mit Erkenntnissen zugunsten einer umweltverträglichen innerstädtischen Verkehrsplanung getroffen werden.
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5
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Lee HY, Kim HJ, Kim HJ, Na G, Jang Y, Kim SH, Kim NH, Kim HC, Park YJ, Kim HC, Yun YK, Lee SW. The impact of ambient air pollution on lung function and respiratory symptoms in elite athletes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 855:158862. [PMID: 36152863 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air pollution has become a significant public health concern. During exercise, many physiological factors are thought to increase the effects of air pollution. Air pollution most affects lung function and respiratory symptoms. We investigated the association between lung function, respiratory symptoms, and air pollutant concentration with meteorological factors in elite sports athletes. METHODS A total of 59 elite sports athletes from the Korea National Sports University participated in this prospective, observational study from September 2019 to June 2020. At ten visits, lung function and respiratory symptoms were obtained after a training session. We measured six air pollutants, including SO2, CO, O3, NO2, PM10, and PM2.5, and two meteorological factors, including humidity and temperature. Air pollutants and meteorological factors were measured by two nearest depositories of the national air pollution information system in Korea. RESULTS In a single-pollutant model, PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and CO were inversely associated with both FEV1 and FEV6, 10 μg/m3 in PM2.5 was associated with a 32.31 mL decrease in FEV1 and a 36.93 mL decrease in FEV6. Meanwhile, O3 and temperature had positive associations with both FEV1 (13.00 and 3.15 mL) and FEV6 (16.91 and 4.76 mL) and humidity with FEV6 (11.98 mL). In the multi-pollutant model at lag 0, FEV1 was associated negatively with O3 and NO2 (-50.68 and -6.87 mL) and positively with SO2 and temperature (65.76 and 8.08 mL). In the multi-pollutant model at lag 6, temperature was associated with FEV1 and FEV6 (6.01 and 8.89 mL). PM2.5, PM10, NO2, CO, and temperature were significantly associated with FEV1 and FEV6 through lag 0-6. CONCLUSIONS Air pollutants and meteorological factors are associated with lung function and respiratory symptoms and have cumulative effects among elite athletes. In the multi-pollutant model, temperature has the most significant effect on lung function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Young Lee
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon-Ju Kim
- Department of Community Sport, Korea National Sport University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwa Jung Kim
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Geunjoo Na
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngwon Jang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Han Kim
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Na Hyun Kim
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Cheol Kim
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Jun Park
- Environmental Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwan Cheol Kim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Kil Yun
- Department of Community Sport, Korea National Sport University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sei Won Lee
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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6
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Chandia-Poblete D, Cole-Hunter T, Haswell M, Heesch KC. The influence of air pollution exposure on the short- and long-term health benefits associated with active mobility: A systematic review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 850:157978. [PMID: 35964755 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Active mobility (AM), defined as walking and cycling for transportation, can improve health through increasing regular physical activity. However, these health improvements could be outweighed by harm from inhaling traffic-related air pollutants during AM participation. The interaction of AM and air pollutants on health is complex physiologically, manifesting as acute changes in health indicators that may lead to poor long-term health consequences. The aim of this study was to systematically review the current evidence of effect modification by air pollution (AP) on associations between AM and health indicators. Studies were included if they examined associations between AM and health indicators being modified by AP or, conversely, associations between AP and health indicators being modified by AM. Thirty-three studies met eligibility criteria. The main AP indicators studied were particulate matter, ultrafine particles, and nitrogen oxides. Most health indicators studied were grouped into cardiovascular and respiratory indicators. There is evidence of a reduction by AP, mainly ultrafine particles and PM2.5, in the short-term health benefits of AM. Multiple studies suggest that long-term health benefits of AM are not negatively associated with levels of the single traffic-related pollutant NO2. However, other studies reveal reduced long-term health benefits of AM in areas affected by high levels of pollutant mixtures. We recommend that future studies adopt consistent and rigorous study designs and include reporting of interaction testing, to advance understanding of the complex relationships between AM, AP, and health indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian Chandia-Poblete
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia.
| | - Thomas Cole-Hunter
- Section of Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1353 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Melissa Haswell
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia; Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Indigenous Strategy and Services) and School of Geosciences, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Australia.
| | - Kristiann C Heesch
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia.
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7
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Silveira AC, Hasegawa JS, Cruz R, Matsuda M, Marquezini MV, Lima-Silva AE, Giles LV, Saldiva PHN, Koehle MS, Bertuzzi R. Effects of air pollution exposure on inflammatory and endurance performance in recreationally trained cyclists adapted to traffic-related air pollution. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2022; 322:R562-R570. [PMID: 35411800 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00305.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) on markers of inflammatory, neuroplasticity, and endurance performance-related parameters in recreationally trained cyclists who were adapted to TRAP during a 50-km cycling time-trial (50-km cycling TT). Ten male cyclists performed a 50-km cycling TT inside an environmental chamber located in downtown Sao Paulo (Brazil), under TRAP or filtered air conditions. Blood samples were obtained before and after the 50-km cycling TT to measure markers of inflammatory [interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-Reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-10 (IL-10), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1)], and neuroplasticity [brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)]. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE), heart rate (HR), and power output (PO) were measured throughout the 50-km cycling TT. There were no significant differences between experimental conditions for responses of IL-6, CRP and IL-10 (P > 0.05). When compared with exercise-induced changes in filtered air condition, TRAP provoked greater exercise-induced increase in BDNF levels (TRAP = 3.3 ± 2.4 fold change; Filtered = 1.3 ± 0.5 fold change; P = 0.04) and lower exercise-induced increase in ICAM-1 (Filtered = 1.1 ± 0.1 fold change; TRAP = 1.0 ± 0.1 fold change; P = 0.01). The endurance performance-related parameters (RPE, HR, PO, and time to complete the 50-km cycling TT) were not different between TRAP and filtered air conditions (P > 0.05). These findings suggest that the potential negative impacts of exposure to pollution on inflammatory, neuroplasticity, and performance-related parameters do not occur in recreationally trained cyclists who are adapted to TRAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Casanova Silveira
- Endurance Performance Research Group (GEDAE-USP), School of Physical Education and Sport, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Julio Satoshi Hasegawa
- Endurance Performance Research Group (GEDAE-USP), School of Physical Education and Sport, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ramon Cruz
- Endurance Performance Research Group (GEDAE-USP), School of Physical Education and Sport, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Sports Center, Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, SC, Brazi
| | - Monique Matsuda
- Laboratory of Investigation in Ophthalmology (LIM-33), Division of Ophthalmology, University of Sao Paulo Faculty of Medicine, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Monica V Marquezini
- Pro - Sangue Foundation, Sao Paulo and Pathology Department, University of Sao Paulo Faculty of Medicine, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adriano E Lima-Silva
- Human Performance Research Group, Academic Department of Physical Education (DAEFI), Federal University of Technology Parana, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Luisa V Giles
- School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), British Columbia, Canada
| | - Paulo H N Saldiva
- Institute of Advanced Studies, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Romulo Bertuzzi
- Endurance Performance Research Group (GEDAE-USP), School of Physical Education and Sport, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Bergmann ML, Andersen ZJ, Amini H, Khan J, Lim YH, Loft S, Mehta A, Westendorp RG, Cole-Hunter T. Ultrafine particle exposure for bicycle commutes in rush and non-rush hour traffic: A repeated measures study in Copenhagen, Denmark. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 294:118631. [PMID: 34871646 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Ultrafine particles (UFP), harmful to human health, are emitted at high levels from motorized traffic. Bicycle commuting is increasingly encouraged to reduce traffic emissions and increase physical activity, but higher breathing rates increase inhaled UFP concentrations while in traffic. We assessed exposure to UFP while cycling along a fixed 8.5 km inner-city route in Copenhagen, on weekdays over six weeks (from September to October 2020), during morning and afternoon rush-hour, as well as morning non-rush-hour, traffic time periods starting from 07:45, 15:45, and 09:45 h, respectively. Continuous measurements were made (each second) of particle number concentration (PNC) and location. PNC levels were summarized and compared across time periods. We used generalized additive models to adjust for meteorological factors, weekdays and trends. A total of 61 laps were completed, during 28 days (∼20 per time period). Overall mean PNC was 18,149 pt/cm3 (range 256-999,560 pt/cm3) with no significant difference between morning rush-hour (18003 pt/cm3), afternoon rush-hour (17560 pt/cm3) and late morning commute (17560 pt/cm3) [p = 0.85]. There was substantial spatial variation of UFP exposure along the route with highest PNC levels measured at traffic intersections (∼38,000-42000 pt/cm3), multiple lane roads (∼38,000-40000 pt/cm3) and construction sites (∼44,000-51000 pt/cm3), while lowest levels were measured at smaller streets, areas with open built environment (∼12,000 pt/cm3), as well as at a bus-only zone (∼15,000 pt/cm3). UFP exposure in inner-city Copenhagen did not differ substantially when bicycling in either rush-hour or non-rush-hour, or morning or afternoon, traffic time periods. UFP exposure varied substantially spatially, with highest concentrations around intersections, multiple lane roads, and construction sites. This suggests that exposure to UFP is not necessarily reduced by avoiding rush-hours, but by avoiding sources of pollution along the bicycling route.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Bergmann
- Section of Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Z J Andersen
- Section of Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - H Amini
- Section of Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - J Khan
- Atmospheric Modelling Research Group, Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark; Danish Big Data Centre for Environment and Health (BERTHA), Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Y H Lim
- Section of Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - S Loft
- Section of Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - A Mehta
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Statistics Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - R G Westendorp
- Department of Public Health and Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - T Cole-Hunter
- Section of Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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9
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Wu TG, Chen YD, Chen BH, Harada KH, Lee K, Deng F, Rood MJ, Chen CC, Tran CT, Chien KL, Wen TH, Wu CF. Identifying low-PM 2.5 exposure commuting routes for cyclists through modeling with the random forest algorithm based on low-cost sensor measurements in three Asian cities. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 294:118597. [PMID: 34848285 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Cyclists can be easily exposed to traffic-related pollutants due to riding on or close to the road during commuting in cities. PM2.5 has been identified as one of the major pollutants emitted by vehicles and associated with cardiopulmonary and respiratory diseases. As routing has been suggested to reduce the exposures for cyclists, in this study, PM2.5 was monitored with low-cost sensors during commuting periods to develop models for identifying low exposure routes in three Asian cities: Taipei, Osaka, and Seoul. The models for mapping the PM2.5 in the cities were developed by employing the random forest algorithm in a two-stage modeling approach. The land use features to explain spatial variation of PM2.5 were obtained from the open-source land use database, OpenStreetMap. The total length of the monitoring routes ranged from 101.36 to 148.22 km and the average PM2.5 ranged from 13.51 to 15.40 μg/m³ among the cities. The two-stage models had the standard k-fold cross-validation (CV) R2 of 0.93, 0.74, and 0.84 in Taipei, Osaka, and Seoul, respectively. To address spatial autocorrelation, a spatial cross-validation approach applying a distance restriction of 100 m between the model training and testing data was employed. The over-optimistic estimates on the predictions were thus prevented, showing model CV-R2 of 0.91, 0.67, and 0.78 respectively in Taipei, Osaka, and Seoul. The comparisons between the shortest-distance and lowest-exposure routes showed that the largest percentage of reduced averaged PM2.5 exposure could reach 32.1% with the distance increases by 37.8%. Given the findings in this study, routing behavior should be encouraged. With the daily commuting trips expanded, the cumulative effect may become significant on the chronic exposures over time. Therefore, a route planning tool for reducing the exposures shall be developed and promoted to the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzong-Gang Wu
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, No. 17, Xuzhou Rd, Taipei, 10055, Taiwan; Innovation and Policy Center for Population Health and Sustainable Environment, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, No. 17, Xuzhou Rd, Taipei, 10055, Taiwan
| | - Yan-Da Chen
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, No. 17, Xuzhou Rd, Taipei, 10055, Taiwan; Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Bang-Hua Chen
- Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, No. 17, Xuzhou Rd, Taipei, 10055, Taiwan
| | - Kouji H Harada
- Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Kiyoung Lee
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Furong Deng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, No. 38 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Mark J Rood
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois, 205 N. Mathews Ave., Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Chu-Chih Chen
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, 35, Keyan Road, Zhunan Town, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan
| | - Cong-Thanh Tran
- University of Science, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, 227 Nguyen Van Cu Street, Dist. 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, National Taiwan University, No. 17, Xuzhou Rd, Taipei, 10055, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Liong Chien
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, National Taiwan University, No. 17, Xuzhou Rd, Taipei, 10055, Taiwan
| | - Tzai-Hung Wen
- Department of Geography, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Fu Wu
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, No. 17, Xuzhou Rd, Taipei, 10055, Taiwan; Innovation and Policy Center for Population Health and Sustainable Environment, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, No. 17, Xuzhou Rd, Taipei, 10055, Taiwan.
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10
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da Silveira Fleck A, Sadoine ML, Buteau S, Suarthana E, Debia M, Smargiassi A. Environmental and Occupational Short-Term Exposure to Airborne Particles and FEV 1 and FVC in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182010571. [PMID: 34682321 PMCID: PMC8536058 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background: No study has compared the respiratory effects of environmental and occupational particulate exposure in healthy adults. Methods: We estimated, by a systematic review and meta-analysis, the associations between short term exposures to fine particles (PM2.5 and PM4) and certain parameters of lung function (FEV1 and FVC) in healthy adults. Results: In total, 33 and 14 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis and meta-analyses, respectively. In environmental studies, a 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 was associated with an FEV1 reduction of 7.63 mL (95% CI: −10.62 to −4.63 mL). In occupational studies, an increase of 10 µg/m3 in PM4 was associated with an FEV1 reduction of 0.87 mL (95% CI: −1.36 to −0.37 mL). Similar results were observed with FVC. Conclusions: Both occupational and environmental short-term exposures to fine particles are associated with reductions in FEV1 and FVC in healthy adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan da Silveira Fleck
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Montreal, 2375 Chem. de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC H3T 1A8, Canada; (A.d.S.F.); (M.L.S.); (M.D.)
- Centre for Public Health Research (CReSP), 7101 Av du Parc, Montreal, QC H3N 1X9, Canada
| | - Margaux L. Sadoine
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Montreal, 2375 Chem. de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC H3T 1A8, Canada; (A.d.S.F.); (M.L.S.); (M.D.)
- Centre for Public Health Research (CReSP), 7101 Av du Parc, Montreal, QC H3N 1X9, Canada
| | - Stéphane Buteau
- Institut National de Sante Publique du Québec (INSPQ), 190 Boul Crémazie E, Montreal, QC H2P 1E2, Canada;
| | - Eva Suarthana
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, 2155 Rue Guy, Montreal, QC H3H 2L9, Canada;
- Centre de Recherche de l’Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal (CRHSCM), 5400 Boul Gouin O, Montreal, QC H4J 1C5, Canada
| | - Maximilien Debia
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Montreal, 2375 Chem. de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC H3T 1A8, Canada; (A.d.S.F.); (M.L.S.); (M.D.)
- Centre for Public Health Research (CReSP), 7101 Av du Parc, Montreal, QC H3N 1X9, Canada
| | - Audrey Smargiassi
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Montreal, 2375 Chem. de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC H3T 1A8, Canada; (A.d.S.F.); (M.L.S.); (M.D.)
- Centre for Public Health Research (CReSP), 7101 Av du Parc, Montreal, QC H3N 1X9, Canada
- Institut National de Sante Publique du Québec (INSPQ), 190 Boul Crémazie E, Montreal, QC H2P 1E2, Canada;
- Correspondence:
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11
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The Acute Effects of Exercising in Air Pollution: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Sports Med 2021; 52:139-164. [PMID: 34499337 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-021-01544-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The acute effects of air pollution (AP) exposure during physical activity have been studied. However, comprehensive systematic reviews are lacking, particularly regarding moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). OBJECTIVE Our objective was to determine the acute health- and exercise-related effects of AP exposure during a bout of MVPA in healthy individuals. METHODS We searched for randomized controlled trials in MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, SPORTDiscus, Agricultural and Environmental Science Database, ClinicalTrials.gov, International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number Registry, and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform up to July 2020 without language or date restrictions. Studies including healthy subjects engaging in a bout of MVPA while exposed to one or more of the following air pollutants were eligible: particulate matter, black carbon, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, diesel exhaust, and traffic-related air pollution (TRAP). Main outcome measures were markers of pulmonary function, symptoms, cardiovascular function, cognitive function, systemic inflammation, and exercise response. The evidence was synthesized by vote counting based on direction of effect. RESULTS In total, 53 studies were included in the systematic review. Studies employed a heterogeneous mix of exercise protocols, AP interventions, and measured outcomes. Pooled results suggest ozone exposure during MVPA has an adverse effect on pulmonary function (100% [95% confidence interval (CI) 88-100], p < 0.001; high-certainty evidence) and reported symptoms (88% [95% CI 69-96], p < 0.001; low-certainty evidence). The effect of exposure to carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, small engine exhaust, or diesel exhaust during MVPA on health- and exercise-related outcomes is uncertain because of insufficient evidence and the low to very low certainty of available evidence. DISCUSSION The evidence is strongest for ozone, exposure to which generally induced a reduction in pulmonary function and increased symptoms during MVPA. The research related to other outcome domains remains inconclusive. Although long-term exposure to AP is proven to be hazardous, the evidence for healthy individuals to forgo MVPA during periods of high (non-ozone) pollution remains weak. TRIAL REGISTRATION Retrospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020188280) on 10 July 2020.
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Abstract
Since the industrial revolution, air pollution has become a major problem causing several health problems involving the airways as well as the cardiovascular, reproductive, or neurological system. According to the WHO, about 3.6 million deaths every year are related to inhalation of polluted air, specifically due to pulmonary diseases. Polluted air first encounters the airways, which are a major human defense mechanism to reduce the risk of this aggressor. Air pollution consists of a mixture of potentially harmful compounds such as particulate matter, ozone, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and heavy metals, each having its own effects on the human body. In the last decades, a lot of research investigating the underlying risks and effects of air pollution and/or its specific compounds on the airways, has been performed, involving both in vivo and in vitro experiments. The goal of this review is to give an overview of the recent data on the effects of air pollution on healthy and diseased airways or models of airway disease, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Therefore, we focused on studies involving pollution and airway symptoms and/or damage both in mice and humans.
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Morici G, Cibella F, Cogo A, Palange P, Bonsignore MR. Respiratory Effects of Exposure to Traffic-Related Air Pollutants During Exercise. Front Public Health 2020; 8:575137. [PMID: 33425832 PMCID: PMC7793908 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.575137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) is increasing worldwide. Habitual physical activity is known to prevent cardiorespiratory diseases and mortality, but whether exposure to TRAP during exercise affects respiratory health is still uncertain. Exercise causes inflammatory changes in the airways, and its interaction with the effects of TRAP or ozone might be detrimental, for both athletes exercising outdoor and urban active commuters. In this Mini-Review, we summarize the literature on the effects of exposure to TRAP and/or ozone during exercise on lung function, respiratory symptoms, performance, and biomarkers. Ozone negatively affected pulmonary function after exercise, especially after combined exposure to ozone and diesel exhaust (DE). Spirometric changes after exercise during exposure to particulate matter and ultrafine particles suggest a decrease in lung function, especially in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Ozone frequently caused respiratory symptoms during exercise. Women showed decreased exercise performance and higher symptom prevalence than men during TRAP exposure. However, performance was analyzed in few studies. To date, research has not identified reliable biomarkers of TRAP-related lung damage useful for monitoring athletes' health, except in scarce studies on airway cells obtained by induced sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage. In conclusion, despite partly counteracted by the positive effects of habitual exercise, the negative effects of TRAP exposure to pollutants during exercise are hard to assess: outdoor exercise is a complex model, for multiple and variable exposures to air pollutants and pollutant concentrations. Further studies are needed to identify pollutant and/or time thresholds for performing safe outdoor exercise in cities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Morici
- Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics Department, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Palermo, Italy
| | - Fabio Cibella
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Palermo, Italy
| | - Annalisa Cogo
- Biomedical Sport Studies Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paolo Palange
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria R Bonsignore
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Palermo, Italy.,Department of Health Promotion Sciences Maternal and Infantile Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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14
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Tang H, Cheng Z, Li N, Mao S, Ma R, He H, Niu Z, Chen X, Xiang H. The short- and long-term associations of particulate matter with inflammation and blood coagulation markers: A meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 267:115630. [PMID: 33254709 PMCID: PMC7687019 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation and the coagulation cascade are considered to be the potential mechanisms of ambient particulate matter (PM) exposure-induced adverse cardiovascular events. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and fibrinogen are arguably the four most commonly assayed markers to reflect the relationships of PM with inflammation and blood coagulation. This review summarized and quantitatively analyzed the existing studies reporting short- and long-term associations of PM2.5(PM with an aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm)/PM10 (PM with an aerodynamic diameter≤10 μm) with important inflammation and blood coagulation markers (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, fibrinogen). We reviewed relevant studies published up to July 2020, using three English databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase) and two Chinese databases (Wang-Fang, China National Knowledge Infrastructure). The OHAT tool, with some modification, was applied to evaluate risk of bias. Meta-analyses were conducted with random-effects models for calculating the pooled estimate of markers. To assess the potential effect modifiers and the source of heterogeneity, we conducted subgroup analyses and meta-regression analyses where appropriate. The assessment and correction of publication bias were based on Begg's and Egger's test and "trim-and-fill" analysis. We identified 44 eligible studies. For short-term PM exposure, the percent change of a 10 μg/m3 PM2.5 increase on TNF-α and fibrinogen was 3.51% (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.21%, 5.81%) and 0.54% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.21%, 0.86%) respectively. We also found a significant short-term association between PM10 and fibrinogen (percent change = 0.17%, 95% CI: 0.04%, 0.29%). Overall analysis showed that long-term associations of fibrinogen with PM2.5 and PM10 were not significant. Subgroup analysis showed that long-term associations of fibrinogen with PM2.5 and PM10 were significant only found in studies conducted in Asia. Our findings support significant short-term associations of PM with TNF-α and fibrinogen. Future epidemiological studies should address the role long-term PM exposure plays in inflammation and blood coagulation markers level change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Tang
- Department of Global Health, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, 115# Donghu Road, Wuhan, China; Global Health Institute, Wuhan University, 115# Donghu Road, Wuhan, China
| | - Zilu Cheng
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Sciences, Wuhan University of Technology, 122# Luoshi Road, Wuhan, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Global Health, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, 115# Donghu Road, Wuhan, China; Global Health Institute, Wuhan University, 115# Donghu Road, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuyuan Mao
- Department of Global Health, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, 115# Donghu Road, Wuhan, China; Global Health Institute, Wuhan University, 115# Donghu Road, Wuhan, China
| | - Runxue Ma
- Department of Global Health, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, 115# Donghu Road, Wuhan, China
| | - Haijun He
- Department of Global Health, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, 115# Donghu Road, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhiping Niu
- Department of Global Health, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, 115# Donghu Road, Wuhan, China; Global Health Institute, Wuhan University, 115# Donghu Road, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaolu Chen
- Department of Global Health, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, 115# Donghu Road, Wuhan, China; Global Health Institute, Wuhan University, 115# Donghu Road, Wuhan, China
| | - Hao Xiang
- Department of Global Health, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, 115# Donghu Road, Wuhan, China; Global Health Institute, Wuhan University, 115# Donghu Road, Wuhan, China.
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15
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Allen RW, Barn P. Individual- and Household-Level Interventions to Reduce Air Pollution Exposures and Health Risks: a Review of the Recent Literature. Curr Environ Health Rep 2020; 7:424-440. [PMID: 33241434 PMCID: PMC7749091 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-020-00296-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We reviewed recent peer-reviewed literature on three categories of individual- and household-level interventions against air pollution: air purifiers, facemasks, and behavior change. RECENT FINDINGS High-efficiency particulate air/arresting (HEPA) filter air purifier use over days to weeks can substantially reduce fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations indoors and improve subclinical cardiopulmonary health. Modeling studies suggest that the population-level benefits of HEPA filter air purification would often exceed costs. Well-fitting N95 and equivalent respirators can reduce PM2.5 exposure, with several randomized crossover studies also reporting improvements in subclinical cardiovascular health. The health benefits of other types of face coverings have not been tested and their effectiveness in reducing exposure is highly variable, depends largely on fit, and is unrelated to cost. Behavior modifications may reduce exposure, but there has been little research on health impacts. There is now substantial evidence that HEPA filter air purifiers reduce indoor PM2.5 concentrations and improve subclinical health indicators. As a result, their use is being recommended by a growing number of government and public health organizations. Several studies have also reported subclinical cardiovascular health benefits from well-fitting respirators, while evidence of health benefits from other types of facemasks and behavior changes remains very limited. In situations when emissions cannot be controlled at the source, such as during forest fires, individual- or household-level interventions may be the primary option. In most cases, however, such interventions should be supplemental to emission reduction efforts that benefit entire communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan W Allen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada.
| | - Prabjit Barn
- Legacy for Airway Health, Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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16
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Koch S, Zelembaba A, Tran R, Laeremans M, Hives B, Carlsten C, De Boever P, Koehle MS. Vascular effects of physical activity are not modified by short-term inhaled diesel exhaust: Results of a controlled human exposure study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 183:109270. [PMID: 32311911 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The combined effects of physical activity and air pollution exposure on vascular function are insufficiently understood, particularly after the inhalation of a β2-agonist, a vasodilating agent. OBJECTIVE To assess the micro- and macrovascular response to physical activity after β2-agonist use while breathing diesel exhaust (DE) in individuals with exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. METHODS On four exposure visits, eighteen adults inhaled either 400 μg of the β2-agonist salbutamol or placebo before resting for 60 min, followed by a 30-min cycling bout. During rest and cycling, participants inhaled filtered air (FA) or DE (300 μg/m3 of PM2.5). Microvascular (central retinal arteriolar and venular equivalents, CRAE and CRVE, respectively) and macrovascular parameters (blood pressure (BP)) and heart rate (HR)) were assessed at baseline (T1), 10 min (T2) and 70 min (T3) after cycling. RESULTS The cycling bout increased CRAE (T2-T1 difference (95th % confidence interval): 4.88 μm (4.73, 5.00 μm), p < 0.001; T3-T1 difference: 2.10 μm (1.62, 2.58 μm), p = 0.031) and CRVE (T2-T1 difference: 3.78 μm (3.63, 3.92 μm), p < 0.001; T3-T1 difference: 3.73 μm (3.63, 3.92 μm), p < 0.001). The exposure to DE had no effect on CRAE (FA-DE difference at T2: 0.46 μm (-0.02, 0.92 μm); p = 0.790; FA-DE difference at T3: 1.76 μm (1.36, 2.16 μm), p = 0.213) and CRVE (FA-DE difference at T2: 0.26 μm (-0.35, 0.88 μm), p = 0.906; FA-DE difference at T3: 0.55 μm (0.05, 1.06 μm), p = 0.750). Compared to T1, systolic BP was decreased at T2 by 2.5 mmHg (2.8, 2.3 mmHg, p = 0.047), independent of inhaled exposure. Heart rate at T2 was significantly increased by 3 bpm (2, 3 bpm, p = 0.025) after the DE-exposure when compared to FA. DISCUSSION Acute physical activity induces a vasodilatory response in the micro- and macrovasculature in healthy adults by increasing CRAE and CRVE, and by reducing systolic BP post exercise, despite breathing DE. The DE-associated increase in HR might be indicative of an increased sympathetic response to physical activity while breathing DE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Koch
- School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, 6081 University Boulevard, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z1, Canada.
| | - Ana Zelembaba
- School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, 6081 University Boulevard, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Raymond Tran
- School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, 6081 University Boulevard, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Michelle Laeremans
- Health Unit, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Antwerp, Belgium; Centre for Environmental Sciences, Agoralaan building D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Benjamin Hives
- School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, 6081 University Boulevard, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Christopher Carlsten
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2329 West Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Patrick De Boever
- Health Unit, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Antwerp, Belgium; Centre for Environmental Sciences, Agoralaan building D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Michael Stephen Koehle
- School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, 6081 University Boulevard, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z1, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2329 West Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
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17
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Riggs DW, Zafar N, Krishnasamy S, Yeager R, Rai SN, Bhatnagar A, O'Toole TE. Exposure to airborne fine particulate matter is associated with impaired endothelial function and biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 180:108890. [PMID: 31718786 PMCID: PMC6899204 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological evidence suggests that exposure to air pollution is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, there is little direct evidence linking exposure to vascular dysfunction. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 100 participants, recruited from the University of Louisville Clinics. Endothelial function was assessed by calculating the reactive hyperemia index (RHI). Oxidative stress was indexed by measuring urinary levels of isoprostanes (n = 91). Inflammatory biomarkers were measured in the plasma (n = 80). Daily average PM2.5 levels were obtained from regional monitoring stations. Adjusted associations between PM2.5 levels and measured outcomes were tested using generalized linear models. The average age of participants was 48 years (44% male, 62% white); 52% had a diagnosis of hypertension, and 44% had type-2 diabetes. A 12.4% decrease in RHI was associated with 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 (95% CI: 21.0, -2.7). The F-2 isoprostane metabolite showed a positive association of 28.4% (95% CI: 2.7, 60.3) per 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5. Positive associations were observed with angiopoietin 1 (17.4%; 95% CI: 2.8, 33.8), vascular endothelial growth factor (10.4%; 95% CI: 0.6, 21.0), placental growth factor (31.7%; 95% CI: 12.2, 54.5), intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (24.6%; 95% CI: 1.6, 52.8), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (30.3%; 95% CI: 8.0, 57.5) per 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5. Additionally, a 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 was associated with 15.9% decrease in vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (95% CI: 28.3, -1.3). These findings suggest that exposure to PM2.5 is associated with impaired vascular function, which may result from oxidative stress and inflammation, thereby leading to a pro-atherogenic state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel W Riggs
- Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA; Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
| | - Nagma Zafar
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
| | - Sathya Krishnasamy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
| | - Ray Yeager
- Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
| | - Shesh N Rai
- Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA; Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA; Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Facility, JG Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
| | - Aruni Bhatnagar
- Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
| | - Timothy E O'Toole
- Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA.
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18
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Morishita M, Wang L, Speth K, Zhou N, Bard RL, Li F, Brook JR, Rajagopalan S, Brook RD. Acute Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Effects of Near-Roadway Exposures With and Without N95 Respirators. Am J Hypertens 2019; 32:1054-1065. [PMID: 31350540 PMCID: PMC7962899 DOI: 10.1093/ajh/hpz113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The risk for cardiovascular events increases within hours of near-roadway exposures. We aimed to determine the traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) and biological mechanisms involved and if reducing particulate matter <2.5 µm (PM2.5) inhalation is protective. METHODS Fifty healthy-adults underwent multiple 2-hour near-roadway exposures (Tuesdays to Fridays) in Ann Arbor during 2 separate weeks (randomized to wear an N95 respirator during 1 week). Monday both weeks, participants rested 2 hours in an exam room (once wearing an N95 respirator). Brachial blood pressure, aortic hemodynamics, and heart rate variability were repeatedly measured during exposures. Endothelial function (reactive hyperemia index [RHI]) was measured post-exposures (Thursdays). Black carbon (BC), total particle count (PC), PM2.5, noise and temperature were measured throughout exposures. RESULTS PM2.5 (9.3 ± 7.7 µg/m3), BC (1.3 ± 0.6 µg/m3), PC (8,375 ± 4,930 particles/cm3) and noise (69.2 ± 4.2 dB) were higher (P values <0.01) and aortic hemodynamic parameters trended worse while near-roadway (P values<0.15 vs. exam room). Other outcomes were unchanged. Aortic hemodynamics trended towards improvements with N95 respirator usage while near-roadway (P values<0.15 vs. no-use), whereas other outcomes remained unaffected. Higher near-roadway PC and BC exposures were associated with increases in aortic augmentation pressures (P values<0.05) and trends toward lower RHI (P values <0.2). N95 respirator usage did not mitigate these adverse responses (nonsignificant pollutant-respirator interactions). Near-roadway outdoor-temperature and noise were also associated with cardiovascular changes. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to real-world combustion-derived particulates in TRAP, even at relatively low concentrations, acutely worsened aortic hemodynamics. Our mixed findings regarding the health benefits of wearing N95 respirators support that further studies are needed to validate if they adequately protect against TRAP given their growing worldwide usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masako Morishita
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Kelly Speth
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Nina Zhou
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Robert L Bard
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Fengyao Li
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Jeffrey R Brook
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sanjay Rajagopalan
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Case Western Reserve Medical School, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Robert D Brook
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Cyclists’ Multiple Environmental Urban Exposures—Comparing Subjective and Objective Measurements. SUSTAINABILITY 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/su11051412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Citizens in urban areas are exposed to multiple environmental stressors like noise, heat, and air pollution, with impact on human health. There is a great deal of evidence that connects human health, objective environmental exposure, and place of residence. However, little is known about subjective and objective multiple personal exposures while being mobile. To address this research gap, this paper presents results from a mixed-methods exploratory study with cyclists in the City of Leipzig, Germany. In the summer of 2017, cyclists (n = 66) wore a unique combination of sensors that measured particle number counts (PNC), noise, humidity, temperature, geolocation, and the subjective perception of each exposure on everyday routes for one week (n = 730). A smartphone application was developed to question participants about their perception of subjective exposure. The data were analyzed with three aims: (i) to compare the multiple exposure profiles of the cyclists, (ii) to contrast the objective data and subjective individual perception, and (iii) to examine the role of route decision-making and awareness of health impacts for healthier route choices. The results indicate distinct differences between the exposure profiles of cyclists. Over 80% of the cyclists underestimated their exposure to noise and air pollution. Except for heat, no significant associations between the objective and subjective data were found. This reveals an exposure awareness gap that needs to be considered in urban health planning and risk communication. It is argued that knowledge about health impacts and route characteristics plays a crucial role in decision-making about route choices. The paper concludes with suggestions to harness smart sensing for exposure mitigation and research in health geography.
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