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Ma Y, Yang D, Bai J, Zhao Y, Hu Q, Yu C. Time Trends in Stroke and Subtypes Mortality Attributable to Household Air Pollution in Chinese and Indian Adults: An Age-Period-Cohort Analysis Using the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:740549. [PMID: 35250534 PMCID: PMC8895296 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.740549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Household air pollution (HAP) exposure is recognized as a major health concern in areas relied on residential burning of solid fuels for cooking and heating. However, previous study has focused on mortality across time and reported changes in age-specific mortality globally but failed to distinguish cohort from period effects. Therefore, this study aimed to differentiate the relative contributions of period and cohort effects to overall time trends of HAP-attributable stroke mortality between the most presentative East and South Asia countries. Data were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database. The age, period, and cohort effects were estimated using the age-period-cohort (APC) model. The overall age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) of stroke in China decreased by 39.8% compared with 35.8% in India, while stroke subtypes in both the sexes and countries showed consecutive significant declines from 1990 to 2019. The age-specific and cohort-specific HAP-attributable stroke mortality declined over time in China and India. By APC analysis, substantially increasing age effects were presented for stroke and subtypes from 25 to 84 years. China had a rapid reduction in the independent period and cohort effects. Also, the risk of death for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) had the most striking decline for both sexes in period and cohort effects. Reductions of India were less favorable than China, but the independent period and cohort effects progressively decreased during the entire period for both the sexes. Males experienced a slightly higher mortality risk than females in both countries. Although prominent reductions were observed in HAP-attributable stroke and subtypes mortality during the past 30 years, China and India still suffered uneven HAP-attributable stroke burden. Thus, it is of high significance to introduce advanced solid fuels replace technology and knowledge regarding clean fuel use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudiyang Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Donghui Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianjun Bai
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yudi Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qian Hu
- Department of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chuanhua Yu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Chuanhua Yu, ; orcid.org/0000-0002-5467-2481
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The Impact of COVID-19 on Horticulture: Critical Issues and Opportunities Derived from an Unexpected Occurrence. HORTICULTURAE 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/horticulturae7060124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is causing many victims worldwide and has generated a serious economic crisis. Substantial changes have occurred in the food and ornamental production chains. The aim of the present review has been to summarize some of the main effects that the pandemic is having on horticulture and on the new habits of people. Infections and quarantine measures have prevented the regular flow of certain goods and of connected services. Cases of shortages and/or surpluses, a lack of the availability of labor, and a reduction in demand for some food products and flowers have occurred. New food production approaches have emerged and a reconnection between farmers and consumers has been spreading, thereby facilitating product distribution. Moreover, during the forced isolation, people have had to face periods of stress. The benefits that can be derived from leisure activities related to flowers and ornamental plants, and from access to nature and urban green spaces are increasingly being recognized as relevant. The seriousness of the pandemic will inevitably lead to lasting changes. Therefore, the vulnerability of the pre-COVID-19 distribution chains should be considered and a new food production chain should be drawn up, to increase the resilience of such systems.
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Abstract
Poor indoor air quality affects the health of the occupants of a given structure or building. It reduces the effectiveness of learning and work efficiency. Among many pollutants, PM 2.5 and 10 dusts are extremely important. They can be eliminated using mechanical ventilation equipped with filters. Façade ventilation devices are used as a way to improve indoor air quality (IAQ) in existing buildings. For their analysis, researchers used carbon dioxide as a tracer gas. They have shown that façade ventilation devices are an effective way to improve IAQ, but require further analysis due to the sensitivity of façade ventilation devices to the effects of wind and outdoor temperature. In addition, legal regulations in some countries require verification in order to enable the use of this type of solution as a way to improve IAQ in an era characterised by the effort to transform buildings into passive houses (standard for energy efficiency in a building).
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The Possibility of Sustainable Urban Horticulture Based on Nature Therapy. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12125058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Population growth and increased stress caused by urbanization have led to social problems that are predicted to intensify in the future. In these conditions, the recently established ”nature therapy” has revealed that an environment rich in various plant life significantly contributes to the relief of physical and mental stress. Meanwhile, from the perspective of reduction in the energy required for transportation and the retention of plant freshness, urban horticulture, in which plant life exists harmoniously with the city, has attracted considerable attention. Interactions between humans and plants in urban horticulture are considered to contribute to the good health and wellbeing of people. Therefore, we incorporate human-centered thinking based on nature therapy into horticultural produce-centered thinking based on conventional urban horticulture. By introducing a pioneering urban horticulture plant factory as an example, we propose the possibility of sustainable urban horticulture based on nature therapy.
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Gabriel MF, Felgueiras F, Fernandes M, Ribeiro C, Ramos E, Mourão Z, de Oliveira Fernandes E. Assessment of indoor air conditions in households of Portuguese families with newborn children. Implementation of the HEALS IAQ checklist. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 182:108966. [PMID: 31816588 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Conducting epidemiological and risk assessment research that considers the exposome concept, as in the case of HEALS project, requires the acquisition of higher dimension data sets of an increased complexity. In this context, new methods that provide accurate and interpretable data summary on relevant environmental factors are of major importance. In this work, a questionnaire was developed to collect harmonized data on potential pollutant sources to air in the indoor environment where children spend an important part of their early life. The questionnaire was designed in a user friendly checklist format to be filled out at the maternity in ten European cities. This paper presents and discusses the rationale for the selection of the questionnaire contents and the results obtained from its application in the households of 309 HEALS-enrolled families with babies recently born in Porto, Portugal. The tool was very effective in providing data on the putative air pollution sources in homes, with special focus on the bedroom of the newborns. The data collected is part of a wider effort to build the databases and risk assessment models of the HEALS project. The results of the analysis of the collected data suggest that, for the population under study, the main concerns on early life exposures at home can be related to emissions from the use of household solid fuels, indoor tobacco, household cleaning products, fragranced consumer products (e.g. air fresheners, incense and candles), moisture-related pathologies and traffic-related outdoor pollution. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the tool can be a valuable means to empower citizens to actively participate in the control of their own exposures at home. Within this context, the application of the checklist will also allow local stakeholders to identify buildings presenting most evident IAQ problems for sampling or intervention as well as to guide them in preparing evidence-based educational/awareness campaigns to promote public health through creating healthy households.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta F Gabriel
- INEGI, Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Fátima Felgueiras
- INEGI, Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Porto, Portugal
| | - Miguel Fernandes
- INEGI, Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Ribeiro
- EPIUnit Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, Portugal; Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Predictive Medicine and Public Health, University of Porto Medical School, Porto, Portugal
| | - Elisabete Ramos
- EPIUnit Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, Portugal; Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Predictive Medicine and Public Health, University of Porto Medical School, Porto, Portugal
| | - Zenaida Mourão
- INEGI, Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Porto, Portugal
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Chen RY, Ho KF, Hong GB, Chuang KJ. Houseplant, indoor air pollution, and cardiovascular effects among elderly subjects in Taipei, Taiwan. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 705:135770. [PMID: 31972932 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 11/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have documented the linkage between houseplant usage and indoor air quality (IAQ) improvement. However, the effect of houseplant on the association between indoor air quality and cardiovascular health is still unknown. We recruited 100 elderly subjects from 100 houses with (50) or without houseplants (50) in Taipei and conducted six 24-hour house visits for each elderly subject between 2015 and 2016. The particulate matter less than or equal to 2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5), total volatile compounds (TVOCs), heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were continuously measured in each house visit. The association between indoor air pollution, BP and HR was investigated by mixed-effects. We found that the elderly subjects in houses without houseplants were exposed to higher indoor PM2.5 and TVOCs levels compared to the elderly subjects' exposures in houses with houseplants. Also, the elderly subjects' HR, systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) were higher in houses without houseplants than those in houses with houseplants. Moreover, high indoor air pollution levels were associated with elevated BP and HR, especially among subjects in houses without houseplants. Accordingly, we concluded that indoor air pollution was associated with cardiovascular effects. Houseplant could improve IAQ and cardiovascular health among elderly subjects in Taipei, Taiwan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruey-Yu Chen
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kin-Fai Ho
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gui-Bing Hong
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Jen Chuang
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Ryńska E, Koźmińska U, Rucińska J. Effectivity-ecosphere-economics in nZEB retrofit procedures. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:29544-29559. [PMID: 29936610 PMCID: PMC6823307 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-2446-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Sustainable development has by now become an element deeply integrated in the everyday design. It has many shades and may be found under many names. We speak about resiliency in design and procurement of passive, ecologic, plus energy, or nZEB buildings. Nevertheless, if we look closely, we may distinguish certain characteristic ideas. First, sustainable development of societies and urbanization processes should be consistent on a deeper level than presently, and be included within design processes, organization, and planning, as well as modernization and redevelopment procedures of existing urban tissue. Secondly, urbanization should be perceived holistically, as an interaction and harmonious development of both natural and manmade environments, with solutions based on the best technical and technological standards available. Lastly, described ideas are achievable only, if we include continuous cooperation between urban planners, architects, specialist consultants, as well as energy-efficient interdisciplinary solutions to achieve high standard energy measures. One of the thresholds is economic feasibility; the other is health and well-being of the users which should always be discussed as a priority. This paper-outside a brief theoretical approach to initial procedures in design management-will dwell on transformation and modernization of an existing building belonging to the Warsaw University of Technology, one of the oldest universities in Poland, its founding dating back to the beginning of the twentieth century. In 2015, a Nordic Finance Mechanism grant dedicated to the nZEB technology transfer from Norway to Poland was awarded to a group of researchers from Warsaw University of Technology and NTNU Trondheim. The main aim of the project is implementation of nZEB knowledge in Poland, as well as preparation of two integrated concept designs for public (University) buildings as exemplary case studies which could act as the benchmarks for other public buildings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta Ryńska
- Faculty of Architecture, Warsaw University of Technology, 55 Koszykowa Street, 00-659, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Urszula Koźmińska
- Faculty of Architecture, Warsaw University of Technology, 55 Koszykowa Street, 00-659, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Rucińska
- Faculty of Building Services, Hydro and Environmental Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, 20 Nowowiejska Street, 00-653, Warsaw, Poland
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Chang LT, Hong GB, Weng SP, Chuang HC, Chang TY, Liu CW, Chuang WY, Chuang KJ. Indoor ozone levels, houseplants and peak expiratory flow rates among healthy adults in Taipei, Taiwan. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 122:231-236. [PMID: 30466779 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The association between houseplants and indoor air quality improvement has been reported in previous studies. However, the effect of houseplant-emitted isoprene on the association between ozone (O3) formation and respiratory health remains unclear. We recruited 60 adult subjects from 60 houses with or without houseplants (1:1) in Taipei; twelve house visits were conducted in each home throughout 2014. The indoor air pollutants that were measured consisted of particulate matter less than or equal to 2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5), O3 and isoprene. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was measured in each study subject during each house visit. Household information was collected by a questionnaire. Mixed-effects models were used to explore the association between indoor air pollution levels and PEFR. We found that the concentrations of O3 and isoprene in houses with houseplants were higher than those in houses without houseplants. In contrast, PM2.5 levels and % predicted PEFR were higher in houses without houseplants than in those with houseplants. Moreover, increased levels of O3 and PM2.5 in houses with houseplants were associated with a decreased % predicted PEFR, especially in the summer. We concluded that increased levels of indoor O3 and PM2.5 were associated with decreased PEFR. The presence of houseplants was associated with indoor O3, isoprene and PEFR variations in the summer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Te Chang
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Science, Feng Chia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Gui-Bing Hong
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Hsiao-Chi Chuang
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ta-Yuan Chang
- Department of Occupational Safety and Health, College of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Wei Liu
- Department of Information Management, St. Mary's Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Yilan, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Yu Chuang
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Jen Chuang
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Deng L, Deng Q. The basic roles of indoor plants in human health and comfort. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:36087-36101. [PMID: 30387059 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3554-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Humans have a close relationship with nature, and so integrating the nature world into indoor space could effectively increase people's engagement with nature, and this in turn may benefit their health and comfort. Since people spend 80-90% of their time indoors, the indoor environment is very important for their health. Indoor plants are part of natural indoor environment, but their effect on the indoor environment and on humans has not been quantified. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the role and importance of indoor plants in human health and comfort according to the following four criteria: photosynthesis; transpiration; psychological effects; and purification. Photosynthesis and transpiration are important mechanisms for plants, and the basic functions maintaining the carbon and oxygen cycles in nature. Above all have potential inspiration to human's activities that people often ignored, for example, the application of solar panel, artificial photosynthesis, and green roof/facades were motivated by those functions. Indoor plants have also been shown to have indirect unconscious psychological effect on task performance, health, and levels of stress. Indoor plants can act as indoor air purifiers, they are an effective way to reduce pollutants indoor to reduce human exposure, and have been widely studied in this regard. Indoor plants have potential applications in other fields, including sensing, solar energy, acoustic, and people's health and comfort. Making full use of various effects in plants benefit human health and comfort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linjing Deng
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
| | - Qihong Deng
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China.
- XiangYa School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China.
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Song C, Ikei H, Nara M, Takayama D, Miyazaki Y. Physiological Effects of Viewing Bonsai in Elderly Patients Undergoing Rehabilitation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15122635. [PMID: 30477254 PMCID: PMC6313335 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15122635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 11/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The benefits of various nature-derived stimuli that can be used for stress relief and relaxation has recently gained immense attention; however, there are very few studies about their influence on elderly patients. The present study aims to present the effects of viewing bonsai on autonomic nervous activity, prefrontal cortex activity, and subjective assessment findings of psychological relaxation in elderly patients undergoing rehabilitation. Fourteen participants aged 64⁻91 years (mean age ± standard deviation, 78.6 ± 9.6 years) participated in this study. Miniature potted 10-year-old Japanese cypress bonsai trees were used as visual stimuli. Participants viewed the bonsai for 1 min, and the control comprised of no experimental stimulus. Physiological effects on autonomic nervous activity were assessed by measuring the heart rate variability (HRV) and pulse rate. The effects on prefrontal cortex activity were determined using near-infrared spectroscopy, which involved assessment of oxyhemoglobin concentrations in the left and right prefrontal cortices. Subjective evaluations were achieved by the modified semantic differential method. Viewing bonsai resulted in a significant increase in parasympathetic nervous activity, a significant decrease in sympathetic nervous activity, and a significant increase in the perceptions of feeling "comfortable" and "relaxed." In conclusion, our findings indicated that viewing bonsai induces physiological and psychological relaxation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chorong Song
- Center for Environment, Health and Field Sciences, Chiba University, 6-2-1 Kashiwa-no-ha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0882, Japan.
| | - Harumi Ikei
- Center for Environment, Health and Field Sciences, Chiba University, 6-2-1 Kashiwa-no-ha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0882, Japan.
- Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 1 Matsunosato, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8687, Japan.
| | - Masahiro Nara
- Rehabilitation Center, Noda Hospital, 1554-1 Nakazato, Noda, Chiba 270-0237, Japan.
| | - Daisuke Takayama
- Rehabilitation Center, Noda Hospital, 1554-1 Nakazato, Noda, Chiba 270-0237, Japan.
| | - Yoshifumi Miyazaki
- Center for Environment, Health and Field Sciences, Chiba University, 6-2-1 Kashiwa-no-ha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0882, Japan.
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Song C, Igarashi M, Ikei H, Miyazaki Y. Physiological effects of viewing fresh red roses. Complement Ther Med 2017; 35:78-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2017.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Revised: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
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Control Measures and Health Effects of Air Pollution: A Survey among Public Transportation Commuters in Malaysia. SUSTAINABILITY 2017. [DOI: 10.3390/su9091616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Abstract
A “green roof” is a roof on a structure created by humans, which has a plant community (and various hangers-on) established on it. There are many potential benefits of green roofs, ranging from moderation of local microclimates to modulations of storm runoffs, and green roofs may serve the enhancement of biodiversity conservation, as well. Green roofs would seem to be quintessential examples of a “novel ecosystem”. Here, I first outline some dimensions of the novelty that warrant more research. Green roofs can provide many opportunities for creative ecological research in the assembly, dynamics and functioning of novel ecosystems. Then, I briefly discuss some potential biodiversity hazards that are created along with green roofs. Recognizing these potential “shadows” of a green roof by no means belies the strong and compelling rationale for promoting green roofs, in terms of sustainability and livability of human structures; instead the points I raise are simply issues which should be evaluated and quantified when promoting green roofs broadly as a design strategy in new buildings or retrofitted existing structures.
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Dadvand P, de Nazelle A, Triguero-Mas M, Schembari A, Cirach M, Amoly E, Figueras F, Basagaña X, Ostro B, Nieuwenhuijsen M. Surrounding greenness and exposure to air pollution during pregnancy: an analysis of personal monitoring data. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2012; 120:1286-90. [PMID: 22647671 PMCID: PMC3440116 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1104609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2011] [Accepted: 05/29/2012] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Green spaces are reported to improve health status, including beneficial effects on pregnancy outcomes. Despite the suggestions of air pollution-related health benefits of green spaces, there is no available evidence on the impact of greenness on personal exposure to air pollution. OBJECTIVES We investigated the association between surrounding greenness and personal exposure to air pollution among pregnant women and to explore the potential mechanisms, if any, behind this association. METHODS In total, 65 rounds of sampling were carried out for 54 pregnant women who resided in Barcelona during 2008-2009. Each round consisted of a 2-day measurement of particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 μm (PM₂.₅) and a 1-week measurement of nitric oxides collected simultaneously at both the personal and microenvironmental levels. The study participants were also asked to fill out a time-microenvironment-activity diary during the sampling period. We used satellite retrievals to determine the surrounding greenness as the average of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) in a buffer of 100 m around each maternal residential address. We estimated the impact of surrounding greenness on personal exposure levels, home-outdoor and home-indoor pollutant levels, and maternal time-activity. RESULTS Higher residential surrounding greenness was associated with lower personal, home-indoor, and home-outdoor PM₂.₅ levels, and more time spent at home-outdoor. CONCLUSIONS We found lower levels of personal exposure to air pollution among pregnant women residing in greener areas. This finding may be partly explained by lower home-indoor pollutant levels and more time spent in less polluted home-outdoor environment by pregnant women in greener areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payam Dadvand
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology-CREAL, Barcelona, Spain.
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