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Souza PAF, Kroptavich CR, Zhou S, Kahan TF. Oxidant concentrations and photochemistry in a vehicle cabin. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2024. [PMID: 39058373 DOI: 10.1039/d4em00319e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Indoor air quality (IAQ) in vehicles can be important to people's health, especially for those whose occupations require them to spend extensive time in vehicles. To date, research on vehicle IAQ has primarily focused on direct emissions as opposed to chemistry happening in vehicle cabins. In this work, we conducted time-resolved measurements of the oxidants and oxidant precursors ozone (O3), nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and nitrous acid (HONO) inside the cabin of a 2012 Toyota Rav4 under varying ventilation conditions (i.e., car off, car on with passive ventilation, car on with mechanical ventilation via the recirculating fan, and car on with mechanical ventilation via the direct fan). Ozone levels inside the vehicle were significantly lower than outdoors under most conditions, and were approximately half the outdoor levels when the direct fan was in operation. Nitric oxide and NO2 concentrations were very low both inside the vehicle and outdoors. Nitrous acid levels in the vehicle were lower than reported values in other indoor environments, though much higher than expected outdoor levels. We also investigated the potential for photochemical production of radicals in the vehicle. Time- and wavelength-resolved solar irradiance spectra were collected, and steady state hydroxyl radical (OH) and nitrate radical (NO3) concentrations were calculated. Steady state OH concentrations were predicted to be similar to those in air masses in residences illuminated by sunlight, suggesting the importance of HONO photolysis in vehicles. Conversely, nitrate radicals (NO3) were not considered significant indoor oxidants in our study due to rapid titration by NO. Overall, our findings emphasize the importance of both air exchange and photochemistry in shaping the composition of air inside vehicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro A F Souza
- Department of Chemistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
| | | | - Shan Zhou
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tara F Kahan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
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Exposure to Aerosols Emitted from Common Heating Combustion Sources Indoors—The Jordanian Case as an Example for Eastern Mediterranean Conditions. ATMOSPHERE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos13060870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
In Jordan, ~61% of total residential energy consumption is consumed by heating spaces using portable kerosene (K) and liquified petroleum gas (LPG) heaters. Here, we evaluated the indoor air quality (IAQ) versus the use of K and LPG heaters inside a test room reflecting the typical conditions of Jordanian dwellings during the winter season. The experimental setup included particle size distribution (diameter 0.01–25 µm) measurements, and we utilized a simple sectional indoor aerosol model (SIAM) to estimate the emission rate and lifetime of the combustion products in the test room. The particle number (PN) concentration during the LPG operation was 6 × 104–5.9 × 105 cm−3, depending on the setting at minimum, medium, or maximum. The K heater operation increased with the PN concentrations to a range of 4 × 105–8 × 105 cm−3. On average, the particle losses were 0.7–1.6 h−1 for micron particles (1–10 µm) and 0.8–0.9 h−1 for ultrafine particles (<0.1 µm). The emission rate from the LPG heater was 1.2 × 1010–2.8 × 1010 particles/s (6.6 × 106–8.0 × 106 particles/J), and that for the K heater was about 4.4 × 1010 particles/s (1.9 × 107 particles/J). The results call for the immediate need to apply interventions to improve the IAQ by turning to cleaner heating processes indoors.
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Schwartz-Narbonne H, Abbatt JPD, DeCarlo PF, Farmer DK, Mattila JM, Wang C, Donaldson DJ, Siegel JA. Modeling the Removal of Water-Soluble Trace Gases from Indoor Air via Air Conditioner Condensate. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:10987-10993. [PMID: 34342979 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c02053] [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] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Water-soluble trace gas (WSTG) loss from indoor air via air conditioning (AC) units has been observed in several studies, but these results have been difficult to generalize. In the present study, we designed a box model that can be used to investigate and estimate WSTG removal due to partitioning to AC coil condensate. We compared the model output to measurements of a suite of organic acids cycling in an indoor environment and tested the model by varying the input AC parameters. These tests showed that WSTG loss via AC cycling is influenced by Henry's law constant of the compound in question, which is controlled by air and water temperatures and the condensate pH. Air conditioning unit specifications also impact WSTG loss through variations in the sensible heat ratio, the effective recirculation rate of air through the unit, and the timing of coil and fan operation. These findings have significant implications for indoor modeling. To accurately model the fate of indoor WSTGs, researchers must either measure or otherwise account for these unique environmental and operational characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jonathan P D Abbatt
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3H6
| | - Peter F DeCarlo
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Delphine K Farmer
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
| | - James M Mattila
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3H6
| | - D James Donaldson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3H6
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M1C 1A4
| | - Jeffrey A Siegel
- Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 1A4
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 3M7
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Riederer AM, Krenz JE, Tchong-French MI, Torres E, Perez A, Younglove LR, Jansen KL, Hardie DC, Farquhar SA, Sampson PD, Karr CJ. Effectiveness of portable HEPA air cleaners on reducing indoor PM 2.5 and NH 3 in an agricultural cohort of children with asthma: A randomized intervention trial. INDOOR AIR 2021; 31:454-466. [PMID: 32996146 PMCID: PMC8641645 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
We conducted a randomized trial of portable HEPA air cleaners with pre-filters designed to also reduce NH3 in non-smoking homes of children age 6-12 with asthma in Yakima Valley (Washington, USA). Participants were recruited through the Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic asthma education program. All participants received education on home triggers while intervention families additionally received two HEPA cleaners (child's sleeping area, main living area). Fourteen-day integrated samples of PM2.5 and NH3 were measured at baseline and one-year follow-up. We fit ANCOVA models to compare follow-up concentrations in HEPA vs control homes, adjusting for baseline concentrations. Seventy-one households (36 HEPA, 35 control) completed the study. Most were single-family homes, with electric heat and stove, A/C, dogs/cats, and mean (SD) 5.3 (1.8) occupants. In the sleeping area, baseline geometric mean (GSD) PM2.5 was 10.7 (2.3) μg/m3 (HEPA) vs 11.2 (1.9) μg/m3 (control); in the living area, it was 12.5 (2.3) μg/m3 (HEPA) vs 13.6 (1.9) μg/m3 (control). Baseline sleeping area NH3 was 62.4 (1.6) μg/m3 (HEPA) vs 65.2 (1.8) μg/m3 (control). At follow-up, HEPA families had 60% (95% CI, 41%-72%; p < .0001) and 42% (19%-58%; p = .002) lower sleeping and living area PM2.5 , respectively, consistent with prior studies. NH3 reductions were not observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne M. Riederer
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jennifer E. Krenz
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Maria I. Tchong-French
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Torres
- Northwest Communities Education Center, Radio KDNA, Granger, WA, USA
| | - Adriana Perez
- Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic, Toppenish, WA, USA
| | - Lisa R. Younglove
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Karen L. Jansen
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - David C. Hardie
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Stephanie A. Farquhar
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Paul D. Sampson
- Department of Statistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Catherine J. Karr
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Wang S, Cheng S, Qi X. Effect of Urban Greening on Incremental PM 2.5 Concentration During Peak Hours. Front Public Health 2020; 8:551300. [PMID: 33304872 PMCID: PMC7701305 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.551300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In China, severe haze is a major public health concern affecting residents' health and well-being. This study used hourly air quality monitoring data from 285 cities in China to analyze the effect of green coverage (GC) and other economic variables on the incremental PM2.5 concentration (ΔPM2.5) during peak hours. To detect possible non-linear and interaction effect between predictive variables, a kernel-based regularized least squares (KRLS) model was used for empirical analysis. The results show that there was considerable heterogeneity between cities regarding marginal effect of GC on ΔPM2.5, which could potentially be explained by different seasons, latitude, urban maintenance expenditure (UE), real GDP per capita (PG), and population density (PD). Also described in this study, in cities with high UE, the growth of GC, PG, and PD always remain a positive impact on mitigation of haze pollution. This shows that government expenditure on urban maintenance can reduce or mitigate the environmental pollution from economic development. In addition, the influence of other urban elements on air quality had also been analyzed so that different combinations of mitigation policies are proposed for different regions in this study to meet the mitigation targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaogu Wang
- School of Geography, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shunqi Cheng
- School of Geography, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xinhua Qi
- School of Geography, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
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Li M, Weschler CJ, Bekö G, Wargocki P, Lucic G, Williams J. Human Ammonia Emission Rates under Various Indoor Environmental Conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:5419-5428. [PMID: 32233434 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c00094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Ammonia (NH3) is typically present at higher concentrations in indoor air (∼10-70 ppb) than in outdoor air (∼50 ppt to 5 ppb). It is the dominant neutralizer of acidic species in indoor environments, strongly influencing the partitioning of gaseous acidic and basic species to aerosols, surface films, and bulk water. We have measured NH3 emissions from humans in an environmentally controlled chamber. A series of experiments, each with four volunteers, quantified NH3 emissions as a function of temperature (25.1-32.6 °C), clothing (long-sleeved shirts/pants or T-shirts/shorts), age (teenagers, adults, and seniors), relative humidity (low or high), and ozone (<2 ppb or ∼35 ppb). Higher temperature and more skin exposure (T-shirts/shorts) significantly increased emission rates. For adults and seniors (long clothing), NH3 emissions are estimated to be 0.4 mg h-1 person-1 at 25 °C, 0.8 mg h-1 person-1 at 27 °C, and 1.4 mg h-1 person-1 at 29 °C, based on the temperature relationship observed in this study. Human NH3 emissions are sufficient to neutralize the acidifying impacts of human CO2 emissions. Results from this study can be used to more accurately model indoor and inner-city outdoor NH3 concentrations and associated chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengze Li
- Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Hahn-Meitner Weg 1, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Charles J Weschler
- International Centre for Indoor Environment and Energy, Department of Civil Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby 2800, Denmark
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - Gabriel Bekö
- International Centre for Indoor Environment and Energy, Department of Civil Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby 2800, Denmark
| | - Pawel Wargocki
- International Centre for Indoor Environment and Energy, Department of Civil Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby 2800, Denmark
| | - Gregor Lucic
- Picarro Inc., 3105 Patrick Henry Drive, Santa Clara, California 95054, United States
| | - Jonathan Williams
- Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Hahn-Meitner Weg 1, 55128 Mainz, Germany
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Xie Y, Zhao B. A chemical dynamic model for the infiltration of outdoor size-resolved ammonium nitrate aerosols to indoor environments. INDOOR AIR 2020; 30:275-283. [PMID: 31770466 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, we developed a chemical dynamic model to describe the infiltration of size-resolved ammonium nitrate aerosols from outdoor to indoor environments. This model considered the penetration factor, deposition rate, and the reversible reaction process, which was quantified by the diffusive molar flux on the surface of ammonium nitrate aerosols depending on indoor temperature, humidity, and concentrations of nitric acid (HNO3 ) and ammonia (NH3 ). To verify the model, we employed a single-particle aerosol mass spectrometer with an automated switching system to simultaneously measure size-resolved outdoor and indoor ammonium nitrate aerosols. Comparisons between the predicted and measured concentrations of these aerosols showed a mean relative error of 4.8 ± 18.3%. To analyze the sensitivity of model parameters, several parameters were perturbed. This analysis indicated that parameters related to HNO3 were more sensitive than those related to NH3 because the indoor gas phase concentration of NH3 was much higher than that of HNO3 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Xie
- Department of Building Science, School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Zhao
- Department of Building Science, School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Quality Evaluation and Control, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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8
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Abstract
Indoor surfaces provide a plentiful and varied substrate on which multiphase reactions can occur which can be important to the chemical makeup of the indoor environment. Here, we attempt to characterise real indoor surface films via water uptake behaviour and ionic composition. We show that water uptake by indoor films is different than that observed outdoors, and can vary according to room use, building characteristics, and season. Similarly, preliminary investigation into the ionic composition of the films showed that they varied according to the room in which they were collected. This study highlights the importance of different types of soiling to multiphase chemistry, especially those reactions controlled by relative humidity or adsorbed water.
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Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma can be detected by analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in alveolar air. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:529. [PMID: 29728093 PMCID: PMC5935919 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-4452-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the last decade many studies showed that the exhaled breath of subjects suffering from several pathological conditions has a peculiar volatile organic compound (VOC) profile. The objective of the present work was to analyse the VOCs in alveolar air to build a diagnostic tool able to identify the presence of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in patients with histologically confirmed disease. Methods The concentration of 92 compounds was measured in the end-tidal breath of 65 cases and 102 controls. VOCs were measured with an ion-molecule reaction mass spectrometry. To distinguish between subjects with pancreatic adenocarcinomas and controls, an iterated Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator multivariate Logistic Regression model was elaborated. Results The final predictive model, based on 10 VOCs, significantly and independently associated with the outcome had a sensitivity and specificity of 100 and 84% respectively, and an area under the ROC curve of 0.99. For further validation, the model was run on 50 other subjects: 24 cases and 26 controls; 23 patients with histological diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinomas and 25 controls were correctly identified by the model. Conclusions Pancreatic cancer is able to alter the concentration of some molecules in the blood and hence of VOCs in the alveolar air in equilibrium. The detection and statistical rendering of alveolar VOC composition can be useful for the clinical diagnostic approach of pancreatic neoplasms with excellent sensitivity and specificity. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-018-4452-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Xu C, Li N, Yang Y, Li Y, Liu Z, Wang Q, Zheng T, Civitarese A, Xu D. Investigation and modeling of the residential infiltration of fine particulate matter in Beijing, China. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2017; 67:694-701. [PMID: 28010179 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2016.1272503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The objective of this study was to estimate the residential infiltration factor (Finf) of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and to develop models to predict PM2.5 Finf in Beijing. Eighty-eight paired indoor-outdoor PM2.5 samples were collected by Teflon filters for seven consecutive days during both non-heating and heating seasons (from a total of 55 families between August, 2013 and February, 2014). The mass concentrations of PM2.5 were measured by gravimetric method, and elemental concentrations of sulfur in filter deposits were determined by energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) spectrometry. PM2.5 Finf was estimated as the indoor/outdoor sulfur ratio. Multiple linear regression was used to construct Finf predicting models. The residential PM2.5 Finf in non-heating season (0.70 ± 0.21, median = 0.78, n = 43) was significantly greater than in heating season (0.54 ± 0.18, median = 0.52, n = 45, p < 0.001). Outdoor temperature, window width, frequency of window opening, and air conditioner use were the most important predictors during non-heating season, which could explain 57% variations across residences, while the outdoor temperature was the only predictor identified in heating season, which could explain 18% variations across residences. The substantial variations of PM2.5 Finf between seasons and among residences found in this study highlight the importance of incorporating Finf into exposure assessment in epidemiological studies of air pollution and human health in Beijing. The Finf predicting models developed in this study hold promise for incorporating PM2.5 Finf into large epidemiology studies, thereby reducing exposure misclassification. IMPLICATIONS Failure to consider the differences between indoor and outdoor PM2.5 may contribute to exposure misclassification in epidemiological studies estimating exposure from a central site measurement. This study was conducted in Beijing to investigate residential PM2.5 infiltration factor and to develop a localized predictive model in both nonheating and heating seasons. High variations of PM2.5 infiltration factor between the two seasons and across homes within each season were found, highlighting the importance of including infiltration factor in the assessment of exposure to PM2.5 of outdoor origin in epidemiological studies. Localized predictive models for PM2.5 infiltration factor were also developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyu Xu
- a National Institute of Environmental Health , Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Chaoyang District, Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Na Li
- a National Institute of Environmental Health , Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Chaoyang District, Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Yibing Yang
- a National Institute of Environmental Health , Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Chaoyang District, Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Yunpu Li
- a National Institute of Environmental Health , Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Chaoyang District, Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Zhe Liu
- a National Institute of Environmental Health , Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Chaoyang District, Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Qin Wang
- a National Institute of Environmental Health , Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Chaoyang District, Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Tongzhang Zheng
- b School of Public Health , Brown University , Providence , RI , USA
| | - Anna Civitarese
- b School of Public Health , Brown University , Providence , RI , USA
| | - Dongqun Xu
- a National Institute of Environmental Health , Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Chaoyang District, Beijing , People's Republic of China
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Ilacqua V, Dawson J, Breen M, Singer S, Berg A. Effects of climate change on residential infiltration and air pollution exposure. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2017; 27:16-23. [PMID: 26015076 DOI: 10.1038/jes.2015.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Revised: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Air exchange through infiltration is driven partly by indoor/outdoor temperature differences, and as climate change increases ambient temperatures, such differences could vary considerably even with small ambient temperature increments, altering patterns of exposures to both indoor and outdoor pollutants. We calculated changes in air fluxes through infiltration for prototypical detached homes in nine metropolitan areas in the United States (Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, Phoenix, and Seattle) from 1970-2000 to 2040-2070. The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory model of infiltration was used in combination with climate data from eight regionally downscaled climate models from the North American Regional Climate Change Assessment Program. Averaged over all study locations, seasons, and climate models, air exchange through infiltration would decrease by ~5%. Localized increased infiltration is expected during the summer months, up to 20-30%. Seasonal and daily variability in infiltration are also expected to increase, particularly during the summer months. Diminished infiltration in future climate scenarios may be expected to increase exposure to indoor sources of air pollution, unless these ventilation reductions are otherwise compensated. Exposure to ambient air pollution, conversely, could be mitigated by lower infiltration, although peak exposure increases during summer months should be considered, as well as other mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vito Ilacqua
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - John Dawson
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Michael Breen
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Sarany Singer
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Ashley Berg
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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Carbonyl compounds generated from electronic cigarettes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2014; 11:11192-200. [PMID: 25353061 PMCID: PMC4245608 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph111111192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Revised: 10/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are advertised as being safer than tobacco cigarettes products as the chemical compounds inhaled from e-cigarettes are believed to be fewer and less toxic than those from tobacco cigarettes. Therefore, continuous careful monitoring and risk management of e-cigarettes should be implemented, with the aim of protecting and promoting public health worldwide. Moreover, basic scientific data are required for the regulation of e-cigarette. To date, there have been reports of many hazardous chemical compounds generated from e-cigarettes, particularly carbonyl compounds such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein, and glyoxal, which are often found in e-cigarette aerosols. These carbonyl compounds are incidentally generated by the oxidation of e-liquid (liquid in e-cigarette; glycerol and glycols) when the liquid comes in contact with the heated nichrome wire. The compositions and concentrations of these compounds vary depending on the type of e-liquid and the battery voltage. In some cases, extremely high concentrations of these carbonyl compounds are generated, and may contribute to various health effects. Suppliers, risk management organizations, and users of e-cigarettes should be aware of this phenomenon.
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Habre R, Moshier E, Castro W, Nath A, Grunin A, Rohr A, Godbold J, Schachter N, Kattan M, Coull B, Koutrakis P. The effects of PM2.5 and its components from indoor and outdoor sources on cough and wheeze symptoms in asthmatic children. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2014; 24:380-387. [PMID: 24714073 DOI: 10.1038/jes.2014.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2014] [Revised: 02/15/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <2.5 μm (PM2.5) is associated with asthma exacerbation. In the Children's Air Pollution Asthma Study, we investigated the longitudinal association of PM2.5 and its components from indoor and outdoor sources with cough and wheeze symptoms in 36 asthmatic children. The sulfur tracer method was used to estimate infiltration factors. Mixed proportional odds models for an ordinal response were used to relate daily cough and wheeze scores to PM2.5 exposures. The odds ratio associated with being above a given symptom score for a SD increase in PM2.5 from indoor sources (PMIS) was 1.24 (95% confidence interval: 0.92-1.68) for cough and 1.63 (1.11-2.39) for wheeze. Ozone was associated with wheeze (1.82, 1.19-2.80), and cough was associated with indoor PM2.5 components from outdoor sources (denoted with subscript "OS") bromine (BrOS: 1.32, 1.05-1.67), chlorine (ClOS: 1.27, 1.02-1.59) and pyrolyzed organic carbon (OPOS: 1.49, 1.12-1.99). The highest effects were seen in the winter for cough with sulfur (SOS: 2.28, 1.01-5.16) and wheeze with organic carbon fraction 2 (OC2OS: 7.46, 1.19-46.60). Our results indicate that exposure to components originating from outdoor sources of photochemistry, diesel and fuel oil combustion is associated with symptom's exacerbation, especially in the winter. PM2.5 mass of indoor origin was more strongly associated with wheeze than with cough.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rima Habre
- 1] Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA [2] Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Erin Moshier
- Department of Community Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - William Castro
- Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Amit Nath
- Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Avi Grunin
- Department of Pediatrics, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Annette Rohr
- Electric Power Research Institute, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - James Godbold
- Department of Community Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Neil Schachter
- 1] Department of Community Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA [2] Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Meyer Kattan
- College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Brent Coull
- 1] Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA [2] Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Petros Koutrakis
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Habre R, Coull B, Moshier E, Godbold J, Grunin A, Nath A, Castro W, Schachter N, Rohr A, Kattan M, Spengler J, Koutrakis P. Sources of indoor air pollution in New York City residences of asthmatic children. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2014; 24:269-278. [PMID: 24169876 DOI: 10.1038/jes.2013.74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2013] [Accepted: 06/24/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Individuals spend ∼90% of their time indoors in proximity to sources of particulate and gaseous air pollutants. The sulfur tracer method was used to separate indoor concentrations of particulate matter (PM) PM2.5 mass, elements and thermally resolved carbon fractions by origin in New York City residences of asthmatic children. Enrichment factors relative to sulfur concentrations were used to rank species according to the importance of their indoor sources. Mixed effects models were used to identify building characteristics and resident activities that contributed to observed concentrations. Significant indoor sources were detected for OC1, Cl, K and most remaining OC fractions. We attributed 46% of indoor PM2.5 mass to indoor sources related to OC generation indoors. These sources include cooking (NO2, Si, Cl, K, OC4 and OP), cleaning (most OC fractions), candle/incense burning (black carbon, BC) and smoking (K, OC1, OC3 and EC1). Outdoor sources accounted for 28% of indoor PM2.5 mass, mainly photochemical reaction products, metals and combustion products (EC, EC2, Br, Mn, Pb, Ni, Ti, V and S). Other indoor sources accounted for 26% and included re-suspension of crustal elements (Al, Zn, Fe, Si and Ca). Indoor sources accounted for ∼72% of PM2.5 mass and likely contributed to differences in the composition of indoor and outdoor PM2.5 exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rima Habre
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brent Coull
- 1] Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA [2] Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Erin Moshier
- Department of Community Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - James Godbold
- Department of Community Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Avi Grunin
- Department of Pediatrics, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Amit Nath
- Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - William Castro
- Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Neil Schachter
- Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Annette Rohr
- Electric Power Research Institute, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Meyer Kattan
- College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - John Spengler
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Petros Koutrakis
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Bartolomei V, Sörgel M, Gligorovski S, Alvarez EG, Gandolfo A, Strekowski R, Quivet E, Held A, Zetzsch C, Wortham H. Formation of indoor nitrous acid (HONO) by light-induced NO2 heterogeneous reactions with white wall paint. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 21:9259-9269. [PMID: 24723352 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-2836-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Gaseous nitrogen dioxide (NO2) represents an oxidant that is present in relatively high concentrations in various indoor settings. Remarkably increased NO2 levels up to 1.5 ppm are associated with homes using gas stoves. The heterogeneous reactions of NO2 with adsorbed water on surfaces lead to the generation of nitrous acid (HONO). Here, we present a HONO source induced by heterogeneous reactions of NO2 with selected indoor paint surfaces in the presence of light (300 nm<λ<400 nm). We demonstrate that the formation of HONO is much more pronounced at elevated relative humidity. In the presence of light (5.5 W m(-2)), an increase of HONO production rate of up to 8.6·10(9) molecules cm(-2) s(-1) was observed at [NO2]=60 ppb and 50% relative humidity (RH). At higher light intensity of 10.6 (W m(-2)), the HONO production rate increased to 2.1·10(10) molecules cm(-2) s(-1). A high NO2 to HONO conversion yield of up to 84% was observed. This result strongly suggests that a light-driven process of indoor HONO production is operational. This work highlights the potential of paint surfaces to generate HONO within indoor environments by light-induced NO2 heterogeneous reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Bartolomei
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, FRE 3416, Case 29, 3 place Victor Hugo, 13331, Marseille Cedex 3, France
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Diapouli E, Chaloulakou A, Koutrakis P. Estimating the concentration of indoor particles of outdoor origin: a review. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2013; 63:1113-29. [PMID: 24282964 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2013.791649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Recent toxicological results highlight the importance of separating exposure to indoor- and outdoor-generated particles, due to their different physicochemical and toxicological properties. In this framework, a number of studies have attempted to estimate the relative contribution of particles of indoor and outdoor origins to indoor concentrations, using either statistical analysis of indoor and outdoor concentration time-series or mass balance equations. The aim of this work is to review and compare the methodologies developed in order to determine the ambient particle infiltration factor (F(INF)) (i.e., the fraction of ambient particles that enter indoors and remains suspended). The different approaches are grouped into four categories according to their methodological principles: (1) steady-state assumption using the steady-state form of the mass balance equation; (2) dynamic solution of the mass balance equation using complex statistical techniques; (3) experimental studies using conditions that simplify model calculations (e.g., decreasing the number of unknowns); and (4) infiltration surrogates using a particulate matter (PM) constituent with no indoor sources to act as surrogate of indoor PM of outdoor origin. Examination of the various methodologies and results reveals that estimating infiltration parameters is still challenging. The main difficulty lies in the separate calculation of penetration efficiency (P) and deposition rate (k). The values for these two parameters that are reported in the literature vary significantly. Deposition rate presents the widest range of values, both between studies and size fractions. Penetration efficiency seems to be more accurately calculated through the application of dynamic models. Overall, estimates of the infiltration factor generated using dynamic models and infiltration surrogates show good agreement. This is a strong argument in favor of the latter methodology, which is simple and easy to apply when chemical speciation data are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Diapouli
- Institute of Nuclear and Radiological Science & Technology, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos," Athens, Greece.
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Burgos S, Ruiz P, Koifman R. Changes to indoor air quality as a result of relocating families from slums to public housing. ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT (OXFORD, ENGLAND : 1994) 2013; 70:179-185. [PMID: 23956679 PMCID: PMC3744224 DOI: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2012.12.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Soledad Burgos
- Corresponding author Postal code: 8380453 Telephone 56 22 9786819 Fax 56 2 7377121
| | - Pablo Ruiz
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile. Av. Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Rosalina Koifman
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Rua Leopoldo Bulhões, 16480 Manguihos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Lam NL, Smith KR, Gauthier A, Bates MN. Kerosene: a review of household uses and their hazards in low- and middle-income countries. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2012; 15:396-432. [PMID: 22934567 PMCID: PMC3664014 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2012.710134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Kerosene has been an important household fuel since the mid-19th century. In developed countries its use has greatly declined because of electrification. However, in developing countries, kerosene use for cooking and lighting remains widespread. This review focuses on household kerosene uses, mainly in developing countries, their associated emissions, and their hazards. Kerosene is often advocated as a cleaner alternative to solid fuels, biomass and coal, for cooking, and kerosene lamps are frequently used when electricity is unavailable. Globally, an estimated 500 million households still use fuels, particularly kerosene, for lighting. However, there are few studies, study designs and quality are varied, and results are inconsistent. Well-documented kerosene hazards are poisonings, fires, and explosions. Less investigated are exposures to and risks from kerosene's combustion products. Some kerosene-using devices emit substantial amounts of fine particulates, carbon monoxide (CO), nitric oxides (NO(x)), and sulfur dioxide (SO(2)). Studies of kerosene used for cooking or lighting provide some evidence that emissions may impair lung function and increase infectious illness (including tuberculosis), asthma, and cancer risks. However, there are few study designs, quality is varied, and results are inconsistent. Considering the widespread use in the developing world of kerosene, the scarcity of adequate epidemiologic investigations, the potential for harm, and the implications for national energy policies, researchers are strongly encouraged to consider collecting data on household kerosene uses in studies of health in developing countries. Given the potential risks of kerosene, policymakers may consider alternatives to kerosene subsidies, such as shifting support to cleaner technologies for lighting and cooking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas L Lam
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720-7367, USA
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Kuschner WG, Reddy S, Mehrotra N, Paintal HS. Electronic cigarettes and thirdhand tobacco smoke: two emerging health care challenges for the primary care provider. Int J Gen Med 2011; 4:115-20. [PMID: 21475626 PMCID: PMC3068875 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s16908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PRIMARY CARE PROVIDERS SHOULD BE AWARE OF TWO NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN NICOTINE ADDICTION AND SMOKING CESSATION: 1) the emergence of a novel nicotine delivery system known as the electronic (e-) cigarette; and 2) new reports of residual environmental nicotine and other biopersistent toxicants found in cigarette smoke, recently described as "thirdhand smoke". The purpose of this article is to provide a clinician-friendly introduction to these two emerging issues so that clinicians are well prepared to counsel smokers about newly recognized health concerns relevant to tobacco use. E-cigarettes are battery powered devices that convert nicotine into a vapor that can be inhaled. The World Health Organization has termed these devices electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). The vapors from ENDS are complex mixtures of chemicals, not pure nicotine. It is unknown whether inhalation of the complex mixture of chemicals found in ENDS vapors is safe. There is no evidence that e-cigarettes are effective treatment for nicotine addiction. ENDS are not approved as smoking cessation devices. Primary care givers should anticipate being questioned by patients about the advisability of using e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation device. The term thirdhand smoke first appeared in the medical literature in 2009 when investigators introduced the term to describe residual tobacco smoke contamination that remains after the cigarette is extinguished. Thirdhand smoke is a hazardous exposure resulting from cigarette smoke residue that accumulates in cars, homes, and other indoor spaces. Tobacco-derived toxicants can react to form potent cancer causing compounds. Exposure to thirdhand smoke can occur through the skin, by breathing, and by ingestion long after smoke has cleared from a room. Counseling patients about the hazards of thirdhand smoke may provide additional motivation to quit smoking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ware G Kuschner
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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Clark NA, Allen RW, Hystad P, Wallace L, Dell SD, Foty R, Dabek-Zlotorzynska E, Evans G, Wheeler AJ. Exploring variation and predictors of residential fine particulate matter infiltration. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2010; 7:3211-24. [PMID: 20948956 PMCID: PMC2954577 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph7083211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2010] [Revised: 08/12/2010] [Accepted: 08/13/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Although individuals spend the majority of their time indoors, most epidemiological studies estimate personal air pollution exposures based on outdoor levels. This almost certainly results in exposure misclassification as pollutant infiltration varies between homes. However, it is often not possible to collect detailed measures of infiltration for individual homes in large-scale epidemiological studies and thus there is currently a need to develop models that can be used to predict these values. To address this need, we examined infiltration of fine particulate matter (PM(2.5)) and identified determinants of infiltration for 46 residential homes in Toronto, Canada. Infiltration was estimated using the indoor/outdoor sulphur ratio and information on hypothesized predictors of infiltration were collected using questionnaires and publicly available databases. Multiple linear regression was used to develop the models. Mean infiltration was 0.52 ± 0.21 with no significant difference across heating and non-heating seasons. Predictors of infiltration were air exchange, presence of central air conditioning, and forced air heating. These variables accounted for 38% of the variability in infiltration. Without air exchange, the model accounted for 26% of the variability. Effective modelling of infiltration in individual homes remains difficult, although key variables such as use of central air conditioning show potential as an easily attainable indicator of infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina A. Clark
- Health Canada, 269 Laurier Ave West, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K9, Canada; E-Mail: (N.A.C.)
| | - Ryan W. Allen
- Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada; E-Mail: (R.W.A.)
| | - Perry Hystad
- University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada; E-Mail: (P.H.)
| | - Lance Wallace
- 11568 Woodhollow Ct, Reston, VA 20191, USA; E-Mail: (L.W.)
| | - Sharon D. Dell
- The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada; E-Mail: (S.D.D.); (R.F.)
| | - Richard Foty
- The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada; E-Mail: (S.D.D.); (R.F.)
| | | | - Greg Evans
- University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada; E-Mail: (G.E)
| | - Amanda J. Wheeler
- Health Canada, 269 Laurier Ave West, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K9, Canada; E-Mail: (N.A.C.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +1-613-948-3686; Fax: +1-613-948-8482
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The short-term effects of particulate matter (PM) on mortality and morbidity differ by geographic location and season. Several hypotheses have been proposed for this variation, including different exposures with air conditioning (AC) versus open windows. METHODS Bayesian hierarchical modeling was used to explore whether AC prevalence modified day-to-day associations between PM10 and mortality, and between PM2.5 and cardiovascular or respiratory hospitalizations, for those 65 years and older. We considered yearly, summer-only, and winter-only effect estimates and 2 types of AC (central and window units). RESULTS Communities with higher AC prevalence had lower PM effects. Associations were observed for cardiovascular hospitalizations and central AC. Each additional 20% of households with central AC was associated with a 43% decrease in PM2.5 effects on cardiovascular hospitalization. Central AC prevalence explained 17% of between-community variability in PM2.5 effect estimates for cardiovascular hospitalizations. CONCLUSIONS Higher AC prevalence was associated with lower health effect estimates for PM.
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Brody JG, Morello-Frosch R, Zota A, Brown P, Pérez C, Rudel RA. Linking exposure assessment science with policy objectives for environmental justice and breast cancer advocacy: the northern California household exposure study. Am J Public Health 2009; 99 Suppl 3:S600-9. [PMID: 19890164 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2008.149088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We compared an urban fence-line community (neighboring an oil refinery) and a nonindustrial community in an exposure study focusing on pollutants of interest with respect to breast cancer and environmental justice. METHODS We analyzed indoor and outdoor air from 40 homes in industrial Richmond, California, and 10 in rural Bolinas, California, for 153 compounds, including particulates and endocrine disruptors. RESULTS Eighty compounds were detected outdoors in Richmond and 60 in Bolinas; Richmond concentrations were generally higher. Richmond's vanadium and nickel levels indicated effects of heavy oil combustion from oil refining and shipping; these levels were among the state's highest. In nearly half of Richmond homes, PM(2.5) exceeded California's annual ambient air quality standard. Paired outdoor-indoor measurements were significantly correlated for industry- and traffic-related PM(2.5), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, elemental carbon, metals, and sulfates (r = 0.54-0.92, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Indoor air quality is an important indicator of the cumulative impact of outdoor emissions in fence-line communities. Policies based on outdoor monitoring alone add to environmental injustice concerns in communities that host polluters. Community-based participatory exposure research can contribute to science and stimulate and inform action on the part of community residents and policymakers.
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Rosenthal FS, Carney JP, Olinger ML. Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and airborne fine particulate matter: a case-crossover analysis of emergency medical services data in Indianapolis, Indiana. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2008; 116:631-6. [PMID: 18470283 PMCID: PMC2367645 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.10757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2007] [Accepted: 02/20/2008] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have found particulate matter (PM) < 2.5 microm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5) associated with heart disease mortality. Although rapid effects of PM2.5 exposure on the cardiovascular system have been proposed, few studies have investigated the effect of short-term exposures on out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). OBJECTIVES We aimed to determine whether short-term PM2.5 exposures increased the risk of OHCA and whether risk depended on subject characteristics or presenting heart rhythm. METHODS A case-crossover analysis determined hazard ratios (HRs) for OHCAs logged by emergency medical systems (EMS) versus hourly and daily PM2.5 exposures at the time of the OHCA and for daily and hourly periods before it. RESULTS For all OHCAs (n = 1,374), exposures on the day of the arrest or 1-3 days before arrest had no significant effect on the incidence of OHCA. For cardiac arrests witnessed by bystanders (n = 511), OHCA risk significantly increased with PM2.5 exposure during the hour of the arrest (HR for a 10-microg/m3 increase in PM2.5 exposure = 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.25). For the subsets of subjects who were white, 60-75 years of age, or presented with asystole, OHCA risk significantly increased with PM2.5 during the hour of the arrest (HRs for a 10-microg/m3 increase in PM2.5 = 1.18, 1.25, or 1.22, respectively; p < 0.05). HR generally decreased as the time lag between PM2.5 exposure and OHCA increased. CONCLUSION The results suggest an acute effect of short-term PM2.5 exposure in precipitating OHCAs, and a need to investigate further the role of subject factors in the effects of PM on the risk of OHCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank S Rosenthal
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
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Zhang SJ, Chen ZX, Jiang KP, Wu WK, Zhang CY, Gu YL. Effect of seasonal variation on the clinical course of chronic hepatitis B. J Gastroenterol 2006; 41:1107-15. [PMID: 17160522 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-006-1903-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2005] [Accepted: 08/24/2006] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seasonal variation in immunity has been found in healthy individuals and in association with some diseases. It is still unknown whether seasonal variation affects the clinical course of chronic hepatitis B. Our aim in this study was to explore the effect of seasonal variation on the clinical course of chronic hepatitis B. METHODS The flare and remission time of chronic hepatitis B were observed in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. All patients enrolled were followed up at least every 3 months for a mean follow-up time of 24.0 (range, 12-60) months. Seasonal decomposition was employed to analyze the relationship between seasonal variation and flares, remission, and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion in chronic hepatitis B patients during follow-up. RESULTS A total of 2238 patients were observed in our study. Flare and HBeAg seroconversion were seldom seen in 1076 patients (48.08%) with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels of less than 2.0 x upper limit of normal (ULN) during follow-up (mean, 36 months). The remaining 1162 patients (51.92%) (766, HBeAg positive; 387 anti-HBeAg positive; 9 negative for both HBeAg and anti-HBeAg) with ALT levels >or=2.0 x ULN were followed longitudinally for 12 months to judge flare, remission, and HBeAg seroconversion. Flare, remission, and HBeAg seroconversion in patients with ALT levels >or=2.0 x ULN showed clear seasonal patterns (P < 0.001), with high peaks during spring, summer, and summer, respectively. An autocorrelation correlogram showed that flares, remission, and HBeAg seroconversion occurred with distinct periodicity in winter, spring, summer, and autumn. CONCLUSIONS Seasonal variation might affect the clinical course of chronic hepatitis B. The role of seasonal triggering factors should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Jun Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080 Guangdong, China
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Greene NA, Morris VR. Assessment of public health risks associated with atmospheric exposure to PM2.5 in Washington, DC, USA. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2006; 3:86-97. [PMID: 16823080 PMCID: PMC3785683 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph2006030010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2005] [Accepted: 03/17/2006] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In this research, we investigated the public health risks associated with atmospheric exposure to PM2.5 for different subpopulations (black, white, Hispanic, youth, adults, and elderly) in the Washington, DC area. Washington, DC has long been considered a non-healthy place to live according to the American Lung Association due to its poor air quality. This recognition clearly includes the negative PM-related human health effects within the region. Specifically, DC fine particulate matter (PM2.5) [or particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 microm] poses notable health risks to subpopulations having an annual mean value of 16.70 microg/m(3) during the years 1999-2004, exceeding the EPA National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) of 15 microg/m(3). Incessant exposure to significant levels of PM has previously been linked to deleterious health effects, such as heart and lung diseases. The environmental quality and public health statistics of Washington, DC indicate the need for higher-resolution measurements of emissions, both spatially and temporally, and increased analysis of PM-related health effects. Our findings show that there are significant risks of ward-specific pediatric asthma emergency room visits (ERV). Results also illustrate lifetime excess lung cancer risks, exceeding the 1 x 10(-6) threshold for the measured levels of particulate matter and heavy metals (chromium and arsenic) on behalf of numerous subpopulations in the DC selected wards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha A Greene
- Program in Atmospheric Sciences, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA.
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Jarvis DL, Leaderer BP, Chinn S, Burney PG. Indoor nitrous acid and respiratory symptoms and lung function in adults. Thorax 2005; 60:474-9. [PMID: 15923247 PMCID: PMC1747426 DOI: 10.1136/thx.2004.032177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is an important pollutant of indoor and outdoor air, but epidemiological studies show inconsistent health effects. These inconsistencies may be due to failure to account for the health effects of nitrous acid (HONO) which is generated directly from gas combustion and indirectly from NO2. METHODS Two hundred and seventy six adults provided information on respiratory symptoms and lung function and had home levels of NO2 and HONO measured as well as outdoor levels of NO2. The association of indoor HONO levels with symptoms and lung function was examined. RESULTS The median indoor HONO level was 3.10 ppb (IQR 2.05-5.09), with higher levels in homes with gas hobs, gas ovens, and in those measured during the winter months. Non-significant increases in respiratory symptoms were observed in those living in homes with higher HONO levels. An increase of 1 ppb in indoor HONO was associated with a decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) percentage predicted (-0.96%; 95% CI -0.09 to -1.82) and a decrease in percentage FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) (-0.45%; 95% CI -0.06 to -0.83) after adjustment for relevant confounders. Measures of indoor NO2 were correlated with HONO (r = 0.77), but no significant association of indoor NO2 with symptoms or lung function was observed. After adjustment for NO2 measures, the association of HONO with low lung function persisted. CONCLUSION Indoor HONO levels are associated with decrements in lung function and possibly with more respiratory symptoms. Inconsistencies between studies examining health effects of NO2 and use of gas appliances may be related to failure to account for this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- D L Jarvis
- Division of Population Sciences and Health Care Research, King's College, 42 Weston Street, London SE1 3QD, UK.
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Campbell ME, Li Q, Gingrich SE, Macfarlane RG, Cheng S. Should people be physically active outdoors on smog alert days? Canadian Journal of Public Health 2005. [PMID: 15682689 DOI: 10.1007/bf03404009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the importance of physical activity to well-being, there is a need to encourage people to be physically active year-round. At the same time, many people are vulnerable to adverse health effects from air pollution, especially on smog alert days. This study was undertaken to determine when air pollution levels tend to be lowest so that the public can modify strenuous outdoor activity accordingly. METHODS Existing hourly air pollution data for Toronto were analyzed to determine how pollutant levels varied from hour to hour throughout each 24-hour day, to identify the times when pollution levels are at their lowest on average. RESULTS Pollutant levels vary throughout the day, with concentrations of some pollutants (such as ozone, particles and sulphur dioxide) being highest during mid-day, and others (such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide) being highest with morning rush hour. Overall, pollutant concentrations tend to be lowest before seven a.m. and after eight p.m. INTERPRETATION The public should be encouraged to maintain regular physical activity outdoors while monitoring any air pollution-related symptoms. The intensity of outdoor activity should be reduced, or activities replaced with indoor exercise, at those Air Quality Index (AQI) levels that trigger individual symptoms and when AQI values exceed 50. Where possible, strenuous activity should be taken when and where air pollution levels tend to be lowest, namely early in the morning and in low-traffic areas. More research is required to guide development of health protective advice on exercising when air quality is poor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica E Campbell
- Toronto Public Health, 277 Victoria Street, 7th Floor, Toronto, ON M5B 1W2.
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Campbell ME, Li Q, Gingrich SE, Macfarlane RG, Cheng S. Should people be physically active outdoors on smog alert days? CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH = REVUE CANADIENNE DE SANTE PUBLIQUE 2005; 96:24-8. [PMID: 15682689 PMCID: PMC6975582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2003] [Accepted: 07/09/2004] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the importance of physical activity to well-being, there is a need to encourage people to be physically active year-round. At the same time, many people are vulnerable to adverse health effects from air pollution, especially on smog alert days. This study was undertaken to determine when air pollution levels tend to be lowest so that the public can modify strenuous outdoor activity accordingly. METHODS Existing hourly air pollution data for Toronto were analyzed to determine how pollutant levels varied from hour to hour throughout each 24-hour day, to identify the times when pollution levels are at their lowest on average. RESULTS Pollutant levels vary throughout the day, with concentrations of some pollutants (such as ozone, particles and sulphur dioxide) being highest during mid-day, and others (such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide) being highest with morning rush hour. Overall, pollutant concentrations tend to be lowest before seven a.m. and after eight p.m. INTERPRETATION The public should be encouraged to maintain regular physical activity outdoors while monitoring any air pollution-related symptoms. The intensity of outdoor activity should be reduced, or activities replaced with indoor exercise, at those Air Quality Index (AQI) levels that trigger individual symptoms and when AQI values exceed 50. Where possible, strenuous activity should be taken when and where air pollution levels tend to be lowest, namely early in the morning and in low-traffic areas. More research is required to guide development of health protective advice on exercising when air quality is poor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica E Campbell
- Toronto Public Health, 277 Victoria Street, 7th Floor, Toronto, ON M5B 1W2.
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Triche EW, Belanger K, Beckett W, Bracken MB, Holford TR, Gent J, Jankun T, McSharry JE, Leaderer BP. Infant respiratory symptoms associated with indoor heating sources. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2002; 166:1105-11. [PMID: 12379555 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.2202014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the effects of indoor heating sources on infant respiratory symptoms during the heating season of the first year of life. Mothers delivering babies between 1993 and 1996 at 12 hospitals in Connecticut and Virginia were enrolled. Daily symptom and heating source use information about their infant was obtained every 2 weeks during the first year of life. Heating sources included fireplace, wood stove, kerosene heater, and gas space heater use. Four health outcomes were analyzed by reporting period: days of wheeze, episodes of wheeze, days of cough, and episodes of cough. A large percentage of infants had at least one episode of cough (88%) and wheeze (33%) during the heating season of the first year of life. Wood stove, fireplace, kerosene heater, and gas space heater use was intermittent across the study period. In adjusted Poisson regression models controlling for important confounders, gas space heater use was associated with episodes and days of wheeze. Wood stove use was associated with total days of cough, and kerosene heater use was associated with episodes of cough. Fireplace use was not associated with any of the respiratory symptoms. Use of some heating sources appears related to respiratory symptoms in infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth W Triche
- Center for Perinatal, Pediatric and Environmental Epidemology, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA.
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Lee K, Xue J, Geyh AS, Ozkaynak H, Leaderer BP, Weschler CJ, Spengler JD. Nitrous acid, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone concentrations in residential environments. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2002; 110:145-50. [PMID: 11836142 PMCID: PMC1240728 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.02110145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Nitrous acid (HONO) may be generated by heterogeneous reactions of nitrogen dioxide and direct emission from combustion sources. Interactions among nitrogen oxides and ozone are important for outdoor photochemical reactions. However, little is known of indoor HONO levels or the relationship between residential HONO, NO(2), and O(3) concentrations in occupied houses. Six-day integrated indoor and outdoor concentrations of the three pollutants were simultaneously measured in two communities in Southern California using passive samplers. The average indoor HONO concentration was 4.6 ppb, compared to 0.9 ppb for outdoor HONO. Average indoor and outdoor NO(2)concentrations were 28 and 20.1 ppb, respectively. Indoor O(3) concentrations were low (average 14.9 ppb) in comparison to the outdoor levels (average 56.5 ppb). Housing characteristics, including community and presence of a gas range, were significantly associated with indoor NO(2) and HONO concentrations. Indoor HONO levels were closely correlated with indoor NO(2) levels and were about 17% of indoor NO(2) concentrations. Indoor HONO levels were inversely correlated with indoor O(3) levels. The measurements demonstrated the occurrence of substantial residential indoor HONO concentrations and associations among the three indoor air pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoung Lee
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California at Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95615, USA.
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