Personal Exposure to Fine Particles (PM2.5) in Northwest Africa: Case of the Urban City of Bamako in Mali

Understanding the connections between climate change, air pollution, and human health in Africa: Insights from a literature review

Climate change and air pollution are two interconnected global challenges that have profound impacts on human health. In Africa, a continent known for its rich biodiversity and diverse ecosystems, the adverse effects of climate change and air pollution are particularly concerning. This review study examines the implications of air pollution and climate change for human health and well-being in Africa. It explores the intersection of these two factors and their impact on various health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, respiratory disorders, mental health, and vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. The study highlights the disproportionate effects of air pollution on vulnerable groups and emphasizes the need for targeted interventions and policies to protect their health. Furthermore, it discusses the role of climate change in exacerbating air pollution and the potential long-term consequences for public health in Africa. The review also addresses the importance of considering temperature and precipitation changes as modifiers of the health effects of air pollution. By synthesizing existing research, this study aims to shed light on complex relationships and highlight the key findings, knowledge gaps, and potential solutions for mitigating the impacts of climate change and air pollution on human health in the region. The insights gained from this review can inform evidence-based policies and interventions to mitigate the adverse effects on human health and promote sustainable development in Africa.

Comparison of Personal or Indoor PM2.5 Exposure Level to That of Outdoor: Over Four Seasons in Selected Urban, Industrial, and Rural Areas of South Korea: (K-IOP Study)

This study aimed to compare the distribution of indoor, outdoor, and personal PM2.5 (particulate matter ≤ 2.5 μm) hourly concentrations measured simultaneously among 81 nonsmoking elderly participants (65 years or older) living in urban, industrial, or rural areas over 4 seasons (2 weeks per season) from November 2021 to July 2022). PM2.5 measurements were conducted using low-cost sensors with quality control and quality assurance tests. Seasonal outdoor PM2.5 levels were 16.4 (9.1-29.6) μg/m3, 20.5 (13.0-38.0) μg/m3, 18.2 (10.2-31.8) μg/m3, and 9.5 (3.8-18.7) μg/m3 for fall, winter, spring, and summer, respectively. For indoor PM2.5, the median seasonal range was 5.9-7.5 μg/m3, and the median personal PM2.5 exposure concentration was 8.0-9.4 μg/m3. This study provided seasonal distributions of IO (ratio of indoor to outdoor PM2.5 concentration) and PO (ratio of personal to outdoor PM2.5 concentration) using a total of 94,676 paired data points. The median seasonal IO ranged from 0.30 to 0.51 in fall, winter, and spring; its value of summer was 0.70. The median PO by season and study area were close to 1.0 in summer while it ranged 0.5 to 0.7 in other seasons, statistically significantly lower (p < 0.05) than that in summer. Our study has revealed that the real-world exposure level to PM2.5 among our elderly study participants might be lower than what was initially expected based on the outdoor data for most of the time. Further investigation may need to identify the reasons for the discrepancy, personal behavior patterns, and the effectiveness of any indoor air quality control system.

Evaluation of short-lived atmospheric fine particles in Tehran, Iran

Fine particles (PM_2.5) have adverse impacts and risks on air quality and human health. The present research focuses on the concentrations of PM_2.5, air quality index (AQI), and assessment of hospital admissions due to COPD attributed to PM_2.5 particle levels in Tehran during the last 10 years from 2011 to 2020. The effects of meteorological parameters (i.e., wind speed, humidity, and temperature) and AQI on PM_2.5 concentrations were examined using data from 21 active monitoring stations of the Air Quality Control Company (AQCC) and Mehrabad Meteorological Station. The health impact assessment of PM_2.5 in terms of hospital admissions due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was obtained by the AirQ_2.2.3 model. Based on the results, the annual average PM_2.5 concentrations decreased from 2011 through 2020. The results also show a significant effect of meteorological data on the changes in PM_2.5 particle concentration. We also noticed that reduction of annual PM_2.5 concentration from 38.55 (AQI = 104.08) in 2011 to 28.59 μg m⁻³ (AQI = 83.87) in 2020 could prevent 779 (by about 70%) premature deaths, and the estimated number of excess cases human respiratory system attributed to PM_2.5 at central relative risk (RR) during the last decade was 6158 persons. Also, air quality got from unhealthy for sensitive groups of people to moderate air quality. Finally, any reduction in concentrations of PM_2.5 in Tehran can reduce the number of hospital admissions due to COPD significantly. The results of investigations on PM_2.5 particles have shown the need for the national clean air program policies and the necessity of urgent actions to improve the air quality to human health in Tehran.