Air Quality, Pollution and Sustainability Trends in South Asia: A Population-Based Study

Global, regional, and national burden of trachea, bronchus, and lung cancer among women of reproductive age, 1990-2019

BACKGROUND

Trachea, bronchus, and lung (TBL) cancer has demonstrated a discernible feminization and a tendency towards younger onset in recent decades. Therefore, our objective is to examine the most recent patterns in the worldwide prevalence of TBL among women of reproductive age on a global, regional, and national scale.

METHODS

To assess the prevalence trends of TBL in women of reproductive age, we calculated the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC), age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardized death rate (ASDR), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019. These calculations were based on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 database.

RESULTS

From 1990 to 2019, there was a global increase in the absolute number of incidence cases, deaths, and DALYs of TBL in women of reproductive age. However, the ASIR, ASDR, and age-standardized DALY rates were decreasing over this period, with EAPC of -0.77 (95 % confidence interval [CI]: -1.03 to -0.51), -1.08 (95 % CI: -1.34 to -0.82), and -1.10 (95 % CI: -1.36 to -0.84), respectively. This trend was observed even in regions with higher Socio-Demographic Index (SDI). East Asia consistently had the highest ASIR, ASDR, and age-standardized DALY rate, but there was a decreasing trend. Conversely, Eastern Sub-Saharan Africa displayed an increasing burden pattern. When examining countries individually, Monaco, Greenland, and Palau had the highest ASIR. Moreover, in most countries, the ASIR for TBL increased with age, particularly among women aged 35-49 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a global decline in ASIR, ASDR, and age-standardized DALY rates for TBL in women of reproductive age over the past three decades, there is still a troubling increase observed in low- and low-middle SDI regions. It is crucial to implement effective preventive and curative measures in these regions in order to address this concerning trend.

Elossaily G, Ansari MN, Ali N. An Insight on Microfluidic Organ-on-a-Chip Models for PM2.5-Induced Pulmonary Complications

Pulmonary diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, lung fibrosis, and lung cancer pose a significant burden to global human health. Many of these complications arise as a result of exposure to particulate matter (PM), which has been examined in several preclinical and clinical trials for its effect on several respiratory diseases. Particulate matter of size less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) has been known to inflict unforeseen repercussions, although data from epidemiological studies to back this are pending. Conventionally utilized two-dimensional (2D) cell culture and preclinical animal models have provided insufficient benefits in emulating the in vivo physiological and pathological pulmonary conditions. Three-dimensional (3D) structural models, including organ-on-a-chip models, have experienced a developmental upsurge in recent times. Lung-on-a-chip models have the potential to simulate the specific features of the lungs. With the advancement of technology, an emerging and advanced technique termed microfluidic organ-on-a-chip has been developed with the aim of identifying the complexity of the respiratory cellular microenvironment of the body. In the present Review, the role of lung-on-a-chip modeling in reproducing pulmonary complications has been explored, with a specific emphasis on PM2.5-induced pulmonary complications.

Respiratory infection transmission risk and indoor air quality at outpatient departments and emergency treatment units of Sri Lankan teaching hospitals

Indoor carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration has been used as a proxy of the degree of ventilation and, by extension, as an indicator of the risk of contracting respiratory infections. No publications exist regarding indoor air quality (IAQ) parameters of Sri Lankan hospitals.We measured the levels of CO2 and seven other IAQ parameters during morning rush hours for three days, in outpatient departments (OPDs) and emergency treatment units (ETUs) of all 21 teaching hospitals of Sri Lanka. We measured the same parameters of outdoor air also. We calculated the mean values of those parameters. We looked for correlations between outdoors and OPD and ETU levels of selected air quality parameters.The average CO2 levels of outdoors, OPDs and ETUs respectively were 514ppm (ppm = parts per million), 749ppm and 795ppm. The average levels of PM2.5 (particulate matter with diameters <2.5μm) outdoors, OPDs and ETUs respectively, were 28.7μg/m3,32μg/m3 and 25.6 μg/m3. The average levels of PM10 (particulate matter with diameters <10μm) outdoors, OPDs and ETUs respectively, were 49.4μg/m3, 55.5μg/m3 and 47.9 μg/m3. The median levels of formaldehyde outdoors, OPDs and ETUs respectively, were 0.03mg/m3, 0.04mg/m3 and 0.08mg/m3. The median levels of total volatile organic compounds (VOC) outdoors, OPDs and ETUs respectively were 0.12mg/m3, 0.19mg/m3 and 0.38mg/m3.CO2 levels of air in OPDs and ETUs generally were below the national ceilings but above the ceilings used by some developed countries. Outdoors, OPDs and ETUs air contain PM10, PM2.5 levels higher than WHO ceilings, although below the national ceilings. VOC and formaldehyde levels are generally below the national ceilings. Air in OPDs and ETUs is hotter and humid than national ceilings. Outdoor PM10, PM2.5 levels influence OPDs and ETUs levels. We propose methods to reduce the risk of nosocomial respiratory infections and to improve IAQ of Sri Lankan OPDs and ETUs.

Circular economy strategies in the ASEAN region: A comparative study

Circular Economy (CE) is a sustainable development paradigm that promotes resource efficiency, closed-loop systems, and waste reduction to minimize environmental impacts while fostering economic growth; its popularity is rising at a global scale since the negative effects of linear consumption patterns become more apparent. In this direction, the ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) countries have shown a rising interest in CE due to the region's rapid economic growth and urbanization led to increasing resource consumption and waste generation, which makes CE imperative to safeguard their natural resources and ecosystems. The methodology assessed and compared CE policy documents and academic sources, focusing on excellence and expected impacts, excluding obsolete policies. As the foremost finding, this work provides a comprehensive assessment of the CE strategies comparing the ten ASEAN countries for understanding the current direction of circularity across the region, which is insufficient, although the need for a CE is understood and numerous policy strategies are currently in the work or pending to be approved; Vietnam is the most promising nation for CE implementation. Brunei, Laos, and Myanmar are the most stagnant, while the rest of the countries are progressing adequately. First, this paper introduces the most critical environmental issues across the ASEAN region and briefly describes the concept of CE. Secondly, it assesses the most up-to-date and remarkable CE policies of each nation. Thirdly, it discusses how CE can address their challenges to be catalyzed into opportunities, comparing the ten states considering their CE advancements. This work will be interesting for foreign investors, the general public, Academia, and policymakers.

A review of personal exposure studies in selected Asian countries' public transport microenvironments: lessons learned and future directions

This comprehensive paper conducts an in-depth review of personal exposure and air pollutant levels within the microenvironments of Asian city transportation. Our methodology involved a systematic analysis of an extensive body of literature from diverse sources, encompassing a substantial quantity of studies conducted across multiple Asian cities. The investigation scrutinizes exposure to various pollutants, including particulate matters (PM10, PM2.5, and PM1), carbon dioxide (CO2), formaldehyde (CH2O), and total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), during transportation modes such as car travel, bus commuting, walking, and train rides. Notably, our review reveals a predominant focus on PM2.5, followed by PM10, PM1, CO2, and TVOC, with limited attention given to CH2O exposure. Across the spectrum of Asian cities and transportation modes, exposure concentrations exhibited considerable variability, a phenomenon attributed to a multitude of factors. Primary sources of exposure encompass motor vehicle emissions, traffic dynamics, road dust, and open bus doors. Furthermore, our findings illuminate the influence of external environments, particularly in proximity to train stations, on pollutant levels inside trains. Crucial factors affecting exposure encompass ventilation conditions, travel-specific variables, seat locations, vehicle types, and meteorological influences. The culmination of this rigorous review underscores the need for standardized measurements, enhanced ventilation systems, air filtration mechanisms, the adoption of clean energy sources, and comprehensive public education initiatives aimed at reducing pollutant exposure within city transportation microenvironments. Importantly, our study contributes to the growing body of knowledge surrounding this subject, offering valuable insights for policymakers and researchers dedicated to advancing air quality standards and safeguarding public health.

Comment on Abdul Jabbar et al. Air Quality, Pollution and Sustainability Trends in South Asia: A Population-Based Study. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 7534

This comment discusses the use of PM_2.5 (mass concentration of fine particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 microns) data in the recently published article entitled "Air Quality, Pollution and Sustainability Trends in South Asia: A Population-Based Study" by Abdul Jabbar et al. [...].

Mean Temperature and Drought Projections in Central Africa: A Population-Based Study of Food Insecurity, Childhood Malnutrition and Mortality, and Infectious Disease

The Central African Region is an agricultural and fishing-based economy, with 40% of the population living in rural communities. The negative impacts of climate change have caused economic/health-related adverse impacts and food insecurity. This original article aims to research four key themes: (i) acute food insecurity (AFI); (ii) childhood malnutrition and mortality; (iii) infectious disease burden; and (iv) drought and mean temperature projections throughout the twenty-first century. Food insecurity was mapped in Central Africa based on the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) for AFI. The global hunger index (GHI) was presented along with the proportion of children with undernourishment, stunting, wasting, and mortality. Data for infectious disease burden was computed by assessing the adjusted rate of change (AROC) of mortality due to diarrhea among children and the burden of death rates due to pneumonia across all age groups. Finally, the mean drought index was computed through the year 2100. This population-based study identifies high levels of hunger across a majority of the countries, with the mean drought index suggesting extreme ends of wet and dry days and an overall rise of 1-3 °C. This study is a source of evidence for stakeholders, policymakers, and the population residing in Central Africa.

Indicators of Climate Change, Geospatial and Analytical Mapping of Trends in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh: An Observational Study

The year 2022 has served as a recall for the impact that climate change has in the South Asian region, which is one of the most vulnerable regions to climate shock. With a paucity of climate-based and geospatial observational studies in South Asia, this paper (i) links power sectors and carbon dioxide emissions, (ii) maps nitrogen dioxide density across three countries (Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh), (iii) understands electricity generation trends and projects weather changes through 2100. We monitored data monitored between 1995 and 2021. The following databases were used: the International Energy Agency, the World Bank, the UN Food and Agricultural Organization. Raw data was obtained for climate indicators, which were entered into Microsoft Excel. Geospatial trends were generated in the ArcGIS geostatistical tool by adopting the ordinary kriging method to interpolate and create continuous surfaces depicting the concentration of nitrogen dioxide in the three countries. We found increased usage of coal and fossil fuels in three countries (Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh). Both were significant contributors to carbon dioxide emissions. The geographic localities in South Asia were densely clouded with nitrogen dioxide as reported with the tropospheric column mapping. There are expected to be increased days with a heat index >35 °C, and consecutive dry days from 2020 and 2100. We also found increased chances of flooding in certain regions across the three countries. This study monitored climate change indicators and projects between 1995 and 2100. Lastly, we make recommendations to improve the relationship of the environment and living beings.

Can Economic Growth and Environmental Protection Achieve a "Win-Win" Situation? Empirical Evidence from China

Achieving a "win-win" situation regarding economic growth and environmental protection has become a common goal for sustainable development in all countries around the world. As the world's largest developing country and the second largest economy, China has been striving to maintain economic growth while improving environmental quality to achieve its sustainable development goals. Applying the decoupling approach, a model widely used to quantify the relationship between the environment and the economy, this study analyzed the relationship between the economy and the environment, examining the decoupling performance of economic growth and environmental impacts in 30 Chinese provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities to investigate whether economic growth and environmental protection have achieved a "win-win" situation. Nighttime light (NTL) data were used to measure the performance of economic growth. In addition, an environmental pressure index (EPI) assessment framework covering 6 primary and 11 secondary indicators was constructed to measure the environmental quality of China over time. First, NTL data proved to be a valid data source for assessing decoupling performance; second, environmental pressure at both the national and provincial levels significantly decreased during the study period; third, the relationship between the economy and the environment has been further improved, and economic growth and environmental protection have achieved a "win-win" situation. These findings offer an in-depth analysis of the decoupling of the economy and the environment in China and serve as a guide for future implementation strategies for sustainable development in various regions.