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Yang B, Zhu Q, Wang W, Zhu Q, Zhang D, Jin Z, Prasad P, Sowlat M, Pakbin P, Ahangar F, Hasheminassab S, Liu Y. Impact of Warehouse Expansion on Ambient PM 2.5 and Elemental Carbon Levels in Southern California's Disadvantaged Communities: A Two-Decade Analysis. GEOHEALTH 2024; 8:e2024GH001091. [PMID: 39301088 PMCID: PMC11410679 DOI: 10.1029/2024gh001091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, the surge in warehouse construction near seaports and in economically lower-cost land areas has intensified product transportation and e-commerce activities, particularly affecting air quality and health in nearby socially disadvantaged communities. This study, spanning from 2000 to 2019 in Southern California, investigated the relationship between ambient concentrations of PM2.5 and elemental carbon (EC) and the proliferation of warehouses. Utilizing satellite-driven estimates of annual mean ambient pollution levels at the ZIP code level and linear mixed effect models, positive associations were found between warehouse characteristics such as rentable building area (RBA), number of loading docks (LD), and parking spaces (PS), and increases in PM2.5 and EC concentrations. After adjusting for demographic covariates, an Interquartile Range increase of the RBA, LD, and PS were associated with a 0.16 μg/m³ (95% CI = [0.13, 0.19], p < 0.001), 0.10 μg/m³ (95% CI = [0.08, 0.12], p < 0.001), and 0.21 μg/m³ (95% CI = [0.18, 0.24], p < 0.001) increase in PM2.5, respectively. For EC concentrations, an IQR increase of RBA, LD, and PS were each associated with a 0.021 μg/m³ (95% CI = [0.019, 0.024], p < 0.001), 0.014 μg/m³ (95% CI = [0.012, 0.015], p < 0.001), and 0.021 μg/m³ (95% CI = [0.019, 0.024], p < 0.001) increase. The study also highlighted that disadvantaged populations, including racial/ethnic minorities, individuals with lower education levels, and lower-income earners, were disproportionately affected by higher pollution levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binyu Yang
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health Rollins School of Public Health Emory University Atlanta GA USA
| | - Qingyang Zhu
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health Rollins School of Public Health Emory University Atlanta GA USA
| | - Wenhao Wang
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health Rollins School of Public Health Emory University Atlanta GA USA
| | - Qiao Zhu
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health Rollins School of Public Health Emory University Atlanta GA USA
| | - Danlu Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Rollins School of Public Health Emory University Atlanta GA USA
| | - Zhihao Jin
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health Rollins School of Public Health Emory University Atlanta GA USA
| | - Prachi Prasad
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health Rollins School of Public Health Emory University Atlanta GA USA
| | - Mohammad Sowlat
- South Coast Air Quality Management District Diamond Bar CA USA
| | - Payam Pakbin
- South Coast Air Quality Management District Diamond Bar CA USA
| | - Faraz Ahangar
- South Coast Air Quality Management District Diamond Bar CA USA
| | - Sina Hasheminassab
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory California Institute of Technology Pasadena CA USA
| | - Yang Liu
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health Rollins School of Public Health Emory University Atlanta GA USA
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Ribalta C, Garrandes F, Bermon S, Adami PE, Ibarrola-Ulzurrun E, Rivas I, Viana M. Dynamic and stationary monitoring of air pollutant exposures and dose during marathons. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:171997. [PMID: 38565357 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171997] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Marathon running significantly increases breathing volumes and, consequently, air pollution inhalation doses. This is of special concern for elite athletes who ventilate at very high rates. However, race organizers and sport governing bodies have little guidance to support events scheduling to protect runners. A key limitation is the lack of hyper-local, high temporal resolution air quality data representative of exposure along the racecourse. This work aimed to understand the air pollution exposures and dose inhaled by athletes, by means of a dynamic monitoring methodology designed for road races. Air quality monitors were deployed during three marathons, monitoring nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), particulate matter (PMx), air temperature, and relative humidity. One fixed monitor was installed at the Start/Finish line and one mobile monitor followed the women elite runner pack. The data from the fixed monitors, deployed prior the race, described daily air pollution trends. Mobile monitors in combination with heatmap analysis facilitated the hyper-local characterization of athletes' exposures and helped identify local hotspots (e.g., areas prone to PM resuspension) which should be preferably bypassed. The estimation of inhaled doses disaggregated by gender and ventilation showed that doses inhaled by last finishers may be equal or higher than those inhaled by first finishers for O3 and PMx, due to longer exposures as well as the increase of these pollutants over time (e.g., 58.2 ± 9.6 and 72.1 ± 23.7 μg of PM2.5 for first and last man during Rome marathon). Similarly, men received significantly higher doses than women due to their higher ventilation rate, with differences of 31-114 μg for NO2, 79-232 μg for O3, and 6-41 μg for PMx. Finally, the aggregated data obtained during the 4 week- period prior the marathon can support better race scheduling by the organizers and provide actionable information to mitigate air pollution impacts on athletes' health and performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Ribalta
- Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), 10317 Berlin, Germany; The National Research Center for Work Environment (NRCWE), 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Fréderic Garrandes
- Health and Science Department, World Athletics, 98000, Monaco; Laboratoire Motricité Humaine Expertise Sport Santé (LAMHESS), Université Côte d'Azur, 06000 Nice, France
| | - Stéphane Bermon
- Health and Science Department, World Athletics, 98000, Monaco; Laboratoire Motricité Humaine Expertise Sport Santé (LAMHESS), Université Côte d'Azur, 06000 Nice, France
| | - Paolo Emilio Adami
- Health and Science Department, World Athletics, 98000, Monaco; Laboratoire Motricité Humaine Expertise Sport Santé (LAMHESS), Université Côte d'Azur, 06000 Nice, France
| | | | - Ioar Rivas
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mar Viana
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain
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Richey MM, Bang J, Sivaraman V. Targeting disparate spaces: new technology and old tools. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1366179. [PMID: 38716239 PMCID: PMC11075099 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1366179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/15/2024] Open
Abstract
A growing number of inexpensive, publicly available, validated air quality monitors are currently generating granular and longitudinal data on air quality. The expansion of interconnected networks of these monitors providing open access to longitudinal data represents a valuable data source for health researchers, citizen scientists, and community members; however, the distribution of these data collection systems will determine the groups that will benefit from them. Expansion of these and other exposure measurement networks represents a unique opportunity to address persistent inequities across racial, ethnic, and class lines, if the distribution of these devices is equitable. We present a lean template for local implementation, centered on groups known to experience excess burden of pulmonary disease, leveraging five resources, (a) publicly available, inexpensive air quality monitors connected via Wi-Fi to a centralized system, (b) discharge data from a state hospital repository (c) the U.S. Census, (d) monitoring locations generously donated by community organizations and (e) NIH grant funds. We describe our novel approach to targeting air-quality mediated pulmonary health disparities, review logistical and analytic challenges encountered, and present preliminary data that aligns with a growing body of research: in a high-burden zip code in Durham North Carolina, the census tract with the highest proportions of African Americans experienced worse air quality than a majority European-American census tract in the same zip code. These results, while not appropriate for use in causal inference, demonstrate the potential of equitably distributed, interconnected air quality sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan M. Richey
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - John Bang
- North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Vijay Sivaraman
- North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, United States
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Barros N, Sobral P, Moreira RS, Vargas J, Fonseca A, Abreu I, Guerreiro MS. SchoolAIR: A Citizen Science IoT Framework Using Low-Cost Sensing for Indoor Air Quality Management. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 24:148. [PMID: 38203010 PMCID: PMC10781081 DOI: 10.3390/s24010148] [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: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Indoor air quality (IAQ) problems in school environments are very common and have significant impacts on students' performance, development and health. Indoor air conditions depend on the adopted ventilation practices, which in Mediterranean countries are essentially based on natural ventilation controlled through manual window opening. Citizen science projects directed to school communities are effective strategies to promote awareness and knowledge acquirement on IAQ and adequate ventilation management. Our multidisciplinary research team has developed a framework-SchoolAIR-based on low-cost sensors and a scalable IoT system architecture to support the improvement of IAQ in schools. The SchoolAIR framework is based on do-it-yourself sensors that continuously monitor air temperature, relative humidity, concentrations of carbon dioxide and particulate matter in school environments. The framework was tested in the classrooms of University Fernando Pessoa, and its deployment and proof of concept took place in a high school in the north of Portugal. The results obtained reveal that CO2 concentrations frequently exceed reference values during classes, and that higher concentrations of particulate matter in the outdoor air affect IAQ. These results highlight the importance of real-time monitoring of IAQ and outdoor air pollution levels to support decision-making in ventilation management and assure adequate IAQ. The proposed approach encourages the transfer of scientific knowledge from universities to society in a dynamic and active process of social responsibility based on a citizen science approach, promoting scientific literacy of the younger generation and enhancing healthier, resilient and sustainable indoor environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson Barros
- FP-I3ID—Fernando Pessoa Institute for Research, Innovation and Development, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal; (A.F.); (I.A.); (M.S.G.)
- CINTESIS.UFP—Center for Health Technology and Services Research, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro Sobral
- LIACC—Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science Laboratory, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (P.S.); (R.S.M.)
- Faculty of Science and Technology, University Fernando Pessoa, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Rui S. Moreira
- LIACC—Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science Laboratory, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (P.S.); (R.S.M.)
- Faculty of Science and Technology, University Fernando Pessoa, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal;
| | - João Vargas
- Faculty of Science and Technology, University Fernando Pessoa, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Ana Fonseca
- FP-I3ID—Fernando Pessoa Institute for Research, Innovation and Development, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal; (A.F.); (I.A.); (M.S.G.)
- CINTESIS.UFP—Center for Health Technology and Services Research, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Isabel Abreu
- FP-I3ID—Fernando Pessoa Institute for Research, Innovation and Development, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal; (A.F.); (I.A.); (M.S.G.)
- CINTESIS.UFP—Center for Health Technology and Services Research, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Simas Guerreiro
- FP-I3ID—Fernando Pessoa Institute for Research, Innovation and Development, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal; (A.F.); (I.A.); (M.S.G.)
- CINTESIS.UFP—Center for Health Technology and Services Research, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
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Yu Q, He BY, Ma J, Zhu Y. California's zero-emission vehicle adoption brings air quality benefits yet equity gaps persist. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7798. [PMID: 38086805 PMCID: PMC10716132 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43309-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) adoption is a key climate mitigation tool, but its environmental justice implications remain unclear. Here, we quantify ZEV adoption at the census tract level in California from 2015 to 2020 and project it to 2035 when all new passenger vehicles sold are expected to be ZEVs. We then apply an integrated traffic model together with a dispersion model to simulate air quality changes near roads in the Greater Los Angeles. We found that per capita ZEV ownership in non-disadvantaged communities (non-DACs) as defined by the state of California is 3.8 times of that in DACs. Racial and ethnic minorities owned fewer ZEVs regardless of DAC designation. While DAC residents receive 40% more pollutant reduction than non-DACs due to intercommunity ZEV trips in 2020, they remain disproportionately exposed to higher levels of traffic-related air pollution. With more ZEVs in 2035, the exposure disparity narrows. However, to further reduce disparities, the focus must include trucks, emphasizing the need for targeted ZEV policies that address persistent pollution burdens among DAC and racial and ethnic minority residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Yu
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Brian Yueshuai He
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Samueli School of Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jiaqi Ma
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Samueli School of Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yifang Zhu
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Anderson LO, Silva S, Melo AWF. There's no smoke without fire! CAD SAUDE PUBLICA 2023; 39:e00103823. [PMID: 37820232 PMCID: PMC10566552 DOI: 10.1590/0102-311xpt103823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Liana Oighenstein Anderson
- Centro Nacional de Monitoramento e Alerta de Desastres Naturais, Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia, Inovações e Comunicações, São José dos Campos, Brasil
| | - Sonaira Silva
- Universidade Federal do Acre, Cruzeiro do Sul, Brasil
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Lochotzki H, Williams KP, Colen CG, Adetona O, Tavares CB, Ginn GM, Haynes R, Im W, Bils T, Hood DB. A Framework for Interfacing and Partnering with Environmental Justice Communities as a Prelude to Human Health and Hazard Identification in the Vulnerable Census Tracts of Columbus, Ohio. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13846. [PMID: 36360728 PMCID: PMC9654058 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192113846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Columbus, Ohio is one of the more prosperous, well-educated, and progressive cities in the United States. However, it ranks as the second worst life expectancy at birth, has a census tract wealth gap (27-year disparity), and one of the higher infant mortality rates in the country. These data suggest that there are likely several high-risk, vulnerable neighborhoods in Columbus with residents experiencing disparate and adverse outcomes. Illustrative of this fact are studies that have examined the social processes and mechanisms through which neighborhood contexts are at the forefront, including exposures to chemical stressors such as particulate matter (PM2.5) as well as non-chemical stressors including violence, social determinants of health, zoning, and land use policies. It is documented that disparate and adverse outcomes are magnified in the vulnerable neighborhoods on the Near East Side as compared to Columbus city proper, Franklin County and/or the state of Ohio. As such, we developed a nuanced community engagement framework to identify potential environmental hazards associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in those census tracts. The refined framework uses a blended version of traditional community-based participatory research (CBPR) models and is referred to as E6, Enhancing Environmental Endeavors via e-Equity, Education, and Empowerment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Lochotzki
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Karen Patricia Williams
- Martha S. Pitzer Center for Women, Children & Youth, College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Cynthia G. Colen
- Department of Sociology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Olorunfemi Adetona
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | | | - Georgina M. Ginn
- Columbus Early Learning Centers, 1611 Old Leonard Avenue, Columbus, OH 43219, USA
| | - Rejeana Haynes
- St. Vincent Family Services, 1490 East Main Street, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Wansoo Im
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Tanya Bils
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Darryl B. Hood
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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