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Ziou M, Gao CX, Wheeler AJ, Zosky GR, Stephens N, Knibbs LD, Melody SM, Venn AJ, Dalton MF, Dharmage SC, Johnston FH. Contrasting Health Outcomes following a Severe Smoke Episode and Ambient Air Pollution in Early Life: Findings from an Australian Data Linkage Cohort Study of Hospital Utilization. Environ Health Perspect 2023; 131:117005. [PMID: 37962441 PMCID: PMC10644899 DOI: 10.1289/ehp12238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Episodic spikes in air pollution due to landscape fires are increasing, and their potential for longer term health impacts is uncertain. OBJECTIVE Our objective is to evaluate associations between exposure in utero and in infancy to severe pollution from a mine fire, background ambient air pollution, and subsequent hospital care. METHODS We linked health records of births, emergency department (ED) visits, and hospitalizations of children born in the Latrobe Valley, Australia, 2012-2015, which included a severe pollution episode from a mine fire (9 February 2014 to 25 March 2014). We assigned modeled exposure estimates for fire-related and ambient particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 μ m (PM 2.5 ) to residential address. We used logistic regression to estimate associations with hospital visits for any cause and groupings of infectious, allergic, and respiratory conditions. Outcomes were assessed for the first year of life in the in utero cohort and the year following the fire in the infant cohort. We estimated exposure-response for both fire-related and ambient PM 2.5 and also employed inverse probability weighting using the propensity score to compare exposed and not/minimally exposed children. RESULTS Prenatal exposure to fire-related PM 2.5 was associated with ED presentations for allergies/skin rash [odds ratio ( OR ) = 1.34 , 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01, 1.76 per 240 μ g / m 3 increase]. Exposure in utero to ambient PM 2.5 was associated with overall presentations (OR = 1.18 , 95% CI: 1.05, 1.33 per 1.4 μ g / m 3 ) and visits for infections (ED: OR = 1.13 , 95% CI: 0.98, 1.29; hospitalizations: OR = 1.23 , 95% CI: 1.00, 1.52). Exposure in infancy to fire-related PM 2.5 compared to no/minimal exposure, was associated with ED presentations for respiratory (OR = 1.37 , 95% CI: 1.05, 1.80) and infectious conditions (any: OR = 1.21 , 95% CI: 0.98, 1.49; respiratory-related: OR = 1.39 , 95% CI: 1.05, 1.83). Early life exposure to ambient PM 2.5 was associated with overall ED visits (OR = 1.17 , 95% CI: 1.05, 1.30 per 1.4 μ g / m 3 increase). DISCUSSION Higher episodic and lower ambient concentrations of PM 2.5 in early life were associated with visits for allergic, respiratory, and infectious conditions. Our findings also indicated differences in associations at the two developmental stages. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12238.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Ziou
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Caroline X. Gao
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amanda J. Wheeler
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Oceans and Atmosphere, Aspendale, Victoria, Australia
| | - Graeme R. Zosky
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Nicola Stephens
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Luke D. Knibbs
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Public Health Research Analytics and Methods for Evidence, Public Health Unit, Sydney Local Health District, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shannon M. Melody
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Alison J. Venn
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Marita F. Dalton
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Shyamali C. Dharmage
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fay H. Johnston
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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Ziou M, Gao CX, Wheeler AJ, Zosky GR, Stephens N, Knibbs LD, Williamson GJ, Melody SM, Venn AJ, Dalton MF, Dharmage SC, Johnston FH. Primary and pharmaceutical care usage concurrent associations with a severe smoke episode and low ambient air pollution in early life. Sci Total Environ 2023; 883:163580. [PMID: 37100138 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to climate change, landscape fires account for an increasing proportion of air pollution emissions, and their impacts on primary and pharmaceutical care are little understood. OBJECTIVES To evaluate associations between exposure in two early life periods to severe levels of PM2.5 from a mine fire, background PM2.5, and primary and pharmaceutical care. METHODS We linked records of births, general practitioner (GP) presentations and prescription dispensing for children born in the Latrobe Valley, Australia, 2012-2014, where a severe mine fire occurred in February-March 2014 in an area with otherwise low levels of ambient PM2.5. We assigned modelled exposure estimates for fire-related (cumulative over the fire and peak 24-hour average) and annual ambient PM2.5 to residential address. Associations with GP presentations and dispensing of prescribed medications in the first two years of life (exposure in utero) and in the two years post-fire (exposure in infancy) were estimated using two-pollutant quasi-Poisson regression models. RESULTS Exposure in utero to fire-related PM2.5 was associated with an increase in systemic steroid dispensing (Cumulative: IRR = 1.11, 95%CI = 1.00-1.24 per 240 μg/m3; Peak: IRR = 1.15, 95%CI = 1.00-1.32 per 45 μg/m3), while exposure in infancy was associated with antibiotic dispensing (Cumulative: IRR = 1.05, 95%CI = 1.00-1.09; Peak: IRR = 1.06, 95%CI = 1.00-1.12). Exposure in infancy to ambient PM2.5, despite relatively low levels from a global perspective (Median = 6.1 μg/m3), was associated with an increase in antibiotics (IRR = 1.10, 95%CI = 1.01-1.19 per 1.4 μg/m3) and in GP presentations (IRR = 1.05, 95%CI = 1.00-1.11), independently from exposure to the fire. We also observed differences in associations between sexes with GP presentations (stronger in girls) and steroid skin cream dispensing (stronger in boys). DISCUSSION Severe medium-term concentrations of PM2.5 were linked with increased pharmaceutical treatment for infections, while chronic low levels were associated with increased prescriptions dispensed for infections and primary care usage. Our findings also indicated differences between sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Ziou
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia
| | - Caroline X Gao
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Amanda J Wheeler
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Oceans and Atmosphere, Aspendale, Victoria 3195, Australia
| | - Graeme R Zosky
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia; Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia
| | - Nicola Stephens
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia
| | - Luke D Knibbs
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Public Health Research Analytics and Methods for Evidence, Public Health Unit, Sydney Local Health District, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Grant J Williamson
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, Tasmania 7005, Australia
| | - Shannon M Melody
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia
| | - Alison J Venn
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia
| | - Marita F Dalton
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia
| | - Shyamali C Dharmage
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Fay H Johnston
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia.
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Melody SM, Martin-Gall VA, Veitch MG. Why Tasmanian retailers stop selling tobacco and implications for tobacco control. Tob Control 2021; 30:583-586. [PMID: 32769212 DOI: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2019-055588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The retail availability of tobacco is at odds with the health harms associated with tobacco smoking and undermines tobacco control efforts. Evidence suggests ease of access to tobacco through retail outlets contributes to smoking prevalence. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to understand why retailers stop selling tobacco and explore possible implications for tobacco control. METHODS The Tobacco Licensing Database maintained by the Department of Health Tasmania was used to identify and recruit past retailers who no longer held licences. Semistructured interviews were conducted to explore business demographics and the reasons they stopped selling tobacco. Interview findings were analysed using a thematic framework. RESULTS Twenty former tobacco retailers participated, representing all business types except specialist tobacconists and large supermarkets. Retailers gave multiple reasons for ending tobacco sales, related to business considerations, security, tobacco regulations, ethics and health. Most often, the decision was business-related; health or ethical considerations were rarely a factor. Most retailers felt they played no role in mitigating tobacco-related harm. CONCLUSIONS This study provides insights into factors that make tobacco sales unattractive or unfeasible for low-volume outlets and may inform supply-focused tobacco control policy. A campaign that emphasises the possible business benefits of ending tobacco sales in favour of other higher-margin products may support retailers to transition away from tobacco sales. The regulatory obligations of selling tobacco are disincentives and create a less favourable retail environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon M Melody
- Department of Health Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | | | - Mark G Veitch
- Department of Health Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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Hemstock EJ, Shao J, Zhao B, Hall GL, Wheeler AJ, Dharmage SC, Melody SM, Dalton MF, Foong RE, Williamson GJ, Chappell KJ, Abramson MJ, Negishi K, Johnston FH, Zosky GR. Associations between respiratory and vascular function in early childhood. Respirology 2021; 26:1060-1066. [PMID: 34339550 DOI: 10.1111/resp.14117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The link between respiratory and vascular health is well documented in adult populations. Impaired lung function is consistently associated with thicker arteries and higher incidence of cardiovascular disease. However, there are limited data on this relationship in young children and the studies that exist have focussed on populations at high risk of cardiorespiratory morbidity. We determined if an association exists between respiratory and cardiovascular function in young children and, if so, whether it is confounded by known cardiorespiratory risk factors. METHODS Respiratory and vascular data from a prospective cohort study established to evaluate the health implications 3 years after coal mine fire smoke exposure in children aged 3-5 years were used. Respiratory function was measured using the forced oscillation technique and included resistance at 5 Hz (R5 ), reactance at 5 Hz (X5 ) and area under the reactance curve (AX). Vascular health was measured by carotid intima-media thickness (ultrasound) and pulse wave velocity (arterial tonometry). Regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between the respiratory Z-scores and cardiovascular measures. Subsequent analyses were adjusted for potential confounding by maternal smoking during pregnancy, maternal education and exposure to fine particulate matter <2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5 ). RESULTS Peripheral lung function (X5 and AX), but not respiratory system resistance (R5 ), was associated with vascular function. Adjustment for maternal smoking, maternal education and early life exposure to PM2.5 had minimal effect on these associations. CONCLUSION These observations suggest that peripheral lung stiffness is associated with vascular stiffness and that this relationship is established early in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Hemstock
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Jingyi Shao
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Bing Zhao
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Graham L Hall
- Children's Lung Health, Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.,School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Amanda J Wheeler
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.,Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shyamali C Dharmage
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shannon M Melody
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Marita F Dalton
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Rachel E Foong
- Children's Lung Health, Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.,School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Grant J Williamson
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Katherine J Chappell
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Michael J Abramson
- School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kazuaki Negishi
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.,Sydney Medical School Nepean, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Fay H Johnston
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Graeme R Zosky
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.,Tasmanian School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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Melody SM, Wheeler AJ, Dalton M, Williamson GJ, Negishi K, Willis G, Shao J, Zhao B, Chappell K, Wills K, Reeves M, Emmerson KM, Ford J, Dennekamp M, Foong RE, Abramson MJ, Ikin J, Walker J, Venn A, Dharmage S, Hall G, Zosky G, Johnston F. Cohort Profile: The Hazelwood Health Study Latrobe Early Life Follow-Up (ELF) Study. Int J Epidemiol 2021; 49:1779-1780. [PMID: 33083835 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyaa136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shannon M Melody
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Amanda J Wheeler
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.,Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Marita Dalton
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Grant J Williamson
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Kazuaki Negishi
- Sydney Medical School Nepean, Charles Perkins Centre Nepean, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gabriela Willis
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Jingyi Shao
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Bing Zhao
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Katherine Chappell
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Karen Wills
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Melanie Reeves
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Kathryn M Emmerson
- Climate Science Centre, CSIRO Oceans & Atmosphere, Aspendale, VIC, Australia
| | - Jane Ford
- Clinical and Population Perinatal Health Research, Kolling Institute, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
| | - Martine Dennekamp
- Environmental Public Health, Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Rachel E Foong
- Children's Lung Health, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia.,School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Michael J Abramson
- School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jillian Ikin
- School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Judi Walker
- School of Rural Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alison Venn
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Shyamali Dharmage
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Graham Hall
- Children's Lung Health, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia.,School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Graeme Zosky
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.,School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Fay Johnston
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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Willis GA, Chappell K, Williams S, Melody SM, Wheeler A, Dalton M, Dharmage SC, Zosky GR, Johnston FH. Respiratory and atopic conditions in children two to four years after the 2014 Hazelwood coalmine fire. Med J Aust 2020; 213:269-275. [PMID: 32770850 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.50719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate associations between exposure during early life to mine fire smoke and parent-reported indicators of respiratory and atopic illness 2-4 years later. DESIGN, SETTING The Hazelwood coalmine fire exposed a regional Australian community to markedly increased air pollution during February - March 2014. During June 2016 - October 2018 we conducted a prospective cohort study of children from the Latrobe Valley. PARTICIPANTS Seventy-nine children exposed to smoke in utero, 81 exposed during early childhood (0-2 years of age), and 129 children conceived after the fire (ie, unexposed). EXPOSURE Individualised mean daily and peak 24-hour fire-attributable fine particulate matter (PM2.5 ) exposure during the fire period, based on modelled air quality and time-activity data. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Parent-reported symptoms, medications use, and contacts with medical professionals, collected in monthly online diaries for 29 months, 2-4 years after the fire. RESULTS In the in utero exposure analysis (2678 monthly diaries for 160 children exposed in utero or unexposed), each 10 μg/m3 increase in mean daily PM2.5 exposure was associated with increased reports of runny nose/cough (relative risk [RR], 1.09; 95% CI, 1.02-1.17), wheeze (RR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.18-2.07), seeking health professional advice (RR, 1.17; 95% CI 1.06-1.29), and doctor diagnoses of upper respiratory tract infections, cold or flu (RR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.14-1.60). Associations with peak 24-hour PM2.5 exposure were similar. In the early childhood exposure analysis (3290 diaries for 210 children exposed during early childhood, or unexposed), each 100 μg/m3 increase in peak 24-hour PM2.5 exposure was associated with increased use of asthma inhalers (RR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.01-1.58). CONCLUSIONS Exposure to mine fire smoke in utero was associated with increased reports by parents of respiratory infections and wheeze in their children 2-4 years later.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela A Willis
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS.,National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT
| | - Kate Chappell
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS
| | - Stephanie Williams
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT
| | - Shannon M Melody
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS
| | - Amanda Wheeler
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS.,Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Marita Dalton
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS
| | - Shyamali C Dharmage
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Graeme R Zosky
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS
| | - Fay H Johnston
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS
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Melody SM, Ford JB, Wills K, Venn A, Johnston FH. Maternal exposure to fine particulate matter from a large coal mine fire is associated with gestational diabetes mellitus: A prospective cohort study. Environ Res 2020; 183:108956. [PMID: 31831154 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2014, the Hazelwood coal mine fire was an unprecedented event that resulted in a six-week period of poor air quality in the Latrobe Valley in regional Australia. We aimed to determine whether maternal exposure to fine particulate matter in coal mine fire smoke was associated with selected obstetric complications, including gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and abnormal placentation. METHODS We defined a complete cohort of pregnant women with births >20 weeks in the Latrobe Valley from March 1, 2012-Dec 31, 2015 utilising administrative perinatal data. Average and peak fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was assigned to residential address at delivery using a chemical transport model. Maternal, meteorological and temporal variables were included in final log-binomial regression models. RESULTS 3612 singleton pregnancies were included in the analysis; 766 were exposed to the smoke event. Average maternal PM2.5 exposure was 4.4 μg/m3 (SD 7.7; IQR 2.12). Average peak PM2.5 exposure was 44.9 μg/m3 (SD 57.1; IQR 35.0). An interquartile range increase in peak PM2.5 was associated with a 16% increased likelihood of gestational diabetes mellitus (95%CI 1.09, 1.22; <0.0001). Whereas, an interquartile range increase in average PM2.5 was associated with a 7% increased likelihood of gestational diabetes mellitus (95%CI 1.03, 1.10; <0.0001). Second trimester exposure was of critical importance. No association for hypertensive disorders or abnormal placentation was observed. CONCLUSION this is the first study to examine obstetric complications relating to a discrete smoke event. These findings may guide the public health response to future similar events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon M Melody
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia. http://
| | - Jane B Ford
- Clinical and Population Perinatal Health Research, Kolling Institute, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, New South Wales, 2065, Australia; Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2065, Australia
| | - Karen Wills
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia
| | - Alison Venn
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia
| | - Fay H Johnston
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia
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Wheeler AJ, Jones PJ, Reisen F, Melody SM, Williamson G, Strandberg B, Hinwood A, Almerud P, Blizzard L, Chappell K, Fisher G, Torre P, Zosky GR, Cope M, Johnston FH. Roof cavity dust as an exposure proxy for extreme air pollution events. Chemosphere 2020; 244:125537. [PMID: 32050337 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 12/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Understanding exposure to air pollution during extreme events such as fire emergencies is critical for assessing their potential health impacts. However, air pollution emergencies often affect places without a network of air quality monitoring and characterising exposure retrospectively is methodologically challenging due to the complex behaviour of smoke and other air pollutants. Here we test the potential of roof cavity (attic) dust to act as a robust household-level exposure proxy, using a major air pollution event associated with a coal mine fire in the Latrobe Valley, Australia, as an illustrative study. To assess the relationship between roof cavity dust composition and mine fire exposure, we analysed the elemental and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon composition of roof cavity dust (<150μm) from 39 homes along a gradient of exposure to the mine fire plume. These homes were grouped into 12 zones along this exposure gradient: eight zones across Morwell, where mine fire impacts were greatest, and four in other Latrobe Valley towns at increasing distance from the fire. We identified two elements-barium and magnesium-as 'chemical markers' that show a clear and theoretically grounded relationship with the brown coal mine fire plume exposure. This relationship is robust to the influence of plausible confounders and contrasts with other, non-mine fire related elements, which showed distinct and varied distributional patterns. We conclude that targeted components of roof cavity dust can be a useful empirical marker of household exposure to severe air pollution events and their use could support epidemiological studies by providing spatially-resolved exposure estimates post-event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J Wheeler
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, 7000, Australia; Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia.
| | - Penelope J Jones
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, 7000, Australia
| | - Fabienne Reisen
- CSIRO, 107-121 Station Street, Aspendale, VIC, 3195, Australia
| | - Shannon M Melody
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, 7000, Australia
| | - Grant Williamson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, 7000, Australia
| | - Bo Strandberg
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Section of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Andrea Hinwood
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, 200 Victoria Street, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia
| | - Pernilla Almerud
- Section of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Leigh Blizzard
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, 7000, Australia
| | - Katherine Chappell
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, 7000, Australia
| | - Gavin Fisher
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, 200 Victoria Street, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia
| | - Paul Torre
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, 200 Victoria Street, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia
| | - Graeme R Zosky
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, 7000, Australia; School of Medicine, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, 7000, Australia
| | - Martin Cope
- CSIRO, 107-121 Station Street, Aspendale, VIC, 3195, Australia
| | - Fay H Johnston
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, 7000, Australia
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Melody SM, Ford J, Wills K, Venn A, Johnston FH. Maternal exposure to fine particulate matter from a coal mine fire and birth outcomes in Victoria, Australia. Environ Int 2019; 127:233-242. [PMID: 30928847 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Hazelwood coal mine fire was an unprecedented event in Australian history that resulted in the surrounding towns in regional Victoria being covered in plumes of smoke and ash for six weeks in 2014. Evidence concerning adverse reproductive impacts associated with maternal exposure to ambient air pollution is expanding. Gaps remain regarding the relative impact of acute changes in outdoor air quality lasting days to months, such as that resulting from coal mine fires. METHODS Routinely collected perinatal data was used to define a complete cohort of singleton babies born within the affected region. Maternal average, and peak, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was assigned to residential address at time of delivery using a chemical transport model. Maternal, infant, meteorological and temporal variables were adjusted for in final linear and log-binomial regression models. RESULTS There were a total of 3591 singleton livebirths during the study period; 763 of which were in utero during the coal mine fire. Average PM2.5 exposure was 4.4 μg/m3 (median 1.9; IQR 2.1 μg/m3) and peak was 45.0 μg/m3 (median 30.4; IQR 35.1 μg/m3). There was no association between coal mine fire-attributable PM2.5 and fetal growth or gestational maturity outcomes. However, there was weak evidence that gestational diabetes mellitus was an effect modifier in the relationship between maternal PM2.5 exposure and birth weight. Babies born to exposed gestational diabetic mothers were 97 g heavier per 10 μg/m3 increase in average PM2.5 exposure (95%CI 74, 120 g). No association was observed among mothers without gestational diabetes. CONCLUSION Maternal exposure to fine particulate matter resulting from the 2014 Hazelwood coal mine fire did not appear to adversely effect fetal maturity. However, there was weak evidence of a trophic response among babies born to exposed mothers with gestational diabetes, a possible susceptibility that requires further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon M Melody
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Jane Ford
- Clinical and Population Perinatal Health Research, Kolling Institute, Northern Sydney Local health District, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia; Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Karen Wills
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Alison Venn
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Fay H Johnston
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
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Melody SM, Martin-Gall V, Harding B, Veitch MG. The retail availability of tobacco in Tasmania: evidence for a socio-economic and geographical gradient. Med J Aust 2019. [PMID: 29540133 DOI: 10.5694/mja17.00765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the retail availability of tobacco and to examine the association between tobacco outlet density and area-level remoteness and socio-economic status classification in Tasmania. DESIGN Ecological cross-sectional study; analysis of tobacco retail outlet data collected by the Department of Health and Human Services (Tasmania) according to area-level (Statistical Areas Level 2) remoteness (defined by the Remoteness Structure of the Australian Statistical Geographical Standard) and socio-economic status (defined by the 2011 Australian Bureau of Statistics Index of Relative Socioeconomic Advantage and Disadvantage). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Tobacco retail outlet density per 1000 residents. RESULTS On 31 December 2016, there were 1.54 tobacco retail outlets per 1000 persons. The density of outlets was 79% greater in suburbs or towns in outer regional, remote and very remote Tasmania than in inner regional Tasmania (rate ratio [RR], 1.79; 95% confidence Interval [CI], 1.29-2.50; P < 0.001). Suburbs or towns in Tasmania with the greatest socio-economic disadvantage had more than twice the number of tobacco outlets per 1000 people as areas of least disadvantage (RR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.32-4.21; P = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS A disproportionate concentration of tobacco retail outlets in regional and remote Tasmania and in areas of lowest socio-economic status is evident. Our findings are consistent with those of analyses in New South Wales and Western Australia. Progressive tobacco retail restrictions have been proposed as the next frontier in tobacco control. However, the intended and unintended consequences of such policies need to be investigated, particularly for socio-economically deprived and rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon M Melody
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS
| | | | - Ben Harding
- Department of Health and Human Services, Launceston, TAS
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11
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Melody SM, Ford J, Wills K, Venn A, Johnston FH. Maternal exposure to short-to medium-term outdoor air pollution and obstetric and neonatal outcomes: A systematic review. Environ Pollut 2019; 244:915-925. [PMID: 30469286 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.10.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the impacts of maternal exposure to acute episodes of outdoor air pollution, such as that resulting from wildfires, on obstetric and neonatal outcomes. This systematic review aims to synthesise the existing literature exploring the relationship between maternal exposure to short-to medium-term changes in outdoor air quality and obstetric and neonatal outcomes. METHODS A systematic search of peer-reviewed articles using PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, ProQuest, GreenFILE and Scopus was conducted in January 2018 using selected search terms. Quality of included studies were assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. RESULTS Eleven studies were included; eight assessed the impact of maternal exposure to air pollution exacerbation events, such as wildfires, oil well fires and volcanic eruptions, and three assessed the impact of improvement events, such as the 2018 Beijing Olympics and closure of industrial activities, on obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Studies were highly heterogenous in methodology. Six studies found a significant association between acute changes in air quality and markers of fetal growth restriction, while two did not. Three studies found an adverse association between acute changes in air quality and markers of gestational maturity, and one did not. CONCLUSION Overall, there is some evidence that maternal exposure to acute changes in air quality of short-to medium-term duration increases the risk of fetal growth restriction and preterm birth. The relationship for other adverse obstetric or neonatal outcomes is less clear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon M Melody
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
| | - Jane Ford
- Clinical and Population Perinatal Health Research, Kolling Institute, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia; Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Karen Wills
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Alison Venn
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Fay H Johnston
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
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Melody SM, Bennett E, Clifford HD, Johnston FH, Shepherd CCJ, Alach Z, Lester M, Wood LJ, Franklin P, Zosky GR. A cross-sectional survey of environmental health in remote Aboriginal communities in Western Australia. Int J Environ Health Res 2016; 26:525-535. [PMID: 27267619 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2016.1194384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/14/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Australian Aboriginal population experiences significantly poorer health than the non-Aboriginal population. The contribution of environmental risk factors in remote communities to this health disparity is poorly understood. OBJECTIVE To describe and quantify major environmental risk factors and associated health outcomes in remote Aboriginal communities in Western Australia. METHODS The association between environmental health indicators, community infrastructure and reported health outcomes was analysed using linear and logistic regression of survey data. RESULTS Housing/overcrowding was significantly associated with increased reports of hearing/eyesight (OR 3.01 95 % CI 1.58-5.73), skin (OR 2.71 95 % CI 1.31-5.60), gastrointestinal (OR 3.51 95 % CI 1.49-8.26) and flu/colds (OR 2.47 95 % CI 1.27-4.78) as health concerns. Dust was significantly associated with hearing/eyesight (OR 3.16 95 % CI 1.82-5.48), asthma/respiratory (OR 2.48 95 % CI 1.43-4.29) and flu/colds (OR 3.31 95 % CI 1.88-5.86) as health concerns. CONCLUSION Poor environmental health is prevalent in remote Aboriginal communities and requires further delineation to inform environmental health policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Melody
- a Menzies Institute for Medical Research , University of Tasmania , Hobart , Australia
| | - E Bennett
- b Faculty of Health, School of Medicine , University of Tasmania , Hobart , Australia
| | - H D Clifford
- c Telethon Kids Institute , University of Western Australia , Perth , Australia
| | - F H Johnston
- a Menzies Institute for Medical Research , University of Tasmania , Hobart , Australia
| | - C C J Shepherd
- c Telethon Kids Institute , University of Western Australia , Perth , Australia
| | - Z Alach
- d Environmental Health Directorate, Western Australian Department of Health , Perth , Australia
| | - M Lester
- d Environmental Health Directorate, Western Australian Department of Health , Perth , Australia
| | - L J Wood
- e School of Population Health , University of Western Australia , Perth , Australia
| | - P Franklin
- d Environmental Health Directorate, Western Australian Department of Health , Perth , Australia
| | - G R Zosky
- b Faculty of Health, School of Medicine , University of Tasmania , Hobart , Australia
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