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Atmosphere
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Exposure Assessment of Air Pollution (2nd Edition)
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Exposure Assessment of Air Pollution (2nd Edition)

A special issue of Atmosphere (ISSN 2073-4433). This special issue belongs to the section "Air Quality and Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2024) | Viewed by 7223

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Luca Stabile

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, 03043 Cassino, Italy
Interests: environment; exposure assessment; airborne particles; aerosol; environmental engineering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

After successfully launching the first volume of this Special Issue, "Exposure Assessment of Air Pollution": https://www.mdpi.com/journal/atmosphere/special_issues/exposure_pollut, we decided to expand our Special Issue into a second volume to include more related research.

The foremost aim of scientists investigating air pollution-related issues is the estimation of risk and health outcomes in exposed populations. The value of the information provided is obviously related to the models adopted, but it depends even more on the propaedeutic data for such estimates, i.e., the exposure assessment. Exposure is the consequence of pollutant emission from different sources and the following thermodynamic processes affecting those pollutants. Therefore, the prediction of such exposure is complex; nevertheless, the exposure of a selected population can be accurately measured, and such measurements are crucial to properly estimate pollutants’ dose, risk, and health effects.

People are exposed to several pollutants depending on the microenvironments where they live and work and the lifestyles that they adopt. Indeed, in the past, the scientific community has mainly investigated the air quality of outdoor environments, highlighting, as an example, the critical aspects of the existing standards. Currently, scientists are also trying to deal with the air quality of indoor microenvironments, since a number of studies have clearly recognized such microenvironments as worse than outdoor ones in terms of exposure to hazardous pollutants.

A significant advancement in characterizing exposures to pollutants can only be achieved by considering a multidisciplinary approach involving the techniques, methods, and know-how of air quality experts, metrologists, epidemiologists, engineers, chemists, and physicists. This is the purpose of this Special Issue, “Exposure Assessment of Air Pollution”, which welcomes research considering all the different aspects related to exposure assessment. In particular, the Special Issue will involve, but is not limited to, studies (a) evaluating exposure to different pollutants, particularly microenvironments (both indoor and outdoor); (b) investigating the effectiveness of technical solutions to reduce exposure; (c) modeling the dynamics of different pollutants to predict exposure; (d) highlighting the effect of instruments’ metrological performance on the proper evaluation of exposure; (e) characterizing emissions from sources not yet examined; and (f) proposing new exposure assessment methods and approaches.

Dr. Luca Stabile
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Atmosphere is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • air pollution
  • exposure
  • airborne particles
  • ventilation
  • portable instruments
  • indoor air quality
  • outdoor air quality
  • filtration
  • exposure population study
  • measurements
  • PM chemical analysis
  • pollutant dispersion

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 471 KiB  
Article
Implications of Traditional Cooking on Air Quality and Female Health: An In-Depth Analysis of Particulate Matter, Carbon Monoxide, and Carbon Dioxide Exposure in a Rural Community
by Kenia González-Pedraza, Arturo Figueroa-Montaño, Martha Orozco-Medina, Felipe Lozano-Kasten and Valentina Davydova Belitskaya
Atmosphere 2024, 15(10), 1232; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15101232 - 15 Oct 2024
Viewed by 722
Abstract
Indoor air pollution, particularly in rural communities, is a significant health determinant, primarily due to the prevalence of traditional cooking practices. The WHO estimates 4.3 million annual deaths related to household air pollution. This study quantifies indoor pollutants and assesses health impacts and [...] Read more.
Indoor air pollution, particularly in rural communities, is a significant health determinant, primarily due to the prevalence of traditional cooking practices. The WHO estimates 4.3 million annual deaths related to household air pollution. This study quantifies indoor pollutants and assesses health impacts and perceptions regarding traditional cooking. Using Extech air quality monitoring equipment, the study measured particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), and carbon dioxide (CO2) in 48 rural homes. A survey of 39 women gathered insights on their use of wood for cooking and perceptions of air quality. This dual approach analyzed both environmental and social dimensions. Findings showed fine particulate matter (0.3, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.5 μm) exceeded safety limits by threefold, while coarser particulates (5.0 and 10 µm) were concerning but less immediate. CO levels were mostly acceptable, but high concentrations posed risks. CO2 levels indicated good ventilation. Survey responses highlighted reliance on wood and poor air quality perceptions demonstrating little awareness of health risks. Common symptoms included eye discomfort, respiratory issues, and headaches. The study emphasizes the need for interventions to reduce exposure to indoor pollutants and increase awareness of health risks to encourage cleaner cooking practices in rural communities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exposure Assessment of Air Pollution (2nd Edition))
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13 pages, 2115 KiB  
Article
Influence of Time–Activity Patterns on Indoor Air Quality in Italian Restaurant Kitchens
by Marta Keller, Davide Campagnolo, Francesca Borghi, Alessio Carminati, Giacomo Fanti, Sabrina Rovelli, Carolina Zellino, Rocco Loris Del Vecchio, Giovanni De Vito, Andrea Spinazzé, Viktor Gábor Mihucz, Carlo Dossi, Mariella Carrieri, Andrea Cattaneo and Domenico Maria Cavallo
Atmosphere 2024, 15(8), 976; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15080976 - 15 Aug 2024
Viewed by 832
Abstract
This study aims to delve deeper into the relationship between the professional activities carried out in restaurant kitchens and some key air pollutants. The ultrafine particles (UFPs), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs) and formaldehyde [...] Read more.
This study aims to delve deeper into the relationship between the professional activities carried out in restaurant kitchens and some key air pollutants. The ultrafine particles (UFPs), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs) and formaldehyde (HCHO) indoor air concentrations were determined using real-time monitors. Simultaneously, the kitchen environment was characterized using video recordings with the aim to retrieve information pertaining to cooking, cookware washing and surface cleaning activities. Statistical analysis was carried out separately for the winter and summer campaigns. The obtained results confirmed that the professional activities carried out in restaurant kitchens had a significant impact on the concentrations of all the selected pollutants. Specifically, this study revealed the following key results: (i) indoor UFPs and NO2 concentrations were significantly higher during cooking than during washing activities (e.g., about +60% frying vs. handwashing and dishwasher running), mainly in the winter; (ii) washing activity had a statistically significant impact on the TVOC (+39% on average) and HCHO (+67% on average) concentrations compared to other activities; (iii) some specific sources of short-term pollutant emissions have been identified, such as the different types of cooking and opening the dishwasher; and (iv) in some restaurants, a clear time-dependent relationship between O3 and UFP, TVOC and HCHO has been observed, underlining the occurrence of ozonolysis reactions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exposure Assessment of Air Pollution (2nd Edition))
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35 pages, 11163 KiB  
Article
Source Profile Analysis, Source Apportionment, and Potential Health Risk of Ambient Particle-Bound Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Areas of Specific Interest
by Dikaia Saraga, Michail Pachoulis, Maria Dasopoulou, Panagiotis Panagopoulos, Dimitra Balla, Kyriaki Bairachtari and Thomas Maggos
Atmosphere 2024, 15(8), 938; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15080938 - 5 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1093
Abstract
Ambient particulate matter (PM10) and its chemical composition in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were studied in areas of specific interest, between September 2015 and July 2016. The principal aim of this study was to assess the different PAH source profiles in [...] Read more.
Ambient particulate matter (PM10) and its chemical composition in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were studied in areas of specific interest, between September 2015 and July 2016. The principal aim of this study was to assess the different PAH source profiles in each area, as well as their potential health risk. In particular, the studied areas were (a) the semiurban industrialized zone of the Municipality of Peloponnese (Meligalas, Messini) of Messinia prefecture, due to the intensive olive-productive activity in the extensive area, (b) the industrialized zone of Oinofyta in Voiotia prefecture, and (c) the urban/traffic center of Athens (Aristotelous). Intense spatial and seasonal variations in PAH levels were observed among the study areas collectively, but also for each one individually. During the winter period, the total PAHs average concentration was 11.45 and 9.84 ng/m3 at Meligalas–Skala (S1, S2 stations), 8.84 ng/m3 at Messini (S3 station), and 6.30 ng/m3 at the center of Athens (Aristotelous). During the summer campaign, the corresponding levels were 0.99, 1.20, and 0.70 ng/m3 (S1, S2, and S3 stations), and 5.84 ng/m3 (Aristotelous), respectively. The highest potential cancer risk of the PAHs mixture was estimated based on winter season measurements taken at the Municipality of Peloponnese. In order to determine PAH sources, two different source apportionment techniques were applied, i.e., diagnostic ratios (DRs) and the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exposure Assessment of Air Pollution (2nd Edition))
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20 pages, 3795 KiB  
Article
Effectiveness of Air Filtration in Reducing PM2.5 Exposures at a School in a Community Heavily Impacted by Air Pollution
by McKenna Thompson, Rosemary Castorina, Wenhao Chen, David Moore, Kyle Peerless and Susan Hurley
Atmosphere 2024, 15(8), 901; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15080901 - 28 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1272
Abstract
Reducing children’s exposure to air pollution is a priority among California communities heavily impacted by air pollution exposures. We conducted an observational air quality study at a school to investigate the effectiveness of improved Heating, Ventilation, and Cooling (HVAC) system filters and portable [...] Read more.
Reducing children’s exposure to air pollution is a priority among California communities heavily impacted by air pollution exposures. We conducted an observational air quality study at a school to investigate the effectiveness of improved Heating, Ventilation, and Cooling (HVAC) system filters and portable air cleaners (PACs) in reducing children’s exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) under real-world classroom conditions. This study included five classrooms, three of which had PACs. Halfway through the study period, high-efficiency HVAC filters were installed in all five classrooms. Continuous measurements of outdoor and in-classroom PM2.5 concentrations were used to evaluate filtration effectiveness. The air filtration strategies, alone and in combination, demonstrated 14–56% reductions in indoor PM2.5 concentrations compared to outdoor levels. There were significant improvements in filtration resulting from HVAC filter upgrades in the two classrooms without PACs (11% and 22% improvement, p < 0.001). Upgrading HVAC filters in classrooms with PACs did not significantly improve filtration effectiveness, suggesting that utilizing both strategies simultaneously may not meaningfully improve air quality under these circumstances. CO2 data, as a proxy for ventilation, helped demonstrate that the observed filtration effectiveness was likely impacted by the variable HVAC system use and open doors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exposure Assessment of Air Pollution (2nd Edition))
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16 pages, 8634 KiB  
Article
Exploring Spatial–Temporal Patterns of Air Pollution Concentration and Their Relationship with Land Use
by Lorenzo Gianquintieri, Amruta Umakant Mahakalkar and Enrico Gianluca Caiani
Atmosphere 2024, 15(6), 699; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15060699 - 9 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1421
Abstract
Understanding the spatial–temporal patterns of air pollution is crucial for mitigation strategies, a task fostered nowadays by the generation of continuous concentration maps by remote sensing technologies. We applied spatial modelling to analyze such spatial–temporal patterns in Lombardy, Italy, one of the most [...] Read more.
Understanding the spatial–temporal patterns of air pollution is crucial for mitigation strategies, a task fostered nowadays by the generation of continuous concentration maps by remote sensing technologies. We applied spatial modelling to analyze such spatial–temporal patterns in Lombardy, Italy, one of the most polluted regions in Europe. We conducted monthly spatial autocorrelation (global and local) of the daily average concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2, SO2, and CO from 2016 to 2020, using 10 × 10 km satellite data from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS), aggregated on districts of approximately 100,000 population. Land-use classes were computed on identified clusters, and the significance of the differences was evaluated through the Wilcoxon rank-sum test with Bonferroni correction. The global Moran’s I autocorrelation was overall high (>0.6), indicating a strong clustering. The local autocorrelation revealed high–high clusters of PM2.5 and PM10 in the central urbanized zones in winter (January–December), and in the agrarian southern districts in summer and autumn (May–October). The temporal decomposition showed that values of PMs are particularly high in winter. Low–low clusters emerged in the northern districts for all the pollutants except O3. Seasonal peaks for O3 occurred in the summer months, with high–high clusters mostly in the hilly and mildly urban districts in the northwest. These findings elaborate the spatial patterns of air pollution concentration, providing insights for effective land-use-based pollution management strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exposure Assessment of Air Pollution (2nd Edition))
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14 pages, 3819 KiB  
Article
COVID-19 Lockdown Air Pollution Reduction: Did It Impact the Number of COPD Hospitalizations?
by Jovan Javorac, Dejan Živanović, Miroslav Ilić, Vesna Mijatović Jovin, Svetlana Stojkov, Mirjana Smuđa, Ivana Minaković, Bela Kolarš, Veljko Ćućuz and Marija Jevtić
Atmosphere 2024, 15(5), 593; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15050593 - 13 May 2024
Viewed by 969
Abstract
In addition to the detrimental health consequences, the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic have yielded unforeseen benefits in terms of reducing air pollution emissions. This study investigated air pollution changes in Novi Sad, Serbia, during the COVID-19 lockdown (March–June 2020) and their [...] Read more.
In addition to the detrimental health consequences, the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic have yielded unforeseen benefits in terms of reducing air pollution emissions. This study investigated air pollution changes in Novi Sad, Serbia, during the COVID-19 lockdown (March–June 2020) and their correlation with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) hospitalizations. Using quasi-Poisson generalized linear models (GLM) and distributed lag non-linear models (DLNM), we examined the relationship between the number of AECOPD hospitalizations and the concentrations of selected air pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, SO2, and NO2) from March to June of 2019, 2020, and 2021. During the COVID-19 lockdown, significant reductions in most air pollutant concentrations and the number of AECOPD hospitalizations were observed. However, neither the study year nor its interaction with air pollutant concentration significantly predicted AECOPD hospitalizations (p > 0.05). The 95% confidence intervals of the relative risks for the occurrence of AECOPD hospitalizations at each increase in the examined air pollutant by 10 μg/m3 overlapped across years, suggesting consistent effects of air pollution on the risk of AECOPD hospitalizations pre-pandemic and during lockdown. In conclusion, reduced air pollution emissions during the COVID-19 lockdown did not lead to a statistically significant change in the number of AECOPD hospitalizations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exposure Assessment of Air Pollution (2nd Edition))
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