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Air Pollution Exposure and Health Impact Assessment (2nd Edition)
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Air Pollution Exposure and Health Impact Assessment (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 (30 June 2024) | Viewed by 13271

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Christos Argyropoulos

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Guest Editor
School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Egkomi 2404, Cyprus
Interests: health risk assessment; occupational health & safety; public health; air pollution; process safety
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Zoi Dorothea Pana

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Medicine, European University of Cyprus, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus
Interests: epidemiology; infection control and prevention; health technology assessment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Changqing Lin

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Division of Environment and Sustainability, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
Interests: remote sensing; aerosols; air pollutions; public health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is a follow-up to the first Special Issue entitled “Air Pollution Exposure and Health Impact Assessment” (https://www.mdpi.com/journal/atmosphere/special_issues/4SV33032J5) published in Atmosphere in 2023.

This Special Issue aims to provide recent advances in the field of “Air Pollution Exposure and Health Impact Assessment”. Air pollution exposure, including ambient air pollution and household air pollution, has been associated with several adverse health effects, such as heart diseases, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia and lung cancer. The path from exposure to health impact follows several steps: exposure concentration → internal dose → sub-clinical effects → early effects → adverse effects. Different types of studies, e.g., epidemiological, have been conducted in an effort to investigate the relationship between exposure and health impact. Mathematical models, sampling technologies, analysis methods, and remote sensing are used to perform exposure estimation. Individual mobile devices are used to acquire personal activity and location data. Additionally, biomarker data, including biomarkers of exposure, effect, and susceptibility, are collected and analyzed to further elucidate the relationship between exposure and disease. Recently, the concept of the exposome has been introduced in exposure science; it can be defined as the measure of all the exposures of an individual in their lifetime and how those exposures relate to health. Exposomics (the study of the exposome) as well as genomics, metabonomics, lipidomics, transcriptomics and proteomics are being developed to better understand exposure–disease causation, as well as disease progress and mechanisms. The main goal of the study of exposure and health impact is to prevent disease through effective mitigation measures, such as the usage of clean energy, air pollutant emission regulation, and adequate transport networks of rapid transit combined with walking and cycling. This Special Issue aims to showcase recent scientific and technological advances in exposure estimation through geographic information technologies, biomonitoring for internal exposure and/or effects, exposure model development, causation identification between exposure and health impacts, and mitigation measures for exposure reduction.

Original results from field and laboratory measurements, observational studies, models, and review papers related to air pollution exposure and health impact assessment are all welcome contributions.

Dr. Christos Argyropoulos
Dr. Zoi Dorothea Pana
Dr. Changqing Lin
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • air pollutant
  • air quality standards
  • environmental exposure assessment
  • biomarker
  • exposome
  • remote sensing
  • susceptibility
  • dose–response relationship
  • model development
  • sampling and analysis method
  • respiratory and cardiovascular diseases
  • public health interventions
  • health impact modelling
  • health effects

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 876 KiB  
Article
Impact of Air Pollution on the Long-Term Decline of Non-Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Interstitial Lung Disease
by Pablo Mariscal-Aguilar, Luis Gómez-Carrera, Gema Bonilla, Carlos Carpio, Ester Zamarrón, María Fernández-Velilla, Mariana Díaz-Almirón, Francisco Gayá, Elena Villamañán, Concepción Prados and Rodolfo Álvarez-Sala
Atmosphere 2024, 15(12), 1405; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15121405 - 22 Nov 2024
Abstract
Objective: This study examines the association between major urban pollutants and the long-term decline of non-idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis interstitial lung disease [non-IPF ILD]. Materials and methods: A total of 41 patients with non-IPF ILD were analyzed from 2011 to 2020, correlating disease long-term [...] Read more.
Objective: This study examines the association between major urban pollutants and the long-term decline of non-idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis interstitial lung disease [non-IPF ILD]. Materials and methods: A total of 41 patients with non-IPF ILD were analyzed from 2011 to 2020, correlating disease long-term decline with concentrations of key pollutants [SO2, CO, NO2, O3, PM2.5, and PM10] in Madrid. The likelihood of meeting severity criteria was assessed using a generalized linear model, considering the average pollutant levels during severe episodes. Results: At diagnosis, the average age of patients was 62.95 ± 13.13 years, with 47.6% women. The study found no significant association between pollution levels and the probability of meeting severity criteria for non-IPF ILD. The odds ratios were as follows: OR SO2 = 0.92 [0.82–1.03], p = 0.16; OR CO = 0.99 [0.97–1.05], p = 0.70; OR NO2 = 0.97 [0.92–1.03], p = 0.38; OR PM2.5 = 0.79 [0.54–1.17], p = 0.24; OR PM10 = 1.1 [0.94–1.28], p = 0.21; OR O3 = 0.97 [0.92–1.01], p = 0.20. Conclusions: Our study suggests that, within the cohort of 41 patients with non-IPF ILD enrolled in this study, urban air pollutants in Madrid are not significantly linked to increased long-term decline of non-IPF ILD. This is one of the first studies to explore the impact of various urban pollutants on a diverse cohort of non-IPF ILD patients, including rare conditions like LAM and histiocytosis X. Further research with larger sample sizes and comprehensive exposure assessments is recommended. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution Exposure and Health Impact Assessment (2nd Edition))
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15 pages, 4038 KiB  
Article
Health Risk Assessment of Ambient Volatile Organic Compounds in a Border City in Canada
by Taraneh Mihankhah, Yushan Su, Tianchu Zhang, Jonathan Wang, James Gilmore, Michael Noble, Anthony Munoz, Chris Charron and Xiaohong Xu
Atmosphere 2024, 15(9), 1038; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15091038 - 28 Aug 2024
Viewed by 796
Abstract
This study characterizes cancer and non-cancer risks due to inhalation exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a border city of Windsor in southern Ontario, Canada, using hourly ambient concentrations collected from 17 November 2021 to 17 March 2023. The total incremental lifetime [...] Read more.
This study characterizes cancer and non-cancer risks due to inhalation exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a border city of Windsor in southern Ontario, Canada, using hourly ambient concentrations collected from 17 November 2021 to 17 March 2023. The total incremental lifetime cancer risk (CR) due to benzene and ethylbenzene is 4.33 × 10−6, which is in the acceptable risk range of 1 × 10−6 to 1 × 10−4 used by the USEPA. The CR was higher in winter (5.20 × 10−6), followed by fall (4.32 × 10−6), spring (3.86 × 10−6), and summer (2.96 × 10−6), all in the acceptable range. The total chronic non-cancer risk (Hazard Quotient, HQ) of inhalation exposure to 16 VOCs was 0.0488, with a higher value in fall (0.0571), followed by winter (0.0464), and lower in spring (0.0454) and summer (0.0451), all in the safe level of below HQ = 1 used by the USEPA. The hazard index (HI) by organs was higher for the nervous system (0.0213), followed by the hematologic system and immune system (0.0165 each), but much lower for the other five target organs, i.e., the liver/kidney (1.52 × 10−4), developmental system (3.38 × 10−4), endocrine system and urinary system (2.82 × 10−4 each), and respiratory system (9.70 × 10−5). Similar hour-of-day trends were observed in the total CR, total HQ, and HI by organs with higher values in the early morning hours of 5:00–8:00 and lower values during 12:00 to 15:00. Benzene was the major contributor to both total CR (89%) and total HQ (34%) due to its high toxicity and high concentrations. Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) contributed 100% of the total CR and 51% of the total HQ. Further, BTEX is the sole contributor to the HI for the hematologic system and immune system and the major contributor to the HI for the nervous system (39%) and developmental system (55%). Higher cancer and non-cancer risks were associated with the airmass from the east, southeast, and southwest of Windsor. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution Exposure and Health Impact Assessment (2nd Edition))
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22 pages, 3788 KiB  
Article
Developmental Ambient Air Pollution Exposure in Mice Alters Fronto-Striatal Neurotransmitter System Function: Male-Biased Serotonergic Vulnerability
by Deborah A. Cory-Slechta, Katherine Conrad, Elena Marvin, David Chalupa, Gunter Oberdörster and Marissa Sobolewski
Atmosphere 2024, 15(7), 853; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15070853 - 19 Jul 2024
Viewed by 692
Abstract
Air pollution (AP) exposures have been associated with autism (ASD), schizophrenia (SCZ), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), male-biased neurodevelopmental disorders that are linked to alterations in brain fronto-striatal neurotransmitter systems. The current study sought to assess how developmental exposures of mice to [...] Read more.
Air pollution (AP) exposures have been associated with autism (ASD), schizophrenia (SCZ), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), male-biased neurodevelopmental disorders that are linked to alterations in brain fronto-striatal neurotransmitter systems. The current study sought to assess how developmental exposures of mice to inhaled ambient ultrafine particle (UFP) air pollution, considered its most reactive component, alters fronto-striatal functional correlations. Mice were exposed via inhalation to concentrated ambient UFPs from postnatal days (PND) 4–7 and 10–13. Frontal cortex, striatum, and serum were collected at PND14 and PND50 to evaluate both acute and persistent effects. UFP-induced changes, more extensive and persistent in males, included elimination of frontal cortical kynurenine correlations with striatal neurotransmitter function, persistent immunosuppression of approximately 50%, and striatal neurotransmitter turnover correlations with serum corticosterone. More limited effects in females did not show persistence. Collectively, these findings depict an apparently physiologically-integrated UFP-induced persistent male-biased vulnerability to brain fronto-striatal system dysfunction that could contribute to behavioral deficits associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Further studies are needed to ascertain the interactive physiological mechanisms of male fronto-striatal vulnerability and their relation to behavioral impairments, mechanisms of apparent female compensation, and specific contaminants of AP that underlie this vulnerability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution Exposure and Health Impact Assessment (2nd Edition))
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18 pages, 817 KiB  
Article
Assessing Worker Exposure to Vehicle Exhaust Emissions and Self-Reported Exposure Symptoms at the Lebombo Port of Entry, in Mpumalanga, South Africa
by Zwelithini M. Makhabane, Kingsley K. Mokoena and Phoka C. Rathebe
Atmosphere 2024, 15(7), 851; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15070851 - 19 Jul 2024
Viewed by 801
Abstract
This study assessed workers’ exposure to vehicle exhaust emissions and its health effects at the Lebombo Port of Entry. A quantitative cross-sectional design was adopted, and a structured questionnaire was administered on 209 adult workers to measure their knowledge on vehicle exhaust emissions [...] Read more.
This study assessed workers’ exposure to vehicle exhaust emissions and its health effects at the Lebombo Port of Entry. A quantitative cross-sectional design was adopted, and a structured questionnaire was administered on 209 adult workers to measure their knowledge on vehicle exhaust emissions exposures. Air samples were also collected from the participants using air sampling pumps. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 27. Logistic regression was performed to examine the association between dependent variables and some sociodemographic factors. Vocational certificates and associate degrees were attributed to workers in the South African Police Services and those in Agriculture: (Odds Ratio) = 2.83%, Confidence Interval (1.41–5.65) and (Odds Ratio) = 4.58%, Confidence Interval (2.10–9.99), respectively. Divorced males had a high level of knowledge and awareness of vehicle exhaust emission and their health effects: (Adjusted Odds Ratio) = 5.31%, Confidence Interval (1.08–26.14). Males had better knowledge of vehicle exhaust emission with carcinogenic effects: (Adjusted Odds Ratio) = 3.28%, Confidence Interval (1.11–9.67). Having an associate’s degree as the highest level of education and irritation of nose and eyes were associated with lower awareness of vehicle exhaust emissions: (Adjusted Odds Ratio) = 0.42%, Confidence Interval (0.19–0.97) and (Adjusted Odds Ratio) = 0.31%, Confidence Interval (0.13–0.76), respectively. The diesel particulate matter concentration was higher during day shifts (0.027 mg/m3) compared to night shifts (0.021 mg/m3), p = 0.001. Seventy-one workers (34%) reported experiencing acute headaches often, and fewer workers (n = 31, 14.8%) reported to have never suffered from an acute headache. A majority of workers (71 (34%)) experienced acute irritation of nose and eyes often compared to a few (33 (16%)) workers who experienced the same less often. In addition, a majority of workers (84 (40.2%)) experienced acute fatigue and nausea often, while fewer workers (37 (17.7%)) experienced fatigue and nausea very often. The majority of workers (n = 116, 55.5%) suffered cough and sneezing more often compared to others. There is an urgent need for improved and effective controls to reduce workers’ exposure to vehicle exhaust emissions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution Exposure and Health Impact Assessment (2nd Edition))
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23 pages, 3116 KiB  
Article
Chemical Composition of PM2.5-0.3 and PM0.3 Collected in Southern Lebanon and Assessment of Their Toxicity in BEAS-2B Cells
by Ghidaa Badran, Malak Chwaikani, Anthony Verdin, Imane Abbas, Ophélie Simonin, Fabrice Cazier, Mohamad Roumie, Dominique Courcot, Jean-Marc Lo Guidice, Frédéric Ledoux and Guillaume Garçon
Atmosphere 2024, 15(7), 811; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15070811 - 6 Jul 2024
Viewed by 851
Abstract
Fine particles (PM2.5) have generally been reported as the major contributor to the adverse health effects of air pollution. Lebanon is characterized by a high density of transport, the production of electricity by generators, and a problem of uncontrolled incineration of [...] Read more.
Fine particles (PM2.5) have generally been reported as the major contributor to the adverse health effects of air pollution. Lebanon is characterized by a high density of transport, the production of electricity by generators, and a problem of uncontrolled incineration of household waste. For the purpose of this paper, the physico-chemical properties of fine (PM2.5-0.3) and quasi-ultrafine (PM0.3) particulate matter sampled in Southern Lebanon, were studied. Then, an evaluation and comparison of the toxicity of the different extracted fractions from PM (i.e., native PM2.5-0.3 vs. organic extractable matter fraction (OEM2.5-0.3), and non-extractable matter fraction (NEM2.5-0.3)) was performed. Also, an examination of the toxicity of PM0.3 was conducted indirectly through the evaluation of the OEM0.3 harmfulness. The physico-chemical analysis showed that PM0.3 was much more concentrated than PM2.5-0.3 in organic compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (28-fold) and their nitrated (N-PAHs, 14-fold) and oxygenated (O-PAHs, 10-fold) derivatives. Normal human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) were exposed to PM2.5-0.3, its derived fractions (i.e., OEM2.5-0.3 and NEM2.5-0.3), and OEM0.3 before evaluating the global cytotoxicity, metabolic activation of organic compounds, genotoxicity, and inflammatory response. Different responses were observed depending on the considered fraction of particles. The global cytotoxicity showed a pronounced response related to ATP and LDH activities after exposure to the quasi-ultrafine organic extractable matter fraction (OEM0.3). There was no significant induction of the AhR cell-signaling pathway by NEM2.5-0.3. Despite the apparent difference in the kinetics of induction of the toxicological endpoints under study, OEM0.3 provoked a higher overall cytotoxicity and genotoxicity than OEM2.5-0.3 and total PM2.5-0.3. Taken together, these results clearly showed that the finest particles are more damaging to BEAS-2B cells than PM2.5-0.3 because they are richer in organic compounds, thereby inducing more remarkable toxic effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution Exposure and Health Impact Assessment (2nd Edition))
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19 pages, 4866 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Fluxes and Ecological and Health Risks of Toxic Trace Elements in Atmospheric Deposition from the Baicheng-Songyuan Area, Jilin Province, Northeast China
by Yinghong Liu, Wen Gao and Sheli Chai
Atmosphere 2024, 15(7), 744; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15070744 - 21 Jun 2024
Viewed by 564
Abstract
A total of 56 atmospheric deposition samples were collected on a yearly basis from the Baicheng-Songyuan areas, Jilin Province, Northeast China. Each sample was subdivided into wet (soluble) and dry (insoluble) fractions, and the concentrations of toxic trace elements including As, Cd, Co, [...] Read more.
A total of 56 atmospheric deposition samples were collected on a yearly basis from the Baicheng-Songyuan areas, Jilin Province, Northeast China. Each sample was subdivided into wet (soluble) and dry (insoluble) fractions, and the concentrations of toxic trace elements including As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn in both fractions were analyzed. The bulk fluxes and ecological and human health risk of these toxic trace elements in atmospheric deposition were evaluated. The bulk deposition fluxes of toxic trace elements decreased in the order of Mn > Zn > Cr > Pb > Cu > Ni > As > Co >Mo > Cd > Se > Hg. The fluxes of toxic trace elements in dry fraction accounted for 74.7–99.9% of their bulk deposition fluxes, indicating that the atmospheric deposition of toxic trace elements in the study area is predominantly dry atmospheric deposition. The mean values of the geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and enrichment factor showed moderately heavy contamination with Cd via dry atmospheric deposition, but no contamination from other toxic trace elements; Cd and Hg in dry atmospheric deposition were in the moderate to considerable ecological risk levels, while other trace elements were at low ecological risk levels. The health risk assessment showed that the effects of toxic trace elements in dry atmospheric deposition via three exposure pathways were in the order of ingestion > inhalation > dermal contact for adults and children. The mean values of hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) of toxic trace elements via three pathways were less than one, indicating that their non-carcinogenic risks in dry atmospheric deposition may be low or negligible for adults and children. The mean values of carcinogenic risk (CR) and total carcinogenic risk (TCR) of As and Cr via the three pathways for adults and children were between 10−6 and 10−4, indicating that the carcinogenic risk levels of As and Cr were tolerable or acceptable, and the mean TCR value of Cd through the three pathways for adult and children was less than 10−6, implying that the carcinogenic risk level of Cd was negligible. Mn, Ni, Cr, and Co in dry atmospheric deposition were mainly contributed from the crustal sources, while As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Mo, Pb, Se, and Zn in dry atmospheric deposition were derived from both crustal and anthropogenic sources. The results obtained in this study advocate the necessity for monitoring atmospheric deposition in some rural areas, and also provide a scientific basis for controlling contamination posed by toxic trace elements in dry atmospheric deposition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution Exposure and Health Impact Assessment (2nd Edition))
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10 pages, 3241 KiB  
Communication
Assessing the Influence of Vehicular Traffic-Associated Atmospheric Pollutants on Pulmonary Function Using Spirometry and Impulse Oscillometry in Healthy Participants: Insights from Bogotá, 2020–2021
by Julia Edith Almentero, Andrea Rico Hernández, Hanna Soto, Andrés García, Yesith Guillermo Toloza-Pérez and Jeadran N. Malagón-Rojas
Atmosphere 2024, 15(6), 688; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15060688 - 4 Jun 2024
Viewed by 675
Abstract
Air pollution, particularly from particulate matter (PM2.5) and black carbon (eBC), has been implicated in airway pathologies. This study aims to assess the relationship between exposure to these pollutants and respiratory function in various populations, including healthy individuals, while seeking an [...] Read more.
Air pollution, particularly from particulate matter (PM2.5) and black carbon (eBC), has been implicated in airway pathologies. This study aims to assess the relationship between exposure to these pollutants and respiratory function in various populations, including healthy individuals, while seeking an accurate assessment method. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Bogotá, evaluating respiratory function in the users of bicycles, minivans, and buses through spirometry and impulse oscillometry. Measurements were taken along two main avenues, assessing the PM2.5 and eBC concentrations. The results reveal higher pollutant levels on AVE KR 9, correlating with changes in oscillometry values post-travel. Cyclists exhibited differing pre- and post-travel values compared to bus and minivan users, suggesting aerobic exercise mitigates pollutant impacts. However, no statistically significant spirometry or impulse oscillometry variations were observed among routes or modes. Public transport and minivan users showed greater PM2.5 and eBC exposure, yet no significant changes associated with environmental contaminants were found in respiratory function values. These findings underscore the importance of further research on pollutant effects and respiratory health in urban environments, particularly concerning different transport modes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution Exposure and Health Impact Assessment (2nd Edition))
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12 pages, 4232 KiB  
Article
Spatiotemporal Exposure Assessment of PM2.5 Concentration Using a Sensor-Based Air Monitoring System
by Jihun Shin, Jaemin Woo, Youngtae Choe, Gihong Min, Dongjun Kim, Daehwan Kim, Sanghoon Lee and Wonho Yang
Atmosphere 2024, 15(6), 664; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15060664 - 31 May 2024
Viewed by 607
Abstract
Sensor-based air monitoring instruments (SAMIs) can provide high-resolution air quality data by offering a detailed mapping of areas that air quality monitoring stations (AQMSs) cannot reach. This enhances the precision of estimating PM2.5 concentration levels for areas that have not been directly [...] Read more.
Sensor-based air monitoring instruments (SAMIs) can provide high-resolution air quality data by offering a detailed mapping of areas that air quality monitoring stations (AQMSs) cannot reach. This enhances the precision of estimating PM2.5 concentration levels for areas that have not been directly measured, thereby enabling an accurate assessment of exposure. The study period was from 30 September to 2 October 2019 in the Guro-gu district, Seoul, Republic of Korea. Four models were applied to assess the suitability of the SAMIs and visualize the temporal and spatial distribution of PM2.5. Assuming that the PM2.5 concentrations measured at a SAMI located in the center of the Guro-gu district represent the true values, the PM2.5 concentrations estimated using QGIS spatial interpolation techniques were compared. The SAMIs were used at seven points (S1–S7) according to the distance. Models 3 and 4 accurately estimated the unmeasured points with higher coefficients of determination (R2) than the other models. As the distance from the AQMS increased from S1 to S7, the R2 between the observed and estimated values decreased from 0.89 to 0.29, respectively. The auxiliary installation of SAMIs could resolve regional concentration imbalances, allowing for the accurate estimation of pollutant concentrations and improved risk assessment for the population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution Exposure and Health Impact Assessment (2nd Edition))
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18 pages, 7240 KiB  
Article
Prevalence Distribution of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in the City of Osorno (Chile) in 2018, and Its Association with Fine Particulate Matter PM2.5 Air Pollution
by Ricardo Fernández, Romina Peña, Jaime Bravo-Alvarado, Kevin R. Maisey, Edison P. Reyes, Daniel Ruiz-Plaza De Los Reyes and Rodrigo Márquez-Reyes
Atmosphere 2024, 15(4), 482; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15040482 - 13 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1531
Abstract
Outdoor air pollution and biomass smoke exposure are related to the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Since Osorno, Chile, is saturated with fine particulate matter (PM2.5), the aim of this work is to determine the prevalence distribution of COPD [...] Read more.
Outdoor air pollution and biomass smoke exposure are related to the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Since Osorno, Chile, is saturated with fine particulate matter (PM2.5), the aim of this work is to determine the prevalence distribution of COPD patients in the Primary Health Care (PHC) system in the city of Osorno, and its relationship with PM2.5. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out on COPD patients enrolled in the six PHC centers (PHCCs) of the city to assess the adjusted prevalence (population over 40 years). Gender- and territory-associated odds ratios (ORs) were also determined. In addition, an urban analysis of the distribution of PM2.5 and an exploratory analysis of the spatial behavior of enrolled COPD patients through featured binning were carried out. In 2018, the city of Osorno had 809 enrolled COPD patients in the PHC system (55.1% female), with a 1.3% age-adjusted prevalence (inhabitants over 40 years old), which was 11.7% after underdiagnosis correction. The COPD patients were mainly between 70 and 79 years old (34.3%). The urban area under the administration of the PHCC Rahue Alto (PHCC-RA) had a higher OR (1.98 [1.73–2.26]) compared to the situation of the city. Also, air pollution (PM2.5) was the highest in the PHCC-RA area, which could account for the observed prevalence. The number of COPD patients in this area is the highest in the commune, which increases the risk of complications derived from the disease and air pollution. Thus, territories with the highest COPD prevalence have the largest OR, which could complicate patients’ condition due to the high levels of outdoor air pollution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution Exposure and Health Impact Assessment (2nd Edition))
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11 pages, 1446 KiB  
Article
Risk Estimation of Heavy Metals Associated with PM2.5 in the Urban Area of Cuernavaca, México
by Alhelí Brito-Hernández, Hugo Saldarriaga-Noreña, Mauricio Rosales-Rivera, Maria-Luisa García-Betancourt, Mario Alfonso Murillo-Tovar, Mariana Romero-Aguilar, Violeta Mugica-Alvarez, José de Jesús Díaz-Torres and José de Jesús Figueroa-Lara
Atmosphere 2024, 15(4), 409; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15040409 - 26 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1402
Abstract
The city of Cuernavaca has experienced a significant deterioration in air quality in recent years. Despite this situation, few studies in the region have constantly monitored this problem. The objective of this study was to determine the concentrations of heavy metals in PM [...] Read more.
The city of Cuernavaca has experienced a significant deterioration in air quality in recent years. Despite this situation, few studies in the region have constantly monitored this problem. The objective of this study was to determine the concentrations of heavy metals in PM2.5 in three representative sites of the city and estimate the risks posed to human health and the environment. The results revealed concentrations in the following order of abundance: Fe > Al > Mg > Zn > As > Ni > V > Pb > Mn. The EF indicated that As comes mainly from anthropogenic emissions; Zn, V, Pb, and Ni come from natural and anthropogenic sources; and Mn, Fe and Al have a natural origin derived from the soil. The Igeo, As, Pb and Zn were greater than five, followed by V and Ni, whose values ranged between two and three. The ecological RI was far greater than 600 in all cases. The HQ revealed that all values were below one, indicating that the health risk posed by exposure to ambient air is below that established by the USEPA. The Ni ILCR values for adults were 1.03 × 10−5, followed by 2.9 × 10−6 and 1.6 × 10−7 for Pb and As, respectively. For children, the values were in the following order: Pb (1.2 × 10−6), Ni (4.8 × 10−6) and As (7.5 × 10−6). These findings suggest that Cuernavaca’s air has moderate to heavy contamination levels, which must be taken into account by environmental authorities so that measurements can be taken to help reverse this situation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution Exposure and Health Impact Assessment (2nd Edition))
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28 pages, 13624 KiB  
Review
State-of-the-Art Low-Cost Air Quality Sensors, Assemblies, Calibration and Evaluation for Respiration-Associated Diseases: A Systematic Review
by Hasan Tariq, Farid Touati, Damiano Crescini and Adel Ben Mnaouer
Atmosphere 2024, 15(4), 471; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15040471 - 11 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4228
Abstract
Indoor air quality and respiratory health have always been an area of prime interest across the globe. The significance of low-cost air quality sensing and indoor public health practices spiked during the pandemic when indoor air pollution became a threat to living beings, [...] Read more.
Indoor air quality and respiratory health have always been an area of prime interest across the globe. The significance of low-cost air quality sensing and indoor public health practices spiked during the pandemic when indoor air pollution became a threat to living beings, especially human beings. Problem Definition: Indoor respiration-associated diseases are hard to diagnose if they are due to indoor environmental conditions. A major challenge was observed in establishing a baseline between indoor air quality sensors and associated respiratory diseases. Methods: In this work, 10,000+ articles from top literature databases were reviewed using six bibliometric analysis methods (Lorenz Curve of Citations, Hirch’s H-Index, Kosmulski’s H2-Index, Harzing’s Hl-Norm-Index, Sidoropolous’s HC-Index, and Schrieber’s HM-index) to formulate indoor air quality sensor and disease correlation publication rubrics to critically review 482 articles. Results: A set of 152 articles was found based on systematic review parameters in six bibliometric indices for publications that used WHO, NIH, US EPA, CDC, and FDA-defined principles. Five major respiratory diseases were found to be causing major death toll (up to 32%) due to five key pollutants, measured by 30+ low-cost sensors and further optimized by seven calibration systems for seven practical parameters tailored to respiratory disease baselines evaluated through 10 cost parameters. Impact: This review was conducted to assist end-users, public health facilities, state agencies, researchers, scientists, and air quality protection agencies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution Exposure and Health Impact Assessment (2nd Edition))
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