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Azimi F, Hafezi F, Ghaderpoori M, Kamarehie B, Karami MA, Sorooshian A, Baghani AN. Temporal characteristics and health effects related to NO 2, O 3, and SO 2 in an urban area of Iran. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 349:123975. [PMID: 38615834 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
This study reports on temporal variations of NO2, O3, and SO2 pollutants and their related health effects in urban air of Khorramabad, Iran using AirQ 2.2.3 software. Based on data between 2015 and 2021, hourly NO2, O3, and SO2 concentrations increase starting at 6:00 a.m. local time until 9:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. local time, respectively, before gradually decreasing. The highest monthly NO2, O3, and SO2 concentrations are observed in October, August, and September, respectively. Annual median NO2, O3, and SO2 concentrations range between 17 ppb and 38.8 ppb, 17.5 ppb-36.6 ppb, and ∼14 ppb-30.8 ppb, respectively. Two to 93 days and 17-156 days between 2015 and 2021 exhibit daily concentrations of NO2 and SO2 ≤ WHO AQGs, respectively, while 187-294 days have 8-h maximum O3 concentrations ≤ WHO AQGs. The mean excess mortality ascribed to respiratory mortality, cardiovascular mortality, hospital admissions for COPD, and acute myocardial infraction are 121, 603, 39, and 145 during 2015-2021, respectively. O3 is found to exert more significant health effects compared to SO2 and NO2, resulting in higher cardiovascular mortality. The gradual increase in NO2 and possibly O3 over the study period is suspected to be due to economic sanctions, while SO2 decreased due to regulatory activity. Sustainable control strategies such as improving fuel quality, promoting public transportation and vehicle retirement, applying subsidies for purchase of electric vehicles, and application of European emission standards on automobiles can help decrease target pollutant levels in ambient air of cities in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faramarz Azimi
- Environmental Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Fariba Hafezi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health and Nutrition, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Mansour Ghaderpoori
- Environmental Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Bahram Kamarehie
- Environmental Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Karami
- Environmental Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Armin Sorooshian
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA; Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Abbas Norouzian Baghani
- Environmental Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
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Lamprecht N, Erlanger TE, Utzinger J, Winkler MS. Prospects and Perspectives of Health Impact Assessment: A Systematic Review of the Peer-Reviewed Literature From June 2007 to January 2023. Public Health Rev 2024; 45:1606649. [PMID: 38689833 PMCID: PMC11059091 DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2024.1606649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives In 2008, an analysis investigating health impact assessment (HIA) practice found that only 6% of HIA-related peer-reviewed publications had a focus on low- and medium-developed countries, whereas 94% were conducted in countries with a high or very high development state. We aimed to update and deepen these observations. Methods We conducted a systematic review, searching PubMed and Web of Science for HIA-related papers published in the scientific literature from June 2007 to January 2023. Only applied HIA and papers with HIA as a subject were included. Results The search yielded 3,036 publications and the final selection consisted of 1,019 publications. The annual number of total publications increased considerably over the past 15 years. Whereas research-driven HIA (n = 460) showed a steep increase, step-by-step HIA (n = 71) did not show a clear trend. Conclusion The gap between the number of HIA-related peer-reviewed publications focusing on low/medium and high/very high developed countries has diminished from 6/94 to 11/89. There is a growing tendency to apply the terminology HIA for health impact modelling studies and quantitative health risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Lamprecht
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Allschwil, Switzerland
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tobias E. Erlanger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mirko S. Winkler
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Villacura L, Sánchez LF, Catalán F, Toro A R, Leiva G MA. An overview of air pollution research in Chile: Bibliometric analysis and scoping review, challenger and future directions. Heliyon 2024; 10:e25431. [PMID: 38327474 PMCID: PMC10847656 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
This study provides a comprehensive overview and bibliometric analysis of air pollution research in Chile from 1980 to 2022. The analysis reveals a significant increase in scientific production, a 9.2 annual growth rate, and an H-index of 60. The research spans 33 countries and is influenced by environmental sciences, meteorology, and atmospheric sciences journals. The top ten authors account for 33.49 % of all publications, with local institutions contributing more than 35 %. The University of Chile and the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile are significant contributors. The most cited articles focus on health impacts and various pollutant sources, emphasizing air pollution as a critical public health concern. The study also emphasizes environmental science, meteorology, and atmospheric science, focusing on topics such as air pollution and health, pollutants, models, sources and chemistry, and social sciences. The findings are affirmed through rigorous discussion and review, providing a roadmap for future research, guiding decision-making processes, and expanding the knowledge frontier in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loreto Villacura
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425, Ñuñoa, Santiago 7800003, Chile
| | - Luis Felipe Sánchez
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425, Ñuñoa, Santiago 7800003, Chile
| | - Francisco Catalán
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425, Ñuñoa, Santiago 7800003, Chile
| | - Richard Toro A
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425, Ñuñoa, Santiago 7800003, Chile
| | - Manuel A. Leiva G
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425, Ñuñoa, Santiago 7800003, Chile
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Salehi M, Almasi Hashiani A, Karimi B, Mirhoseini SH. Estimation of health-related and economic impacts of PM2.5 in Arak, Iran, using BenMAP-CE. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0295676. [PMID: 38127954 PMCID: PMC10734986 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Ambient air quality is one of the most critical threats to human health. In this study, the health and economic benefits of reducing PM2.5 were estimated in the city of Arak during the period of 2017-2019. The concentration data were obtained from the Environmental Protection Organization of Central Province, while the demographic data were obtained from the website of the Iran Statistics Center. The number of premature deaths from all causes, ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer, attributable to PM2.5 pollution was estimated using the Environmental Benefits Mapping and Analysis Program-Comprehensive Version (BenMAP_CE) to limit the guidelines of the World Health Organization. The results showed that improving air quality in 2017, 2018, and 2019 in Arak could prevent the deaths of 729, 654, and 460 people, respectively. The number of years of life lost (YLL) in 2017, 2018, and 2019 was 11383, 10362, and 7260 years, respectively. The total annual economic benefits of reducing the PM2.5 concentration in Arak under the proposed scenarios in 2017, 2018, and 2019 were estimated to be 309,225,507, 262,868,727, and 182,224,053 USD, respectively, using the statistical life method (VSL). Based on the results of this study, there are significant health and economic benefits to reducing PM2.5 concentrations in Arak City. Therefore, planning and adopting control policies to reduce air pollution in this city are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Salehi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Amir Almasi Hashiani
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Health, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Behrooz Karimi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Seyed Hamed Mirhoseini
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
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Ranjdoost F, Ghaffari ME, Azimi F, Mohammadi A, Fouladi-Fard R, Fiore M. Association between air pollution and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL): A systematic review and meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 239:117392. [PMID: 37838197 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have indicated that air pollution (AP) has harmful effects on hearing and ear diseases such as Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of exposure to AP on SSHL incidence. Valid electronic databases were searched to retrieve studies published until December 1, 2022, using appropriate keywords. The result of the search was 1146 studies, and after screening according to the defined criteria, in total 8 studies were obtained. The risk of bias (ROB) in the studies and their quality were assessed. Finally, the meta-analysis with a significance level of 5% was performed. The findings revealed that the mean level of SO2, CO, NO2, and PM10 in the patient group was more than that of the control group, and p-values were 0.879, 0.144, 0.077, and 0.138, respectively. There was an indirect relation between air pollutants and SSHL, and PM2.5 showed a significant effect (p < 0.05). Given the limited research and the use of different statistical methods, more research is suggested to confirm this association and to determine the mechanisms by which AP exposure may cause SSHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Ranjdoost
- Research Center for Environmental Pollutants, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran.
| | - Mohammad-Ebrahim Ghaffari
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Health, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran.
| | - Faramarz Azimi
- Environmental Health Research Center, School of Health and Nutrition, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
| | - Amir Mohammadi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran; Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Reza Fouladi-Fard
- Research Center for Environmental Pollutants, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran; Environmental Health Research Center, School of Health and Nutrition, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
| | - Maria Fiore
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, 87-95123, Catania, Italy.
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Hoang LT, Duc VT, Ngoc VVD, Truong NX, Thanh NTN, Trang PTT, Saksena S, Nhung NTT. Health and Economic Benefits of Air Pollution Reductions in Vietnam During 2020-2021. Int J Public Health 2023; 68:1606238. [PMID: 37881770 PMCID: PMC10593963 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2023.1606238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: This paper explores the potential reduction in the number of deaths and the corresponding economic benefits in Vietnam that could have arisen from the decreased in concentrations of particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 μm or less (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Methods: Using Global Exposure Mortality Models, we estimated the potential health and economic benefits on people aged 25 and above across Vietnam's 63 provinces. The counterfactual scenario assumed reducing PM2.5 and NO2 concentrations to levels observed during the two COVID-19 epidemic waves in 2021 with national lockdowns and activity restrictions. Results: In 2019, PM2.5 concentrations ranged from 12.8 to 40.8 μg/m3 while NO2 concentrations ranged between 2.9 and 36.98 μg/m3. The reduced levels of PM2.5 and NO2 resulted in 3,807 (95% CI: 2,845-4,730) and 2,451 (95% CI: 2,845-4,730) avoided deaths of adults aged 25 and above due to non-injury-related causes, respectively. Considering that every prevented death represents potential tangible and intangible cost savings, reduced levels of PM2.5 and NO2 concentrations during COVID-19 restrictions would have resulted in economic benefits of $793.0 million (95% CI: 592.7-985.4) and $510.6 million (95% CI: 381.3-634.9), respectively. Conclusion: The COVID-19 lockdown led to decreased PM2.5 and NO2 concentrations, benefiting health and economy in Vietnam. Our findings highlight the potential advantages of implementing air quality control policies in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Tu Hoang
- Department of Biostatistics, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Vu Tri Duc
- National Children’s Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | - Ngo Xuan Truong
- Faculty of Information Technology, University of Engineering and Technology—Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Thi Nhat Thanh
- Faculty of Information Technology, University of Engineering and Technology—Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Phan Thi Thu Trang
- Department of Environmental Health, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
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O'Regan AC, Nyhan MM. Towards sustainable and net-zero cities: A review of environmental modelling and monitoring tools for optimizing emissions reduction strategies for improved air quality in urban areas. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 231:116242. [PMID: 37244499 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is a defining challenge for today's society and its consequences pose a great threat to humanity. Cities are major contributors to climate change, accounting for over 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions. With urbanization occurring at a rapid rate worldwide, cities will play a key role in mitigating emissions and addressing climate change. Greenhouse gas emissions are strongly interlinked with air quality as they share emission sources. Consequently, there is a great opportunity to develop policies which maximize the co-benefits of emissions reductions on air quality and health. As such, a narrative meta-review is conducted to highlight state-of-the-art monitoring and modelling tools which can inform and monitor progress towards greenhouse gas emission and air pollution reduction targets. Urban greenspace will play an important role in the transition to net-zero as it promotes sustainable and active transport modes. Therefore, we explore advancements in urban greenspace quantification methods which can aid strategic developments. There is great potential to harness technological advancements to better understand the impact of greenhouse gas reduction strategies on air quality and subsequently inform the optimal design of these strategies going forward. An integrated approach to greenhouse gas emission and air pollution reduction will create sustainable, net-zero and healthy future cities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C O'Regan
- Discipline of Civil, Structural & Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering & Architecture, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; MaREI, The SFI Research Centre for Energy, Climate & Marine, University College Cork, Ringaskiddy, Cork, P43 C573, Ireland; Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Lee Rd, Sunday's Well, Cork, T23 XE10, Ireland
| | - Marguerite M Nyhan
- Discipline of Civil, Structural & Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering & Architecture, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; MaREI, The SFI Research Centre for Energy, Climate & Marine, University College Cork, Ringaskiddy, Cork, P43 C573, Ireland; Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Lee Rd, Sunday's Well, Cork, T23 XE10, Ireland.
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