Health and economic impacts of ambient air particulate matter (PM2.5) in Karaj city from 2012 to 2019 using BenMAP-CE

What are the consequences of PM air pollution exposure on elderly behavior? A systematic review

Environmental pollution poses a significant risk to human health. Particulate matter (PM) found in polluted air is particularly of concern due to its ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and impact the central nervous system (CNS), affecting sensory, cognitive, and emotional well-being. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview on the latest evidence regarding the association between PM exposure and behavioral outcomes in adult and older populations. Searches were conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus up to August 2023, with articles selected and screened following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 27 articles meeting the criteria were included, and their risk of bias was evaluated using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. The studies primarily focused on PM2.5 and PM10 in regions such as Europe, the USA, and Asia. While data on the impact of PM exposure on sensory variables were limited, suggesting an adverse effect, overall findings indicated a link between PM exposure and worsened cognitive function, increased risk of dementia, depressive symptoms, and anxiety. Some studies highlighted sex-dependent effects of PM exposure, with women experiencing a higher prevalence of adverse effects. This review underscores the importance of further research to understand the specific cognitive aspects affected by PM exposure, particularly in relation to dementia risk.

Predicting particulate matter ( P M 10 ) levels in Morocco: a 5-day forecast using the analog ensemble method

The accurate prediction of particulate matter d < 10 μ m (PM 10 ) levels, an indicator of natural pollutants such as those resulting from dust storms, is crucial for public health and environmental planning. This study aims to provide accurate forecasts ofPM 10 over Morocco for 5 days. The analog ensemble (AnEn) and the bias correction (AnEnBc) techniques were employed to post-processPM 10 forecasts produced by the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) global atmospheric composition forecasts, using CAMS reanalysis data as a reference. The results show substantial prediction improvements: the root mean squared error (RMSE) decreased from 63.83 μ g / m 3 in the original forecasts to 44.73 μ g / m 3 with AnEn and AnEnBc, while the mean absolute error (MAE) reduced from 36.70 to 24.30 μ g / m 3 . Additionally, the coefficient of determination (R 2 ) increased more than twofold from 29.11 to 65.18%, and the Pearson correlation coefficient increased from 0.61 to 0.82. The integrating reanalysis data and the utilization of the AnEn substantially improved the accuracy ofPM 10 5-day forecasting in Morocco. This is the first application of this approach in Morocco and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and has the potential for translation into early and more accurate warnings ofPM 10 pollution events. The application of such approaches in environmental policies and public health decision-making can minimize the health impacts of air pollution.

Estimation of health-related and economic impacts of PM2.5 in Arak, Iran, using BenMAP-CE

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.