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Mahmoud M, Ramadan M, Naher S, Pullen K, Olabi AG. The impacts of different heating systems on the environment: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 766:142625. [PMID: 33077224 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents a review of the environmental impacts of most heating systems drawing together published literature on the subject, not previously available. Here, a comparison between the different systems such as coal, wood, oil, natural gas, heat pump, geothermal and solar energy is provided in terms of their environmental impact. The most important parameters considered are the emission rate and toxicity. This places the coal-fired system as the worst among all heating systems regarding the impacts on the environment. On the other hand, renewable energy sources are the most preferred sources decreasing total emissions and air pollution. In order to make a comparison between the different systems, the emissions that must be taken into consideration are CO, CO2, NOx, SO2, PMs, N2O, CH4, volatile organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and aldehydes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montaser Mahmoud
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, School of Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering, City, University of London, UK; Lebanese International University, PO Box 146404, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mohamad Ramadan
- International University of Beirut, PO Box 146404, Beirut, Lebanon; FCLAB, CNRS, Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comte, Belfort cedex, France.
| | - Sumsun Naher
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, School of Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering, City, University of London, UK
| | - Keith Pullen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, School of Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering, City, University of London, UK
| | - Abdul-Ghani Olabi
- Sustainable and Renewable Energy Engineering, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; Mechanical Engineering and Design, Aston University, School of Engineering and Applied Science, Aston Triangle, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK
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Deep Inorganic Fraction Characterization of PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 in an Industrial Area Located in Central Italy by Means of Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10072532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Atmospheric pollution is an important task in life sciences and, in particular, inorganic fraction characterization is considered as an important issue in this field. For many years, researchers have focused their attention on the particulate matter fraction below 10 μm: in this case, our attention was also focused on PM2.5 (i.e., particles with a size fraction smaller than 2.5 μm) and PM1 (below 1 μm). This paper would like to investigate whether the element accumulation in different granulometric fractions is similar, or whether there are behavior dissimilarities. Among the different analytical techniques, the instrumental neutron activation analysis, an instrumental nuclear method, was used for its peculiarity of investigating the sample without performing any chemical-physical treatment. Forty-two daily samples using the reference method were collected, 15 filters for PM10, 18 for PM2.5, and 12 for PM1; the filters, along with primary standards and appropriate standard reference materials, were irradiated at the National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA) R.C.-Casaccia’s Triga MARK II reactor. The irradiations carried out in the Rabbit and Lazy Susan channels allowed for the investigation of 36 elements and the relative Pearson’s correlations between elements and PM-fractions (PM10 vs. PM2.5 was good, whereas PM10 vs. PM1 was the worst). The Enrichment Factors were studied for the three fractions to show how anthropogenic sources have affected the element content. A comparison between these data and element levels determined worldwide showed that our concentrations were lower than those determined in similar scenarios. Furthermore, a statistical approach (source discrimination, hierarchical cluster analysis, principal component analysis) has allowed us to identify similarities between the samples: the airborne filters can be divided in two main groups (i.e., one made of PM10 and PM2.5 filters and one only of PM1 filters), meaning a different element contribution to this fraction coming from other sources present at the site.
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Zhang W, Liu M, Hubacek K, Feng K, Wu W, Liu Y, Jiang H, Bi J, Wang J. Virtual flows of aquatic heavy metal emissions and associated risk in China. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2019; 249:109400. [PMID: 31445371 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.109400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metal pollution is posing a serious threat to ecosystem and human health in China. In addition to being emitted into the atmosphere, heavy metals generated by industrial processes are also emitted into water bodies. However, there is a lack of research exploring trade-induced aquatic heavy metals (AHM) emissions hidden in cross-regional supply chain networks. Such information can provide both consumer and producer perspectives on stakeholders' responsibility and involve them in pollution control along the entire supply chain including influencing consumption choices. Using a bottom-up AHM emission inventory (including mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), and lead (Pb)) in 2010, we firstly accounted for production- and consumption-based AHM emissions and their virtual flows between China's 30 provinces. Additionally, we developed an integrated index, i.e. Equal Risk Pollution Load, to measure the risk associated with five AHM based on the corresponding reference dose. We found that richer provinces Guangdong, Jiangsu and Zhejiang through their consumption of metal products caused aquatic Hg, Cd, As and Pb pollution in provinces with nonferrous-metallic mineral resources such as Hunan, Yunnan, and Inner Mongolia. However, virtual aquatic Cr emissions were incurred in richer coastal regions (e.g. Guangdong, Zhejiang) for producing and exporting high value added products (electroplated products, printed circuit board and leather products) to less developed inland provinces. Finally, we propose measures from a supply chain perspective to mitigate aquatic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Planning and Policy Simulation, Chinese Academy for Environmental Planning, Beijing, 100012, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Miaomiao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Klaus Hubacek
- Center for Energy and Environmental Sciences (IVEM), Energy and Sustainability Research Institute Groningen (ESRIG), University of Groningen, Groningen, 9747, AG, the Netherlands; International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Schlossplatz 1, A-2361, Laxenburg, Austria
| | - Kuishuang Feng
- Department of Geographical Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Wenjun Wu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Planning and Policy Simulation, Chinese Academy for Environmental Planning, Beijing, 100012, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Yu Liu
- Institute of Science and Development, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Hongqiang Jiang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Planning and Policy Simulation, Chinese Academy for Environmental Planning, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Jun Bi
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jinnan Wang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Planning and Policy Simulation, Chinese Academy for Environmental Planning, Beijing, 100012, China
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Kazuva E, Zhang J. Analyzing Municipal Solid Waste Treatment Scenarios in Rapidly Urbanizing Cities in Developing Countries: The Case of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E2035. [PMID: 31181686 PMCID: PMC6604025 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16112035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Currently, large quantities of municipal solid waste (MSW) in many cities of the developing countries are being dumped in informal or formal but unregulated dumpsites that threaten the ecological environment and general public health. The situation in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania is of particular concern and is further challenged by a rapidly growing population and urbanization without adequate waste management systems. Current MSW treatment options have been selected based on the judgment and the experience of individuals with authority while underestimating the role of scientifically derived techniques. This study analyzes the most efficient waste treatment options, particularly scenarios with the lowest economic and environmental costs (EcC and EnC, respectively). It uses 12 years (2006-2017) of MSW management data and compares potential waste treatment options for the identified waste streams. A total of 108 different scenarios were designed, and a multi-criteria analysis method was applied to enable the identification of 11 scenarios with acceptable EcCs and EnCs. These formed an initial decision matrix of aggregation dominance that was then categorized into four groups, each represented by the most ideal point. Finally, the dominant scenario that formed the core for all considered options was found. It costs around $274,100 USD while saving about 1585 metric tons (MT) of CO2 emissions daily. This suggests that after all the MSW generated in the city is collected and segregated, organic waste should be composted whilst plastic, paper, glass, and ferrous metal should be recycled. After treatment, other waste will go to some form of landfill. Sustainable management of MSW in this city and others with similar conditions should consider particular local conditions and could use the methods and the findings of this study as a starting point.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Kazuva
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Jilin Province, Changchun 130024, China.
- Department of Geography, FASS, Open University of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam 23409, Tanzania.
| | - Jiquan Zhang
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Jilin Province, Changchun 130024, China.
- Key Laboratory for Vegetation Ecology, Ministry of Education, Changchun 130024, China.
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Zhou Q, Yang J, Liu M, Liu Y, Sarnat S, Bi J. Toxicological Risk by Inhalation Exposure of Air Pollution Emitted from China's Municipal Solid Waste Incineration. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:11490-11499. [PMID: 30234980 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b03352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration has developed rapidly in China. However, the air pollution-related health risks attributable to MSW incinerators are still far from known. In this context, an MSW incineration emission inventory was compiled using plant-level activity data and localized emission factors. Subsequently, Gaussian Plume Model and Risk Quotients Model were utilized to calculate the spatialized hazard index (HI) and carcinogenic risk (CR). Altogether, 76449 tons (t) of NO X, 25725 t of SO2, 16937 t of CO, 9279 t of HCl, 5629 t of particulate matter, 33 t of Cr, 33 t of Pb, 20 t of Hg, 6 t of Cd, 4 t of Ni, 0.4 t of As, and 94 g-toxic equivalent quantity of polychlorinated dibenzo- p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans were emitted in 2015. The national average HI was 1.88 × 10-2, which was far lower than the acceptable level (HI ≤ 1). However, the national average CR was 5.71 × 10-6, which was approximately five times higher than the acceptable level (CR ≤ 1 × 10-6). The spatial heterogeneity of health risks was observed. The results enrich spatial dimensions of prior estimates and provide policy implications from the aspects of accelerating technology upgrades, strengthening emission standards, optimizing site selection and enhancing risk communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment , Nanjing University , Nanjing 210023 , China
| | - Jianxun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment , Nanjing University , Nanjing 210023 , China
| | - Miaomiao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment , Nanjing University , Nanjing 210023 , China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health , Emory University , Atlanta , Georgia 30322 , United States
| | - Stefanie Sarnat
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health , Emory University , Atlanta , Georgia 30322 , United States
| | - Jun Bi
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment , Nanjing University , Nanjing 210023 , China
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Xiao Z, Yuan X, Leng L, Jiang L, Chen X, Zhibin W, Xin P, Jiachao Z, Zeng G. Risk assessment of heavy metals from combustion of pelletized municipal sewage sludge. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:3934-42. [PMID: 26503007 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-5213-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Fly ash and slag are important by-products obtained from combustion of municipal sewage sludge (MSS) after pelletization. The quantitative environmental impact assessment of heavy metals in fly ash and slag, compared to MSS, were performed in accordance with bioavailability and eco-toxicity, geo-accumulation index (GAI), risk assessment code (RAC), and potential ecological risk index (PERI). The results demonstrated that not only direct but also long-term bioavailability and eco-toxicity of heavy metals in fly ash and slag decreased except direct bioavailability and eco-toxicity of Pb in fly ash. The GAI demonstrated that combustion significantly weakened (P < 0.05) the pollution levels of heavy metals. PERI indicated that all risks attributed to heavy metals were significantly lowered (P < 0.05) from 777.07 (very high risk) in MSS to 288.72 (moderate risk) and 64.55 (low risk) in fly ash and slag, respectively. In terms of the RAC, seven heavy metals had low even no risk to the environments after combustion besides As in slag. The environmental risk of heavy metals in fly ash and slag was decreased compared with MSS. However, the results of PERI showed that fly ash had a moderate risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihua Xiao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingzhong Yuan
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, People's Republic of China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Resource-Conserving and Environment-Friendly Society and Ecological Civilization, Changsha, 410083, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lijian Leng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, People's Republic of China
| | - Longbo Jiang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohong Chen
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Resource-Conserving and Environment-Friendly Society and Ecological Civilization, Changsha, 410083, People's Republic of China
| | - Wu Zhibin
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Xin
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhang Jiachao
- College of Resources and Environment, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangming Zeng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, People's Republic of China
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Jakovljević I, Pehnec G, Vadjić V, Šišović A, Davila S, Bešlić I. Carcinogenic activity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons bounded on particle fraction. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:15931-40. [PMID: 26050151 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-4777-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) originate from a variety of natural and industrial processes. In this paper, concentrations of nine PAHs in PM10 particle fraction were measured concurrently at four different sites (rural, urban residential, urban traffic, and residential-industrial) in continental Croatia. Measurements at all of the four sites showed much higher average concentrations for all of the PAHs in the winter period. The highest winter average values were measured at the industrial site and the lowest at the rural and the urban residential site. In the summer, the highest average values were also measured in the industrial area, except for benzo(ghi)perylene and indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene, which showed the highest average values in the rural area. Factor analysis has been applied to PAH concentrations to identify their potential sources. Extracted factors have been interpreted on basis of previous studies and weather conditions. The diagnostic ratios calculated in this study indicated mixed sources at all of the sites. The contribution of gasoline and diesel from traffic was significant at all of the sites except for the urban industrial. In the winter, potential PAH sources also arose from wood combustion. The industrial site differed from the other sites with the highest influence of diesel sources and refinery during the summer months. The contribution of BaP in total carcinogenic activity exceeded 50 % in both seasons at all of the measured sites, which suggests that BaP could be suitable as a marker of the carcinogenic potential of a PAH mixture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Jakovljević
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska c. 2, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Gordana Pehnec
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska c. 2, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vladimira Vadjić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska c. 2, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Anica Šišović
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska c. 2, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Silvije Davila
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska c. 2, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivan Bešlić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska c. 2, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
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Prieto-Taboada N, Isca C, Martínez-Arkarazo I, Casoli A, Olazabal MA, Arana G, Madariaga JM. The problem of sampling on built heritage: a preliminary study of a new non-invasive method. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 21:12518-12529. [PMID: 24946700 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-3119-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 05/28/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The relevance of a risk assessment of the built heritage was clearly justified due to the fact that it acts as a pollutant repository and hazardous pollutants have the capacity to penetrate into materials. However, the limitation of the sampling processes due to the high value of the built heritage makes a correct evaluation difficult. For that reason, in the present work, the potential of agar gels as non-invasive samplers of built heritage deterioration products, like crusts and patinas, was evaluated. Different gels of agar and Carbopol® (as control gel) were applied on these built surfaces considering several factors: the treatment time, the effectiveness of the addition of EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, C10H16N2O8) and its concentration and the use of a buffer at pH 7.5. All these factors were evaluated in order to determine the capacity of these gels as sampling systems under non-controlled atmospheric conditions. The results obtained in the assays were evaluated by visual examination, by evolution of pH and by the most important techniques used in the risk assessment analysis of the built heritage (Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM)/energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)). In this evaluation, the agar gels showed an intrinsic capacity as sampler with respect to the gel Carbopol® and thus, the best option between the studied gels consisted on agar gels with 2 % of EDTA and the longest application time. On the whole, the agar gels showed an interesting potential as non-invasive samplers of built heritage deterioration materials which should be studied more in depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Prieto-Taboada
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940, Leioa, Spain,
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Cordioli M, Ranzi A, De Leo GA, Lauriola P. A review of exposure assessment methods in epidemiological studies on incinerators. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2013; 2013:129470. [PMID: 23840228 PMCID: PMC3694556 DOI: 10.1155/2013/129470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2013] [Accepted: 05/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Incineration is a common technology for waste disposal, and there is public concern for the health impact deriving from incinerators. Poor exposure assessment has been claimed as one of the main causes of inconsistency in the epidemiological literature. We reviewed 41 studies on incinerators published between 1984 and January 2013 and classified them on the basis of exposure assessment approach. Moreover, we performed a simulation study to explore how the different exposure metrics may influence the exposure levels used in epidemiological studies. 19 studies used linear distance as a measure of exposure to incinerators, 11 studies atmospheric dispersion models, and the remaining 11 studies a qualitative variable such as presence/absence of the source. All reviewed studies utilized residence as a proxy for population exposure, although residence location was evaluated with different precision (e.g., municipality, census block, or exact address). Only one study reconstructed temporal variability in exposure. Our simulation study showed a notable degree of exposure misclassification caused by the use of distance compared to dispersion modelling. We suggest that future studies (i) make full use of pollution dispersion models; (ii) localize population on a fine-scale; and (iii) explicitly account for the presence of potential environmental and socioeconomic confounding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Cordioli
- Department of Bio-Sciences, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/a, 43124 Parma, Italy.
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