Personal exposure monitoring using GPS-enabled portable air pollution sensors: A strategy to promote citizen awareness and behavioral changes regarding indoor and outdoor air pollution

Piloting co-developed behaviour change interventions to reduce exposure to air pollution and improve self-reported asthma-related health

BACKGROUND

Exposure to air pollution can exacerbate asthma with immediate and long-term health consequences. Behaviour changes can reduce exposure to air pollution, yet its 'invisible' nature often leaves individuals unaware of their exposure, complicating the identification of appropriate behaviour modifications. Moreover, making health behaviour changes can be challenging, necessitating additional support from healthcare professionals.

OBJECTIVE

This pilot study used personal exposure monitoring, data feedback, and co-developed behaviour change interventions with individuals with asthma, with the goal of reducing personal exposure to PM2.5 and subsequently improving asthma-related health.

METHODS

Twenty-eight participants conducted baseline exposure monitoring for one-week, simultaneously keeping asthma symptom and medication diaries (previously published in McCarron et al., 2023). Participants were then randomised into control (n = 8) or intervention (n = 9) groups. Intervention participants received PM2.5 exposure feedback and worked with researchers to co-develop behaviour change interventions based on a health behaviour change programme which they implemented during the follow-up monitoring week. Control group participants received no feedback or intervention during the study.

RESULTS

All interventions focused on the home environment. Intervention group participants reduced their at-home exposure by an average of 5.7 µg/m³ over the monitoring week (-23.0 to +3.2 µg/m³), whereas the control group had a reduction of 4.7 µg/m³ (-15.6 to +0.4 µg/m³). Furthermore, intervention group participants experienced a 4.6% decrease in participant-hours with reported asthma symptoms, while the control group saw a 0.5% increase. Similarly, the intervention group's asthma-related quality of life improved compared to the control group.

IMPACT STATEMENT

This pilot study investigated a novel behaviour change intervention, utilising personal exposure monitoring, data feedback, and co-developed interventions guided by a health behaviour change programme. The study aimed to reduce personal exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and improve self-reported asthma-related health. Conducting a randomised controlled trial with 28 participants, co-developed intervention successfully targeted exposure peaks within participants' home microenvironments, resulting in a reduction in at-home personal exposure to PM2.5 and improving self-reported asthma-related health. The study contributes valuable insights into the environmental exposure-health relationship and highlights the potential of the intervention for individual-level decision-making to protect human health.

Air Pollution and Its Effects on Sports and Exercise: A Narrative Review of Impacts and Mitigation Strategies

ABSTRACT

Air pollution presents a growing, significant threat to health among the general population. Athletes and individuals participating in recreational exercise are particularly vulnerable due to increased ventilation during physical activity. The detrimental impacts of various pollutants on cardiorespiratory function, cognition, and sport-specific metrics have been investigated. Therefore, focus within the sports community has shifted to both personal and organizational strategies to mitigate or even prevent these effects. Limited evidence supports reducing exposure time and proximity, transition to indoor activity, precompetition acclimation, monitoring air quality when choosing location, and the use of masks and supplements. In addition, special considerations should be made for the unique exposures and challenges faced by populations, such as warfighters, para-athletes, or those living in disadvantaged communities. There remains a need for detailed and evidence-driven guidelines on air pollution for those participating in sports.

Agent-based modelling: A stochastic approach to assessing personal exposure to environmental pollutants - Insights from the URBANOME project

In the context of the URBANOME project, aiming to assess European citizens' exposure to air pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, NO2) and noise, an extensive data collection process was undertaken. This involved the distribution of stationary home sensors, portable sensors, and smartphone applications, alongside participants logging their activities while using these devices. By leveraging socioeconomic and socio-demographic statistical data for the residents of Thessaloniki, we developed an agent-based model to estimate exposure levels based on the movement patterns, locations, and data collected from the URBANOME campaign. The model highlights that an individual's exposure is closely linked to the type of activities they perform, their location, age, and gender. Whether exposure occurs indoors, or outdoors is important for determining intake levels. Activity selections were found to be strongly influenced by income, age, and social connections, indicating that socio-economic factors significantly shape exposure patterns. The analysis also revealed considerable differences between PM measurements taken from fixed monitoring stations and the sensors used in the campaign. Notably, even agents residing in the same household displayed distinct exposure levels, underscoring the variability within localized environments. Preliminary results from the URBANOME campaign were compared with the ABM outputs, showing differences in median values of up to 20 % of both noise and inhalation intakes. This research emphasizes the importance of using such models for developing future scenarios in large cities aimed at fostering green transitions and enhancing citizens' quality of life. These models provide valuable insights for designing strategies to reduce exposure and improve urban living conditions.

Assessing bias in personal exposure estimates when indoor air quality is ignored: A comparison between GPS-enabled mobile air sensor data and stationary outdoor sensor data

Neglecting indoor air quality in exposure assessments may lead to biased exposure estimates and erroneous conclusions about the health impacts of exposure and environmental health disparities. This study assessed these biases by comparing two types of personal exposure estimates for 100 individuals: one derived from real-time particulate matter (PM2.5) measurements collected both indoors and outdoors using a low-cost portable air monitor (GeoAir2.0) and the other from PurpleAir sensor network data collected exclusively outdoors. The PurpleAir measurement data were used to create smooth air pollution surfaces using geostatistical methods. To obtain mobility-based exposure estimates, both sets of air pollution data were combined with the individuals' GPS tracking data. Paired-sample t-tests were then performed to examine the differences between these two estimates. This study also investigated whether GeoAir2.0- and PurpleAir-based estimates yielded consistent conclusions about gender and economic disparities in exposure by performing Welch's t-tests and ANOVAs and comparing their t-values and F-values. The study revealed significant discrepancies between GeoAir2.0- and PurpleAir-based estimates, with PurpleAir data consistently overestimating exposure (t = 5.94; p < 0.001). It also found that females displayed a higher average exposure than males (15.65 versus. 8.55 μg/m3) according to GeoAir2.0 data (t = 4.654; p = 0.055), potentially due to greater time spent indoors engaging in pollution-generating activities traditionally associated with females, such as cooking. This contrasted with the PurpleAir data, which indicated higher exposure for males (43.78 versus. 46.26 μg/m3) (t = 3.793; p = 0.821). Additionally, GeoAir2.0 data revealed significant economic disparities (F = 7.512; p < 0.002), with lower-income groups experiencing higher exposure-a disparity not captured by PurpleAir data (F = 0.756; p < 0.474). These findings highlight the importance of considering both indoor and outdoor air quality to reduce bias in exposure estimates and more accurately represent environmental disparities.

Towards environmental performance through responsible environmental intentions and behavior: Does environmental law cognition really matter among Chinese farmers

Rapid agricultural expansion, marked by unsustainable practices, has contributed significantly to environmental degradation globally. In response to China's escalating environmental concerns, recent environmental legislation has sought to disseminate information and promote awareness of environmental preservation among residents. This study aims to investigate the influential role of citizen environmental intentions and activist environmental intentions on responsible behavior for achieving environmental performance (EP). Moreover, the moderating influence of these environmental laws on the relationship between environment-protecting intentions and behavior, with a focus on legal cognition. Utilizing a population of 3150 farmers we select 603 farmers using simple random sampling and, this study applies the theory of planned behavior within a structural equation model framework. The findings affirm that farmers' perceived behavior control, personal factors, and attitudes directly impact both citizen and activist intentions, subsequently influencing both types of environmental-oriented behavior. Notably, the study identifies a stronger inward attitude effect compared to the outward attitude in both types of farmers' intentions. Additionally, legal cognition among farmers emerges as a crucial moderator, influencing the link between environmental intentions and behavior. The results suggest that as farmers become more familiar with environmental laws, the direct effect of their intentions on environmentally oriented behavior intensifies. Hence, the legal obligations play an essential role in shaping the farmers' pro-environmental behavior. This study aligns the individual level environmental intentions with farmer's law cognition for offering interesting insights to develop and implement imminent environmental policies. Hence, this study benefits to both practitioners and policy makers' contextualizing Chinese agricultural sector.

Comparison of cooking emissions mitigation between automated and manually operated air quality interventions in one-bedroom apartments

We implemented a crossover study design exposing 15 participants to two indoor air quality conditions in the Well Living Lab. The first condition, the Standard Control Condition, resembled the ventilation and air supply of a typical home in the USA with a manually operated stove hood. The second condition, Advanced Control, had an automated: (i) stove hood, (ii) two portable air cleaners (PAC), and (iii) bathroom exhaust. The PM2.5 sensors were placed in the kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bathroom. Once the sensor detected a PM2.5 level of 15 μg/m3 or higher, an air quality intervention (stove hood, PAC or bathroom exhaust) in that space was activated and turned off when the corresponding PM2.5 sensor had three consecutive readings below 6 μg/m3. Advanced Control in the overall apartment reduced PM2.5 concentration by 40% compared to the Standard Control. The PM2.5 concentration difference between Advanced and Standard Control was ~ 20% in the kitchen. This can be attributed to using the stove hood manually in 66.5% of cooking PM2.5 emission events for 323.6 h compared to 88 h stove hood used in automated mode alongside 61.9 h and 33.7 h of PAC use in living room and bedroom, respectively.

Breathing in danger: Understanding the multifaceted impact of air pollution on health impacts

Air pollution, a pervasive environmental threat that spans urban and rural landscapes alike, poses significant risks to human health, exacerbating respiratory conditions, triggering cardiovascular problems, and contributing to a myriad of other health complications across diverse populations worldwide. This article delves into the multifarious impacts of air pollution, utilizing cutting-edge research methodologies and big data analytics to offer a comprehensive overview. It highlights the emergence of new pollutants, their sources, and characteristics, thereby broadening our understanding of contemporary air quality challenges. The detrimental health effects of air pollution are examined thoroughly, emphasizing both short-term and long-term impacts. Particularly vulnerable populations are identified, underscoring the need for targeted health risk assessments and interventions. The article presents an in-depth analysis of the global disease burden attributable to air pollution, offering a comparative perspective that illuminates the varying impacts across different regions. Furthermore, it addresses the economic ramifications of air pollution, quantifying health and economic losses, and discusses the implications for public policy and health care systems. Innovative air pollution intervention measures are explored, including case studies demonstrating their effectiveness. The paper also brings to light recent discoveries and insights in the field, setting the stage for future research directions. It calls for international cooperation in tackling air pollution and underscores the crucial role of public awareness and education in mitigating its impacts. This comprehensive exploration serves not only as a scientific discourse but also as a clarion call for action against the invisible but insidious threat of air pollution, making it a vital read for researchers, policymakers, and the general public.

Assessment of PM2.5 Concentration at University Transit Bus Stops Using Low-Cost Aerosol Monitors by Student Commuters

Particulate matter of 2.5 µm and smaller (PM2.5) is known to cause many respiratory health problems, such as asthma and heart disease. A primary source of PM2.5 is emissions from cars, trucks, and buses. Emissions from university transit bus systems could create zones of high PM2.5 concentration at their bus stops. This work recruited seven university students who regularly utilized the transit system to use a low-cost personal aerosol monitor (AirBeam) each time they arrived at a campus bus stop. Each participant measured PM2.5 concentrations every time they were at a transit-served bus stop over four weeks. PM2.5 concentration data from the AirBeam were compared with an ADR-1500 high-cost monitor and EPA PM2.5 reference measurements. This methodology allowed for identifying higher-than-average concentration zones at the transit bus stops compared to average measurements for the county. By increasing access to microenvironmental data, this project can contribute to public health efforts of personal protection and prevention by allowing individuals to measure and understand their exposure to PM2.5 at the bus stop. This work can also aid commuters, especially those with pre-existing conditions who use public transportation, in making more informed health decisions and better protecting themselves against new or worsening respiratory conditions.

Development of a Smartwatch with Gas and Environmental Sensors for Air Quality Monitoring

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in developing portable and personal devices for measuring air quality and surrounding pollutants, partly due to the need for ventilation in the aftermath of COVID-19 situation. Moreover, the monitoring of hazardous chemical agents is a focus for ensuring compliance with safety standards and is an indispensable component in safeguarding human welfare. Air quality measurement is conducted by public institutions with high precision but costly equipment, which requires constant calibration and maintenance by highly qualified personnel for its proper operation. Such devices, used as reference stations, have a low spatial resolution since, due to their high cost, they are usually located in a few fixed places in the city or region to be studied. However, they also have a low temporal resolution, providing few samples per hour. To overcome these drawbacks and to provide people with personalized and up-to-date air quality information, a personal device (smartwatch) based on MEMS gas sensors has been developed. The methodology followed to validate the performance of the prototype was as follows: firstly, the detection capability was tested by measuring carbon dioxide and methane at different concentrations, resulting in low detection limits; secondly, several experiments were performed to test the discrimination capability against gases such as toluene, xylene, and ethylbenzene. principal component analysis of the data showed good separation and discrimination between the gases measured.

School and childcare facility air quality decision-makers' perspectives on using low-cost sensors for wildfire smoke response

BACKGROUND

During wildfire smoke episodes, school and childcare facility staff and those who support them rely upon air quality data to inform activity decisions. Where ambient regulatory monitor data is sparse, low-cost sensors can help inform local outdoor activity decisions, and provide indoor air quality data. However, there is no established protocol for air quality decision-makers to use sensor data for schools and childcare facilities. To develop practical, effective toolkits to guide the use of sensors in school and childcare settings, it is essential to understand the perspectives of the potential end-users of such toolkit materials.

METHODS

We conducted 15 semi-structured interviews with school, childcare, local health jurisdiction, air quality, and school district personnel regarding sensor use for wildfire smoke response. Interviews included sharing PM2.5 data collected at schools during wildfire smoke. Interviews were transcribed and transcripts were coded using a codebook developed both a priori and amended as additional themes emerged.

RESULTS

Three major themes were identified by organizing complementary codes together: (1) Low-cost sensors are useful despite data quality limitations, (2) Low-cost sensor data can inform decision-making to protect children in school and childcare settings, and (3) There are feasibility and public perception-related barriers to using low-cost sensors.

CONCLUSIONS

Interview responses provided practical implications for toolkit development, including demonstrating a need for toolkits that allow a variety of sensor preferences. In addition, participants expected to have a wide range of available time for monitoring, budget for sensors, and decision-making types. Finally, interview responses revealed a need for toolkits to address sensor uses outside of activity decisions, especially assessment of ventilation and filtration.

Science communication on the public health risks of air pollution: a computational scoping review from 1958 to 2022

BACKGROUND

Air pollutants are a health risk for the entire population. Particulate matter (PM) including the smallest fraction, ultra-fine particles (UFP), therefore continue to be the focus of scientific research in this area. To protect the population from the harmful effects of exposure to PM, communication and information of research results are of special relevance as individuals with heightened awareness of the harms of poor air quality are more likely to take action to improve their exposure.

METHODS

We conducted a scoping review of the scientific literature on science communication of public health information about risks associated with air pollutants to generate an initial over-view of existing research in this field. We searched the PubMed and Scopus databases and analyzed the data using a structured topic modeling (STM) approach.

RESULTS

The existing scientific literature dates back to 1958 but increases significantly from the 1990s onwards. Publications are mainly found in the discipline of environmental research and are primarily concerned with health effects. It is often stated that adequate communication of the results to the public would be important, but specific approaches are rare. Overall, the topic of risk communication seems to be underrepresented for both air pollutants and UFP.

CONCLUSIONS

To protect public health, it is important to conduct more intensive science and risk communication related to scientific findings on the risks of air pollutants. For adequate communication and information, further research is needed to provide specific approaches that also involve the affected population and take different target groups into account. In addition, the effectiveness of communication efforts should also be analyzed.