Population exposure to multiple air pollutants and its compound episodes in Europe

Does air pollution still impact epiphytic bryophytes in the post acidic rain era? Insights from spatial variation of community composition in southern Belgium

Since the dramatic air pollution peaks that prevailed in the course of the 20th century in Europe, effective environmental policies, along with major shifts in fuel usage, resulted in the substantial decrease of SOx and NOx pollution. At the interface between atmosphere and vegetation, epiphytic bryophyte floras responded by massive back-colonisation of formerly polluted areas. Whether extant concentrations of these pollutants are indeed too low to impact species distributions, and whether other pollutants today play a more important role remains, however, an open question. Taking advantage of an air quality monitoring network for a wide range of pollutants in southern Belgium, we implement here variation partitioning and embedded covariate selection to assess the contribution of current air pollutant loads to variations in epiphytic community composition relative to that of background environmental factors. Factors accounting for variation in species composition included, by decreasing order of importance, background environmental factors, major air pollutants (SOx, NOx, O3, fine particle matter), pollutants of agricultural origin (NH3, pesticides), and heavy metals. The substantially larger role played by background environmental factors over air pollution points to the efficiency of air pollution reduction policies, even for such sensitive organisms as epiphytic bryophytes. Ozone was the most important pollutant. Its ecophysiological impact on cryptogamic epiphytes remains poorly known, and the difference of its concentrations between urban and rural areas suggests that it may actually be interpreted as a land-use marker. Pesticides, whose impact on epiphyte floras was not previously assessed, marginally contributed to community composition and species distributions.

A Europe-wide characterization of the external exposome: A spatio-temporal analysis

BACKGROUND

Harmonised data on external environmental exposures are essential for multi-cohort exposome studies. This paper describes the development of fine-spatial resolution models and resulting exposure maps for 33 major exposome factors -including physical-chemical, built, social, and food environments-across Europe from 2000 to 2020, and examines their spatial and temporal interrelations.

METHODS

New fine spatial resolution Europe-wide models were developed for annual/monthly average air pollution, daily temperature, and annual-average road-traffic noise, combined with post-processing of existing data on green, blue, and grey spaces (imperviousness), walkability, light-at-night, and urbanicity. Exposure metrics relevant for epidemiological studies were developed for all exposome factors, with correlations calculated at European and country levels. Stability and trends over time were assessed for 18 factors.

RESULTS

At the European level, most environmental factors showed weak correlations (R < 0.4), except NO2, which showed moderate to strong correlations with built environment factors. Country-level correlations varied. Annual average exposure surfaces were stable over time, with strong correlations between early and late time points for all factors except O3​ (R = 0.66). Trends indicated decreases in air pollution and increases in temperature, green space, and imperviousness, while trends in light-at-night and O3​ were mixed across Europe.

CONCLUSIONS

This comprehensive analysis of the temporal and spatial relationships between external exposome factors across a large geographical area show low to moderate correlations between exposome factors. Annual average exposure surfaces were also stable over time across Europe. These findings support both the utility of multi-exposure epidemiological analyses, and that any modest temporal misalignment between exposure assessment and follow-up period of health studies is not critical. The data described in his paper are openly available to researchers.

Nonhypermutator Cancers Access Driver Mutations Through Reversals in Germline Mutational Bias

Cancer is an evolutionary disease driven by mutations in asexually reproducing somatic cells. In asexual microbes, bias reversals in the mutation spectrum can speed adaptation by increasing access to previously undersampled beneficial mutations. By analyzing tumors from 20 tissues, along with normal tissue and the germline, we demonstrate this effect in cancer. Nonhypermutated tumors reverse the germline mutation bias and have consistent spectra across tissues. These spectra changes carry the signature of hypoxia, and they facilitate positive selection in cancer genes. Hypermutated and nonhypermutated tumors thus acquire driver mutations differently: hypermutated tumors by higher mutation rates and nonhypermutated tumors by changing the mutation spectrum to reverse the germline mutation bias.

Assessment of air pollution and mortality in Portugal using AirQ+ and the effects of COVID-19 on their relationship

This study uses the World Health Organization's AirQ+ model to assess the relationship between air pollution and mortality in Portugal from 2010 to 2021, focusing on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. By integrating AirQ+ with Linear Mixed Models, we analyzed long-term air pollution data and its health effects. Results indicate a significant decrease in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] concentrations in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions and reduced transportation emissions. Conversely, [Formula: see text] exposure slightly increased. The model estimates over 5000 annual deaths from [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] exposure and over 139 annual deaths from [Formula: see text]-related respiratory diseases for 2010-2021. Despite limitations like the need for better assessment of pollutant mixtures and climatic variables, the study shows a decrease in [Formula: see text]-related disease burden during the pandemic. These trends reflect anomalies in mortality and pollution data rather than policy improvements. The study underscores the utility of AirQ+ in guiding public health strategies and tracking progress toward the 2030 Agenda, offering insights into reducing mortality and morbidity through decreased air pollutant exposure and highlighting the need for sustained, multidimensional pollution reduction efforts.

Aerosol Toxicokinetics: A Framework for Unraveling Toxicological Dynamics from Air to the Body

Exposure to atmospheric aerosols threatens human health and is yet to be effectively addressed globally. Aerosol toxicity strongly depends upon components whose chemical profiles and concentrations can constantly evolve throughout atmospheric transformation, inhalation, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Despite the abundant studies on aerosol components and their toxic effects, the dynamics in component concentrations and related biological effects from air to the body remain unclear. Here, we propose a conceptual toxicokinetic framework to mathematically deduce the bioavailable concentration from the changing bulk concentration of aerosol constituents in the atmosphere. The biological effects of single or multiple components are further predicted via toxicodynamic modeling according to their bioavailable concentrations. Atmospheric concentrations of toxic composition can in turn be regulated by risk-based guidelines, aiming to alleviate in vivo toxic effects. This perspective demonstrates how serial toxicokinetic-toxicodynamic equations bridge the knowledge gap between ambient aerosols and associated toxic effects in human bodies. The prediction from an inhalation perspective also allows connecting with the exposomes from aggregate exposure pathways. We call for the development of the model validity and integrate quantitative adverse outcome pathways to apply for exposure-disease modeling, providing novel insights into air quality policymaking and public health management.

Synergistic effects of air pollution and cold spells on ischemic heart disease hospitalization risk: a case-crossover study in Xinxiang, China

Air pollution and extreme weather events pose a serious threat to human health. We collected atmospheric pollution, meteorological factors, and hospitalisation data for ischemic heart disease (IHD) in Xinxiang, Henan Province, from 2016 to 2021. Using a time-stratified case-crossover design and conditional Poisson regression analysis, we explored the association between atmospheric pollutants (particulate matter with diameter ≤ 2.5 μm [PM2.5], particulate matter with diameter ≤ 10 μm [PM10], nitrogen dioxide [NO2], carbon monoxide [CO]), meteorological factors, and IHD hospitalizations. We evaluated synergistic effects using relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), attribute proportion (AP), and synergy index (S). PM2.5, PM10, NO2, CO, relative humidity, and cold spells were significantly associated with IHD hospitalization risk. Significant interaction effects (RERI > 0, AP > 0, S > 1) were found in PM2.5-PM10-NO2 combinations. The attributable fractions were 3.4-7.3% for pollutant combinations and 8-17% during cold spells with different PM2.5 levels. Males and individuals aged ≥ 65 were more susceptible to pollutants, while females and elderly individuals showed higher sensitivity to cold spells. These findings provide evidence for optimizing extreme weather warning systems and reducing air pollution exposure to protect public health.

Short-Term Effects of Extreme Heat, Cold, and Air Pollution Episodes on Excess Mortality in Luxembourg

This study aims to assess the short-term effects of extreme heat, cold, and air pollution episodes on excess mortality from natural causes in Luxembourg over 1998-2023. Using a high-resolution dataset from downscaled and bias-corrected temperature (ERA5) and air pollutant concentrations (EMEP MSC-W), weekly mortality p-scores were linked to environmental episodes. A distributional regression approach using a logistic distribution was applied to model the influence of environmental risks, capturing both central trends and extreme values of excess mortality. Results indicate that extreme heat, cold, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) episodes significantly drive excess mortality. The estimated attributable age-standardized mortality rates are 2.8 deaths per 100,000/year for extreme heat (95% CI: [1.8, 3.8]), 1.1 for extreme cold (95% CI: [0.4, 1.8]), and 6.3 for PM2.5 episodes (95% CI: [2.3, 10.3]). PM2.5-related deaths have declined over time due to the reduced frequency of pollution episodes. The odds of extreme excess mortality increase by 1.93 times (95% CI: [1.52, 2.66]) per extreme heat day, 3.49 times (95% CI: [1.77, 7.56]) per extreme cold day, and 1.11 times (95% CI: [1.04, 1.19]) per PM2.5 episode day. Indicators such as return levels and periods contextualize extreme mortality events, such as the p-scores observed during the 2003 heatwave and COVID-19 pandemic. These findings can guide public health emergency preparedness and underscore the potential of distributional modeling in assessing mortality risks associated with environmental exposures.

Application Progress of Electron Beam Radiation in Adsorption Functional Materials Preparation

To solve the problems of water and air pollution, adsorption functional materials (ASFMs) have been extensively investigated and applied. Among the preparation methods of ASFM, electron beam radiation (EBR) has attracted much attention for its high efficiency, environmental friendliness, and wide applicability. Based on the introduction of the application of EBR technology, the EBR preparation of ASFM is summarized by grafting and cross-linking. Secondly, the application of corresponding ASFM for the adsorption of metal ions, inorganic anions, dyes, drugs and chemical raw materials, and carbon dioxide is summarized systematically. Then, the adsorption mechanisms of ASFM are illustrated, according to the different pollutants. Finally, the progress, issues, and prospects of EBR technology for ASFM preparation are discussed.

Environmental Risk Factors for Parkinson's Disease: A Critical Review and Policy Implications

The age-standardized prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD) has increased substantially over the years and is expected to increase further. This emphasizes the need to identify modifiable risk factors of PD, which could form a logical entry point for the prevention of PD. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended reducing exposure to specific environmental factors that have been reported to be associated with PD, in particular pesticides, trichloroethylene (TCE), and air pollution. In this review we critically evaluate the epidemiological and biological evidence on the associations of these factors with PD and review evidence on whether these putative associations are causal. We conclude that when considered in isolation, it is difficult to determine whether these associations are causal, in large part because of the decades-long lag between relevant exposures and the incidence of manifest PD. However, when considered in tandem with evidence from complementary research lines (such as animal models), it is increasingly likely that these associations reflect harmful causal effects. Fundamentally, whilst we highlight some evidence gaps that require further attention, we believe the current evidence base is sufficiently strong enough to support our call for stronger policy action. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Substantially underestimated global health risks of current ozone pollution

Existing assessments might have underappreciated ozone-related health impacts worldwide. Here our study assesses current global ozone pollution using the high-resolution (0.05°) estimation from a geo-ensemble learning model, with key focuses on population exposure and all-cause mortality burden. Our model demonstrates strong performance, achieving a mean bias of less than -1.5 parts per billion against in-situ measurements. We estimate that 66.2% of the global population is exposed to excess ozone for short term (> 30 days per year), and 94.2% suffers from long-term exposure. Furthermore, severe ozone exposure levels are observed in Cropland areas, particularly over Asia. Importantly, the all-cause ozone-attributable deaths significantly surpass previous recognition from specific diseases worldwide. Notably, mid-latitude Asia (30°N) and the western United States show high mortality burden, contributing substantially to global ozone-attributable deaths. Our study highlights current significant global ozone-related health risks and may benefit the ozone-exposed population in the future.

Diesel exhaust and ozone adversely affect pollinators and parasitoids within flying insect communities

The effects of air pollution on human and animal health, and on the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems, are wide-ranging. This potentially includes the disruption of valuable services provided by flying insects (e.g. pollination and biological control). However, quantifying the extent of this disruption requires a clearer understanding of insect community responses at field-scale. By elevating diesel exhaust and ozone (O3) pollutants, individually and in combination, over two summers, we investigated the field-scale effects of air pollution on the abundance and diversity of flying insects from pan traps. We quantified which groups of insects were more at risk of air pollution-mediated decline and whether responses to air pollution were influenced by the presence of flowering plants. In addition, a common pest of Brassicaceae, the large cabbage white butterfly (Pieris brassicae L.) was used to investigate the effects on oviposition success of the two interacting air pollutants. Air pollution had the most detrimental effects on pollinators and parasitoids, compared with other insect groups, lowering their abundance by up to 48 % and 32 %, respectively. The adverse effects of O3 and diesel exhaust on pollinators occurred only when flowers were available, indicating the relative importance of floral odors compared with visual cues. Air pollutants resulted in either increased insect herbivore abundance or had no effect, potentially increasing the threat air pollution poses to food security. However, both pollutants resulted in decreased oviposition by cabbage white butterflies, which, if demonstrated to be a more ubiquitous phenomenon, may result in reduced larval pest damage. Quantifying the relative changes in composition and abundance among feeding guilds is valuable for predicting the effects of air pollution on insect communities. Of the groups identified, pollinators are likely to be at the greatest risk of air pollution-mediated decline due to their use of floral odour cues for foraging.

Empirical analysis of the influence mechanism of vegetation and environment on negative air ion in warm temperate forest ecosystems

Air pollution presents a significant threat to public health in megacities globally. Negative air ions (NAI), often referred to as "air vitamins," are recognized for their effectiveness in alleviating the harmful effects of air pollution. Forest ecosystems serve as natural generators of NAI, with both vegetation and environmental conditions playing critical roles in the formation and persistence of NAI. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of how forest ecosystems regulate NAI production is essential for leveraging their potential to enhance air quality. However, the intricate dynamics of forest ecosystems, along with seasonal fluctuations in vegetation and environmental factors, introduce uncertainties in NAI generation. This study utilized long-term observational data to explore the relationships between environmental variables, vegetation photosynthetic capacity (using solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence, SIF), and NAI concentrations. By employing machine learning algorithms, we analyzed the spatiotemporal distribution of NAI, identifying the key contributing factors and their relative influence within forest ecosystems. The results revealed distinct seasonal variations in NAI levels, with higher values in summer and lower in winter. SIF and PM2.5 primarily influenced NAI through direct effects across seasons, whereas ambient temperature (TA), relative humidity, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), and soil moisture predominantly impacted SIF on NAI through indirect effects in summer. TA was the primary influencing factor in spring and winter, contributing 28% and 25%, respectively, while PAR played a more significant role in summer and autumn, accounting for 37% and 27%. Vegetation had a greater impact on NAI levels during spring and summer, contributing 66% and 62%, whereas environmental factors dominated in autumn and winter, with contributions of 83% and 89%. This study offers both a theoretical foundation and technical guidance for enhancing the role of forest ecosystems in improving air quality and human living environments.

The relationship between climate classes and particulate matters over Europe

Present and future Köppen-Geiger climate maps and time series of particulate matter (PM10) at continental scale were used to investigate the relationship between spatial patterns of PM10 and climate zones. Five main patterns (spatial clusters) of PM10 were found over the European continent, which show a good spatial overlap with the main Köppen-Geiger climate zones. The map of future climate, which shows a poleward movement of the warmer climate zones, an expansion of the (semi-)arid zones and a shrinking of the polar and tundra zones, indicates a higher PM10 concentration, especially in the northern part of Europe. The results also show that there is a temporal shift (later/earlier) of PM10 extremes in the period 2013-2022. This insight into the relationship between climate zones and clustered PM10 time series and the use of high-quality future climate maps based on different scenarios can be used to estimate possible changes, such as annual averages or seasonal cycles, in PM10 concentrations.

Air pollution disproportionately impairs beneficial invertebrates: a meta-analysis

Air pollution has the potential to disrupt ecologically- and economically-beneficial services provided by invertebrates, including pollination and natural pest regulation. To effectively predict and mitigate this disruption requires an understanding of how the impacts of air pollution vary between invertebrate groups. Here we conduct a global meta-analysis of 120 publications comparing the performance of different invertebrate functional groups in unpolluted and polluted atmospheres. We focus on the pollutants ozone, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and particulate matter. We show that beneficial invertebrate performance is reduced by air pollution, whereas the performance of plant pest invertebrates is not significantly affected. Ozone pollution has the most detrimental impacts, and these occur at concentrations below national and international air quality standards. Changes in invertebrate performance are not dependent on air pollutant concentrations, indicating that even low levels of pollution are damaging. Predicted increases in tropospheric ozone could result in unintended consequences to global invertebrate populations and their valuable ecological services.

Geographic sources of ozone air pollution and mortality burden in Europe

Ground-level ozone (O3) is a harmful air pollutant formed in the atmosphere by the interaction between sunlight and precursor gases. Exposure to current O3 levels in Europe is a major source of premature mortality from air pollution. However, mitigation actions have been mainly designed and implemented at the national and regional scales, lacking a comprehensive assessment of the geographic sources of O3 pollution and its associated health impacts. Here we quantify both national and imported contributions to O3 and their related mortality burden across 813 contiguous regions in 35 European countries, representing about 530 million people. Imported O3 contributed to 88.3% of all O3-attributable deaths (intercountry range 83-100%). The greatest share of imported O3 had its origins outside the study domain (that is, hemispheric sources), which was responsible for 56.7% of total O3-attributable mortality (range 42.5-87.2%). It was concluded that achieving the air-quality guidelines set out by the World Health Organization and avoiding the health impacts of O3 require not only the implementation of national or coordinated pan-European actions but also global strategies.

Long-term pollen season trends of Fraxinus (ash), Quercus (oak) and Ambrosia artemisiifolia (ragweed) as indicators of anthropogenic climate change impact

The ongoing climatic change, together with atmospheric pollution, influences the timing, duration and intensity of pollen seasons of some allergenic plant taxa. To study these influences, we correlated the trends in the pollen season characteristics of both woody (Fraxinus, Quercus) and herbaceous (Ambrosia) taxa from two pollen monitoring stations in Slovakia with the trends in meteorological factors and air pollutants during the last two decades. In woody species, the increased temperature during the formation of flower buds in summer and autumn led to an earlier onset and intensification of next year's pollen season, especially in Quercus. The increase of relative air humidity and precipitation during this time also had a positive influence on the intensity of the pollen season of trees. The pollen season of the invasive herbaceous species Ambrosia artemisiifolia was prolonged by increased temperature and humidity during the summer and autumn of the same year, which extended the blooming period and delayed the end of the pollen season. From the studied air pollutants, only three were found to correlate with the intensity of the pollen season of the studied taxa, CO - positively and SO2 and NO2 - negatively. It is important to study these long-term trends since they not only give us valuable insight into the response of plants to changing conditions but also enable the prognosis of the exacerbations of pollen-related allergenic diseases.