Health Outcomes of Exposure to Biological and Chemical Components of Inhalable and Respirable Particulate Matter

Inhalation of particulate matter containing environmentally persistent free radicals induces endothelial dysfunction mediated via AhR activation at the air-blood interface

Particulate matter (PM) containing environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFR) is formed by the incomplete combustion of organic wastes, resulting in the chemisorption of pollutants to the surface of PM containing redox-active transition metals. In prior studies in mice, EPFR inhalation impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation. These findings were associated with aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activation in the alveolar type-II (AT-II) cells that form the air-blood interface in the lung. We thus hypothesized that AhR activation in AT-II cells promotes the systemic release of mediators that promote endothelium dysfunction peripheral to the lung. To test our hypothesis, we knocked down AhR in AT-II cells of male and female mice and exposed them to 280 µg/m3 EPFR lo (2.7e + 16 radicals/g) or EPFR (5.5e + 17 radicals/g) compared with filtered air for 4 h/day for 1 day or 5 days. AT-II-AhR activation-induced EPFR-mediated endothelial dysfunction, reducing endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation by 59%, and eNOS expression by 50%. It also increased endothelin-1 mRNA levels in the lungs and peptide levels in the plasma in a paracrine fashion, along with soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and iNOS mRNA expression, possibly via NF-kB activation. Finally, AhR-dependent increases in antioxidant response signaling, coupled to increased levels of 3-nitrotyrosine in the lungs of EPFR-exposed littermate control but not AT-II AhR KO mice suggested that ATII-specific AhR activation promotes oxidative and nitrative stress. Thus, AhR activation at the air-blood interface mediates endothelial dysfunction observed peripheral to the lung, potentially via release of systemic mediators.

Assessment of pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms among INDIAN textile sizing mill workers

BACKGROUND

Textile-sizing mill workers are exposed to various hazards in the sizing units during their working hours and are at risk of acquiring lung impairments due to the usage of sizing chemicals in the sizing process.

OBJECTIVE

The main aim of this study is to assess the influence of cotton dust and sizing agents on lung function and breathing difficulties among Indian textile sizing mill workers.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was carried out at a textile-sizing mill from August 2022 to September 2022. A modified questionnaire based American Thoracic Society's standard was used to assess respiratory symptoms among sizing mill workers and the pulmonary function test was conducted Spirometry. The chi-square test was used to find the difference between respiratory symptoms and the t-test was used to find the difference between spirometric parameters.

RESULTS

Textile sizing mill workers showed significant (P <  0.0001) decline in peak expiratory flow rate, forced vital capacity (FVC), ratio of FEV1 and forced vital capacity, and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1). There was an association between symptoms and duration of exposure to pulmonary abnormality. Sizing mill workers showed a significant decline in lung functions and an increase in pulmonary symptoms. As the service duration of exposure in terms of years increased, respiratory symptoms increased and spirometric abnormality also increased.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms that sizing agents such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), emulsifier, wax, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and starch used in sizing mills are also responsible for respiratory illness and lung impairment among textile workers.

The cellular consequences of particulate matter pollutants in plants: Safeguarding the harmonious integration of structure and function

Particulate matter (PM) pollution is one of the pressing environmental concerns confronting human civilization in the face of the Anthropocene era. Plants are continuously exposed to an accelerating PM, threatening their growth and productivity. Although plants and plant-based infrastructures can potentially reduce ambient air pollutants, PM still affects them morphologically, anatomically, and physiologically. This review comprehensively summarizes an up-to-date review of plant-PM interaction among different functional plant groups, PM deposition and penetration through aboveground and belowground plant parts, and plants' cellular strategies. Upon exposure, PM represses lipid desaturases, eventually leading to modification of cell wall and membrane and altering cell fluidity; consequently, plants can sense the pollutants and, thus, adapt different cellular strategies. The PM also causes a reduction in the photosynthetically active radiation. The study demonstrated that plants reduce stomatal density to avoid PM uptake and increase stomatal index to compensate for decreased gaseous exchange efficiency and transpiration rates. Furthermore, genes and gene sets associated with photosynthesis, glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, and the TCA cycle were dramatically lowered by PM stress. Several transcription factors, including MYB, C2H2, C3H, G2-like, and WRKY were induced, and metabolites such as proline and soluble sugar were accumulated to increase resistance against stressors. In addition, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants were also accumulated to scavenge the PM-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS). Taken together, this review provides an insight into plants' underlying cellular mechanisms and gene regulatory networks in response to the PM to determine strategies to preserve their structural and functional blend in the face of particulate pollution. The study concludes by recommending that future research should precisely focus on plants' response to short- and long-term PM exposure.

Beyond Conventional Monitoring: A Semantic Segmentation Approach to Quantifying Traffic-Induced Dust on Unsealed Roads

Road dust is a mixture of fine and coarse particles released into the air due to an external force, such as tire-ground friction or wind, which is harmful to human health when inhaled. Continuous dust emission from the road surfaces is detrimental to the road itself and the road users. Due to this, multiple dust monitoring and control techniques are currently adopted in the world. The current dust monitoring methods require expensive equipment and expertise. This study introduces a novel pragmatic and robust approach to quantifying traffic-induced road dust using a deep learning method called semantic segmentation. Based on the authors' previous works, the best-performing semantic segmentation machine learning models were selected and used to identify dust in an image pixel-wise. The total number of dust pixels was then correlated with real-world dust measurements obtained from a research-grade dust monitor. Our method shows that semantic segmentation can be adopted to quantify traffic-induced dust reasonably. Over 90% of the predictions from both correlations fall in true positive quadrant, indicating that when dust concentrations are below the threshold, the segmentation can accurately predict them. The results were validated and extended for real-time application. Our code implementation is publicly available.

Do respiratory virus infections modify associations of asthma exacerbation with aeroallergens or fine particulate matter? A time series study in Philadelphia PA

Respiratory virus infections are related to over 80% of childhood asthma exacerbations. They enhance pro-inflammatory mediator release, especially for sensitized individuals exposed to pollens/molds. Using a time-series study design, we investigated possible effect modification by respiratory virus infections of the associations between aeroallergens/PM2.5 and asthma exacerbation rates. Outpatient, emergency department (ED), and inpatient visits for asthma exacerbation among children with asthma (28,540/24,444 [warm/cold season]), as well as viral infection counts were obtained from electronic health records of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia from 2011 to 2016. Rate ratios (RRs, 90th percentile vs. 0) for late-season grass pollen were 1.00 (0.85-1.17), 1.04 (0.95-1.15), and 1.12 (0.96-1.32), respectively, for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) counts within each tertile. However, similar trends were not observed for weed pollens/molds or PM2.5. Overall, our study provides little evidence supporting effect modification by respiratory viral infections.

The mediation role of blood lipids on the path from air pollution exposure to MAFLD: A longitudinal cohort study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Recent cross-sectional studies found that exposure to ambient air pollution (AP) was associated with an increased risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). The alternation of blood lipids may explain the association, but epidemiological evidence is lacking. We aimed to examine whether and to what extent the association between long-term exposure to AP and incident MAFLD is mediated by blood lipids and dyslipidemia in a prospective cohort.

METHODS

We included 6350 participants from the China Multi-Ethnic Cohort (CMEC, baseline 2018-2019, follow-up 2020-2021). Three-year average (2016-2018) of AP (PM1, PM2.5, PM10, NO2), blood lipids (TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, TG with their combinations) and incident MAFLD for each individual were assessed chronologically. Linear and logistic regression was used to assess the associations among AP, blood lipids, and MAFLD, and the potential mediation effects of blood lipids were evaluated using causal mediation analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 744 participants were newly diagnosed with MAFLD at follow-up. The odds ratios of MAFLD associated with a 10 μm increase in PM1, PM2.5, and NO2 were 1.35 (95 % CI: 1.14, 1.58), 1.34 (1.10, 1.65) and 1.28 (1.14, 1.44), respectively. Blood lipids are important mediators between AP and incident MAFLD. LDL-C (Proportion Mediated: 6.9 %), non-HDL (13.4 %), HDL-C (20.7 %), LDL/HDL (30.1 %), and dyslipidemia (6.5 %) significantly mediated the association between PM2.5 and MAFLD. For PM1, the indirect effects were similar to those for PM2.5, with a larger value for the direct effect, and the mediation proportion by blood lipids was less for NO2.

CONCLUSION

Blood lipids are important mediators between AP and MAFLD, and can explain 5 %-30 % of the association between AP and incident MAFLD, particularly cholesterol-related variables, indicating that AP could lead to MAFLD through the alternation of blood lipids. These findings provided mechanical evidence of AP leading to MAFLD in epidemiological studies.

Soil health implications of some d-block metals in selected agricultural soils in Southeast Nigeria

Soil fertility, soil health and environmental management through the estimation of background concentration of potentially toxic elements is required for environmental safety. This study aims at investigating the concentration, fertility and potential health risks of some d-block metals (Ti, V, Fe, Mn, and Mo) in some agricultural soils, and establishes the relationship between the metals and some soil properties. Eight elevation ranges resulted from the digital elevation models of the study area; two in Ishibori (NG1, NG2), three each in Agoi-Ibami (CG1, CG2, CG3) and Mfamosing (SG1, SG2 and SG3). One soil profile pit was sunk along each of the elevations. Thirty-five composite soil samples were collected at 0-30, 30-60, 60-90, 90-120, 120-150, 150-180 and 180-200 cm depending on soil depth. Only the profile means of Mn (660.82 ± 612.89 mg/kg) and Mo (2.61 ± 0.73 mg/kg) exceeded permissible concentrations and would pose threats to the environment. Also, the concentrations of the d-block metals exceeded permissible values in Ishibori making them prone to toxicity. The metals were irregularly distributed with depth; however, Mn and Fe were concentrated in the subsurface soils. Clay and sand contents correlated positively and negatively, respectively with all the d-block metals at p < 0.05. The linear model was more efficient in estimating V and Mo via soil properties with adjusted R2 of 33 - 67% for the metals. In conclusion, agricultural activities and geology may influence the accumulation of d-block metals, hence the call for environmental monitoring to curtail metals' assimilation by crops. HIGHLIGHTS: • Mn and Mo threaten the environment the most. • Soils in the Southern Guinea Savannah are most prone to d-block metals contamination. • BD, pH, Mg, and CEC are the best predictors of d-block metals in the soils. • The linear model was best performing in the estimation of V and Mo, respectively.

Ambient particulate matter exposure and urologic cancer: a longitudinal nationwide cohort study

Increased particulate matter (PM) exposure is positively associated with increased incidence and mortality of many human malignancies. However, evidence of urologic cancer is limited. We aimed to evaluate the association between PM10 exposure and the relative risk of urologic cancer. This nationwide longitudinal cohort study included 231,997 participants who underwent a baseline health examination in 2008 from the National Health Information Database of Korea. The primary endpoint was newly diagnosed urologic cancer according to PM10 exposure. Of the total 231,99 participants, 50,677 developed urologic cancer during a median follow-up of 6.7 years. After controlling for confounding factors, participants in the high PM10 exposure group had a higher risk of kidney cancer (hazard ratio [HR] 1.111, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.068-1.157) and prostate cancer (HR 1.083, 95% CI 1.058-1.109) than those in the low PM10 exposure group. However, in urothelial cell carcinoma, there was no significant increase in the HRs in the high PM10 exposure group. For kidney cancer, participants with the following characteristics were more susceptible: age < 65 years, female sex, decreased regular physical activity, current smoking, no diabetes, no hypertension, normal body mass index, and desirable total cholesterol level. For prostate cancer, participants with the following characteristics were more susceptible: decreased regular physical activity, current smoking, and no hypertension. High PM10 exposure is associated with an increased risk of overall urologic cancers, especially kidney and prostate cancer.

Research progress of different components of PM2.5 and ischemic stroke

PM2.5 is a nonhomogeneous mixture of complex components produced from multiple sources, and different components of this mixture have different chemical and biological toxicities, which results in the fact that the toxicity and hazards of PM2.5 may vary even for the same mass of PM2.5. Previous studies on PM2.5 and ischemic stroke have reached different or even opposing conclusions, and considering the heterogeneity of PM2.5 has led researchers to focus on the health effects of specific PM2.5 components. However, due to the complexity of PM2.5 constituents, assessing the association between exposure to specific PM2.5 constituents and ischemic stroke presents significant challenges. Therefore, this paper reviews and analyzes studies related to PM2.5 and its different components and ischemic stroke, aiming to understand the composition of PM2.5 and identify its harmful components, elucidate their relationship with ischemic stroke, and thus provide some insights and considerations for studying the biological mechanisms by which they affect ischemic stroke and for the prevention and treatment of ischemic stroke associated with different components of PM2.5.

PM2.5 induces the inflammatory response in rat spleen lymphocytes through autophagy activation of NLRP3 inflammasome

Recent evidence has suggested that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can induce inflammatory injury in spleen. However, the underlying mechanisms of injury remain enigmatic. In this study, we aim to clarify the inflammatory injury mechanisms of PM2.5 through investigating the crosstalk between autophagy and nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. The spleen lymphocytes were extracted from SD rats and subjected to PM2.5 and its water-soluble components. The CCK-8 assay was utilized to explore the effects of PM2.5 and its water-soluble components on lymphocytes. Then, the effects of PM2.5 and its water-soluble components exposure on autophagy and NLRP3 inflammasome were detected by qRT-PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining. The autophagosome production was observed under the transmission electron microscope. The autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3MA) following PM2.5 water-soluble components was used to investigate the regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome by autophagy. We found that PM2.5 and its water-soluble components decreased the viability of spleen lymphocytes in a dose-dependent manner. PM2.5 exposure and its water-soluble components exposure activated the autophagy and NlRP3 inflammasome, as indicated by an increased expression of LC3, P62, NLRP3, Caspase-1 p10, and increased release of IL-1β. Furthermore, the treatment with autophagy inhibitor 3MA attenuated the production of autophagosome and NLRP3 inflammasome induced by PM2.5 water-soluble components with decreased expression of NLRP3, Caspase-1 p10, and diminished production of IL-1β. These results suggested that PM2.5 and its water-soluble components could induce autophagy and inflammatory response through NLRP3 inflammasome in spleen lymphocytes, while the NLRP3 inflammasome induced by PM2.5 could be significantly alleviated by inhibition of autophagy, further providing new insights for the understanding of spleen injury caused by PM2.5.

Arsenic, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and metal exposure and risk assessment of stroke

Globally, stroke is one of the primary causes of morbidity and mortality. In the USA, stroke is a major cause of death and disability. Limited studies assessed the impact of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, arsenic, and other metal exposure and their association with the risk of stroke. This study aimed to assess different arsenic species, including total arsenic; two types of organic arsenic, i.e., arsenobetaine and arsenocholine; four types of inorganic arsenic, i.e., arsenic acid, arsenous acid, dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), and monomethylarsonic acid (MMA); six types of urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds, i.e., 1-hydroxynaphthalene, 1-hydroxyphenanthrene, 1-hydroxypyrene, 2-hydroxynaphthalene, 2-hydroxyfluorene, and 3-hydroxyfluorene; and fourteen types of metals from urine specimen, i.e., manganese, cadmium, lead, mercury, barium, cobalt, strontium, molybdenum, cesium, thallium, antimony, tin, tungsten, and uranium and their association with those who reported having been told they had had a stroke by a medical professional. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data used in this study include three data cycles from 2011-2016. In this study, data from a total of 5537 males and females who are aged 20 years and older were analyzed using logistic modeling of the complex weighted survey design. R version 3.6.3 software was used to conduct the analyses. Four species of urinary PAHs, including the third quantiles of 1-hydroxynaphthalene [odds ratio (OR): 2.327, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.961-5.632], 2-hydroxynaphthalene [OR: 2.449, 95% CI: 1.067-5.622], and 3-hydroxyfluorene [OR: 2.289, 95% CI: 1.077-4.861] and the second quantiles of 3-hydroxyfluorene [OR: 2.201, 95% CI: 1.115, 4.346] and 1-hydroxypyrene [OR: 2.066, 95% CI: 1.037, 4.114], showed a positive correlation with increased odds of stroke. Among metals, the third (3rd) [OR: 3.566, 95% CI: 1.370, 9.280] and fourth (4th) [OR: 2.844, 95% CI: 0.947, 8.543] quantiles of urinary manganese showed a positive correlation with increased odds of stroke.

Evaluating the threshold limit value of acceptable exposure concentration for exposure to bioaerosols in a wastewater treatment plant: Reverse-quantitative microbial risk assessment and sensitivity analysis

Agitation operations produce numerous pathogenic bioaerosols in WWTPs¹. QMRA² can determine risks of persons exposed to these bioaerosols. However, QMRA framework cannot help stakeholders in immediately deciding whether a risk is intolerable. Thus, evaluating threshold of acceptable exposure concentration is an urgent issue but is still rarely addressed in WWTPs. This study analyzed TLV³ benchmarks of E. coli and S. aureus bioaerosols emitted from a WWTP by reverse-QMRA. Furthermore, variance of input parameters was clarified by sensitivity analysis. Results showed that, under conservative and optimistic estimates, TLV of technicians was 1.52-2.06 and 1.26-1.68 times as large as those of workers, respectively; wearing mask drive TLV up to 1-2 orders of magnitude; TLV of M⁴ was at most 1.33 and 1.31 times as large as that of RD⁵, respectively. For sensitivity analysis, removal fraction by equipping PPE enlarge TLV for effortlessly obtaining an acceptable assessment result; exposure time was dominant when without PPE excepting the scenario of technicians exposed to E. coli bioaerosol. This study helps establish threshold guidelines for bioaerosols in WWTPs and contribute innovative perspectives for stakeholders.

Toxicological Profile of PM from Different Sources in the Bronchial Epithelial Cell Line BEAS-2B

The toxicity of particulate matter (PM) is strictly associated with its physical-chemical characteristics, such as size or chemical composition. While these properties depend on the origin of the particles, the study of the toxicological profile of PM from single sources has rarely been highlighted. Hence, the focus of this research was to investigate the biological effects of PM from five relevant sources of atmospheric PM: diesel exhaust particles, coke dust, pellet ashes, incinerator ashes, and brake dust. Cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, oxidative, and inflammatory response were assessed in a bronchial cell line (BEAS-2B). BEAS-2B cells were exposed to different concentrations (25, 50, 100, and 150 μg/mL medium) of particles suspended in water. The exposure lasted 24 h for all the assays performed, except for reactive oxygen species, which were evaluated after 30 min, 1 h, and 4 h of treatment. The results showed a different action of the five types of PM. All the tested samples showed a genotoxic action on BEAS-2B, even in the absence of oxidative stress induction. Pellet ashes seemed to be the only ones able to induce oxidative stress by boosting the formation of reactive oxygen species, while brake dust resulted in the most cytotoxic. In conclusion, the study elucidated the differential response of bronchial cells to PM samples generated by different sources. The comparison could be a starting point for a regulatory intervention since it highlighted the toxic potential of each type of PM tested.

Distribution and the trend of airborne particles and bio-aerosol concentration in pediatric intensive care units with different ventilation setting at two hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVE

To examine the distribution and the trend of airborne particles and bio-aerosol concentration in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in two tertiary care hospitals with different ventilation setting.

METHODS

Hospitals A but not B is provided with a central HEPA filter. PICUs in both hospitals were categorized into protective environment (PE) with room HEPA filter, semi-protective environment (SPE) with portable air-purifier, and non-protective environment (NPE) with neither system. Fine particles (≤ 2.5 µm) and coarse particles (≤ 10.0 µm) were obtained using optical particle counter (Lighthouse Handheld 3016) and total bacterial (TBC) and fungal (TFC) counts were obtained using Andersen air sampler.

RESULTS

Hospital B had significantly higher levels of fine and coarse particles (in all room), TBC (in PE), but not TFC compared with matched rooms in hospital A. In hospital B, the levels of fine particles, coarse particles, and TBC were lowest in SPE (p < 0.001, p = 0.004, and p = 0.006, respectively) while TFC was lowest in NPE (p = 0.014). Airborne particles, TBC, and TFC had variable trends with some of the indoor peaks follow outdoor peaks. Gram-positive bacteria (69 %) were the predominant bacteria in hospital A while bacterial flora (70 %) were the predominant bacteria in hospital B (p < 0.001 for each).

CONCLUSIONS

The levels of airborne contaminants and microbial counts in PICUs are significantly affected by the ventilation system and to less extent by outdoor levels. The results indicated that advanced filtration system and central HEPA filters play a significant role in the reduction of indoor fine particulates and TBC.

Bioaerosol dispersion and environmental risk simulation: Method and a case study for a biopharmaceutical plant of Gansu province, China

Pathogenic bacteria pose a great threat to global public health from environmental and public health perspectives, especially regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide. As a result, the increased risk of pathogenic bioaerosol exposure imposes a considerable health burden and raises specific concerns about the layout and location of vaccine manufacturers. This study proposed a grid computing method based on the CALPUFF modelling system and population-based environmental risks to reduce bioaerosol-related potential risks. We previously used the CALPUFF model to quantify the diffusion level, the spatial distribution of emissions, and potential environmental risks of bioaerosol leakage in Gansu province's Zhongmu Lanzhou biopharmaceutical plant from July 24, 2019, to August 20, 2019. By combining it with publicly available test data, the credibility was confirmed. Based on our previous research, the CALPUFF model application combined with the environmental population-based environmental risks in two scenarios: the layout and site selection, was explored by using the leakage accident of Zhongmu Lanzhou biopharmaceutical plant of Gansu province as a case study. Our results showed that the site selection method of scenario 2 coupled with the buffer area was more reasonable than scenario 1, and the final layout site selection point of scenario 2 was grid 157 as the optimal layout point. The simulation results demonstrated agreement with the actual survey. Our findings could assist global bioaerosol manufacturers in developing appropriate layout and site selection strategies to reduce bioaerosol-related potential environmental risks.

Exposure to Respirable Particulate Matter and Its Association with Respiratory Outcomes in Beauty Salon Personnel

We aimed to assess exposure to respirable particulate matter (PM) of beauty salon personnel, identify its determinants and ascertain the associated respiratory effects. We collected 122 full-day respirable PM samples from 12 beauty salons (floor area ranging from 24 to 550 m³, staff from 4 to 8) in Almaty, Kazakhstan, taking 10 samples from each place using a portable SidePak AM520 monitor. We also assessed lifestyle (smoking, etc.), respiratory symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQL) of the personnel using questionnaires. Out of 11,831 5-min data points, daily median respirable PM concentrations were highly variable and ranged from 0.013 to 0.666 mg/m³ with 8.5-times difference in the median concentrations between the venue with the highest median (0.29 mg/m³) and the least median (0.034 mg/m³). In a multivariate linear regression modelling, ambient PM_2.5 concentration was the strongest predictor of daily median respirable PM concentration (beta 2.12; 95% CI 1.89; 2.39), and R² of the model was 0.63. We also found a positive association of the median respirable PM with respiratory symptoms and seasonal allergy, but not with HRQL. Short-term respirable PM levels in the beauty salons may be very high, but the median concentrations are mainly determined by the ambient air pollution.

Characteristics and Risk Assessment of Environmentally Persistent Free Radicals (EPFRs) of PM2.5 in Lahore, Pakistan

Environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) are an emerging pollutant and source of oxidative stress. Samples of PM_2.5 were collected at the urban sites of Lahore in both winter and summertime of 2019. The chemical composition of PM_2.5, EPRF concentration, OH radical generation, and risk assessment of EPFRs in PM_2.5 were evaluated. The average concentration of PM_2.5 in wintertime and summertime in Lahore is 15 and 4.6 times higher than the national environmental quality standards (NEQS) of Pakistan and WHO. The dominant components of PM_2.5 are carbonaceous species. The concentration of EPFRs and reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as OH radicals, is higher in the winter than in the summertime. The secondary inorganic ions do not contribute to the generation of OH radicals, although the contribution of SO₄²⁺, NO₃^-, and NH₄⁺ to the mass concentration of PM_2.5 is greater in summertime. The atmospheric EPFRs are used to evaluate the exposure risk. The EPFRs in PM_2.5 and cigarette smoke have shown similar toxicity to humans. In winter and summer, the residents of Lahore inhaled the amount of EPFRs equivalent to 4.0 and 0.6 cigarettes per person per day, respectively. Compared to Joaquin County, USA, the residents of Lahore are 1.8 to 14.5 times more exposed to EPFRs in summer and wintertime. The correlation analysis of atmospheric EPFRs (spin/m³) and carbonaceous species of PM_2.5 indicates that coal combustion, biomass burning, and vehicle emissions are the possible sources of EPFRs in the winter and summertime. In both winter and summertime, metallic and carbonaceous species correlated well with OH radical generation, suggesting that vehicular emissions, coal combustion, and industrial emissions contributed to the OH radical generation. The study's findings provide valuable information and data for evaluating the potential health effects of EPFRs in South Asia and implementing effective air pollution control strategies.

Spatial distribution and influencing factors of thyroid cancer hospitalization rate among rural residents in Fujian Province, China from 2012 to 2016

This study aimed to explore the spatial distribution and influencing factors of thyroid cancer hospitalization rates in Fujian Province from 2012 to 2016. Hospitalization reimbursement records for thyroid cancer were obtained from 2025 hospitals in Fujian Province from 2012 to 2016. The Moran's I method was used for spatial autocorrelation analysis and to further draw a spatial cluster map in Fujian. Geographic detectors were used to explore the effect of risk factors on spatial heterogeneity of inpatient service utilization for thyroid cancer. The study showed that there was obvious temporal and spatial heterogeneity in the utilization rate of inpatient services for thyroid cancer in Fujian Province, which were mainly concentrated in Fuzhou, with Lianjiang County as the center, and the gathering area involves 26 counties and cities. Among a variety of environmental factors, air quality index (AQI) (q = 0.481), carbon sequestration (q = 0.161), and carbon emissions (q = 0.155) were the main factors affecting the hospitalization rates. AQI and carbon emissions were generally positively correlated with hospitalization rates, and carbon sequestration was negatively correlated. After the interaction of the two factors, the interpretation of the hospitalization rate was enhanced. The obvious spatial heterogeneity will help the relevant departments to adjust measures to local conditions and allocate medical resources rationally to ease the pressure of seeking medical attention in high-demand areas.

Thyroid Carcinoma: A Review for 25 Years of Environmental Risk Factors Studies

Environmental factors are established contributors to thyroid carcinomas. Due to their known ability to cause cancer, exposure to several organic and inorganic chemical toxicants and radiation from nuclear weapons, fallout, or medical radiation poses a threat to global public health. Halogenated substances like organochlorines and pesticides can interfere with thyroid function. Like phthalates and bisphenolates, polychlorinated biphenyls and their metabolites, along with polybrominated diethyl ethers, impact thyroid hormones biosynthesis, transport, binding to target organs, and impair thyroid function. A deeper understanding of environmental exposure is crucial for managing and preventing thyroid cancer. This review aims to investigate the relationship between environmental factors and the development of thyroid cancer.

A SWOT analysis of contemporary gaps and a possible diagnostic tool for environmental health in an upper-middle income country: a case study of South Africa

This study evaluated the state of environmental health in the Republic of South Africa using the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis framework. The internal and external factor evaluations were conducted by reviewing existing literature searched using a combination of keywords and boolean functions. The weighted score for the strengths and weaknesses was 0.79 and 1.04, respectively. The external factor evaluations findings revealed that environmental health has an equal amount of threats and opportunities, however, the threats outweigh the opportunities. The total weighted score for the internal and external factor evaluations was 1.83 and 2.25, respectively, which were below the average value of 2.5. The internal-external factors matrix indicated that environmental health in the Republic of South Africa needs to be refocused and re-aligned to public health protection. Failure to address the weaknesses and threats and optimise the strengths and opportunities may further weaken the provision of environmental health services.

Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammation and Antiaging Activities of Artocarpus altilis Methanolic Extract on Urban Particulate Matter-Induced HaCaT Keratinocytes Damage

Particulate matter (PM) is one of the reasons that exacerbate skin diseases. Impaired barrier function is a common symptom in skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis. Herbal extracts rich in antioxidants are thought to provide excellent pharmacological activities; however, the anti-pollution activity of Artocarpus altilis extract (AAM) has not been investigated yet. The present study demonstrated that 5 μg/mL of AAM was considered to be a safe dose for further experiments without cytotoxicity. Next, we evaluated the anti-pollution activity of AAM through the PM-induced keratinocytes damage cell model. The results showed that AAM could reduce PM-induced overproduction of intracellular ROS and the final product of lipid peroxidation, 4-hydroxynonenal (4HNE). In addition, AAM not only reduced the inflammatory protein expressions, including tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), but also balanced the aging protein ratio of matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteases (TIMPs) through downregulating the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. For skin barrier protection, AAM could repair PM-induced barrier function proteins damage, including filaggrin, loricrin and aquaporin 3 for providing anti-aging bioactivity. In conclusion, AAM has the potential to be developed as an anti-pollution active ingredient for topical skin products to prevent skin oxidation, inflammation and aging, and restore the skin barrier function.

Aberrant mitochondrial DNA methylation and declined pulmonary function in a population with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon composition in particulate matter

Air pollution exposure has been found to be associated with epigenetic modification of the mitochondrial genome, which could subsequently induce adverse health outcomes. However, very limited studies exist regarding the association between fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) exposure and pulmonary function at the molecular level of mitochondrial epigenetic changes. This study aimed to investigate the association of platelet mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) methylation with occupational PM_2.5 exposure and pulmonary function. First, 768 participants were occupationally exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-enriched PM_2.5 in a coke-oven plant in East China. The levels of PM_2.5, PAH components bound to PM_2.5, and urinary PAH metabolites in the workplace environment were measured as an internal dose, respectively. mtDNA methylation was measured by bisulfite pyrosequencing of two genes of ATP synthase (MT-ATP6 and MT-ATP8). Mediation analysis was conducted to evaluate the role of mtDNA methylation in pulmonary alteration induced by PAH. A decreasing trend of platelet mtDNA methylation was observed with increase in PM_2.5 exposure across all participants. As an important PAH metabolite in urine, 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) was significantly negatively associated with FEV1/FVC (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1s/Forced Vital Capacity) ratio. The participants with high serum folate levels (≥10 nmol/L) showed positive association between MT-ATP6 methylation and FEV1/FVC ratio. Mediation analysis suggested that MT-ATP6 methylation mediated the significant association of urinary 1-OHP with FEV1/FVC. Our findings suggested the methylation of platelet mitochondrial gene MT-ATP6 and FEV1/FVC to be negatively associated with PM exposure. Platelet mtDNA methylation acted as an intermediary between PAH exposure and lung function decline. The mitochondrial epigenetic regulation in platelets, in response to PM exposure, might be involved in subsequent progress of abnormal pulmonary function.

Short-Term Associations between Size-Fractioned Particles and Cardiopulmonary Function in COPD Patients: A Panel Study in Shanghai, China, during 2014-2021

It remains unknown which size fractions dominate the adverse cardiopulmonary effects of particulate matter (PM). Therefore, this study aimed to explore the differential associations between size-fractioned particle number concentrations (PNCs) and cardiopulmonary function measures, including the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁), the forced vital capacity (FVC), and the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). We conducted a panel study among 211 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Shanghai, China, between January 2014 and December 2021. We applied linear mixed-effect models to determine the associations between cardiopulmonary function measures and PNCs ranging from 0.01 to 10 μm in diameter. Generally, only particles <1 μm showed significant associations, i.e., ultrafine particles (UFPs, <0.1 μm) for FVC and particles ranging from 0.1 to 1 µm for FEV₁ and LVEF. An interquartile range (IQR) increment in UFP was associated with decreases of 78.4 mL in FVC. PNC_0.1-0.3 and PNC_0.3-1 corresponded to the strongest effects on FEV₁ (119.5 mL) and LVEF (1.5%) per IQR increment. Particles <1 µm might dominate the cardiopulmonary toxicity of PM, but UFPs might not always have the strongest effect. Tailored regulations towards particles <1 µm should be intensified to reduce PM pollution and protect vulnerable populations.

Fine particulate matter induces METTL3-mediated m6A modification of BIRC5 mRNA in bladder cancer

Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) is reportedly related to a variety of cancers including bladder cancer. However, little is known about the biological mechanism underlying this association. In the present study, PM_2.5 exposure was significantly associated with increased levels of m⁶A modification in bladder cancer patients and bladder cells. METTL3 expression was aberrantly upregulated after PM_2.5 exposure, and METTL3 was involved in PM_2.5-induced m⁶A methylation. Higher METTL3 expression was observed in bladder cancer tissues and METTL3 knockdown dramatically inhibited bladder cancer cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion, inducing apoptosis and disrupting the cell cycle. Mechanistically, PM_2.5 enhanced the expression of METTL3 by inducing the promoter hypomethylation of its promoter and increasing the binding affinity of the transcription factor HIF1A. BIRC5 was identified as the target of METTL3 through m⁶A sequencing (m⁶A-Seq) and KEGG analysis. The methylated BIRC5 transcript was subsequently recognized by IGF2BP3, which increased its mRNA stability. In particular, PM_2.5 exposure promoted the m⁶A modification of BIRC5 and its recognition by IGF2BP3. In addition, BIRC5 was involved in bladder cancer proliferation and metastasis, as well as VEGFA-regulated angiogenesis_. This comprehensive study revealed that PM_2.5 exposure exerts epigenetic regulatory effects on bladder cancer via the HIF1A/METTL3/IGF2BP3/BIRC5/VEGFA network.

The relationship between greenspace and personal exposure to PM2.5 during walking trips in Delhi, India

The presence of urban greenspace may lead to reduced personal exposure to air pollution via several mechanisms, for example, increased dispersion of airborne particulates; however, there is a lack of real-time evidence across different urban contexts. Study participants were 79 adolescents with asthma who lived in Delhi, India and were recruited to the Delhi Air Pollution and Health Effects (DAPHNE) study. Participants were monitored continuously for exposure to PM_2.5 (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 μm) for 48 h. We isolated normal day-to-day walking journeys (n = 199) from the personal monitoring dataset and assessed the relationship between greenspace and personal PM_2.5 using different spatial scales of the mean Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), mean tree cover (TC), and proportion of surrounding green land use (GLU) and parks or forests (PF). The journeys had a mean duration of 12.7 (range 5, 53) min and mean PM_2.5 personal exposure of 133.9 (standard deviation = 114.8) μg/m³. The within-trip analysis showed weak inverse associations between greenspace markers and PM_2.5 concentrations only in the spring/summer/monsoon season, with statistically significant associations for TC at the 25 and 50 m buffers in adjusted models. Between-trip analysis also indicated inverse associations for NDVI and TC, but suggested positive associations for GLU and PF in the spring/summer/monsoon season; no overall patterns of association were evident in the autumn/winter season. Associations between greenspace and personal PM_2.5 during walking trips in Delhi varied across metrics, spatial scales, and season, but were most consistent for TC. These mixed findings may partly relate to journeys being dominated by walking along roads and small effects on PM_2.5 of small pockets of greenspace. Larger areas of greenspace may, however, give rise to observable spatial effects on PM_2.5, which vary by season.

Effects of <10-µm Particulate Matter on Cultured Human Sebocytes and Outer Root Sheath Cells and Usefulness of Siegesbeckia Herba Extract

Background

Particulate matter (PM) is one of the air pollutants that can damage human skin; the recent increase in the amount of PM may be detrimental to skin health.

Objective

We aimed to investigate the effects of PM on cultured human sebocytes and outer root sheath (ORS) cells and the effects of Siegesbeckia Herba extract (SHE) on PM-treated cultured cells.

Methods

Sebocytes and ORS cells were cultured. The cultured cells were treated with various concentrations of PM of <10 µm in size (PM10) (10 µg/ml, 25 µg/ml, 50 µg/ml, and 100 µg/ml) for 24 h. Real-time polymerase chain reaction, measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS), small interfering (si) RNA transfection, Oil Red O and Nile red staining, and immunofluorescence staining were performed to analyze the presence of inflammatory cytokines, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), ROS, and lipid production. In addition, PM10 (100 µg/ml)-treated cultured cells were treated with 10 mg/ml of SHE.

Results

PM10 upregulates the expression of inflammatory cytokines, MMPs, AhR, NF-κB, and ROS in cultured human sebocytes and ORS cells. The production of ROS was dramatically reduced in AhR siRNA-transfected cells. In addition, PM10 upregulates sebum production in cultured sebocytes. SHE inhibited the upregulation of inflammatory cytokines, MMPs, AhR, NF-κB, ROS, and sebum production in cultured human sebocytes and/or ORS cells by PM10.

Conclusion

Effects of PM10 on cultured human sebocytes and ORS cells can be regulated by SH.

Dynamics of airborne microplastics, appraisal and distributional behaviour in atmosphere; a review

The use of plastics is common across all aspects of human life owing to its durable and versatile nature. The generation and utilization of plastics are directly related to the anthropogenic activities. The extensive use of plastics and adoption of inappropriate waste-management frameworks has resulted in their release into the environment, where they may persist. Different environmental factors, such as, photochemical, thermo-oxidation, and biological degradation, can lead to the degradation of plastics into micro- (MPs) and nano-plastics (NPs). The behaviour and concentration of MPs in the terrestrial environment can depend on their size, density, and local atmospheric conditions. Microplastics and nanoplastics may enter the food web, carrying various organic pollutants, which bio-accumulate at different trophic levels, prompting organism health concerns. Microplastics being airborne identifies as new exposure route. Dietary and airborne exposure to MPs has led researchers to stress the importance of evaluating their toxicological potential. The primary goal of this paper is to explore the environmental fate of MPs from sources to sink in the terrestrial environment, as well as detail their potential impacts on human health. Additionally, this review article focuses on the presence of airborne microplastics, detailed sample pre-processing methods, and outlines analytical methods for their characterization.

Occupational exposures to particulate matter and PM2.5-associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons at the Agbogbloshie waste recycling site in Ghana

Electronic waste (e-waste) disposal and recycling activities such as burning and smelting can emit particulate matter (PM), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and other pollutants that expose workers and nearby communities. At informal e-waste recycling facilities, both emission controls and protective measures for workers are absent. This study characterizes personal exposures (breathing zone) of PM and PAHs of e-waste workers at the large Agbogbloshie e-waste site in Accra, Ghana. We collected gravimetric and optical measurements of PM2.5 and PM10 using shift samples for workers and for an age- and gender-matched reference population. PM2.5 filters were analyzed for 26 PAHs using gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy. Among e-waste workers, PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations were 99 ± 56 and 218 ± 158 µg/m3 (median ± interquartile range, optical measurements), respectively; these levels were 78 and 57% higher, respectively, than levels measured at a fixed site that was centrally located at the waste site. In the reference community, breathing zone PM2.5 and PM10 levels were lower, 49 ± 20 and 131 ± 108 µg/m3, respectively, and the fraction of coarse PM was larger. We detected all 26 target PAHs, of which naphthalene and phenanthrene were the most abundant. PAH concentrations were weakly correlated to PM levels, but PAH abundances, representing the fraction of PAH mass to the total PM2.5 mass collected, were strongly and inversely correlated to PM levels, suggesting multiple and different sources of PAHs and PM that affected exposures. Both PM and PAH levels were elevated for workers performing burning and dismantling, and both exceeded standards or risk-based guidelines, e.g., lifetime excess cancer risks for several PAHs were in the 10-4 to 10-6 range, indicating the need to reduce emissions as well as provide respiratory protection. The study emphasizes the importance of using personal and shift samples to accurately characterize worker exposure.

Exposure to particulate matter: a brief review with a focus on cardiovascular effects, children, and research conducted in Turkey

Exposure to environmental particulate matter (PM), outdoor air pollution in particular, has long been associated with adverse health effects. Today, PM has widely been accepted as a systemic toxicant showing adverse effects beyond the lungs. There are numerous studies, from those in vitro to epidemiological ones, suggesting various direct and indirect PM toxicity mechanisms associated with cardiovascular risks, including inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, changes in blood pressure, autonomic regulation of heart rate, suppression of endothelium-dependent vasodilation, thrombogenesis, myocardial infarction, and fibrinolysis. In addition to these and other health risks, considerations about air quality standards should include individual differences, lifestyle, and vulnerable populations such as children. Urban air pollution has been a major environmental issue for Turkey, and this review will also address current situation, research, and measures taken in our country.

Deferoxamine Treatment Improves Antioxidant Cosmeceutical Formulation Protection against Cutaneous Diesel Engine Exhaust Exposure

Skin is one of the main targets of the outdoor stressors. Considering that pollution levels are rising progressively, it is not surprising that several cutaneous conditions have been associated with its exposure. Among the pollutants, diesel engine exhaust (DEE) represents one of the most toxic, as it is composed of a mixture of many different noxious chemicals generated during the compression cycle, for ignition rather than an electrical spark as in gasoline engines. The toxic chemicals of most concern in DEE, besides the oxides of nitrogen, sulfur dioxide and various hydrocarbons, are metals that can induce oxidative stress and inflammation. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of topical application, singularly or in combination, of the iron-chelator deferoxamine and a commercially available formulation, CE Ferulic, in up to 4-day DEE-exposed skin. DEE induced a significant increase in the oxidative marker 4-hydroxy-nonenal (4HNE) and matrix-metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9), the loss of cutaneous-barrier-associated proteins (filaggrin and involucrin) and a decrease in collagen-1, while the formulations prevented the cutaneous damage in an additive manner. In conclusion, this study suggests that iron plays a key role in DEE-induced skin damage and its chelation could be an adjuvant strategy to reinforce antioxidant topical formulations.

Oxidative metabolism in the cardiorespiratory system after an acute exposure to nickel-doped nanoparticles in mice

There is an increasing concern over the harmful effects that metallic nanoparticles (NP) may produce on human health. Due to their redox properties, nickel (Ni) and Ni-containing NP are particularly relevant. Hence, the aim of this study was to establish the toxicological mechanisms in the cardiorespiratory oxidative metabolism initiated by an acute exposure to Ni-doped-NP. Mice were intranasally instilled with silica NP containing Ni (II) (Ni-NP) (1 mg Ni (II)/kg body weight) or empty NP as control, and 1 h after exposure lung, plasma, and heart samples were obtained to assess the redox metabolism. Results showed that, NP were mainly retained in the lungs triggering a significantly increased tissue O₂ consumption rate, leading to Ni-NP-increased reactive oxygen species production by NOX activity, and mitochondrial H₂O₂ production rate. In addition, an oxidant redox status due to an altered antioxidant system showed by lung GSH/GSSG ratio decreased, and SOD activity increased, resulting in an increased phospholipid oxidation. Activation of circulating polymorphonuclear leukocytes, along with GSH/GSSG ratio decreased, and phospholipid oxidation were found in the Ni-NP-group plasma samples. Consequently, in distant organs such as heart, Ni-NP inhalation alters the tissue redox status. Our results showed that the O₂ metabolism analysis is a critical area of study following Ni-NP inhalation. Therefore, this work provides novel data linking the redox metabolisms alterations elicited by exposure to Ni (II) adsorbed to NP and cardiorespiratory toxicity.

Exposure to PM2.5 induces neurotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and inflammation in human SH-SY5Y neuronal cells

Ambient air pollution is a global public health issue. Recent evidence suggests that exposure to fine aerosolized particulate matter (PM) as small as ≤2.5 microns (PM_2.5) is neurotoxic to brain structures. Many studies also suggest exposure to PM_2.5 may cause neurotoxicity and affect brain function. However, the molecular mechanisms by which PM_2.5 exerts these effects are not fully understood. Thus, we evaluated the hypothesis that PM_2.5 exposure exerts its neurotoxic effects via increased oxidative and inflammatory cellular damage and mitochondrial dysfunction using human SH-SY5Y neuronal cells. Here, we show PM_2.5 exposure significantly decreases viability, and increases caspase 3 and 9 protein expression and activity in SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, PM_2.5 exposure decreases SH-SY5Y survival, disrupts cell and mitochondrial morphology, and significantly decreases ATP levels, D-loop levels, and mitochondrial mass and function (maximal respiratory function, COX activity, and mitochondrial membrane potential) in SH-SY5Y cells. Moreover, SH-SY5Y cells exposed to PM_2.5 have significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression levels of survival genes (CREB and Bcl-2) and neuroprotective genes (PPARγ and AMPK). We further show SH-SY5Y cells exposure to PM_2.5 induces significant increases in the levels of oxidative stress, and expression levels of the inflammatory mediator's TNF-α, IL-1β, and NF-κB. Taken together, these results provide the first evidence of the biochemical, molecular and morphological effects of PM_2.5 on human neuronal SH-SY5Y cells, and support our hypothesis that increased mitochondrial disruption, oxidative stress and inflammation are critical mediators of its neurotoxic effects. These findings further improve our understanding of the neuronal cell impact of PM_2.5 exposure, and may be useful in the design of strategies for the treatment and prevention of human neurodegenerative disorders.

Airborne particulate matter induces oxidative damage, DNA adduct formation and alterations in DNA repair pathways

Air pollution, which includes particulate matter (PM), is classified in group 1 as a carcinogen to humans by the International Agency for Research in Cancer. Specifically, PM exposure has been associated with lung cancer in patients living in highly polluted cities. The precise mechanism by which PM is linked to cancer has not been completely described, and the genotoxicity induced by PM exposure plays a relevant role in cell damage. In this review, we aimed to analyze the types of DNA damage and alterations in DNA repair pathways induced by PM exposure, from both epidemiological and toxicological studies, to comprehend the contribution of PM exposure to carcinogenesis. Scientific evidence supports that PM exposure mainly causes oxidative stress by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the formation of DNA adducts, specifically by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). PM exposure also induces double-strand breaks (DSBs) and deregulates the expression of some proteins in DNA repair pathways, precisely, base and nucleotide excision repairs and homologous repair. Furthermore, specific polymorphisms of DNA repair genes could lead to an adverse response in subjects exposed to PM. Nevertheless, information about the effects of PM on DNA repair pathways is still limited, and it has not been possible to conclude which pathways are the most affected by exposure to PM or if DNA damage is repaired properly. Therefore, deepening the study of genotoxic damage and alterations of DNA repair pathways is needed for a more precise understanding of the carcinogenic mechanism of PM.

Staphylococci and fecal bacteria as bioaerosol components in animal housing facilities in the Zoological Garden in Chorzów

Zoos are places open for a large number of visitors, adults and children, who can admire exotic as well as indigenous animal species. The premises for animals may contain pathogenic microbes, including those exhibiting antibiotic resistance. It poses a threat to people remaining within the zoo premises, both for animal keepers who meet animals on a daily basis and visitors who infrequently have contact with animals. There are almost no studies concerning the presence on the concentration of airborne bacteria, especially staphylococci and fecal bacteria in animal shelters in the zoo. There is no data about antibiotic resistance of staphylococci in these places. The results will enable to determine the scale of the threat that indicator bacteria from the bioaerosol pose to human health within zoo premises. This study conducted in rooms for 5 animals group (giraffes, camels, elephants, kangaroos, and Colobinae (species of monkey)) in the Silesian Zoological Garden in Chorzów (Poland). The bioaerosol samples were collected using a six-stage Andersen cascade impactor to assess the concentrations and size distribution of airborne bacteria. Staphylococci were isolated from bioaerosol and tested for antibiotic resistance. In our study, the highest contamination of staphylococci and fecal bacteria was recorded in rooms for camels and elephants, and the lowest in rooms for Colobinae. At least 2/3 of bacteria in bioaerosol constituted respirable fraction that migrates into the lower respiratory tract of the people. In investigated animal rooms, the greatest bacteria contribution was recorded for bioaerosol fraction sized 1.1-3.3μm. Bacterial concentrations were particularly strong in spring and autumn, what is related to shedding fur by animals. Among the isolated staphylococci which most often occurred were Staphylococcus succinus, S. sciuri, and S. vitulinus. The highest antibiotic resistance was noted in the case of Staphylococcus epidermidis, while the lowest for S. xylosus. In addition to standard cleaning of animal rooms, periodic disinfection should be considered. Cleaning should be carried out wet, which should reduce dust, and thus the concentrations of bacteria in the air of animal enclosures.

Quantitative and qualitative analysis of operator inhaled aerosols during routine motorised equine dental treatment

BACKGROUND

Routine equine odontoplasty is performed by both Veterinary Surgeons and Equine Dental Technicians. The production of aerosolised particulates from motorised equipment has been well documented in human orthodontics but has yet to be investigated in the veterinary industry.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the size, quantity and composition of particulates produced during routine motorised odontoplasty and to model their deposition in the human respiratory tree.

STUDY DESIGN

Analytic observational study.

METHODS

Fifteen-minute routine motorised odontoplasties were performed on cadaver heads with monitoring equipment placed 30 cm away from the oral cavity to simulate the position of the operator's face. For quantitative analysis, an active air sampling photometric monitor was used to detect the concentration of fully respirable (<4.25 µm) particles produced. The use of water and non-water-cooled equipment and 2 different types of face mask (standard surgical and FFP3) were compared. An 8-stage Marple Personal Cascade Impactor modelled the deposition of the particulates in relation to the human respiratory tree. Qualitative analysis of these particulates was performed using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy.

RESULTS

Motorised odontoplasty created aerosolised particulates that could reach all levels of the human respiratory tree. These particulates were composed mostly of calcium and phosphate, although traces of metals were found. The concentration of fully respirable particulates exceeded the recommended exposure limits set by the Health and Safety Executive. The use of an FFP-3 face mask significantly reduced the level of inhaled particulates.

MAIN LIMITATIONS

This was a simulated experiment. It does not take into account the variety of environments in which routine treatment takes place.

CONCLUSIONS

There are possible health risks in performing a large amount of routine motorised dentistry due to inhalation of aerosolised particulates. The use of an adequate face mask lowers exposure levels to within acceptable limits and, therefore, should be worn.

Metabolic Response of RAW 264.7 Macrophages to Exposure to Crude Particulate Matter and a Reduced Content of Organic Matter

Exposure to air pollution from various airborne particulate matter (PM) is regarded as a potential health risk. Airborne PM penetrates the lungs, where it is taken up by macrophages, what results in macrophage activation and can potentially lead to negative consequences for the organism. In the present study, we assessed the effects of direct exposure of RAW 264.7 macrophages to crude PM (NIST1648a) and to a reduced content of organic matter (LAp120) for up to 72 h on selected parameters of metabolic activity. These included cell viability and apoptosis, metabolic activity and cell number, ROS synthesis, nitric oxide (NO) release, and oxidative burst. The results indicated that both NIST1648a and LAp120 negatively influenced the parameters of cell viability and metabolic activity due to increased ROS synthesis. The negative effect of PM was concentration-dependent; i.e., it was the most pronounced for the highest concentration applied. The impact of PM also depended on the time of exposure, so at respective time points, PM induced different effects. There were also differences in the impact of NIST1648a and LAp120 on almost all parameters tested. The negative effect of LAp120 was more pronounced, what appeared to be associated with an increased content of metals.

Development of a Novel Gasoline Particulate Filter Loading Method Using a Burner Bench

In view of the deliberations on new Euro 7 emission standards to be introduced by 2025, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are already hard at work to further minimise the pollutant emissions of their vehicles. A particular challenge in this context will be compliance with new particulate number (PN) limits. It is expected that these will be tightened significantly, especially by including particulates down to 10 nm. This will lead to a substantially increased effort in the calibration of gasoline particulate filter (GPF) control systems. Therefore, it is of great interest to implement advanced methods that enable shortened and at the same time more accurate GPF calibration techniques. In this context, this study presents an innovative GPF calibration procedure that can enable a uniquely efficient development process. In doing so, some calibration work packages involving GPF soot loading and regeneration are transferred to a modern burner test bench. This approach can minimise the costly and time-consuming use of engine test benches for GPF calibration tasks. Accurate characterisation of the particulate emissions produced after a cold start by the target engine in terms of size distribution, morphology, and the following exhaust gas backpressure and burn-off rates of the soot inside the GPF provides the basis for a precise reproduction and validation process on the burner test bench. The burner test bench presented enables the generation of particulates with a geometric mean diameter (GMD) of 35 nm, exactly as they were measured in the exhaust gas of the engine. The elemental composition of the burner particulates also shows strong similarities to the particulates produced by the gasoline engine, which is further confirmed by matching burn-off rates. Furthermore, the exhaust backpressure behaviour can accurately be reproduced over the entire loading range of the GPF. By shifting GPF-related calibration tasks to the burner test bench, total filter loading times can be reduced by up to 93%.

Environmental Air Pollutants Inhaled during Pregnancy Are Associated with Altered Cord Blood Immune Cell Profiles

Air pollution exposure during pregnancy may be a risk factor for altered immune maturation in the offspring. We investigated the association between ambient air pollutants during pregnancy and cell populations in cord blood from babies born to mothers with asthma enrolled in the Breathing for Life Trial. For each patient (n = 91), daily mean ambient air pollutant levels were extracted during their entire pregnancy for sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, particulate matter <10 μm (PM₁₀) or <2.5 μm (PM_2.5), humidity, and temperature. Ninety-one cord blood samples were collected, stained, and assessed using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Principal Component (PC) analyses of both air pollutants and cell types with linear regression were employed to define associations. Considering risk factors and correlations between PCs, only one PC from air pollutants and two from cell types were statistically significant. PCs from air pollutants were characterized by higher PM_2.5 and lower SO₂ levels. PCs from cell types were characterized by high numbers of CD8 T cells, low numbers of CD4 T cells, and by high numbers of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) and low numbers of myeloid DCs (mDCs). PM_2.5 levels during pregnancy were significantly associated with high numbers of pDCs (p = 0.006), and SO₂ with high numbers of CD8 T cells (p = 0.002) and low numbers of CD4 T cells (p = 0.011) and mDCs (p = 4.43 × 10⁻⁶) in cord blood. These data suggest that ambient SO₂ and PM_2.5 exposure are associated with shifts in cord blood cell types that are known to play significant roles in inflammatory respiratory disease in childhood.

The Air We Breathe: Air Pollution as a Prevalent Proinflammatory Stimulus Contributing to Neurodegeneration

Air pollution is regarded as an important risk factor for many diseases that affect a large proportion of the human population. To date, accumulating reports have noted that particulate matter (PM) is closely associated with the course of cardiopulmonary disorders. As the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and autoimmune disorders have risen and as the world’s population is aging, there is an increasing interest in environmental health hazards, mainly air pollution, which has been slightly overlooked as one of many plausible detrimental stimuli contributing to neurodegenerative disease onset and progression. Epidemiological studies have indicated a noticeable association between exposure to PM and neurotoxicity, which has been gradually confirmed by in vivo and in vitro studies. After entering the body directly through the olfactory epithelium or indirectly by passing through the respiratory system into the circulatory system, air pollutants are subsequently able to reach the brain. Among the potential mechanisms underlying particle-induced detrimental effects in the periphery and the central nervous system (CNS), increased oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, microglial activation, disturbance of protein homeostasis, and ultimately, neuronal death are often postulated and concomitantly coincide with the main pathomechanisms of neurodegenerative processes. Other complementary mechanisms by which PM could mediate neurotoxicity and contribute to neurodegeneration remain unconfirmed. Furthermore, the question of how strong and proven air pollutants are as substantial adverse factors for neurodegenerative disease etiologies remains unsolved. This review highlights research advances regarding the issue of PM with an emphasis on neurodegeneration markers, symptoms, and mechanisms by which air pollutants could mediate damage in the CNS. Poor air quality and insufficient knowledge regarding its toxicity justify conducting scientific investigations to understand the biological impact of PM in the context of various types of neurodegeneration.

A Dual Role of Vanadium in Environmental Systems-Beneficial and Detrimental Effects on Terrestrial Plants and Humans

The importance of vanadium (V) in the functioning of land systems is extremely diverse, as this element may exert both positive and harmful effects on terrestrial organisms. It recently become considered an element of beneficial character with a range of applications for human welfare. The health-ameliorative properties of this transition element depend on its degree of oxidation and on optimal concentration in the target cells. It was found that a similar relationship applies to vascular plants. However, excessive amounts of vanadium in the environment contaminate the soil and negatively affect the majority of living organisms. A significantly elevated level of V results in the destabilization of plant physiological balance, slowing down the growth of biomass which significantly reduces yield. In turn, low doses of the appropriate vanadium ions can stimulate plant growth and development, exert cytoprotective effects, and effectively enhance the synthesis of some biologically active compounds. We present the scientific achievements of research teams dealing with such topics. The issues discussed concern the role of vanadium in the environment, particular organisms, and highlight its dualistic influence on plants. Achievements in the field of V bioremediation, with the use of appropriately selected microorganisms and plant species, are emphasized.

Every breath you take: Impacts of environmental dust exposure on intestinal barrier function-from the gut-lung axis to COVID-19

As countries continue to industrialize, major cities experience diminished air quality, whereas rural populations also experience poor air quality from sources such as agricultural operations. These exposures to environmental pollution from both rural and populated/industrialized sources have adverse effects on human health. Although respiratory diseases (e.g., asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) are the most commonly reported following long-term exposure to particulate matter and hazardous chemicals, gastrointestinal complications have also been associated with the increased risk of lung disease from inhalation of polluted air. The interconnectedness of these organ systems has offered valuable insights into the roles of the immune system and the micro/mycobiota as mediators of communication between the lung and the gut during disease states. A topical example of this relationship is provided by reports of multiple gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), whereas the rapid transmission and increased risk of COVID-19 has been linked to poor air quality and high levels of particulate matter. In this review, we focus on the mechanistic effects of environmental pollution on disease progression with special emphasis on the gut-lung axis.

Racial/ethnic disparities in the association between fine particles and respiratory hospital admissions in San Diego county, CA

Ambient air pollution exposure is associated with exacerbating respiratory illnesses. Race/ethnicity (R/E) have been shown to influence an individual's vulnerability to environmental health risks such as fine particles (PM 2.5). This study aims to assess the R/E disparities in vulnerability to air pollution with regards to respiratory hospital admissions in San Diego County, California where most days fall below National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for daily PM 2.5 concentrations. Daily PM 2.5 levels were estimated at the zip code level using a spatial interpolation using inverse-distance weighting from monitor networks. The association between daily PM 2.5 levels and respiratory hospital admissions in San Diego County over a 15-year period from 1999 to 2013 was assessed with a time-series analysis using a multi-level Poisson regression model. Cochran Q tests were used to assess the effect modification of race/ethnicity on this association. Daily fine particle levels varied greatly from 1 μg/m³ to 75.86 μg/m³ (SD = 6.08 μg/m³) with the majority of days falling below 24-hour NAAQS for PM 2.5 of 35 μg/m³. For every 10 μg/m³ increase in PM 2.5 levels, Black and White individuals had higher rates (8.6% and 6.2%, respectively) of hospitalization for respiratory admissions than observed in the county as a whole (4.1%). Increases in PM 2.5 levels drive an overall increase in respiratory hospital admissions with a disparate burden of health effects by R/E group. These findings suggest an opportunity to design interventions that address the unequal burden of air pollution among vulnerable communities in San Diego County that exist even below NAAQS for daily PM 2.5 concentrations.

Impact of bacterial aerosol, particulate matter, and microclimatic parameters on animal welfare in Chorzów (Poland) zoological garden

Zoos are very popular facilities visited by entire families with children, who come there to watch live animals. Zoos also provide workplaces for a large number of people directly looking after the animals. For places designed to house animals, regardless of whether they are farm animals, pets, or zoo animals, a higher concentration of both dust and potentially harmful bioaerosols can be expected. Unfortunately, there are almost no studies concerning the concentration of bacterial bioaerosols and particulate matter in animal shelters that would answer the question whether the level of these pollutants is constant or variable and dependent on a particular zoo, group of animals, their number in enclosures, or season. This study aimed to assess the levels of bacterial aerosol in rooms intended for animals (giraffes, camels, elephants, kangaroos, and colobinae) in the Silesian Zoological Garden in Chorzów (Poland). The bioaerosol samples were collected using a six-stage Andersen cascade impactor to assess the concentrations and size distribution of airborne bacteria. Particulate matter (PM10) was assessed using an electronic dust meter. Measurements of microclimate parameters were carried out using the Airflow™ Instruments Velocity Meter TA440, while gas concentrations were determined applying GFG Microtector II G450. The results showed that the concentration of airborne bacteria varied significantly between facilities for the analyzed animal groups. The lowest concentration of the total bacterial aerosol was observed in enclosures for colobinae (approx. 850 CFU/m³), while the highest-in rooms for elephants (approx. 105,600 CFU/m³). The average share of respirable fraction of bacteria was quite high, with values ranging from 62.9 (colobinae) to 86.9% (elephants), indicating potential harmfulness to the health of exposed people. PM10 concentrations were relatively low (10-86 μg/m³) and did not exceed the limit values for occupational exposure. Moreover, the levels of bacterial bioaerosol in almost all cases did not exceed the limit values. As the animals constitute a significant source of bioaerosol, attention should be paid to thorough cleaning of animals and their shelters, as well as maintaining appropriate levels of microclimate parameters in the facilities.

Particulate Matter Exposure Exacerbates Amyloid-β Plaque Deposition and Gliosis in APP/PS1 Mice

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques, neuroinflammation, and neuronal death. There are several well-established genetic and environmental factors hypothesized to contribute to AD progression including air pollution. However, the molecular mechanisms by which air pollution exacerbates AD are unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This study explored the effects of particulate matter exposure on AD-related brain changes using the APP/PS1 transgenic model of disease.

METHODS

Male C57BL/6;C3H wild type and APP/PS1 mice were exposed to either filtered air (FA) or particulate matter sized under 2.5μm (PM2.5) for 6 h/day, 5 days/week for 3 months and brains were collected. Immunohistochemistry for Aβ, GFAP, Iba1, and CD68 and western blot analysis for PS1, BACE, APP, GFAP, and Iba1 were performed. Aβ ELISAs and cytokine arrays were performed on frozen hippocampal and cortical lysates, respectively.

RESULTS

The Aβ plaque load was significantly increased in the hippocampus of PM2.5-exposed APP/PS1 mice compared to their respective FA controls. Additionally, in the PM2.5-exposed APP/PS1 group, increased astrocytosis and microgliosis were observed as indicated by elevated GFAP, Iba1, and CD68 immunoreactivities. PM2.5 exposure also led to an elevation in the levels of PS1 and BACE in APP/PS1 mice. The cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IFN-γ, and MIP-3α were also elevated in the cortices of PM2.5-exposed APP/PS1 mice compared to FA controls.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that chronic particulate matter exposure exacerbates AD by increasing Aβ plaque load, gliosis, and the brain inflammatory status.

Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) and Chronic Kidney Disease

The impact of ambient particulate matter (PM) on public health has become a great global concern, which is especially prominent in developing countries. For health purposes, PM is typically defined by size, with the smaller particles having more health impacts. Particles with a diameter <2.5 μm are called PM_2.5. Initial research studies have focused on the impact of PM_2.5 on respiratory and cardiovascular diseases; nevertheless, an increasing number of data suggested that PM_2.5 may affect every organ system in the human body, and the kidney is of no exception. The kidney is vulnerable to particulate matter because most environmental toxins are concentrated by the kidney during filtration. According to the high morbidity and mortality related to chronic kidney disease, it is necessary to determine the effect of PM_2.5 on kidney disease and its mechanism that needs to be identified. To understand the current status of PM_2.5 in the atmosphere and their potential harmful kidney effects in different regions of the world this review article was prepared based on peer-reviewed scientific papers, scientific reports, and database from government organizations published after the year 1998. In this review, we focus on the worldwide epidemiological evidence linking PM_2.5 with chronic kidney disease and the effect of PM_2.5 on the chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression. At the same time, we also discuss the possible mechanisms of PM_2.5 exposure leading to kidney damage, in order to emphasize the contribution of PM_2.5 to kidney damage. A global database on PM_2.5 and kidney disease should be developed to provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of kidney disease.

Oxidative stress-induced inflammation in susceptible airways by anthropogenic aerosol

Ambient air pollution is one of the leading five health risks worldwide. One of the most harmful air pollutants is particulate matter (PM), which has different physical characteristics (particle size and number, surface area and morphology) and a highly complex and variable chemical composition. Our goal was first to comparatively assess the effects of exposure to PM regarding cytotoxicity, release of pro-inflammatory mediators and gene expression in human bronchial epithelia (HBE) reflecting normal and compromised health status. Second, we aimed at evaluating the impact of various PM components from anthropogenic and biogenic sources on the cellular responses. Air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures of fully differentiated HBE derived from normal and cystic fibrosis (CF) donor lungs were exposed at the apical cell surface to water-soluble PM filter extracts for 4 h. The particle dose deposited on cells was 0.9-2.5 and 8.8-25.4 μg per cm2 of cell culture area for low and high PM doses, respectively. Both normal and CF HBE show a clear dose-response relationship with increasing cytotoxicity at higher PM concentrations. The concurrently enhanced release of pro-inflammatory mediators at higher PM exposure levels links cytotoxicity to inflammatory processes. Further, the PM exposure deregulates genes involved in oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways leading to an imbalance of the antioxidant system. Moreover, we identify compromised defense against PM in CF epithelia promoting exacerbation and aggravation of disease. We also demonstrate that the adverse health outcome induced by PM exposure in normal and particularly in susceptible bronchial epithelia is magnified by anthropogenic PM components. Thus, including health-relevant PM components in regulatory guidelines will result in substantial human health benefits and improve protection of the vulnerable population.

Potential effects of noxious chemical-containing fine particulate matter on oral health through reactive oxygen species-mediated oxidative stress: Promising clues

Nowadays, air pollution which is dominated by fine particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 2.5 µm resulting from rapid industrialization and urbanization combined with population explosion has become more and more severe problem to mankind and the whole planet because of its diversity of deleterious effects. The latest data estimated that exposure to fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, contributes to approximately 4 million deaths worldwide due to cardiopulmonary conditions such as heart disease and stroke, respiratory infections, chronic lung disease and lung cancer. During recent years, there has been growing concern about the adverse effects of this global threat on oral health which is one of key components of general health and quality of life. Although a few studies have reported such possible association, the findings are still far from conclusion. Moreover, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. To our knowledge, the analysis of literature regarding this scope has yet been published. Thus, current work systematically assesses existing evidences on the potential association between exposure to PM2.5 and the development of various oral diseases as well as figures out the plausible paradigm of PM2.5-induced damages in the oral cavity through its toxic chemical constituents along with its ability to induce oxidative stress via reactive oxygen species production. This might partially provide the clues for new research ideas and progression in the field of oral health.