Health Impacts of Exposure to Gaseous Pollutants and Particulate Matter in Beijing-A Non-Linear Analysis Based on the New Evidence

Association between ambient air pollution and mortality from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Wuhan, China: a population-based time-series study

Evidence on the short-term effects of ambient air pollution on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) mortality is still not conclusive. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between them in Wuhan China. Daily death numbers, concentrations of air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, and O3), and meteorological characteristics in Wuhan from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2019, were collected. Time-series analysis using generalized additive model was applied. The results showed that a total of 16,150 deaths (7.37 deaths per day) from COPD were observed. The daily average concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, and O3 were 59.03, 90.48, 12.91, 48.84, and 91.77 μg/m3, respectively. In single pollutant model, for every increase of 10 μg/m3 in PM10, SO2, and NO2 levels, COPD mortality increased by 0.583% (95% CI: 0.055-1.113%), 4.299% (95% CI: 0.978-7.729%), and 1.816% (95% CI: 0.515-3.313%) at lag03, respectively. No significant associations were found for PM2.5 and O3. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that females were more susceptible to PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and NO2. The concentrations of PM10, SO2, and NO2 were significantly associated with COPD mortality for older adults. The effects of PM2.5 and O3 on COPD mortality were higher in warm period. In two-pollutant models, the significantly positive associations between SO2 and NO2 and COPD mortality remained after adjusting for PM2.5 or O3. In conclusions, short-term exposure to PM10, SO2, and NO2 are significantly associated with a higher risk of COPD mortality. Female or elderly are more susceptible to air pollution. It is urgent to implement the environmental protection policy.

A Scoping Review on Air Quality Monitoring, Policy and Health in West African Cities

Ambient air pollution is a global health threat that causes severe mortality and morbidity from respiratory, cardiovascular, and other diseases. Its impact is especially concerning in cities; as the urban population increases, especially in low- and middle-income countries, large populations risk suffering from these health effects. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) comprises 15 West African countries, in which many cities are currently experiencing fast growth and industrialization. However, government-led initiatives in air quality monitoring are scarce in ECOWAS countries, which makes it difficult to effectively control and regulate air quality and subsequent health issues. A scoping study was performed following the Arksey and O’Malley methodological framework in order to assess the precise status of air quality monitoring, related policy, and legislation in this region. Scientific databases and gray literature searches were conducted, and the results were contrasted through expert consultations. It was found that only two ECOWAS countries monitor air quality, and most countries have insufficient legislation in place. Public health surveillance data in relation to air quality data is largely unavailable. In order to address this, improved air quality surveillance, stricter and better-enforced regulations, regional cooperation, and further research are strongly suggested for ECOWAS.