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Wang Y, Zhang R, Yang F, Yang L, Li Q, Guo J, Liu X, Song J, Zhang G, Li J, An Z, Alexis NE, Jaspers I, Wu W. Potential mechanisms mediating PM 2.5-induced alterations of H3N2 influenza virus infection and cytokine production in human bronchial epithelial cells. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 259:115069. [PMID: 37244199 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to particulate matter (PM) has been associated with increased hospital admissions for influenza. Airway epithelial cells are a primary target for inhaled environmental insults including fine PM (PM2.5) and influenza viruses. The potentiation of PM2.5 exposure on the effects of influenza virus on airway epithelial cells has not been adequately elucidated. In this study, the effects of PM2.5 exposure on influenza virus (H3N2) infection and downstream modulation of inflammation and antiviral immune response were investigated using a human bronchial epithelial cell line, BEAS-2B. The results showed that PM2.5 exposure alone increased the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 but decreased the production of the antiviral cytokine interferon-β (IFN-β) in BEAS-2B cells while H3N2 exposure alone increased the production of IL-6, IL-8, and IFN-β. Importantly, prior exposure to PM2.5 enhanced subsequent H3N2 infectivity, expression of viral hemagglutinin protein, as well as upregulation of IL-6 and IL-8, but reduced H3N2-induced IFN-β production. Pre-treatment with a pharmacological inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokine production induced by PM2.5, H3N2, as well as PM2.5-primed H3N2 infection. Moreover, antibody-mediated neutralization of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) blocked cytokine production triggered by PM2.5 or PM2.5-primed H3N2 infection, but not H3N2 alone. Taken together, exposure to PM2.5 alters H3N2-induced cytokine production and markers of replication in BEAS-2B cells, which in turn are regulated by NF-κB and TLR4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinbiao Wang
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, PR China
| | - Rui Zhang
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, PR China
| | - Fuyun Yang
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, PR China
| | - Lin Yang
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, PR China
| | - Qingmei Li
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, PR China
| | - Junqing Guo
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, PR China
| | - Xiao Liu
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Henan Medical College, Zhengzhou 451191, PR China
| | - Jie Song
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, PR China
| | - Guofu Zhang
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, PR China
| | - Juan Li
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, PR China
| | - Zhen An
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, PR China
| | - Neil E Alexis
- Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma and Lung Biology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ilona Jaspers
- Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma and Lung Biology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Weidong Wu
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, PR China.
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2
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Paital B, Das K. Spike in pollution to ignite the bursting of COVID-19 second wave is more dangerous than spike of SAR-CoV-2 under environmental ignorance in long term: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:85595-85611. [PMID: 34390474 PMCID: PMC8363867 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15915-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Specific areas in many countries such as Italy, India, China, Brazil, Germany and the USA have witnessed that air pollution increases the risk of COVID-19 severity as particulate matters transmit the virus SARS-CoV-2 and causes high expression of ACE2, the receptor for spike protein of the virus, especially under exposure to NO2, SO2 and NOx emissions. Wastewater-based epidemiology of COVID-19 is also noticed in many countries such as the Netherlands, the USA, Paris, France, Australia, Spain, Italy, Switzerland China, India and Hungary. Soil is also found to be contaminated by the RNA of SARS-CoV-2. Activities including defecation and urination by infected people contribute to the source for soil contamination, while release of wastewater containing cough, urine and stool of infected people from hospitals and home isolation contributes to the source of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in both water and soil. Detection of the virus early before the outbreak of the disease supports this fact. Based on this information, spike in pollution is found to be more dangerous in long-term than the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. It is because the later one may be controlled in future within months or few years by vaccination and with specific drugs, but the former one provides base for many diseases including the current and any future pandemics. Although such predictions and the positive effects of SARS-CoV-2 on environment was already forecasted after the first wave of COVID-19, the learnt lesson as spotlight was not considered as one of the measures for which 2nd wave has quickly hit the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biswaranjan Paital
- Redox Regulation Laboratory, Department of Zoology, College of Basic Science and Humanities, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, 751003, India.
| | - Kabita Das
- Department of Philosophy, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, India
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Russell HS, Kappelt N, Fessa D, Frederickson LB, Bagkis E, Apostolidis P, Karatzas K, Schmidt JA, Hertel O, Johnson MS. Particulate air pollution in the Copenhagen metro part 2: Low-cost sensors and micro-environment classification. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 170:107645. [PMID: 36434885 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In this study fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels throughout the Copenhagen metro system are measured for the first time and found to be ∼10 times the roadside levels in Copenhagen. In this Part 2 article, low-cost sensor (LCS) nodes designed for personal-exposure monitoring are tested against a conventional mid-range device (TSI DustTrak), and gravimetric methods. The nodes were found to be effective for personal exposure measurements inside the metro system, with R2 values of > 0.8 at 1-min and > 0.9 at 5-min time-resolution, with an average slope of 1.01 in both cases, in comparison to the reference, which is impressive for this dynamic environment. Micro-environment (ME) classification techniques are also developed and tested, involving the use of auxiliary sensors, measuring light, carbon dioxide, humidity, temperature and motion. The output from these sensors is used to distinguish between specific MEs, namely, being aboard trains travelling above- or under- ground, with 83 % accuracy, and determining whether sensors were aboard a train or stationary at a platform with 92 % accuracy. This information was used to show a 143 % increase in mean PM2.5 concentration for underground sections relative to overground, and 22 % increase for train vs. platform measurements. The ME classification method can also be used to improve calibration models, assist in accurate exposure assessment based on detailed time-activity patterns, and facilitate field studies that do not require personnel to record time-activity diaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo S Russell
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; AirLabs, Nannasgade 28, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; Danish Big Data Centre for Environment and Health (BERTHA), Aarhus University, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Niklas Kappelt
- AirLabs, Nannasgade 28, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; Department of Chemistry, Copenhagen University, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dafni Fessa
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Louise B Frederickson
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; AirLabs, Nannasgade 28, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; Danish Big Data Centre for Environment and Health (BERTHA), Aarhus University, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Evangelos Bagkis
- Environmental Informatics Research Group, School of Mechanical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Pantelis Apostolidis
- Environmental Informatics Research Group, School of Mechanical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Kostas Karatzas
- Environmental Informatics Research Group, School of Mechanical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Ole Hertel
- Danish Big Data Centre for Environment and Health (BERTHA), Aarhus University, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Matthew S Johnson
- AirLabs, Nannasgade 28, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; Department of Chemistry, Copenhagen University, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Izzotti A, Spatera P, Khalid Z, Pulliero A. Importance of Punctual Monitoring to Evaluate the Health Effects of Airborne Particulate Matter. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10587. [PMID: 36078301 PMCID: PMC9518414 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Particulate matter (PM) pollution is one of the major public health problems worldwide, given the high mortality attributable to exposure to PM pollution and the high pathogenicity that is found above all in the respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological systems. The main sources of PM pollution are the daily use of fuels (wood, coal, organic residues) in appliances without emissions abatement systems, industrial emissions, and vehicular traffic. This review aims to investigate the causes of PM pollution and classify the different types of dust based on their size. The health effects of exposure to PM will also be discussed. Particular attention is paid to the measurement method, which is unsuitable in the risk assessment process, as the evaluation of the average PM compared to the evaluation of PM with punctual monitoring significantly underestimates the health risk induced by the achievement of high PM values, even for limited periods of time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Izzotti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Paola Spatera
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Zumama Khalid
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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Outdoor Air Pollution and Pregnancy Loss: a Review of Recent Literature. CURR EPIDEMIOL REP 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40471-022-00304-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of Review
This review summarizes recent literature about the impacts of outdoor air pollution on pregnancy loss (spontaneous abortion/miscarriage and stillbirth), identifies challenges and opportunities, and provides recommendations for actions.
Recent Findings
Both short- and long-term exposures to ubiquitous air pollutants, including fine particulate matter < 2.5 and < 10 μm, may increase pregnancy loss risk. Windows of susceptibility include the entire gestational period, especially early pregnancy, and the week before event. Vulnerable subpopulations were not consistently explored, but some evidence suggests that pregnant parents from more disadvantaged populations may be more impacted even at the same exposure level.
Summary
Given environmental conditions conductive to high air pollution exposures become more prevalent as the climate shifts, air pollution’s impacts on pregnancy is expected to become a growing public health concern. While awaiting larger preconception studies to further understand causal impacts, multi-disciplinary efforts to minimize exposures among pregnant women are warranted.
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Sannigrahi S, Pilla F, Maiti A, Bar S, Bhatt S, Kaparwan A, Zhang Q, Keesstra S, Cerda A. Examining the status of forest fire emission in 2020 and its connection to COVID-19 incidents in West Coast regions of the United States. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 210:112818. [PMID: 35104482 PMCID: PMC8800502 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.112818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Forest fires impact on soil, water, and biota resources. The current forest fires in the West Coast of the United States (US) profoundly impacted the atmosphere and air quality across the ecosystems and have caused severe environmental and public health burdens. Forest fire led emissions could significantly exacerbate the air pollution level and, therefore, would play a critical role if the same occurs together with any epidemic and pandemic health crisis. Limited research is done so far to examine its impact in connection to the current pandemic. As of October 21, nearly 8.2 million acres of forest area were burned, with more than 25 casualties reported so far. In-situ air pollution data were utilized to examine the effects of the 2020 forest fire on atmosphere and coronavirus (COVID-19) casualties. The spatial-temporal concentrations of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) were collected from August 1 to October 30 for 2020 (the fire year) and 2019 (the reference year). Both spatial (Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression) and non-spatial (Negative Binomial Regression) analyses were performed to assess the adverse effects of fire emission on human health. The in-situ data-led measurements showed that the maximum increases in PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 concentrations (μg/m3) were clustered in the West Coastal fire-prone states during August 1 - October 30, 2020. The average concentration (μg/m3) of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and NO2 was increased in all the fire states severely affected by forest fires. The average PM2.5 concentrations (μg/m3) over the period were recorded as 7.9, 6.3, 5.5, and 5.2 for California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington in 2019, increasing up to 24.9, 13.4, 25.0, and 17.0 in 2020. Both spatial and non-spatial regression models exhibited a statistically significant association between fire emission and COVID-19 incidents. Such association has been demonstrated robust and stable by a total of 30 models developed for analyzing the spatial non-stationary and local association. More in-depth research is needed to better understand the complex relationship between forest fire emission and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srikanta Sannigrahi
- School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy, University College Dublin Richview, Clonskeagh, Dublin, D14 E099, Ireland.
| | - Francesco Pilla
- School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy, University College Dublin Richview, Clonskeagh, Dublin, D14 E099, Ireland
| | - Arabinda Maiti
- Department of Geography, Vidyasagar University, Midnapore, West Bengal, India
| | - Somnath Bar
- Department of Geoinformatics, Central University of Jharkhand, Ranchi, India
| | - Sandeep Bhatt
- Department of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, India
| | - Ankit Kaparwan
- Department of Statistics, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Srinagar, India
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Geography, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Saskia Keesstra
- Team Soil, Water and Land Use, Wageningen Environmental Research, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands; Civil, Surveying and Environmental Engineering and Centre for Water Security and Environmental Sustainability, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, 2308, Australia
| | - Artemi Cerda
- Soil Erosion and Degradation Research Group, Department of Geography, Valencia University, Blasco Ibàñez, 28, 46010, Valencia, Spain
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7
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Short-term association of PM2.5/PM10 on lung cancer mortality in Wuhai city, China (2015–2019): a time series analysis. Eur J Cancer Prev 2022; 31:530-539. [DOI: 10.1097/cej.0000000000000764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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8
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Zang ST, Luan J, Li L, Yu HX, Wu QJ, Chang Q, Zhao YH. Ambient air pollution and COVID-19 risk: Evidence from 35 observational studies. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112065. [PMID: 34534520 PMCID: PMC8440008 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is severely threatening and challenging public health worldwide. Epidemiological studies focused on the influence of outdoor air pollution (AP) on COVID-19 risk have produced inconsistent conclusions. We aimed to quantitatively explore this association using a meta-analysis. METHODS We searched for studies related to outdoor AP and COVID-19 risk in the Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. No language restriction was utilized. The search date entries were up to August 13, 2021. Pooled estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained with random-/fixed-effects models. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021244656. RESULTS A total of 35 articles were eligible for the meta-analysis. For long-term exposure to AP, COVID-19 incidence was positively associated with 1 μg/m3 increase in nitrogen dioxide (NO2; effect size = 1.042, 95% CI 1.017-1.068), particulate matter with diameter <2.5 μm (PM2.5; effect size = 1.056, 95% CI 1.039-1.072), and sulfur dioxide (SO2; effect size = 1.071, 95% CI 1.002-1.145). The COVID-19 mortality was positively associated with 1 μg/m3 increase in nitrogen dioxide (NO2; effect size = 1.034, 95% CI 1.006-1.063), PM2.5 (effect size = 1.047, 95% CI 1.025-1.1071). For short-term exposure to air pollutants, COVID-19 incidence was positively associated with 1 unit increase in air quality index (effect size = 1.001, 95% CI 1.001-1.002), 1 μg/m3 increase NO2 (effect size = 1.014, 95% CI 1.011-1.016), particulate matter with diameter <10 μm (PM10; effect size = 1.005, 95% CI 1.003-1.008), PM2.5 (effect size = 1.003, 95% CI 1.002-1.004), and SO2 (effect size = 1.015, 95% CI 1.007-1.023). CONCLUSIONS Outdoor air pollutants are detrimental factors to COVID-19 outcomes. Measurements beneficial to reducing pollutant levels might also reduce the burden of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Tian Zang
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110004, China; Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 39 Huaxiang Road, Tiexi District, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110022, China.
| | - Jie Luan
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110004, China; Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 39 Huaxiang Road, Tiexi District, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110022, China.
| | - Ling Li
- Center for Precision Medicine Research and Training, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade Taipa, Macau, 999078, China.
| | - Hui-Xin Yu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110004, China; Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 39 Huaxiang Road, Tiexi District, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110022, China.
| | - Qi-Jun Wu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110004, China; Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 39 Huaxiang Road, Tiexi District, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110022, China.
| | - Qing Chang
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110004, China; Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 39 Huaxiang Road, Tiexi District, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110022, China.
| | - Yu-Hong Zhao
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110004, China.
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9
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Shukla S, Khan R, Saxena A, Sekar S, Ali EF, Shaheen SM. Appraisal of COVID-19 lockdown and unlocking effects on the air quality of North India. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112107. [PMID: 34560058 PMCID: PMC8455374 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown supposedly provided a 'window' of reinstatement to natural resources including the air quality, but the scenario after the phased unlocking is yet to be explored. Consequently, here we evaluated the status of air quality during the 8th phase of unlocking of COVID-19 lockdown (January 2021) at three locations of North India. The first site (S1) was located at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-PPCB; the second site (S2) at Yamunapuram, Bulandshahr-UPPCB; and the third site (S3) at Okhla Phase-2, Delhi-DPCC. The levels of PM2.5 showed a significant increase of 525.2%, 281.2%, and 185.0% at sites S1, S2 and S3, respectively in the unlock 8 (January 2021), in comparison to its concentration in the lockdown phase. Coherently, the levels of PM10 also showed a prominent increase of 284.5%, 189.1%, and 103.9% at sites S3, S1, and S2, respectively during the unlock 8 as compared to its concentration in the lockdown phase. This rise in the concentration of PM2.5 and PM10 could be primarily attributed to the use of biomass fuel, industrial and vehicular emissions, stubble burning considering the agricultural activities at sites S1 and S2. Site S3 is a major industrial hub and has the highest population density among all three sites. Consequently, the maximum increase (295.7%) in the NO2 levels during the unlock 8 was witnessed at site S3. The strong correlation between PM2.5, PM10, and CO, along with the PM2.5/PM10 ratio confirmed the similar origin of these pollutants at all the three sites. The improvements in the levels of air quality during the COVID-19 lockdown were major overtaken during the various phases of unlocking consequent to the initiation of anthropogenic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh Shukla
- Faculty of Civil Engineering, Institute of Technology, Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University, Barabanki, 225003, UP, India.
| | - Ramsha Khan
- Faculty of Civil Engineering, Institute of Technology, Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University, Barabanki, 225003, UP, India.
| | - Abhishek Saxena
- Faculty of Civil Engineering, Institute of Technology, Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University, Barabanki, 225003, UP, India.
| | - Selvam Sekar
- Department of Geology, V.O. Chidambaram College, Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Esmat F Ali
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Sabry M Shaheen
- University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water- and Waste-Management, Laboratory of Soil-and Groundwater-Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285, Wuppertal, Germany; King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Meteorology, Environment, and Arid Land Agriculture, Department of Arid Land Agriculture, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia; University of Kafrelsheikh, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Soil and Water Sciences, 33 516, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt.
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10
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Honscha LC, Penteado JO, de Sá Gama V, da Silva Bonifácio A, Aikawa P, Dos Santos M, Baisch PRM, Muccillo-Baisch AL, da Silva Júnior FMR. Health impact assessment of air pollution in an area of the largest coal mine in Brazil. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:14176-14184. [PMID: 34601686 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16709-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Coal exploration and burning activities are among the activities with the greatest potential to cause atmospheric pollution due to the combustion process of this mineral and the consequent release of particles that, in significant quantities, can pose a potential health risk, mainly respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The Candiota region, in the extreme south of Brazil, concentrates 40% of the national reserves of mineral coal, and its burning is capable of releasing air pollutants, including particulate matter (PM). Some environmental and epidemiological studies have been carried out in the region, but so far, there is no investigation to estimate the impact of PM on health outcomes. The current study aimed to estimate the mortality attributed to the PM, as well as the benefits in health indicators associated with the reduction of air pollution to the limits set forth in local legislation and the WHO. Daily data on PM levels collected from an air quality monitoring station over a year were used, as well as population data and health indicators from 7 cities influenced by mining activities, such as total mortality and cardiovascular diseases and hospitalizations for cardiac and respiratory problems. In a scenario where PM levels are within legal limits, a percentage greater than 11% of cardiovascular deaths was attributed to pollution by PM2.5, and the reduction in PM10 and PM2.5 levels may be responsible for the increase in the expectation of life in up to 17 months and monetary gains of more than $ 24 million, due to the reduction in hospitalizations and mortality. Studies of this nature should be important tools made available to decision-makers, with a view to improving environmental laws and a consequent improvement in the quality of life and health indicators of the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laiz Coutelle Honscha
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, CEP, Avenida Itália km 8, Campus Carreiros, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, 96203-900, Brazil
| | - Julia Oliveira Penteado
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, CEP, Avenida Itália km 8, Campus Carreiros, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, 96203-900, Brazil
| | - Valério de Sá Gama
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, CEP, Avenida Itália km 8, Campus Carreiros, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, 96203-900, Brazil
| | - Alícia da Silva Bonifácio
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, CEP, Avenida Itália km 8, Campus Carreiros, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, 96203-900, Brazil
| | - Priscila Aikawa
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, CEP, Avenida Itália km 8, Campus Carreiros, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, 96203-900, Brazil
| | - Marina Dos Santos
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, CEP, Avenida Itália km 8, Campus Carreiros, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, 96203-900, Brazil
| | - Paulo Roberto Martins Baisch
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, CEP, Avenida Itália km 8, Campus Carreiros, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, 96203-900, Brazil
| | - Ana Luíza Muccillo-Baisch
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, CEP, Avenida Itália km 8, Campus Carreiros, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, 96203-900, Brazil
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Particulate Matter in an Urban–Industrial Environment: Comparing Data of Dispersion Modeling with Tree Leaves Deposition. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14020793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Particulate matter represents a serious hazard to human health, and air quality models contribute to the understanding of its dispersion. This study describes particulate matter with a ≤10 μm diameter (PM10) dynamics in an urban–industrial area, through the comparison of three datasets: modeled (TAPM—The Air Pollution Model), measured concentration (environmental control stations—ECS), and leaf deposition values. Results showed a good agreement between ECS and TAPM data. A steel plant area was used as a PM10 emissions reference source, in relation to the four sampling areas, and a distance/wind-based factor was introduced (Steel Factor, SF). Through SF, the three datasets were compared. The SF was able to describe the PM10 dispersion values for ECS and leaf deposition (r2 = 0.61–0.94 for ECS; r2 = 0.45–0.70 for leaf); no relationship was found for TAPM results. Differences between measured and modeled data can be due to discrepancies in one district and explained by a lack of PM10 inventory for the steel plant emissions. The study suggests the use of TAPM as a suitable tool for PM10 modeling at the urban scale. Moreover, tree leaves are a low-cost tool to evaluate the urban environmental quality, by providing information on whether and when data from leaf deposition can be used as a proxy for air pollution concentration. Further studies to include the re-suspension of particles as a PM10 source within emission inventories are suggested.
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Cao L, Ping F, Zhang F, Gao H, Li P, Ning X, Cui G, Ma Z, Jiang X, Li S, Han S. Tissue-Protective Effect of Erdosteine on Multiple-Organ Injuries Induced by Fine Particulate Matter. Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e930909. [PMID: 34873140 PMCID: PMC8665604 DOI: 10.12659/msm.930909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is the air pollutant that most threatens global public health. The purpose of this study was to observe the inflammatory and oxidative stress injury of multiple organs induced by PM2.5 in rats and to explore the tissue-protective effect of erdosteine. Material/Methods We randomly divided 40 male Wistar rats into a blank control group, a saline group, a PM2.5 exposure group, and an erdosteine intervention group. We assessed changes in organs tissue homogenate and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Results (1) The expressions of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, 8-OHdG, 4-HNE, and PCC in serum and BALF of the PM2.5 exposure group increased, but decreased after treatment with erdosteine, suggesting that erdosteine treatment attenuates inflammatory and oxidative stress injury. (2) The expression of γ-GCS in serum and lungs in the PM2.5 exposure group increased, but did not change significantly after treatment with erdosteine. This suggests that PM2.5 upregulates the level of γ-GCS, while erdosteine does not affect this protective response. (3) The expression of T-AOC in serum, lungs, spleens, and kidneys of the PM2.5 exposure group decreased, but increased after treatment with erdosteine. Our results suggest that PM2.5 can cause imbalance of oxidation/anti-oxidation in multiple organs, and erdosteine can alleviate this imbalance. Conclusions PM2.5 exposure can lead to inflammatory and oxidative stress damage in serum and organ tissues of rats. Erdosteine may be an effective anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that can reduce this injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Cao
- Third Department of Geriatrics, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China (mainland)
| | - Fen Ping
- Third Department of Geriatrics, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China (mainland)
| | - Fengrui Zhang
- Third Department of Geriatrics, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China (mainland)
| | - Haixiang Gao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China (mainland)
| | - Ping Li
- Third Department of Geriatrics, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China (mainland)
| | - Xiaohui Ning
- Third Department of Geriatrics, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China (mainland)
| | - Guohuan Cui
- Third Department of Geriatrics, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China (mainland)
| | - Zheng Ma
- International Department, Children's Hospital of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China (mainland)
| | - Xin Jiang
- Third Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China (mainland)
| | - Suyan Li
- Department of General Medicine, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China (mainland)
| | - Shuzhi Han
- Third Department of Geriatrics, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China (mainland)
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13
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Autism Spectrum Disorder and Prenatal or Early Life Exposure to Pesticides: A Short Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182010991. [PMID: 34682738 PMCID: PMC8535369 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses have rapidly increased globally. Both environmental and genetic factors appear to contribute to the development of ASD. Several studies have shown a potential association between prenatal or postnatal pesticide exposure and the risk of developing ASD. Methods: We reviewed the available literature concerning the relationship between early life exposure to pesticides used in agriculture, such as organochlorines, organophosphates and pyrethroids, and ASD onset in childhood. We searched on Medline and Scopus for cohort or case–control studies published in English from 1977 to 2020. Results: A total of seven articles were selected for the review. We found a remarkable association between the maternal exposure to pyrethroid, as well as the exposure to organophosphate during pregnancy or in the first years of childhood, and the risk of ASD onset. This association was found to be less evident with organochlorine pesticides. Pregnancy seems to be the time when pesticide exposure appears to have the greatest impact on the onset of ASD in children. Conclusions: Among the different environmental pollutants, pesticides should be considered as emerging risk factors for ASD. The potential association identified between the exposure to pesticides and ASD needs to be implemented and confirmed by further epidemiological studies based on individual assessment both in outdoor and indoor conditions, including multiple confounding factors, and using statistical models that take into account single and multiple pesticide residues.
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14
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Ho CC, Hung SC, Ho WC. Effects of short- and long-term exposure to atmospheric pollution on COVID-19 risk and fatality: analysis of the first epidemic wave in northern Italy. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 199:111293. [PMID: 34004167 PMCID: PMC8123517 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The effects of exposure to atmospheric pollution on the incidence and mortality due to COVID-19 have been studied but not for sulfur dioxide (SO2) in most studies. However, most studies failed to consider important cofounding factors in the estimation of health effects of air pollution. The objective of the study was to assess the short- and long-term effects of air pollution on the COVID-19 risk and fatality in Lombardy and Veneto. Air pollutants were studied based on monitoring station information in Lombardy and Veneto from January 2013 to May 2020. The daily number of cases and deaths of COVID-19 were collected from the reports of the Italian Ministry of Health in Italy. A generalized linear model with the generalized estimating equation method was used to evaluate the effects of short- and long-term exposure to air pollution on the COVID-19 outbreak in Lombardy and Veneto. After adjusting for other covariates, we found that short-term exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 had a tendency to increase the incidence and mortality of COVID-19 than long-term exposure, while for other air pollutants, including SO2 and NO2, long-term exposure was more significant than short-term exposure. Both short- and long-term exposure of SO2 resulted in increased health effects on COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings suggest that exposure to atmospheric pollution has a significant impact on COVID-19 pandemic and call for further researches to deeply investigate this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Chang Ho
- Institute of Statistical Science, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Drug Development Center, Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Chieh Hung
- Drug Development Center, Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan; Integrative Stem Cell Center, Department of Orthopaedics, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 404, Taiwan.
| | - Wen-Chao Ho
- Department of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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15
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Madokoro H, Kiguchi O, Nagayoshi T, Chiba T, Inoue M, Chiyonobu S, Nix S, Woo H, Sato K. Development of Drone-Mounted Multiple Sensing System with Advanced Mobility for In Situ Atmospheric Measurement: A Case Study Focusing on PM 2.5 Local Distribution. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21144881. [PMID: 34300619 PMCID: PMC8309946 DOI: 10.3390/s21144881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted using a drone with advanced mobility to develop a unified sensor and communication system as a new platform for in situ atmospheric measurements. As a major cause of air pollution, particulate matter (PM) has been attracting attention globally. We developed a small, lightweight, simple, and cost-effective multi-sensor system for multiple measurements of atmospheric phenomena and related environmental information. For in situ local area measurements, we used a long-range wireless communication module with real-time monitoring and visualizing software applications. Moreover, we developed four prototype brackets with optimal assignment of sensors, devices, and a camera for mounting on a drone as a unified system platform. Results of calibration experiments, when compared to data from two upper-grade PM2.5 sensors, demonstrated that our sensor system followed the overall tendencies and changes. We obtained original datasets after conducting flight measurement experiments at three sites with differing surrounding environments. The experimentally obtained prediction results matched regional PM2.5 trends obtained using long short-term memory (LSTM) networks trained using the respective datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirokazu Madokoro
- Faculty of Software and Information Science, Iwate Prefectural University, Takizawa 020-0693, Japan
- Faculty of Systems Science and Technology, Akita Prefectural University, Yurihonjo 015-0055, Japan; (S.N.); (K.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-019-694-2500
| | - Osamu Kiguchi
- Faculty of Bioresource Sciences, Akita Prefectural University, Akita 010-0195, Japan; (O.K.); (T.N.); (M.I.)
| | - Takeshi Nagayoshi
- Faculty of Bioresource Sciences, Akita Prefectural University, Akita 010-0195, Japan; (O.K.); (T.N.); (M.I.)
| | - Takashi Chiba
- College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Sciences, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu 069-0851, Japan;
| | - Makoto Inoue
- Faculty of Bioresource Sciences, Akita Prefectural University, Akita 010-0195, Japan; (O.K.); (T.N.); (M.I.)
| | - Shun Chiyonobu
- Graduate School of International Resource Sciences, Akita University, Akita 010-8502, Japan;
| | - Stephanie Nix
- Faculty of Systems Science and Technology, Akita Prefectural University, Yurihonjo 015-0055, Japan; (S.N.); (K.S.)
| | - Hanwool Woo
- Institute of Engineering Innovation, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan;
| | - Kazuhito Sato
- Faculty of Systems Science and Technology, Akita Prefectural University, Yurihonjo 015-0055, Japan; (S.N.); (K.S.)
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Lage ALA, Marciano AC, Venâncio MF, da Silva MAN, Martins DCDS. Water-soluble manganese porphyrins as good catalysts for cipro- and levofloxacin degradation: Solvent effect, degradation products and DFT insights. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 268:129334. [PMID: 33360938 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.129334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic manganese porphyrins (MnPs), in the presence of oxidants, were employed for the degradation of fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Ciprofloxacin (CIP) and levofloxacin (LEV) degradation by iodosylbenzene, iodobenzene diacetate, H2O2 and meta-chloroperbenzoic acid using water-soluble MnP catalysts yielded thirteen and nine products, respectively, seven of which have been proposed for the first time. The MnP catalysts have demonstrated the ability to degrade these antibiotics to a high degree (up to 100% degradation). The structures of the degradation products were proposed based on mass spectrometry analysis, and density functional theory calculations could confirm how the substituent moieties attached to the basic chemical structure of the fluoroquinolones influence the degradation reactions. CIP has been shown to be a more reactive substrate towards the porphyrinic catalysts tested because of its three-membered ring. However, the catalysts could almost completely degrade LEV, highlighting the ability of these porphyrins to act as catalysts to degrade environmental pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Luísa Almeida Lage
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Aline Capelão Marciano
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Mateus Fernandes Venâncio
- Departamento de Físico-Química, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Campus Universitário de Ondina, 40170-110, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Mirra Angelina Neres da Silva
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Dayse Carvalho da Silva Martins
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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Collivignarelli MC, Abbà A, Caccamo FM, Bertanza G, Pedrazzani R, Baldi M, Ricciardi P, Carnevale Miino M. Can particulate matter be identified as the primary cause of the rapid spread of CoViD-19 in some areas of Northern Italy? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:10.1007/s11356-021-12735-x. [PMID: 33638072 PMCID: PMC7909738 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-12735-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Northern Italy was the most affected by CoViD-19 compared to other Italian areas and comprises zones where air pollutants concentration was higher than in the rest of Italy. The aim of the research is to determine if particulate matter (PM) has been the primary cause of the high CoViD-19 spread rapidity in some areas of Northern Italy. Data of PM for all the 41 studied cities were collected from the local environmental protection agencies. To compare air quality data with epidemiological data, a statistical analysis was conducted identifying the correlation matrices of Pearson and Spearman, considering also the possible incubation period of the disease. Moreover, a model for the evaluation of the epidemic risk, already proposed in literature, was used to evaluate a possible influence of PM on CoViD-19 spread rapidity. The results exclude that PM alone was the primary cause of the high CoVid-19 spread rapidity in some areas of Northern Italy. Further developments are necessary for a better comprehension of the influence of atmospheric pollution parameters on the rapidity of spread of the virus SARS-CoV-2, since a synergistic action with other factors (such as meteorological, socio-economic and cultural factors) could not be excluded by the present study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Collivignarelli
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, via Ferrata 3, 27100, Pavia, Italy
- Interdepartmental Centre for Water Research, University of Pavia, via Ferrata 3, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Abbà
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Architectural Engineering and Mathematics, University of Brescia, via Branze 43, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesca Maria Caccamo
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, via Ferrata 3, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giorgio Bertanza
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Architectural Engineering and Mathematics, University of Brescia, via Branze 43, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Roberta Pedrazzani
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia, via Branze 38, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marco Baldi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, viale Taramelli 10, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Paola Ricciardi
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, via Ferrata 3, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Carnevale Miino
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, via Ferrata 3, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
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18
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Becchetti L, Beccari G, Conzo G, Conzo P, De Santis D, Salustri F. Air quality and COVID-19 adverse outcomes: Divergent views and experimental findings. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 193:110556. [PMID: 33278470 PMCID: PMC7711169 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The questioned link between air pollution and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spreading or related mortality represents a hot topic that has immediately been regarded in the light of divergent views. A first "school of thought" advocates that what matters are only standard epidemiological variables (i.e. frequency of interactions in proportion of the viral charge). A second school of thought argues that co-factors such as quality of air play an important role too. METHODS We analyzed available literature concerning the link between air quality, as measured by different pollutants and a number of COVID-19 outcomes, such as number of positive cases, deaths, and excess mortality rates. We reviewed several studies conducted worldwide and discussing many different methodological approaches aimed at investigating causality associations. RESULTS Our paper reviewed the most recent empirical researches documenting the existence of a huge evidence produced worldwide concerning the role played by air pollution on health in general and on COVID-19 outcomes in particular. These results support both research hypotheses, i.e. long-term exposure effects and short-term consequences (including the hypothesis of particulate matter acting as viral "carrier") according to the two schools of thought, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The link between air pollution and COVID-19 outcomes is strong and robust as resulting from many different research methodologies. Policy implications should be drawn from a "rational" assessment of these findings as "not taking any action" represents an action itself.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Pierluigi Conzo
- University of Turin, Turin, Italy; Collegio Carlo Alberto, Turin, Italy
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19
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The In Vitro Adsorption Ability of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM to Benzo(a)pyrene in PM 2.5. J Toxicol 2021; 2021:6290524. [PMID: 33505465 PMCID: PMC7808799 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6290524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this work was to explore the ability of lactic acid bacteria strains to bind benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) existing in PM2.5. In this study, we examined the ability of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM to bind B(a)P in the simulated PM2.5 environment. Among the tested 5 strains, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM exhibited the best capacity to bind B(a)P, and its B(a)P binding percentage was 60.00%. Simulations of organic and inorganic systems which represent PM2.5 indicated that B(a)P could be absorbed by strain L. acidophilus NCFM. For the inorganic system of pH 5, L. acidophilus NCFM bound 92.74% B(a)P with a cell concentration of 1 × 1010 cfu/mL at 37°C for 8 hr. Regarding the organic system with pH 6, 73.00% B(a)P was bound by strain L. acidophilus NCFM after this bacterium was incubated at 37°C for 10 min. A quick B(a)P binding by this probiotic bacterium took place in the organic system. The removal of B(a)P from PM2.5 was significantly related to incubation time, cultivation temperature, pH, and cell concentration. Thus, our finding shows that long-term consumption of L. acidophilus NCFM is beneficial for the reduction of B(a)P towards the population who are exposed to PM2.5, although the ability of this bacterium to adsorb B(a)P is partly affected by the differences in the origin of PM2.5.
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20
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Air Pollution and Emergency Hospital Admissions—Evidences from Lisbon Metropolitan Area, Portugal. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10227997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The relevance of air pollution in the public health agenda has recently been reinforced—it is known that exposure to it has negative effects in the health of individuals, especially in big cities and metropolitan areas. In this article we observed the evolution of air pollutants (CO, NO, NO2, O3, PM10) emissions and we confront them with health vulnerabilities related to respiratory and circulatory diseases (all circulatory diseases, cardiac diseases, cerebrovascular disease, ischemic heart disease, all respiratory diseases, chronic lower respiratory diseases, acute upper respiratory infections). The study is supported in two databases, one of air pollutants and the other of emergency hospital admissions, in the 2005–2015 period, applied to the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. The analysis was conducted through Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression, while also using semi-elasticity to quantify associations. Results showed positive associations between air pollutants and admissions, tendentially higher in respiratory diseases, with CO and O3 having the highest number of associations, and the senior age group being the most impacted. We concluded that O3 is a good predictor for the under-15 age group and PM10 for the over-64 age group; also, there seems to exist a distinction between the urban city core and its suburban areas in air pollution and its relation to emergency hospital admissions.
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21
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Angelini S, Pinto A, Hrelia P, Malaguti M, Buccolini F, Donini LM, Hrelia S. The "Elderly" Lesson in a "Stressful" Life: Italian Holistic Approach to Increase COVID-19 Prevention and Awareness. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:579401. [PMID: 33101211 PMCID: PMC7556109 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.579401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
It's a frightening time due to COVID-19, but the great elderly/centenarians, apparently with more frailty, seem to have a better response to the pandemic. "The South Italy" lifestyle seems an "effective strategy" promoting the well-being embedded in a holistic solution: healthy diet, less exposure to PM10 pollution, protected environment, and moderate physical activity. The European FP7 Project RISTOMED results, since 2010, have shown that dietary intervention improved a heathy status in the elderly people. Based on the RISTOMED results, in addition to sociocultural and environmental factors, the authors suggest an integrated approach for resilience to COVID-19. Such an approach during the next months could make the difference for the success of any government progress policy to fight COVID-19, finalizing long-term well-being and successful aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Angelini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pinto
- Experimental Medicine Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Hrelia
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Malaguti
- Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, Rimini, Italy
| | | | | | - Silvana Hrelia
- Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, Rimini, Italy
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Urrutia-Pereira M, Mello-da-Silva CA, Solé D. COVID-19 and air pollution: A dangerous association? Allergol Immunopathol (Madr) 2020; 48:496-499. [PMID: 32636082 PMCID: PMC7328542 DOI: 10.1016/j.aller.2020.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
In late 2019, a new infectious disease (COVID-19) was identified in Wuhan, China, which has now turned into a global pandemic. Countries around the world have implemented some type of blockade to lessen their infection and mitigate it. The blockade due to COVID-19 has drastic effects on the social and economic fronts. However, recent data released by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), European Space Agency (ESA), Copernicus Sentinel-5P Tropomi Instrument and Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) indicate that the pollution in some of the epicenters of COVID-19, such as Wuhan, Italy, Spain, USA, and Brazil, reduced by up to 30%. This study compiled the environmental data released by these centers and discussed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on environmental pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Urrutia-Pereira
- Federal University of Pampa, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Scientific Committee on Air Pollution, Latin American Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Brazilian Society of Pediatrics, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Scientific Department on Toxicology and Environmental Health, Brazilian Society of Pediatrics, Brazil.
| | - C A Mello-da-Silva
- Scientific Department on Toxicology and Environmental Health, Brazilian Society of Pediatrics, Brazil
| | - D Solé
- Scientific Committee on Air Pollution, Latin American Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Brazilian Society of Pediatrics, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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