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Holden KA, Hawcutt DB, Sinha IP. Socioeconomic determinants of outcomes in childhood asthma. Paediatr Respir Rev 2025:S1526-0542(25)00028-4. [PMID: 40133122 DOI: 10.1016/j.prrv.2025.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2025] [Accepted: 03/07/2025] [Indexed: 03/27/2025]
Abstract
Asthma is the commonest chronic condition of childhood. Children with asthma in the UK have the worst outcomes across Europe and other high-income countries. There are significant socioeconomic inequalities that impact the prevalence and outcomes of asthma (emergency healthcare utilisation, hospitalisation, critical care admission, mortality and quality of life). In this review we discuss these inequalities and the underlying mechanistic links, using the UK as an example of how poverty in a high-income country results in inequality in asthma outcomes. These inequalities and underlying mechanisms need to be understood by clinicians, policymakers and wider stakeholders to be redressed such that avoidable harm and asthma deaths in children can be prevented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl A Holden
- Lab to Life Child Health Data Centre, Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool, UK; Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Daniel B Hawcutt
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK; NIHR Alder Hey Clinical Research Facility, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ian P Sinha
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK; Respiratory Medicine, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK.
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Varaden D, Barratt B, Dallman MJ, Skillern A, Elmi MS, Green DC, Tremper AH, Hedges M, Hicks W, Priestman M, Barron LP, Fitzgerald SP, Walder HM, Wright SL, Mudway IS, Fisher MC, Hemmings SJ, Poortinga W, Tirotto F, Beevers S, Walton H, Vu T, Katsouyanni K, Evangelopoulos D, Young G, Wood D, Griffiths C, Kelly FJ. West London Healthy Home and Environment (WellHome) Study: Protocol for a Community-Based Study Investigating Exposures Across the Indoor-Outdoor Air Pollution Continuum in Urban Communities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2025; 22:249. [PMID: 40003475 PMCID: PMC11855092 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph22020249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2024] [Revised: 01/27/2025] [Accepted: 02/04/2025] [Indexed: 02/27/2025]
Abstract
The relationship between indoor air quality and public health remains under-researched. WellHome is a transdisciplinary community-based study that will engage with residents to co-design feasible and acceptable research to quantify air pollution exposure in 100 homes in West London and examine its potential to exacerbate asthma symptoms in children. Sampling strategies such as using air quality monitors and passive samplers placed in kitchens, children's bedrooms, and living rooms, will be developed in collaboration with local ambassadors and participating households to measure multiple physical, chemical, microplastic, and biological contaminants. This will provide a comprehensive understanding of indoor air quality across the city's socio-economic gradient. Other data collected will include housing types and tenure, ventilation practices, occupant behaviours, time-activity, and airway symptoms. Epidemiological analysis will examine air pollution exposure impacts on children's respiratory health. The particulate mixture's relative hazard will be evaluated in toxicity studies based on source profiles and activity patterns of participants, focusing on asthma exacerbation related pathways. The study's findings will be communicated to participants through co-designed reports and inform evidence-based recommendations for reducing indoor air pollution in London and urban areas worldwide. By raising awareness and providing actionable insights, WellHome seeks to contribute to global efforts to improve the health and well-being of vulnerable communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Varaden
- Environmental Research Group, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK; (B.B.); (A.S.); (M.S.E.); (D.C.G.); (A.H.T.); (M.H.); (W.H.); (M.P.); (L.P.B.); (S.P.F.); (H.M.W.); (S.L.W.); (I.S.M.); (S.B.); (H.W.); (T.V.); (K.K.); (D.E.); (G.Y.); (D.W.); (F.J.K.)
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
- NIHR HPRU in Environmental Exposures and Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Benjamin Barratt
- Environmental Research Group, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK; (B.B.); (A.S.); (M.S.E.); (D.C.G.); (A.H.T.); (M.H.); (W.H.); (M.P.); (L.P.B.); (S.P.F.); (H.M.W.); (S.L.W.); (I.S.M.); (S.B.); (H.W.); (T.V.); (K.K.); (D.E.); (G.Y.); (D.W.); (F.J.K.)
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
- NIHR HPRU in Environmental Exposures and Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | | | - Adam Skillern
- Environmental Research Group, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK; (B.B.); (A.S.); (M.S.E.); (D.C.G.); (A.H.T.); (M.H.); (W.H.); (M.P.); (L.P.B.); (S.P.F.); (H.M.W.); (S.L.W.); (I.S.M.); (S.B.); (H.W.); (T.V.); (K.K.); (D.E.); (G.Y.); (D.W.); (F.J.K.)
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
- NIHR HPRU in Environmental Exposures and Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Munira S. Elmi
- Environmental Research Group, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK; (B.B.); (A.S.); (M.S.E.); (D.C.G.); (A.H.T.); (M.H.); (W.H.); (M.P.); (L.P.B.); (S.P.F.); (H.M.W.); (S.L.W.); (I.S.M.); (S.B.); (H.W.); (T.V.); (K.K.); (D.E.); (G.Y.); (D.W.); (F.J.K.)
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
- NIHR HPRU in Environmental Exposures and Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - David C. Green
- Environmental Research Group, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK; (B.B.); (A.S.); (M.S.E.); (D.C.G.); (A.H.T.); (M.H.); (W.H.); (M.P.); (L.P.B.); (S.P.F.); (H.M.W.); (S.L.W.); (I.S.M.); (S.B.); (H.W.); (T.V.); (K.K.); (D.E.); (G.Y.); (D.W.); (F.J.K.)
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
- NIHR HPRU in Environmental Exposures and Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Anja H. Tremper
- Environmental Research Group, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK; (B.B.); (A.S.); (M.S.E.); (D.C.G.); (A.H.T.); (M.H.); (W.H.); (M.P.); (L.P.B.); (S.P.F.); (H.M.W.); (S.L.W.); (I.S.M.); (S.B.); (H.W.); (T.V.); (K.K.); (D.E.); (G.Y.); (D.W.); (F.J.K.)
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Michael Hedges
- Environmental Research Group, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK; (B.B.); (A.S.); (M.S.E.); (D.C.G.); (A.H.T.); (M.H.); (W.H.); (M.P.); (L.P.B.); (S.P.F.); (H.M.W.); (S.L.W.); (I.S.M.); (S.B.); (H.W.); (T.V.); (K.K.); (D.E.); (G.Y.); (D.W.); (F.J.K.)
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - William Hicks
- Environmental Research Group, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK; (B.B.); (A.S.); (M.S.E.); (D.C.G.); (A.H.T.); (M.H.); (W.H.); (M.P.); (L.P.B.); (S.P.F.); (H.M.W.); (S.L.W.); (I.S.M.); (S.B.); (H.W.); (T.V.); (K.K.); (D.E.); (G.Y.); (D.W.); (F.J.K.)
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Max Priestman
- Environmental Research Group, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK; (B.B.); (A.S.); (M.S.E.); (D.C.G.); (A.H.T.); (M.H.); (W.H.); (M.P.); (L.P.B.); (S.P.F.); (H.M.W.); (S.L.W.); (I.S.M.); (S.B.); (H.W.); (T.V.); (K.K.); (D.E.); (G.Y.); (D.W.); (F.J.K.)
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Leon P. Barron
- Environmental Research Group, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK; (B.B.); (A.S.); (M.S.E.); (D.C.G.); (A.H.T.); (M.H.); (W.H.); (M.P.); (L.P.B.); (S.P.F.); (H.M.W.); (S.L.W.); (I.S.M.); (S.B.); (H.W.); (T.V.); (K.K.); (D.E.); (G.Y.); (D.W.); (F.J.K.)
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
- NIHR HPRU in Environmental Exposures and Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
- NIHR HPRU in Chemical and Radiation Threats and Hazards, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Shane P. Fitzgerald
- Environmental Research Group, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK; (B.B.); (A.S.); (M.S.E.); (D.C.G.); (A.H.T.); (M.H.); (W.H.); (M.P.); (L.P.B.); (S.P.F.); (H.M.W.); (S.L.W.); (I.S.M.); (S.B.); (H.W.); (T.V.); (K.K.); (D.E.); (G.Y.); (D.W.); (F.J.K.)
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Holly M. Walder
- Environmental Research Group, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK; (B.B.); (A.S.); (M.S.E.); (D.C.G.); (A.H.T.); (M.H.); (W.H.); (M.P.); (L.P.B.); (S.P.F.); (H.M.W.); (S.L.W.); (I.S.M.); (S.B.); (H.W.); (T.V.); (K.K.); (D.E.); (G.Y.); (D.W.); (F.J.K.)
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
- NIHR HPRU in Environmental Exposures and Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
- NIHR HPRU in Chemical and Radiation Threats and Hazards, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Stephanie L. Wright
- Environmental Research Group, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK; (B.B.); (A.S.); (M.S.E.); (D.C.G.); (A.H.T.); (M.H.); (W.H.); (M.P.); (L.P.B.); (S.P.F.); (H.M.W.); (S.L.W.); (I.S.M.); (S.B.); (H.W.); (T.V.); (K.K.); (D.E.); (G.Y.); (D.W.); (F.J.K.)
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
- NIHR HPRU in Environmental Exposures and Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Ian S. Mudway
- Environmental Research Group, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK; (B.B.); (A.S.); (M.S.E.); (D.C.G.); (A.H.T.); (M.H.); (W.H.); (M.P.); (L.P.B.); (S.P.F.); (H.M.W.); (S.L.W.); (I.S.M.); (S.B.); (H.W.); (T.V.); (K.K.); (D.E.); (G.Y.); (D.W.); (F.J.K.)
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
- NIHR HPRU in Environmental Exposures and Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Matthew C. Fisher
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK; (M.C.F.); (S.J.H.)
| | - Samuel J. Hemmings
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK; (M.C.F.); (S.J.H.)
| | - Wouter Poortinga
- Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK; (W.P.); (F.T.)
| | - Francesca Tirotto
- Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK; (W.P.); (F.T.)
| | - Sean Beevers
- Environmental Research Group, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK; (B.B.); (A.S.); (M.S.E.); (D.C.G.); (A.H.T.); (M.H.); (W.H.); (M.P.); (L.P.B.); (S.P.F.); (H.M.W.); (S.L.W.); (I.S.M.); (S.B.); (H.W.); (T.V.); (K.K.); (D.E.); (G.Y.); (D.W.); (F.J.K.)
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
- NIHR HPRU in Environmental Exposures and Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Heather Walton
- Environmental Research Group, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK; (B.B.); (A.S.); (M.S.E.); (D.C.G.); (A.H.T.); (M.H.); (W.H.); (M.P.); (L.P.B.); (S.P.F.); (H.M.W.); (S.L.W.); (I.S.M.); (S.B.); (H.W.); (T.V.); (K.K.); (D.E.); (G.Y.); (D.W.); (F.J.K.)
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
- NIHR HPRU in Environmental Exposures and Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Tuan Vu
- Environmental Research Group, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK; (B.B.); (A.S.); (M.S.E.); (D.C.G.); (A.H.T.); (M.H.); (W.H.); (M.P.); (L.P.B.); (S.P.F.); (H.M.W.); (S.L.W.); (I.S.M.); (S.B.); (H.W.); (T.V.); (K.K.); (D.E.); (G.Y.); (D.W.); (F.J.K.)
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
- NIHR HPRU in Environmental Exposures and Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Klea Katsouyanni
- Environmental Research Group, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK; (B.B.); (A.S.); (M.S.E.); (D.C.G.); (A.H.T.); (M.H.); (W.H.); (M.P.); (L.P.B.); (S.P.F.); (H.M.W.); (S.L.W.); (I.S.M.); (S.B.); (H.W.); (T.V.); (K.K.); (D.E.); (G.Y.); (D.W.); (F.J.K.)
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
- NIHR HPRU in Environmental Exposures and Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitris Evangelopoulos
- Environmental Research Group, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK; (B.B.); (A.S.); (M.S.E.); (D.C.G.); (A.H.T.); (M.H.); (W.H.); (M.P.); (L.P.B.); (S.P.F.); (H.M.W.); (S.L.W.); (I.S.M.); (S.B.); (H.W.); (T.V.); (K.K.); (D.E.); (G.Y.); (D.W.); (F.J.K.)
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
- NIHR HPRU in Environmental Exposures and Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - George Young
- Environmental Research Group, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK; (B.B.); (A.S.); (M.S.E.); (D.C.G.); (A.H.T.); (M.H.); (W.H.); (M.P.); (L.P.B.); (S.P.F.); (H.M.W.); (S.L.W.); (I.S.M.); (S.B.); (H.W.); (T.V.); (K.K.); (D.E.); (G.Y.); (D.W.); (F.J.K.)
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Dylan Wood
- Environmental Research Group, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK; (B.B.); (A.S.); (M.S.E.); (D.C.G.); (A.H.T.); (M.H.); (W.H.); (M.P.); (L.P.B.); (S.P.F.); (H.M.W.); (S.L.W.); (I.S.M.); (S.B.); (H.W.); (T.V.); (K.K.); (D.E.); (G.Y.); (D.W.); (F.J.K.)
- NIHR HPRU in Environmental Exposures and Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Christopher Griffiths
- Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research, Barts Institute of Population Health Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK;
- MRC and Asthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - Frank J. Kelly
- Environmental Research Group, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK; (B.B.); (A.S.); (M.S.E.); (D.C.G.); (A.H.T.); (M.H.); (W.H.); (M.P.); (L.P.B.); (S.P.F.); (H.M.W.); (S.L.W.); (I.S.M.); (S.B.); (H.W.); (T.V.); (K.K.); (D.E.); (G.Y.); (D.W.); (F.J.K.)
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
- NIHR HPRU in Environmental Exposures and Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
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Wood D, Evangelopoulos D, Kitwiroon N, Stewart G, Vu T, Smith J, Beevers S, Katsouyanni K. Personalised estimation of exposure to ambient air pollution and application in a longitudinal cohort analysis of cognitive function in London-dwelling older adults. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2025:10.1038/s41370-025-00745-7. [PMID: 39809977 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-025-00745-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2024] [Revised: 12/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2025] [Indexed: 01/16/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accurate estimates of personal exposure to ambient air pollution are difficult to obtain and epidemiological studies generally rely on residence-based estimates, averaged spatially and temporally, derived from monitoring networks or models. Few epidemiological studies have compared the associated health effects of personal exposure and residence-based estimates. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between exposure to air pollution and cognitive function using exposure estimates taking mobility and location into account. METHODS Residence-based dispersion model estimates of ambient NO2, PM10 and PM2.5 were assigned to 768 London-dwelling participants of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. The London Hybrid Exposure Model was implemented to adjust estimates per pollutant to reflect the estimated time-activity patterns of each participant based on age and residential location. Single pollutant linear mixed-effects models were fit for both exposure assessment methods to investigate the associations between assigned pollutant concentrations and cognitive function over a follow-up period of up to 15 years. RESULTS Increased long-term exposures to residence-based ambient NO2 (IQR: 11.10 µg/m3), PM10 (2.35 µg/m3), and PM2.5 (2.50 µg/m3) were associated with decreases of -0.10 [95% CI: -0.20, 0.00], -0.07 [-0.11, -0.02] and -0.14 [-0.21, -0.06], respectively, in composite memory score. Similar decreases were observed for executive function scores (-0.38 [-0.58, -0.18], -0.11 [-0.20, -0.02] and -0.14 [-0.29, 0.01], respectively). When applying personalised exposure estimates, which were substantially lower, similar decreases were observed for composite memory score per IQR, but a consistent pattern of slightly more adverse effects with executive function score was evident. IMPACT STATEMENT The present study constructed a framework through which time-activity information derived from a representative sample could be applied to estimates of ambient air pollution concentrations assigned to individuals in epidemiological cohort studies, with the intention of adjusting commonly used residence-based estimates to reflect population mobility and time spent in various microenvironments. Estimates of exposure were markedly lower when incorporating time-activity, likely because people in European populations spend a large proportion of their time indoors, where their exposure to ambient air pollution may be reduced through infiltration, which is not taken into account in residence-based ambient estimates. Further work into such methods could provide insights into the efficacy of personalising exposure estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Wood
- Environmental Research Group, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Environmental Research Group, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- NIHR HPRU in Environmental Exposures and Health, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - Dimitris Evangelopoulos
- Environmental Research Group, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Environmental Research Group, Imperial College London, London, UK
- NIHR HPRU in Environmental Exposures and Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Nutthida Kitwiroon
- Environmental Research Group, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Environmental Research Group, Imperial College London, London, UK
- NIHR HPRU in Environmental Exposures and Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Gregor Stewart
- Environmental Research Group, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Environmental Research Group, Imperial College London, London, UK
- NIHR HPRU in Environmental Exposures and Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Tuan Vu
- Environmental Research Group, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Environmental Research Group, Imperial College London, London, UK
- NIHR HPRU in Environmental Exposures and Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Sean Beevers
- Environmental Research Group, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Environmental Research Group, Imperial College London, London, UK
- NIHR HPRU in Environmental Exposures and Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Klea Katsouyanni
- Environmental Research Group, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Environmental Research Group, Imperial College London, London, UK
- NIHR HPRU in Environmental Exposures and Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Zhou J, Huebner G, Liu KY, Ucci M. Heart rate variability, electrodermal activity and cognition in adults: Association with short-term indoor PM2.5 exposure in a real-world intervention study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 263:120245. [PMID: 39490569 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.120245] [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: 06/15/2024] [Revised: 10/03/2024] [Accepted: 10/26/2024] [Indexed: 11/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term effects of ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure on mortality and morbidity are well established. The study aims to evaluate how short-term indoor PM2.5 exposure affects physiological responses and understand potential mechanisms mediating the cognitive outcomes in working-age adults. METHODS This real-world randomized single-blind crossover intervention study was conducted in an urban office setting, with desk-based air purifiers used as the intervention. Participants (N = 40) were exposed to average PM2.5 levels of 18.0 μg/m3 in control and 3.7 μg/m3 in intervention conditions. Cognitive tests, heart rate variability (HRV), and electrodermal activity (EDA) measures were conducted after 5 h of exposure. Self-reported mental effort, exhaustion, and task difficulty were collected after the cognitive tests. RESULTS Participants in the intervention condition had significantly higher HRV during cognitive testing, particularly in the standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN), root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), and high-frequency power (HF) indices. Mediation analysis revealed that elevated PM2.5 exposure reduced HRV indices, which mediated the effect on two executive function-related cognitive skills out of 16 assessed skills. No significant differences were found in EDA, self-reported task difficulty, or exhaustion, but self-reported mental effort was higher in the control condition. CONCLUSIONS Lower indoor PM2.5 level was associated with reduced mental effort and higher HRV during cognitive testing. Furthermore, the association between indoor PM2.5 exposure and executive function might be mediated through cardiovagal responses. These findings provide insights on the mechanisms through which fine particle exposure adversely affects the autonomic nervous system and how this in turn affects cognition. The potential cardiovascular and cognitive health benefits of PM2.5 reduction warrants further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxu Zhou
- UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering (IEDE), The Bartlett, University College London (UCL), Central House, 14 Upper Woburn Place, London, WC1H 0NN, UK.
| | - Gesche Huebner
- UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering (IEDE), The Bartlett, University College London (UCL), Central House, 14 Upper Woburn Place, London, WC1H 0NN, UK
| | - Kathy Y Liu
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London (UCL), 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK
| | - Marcella Ucci
- UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering (IEDE), The Bartlett, University College London (UCL), Central House, 14 Upper Woburn Place, London, WC1H 0NN, UK
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Robertson NM, Qiu A, Raju S, McCormack MC, Koehler K. Cleaning indoor air-what works for respiratory health: An updated literature review and recommendations. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2024; 154:847-860. [PMID: 39181455 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2024.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 08/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Indoor air pollution is a growing public health concern globally and is associated with increased respiratory symptoms and morbidity. Individuals spend most of their time indoors, and pollutant-related health effects are often driven by the indoor environment. Understanding effective interventions to improve indoor air quality and their impact on respiratory outcomes is key to decreasing the burden of air pollution for high-risk populations across the life-span. This review applies a hierarchy of interventions framework specific to respiratory health effects and focuses on recent studies of interventions to improve indoor air quality among high-risk populations with chronic respiratory disease published in the past 3 years. While policy and source control interventions are likely the most effective and equitable approaches to improve indoor air quality and benefit population health, these were less extensively investigated. Engineering interventions, such as air cleaner interventions, were the most widely studied. Several studies, including those focused on asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, demonstrated improvement in symptoms and medication receipt with interventions in both home- and school-based settings. Combined multilevel interventions with engineering and behavioral interventions led to improved respiratory outcomes in some, but not all, studies. Placing the recent work in the context of the broader literature, we identify gaps in research. Further research is needed to understand intervention effectiveness over time and an increased focus on policy and source control interventions that can mitigate risk in vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Qiu
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md
| | - Sarath Raju
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md
| | - Meredith C McCormack
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md
| | - Kirsten Koehler
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md.
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6
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Krakowka WI, Luo J, Craver A, Pinto JM, Ahsan H, Olopade CS, Aschebrook-Kilfoy B. Household air pollution disparities between socioeconomic groups in Chicago. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 6:091002. [PMID: 39238838 PMCID: PMC11373614 DOI: 10.1088/2515-7620/ad6d3f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Purpose: To assess household air pollution levels in urban Chicago households and examine how socioeconomic factors influence these levels. Methods: We deployed wireless air monitoring devices to 244 households in a diverse population in Chicago to continuously record household fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration. We calculated hourly average PM2.5 concentration in a 24-hour cycle. Four factors-race, household income, area deprivation, and exposure to smoking-were considered in this study. Results: A total of 93085 h of exposure data were recorded. The average household PM2.5 concentration was 43.8 μg m-3. We observed a significant difference in the average household PM2.5 concentrations between Black/African American and non-Black/African American households (46.3 versus 31.6 μg m-3), between high-income and low-income households (18.2 versus 52.5 μg m-3), and between smoking and non-smoking households (69.7 versus 29.0 μg m-3). However, no significant difference was observed between households in less and more deprived areas (43.7 versus 43.0 μg m-3). Implications: Household air pollution levels in Chicago households are much higher than the recommended level, challenging the hypothesis that household air quality is adequate for populations in high income nations. Our results indicate that it is the personal characteristics of participants, rather than the macro environments, that lead to observed differences in household air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Isaac Krakowka
- Institute for Population and Precision Health, the University of Chicago Biological Sciences Division, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Jiajun Luo
- Institute for Population and Precision Health, the University of Chicago Biological Sciences Division, Chicago, United States of America
- Department of Public Health Sciences, the University of Chicago Biological Sciences Division, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Andrew Craver
- Institute for Population and Precision Health, the University of Chicago Biological Sciences Division, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Jayant M Pinto
- Department of Surgery, Pritzker School of Medicine, the University of Chicago Biological Sciences Division, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Habibul Ahsan
- Institute for Population and Precision Health, the University of Chicago Biological Sciences Division, Chicago, United States of America
- Department of Public Health Sciences, the University of Chicago Biological Sciences Division, Chicago, United States of America
- Departments of Family Medicine and Medicine, Pritzker School of Medicine, the University of Chicago Biological Sciences Division, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Christopher S Olopade
- Departments of Family Medicine and Medicine, Pritzker School of Medicine, the University of Chicago Biological Sciences Division, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Briseis Aschebrook-Kilfoy
- Institute for Population and Precision Health, the University of Chicago Biological Sciences Division, Chicago, United States of America
- Department of Public Health Sciences, the University of Chicago Biological Sciences Division, Chicago, United States of America
- Departments of Family Medicine and Medicine, Pritzker School of Medicine, the University of Chicago Biological Sciences Division, Chicago, United States of America
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7
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Jahanshahi B, Johnston B, McGovern ME, McVicar D, O'Reilly D, Rowland N, Vlachos S. Prenatal exposure to particulate matter and infant birth outcomes: Evidence from a population-wide database. HEALTH ECONOMICS 2024; 33:2182-2200. [PMID: 38898637 DOI: 10.1002/hec.4862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
There are growing concerns about the impact of pollution on maternal and infant health. Despite an extensive correlational literature, observational studies which adopt methods that seek to address potential biases due to unmeasured confounders draw mixed conclusions. Using a population database of births in Northern Ireland (NI) linked to localized geographic information on pollution in mothers' postcodes (zipcodes) of residence during pregnancy, we examine whether prenatal exposure to PM2.5 is associated with a comprehensive range of birth outcomes, including placental health. Overall, we find little evidence that particulate matter is related to infant outcomes at the pollution levels experienced in NI, once we implement a mother fixed effects approach that accounts for time-invariant factors. This contrasts with strong associations in models that adjust for observed confounders but without fixed effects. While reducing ambient air pollution remains an urgent public health priority globally, our results imply that further improvements in short-run levels of prenatal PM2.5 exposure in a relatively low-pollution, higher-income country context, are unlikely to impact on birth outcomes at the population level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brian Johnston
- Centre for GIS and Geomatics, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | | | - Duncan McVicar
- Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- IZA, Bonn, Germany
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Mansor AA, Abdullah S, Ahmad AN, Ahmed AN, Zulkifli MFR, Jusoh SM, Ismail M. Indoor air quality and sick building syndrome symptoms in administrative office at public university. DIALOGUES IN HEALTH 2024; 4:100178. [PMID: 38665133 PMCID: PMC11043824 DOI: 10.1016/j.dialog.2024.100178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is an illness among workers linked to time spent in a building. This study aimed to investigate the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) among administrative office workers. The IAQ parameters consist of ventilation performance indicators, and physical and chemical parameters were measured using specified instruments for three days during weekdays. The SBS symptoms were assessed by a questionnaire adopted from the Industry Code of Practice of Indoor Air Quality (ICOP-IAQ) 2010 among 19 employees from the office in East Coast Malaysia. Relationship between past symptoms and present symptoms which are draught (past symptoms) with feeling heavy headed (present symptoms) (r = 0.559, p < 0.05), room temperature too high (past symptoms) was highly correlated with feeling heavy headed (present symptoms) (r = 0.598, p < 0.01) and cough (present symptoms) (r = 0.596, p < 0.01). Room temperature (past symptoms) has a positive medium relationship with cough (present symptoms) (r = 0.477, p < 0.05) and scaling itching scalp or ears (present symptoms) has a relationship between stuffy bad air (r = 0.475, p < 0.05) and dry air (r = 0.536, p < 0.05). There was a significant association between RH with drowsiness (χ2 = 7.090, p = 0.049) and dizziness (χ2 = 7.090, p = 0.049). The association was found between temperature and SBS symptoms between temperature with headache (χ2 = 7.574, p = 0.051), feeling heavy-headed (χ2 = 8.090, p = 0.046), and skin rash itchiness (χ2 = 7.451, p = 0.044). Air movement also showed a positive association with symptoms of feeling heavy-headed (x2 = 8.726, p = 0.021). PM10 has positive significance with SBSS which are feeling heavy-headed (χ2 = 7.980, p = 0.023), and eyer's irritation (χ2 = 7.419, p = 0.038). The conclusion of this study showed that there were positive significant between temperature and relative humidity toward SBSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amalina Abu Mansor
- Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, 21030, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Samsuri Abdullah
- Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, 21030, Terengganu, Malaysia
- Faculty of Ocean Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 20130, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Aimi Nursyahirah Ahmad
- Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, 21030, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Ali Najah Ahmed
- School of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | | | - Suriani Mat Jusoh
- Faculty of Ocean Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 20130, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Marzuki Ismail
- Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, 21030, Terengganu, Malaysia
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 20130, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
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Das D, Ahmad S, Kirshner J. Opportunities and Challenges Associated with the Uptake of Residential Clean Fuel Usage. Curr Environ Health Rep 2024; 11:204-209. [PMID: 38468075 PMCID: PMC11082035 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-024-00438-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Almost 3 billion people worldwide use solid fuel for cooking and heating. This review examines (i) household energy practices and infrastructures and their influence on fuel usage in different contexts; (ii) barriers in adoption of household clean energy technologies and uses in diverse settings and population groups and (iii) potential air pollution exposure reduction in homes through using processed fuel. RECENT FINDINGS Population health burden from solid fuel combustion-derived particulate air pollution has been estimated in several low- and middle-income countries. However, such studies have not been carried out in high income countries (e.g., UK). Irrespective of the region, fuel prices are the most dominant factor influencing the choice of fuel. Laboratory studies suggest processed fuel - pellets and briquettes - reduce particulate matter emissions by 70-80% and can be a promising alternative. Adoption of clean fuels for domestic energy needs facilitates progress towards five of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). There is evidence that a variety of factors, including cost savings, encourage and hinder such uptake. These factors include price fluctuations, expenses, and the usage of clean fuels. Due to their distinct development scenarios, more expansive policy frameworks, and political economies of energy, these determinants are localized in character and differ significantly amongst economies. Therefore, in order to create innovative plans for the adoption of clean fuel use, strategies centred on local settings must be developed while keeping broad socio-technical and socio-economic issues in mind. Solid fuel processing - pelletization and briquetting - have the potential to reach Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)-like emissions, and could be a potential strategy to mitigate exposure to household air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darpan Das
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5NG, UK.
| | - Sohail Ahmad
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5NG, UK
| | - Joshua Kirshner
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5NG, UK
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10
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Yan D, Ji H, Fu H, Jiang J, Su B, Ye B. The effect of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) pollution on health inequality: an intergenerational perspective. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2024; 46:195. [PMID: 38696046 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-01982-9] [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: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/17/2024]
Abstract
Air pollution poses a serious challenge to public health and simultaneously exacerbating regional & intergenerational health inequality. This research introduces PM2.5 pollution into the intergenerational health transmission model, and estimates its impact on health inequality in China using Ordered Logit Regression (OLR) and Multi-scale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR) model. The results indicate that PM2.5 pollution exacerbate the intergenerational health inequality, and its impacts show inconsistency across family income levels, parental health insurance status, and area of residence. Specifically, it is more difficult for offspring in low-income families to escape from the influence of unhealthy family to become upwardly mobile. Additionally, this health inequality is more significant in households in which at least one parent does not have health insurance. Moreover, the intergenerational solidification caused by PM2.5 pollution is higher in the east and lower in the west. Both the PM2.5 level and solidification effect are high in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, Yangtze River Delta region and central areas of China, which is the focus of air pollution management. These findings suggest that more emphasis should be placed on family-based health promotion. In areas with high PM2.5 pollution levels, resources, subsidies and air pollution protection should be provided for less healthy families with lower incomes and no health insurance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Yan
- School of Public Administration, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, China
- Zhejiang Institution of Talent Development, Hangzhou, 310023, China
| | - Honglu Ji
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Hong Fu
- School of Public Administration, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, China
| | - Jingjing Jiang
- School of Economics and Management, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Bin Su
- Energy Studies Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bin Ye
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, NO. 1088, Xueyuan Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
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11
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van den Brekel L, Lenters V, Mackenbach JD, Hoek G, Wagtendonk A, Lakerveld J, Grobbee DE, Vaartjes I. Ethnic and socioeconomic inequalities in air pollution exposure: a cross-sectional analysis of nationwide individual-level data from the Netherlands. Lancet Planet Health 2024; 8:e18-e29. [PMID: 38199717 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(23)00258-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air pollution contributes to a large disease burden and some populations are disproportionately exposed. We aimed to evaluate ethnic and socioeconomic differences in exposure to air pollution in the Netherlands. METHODS We did a nationwide, cross-sectional analysis of all residents of the Netherlands on Jan 1, 2019. Sociodemographic information was centralised by Statistics Netherlands and mainly originated from the National Population Register, the tax register, and education registers. Concentrations of NO2, PM2·5, PM10, and elemental carbon, modelled by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, were linked to the individual-level demographic data. We assessed differences in air pollution exposures across the 40 largest minority ethnic groups. Evaluation of how ethnicity intersected with socioeconomic position in relation to exposures was done for the ten largest ethnic groups, plus Chinese and Indian groups, in both urban and rural areas using multivariable linear regression analyses. FINDINGS The total study population consisted of 17 251 511 individuals. Minority ethnic groups were consistently exposed to higher levels of air pollution than the ethnic Dutch population. The magnitude of inequalities varied between the minority ethnic groups, with 3-44% higher exposures to NO2 and 1-9% higher exposures to PM2·5 compared with the ethnic Dutch group. Average exposures were highest for the lowest socioeconomic group. Ethnic inequalities in exposure remained after adjustment for socioeconomic position and were of similar magnitude in urban and rural areas. INTERPRETATION The variability in air pollution exposure across ethnic and socioeconomic subgroups in the Netherlands indicates environmental injustice at the intersection of social characteristics. The health consequences of the observed inequalities and the underlying processes driving them warrant further investigation. FUNDING The Gravitation programme of the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science, the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research, the Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development, and Amsterdam University Medical Center.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lieke van den Brekel
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Utrecht University Medical Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Virissa Lenters
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Utrecht University Medical Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands; Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Joreintje D Mackenbach
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Upstream Team, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Gerard Hoek
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Alfred Wagtendonk
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Lakerveld
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Upstream Team, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Diederick E Grobbee
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Utrecht University Medical Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Ilonca Vaartjes
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Utrecht University Medical Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.
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12
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Murphy J, Tharumakunarajah R, Holden KA, King C, Lee AR, Rose K, Hawcutt DB, Sinha IP. Impact of indoor environment on children's pulmonary health. Expert Rev Respir Med 2023; 17:1249-1259. [PMID: 38240133 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2024.2307561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A child's living environment has a significant impact on their respiratory health, with exposure to poor indoor air quality (IAQ) contributing to potentially lifelong respiratory morbidity. These effects occur throughout childhood, from the antenatal period through to adolescence. Children are particularly susceptible to the effects of environmental insults, and children living in socioeconomic deprivation globally are more likely to breathe air both indoors and outdoors, which poses an acute and long-term risk to their health. Adult respiratory health is, at least in part, determined by exposures and respiratory system development in childhood, starting in utero. AREAS COVERED This narrative review will discuss, from a global perspective, what contributes to poor IAQ in the child's home and school environment and the impact that indoor air pollution exposure has on respiratory health throughout the different stages of childhood. EXPERT OPINION All children have the right to a living and educational environment without the threat of pollution affecting their health. Action is needed at multiple levels to address this pressing issue to improve lifelong respiratory health. Such action should incorporate a child's rights-based approach, empowering children, and their families, to have access to clean air to breathe in their living environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared Murphy
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Karl A Holden
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Lab to Life Child Health Data Centre, Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Charlotte King
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Alice R Lee
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Lab to Life Child Health Data Centre, Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Katie Rose
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Daniel B Hawcutt
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- NIHR Alder Hey Clinical Research Facility, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ian P Sinha
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
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Matthaios VN, Harrison RM, Koutrakis P, Bloss WJ. In-vehicle exposure to NO 2 and PM 2.5: A comprehensive assessment of controlling parameters and reduction strategies to minimise personal exposure. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 900:165537. [PMID: 37454853 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165537] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Vehicles are the third most occupied microenvironment, other than home and workplace, in developed urban areas. Vehicle cabins are confined spaces where occupants can mitigate their exposure to on-road nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations. Understanding which parameters exert the greatest influence on in-vehicle exposure underpins advice to drivers and vehicle occupants in general. This study assessed the in-vehicle NO2 and PM2.5 levels and developed stepwise general additive mixed models (sGAMM) to investigate comprehensively the combined and individual influences of factors that influence the in-vehicle exposures. The mean in-vehicle levels were 19 ± 18 and 6.4 ± 2.7 μg/m3 for NO2 and PM2.5, respectively. sGAMM model identified significant factors explaining a large fraction of in-vehicle NO2 and PM2.5 variability, R2 = 0.645 and 0.723, respectively. From the model's explained variability on-road air pollution was the most important predictor accounting for 22.3 and 30 % of NO2 and PM2.5 variability, respectively. Vehicle-based predictors included manufacturing year, cabin size, odometer reading, type of cabin filter, ventilation fan speed power, window setting, and use of air recirculation, and together explained 48.7 % and 61.3 % of NO2 and PM2.5 variability, respectively, with 41.4 % and 51.9 %, related to ventilation preference and type of filtration media, respectively. Driving-based parameters included driving speed, traffic conditions, traffic lights, roundabouts, and following high emitters and accounted for 22 and 7.4 % of in-vehicle NO2 and PM2.5 exposure variability, respectively. Vehicle occupants can significantly reduce their in-vehicle exposure by moderating vehicle ventilation settings and by choosing an appropriate cabin air filter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasileios N Matthaios
- School of Geography Earth and Environmental Science, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Roy M Harrison
- School of Geography Earth and Environmental Science, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; Department of Environmental Sciences/Center of Excellence in Environmental Studies, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Petros Koutrakis
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - William J Bloss
- School of Geography Earth and Environmental Science, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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Zhong J, Hodgson JR, James Bloss W, Shi Z. Impacts of net zero policies on air quality in a metropolitan area of the United Kingdom: Towards world health organization air quality guidelines. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 236:116704. [PMID: 37481053 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Climate change and air pollution are closely interlinked since carbon dioxide and air pollutants are co-emitted from fossil fuel combustion. Net Zero (NZ) policies aiming to reduce carbon emissions will likely bring co-benefits in air quality and associated health. However, it is unknown whether regional NZ policies alone will be sufficient to reduce air pollutant levels to meet the latest 2021 World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines. Here, we carried out high resolution air quality modelling for in the West Midlands region, a typical metropolitan area in the UK, to quantify the effects of different NZ policies on air quality. Results show that NZ policies will significantly improve air quality in the West Midlands, with up to 6 μg m-3 (21%) reduction in annual mean NO2 (mostly through the electrification of vehicle fleet, EV) and up to 1.4 μg m-3 (12%) reduction in annual mean PM2.5 projected for 2030 relative to levels under a "business as usual" (BAU) scenario. Under BAU, 2030 PM2.5 concentrations in most wards would be below 10 μg m-3 whilst under the Net Zero scenario, those in all wards would be below 10 μg m-3. This means that the ward averages in the West Midlands would meet the UK PM2.5 of 10 μg m-3target a decade early under the Net Zero scenario. However, no ward-level-averaged annual mean PM2.concentrations meet the 2021 WHO Air Quality guideline level of 5 μg m-3 under any scenario. Similarly for NO2 only 18 wards (8% of the region's population) are predicted to have NO2 concentrations below the 2021 WHO guideline level (10 μg m-3). Decarbonisation policies linked to Net Zero deliver substantial regional air quality benefits, but are not in isolation sufficient to deliver clean air with air pollutant levels low enough to meet the 2021 WHO guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhong
- School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, the University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | - James Robert Hodgson
- School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, the University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - William James Bloss
- School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, the University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Zongbo Shi
- School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, the University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
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15
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Forte E. Particulate matter pollution and cardiovascular health. NATURE CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH 2023; 2:855-857. [PMID: 39196257 DOI: 10.1038/s44161-023-00342-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
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Holden KA, Lee AR, Hawcutt DB, Sinha IP. The impact of poor housing and indoor air quality on respiratory health in children. Breathe (Sheff) 2023; 19:230058. [PMID: 37645022 PMCID: PMC10461733 DOI: 10.1183/20734735.0058-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
It is becoming increasingly apparent that poor housing quality affects indoor air quality, significantly impacting on respiratory health in children and young people. Exposure to damp and/or mould in the home, cold homes and the presence of pests and pollutants all have a significant detrimental impact on child respiratory health. There is a complex relationship between features of poor-quality housing, such as being in a state of disrepair, poor ventilation, overcrowding and being cold, that favour an environment resulting in poor indoor air quality. Children living in rented (private or public) housing are more likely to come from lower-income backgrounds and are most at risk of living in substandard housing posing a serious threat to respiratory health. Children have the right to safe and adequate housing, and research has shown that either rehousing or making modifications to poor-quality housing to improve indoor air quality results in improved respiratory health. Urgent action is needed to address this threat to health. All stakeholders should understand the relationship between poor-quality housing and respiratory health in children and act, working with families, to redress this modifiable risk factor. Educational aims The reader should understand how housing quality and indoor air quality affect respiratory health in children.The reader should understand which children are at most risk of living in poor-quality housing.The reader should understand what policy recommendations have been made and what actions need to be undertaken to improve housing quality and respiratory health in children and young people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl A. Holden
- Lab to Life Child Health Data Centre, Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Contributed equally to the preparation of this manuscript and share first authorship
| | - Alice R. Lee
- Lab to Life Child Health Data Centre, Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Contributed equally to the preparation of this manuscript and share first authorship
| | - Daniel B. Hawcutt
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- NIHR Alder Hey Clinical Research Facility, Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ian P. Sinha
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Respiratory Medicine, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
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Johnes C, Sharpe RA, Menneer T, Taylor T, Nestel P. Using Sensor Data to Identify Factors Affecting Internal Air Quality within 279 Lower Income Households in Cornwall, South West of England. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1075. [PMID: 36673833 PMCID: PMC9858683 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: Poor air quality affects health and causes premature death and disease. Outdoor air quality has received significant attention, but there has been less focus on indoor air quality and what drives levels of diverse pollutants in the home, such as particulate matter, and the impact this has on health; (2) Methods: This study conducts analysis of cross-sectional data from the Smartline project. Analyses of data from 279 social housing properties with indoor sensor data were used to assess multiple factors that could impact levels of particulate matter. T-Tests and Anova tests were used to explore associations between elevated PM2.5 and building, household and smoking and vaping characteristics. Binary logistic regression was used to test the association between elevated particulate matter and self-reported health; (3) Results: Of the multiple potential drivers of the particulate matter investigated, smoking and vaping were significantly associated with mean PM2.5. Following multivariate analysis, only smoking remained significantly associated with higher mean concentrations. Properties in which <15 cigarettes/day were smoked were predicted to have PM2.5 concentrations 9.06 µg/m3 higher (95% CI 6.4, 12.82, p ≤ 0.001) than those in which residents were non-smokers and 11.82 µg/m3 higher (95% CI 7.67, 18.19, p ≤ 0.001) where >15 cigarettes were smoked; (4) Conclusions: A total of 25% of social housing properties in this study experienced levels of indoor PM greater than WHO guideline levels for ambient air pollution. Although there are many factors that impact air quality, in this study the main driver was smoking. This highlights the importance of targeting smoking in indoor environments in future smoking cessation and control policy and practice and of understanding how pollutants interact in the home environment. There is also a need for further research into the impact on indoor air quality of vaping, particularly due to the rise in use and uncertainty of its long-term impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Johnes
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Richard A. Sharpe
- Wellbeing and Public Health Service, Cornwall Council, Truro TR1 3AY, UK
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Truro TR1 3HD, UK
| | - Tamaryn Menneer
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Truro TR1 3HD, UK
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, Penryn Campus, University of Exeter, Penryn TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Timothy Taylor
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Truro TR1 3HD, UK
| | - Penelope Nestel
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
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18
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Air Pollution and Cardiovascular Disease Burden: Changing Patterns and Implications for Public Health in India. Heart Lung Circ 2023; 32:90-94. [PMID: 36456430 DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2022.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The link between air pollution-attributed cardiovascular disease (APACVD) burden and its contributing factors can aid in detecting vulnerabilities and providing forewarnings for India. METHODS We examined the association between the status and trends of the APACVD burden obtained from the Global Burden of Diseases and Injuries study with the two development metrics in India; the human development index (HDI) and indirect indices of economic development, namely annual new motor vehicle registration and the number of functional factories for 10 years from 2009 to 2019. Lorenz curves and concentration index were used to estimate the inequalities in the state-APACVD burden and the burden per 100,000 population. RESULTS At the state level, APACVD burden was inversely related to the HDI value in India for the years 2009 (r=-0.48), 2014 (r=-0.47), and 2019 (r=-0.37), and the association was statistically significant (p<0.05). The correlation between state-level APACVD burden with the annual new motor vehicle registration and the number of functional factories in India for these years was also positive and significant (p<0.05). The APACVD was 53% unequally distributed across the states, with a concentration index of 0.53 in 2009. DISCUSSION We observed that at the state level, the APACVD burden was inversely related to HDI. But the APACVD burden increased with the country's economic development. Also, the excess APACVD burden appears to be attributable to the economically developed states. CONCLUSION At the state level, APACVD burden decreased as HDI rose over time, indicating that the burden increased with the country's economic development. It is noticeable that the economically developed states may be contributing a higher share of the APACVD burden in India.
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19
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Castellani B, Bartington S, Wistow J, Heckels N, Ellison A, Van Tongeren M, Arnold SR, Barbrook-Johnson P, Bicket M, Pope FD, Russ TC, Clarke CL, Pirani M, Schwannauer M, Vieno M, Turnbull R, Gilbert N, Reis S. Mitigating the impact of air pollution on dementia and brain health: Setting the policy agenda. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 215:114362. [PMID: 36130664 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging research suggests exposure to high levels of air pollution at critical points in the life-course is detrimental to brain health, including cognitive decline and dementia. Social determinants play a significant role, including socio-economic deprivation, environmental factors and heightened health and social inequalities. Policies have been proposed more generally, but their benefits for brain health have yet to be fully explored. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS Over the course of two years, we worked as a consortium of 20+ academics in a participatory and consensus method to develop the first policy agenda for mitigating air pollution's impact on brain health and dementia, including an umbrella review and engaging 11 stakeholder organisations. RESULTS We identified three policy domains and 14 priority areas. Research and Funding included: (1) embracing a complexities of place approach that (2) highlights vulnerable populations; (3) details the impact of ambient PM2.5 on brain health, including current and historical high-resolution exposure models; (4) emphasises the importance of indoor air pollution; (5) catalogues the multiple pathways to disease for brain health and dementia, including those most at risk; (6) embraces a life course perspective; and (7) radically rethinks funding. Education and Awareness included: (8) making this unrecognised public health issue known; (9) developing educational products; (10) attaching air pollution and brain health to existing strategies and campaigns; and (11) providing publicly available monitoring, assessment and screening tools. Policy Evaluation included: (12) conducting complex systems evaluation; (13) engaging in co-production; and (14) evaluating air quality policies for their brain health benefits. CONCLUSION Given the pressing issues of brain health, dementia and air pollution, setting a policy agenda is crucial. Policy needs to be matched by scientific evidence and appropriate guidelines, including bespoke strategies to optimise impact and mitigate unintended consequences. The agenda provided here is the first step toward such a plan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Castellani
- Durham Research Methods Centre, Durham University, Stockton Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom; Centre for the Evaluation of Complexity Across the Nexus, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, United Kingdom; Wolfson Research Institute for Health and Wellbeing, Durham University, Stockton Road, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom; Department of Sociology, Durham University, Stockton Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom.
| | - Suzanne Bartington
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Wistow
- Wolfson Research Institute for Health and Wellbeing, Durham University, Stockton Road, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom; Department of Sociology, Durham University, Stockton Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Heckels
- Research and Innovation Services, Durham University, Stockton Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda Ellison
- Wolfson Research Institute for Health and Wellbeing, Durham University, Stockton Road, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom; Department of Psychology, Durham University, Stockton Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
| | - Martie Van Tongeren
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Steve R Arnold
- School of Earth & Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Pete Barbrook-Johnson
- Centre for the Evaluation of Complexity Across the Nexus, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, United Kingdom; Environmental Change Institute, School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Martha Bicket
- Centre for the Evaluation of Complexity Across the Nexus, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
| | - Francis D Pope
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Tom C Russ
- Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Division of Psychiatry, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte L Clarke
- Department of Sociology, Durham University, Stockton Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom; School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG, United Kingdom
| | - Monica Pirani
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, W2 1PG, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthias Schwannauer
- School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG, United Kingdom
| | - Massimo Vieno
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0QB, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Turnbull
- Academic Health Sciences Network, North East and North Cumbria, Nuns' Moor Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE4 5PL, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel Gilbert
- Centre for the Evaluation of Complexity Across the Nexus, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
| | - Stefan Reis
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0QB, United Kingdom; University of Exeter Medical School, European Centre for Environment and Health, Knowledge Spa, Truro, TR1 3HD, United Kingdom; The University of Edinburgh, School of Chemistry, Level 3, Murchison House, 10 Max Born Crescent, The King's Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
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20
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Agyei-Mensah S, Kyere-Gyeabour E, Mwaura A, Mudu P. Between Policy and Risk Communication: Coverage of Air Pollution in Ghanaian Newspapers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13246. [PMID: 36293823 PMCID: PMC9603739 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Mass media plays an increasingly persuasive role in orienting political decisions, shaping social agendas, influencing individuals' actions, and interpreting scientific evidence for the public. With growing scientific understanding of the health, social and environmental consequences of air pollution, there is an urgent need to understand how media coverage frames these links, particularly in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. This paper examines how the Ghanaian print and electronic media houses are covering air pollution issues given increased efforts at reducing air pollution within the country. The main goal of this work is to track the progress of policies to reduce air pollution. We used a qualitative content analysis of selected newspapers (both traditional and online) between the periods 2016 and 2021 and we found that articles on air pollution have been increasing, with more reportage on impact and policy issues compared to causes of air pollution. A focus group with six members of the media confirmed an interest in covering health and environmental issues, particularly coverage of specific diseases and human-interest pieces. This increasing attention is likely associated with intensifying local, national, and international action to improve air quality in Ghana, and growing awareness of the health impacts of air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Agyei-Mensah
- Department of Geography and Resource Development, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra P.O. Box LG 59, Ghana
| | - Elvis Kyere-Gyeabour
- Department of Geography and Resource Development, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra P.O. Box LG 59, Ghana
| | - Abraham Mwaura
- Environment, Climate Change and Health, World Health Organization, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pierpaolo Mudu
- Environment, Climate Change and Health, World Health Organization, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
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21
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Lawrance EL, Thompson R, Newberry Le Vay J, Page L, Jennings N. The Impact of Climate Change on Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing: A Narrative Review of Current Evidence, and its Implications. Int Rev Psychiatry 2022; 34:443-498. [PMID: 36165756 DOI: 10.1080/09540261.2022.2128725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Converging global evidence highlights the dire consequences of climate change for human mental health and wellbeing. This paper summarises literature across relevant disciplines to provide a comprehensive narrative review of the multiple pathways through which climate change interacts with mental health and wellbeing. Climate change acts as a risk amplifier by disrupting the conditions known to support good mental health, including socioeconomic, cultural and environmental conditions, and living and working conditions. The disruptive influence of rising global temperatures and extreme weather events, such as experiencing a heatwave or water insecurity, compounds existing stressors experienced by individuals and communities. This has deleterious effects on people's mental health and is particularly acute for those groups already disadvantaged within and across countries. Awareness and experiences of escalating climate threats and climate inaction can generate understandable psychological distress; though strong emotional responses can also motivate climate action. We highlight opportunities to support individuals and communities to cope with and act on climate change. Consideration of the multiple and interconnected pathways of climate impacts and their influence on mental health determinants must inform evidence-based interventions. Appropriate action that centres climate justice can reduce the current and future mental health burden, while simultaneously improving the conditions that nurture wellbeing and equality. The presented evidence adds further weight to the need for decisive climate action by decision makers across all scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L Lawrance
- Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London, UK.,Mental Health Innovations, UK.,Grantham Institute of Climate and the Environment, Imperial College London, UK
| | | | | | - Lisa Page
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, UK
| | - Neil Jennings
- Grantham Institute of Climate and the Environment, Imperial College London, UK
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22
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Chakraborty J, Collins TW, Grineski SE, Aun JJ. Air pollution exposure disparities in US public housing developments. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9887. [PMID: 35701654 PMCID: PMC9198080 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13942-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Fine particulate matter 2.5 microns or less in diameter (PM2.5) is widely recognized to be a major public health concern. While ethnic/racial minority and lower socioeconomic status individuals in the US experience higher PM2.5 exposure, previous research on social disparities in PM2.5 exposure has not examined residents of federally-assisted public housing developments (PHDs). Here we present the first national-scale analysis of the relationship between outdoor PM2.5 exposure and PHD residency in the US, as well as exposure disparities within the population of households residing in PHDs. We integrated data on average annual PM2.5 concentrations (2011–2015) with US Department of Housing and Urban Development data on PHDs (2015), and socio-demographic information from the 2011–2015 American Community Survey. Results from multivariable generalized estimating equations indicated that PHD locations, units, and residents are significantly overrepresented in neighborhoods with greater PM2.5 exposure, after accounting for clustering, urbanization, and other socio-demographic factors. Additionally, significantly higher percentages of Black, Hispanic, disabled, and extremely low-income households reside in PHDs with greater PM2.5 exposure. Findings represent an important starting point for future research and emphasize the urgent need to identify gaps in environmental, public health, and housing policies that contribute to disproportionate air pollution exposures among PHD residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayajit Chakraborty
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA.
| | - Timothy W Collins
- Department of Geography, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Sara E Grineski
- Department of Sociology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Jacob J Aun
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
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23
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This paper presents an analytical review of recent research on social inequality caused or compounded by ambient air pollution in the European Union. RECENT FINDINGS While empirical studies have developed significantly both in the academic and institutional arena, they have largely focused on only one aspect: the exposure and sensitivity of individuals and groups to air pollution according to various criteria, documenting substantial and overlapping inequality. While EU policy should better address this proven impact inequality, research is also needed on new fronts of air (ine)quality (namely mental health impact and indoor air quality) as well as other types of ambient air inequality (such as inequality in responsibility and impact of air pollution mitigation policy).
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Affiliation(s)
- Éloi Laurent
- OFCE/Sciences Po, Sciences Po/PSIA, Ponts Paris Tech, Stanford University, 10 Place de Catalogne, 75014, Paris, France.
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24
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Petrou G, Hutchinson E, Mavrogianni A, Milner J, Macintyre H, Phalkey R, Hsu SC, Symonds P, Davies M, Wilkinson P. Home energy efficiency under net zero: time to monitor UK indoor air. BMJ 2022; 377:e069435. [PMID: 35534024 PMCID: PMC7615525 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2021-069435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - James Milner
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Helen Macintyre
- UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
- University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Revati Phalkey
- UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
- University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Paul Wilkinson
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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25
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Mohajeri N, Walch A, Gudmundsson A, Heaviside C, Askari S, Wilkinson P, Davies M. Covid-19 mobility restrictions: impacts on urban air quality and health. BUILDINGS & CITIES 2021; 2:759-778. [PMID: 34704039 PMCID: PMC7611887 DOI: 10.5334/bc.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED In 2020, Covid-19-related mobility restrictions resulted in the most extensive human-made air-quality changes ever recorded. The changes in mobility are quantified in terms of outdoor air pollution (concentrations of PM2.5 and NO2) and the associated health impacts in four UK cities (Greater London, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast). After applying a weather-corrected machine learning (ML) technique, all four cities show NO2 and PM2.5 concentration anomalies in 2020 when compared with the ML-predicted values for that year. The NO2 anomalies are -21% for Greater London, -19% for Cardiff, -27% for Belfast and -41% for Edinburgh. The PM2.5 anomalies are 7% for Greater London, -1% for Cardiff, -15% for Edinburgh, -14% for Belfast. All the negative anomalies, which indicate air pollution at a lower level than expected from the weather conditions, are attributable to the mobility restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 lockdowns. Spearman rank-order correlations show a significant correlation between the lowering of NO2 levels and reduction in public transport (p < 0.05) and driving (p < 0.05), which is associated with a decline in NO2-attributable mortality. These positive effects of the mobility restrictions on public health can be used to evaluate policies for improved outdoor air quality. POLICY RELEVANCE Finding the means to curb air pollution is very important for public health. Empirical evidence at a city scale reveals significant correlations between the reduction in vehicular transport and in ambient NO2 concentrations. The results provide justification for city-level initiatives to reduce vehicular traffic. Well-designed and effective policy interventions (e.g. the promotion of walking and cycling, remote working, local availability of services) can substantially reduce long-term air pollution and have positive health impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahid Mohajeri
- UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, Faculty of the Built Environment, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alina Walch
- Solar Energy and Building Physics Laboratory, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Agust Gudmundsson
- Department of Earth Sciences, Royal Holloway College, University of London, Egham, UK
| | - Clare Heaviside
- UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, Faculty of the Built Environment, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Paul Wilkinson
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health & Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Michael Davies
- UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, Faculty of the Built Environment, University College London, London, UK
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