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He R, McAtee J, Mainelis G. Potential exposure of adults and children to particles from resuspended nano-enabled consumer sprays. Sci Total Environ 2024; 924:171459. [PMID: 38438041 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
The increasing application of nanotechnology has resulted in a growing number of nano-enabled consumer products, and they could be important contributors to indoor particulate matter, with potential adverse health effects. This study investigated the exposure of adults and children to the released and resuspended manufactured particles from seven nano-enabled consumer sprays. Sedimentation and resuspension of released particles were investigated in a newly constructed 2.8 × 1.6 × 2.4 m3 chamber. The resuspension of deposited particles was investigated as a function of product type, flooring material (e.g., carpet and vinyl), resuspension force (e.g., walking by an adult and motion of a robotic sampler that simulated a child), and measurement height. The concentration of released and resuspended particles in the air was determined using Button Aerosol Samplers (SKC Inc.) with 25-mm 2 μm-pore PTFE filters. Samplers were positioned in the experimenter's breathing zone (e.g., 1.5 m for adults and 0.3 m for a child-simulating robot) and at fixed stations of 0.3 m and 1.1 m heights. Resuspended particle mass concentrations ranged from 28 to 905 μg/m3, and the resuspension rates of deposited spray particles for the same variable combinations varied from 10-4 to 10-1 h-1, depending on product type, flooring material, sampling height, and resuspension force. Particle resuspension rates from carpet were up to 320 % higher than resuspension rates from vinyl flooring, resuspension rates measured at 0.3 m were up to 195 % higher than the rates measured with a 1.1 m stationary sampler, and resuspension rates due to a walking adult were up to 243 % higher than resuspension rates caused to a moving robot that simulated a child. Overall, these data on the resuspension of particles from nano-enabled consumer sprays could help us understand the resulting exposures and support future studies on human exposure reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruikang He
- School of Environment and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, 13 Yan Ta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710055, China; Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 14 College Farm Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8551, USA
| | - Jie McAtee
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 14 College Farm Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8551, USA
| | - Gediminas Mainelis
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 14 College Farm Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8551, USA.
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McCarron A, Semple S, Swanson V, Gillespie C, Braban C, Price HD. Piloting co-developed behaviour change interventions to reduce exposure to air pollution and improve self-reported asthma-related health. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol 2024:10.1038/s41370-024-00661-2. [PMID: 38609513 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-024-00661-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to air pollution can exacerbate asthma with immediate and long-term health consequences. Behaviour changes can reduce exposure to air pollution, yet its 'invisible' nature often leaves individuals unaware of their exposure, complicating the identification of appropriate behaviour modifications. Moreover, making health behaviour changes can be challenging, necessitating additional support from healthcare professionals. OBJECTIVE This pilot study used personal exposure monitoring, data feedback, and co-developed behaviour change interventions with individuals with asthma, with the goal of reducing personal exposure to PM2.5 and subsequently improving asthma-related health. METHODS Twenty-eight participants conducted baseline exposure monitoring for one-week, simultaneously keeping asthma symptom and medication diaries (previously published in McCarron et al., 2023). Participants were then randomised into control (n = 8) or intervention (n = 9) groups. Intervention participants received PM2.5 exposure feedback and worked with researchers to co-develop behaviour change interventions based on a health behaviour change programme which they implemented during the follow-up monitoring week. Control group participants received no feedback or intervention during the study. RESULTS All interventions focused on the home environment. Intervention group participants reduced their at-home exposure by an average of 5.7 µg/m³ over the monitoring week (-23.0 to +3.2 µg/m³), whereas the control group had a reduction of 4.7 µg/m³ (-15.6 to +0.4 µg/m³). Furthermore, intervention group participants experienced a 4.6% decrease in participant-hours with reported asthma symptoms, while the control group saw a 0.5% increase. Similarly, the intervention group's asthma-related quality of life improved compared to the control group. IMPACT STATEMENT This pilot study investigated a novel behaviour change intervention, utilising personal exposure monitoring, data feedback, and co-developed interventions guided by a health behaviour change programme. The study aimed to reduce personal exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and improve self-reported asthma-related health. Conducting a randomised controlled trial with 28 participants, co-developed intervention successfully targeted exposure peaks within participants' home microenvironments, resulting in a reduction in at-home personal exposure to PM2.5 and improving self-reported asthma-related health. The study contributes valuable insights into the environmental exposure-health relationship and highlights the potential of the intervention for individual-level decision-making to protect human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy McCarron
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK.
| | - Sean Semple
- Institute of Social Marketing and Health, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | | | | | | | - Heather D Price
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
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Neukirchen C, Meiners T, Bendl J, Zimmermann R, Adam T. Automated SEM/EDX imaging for the in-depth characterization of non-exhaust traffic emissions from the Munich subway system. Sci Total Environ 2024; 915:170008. [PMID: 38220016 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
A SEM/EDX based automated measurement and classification algorithm was tested as a method for the in-depth analysis of micro-environments in the Munich subway using a custom build mobile measurements system. Sampling was conducted at platform stations, to investigate the personal exposure of commuters to subway particulate matter during platform stays. EDX spectra and morphological features of all analyzed particles were automatically obtained and particles were automatically classified based on pre-defined chemical and morphological boundaries. Source apportionment for individual particles, such as abrasion processes at the wheel-brake interface, was partially possible based on the established particle classes. An average of 98.87 ± 1.06 % of over 200,000 analyzed particles were automatically assigned to the pre-defined classes, with 84.68 ± 16.45 % of particles classified as highly ferruginous. Manual EDX analysis further revealed, that heavy metal rich particles were also present in the ultrafine size range well below 100 nm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Neukirchen
- University of the Bundeswehr Munich, Faculty for Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Werner-Heisenberg-Weg 39, 85577 Neubiberg, Germany; Joint Mass Spectrometry Center (JMSC) at Chair of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Rostock, Albert-Einstein-Strasse 27, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Thorsten Meiners
- Oxford Instruments GmbH, Borsigstraße 15 A, 652025 Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Jan Bendl
- University of the Bundeswehr Munich, Faculty for Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Werner-Heisenberg-Weg 39, 85577 Neubiberg, Germany; Institute for Environmental Studies, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Benátská 2, 128 01 Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Ralf Zimmermann
- Joint Mass Spectrometry Center (JMSC) at Comprehensive Molecular Analytics (CMA), Department Environmental Health, Helmholtz Munich, Gmunder Str. 37, 81379 München, Germany; Joint Mass Spectrometry Center (JMSC) at Chair of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Rostock, Albert-Einstein-Strasse 27, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Thomas Adam
- University of the Bundeswehr Munich, Faculty for Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Werner-Heisenberg-Weg 39, 85577 Neubiberg, Germany; Joint Mass Spectrometry Center (JMSC) at Comprehensive Molecular Analytics (CMA), Department Environmental Health, Helmholtz Munich, Gmunder Str. 37, 81379 München, Germany
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Powers CI, Li L, Ezzati M, Butler JP, Zigler CM, Spengler JD. Chronic household air pollution and exposure patterns among Himalayan nomads. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol 2024:10.1038/s41370-024-00656-z. [PMID: 38443463 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-024-00656-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Household air pollution (HAP) is a major risk factor of non-communicable diseases, causing millions of premature deaths each year in developing nations. Populations living at high altitudes are particularly vulnerable to HAP and associated health outcomes. OBJECTIVES This study aims to explore the relationships between activity patterns, HAP, and an HAP biomarker among 100 Himalayan nomadic households during both cooking and heating-only periods. METHODS Household CO was monitored in 100 rural homes in Qinghai, China, at 3500 m on the Himalayan Plateau among Himalayan nomads. Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) was used as a biomarker to assess exposure among 100 male and 100 female heads of household. Linear mixed-effects models were used to explore the relationship between COHb and activity patterns. RESULTS Cooking periods were associated with 7 times higher household CO concentrations compared with heating periods (94 ± 56 ppm and 13 ± 11 ppm, respectively). Over the three-day biomarker-monitoring period in each house, 99% of subjects had at least one COHb measurement exceeding the WHO safety level of 2%. Cooking was associated with a 32% increase in COHb (p < 0.001). IMPACT STATEMENT This study on household air pollution (HAP) in high-altitude regions provides important insights into the exposure patterns of nomadic households in Qinghai, China. The study found that cooking is the primary factor influencing acute carbon monoxide (CO) exposure among women, while heating alone is sufficient to elevate CO exposure above WHO guidelines. The results suggest that cooking-only interventions have the potential to reduce HAP exposure among women, but solutions for both cooking and heating may be required to reduce COHb to below WHO guidelines. This study's findings may inform future interventions for fuel and stove selection to reduce HAP and exposure among other populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catlin I Powers
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Linyan Li
- School of Data Science, City University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, China.
- Department of Infectious Disease and Public Health, City University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, China.
| | - Majid Ezzati
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - James P Butler
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Corwin M Zigler
- Departments of Statistics and Data Sciences, University of Texas at Austin and Dell Medical School, Austin, TX, USA
| | - John D Spengler
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Anand A, Castiglia E, Zamora ML. The Association Between Personal Air Pollution Exposures and Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO): A Systematic Review. Curr Environ Health Rep 2024:10.1007/s40572-024-00430-1. [PMID: 38386269 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-024-00430-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Airway inflammation is a common biological response to many types of environmental exposures and can lead to increased nitric oxide (NO) concentrations in exhaled breath. In recent years, several studies have evaluated airway inflammation using fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) as a biomarker of exposures to a range of air pollutants. This systematic review aims to summarize the studies that collected personal-level air pollution data to assess the air pollution-induced FeNO responses and to determine if utilizing personal-level data resulted in an improved characterization of the relationship between air pollution exposures and FeNO compared to using only ambient air pollution exposure data. RECENT FINDINGS Thirty-six eligible studies were identified. Overall, the studies included in this review establish that an increase in personal exposure to particulate and gaseous air pollutants can significantly increase FeNO. Nine out of the 12 studies reported statistically significant FeNO increases with increasing personal PM2.5 exposures, and up to 11.5% increase in FeNO per IQR increase in exposure has also been reported between FeNO and exposure to gas-phase pollutants, such as ozone, NO2, and benzene. Furthermore, factors such as chronic respiratory diseases, allergies, and medication use were found to be effect modifiers for air pollution-induced FeNO responses. About half of the studies that compared the effect estimates using both personal and ambient air pollution exposure methods reported that only personal exposure yielded significant associations with FeNO response. The evidence from the reviewed studies confirms that FeNO is a sensitive biomarker for air pollutant-induced airway inflammation. Personal air pollution exposure assessment is recommended to accurately assess the air pollution-induced FeNO responses. Furthermore, comprehensive adjustments for the potential confounding factors including the personal exposures of the co-pollutants, respiratory disease status, allergy status, and usage of medications for asthma and allergies are recommended while assessing the air pollution-induced FeNO responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhay Anand
- Department of Public Health Sciences, UConn School of Medicine, UConn Health, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT, 06030-6325, USA
| | - Elliana Castiglia
- Department of Public Health Sciences, UConn School of Medicine, UConn Health, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT, 06030-6325, USA
| | - Misti Levy Zamora
- Department of Public Health Sciences, UConn School of Medicine, UConn Health, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT, 06030-6325, USA.
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Gruzieva O, Georgelis A, Andersson N, Johansson C, Bellander T, Merritt AS. Comparison of personal exposure to black carbon levels with fixed-site monitoring data and with dispersion modelling and the influence of activity patterns and environment. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol 2024:10.1038/s41370-024-00653-2. [PMID: 38388654 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-024-00653-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Short-term studies of health effects from ambient air pollution usually rely on fixed site monitoring data or spatio-temporal models for exposure characterization, but the relation to personal exposure is often not known. OBJECTIVE We aimed to explore this relation for black carbon (BC) in central Stockholm. METHODS Families (n = 46) with an infant, one parent working and one parent on parental leave, carried battery-operated BC instruments for 7 days. Routine BC monitoring data were obtained from rural background (RB) and urban background (UB) sites. Outdoor levels of BC at home and work were estimated in 24 h periods by dispersion modelling based on hourly real-time meteorological data, and statistical meteorological data representing annual mean conditions. Global radiation, air pressure, precipitation, temperature, and wind speed data were obtained from the UB station. All families lived in the city centre, within 4 km of the UB station. RESULTS The average level of 24 h personal BC was 425 (s.d. 181) ng/m3 for parents on leave, and 394 (s.d. 143) ng/m3 for working parents. The corresponding fixed-site monitoring observations were 148 (s.d. 139) at RB and 317 (s.d. 149) ng/m3 at UB. Modelled BC levels at home and at work were 493 (s.d. 228) and 331 (s.d. 173) ng/m3, respectively. UB, RB and air pressure explained only 21% of personal 24 h BC variability for parents on leave and 25% for working parents. Modelled home BC and observed air pressure explained 23% of personal BC, and adding modelled BC at work increased the explanation to 34% for the working parents. IMPACT Short-term studies of health effects from ambient air pollution usually rely on fixed site monitoring data or spatio-temporal models for exposure characterization, but the relation to actual personal exposure is often not known. In this study we showed that both routine monitoring and modelled data explained less than 35% of variability in personal black carbon exposure. Hence, short-term health effects studies based on fixed site monitoring or spatio-temporal modelling are likely to be underpowered and subject to bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olena Gruzieva
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Antonios Georgelis
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Niklas Andersson
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christer Johansson
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Environment and Health Administration, SLB-analys, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tom Bellander
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anne-Sophie Merritt
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Marsal A, Sauvain JJ, Thomas A, Lyon-Caen S, Borlaza LJS, Philippat C, Jaffrezo JL, Boudier A, Darfeuil S, Elazzouzi R, Lepeule J, Chartier R, Bayat S, Slama R, Siroux V, Uzu G. Effects of personal exposure to the oxidative potential of PM 2.5 on oxidative stress biomarkers in pregnant women. Sci Total Environ 2024; 911:168475. [PMID: 37951259 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a prominent pathway for the health effects associated with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure. Oxidative potential (OP) of PM has been associated to several health endpoints, but studies on its impact on biomarkers of oxidative stress remains insufficient. 300 pregnant women from the SEPAGES cohort (France) carried personal PM2.5 samplers for a week and OP was measured using ascorbic acid (AA) and dithiothreitol (DTT) assays, and normalized by 1) PM2.5 mass (OPm) and 2) sampled air volume (OPv). A pool of three urine spots collected on the 7th day of PM sampling was analyzed for biomarkers, namely 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-isoprostaglandin-F2α (8-isoPGF2α). Associations were investigated using adjusted multiple linear regressions. OP effects were additionally investigated by stratifying by median PM2.5 concentration (14 μg m-3). In the main models, no association was observed with 8-isoPGF2α, nor MDA. An interquartile range (IQR) increase in OPmAA exposure was associated with increased 8-OHdG (percent change: 6.2 %; 95 % CI: 0.2 % to 12.6 %). In the stratified analysis, exposure to OPmAA was associated with 8-OHdG for participants exposed to low levels of PM2.5 (percent change: 11.4 %; 95 % CI: 3.3 % to 20.1 %), but not for those exposed to high levels (percent change: -1.0 %; 95 % CI: -10.6 % to 9.6 %). Associations for OPmDTT also followed a similar pattern (p-values for OPmAA-PM and OPmDTT-PM interaction terms were 0.12 and 0.11, respectively). Overall, our findings suggest that OPmAA may be associated with increased DNA oxidative damage. This association was not observed with PM2.5 mass concentration exposure. The effects of OPmAA in 8-OHdG tended to be stronger at lower (below median) vs. higher concentrations of PM2.5. Further epidemiological, toxicological and aerosol research are needed to further investigate the OPmAA effects on 8-OHdG and the potential modifying effect of PM mass concentration on this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anouk Marsal
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, INRAE, IRD, Grenoble INP, IGE, 38000 Grenoble, France; Agence de l'environnement et de la Maîtrise de l'Energie, 20, avenue du Grésillé, BP 90406 49004 Angers Cedex 01, France
| | - Jean-Jacques Sauvain
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Aurélien Thomas
- Faculty Unit of Toxicology, CURML, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Unit of Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry, CURML, Lausanne and Geneva University Hospitals, Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Lyon-Caen
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to the Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | | | - Claire Philippat
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to the Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Jean-Luc Jaffrezo
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, INRAE, IRD, Grenoble INP, IGE, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Anne Boudier
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to the Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France; Pediatric Department, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Sophie Darfeuil
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, INRAE, IRD, Grenoble INP, IGE, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Rhabira Elazzouzi
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, INRAE, IRD, Grenoble INP, IGE, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Johanna Lepeule
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to the Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | | | - Sam Bayat
- Department of Pulmonology and Physiology, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France; Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm UA07 STROBE Laboratory, Grenoble, France
| | - Rémy Slama
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to the Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Valérie Siroux
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to the Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Gaëlle Uzu
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, INRAE, IRD, Grenoble INP, IGE, 38000 Grenoble, France.
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Xu Y, O'Sharkey K, Cabison J, Rosales M, Chavez T, Johnson M, Yang T, Cho SH, Chartier R, Grubbs B, Lurvey N, Lerner D, Lurmann F, Farzan S, Bastain TM, Breton C, Wilson JP, Habre R. Sources of personal PM 2.5 exposure during pregnancy in the MADRES cohort. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol 2024:10.1038/s41370-024-00648-z. [PMID: 38326532 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-024-00648-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Personal exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is impacted by different sources each with different chemical composition. Determining these sources is important for reducing personal exposure and its health risks especially during pregnancy. OBJECTIVE Identify main sources and their contributions to the personal PM2.5 exposure in 213 women in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy in Los Angeles, CA. METHODS We measured 48-hr integrated personal PM2.5 exposure and analyzed filters for PM2.5 mass, elemental composition, and optical carbon fractions. We used the EPA Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model to resolve and quantify the major sources of personal PM2.5 exposure. We then investigated bivariate relationships between sources, time-activity patterns, and environmental exposures in activity spaces and residential neighborhoods to further understand sources. RESULTS Mean personal PM2.5 mass concentration was 22.3 (SD = 16.6) μg/m3. Twenty-five species and PM2.5 mass were used in PMF with a final R2 of 0.48. We identified six sources (with major species in profiles and % contribution to PM2.5 mass) as follows: secondhand smoking (SHS) (brown carbon, environmental tobacco smoke; 65.3%), fuel oil (nickel, vanadium; 11.7%), crustal (aluminum, calcium, silicon; 11.5%), fresh sea salt (sodium, chlorine; 4.7%), aged sea salt (sodium, magnesium, sulfur; 4.3%), and traffic (black carbon, zinc; 2.6%). SHS was significantly greater in apartments compared to houses. Crustal source was correlated with more occupants in the household. Aged sea salt increased with temperature and outdoor ozone, while fresh sea salt was highest on days with westerly winds from the Pacific Ocean. Traffic was positively correlated with ambient NO2 and traffic-related NOx at residence. Overall, 76.8% of personal PM2.5 mass came from indoor or personal compared to outdoor sources. IMPACT We conducted source apportionment of personal PM2.5 samples in pregnancy in Los Angeles, CA. Among identified sources, secondhand smoking contributed the most to the personal exposure. In addition, traffic, crustal, fuel oil, fresh and aged sea salt sources were also identified as main sources. Traffic sources contained markers of combustion and non-exhaust wear emissions. Crustal source was correlated with more occupants in the household. Aged sea salt source increased with temperature and outdoor ozone and fresh sea salt source was highest on days with westerly winds from the Pacific Ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xu
- Spatial Sciences Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Karl O'Sharkey
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jane Cabison
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Marisela Rosales
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Thomas Chavez
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mark Johnson
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tingyu Yang
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Brendan Grubbs
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Shohreh Farzan
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Theresa M Bastain
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Carrie Breton
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - John P Wilson
- Spatial Sciences Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Computer Science, and Sociology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Rima Habre
- Spatial Sciences Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Wang Z, Yu T, Ye J, Tian L, Lin B, Leng W, Liu C. A novel low sampling rate and cost-efficient active sampler for medium/long-term monitoring of gaseous pollutants. J Hazard Mater 2024; 461:132583. [PMID: 37741205 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Active sampling is a dependable approach for gaseous pollutants monitoring, offering high accuracy and precision that is unaffected by environmental factors such as wind and temperature in comparison to passive sampling. To measure long-term average concentrations while minimizing the use of materials, a reduced sampling rate is necessary. Thus, this study aims to develop a novel low sampling rate (down to 1 mL/min) and cost-efficient active sampler (LASP) for medium/long-term monitoring of gaseous pollutants. The LASP mainly consisted of a syringe pump, a Y-shaped fitting with two one-way valves, and a control unit for intermittent operation. Results showed that LASP can obtain a sampling rate of less than 1 mL/min and sampling rate exhibited a high level of stability. Daily average concentrations measurements for nitrogen dioxide and formaldehyde by LASP had normalized mean biases of 2.8% and 5.2%, respectively. These numbers were - 5.8% and 6.1% for weekly-average samplings. This study demonstrated applications of LASP in real outdoor (daily-average) and indoor (weekly-average) air quality measurements. It worked well with low noise levels, and without interfering with occupants' daily activities. LASP can assist in improving our ability to monitor air quality and pollutants emissions, thereby supporting health research and policy development. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: Gaseous air pollution is an important hazardous factor threatening human health. Medium/long-term air quality monitoring is essential for outdoor and indoor air quality assessment and control. However, air sampler for medium/long-term sampling is lacking. This study developed a novel low sampling rate and cost-efficient active sampler and applied it to medium/long-term air sampling. The sampler can work at a sampling rate of less than 1 mL/min. This technology provides a feasible strategy for medium/long-term monitoring of gaseous air pollutants in both environments and emission hotspots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Wang
- School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Tao Yu
- Wuhan Second Ship Design and Research Institute, Wuhan 430205, China
| | - Jin Ye
- School of Energy and Power, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212100, China
| | - Lei Tian
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Bencheng Lin
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Wenjun Leng
- Wuhan Second Ship Design and Research Institute, Wuhan 430205, China
| | - Cong Liu
- School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
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10
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Uchiyama S, Noguchi M, Hishiki M, Shimizu M, Kunugita N, Isobe T, Nakayama SF. Long-term monitoring of indoor, outdoor, and personal exposure to gaseous chemical compounds. Sci Total Environ 2024; 906:167830. [PMID: 37838061 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Seasonal variations of chemical compounds in indoor air and outdoor air and personal exposure to these chemicals were continuously monitored for 6 years using four types of passive sampling devices: PSD-BPE/DNPH packed with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine and trans-1,2-bis(2-pyridyl)ethylene coated silica for ozone and carbonyls; PSD-VOC packed with Carboxen 572 or Active Carbon Beads particles for volatile organic compounds; PSD-TEA packed with triethanolamine impregnated silica for acid gases; and PSD-TEA packed with phosphoric acid impregnated silica for basic gases. Many chemical compounds except for nitrogen dioxide, formic acid, and benzene showed seasonal variations with high concentrations in summer and low concentrations in winter. In particular, formaldehyde, nonanal, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol monoisobutyrate, and ammonia concentrations showed remarkable seasonal variation. For example, the concentration of formaldehyde in February and August was 5.9 and 40 μg/m3, respectively, a difference of about 7 times. Although there were large differences in the concentrations in each house, the fluctuation pattern was almost the same every year in each house. By contrast, nitrogen dioxide, formic acid, and benzene concentrations were low in summer and high in winter. These compounds were generated by kerosine and gas stoves in winter. Long-term continuous monitoring revealed that annual mean concentrations could be estimated using data from February and August. Personal exposure concentrations could be classified into four patterns: chemicals affected by the indoor environment such as formaldehyde, chemicals affected by the outdoor environment such as ozone, chemicals affected by the occupational environment such as hexane, and background level chemicals such as benzene (without kerosine and gas stoves). Indoor and outdoor measurements are means to investigate the "health" of each environment. Personal exposure measurement using PSD-samplers is suitable for assessing the health risk of chemical compounds to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigehisa Uchiyama
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Public Health, 2-3-6, Minami, Wako-shi, Saitama 351-0197, Japan.
| | - Mayumi Noguchi
- Faculty and Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoicho, Inage-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
| | - Mayu Hishiki
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Environmental Science, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health, Hyakunincho, 3-24-1, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0073, Japan
| | - Moka Shimizu
- Faculty and Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoicho, Inage-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
| | - Naoki Kunugita
- School of Health Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1, Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka 807-8555, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Isobe
- Japan Environment and Children's Study Program Office, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan
| | - Shoji F Nakayama
- Japan Environment and Children's Study Program Office, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan
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11
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Ferguson L, Taylor J, Symonds P, Davies M, Dimitroulopoulou S. Analysis of inequalities in personal exposure to PM 2.5: A modelling study for the Greater London school-aged population. Sci Total Environ 2023; 905:167056. [PMID: 37717780 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to air pollution can lead to negative health impacts, with children highly susceptible due to their immature immune and lung systems. Childhood exposure may vary by socio-economic status (SES) due to differences in both outdoor and indoor air pollution levels, the latter of which depends on, for example, building quality, overcrowding and occupant behaviours; however, exposure estimates typically rely on the outdoor component only. Quantifying population exposure across SES requires accounting for variations in time-activity patterns, outdoor air pollution concentrations, and concentrations in indoor microenvironments that account for pollution-generating occupant behaviours and building characteristics. Here, we present a model that estimates personal exposure to PM2.5 for ~1.3 million children aged 4-16 years old in the Greater London region from different income groups. The model combines 1) A national time-activity database, which gives the percentage of each group in different residential and non-residential microenvironments throughout a typical day; 2) Distributions of modelled outdoor PM2.5 concentrations; 3) Detailed estimates of domestic indoor concentrations for different housing and occupant typologies from the building physics model, EnergyPlus, and; 4) Non-domestic concentrations derived from a mass-balance approach. The results show differences in personal exposure across socio-economic groups for children, where the median daily exposure across all scenarios (winter/summer and weekends/weekdays) is 17.2 μg/m3 (95%CIs: 12.1 μg/m3-41.2 μg/m3) for children from households in the lowest income quintile versus 14.5 μg/m3 (95%CIs: 11.5 μg/m3 - 27.9 μg/m3) for those in the highest income quintile. Though those from lower-income homes generally fare worse, approximately 57 % of London's school-aged population across all income groups, equivalent to 761,976 children, have a median daily exposure which exceeds guideline 24-h limits set by the World Health Organisation. The findings suggest residential indoor sources of PM2.5 are a large contributor to personal exposure for school children in London. Interventions to reduce indoor exposure in the home (for example, via the maintenance of kitchen extract ventilation and transition to cleaner cooking fuels) should therefore be prioritised along with the continued mitigation of outdoor sources in Greater London.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Ferguson
- Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, Bartlett School of Energy, Environment and Resources, University College London, UK; Air Quality and Public Health Group, UK Health Security Agency, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Chilton, UK.
| | - Jonathon Taylor
- Department of Civil Engineering, Tampere University, Finland
| | - Phil Symonds
- Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, Bartlett School of Energy, Environment and Resources, University College London, UK
| | - Michael Davies
- Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, Bartlett School of Energy, Environment and Resources, University College London, UK
| | - Sani Dimitroulopoulou
- Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, Bartlett School of Energy, Environment and Resources, University College London, UK; Air Quality and Public Health Group, UK Health Security Agency, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Chilton, UK
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12
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Otuyo MK, Nadzir MSM, Latif MT, Din SAM. A review of personal exposure studies in selected Asian countries' public transport microenvironments: lessons learned and future directions. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2023; 30:121306-121337. [PMID: 37993649 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30923-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
This comprehensive paper conducts an in-depth review of personal exposure and air pollutant levels within the microenvironments of Asian city transportation. Our methodology involved a systematic analysis of an extensive body of literature from diverse sources, encompassing a substantial quantity of studies conducted across multiple Asian cities. The investigation scrutinizes exposure to various pollutants, including particulate matters (PM10, PM2.5, and PM1), carbon dioxide (CO2), formaldehyde (CH2O), and total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), during transportation modes such as car travel, bus commuting, walking, and train rides. Notably, our review reveals a predominant focus on PM2.5, followed by PM10, PM1, CO2, and TVOC, with limited attention given to CH2O exposure. Across the spectrum of Asian cities and transportation modes, exposure concentrations exhibited considerable variability, a phenomenon attributed to a multitude of factors. Primary sources of exposure encompass motor vehicle emissions, traffic dynamics, road dust, and open bus doors. Furthermore, our findings illuminate the influence of external environments, particularly in proximity to train stations, on pollutant levels inside trains. Crucial factors affecting exposure encompass ventilation conditions, travel-specific variables, seat locations, vehicle types, and meteorological influences. The culmination of this rigorous review underscores the need for standardized measurements, enhanced ventilation systems, air filtration mechanisms, the adoption of clean energy sources, and comprehensive public education initiatives aimed at reducing pollutant exposure within city transportation microenvironments. Importantly, our study contributes to the growing body of knowledge surrounding this subject, offering valuable insights for policymakers and researchers dedicated to advancing air quality standards and safeguarding public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhsin Kolapo Otuyo
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Shahrul Mohd Nadzir
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Mohd Talib Latif
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Shamzani Affendy Mohd Din
- Department of Building Technology & Engineering, Kulliyyah of Architecture & Environmental Design, International Islamic University Malaysia, P.O. Box 10, 50728, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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13
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Gu Y, Xu H, Feng R, Zhang B, Gao M, Sun J, Shen Z, Qu L, Ho SSH, Cao J. Insight into personal exposure characteristics and health effects of PM 2.5 and PM 0.25-bound PAHs and their derivatives with different heating ways in the Fenwei Plain, China. Environ Pollut 2023; 338:122699. [PMID: 37802290 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Personal exposure (PE) to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives in particulate matter with two aerodynamic sizes of 2.5 and 0.25 μm (PM2.5 and PM0.25) from rural housewives was studied in the Fenwei Plain, China. A total of 15 households were divided into five different groups based on the type of solid fuel and heating device used, including biomass briquette-furnace (BBF), biomass-elevated Kang (BEK), outdoor lump coal-boiler (OLC), indoor briquette coal-stove (IBC), and electricity (ELE). The PE concentrations of the PAHs and biomarkers in urine collected from the participants were determined. The results showed that the PE concentrations of total quantified PAHs in the biomass group (i.e., BBF and BEK) were 2.2 and 2.0 times higher than those in the coal groups (i.e., OLC and IBC) in PM2.5 and PM0.25, respectively. The housewives who used biomass as fuel suffered from higher potential health impacts than the coal fuel users. The incremental lifetime cancer risk for the PAHs in PM2.5 in the BBF and BEK groups exceeded the international safety threshold. Furthermore, the PE concentrations of oxygenated PAH (o-PAHs) in PM2.5 and PM0.25 in the biomass groups and the nitrated PAHs (n-PAHs) in PM0.25 in the coal groups showed strong correlations with the biomarkers. The results of this study proved the associations between exposure to the different classes of PAHs and health hazards. The findings could also serve as a guideline in establishing efficient measures for using solid fuels for cooking and household warming in northern China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxuan Gu
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Hongmei Xu
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China; SKLLQG, Key Lab of Aerosol Chemistry & Physics, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an, 710061, China.
| | - Rong Feng
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Min Gao
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China; Shaanxi Provincial Academy of Environmental Science, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Jian Sun
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China
| | - Zhenxing Shen
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China; SKLLQG, Key Lab of Aerosol Chemistry & Physics, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Linli Qu
- Hong Kong Premium Services and Research Laboratory, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Steven Sai Hang Ho
- Division of Atmospheric Sciences, Desert Research Institute, Reno, NV89512, United States
| | - Junji Cao
- SKLLQG, Key Lab of Aerosol Chemistry & Physics, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an, 710061, China
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14
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Jayaraj S, Shiva Nagendra SM. Health risk assessment of workers' exposure to BTEX and PM during refueling in an urban fuel station. Environ Monit Assess 2023; 195:1507. [PMID: 37987919 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-12130-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The proximity of fuel stations to the roads and the activities inside the station can contribute to PM and VOCs and impose health risks on station workers. The study presents the exposure and health risk assessment of the fuel station personnel to total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) and particulate matter (PM) during refueling operations. TVOCs and PM monitoring were carried out at a fuel station in Chennai, India, for 1 week in March 2021, covering both weekdays and weekends. The health risks were assessed using EPA's health impact assessment methodology. Exposure to TVOCs (3177.39 ± 5450.32 μg/m3) exceeded the EPA standard of 5 μg/m3, by more than 500 times, peaking during refueling operations. The average concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 were 76.55 ± 23.08 μg/m3, 41.81 ± 9 μg/m3, and 30.38 ± 7.56 μg/m3, respectively. The concentrations were observed to be high during morning and evening hours due to the increased traffic on the adjacent road and inside the fuel station. The synergistic health risks linked with long-term exposure to high concentrations of BTEX and PM were also estimated. At the fuel station, a significant contribution to the SOA formation potential was shown by toluene, followed by m-xylene, p-xylene, o-xylene, ethylbenzene, and benzene. Furthermore, the deposition of airborne particles in the workers' respiratory tract was calculated using the Multiple Path Particle Dosimetry model while considering the daily average exposure duration of 12 h. The results showed that 59% of PM10 particles were deposited in the head region, whereas 11% and 10% of PM2.5 and PM1 particles were deposited in the pulmonary region. Hence, the health risk assessment indicated no non-cancer risk of exposure to PM (hazard quotient = 0.13) to station personnel exposed regularly for 1 year. However, prolonged exposure to VOCs for more than 1 year can result in both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk (hazard quotient = 0.045 and cancer risk > 10-6) in workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sruthi Jayaraj
- Environmental and Water Resource Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, 600 036, India
| | - S M Shiva Nagendra
- Environmental and Water Resource Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, 600 036, India.
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15
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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. Sci Total Environ 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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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16
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Geller RJ, Wesselink AK, Upson K, Claus Henn B, Schildroth S, Wright R, Coleman CM, Willis MD, Bethea TN, Williams PL, Harmon QE, Baird DD, Wegienka G, Wise LA. Correlates of whole blood metal concentrations among reproductive-aged Black women. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol 2023; 33:883-894. [PMID: 36104525 PMCID: PMC10011018 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-022-00477-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metals may influence reproductive health, but few studies have investigated correlates of metal body burden among reproductive-aged women outside of pregnancy. Furthermore, while there is evidence of racial disparities in exposure to metals among U.S. women, there is limited research about correlates of metal body burden among Black women. OBJECTIVE To identify correlates of whole blood metal concentrations among reproductive-aged Black women. METHODS We analyzed cross-sectional data from a cohort of 1664 Black women aged 23-35 years in Detroit, Michigan, 2010-2012. We collected blood samples and questionnaire data. We measured concentrations of 17 metals in whole blood using inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometer-triple quadrupole and total mercury using Direct Mercury Analyzer-80. We used multivariable linear regression models to identify sociodemographic, environmental, reproductive, and dietary correlates of individual metal concentrations. RESULTS In adjusted models, age was positively associated with multiple metals, including arsenic, cadmium, and mercury. Education and income were inversely associated with cadmium and lead. Current smoking was strongly, positively associated with cadmium and lead. Alcohol intake in the past year was positively associated with arsenic, barium, copper, lead, mercury, vanadium, and zinc. Having pumped gasoline in the past 24 h was positively associated with cadmium, chromium, and molybdenum. Having lived in an urban area for the majority of residence in Michigan was positively associated with arsenic, lead, and nickel. Higher water intake in the past year was positively associated with several metals, including lead. Fish intake in the past year was positively associated with arsenic, cesium, and mercury. We also observed associations with body mass index, season, and other environmental, reproductive, and dietary factors. SIGNIFICANCE We identified potential sources of exposure to metals among reproductive-aged Black women. Our findings improve understanding of exposures to metals among non-pregnant reproductive-aged women, and can inform policies in support of reducing disparities in exposures. IMPACT STATEMENT There are racial disparities in exposures to metals. We analyzed correlates of blood metal concentrations among reproductive-aged Black women in the Detroit, Michigan metropolitan area. We identified sociodemographic, anthropometric, lifestyle, environmental, reproductive, and dietary correlates of metal body burden. Age was positively associated with several metals. Education and income were inversely associated with cadmium and lead, indicating socioeconomic disparities. We identified potential exposure sources of metals among reproductive-aged Black women, including smoking, environmental tobacco smoke, pumping gasoline, living in an urban area, and intake of alcohol, water, fish, and rice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth J Geller
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Amelia K Wesselink
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kristen Upson
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Birgit Claus Henn
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Samantha Schildroth
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chad M Coleman
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mary D Willis
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- School of Biological and Population Health Science, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Traci N Bethea
- Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities Research, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Paige L Williams
- Departments of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Quaker E Harmon
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Donna D Baird
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ganesa Wegienka
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Lauren A Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Zhang X, Zhang H, Wang Y, Bai P, Zhang L, Wei Y, Tang N. Personal PM 2.5-bound PAH exposure and lung function in healthy office workers: A pilot study in Beijing and Baoding, China. J Environ Sci (China) 2023; 133:48-59. [PMID: 37451788 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The effect of short-term exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on the respiratory system among healthy residents is unclear. Beijing and Baoding are typical polluted cities in China, and there is little research on PAH exposure and its health effects at the individual level. Fourteen healthy female office workers were recruited in urban Beijing and Baoding, China, in 2019. The personal exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5)-bound PAHs and lung function were seasonally monitored. The relationships between PAH exposure and lung function were determined by a generalized mixed linear model. Subjects were exposed to high levels of PAH, in which the benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) level (1.26 ng/m3) was over than Chinese national indoor standard (1 ng/m3). All PAHs concentration was higher in winter than that in summer and autumn. Only benz[a]anthracene (BaA) and chrysene (Chr) exposure showed weak relations with decreased lung function, i.e., a 0.58% and 0.73% decrease in peak expiratory flow at lag 2 day, respectively (p < 0.05). PAHs may not be suitable exposure indicators for short-term change in lung function. Our findings highlight the importance of reducing PAH pollution for public respiratory health protection in heavy-polluted cities of China. This pilot study also provides experience on personal PAH assessment such as estimation of the number of repeated measurements required, which is helpful to determine the relationship between PAH exposure and health effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zhang
- Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Hao Zhang
- Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Yan Wang
- Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Pengchu Bai
- Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Lulu Zhang
- School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China; Institute of Nature and Environmental Technology, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Yongjie Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
| | - Ning Tang
- Institute of Nature and Environmental Technology, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan; Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan.
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18
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McCarron A, Semple S, Braban CF, Gillespie C, Swanson V, Price HD. Personal exposure to fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) and self-reported asthma-related health. Soc Sci Med 2023; 337:116293. [PMID: 37837949 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
PM2.5 (fine particulate matter ≤2.5 μm in diameter) is a key pollutant that can produce acute asthma exacerbations and longer-term deterioration of respiratory health. Individual exposure to PM2.5 is unique and varies across microenvironments. Low-cost sensors (LCS) can collect data at a spatiotemporal resolution previously unattainable, allowing the study of exposures across microenvironments. The aim of this study is to investigate the acute effects of personal exposure to PM2.5 on self-reported asthma-related health. Twenty-eight non-smoking adults with asthma living in Scotland collected PM2.5 personal exposure data using LCS. Measurements were made at a 2-min time resolution for a period of 7 days as participants conducted their typical daily routines. Concurrently, participants were asked to keep a detailed time-activity diary, logging their activities and microenvironments, along with hourly information on their respiratory health and medication use. Health outcomes were modelled as a function of hourly PM2.5 concentration (plus 1- and 2-h lag) using generalized mixed-effects models adjusted for temperature and relative humidity. Personal exposures to PM2.5 varied across microenvironments, with the largest average microenvironmental exposure observed in private residences (11.5 ± 48.6 μg/m3) and lowest in the work microenvironment (2.9 ± 11.3 μg/m3). The most frequently reported asthma symptoms, wheezing, chest tightness and cough, were reported on 3.4%, 1.6% and 1.6% of participant-hours, respectively. The odds of reporting asthma symptoms increased per interquartile range (IQR) in PM2.5 exposure (odds ratio (OR) 1.29, 95% CI 1.07-1.54) for same-hour exposure. Despite this, no association was observed between reliever inhaler use (non-routine, non-exercise related) and PM2.5 exposure (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.71-1.48). Current air quality monitoring practices are inadequate to detect acute asthma symptom prevalence resulting from PM2.5 exposure; to detect these requires high-resolution air quality data and health information collected in situ. Personal exposure monitoring could have significant implications for asthma self-management and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy McCarron
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK.
| | - Sean Semple
- Institute for Social Marketing and Health, University of Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK.
| | | | - Colin Gillespie
- Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Stirling, FK9 4TZ, UK.
| | | | - Heather D Price
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK.
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19
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Yen YC, Ku CH, Yao TC, Tsai HJ, Peng CY, Chen YC. Personal exposure to aldehydes and potential health risks among schoolchildren in the city. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2023; 30:101627-101636. [PMID: 37653197 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29578-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Schoolchildren are sensitive to airborne aldehyde exposures. The knowledge regarding inhalation exposure to aldehydes and the factors influencing exposure in schoolchildren is limited. This study aimed to assess the variability and potential health risks of exposure to aldehydes (including formaldehyde) in schoolchildren. The important factors affecting personal exposure to aldehydes were also explored. Forty schoolchildren were recruited from the urban and suburban areas of Taiwan for aldehyde samplings and questionnaire surveys. Personal and indoor home samples of aldehydes were collected simultaneously during warm and cold seasons. We also identified the potential variables associated with aldehyde exposure based on the participant's responses to the questionnaires using mixed-effects models. The dominant three abundant aldehydes identified in personal exposure samples were formaldehyde (geometric mean, GM = 12.2 µg/m3), acetaldehyde (GM = 5.53 µg/m3), and hexaldehyde (GM = 8.79 µg/m3), accounting for approximately 80% of the total selected aldehydes. Higher personal exposure to aldehydes was observed during the warm season. Moreover, the within-subject variance was predominant, accounting for 66.6 to > 99.9% of the total variance in exposure. Schoolchildren had a high probability of overexposure to formaldehyde and acrolein, which resulted in an incremental lifetime cancer risk of 1.59 × 10-4 (95th percentile = 4.64 × 10-4). Season, location, household refurbishment, and indoor ventilation variables were significantly associated with personal exposure to aldehydes. The results can improve our understanding of aldehyde exposure among schoolchildren to propose mitigation strategies. These findings may be applied to further epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chuan Yen
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan Town, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hung Ku
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan Town, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Chieh Yao
- Division of Allergy, Asthma, and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ju Tsai
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Yu Peng
- Department of Public Health, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Cheng Chen
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan Town, Miaoli, Taiwan.
- Department of Occupational Safety and Health, China Medical University, 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung, Taiwan.
- Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, National United University, No. 2, Lienda, Miaoli, 360302, Taiwan.
- Research Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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20
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Hallberg I, Björvang RD, Hadziosmanovic N, Koekkoekk J, Pikki A, van Duursen M, Lenters V, Sjunnesson Y, Holte J, Berglund L, Persson S, Olovsson M, Damdimopoulou P. Associations between lifestyle factors and levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), phthalates and parabens in follicular fluid in women undergoing fertility treatment. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol 2023; 33:699-709. [PMID: 37481638 PMCID: PMC10541317 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-023-00579-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concerns have been raised whether exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can alter reproductive functions and play a role in the aetiology of infertility in women. With increasing evidence of adverse effects, information on factors associated with exposure is necessary to form firm recommendations aiming at reducing exposure. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to identify associations between lifestyle factors including the home environment, use of personal care products (PCP), and dietary habits and concentrations of EDCs in ovarian follicular fluid. METHODS April-June 2016, 185 women undergoing ovum pick-up for in vitro fertilisation in Sweden were recruited. Correlation analyses were performed between self-reported lifestyle factors and concentration of EDCs analysed in follicular fluid. Habits related to cleaning, PCPs, and diet were assessed together with concentration of six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) [PFHxS, PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFDA and PFUnDA], methyl paraben and eight phthalate metabolites [MECPP, MEHPP, MEOHP, MEHP, cxMinCH, cxMiNP, ohMiNP, MEP, MOHiBP]. Spearman's partial correlations were adjusted for age, parity and BMI. RESULTS Significant associations were discovered between multiple lifestyle factors and concentrations of EDCs in ovarian follicular fluid. After correcting p values for multiple testing, frequent use of perfume was associated with MEP (correlation ρ = 0.41 (confidence interval 0.21-0.47), p < 0.001); hens' egg consumption was positively associated with PFOS (ρ = 0.30 (0.15-0.43), p = 0.007) and PFUnDA (ρ = 0.27 (0.12-0.40), p = 0.036). White fish consumption was positively associated with PFUnDA (ρ = 0.34 (0.20-0.47), p < 0.001) and PFDA (ρ = 0.27 (0.13-0.41), p = 0.028). More correlations were discovered when considering the raw uncorrected p values. Altogether, our results suggest that multiple lifestyle variables affect chemical contamination of follicular fluid. IMPACT STATEMENT This study shows how lifestyle factors correlate with the level of contamination in the ovary by both persistent and semi-persistent chemicals in women of reproductive age. Subsequently, these data can be used to form recommendations regarding lifestyle to mitigate possible negative health outcomes and fertility problems associated with chemical exposure, and to inform chemical policy decision making. Our study can also help form the basis for the design of larger observational and intervention studies to examine possible effects of lifestyle changes on exposure levels, and to unravel the complex interactions between biological factors, lifestyle and chemical exposures in more detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Hallberg
- Department of Women´s and Children´s Health, Uppsala University, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Richelle D Björvang
- Department of Women´s and Children´s Health, Uppsala University, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Jacco Koekkoekk
- Environment and Health, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anne Pikki
- Carl von Linnékliniken, SE-751 83, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Majorie van Duursen
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3584 CG, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Virissa Lenters
- Environment and Health, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3584 CG, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ylva Sjunnesson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jan Holte
- Department of Women´s and Children´s Health, Uppsala University, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
- Carl von Linnékliniken, SE-751 83, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lars Berglund
- School of Health and Welfare, Dalarna University, SE-791 88, Falun, Sweden
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Geriatrics, Uppsala University, SE-751 22, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sara Persson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Matts Olovsson
- Department of Women´s and Children´s Health, Uppsala University, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pauliina Damdimopoulou
- Uppsala clinical Research Center, Uppsala University, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, SE-14186, Stockholm, Sweden
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21
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Ramirez-Vazquez R, Escobar I, Moreno JJH, Martínez-Plaza A, Maffey S, Arribas E. Personal exposure from free Wi-Fi hotspots in downtown Mexico City. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2023; 30:91216-91225. [PMID: 37474852 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28839-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
In 2019, the Government of Mexico City implemented actions that allowed citizens to approach a free Wi-Fi hotspot, where more than 13000 points have been installed throughout the city. In this work, we present the results of the measurements of personal exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields carried out in Plaza de la Constitución, better known as Zócalo located in the center of Mexico City. The measurements were taken by one of the researchers while walking on a weekday morning and afternoon, in different microenvironments (on the street, on public transport: subway, at the Zócalo, and finally, at home). We also carry out spot measurements in the center of the Zócalo. Subsequently, we carried out a comparative analysis of the different microenvironments, through box plot and violin plot, and we elaborate georeferenced and interpolated maps with intensity levels through the Kriging method, using the Geographic Information System. The Kriging interpolation gives us a good visualization of the spatial distribution of RF-EMF exposure in the study area, showing the highest and lowest intensity levels. The mean values recorded at the measured points in the Zócalo were 326 μW/m2 in the 2.4- to 2.5-GHz Wi-Fi band and 2370 μW/m2 in the 5.15- to 5.85-GHz Wi-Fi band. In the case of the mean values recorded on the street, they were 119 μW/m2 in the 2.4- to 2.5-GHz frequency band and 31.8 μW/m2 in the 5.15- to 5.85-GHz frequency band, like the values recorded at home, 122 μW/m2 and 33.9 μW/m2, respectively. All values are well below the reference levels established by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Ramirez-Vazquez
- Faculty of Computer Science Engineering, Applied Physics Department, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avda. de España s/n, University Campus, 02071, Albacete, Spain
- ESAT-WaveCoRE, Department of Electrical Engineering, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 10, Box 2444, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Isabel Escobar
- Faculty of Computer Science Engineering, Applied Physics Department, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avda. de España s/n, University Campus, 02071, Albacete, Spain
| | - Juan José Hurtado Moreno
- Sección de Estudiantes de Posgrado e Investigación, UPIICSA-Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Antonio Martínez-Plaza
- Mathematics Department, School of Industrial Engineering, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avda. de España s/n, University Campus, 02071, Albacete, Spain
| | | | - Enrique Arribas
- Faculty of Computer Science Engineering, Applied Physics Department, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avda. de España s/n, University Campus, 02071, Albacete, Spain.
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22
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Gao D, Esenther S, Minet L, De Jesus A, Hudson S, Leaderer B, Hatzopoulou M, Godri Pollitt KJ. Assessment of children's personal and land use regression model-estimated exposure to NO 2 in Springfield, Massachusetts. Sci Total Environ 2023:164681. [PMID: 37302586 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Ambient nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is derived from tailpipe vehicle emission and is linked with various of health outcomes. Personal exposure monitoring is crucial for accurate assessment of the associated disease risks. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of a wearable air pollutant sampler in determining the personal NO2 exposure of school children for comparison with a model-based personal exposure assessment. We employed cost-effective, wearable passive samplers to directly measure personal exposure of 25 children (aged 12-13 years) in Springfield, MA to NO2 over a five-day period in winter 2018. NO2 levels were additionally measured at 40 outdoor sites in the same region using stationary passive samplers. A land use regression (LUR) model was developed based on the ambient NO2 measures, with a good prediction performance (R2 = 0.72) using road lengths, distance to highway, and institutional land area as predictor variables. Time-weighted averages (TWA), which incorporated the time-activity patterns of participants and LUR-derived estimates in children's primary microenvironments (homes, the school and commute paths), were calculated as an indirect measure of personal NO2 exposure. Results indicated that the conventional residence-based exposure estimate approach, often used in epidemiological studies, differed from the direct personal exposure and could overestimate the personal exposure by up to 109 %. TWA improved personal NO2 exposure estimates by accounting for the time activity patterns of individuals, a difference of 5.4 % ± 34.2 % was found for exposures compared to wristband measurements. Nevertheless, the personal wristband measurements exhibited a large variability due to the potential contributions from indoor and in-vehicle NO2 sources. The findings suggest that exposure to NO2 can be highly personalized based on individual activities and contact with pollutants in specific microenvironments, reaffirming the importance of measuring personal exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Gao
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Sarah Esenther
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Laura Minet
- Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Alexander De Jesus
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States; Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts, Springfield, MA, United States
| | - Sarita Hudson
- Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts, Springfield, MA, United States
| | - Brian Leaderer
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States; Yale Center for Perinatal, Pediatric, and Environmental Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Marianne Hatzopoulou
- Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Krystal J Godri Pollitt
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States; Yale Center for Perinatal, Pediatric, and Environmental Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States.
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23
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Li N, Xu C, Xu D, Liu Z, Chartier R, McWilliams A, Li N, Chang J, Wang Q, Li Y. Estimating elemental composition of personal PM 2.5 by a modeling approach in two megacities, China. Sci Total Environ 2023:164751. [PMID: 37295535 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Personal exposure to PM2.5, and the elemental composition therein, may vary greatly from ambient measurements at fixed monitoring sites. Here, we characterized the differences between personal, indoor, and outdoor concentrations of PM2.5-bound elements, and predicted personal exposures to 21 PM2.5-bound elements. Personal-indoor-outdoor PM2.5 filter samples were collected for five consecutive days across two seasons from 66 healthy non-smoking retired adults in Beijing (BJ) and Nanjing (NJ), China. Personal element-specific models were developed using liner mixed effects models and evaluated by R2 and root mean square error (RMSE). The mean (SD) concentrations of personal exposures varied by element and city, ranging from 2.5 (1.4) ng/m3 for Ni in BJ to 4271.2 (1614.8) ng/m3 for S in NJ. Personal exposures to PM2.5 and most elements were significantly correlated with both indoor and outdoor (except Ni in BJ) measurements, but frequently exceeded indoor levels and fell below outdoor levels. Indoor and outdoor PM2.5 elemental concentrations were the strongest determinants of most personal elemental exposures, with RM2 ranging from 0.074 to 0.975 for indoor and from 0.078 to 0.917 for outdoor levels, respectively. Home ventilation conditions (especially window opening behavior), time-activity patterns, meteorological factors, household characteristics, and season were also key factors influencing personal exposure levels. The final models accounted for 24.2 %-94.0 % (RMSE: 0.135-0.718) of the variance in personal PM2.5 elemental exposures. By incorporating these crucial determinants, the modeling approach used here can improve PM2.5-bound elemental exposure estimates and better associate compositionally dependent PM2.5 exposures and health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Chunyu Xu
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Dongqun Xu
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Zhe Liu
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Ryan Chartier
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | | | - Ning Li
- Nanjing Jiangning Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing 211100, China
| | - Junrui Chang
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Qin Wang
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Yunpu Li
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China.
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24
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Lepeule J, Pin I, Boudier A, Quentin J, Lyon-Caen S, Supernant K, Seyve E, Chartier R, Slama R, Siroux V. Pre-natal exposure to NO 2 and PM 2.5 and newborn lung function: An approach based on repeated personal exposure measurements. Environ Res 2023; 226:115656. [PMID: 36906269 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT While strong evidence supports adverse effects of pre-natal air pollution on child's lung function, previous studies rarely considered fine particulate matter (PM2.5) or the potential role of offspring sex and no study examined the effects of pre-natal PM2.5 on the lung function of the newborn. AIM We examined overall and sex-specific associations of personal pre-natal exposure to PM2.5 and nitrogen (NO2) with newborn lung function measurements. METHODS This study relied on 391 mother-child pairs from the French SEPAGES cohort. PM2.5 and NO2 exposure was estimated by the average concentration of pollutants measured by sensors carried by the pregnant women during repeated periods of one week. Lung function was assessed with tidal breathing analysis (TBFVL) and nitrogen multiple breath washout (N2MBW) test, performed at 7 weeks. Associations between pre-natal exposure to air pollutants and lung function indicators were estimated by linear regression models adjusted for potential confounders, and then stratified by sex. RESULTS Mean exposure to NO2 and PM2.5 during pregnancy was 20.2 μg/m3 and 14.3 μg/m3, respectively. A 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 maternal personal exposure during pregnancy was associated with an adjusted 2.5 ml (2.3%) decrease in the functional residual capacity of the newborn (p-value = 0.11). In females, functional residual capacity was decreased by 5.2 ml (5.0%) (p = 0.02) and tidal volume by 1.6 ml (p = 0.08) for each 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5. No association was found between maternal NO2 exposure and newborns lung function. CONCLUSIONS Personal pre-natal PM2.5 exposure was associated with lower lung volumes in female newborns, but not in males. Our results provide evidence that pulmonary effects of air pollution exposure can be initiated in utero. These findings have long term implications for respiratory health and may provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of PM2.5 effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Lepeule
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, CNRS, IAB, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Development and Respiratory Health, 38000, Grenoble, France.
| | - Isabelle Pin
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, CNRS, IAB, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Development and Respiratory Health, 38000, Grenoble, France; Pediatric Department, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Anne Boudier
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, CNRS, IAB, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Development and Respiratory Health, 38000, Grenoble, France; Pediatric Department, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Joane Quentin
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, CNRS, IAB, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Development and Respiratory Health, 38000, Grenoble, France; Pediatric Department, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Sarah Lyon-Caen
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, CNRS, IAB, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Development and Respiratory Health, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Karine Supernant
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, CNRS, IAB, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Development and Respiratory Health, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Emie Seyve
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, CNRS, IAB, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Development and Respiratory Health, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Remy Slama
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, CNRS, IAB, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Development and Respiratory Health, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Valérie Siroux
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, CNRS, IAB, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Development and Respiratory Health, 38000, Grenoble, France
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25
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Patel H, Talbot N, Dirks K, Salmond J. The impact of low emission zones on personal exposure to ultrafine particles in the commuter environment. Sci Total Environ 2023; 874:162540. [PMID: 36870513 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Auckland is a city with limited industrial activity, road traffic being the dominant source of air pollution. Thus, the time periods when social contact and movement in Auckland were severely curtailed due to COVID-19 restrictions presented a unique opportunity to observe impacts on pedestrian exposure to air pollution under a range of different traffic flow scenarios, providing insights into the impacts of potential future traffic calming measures. Pedestrian exposure to ultrafine particles (UFPs), was measured using personal monitoring along a customised route through Central Auckland during different COVID-19-affected traffic flow conditions. Results showed that reduced traffic flows led to statistically significant reductions in average exposure to UFP under all traffic reduction scenarios (TRS). However, the size of the reduction was variable in both time and place. Under the most stringent TRS (traffic reduction of 82 %), median ultrafine particle (UFP) concentrations reduced by 73 %. Under the less stringent scenario, the extent of reduction varied in time and space; a traffic reduction of 62 % resulted in a 23 % reduction in median UFP concentrations in 2020 but in 2021 similar traffic reductions led to a decrease in median UFP concentrations of 71 %. Under all scenarios, the magnitude of the impact of traffic reductions on UFP exposure varied along the route, with areas dominated by emissions from construction and ferry/port activities showing little correlation between traffic flow and exposure. Shared traffic spaces, previously pedestrianised, also recorded consistently high concentrations with little variability observed. This study provided a unique opportunity to assess the potential benefits and risks of such zones and to help decision-makers evaluate future traffic management interventions (such as low emissions zones). The results suggest that controlled traffic flow interventions can result in a significant reduction in pedestrian exposure to UFPs, but that the magnitude of reductions is sensitive to local-scale variations in meteorology, urban land use and traffic flow patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamesh Patel
- School of Environment, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand; Mote Ltd, 40a George Street, Mount Eden, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Nick Talbot
- School of Environment, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kim Dirks
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jennifer Salmond
- School of Environment, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand
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Yang S, Muthalagu A, Serrano VG, Licina D. Human personal air pollution clouds in a naturally ventilated office during the COVID-19 pandemic. Build Environ 2023; 236:110280. [PMID: 37064616 PMCID: PMC10080864 DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2023.110280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Personal cloud, termed as the difference in air pollutant concentrations between breathing zone and room sites, represents the bias in approximating personal inhalation exposure that is linked to accuracy of health risk assessment. This study performed a two-week field experiment in a naturally ventilated office during the COVID-19 pandemic to assess occupants' exposure to common air pollutants and to determine factors contributing to the personal cloud effect. During occupied periods, indoor average concentrations of endotoxin (0.09 EU/m3), TVOC (231 μg/m3), CO2 (630 ppm), and PM10 (14 μg/m3) were below the recommended limits, except for formaldehyde (58 μg/m3). Personal exposure concentrations, however, were significantly different from, and mostly higher than, concentrations measured at room stationary sampling sites. Although three participants shared the same office, their personal air pollution clouds were mutually distinct. The mean personal cloud magnitude ranged within 0-0.05 EU/m3, 35-192 μg/m3, 32-120 ppm, and 4-9 μg/m3 for endotoxin, TVOC, CO2, and PM10, respectively, and was independent from room concentrations. The use of hand sanitizer was strongly associated with an elevated personal cloud of endotoxin and alcohol-based VOCs. Reduced occupancy density in the office resulted in more pronounced personal CO2 clouds. The representativeness of room stationary sampling for capturing dynamic personal exposures was as low as 28% and 5% for CO2 and PM10, respectively. The findings of our study highlight the necessity of considering the personal cloud effect when assessing personal exposure in offices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen Yang
- Human-Oriented Built Environment Lab, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Akila Muthalagu
- Human-Oriented Built Environment Lab, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Environmental Systems Group, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, India
| | - Viviana González Serrano
- Human-Oriented Built Environment Lab, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dusan Licina
- Human-Oriented Built Environment Lab, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Bai Y, Xu H, Feng R, Gu Y, Liu M, Sun J, Qu L, Ho SSH, Shen Z, Cao J. Environmental and health impacts of household energy conversion on PAHs and their derivatives in PM 2.5 in typical areas of northern China. Sci Total Environ 2023; 888:164187. [PMID: 37187401 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Heavy use of solid fuels in rural households of northern China emits huge amounts of fine particulate matter (i.e., PM2.5) that pose notable indoor air pollution and severe inhalation health risks. In this study, the environmental and health benefits of clean energy substitution were accessed by monitoring indoor and personal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives, and pulmonary function and biological parameters. After substitutions of traditional lump coal and biomass fuels by clean coal, indoor concentrations of parent PAHs (p-PAHs), alkylated PAHs (a-PAHs), oxygenated PAHs (o-PAHs), and nitro PAHs (n-PAHs) reduced by 71 %, 32 %, 70 %, and 76 %, while personal exposure concentrations decreased by 82 %, 87 %, 93 %, and 86 %, respectively. However, the proportion of low molecular weight PAHs increases, especially for 2-ring a-PAHs and 3-ring n-PAHs. Domestic solid fuel burning induces greater damage to the small airway than the large airway. Pulmonary function parameter reductions in the clean coal group are much less than those in the other two fuel groups. Salivary interleukin-6 (IL-6) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) significantly correlated with PAH species, among which p-PAHs and PAHs derivatives strongly with IL-6 and 8-OHdG, respectively. The correlation between PAHs and biomarkers in urine is insignificant. In addition, the use of clean coal can reduce the cancer risk for the four classes of PAHs by 60 %-97 %, mainly owing to the lower contributions from p-PAHs and o-PAHs. The result of the study provides scientific support for clean energy retrofit and an understanding of health benefits from solid fuel substitutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Bai
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hongmei Xu
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China; SKLLQG, Key Lab of Aerosol Chemistry & Physics, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an 710061, China.
| | - Rong Feng
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yunxuan Gu
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Meixuan Liu
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jian Sun
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Linli Qu
- Hong Kong Premium Research and Services Laboratory, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Steven Sai Hang Ho
- Hong Kong Premium Research and Services Laboratory, Kowloon, Hong Kong; Division of Atmospheric Sciences, Desert Research Institute, Reno, NV 89512, United States
| | - Zhenxing Shen
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China; SKLLQG, Key Lab of Aerosol Chemistry & Physics, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Junji Cao
- SKLLQG, Key Lab of Aerosol Chemistry & Physics, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an 710061, China
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McCarron A, Semple S, Braban CF, Swanson V, Gillespie C, Price HD. Public engagement with air quality data: using health behaviour change theory to support exposure-minimising behaviours. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol 2023; 33:321-331. [PMID: 35764891 PMCID: PMC10234807 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-022-00449-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to air pollution prematurely kills 7 million people globally every year. Policy measures designed to reduce emissions of pollutants, improve ambient air and consequently reduce health impacts, can be effective, but are generally slow to generate change. Individual actions can therefore supplement policy measures and more immediately reduce people's exposure to air pollution. Air quality indices (AQI) are used globally (though not universally) to translate complex air quality data into a single unitless metric, which can be paired with advice to encourage behaviour change. Here we explore, with reference to health behaviour theories, why these are frequently insufficient to instigate individual change. We examine the health behaviour theoretical steps linking air quality data with reduced air pollution exposure and (consequently) improved public health, arguing that a combination of more 'personalised' air quality data and greater public engagement with these data will together better support individual action. Based on this, we present a novel framework, which, when used to shape air quality interventions, has the potential to yield more effective and sustainable interventions to reduce individual exposures and thus reduce the global public health burden of air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy McCarron
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK.
| | - Sean Semple
- Institute of Social Marketing and Health, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | | | | | | | - Heather D Price
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
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Yin S, McGrath TJ, Cseresznye A, Bombeke J, Poma G, Covaci A. Assessment of silicone wristbands for monitoring personal exposure to chlorinated paraffins (C 8-36): A pilot study. Environ Res 2023; 224:115526. [PMID: 36813067 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) are a major environmental concern due to their ubiquitous presence in the environment. Since human exposure to CPs can significantly differ among individuals, it is essential to have an effective tool for monitoring personal exposure to CPs. In this pilot study, silicone wristbands (SWBs) were employed as a personal passive sampler to measure time-weighted average exposure to CPs. Twelve participants were asked to wear a pre-cleaned wristband for a week during the summer of 2022, and three field samplers (FSs) in different micro-environments were also deployed. The samples were then analyzed for CP homologs by LC-Q-TOFMS. In worn SWBs, the median concentrations of quantifiable CP classes were 19 ng/g wb, 110 ng/g wb, and 13 ng/g wb for ∑SCCPs, ∑MCCPs, and ∑LCCPs (C18-20), respectively. For the first time, lipid content is reported in worn SWBs, which could be a potential impact factor in the kinetics of the accumulation process for CPs. Results showed that micro-environments were key contributors to dermal exposure to CPs, while a few outliers suggested other sources of exposure. CP exposure via dermal contact showed an increased contribution and thus poses a nonnegligible potential risk to humans in daily life. Results presented here provide proof of concept of the use of SWBs as a cheap and non-invasive personal sampler in exposure studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Yin
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium; Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, Interdisciplinary Research Academy (IRA), Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, 310015, China.
| | - Thomas J McGrath
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Adam Cseresznye
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Jasper Bombeke
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Giulia Poma
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
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Borlaza LJS, Uzu G, Ouidir M, Lyon-Caen S, Marsal A, Weber S, Siroux V, Lepeule J, Boudier A, Jaffrezo JL, Slama R. Personal exposure to PM 2.5 oxidative potential and its association to birth outcomes. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol 2023; 33:416-426. [PMID: 36369373 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-022-00487-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) assessed through its mass concentration has been associated with foetal growth restriction in studies based on outdoor levels. Oxidative potential of PM2.5 (OP) is an emerging metric a priori relevant to mechanisms of action of PM on health, with very limited evidence to indicate its role on birth outcomes. OBJECTIVES We investigated the association of OP with birth outcomes and compared it with that of PM2.5 mass concentration. METHODS 405 pregnant women from SEPAGES cohort (Grenoble area) carried PM2.5 personal dosimeters for one or two one-week periods. OP was measured using dithiothreitol (DTT) and ascorbic acid (AA) assays from the collected filters. Associations of each exposure metric with offspring weight, height, and head circumference at birth were estimated adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS The correlation between PM2.5 mass concentration and [Formula: see text] was 0.7. An interquartile range increase in .. was associated with reduced weight (adjusted change, -64 g, -166 to -11, p = 0.02) and height (-4 mm, -6 to -1, p = 0.01) at birth. PM2.5 mass concentration showed similar associations with weight (-53 g, -99 to -8, p = 0.02) and height (-2 mm, -5 to 0, p = 0.05). In birth height models mutually adjusted for the two exposure metrics, the association with [Formula: see text] was less attenuated than that with mass concentration, while for weight both effect sizes attenuated similarly. There was no clear evidence of associations with head circumference for any metric, nor for [Formula: see text] with any growth parameter. IMPACT PM2.5 pregnancy exposure assessed from personal dosimeters was associated with altered foetal growth. Personal OP exposure was associated with foetal growth restrictions, specifically decreased weight and height at birth, possibly to a larger extent than PM2.5 mass concentration alone. These results support OP assessed from DTT as being a health-relevant metric. Larger scale cohort studies are recommended to support our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gaëlle Uzu
- University of Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, IRD, INP-G, IGE (UMR 5001), F-38000, Grenoble, France.
| | - Marion Ouidir
- University of Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, CNRS, IAB, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, Grenoble, France
| | - Sarah Lyon-Caen
- University of Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, CNRS, IAB, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, Grenoble, France
| | - Anouk Marsal
- University of Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, IRD, INP-G, IGE (UMR 5001), F-38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Samuël Weber
- University of Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, IRD, INP-G, IGE (UMR 5001), F-38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Valérie Siroux
- University of Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, CNRS, IAB, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, Grenoble, France
| | - Johanna Lepeule
- University of Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, CNRS, IAB, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, Grenoble, France
| | - Anne Boudier
- University of Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, CNRS, IAB, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, Grenoble, France
- Pediatrics, CHU Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Jean-Luc Jaffrezo
- University of Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, IRD, INP-G, IGE (UMR 5001), F-38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Rémy Slama
- University of Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, CNRS, IAB, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, Grenoble, France.
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Li L, Coull BA, Koutrakis P. A national comparison between the collocated short- and long-term radon measurements in the United States. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol 2023; 33:455-464. [PMID: 36725923 PMCID: PMC10238600 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-023-00521-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowing the geographical and temporal variation in radon concentrations is essential for assessing residential exposure to radon, the leading cause of lung cancer in never-smokers in the United States. Tens of millions of short-term radon measurements, which normally last 2 to 4 days, have been conducted during the past decades. However, these massive short-term measurements have not been commonly used in exposure assessment because of the conflicting evidence regarding their correlation with long-term measurements, the gold standard of assessing long-term radon exposure. OBJECTIVE We aim to evaluate the extent to which a long-term radon measurement can be predicted by a collocated short-term radon measurement under different conditions. METHODS We compiled a national dataset of 2245 pairs of collocated short- and long-term measurements, analyzed the predictability of long-term measurements with stratified linear regression and bootstrapping resampling. RESULTS We found that the extent to which a long-term measurement can be predicted by the collocated short-term measurement was a joint function of two factors: the temporal difference in starting dates between two measurements and the length of the long-term measurement. Short-term measurements, jointly with other factors, could explain up to 79% (0.95 Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.73-0.84) of the variance in seasonal radon concentrations and could explain up to 67% (0.95 CI: 0.52-0.81) of the variance in annual radon concentrations. The large proportions of variance explained suggest that short-term measurement can be used as convenient proxy for seasonal radon concentrations. Accurate annual radon estimation entails averaging multiple short-term measurements in different seasons. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings will facilitate the usage of abundant short-term radon measurements, which have been obtained but was previously underutilized in assessing residential radon exposure. IMPACT STATEMENT Tens of millions of short-term radon measurements have been conducted but underutilized in assessing residential exposure to radon, the greatest cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. We investigate the correlations between collocated short- and long-term measurements in 2245 U.S. buildings and find that short-term measurements can explain ~75% of the variance in subsequent long-term measurements in the same buildings. Our results can facilitate the usage of massive short-term radon measurements that have been conducted to estimate the spatial and longitudinal distribution of radon concentrations, which can be used in epidemiological studies to quantify the health effects of radon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longxiang Li
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| | - Brent A Coull
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Petros Koutrakis
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
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Eeftens M, Pujol S, Klaiber A, Chopard G, Riss A, Smayra F, Flückiger B, Gehin T, Diallo K, Wiart J, Mazloum T, Mauny F, Röösli M. The association between real-life markers of phone use and cognitive performance, health-related quality of life and sleep. Environ Res 2023; 231:116011. [PMID: 37127107 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The real-life short-term implications of electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) on cognitive performance and health-related quality of life have not been well studied. The SPUTNIC study (Study Panel on Upcoming Technologies to study Non-Ionizing radiation and Cognition) aimed to investigate possible correlations between mobile phone radiation and human health, including cognition, health-related quality of life and sleep. METHODS Adult participants tracked various daily markers of RF-EMF exposures (cordless calls, mobile calls, and mobile screen time 4 h prior to each assessment) as well as three health outcomes over ten study days: 1) cognitive performance, 2) health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and 3) sleep duration and quality. Cognitive performance was measured through six "game-like" tests, assessing verbal and visuo-spatial performance repeatedly. HRQoL was assessed as fatigue, mood and stress on a Likert-scale (1-10). Sleep duration and efficiency was measured using activity trackers. We fitted mixed models with random intercepts per participant on cognitive, HRQoL and sleep scores. Possible time-varying confounders were assessed at daily intervals by questionnaire and used for model adjustment. RESULTS A total of 121 participants ultimately took part in the SPUTNIC study, including 63 from Besancon and 58 from Basel. Self-reported wireless phone use and screen time were sporadically associated with visuo-spatial and verbal cognitive performance, compatible with chance findings. We found a small but robust significant increase in stress 0.03 (0.00-0.06; on a 1-10 Likert-scale) in relation to a 10-min increase in mobile phone screen time. Sleep duration and quality were not associated with either cordless or mobile phone calls, or with screen time. DISCUSSION The study did not find associations between short-term RF-EMF markers and cognitive performance, HRQoL, or sleep duration and quality. The most consistent finding was increased stress in relation to more screen time, but no association with cordless or mobile phone call time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marloes Eeftens
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Sophie Pujol
- CHU de Besançon, Unité de Méthodologie en Recherche Clinique, Épidémiologie et Santé Publique, INSERM CIC, 1431, Besançon, France; Laboratoire Chrono-Environnement UMR 6249 CNRS / Université de Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Aaron Klaiber
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gilles Chopard
- Laboratoire de Recherches Intégratives en Neurosciences et Psychologie Cognitive, Université Franche-Comté, Besançon, France; Centre Mémoire de Ressources et de Recherche, Service de Neurologie, CHU de Besançon, France
| | - Andrin Riss
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Florian Smayra
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin Flückiger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Gehin
- CHU de Besançon, Unité de Méthodologie en Recherche Clinique, Épidémiologie et Santé Publique, INSERM CIC, 1431, Besançon, France; Laboratoire Chrono-Environnement UMR 6249 CNRS / Université de Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Kadiatou Diallo
- CHU de Besançon, Unité de Méthodologie en Recherche Clinique, Épidémiologie et Santé Publique, INSERM CIC, 1431, Besançon, France; Laboratoire Chrono-Environnement UMR 6249 CNRS / Université de Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Joe Wiart
- Chair C2M, LTCI Télecom ParisTech, Université Paris Saclay, 46 Rue Barrault, 75013, Paris, France
| | - Taghrid Mazloum
- Centre Mémoire de Ressources et de Recherche, Service de Neurologie, CHU de Besançon, France
| | - Frédéric Mauny
- CHU de Besançon, Unité de Méthodologie en Recherche Clinique, Épidémiologie et Santé Publique, INSERM CIC, 1431, Besançon, France; Laboratoire Chrono-Environnement UMR 6249 CNRS / Université de Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Martin Röösli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Yen YC, Ku CH, Hsiao TC, Chi KH, Peng CY, Chen YC. Impacts of COVID-19's restriction measures on personal exposure to VOCs and aldehydes in Taipei City. Sci Total Environ 2023; 880:163275. [PMID: 37028680 PMCID: PMC10074730 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic provided an unprecedented natural experiment, that allowed us to investigate the impacts of different restrictive measures on personal exposure to specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and aldehydes and resulting health risks in the city. Ambient concentrations of the criteria air pollutants were also evaluated. Passive sampling for VOCs and aldehydes was conducted for graduate students and ambient air in Taipei, Taiwan, during the Level 3 warning (strict control measures) and Level 2 alert (loosened control measures) of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021-2022. Information on the daily activities of participants and on-road vehicle counts nearby the stationary sampling site during the sampling campaigns were recorded. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) with adjusted meteorological and seasonal variables were used to estimate the effects of control measures on average personal exposures to the selected air pollutants. Our results showed that ambient CO and NO2 concentrations in relation to on-road transportation emissions were significantly reduced, which led to an increase in ambient O3 concentrations. Exposure to specific VOCs (benzene, methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), xylene, ethylbenzene, and 1,3-butadiene) associated with automobile emissions were remarkably decreased by ~40-80 % during the Level 3 warning, resulting in 42 % and 50 % reductions of total incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) and hazard index (HI), respectively, compared with the Level 2 alert. In contrast, the exposure concentration and calculated health risks in the selected population for formaldehyde increased by ~25 % on average during the Level 3 warning. Our study improves knowledge of the influence of a series of anti-COVID-19 measures on personal exposure to specific VOCs and aldehydes and its mitigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chuan Yen
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan Town, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hung Ku
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan Town, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Ta-Chih Hsiao
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
| | - Kai Hsien Chi
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Yu Peng
- Department of Public Health, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Cheng Chen
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan Town, Miaoli, Taiwan; Department of Occupational Safety and Health, China Medical University, 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, National United University, No. 2, Lienda, Miaoli 360302, Taiwan; Research Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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Zhao Y, Gu C, Song X. Evaluation of indoor environmental quality, personal cumulative exposure dose, and aerosol transmission risk levels inside urban buses in Dalian, China. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2023; 30:55278-55297. [PMID: 36884177 PMCID: PMC9994408 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26037-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The transmission of pollutants in buses has an important impact on personal exposure to airborne particles and spread of the COVID-19 epidemic in enclosed spaces. We conducted the following real-time field measurements inside buses: CO2, airborne particle concentration, temperature, and relative humidity data during peak and off-peak hours in spring and autumn. Correlation analysis was adopted to evaluate the dominant factors influencing CO2 and particle mass concentrations in the vehicle. The cumulative personal exposure dose to particulate matter and reproduction number were calculated for passengers on a one-way trip. The results showed the in-cabin CO2 concentrations, with 22.11% and 21.27% of the total time exceeding 1000 ppm in spring and autumn respectively. In-cabin PM2.5 mass concentration exceeded 35 μm/m3 by 57.35% and 86.42% in spring and autumn, respectively. CO2 concentration and the cumulative number of passengers were approximately linearly correlated in both seasons, with R value up to 0.896. The cumulative number of passengers had the most impact on PM2.5 mass concentration among tested parameters. The cumulative personal exposure dose to PM2.5 during a one-way trip in autumn was up to 43.13 μg. The average reproductive number throughout the one-way trip was 0.26; it was 0.57 under the assumed extreme environment. The results of this study provide an important basic theoretical guidance for the optimization of ventilation system design and operation strategies aimed at reducing multi-pollutant integrated health exposure and airborne particle infection (such as SARS-CoV-2) risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhao
- Ganjingzi District, School of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Infrastructure Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, 2 Linggong Road, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Chenmin Gu
- Ganjingzi District, School of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Infrastructure Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, 2 Linggong Road, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Xiaocheng Song
- Civil and Architectural Engineering College, Dalian University, 10 Xuefu Street, Economic & Technological Development Zone, Dalian, 116622, China.
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López M, López-Lilao A, Romero F, Pérez-Albaladejo E, Pinteño R, Porte C, Balasch A, Eljarrat E, Viana M, Monfort E. Size-resolved chemical composition and toxicity of particles released from refit operations in shipyards. Sci Total Environ 2023; 880:163072. [PMID: 36990238 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Ship refit and repair operations in shipyards generate aerosol emissions with high potential for environmental impacts. Metal-bearing nano-, fine and coarse particles are incidentally formed and can be released to indoor and ambient air and the aquatic environment. This work aimed to further the understanding of these impacts by characterising particle size-resolved chemical composition (15 nm - 10 μm), organophosphate esters (OPEs) content (e.g., plasticisers) and cytotoxic and genotoxic potential. Results showed that nanoparticle emissions (20-110 nm) took place in bursts, coinciding with the use of mechanical abraders and spray-painting guns. Tracers of these activities were Sc, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Rb, Nb, and Cs. Key components were V and Cu, probably sourcing from nanoadditives in the coatings. Abrasion of coatings also emitted OPEs, especially from old paints. Toxicity assessments consistently evidenced hazardous potential for the different endpoints assessed, for a number of samples. Exposures to spray-painting aerosols were linked with reduced cell viability (cytotoxicity), significant generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and increases in micronuclei frequency (genotoxicity). Even though spray-painting did not contribute significantly to aerosol mass or number concentrations, it was a major driver of potential health effects. Results suggest that aerosol chemical composition (e.g., content in nano-sized Cu or V) may have a larger impact on toxicity than aerosol concentration. While direct human exposures may be prevented using personal and collective protective equipment and environmental release can be minimised by enclosures and filtration systems, impacts on ambient air and the aquatic environment cannot be fully prevented. The continued use of good practices (exhaust, dilution, general ventilation systems, PPE, already in place) is encouraged to reduce inhalation exposures inside the tents. Understanding the size-resolved chemical and toxicological properties of aerosols is key to reducing human health and environmental impacts of ship refit operations in shipyards.
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Li N, Xu C, Xu D, Liu Z, Li N, Chartier R, Chang J, Wang Q, Li Y. Personal exposure to PM 2.5 in different microenvironments and activities for retired adults in two megacities, China. Sci Total Environ 2023; 865:161118. [PMID: 36581280 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microenvironmental concentrations and time-activity patterns influence personal exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5). However, the variations and contributions of PM2.5 exposures from various microenvironments (MEs) and activities remain unclear. In this study, gravimetrically corrected real-time personal PM2.5 measurements were collected during routine activities in different MEs from 66 non-smoking retired adults. Exposure data were collected for five consecutive days over two seasons in Nanjing (NJ) and Beijing (BJ), China. Measured PM2.5 concentrations varied substantially both between and within different MEs and activities. The highest average concentrations were observed in restaurants (NJ: mean 192 μg/m3, SD 242 μg/m3; BJ: mean 91 μg/m3, SD 79 μg/m3) and were associated with sources such as passive smoking and cooking emissions. Overall, PM2.5 concentrations in different MEs and activities were moderately to highly correlated with outdoor PM2.5 concentrations (Spearman's r = 0.51-0.97) except in restaurants and during passive smoking. The at-home ME contributed approximately 85 % of the total PM2.5 exposure, corresponding to the participants spending about 87 % of their time there. The majority of household exposures occurred during sleeping, cooking, and other home-based activities. Transportation accounted for <5 % of total exposure. Our results indicate that improving indoor air quality, especially residential indoors, is important to reduce personal exposure to PM2.5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Chunyu Xu
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Dongqun Xu
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Zhe Liu
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Ning Li
- Nanjing Jiangning Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing 211100, China
| | - Ryan Chartier
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Junrui Chang
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Qin Wang
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Yunpu Li
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China.
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Morales-Betancourt R, Wilches-Mogollon MA, Sarmiento OL, Mendez Molano D, Angulo D, Filigrana P, Arellana J, Guzman LA, Garzon G, Gouveia N, Levy P, Diez-Roux AV. Commuter's personal exposure to air pollutants after the implementation of a cable car for public transport: Results of the natural experiment TrUST. Sci Total Environ 2023; 865:160880. [PMID: 36516922 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Commuters in urban settlements are frequently exposed to high concentrations of air pollutants due to their proximity to mobile sources, making exposure to traffic-related air pollutants an important public health issue. Recent trends in urban transport towards zero- and low-tailpipe emission alternatives will likely result in decreased exposure to air pollutants. The TrUST (Urban transformations and health) study offers a unique opportunity to understand the impacts of a new cable car (TransMiCable) in underserved communities within Bogotá, Colombia. The aims of this study are to assess the personal exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), equivalent Black Carbon (eBC), and Carbon Monoxide (CO) in transport micro-environments and to estimate the inhaled dose per trip during mandatory multimodal trips before and after the implementation of the TransMiCable. We collected personal exposure data for Bus-Rapid-Transit (BRT) feeder buses, regular buses, informal transport, pedestrians, and TransMiCable. TransMiCable showed lower exposure concentration compared to BRT feeder and regular buses (PM2.5: 23.6 vs. 87.0 μg m-3 (P ≤ 0.001) and eBC: 5.2 vs. 28.2 μg m-3 (P ≤ 0.001), respectively). The mean concentration of PM2.5 and eBC inside the TransMiCable cabins were 62 % and 82 % lower than the mean concentrations in buses. Furthermore, using a Monte Carlo simulation model, we found that including the TransMiCable as a feeder is related to a 54.4 μg/trip reduction in PM2.5 inhaled dose and 35.8 μg/trip in eBC per trip. Those changes represent a 27 % and 34 % reduction in an inhaled dose per trip, respectively. Our results show that PM2.5, eBC, and CO inhaled dose for TransMiCable users is reduced due to lower exposure concentration inside its cabins and shorter travel time. The implementation of a cable car in Bogotá is likely to reduce air pollution exposure in transport micro-environments used by vulnerable populations living in semi-informal settlements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Morales-Betancourt
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Cra 1 18ª-12, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Maria A Wilches-Mogollon
- Department of Industrial Engineering, School of Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Cra 1 18ª-12, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Olga L Sarmiento
- School of Medicine, Universidad de Los Andes, Cra 1 18ª-12, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Daniela Mendez Molano
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Cra 1 18ª-12, Bogotá, Colombia; Universidad Manuela Beltrán, Unidad de Ingenieria Ambiental, Cra. 1 #No. 60-00, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Daniela Angulo
- Department of Industrial Engineering, School of Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Cra 1 18ª-12, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Paola Filigrana
- School of Medicine, Universidad de Los Andes, Cra 1 18ª-12, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Julian Arellana
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Universidad del Norte, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Luis A Guzman
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Cra 1 18ª-12, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Gabriela Garzon
- Department of Industrial Engineering, School of Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Cra 1 18ª-12, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Nelson Gouveia
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paul Levy
- School of Medicine, Universidad de Los Andes, Cra 1 18ª-12, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Ana V Diez-Roux
- Urban Health Collaborative, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Pradhan B, Jayaratne R, Thompson H, Buonanno G, Mazaheri M, Nyarku M, Lin W, Pereira ML, Cyrys J, Peters A, Morawska L. Utility of outdoor central site monitoring in assessing exposure of school children to ultrafine particles. Sci Total Environ 2023; 859:160162. [PMID: 36379336 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies investigating the association between daily particle exposure and health effects are frequently based on a single monitoring site located in an urban background. Using a central site in epidemiological time-series studies has been established based on the premises of low spatial variability of particles within the areas of interest and hence the adequacy of the central sites to monitor the exposure. This is true to a large extent in relation to larger particles (PM2.5, PM10) that are typically monitored and regulated. However, the distribution of ultrafine particles (UFP), which in cities predominantly originate from traffic, is heterogeneous. With increasing pressure to improve the epidemiology of UFP, an important question to ask is, whether central site monitoring is representative of community exposure to this size fraction of particulate matter; addressing this question is the aim of this paper. To achieve this aim, we measured personal exposure to UFP, expressed as particle number concentration (PNC), using Philips Aerasense Nanotracers (NT) carried by the participants of the study, and condensation particle counters (CPC) or scanning mobility particle sizers (SMPS) at central fixed-site monitoring stations. The measurements were conducted at three locations in Brisbane (Australia), Cassino (Italy) and Accra (Ghana). We then used paired t-tests to compare the average personal and average fixed-site PNC measured over the same 24-h, and hourly, periods. We found that, at all three locations, the 24-h average fixed-site PNC was no different to the personal PNC, when averaged over the study period and all the participants. However, the corresponding hourly averages were significantly different at certain times of the day. These were generally times spent commuting and during cooking and eating at home. Our analysis of the data obtained in Brisbane, showed that maximum personal exposure occurred in the home microenvironment during morning breakfast and evening dinner time. The main source of PNC for personal exposure was from the home-microenvironment. We conclude that the 24-h average PNC from the central-site can be used to estimate the 24-h average personal exposure for a community. However, the hourly average PNC from the central site cannot consistently be used to estimate hourly average personal exposure, mainly because they are affected by very different sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basant Pradhan
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia
| | - Rohan Jayaratne
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia
| | - Helen Thompson
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia
| | - Giorgio Buonanno
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, Italy
| | - Mandana Mazaheri
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mawutorli Nyarku
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Weiwei Lin
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Marcelo Luiz Pereira
- Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Santa Catarina, Department of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Brazil
| | - Josef Cyrys
- Institute of Epidemiology (EPI), Helmholtz Zentrum Munich - German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Annette Peters
- Institute of Epidemiology (EPI), Helmholtz Zentrum Munich - German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany; Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Lidia Morawska
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia; Global Centre for Clean Air Research, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom.
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Zhang X, Zhang H, Wang Y, Bai P, Zhang L, Wei Y, Tang N. Characteristics and determinants of personal exposure to typical air pollutants: A pilot study in Beijing and Baoding, China. Environ Res 2023; 218:114976. [PMID: 36460073 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Personal exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen oxides (NOx, NO2 and NO), ozone (O3) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) was repeatedly measured among fourteen office workers in Beijing and Baoding, China in summer, autumn and winter of 2019. Time-activity patterns were simultaneously recorded. Determinants of personal air pollution exposure were investigated for each pollutant via a linear mixed effect model. The personal concentrations of PM2.5, NO2, NO and O3 were higher in autumn and winter than those in summer. A decreasing trend was found in the personal PM2.5 level for a typical indoor population in Beijing, indicating that particulate pollution was effectively controlled in Beijing and its surrounding area. The personal levels of PM2.5, NO2, and O3 were weakly correlated with those monitored at ambient stations and were lower than the respective ambient levels except for PM2.5 in summer and NO2 in winter. This pilot study showed that the indoor air environment, ambient pollution, traffic-related variables and temperature were significant exposure sources for office workers. Our study highlighted the significance of controlling traffic emissions and improving the workplace air quality to protect the health of office workers. More importantly, we demonstrated the feasibility of model development for personal air pollution exposure prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zhang
- Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Hao Zhang
- Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Yan Wang
- Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Pengchu Bai
- Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Lulu Zhang
- School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China; Institute of Nature and Environmental Technology, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Yongjie Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China; Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, China.
| | - Ning Tang
- Institute of Nature and Environmental Technology, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan; Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Science, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan.
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Eeftens M, Shen C, Sönksen J, Schmutz C, van Wel L, Liorni I, Vermeulen R, Cardis E, Wiart J, Toledano M, Röösli M. Modelling of daily radiofrequency electromagnetic field dose for a prospective adolescent cohort. Environ Int 2023; 172:107737. [PMID: 36709672 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields originate from a variety of wireless communication sources operating near and far from the body, making it challenging to quantify daily absorbed dose. In the framework of the prospective cohort SCAMP (Study of Cognition, Adolescents and Mobile Phones), we aimed to characterize RF-EMF dose over a 2-year period. METHODS The SCAMP cohort included 6605 children from greater London, UK at baseline (age 12.1 years; 2014-2016) and 5194 at follow-up (age 14.2; 2016-2018). We estimated the daily dose of RF-EMF to eight tissues including the whole body and whole brain, using dosimetric algorithms for the specific absorption rate transfer into the body. We considered RF-EMF dose from 12 common usage scenarios such as mobile phone calls or data transmission. We evaluated the association between sociodemographic factors (gender, ethnicity, phone ownership and socio-economic status), and the dose change between baseline and follow-up. RESULTS Whole body dose was estimated at an average of 170 mJ/kg/day at baseline and 178 mJ/kg/day at follow-up. Among the eight tissues considered, the right temporal lobe received the highest daily dose (baseline 1150 mJ/kg/day, follow-up 1520 mJ/kg/day). Estimated daily dose [mJ/kg/day] increased between baseline and follow-up for head and brain related tissues, but remained stable for the whole body and heart. Doses estimated at baseline and follow-up showed low correlation among the 3384 children who completed both assessments. Asian ethnicity (compared to white) and owning a bar phone or no phone (as opposed to a smartphone) were associated with lower estimated whole-body and whole-brain RF-EMF dose, while black ethnicity, a moderate/low socio-economic status (compared to high), and increasing age (at baseline) were associated with higher estimated RF-EMF dose. CONCLUSION This study describes the first longitudinal exposure assessment for children in a critical period of development. Dose estimations will be used in further epidemiological analyses for the SCAMP study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marloes Eeftens
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Chen Shen
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Units in Environmental Exposures and Health & Chemical and Radiation Threats and Hazards, in partnership with UK Health Security Agency, Imperial College London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom
| | - Jana Sönksen
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Schmutz
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Luuk van Wel
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ilaria Liorni
- Foundation for Research on Information Technologies in Society (IT'IS Foundation), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roel Vermeulen
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth Cardis
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Joe Wiart
- Chair C2M, LTCI Télecom ParisTech, Université Paris Saclay, 46 rue Barrault, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Mireille Toledano
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Units in Environmental Exposures and Health & Chemical and Radiation Threats and Hazards, in partnership with UK Health Security Agency, Imperial College London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom; Mohn Centre for Children's Health and Wellbeing, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Röösli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Boniardi L, Campo L, Olgiati L, Longhi F, Scuffi C, Fustinoni S. Biological monitoring and personal exposure to traffic-related air pollutants of elementary school-age children living in a metropolitan area. Sci Total Environ 2023; 857:159654. [PMID: 36280056 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
An ever-growing burden of scientific evidence links air pollution to different aspects of human health even at very low concentrations; the impact increases for those living in urban environments, especially the youngest and the elderly. This study investigated the exposure to air pollution of urban school children of Milan, Italy, by personal and biological monitoring, in the frame of the MAPS-MI project. A total of 128 primary school children (7-11 years) were involved in a two-season monitoring campaign during spring 2018 and winter 2019. Personal exposure to airborne VOCs and eBC, and biological monitoring of urinary benzene (BEN-U) and methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE-U) were performed. Time-activity patterns, environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), spatial, and meteorological information were evaluated as determinants in mixed effects regression analysis. Children personal exposure was mostly quantifiable with median (5th-95th percentile) levels 1.9 (0.8-7.5) μg/m3 for eBC, and 1.1 (<0.6-3.4) and 0.8 (0.3-1.8) μg/m3 for benzene and MTBE, respectively; with values 2-3-fold higher in winter than in spring. In urine, median (5th-95th) BEN-U and MTBE-U levels were 44.9 (25.7-98.6) and 11.5 (5.0-35.5) ng/L, respectively. Mixed effect regression models explained from 72 to 93 % of the total variability for air pollutants, and from 58 to 61 % for biomarkers. Major contributors of personal exposure were season, wind speed, mobility- or traffic-related variables; biomarkers were mostly predicted by airborne exposure and ETS. Our results suggest that traffic-mitigation actions, together with parents' educational interventions on ETS and commuting mode, should be undertaken to lower children exposure to air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Boniardi
- EPIGET - Epidemiology, Epigenetics, and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Campo
- EPIGET - Epidemiology, Epigenetics, and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Italy.
| | - Luca Olgiati
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Environmental and Industrial Toxicology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Longhi
- EPIGET - Epidemiology, Epigenetics, and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Scuffi
- EPIGET - Epidemiology, Epigenetics, and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Fustinoni
- EPIGET - Epidemiology, Epigenetics, and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Italy; Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Environmental and Industrial Toxicology Unit, Milan, Italy
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Gu Y, Xu H, Feng R, Cheng Y, Han B, Ho KF, Wang Z, He Y, Qu L, Ho SSH, Sun J, Shen Z, Cao J. Associations of personal exposure to domestic heating and cooking fuel emissions and epidemiological effects on rural residents in the Fenwei Plain, China. Sci Total Environ 2023; 856:159217. [PMID: 36206913 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Solid fuel combustion for domestic heating in northern China in the wintertime is of great environmental and health concern. This study assesses personal exposure to particulate matter with different aerodynamic diameters and multiple gaseous pollutants from 123 rural residents in Yuncheng, the Fenwei Plain. The subjects are divided into groups based on the unique energy source applied, including biomass, coal, and electricity/no heating activities. The health effects of the exposures are expressed with four urinary biomarkers. The personal exposure levels to three different aerodynamic particle sizes (i.e., PM10, PM2.5, and PM1) of the electricity/no heating group are 5.1 % -12 % lower than those of the coal group. In addition, the exposure levels are 25 %-40 % lower for carbon monoxide (CO) and 10.8 %-20.3 % lower for ozone (O3) in the electricity/no heating group than the other two fuel groups. C-reactive protein (CRP) in the urine of the participants in biomass and coal groups is significantly higher than that in the electricity/no heating group, consistent with the observations on other biomarkers. Increases in 8-hydroxy-2 deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are observed for the exposures to higher concentrations of air pollutants. For instance, PMs and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) show significant impacts on positive correlations with 8-OHdG and IL-8, while O3 positively correlates with CRP. PM1 exhibits higher effects on the biomarkers than the gaseous pollutants, especially on VEGF and IL-8. The study indicates that excessive use of traditional domestic solid fuels could pose severe health effects on rural residents. The promotion of using clean energy is urgently needed in the rural areas of northern China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxuan Gu
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Hongmei Xu
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China; SKLLQG, Key Lab of Aerosol Chemistry & Physics, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an 710061, China.
| | - Rong Feng
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Yue Cheng
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Bei Han
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Kin Fai Ho
- School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zexuan Wang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Yansu He
- School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Linli Qu
- Hong Kong Premium Services and Research Laboratory, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Steven Sai Hang Ho
- Division of Atmospheric Sciences, Desert Research Institute, Reno, NV 89512, United States
| | - Jian Sun
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Zhenxing Shen
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China; SKLLQG, Key Lab of Aerosol Chemistry & Physics, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Junji Cao
- SKLLQG, Key Lab of Aerosol Chemistry & Physics, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an 710061, China
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Hsu WT, Ku CH, Chen MJ, Wu CD, Lung SCC, Chen YC. Model development and validation of personal exposure to PM 2.5 among urban elders. Environ Pollut 2023; 316:120538. [PMID: 36330878 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Indirect measurements through a combination of microenvironment concentrations and personal activity diaries provide a potentially useful alternative for PM2.5 exposure estimates. This study was to optimize a personal exposure model based on spatiotemporal model predictions for PM2.5 exposure in a sub-cohort study. Personal, home indoor, home outdoor, and ambient monitoring data of PM2.5 were conducted for an elderly population in the Taipei city of Taiwan. The proposed microenvironment exposure (ME) models incorporate PM2.5 measurements and individual time-activity information with a generalized estimating equation (GEE) analysis. We evaluated model performance with daily personal PM2.5 exposure based on the coefficient of determination, accuracy, and mean bias error. Ambient and home outdoor measures as exposure surrogates are likely to under- and overestimate personal exposure to PM2.5 in our study population, respectively. Measured and predicted indoor exposures were highly correlated with personal PM2.5 exposure. The awareness of peculiar smells is an important factor that significantly increases personal PM2.5 exposure by 46-70%. The model incorporating home indoor PM2.5 can achieve the highest agreement (R2 = 0.790) with personal exposure and the lowest measurement error. The ME model with the GEE analysis combining home outdoor PM2.5 determined by LUR model with a machine learning technique can improve the prediction (R2 = 0.592) of personal PM2.5 exposure, compared with the prediction of the traditional LUR model (R2 = 0.385).
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Ting Hsu
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hung Ku
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Mu-Jean Chen
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Da Wu
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan; Department of Geomatics, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | | | - Yu-Cheng Chen
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan; Department of Occupational Safety and Health, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, National United University, Miaoli, Taiwan.
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Matsukami H, Wannomai T, Uchida N, Tue NM, Hoang AQ, Tuyen LH, Viet PH, Takahashi S, Kunisue T, Suzuki G. Silicone wristband- and handwipe-based assessment of exposure to flame retardants for informal electronic-waste and end-of-life-vehicle recycling workers and their children in Vietnam. Sci Total Environ 2022; 853:158669. [PMID: 36108870 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Measuring personal exposure to flame retardants (FRs) is crucial for assessing and controlling human health risks posed by FRs during the recycling of electronic waste (e-waste) and end-of-life vehicles (ELVs). Here, we examined the use of handwipes and silicone wristbands to measure personal FR exposure for e-waste and ELV recycling workers and their children in Vietnam. On the handwipes from the e-waste recycling workers, the predominant five FRs detected were TBBPA (median concentration: 3700 ng/wipe), BDE-209 (1700 ng/wipe), TPHP (500 ng/wipe), DBDPE (410 ng/wipe), and BPA-BDPP (360 ng/wipe). On the handwipes from ELV recycling workers, TPHP (60 ng/wipe), IPPDPP (47 ng/wipe), BIPPPP/DIPPDPP (33 ng/wipe), BDE-209 (26 ng/wipe), and TCIPP (23 ng/wipe) were detected as the five predominant FRs. On the wristbands from the e-waste recycling workers, the five predominant FRs detected were TBBPA (median concentration: 340 ng/g), BDE-209 (330 ng/g), DBDPE (65 ng/g), TPHP (50 ng/g), and TMPP (34 ng/g). On the wristbands from the ELV recycling workers, TPHP (34 ng/g), IPPDPP (18 ng/g), TCIPP (14 ng/g), TDMPP (13 ng/g), BIPPPP/DIPPDPP (9.3 ng/g) and TMPP (9.3 ng/g) were detected as the predominant FRs. The data obtained with the wristbands were comparable to those obtained with the handwipes. Similar FR profiles were found in between the workers and their children. The profiles indicate that the informal e-waste and ELV recycling caused FR exposure not only for workers but also for their children who live in the workshops. By using the handwipe and wristband sampling approaches, we determined types and concentrations of FRs to which the workers and their children were dominantly exposed. Silicone wristband- and handwipe-based assessment is expected to be effective means of measuring personal FR exposure for the informal e-waste and ELV recycling workers and their children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidenori Matsukami
- Material Cycles Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba 305-8506, Japan.
| | - Tatiya Wannomai
- Department of Transdisciplinary Science and Engineering, School of Environment and Society, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259, Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8503, Japan
| | - Natsuyo Uchida
- Material Cycles Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba 305-8506, Japan
| | - Nguyen Minh Tue
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies, Ehime University, 2-5 Bunkyo-cho, Matsuyama 790-8577, Japan; Key Laboratory of Analytical Technology for Environmental Quality and Food Safety Control, VNU University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 334 Nguyen Trai, Hanoi 11400, Viet Nam
| | - Anh Quoc Hoang
- Center of Advanced Technology for the Environment, Faculty of Agriculture, Ehime University, 3-5-7 Tarumi, Matsuyama 790-8566, Japan; Faculty of Chemistry, VNU University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 19 Le Thanh Tong, Hanoi 11000, Viet Nam
| | - Le Huu Tuyen
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Technology for Environmental Quality and Food Safety Control, VNU University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 334 Nguyen Trai, Hanoi 11400, Viet Nam
| | - Pham Hung Viet
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Technology for Environmental Quality and Food Safety Control, VNU University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 334 Nguyen Trai, Hanoi 11400, Viet Nam
| | - Shin Takahashi
- Center of Advanced Technology for the Environment, Faculty of Agriculture, Ehime University, 3-5-7 Tarumi, Matsuyama 790-8566, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Kunisue
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies, Ehime University, 2-5 Bunkyo-cho, Matsuyama 790-8577, Japan
| | - Go Suzuki
- Material Cycles Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba 305-8506, Japan
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Marquart H. Informing about the invisible: communicating en route air pollution and noise exposure to cyclists and pedestrians using focus groups. Eur Transp Res Rev 2022; 14:49. [PMID: 38625277 PMCID: PMC9643997 DOI: 10.1186/s12544-022-00571-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Active mobility and public transport are considered beneficial for health and wellbeing and valuable for climate change mitigation. However, cyclists and pedestrians have high air pollution and noise exposure alongside traffic, which adversely impact health and wellbeing. The measured exposure can differ from the perceived exposure, hence, communicating en route exposure is crucial. Therefore, this study investigates how to communicate route-based exposure to cyclists and pedestrians and explores if exposure communication, e.g. via smartphones, is worthwhile for healthy and pleasant commute. It is investigated how exposure feedback influences the motivation to protect oneself and how exposure information should be designed. Three focus groups with 20 cyclists/pedestrians living in Berlin, Germany, were conducted. Based on Protection Motivation Theory and Environmental Health Literacy concept, (1) experiences and practices after recognizing exposure were discussed and (2) information needs and communication strategies were developed. The results reveal a feeling of helplessness regarding the ubiquity and uncertainty of pollution and a heightened threat appraisal. Anger, anxiety and rejection were stated. Making sense of pollution levels and protective alternatives were central. A healthy routing app, including also pleasant route factors, was desired. However, information provision was also denied. Participants argued the responsibility should not be left to the commuters and planning for exposed road users would be crucial. Information provision may not be worthwhile if planning authorities do not provide healthy alternatives. People-centered approaches for tackling air pollution and noise exposure en route should be investigated further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Marquart
- Institute of Transport Research, German Aerospace Center (DLR) Berlin, Rudower Chaussee 7, 12489 Berlin, Germany
- Geography Department, Humboldt University Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin, Germany
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Romano ME, Gallagher L, Doherty BT, Yeum D, Lee S, Takazawa M, Anderson KA, Kannan K, Karagas MR. Inter-method reliability of silicone exposome wristbands and urinary biomarker assays in a pregnancy cohort. Environ Res 2022; 214:113981. [PMID: 35952739 PMCID: PMC9841893 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Silicone wristbands act as passive environmental samplers capable of detecting and measuring concentrations of a variety of chemicals. They offer a noninvasive method to collect complex exposure data in large-scale epidemiological studies. We evaluated the inter-method reliability of silicone wristbands and urinary biomarkers in the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study. A subset of study participants (n = 96) provided a urine sample and wore a silicone wristband for 7 days at approximately 12 gestational weeks. Women were instructed to wear the wristbands during all their normal activities. Concentrations of urinary compounds and metabolites in the urine and parent compounds in wristbands were compared. High detection rates were observed for triphenyl phosphate (76.0%) and benzophenone (78.1%) in wristbands, although the distribution of corresponding urinary concentrations of chemicals did not differ according to whether chemicals were detected or not detected in wristbands. While detected among only 8.3% of wristbands, median urinary triclosan concentrations were higher among those with triclosan detected in wristbands (9.04 ng/mL) than without (0.16 ng/mL). For most chemicals slight to fair agreement was observed across exposure assessment methods, potentially due to low rates of detection in the wristbands for chemicals where observed urinary concentrations were relatively low as compared to background concentrations in the general population. Our findings support the growing body of research in support of deploying silicone wristbands as an important exposure assessment tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Romano
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA.
| | - Lisa Gallagher
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Brett T Doherty
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Dabin Yeum
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Sunmi Lee
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mari Takazawa
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kim A Anderson
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA. States
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Margaret R Karagas
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
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47
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Xu Y, Yi L, Cabison J, Rosales M, O'Sharkey K, Chavez TA, Johnson M, Lurmann F, Pavlovic N, Bastain TM, Breton CV, Wilson JP, Habre R. The impact of GPS-derived activity spaces on personal PM 2.5 exposures in the MADRES cohort. Environ Res 2022; 214:114029. [PMID: 35932832 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In-utero exposure to particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) is associated with low birth weight and health risks later in life. Pregnant women are mobile and locations they spend time in contribute to their personal PM2.5 exposures. Therefore, it is important to understand how mobility and exposures encountered within activity spaces contribute to personal PM2.5 exposures during pregnancy. METHODS We collected 48-h integrated personal PM2.5 samples and continuous geolocation (GPS) data for 213 predominantly Hispanic/Latina pregnant women in their 3rd trimester in Los Angeles, CA. We also collected questionnaires and modeled outdoor air pollution and meteorology in their residential neighborhood. We calculated three GPS-derived activity space measures of exposure to road networks, greenness (NDVI), parks, traffic volume, walkability, and outdoor PM2.5 and temperature. We used bivariate analyses to screen variables (GPS-extracted exposures in activity spaces, individual characteristics, and residential neighborhood exposures) based on their relationship with personal, 48-h integrated PM2.5 concentrations. We then built a generalized linear model to explain the variability in personal PM2.5 exposure and identify key contributing factors. RESULTS Indoor PM2.5 sources, parity, and home ventilation were significantly associated with personal exposure. Activity-space based exposure to roads was associated with significantly higher personal PM2.5 exposure, while greenness was associated with lower personal PM2.5 exposure (β = -3.09 μg/m3 per SD increase in NDVI, p-value = 0.018). The contribution of outdoor PM2.5 to personal exposure was positive but relatively lower (β = 2.05 μg/m3 per SD increase, p-value = 0.016) than exposures in activity spaces and the indoor environment. The final model explained 34% of the variability in personal PM2.5 concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the importance of activity spaces and the indoor environment on personal PM2.5 exposures of pregnant women living in Los Angeles, CA. This work also showcases the multiple, complex factors that contribute to total personal PM2.5 exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xu
- Spatial Sciences Institute, University of Southern California, USA.
| | - Li Yi
- Spatial Sciences Institute, University of Southern California, USA.
| | - Jane Cabison
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, USA.
| | - Marisela Rosales
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, USA.
| | - Karl O'Sharkey
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, USA.
| | - Thomas A Chavez
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, USA.
| | - Mark Johnson
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, USA.
| | | | | | - Theresa M Bastain
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, USA.
| | - Carrie V Breton
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, USA.
| | - John P Wilson
- Spatial Sciences Institute, University of Southern California, USA; Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, USA; Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Computer Science, and Sociology, University of Southern California, USA.
| | - Rima Habre
- Spatial Sciences Institute, University of Southern California, USA; Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, USA.
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Chen J, Jahn HJ, Sun HZ, Ning Z, Lu W, Ho KF, Ward TJ. Validity of using ambient concentrations as surrogate exposures at the individual level for fine particle and black carbon: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Environ Pollut 2022; 312:120030. [PMID: 36037851 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Exposure measurement error is an important source of bias in epidemiological studies. We assessed the validity of employing ambient (outdoor) measurements as proxies of personal exposures at individual levels focusing on fine particles (PM2.5) and black carbon (BC)/elemental carbon (EC) on a global scale. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis and searched databases (ISI Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE®, Ovid Embase, and Ovid BIOSIS) to retrieve observational studies in English language published from 1 January 2006 until 5 May 2021. Correlation coefficients (r) between paired ambient (outdoor) concentration and personal exposure for PM2.5 or BC/EC were standardized as effect size. We used random-effects meta-analyses to pool the correlation coefficients and investigated the causes of heterogeneity and publication bias. Furthermore, we employed subgroup and meta-regression analyses to evaluate the modification of pooled estimates by potential mediators. This systematic review identified thirty-two observational studies involving 1744 subjects from ten countries, with 28 studies for PM2.5 and 11 studies for BC/EC. Personal PM2.5 exposure is more strongly correlated with ambient (outdoor) concentrations (0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.57-0.68) than personal BC/EC exposure (0.49, 95% CI: 0.38-0.59), with significant differences in ṝ (0.14, 95% CI: 0.03-0.25; p < 0.05). The results demonstrated that the health status of participants was a significant modifier of pooled correlations. In addition, the personal to ambient (P/A) ratio for PM2.5 and average ambient BC/EC levels were potential effect moderators of the pooled ṝ. The funnel plots and Egger's regression test indicated inevident publication bias. The pooled estimates were robust through sensitivity analyses. The results support the growing consensus that the validity coefficient of proxy measures should be addressed when interpreting results from epidemiological studies to better understand how strong health outcomes are affected by different levels of PM2.5 and their components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayao Chen
- Department of Real Estate and Construction, Faculty of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Heiko J Jahn
- Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany
| | - Haitong Zhe Sun
- Centre for Atmospheric Science, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK; Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EQ, UK
| | - Zhi Ning
- Division of Environment and Sustainability, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Weisheng Lu
- Department of Real Estate and Construction, Faculty of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kin Fai Ho
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tony J Ward
- School of Public and Community Health Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
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Faour A, Abboud M, Germanos G, Farah W. Assessment of the exposure to PM 2.5 in different Lebanese microenvironments at different temporal scales. Environ Monit Assess 2022; 195:21. [PMID: 36279025 PMCID: PMC9589677 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-022-10607-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The weak potential of using the sole outdoor concentrations to represent personal exposure to PM2.5 is confirmed by the literature; therefore, it is important to account for a person's movements over time when estimating the short-term personal air pollution exposure within different microenvironments (MEs). This study is an example of applying an assessment method of the exposure to PM2.5 in different microenvironments at different temporal scales. A low-cost particle counter (the Dylos 1700) was used; its performance was validated in comparison with equivalent instruments such the SidePak AM520 Personal Aerosol Monitor (R2 = 0.89). This validation also provided a function to convert measured particle number concentrations (PNCs) into calculated particle mass concentrations. The 150 profiles that was collected on a minute-by-minute basis regarding PM2.5 concentration from December 2018 to May 2021 highlight the influence of individual activities and contextual factors on the air quality, so that Lebanon's annual PM2.5 mean (24.2 µg⁄m3) is 142% higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) annual mean guideline (10 µg⁄m3). Winter is the most polluted period due to the increased application of space heating devices. Additionally, the occurrence of dusty winds during the spring period leads to the elevated levels of dispersed PM2.5. Simultaneously, the rural zones are more polluted than urban ones due to the usage of more traditional heating equipment, in addition to the usage of chemical products like pesticides and fertilizers in agricultural activities in such areas. Furthermore, the (outdoor-indoor-transport) MEs indicate that the transport and indoor MEs have similar levels of suspended fine particulates, while outdoor MEs are less polluted. Studies based on the personal exposure to PM2.5 were generally applied on specific and limited places such as schools, workplaces, or residences. The study aims to shed light on the modern method in an attempt to estimate the personal exposure to PM2.5 and to inspire similar studies to achieve the maximum efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Faour
- Center for Research and Analysis, Laboratory of Environment and Sustainable Development, Research Unit: Environment, Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Faculty of Sciences, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, 1104 2020, Lebanon.
| | - Maher Abboud
- Center for Research and Analysis, Laboratory of Environment and Sustainable Development, Research Unit: Environment, Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Faculty of Sciences, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, 1104 2020, Lebanon
| | - Georges Germanos
- Center for Research and Analysis, Laboratory of Environment and Sustainable Development, Research Unit: Environment, Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Faculty of Sciences, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, 1104 2020, Lebanon
| | - Wehbeh Farah
- Center for Research and Analysis, Laboratory of Environment and Sustainable Development, Research Unit: Environment, Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Faculty of Sciences, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, 1104 2020, Lebanon
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50
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Wang TK, Solano T, Shoele K. Bridge the gap: correlate face mask leakage and facial features with 3D morphable face models. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol 2022; 32:735-743. [PMID: 34741114 PMCID: PMC8570071 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-021-00399-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Face masks have been proven to be effective in protecting the public against airborne transmitted diseases when fitted appropriately. However, for homemade cloth masks and surgical masks, the fit is often poor, allowing viruses to escape through the gap. OBJECTIVE This work aims to identify the correlation between the mask leakage, mask configurations, and individual's facial features. METHODS A novel locally morphing 3D face model, and a minimum-energy-based mask deployment model are used to systematically examine the mask fit for a large cohort of exemplars. RESULTS The results show that the mask size and tuck-in ratio, along with selective facial features, especially nose height and chin length, are key factors determining the leakage location and extent. A polynomial regression model is presented for mask fitness based on localized facial features. SIGNIFICANCE This study is a complete pipeline to test various masks on a wide range of faces with controlled modification of distinct regions of the face, which is difficult to achieve with human subjects, and provide knowledge on how the masks should be designed in the future. IMPACT STATEMENT The face mask "fit" affects the mask's efficacy in preventing airborne transmission. To date, research on the face mask fit has been conducted mainly using experiments on limited subjects. The limited sample size in experimental studies makes it hard to reach a statistical correlation between mask fit and facial features in a population. Here, we employ a novel framework that utilizes a morphable face model and mask's deployment simulation to test mask fit for many facial characteristics and mask designs. The proposed technique is an important step toward enabling personalized mask selection with maximum efficacy for society members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tso-Kang Wang
- FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Tomas Solano
- FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Kourosh Shoele
- FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA.
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