A comparative assessment of air pollutants of smog in wagah border and other sites in Lahore, Pakistan / Uma avaliação comparativa de poluentes do ar do smog na fronteira de wagah e outros sites em Lahore, Paquistão

Abstract Smog has become the fifth season of Pakistan especially in Lahore city. Increased level of air pollutants (primary and secondary) are thought to be responsible for the formation of smog in Lahore. Therefore, the current study was carried out for the evaluation of air pollutants (primary and secondary) of smog in Wagah border particularly and other sites (Jail road, Gulburg) Lahore. For this purpose, baseline data on winter smog from March to December on primary and secondary air pollutants and meteorological parameters was collected from Environmental Protection Department and Pakistan Meteorological Department respectively. Devices being used in both departments for analysis of parameters were also studied. Collected data was further statistically analyzed to determine the correlation of parameters with meteorological conditions and was subjected to air quality index. According to results, PM 10 and PM 2.5 were found very high above the NEQS. NOx concentrations were also high above the permissible limits whereas SO2 and O3 were found below the NEQS thus have no roles in smog formation. Air Quality Index (AQI) of pollutants was PM 2.5(86-227), PM 10 (46-332), NOx (26-110), O3 (19-84) and SO2 (10-95). AQI of PM 2.5 remained between moderate to very unhealthy levels. AQI of PM 10 remained between good to hazardous levels. AQI of NOx remained between good to unhealthy for sensitive groups' levels. AQI of O3 and SO2 remained between good to moderate levels. Pearson correlation showed that every pollutant has a different relation with different or same parameters in different areas. It is concluded from the present study that particulate matter was much more responsible for smog formation. Although NOx also played role in smog formation. So there is need to reduce sources of particulate matter and NOx specifically in order to reduce smog formation in Lahore.

Resumo Smog tornou-se a quinta estação do Paquistão, especialmente na cidade de Lahore. Acredita-se que o aumento do nível de poluentes atmosféricos (primários e secundários) seja responsável pela formação de poluição atmosférica em Lahore. Portanto, o presente estudo foi realizado para a avaliação dos poluentes atmosféricos (primários e secundários) do smog na fronteira de Wagah em particular e em outros locais (Jail road, Gulburg) Lahore. Para este propósito, os dados de referência sobre a poluição atmosférica de inverno de março a dezembro sobre poluentes atmosféricos primários e secundários e parâmetros meteorológicos foram coletados do Departamento de Proteção Ambiental e do Departamento Meteorológico do Paquistão, respectivamente. Dispositivos sendo usados ​​em ambos os departamentos para análise de parâmetros também foram estudados. Os dados coletados foram posteriormente analisados ​​estatisticamente para determinar a correlação dos parâmetros com as condições meteorológicas e foram submetidos ao índice de qualidade do ar. De acordo com os resultados, PM 10 e PM 2,5 foram encontrados muito acima do NEQS. As concentrações de NOx também estavam muito acima dos limites permitidos, enquanto SO2 e O3 foram encontrados abaixo do NEQS, portanto, não têm papéis na formação de smog. O índice de qualidade do ar (AQI) de poluentes foi PM 2,5 (86-227), PM 10 (46-332), NOx (26-110), O3 (19-84) e SO2 (10-95). O AQI de PM 2,5 permaneceu entre níveis moderados a muito prejudiciais à saúde. O AQI de PM 10 permaneceu entre níveis bons e perigosos. AQI de NOx permaneceu entre bom e não saudável para os níveis de grupos sensíveis. O AQI de O3 e SO2 permaneceu entre níveis bons a moderados. A correlação de Pearson mostrou que cada poluente tem uma relação diferente com parâmetros diferentes ou iguais em áreas diferentes. Conclui-se do presente estudo que o material particulado foi muito mais responsável pela formação de smog. Embora o NOx também tenha desempenhado um papel na formação do smog. Portanto, é necessário reduzir as fontes de partículas e NOx, especificamente para reduzir a formação de smog em Lahore.

A comparative assessment of air pollutants of smog in wagah border and other sites in Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract Smog has become the fifth season of Pakistan especially in Lahore city. Increased level of air pollutants (primary and secondary) are thought to be responsible for the formation of smog in Lahore. Therefore, the current study was carried out for the evaluation of air pollutants (primary and secondary) of smog in Wagah border particularly and other sites (Jail road, Gulburg) Lahore. For this purpose, baseline data on winter smog from March to December on primary and secondary air pollutants and meteorological parameters was collected from Environmental Protection Department and Pakistan Meteorological Department respectively. Devices being used in both departments for analysis of parameters were also studied. Collected data was further statistically analyzed to determine the correlation of parameters with meteorological conditions and was subjected to air quality index. According to results, PM 10 and PM 2.5 were found very high above the NEQS. NOx concentrations were also high above the permissible limits whereas SO2 and O3 were found below the NEQS thus have no roles in smog formation. Air Quality Index (AQI) of pollutants was PM 2.5(86-227), PM 10 (46-332), NOx (26-110), O3 (19-84) and SO2 (10-95). AQI of PM 2.5 remained between moderate to very unhealthy levels. AQI of PM 10 remained between good to hazardous levels. AQI of NOx remained between good to unhealthy for sensitive groups levels. AQI of O3 and SO2 remained between good to moderate levels. Pearson correlation showed that every pollutant has a different relation with different or same parameters in different areas. It is concluded from the present study that particulate matter was much more responsible for smog formation. Although NOx also played role in smog formation. So there is need to reduce sources of particulate matter and NOx specifically in order to reduce smog formation in Lahore.

Resumo Smog tornou-se a quinta estação do Paquistão, especialmente na cidade de Lahore. Acredita-se que o aumento do nível de poluentes atmosféricos (primários e secundários) seja responsável pela formação de poluição atmosférica em Lahore. Portanto, o presente estudo foi realizado para a avaliação dos poluentes atmosféricos (primários e secundários) do smog na fronteira de Wagah em particular e em outros locais (Jail road, Gulburg) Lahore. Para este propósito, os dados de referência sobre a poluição atmosférica de inverno de março a dezembro sobre poluentes atmosféricos primários e secundários e parâmetros meteorológicos foram coletados do Departamento de Proteção Ambiental e do Departamento Meteorológico do Paquistão, respectivamente. Dispositivos sendo usados em ambos os departamentos para análise de parâmetros também foram estudados. Os dados coletados foram posteriormente analisados estatisticamente para determinar a correlação dos parâmetros com as condições meteorológicas e foram submetidos ao índice de qualidade do ar. De acordo com os resultados, PM 10 e PM 2,5 foram encontrados muito acima do NEQS. As concentrações de NOx também estavam muito acima dos limites permitidos, enquanto SO2 e O3 foram encontrados abaixo do NEQS, portanto, não têm papéis na formação de smog. O índice de qualidade do ar (AQI) de poluentes foi PM 2,5 (86-227), PM 10 (46-332), NOx (26-110), O3 (19-84) e SO2 (10-95). O AQI de PM 2,5 permaneceu entre níveis moderados a muito prejudiciais à saúde. O AQI de PM 10 permaneceu entre níveis bons e perigosos. AQI de NOx permaneceu entre bom e não saudável para os níveis de grupos sensíveis. O AQI de O3 e SO2 permaneceu entre níveis bons a moderados. A correlação de Pearson mostrou que cada poluente tem uma relação diferente com parâmetros diferentes ou iguais em áreas diferentes. Conclui-se do presente estudo que o material particulado foi muito mais responsável pela formação de smog. Embora o NOx também tenha desempenhado um papel na formação do smog. Portanto, é necessário reduzir as fontes de partículas e NOx, especificamente para reduzir a formação de smog em Lahore.

Assessment of secondary school indoor air quality / Монголын Анагаах Ухаан

Introduction@#During this pandemic, overcrowding in classroom caused by a lack of educational facilities and poor indoor air quality are the main causes of respiratory diseases among children and adolescents. Therefore, it is essential to measure and assess the indoor air quality where children spend extended periods of time such as school. @*Materials and methods@#This study covered four schools with old buildings and four schools with new buildings in Bayanzurkh, Sukhbaatar, Khan-Uul, Chingeltei district of Ulaanbaatar. We collected PM10 and PM2.5, carbon dioxide, air temperature, humidity, and microbiological count from chosen classrooms and compared to the MNS4585:2016 standard. SPSS-24 was used to do statistical analysis on the information gathered during the evaluation.@*Results and Discussion@#The 24-hour average PM2.5 concentration was 64.3 (95% CI: 64.1-64.5) mcg/m3, which was 4.3 times higher than the WHO guideline value and 1.3 times higher than the MNS4585:2016 standard. The 24-hour average PM10 concentration was 85.3 (95 % CI: 85.1-85.6) mcg/m3, which is 1.9 times higher than WHO guideline value. In older school buildings, the 24-hour average PM2.5 concentration was 5.6 times higher than the WHO guideline value and 1.7 times higher than the MNS4585:2016; the average PM10 concentration was 2.8 times higher than the WHO guideline value and 1.3 times higher than the MNS4585:2016. The air temperature and carbon dioxide concentration in classroom was met the MNS4585: 2016. The average relative humidity of all schools is 24.2±6.5%, which is 14-16% lower than the MNS4585: 2016. @*Conclusion@#The indoor air quality of the school in new and old buildings was similar poor, therefore a variety of steps are needed to improve it.

Poluição atmosférica e hospitalizações por agravos pulmonares em idosos na cidade de Nova Iguaçu / Atmospheric pollution and hospitalizations for pulmonary results in elderly people in Nova Iguaçu

Objetivo: Correlacionar poluição atmosférica com hospitalizações de idosos em Nova Iguaçu por doenças pulmonares entre 2007 a 2016. Metodologia: Estudo observacional, retrospectivo. O poluente analisado foi o Material Particulado (PM10). Os dados de qualidade do ar foram fornecidos pelo (INEA). Dados de hospitalização pelo (AIH). Foram selecionadas doenças do aparelho respiratório pelo CID X e subcapítulos J. A análise estatística foi realizada pelo SPSS IBM25 com dados expressos em média, desvio padrão, mediana e intervalo de confiança de 95%. Utilizou-se o teste t para amostras independentes, a diferença estatística foi dada pelo p<0,05. A relação entre poluição do ar e hospitalizações utilizou o coeficiente de correlação de Pearson. Resultados: As médias mensais de PM10 e hospitalizações foram, respectivamente, 74,7 mg/m3 (±16,2), (IC=63,8-87,1); 40,6 (±13,5) (IC= 37,5 ­ 43,5). Os homens representaram (52,4%), que totalizaram 2.239 internações em 10 anos, em que 2015 foi o ano com maior índice de hospitalizações (615). A doença mais incidente foi o J18 com média anual de 102,7. A pneumonia viral acometeu três vezes mais mulheres (p<0,042). A correlação de Pearson entre PM10 e hospitalizações (R=-0,230). Conclusão: O sexo mais acometido entre os idosos foi o masculino. Os agravos pulmonares de maior hospitalização foram as pneumonias, insuficiência respiratória e DPOC. Apesar da não conformidade dos níveis de PM10 em 10 anos houve redução de 60% das concentrações. Os meses entre maio e agosto demonstraram as maiores elevações de PM10 e hospitalizações. A correlação mensal entre hospitalizações de idosos e PM10 foi negativa e fraca.(AU)

Objective: Correlate air pollution with hospitalizations of elderly people in Nova Iguaçu (RJ) for pulmonary diseases between 2007 and 2016. Methodology: Observational, retrospective study. The pollutant analyzed was Particulate Material (PM10). Air quality data was provided by INEA. Hospitalization data was provided by AIH. Respiratory system diseases were selected by CID X and subchapters J. The statistical analysis was performed by SPSS IBM 25, with data expressed as mean, standard deviation, median and 95% confidence interval. The t test for independent samples was used, the statistical difference was given by p<0.05. The relationship between air pollution and hospitalizations used Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: The monthly averages of PM10 and hospitalizations were 74.7 mg/m3 (± 16.2), respectively (CI = 63.8-87.1); 40.6 (± 13.5) (CI = 37.5 - 43.5). Men represented 52.4%, which totaled 2,239 hospitalizations in 10 years, 2015 was the year with the highest rate of hospitalizations (615). The most incident disease was J18 with an annual average of 102.7. Viral pneumonia affected three times as many women (p<0.042). Pearson's correlation between PM10 and hospitalizations (R = -0.230). Conclusion: The sex most affected among the elderly was male. The pulmonary diseases with the highest hospitalization were pneumonia, respiratory failure and COPD. Despite the non-compliance of PM10 levels in 10 years, there was a 60% reduction in concentrations. The months between May and August showed the highest increases in PM10 and hospitalizations. The monthly correlation between hospitalizations of the elderly and PM10 was negative and weak.(AU)

Time series study on the correlation between atmospheric particulate matter and confirmed cases of influenza in Pudong New Area, Shanghai / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To understand the correlation between atmospheric particulate matter and confirmed cases of influenza in Pudong New Area, Shanghai, and to provide a basis for formulating relevant control measures. Methods The meteorological factors (average temperature, relative humidity, and atmospheric pressure), atmospheric pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, CO, and O3) and confirmed cases of influenza of different ages and genders from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2018 were collected. Data was fitted to a generalized additive model of Poisson distribution to assess the correlation between atmospheric particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10) and the number of confirmed cases of influenza. Results There was a correlation between atmospheric particulate matter and the number of confirmed cases of influenza in Pudong New Area. For each increase of 10 μg/m3 in the concentration of the two types of particulate matter, the confirmed cases increased by 0.638% (95%CI: 0.413%~0.864%), and 0.520% (95%CI: 0.324%~0.715%), respectively, when the lag was 0-7d (lag07). People of different ages and genders were affected by atmospheric particulate matter differently. After incorporating the effects of SO2, NO2, CO, and O3 in the multi-pollutant model, the effect of atmospheric particulate matter on the number of influenza cases had changed. Conclusion The increase of atmospheric particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10) concentration increased the number of confirmed cases of influenza in Pudong New Area.

Respiratory Health of Children Exposed to PM10: Consequence of Construction Waste Open Dumping

@#Introduction: Due to rapid urbanization, Malaysia is currently undergoing extensive amount of construction activities and significant rise in the construction waste. Improper construction wastes management practices have led to rise in the waste open dumping sites which may significantly affect the environment and public health. This study was undertaken to assess air pollution in such a site and the impact to the respiratory health of children studying in a nearby school. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in Sungai Buloh (exposed) and Kuala Selangor (comparative). Concentration of PM10 was monitored at the open dumping site (n=15), a nearby primary school (n=45) and a comparative primary school (n=12). Parents who gave consent (n=229) answered a questionnaire related to child’s respiratory health whereas their children participated in lung function assessment. Results: Concentration of PM10 at the dumping site, exposed school and comparative school was 0.245±0.048mg/ m3, 0.270±0.020mg/m3 and 0.051±0.016mg/m3 respectively, with the first two significantly exceeded the 24-hour Malaysian Air Quality Standard (MAQS) for PM10 (0.150mg/m3). Besides, PM10 concentration in the exposed school was similar to the dumping site (p>0.05) and many folds higher than the comparative school (p<0.001). There was a significant risk of cough (PR=1.55), phlegm (PR=1.70), wheezing (PR=1.55) and obstructive pattern of lung function defect (PR male = 4.36; PR female = 3.65) among the exposed group children than their comparative counterpart. Conclusion: Open dumping of construction waste would release substantial amount of PM10 into ambient air and ultimately affect the respiratory health of community, especially children.

Phthalate esters pollution in household indoor air particles in Wuhan / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To investigate the pollution status of phthalate esters in household indoor air particles in Wuhan. Methods The indoor air particulate matter PM10 and PM2.5 from residential houses in Wuhan were collected. The concentrations of 15 phthalate esters were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results A total of 5 phthalates were detected, including DMP, DEP, DiBP, DBP, and DEHP. The detection rate of DiBP, DBP and DEHP was 100%, while DMP and DEP were detected in only some of the samples. Conclusion Phthalate esters pollution was widespread in indoor air particles of residential houses in Wuhan. DiBP, DBP and DEHP were the main pollutants. Decoration materials and plastic household articles were important sources of the phthalate esters pollution, and their impact as a health hazard needs attention.

Respirable Particulate (PM10) and Its Heavy Metals Concentrations from Bauxite Mining in the Vicinity of Urban Kuantan, Malaysia: Inhalation Health Risk Assessment

@#Introduction: Bauxite ore contain various heavy metals especially aluminum, if exposed excessively is detrimental to the respiratory system. Objective: This study aimed at determining the PM10 and its Al, As, Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb content and assessing the inhalation health risk assessment (HRA) among the community. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Kuantan on 162 randomly selected respondents in three residential areas; Felda Bukit Goh (FBG), Jalan Besar Bukit Goh (JBBG) and Kuantan Port Consortium Flat (KPCF). Questionnaires were used to obtain the background information and health symptoms. PM10 with its heavy metals were subsampled for 24 hours using air sampling pumps in 42 randomly sub-sampled households from the 3 areas. Results: PM10 exceeded 150 µg/m3 and the Al, Cd, As, Cr, Ni and Pb levels exceeded the standard limit. The hazard quotient (HQ) of Cd in JBBG (4.13), Cr in FBG (74.06), JBBG (84.41), KPCF (76.87) and Ni in FBG (60.53), JBBG (66.95) and KPCF (58.81) exceeded the HQ value of 1. The lifetime cancer risk (LCR) exceeded the level of 0.0000001 for Cr in FBG (0.0252), JBBG (0.0288) and KPCF (0.0262), as well as for Ni in the FBG (0.000184), JBBG (0.000204), and KPCF (0.000179) areas. Conclusion: The PM10 levels exceeded the USEPA guidelines while Al, Cd, As, Cr, Ni and Pb exceeded the ATSDR limit. The Cd, Cr and Ni posed non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks. Therefore, health risks from the PM10, Cd, Cr and Ni exposures were found in this study.

A Review on the Relationship between Maternal Exposure to Ambient Air Particulate Matter (PM10) and Infants’ Birth Weight in Asia

@#Introduction In 2015, almost half of low birth weight babies in the world were born in Southern Asia. It is contributed by multiple factors including maternal exposure to the elements in the environment during the antenatal period. Particulate matter (PM10) pollution in Southeast Asian region have been extensively studied with known attributions and sources. It is also known that PM10 is able to restrict foetal growth at molecular level. This review intends to investigate if the unborn in Asia are affected by air pollutants indirectly through their mothers. Methods Publications from Scopus and Science Direct digital databases in Asian region from 2015 onwards were reviewed. Details collected were the year of publication and study location, the study design, investigated air pollutants, exposure estimation methods used, the timing of exposure in relation to pregnancy, pregnancy outcome measured and the relative risk or odds of effect. Results A total of eight full text articles were included. Most of the studies were of cohort and quasi experimental designs, involving local air monitoring measurements to assign exposure. Conclusions There were more studies considered multiple air pollutants as contributing risk rather than a single pollutant. The exposure was measured according to stages of pregnancy and the trimester stratification is the most often method used. Modalities used in representing birth outcomes were not confined to birth weight alone but also included the length of gestation. Exposure to PM10 have been found to be associated with reduction in birth weight and increased risk for preterm birth in Asia.

Effect of food intake and ambient air pollution exposure on ankylosing spondylitis disease activity

Abstract Background: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by axial arthritis. The genetic-environmental factors seem to be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease and the disease debilitates patients during the most productive stages of their lives. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between two environmental factors, diet and air pollution with disease activity and functional impairment in AS. Methods: A case-control study was carried out. Thirty patients with AS and 30 age and sex-matched healthy controls were included. Disease scores including BASMI, BASDAI, BASFI, and BASG were calculated by means of the international Ankylosing Spondylitis Assessment working group consensus recommendations. The food intake was evaluated by semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (147 items FFQ). Level of air pollution indices, PM10 and PM2.5 information was obtained from the Tehran air quality control network. Results: Total energy and fat intake, some vitamins (A, B1, B2, C) and mineral intake (potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, copper and selenium) were significantly higher in patients with AS compared to controls. Fat component consumption especially Saturated Fat of Food was moderately correlated with BASFI score. PM2.5 long term exposure was strongly correlated with BASMI, BASFI and BASDAI scores of patients. Conclusion: High-fat diet and long term exposure to air pollution are associated with worse disease outcomes reported in patients with AS. This is an interesting area of investigation in AS pathogenesis and management.

Impact of ambient PM10 on respiratory disease mortality / 预防医学

Objective@#To study the impact of inhalable particles（PM10）on the daily respiratory disease mortality in Jinhua,and to provide basis for health evaluation and protection for susceptible population. @*Methods@#The data of air pollutants and meteorological factors in Jinhua from 2014 to 2018 were collected. The concentrations of the air pollutants were compared with the secondary standard of GB 3095-2012 Environmental Air Quality Standard,and the seasonal distribution characteristics of PM10 were analyzed. The generalized linear models（GLM）of single pollutant and multi-pollutants were built to analyze the impact of atmospheric PM10 on the number of death from respiratory diseases. @*Results@#A total of 4 891 cases died of respiratory diseases from 2014 to 2018 in Jinhua. The median of PM10 concentration was 58 μg/m3,showing high in winter and spring but low in summer and autumn. In single pollutant models,the mortality risks of respiratory diseases of two-day lag among whole population and people aged 65 years or over increased by 1.23%（95%CI：0.27%-2.20%）and 1.24%（95%CI：0.26%-2.23%）with every increase of 10 μg/m3 in PM10. In multi-pollutants models,when introduced SO2,NO2,or SO2+NO2 with PM10,the mortality risks of respiratory diseases of two-day lag among whole population and people aged 65 years or over were higher than that in single pollutant models（P<0.05）. When introduced SO2 or SO2+NO2 with PM10,the mortality risks of respiratory diseases in males were higher than that in single pollutant models（P<0.05）.@*Conclusion@#Ambient PM10 can increase the mortality risk of respiratory diseases,especially for the elderly people aged 65 years or over.

School Indoor Air Quality and Health Risk on the Junior High Schools Students in Depok, Indonesia

PM2.5; PM10; carbon dioxide; Formaldehyde; School health@#1 Graduate Program of Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia, Depok 16424, Jawa Barat, Indonesia 2 Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia, Depok 16424, Jawa Barat, Indonesia 3 Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Malaysia

Previsão da concentração de material particulado inalável, na Região da Grande Vitória, ES, Brasil, utilizando o modelo SARIMAX / Inhalable particulate matter concentration forecast, in the Greater Vitória Region, ES, Brazil, using the SARIMAX model

RESUMO Este trabalho objetivou modelar e prever a concentração média diária de material particulado inalável (MP10), na Região da Grande Vitória (RGV), Espírito Santo, Brasil, utilizando o modelo SARIMAX para o período de 01/01/2012 a 30/04/2015. Os dados deste estudo foram do tipo séries temporais de concentrações de MP10 e de variáveis meteorológicas (velocidade do vento, umidade relativa, precipitação pluvial e temperatura), obtidas junto ao Instituto Estadual de Meio Ambiente e Recursos Hídricos (IEMA), sendo escolhida a estação da Enseada do Suá para fazer o estudo de predição e previsão. Baseando-se em indicadores de desempenho de modelagem, verificou-se que o modelo SARIMAX (1,0,2) (0,1,1)7 é o mais acurado entre os estudados, objetivando fazer predições e previsões da qualidade do ar na RGV. Em comparação com os modelos ARMA, o desempenho estatístico do modelo SARIMAX foi superior, no que diz respeito à predição de eventos de qualidade do ar regular. Dentre as variáveis meteorológicas avaliadas, a velocidade do vento e a precipitação pluvial foram significativas e melhoraram o ajuste do modelo. Em termos de previsão da qualidade do ar, os modelos de séries temporais mostraram resultados satisfatórios.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to model and forecast the average daily concentration of inhalable particulate matter (PM10), in the Greater Vitoria Region (GVR), Espírito Santo, Brazil, using the SARIMAX model, for the period from January 1st, 2012 to April 30th, 2015. Data set from the State Environmental Institute was used. The Enseada do Suá station was chosen for purposes of prediction and forecasting. Some meteorological parameters (wind speed, relative humidity, rainfall and temperature) measured at the GVR were taken as explanatory variables of PM10 concentrations. Based on modelling performance indicators, it was verified the SARIMAX model (1.0.2) (0.1.1)7 is the most accurate between the ones studied, purposing to predict and forecast the air quality in the GVR. The statistical performance of the SARIMAX model was better than the ARMA model, with regard to prediction of regular air quality events. Among the evaluated meteorological variables, wind speed and rainfall were significant and improved the model estimated. Regarding to air quality forecasting, the time series models showed satisfactory results.

The effect of ambient PM10 on sperm quality in Wuhan / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective@#To investigate the effect of exposure to particulate matter ≤10 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM10) on sperm quality in different stages of sperm development.@*Methods@#This cross-sectional study included 1 827 patients attending the reproductive medicine center in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University during April 2013 to January 2015. Air pollution data from January 2013 to January 2015 was obtained from the database of Wuhan Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau. The generalized linear model was employed to assess the association between each exposure variables and sperm parameters for several exposure windows (0-9, 10-14, 15-69, 70-90, 0-90 days before sampling) .@*Results@#The average levels of PM10 was (116.2±71.6) μg/m3 during the research period. Sperm volume was (75.4±49.1) ×106/ml in sample population, (29.4±16.2) % in progressive motility and (51.8±21.6) % in total motility. Exposure to PM10 was inversely associated with sperm concentration (β:-0.319; 95%CI:-0.529,-0.046) during 70-90 lag days. PM10 exposure during the 0-90 lag days was significantly associated with progressive motility (β:-0.312; 95%CI:-0.527,-0.097) and total motility (β:-0.347; 95%CI:-0.636,-0.059) after adjusted for age, education level, BMI, smoking, abstinence time, temperature, humidity and season.@*Conclusion@#Exposure to PM10 was associated with statistically significant decrements in sperm concentration and motility, and the adverse impact on sperm concentration was significantly in early phases of spermatogenesis.

Work Exposure to Traffic Air Pollutants (PM10, Benzene, Toluene, and Xylene) and Respiratory Health Implications among Urban Traffic Policemen in Klang Valley, Malaysia

@#Introduction: This study aimed to identify the exposure levels of traffic air pollutants specifically PM10, benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX) among traffic policemen and the risks to their respiratory health. A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted among 42 traffic policemen and 42 desk-bound policemen as the exposed and comparative groups respectively. Methods: The questionnaire adapted from the American Thoracic Society for Adult Respiratory Health Disease (ATS-DLD) to obtain socio-demographic and respiratory symptoms data. A spirometer (Chestgraph Hi-105) was used to perform lung function test. A personal air sampling pump was used to measure the personal exposure level to PM10. A Ppbrae 3000 was used to measure the outdoor and indoor concentration of BTX during morning and afternoon peak hours respectively. Results: The mean personal exposure level of PM10 among the traffic policemen was 150.14 ± 130.66 µg/m3 compared to only 84.14 ± 94.11 µg/m3 in the comparative group. The short exposures to BTX at the roadsides were found to be slightly higher in the afternoons than in the mornings. Indoor offices air concentrations were only detectable for benzene while the mornings and afternoons values for toluene and xylene were below the detection limits. A median concentration of benzene documented significantly higher at the selected of sampling roadsides areas (median=0.157 ppm) than indoor office areas (median=0.071 ppm). Conclusion: The respiratory symptoms were significantly higher in the exposed group compared to the comparative group which they were 3.9, 4.1, and 3.5 times more likely to develop cough, wheezing, and breathlessness respectively.

Health Risk Impacts of Exposure to Airborne Metals and Benzo(a)Pyrene during Episodes of High PM10 Concentrations in Poland / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To check whether health risk impacts of exposure to airborne metals and Benzo(a) Pyrene during episodes of high PM10 concentrations lead to an increased number of lung cancer cases in Poland.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In this work, we gathered data from 2002 to 2014 concerning the ambient concentrations of PM10 and PM10-bound carcinogenic Benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P] and As, Cd, Pb, and Ni. With the use of the criterion of the exceedance in the daily PM10 mass concentration on at least 50% of all the analyzed stations, the PM10 maxima's were selected. Lung cancer occurrences in periods with and without the episodes were further compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>During a 12-year period, 348 large-scale smog episodes occurred in Poland. A total of 307 of these episodes occurred in the winter season, which is characterized by increased emissions from residential heating. The occurrence of episodes significantly (P < 0.05) increased the concentrations of PM10-bound carcinogenic As, Cd, Pb, Ni, and B(a)P. During these events, a significant increase in the overall health risk from those PM10-related compounds was also observed. The highest probability of lung cancer occurrences was found in cities, and the smallest probability was found in the remaining areas outside the cities and agglomerations.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The link between PM pollution and cancer risk in Poland is a serious public health threat that needs further investigation.</p>

Spatial analysis between particulate matter and emergency room visits for conjunctivitis and keratitis

BACKGROUND: The concentration of particulate matter in the air varies depending on the region because it is lightweight and generated from a variety of sources. To assess the relationship between particulate matter and eye disease, this study analyzes the concentration data obtained from spatial analysis of particulate matter and emergency visit data. METHODS: The study included 769 residents of Daegu, Korea who had visited an emergency room for the problem of conjunctivitis or keratitis. Concentrations of PM10 and other air pollutants were obtained from the Korean Ministry of the Environment. PM10 concentrations and the number of patients from each of 143 administrative dongs (sub-municipal level administrative units) of the city of Daegu were obtained using spatial analysis. The patient distribution and PM10 concentration were mapped for comparison, and their relationship was examined using scatter plot, regression analysis, and the independent sample t-test. RESULTS: The number of patients with conjunctivitis and keratitis was significantly higher in the regions of the top 20% areas than the bottom 20% areas in terms of PM10 concentration. The distribution of PM10 concentration and number of patients was visually similar on the map. The concentration of PM10 and the number of patients showed a dose–response relationship. When the concentrations of other air polluta9nts were controlled for, the numbers of conjunctivitis and keratitis patients were 0.04 per 1000 ER patients and 0.10 per 1000 ER patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: As PM10 is associated with the prevalence of conjunctivitis and keratitis, measures to reduce particulate matter through environmental methods are needed. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s40557-018-0252-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Association between air pollution in the 2015 winter in South Korea and population size, car emissions, industrial activity, and fossil-fuel power plants: an ecological study

BACKGROUND: Compared to 10 years ago, the ambient particulate matter 10 (PM10) and carbon monoxide (CO) levels in South Korea have decreased. However, compared to many other OECD countries, these levels are still too high. Concentration of air pollutants such as PM10 is especially higher during winter than during summer. The first step to rationally solving the air pollution problem in Korea is to identify the key air pollution sources during each season. This ecological study was performed to assess the association between the number of days the accepted PM10 and CO thresholds were exceeded and the concentration of potential emission sources in winter season 2015. METHODS: An emission inventory of the PM10 and CO emissions in the 232 administrative South Korean districts in January, 2015, and February, 2015 and December, 2015, and the population density, number of car registrations, number of car accidents, industrial power usage, and presence of a fossil-fuel power plant in each district was established on the basis of official web-page data from the government. For all emission source variables except power plants, the administrative districts were grouped into quartiles. Districts were also divided according to whether a power plant was present or not. Negative binomial regression was performed to assess the associations between the PM10 and CO air pollution (defined as ≥100 g/m3 and ≥ 9 ppm, respectively) and the concentration of each emission source. RESULTS: Compared to the districts with the lowest population density, the districts with the third highest population density associated most strongly with air pollution. This was also observed for industrial power usage. Car accident number and car registration numbers showed a linear relationship with air pollution. Districts with power plants were significantly more likely to have air pollution than districts that lacked a plant. CONCLUSIONS: Greater car numbers, industrial activity, and population density, and the presence of fossil-fuel plants associated with air pollution in the 2015 winter in South Korea. These data highlight the contaminant sources that could be targeted by interventions that aim to reduce air pollution, decrease the incidence of exposure, and limit the impact of pollution on human health. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s40557-018-0273-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Health Risk Assessment of PM10 exposure among Malaysian Adult Population based on Physical Activity Pattern

Most health advisories related to outdoor physical activity during haze are general in nature. The advisories normally advise everyone to reduce or limit prolonged exertion or heavy exertion without mentioning the acceptable duration for performing outdoor physical activity causing difficulty for public to decide to stop or cancel a particular outdoor or sport event. The aim of this paper is to determine the acceptable duration for performing outdoor physical activity pattern based on API level. Health risk assessment approach that comprises of hazard identification, exposure assessment, dose-response, and risk characterization steps were used to determine the potential inhaled dose and risk associated with performing the physical activity during haze. We have considered many factors that include time spent for physical activity patterns for Malaysian adult, age, physical intensity-specific inhalation rate (m3/min), and the indoor/outdoor ratio of PM10. A hypothetical exposure scenario of PM10 was created using the breakpoints of PM10 concentration for the calculation of respective API levels. The association between physical activity pattern, API level and risk quotient were presented in the form of risk radar diagram. In general, based on the average estimate, everyone should avoid high intensity physical activity and moderate exertion when API reach > 175 and > 200 respectively. Whereas, based on the high estimate, everyone should avoid high intensity physical activity and moderate exertion when API reach > 135 and > 150 respectively. Below the said API, the duration for performing prolonged exertion and heavy exertion should be adjusted according to the API level as stated in the recommended maximum duration for performing physical activity. Reducing the physical activity is an effective strategy to lower the dose of inhaled pollutants and reduce the health risk during poor air quality. Based on the assessment, the recommended maximum duration for performing the physical activity based on API level was established as a guide for the authority or public to plan their activity during poor air quality.​

Time-series analysis of air pollution and birth defects during 2010 to 2015 in Xi'an / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

Objective To study the effects of air pollution including sulphur dioxide (SO2),nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and PM10 in Xi'an on birth defects.Methods We collected the birth defects data from Xi'an Maternal and Child Health Hospital,meteorological data from Xi'an Bureau of Meteorology,and the air pollution data from Xi'an Environment Monitoring Station from 2010 to 2015.Generalized additive model (GAM) was used to explore the relationship between air pollution and birth defects after adjusting the effects of long-term and seasonal trend,temperature,and relative humidity.Results The monthly average birth defects were 89 cases;the monthly average concentration of SO2,NO2 and PM10 was 34.05 μg/m3,45.13 μg/m3,and 96.77 μg/m3,respectively.In the GAM,the monthly average temperature was 13.57 ℃ and the relative humidity was 63.20％.The three kinds of air pollutants all had a certain lag effect in 10 months,which reached the maximum.With an increase of concentration by 10 μg/m3 in three air pollutants,the relative risks and confidence interval of SO2,NO2,and PM10 were 1.060 (1.023-1.097),1.033 (1.014-1.052) and 1.018 (1.007-1.029),with significant differences (P＜0.05).Conclusion Exposure to SO2,NO2,and PM10 may be associated with the risk of birth defects.