Assessment of particulate matter (PM) in ambient air of different settings and its associated health risk in Haripur city, Pakistan / Avaliação de material particulado (MP) no ar ambiente de diferentes configurações e sua associação com o risco à saúde na cidade de Haripur, Paquistão

Particulate matter (PM) is a major air pollutant causing serious health problems. The aim of the present study was to find out concentration of PM in ambient air and its associated health risk in Haripur city, Pakistan. Twenty-three samples were taken at various educational institutes, hospitals, recreational areas and industries in Haripur city. Concentration of PM2.5 (µg/m3) and PM10 (µg/m3) was measured with Youngteng YT-HPC 3000A portable PM counter. The results revealed that values of both PM2.5 and PM10 were above the permissible limits (35 µg/m3 for PM2.5 and 150 µg/m3 for PM10) set by Environmental Protection Agency Pakistan (Pak-EPA) in all the educational institutes, hospitals, recreational areas and industries investigated. Furthermore, significant (p<0.05) variation was found in the concentration of both PM2.5 and PM10 in all the educational institutes, hospitals, recreational areas, and industries studied. The concentration of PM2.5 was positively correlated with the concentration of PM10 in all the sampling sites. Therefore, from 1-14 scale standard of health index, the values of PM2.5 and PM10 exhibited that the ambient air quality of Haripur city Pakistan is under high risk. If the regulatory authorities such as Environmental Protection Agency, Health Department and Local Government monitor PM pollution in different settings of Haripur city, then a decrease can be possible in the pollution level. The remedies that can be taken to overcome the problem of ambient air pollution such as PM are plantation of trees at the sites where there are higher levels of air pollutants and use of masks on personal protection basis along with implementation of pollution control system in industries of Hattar Industrial Estate Haripur city, Pakistan.

O material particulado (MP) é um importante poluente do ar que causa sérios problemas de saúde. O objetivo do presente estudo foi descobrir a concentração de MP no ar ambiente e sua associação com o risco à saúde na cidade de Haripur, Paquistão. Vinte e três amostras foram coletadas em várias instituições de ensino, hospitais, áreas recreativas e indústrias na cidade de Haripur. A concentração de MP2,5 (µg/m3) e MP10 (µg/m3) foi medida por meio do contador de MP portátil Youngteng YT-HPC 3000A. Os resultados revelaram que os valores de MP2,5 e MP10 estavam acima dos limites permitidos (35 µg/m3 para MP2,5 e 150 µg/m3 para MP10) estabelecidos pela Agência de Proteção Ambiental do Paquistão (Pak-EPA) em todas as instituições de ensino, hospitais, áreas recreativas e indústrias investigadas. Além disso, foi encontrada variação significativa (p < 0,05) na concentração de MP2,5 e MP10 em todos os locais estudados. A concentração de MP2,5 correlacionou-se positivamente com a concentração de MP10 em todos os locais de amostragem. Portanto, a partir da escala padrão 1-14 do índice de saúde, os valores de MP2,5 e MP10 mostraram que a qualidade do ar ambiente na cidade de Haripur, Paquistão, está sob alto risco. Se as autoridades reguladoras, como a Pak-EPA, o Departamento de Saúde e o governo local, monitorarem a poluição por MP em diferentes configurações da cidade de Haripur, pode ser que haja uma diminuição no nível de poluição. As medidas que podem ser tomadas para superar o problema da poluição do ar ambiente, como o MP, são o plantio de árvores nos locais onde há maiores níveis de poluentes atmosféricos, o uso de máscaras e a implantação de sistema de controle de poluição nas propriedades industriais de Hattar, na cidade Haripur, Paquistão.

Assessment of particulate matter (PM) in ambient air of different settings and its associated health risk in Haripur city, Pakistan

Abstract Particulate matter (PM) is a major air pollutant causing serious health problems. The aim of the present study was to find out concentration of PM in ambient air and its associated health risk in Haripur city, Pakistan. Twenty-three samples were taken at various educational institutes, hospitals, recreational areas and industries in Haripur city. Concentration of PM2.5 (µg/m3) and PM10 (µg/m3) was measured with Youngteng YT-HPC 3000A portable PM counter. The results revealed that values of both PM2.5 and PM10 were above the permissible limits (35 µg/m3 for PM2.5 and 150 µg/m3 for PM10) set by Environmental Protection Agency Pakistan (Pak-EPA) in all the educational institutes, hospitals, recreational areas and industries investigated. Furthermore, significant (p 0.05) variation was found in the concentration of both PM2.5 and PM10 in all the educational institutes, hospitals, recreational areas, and industries studied. The concentration of PM2.5 was positively correlated with the concentration of PM10 in all the sampling sites. Therefore, from 1-14 scale standard of health index, the values of PM2.5 and PM10 exhibited that the ambient air quality of Haripur city Pakistan is under high risk. If the regulatory authorities such as Environmental Protection Agency, Health Department and Local Government monitor PM pollution in different settings of Haripur city, then a decrease can be possible in the pollution level. The remedies that can be taken to overcome the problem of ambient air pollution such as PM are plantation of trees at the sites where there are higher levels of air pollutants and use of masks on personal protection basis along with implementation of pollution control system in industries of Hattar Industrial Estate Haripur city, Pakistan.

Resumo O material particulado (MP) é um importante poluente do ar que causa sérios problemas de saúde. O objetivo do presente estudo foi descobrir a concentração de MP no ar ambiente e sua associação com o risco à saúde na cidade de Haripur, Paquistão. Vinte e três amostras foram coletadas em várias instituições de ensino, hospitais, áreas recreativas e indústrias na cidade de Haripur. A concentração de MP2,5 (µg/m3) e MP10 (µg/m3) foi medida por meio do contador de MP portátil Youngteng YT-HPC 3000A. Os resultados revelaram que os valores de MP2,5 e MP10 estavam acima dos limites permitidos (35 µg/m3 para MP2,5 e 150 µg/m3 para MP10) estabelecidos pela Agência de Proteção Ambiental do Paquistão (Pak-EPA) em todas as instituições de ensino, hospitais, áreas recreativas e indústrias investigadas. Além disso, foi encontrada variação significativa (p 0,05) na concentração de MP2,5 e MP10 em todos os locais estudados. A concentração de MP2,5 correlacionou-se positivamente com a concentração de MP10 em todos os locais de amostragem. Portanto, a partir da escala padrão 1-14 do índice de saúde, os valores de MP2,5 e MP10 mostraram que a qualidade do ar ambiente na cidade de Haripur, Paquistão, está sob alto risco. Se as autoridades reguladoras, como a Pak-EPA, o Departamento de Saúde e o governo local, monitorarem a poluição por MP em diferentes configurações da cidade de Haripur, pode ser que haja uma diminuição no nível de poluição. As medidas que podem ser tomadas para superar o problema da poluição do ar ambiente, como o MP, são o plantio de árvores nos locais onde há maiores níveis de poluentes atmosféricos, o uso de máscaras e a implantação de sistema de controle de poluição nas propriedades industriais de Hattar, na cidade Haripur, Paquistão.

Short-term effects of air pollutants on outpatient volume of respiratory diseases in Guiyang / 环境与职业医学

Background Affected by concentration, composition, and population tolerance of air pollutants, the relationship between air pollutants and population health has regional differences. There is still a research gap in Guiyang. Objective To explore the short-term effects of air pollutant concentrations in low-pollution areas on the outpatient volume of respiratory diseases. Methods Spearman correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between air pollutants, meteorological factors, and respiratory outpatient volume from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2020 in Guiyang City. A single pollutant distribution lag nonlinear model and a multi-pollutant interaction model were established based on Poisson distribution. A three-dimensional diagram was drawn to display the relationship between air pollutants and respiratory outpatient volume. Quantitative analysis was conducted on the attribution risk and lag effect of air pollutant concentration on outpatient volume of respiratory diseases in Guiyang City. Results The results of the single pollutant model showed that fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) elevated the outpatient volume of respiratory diseases. The maximum relative risk (RR) and 95%CI values of PM2.5, NO2,CO, and SO2 appeared on Day 2, 0, 5, and 6, respectively, which were 1.019 (1.015, 1.023), 1.146 (1.122, 1.171), 1.129 (1.116, 1.143), and 1.046(1.040, 1.052), respectively. For every quartile concentration increment of PM2.5, NO2, CO, or SO2, the outpatient volume of respiratory diseases increased by 0.943% (0.111%, 1.782%), 4.050% (3.573%, 4.529%), 0.595% (0.317%, 0.874%), or 0.667% (0.235%, 1.100%), respectively. The maximum RR (95%CI) of O3 was 1.015 (1.007, 1.023) and appeared on Day 0. The results of multi-pollutant model showed that PM2.5, NO2, CO, SO2, and O3 all elevated the outpatient volume of respiratory diseases. The maximum RR values of PM2.5, NO2, CO, SO2 and O3 appeared on Day 14, 0, 5, 7 and 0, respectively, which were 1.027 (1.021, 1.034), 1.213 (1.179, 1.248), 1.059 (1.043, 1.074), 1.016 (1.005, 1.026), and 1.024 (1.015, 1.033), respectively. Compared with the single pollutant model, the RR values of PM2.5, NO2, and O3 on the outpatient volume of respiratory diseases in the multi-pollutant model showed an upward trend, while the RR values of CO and SO2 in the multi-pollutant model showed a downward trend. Conclusion The impact of low concentrations of PM2.5, NO2, CO, and SO2 on human health cannot be ignored.

Source analysis and health risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in atmospheric PM2.5 in a district of Taizhou City from 2019 to 2021 / 环境与职业医学

Background Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), one of the main components of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), have a certain impact on ambient air quality, and long-term exposure to PAHs may pose potential health risks to human beings. Objective To identify the distribution characteristics and sources of PAHs in atmospheric PM2.5 in a district of Taizhou City from 2019 to 2021, and to evaluate the health risks of PAHs to the population in the area through the inhalation pathway. Methods From 2019 to 2021, air PM2.5 sampling was carried out at a state-controlled surveillance point in a district of Taizhou City for 7 consecutive days on the 10th-16th of each month, the sampling time was 24 h·d−1, and the sampling flow rate was 100 L·min−1. PM2.5 mass concentration was calculated by gravimetric method. A total of 16 PAHs were determined by ultrasonic extraction-liquid chromatography. Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to compare the distribution charac teristics of PAHs concentrations by years and seasons, characteristic ratio and principal component analysis (PCA) was used to analyze their sources, and a lifetime carcinogenic risk (ILCR) model was used to assess the health risk of PAHs. Results From 2019 to 2021, the annual average concentrations [M (P25, P75)] of ∑PAHs in atmospheric PM2.5 in the selected district of Taizhou City were 6.52 (2.46, 10.59), 8.52 (4.56, 12.29), and 3.72 (1.51, 7.11) ng·m−3, respectively, and the annual benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) excess rates (national limit: 1 ng·m−3) were 27.38% (23/84), 47.62% (40/84), and 19.04% (16/84), respectively, both presenting 2020> 2019 > 2021 (P<0.001, P<0.05). The ∑PAHs concentration distribution showed a seasonal variation, with the highest value in winter and the lowest value in summer (P<0.05). Among the atmospheric PM2.5 samples, the proportion of 5-ring PAHs was the highest, the proportion of 2-3-ring PAHs was the lowest; the proportion of 2-4-ring PAHs showed a yearly upward trend, and the proportion of 5-6-ring PAHs showed yearly downward trend (P<0.05). The characteristic ratio and PCA results suggested that the sources of sampled PAHs were mainly mixed sources such as dust, fossil fuel (natural gas), coal combustion, industrial emissions, and motor vehicle exhaust emissions. The ILCR (RILCR) of PAHs by inhalation for men, women, and children were 1.83×10−6, 2.35×10−6, and 2.04×10−6, respectively, and the annual average RILCR was 2.07×10−6, all greater than 1×10−6. Conclusion For the sampled time period, the main sources of PAHs pollution in atmospheric PM2.5 in the target district of Taizhou City are dust, fossil fuel (natural gas), coal combustion, industrial emissions, motor vehicle emissions, etc., and PAHs may have a potential carcinogenic risk to local residents.

Individual and interactive effects of atmospheric PM2.5 and O3 on mortality of circulatory system diseases in Ningxia / 环境与职业医学

Background The impact of atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) on the mortality of circulatory system diseases cannot be ignored. However, whether the interaction between PM2.5 and O3 can affect population health is rarely reported and requires study. Objective To investigate the individual and interactive impacts of atmospheric PM2.5 and O3 on the mortality of circulatory system diseases in the population of Ningxia region. Methods The data of 119647 deaths due to circulatory system diseases, daily average concentrations of atmospheric pollutants, and meteorological data in Ningxia from 2013 to 2020 were retrieved. PM2.5 was divided into low, medium, and high concentrations according to the primary and secondary national limits (35 and 75 μg·m−3) of the Ambient air quality standards. Similarly, O3 was divided into low, medium, and high concentrations according to the national limits (100 and 160 μg·m−3). Using a generalized additive mixed model based on quasi Poisson distribution, the impacts of atmospheric PM2.5 and O3 as well as their interaction on the mortality of circulatory system diseases were analyzed using the population data of Ningxia region. Results During the target period, males and the ≥ 65 year group accounted for larger proportions of deaths due to circulatory system diseases (55.47% and 79.87% respectively). The daily average concentration of PM2.5 (40.25 μg·m−3) exceeded the national primary limit. In the single pollution model, the highest cumulative lag effects for mortality from circulatory system diseases were PM2.5 exposure over previous 1 d (lag01) and O3 exposure for previous 2 d (lag02), and their excess risk (ER) values were 1.03% (95%CI: 0.67%, 1.40%) and 1.02% (95%CI: 0.57%, 1.50%), respectively. The results of concentration stratification analysis showed that the most significant risks of death from circulatory system diseases [ER (95%CI): 1.12% (0.32%, 1.92%) and 0.95% (0.13%, 1.79%) respectively] were found at medium PM2.5 and O3 concentrations. The interaction analysis revealed that under, a synergistic effect on the risk of death from circulatory system diseases was identified (relative excess risk due to interaction=3.08%, attributable proportion of interaction=2.90%, synergy index=1.89) when considering the coexistence of PM2.5 and O3 above the primary limit. As the concentrations of PM2.5 and O3 increased, the synergistic effect increased the risk of death from circulatory system diseases in the general population, men, women, and the ≥ 65 years group. Conclusion Both atmospheric PM2.5 and O3 can increase the risk of death from circulatory system diseases, and the two pollutants have a synergistic effect on the risk of death from circulatory system diseases.

Defectos congénitos y exposición prenatal a material particulado en una población colombiana

Objetivo. Determinar la existencia de asociación entre defectos congénitos y la exposición prenatal de mujeres gestantes a PM10 en una población colombiana. Métodos. Estudio retrospectivo de casos y controles. Se incluyeron casos de madres de recién nacidos con defectos congénitos confirmados posnatalmente y controles sin defectos congénitos. La exposición a emisiones se determinó mediante disgregación temporo-espacial mediante ArcGIS® y georreferenciación mediante gvSIG, Google Earth y Google Street View®, usando estimaciones previamente publicadas y validadas para la ciudad. El análisis estadístico se realizó utilizando Jamovi-Stats Open now. Resultados . Se incluyeron un total de 101 pacientes, correspondiendo a 31 casos y 70 controles. Existió un aumento del riesgo de desarrollar defectos congénitos tras la exposición a emisiones de PM10 superiores a 2,23 Ton/año/250 m2 (OR: 8,17; IC 95%: 1.61 a 41.46; p = 0,011). Conclusiones. Existió relación entre la exposición a niveles elevados de PM10 y aumento en el riesgo de defectos congénitos en la población estudiada. Se sugiere la realización de futuras investigaciones sobre la relación entre contaminación medioambiental y eventos obstétricos adversos.

Objective: To determine the existence of an association between birth defects and prenatal exposure of pregnant women to PM10 in a Colombian population. Methods: Retrospective case-control study. Cases of mothers of newborns with postnatally confirmed congenital defects and controls without congenital defects were included. Emission exposure was determined by temporo-spatial disaggregation using ArcGIS® and georeferencing using gvSIG®, Google Earth® and Google Street View®, using previously published and validated estimates for the city. Statistical analysis was performed using Jamovi-Stats Open now®. Results: A total of 101 patients were included, corresponding to 31 cases and 70 controls. There was an increased risk of developing birth defects after exposure to PM10 emissions above 2.23 Ton/year/250m2 (OR: 8.17; 95% CI: 1.61 - 41.46; p = 0.011). Conclusions: There was a relationship between exposure to high levels of PM10 and increased risk of birth defects in the population studied. Future research on the relationship between environmental contamination and adverse obstetric events is suggested.

To Study the Effect of Interventions to Reduce the Indoor Air Pollution in Asthmatic Children of Rural India

Background: Around 2.6 billion people cook their food using biomass fuel (BMF), kerosene oil, and coal fuel, by which each year, 4 million people die prematurely from household air pollution or by this inefficient cooking practices. So, this study was planned to measure the effect of interventions of cooking fuel (BMF to LPG) to reduce the indoor air pollution in asthmatic children of rural India. Methods: Prospective observational study was done by door-to-door survey, among school-age children. Households of asthmatic children were encouraged to change their cooking fuel to more secure and were followed up for a period of 9 months. The intervention was in the form of a change of cooking fuel (from BMF to LPG) and proper education. The levels of indoor pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, and PM1) were measured before and after 3 months of follow-up. Result: A total of 56 asthmatic children from 42 households were followed-up for the following 9 months at every 3 months visit. The mean age was 9.27 ± 3.94 years with an equivalent sex ratio. There was at least one smoker in 73.81% of households of asthmatic children. Nearly, 45% of children were living in 101–500 square yard area and 67.86% with the inhabitation of ? 3/room. The level of all particulate matter decreased significantly at 3 months (p < 0.05). At 3, 6, 9 months of follow-up, respiratory symptoms and morbidity significantly diminished. Conclusion: The change in cooking fuel to more secure was found to be one of the factors decreasing indoor pollutants and respiratory symptoms/morbidity among asthmatic children in rural areas.

Consultas por enfermedades respiratorias agudas en la población pediátrica y su relación con el material particulado atmosférico en Bahía Blanca: un estudio ecológico / Consultations for acute respiratory diseases in the pediatric population and their relationship with atmospheric particulate matter in Bahía Blanca: an ecological study

Introducción. El material particulado (PM) es uno de los contaminantes del aire que mayor implicación tienen en la aparición o exacerbación de cuadros respiratorios en niños. Objetivo. Describir las características de las consultas por enfermedades respiratorias agudas en menores de 15 años, los niveles de PM en el aire, y analizar la asociación existente entre ellos en un sector de Bahía Blanca entre abril de 2019 y marzo de 2020. Población y métodos. Estudio ecológico de series temporales y grupos múltiples. Análisis descriptivo de consultas totales, por área, diagnóstico, y del PM. Modelo de correlación y regresión lineal generalizado para determinar la relación entre las variables. Se utilizó el programa SPSS®. Resultados. Se recopilaron 4787 consultas. Un 38,6 % (1846) correspondieron a rinitis y un 21,1 % (1011) a broncoespasmo. El PM de 10 nm (PM10) superó su valor límite el 31 % (115) de los días de estudio y el de 2,5 nm (PM2,5) un 3 % (8). Un aumento del 10 % del PM2,5 demostró incrementos de 1,3 % en las consultas totales; el incremento llegó al 2,1 % en el área más cercana al sector industrial (p <0,05). En esta última, el aumento del 10 % de los valores de PM10 se asoció al aumento del 1,8 % de las consultas (p <0,05). Conclusión. Se demostró asociación positiva entre las consultas por enfermedad respiratoria aguda y los niveles de PM del aire, sobre todo con el PM2,5 y en el área más cercana al sector industrial.

Introduction. Particulate matter (PM) is one of the air pollutants most involved in the onset or exacerbation of respiratory conditions in children. Objective. To describe the characteristics of consultations for acute respiratory diseases in children younger than 15 years and the levels of PM in the air and to analyze their association in a sector of Bahía Blanca between April 2019 and March 2020. Population and methods. Ecological, time-series study with multiple groups. Descriptive analysis of total number of consultations, by area, diagnosis, and PM. Generalized linear correlation and regression model to determine the relationship among variables. The SPSS® software was used. Results. Data from 4787 consultations were collected. Of these, 38.6% (1846) were related to rhinitis and 21.1% (1011), to bronchospasm. PM of 10 nm (PM10) exceeded its limit value on 31% (115) of the study days, and PM of 2.5 nm (PM2.5), on 3% (8). A 10% increase in PM2.5 showed increases of 1.3% in total consultations; the increase reached 2.1% in the area closest to the industrial sector (p < 0.05). In the latter, a 10% increase in PM10 was associated with an increase of 1.8% in consultations (p < 0.05). Conclusion. A positive association was evidenced between consultations for acute respiratory diseases and PM levels in the air, especially with PM2.5 and in the area closest to the industrial sector.

Research progress on effects and mechanisms of short-term exposure to ambient fine particulate matter and its components on blood pressure / 环境与职业医学

Elevated blood pressure is one of the major contributors to cardiovascular disease and premature death. The exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is closely associated with changes in blood pressure, and even short-term exposure to PM2.5 can lead to an increase in blood pressure. PM2.5 is a complex mixture that exerts different toxicities and triggers increased blood pressure through various mechanisms. Therefore, in this article, we provided a comprehensive review of published studies on the effects of short-term exposure to PM2.5 and its components on blood pressure, and elaborated potential mechanisms from four aspects, including oxidative stress and inflammatory response, endothelial dysfunction, autonomic nervous system disorders and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis activation, and epigenome alteration. Given the limitations of existing research, future prospective studies can be conducted on diverse populations, using more precise exposure measurement methods and multi-omics approaches, to further elucidate the mechanisms underlying the effects of PM2.5 and its various components on blood pressure. The findings would provide a theoretical foundation for effective protection of public health, particularly vulnerable groups.

Correlation between early life exposure to PM 2.5 and risk of autism spectrum disorder among school aged children / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To investigate the associations between early life exposure to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm (PM 2.5 ) and the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among school aged children.@*Methods@#A total of 165 children with ASD and 165 age and gender matched typical development (TD) children were recruited. Children s basic information were obtained via questionnaires, and the severity of ASD symptoms was assessed with Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS). Early life PM 2.5 exposure (preconception, entire pregnancy, and the first two years after birth) were extracted from the Tracking Air Pollution in China (TAP) datasets. Conditional Logistic regression and generalized linear model were used to evaluate the associations of early life exposure to PM 2.5 with the risk and the ASD severity symptoms, respectively.@*Results@#The PM 2.5 exposure of ASD group during preconception[(55.08±9.34)μg/m 3], entire pregnancy[(50.44±8.71)μg/m 3], the first year after birth [(45.04± 8.25 )μg/m 3] and the second year after birth [(40.19±7.12)μg/m 3] were significant higher than those in TD children [(47.66± 7.63 , 44.19±7.16, 38.95±6.07, 35.76±5.65)μg/m 3]( t =7.94, 7.13, 7.70, 6.32, P <0.05). After adjusting for potential confounding, each increase of 1 μg/m 3 in PM 2.5 was associated with higher risk of ASD during preconception ( OR=1.21, 95%CI =1.13-1.29), entire pregnancy( OR=1.18, 95%CI =1.11-1.26), the first year after birth ( OR=1.30, 95%CI =1.18-1.43) and the second year after birth ( OR=1.29, 95%CI =1.17-1.42). No similar results were observed regarding the analyses of SRS total and sub scale scores( P >0.05).@*Conclusion@#Early life exposure to PM 2.5 is relate to the risk of ASD, these findings indicated that more attention should be paid to ambient PM pollution in the early life prevention and control of ASD.

Characteristics and Differences of Household Fine Particulate Matter Pollution Caused by Fuel Burning in Urban and Rural Areas in China / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To explore the overall level,distribution characteristics,and differences in household fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution caused by fuel burning in urban and rural areas in China. Methods The relevant articles published from 1991 to 2021 were retrieved and included in this study.The data including the average concentration of household PM2.5 and urban and rural areas were extracted,and the stoves and fuel types were reclassified.The average concentration of PM2.5 in different areas was calculated and analyzed by nonparametric test. Results The average household PM2.5 concentration in China was (178.81±249.91) μg/m3.The mean household PM2.5 concentration was higher in rural areas than in urban areas[(206.08±279.40) μg/m3 vs. (110.63±131.16) μg/m3;Z=-5.45,P<0.001] and higher in northern areas than in southern areas[(224.27±301.66) μg/m3 vs.(130.11±140.61) μg/m3;Z=-2.38,P=0.017].The north-south difference in household PM2.5 concentration was more significant in rural areas than in urban areas[(324.19±367.94) μg/m3 vs.(141.20±151.05) μg/m3,χ2=-5.06,P<0.001].The PM2.5 pollution level showed differences between urban and rural households using different fuel types (χ2=92.85,P<0.001),stove types (χ2=74.42,P<0.001),and whether they were heating (Z=-4.43,P<0.001).Specifically,rural households mainly used solid fuels (manure,charcoal,coal) and traditional or improved stoves,while urban households mainly used clean fuels (gas) and clean stoves.The PM2.5 concentrations in heated households were higher than those in non-heated households in both rural and urban areas (Z=-4.43,P<0.001). Conclusions The household PM2.5 pollution caused by fuel combustion in China remains a high level.The PM2.5 concentration shows a significant difference between urban and rural households,and the PM2.5 pollution is more serious in rural households.The difference in the household PM2.5 concentration between urban and rural areas is more significant in northern China.PM2.5 pollution in the households using solid fuel,traditional stoves,and heating is serious,and thus targeted measures should be taken to control PM2.5 pollution in these households.

An optimal medicinal and edible Chinese herbal formula attenuates particulate matter-induced lung injury through its anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptosis activities / 中草药·英文版

OBJECTIVE@#Identifying novel strategies to prevent particulate matter (PM)-induced lung injury is crucial for the reduction of the morbidity of chronic respiratory diseases. The combined intervention represented by herbal formulae for simultaneously targeting multiple pathological processes can provide a more beneficial effect than the single intervention. The aim of this paper is therefore to design a safe and effective medicinal and edible Chinese herbs (MECHs) formula against PM-induced lung injury.@*METHODS@#PM-induced oxidative stress, inflammatory response and apoptosis A549 cell model were used to screen anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic MECHs, respectively. A network pharmacology method was utilized to rationally design a novel herbal formula. Ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer was utilized to assess the quality control of MECHs formula. The excretion of magnetic iron oxide nanospheres of the MECHs formula was estimated in zebrafish. The MECH formula against PM-induced lung injury was investigated with mice experiments.@*RESULTS@#Five selected herbs were rationally designed to form a new MECH formula, including Citri Exocarpium Rubrum (Juhong), Lablab Semen Album (Baibiandou), Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu), Mori Folium (Sangye) and Polygonati Odorati Rhizoma (Yuzhu). The formula effectively promoted the magnetic iron oxide nanospheres excretion in zebrafish. The mid/high dose formula significantly prevented PM-induced lung damage in mice by enhancing the activity of SOD and GSH-Px, reducing the MDA and ROS level and attenuating the upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β and TNF-α), down regulating the protein expression of NF-κB, STAT3 and Caspase-3.@*CONCLUSION@#Our findings suggest that the effective MECHs formula will become a novel strategy for preventing PM-induced lung injury and provide a paradigm for the development of functional foods using MECHs.

Ambient Fine Particulate Matter Exposure and Blood Pressure: Evidence from a Large Chinese Multiple Follow-Up Study / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

OBJECTIVE@#This study aimed to investigate the association of ambient PM2.5 exposure with blood pressure (BP) at the population level in China.@*METHODS@#A total of 14,080 participants who had at least two valid blood pressure records were selected from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey during 2011-2015. Their long-term PM2.5 exposure was assessed at the geographical level, on the basis of a regular 0.1° × 0.1° grid over China. A mixed-effects regression model was used to assess associations.@*RESULTS@#Each decrease of 10 μg/m3 in the 1 year-mean PM2.5 concentration (FPM1Y) was associated with a decrease of 1.24 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.84-1.64] mmHg systolic BP (SBP) and 0.50 (95% CI: 0.25-0.75) mmHg diastolic BP (DBP), respectively. A robust association was observed between the long-term decrease in PM2.5 and decreased BP in the middle-aged and older population. Using a generalized additive mixed model, we further found that SBP increased nonlinearly overall with FPM1Y but in an approximately linear range when the FPM1Y concentration was < 70 µg/m3; In contrast, DBP increased approximately linearly without a clear threshold.@*CONCLUSION@#Efficient control of PM2.5 air pollution may promote vascular health in China. Our study provides robust scientific support for making the related air pollution control policies.

Associations of ambient PM2.5 and O3 with human mortality: A time-series study in a city of central China / 环境与职业医学

Background Exposure to air pollutants O3 and PM2.5 is closely related to population mortality. Most of the domestic research findings are for residents in coastal areas, and less for those in the central and western regions. Objective To investigate the acute effects of O3 and PM2.5 on the mortality of residents in a city of central China. Methods Data were collected on atmospheric pollutants, meteorological data, and population mortality in a city of central China from January 1, 2015 to June 30, 2021. Meteorological data included daily average temperature, air pressure, and relative humidity. Atmospheric pollution data included daily mean concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, and CO and maximum 8 h O3. Generalized additive model with Poisson distribution was used for estimating the relationships between air pollutants (O3 and PM2.5) and population mortality, and further stratified by age, gender, and education. Results The daily maximum 8 h average concentration of O3 in the city during the study period was 94.38 μɡ·m−3 and the daily average concentration of PM2.5 was 55.56 μɡ·m−3. In the single-pollutant model, the correlations between O3 concentration and total deaths as well as deaths due to respiratory, circulatory, hypertension, coronary heart disease, and stroke were strongest at lag02, lag2, lag02, lag0, lag02, and lag0, and for every 10 μɡ·m−3 increase in concentration of O3, the associated ER (95%CI) values of daily mortality were increased by 0.09% (−0.08%–0.25%), 0.35% (0–0.71%), 0.43% (0.18%–0.68%), 0.45% (0.02%–0.91%), 0.59% (0.16%–1.02%), and 0.33% (0.01%–0.65%), respectively. The effect of O3 on total mortality was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The correlations between PM2.5 concentration and total deaths, as well as deaths due to respiratory, circulatory, hypertension, coronary heart disease, and stroke were strongest at lag1, lag5, lag01, lag05, lag04, and lag01, and for every 10 μɡ·m−3 increase in concentration of PM2.5, the associated ER (95%CI) values of daily mortality increased by 0.02% (−0.09–0.13%), 0.25% (0.01%–0.50%), 0.35% (0.16%–0.54%), 1.18% (0.59%–1.77%), 0.17% (−0.13%–0.40%), and 0.65% (0.38%–0.92%), respectively, with no statistically significant effects of PM2.5 on total mortality and mortality due to coronary heart disease (P>0.05). During warm season (from May to October), the ER (95%CI) values of total deaths per 10 μɡ·m−3 increase in O3 in male, people aged 6~65 years, people aged >65 years, and people below high school education were 0.46% (0.16%–0.75%), 0.38% (0.08%–0.68%), 0.41% (0.14%–0.66%), and 0.38% (0.14%–0.61%), respectively, while the O3 effect was not statistically significant (P>0.05) during cool season (from November to April). Conclusions Atmospheric pollutants (O3 and PM2.5) have acute effects on mortality in the city, with the elderly, people with less than a high school education, and those with circulatory disease being more sensitive to O3 and PM2.5 exposures.

The potential impact of PM2.5 on the covid-19 crisis in the Brazilian Amazon region

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess covid-19 morbidity, mortality, and severity from 2020 to 2021 in five Brazilian Amazon states with the highest records of wildfires. METHODS A distributed lag non-linear model was applied to estimate the potential exposure risk association with particulate matter smaller than 2.5-µm in diameter (PM2.5). Daily mean temperature, relative humidity, percentual of community mobility, number of hospital beds, days of the week, and holidays were considered in the final models for controlling the confounding factors. RESULTS The states of Para, Mato Grosso, and Amazonas have reported the highest values of overall cases, deaths, and severe cases of covid-19. The worrying growth in the percentual rates in 2020/2021 for the incidence, severity, and mortality were highlighted in Rondônia and Mato Grosso. The growth in 2020/2021 in the estimations of PM2.5 concentrations was higher in Mato Grosso, with an increase of 24.4%, followed by Rondônia (14.9%). CONCLUSION This study establishes an association between wildfire-generated PM2.5 and increasing covid-19 incidence, mortality, and severity within the studied area. The findings showed that the risk of covid-19 morbidity and mortality is nearly two times higher among individuals exposed to high concentrations of PM2.5. The attributable fraction to PM2.5 in the studied area represents an important role in the risk associated with covid-19 in the Brazilian Amazon region.

Air pollution from forest burning as environmental risk for millions of inhabitants of the Brazilian Amazon: an exposure indicator for human health / Poluição do ar por queimadas florestais como risco ambiental para milhões de habitantes da Amazônia brasileira: um indicador de exposição para a saúde humana / Contaminación del aire por incendios forestales como riesgo ambiental para millones de habitantes de la Amazonía brasileña: un indicador de exposición para la salud humana

Abstract: In this study, we propose an indicator of air pollution exposure to identify potential hazardous areas for human health in the Amazon and Central-West Regions of Brazil from 2010 to 2019. This indicator aggregates both concentrations and time of exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), according to the current limit recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). We used daily PM2.5 averages obtained from the Brazilian Health Integrated Environmental Information System (SISAM) to calculate the percentages of days with PM2.5 concentrations exceeding the limit of 15µg/m³ per year and per month. From 2010 to 2019, the months from August to October presented the largest areas and the highest percentages of days with unacceptable pollution concentration values, harmful to human health. These areas were concentrated in the Arc of Deforestation. Therefore, 60% of the residents of the Amazon and Central-West regions were subjected to inadequate air quality for approximately six months per year. The proposed indicator is reproducible and appropriate to monitor areas of exposure and risk for human health.

Resumo: Este estudo propõe um indicador de exposição à poluição do ar para identificar potenciais áreas de risco para a saúde humana na região amazônica e no Centro-oeste do Brasil de 2010 a 2019. Esse indicador agrega as concentrações e o tempo de exposição à partículas finas de poluição (PM2.5), de acordo com o limite atual recomendado pela Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). Foram utilizadas médias diárias de PM2.5 obtidas do Sistema de Informações Ambientais Integrado a Saúde (SISAM) para o cálculo dos percentuais de dias cujas concentrações ultrapassaram o limite de 15μg/m³ por ano e por mês. De 2010 a 2019, os meses de agosto a outubro apresentaram as maiores áreas e os maiores percentuais de dias com valores de concentração inaceitáveis para a saúde humana. Tais áreas estavam concentradas na região do arco do desmatamento. Além disso, 60% dos moradores da região amazônica e do Centro-oeste eram expostos a uma qualidade inadequada do ar por aproximadamente seis meses por ano. O indicador proposto é reprodutível e adequado para monitorizar as áreas de exposição e de risco para a saúde humana.

Resumen: Este estudio propone un indicador de exposición a la contaminación del aire para identificar posibles áreas de riesgo para la salud humana en la región amazónica y el Medio Oeste de Brasil de 2010 a 2019. Este indicador agrega las concentraciones y el tiempo de exposición a partículas finas de contaminación (PM2.5), de acuerdo con el límite actual recomendado por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). Se utilizaron los promedios diarios de PM2.5 obtenidos del Sistema Integrado de Información Ambiental en Salud (SISAM) para calcular el porcentaje de días cuyas concentraciones superaron el límite de 15μg/m³ por año y por mes. En la década de 2010 a 2019, los meses de agosto a octubre tuvieron las áreas más grandes y los porcentajes más altos de días con valores de concentración inaceptables para la salud humana. Tales áreas se concentraron en la región del arco de la deforestación. Además, el 60% de los residentes de la región amazónica y el Medio Oeste estuvieron sujetos a una calidad del aire inadecuada durante aproximadamente seis meses al año. El indicador propuesto es reproducible y adecuado para monitorizar las áreas de exposición y de riesgo para la salud humana.

Evidence of the adverse effects of air pollution on the population's health in Spain: analysis of the economic costs of premature deaths / Evidencias sobre los efectos adversos de la contaminación atmosférica en la salud de la población de España: análisis de los costes económicos de las muertes prematuras / Evidências sobre os efeitos adversos da poluição do ar sobre a saúde da população na Espanha: análise dos custos econômicos das mortes prematuras

Abstract: Exposure to ambient air pollution increases mortality and morbidity, leading disabilities, and premature deaths. Air pollution has been identified as a leading cause of global disease burden, especially in low- and middle-income countries in 2015 (Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors Study, 2015). This study explores the relation between mortality rates and particulate matter (PM) concentrations in the 50 Spanish regions for the period 2002-2017. Moreover, we estimated the premature deaths due to PM in Spain according to welfare and production losses in 2017. Random-effects models were developed to evaluate the relation between mortality rates and PM concentrations. The economic cost of premature deaths was assessed using the Willingness to Pay approach to quantify welfare losses and the Human Capital method to estimate production losses. PM10 concentrations are positively related to mortality due to respiratory diseases and stroke. Based on 10,342 premature deaths in 2017, losses in welfare amount to EUR 36,227 million (3.1% of Spanish GDP). The economic value of current and future production losses reached EUR 229 million (0.02% of GDP). From a social perspective, air pollution is a public health concern that greatly impacts health and quality of life. Results highlight the need to implement or strengthen regulatory, fiscal, and health public policies to substantially benefit the population's health by reducing their exposure to air pollution.

Resumen: La exposición a la contaminación atmosférica aumenta la mortalidad y la morbilidad, lo que conduce a la discapacidad y a la muerte prematura. La contaminación del aire se identificó como una de las principales causas de la carga mundial de enfermedades, sobre todo en países de ingresos bajos y medianos en el 2015 (Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors Study, 2015). Este artículo explora la relación entre las tasas de mortalidad y la concentración de material particulado (PM) en las 50 regiones españolas desde el 2002 hasta el 2017. Además, se realizó una estimación de las muertes prematuras provocadas por PM en España en términos de bienestar y pérdidas de producción en el 2017. Se desarrollaron modelos de efectos aleatorios para estudiar la relación entre las tasas de mortalidad y las concentraciones de PM. El costo económico de las muertes prematuras se evaluó usando el enfoque "disposición a pagar" para monetizar las pérdidas de bienestar y el método del capital humano para estimar las pérdidas de producción. Las concentraciones de PM10 están positivamente asociadas con la mortalidad por enfermedades respiratorias y accidente cerebrovascular. Con base en 10.342 muertes prematuras en el 2017, las pérdidas en el bienestar social ascendieron a EUR 36.227 millones (3,1% del PIB español). El valor económico de las pérdidas de producción presentes y futuras llegó a EUR 229 millones (0,02% del PIB). Desde un punto de vista social, la contaminación del aire es un problema de salud pública que tiene un gran impacto en la salud y en la calidad de vida. Los resultados ponen de manifiesto la necesidad de implementar o de fortalecer políticas públicas regulatorias, fiscales y de salud para obtener beneficios sustanciales para la salud con la reducción de la exposición.

Resumo: A exposição à poluição do ar ambiente aumenta a mortalidade e a morbidade, levando a incapacidades e mortes prematuras. A poluição do ar foi identificada como uma das principais causas da carga global de doenças, principalmente em países de baixa e média renda em 2015 (Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors Study, 2015). Este artigo explora a relação entre as taxas de mortalidade e a concentração de material particulado (PM) nas 50 regiões espanholas de 2002 a 2017. Além disso, foi realizada uma estimativa das mortes prematuras causadas por PM na Espanha em termos de bem-estar e perdas de produção em 2017. Modelos de efeitos aleatórios foram desenvolvidos para estudar a relação entre as taxas de mortalidade e as concentrações de PMP. O custo econômico das mortes prematuras foi avaliado usando a abordagem "disposição a pagar" para monetizar as perdas de bem-estar e o método do capital humano para estimar as perdas de produção. As concentrações de PM10 estão positivamente associadas à mortalidade por doenças respiratórias e acidente vascular cerebral. Com base em 10.342 mortes prematuras em 2017, as perdas no bem-estar social subiram para EUR 36,227 bilhões (3,1% do PIB espanhol). O valor econômico das perdas de produção presentes e futuras atingiu os EUR 229 milhões (0,02% do PIB). Do ponto de vista social, a poluição do ar é um problema de saúde pública que tem grande impacto na saúde e na qualidade de vida. Os resultados evidenciam a necessidade de implementar ou fortalecer políticas públicas regulatórias, fiscais e de saúde para obter benefícios substanciais à saúde com a redução da exposição.

Association between exposure to air pollutants and hospitalization for SARS-Cov-2: an ecological time-series study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Exposure to air pollutants and illness by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) infection can cause serious pulmonary impairment. OBJECTIVE: To identify a possible association between exposure to air pollutants and hospitalizations due to SARS-Cov-2. DESIGN AND SETTING: Ecological time-series study carried out in Taubaté, Tremembé, and Pindamonhangaba in 2020 and 2021. METHODS: Study with Sars-Cov-2 hospitalizations with information on hospitalization date, sex and age of the subjects, duration of hospitalization, type of discharge, and costs of these hospitalizations. Statistical analysis was performed through a negative binomial regression, with data on pollutant concentrations, temperature, air relative humidity, and hospitalization date. Coefficients obtained by the analysis were transformed into relative risk for hospitalization, which estimated hospitalizations excess according to an increase in pollutant concentrations. RESULTS: There were 1,300 hospitalizations and 368 deaths, with a predominance of men (61.7%). These data represent an incidence rate of 250.4 per 100,000 inhabitants and 28.4% hospital lethality. Significant exposure (P value < 0.05) occurred seven days before hospital admission (lag 7) for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) (relative risk, RR = 1.0124) and two days before hospital admission for PM2.5 (RR = 1.0216). A 10 μg/m3 in NO2 concentration would decrease by 320 hospitalizations and ¼ US $ 240,000 in costs; a 5 μg/m3 in PM2.5 concentration would decrease by 278 hospitalizations and ¼ US $ 190,000 in costs. CONCLUSION: An association between exposure to air pollutants and hospital admission due to Sars-Cov-2 was observed with excess hospitalization and costs for the Brazilian public health system.

Advances on effects and mechanisms of PM2.5 on occurrence and development of kidney diseases / 环境与职业医学

Air pollution is a serious global public health problem. Air pollutants, especially fine particulate matter (PM2.5), are associated with increased risks of various diseases. In recent years, studies have confirmed that PM2.5 is closely related to chronic kidney disease, secondary kidney disease, and end-stage renal disease. This review summarized the effects of PM2.5 and its components on kidney diseases, and the potential mechanism of kidney injury induced by PM2.5 exposure from the aspects of inflammatory injury and oxidative stress, renal hemodynamic changes, and DNA damage and methylation, aiming to provide an insight for further mechanism research and the prevention and control of air pollution-induced kidney damage.

Progress on toxicity of co-exposure to ambient fine particulate matter and e-cigarettes / 环境与职业医学

Ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm, and has an extremely wide range of sources. It affects the environmental quality in many cities and regions around the world, and associates with lots of negative effects on public health. E-cigarettes, a group of products that atomize e-liquid by an atomizer and then deliver nicotine and/or other substances to the respiratory system, have been introduced as smoking cessation products or replacement of tobacco cigarettes in recent years. The usage rate of e-cigarettes has grown rapidly all over the world. When these two pollutants coexist in the same atmosphere, they would induce certain adverse health effects not only on the e-cigarette users, but also on the people around them. Besides causing cardiopulmonary toxicity, the co-existing pollutants may associate with higher risks of developmental toxicity and carcinogenicity. In addition, the combined exposure may be related with the occurrence of depression. Therefore, there is an urgent need to conduct studies on the toxic potential of the combined exposure to PM2.5 and e-cigarettes, which is also important for the evaluation and control of the atmospheric compound pollution associated health risk. This paper reviewed the current situation of PM2.5 pollution and e-cigarettes use, introduced the epidemiological studies of PM2.5 and e-cigarette combined exposure, their toxic effects in vivo and in vitro, and possible mechanisms, aiming to provide a reference for subsequent toxicity studies.