Association between short-term exposure to ambient nitrogen dioxide and the risk of heart failure hospitalization / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective: To assess the association between short-term exposure level of nitrogen dioxide and the hospitalization risk of heart failure. Methods: Based on China-PEACE Retrospective Heart Failure Study, 117 364 hospitalized patients with heart failure were recruited from 92 hospitals in 62 cities throughout China between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2015. The daily exposure level of nitrogen dioxide, temperature, and humidity in the same cities during the same period were also collected. We applied the generalized additive model and Bayesian hierarchical model to quantify the lagged effect and cumulative effect of short-term (0-3 days) exposure to ambient nitrogen dioxide on the hospitalization risk of heart failure. We further conducted stratified analyses by age, region, and season to identify any difference in the associations between short-term nitrogen dioxide exposure and heart failure among subgroups. Results: The mean age for participants in the analysis was (70.32±12.22) years. The median, minimum and maximum of daily nitrogen dioxide concentration in 62 cities from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015 was 26.4 μg/m3, 2.33 μg/m3 and 150.25 μg/m3, respectively. The exposure level of nitrogen dioxide at the same day was associated with the hospitalization risk of heart failure (OR=1.022, 95%CI: 1.012, 1.031). Significant effects were also observed in the moving average concentrations from lag 0-1 to lag 0-3 day (OR=1.020, 95%CI: 1.009, 1.030; OR=1.016, 95%CI: 1.004, 1.028; OR=1.013, 95%CI: 1.001, 1.026). Moreover, all of the associations between short-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide and the risk of heart failure hospitalization were statistically significant, with no significant difference in all subgroups stratified by age, region, and season. Conclusion: A higher level of short-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide could trigger more hospitalizations with heart failure.

Asociación entre los niveles de NO, NO2, SO2, O3, CH4 en el aire y las tasas de hospitalización del Hospital Adriana Cousiño de Quintero durante los años 2012 al 2018 / Association between levels of NO, NO2, SO2, O3, CH4 in the air and hospitalization rates at Hospital Adriana Cousiño de Quintero during the years 2012 to 2018

En el sector de Quintero, desde los últimos 50 años han existido diversos hitos relacionados con la contaminación medioambiental. Iniciando con la instauración de la termoeléctrica "Ventanas" en 1950, Chilectra en 1958. En el año 1993 el ministerio de Agricultura de Chile declaró a Puchuncaví y Quintero como una "zona saturada de contaminación" por dióxido de azufre (SO2) y material particulado (MP10). En el año 2011, 135 trabajadores del complejo Ventana fallecieron producto del cáncer. Durante el 2014 hubo un derrame de petróleo en la Bahía de Quintero, 2015 un informe del Instituto de Fomento Pesquero (IFOP) arrojó cifras de arsénico que superan 23 veces la norma establecida por el Código Sanitario de Alimentos. Frente a dicho escenario, se hace evidente la necesidad de comprender cómo es la situación de los pobladores de dichas comunas. La presente investigación busca asociar los niveles de contaminación de las comuna de Quintero y el número de hospitalizaciones durante los años 2012 hasta el 2018.

In Quintero, since the last 50 years there have been various milestones related to environmental pollution. Starting with the installation of the "Ventanas" thermoelectric plant in 1950, Chilectra in 1958. In 1993, the Chilean Ministry of Agriculture declared Puchuncaví and Quintero as a "zone saturated with contamination" by sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter (MP10). In 2011, 135 workers at the Ventana complex died of cancer. During 2014 an oil spill emerged in Quintero Bay, 2015 a report by the Institute for Fisheries Development (IFOP) showed arsenic figures that exceed 23 times the norm established by the Sanitary Food Code. Faced with this scenario, the need to understand what the situation of the residents of said communes is like is evident. The present investigation seeks to associate the levels of contamination of the commun of Quintero and the number of hospitalizations during the years 2012 to 2018.

Reordenamiento vehicular y contaminación ambiental por material particulado (2,5 y 10), dióxido de azufre y dióxido de nitrógeno en Lima Metropolitana, Perú / Traffic regulation and environmental pollution by particulate material (2.5 and 10), sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide in Metropolitan Lima, Peru

RESUMEN Objetivos. Evaluar el cambio en los niveles ambientales de material particulado (2,5 y 10) (PM2,5 y PM10), dióxido de azufre (SO2) y dióxido de nitrógeno (NO2), posterior al reordenamiento vehicular en la avenida Abancay, entre 2013-2015 respecto a 2007-2009, comparando con otras dos avenidas sin implementación de un reordenamiento, la avenida Guillermo de La Fuente en el distrito de Comas y la avenida César Vallejo en el distrito de El Agustino. Materiales y métodos. Los datos ambientales fueron colectados por tres monitores de Dirección General de Salud Ambiental e Inocuidad Alimentaria del Ministerio de Salud como parte de la red de Vigilancia de la calidad del aire de la ciudad de Lima. El coeficiente beta de la regresión lineal permitió evaluar el cambio en la concentración de cada contaminante. Resultados. El reordenamiento de la Av. Abancay redujo 62% los niveles de PM2,5; 55% los niveles de PM10; 65% los niveles NO2; y 82% los de SO2. En las otras dos avenidas evaluadas no se observó disminución. Una reducción significativa de PM 2,5 (β: -53,11 μg/m3; IC 95%: -63,92 a -42,30), PM10 (β: -47,95 μg/m3; IC 95%: -62,61 a -33,37), NO2 (β:-41,71 μg/m3, IC 95%: -48,18 a -35,23) y SO2 (β: -28,59 μg/m3; IC 95%: -35,23 a -21,95) fueron observados en la Av. Abancay, respecto a las otras dos avenidas, posterior al reordenamiento vehicular. Conclusiones. El reordenamiento vehicular puede contribuir con la disminución continua de diversos contaminantes ambientales. La extensión de esta medida podría mejoraría la calidad de aire y estado de salud de la población residente en la ciudad de Lima.

Objective. To assess the change in environmental levels of PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and NO2, after the application of a traffic regulation plan in Abancay Avenue between the years 2013-2015 vs. to 2007-2009, and comparing it against two other avenues, in which no traffic regulation was implemented: Guillermo de La Fuente Avenue in the district of Comas and Cesar Vallejo Avenue in El Agustino. Materials and Methods. Environmental data were collected by three air monitors from the Ministry of Health's Environmental Health and Food Safety General Directorate (Dirección General de Salud Ambiental e Inocuidad Alimentaria) that are part of the Air Quality Surveillance network of the city of Lima. The beta coefficient of the linear regression allowed to assess change in the concentration of each pollutant. Results. The traffic regulation plan of Abancay Av. reduced the levels of PM2.5 by 62%; 55% for PM10 levels; 65% for the NO2 levels, and 82% for the SO2 levels. In the other two avenues assess, this reduction was not observed. A significant reduction in PM2.5 (β: -53.11 μg/m3; 95% CI: -63.92 to -42.30), PM10 (β: -47.99 μg/m3; 95% CI: -62.61 to -33.37), NO2 (β: -41.71 μg/m3; 95% CI: -48.18 to -35.23), and SO2 (β: -28.59 μg/m3; 95% CI: -35.23 to -21.95) was observed in Abancay Av., with respect to the other two avenues, after the traffic regulation plan was implemented. Conclusions. Traffic regulation can contribute to the continuous reduction of different air pollutants. The expansion of this measure could improve air quality and the health status of the residents of Lima.

Estrés oxidativo, función pulmonar y exposición a contaminantes atmosféricos en escolares mexicanos con y sin asma / Oxidative stress, lung function and exposure to air pollutants in Mexican schoolchildren with and without asthma

Resumen: Objetivo: Evaluar la asociación entre la exposición a contaminantes atmosféricos y marcadores de estrés oxidativo, por un lado, y la función pulmonar, por el otro, en escolares, con y sin asma, de las ciudades de Salamanca y León, en Guanajuato, México. Material y métodos: Se realizaron determinaciones de marcadores de estrés oxidativo y pruebas de función pulmonar en 314 escolares, y se obtuvo información sobre contaminantes atmosféricos (ozono, dióxido de azufre, monóxido de carbono y partículas menores de 2.5 µm y menores de 10 µm) de las estaciones de monitoreo correspondientes. Para evaluar la asociación se corrieron modelos de regresión lineal múltiple. Resultados: Con un día de retraso a la exposición a partículas menores de 10 µm (PM10), se observó un incremento de 0.09 pmol en los dienos conjugados entre niños asmáticos de Salamanca (p<0.05). La exposición a ozono durante el mismo día incrementó la concentración de lipo-hidroperóxidos en 4.38 nmol entre asmáticos de Salamanca, así como en 2.31 nmol por la exposición a PM10 para dos días de retraso (p<0.05). La capacidad vital forzada disminuyó 138 y 203 ml en niños sin asma, respectivamente, por la exposición a monóxido de carbono (p<0.05). Conclusiones: La exposición a contaminantes atmosféricos incrementa el estrés oxidativo y disminuye la función pulmonar en escolares con y sin asma.

Abstract: Objective. To assess the association between the air pollutants exposure on markers of oxidative stress and lung function in schoolchildren with and without asthma from Salamanca and Leon Guanajuato, Mexico. Materials and methods: We realized determinations of oxidative stress biomarkers and lung function tests in 314 schoolchildren. Information of air pollutants (O3, SO2, CO, PM2.5 and PM10) were obtained from monitoring stations and multiple linear regression models were run to assess the association. Results: An increase of 0.09 pmol in conjugated dienes was observed by exposure to PM10 lag 1 in asthmatics from Salamanca (p<0.05). The exposure to O3 during the same day increased the concentration of Lipohydroperoxides in 4.38 nmol in asthmatics of Salamanca, as well as in 2.31 nmol by exposure to PM10 lag 2 (p<0.05). The forced vital capacity decreased by 138 and 203 ml in children without asthma, respectively, due to exposure to carbon monoxide (p<0.05). Conclusions: Exposure to air pollutants increase oxidative stress and decreased lung function in schoolchildren, with and without asthma.

Air pollutants and hospitalization due to pneumonia among children. An ecological time series study / Poluentes atmosféricos e internações por pneumonia em crianças. Estudo ecológico de série temporal

ABSTRACT CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Exposure to air pollutants is one of the factors responsible for hospitalizations due to pneumonia among children. This has considerable financial cost, along with social cost. A study to identify the role of this exposure in relation to hospital admissions due to pneumonia among children up to 10 years of age was conducted. DESIGN AND SETTING: Ecological time series study using data from São José dos Campos, Brazil. METHODS: Daily data on hospitalizations due to pneumonia and on the pollutants CO, O3, PM10 and SO2, temperature and humidity in São José dos Campos, in 2012, were analyzed. A generalized additive model of Poisson's regression was used. Relative risks for hospitalizations due to pneumonia, according to lags of 0-5 days, were estimated. The population-attributable fraction, number of avoidable hospitalizations and cost savings from avoidable hospitalizations were calculated. RESULTS: There were 539 admissions. Exposure to CO and O3 was seen to be associated with hospitalizations, with risks of 1.10 and 1.15 on the third day after exposure to increased CO concentration of 200 ppb and ozone concentration of 20 µg/m3. Exposure to the pollutants of particulate matter and sulfur dioxide were not shown to be associated with hospitalizations. Decreases in CO and ozone concentrations could lead to 49 fewer hospitalizations and cost reductions of R$ 39,000.00. CONCLUSION: Exposure to certain air pollutants produces harmful effects on children's health, even in a medium-sized city. Public policies to reduce emissions of these pollutants need to be implemented.

RESUMO CONTEXTO E OBJETIVOS: A exposição a poluentes do ar é um dos fatores responsáveis pelas internações por pneumonias em crianças. Esse desfecho tem custo financeiro considerável, além do custo social. Estudo para identificar o papel dessa exposição nas internações em crianças com até 10 anos de idade foi desenvolvido. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo ecológico de séries temporais com dados de São José dos Campos, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Dados diários de internações por pneumonia, dos poluentes CO, O3, PM10, SO2 além de temperatura e umidade de São José dos Campos, em 2012, foram analisados. Utilizou-se modelo aditivo generalizado da regressão de Poisson e foram estimados os riscos relativos para internações por pneumonia segundo defasagens de 0 a 5 dias. Foram calculadas a fração atribuível populacional, as internações evitáveis e a economia nos custos das internações evitáveis. RESULTADOS: Foram 539 internações. Exposição ao CO e O3 se mostraram associadas às internações, com riscos de 1,10 e 1,15 no terceiro dia após a exposição decorrentes de aumento nas concentrações do CO em 200 ppb e nas concentrações de ozônio em 20 µg/m3. Exposições aos poluentes material particulado e dióxido de enxofre não se mostraram associados às internações. Diminuição nas concentrações de CO e O3 poderiam reduzir em 49 internações e de R$ 39 mil nos custos. CONCLUSÃO: Mesmo em uma cidade de médio porte, exposição a determinados poluentes do ar causa efeito danoso à saúde da criança, sendo necessária a implantação de políticas públicas para redução da emissão desses poluentes.

Environmental pollution and deaths due to stroke in a city with low levels of air pollution: ecological time series study / Poluição ambiental e óbitos devido a acidente vásculo-encefálico em uma cidade com baixos níveis de poluentes: estudo ecológico de séries temporais

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Little has been discussed about the increased risk of stroke after exposure to air pollutants, particularly in Brazil. The mechanisms through which air pollution can influence occurrences of vascular events such as stroke are still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to estimate the association between exposure to some air pollutants and risk of death due to stroke. DESIGN AND SETTING: Ecological time series study with data from São José dos Campos, Brazil. METHODS: Data on deaths due to stroke among individuals of all ages living in São José dos Campos and on particulate matter, sulfur dioxide and ozone were used. Statistical analysis was performed using a generalized additive model of Poisson regression with the Statistica software, in unipollutant and multipollutant models. The percentage increase in the risk of increased interquartile difference was calculated. RESULTS: There were 1,032 deaths due to stroke, ranging from 0 to 5 per day. The statistical significance of the exposure to particulate matter was ascertained in the unipollutant model and the importance of particulate matter and sulfur dioxide, in the multipollutant model. The increases in risk were 10% and 7%, for particulate matter and sulfur dioxide, respectively. CONCLUSION: It was possible to identify exposure to air pollutants as a risk factor for death due to stroke, even in a city with low levels of air pollution. .

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Pouco se tem discutido sobre o aumento do risco de acidente vascular cerebral após exposição a poluentes do ar, principalmente no Brasil. Os mecanismos pelos quais a poluição pode influenciar a ocorrência de eventos vasculares, tais como acidente vascular cerebral, ainda são pouco compreendidos. O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a associação entre exposição a alguns poluentes do ar e risco de morte por acidente vascular cerebral. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo ecológico de séries temporais com dados de São José dos Campos, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Dados sobre mortes por acidente vascular cerebral em indivíduos de todas as idades que vivem em São José dos Campos e sobre material particulado, dióxido de enxofre e ozônio foram utilizados. A análise estatística utilizou modelo aditivo generalizado de regressão de Poisson com o software Statistica, em modelos "unipollutant" e "multipollutant". Foi calculado o percentual de aumento no risco para o aumento da diferença interquartil. RESULTADOS: Houve 1.032 mortes por acidente vascular cerebral, que variou de 0 a 5 por dia. A significância estatística da exposição ao material particulado em modelo "unipoluente" e a importância do material particulado e dióxido de enxofre no modelo "multipoluente" foram verificadas. O aumento do risco foi de 10% e 7%, respectivamente para material particulado e dióxido de enxofre. CONCLUSÃO: Foi possível identificar exposição a poluentes do ar como um fator de risco para morte por acidente vascular cerebral, mesmo em uma cidade com baixos níveis de poluição do ar. .

Particulate matter and hospital admission due to arterial hypertension in a medium-sized Brazilian city / Material particulado e internação hospitalar por hipertensão arterial em uma cidade brasileira de porte médio / Material particulado e internamiento hospitalario por hipertensión arterial en una ciudad brasileña de porte medio

This study aims to assess the effects air pollution on hospitalization due to hypertension. An ecological study was conducted using data regarding hospitalizations due to hypertension in São José dos Campos, State of São Paulo, Brazil between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2010. The pollutants analyzed by this study were particulate matter, sulfur dioxide and ozone. A significant association between exposure to particulate matter and hospitalization due to hypertension was identified using Poisson regression with lags of up to four days. Relative risk of hospital admission ranged between 1,009 and 1,019. A 10μg/m³ increase in concentration of particulate matter was associated with a 13% increase in risk of hospitalization.

Alguns dos efeitos da poluição ambiental na saúde humana são conhecidos, destacando aqueles no sistema cardiovascular. Este trabalho tem por objetivo estimar esses efeitos nas internações por hipertensão arterial. Foi um estudo ecológico realizado com dados de internações da cidade de São José dos Campos, São Paulo, Brasil, relativos aos diagnósticos de hipertensão arterial, entre 1o de janeiro de 2007 e 31 de dezembro de 2010. Os poluentes estudados foram material particulado, dióxido de enxofre e ozônio. Utilizando-se de modelo linear generalizado da regressão de Poisson e defasagens de até quatro dias, foi possível identificar associação significativa entre a exposição ao material particulado e a internação por hipertensão, com os riscos variando entre 1.009 e 1.019; aumento de 10μg/m³ desse poluente aumenta o risco de internação em até 13%. Assim, foi possível identificar o material particulado, no modelo multipoluente, como associado à internação por hipertensão arterial numa cidade de porte médio, como São José dos Campos.

Algunos de los efectos de la contaminación ambiental en la salud humana son conocidos, destacando aquellos en nuestro sistema cardiovascular. Este trabajo tiene por objetivo estimar esos efectos en los internamientos por hipertensión arterial. Se trató de un estudio ecológico, realizado con datos de internamientos de la ciudad de São José dos Campos, São Paulo, Brasil, relativos a los diagnósticos de hipertensión arterial, entre el 1o de enero de 2007 y el 31 de diciembre de 2010. Los contaminantes estudiados fueron material particulado, dióxido de azufre y ozono. Se utilizó un modelo lineal generalizado de regresión de Poisson y desfases de hasta cuatro días; fue posible identificar una asociación significativa entre la exposición al material particulado y el internamiento por hipertensión con los riesgos, variando entre 1.009 y 1.019; el aumento de 10µg/m3 de ese contaminante aumenta el riesgo de internamiento en hasta un 13%. Así, fue posible identificar el material particulado, en el modelo multicontaminante, como asociado al internamiento por hipertensión arterial en una ciudad de porte medio, como São José dos Campos.

Concentración de contaminantes SO2, NO2 y correlación con H+, SO4-2 y NO3- durante la temporada de lluvias en la Zona Metropolitana de Guadalajara, Jalisco, México / Concentration of pollutants SO2, NO2 and correlation with H+, SO4-2 and NO3- during wet season in the Metropolitan Zone of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico

In the last 30 years, the Metropolitan Zone of Guadalajara (ZMG) has experienced a quick urban and industrial growth, situation which results in high rates of pollution and poor air quality harmful to the health of the population. The main purpose of this work was to analyze the SO2 and NO2 in the air, as well as ions H+, SO 4-2 and NO3- during the wet season of 2005. Results of the network of monitoring stations showed significant acidity in north-northwest and southeast of the study area. The maximum concentrations of SO 4-2 occurred in southeast and south, while the maximum NO3- was found in the south. Maximum levels of SO2 and NO2 occurred in the dry season, but it decreased in wet season. The higher frequency about acidity produced by NO2 is caused by mobile sources as the primary indicator.

En los últimos 30 años, la Zona Metropolitana de Guadalajara (ZMG) ha experimentado un acelerado crecimiento urbano-industrial, realidad traducida en contaminantes nocivos para la salud de la población. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar la concentración de dióxido de azufre (SO 2) y de nitrógeno (NO2) en el aire, así como, los iones hidrógeno (H+), sulfatos (SO 4-2) y nitratos (NO3-) durante la temporada de lluvias del año 2005. Mediante una red de estaciones de monitoreo, se obtuvieron resultados que revelaron acidez significativa al norte-noroeste y sureste. Las concentraciones máximas de SO4-2 ocurrieron al sureste y sur, mientras que, las de NO3- se localizaron al sur. Los niveles máximos de SO2 y NO2 sucedieron en el período seco, disminuyendo en el húmedo. Se observó mayor frecuencia de acidez por NO2 siendo el indicador principal las fuentes móviles.

Association of sulfur dioxide exposure with circulatory system deaths in a medium-sized city in Brazil

There is a demonstrable association between exposure to air pollutants and deaths due to cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this study was to estimate the effects of exposure to sulfur dioxide on mortality due to circulatory diseases in individuals 50 years of age or older residing in São José dos Campos, SP. This was a time-series ecological study for the years 2003 to 2007 using information on deaths due to circulatory disease obtained from Datasus reports. Data on daily levels of pollutants, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone, temperature, and humidity were obtained from the São Paulo State Environmental Agency. Moving average models for 2 to 7 days were calculated by Poisson regression using the R software. Exposure to SO2 was analyzed using a unipollutant, bipollutant or multipollutant model adjusted for mean temperature and humidity. The relative risks with 95%CI were obtained and the percent decrease in risk was calculated. There were 1928 deaths with a daily mean (± SD) of 1.05 ± 1.03 (range: 0-6). Exposure to SO2 was significantly associated with mortality due to circulatory disease: RR = 1.04 (95%CI = 1.01 to 1.06) in the 7-day moving average, after adjusting for ozone. There was an 8.5% decrease in risk in the multipollutant model, proportional to a decrease of SO2 concentrations. The results of this study suggest that residents of medium-sized Brazilian cities with characteristics similar to those of São José dos Campos probably have health problems due to exposure to air pollutants.

Environmental pollutants and stroke-related hospital admissions / Poluentes ambientais e internações devido a acidente vasculoencéfalico

Some effects of environmental pollution on human health are known, especially those affecting the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. The current study aimed to estimate these effects on the production of hospital admissions for stroke. This was an ecological study using hospital admissions data in São José dos Campos, São Paulo State, Brazil, with diagnosis of stroke, from January 1, 2007, to April 30, 2008. The target pollutants were particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and ozone. Use of a Poisson linear regression model showed that same-day exposure to particulate matter was associated with hospitalization for stroke (RR = 1.013; 95%CI: 1.001-1.025). An increase of 10µg/m³ in this pollutant increased the risk of hospitalization by 12% (RR = 1.137; 95%CI: 1.014-1.276). In the multi-pollutant model, it was thus possible to identify particulate matter as associated with hospitalization for stroke in a medium-sized city like São José dos Campos.

Alguns dos efeitos da poluição ambiental na saúde humana são conhecidos, destacando aqueles nos sistemas respiratório e cardiovascular. Este trabalho tem por objetivo estimar esses efeitos na gênese das internações por acidente vasculoencefálico. Foi um estudo ecológico realizado com dados de internações da cidade de São José dos Campos, São Paulo, Brasil, relativos aos diagnósticos de acidente vascular cerebral, entre 1º de janeiro de 2007 e 30 de abril de 2008. Os poluentes estudados foram material particulado, dióxido de enxofre e ozônio. Utilizando-se de modelo linear generalizado da regressão de Poisson, foi possível identificar exposição ao material particulado, no mesmo dia, como associado à internação por acidente vasculoencefálico (RR = 1,013; IC95%: 1,001-1,025). O aumento de 10µg/m3 desse poluente aumenta o risco de internação em 12% (RR = 1,137; IC95%: 1,014-1,276). Assim, foi possível identificar o material particulado, no modelo multipoluente, como associado à internação por acidente vasculoencefálico numa cidade de porte médio, como São José dos Campos.

Asma e poluentes ambientais: um estudo de séries temporais / Asthma and ambient pollutants: a time series study

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar o risco para internação por asma em crianças após exposição a poluentes do ar em uma cidade de porte médio do Sudeste do Brasil. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo ecológico de séries temporais com dados de internação por asma em crianças com até 10 anos de idade residentes em São José dos Campos, SP, e concentrações de material particulado com diâmetro aerodinâmico inferior a 10 micra, dióxido de enxofre e ozônio; foram obtidos dados sobre umidade relativa do ar e temperaturas. Foram estimados os coeficientes de correlação de Pearson para as variáveis do estudo. Para estimar a associação entre as internações por asma e os poluentes do ar, foram construídos modelos aditivos generalizados de regressão de Poisson, segundo defasagens de até sete dias. RESULTADOS: Houve forte correlação entre as internações e os poluentes material particulado e dióxido de enxofre. Exposições a material particulado e dióxido de enxofre estiveram associadas a riscos relativos significativos de 1,01 a 1,04 para internação por asma no mesmo dia e em até três dias após a exposição. Aumentos nas concentrações destes poluentes elevam o risco de internação entre 8% e 19%. CONCLUSÃO: Assim, apresentaram-se evidências da ação de poluentes do ar na internação por asma em uma cidade de porte médio do Sudeste do Brasil.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the risk of hospitalization for asthma in children after exposure to air pollutants in a medium-sized city in Southeast Brazil. METHODS: An ecological time series study was carried out with hospitalization data for asthma in children under 10 years of age living in São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil, and concentrations of particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter < 10 microns, sulfur dioxide, and ozone; data were also obtained on relative humidity and temperatures. Pearson's coefficient correlation was used for the study variables. To estimate the association between hospitalizations due to asthma and air pollutants, Poisson regression generalized additive models were built, according to lags of up to seven days. RESULTS: There was a strong correlation between hospitalizations and the pollutants particulate matter and sulfur dioxide. Exposure to particulate matter and sulfur dioxide were associated with significant relative risks of 1.01 to 1.04 of hospitalization due to asthma on the same day and within three days after exposure. Increases in the concentrations of these pollutants increase the risk of hospitalization between 8% and 19%. CONCLUSION: There is evidence of the effect of air pollutants on asthma hospitalization in a medium-sized city in Southeast Brazil.

Acidente químico com dióxido de enxofre em um populoso distrito de uma grande metrópole: cenários de exposição a partir de um modelo Gaussiano de dispersão / Chemical accident with sulfur dioxide in a densely populated metropolitan district exposure scenarios using a Gaussian dispersion model

O artigo relata a ocorrência de um acidente químico maior em um distrito populoso de uma grande metrópole, envolvendo a emissão de dióxido de enxofre de uma planta de produção de ácido sulfúrico. Discutem-se alguns cenários possíveis de exposição da população do entorno, cotejando-se valores estimados da concentração de dióxido de enxofre com valores referenciais da legislação vigente. O artigo conclui que a construção de tais cenários pode ajudar na análise do risco a que essas populações estão expostas e na tomada de decisões que objetive seu controle.

The article reports a major chemical accident occurred in a densely populated metropolitan district involving sulfur dioxide emissions of sulfuric acid plants. Possible scenarios for the exposure of neighborhood population are discussed and sulfur dioxide concentration estimates are compared with current legal reference values. The article concludes that building such scenarios can be helpful to analyze the risk of population exposure and it may become a useful decision-making tool on risk control.

Pollution tolerance and distribution pattern of plants in surrounding area of coal-fired industries.

Higher concentration of SO2 and particulate matters was reported in surrounding areas of coal-fired industries which influences the distribution pattern of plants. Sensitive plant species are abolished from such areas, however, only pollution tolerant species survive under stress conditions. The present study was designed to investigate the vegetation composition around coal-fired industries i.e. brick industries. To categorise plants as sensitive or resistant air pollution tolerance index (APTI) value was calculated. Out of 99 plants studied, Ricinus communis with APTI 81.10 was found to be the most resistant wild plant showing uniform distribution at all the polluted sites. On the other hand, Lepidium sativum with APTI 5.27 was recorded as the most sensitive plant and found to be present only at the less polluted sites.

Atmospheric pollution: a case study of degrading urban air quality over Punjab, India.

This paper presents the results of a case study of urban air quality over a densely populated city Ludhiana situated in Punjab, India, in the form of monthly and annual average concentrations of Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM), NO2 and SO2 for the periods 1988-1989, 1994-1999 and 2001-2005 which is generally found to be increasing with time and thus requires immediate corrective measures lest the situation becomes totally uncontrollable. The present situation is as bad as in other metropolitan Indian cities, although it seems to have somewhat improved as indicated by the latest 2001-2005 data in comparison with the past 1988-1989 and 1994-1999 data, but much more still needs to be done. In addition to the industrial and vehicular pollution, the agricultural pollution due to the burning of wheat and rice straws by the farmers should also be checked because it also creates tremendous pollution in the atmosphere.

Biochemical parameters of plants as indicators of air pollution.

In the present study species like Mangifera indica, Linn., Cassia fistula, Linn., and Eucalyptus hybrid were exposed to different air pollution load for short duration (active biomonitoring). Variation in biochemical parameters like chlorophyll, protein, soluble sugar free amino acid, ascorbic acid, nitrate reductase, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase in the leaves were found to be pollution load dependent. These variations can be used as indicators of air pollution for early diagnosis of stress or as a marker for physiological damage to trees prior to the onset of visible injury symptoms. Just by analyzing these biochemical indicators air quality can also be assessed.

Impacto en la salud ambiental por efecto de emisiones de dióxido de azufre del Volcán Arenal, en la población de la Fortuna de San Carlos / Impact in the health ambient by effect of dioxide emissions sulfur of the Arenal Volcano, in the population of Fortuna of San Carlos

Introducción: Las emisiones de dióxido de azufre (SO2) del volcán Arenal representan un riesgo para la salud ambiental en La Fortuna. Se realizó un análisis teórico de las diferentes variaciones en las concentraciones de SO2 del volcán, con posible impacto a la salud de sus pobladores. Estudios teóricos sobre emisión y dispersión de gases volcánicos, así como su impacto potencial a la salud en el país, han sido realizados en 1999 por Morales & Liao. Material y métodos: Basados en datos de máxima emisión de SO2 del Arenal, se presumen escenarios de diferentes volúmenes de emisión de SO2, a diferentes clases de condiciones atmosféricas. Para determinar el mecanismo de dispersión del SO2 y sus concentraciones en La Fortuna, se utilizó el modelo Gaussiano con cálculo de penacho y dispersión horizontal a nivel de piso. Resultados: Emisiones de SO2 con causales inferiores a 190ton/día no representan riesgo para la salud humana en La Fortuna. Emisiones superiores a 800 ton/día, con velocidades de salida superiores a 40 km/h provocan concentraciones de SO2 cercanas a los 365 ug/m3, (máxima concentración para un período de 24 horas de exposición), para atmósferas tipo A y B. Emisiones de SO2 mayores a 12.000 ton/día, implican un riesgo a la salud de los pobladores de La Fortuna, incluyendo características fatales. Se recomienda implementar monitoreos constantes de las emisiones de SO2 para tomar medidas de protección en La Fortuna en caso de emisiones iguales o mayores a 800 ton/día.

Modelling of gaseous effluents by implementing Gaussian model under GIS environment.

In the present work, Gaussian based air quality model has been implemented under GIS environment for the air quality emission data obtained from IFFCO power plant at Phulpur, Allahabad, India. The application of corrections for the non-point source, obstacles on ground, surface roughness and observation time has made the Gaussian based air pollution model more accurate and flexible for its use and in its adaptation for any other location. The Gaussian based air pollution model for the IFFCO plant, implemented under GIS environment, has been tested for various validation points to check its efficacy and has been found to be suitable for prediction of air pollutants in future. Further, a user interactive modelling interface has been developed using Visual Basic as a front-end, implementing the ArcObjects of the ArcGIS 8.3 to make it more user-friendly and increase its acceptability among environmentalists, planners and decision makers.

Confounding or aggravating factors in noise-induced health effects: air pollutants and other stressors.

Different scientific groups have studied and continue to study the health impacts of physical and chemical agents in the environment. In most cases, every study group has considered the health effect as being solely due to the air pollutant(s) under investigation, for example air pollution without due regard for the simultaneous presence of noise pollution whereas both have an impact on the cardiovascular system. Or in the case of noise studies the contribution of solvent, asphyxiant or metal exposures has not been considered, which can have an impact on hearing impairment. One can, therefore, question the stringency of the available evidence of epidemiological studies in both fields to warrant the consideration of air pollutants as confounding or aggravating factors in studies of specific effects due to noise (and vice versa). In this paper we weigh the existing evidence on the association of noise and air pollutant exposure and associated health impacts. In forthcoming publications, the authors will consider the influence of other factors, which can confound noise studies but are currently not included in the analysis.

Street-level concentrations of suspended particulate matter (SPM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) in Pune City.

The concentration of suspended particulate matter (SPM), nitrogen dioxide (NO,) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) were measured at 13 important traffic intersections in Pune city. In order to study the contribution of these pollutants from motor vehicles, attention was focused on the roadside, street-level concentration. The statistical analysis of the sampling results indicates that there is not only high correlation between SPM and NO2 but the levels of these pollutants are above the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) laid down by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), India. The SO, concentrations are found to be well below the NAAQS.