Particulate matter forecast and prediction in Curitiba using machine learning.

Introduction: Air quality is directly affected by pollutant emission from vehicles, especially in large cities and metropolitan areas or when there is no compliance check for vehicle emission standards. Particulate Matter (PM) is one of the pollutants emitted from fuel burning in internal combustion engines and remains suspended in the atmosphere, causing respiratory and cardiovascular health problems to the population. In this study, we analyzed the interaction between vehicular emissions, meteorological variables, and particulate matter concentrations in the lower atmosphere, presenting methods for predicting and forecasting PM2.5. Methods: Meteorological and vehicle flow data from the city of Curitiba, Brazil, and particulate matter concentration data from optical sensors installed in the city between 2020 and 2022 were organized in hourly and daily averages. Prediction and forecasting were based on two machine learning models: Random Forest (RF) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural network. The baseline model for prediction was chosen as the Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) model, and for forecast, we used the naive estimation as baseline. Results: RF showed that on hourly and daily prediction scales, the planetary boundary layer height was the most important variable, followed by wind gust and wind velocity in hourly or daily cases, respectively. The highest PM prediction accuracy (99.37%) was found using the RF model on a daily scale. For forecasting, the highest accuracy was 99.71% using the LSTM model for 1-h forecast horizon with 5 h of previous data used as input variables. Discussion: The RF and LSTM models were able to improve prediction and forecasting compared with MLR and Naive, respectively. The LSTM was trained with data corresponding to the period of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020 and 2021) and was able to forecast the concentration of PM2.5 in 2022, in which the data show that there was greater circulation of vehicles and higher peaks in the concentration of PM2.5. Our results can help the physical understanding of factors influencing pollutant dispersion from vehicle emissions at the lower atmosphere in urban environment. This study supports the formulation of new government policies to mitigate the impact of vehicle emissions in large cities.

Methylsiloxanes from Vehicle Emissions Detected in Aerosol Particles.

Methylsiloxanes have gained growing attention as emerging pollutants due to their toxicity to organisms. As man-made chemicals with no natural source, most research to date has focused on volatile methylsiloxanes from personal care or household products and industrial processes. Here, we show that methylsiloxanes can be found in primary aerosol particles emitted by vehicles based on aerosol samples collected in two tunnels in São Paulo, Brazil. The aerosol samples were analyzed with thermal desorption-proton transfer reaction-mass spectrometry (TD-PTR-MS), and methylsiloxanes were identified and quantified in the mass spectra based on the natural abundance of silicon isotopes. Various methylsiloxanes and derivatives were found in aerosol particles from both tunnels. The concentrations of methylsiloxanes and derivatives ranged 37.7-377 ng m-3, and the relative fractions in organic aerosols were 0.78-1.9%. The concentrations of methylsiloxanes exhibited a significant correlation with both unburned lubricating oils and organic aerosol mass. The emission factors of methylsiloxanes averaged 1.16 ± 0.59 mg kg-1 of burned fuel for light-duty vehicles and 1.53 ± 0.37 mg kg-1 for heavy-duty vehicles. Global annual emissions of methylsiloxanes in vehicle-emitted aerosols were estimated to range from 0.0035 to 0.0060 Tg, underscoring the significant yet largely unknown potential for health and climate impacts.

Exposición antenatal a contaminantes vehiculares y asociación con parto pretérmino en Colombia / Antenatal exposure to vehicular pollutants and association with preterm birth in Colombia

Objetivo: Determinar la asociación entre parto pretérmino y exposición prenatal de gestantes a emisiones vehiculares de material particulado menor de 10 micras y de monóxido de carbono, en una ciudad de Colombia, entre julio de 2014 y julio de 2015. Métodos: Estudio relacional, retrospectivo, de casos y controles, en el Hospital de Caldas de la ciudad de Manizales; en mujeres que asistieron para atención del parto. La exposición a emisiones vehiculares de material particulado menor de 10 micras y de monóxido de carbono, se determinó usando estimaciones previamente publicadas para la ciudad. El análisis estadístico se realizó en el aplicativo Jamovi ­ Stats Open Now. Se contó con el aval de los comités de ética de las instituciones implicadas. Resultados: Se analizaron 222 pacientes, 74 presentaron parto pretérmino (casos) y 148 parto a término (controles). No se encontró asociación estadísticamente significativa entre el desarrollo de parto pretérmino y los niveles de material particulado menor de 10 micras o de monóxido de carbono; no obstante, podría haber una asociación entre parto pretérmino y aseguramiento en salud, que no pudo establecerse por el tamaño de muestra pequeño. También se obtuvo el patrón espacial de los casos de parto pretérmino en la ciudad con base en la residencia habitual de las pacientes. Conclusión: Los contaminantes ambientales como el material particulado menor de 10 micras y el monóxido de carbono, pueden estar implicados en la presentación de parto pretérmino, sin embargo, se requieren más estudios que analicen esta asociación(AU)

Objective: To determine the association between preterm delivery and prenatal exposure of pregnant women to vehicular emissions of particulate matter smaller than 10 microns and carbon monoxide, in a city in Colombia, between July 2014 and July 2015. Methods: Relational, retrospective, case-control study at the Caldas Hospital in the city of Manizales; in women who attended delivery care. Exposure to vehicular emissions of particulate matter smaller than 10 microns and carbon monoxide was determined using previously published estimates for the city. The statistical analysis was carried out in the Jamovi ­ Stats Open Now application. It had the endorsement of the ethics committees of the institutions involved. Results: A total of 222 patients were analyzed, 74 presented preterm delivery (cases) and 148 term delivery (controls). No statistically significant association was found between the development of preterm labor and levels of particulate matter less than 10 microns or carbon monoxide; however, there could be an association between preterm delivery and health insurance, which could not be established due to the small sample size. The spatial pattern of cases of preterm delivery in the city was also obtained based on the habitual residence of the patients. Conclusion: Environmental pollutants such as particulate matter smaller than 10 microns and carbon monoxide may be involved in the presentation of preterm labor, however, more studies are required to analyze this association(AU)

Deterioration of extrafloral nectaries and leaf damages caused by air pollution in a Brazilian native species from the Atlantic Forest.

In Brazil, more than 90% of steel mills are located in states that have Atlantic Forest which, together with the pollution of large urban centers, represent risk factors for the environmental quality of this important biome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of urban and industrial air pollution in a city in Minas Gerais that has a steel mill on the symptomatology, on the leaf chemistry, and on the anatomy and micromorphology of extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) of Joannesia princeps Vell. (Euphorbiaceae), a native species of the Atlantic Forest. For 126 days, seedlings of J. princeps were exposed on stand systems in the urban and industrial area of MG (Ipatinga city), in the following places: Bom Retiro, Cariru, Cidade Nobre, and Veneza. For anatomical analysis, EFNs were collected and processed for microscopic analysis. In the southern parts of the steel mill closest to the Rio Doce State Park (RDSP) (Bom Retiro and Cariru), there was a predominance of NO, NOX, SO2 (Bom Retiro), naphthalene, benzene, and total suspended particulates (Cariru). In locations north of the steel mill (Cidade Nobre and Veneza), there was a predominance of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In the urban environment, intense anatomical and micromorphological damage to EFNs, leaf damage, leaf metal accumulation, and alterations in the histochemical tests of the plants were observed. The interior of the RDSP presented environmental quality, but the contribution of pollutants near the border between the RDSP and the city of Ipatinga is worrying, requiring constant monitoring of this area to verify the impact and threat that pollution can cause on these Atlantic Forest remnants.

Síntomas respiratorios en agentes civiles de tránsito expuestos a smog en Quito en el año 2021 / Respiratory symptoms in civil traffic police agents exposed to smog in Quito in 2021

INTRODUCCIÓN. Existe relación entre la exposición de contaminantes en el aire y problemas respiratorios que van desde síntomas leves en vías respiratorias altas hasta enfermedades que pueden comprometer la vida de los pacientes como: neumonía, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica y cáncer pulmonar. OBJETIVO. Registrar los síntomas respiratorios presentados por agentes civiles de tránsito expuestos a smog. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS. Estudio analítico transversal. Población de 3 458 y muestra de 454 participantes entre agentes civiles de tránsito, fiscalizadores de tránsito y personal administrativo de la Agencia Metropolitana de Tránsito en el año 2021, seleccionados por muestreo aleatorio simple estratificado para los dos grupos de participantes; se aplicó un sondeo digital basado en las encuestas: European Community Respiratory Health Survey y condiciones de trabajo. Para el análisis de datos se utilizó la herramienta EPI INFO, donde se realizó pruebas estadísticas bivariadas de Chi2 y análisis multivariado como regresiones logísticas crudas y ajustadas. RESULTADOS. Se observó que la población de trabajadores operativos en vía tuvo alrededor de dos veces más riesgo de desarrollar sibilancias en comparación a la población administrativa OR=2,1 (IC 95% 1,01­4,39); el personal operativo tuvo más del doble de riesgo de desarrollar bronquitis crónica versus la población administrativa OR=2,5 (IC 95% 1,14­5,73). Los resultados fueron ajustados mediante regresión logística con variables de condiciones de trabajo y salud (p=<0,05). CONCLUSIÓN. Se registró una relación significativa entre la contaminación ambiental por smog y enfermedades respiratorias a largo plazo.

INTRODUCTION. There is a relationship between exposure to air pollutants and respiratory problems ranging from mild upper respiratory symptoms to life-threatening diseases such as pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer is evident. OBJECTIVE. To record the respiratory symptoms presented by civilian traffic officers exposed to smog. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Cross-sectional analytical study. Population of 3 458 and sample of 454 participants among civilian traffic agents, traffic inspectors and administrative personnel of the Metropolitan Traffic Agency in the year 2021, selected by simple stratified random sampling for the two groups of participants; a digital survey was applied based on the European Community Respiratory Health Survey and working conditions. For data analysis, the EPI INFO tool was used, where bivariate Chi2 statistical tests and multivariate analysis such as crude and adjusted logistic regressions were performed. RESULTS. It was observed that the population of operational track workers had about twice the risk of developing wheezing compared to the administrative population OR=2,1 (95% CI 1,01-4,39); operational personnel had more than twice the risk of developing chronic bronchitis versus the administrative population OR=2,5 (95% CI 1,14­5,73). Results were adjusted by logist regression with working conditions and health variables (p=<0,05). CONCLUSION. There was a significant relationship between smog pollution and long-term respiratory diseases.

Identification of refractory zirconia from catalytic converters in dust: An emerging pollutant in urban environments.

Using catalytic converters is one of the most effective methods to control vehicle emissions. A washcoat of cerium oxide-zirconia (CeO2-ZrO2) has been used to enhance the performance of the catalytic converter device. To date, the prevalence of this material in the environment has not been assessed. In this study, we present evidence of the existence of inhalable zirconia in urban dust. Samples of the washcoat, exhaust pipe, topsoil, and road dust were analyzed by X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, and thermally stimulated luminescence (TSL). The results showed a CeO2-ZrO2 phase separation after sintering. This causes the emission of ZrO2, CeO2, and CeZrOx particles smaller than 1 µm, which can likely reach the alveolar macrophages in the lungs. The Ce-Zr content in road dust exceeds geogenic levels, and a significant correlation of 0.87 (p < 0.05) reflects a common anthropic source. Chronic exposure to such refractory particles may result in the development of non-occupational respiratory diseases. The inhalable crystalline compounds emitted by vehicles are a significant environmental health hazard, revealing the need for further investigation and assessment of zirconia levels generated by automobiles in urban areas worldwide.

Residential traffic exposure and lymphohematopoietic malignancies among children in the city of São Paulo, Brazil: An ecological study.

BACKGROUND: Despite widespread evidence that air pollution is carcinogenic, there is little evidence from low-middle income countries, especially related to childhood malignancies. We examined the role of traffic related pollution on lymphohematopoietic malignancies among under-14 s in Sao Paulo. METHODS: All incident cases between 2002 and 2011 were collected from a population-based registry. Exposures were assigned on residential address at diagnosis via traffic density database (for the year 2008) and a satellite derived NO2 land use regression model (averaged between 1997 and 2011). Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were calculated via Poisson Regression adjusted by age, gender and socioeconomic status (SES), with additional stratification by SES. RESULTS: A positive association between traffic and NO2 with some lymphohematopoietic malignancies was observed with the degree of effect differing by SES. For example, lymphoid leukemia IRRs in the lower SES group were 1.21 (95 % CI: 1.06, 1.39) for traffic density and 1.38 (95 % CI: 1.13, 1.68) for NO2. In the higher group they were 1.06 (95 % CI: 1.00, 1.14) and 1.37 (95 % CI: 1.16, 1.62). CONCLUSION: NO2 and traffic density were associated with Hodgkin lymphoma and lymphoid leukemia among children in São Paulo. Differing IRRs by gender and SES group indicate differences in underlying risk and/or exposure profiles.

Assessment of the Reduction in Vehicles Emissions by Implementing Inspection and Maintenance Programs.

To improve air quality in urban centers, vehicle Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) programs were created to identify highly polluting vehicles and force them to undergo mechanical maintenance. In this context, a methodology, based on a single measurement campaign using a Remote Sensing Device (RSD), is presented in this work to assess the reduction in vehicles emissions obtained from implementing I/M programs. As a case study, an RSD campaign was carried out in Mexico, specifically in Monterrey's Metropolitan Area (MMA). Approximately 0.4% of the vehicles registered in this region were sampled under similar conditions to those found in I/M programs. The results obtained suggested that 39% of the vehicles would not comply with the current national regulations for circulating vehicles. Following a conservative scenario, the implementation of a vehicle I/M program in this urban center has the potential of reducing the current mass emissions of HC, CO and NO in approximately 69%, 42% and 28%, respectively.

Influence of urban forest on traffic air pollution and children respiratory health.

This study aimed to assess the air quality, the prevalence of child respiratory morbidity, and the association between them, in urban areas where concentrations of pollutants are expected to be below national limits. The monitoring of PM10, NO2 and O3 was performed in five schools, during 9 months. Information about respiratory diseases and associated symptoms were collected from each student using a questionnaire based on the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood. The PM10 and NO2 concentrations were higher at points closer to roads and avenues with intense vehicle flow and lower at the point closer to a park, with dense vegetation. All sampling points exceeded the annual limit established by WHO for PM10. Some maximum PM10 concentrations recorded close to the road was six times higher than the international limit. In total, 340 answered questionnaires were collected (68% response rate). Respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, sneezing, running nose, tearing, and itchy eyes had positive and strong correlation to the primary pollutants (0.70 to 0.87), but the frequency of some symptoms was lower close to the urban forest. Therefore, our results confirm the importance of creating and maintaining green areas in urban space, considering all ecosystem services provided by them, especially the improvement of air quality. In addition, a continuous program to monitor and control atmospheric pollution is required in mid-sized counties located nearby important roads, with growing fleets of vehicles.

Ambient particulate matter in Santiago, Chile: 1989-2018: A tale of two size fractions.

We have analyzed trends in ambient fine (PM2.5) and coarse (PM2.5-10) particulate matter in Santiago, Chile, for the last 30 years. PM2.5 has monotonously decreased between 67% and 72% at those sites. Trends varied between -2.0 and -2.7 (µg/m3/year) between 1989 and late 90's, and between -0.7 and -1.1 (µg/m3/year) afterwards. This slowing down is likely a consequence of fast increase of motor vehicles in the city, which have become a dominant source of ambient PM2.5. Annual ambient PM2.5 concentrations are still above 20 (µg/m3), so more regulation is needed to bring them down. Coarse particles have changed little in 30 years, decreasing between 0% and 12%; particle concentrations have evolved in a non-linear way: first increasing in 1989-1995, then decreasing until 2003, and with a flat trend afterwards. We ascribe these trends to a combination of a) public works implemented throughout the city, b) fugitive dust controls like street sweeping programs and emission offsets for PM10 and c) increasing numbers of motor vehicles in the city. Further initiatives are needed to curb down coarse particles as well. By considering interaction between trend and seasonality, we have found that ambient PM2.5 has monotonously decreased all year long at all monitoring sites with similar patterns; this is characteristic of a regional-scale pollution. For ambient PM2.5-10 trend and season have a more complex, site-specific interaction, suggesting local sources and site location in the basin are relevant in determining ambient concentrations of coarse particles. A limitation of this study is that no quantitative link between ambient concentrations trends and atmospheric emissions could be established with the analyses carried out. A strength of the study is the long period analyzed with measurements conducted with the same gravimetric methodology.

Bayesian modeling of hematologic cancer and vehicular air pollution among young people in the city of São Paulo, Brazil.

Traffic-related air pollution is being associated with hematologic cancer in young individuals. This study performed a spatial analysis of the hematologic cancer incidence and mortality among younger people, using a Bayesian approach, to associate with traffic density in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Two databases were employed: incidence (2002-2011) and mortality (2002-2013). The relationships between the cases of hematologic cancer and the covariates - traffic density, the Municipal Human Development Index (MHDI), and population density - were evaluated using a Besag-York-Mollié ecological model with relative risks (RRs) estimates. Per 1-unit standard-deviation increase in traffic density, in the MHDI, and in population density, the RR for the incidence was 1.06 (95% CI: 0.97-1.14), 1.28 (95% CI: 1.16-1.42), and 1.01 (95% CI: 0.94-1.08), respectively. For mortality, no covariates were considered risk factors. Our findings suggest significant association between living in regions with better socioeconomic conditions, where traffic density is usually higher, and risk of hematologic cancer in younger people.

Tecnologias de prevenção dos acidentes por motocicletas no Ceará, Brasil: análise de campanhas midiáticas / Technologies for the prevention of motorcycle accidents in Ceará, Brazil: analysis of media campaigns / Tecnologías para la prevención de accidentes de motocicleta en Ceará, Brasil: análisis de campañas mediáticas

Objetivo: analisar as campanhas midiáticas acerca das tecnologias de prevenção dos acidentes por motocicletas no C.eará, Brasil. Método: Trata-se de um estudo exploratório, onde foi realizada uma pesquisa documental através do site institucional, sobre tecnologias educativas desenvolvidas pelo DETRAN-CE para a prevenção de acidentes de moto no Ceará. Resultados: As campanhas educativas na mídia cearense são divulgadas pelo Departamento Estadual de Trânsito do Estado do Ceará - DETRAN-CE, órgão que regulamenta o trânsito no estado. O DETRAN-CE divulga as preventivas através de mensagens e orientações sobre condutas corretas no trânsito, no sentido de mudar o comportamento do homem na via pública e reverter o quadro de violência, reduzindo o número de acidentes, mortes e feridos. O público alvo são os condutores, passageiros, ciclistas, motociclistas e pedestres, que são ao mesmo tempo agentes e vítimas da violência, já que estudos apontam o homem como responsável por 90% dos acidentes no trânsito no país. Conclusão: Em virtude do número crescente de acidentes de trânsito no Ceará, verificou-se à inexistência de uma tecnologia atualizada e eficaz, para a prevenção de acidentes com motociclistas, o que pressupõe a ineficácia do desenvolvimento de uma ferramenta atualizada aplicada para a segurança no trânsito.

Objective: to assess media campaigns about motorcycle accident prevention technologies in Ceará, Brazil. Method: This is an exploratory study, where a documentary research was carried out through the institutional website, on educational technologies developed by DETRAN-CE for the prevention of motorcycle accidents in Ceará, through the institutional website. Results: According to the body that regulates traffic in the state, since August 2004 the State Traffic Department - DETRAN-CE, is linked to the Secretariat of Infrastructure, which develops educational campaigns in the Ceará media. The traffic agency reports that the messages are for guidance on correct behavior in traffic, in order to change the behavior of men on public roads and reverse the situation of violence, reducing the number of accidents, deaths and injuries. The target audience is drivers, passengers, cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians, who are both agents and victims of violence, since studies have pointed out that men are responsible for 90% of traffic accidents in the country, according to data provided by the institutional website of DETRAN-CE. Conclusion: There was a lack of up-to-date and effective technology for the prevention of accidents involving motorcyclists in the state of Ceará, which presupposes the ineffectiveness of developing an updated tool applied to traffic safety.

Objetivo: Analizar campañas mediáticas sobre tecnologías de prevención de accidentes de motocicletas en Ceará, Brasil. Método: Este es un estudio exploratorio, donde se realizó una investigación documental a través del sitio web institucional, sobre tecnologías educativas desarrolladas por DETRAN-CE para la prevención de accidentes de motocicleta en Ceará, a través del sitio web institucional. Resultados: Según el organismo que regula el tráfico en el estado, desde agosto de 2004, el Departamento de Tráfico del Estado - DETRAN-CE, está vinculado a la Secretaría de Infraestructura, que desarrolla campañas educativas en los medios de comunicación de Ceará. La agencia de tráfico informa que los mensajes son orientativos sobre el comportamiento correcto en el tráfico, con el fin de cambiar el comportamiento de los hombres en las vías públicas y revertir la situación de violencia, reduciendo el número de accidentes, muertes y lesiones. El público objetivo son los conductores, pasajeros, ciclistas, motociclistas y peatones, que son agentes y víctimas de la violencia, ya que los estudios han señalado que los hombres son responsables del 90% de los accidentes de tráfico en el país, según datos proporcionados por el web institucional de DETRAN-CE. Conclusión: faltaba una tecnología actualizada y efectiva para la prevención de accidentes con motociclistas en el estado de Ceará, lo que presupone la ineficacia de desarrollar una herramienta actualizada aplicada a la seguridad vial.

The zero impact of the vehicle inspection program on public health in São Paulo, SP / O impacto nulo do programa de inspeção veicular na saúde pública em São Paulo, SP

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze the impact of two interventions (implementation and suspension of mandatory vehicle inspection) on morbidity and mortality due to conditions related to air pollution, from 2008 to 2017. METHODS Interrupted time series (ARIMA models), using data available in public repositories. RESULTS A total of 229,337 children of up to 5 years old were hospitalized due to respiratory diseases, and 1,053 died (average monthly mortality ratio for this population: 1.12/100,000). Exact 137,876 individuals over 40 years old were hospitalized for an acute myocardial infarction, and 19,492 died (3.7/100,000). A total of 11,010 individuals over 40 years old were hospitalized with malignant neoplasms of the respiratory system; 2,898 died (0.5/100,000). A total of 20,807 individuals over 60 years old were hospitalized with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases; 2,627 died (1.5/100,000). As for strokes, 69,180 individuals were hospitalized, and 10,866 died (2.1/100,000). We found no significant regression coefficient for the implementation or suspension of the program regarding hospitalizations and deaths. 38,207 children of up to 14 years old were hospitalized with asthma, and 25 of them died (0.007/100,000). The coefficients show a monthly increase of 0.05 deaths/100,000 people (p = 0.01) in the post-inspection period. We found no correlation between the measured concentrations of the pollutants PM2.5 and CO - in a monitoring station, in the central region of the municipality - and the implementation or suspension of the inspection. CONCLUSIONS No evidence confirms that the program had a measurable beneficial impact on morbidity and mortality due to respiratory and circulatory diseases.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar o impacto de duas intervenções (introdução e suspensão da inspeção veicular obrigatória) sobre a morbidade e mortalidade por condições associadas à poluição do ar no período de 2008 a 2017. MÉTODOS Séries temporais interrompidas (método Arima), com dados disponíveis em repositórios públicos. RESULTADOS Houve 229.337 internações por doenças respiratórias em crianças até 5 anos de idade, com 1.053 óbitos (coeficiente médio de mortalidade mensal para a população da idade: 1,12/100.000). Para infarto agudo do miocárdio em maiores de 40 anos, houve 137.876 internações, com 19.492 óbitos (3,7/100.000). Para as neoplasias malignas do aparelho respiratório em maiores de 40 anos, foram 11.010 internações, com 2.898 óbitos (0,5/100.000). Para doenças pulmonares obstrutivas crônicas em maiores de 60 anos, foram 20.807 internações, com 2.627 óbitos (1,5/100.000). Para os acidentes vasculares cerebrais, foram 69.180 internações e 10.866 óbitos (2,1/100.000). Não houve nenhum coeficiente de regressão significativo para a introdução ou suspensão do programa em relação às internações e óbitos. Para asma em crianças até 14 anos, houve 38.207 internações e 25 óbitos (0,007/100.000), e os coeficientes mostram aumento de 0,05 óbitos/100.000 pessoas por mês (p = 0,01) no período pós-introdução da inspeção. Em modelo para os poluentes MP2,5 e CO, em estação de monitoramento da região central do município, não houve correlação entre as concentrações medidas e a introdução ou a suspensão da inspeção. CONCLUSÕES Não há evidências de que o programa tenha tido qualquer efeito benéfico mensurável sobre a morbidade e a mortalidade por doenças respiratórias e do aparelho circulatório.

Correlation between vehicular traffic and heavy metal concentrations in road sediments of Bogotá, Colombia / Relación entre tráfico vehicular y concentraciones de metales pesados en sedimentos viales de Bogotá, Colombia

Abstract Introduction: Diseases such as asthma and lung cancer are associated with heavy traffic in urban areas. A deep understanding of the pollutants generated by road traffic is relevant to public health control. Objective: To analyze the correlation between vehicular traffic intensity and heavy metal concentrations in road sediments in the city of Bogota, Colombia. Materials and methods: A descriptive observational study was performed. The degree of road pollution was assessed based on reference legislation for the protection of human health (inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact). Heavy metal concentrations (lead, zinc and copper) were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Regression models between traffic intensity and metal concentrations were developed. Results: The size fraction <250 μm of the road sediment was representative to analyze the correlation between traffic intensity and heavy metal concentrations. Lead was the heavy metal of greatest concern from the view point of public health in Bogotá. Conclusions: The following public health limits for control decision-making regarding lead are proposed: lower limit =4 850 vehicles/ day; upper limit =11 300 vehicles/day.

Resumen Introducción. Enfermedades como el asma y el cáncer de pulmón se han asociado al tráfico vehicular intenso de áreas urbanas. Un entendimiento profundo de los contaminantes generados desde este fenómeno es relevante para el control de la salud pública. Objetivo. Analizar la relación entre intensidad de tráfico vehicular y concentración de metales pesados en sedimentos viales en la mega ciudad de Bogotá, Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo en el que se evaluó el grado de contaminación vial con respecto a la legislación de referencia para la protección de la salud humana (inhalación, ingestión y contacto dérmico). La concentración de metales pesados (plomo, zinc y cobre) en sedimentos viales se determinó mediante espectrometría de absorción atómica con llama. Se desarrollaron modelos de regresión entre intensidad de tráfico y concentraciones de metales. Resultados. La fracción de tamaño <250μm del sedimento vial fue representativa para analizar la relación entre intensidad de tráfico y concentración de metales pesados. Plomo fue el metal de mayor atención desde el punto de vista de la salud pública en Bogotá. Conclusiones. Se proponen los siguientes límites para la toma de decisiones de control por contaminación con plomo: límite inferior 4 850 vehículos/día y límite superior 11 300 vehículos/día.

Incidence and mortality for respiratory cancer and traffic-related air pollution in São Paulo, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Multiple lines of evidence have associated exposure to ambient air pollution with an increased risk of respiratory malignancies. However, there is a dearth of evidence from low-middle income countries, including those within South America, where the social inequalities are more marked. OBJECTIVES: To quantify the association between exposures to traffic related air pollution and respiratory cancer incidence and mortality within São Paulo, Brazil. Further, we aim to investigate the role of socioeconomic status (SES) upon these outcomes. METHODS: Cancer incidence between 2002 and 2011 was derived from the population-based cancer registry. Mortality data (between 2002 and 2013) was derived from the Municipal Health Department. A traffic density database and an annual nitrogen dioxide (NO2) land use regression model were used as markers of exposure. Age-adjusted Binomial Negative Regression models were developed, stratifying by SES and gender. RESULTS: We observed an increased rate of respiratory cancer incidence and mortality in association with increased traffic density and NO2 concentrations, which was higher among those regions with the lowest SES. For cancer mortality and traffic exposure, those in the most deprived region, had an incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 2.19 (95% CI: 1.70, 2.82) when comparing the highest exposure centile (top 90%) to the lowest (lowest 25%). By contrast, in the least deprived area, the IRR for the same exposure contrast was.1.07 (95% CI: 0.95, 1.20). For NO2 in the most deprived regions, the IRR for cancer mortality in the highest exposed group was 1.44 (95% CI: 1.10, 1.88) while in the least deprived area, the IRR for the highest exposed group was 1.11 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.23). CONCLUSIONS: Traffic density and NO2 were associated with an increased rate of respiratory cancer incidence and mortality in São Paulo. Residents from poor regions may suffer more from the impact of traffic air pollution.

Fatores socioeconômicos aumentam os efeitos nocivos da poluição atmosférica e da temperatura na mortalidade / Socioeconomic factors increase the adverse effects of air pollution and temperature on mortality

RESUMO: Objetivo: Verificar os efeitos do PM2,5 e da temperatura na mortalidade por doenças cardiovasculares segundo status socioeconômico e proximidade do tráfego. Método: Utilizaram-se séries temporais por meio da classe dos modelos aditivos generalizados com a opção de regressão de Poisson, a 5% de significância. Analisou-se interação entre a proximidade do tráfego e o status socioeconômico por meio de estratificação. Aproximidade do tráfego foi dividida em maior e menor que 150 m de distância. O status socioeconômico no entorno residencial foi categorizado em Alto e Baixo a partir da mediana (3,9%). Calculou-se o percentual de risco relativo (%RR) dos óbitos por doenças cardiovasculares para cada aumento linear de 10 µg/m3 nos níveis de PM2,5 e 1ºC na temperatura máxima. Resultados: A mortalidade por doenças cardiovasculares apresentou %RR 1,64 (IC95% -0,03; 3,33) relacionada à temperatura máxima e %RR 4,60 (IC95% 0,78; 8,56) relacionada ao PM2,5, em áreas com alta exposição ao tráfego. Em áreas com condições de vida precárias, observou-se %RR 1,34 (IC95% -0,31; 3,01) relacionada à temperatura máxima e %RR 3,95 (IC95% -0,27; 8,34) associada ao PM2,5. Conclusão: Áreas com condições de vida precárias e com alta exposição ao tráfego apresentaram maior risco de mortalidade por doenças cardiovasculares relacionados à temperatura e ao PM2,5.

ABSTRACT: Objective: To verify the effects of PM2.5 and temperature on mortality due to cardiovascular diseases according to socioeconomic status and traffic proximity. Method: Time series were used, using the generalized additive models with the Poisson regression option, at 5% significance level. Interactionbetween proximity of traffic and socioeconomic status was analyzed through stratification. The proximity to the traffic was divided into distances up to 150m or over 150m. Socioeconomic status in the residential environment was categorized as high and low based on the median (3.9%). The relative risk percentage (%RR) of cardiovascular disease deaths was calculated for each linear increase of 10 µg/m3 at PM2.5 and 1ºC at the maximum temperature. Results: Mortality due to cardiovascular diseases presented %RR 1.64 (95%CI -0.03; 3.33), related to the maximum temperature and %RR 4.60 (95%CI 0.78; 8.56) related to PM2.5, in areas with high traffic exposure. In areas with poor living conditions, %RR 1.34 (95%CI -0.31; 3.01) was observed, related to maximum temperature and RR% 3.95 (95%CI -0.27; 8.34) associated with PM2.5. Conclusion: Areas with poor living conditions and high-exposure to vehicular traffic had an increased risk of cardiovascular disease mortality related to high temperature and PM2.5.

Influência da densidade de tráfego veicular na internação por câncer do aparelho respiratório no Município de São Paulo, Brasil / Influence of vehicular traffic density on hospital admissions due to respiratory tract cancer in the city of São Paulo, Brazil / Influencia de la densidad de tráfico vehicular en el internamiento por cáncer del aparato respiratorio en el Municipio de São Paulo, Brasil

A poluição relacionada ao tráfego é um grande problema nos centros urbanos, e uma grande parcela da população fica vulnerável aos seus efeitos à saúde. Este trabalho teve como objetivo identificar potencial associação entre as internações hospitalares por câncer do aparelho respiratório com a densidade de tráfego veicular no Município de São Paulo, Brasil. É um estudo ecológico com dados de internações hospitalares por câncer dos sistemas público (Autorização de Internação Hospitalar - AIH) e particular (Comunicação de Internação Hospitalar - CIH), de 2004 a 2006, geocodificados por endereço de residência do indivíduo. Mediante um modelo ecológico de Besag-York-Mollié foi avaliada inicialmente a relação entre o número de casos de internação por câncer do aparelho respiratório em cada área de ponderação e as covariáveis padronizadas: densidade de tráfego e Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano Municipal (IDHM) como indicador de status socioeconômico. Sequencialmente, com um modelo clássico de Poisson, procedeu-se uma avaliação do risco associado às categorias crescentes de densidade de tráfego. O modelo de Besag-York-Mollié estimou um RR = 1,09 (IC95%: 1,02-1,15) e RR = 1,19 (IC95%: 1,10-1,29) de internação por câncer do aparelho respiratório, para cada aumento de um desvio padrão da densidade de tráfego e IDHM, respectivamente. Foi também evidenciado pelo modelo de Poisson um claro gradiente de exposição-resposta para internação por câncer respiratório (IRR = 1,11; IC95%: 1,07-1,15, para cada dez unidades de acréscimo da densidade de tráfego). Este trabalho sugere que há associação entre residir em áreas com alta densidade de tráfego e internação por câncer do aparelho respiratório no Município de São Paulo.

Pollution related to traffic is a major problem in urban centers and a large portion of the population is vulnerable to its health effects. This study sought to identify a potential association between hospital admissions due to respiratory tract cancer and vehicular traffic density in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. It is an ecological study of the public (Hospital Inpatient Authorization - AIH, in Portuguese) and private (Hospital Inpatient Communication - CIH, in Portuguese) health care systems, from 2004 to 2006, geocoded by individuals' residential addresses. Using a Besag-York-Mollié ecological model, we initially evaluated the relationship between number of cases of hospital admission due to respiratory tract cancer in each weighting area and the standardized co-variables: traffic density and Municipal Human Development Index (MHDI) as indicator of socioeconomic status. Using a classic Poisson model, we then evaluated the risk associated with growing traffic density categories. The Besag-York-Mollié model estimated a RR = 1.09 (95%CI: 1.02-1.15) and RR = 1.19 (95%CI: 1.10-1.29) of admission due to respiratory tract cancer for each increase of one standard deviation of traffic and MHDI, respectively. The Poisson model also showed a clear exposure-response gradient for admission due to respiratory tract cancer (IRR = 1.11; 95%CI: 1.07-1.15, for each 10 units of added traffic density). This study suggests that there is an association between residing in areas with high traffic density and hospital admissions due to respiratory tract cancer in the city of São Paulo.

La contaminación relacionada con el tráfico es un gran problema en los centros urbanos, y una gran parte de la población es vulnerable a sus efectos para la salud. El objetivo de este trabajo fue identificar la potencial asociación entre los internamientos hospitalarios por cáncer del aparato respiratorio con la densidad del tráfico vehicular en el Municipio de São Paulo, Brasil. Es un estudio ecológico con datos de internamientos hospitalarios por cáncer de los sistemas público (Autorización de Internación Hospitalaria - AIH) y particular (Comunicación de Internación Hospitalaria - CIH), de 2004 a 2006, geocodificados por dirección de residencia del individuo. Mediante el modelo ecológico de Besag-York-Mollié se evaluó inicialmente la relación entre el número de casos de internamiento por cáncer del aparato respiratorio en cada área de ponderación y covariables estandarizadas: densidad de tráfico e Índice de Desarrollo Humano Municipal (IDHM), como indicador de estatus socioeconómico. Secuencialmente, con un modelo clásico de Poisson, se procedió a una evaluación del riesgo asociado a las categorías crecientes de densidad de tráfico. El modelo de Besag-York-Mollié estimó un RR = 1,09 (IC95%: 1,02-1,15) y RR = 1,19 (IC95%: 1,10-1,29) de internamiento por cáncer del aparato respiratorio, para cada aumento de un desvío estándar de la densidad de tráfico e IDHM, respectivamente. Se evidenció también, a través del modelo de Poisson, un claro gradiente de exposición-respuesta para el internamiento por cáncer respiratorio (IRR = 1,11; IC95%: 1,07-1,15, para cada 10 unidades de incremento de la densidad de tráfico). Este trabajo sugiere que existe una asociación entre residir en áreas con alta densidad de tráfico y el internamiento por cáncer del aparato respiratorio en el Municipio de São Paulo.

Incidence and mortality risk for respiratory tract cancer in the city of São Paulo, Brazil: Bayesian analysis of the association with traffic density.

BACKGROUND: There is evidence that exposure to traffic-related air pollution is related to the incidence of and mortality associated with lung cancer. The aim of this study was to perform a spatial analysis, with a Bayesian approach, to test the hypothesis that high traffic density is associated with increased respiratory tract cancer incidence and mortality risk among individuals over 20 years of age residing in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: We employed data from two different databases: the São Paulo Municipal Population-Based Cancer Registry (2002-2011 cancer incidence data); and the Mortality Database of the São Paulo Municipal Health Department (2002-2013 cancer mortality data). The relationships between the number of cases of respiratory tract cancer in each area analyzed and the standardized covariates-traffic density and the Municipal Human Development Index (MHDI)-were evaluated with a Besag-York-Mollié ecological model with relative risks (RRs) estimates. RESULTS: Per 1-unit standard-deviation increase in traffic density and in the MHDI, the RR for respiratory tract cancer incidence was 1.07 (95% CI: 1.02-1.13) and 1.25 (95% CI: 1.18-1.32), respectively, whereas the RR for mortality was 1.04 (95% CI: 0.99-1.09) and 1.23 (95% CI: 1.16-1.30), respectively. CONCLUSION: Our findings support the hypothesis that residing in areas with high traffic density is associated with increased respiratory tract cancer incidence and mortality risk in the city of São Paulo.

First approach to exhaust emissions characterization of light vehicles in Montevideo, Uruguay.

According to Act No. 17283 of November 28th, 2000, air quality protection is a general concern in Uruguay. Road transport is the main emitter of nitrogen oxides (NOx), as the National Inventory of Air Emissions 2006 stated. Actually, it is responsible for the emissions of 59.8% of NOx and 28% of carbon monoxide (CO). The number of households owning a car in Uruguay increased from 29% in 2005 to 39% in 2013, enhancing the importance of characterizing the vehicular emissions of the national fleet. In this paper, a first approach for this characterization is presented. It was carried out on a sample of 11 light vehicles currently in use in Montevideo city, Uruguay. On-road emissions measurements of nitrogen monoxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) were carried out for calculating the emission factors. The fitness of the set of calculated emission factors values to different probability distributions was tested. When possible, the 95% confidence intervals were obtained for the mean emission factors (CO: 2.0g/km±0.3g/km; NO: 0.05g/km±0.01g/km). This procedure was useful to obtaining accurate confidence intervals from a relatively small sample size. Finally, the link between atmospheric emissions and some other parameters of the tested vehicles was studied using a multivariate statistical tool, highlighting the strong increase in carbon monoxide emissions observed for low vehicles speeds and fuel efficiencies.

Effects of organic and inorganic compounds of diesel exhaust particles on the mucociliary epithelium: An experimental study on the frog palate preparation.

The toxic actions of acute exposition to different diesel exhaust particles (DEPA) fractions on the mucociliary epithelium are not yet fully understood due to different concentrations of organic and inorganic elements. These chemicals elements produce damage to the respiratory epithelium and exacerbate pre-existent diseases. In our study we showed these differences in two experimental studies. Study I (dose-response curve - DRCS): Forty frog-palates were exposed to the following dilutions: frog ringer, intact DEPA diluted in frog-ringer at 3mg/L, 6mg/L and 12mg/L. Study II (DEPF) (DEPA fractions diluted at 12mg/L): Fifty palates - Frog ringer, intact DEPA, DEPA treated with hexane, nitric acid and methanol. Variables analyzed: relative time of mucociliary transport (MCT), ciliary beating frequency (CBF) and morphometric analysis for mucin profile (neutral/acid) and vacuolization. The Results of DRCS: Group DEPA-12mg/L presented a significant increase in the MCT (p<0.05), proportional volume of acid mucus (p<0.05) and decreased proportional volume of neutral mucus and vacuoles (p<0.05). In relation of DEPF: A significant increase in the MCT associated to a decrease in the proportional volume of neutral mucus was founded in nitric acid group. In addition, a significant increase in the proportional volume of acid mucus was found in methanol group. We concluded that: 1) Increasing concentrations of intact DEPA can progressively increase MCT and promote an acidification of intra-epithelial mucins associated to a depletion of neutral mucus. 2) Intact DEPA seem to act as secretagogue substance, promoting mucus extrusion and consequently reducing epithelial thickness. 3) Organic fraction of low polarity seems to play a pivotal role on the acute toxicity to the mucociliary epithelium, by promoting a significant increase in the MCT associated to changes in the chemical profile of the intracellular mucins.