Particulate Research Articles

Inequalities in healthy life expectancy and risk factors for poor health in small geographic areas

Abstract Background Reducing inequality in healthy life expectancy (HLE) is a UK government ambition and requires more detailed knowledge of interrelated morbidity and mortality risks at smaller areas than is routinely available. We assessed HLE and risk factors in small areas. Methods We used publicly available data to estimate HLE in 2011 and 2021 at birth and age 65 for males and females for 128 Middle layer Super Output Areas (MSOA) in Norfolk and Waveney, described the distribution using geospatial mapping, and analysed associations with risk factors using linear regression. Results Mean HLE at birth was 66.5 years (standard deviation 4.3; range 52.0 to 73.0) for men and 67.5 (3.9; 56.0 to 74.0) for women, and at age 65 was 10.9 years (1.8; 6.0 to 16.0) and 12.2 (1.9; 5.0 to 15.0) respectively in 2021. The range in HLE increased between 2011 and 2021 by 2.8 years for men and 1.6 years for women. HLE was usually lower and risks higher in urban and coastal areas. Lower HLE at area level was associated with lower weekly income, physical inactivity, air pollution, alcohol admissions, living alone as an older person and diet not meeting ‘5 a Day’. HLE at age 65 in 2021 increased by: 0.2 (95% CI 0.1,0.2) years for men and 0.2 (0.2,0.3) for women for each £10 rise in weekly net income after housing expenditure; 0.1 (0.1,0.2) years for men for each 10 fewer alcohol attributable hospital admissions per 100,000 admissions; 0.66 (0.31,1.00) years for men and 0.53 (0.15,0.91) years for women per 1 μg/m3 less 2.5 mm particulate matter concentration in air pollution; 0.6 (0.2,1.0) years for men and 0.6 (0.1,1.0) years for women for each 10% fewer people being physically inactive (multiple regression). Conclusions This innovative approach can be used to monitor risks and inform targeted public health interventions at a local level more relevant to local policy makers. Stronger public health surveillance systems are needed to accurately monitor a wider variety of local data on risks. Key messages • Healthy life expectancy at age 65 varies by over 10 years for men and women between different small geographic areas in an English county, alongside local variation in risk factors for poor health. • Lower HLE at area level was associated with lower weekly income, physical inactivity, air pollution, alcohol admissions, living alone as an older person and diet not meeting ‘5 a Day’.

Air Pollution Could Make It Harder for Bees to Navigate

Fine particulate matter in the atmosphere reduces the degree of polarization of sunlight, which insects use to guide themselves home.

Evaluating Indoor Air Quality in Residential Environments: A Study of PM2.5 and CO2 Dynamics Using Low-Cost Sensors

Indoor air quality (IAQ) poses a significant public health concern, and exposures to high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and carbon dioxide (CO2) could have detrimental health impacts. This study focused on assessing the indoor air pollutants in a residential house located in the town of Mission, Hidalgo County, South Texas, USA. The PM2.5 and CO2 were monitored indoors: the kitchen and the bedroom. This investigation also aimed to elucidate the effects of household activities such as cooking and human occupancy on these pollutants. Low-cost sensors (LCSs) from TSI AirAssure™ were used in this study. They were deployed within the breathing zone at approximately 1.5 m above the ground. Calibration of the low-cost sensors against Federal Equivalent Method (FEM) instruments was undertaken using a multiple linear regression method (MLR) model to improve the data accuracy. The indoor PM2.5 levels were significantly influenced by cooking activities, with the peak PM2.5 concentrations reaching up to 118.45 μg/m3. The CO2 levels in the bedroom increased during the occupant’s sleeping period, reaching as high as 1149.73 ppm. The health risk assessment was assessed through toxicity potential (TP) calculations for the PM2.5 concentrations. TP values of 0.21 and 0.20 were obtained in the kitchen and bedroom, respectively. The TP values were below the health hazard threshold (i.e., TP < 1). These low TP values could be attributed to the use of electric stoves and efficient ventilation systems. This research highlights the effectiveness of low-cost sensors for continuous IAQ monitoring and helps promote better awareness of and necessary interventions for salubrious indoor microenvironments.

Burden and economic impact of PM2.5 exposure on Acute Myocardial Infarction in Portugal, 2011-2021

Abstract Background Air pollution, specifically particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5), is the primary environmental health risk in Europe. Exposure to PM2.5 increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including AMI, resulting in high direct costs associated with in-patient treatment. This study aims to estimate the avoidable and attributable disease and economic burden of AMI due to ambient PM2.5 exposure in Portugal between 2011 and 2021. Methods National databases were used to assess the annual number of hospitalisations and deaths due to AMI between 2011 and 2021. The annual mean costs were calculated using a direct cost analysis (bottom-up micro-costing) to assess the direct economic burden of AMI. In turn, these cases and associated costs were multiplied by the respective morbidity and mortality population attributable fraction (PAF) to estimate the number of hospital admissions and deaths, and their associated costs attributable to ambient PM2.5 exposure. For 2019 and 2021, an alternative scenario of exposure was considered (2021 WHO Air Quality Guidelines), and the avoidable morbidity and mortality costs were determined using the potential impact fraction (PIF). Results Between 2011 and 2021, there were 130,447 hospitalisations and 47,968 deaths due to AMI, with 4.79% and 28.90%, respectively, attributable to ambient PM2.5 exposure. This translates to a direct economic burden of morbidity of more than 44 million euros and mortality of almost 195 million euros. If the proposed scenario guidelines were met, 279 cases and 448 deaths would have been avoided in 2019, resulting in a savings of almost 9.7 million euros. In 2021, 93 cases and 355 deaths would have been avoided, with approximately 4 million euros saved. Conclusions Exposure to ambient PM2.5 significantly contributes to AMI cases and deaths in Portugal, imposing a significant economic burden. These findings highlight the urgent need for measures to improve air quality. Key messages • PM2.5 pollution in Portugal drives AMI cases and fatalities, entailing significant economic costs. • Adhering to WHO air quality guidelines promises substantial reductions in AMI incidence and save millions annually in healthcare expenditure.

The burden of lung cancer attributable to ambient PM2.5 exposure: a systematic literature review

Abstract Background Lung cancer is recognized as one of the most common causes of cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide and is the second cause of death with highest years of life lost in highly developed regions. Ambient exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5) is the leading global environmental risk factor. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 is associated with several health outcomes, including lung cancer, ischemic heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Aim To review and estimate the impact attributable to PM2.5 exposure due to lung cancer. Methods A systematic review and a meta-analysis were conducted to determine whether long-term exposure to PM2.5 increases the risk of lung cancer and to derive exposure-response relationships between PM2.5 and lung cancer. The literature search was performed in databases (i.e., Pubmed/Scopus) and studies published from January 1, 2010 onwards were considered. Studies describing the association between long-term exposure to the pollutant under research and the incidence, prevalence, and mortality of lung cancer, considering a relative measure of association were included, with no restriction in geographical area. Results In the literature review, 2215 articles were considered for the first step of data synthesis, all articles were screened, considering the screening of titles (first step), abstracts (second step) and full-text (third step) considering the inclusion criteria. In a second step the data was extracted from the included articles (n = 129) and considering the variables related to the characteristics of the study and the study population, exposure, and outcome measurement, and details of risk of bias assessment. Conclusions These findings provide data to synthesize effect size estimates using a Meta-Regression - Bayesian, Ensemble, Regularized, Trimmed (MR-BRT) model, important to provide evidence data on the impact of air pollution on human health, which is crucial for decision-making. Key messages • Long-term exposure to PM2.5 increases lung cancer risk so the estimating of the impact of the exposure is an urgent need to provide evidence-based data for air quality improvement. • Meta-analysis aims to establish a relation between PM2.5 exposure and the burden of lung cancer.

A Satellite-Based Indicator for Diagnosing Particulate Nitrate Sensitivity to Precursor Emissions: Application to East Asia, Europe, and North America.

Particulate nitrate is a major component of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and a key target for improving air quality. Its formation is varyingly sensitive to emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx ≡ NO + NO2), ammonia (NH3), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Diagnosing the dominant sensitivity is critical for effective pollution control. Here, we show that satellite observations of the NO2 column and the NH3/NO2 column ratio can effectively diagnose the dominant sensitivity regimes in polluted regions of East Asia, Europe, and North America, in different seasons, though with reduced performance in the summer. We demarcate the different sensitivity regimes using the GEOS-Chem chemical transport model and apply the method to satellite observations from the OMI (NO2) and IASI (NH3) in 2017. We find that the dominant sensitivity regimes vary across regions and remain largely consistent across seasons. Sensitivity to NH3 emissions dominates in the northern North China Plain (NCP), the Yangtze River Delta, South Korea, most of Europe, Los Angeles, and the eastern United States. Sensitivity to NOx emissions dominates in central China, the Po Valley in Italy, the central United States, and the Central Valley in California. Sensitivity to VOCs emissions dominates only in the southern NCP in the winter. These results agree well with those of previous local studies. Our satellite-based indicator provides a simple tool for air quality managers to choose emission control strategies for decreasing PM2.5 nitrate pollution.

Diesel exhaust particles activate macrophages and IRF5 expression in atherosclerosis

Abstract Introduction Over 20% of global deaths related to cardiovascular disease have been attributed in part to air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5) (1). In highly trafficked urban areas, smaller ultrafine diesel exhaust particles (DEP) represent a significant proportion of PM2.5. DEP is associated with the progression of atherosclerosis and increased plaque susceptibility to rupture (2). We have previously shown that interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) has a key role in necrotic core formation, a distinguishing feature of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques, by rendering macrophages defective at efferocytosis (3). Pronounced elevation of IRF5 is also seen in symptomatic carotid plaques, particularly in the rupture-prone shoulder regions (4). Purpose We examined the effect of DEP on macrophage phenotype and IRF5 expression in atherosclerosis. Methods Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) from C57BL/6 mice, differentiated with GM-CSF (to mimic inflammatory macrophages) or M-CSF (mimicking homeostatic resident macrophages) were incubated with PBS or DEP (10 µg/mL) in vitro for 18 hours. Expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-12α), macrophage polarisation markers CD11c (itgax, inflammatory) and CD206 (mrc1, resident anti-inflammatory) and IRF5 was quantified by real-time PCR. In addition, high fat-fed ApoE-/- mice were exposed to saline or DEP (35 µL at 1 mg/mL) twice weekly for 5 weeks by pulmonary administration. The pan-macrophage marker CD64, CD206 and IRF5 were quantified in paraffin-embedded sections of brachiocephalic artery lesions by immunohistochemistry. Results In M-CSF-differentiated murine macrophages incubated with DEP, significant fold increases in gene expression (relative to PBS control) were observed: IRF5 (1.4-fold), IL-6 (31.5-fold) and IL-12α (5.8-fold) while CD206 (0.8-fold) decreased (Figure 1a, n = 5, p<0.05, two-tailed paired t-tests). CD11c expression was unchanged. No statistically significant differences were detected in GM-CSF-differentiated macrophages. In the brachiocephalic arteries of DEP-exposed ApoE-/- mice we observed increases in CD64+ macrophages (28.2±7.4 vs 15.5±5.6) and IRF5 (16.6±3.6 vs 10.1±3.4) expression, while CD206 expression decreased (4.1±0.9 vs 11.0±1.2) in comparison to saline-exposed mice (Figure 1b mean±SD, n = 5, p<0.05, two-tailed unpaired t-tests, data expressed as % of intima area). Conclusion DEP promotes CD64+ macrophages and IRF5 expression in murine atherosclerosis, while inflammation and IRF5 is induced in vitro, but only in M-CSF-differentiated murine BMDMs. This suggests that DEP has no impact on inflammatory macrophages but could switch homeostatic resident macrophages to a more inflammatory phenotype via the activation of IRF5. Therefore, IRF5 is a promising candidate for further investigation into the initial macrophage response to inhaled particles that leads to the exacerbation of vascular disease.

A wearable real-time particulate monitor demonstrates that soaking hay reduces dust exposure.

Affordable particulate matter (PM) monitors suitable for use on horses will facilitate the evaluation of PM mitigation methods and improve the management of equine asthma. Calibrate a real-time wearable PM monitor (Black Beauty [BB]) and compare the PM exposures of horses fed dry or soaked hay. Laboratory calibration; complete cross-over feed trial. Side-by-side sampling with BB monitors and tapered element oscillating microbalances (TEOMs) was performed under varying concentrations of PM from alfalfa hay. Linear regression was used to derive a calibration formula for each unit based on TEOM PM measurements. Precision was evaluated by calculating the coefficient of variation and pairwise correlation coefficients between three BB monitors. PM exposure was measured at the breathing zone of 10 horses for 8 h after they were fed dry or soaked hay. Repeated measures generalised linear models were constructed to determine the effect of hay treatment and measurement duration (initial 20-min vs. 8-h) upon exposure to PM with diameters smaller than or equal to 10 μm (PM10) and 2.5 μm (PM2.5). BB monitor PM2.5 and PM10 measurements were linearly correlated with TEOM data (coefficient of determination r2 > 0.85 and r2 > 0.90 respectively), but underestimated PM2.5 mass concentrations by a factor of 4 and PM10 concentrations by a factor of 44. Measures from the three BB monitors had a coefficient of variation <15% and pairwise r > 0.98. Feeding soaked hay significantly reduced average PM2.5 exposures (20-min: dry: 160 μg/m3, soaked: 53 μg/m3, p < 0.0001; 8-h: dry: 76 μg/m3, soaked: 31 μg/m3, p = 0.0008) and PM10 exposures (20-min: dry: 2829 μg/m3, soaked: 970 μg/m3, p < 0.0001; 8-h: dry: 1581 μg/m3, soaked: 488 μg/m3, p = 0.008). No health outcome measures were collected. With appropriate corrections, the BB monitor can be used to estimate horse PM exposure. While 20-min measurements yielded higher estimates of exposure than 8-h measurements, both intervals demonstrate that soaking hay reduces PM exposures by more than 50%.

Linking fish bioturbation to life history in a eutrophic wetland: An analysis of fish contributions to internal nutrient loading

Abstract Bioturbation (sediment disturbance by animal actions) effects on nutrient cycling and nutrient levels in surface waters are difficult to quantify, in part because the diversity and magnitude of species‐specific influences are poorly understood. These influences may have consequences for the management of the trophic state of freshwater ecosystems. Fish cause bioturbation in freshwater and marine ecosystems by digging in benthic sediments, manipulating periphyton mats while searching for prey and scraping hard substrates while feeding. We used experimental enclosures (2.25 m2) to quantify bioturbation‐mediated phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) regeneration from sediment by three species of fish that differ in interactions with the benthos (largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides; tilapia, Oreochromis spp.; and sailfin catfish, Pterogoplichthys spp.) in shallow eutrophic wetlands in Southern Florida. Tilapia are omnivores that include detritus in their diet (winnowing or ingesting sediments) and dig nests in soft sediments year round, sailfin catfish actively burrow into substrate and consume detritus (digging and ingesting sediments), and largemouth bass are piscivores that do not routinely interact with the benthos when feeding but may dig nests in soft sediment in spawning season (January–April). We quantified the amount of suspended flocculent organic matter and changes in water column nutrients (total phosphorus [TP] and total nitrogen [TN]) in 2‐week trials for each species and estimated the portion of nutrient increases relative to fishless controls that could be attributed to bioturbation‐mediated internal nutrient loading through suspension of organic matter (as opposed to excretion or other sources of nutrient loading). Water column nutrient concentrations increased with increasing biomass for all species, but the bioturbation contribution differed by species. Largemouth bass increased water column nutrient concentrations (TP: 86% and TN: 5% relative to controls) but did not influence water column suspended particulate matter through bioturbation of sediment. Tilapia increased water column nutrients a modest amount (TP: 8%; TN: 15%), of which a small portion was attributed to bioturbation (c. 18% of TP). Sailfin catfish raised water column nutrients substantially (TP: 105%; TN: 46%) and up to 100% of the increased TP was attributed to bioturbation. Sailfin catfish also suppressed algal growth and TP accumulation on the sides of the enclosures and reduced nutrient concentrations of the flocculent sediments. Our results were consistent with our hypothesis that behaviour and foraging traits affect bioturbation contributions to nutrient loading. The results also demonstrated that species with similar net effects like largemouth bass and sailfin catfish, added nutrients via different mechanisms (i.e. excretion vs. bioturbation). Considering the feeding strategies and interactions with the substrate of common fish species may assist managers in meeting nutrient reduction goals for eutrophic wetlands and managed freshwater systems.

Particulate matter retention and removal efficiency in ten tree species of semi-arid environment

Modern era has witnessed particulate matter (PM) become one of the biggest threats for the existence of biological species. Therefore, a study was performed in Faisalabad city to evaluate PM retention and removal efficiency of ten local tree species. Branch samples were collected from urban, sub-urban and rural areas in September 2020 (183 days after rain), and in August 2021 (30 days after rain). Results showed that total PM load, PM>10 and PM10-2.5 retention was the highest in urban followed by sub-urban and rural area. PM>10, PM10-2.5, total PM, and PM deposition rate decreased significantly in the following order, F. benghalensis > T. arjuna > S. cumini > A. scholaris > F. religiosa > E. camaldulensis > D sissoo > C lancifolius > B. ceiba > M. alba during both years 2020, and 2021. During the artificial rainfall experiment, total PM removed by the species also followed the same order however, PM removal efficiency was the highest in B. ceiba and M. alba followed by E. camaldulensis, C. lancifolius, D. sissoo, T. arjuna, S. cumini, A. scholaris, F. religiosa and F. benghalensis. Therefore, it can be concluded that species selection must be done skillfully for congested urban environment.

Particulate Matter Production from Prescribed Burns in the Chicagoland Area

Prescribed burns are a land management tool currently used to aid in fire mitigation and to promote desired plant species and reduce undesired species, which are often invasive species. Currently, there is a public stigma surrounding the negative effects of prescribed burns, which impacts their use near residential areas. There are also particular challenges of conducting prescribed burns in urban and suburban areas. A better understanding of these relatively small-scale prescribed burns and their impact on atmospheric chemistry and air quality can allow for better communication with the public about their positive impacts, as well as for the acknowledgement and quantification of their drawbacks. This study considers the particulate matter concentrations proximate to prescribed fires being conducted in the greater Chicago metropolitan area. We deployed low-cost sensors in the spring and fall of 2022 at four sites. Concentrations of particulate matter exceeded accepted human health exposure limits at locations that burn crews would experience, but levels quickly returned to baseline after the high-intensity phase of the burn. With the ever-expanding wildland–urban interface and increased efforts in ecological restoration, understanding the particulate matter emissions of prescribed fires conducted near populated areas can provide more data regarding air quality impacts. These impacts should be weighed against the ecological benefits of prescribed burns and potential air quality impacts from uncontrolled burns from ecosystems that are not treated with prescribed burns. Measuring air quality impacts can also inform fire management practices with the goal of reducing future emissions. With the very present effects of climate change, understanding baselines regarding prescribed fires can better equip future research and fire professionals in fighting fire with fire.

African dust: Occurrence, health consequences, and impacts on Texas

The drylands of North Africa (Sahara and Sahel) are the world’s largest sources of airborne dust. Clouds of African dust aerosols have been long known to be blown westwards across the Atlantic, and by the 1990s were recognized to be transported across and over Texas. African dust incursions in Texas typically happen several times per year in late spring and summer, manifesting as hazy skies overhead and increased ground-level concentrations of PM2.5 (particulate matter fine enough to be inhaled into the human lower respiratory tract). African dust exposure has many reported human health effects in Europe and the Caribbean, including increased all-cause mortality and increased respiratory and cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. In Texas, African dust’s greatest impacts occur in the Houston metropolitan area where it has been quantitatively shown to increase ambient aerosol concentrations. The potential of African dust increasing concentrations of inhalable particulate matter beyond regulatory limits is of concern. A sequence of investigations filtering particles from the air, measuring their concentrations, and subjecting them to elemental analysis documented far-transported African dust’s role in air quality in Houston and Galveston. African dust’s contributions to air pollution have been separated from those of local soils and industrial emissions, and Saharan-Sahelian dust has been indicated to sometimes constitute the majority of PM2.5 mass in Houston. While studies show the presence of inhalable metals and microorganisms including opportunistic pathogens during Saharan air incursions in Houston, the human health effects of African dust in Texas remain yet unspecified and merit further investigation. Keywords: aerosols; Africa, Northern; air pollution; dust; particulate matter; public health; Texas

Air quality in different urban hotspots in a metropolitan city in India and the environmental implication.

This research study investigates hourly data on concentrations of five major air pollutants such as particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5) and gaseous pollutants (SO2, NO2, CO) measured during 2022 at four hotspot sites (industrial site, traffic site, commercial site, harbour, and one residential site) in Chennai, India. The analysis encompasses temporal variations spanning annual, seasonal, and diurnal variations in the pollutants. Notably, PM10 and CO emerge as the predominant pollutants, with the highest concentrations at industrial and traffic sites (PM10: 67.64 ± 40.77µg/m3, CO: 1.41 ± 0.84mg/m3; traffic site: PM10: 58.67 ± 20.05µg/m3, CO: 0.99 ± 0.57mg/m3). Seasonal dynamics reveal prominent winter spikes in particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5) and carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations, while nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) levels peak during the summer season, particularly in the harbour area. The proximity to roadways exerts a discernible influence on diurnal patterns, with traffic sites showcasing broader rush hour peaks compared to sharper spikes observed at other sites. Furthermore, distinct bimodal patterns are evident for PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations in residential and harbour areas. A common lognormal distribution pattern is identified across the studied sites, suggesting consistent air quality trends despite contrasting locations. The conditional probability function (CPF) is used in conjunction with local meteorological conditions for identifying key pollution sources in each location. The implementation of polar plots emphasizes industries as principal local sources of pollution, at industrial sites significantly contributing to PM10, SO2, and NO2 concentrations under specific wind conditions. The main objective of the present study is to facilitate a good understanding of pollutant dynamics, pollution sources, and their intricate interplay with meteorological factors, thereby contributing to the formulation and implementation of effective air pollution control and mitigation strategies.

Real-Time Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Monitoring Using an IoT-Based Wireless Sensing Network

In recent years, our time spent indoors has risen to around 90% and to maintain an occupant’s comfort and well-being, Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) is monitored. Concerned with inhabitant’s satisfaction and health, the adoption of smart solutions for IEQ monitoring and improvement has expanded. The solution this study explores is an occupant-centric approach involving the implementation of an Internet of Things (IoT) IEQ sensing network in a prominent office skyscraper in Hong Kong. Over the course of 15 months, real-time IEQ data were collected from 12 locations within the building. The data were collected at 1-min time intervals and consisted of readings of indoor air temperature, radiant temperature, relative humidity, air velocity, carbon dioxide (CO2), particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), horizontal illuminance levels, and sound pressure levels, which served as the basis of the assessment made about the qualities of thermal comfort, indoor air quality (IAQ), aural comfort, and visual comfort. Compared to traditional periodic surveys, this IoT-based sensing network captured instantaneous environmental variations, providing valuable insights into the indoor environment’s spatial characterization and temporal dynamics. This smart solution also assisted facility management in terms of identifying sources of discomfort and developing effective mitigation strategies accordingly. This study presents an occupant-centric approach to improve occupant comfort and energy efficiency within office buildings. By customizing the built environment to enhance occupants’ well-being, comfort, and productivity, an emphasis is placed on a more personalized and occupant-focused design strategy. This approach integrates technical design with human experience, highlighting the importance of real-time physical and subjective surveys for achieving optimal results.

Research and Prediction of China's Air Environment

Abstract: With the rapid development of China's economy, environmental issues, particularly air pollution, have become increasingly severe, posing significant threats to human health and ecosystems. This study employed statistical learning methods to analyze air pollution composition data from thirty major Chinese cities throughout 2019-2022. The study used algorithms like regression, classification, fitting, and filtering to find changes in multi-source heterogeneous data patterns and predict how air pollutant concentrations would change over time and space. At the same time,the results indicate that the primary factors influencing the Air Quality Index (AQI) are fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and inhalable particulate matter (PM10). Additionally, this research is significant for improving public health, advancing environmental protection, fostering economic growth, strengthening laws and regulations, ensuring social stability, and promoting scientific and cultural advancements. Through this research, scientific bases can be provided for formulating policies that reduce disease, enhance government credibility, drive innovation in atmospheric research, and preserve cultural heritage.

Global, Regional, and National Burden of Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Young Adults From 1990 to 2021: A Population-Based Study.

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in young adults demands greater attention, given its poor prognosis; however, there has been a paucity of epidemiological data. The objective of this study is to estimate the temporal trends and distribution characteristics of the disease burden in 204 countries or territories between 1990 and 2021. The data, including incidence, mortality, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life year (DALY) rates were sourced from the Global Burden of Diseases Study 2021. From 1990 to 2021, there was a significant decline in the global incidence (estimated annual percentage change=-1.05), mortality (estimated annual percentage change=-0.92), and DALY (estimated annual percentage change=-1.00) rates of ICH in young adults. In 2021, the highest incidence, mortality, and DALY rates were observed in Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania. Globally, high systolic blood pressure, smoking, and ambient particulate matter pollution were identified as the primary contributors to the largest proportion of DALYs associated with ICH in young adults. The health inequality of ICH in young adults has been reduced over the past 3 decades. There is a considerable degree of heterogeneity in the global burden of ICH in young adults. A decline in the incidence, mortality, prevalence, and DALY rates has been observed from 1990 to 2021, however, the number of absolute cases has increased. These results will enable health care professionals, policymakers, and researchers to refine the implementation of cost-effective policies, the allocation of health care resources, and the management of patients to further mitigate the burden of ICH in young adults.

Simulation study on the clogging process of suspended matter in recharge of anti-filtration recharge well

ABSTRACT Anti-filtration recharge wells are a class of recharge facilities in groundwater reservoirs with their own anti-filtration function, and aquifer clogging is a key issue in recharge. In this paper, the process of recharging groundwater by rainfall flood water recharge from an anti-filtration recharge well was simulated by indoor sand column test, and the change of permeability coefficient, turbidity at the outlet, and the distribution of suspended particulate matter at the end of the experiment were measured and computed, so as to analyze and study the effect of filtration in anti-filtration recharge wells and carry out the contrast test with ordinary recharge wells without a recharge pool. Compared with ordinary recharge wells, the anti-filter layer in the recharge pool of anti-filtration recharge wells can largely remove suspended matter in recharge water and intercept suspended matter at the surface, thus preventing aquifer clogging, and it is recommended that the anti-filter layer should be cleaned up and replaced regularly according to the experimental results, and this study provides a reference for the practical application of anti-filtration recharge wells.

The Formaldehyde, TVOCs, PM2.5 and PM10 Concentrations at Outdoor Street Food in Kalasin, Thailand

Human health and well-being are directly impacted by air quality. Cardiovascular and respiratory problems have been linked to exposure to pollutants such as formaldehyde, total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), and particulate matter 2.5 and 10 micrometers (PM2.5 and PM10). This study aimed to quantify formaldehyde, TVOCs, PM2.5, and PM10 levels in the outdoor air at street food vendors in Kalasin, Thailand. The study was conducted at street food vendors in the province of Kalasin. Formaldehyde values at the top five food stalls in Kalasin ranged from 0.58 to 1.41 mg/m3. The PM2.5 values ranged from 2.29 to 9.43 ug/m3, and the TVOC values ranged from 2.91 to 7.02 ug/m3, with PM10 concentrations ranging from 2.86 to 7.29 ug/m3. Drawing on data about these pollutant concentrations across five distinct locations, the following recommendations can be put forth: Elevated levels of formaldehyde, TVOCs, PM2.5, and PM10 in certain areas can have detrimental effects on the environment and human well-being.

Mendelian Randomization Study of the Causal Relationship between PM2.5 and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Background: In recent years, a large number of studies have evaluated the relationship between particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and the incidence rate and mortality of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), but the conclusion is controversial. Methods: The publicly available statistical data from genome-wide association studies were used for two sample MR. Inverse variance weighted is used as the main analysis, MR Egger regression, maximum likelihood, simple median, and weighted median are used for supplementary validation. Results: MR analysis results indicate that for every standard deviation increase in PM2.5 exposure, the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) increases by 41% (95% CI: 1.10～1.82, P=0.008). However, there is no causal association between PM2.5 and NDDs such as Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and Dementia with Lewy bodies. Sensitivity analysis did not detect heterogeneity and pleiotropy, indicating that the analysis results are robust. Conclusion: There is a causal relationship between PM2.5 and the risk of AD, and reducing PM2.5 exposure may be of great significance for the prevention of AD.

Unlocking the potential of hydrogen isotopes (δ2H) in tracing riverine particulate organic matter sources and dynamics

Unlocking the potential of hydrogen isotopes (δ2H) in tracing riverine particulate organic matter sources and dynamics