Ambient Air Pollution Research Articles

Air Pollutants and Ovarian Reserve: A Systematic Review of the Evidence

Abstract Background Growing evidence points to an association between ambient air pollution and decreased human reproductive potential. The aim of this study was to systematically review the association between air pollutants and female ovarian reserve. Methods The literature was searched in six electronic databases through August 2023. Screening of the 75 articles retrieved for inclusion criteria resulted in the selection of 12 human observational studies that evaluated the effect of environmental pollutants on markers of female ovarian reserve. The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (registration code CRD42023474218). Results The study design of selected studies was found to be cross-sectional (2 of 10), retrospective cohort (7 of 10), prospective cohort (2 of 10), and case-control (1 of 10). The study population was equally distributed between Asians (60%) and Americans (50%) with an Italian minority (10%). The main findings showed a higher body of evidence for the environmental pollutants PM2.5, PM10, and NO2, while a low body of evidence for PM1, O3, SO2, and a very low body of evidence for benzene, formaldehyde, and benzo(a)pyrene, yet consistently showing significant inverse association data. The overall methodological quality of the selected studies was rated moderated across the 14 domains of the NIH toolkit. Conclusions Increased exposure to air pollutants seems to be associated with reduced female ovarian reserve with evidence being strongest for pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, and NO2. More evidence is needed to draw conclusions about causality. Key messages • Increased exposure to air pollutants seems to be associated with reduced female ovarian reserve with evidence being strongest for pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, and NO2. • Global environmental policy programs are urgently needed to reduce the risks associated with reduced fertility such as reduced birth rates or the use of assisted reproductive technologies.

Healthy air for healthy minds

Abstract Background The adverse health effects from exposure to air pollution is increasingly known. A recent report shows that at least 95% of the world’s population breathe air containing dangerous levels of pollutants. According to estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO), ambient air pollution is related to 4.2 million deaths every year. Less is known about the association between indoor air (especially particulate matter 2.5 and volatile organic compounds (VOC) pollution and mental health conditions. Many sources of indoor air pollution exist, such as pressed wood products, pesticides, secondhand smoke, stoves, heaters, overcrowding and fireplaces. Aims We aim to synthesize knowledge on the effects of particulate matter 2.5 in indoor air and mental health conditions. Methods We systematically reviewed the association of indoor air pollution with mental health conditions using the databases Pubmed and EMBASE. Results Exposure to indoor air pollutants is associated with increased anxiety and depression and less cognitive performance. These results are robust; however, the impact of PM2.5 is larger for less-educated and female respondents. Females cook with solid fuels and biomass more often. Physical exposure and gender factors overlap in the exposure to indoor air pollutants. Discussion Poor indoor air quality should be part of a comprehensive assessment of factors influencing mental health and cognition. Neuroinflammation might explain the effects of poor air on mental health and cognition. Further research is needed to combine research on the social determinants of mental health and the effects of indoor air. Studies in different settings such as home, work, and hospitals are needed to better understand the specific exposures of indoor air pollution and mental health conditions in different population groups.

Cancer mortality attributable to air pollution in Slovakia

Abstract Introduction Air pollution is considered one of the most significant global environmental health risks. According to the Global Burden of Disease estimates, fine particulate matter, a key component of ambient air pollution, was the fifth leading risk factor for mortality worldwide in 2015, contributing to 4.2 million deaths (7.6% of total global deaths). In 2019, ambient air pollution was responsible for 4.5 million deaths. This rise is attributed to the growing levels of air pollution and the increasing incidence of NCDs associated with air pollution. Aim This contribution aims to clarify the possible association between environmental air pollution and cancer in Slovakia in the years 2015-2019 overall and by gender and age. Methodology This ecological study focuses on the population of Slovakia from 2015 to 2019. The data used are from the Global Burden of Disease study (IHME, 2019), the Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic and the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute. Results In 2019, mortality from NCDs related to environmental pollution accounted for 6.6% of total mortality in Slovakia, which is lower than the global average of 8.3%. Cancer mortality attributable to ambient particulate matter pollution (APMP) was lower in 2019 (2.97 per 100,000, CI 95% 4.43-1.76) than in 2015. Higher cancer mortality rates attributable to APMP, were observed mainly in men (7.18 per 100,950, CI % 10.67-4.31 in 2015) and especially in the 80-84 age group (59.49 per 100,000; CI 95 % 94.60-32.20) in 2015 and in men aged 75-79 (510.76 per 510.76 per 100,000) in 2019. Conclusions While Slovakia has experienced a long-term decline in cancer mortality, bucking the global trend, challenges persist due to the country’s relatively poorer outcomes associated with environmental pollution. Addressing environmental pollution remains a critical aspect of ongoing efforts to enhance population health through targeted strategies and policies. Key messages • The significant impact of environmental pollution on cancer mortality underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and policies to improve public health outcomes in Slovakia. • Cancer mortality attributable to air pollution differs by gender.

Climate Change Impacts on Respiratory Health: Bridging Inequalities in Children and Adults

Abstract Respiratory diseases rank as the third leading global cause of mortality, with climate change exacerbating their prevalence and severity. Wild fires, floods, extreme heat events, infectious diseases, urban air pollution and aeroallergen exposure contribute to respiratory health deterioration. Vulnerable populations, including individuals with pre-existing lung conditions and children, bear a disproportionate burden of these effects. We centrepiece the connection of climate change to respiratory health inequalities, while bridging the evidence gap regarding increasing extreme heat and cold events, ambient and indoor air pollution exposure with significant ramifications on respiratory health. Specifically, we will showcase research on the tailored, multidisciplinary NCD prevention package named FRESHAIR4Life, targeting air pollution exposure in mid- to late adolescents from disadvantaged populations. Given the high burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and air pollution exposure as major contributors, urgent preventive interventions are required, particularly in disadvantaged populations. Initiating preventive interventions during adolescence is considered an optimal window of opportunity for long-term health benefits. Furthermore, we will present a robust evidence base delineating climate change’s impact on lung health among vulnerable European populations. We will discuss how narratives on climate-induced lung health issues are co-created with affected communities and stakeholders to facilitate policy translation. The aim of these presentations is to break silos among health professionals, fostering collaboration from the respiratory community to the public health community. Through lung health collaborations we seek to deepen understanding and catalyze action to address the intersection of climate change, respiratory health, and inequalities, ultimately working towards a healthier and more equitable health for all.

Novel R package to quantify and monetize burden of disease attributable to air pollution and noise

Abstract Background Ambient air pollution and noise substantially impact public health and the economy. Different methods to quantify these impacts are described in the literature. Objectives Within the European project BEST-COST (Burden of disease-based methods for estimating the socio-economic cost of environmental stressors), we aim to develop an open-source R package to quantify and monetise the disease burden attributable to air pollution and noise, including the impact of social inequalities. Methods The developed code will allow for different calculation pathways including: single baseline health data vs. age-specific estimates from life tables; relative and absolute risk; scenario comparison based on the population attributable fraction vs. population impact fraction; single-pollutant vs. correlated exposures; and outdoor vs. indoor air pollution. Moreover, the package can digest a variety of input data formats for the exposure-response function (e.g. relative risk with fixed shape vs. user-defined function) and exposure data (e.g. population-weighted mean vs. categorical distribution, spatial data). Eligible impact metrics will include morbidity incidence and prevalence, number of deaths, years of life lost, and years lived with disability. Finally, the R package will enable quantifying social inequities (using a novel multiple deprivation index) and monetising the attributable disease burden (using a state-of-the-art approach). Results During development, the R package will be tested in BEST-COST case studies in 5 European countries (BE, EE, FR, NO, PT), compared with existing tools, and discussed with key users in a workshop. The final R package will be available on GitHub in 2026. Conclusions This tool will allow the quantification and monetisation of the health impact of air pollution and noise. The R package will be a flexible programming resource that can be used as a standalone or combined with existing tools to build a more solid basis for evidence-based policy making. Key messages • This open-source tool will allow the quantification and monetisation of the health impact of air pollution and noise, including the impact of social inequalities. • The R package will be a flexible programming resource that can be used as a standalone or combined with existing tools to build a more solid basis for evidence-based policy making.

Long-term ozone exposure and asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Ambient air pollution, particularly surface ozone, is a significant global health concern, with 9 out of 10 people exposed to levels exceeding WHO guidelines. This exposure is linked to approximately 7 million premature deaths annually, a number expected to double by 2050. While the effects of short-term exposure to ozone on exacerbation of asthma symptoms and mortality are well-documented, the impact of long-term exposure remains unclear. Aim This systematic literature review aims to quantify the association between long-term exposure to ozone and asthma incidence and prevalence and derive an exposure-response relationship. Methods International electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science, were searched, supplemented by grey literature sources such as Google Scholar and WHO - Global Index Medicus from conception to July 31, 2023. Observational epidemiological cohort, case-control, or cross-sectional studies reporting quantitative associations between exposure and outcome were included. Meta-analysis will synthesize effect size estimates using a Meta-Regression - Bayesian, Ensemble, Regularized, Trimmed (MR-BRT) model. Results A total of 5,947 titles were initially identified from databases, and following the removal of duplicates, 3,235 titles and abstracts were screened, resulting in 84 articles deemed eligible for full-text review. The full-text screening identified 29 studies comprising 38 articles. A comprehensive overview of the included studies will be provided. We will describe the study settings, design, and measurement methods used by the identified studies. Furthermore, results of the MR-BRT model will be summarized, and exposure-response functions will be discussed. Funding: This work is part of the BEST-COST project which is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme under Grant Agreement No.101095408. Key messages • This research fills the gap in understanding the association between long-term exposure to ambient ozone and asthma incidence and prevalence. • Developing exposure-response functions would enable estimation of the disease burden associated with long-term ozone exposure.

Ambient air pollution exposure is associated with liver fat and stiffness in Latino youth with a more pronounced effect in those with PNPLA3 genotype and more advanced liver disease

BackgroundExposure to ambient air pollutants has emerged as a risk for metabolic-dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). ObjectivesWe sought to examine associations between short-term (prior month) and long-term (prior year) ambient air pollution exposure with hepatic fat fraction (HFF) and liver stiffness in Latino youth with obesity. A secondary aim was to investigate effect modification by patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (PNPLA3) genotype and liver disease severity. MethodsData was analyzed from 113 Latino youth (age 11–19) with obesity in Southern California. Individual exposure to particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5μm (PM2.5), ≤ 10μm (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), 8-hour maximum ozone (8hrMax-O3), 24-hr O3, and redox-weighted oxidative capacity (Oxwt) were estimated using residential address histories and United States Environmental Protection Agency air quality observations. HFF and liver stiffness were measured using magnetic resonance imaging. Linear models were used to determine associations between short-term and long-term exposure to air pollutants with HFF and liver stiffness. Modification by PNPLA3 and liver disease severity was then examined. ResultsShort-term exposure to 8hrMax-O3 was positively associated with HFF. Relationships between air pollution exposure and HFF were not impacted by PNPLA3 genotype or liver disease severity. Long-term exposure to 8hrMax-O3 and Oxwt were positively associated with liver stiffness. Associations between air pollution exposure and liver stiffness depended on PNPLA3 genotype, such that individuals with GG genotypes exhibited stronger, more positive relationships between short-term exposure to PM10, 8hrMax-O3, 24-hr O3, and Oxwt and liver stiffness than individuals with CC/CG genotypes. In addition, relationships between short-term exposure to NO2 and liver stiffness were stronger in those with severe liver disease. DiscussionAir pollution exposure may be a risk factor for liver disease among Latino youth with obesity, particularly in those with other preexisting risks for liver damage.

Ambient air pollution and risk of allergic respiratory diseases in European and East Asian populations: A Mendelian randomization study

BackgroundAmbient air pollution has become a challenging global health issue since industrialization, especially affecting respiratory diseases. However, the causal link between air pollution and allergic respiratory diseases (ARDs) remains unclear due to confounding factors in conventional epidemiological studies across different populations. Thus, we aimed to clarify the causal associations between air pollution and ARDs in European and East Asian populations using Mendelian randomization (MR). MethodsMR utilizes genetic variants and provides a satisfactory level of causal evidence. Genetic data for exposures (PM2.5, PM2.5 absorbance, PM10, PMcoarse, NO2 and NOx) and outcomes (allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, asthma, and obesity related asthma) were obtained from genome-wide association studies. Instrumental variables were strictly filtered based on core assumptions. Two-sample MR and sensitivity analyses were conducted separately for European and East Asian populations. ResultsPMcoarse was causally associated with an increased risk of chronic rhinosinusitis (OR = 1.588 [1.002–2.518]; p = 0.049) and obesity related asthma (OR = 1.956 [1.012–3.780]; p = 0.046) in European population, and PM10 was associated with a decreased risk of allergic rhinitis in East Asian population (OR = 0.882 [0.798–0.974]; p = 0.013). No heterogeneity or pleiotropy was detected in any significant causal association. ConclusionOur findings indicate that ambient air pollution has opposite impacts on the etiology of ARDs in European and East Asian populations, which provides evidence for decisions on public policies and suggests that different responses to environmental factors such as air pollution may contribute to racial heterogeneity of ARDs.

Do environmental crimes contribute to air pollution? Empirical evidence and effects on health

AbstractThis paper investigates the effect of environmental crimes on ambient air pollution in Italy, using annual provincial data over the period 2010–2016. While the impact of ambient air pollution on health has been the focus of a significant amount of literature, a nascent body of works is focusing on the impact of illegal behavior on environmental quality. Our work is ideally divided in two steps: firstly, we identify and assess empirically the potential correlation between environmental crimes and four different kinds of ambient air pollution. Secondly, we identify the health impacts that may be triggered by environmentally harmful illegal activities, through their impact on ambient air pollution, by linking them to existing contributions. Our findings suggest that the existence of such an “indirect” link may indeed be confirmed. We find that higher levels of PM2.5, PM10, and O3 concentration are associated with higher levels of environmental crimes related to forest fires and landscape violations (except for PM10 in the latter case), while NO2 concentration is not significantly associated with any environmental crime. On the other hand, we also find non-linearities in the estimated correlations. We conclude our analysis by providing a straightforward quantification of health-related impacts of ambient air pollution changes potentially triggered by criminal environmental behaviors. We hope that our findings could contribute to a more accurate evaluation of environmental crime impacts and, subsequently, inform future criminal environmental enforcement and environmental policies.

Outdoor Air Pollution Relates to Amygdala Subregion Volume and Apportionment in Early Adolescents.

Outdoor air pollution is associated with an increased risk for psychopathology. Although the neural mechanisms remain unclear, air pollutants may impact mental health by altering limbic brain regions, such as the amygdala. Here, we examine the association between ambient air pollution exposure and amygdala subregion volumes in 9-10-year-olds. Cross-sectional Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development SM (ABCD) Study ® data from 4,473 participants (55.4% male) were leveraged. Air pollution was estimated for each participant's primary residential address. Using the probabilistic CIT168 atlas, we quantified total amygdala and 9 distinct subregion volumes from T1- and T2-weighted images. First, we examined how criteria pollutants (i.e., fine particulate matter [PM 2.5 ], nitrogen dioxide, ground-level ozone) and 15 PM 2.5 components related with total amygdala volumes using linear mixed-effect (LME) regression. Next, partial least squares correlation (PLSC) analyses were implemented to identify relationships between co-exposure to criteria pollutants as well as PM 2.5 components and amygdala subregion volumes. We also conducted complementary analyses to assess subregion apportionment using amygdala relative volume fractions (RVFs). No significant associations were detected between pollutants and total amygdala volumes. Using PLSC, one latent dimension (LD) (52% variance explained) captured a positive association between calcium and several basolateral subregions. LDs were also identified for amygdala RVFs (ranging from 30% to 82% variance explained), with PM 2.5 and component co-exposure associated with increases in lateral, but decreases in medial and central, RVFs. Fine particulate and its components are linked with distinct amygdala differences, potentially playing a role in risk for adolescent mental health problems.

Association of Ambient Air Pollution Exposure With Incident Glaucoma: 12-Year Evidence From the UK Biobank Cohort.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Despite growing concerns about air quality and its impact on ocular health, there remains a knowledge gap regarding the long-term association between air pollution and glaucoma risk. This study investigates the relationship between exposure to ambient air pollution and incidence of glaucoma. In this prospective study, we used land use regression models to estimate levels of various air pollutants, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), PM2.5 absorbance, PM2.5-10, PM10, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Incidents of glaucoma were ascertained through routinely collected hospital admission records. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the associations between air pollution exposure and glaucoma incidence, adjusting for potential confounding sociodemographic, physical, and lifestyle factors. Data from 481,113 participants were included. Over a median follow-up of 12.8 years, 9224 incident cases of glaucoma were identified. In the maximally adjusted model, per interquartile range increase in PM2.5 was associated with a 3% greater risk of developing glaucoma (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.00 to 1.06, P = 0.048). Participants in the highest quartile had a 10% increased risk of developing glaucoma compared to those in the lowest quartile (HR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.03 to 1.17, P = 0.005). Higher levels of exposure to ambient air pollutants, particularly PM2.5, are associated with an increased risk of developing glaucoma. These results highlight the potential public health impact of ambient air pollution on glaucoma risk and underscore the urgent need for further research into targeted environmental interventions in this domain.

Hygienic assessment of heavy metal and organic compounds pollution in snow cover of a multi-industrial city

Introduction. One of the leading health risk factors is atmospheric air pollution, the state of which can be indirectly assessed by the content of a wide range of pollutants in snow and soil cover. Materials and methods. The study analyzed data on deposits of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAHs), heavy metals (HMs) and petroleum hydrocarbons (PHs) in the snow of different functional zones of the agglomeration. Physicochemical research methods were used. Results. The content of ΣPAHs was found to range from 412.8 to 2843.7 ng/L. The highest concentrations of ∑PAHs were observed in the residential area in the square (point 10) – 2843.7 ng/L; and on the border of the sanitary protection and residential zones in the area of the Yuzhnaya station (point 3) – 1758.2 ng/L. The share of benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) from ∑PAH ranged from 2.9 to 9.7%. PHs levels ranged from 51.0–117.0 μg/L. The difference in the range of fluctuations in values was most evident in the content of individual PAHs: B(a)P (16.13 times), Ant (12.05 times) and B(g,h,i)P (11.56 times ), mercury (17.53 times), zinc (9 times) and manganese (8.58 times); metals: cadmium (1.89 times), copper (1.75 times), and lead (1.47 times). Limitations. Sampling and features of snow cover contamination by atmospheric precipitation in the dynamics of the winter season. Conclusion. Concentrations of PAHs and HM varied in different ranges of values and had a non-uniform spatial distribution over the territory. Direct links were found between the content of B(a)P and other polyarenes in the snow cover.

Age trend in the mortality from diseases of the circulatory system during the pandemic under a decrease in air pollution

Introduction. The results of large-scale studies of the mortality from diseases of the circulatory system (DCS) during the pandemic require further analysis of the data and the search for modifying factors. The purpose is to identify the features of the trend in the mortality from DCS in the population of an industrial center during a pandemic under changes in air pollution. Materials and methods. The research was carried out in the industrial center – Bratsk. Age-specific mortality rates were studied using exponential models in the background (2017) and pandemic (2021) periods. The contribution of atmospheric air pollution to the mortality rate was calculated in accordance with the “Guidelines for assessing the risk to public health from exposure to chemical substances that pollute the environment.” Results. The age-related increase in the mortality rate from DCS over 2017 was 125%, and during 2021 – 172%. During the pandemic, the excess mortality rate was in cases older 80 years – 35.92‰, 70–79 – 8.48‰, 60–69 – 1.03‰. PM10 levels in the air decreased from high to alarming levels in 2021, resulting in a reduction in excess PM10-related deaths from 194 (CI: 193.6–195.1) to 5.0 (CI: 4.8–5.1) cases. Limitations are associated with incomplete epidemiological knowledge about the dependence of mortality from DCS on exposure to air pollutants. Conclusion. The use of nonlinear regression analysis made it possible to demonstrate changes in trends in age-specific mortality during the background period and during the pandemic. During the pandemic, the level of excess mortality was revealed to relate with PM10 air pollution decreased.

SOME LEGAL ASPECTS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EUROPEAN GREEN DEAL IN THE CONTEXT OF THE TRANSITION TO THE USE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES IN UKRAINE

The article is devoted to the study of the legal aspects of the European Green Deal implementation in Ukraine, in particular in the context of the energy sector transformation the by increasing the share of renewable energy sources. There have been examined the key trends in the legal development of renewable energy and determines the environmental challenges caused by climate change and other negative factors affecting the environment, as well as analyzes the potential possibilities of adapting national environmental legislation to European legal standards in the field of renewable energy use. The author emphasizes the economic, social and environmental benefits of achieving the goals of the European Green Deal on the way to ensuring the sustainable development of Ukraine, calling for the creation of a clear and coherent system of legislation dedicated to the legal regulation of renewable energy in Ukraine. The results of the study points the urgency of creating an effective legal framework for the economy green transformation and the adaptation of energy and environmental policies to European requirements and standards. In the context of modern global environmental problems related to climate change, excessive pollution of atmospheric air, water and forest ecosystems, soil degradation as a result of both increasing anthropogenic load on natural resources and due to the development of objective laws of nature, one of the key priorities European environmental policy outlined the transition to the principles of sustainable development, which, in turn, generated the need to search for optimal mechanisms and concepts for ensuring such a transition. The European Green Course, adopted by the EU in 2019, is an ambitious and progressive strategy for the transformation of the European continent into a climate-neutral one by 2050. As a comprehensive conceptual package of legislative initiatives, to achieve this goal, the European Green Course includes not only the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, but also a significant increase in the share of renewable energy sources, an increase in the energy efficiency of European countries, and the integration of the energy markets of individual countries with the EU energy market. For Ukraine, the issue of implementing a policy of sustainable development by transitioning to the use of renewable energy sources is not only part of its European integration obligations, but also a time-tested necessity, taking into account the state of the country’s energy sector both during the war period and in the context of the post-war reconstruction of our country.

Cooking Energy, Health, and Happiness of Women in Nigeria

This study utilizes novel data to investigate the impact of cooking energy sources and indoor air pollution on the happiness, life satisfaction, physical, and mental health of women in Nigeria. The existing body of literature relies on ambient air pollution data, which can be limiting in resource-constrained settings. To address this gap, we employ a direct approach, measuring Carbon Monoxide (CO) levels in participants’ blood using the Rad-57 CO-oximeter. Our analysis reveals strong positive correlations between the utilization of clean cooking energy and women’s reported happiness and life satisfaction. Additionally, the study finds that clean cooking energy usage is associated with a significant reduction in mental health problems among women. These findings highlight a substantial disparity in well-being based on access to clean cooking energy sources. Furthermore, exposure to carbon monoxide, as measured in this study, demonstrates a detrimental effect on women’s health and overall well-being. Consequently, policymakers and stakeholders should prioritize initiatives that promote household energy access and facilitate the transition to clean cooking practices, especially in rural areas where the use of polluting fuels and exposure to indoor air pollution remain prevalent concerns. JEL Classification: D12, I31, I100, Q420.

Forecasting Daily Air Quality Index and Early Warning System for Estimating Ambient Air Pollution on Road Networks Using Gaussian Dispersion Model with Deep Learning Algorithm

The rapid growth of the vehicle population is a major factor in heavy air pollution and public health issues. Traffic-related air pollutants (TRAPs) on roads are often much higher than ambient values, leading to high exposure levels in vehicles. This research proposes a hybrid forecasting model for early detection and early warning systems (EWS) of road networks during real-world travels. Data is collected from Kannur, Calicut, Palakkad, and Coimbatore using real-time sensors, including surrounding discussion information, activity information, vehicle speed, and stopping events. The study predicts ambient air quality (AAQ) levels on the road network using the Gaussian Dispersion model (GDM) and measures the risk sensitivity of PM10 and PM2.5 in selected regions. This helps formulate powerful prevention strategies and prevent negative health impacts. The air pollution module for predicting concentration has an innovative hybridization model that combines an improved cuckoo search (CS) and differential evolution (DE) algorithm with a stacked LSTM model to increase forecasting accuracy of six major environmental pollution levels. This model predicts the AAQ level and is effective and robust for warning one day before the pollutant event occurs based on the risk level of an ambient air pollutant from the RN.

EV-miRNA associated with environmental air pollution exposures in the MADRES cohort

ABSTRACT Air pollution is a hazardous contaminant, exposure to which has substantial consequences for health during critical periods, such as pregnancy. MicroRNA (miRNA) are an epigenetic mechanism that modulates transcriptome responses to the environment and have been found to change in reaction to air pollution exposure. The data are limited regarding extracellular-vesicle (EV) miRNA variation associated with air pollution exposure during pregnancy and in susceptible populations who may be disproportionately exposed. This study aimed to identify EV-miRNA expression associated with ambient, residential exposure to PM2.5, PM10, NO2, O3 and with traffic-related NOx in 461 participants of the MADRES cohort, a low income, predominantly Hispanic pregnancy cohort based in Los Angeles, CA. This study used residence-based modeled air pollution data as well as Nanostring panels for EVmiRNA extracted with Qiagen exoRNeasy kits to evaluate 483 miRNA in plasma in early and late pregnancy. Average air pollution exposures were considered separately for 1-day, 1-week and 8-week windows before blood collection in both early and late pregnancy. This study identified 63 and 66 EV-miRNA significantly associated with PM2.5 and PM10, respectively, and 2 miRNA associated with traffic-related NOX (FDR-adjusted p-value<0.05). Of 103 unique EV-miRNA associated with PM, 92% were associated with lung conditions according to HMDD (Human miRNA Disease Database) evidence. In particular, EV-miRNA previously identified with air pollution exposure also associated with PM2.5 and PM10 in this study were: miR-126, miR-16-5p, miR-187-3p, miR200b-3p, miR486-3p, and miR-582-3p. There were no significant differences in average exposures in early vs late pregnancy. Significant EV-miRNA were only identified in late pregnancy with an eight-week exposure window, suggesting a vulnerable timeframe of exposure, rather than an acute response. These results describe a wide array of EV-miRNA for which expression is affected by PM exposure and may be in part mediating the biological response to ambient air pollution, with potential for health implications in pregnant women and their children.

Characterizing indoor air quality and identifying factors influencing air quality at home microenvironment in Dhaka city

In low- and middle-income countries, indoor air pollution stands as a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality, prompting research into the factors influencing exposure at home in urban environments. Thus, this study was designed to investigate the indoor air quality and identifying factors influencing indoor air quality which help in targeting intervention to reduce indoor home air quality. The study conducted in Dhaka city involved 43 homes, where continuous monitoring of PM2.5 concentration was carried out over a 24-h period. Various factors related to home characteristics (i.e., home area and cooking fuel type), ventilation practices (i.e., duration of window opening), and indoor activities (i.e., cooking frequency, daily average cooking duration per meal, cleaning, smoking and use of mosquito coil and spray) were assessed to explore their impact on indoor air quality. Through the multiple linear regression model, the relationship between the factors and indoor pollutant concentrations was analyzed. The average PM2.5 concentration recorded in this investigation was five time higher in comparison to the World Health Organization's (WHO) 24-h guideline level for ambient air pollution. Four factors including outdoor air, home area, cooking duration and cleaning frequency were found to be significantly linked to indoor concentrations, collectively explaining 64 % of the variability in indoor PM2.5 levels. Outdoor air infiltration emerged as the most influential predictor of indoor levels, contributing significantly to indoor concentrations. The identified factors could assist in targeting interventions to reduce microenvironmental PM2.5 concentration at home.

Early life air pollution exposures and thyroid function in children: A prospective cohort study

Studies on early life ambient air pollution exposures and childhood thyroid function are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the relationships between early life fine particulate matter (≤2.5 μm; PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exposures and thyroid function in children. We measured the levels of thyrotropin, triiodothyronine, and free thyroxine in children (n = 684) residing in a rural Korean area at age 2, 4, 6, or 8 years from 2012 to 2020 in the Environment and Development of Children cohort. The relationship between residential average exposure levels of PM2.5 and NO2 during pregnancy and 1-year average levels before visit and thyroid function during childhood were analyzed. Inverse association between increases of 10 μg/m3 in PM2.5 during the first trimester and thyrotropin levels at aged 4 (β, −0.12; 95% CI: −0.22, −0.02) and 6 years (β, −0.16; 95% CI: −0.26, −0.06) were observed. No association was found between PM2.5 exposure during the second and third trimester and childhood TSH levels. Childhood PM2.5 exposure was positively associated with thyrotropin rise at aged 4 (β, 0.2; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.35) and 6 years (β, 0.16; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.29) and inversely related with free thyroxine levels at aged 8 years (β, −0.04; 95% CI: −0.07, −0.01). No relationship between NO2 exposure and thyroid function was found. In conclusion, association between PM2.5 exposure and childhood thyrotropin levels varied depending on exposure timing. Early gestational exposure showed an inverse relationship, whereas childhood exposure were positively associated with childhood thyrotropin levels. The long-term effects of early life air pollution exposure and underlying mechanisms should be investigated in future studies.

Gene expression changes in mouse lung induced by subacute inhalation of PM10-rich particulate matter

Introduction Particulate matter (PM) air pollution is associated with an increased incidence of lung diseases, but the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. In this study, a mouse model of subacute lung inflammation was employed to investigate the cellular responses and gene expression changes induced by exposure to natural ambient air pollution. Methods C57BL/6J mice were exposed to road dust (primarily PM10) at 150 µg/m³ for 21 days (8 h/day) through a nose-only inhalation exposure system. Lung tissues were analyzed for the expression of proinflammatory signaling, oxidative stress, and fibrosis markers. RNA-sequencing analysis was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). A gene ontology over-representation analysis was performed to identify the altered genetic pathways. Results Elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, and an increase in phosphorylated MAPK were determined in the road dust exposure group compared to the control group. Histopathological examinations revealed more severe lung inflammation and damage in the exposed mice, including fibrosis and bronchiolar hyperplasia. Gene expression profiling identified 108 DEGs, with decreases in most except genes such as Krt15 and Reg3g. The protein–protein interaction network analysis together with text-mining identified 18 key hub genes, associated with fatty acid oxidation, lipid metabolism, and peroxisomes. Conclusion This study identified key genes, signaling pathways, and cellular responses in mouse lung affected by road dust exposure. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the transcriptional and cellular responses induced by subacute exposure to the PM in road dust.