CO Exposure Research Articles

A novel material for passive NOx adsorber: Ce-based BEA zeolite

Passive NOx adsorbers (PNAs) were proposed to address the NOx emissions during the cold start phase. Here we show a novel Ce-based BEA zeolite, as a noble-metal-free passive NOx adsorber. The NOx adsorption capacity of Ce/BEA reaches 36 μmol/g in the feed gas close to realistic exhaust conditions, and the NOx desorption temperature, which is around 290 °C, is ideal for diesel exhaust after-treatment systems. Ce/BEA also behaves notable stability of high temperature CO exposure conditions. Multiple characterizations were performed to explore the NOx adsorption chemistry of Ce/BEA. The Ce(Ⅳ) species in the BEA zeolite serves as the active center for NOx adsorption. The bidentate nitrate species is responsible for the observed NOx storage capacity, and the active oxygen around Ce(Ⅳ) plays a critical role in its formation. Considering the significantly better cost efficiency of Ce compared to Pd, Ce/BEA presents an enormous potential for the PNA applications and provides a novel formulation for the noble-metal choice of PNA materials.

The role of cortisol in the association between prenatal air pollution and fetal growth: A prospective cohort study

Prenatal air pollutant exposure has been linked to impaired fetal growth. However, its special vulnerability windows and biological mechanisms remain unclear. A prospective birth cohort study including 7419 mother-newborn pairs was conducted from 2015 to 2020 to determine critical exposure windows and examine whether cortisol mediates the relationship between air pollutant exposure and fetal growth. Air pollutant data for PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and CO were obtained from the Hefei City Ecology and Environment Bureau. Data on fetal ultrasound measurements and birth size were collected. Maternal and cord blood samples were used for measuring cortisol. Prenatal air pollutant (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and CO) exposure, particularly in the first trimester, was associated with reduced fetal size from later pregnancy to birth. An IQR increase in PM2.5 (β = 0.082, 95%CI: 0.029, 0.135), PM10 (β = 0.086, 95%CI: 0.036, 0.136), SO2 (β = 0.086, 95%CI: 0.028, 0.144), and CO (β = 0.063, 95%CI: 0.017, 0.109) exposure in the first trimester was associated with higher cord blood cortisol levels. Significant relationships were observed between air pollutant exposure in the first trimester and increased ratio of cord to maternal blood cortisol levels. Exposure to high levels of cord blood cortisol significantly reduced the Z scores of birth weight (β = −0.17, 95%CI: −0.23, −0.10), length (β = −0.09, 95%CI: −0.16, −0.03), and head circumference (β = −0.33, 95%CI: −0.42, −0.25). Mediation analysis showed that the association of air pollutant exposure in the first trimester with neonatal parameters mediated by cord blood cortisol was 20.62%. These results indicated that air pollutant exposure during pregnancy could reduce fetal growth by the increased fetal cortisol levels due to placental barrier impairment, with the critical window of exposure occurring in the first trimester.

Fatal Weather-Related Carbon Monoxide Poisonings in the United States

Abstract Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause injury or death if inhaled. CO is a frequent secondary hazard induced by the aftereffects of natural hazards as individuals, families, and communities often seek alternative power sources for heating, cooking, lighting, and cleanup during the emergency and recovery phases of a disaster. These alternative power sources—such as portable generators, petroleum-based heaters, and vehicles—exhaust CO that can ultimately build to toxic levels in enclosed areas. Ever-increasing environmental and societal changes combined with an aging infrastructure are growing the odds of power failures during hazardous weather events, which, in turn, are increasing the likelihood of CO exposure, illness, and death. This study analyzed weather-related CO fatalities from 2000 to 2019 in the United States using death-certificate data, providing one of the longest assessments of this mortality. Results reveal that over 8300 CO fatalities occurred in the United States during the 20-yr study period, with 17% of those deaths affiliated with weather perils. Cool-season perils such as ice storms, snowstorms, and extreme cold were the leading hazards that led to situations causing CO fatalities. States in the Southeast and Northeast had the highest CO fatality rates, with winter having the greatest seasonal mortality. In general, these preventable CO poisoning influxes are related to a deficiency of knowledge on generator safety and the absence of working detectors and alarms in the enclosed locations where poisonings occur. Education and prevention programs that target the most vulnerable populations will help prevent future weather-related CO fatalities. Significance Statement Carbon monoxide exposure is common after weather disasters when individuals, families, and communities seek alternative power sources—such as portable generators, petroleum-based heaters, and vehicles—that exhaust this deadly, colorless, and odorless gas. Initially, we catalog carbon monoxide fatalities associated with weather events in the United States over two decades; thereafter, we illustrate the characteristics and patterns affiliated with these deaths. Results will assist public officials, first responders, and individuals in their decision-making and response before, during, and after weather events so that these deaths may be prevented in the future.

Children's exposure to air pollution in a natural gas industrial area and their risk of hospital admission for respiratory diseases

The rapid expansion of the natural gas industry to meet the global demand have raised environmental health concerns. Few studies have found that areas with natural gas industrial activity have poor air quality. However, the negative health impacts of ambient air pollution in a natural gas industrial area remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the relationship between short-term exposure to air pollution and hospital admissions for respiratory diseases among children in a natural gas industrial area in Bintulu, Malaysia. Daily hospital admissions for respiratory diseases among children were collected from a hospital in Bintulu from 2010 to 2019. Data on six air pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NO2, O3, and CO) in the study area were obtained from the Department of Environment Malaysia. Quasi-Poisson time series regressions with distributed lag non-linear models (DLNM) were applied to explore the associations between ambient air pollution and childhood hospitalisations for respiratory diseases. Stratification analyses were performed by gender and age group to identify the vulnerable populations. A 10 μg/m3 increased PM2.5 and SO2 was associated with hospital admissions for respiratory diseases among children with the greatest relative risk of RR 1.089 (95% CI 1.001–1.183) at cumulative lag 0–2 days and RR 1.229 (95% CI 1.073–1.409) at cumulative lag 0–6 days, respectively. There was no significant association between short-term exposure of PM10, NO2, CO, and O3 with childhood respiratory hospitalisation. The association between PM2.5 and SO2 exposure and hospital admissions for childhood respiratory diseases in the two pollutants model remained statistically significant. There were stronger associations in younger children aged 0–4 years and girls. This study reveals that short-term exposure to SO2 was associated with a higher risk of respiratory hospitalisations among children in Bintulu than PM2.5. Better air quality control is necessary for children's health living in the natural gas industrial area.

Structural Changes in Monolayer Cobalt Oxides under Ambient Pressure CO and O2 Studied by In Situ Grazing-Incidence X-ray Absorption Fine Structure Spectroscopy.

We have used grazing incidence X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy at the cobalt K-edge to characterize monolayer CoO films on Pt(111) under ambient pressure exposure to CO and O2, with the aim of identifying the Co phases present and their transformations under oxidizing and reducing conditions. X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectra show clear changes in the chemical state of Co, with the 2+ state predominant under CO exposure and the 3+ state predominant under O2-rich conditions. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (EXAFS) analysis shows that the CoO bilayer characterized in ultrahigh vacuum is not formed under the conditions used in this study. Instead, the spectra acquired at low temperatures suggest formation of cobalt hydroxide and oxyhydroxide. At higher temperatures, the spectra indicate dewetting of the film and suggest formation of bulklike Co3O4 under oxidizing conditions. The experiments demonstrate the power of hard X-ray spectroscopy to probe the structures of well-defined oxide monolayers on metal single crystals under realistic catalytic conditions.

Association between Maternal Exposure to Ambient Air Pollution and the Risk of Preterm Birth: A Birth Cohort Study in Chongqing, China, 2015-2020.

Recent study results on the association between maternal exposure to ambient air pollution with preterm birth have been inconsistent. The sensitive window of exposure and influence level of air pollutants varied greatly. We aimed to explore the association between maternal exposure to ambient air pollutants and the risk of preterm birth, and to estimate the sensitive exposure time window. A total of 572,116 mother–newborn pairs, daily concentrations of air pollutants from nearest monitoring stations were used to estimate exposures for each participant during 2015–2020 in Chongqing, China. We applied a generalized additive model and estimated RRs and 95% CIs for preterm birth in each trimester and the entire pregnancy period. In the single-pollutant model, we observed that each 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 had a statistically significant effect on the third trimester and entire pregnancy, with RR = 1.036 (95% CI: 1.021, 1.051) and RR = 1.101 (95% CI: 1.075, 1.128), respectively. Similarly, for each 10 μg/m3 increase in PM10, there were 2.7% (RR = 1.027, 95% CI: 1.016, 1.038) increase for PTB on the third trimester, and 3.8% (RR = 1.038, 95% CI: 1.020, 1.057) increase during the whole pregnancy. We found that for each 10 mg/m3 CO increases, the relative risk of PTB increased on the first trimester (RR = 1.081, 95% CI: 1.007, 1.162), second trimester (RR = 1.116, 95% CI: 1.035, 1.204), third trimester (RR = 1.167, 95% CI: 1.090, 1.250) and whole pregnancy (RR = 1.098, 95% CI: 1.011, 1.192). No statistically significant RR was found for SO2 and NO2 on each trimester of pregnancy. Our study indicates that maternal exposure to high levels of PM2.5 and PM10 during pregnancy may increase the risk for preterm birth, especially for women at the late stage of pregnancy. Statistically increased risks of preterm birth were associated with CO exposure during each trimester and entire pregnancy. Reducing exposure to ambient air pollutants for pregnant women is clearly necessary to improve the health of infants.

Biomonitoring of Fetal Exposure to Carbon Monoxide in the First Trimester of Pregnancy in the Core Niger Delta

Background: In the Niger Delta area of Nigeria, human medical biomonitoring, including that of maternal Carboxyhemoglobin (MCOHb) had never been performed irrespective of devastating environmental pollution in the region. Aim: The goals of the study were to quantify the impact of maternal exposure to CO in the first trimester of pregnancy in the core Niger Delta by measuring MCOHb concentrations and to assess the effect of maternal demographic and obstetric characteristics on the impact. Material and methods: The study was of cross-sectional design carried out at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) in Nigeria. 490 consecutive pregnant women in the first trimester were recruited from the antenatal clinic from January 2021 to January 2022. Gestational age was estimated with the aid of an ultrasound scan. Demographic, social and obstetric characteristics were taken. MCOHb concentrations were measured with the aid of a smokerlyser. Data was analyzed, using SPSS version 25.0 (Armonk, NY) software. Ethical approval was obtained from the RSUTH Ethics Committee. Results: The mean value of MCOHb concentration was 1.15±0.40% Out of the 490 patients that were assessed, 461(94.08%) had mild impact from CO exposure (MCOHb= 0.78-1.5%), 18 (3.67%) – moderate impact (MCOHb = 1.75-2.23%) and 11 (2.24%) had severe impact (MCOHb = 2.39% and above). Moderate and severe impact were most prominent in women of 25-29 and 35-39 years of age respectively at which they occurred in 11 out of 145 (7.59%) and 7 out of 103 women (6.80%) respectively and the differences at various age groups were statistically significant [X2=23.119, p<0.010, 95%CI (0.038,0.046)]. The differences in the severity of maternal impact among women with different BMI classes were statistically significant [X2=56.707, p<0.001, 95%CI (0.001,0.001)] with those with class III BMI most likely to have severe impact [4(22.22%) out of 18 patients]. There was inverse relationship between parity and the severity of the impact of CO exposure but the differences at various parity groups were not statistically significant [X2=10.580, p<0.012, 95%CI (0.101,0.113)]. There was also a paradoxical finding of 3 smokers having only mild impact. Conclusion: The mean value of MCOHb was 1.15±0.40. Mild, moderate and severe impact from maternal CO exposure was established with the moderate and severe impacts more prominent at maternal ages of 25-39 years, at higher BMI and at lower parity.

The Impact of Atmospheric Pollutants on Human Health and Economic Loss Assessment

The impact of air pollution on human health is becoming increasingly severe, and economic losses are a significant impediment to economic and social development. This paper investigates the impact of air pollutants on the respiratory system and its action mechanism by using information on inpatients with respiratory diseases from two IIIA (highest) hospitals in Wuhan from 2015 to 2019, information on air pollutants, and meteorological data, as well as relevant demographic and economic data in China. This paper describes the specific conditions of air pollutant concentrations and respiratory diseases, quantifies the degree of correlation between the two, and then provides a more comprehensive assessment of the economic losses using descriptive statistical methods, the generalized additive model (GAM), cost of illness approach (COI), and scenario analysis. According to the findings, the economic losses caused by PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, and CO exposure are USD 103.17 million, USD 70.54 million, USD 98.02 million, USD 40.35 million, and USD 142.38 million, for a total of USD 454.46 billion, or approximately 0.20% of Wuhan’s GDP in 2019. If the government tightens control of major air pollutants and meets the WHO-recommended criterion values, the annual evitable economic losses would be approximately USD 69.4 million or approximately 0.03% of Wuhan’s GDP in 2019. As a result, the relevant government departments must strengthen air pollution control to mitigate the impact of air pollution on population health and the associated economic losses.

A CO2-stimulus responsive PVDF/PVDF-g-PDEAEMA blend membrane capable of cleaning protein foulants by alternate aeration of N2/CO2

• A CO 2 -responsive PVDF/PVDF-g-PDEAEMA blend membrane was fabricated. • The blend membrane exhibits a switchable water flux by alternate aeration of N 2 /CO 2. • The protein fouling can be efficiently removed by alternate aeration of N 2 /CO 2. • Flux recovery of membrane by this method is fairly satisfactory. • Switchable hydrophobic/hydrophilic transition is responsible for membrane cleaning. In this work, a novel CO 2 -stimulus responsive copolymer polyvinylidene fluoride-graft- (2-diethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PVDF-g-PDEAEMA) was synthesized by a free-radical copolymerization method, and then PVDF/PVDF-g-PDEAEMA blend membrane was fabricated, with a switchable pure water flux by alternate aeration (N 2 /CO 2 ). The water flux of the blend membrane under the pressure of CO 2 is significantly lower than that under N 2 pressure, indicating the CO 2 -responsive property of the membrane, which is due to the protonation or deprotonation reaction of tertiary amine groups in PDEAEMA. After CO 2 aeration, the PDEAEMA segments within pores of the membrane are extended due to the protonation reaction, which results in the shrinkage of membrane pores, thereby decreasing the water flux of the membrane. Taking advantage of the CO 2 -stimulus responsiveness, the alternate aeration (N 2 /CO 2 ) method is adopted to clean protein on the blend membrane surface without the introduction of chemical reagents. The flux recovery rate of the blend membrane cleaned by this green method is fairly satisfactory (89.9%), which is comparable to the results of acid cleaning (90.6%) and alkaline cleaning (95.2%). The switchable hydrophilic/hydrophobic transition on membrane surfaces upon alternating exposure of CO 2 /N 2 , is mainly responsible for membrane cleaning.

An appraisal of air quality, thermal comfort, acoustic, and health risk of household kitchens in a developing country.

Few studies have documented the air quality, noise, thermal comfort, and health risk assessment of household kitchens related to Sub-Sahara Africa. In this paper, air quality (CO and PM2.5), thermal comfort (relative humidity (RH) and temperature), noise, and health risk in urban household kitchens with kerosene-fueled stoves were presented. This study was carried out during the dry season (summer) in the Southwestern part of Nigeria. At the breathing zone, PM2.5 and CO concentrations in the assessed kitchens were measured. In addition, the noise level, RH, and air temperature in the assessed kitchens were also determined. Furthermore, an evaluation of the heat index and health risk of the exposed population to the kerosene-fueled stove kitchens was carried out. During cooking, average CO and PM2.5 concentrations were 24.77 ± 1.05ppm and 138.10 ± 2.61µg/m3, respectively, while the RH was 68.34 ± 0.73%, noise level was 51.14 ± 1.08dB, and temperature was 29.86 ± 0.23°C. The CO and noise levels were relatively slightly lower and PM2.5 was significantly higher than the thresholds recommended by World Health Organisation. In most of the kitchens, the heat index evaluation revealed the possibility of heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and sunstroke with prolonged exposure of the vulnerable group. The air quality index depicted unhealthy (CO exposure) and very unhealthy (PM2.5 exposure) while the hazard quotient (> 1) implied possible health risk concerning exposure by inhalation. Better design of kitchen with adequate ventilation and improved stoves are suggested.

Association between exposure to air pollutants and the risk of hospitalization for pulmonary embolism in Beijing, China: A case-crossover design using a distributed lag nonlinear model

BackgroundPulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening condition. Few studies have evaluated the relationship between air pollution and PE, and these results have been inconsistent. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the association between air pollutant exposure and the risk of hospitalization due to PE. Materials and methodsDaily PE admissions, meteorological data, and ambient pollution data from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2018, were collected in Beijing. A quasi-Poisson regression model combined with time-stratified case-crossover design and a distributed lag nonlinear model was used to determine the effect of air pollutant exposure on PE admission. To examine the stability of air pollutants' effects, multi-pollutant analyses were performed. Stratified analyses by age and sex were further conducted. ResultsThere were 5060 PE admissions during the study period, with an estimated incidence of 6.5 per 100,000. PM2.5, PM10, SO2, O3 and CO exposures were significantly associated with elevated risk of PE hospitalization. The highest cumulative risks were observed at a lag of 0–28 days for PM2.5 (relative risk [RR] = 1.056, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.015–1.098), PM10 (RR = 1.042, 95%CI: 1.010–1.075), and CO (RR = 1.466, 95%CI: 1.127–1.906), at a lag of 0–27 days for SO2 (RR = 1.674, 95%CI: 1.200–2.335), and at a lag of 0–4 days for O3 (RR = 1.019, 95%CI: 1.001–1.038). All associations mentioned above except O3 remained significant in multi-pollutant models. Stratified analyses showed that women and those aged ≥65 years people were more sensitive to PM10 and CO exposure than men and those aged <65 years. The effect of PM2.5 exposure was statistically significant in all subgroups. ConclusionsExposure to PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and CO showed a positive association with PE hospitalization. High-risk PE groups should take special precautions on days with poor air quality.

Impact of air pollution exposure on the risk of Alzheimer's disease in China: A community-based cohort study

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia. Impact of air pollution (AP) on the risk of AD is unclear. It is unknown which air pollutants are independently associated with AD and whether fish consumption mitigated the association. We carried out a community-based cohort of 6115 participants aged ≥60 years in China to examine the association of PM2.5, PM10, CO, NO2, SO2 and O3 exposure with AD, and differences in the association between people with low and high consumption of fish. The participants were randomly recruited from six counties in Zhejiang province for health survey to document socio-demographic and disease risk factors in 2014, and were followed up to diagnose AD in 2019. A total of 986 cohort members were diagnosed with AD. Based on the daily mean air pollutants monitored in 2013–2015 in the counties, participants were divided into low, middle and high AP exposure groups for subsequent analysis. The multiple adjusted odds ratio (OR) of AD in participants living with the middle and high levels of PM2.5 exposure versus the low exposure were 1.50 (95% CI 0.90–2.50) and 3.92 (2.09–7.37). The increased ORs were also with PM10 (1.74, 0.65–4.64; 3.00, 1.22–7.41) and CO (2.86, 1.32–6.20; 1.19, 0.45–3.18), but not with NO2 (0.63, 0.17–2.27; 0.95, 0.28–3.19), SO2 (0.44, 0.19–1.001; 1.21, 0.56–2.62), and O3 (0.38, 0.20–0.74; 0.50, 0.21–1.21). There were no significant interaction effects of AP with fish consumption on AD. However, participants with low consumption of fish appeared to have higher ORs in PM2.5 exposure (1.80, 1.39–2.33; 5.18, 3.93–6.82) than those high consumption (1.38, 0.78–2.47; 2.89, 1.50–5.59). Our findings of PM2.5, PM10 and CO exposure significantly increased the risk of AD and the potential mitigating effect of fish consumption on the association provide evidence for developing effective strategies for AD reduction and air pollution control.

Association between exposure to air pollutants and the risk of inflammatory bowel diseases visits.

The topic of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has attracted more and more attention. Accumulating evidence suggests that exposure to air pollutants is associated with IBD, yet the results are inconsistent and study about daily exposure is few. This study evaluated the association between daily air pollution and IBD in Hefei, China.Daily IBD admission data were obtained from two hospitals in Hefei from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019. Daily concentrations of major air pollutants were provided by the Hefei Environmental Protection Bureau. Meteorological data were collected from China Meteorological Data Network. Distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) considering both the lag effects of exposure factors and nonlinear relationship of exposure-reaction was used to assess the effect of daily air pollutants exposure on IBD admission.During the study period, totally 886 cases of IBD were recruited, including 313 cases of ulcerative colitis (UC) and 573 cases of Crohn's disease (CD). The findings showed PM2.5, O3, and CO exposure significantly increased the risk of IBD. Mean concentrations of PM2.5, O3, and CO in Hefei were 43.85ug/m3, 100.78ug/m3, and 0.76mg/m3, respectively. Each increase of 10mg/m3 in PM2.5/O3 and 0.1mg/m3 in CO increased the risk of IBD. The strongest effects of these three pollutants on IBD were observed in lag2-lag3 (RR = 1.037, 95% CI: 1.005-1.070%), lag3 (RR = 1.020, 95% CI: 1.002-1.038%), and lag2 (RR = 1.036, 95% CI: 1.003-1.071%), respectively. In warm seasons, PM2.5, O3, and CO had a stronger effect increased the risk of IBD, which were observed in lag2 (RR = 1.104, 95% CI: 1.032-1.181%), lag2 and lag5 (RR = 1.023, 95% CI: 1.002-1.044%; RR = 1.036, 95% CI: 1.004-1.069%), and lag2 (RR = 1.071, 95% CI: 1.012-1.133%), respectively.Air pollutant (PM2.5, O3, and CO) exposure could increase the risk of IBD, while the most susceptibility seasons for the exposure were mainly in warm seasons. The results of this study suggest that air pollutants increase the risk of IBD patients in Hefei, China, providing a basis for developing countries to improve effective prevention of IBD, and a potential opportunity to avoid part of the risk of the onset or recurrence of IBD. This study contributes to the knowledge of the association between air pollution and IBD, but the associations need to be verified by further studies.

Dislocation-driven high catalytic performance of FeCoNiCrMn high-entropy alloy for the hydrolysis of NaBH4

A high-entropy alloy Fe10Co10Ni10Cr10Mn60 ribbon catalyst with a face-centered cubic structure was designed by using Co and Ni as the main catalytic elements and combining various co-catalytic elements, such as Fe, Mn, and Cr. Substantial element selective corrosion occurs during the acid solution corrosion process, which induces the exposure of many Co and Ni atoms, increases the specific surface area, and further results in the formation of many vacancies and dislocations. This unique structure generates a positive electron effect, that is the peaks of Ni2p3/2 and Co2p3/2 shift to lower binding energies, namely, approximately 1 eV for Ni and 0.8 eV for Co, indicating the Co and Ni enrich electrons. The catalyst shows an excellent catalytic performance for the hydrolysis of NaBH4 after corrosion for 90 s, whose hydrogen production rate approaches 18.46 l/(m2·min). This work opens up a direction for the application of the macroscopic scale high-entropy alloy in the catalytic hydrogen field.

Electronic state changes of Cu nanoparticles on rutile TiO2(110) by O2 and CO exposure

In order to investigate the strong catalytic activities of Cu nanoparticles, we have measured the electronic states of oxygen and carbon monoxide-exposed Cu nanoparticles on the rutile TiO2(110) surfaces by synchrotron radiation photoelectron spectroscopy. After depositing Cu on the oxygen rich TiO2(110) (O-TiO2) surface, the Ti 3d state appeared due to the disappearance of the oxygen adatoms by reaction with Cu. After further oxygen exposure, Cu 3d state drastically changed. This result indicates that Cu2O is formed by oxidation of Cu nanoparticles. We then dosed a CO gas onto the oxidized Cu/O-TiO2(110) surface and found that the work function slightly decreases and elimination of O adatoms is confirmed by medium energy ion scattering. These results obtained clearly shows the reaction of CO with O adatoms adsorbed on Cu/TiO2 probably to form CO2.

Appraisal of contamination of heavy metals and health risk in agricultural soil of Jhansi city, India

The accumulation of heavy metals (HMs) in soil is presently a significant threat to the environment. The Cu, Mn, Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni, and Co concentrations were assessed in the agricultural soil samples. The results of various contamination indices including contamination factor, geo-accumulation indices, and ecological risk indices revealed that Cd is responsible for moderate to high contamination of soil. The multivariate statistical analyses including PCA, HCA, and correlation matrix suggested the mixed origin of HMs in the soil. Ingestion was found to be a primary route of exposure while dermal and inhalation exposure was negligible. Overall, the non-carcinogenic health risks were well within the safe limit to human health. However, healthwise, children were likely to be at greater risk compared with adults, due to their generally increased exposure to toxic agents through hand/mouth ingestion. Moreover, no carcinogenic risks were determined through the inhalation exposure of Cd, Ni, and Co.

The association between Air Pollution and Kidney Function: results from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The incidence and prevalence of CKD are increasing worldwide. Recent epidemiological studies have shown that air pollution also contributes the renal health, however few studies have demonstrated the differential effects of different types of air pollutants on renal function. In this study, we evaluated the association between air pollution exposure, deterioration of kidney function and CKD prevalence using the 7th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) data. METHODS: The KNHANES data (2016–2018) were used to estimate estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) by the CKD–EPI equation and the CKD was defined as an eGFR of 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, CO, and O3) were obtained from the AirKorea. Given the characteristic of this data (stratified, multistage, and cluster sampling design), all analyses were performed in a complex survey design. We conducted multivariate linear regression and logistic regression analysis to assess the association between air pollution exposure and kidney function after adjusting the covariates including gender, body mass index, education level, household income, smoking status, frequency of drinking, underling diseases, and serum triglyceride. RESULTS:A total of 15,308 adults aged 20 or older were included in the analyses. The exposure to PM2.5, PM10, NO2 and CO was associated with lower eGFR (PM2.5: -4.67, 95% CI: -6.16, -3.18; PM10: -2.19, 95% CI: -2.84, -1.54; NO2: -1.56, 95% CI: -2.16, -0.97; CO: -1.34, 95% CI: -1.96, -0.71). The prevalence of CKD was related to PM2.5 (OR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.14, 3.42) and PM10 (OR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.91). association. CONCLUSIONS:Annual exposure to PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and CO was associated with a higher risk of lower eGFR and prevalent CKD. A significant exposure-response association was observed between PM2.5, PM10, and CO exposure and low eGFR. KEYWORDS: Air pollution, Chronic kidney disease, Glomerular filtration rate, Republic of Korea

Ambient Air Pollution Exposure and Risk of Developmental Delay in Children and Teenagers in Taiwan

(1) Background: Studies on the association between air pollution and developmental delay in children are limited. Therefore, we evaluated the risk of developmental delay in Taiwanese children exposed to air pollution. (2) Methods: We merged the two nationwide databases, and the annual average pollutant concentrations were grouped into tertiles to evaluate the risk of developmental delay (ICD-9 code 315.9). We identified the patients’ active residential locations based on the location of the clinic or hospital in which they sought treatment for acute upper respiratory infections (ICD 9 code 460). The two nationwide databases were linked for analysis based on the active residential locations of each participant and the locations of the 74 ambient air quality monitoring stations. (3) Results: We observed an increased risk of developmental delay in children and teenagers exposed to SO2, CO, and NO2. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of developmental delay for comparison among the tertiles with respect to SO2, CO, and NO2 exposures were 1.12 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01–1.24), 1.21 (95% CI, 1.09–1.34), and 1.40 (95% CI, 1.261.55), respectively. (4) Conclusions: The present findings suggest that air pollution exposure increases the risk of developmental delay in children and teenagers in Taiwan.

Systematic Review: Paparan Karbon Monoksida Dan Gangguan Tekanan Darah Pada Dewasa Dan Lansia

The most common blood pressure disorders are high blood pressure and low blood pressure. One of the risk factors that is assumed to affect blood pressure is carbon monoxide exposure. This study aims to collect information about the association between carbon monoxide exposure and blood pressure disorders in adults and the elderly. Articles were collected through national journals database namely Portal Garuda and Google Scholar, and international journals through Pubmed, Scopus, and PROQUEST. The keyword combinations used are ‘karbon monoksida’, ‘tekanan darah’, ‘COHb’, ‘polusi udara’, ‘tekanan darah sistolik’, ‘tekanan darah diastolik’, ‘carbon monoxide’, ‘blood pressures’, ‘systolic blood pressure’, and ‘diastolic blood pressure’. The article search found out 20 articles eligible for inclusion criteria. The literature review shows the relationship between CO exposure and blood pressure. CO exposure can be at risk increased systolic blood pressure from 0.43 mmHg to 15 mmHg, as well as an increase in diastolic blood pressure from 0.39 mmHg to 9 mmHg. Acute or chronic carbon monoxide exposure has been shown to affect disorders on blood pressure characterized by an increase in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Data validation of non- invasive carboxyhemoglobin measurement in recipient blood using numerical modeling data: a case of Himalayan regions' households of Nepal.

Carbon monoxide decreases the oxygen carrying capacity of blood. As a result, it reduces the supply of oxygen into body cells and tissues including vital organs. It is poisonous during pregnancy as it leads to high risk for the mother and foetus. It causes the developmental disorders, cerebral anoxic lesions and even death of foetus. The major aim of this study is to validate the non- invasive % COHb monitored data with modelled data. IAQ instruments are administered to monitor CO concentraction and % COHb level in recipient's blood. Thus, the level of % COHb in blood is approximated using numerical modeling to validate the monitored data with modeled data. Twenty four hours average CO concentration with TCS house is found 8.65 ± 7.77ppm, 7.39 ± 5.62ppm, 6.69 ± 7.16ppm, 4.76 ± 7.19ppm, 4.48 ± 6.10ppm in the order of case II > case I > case V > case III > case IV, respectively. Twenty four hours average CO concentration with ICS house is found 3.54 ± 4.41ppm, 2.41 ± 3.93ppm, 2.30 ± 2.24ppm, 1.70 ± 2.93ppm and 1.51 ± 1.24ppm in the order of case I > case V > case II > case IV > case III respectively. The average CO concentration in breath by cook is found 3.75 (3.75 ± 2.35)ppm in ICS using house and 5.36 (5.36 ± 4.54)ppm in TCS using house with minimum 0.60ppm and maximum 31.34ppm. The CO exposure is found more than 13h a day for TCS using house and 9h a day for ICS using house. The average cook_CO exposure is found 5.36 (5.36 ± 4.54)ppm and 3.75 (3.75 ± 2.35)ppm in sampled house using TCS and ICS respectively. The average percentage COHb in sampled house using TCS and ICS is found 4.31 (4.3 ± 5.35) % and 3.72 (3.72 ± 2.67) % respectively. The correlation between numerical modelling of COHb with non- invasive COHb measurement is found significant i.e. P value <0.00001 establishing r2 value 0.95 and 0.97 for ICS and TCS using house respectively.