Effects Of Air Pollution Research Articles

Tree crown defoliation in forest monitoring: concepts, findings, and new perspectives for a physiological approach in the face of climate change

Abstract Recurrent climate-driven disturbances impact on the health of European forests that reacted with increased tree dieback and mortality over the course of the last four decades. There is therefore large interest in predicting and understanding the fate and survival of forests under climate change. Forest conditions are monitored within the pan-European ICP Forests programme (UN-ECE International Co-operative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests) since the 1980s, with tree crown defoliation being the most widely used parameter. Defoliation is not a cause-specific indicator of tree health and vitality, and there is a need to connect defoliation levels with the physiological functioning of trees. The physiological responses connected to tree crown defoliation are species-specific and concern, among others, water relations, photosynthesis and carbon metabolism, growth, and mineral nutrients of leaves. The indicators to measure physiological variables in forest monitoring programs must be easy to apply in the field with current state-of-the-art technologies, be replicable, inexpensive, time efficient and regulated by ad hoc protocols. The ultimate purpose is to provide data to feed process-based models to predict mortality and threats in forests due to climate change. This study reviews the problems and perspectives connected to the realization of a systematic assessment of physiological variables and proposes a set of indicators suitable for future application in forest monitoring programs.

Observational studies generate misleading results about the health effects of air pollution: Evidence from chronic air pollution and COVID-19 outcomes.

Several observational studies from locations around the globe have documented a positive correlation between air pollution and the severity of COVID-19 disease. Observational studies cannot identify the causal link between air quality and the severity of COVID-19 outcomes, and these studies face three key identification challenges: 1) air pollution is not randomly distributed across geographies; 2) air-quality monitoring networks are sparse spatially; and 3) defensive behaviors to mediate exposure to air pollution and COVID-19 are not equally available to all, leading to large measurement error bias when using rate-based COVID-19 outcome measures (e.g., incidence rate or mortality rate). Using a quasi-experimental design, we explore whether traffic-related air pollutants cause people with COVID-19 to suffer more extreme health outcomes in New York City (NYC). When we address the previously overlooked challenges to identification, we do not detect causal impacts of increased chronic concentrations of traffic-related air pollutants on COVID-19 death or hospitalization counts in NYC census tracts.

Time-dependent, cumulative and threshold effects of air pollution – RSV interaction: a narrative review

Time-dependent, cumulative and threshold effects of air pollution – RSV interaction: a narrative review

Road-traffic-related air pollution contributes to skin barrier alteration and growth defect of sensory neurons.

The effects of air pollution on health are gaining increasing research interest with limited data on skin alterations available. It was suggested that air pollution is a trigger factor for sensitive skin (SS). However, this data was based on surveys with a lack of experimental data. SS is related to altered skin nerve endings and cutaneous neurogenic inflammation. TTe present study was to assess the invitro effect of particulate matter (PM) on epidermis and nerve ending homeostasis. PM samples were collected according to a validated protocol. Reconstructed human epidermis (RHE, Episkin®) was exposed to PM and subsequently the supernatants were transferred to a culture of PC12 cells differentiated into sensory neurons (SN). Cell viability, axonal growth and neuropeptide-release were measured. The modulation of the expression of different inflammatory, keratinocytes differentiation and neurites growth markers was assessed. PM samples contained a high proportion of particles with a size below 1 μm and a complex chemical composition. Transcriptomic and immunohistochemical analyses revealed that PM altered keratinocytes terminal differentiation and induced an inflammatory response. While viability and functionality of the SN were not modified, their outgrowth was significantly decreased after incubation with PM-exposed Episkin® supernatants. This was closely related to the modification of nerve growth factor/semaphorin 3A balance. This study showed that air pollutants have negative effects on keratinocytes and sensory nerve endings including inflammatory responses. These effects are probably involved in the SS pathophysiology and might be involved in inflammatory skin disorders.

Seasonal variation in biochemical parameters of few medicinal plants in industrial area of Gajraula of district Amroha (UP), India

Air is the primary prerequisite for life on the earth. Due to the rapid increase in industrial and automobile emissions, its quality is worsening day by day. The accumulation of air pollutants on the leaves of plants growing along the roadside causes harmful changes in their biochemical parameters. The present investigation deals with the effects of air pollutants on the total chlorophyll and ascorbic acid contents of commonly available medicinal plants in the study area during different seasons. The plants selected for the study were Azadirachta indica, Cassia fistula, Ricinus communis, Terminalia arjuna, and Vachellia nilotica. It was recorded that the maximum air pollutant level was in the winter season followed by summer and monsoon seasons. The total chlorophyll content decreased and the level of ascorbic acid increased with the increase of air pollutant level. Season-wise, total chlorophyll content was significantly different in all the study plants; also site-wise except for Cassia fistula. The ascorbic acid content was significantly different for Azadirachta indica and Cassia fistula both at site-wise and season-wise. On the flipside, it was non-significant for Ricinus communis and Terminalia arjuna both at site-wise and season-wise. For Vachellia nilotica, seasonwise ascorbic acid values were significantly different but site-wise non-significant.

Association Between Air Pollution and Cardiovascular Disease Hospitalizations in Lanzhou City, 2013-2020: A Time Series Analysis.

Extensive evidence has shown that air pollution increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) admissions. We aimed to explore the short-term effect of air pollution on CVD admissions in Lanzhou residents and their lag effects. Meteorological data, air pollution data, and a total of 309,561 daily hospitalizations for CVD among urban residents in Lanzhou were collected from 2013 to 2020. Distributed lag non-linear model was used to analyze the relationship between air pollutants and CVD admissions, stratified by gender, age, and season. PM2.5, NO2, and CO have the strongest harmful effects at lag03, while SO2 at lag3. The relative risks of CVD admissions were 1.0013(95% CI: 1.0003, 1.0023), 1.0032(95% CI: 1.0008, 1.0056), and 1.0040(95% CI: 1.0024, 1.0057) when PM2.5, SO2, and NO2 concentrations were increased by 10μg/m³, respectively. Each 1mg/m3 increase in CO concentration was associated with a relative risk of cardiovascular hospitalization of risk was 1.0909(95% CI: 1.0367, 1.1479). We observed a relative risk of 0.9981(95% CI: 0.9972, 0.9991) for each 10μg/m³ increase in O3 for CVD admissions at lag06. We found a significant lag effects of air pollutants on CVD admissions. NO2 and CO pose a greater risk of hospitalization for women, while PM2.5 and SO2 have a greater impact on men. PM2.5, NO2, and CO have a greater impact on CVD admissions in individuals aged <65years, whereas SO2 affects those aged ≥65years. Our research indicates a possible short-term impact of air pollution on CVD. Local public health and environmental policies should take these preliminary findings into account.

Effect of air pollution on the global burden of cardiovascular diseases and forecasting future trends of the related metrics: a systematic analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.

This study assesses the worldwide cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden attributed to air pollution, utilizing data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. We explored the impact of air pollution on CVDs globally, regionally, and nationally, while considering correlations with age, gender, and socio-demographic index (SDI). A decomposition analysis was conducted to discern the contributions of aging, population growth, and epidemiological shifts to the changes in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from 1990 to 2021. Additionally, an ARIMA model was used to forecast the future CVD burden through 2050. In 2021, air pollution was responsible for approximately 2.46 million deaths and 58.3 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to CVDs, with a discernible decrease over the period studied. The greatest impacts were observed in individuals aged 75-79 and over 80, particularly among males. The decomposition analysis indicated that shifts in epidemiology were the primary factors driving these changes. Future projections suggest potential increases in mortality and DALY rates in regions with low and high-middle SDI, alongside rising age-standardized death and mortality rates in high SDI areas. These findings underscore the urgency of implementing targeted CVD prevention and air pollution control strategies to mitigate the impact on public health.

Effect of Air Pollution on the Colour of the Sky

The serene blue sky on a sunny day often evokes feelings of joy and tranquility. Despite blue being a cool hue, the clear, pollution-free sky brings a sense of warmth and relaxation. This article delves into air pollution, addressing its causes, inluding mobile, stationary, area, and natural sources. Futhermore, this article discuss the categorizing pollutants into primary and secondary types. Additionally, this paper explores the principles underlying sky color, distinguishing between blue and gray sky scenarios. Furthermore, it examines the repercussions of air pollution on the sky’s color throughout the day, inclusing morning, evening, night. Finally, this article analysis its detrimental impacts on human health and the environment. Efforts to transition to renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, protect ecosystems, and enhance resilience are critical to mitigating the effects of global warming and securing the planet’s future.

The effects of ambient particulate matter air pollution on platelets and hemostasis.

Elevated ambient pollution exposure is potentially linked to thromboembolism. However, the mechanisms by which particulate matter (PM) interferes with the balance of hemostatic system remain unclear. This study investigates PM-mediated hemostatic changes in individuals across unique seasonal variations of ambient pollution. This prospective study was conducted between February and July 2020 during alterations in ambient pollution in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Blood tests from 30 healthy subjects were assessed at four-week intervals, four times in total. Various coagulation tests, including prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), von Willebrand factor (vWF), platelet count, and platelet functions, were evaluated. A mixed-effects model was used to analyze the impact of high PM2.5 and PM10 on hemostatic parameters. Thirty male subjects with mean age of 38.9 ± 8.2 years, were included. High levels of PM2.5 and PM10 were significantly associated with PT shortening, with no such effect observed in aPTT. PM2.5 and PM10 values also positively correlated with vWF function, while vWF antigen levels remained unchanged. Soluble P-selectin showed a strong positive association with PM2.5 and PM10 levels. Platelet function analysis revealed no correlation with PM values. Short-term exposure to elevated PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations was linked to shortened PT and enhanced vWF function in healthy individuals. Exploring the impact of these changes on clinically relevant thrombosis is crucial. Additional studies on the pathogenesis of pollution-related thrombosis are warranted for maintaining good health.

Effects of indoor air pollution on clinical outcomes in patients with interstitial lung disease: protocol of a multicentre prospective observational study

BackgroundIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease with a poor prognosis. While there is evidence suggesting that outdoor air pollution affects the clinical course of...

The Heterogeneous Effect and Transmission Paths of Air Pollution on Housing Prices: Evidence from 30 Large- and Medium-Sized Cities in China

The Heterogeneous Effect and Transmission Paths of Air Pollution on Housing Prices: Evidence from 30 Large- and Medium-Sized Cities in China

The effect modification of PM2.5 and ozone on the short-term associations between temperature and mortality across the urban areas of Japan.

The acute effects of temperature and air pollution on mortality are well-known environmental factors that have been receiving more recognition lately. However, the health effects resulting from the interaction of air pollution and temperature remain uncertain, particularly in cities with low levels of pollution. This study aims to examine the modification effects of particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 µm or less (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) on the association between temperature and mortality. We collected the daily number of all-cause, cardiovascular, and respiratory mortality from 20 major cities in Japan from 2012-2018. We obtained meteorological data from the Japan Meteorological Agency and air pollution data from the National Institute for Environmental Studies. We conducted analyses using a quasi-Poisson regression model with a distributed lag non-linear model for temperature in each city and subsequently performed a random-effects meta-analysis to derive average estimates. We found that high levels of O3 might positively modify the mortality risk of heat exposure, especially for cardiovascular diseases. Subgroups such as the elderly and females were susceptible. We did not observe consistent evidence of effect modification by PM2.5, including effect modification on cold by both pollutants. PM2.5 and O3 may positively modify the short-term association between heat and mortality in the urban areas of Japan. These results highlight the need for public health policies and interventions to address the collective impacts of both temperature and air pollution.

Non-optimum temperatures modified the associations between PM2.5 and its components and hospitalizations for chronic kidney disease in China

Epidemiological evidence concerning whether exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and its components was linked to an elevated risk of hospitalizations for chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains insufficient. Moreover, it remains unclear whether ambient temperatures have potential modification effects on PM2.5's impacts. In the current study, we collected a nationwide sample of 2,259,240 hospitalization records for CKD in 260 Chinese cities. The associations between air pollutants and CKD hospitalizations were determined by the space-time-stratified case-crossover design. We further assessed the effects of PM2.5 and its components in three temperature strata [i.e., lowest (<25th), medium (25–75th), and highest (>75th)]. The findings demonstrated the significant and monotonic associations between risk of CKD hospitalizations and exposure to PM2.5, black carbon (BC), sulfate (SO42−), nitrate (NO3−), ammonium (NH4+), and organic matter (OM). For instance, along with an interquartile range increment in PM2.5 (29.47 μg/m3), the relative risks (RR) were 1.016 (95 % confidence interval [CI]:1.012–1.019) at lag 0–4 days. Higher ambient temperature significantly exacerbated the estimated impact of PM2.5 and its components on CKD hospitalizations, while significantly stronger associations were also observed at lower temperature for SO42− and NO3−. The modification effects of non-optimum temperatures varied among different etiologies of CKD and geographic regions. This study provides insights into the joint kidney health effects of climate change and air pollution. These findings highlight the necessity of protection measures against high concentration of PM2.5 and non-optimum temperatures for the vulnerable populations.

Short-term effects of air pollutants on hospital admissions for asthma among older adults: a multi-city time series study in Southwest, China.

This study aimed to explore the relationship between air pollution and hospital admissions for asthma in older adults, and to further assess the health and economic burden of asthma admissions attributable to air pollution. We collected information on asthma cases in people over 65 years of age from nine cities in Sichuan province, as well as air pollution and meteorological data. The relationship between short-term air pollutant exposure and daily asthma hospitalizations was analyzed using the generalized additive model (GAM), and stratified by gender, age, and season. In addition, we assessed the economic burden of hospitalization for air pollution-related asthma in older adults using the cost of disease approach. The single pollutant model showed that every 1 mg/m3 increase in CO was linked with an increase in daily hospitalizations for older adults with asthma, with relative risk values of 1.327 (95% CI: 1.116-1.577) at lag7. Each 10 μg/m3 increase in NO2, O3, PM10, PM2.5 and SO2, on asthma hospitalization, with relative risk values of 1.044 (95% CI: 1.011-1.078), 1.018 (95% CI: 1.002-1.034), 1.013 (95% CI: 1.004-1.022), 1.015 (95% CI: 1.003-1.028) and 1.13 (95% CI: 1.041-1.227), respectively. Stratified analysis shows that stronger associations between air pollution and asthma HAs among older adult in females, those aged 65-69 years, and in the warm season, although all of the differences between subgroups did not reach statistical significance. During the study period, the number of asthma hospitalizations attributable to PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 pollution was 764, 581 and 95, respectively, which resulted in a total economic cost of 6.222 million CNY, 4.73 million CNY and 0.776 million CNY, respectively. This study suggests that short-term exposure to air pollutants is positively associated with an increase in numbers of asthma of people over 65 years of age in Sichuan province, and short-term exposure to excessive PM and NO2 brings health and economic burden to individuals and society.

Systematic Review of Sulfur Oxides Levels in Industrial and Urban Settings in Iran

The Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a prevalent pollutant in urban atmospheres. At a concentration level exceeding 9 ppm, it emits a potent and unpleasant odor and can prove fatal. The most harmful effects of air pollution are often due to a combination of sulfur oxides, particulate matter, and humidity. Given the importance of this pollutant in determining overall air quality, an investigation into its presence in Iranian cities can offer significant insights into the distribution patterns and influencing factors of its concentration levels. Such knowledge is crucial for improving our understanding of air quality and devising effective management strategies. This research was conducted through a systematic review of three databases: Magiran, SID, and Google Scholar. The review focused on articles reporting on the concentration of SO2. A total of 123 articles relevant to the study were initially identified. After a thorough examination, duplicate and irrelevant articles were excluded, leaving 25 articles that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The analysis shows that the average concentration of SO2 in industrial areas (226.1 ± 218.2 µg/m³) is significantly higher than that in urban areas (92.6 ± 125.4 µg/m³). Furthermore, the concentration of SO2 in outdoor environments (144.2 ± 178.9 µg/m³) exceeds that in indoor environments (74.9 ± 66.9 µg/m³). Notably, the concentration of SOx in central urban areas **surpasses** that in peripheral areas, with an average value of (190.1 ± 144.1µg/m³). The study also found that these concentrations are considerably higher during the summer months, averaging (224 ± 334 µg/m³). The results demonstrate that the levels of sulfur oxides, particularly in industrial settings, are elevated during the warmer seasons in comparison to other periods.

The Prognostic Effect of Air Pollution in Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department with Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.

Weather conditions such as low air temperatures, low barometric pressure, and low wind speed have been linked to more cases of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. However, limited literature exists regarding the impact of air pollution. This study aims to investigate the relationship between outdoor air pollution and CO poisoning in 2 distinct cities in Turkey. A prospective study was conducted at 2 tertiary hospitals, recording demographic data, presenting complaints, vital signs, blood gas and laboratory parameters, carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels, meteorological parameters, and pollutant parameters. Complications and outcomes were also documented. The study included 83 patients (Group 1 = 44, Group 2 = 39). The air quality index (AQI) in Group 2 (61.7 ± 27.7) (moderate AQI) was statistically significantly higher (dirtier AQI) than that in Group 1 (47.3 ± 26.4) (good AQI) (P = 0.018). The AQI was identified as an independent predictor for forecasting the need for hospitalization (OR = 1.192, 95% CI: 1.036 - 1.372, P = 0.014) and predicting the risk of developing cardiac complications (OR: 1.060, 95% CI: 1.017 - 1.104, P = 0.005). The AQI, derived from the calculation of 6 primary air pollutants, can effectively predict the likelihood of hospitalization and cardiac involvement in patients presenting to the emergency department with CO poisoning.

Role of low-density lipoprotein in mediating the effect of air pollution on coronary heart disease: a two-step multivariate Mendelian randomization study.

Air pollution is affecting the health of millions of people all over the world. The causal correlations of PM2.5, PM10, and nitrogen dioxide (NOx), as the main fine particulate matter, and coronary heart disease (CHD) are yet to be explored. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) has been a principal factor in the pathogenesis of CHD. It is an interesting issue to consider whether LDL mediates the effect of air pollutants in CHD pathogenesis. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) on the European population, followed up from 2010 to 2018, involving over 400,000 participants, was based on a land-use regression model. The annual mean concentrations of major air pollutant particles, PM2.5 (n=423,796), PM10 (n=423,796), and NOx (n=456,380), were recorded. The large GWAS database of CHD covered over ten million SNPs with independent single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). LDL database collected major biochemical blood parameters from over 400,000 patients (n=440,546). Taken together, we conducted independent two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses for the causality between air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, and NOx) and CHD. Multivariate MR analysis was conducted using causal relationships to determine the direct effects of exposure on outcome. The fixed-effect inverse variance weighted (IVW2) method was mainly employed to assess this relationship, with a confidence interval of 95% for the odds ratio (OR). Also, MR-Egger, weighted median, maximum likelihood ratio method, and random-effects inverse variance-weighted (IVW1) method were adopted as supplementary methods. Two-sample MR results based on the IVW2 method suggested positive correlations between PM2.5 and CHD [OR 1.875 (1.279-2.748), p=0.001], PM10 and CHD [OR 2.586 (1.479-4.523), p=0.001], and NOx and CHD [OR 2.991 (2.021-4.427), p=4.37E-08]. The direct effect and mediating proportion were calculated using multivariable Mendelian randomization (MVMR). Lastly, the mediating proportions of LDL in the regulatory roles of PM2.5, PM10, and NOx in CHD were 2.82%, 4.73%, and 9.54%, respectively. PM2.5, PM10, and NOx share direct causal associations with CHD, and LDL performs a mediating role in this pathogenic process. Early prevention against air pollution (such as increasing green areas and reducing large-scale industrial dust emissions) and early lipid-lowering treatment can effectively prevent the occurrence of CHD.

Ergonomic system of forecasting and analysis of the probability of atmospheric air pollution by emissions of enterprises in the conditions of technogenic development of the world

The article is devoted to the problem of air pollution and its impact on human health and the environment. The paper considers methods of air pollution analysis based on the use of neural networks, taking into account the variety of data from the Internet. The authors emphasize the different effects of pollutants depending on the type, duration and level of exposure, as well as other factors, including individual risks to human health and the combined effects of different pollutants and stress factors. Special attention is paid to the two most common types of air pollution - smog and soot. The uneven distribution of the negative effects of air pollution, which are most often felt in low-income and colored communities, as well as the Air quality Index (AQI) developed by the Environmental Protection Agency, which informs the population about the current state of atmospheric air and its impact on human health, are considered separately. As a result of the work, the criteria for analyzing air quality, including pollution parameters and weather conditions, are presented, and the structure of future data is developed.

Broncho-protective Effect of Tulsi by Using Total Lung Capacity analysis on Pranveha Srotas – A Case Series

Many of physiological functions including respiratory mechanism are related to Pranveha Srotas (channels carry air or helps in respiration). Several studies have been reported the effect of air pollution on respiratory system depending upon their short term and long term exposure to pollutants. This majorly affect lung health in term of diminished lung capacities leading to restrictive and obstructive disease. In this study, spirometric data has been taken and evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of organic Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum). Change in the before and after intervention spirometric data was studied which found significant as Broncho-protective effect of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum). Improvement was observed in all the lung function of all the volunteers as in. For FVC, FEV1, PEF, fef25, fef75, fef2575, FVC %, FEV1 %, fev1 % percentage of improvement ranging from 0.13% - 83.95%.

Comparison of the different operation room environmental exposures on tear film function before and after operation

1.2 Previous studies have confirmed that air and light pollution can cause damage to a number of systems throughout the body, including the ocular surface and retina. However, the exact effect of air pollution and light pollution on tear film function is not clear. This study explored the different operation room environmental exposures on tear film function before and after operation. Sixty medical staff in the operating room were selected and divided into 4 groups according to different surgical methods to evaluate the tear film function before and after operation: Da Vinci surgery group (DVSS), Laparoscopic surgery group (LS), Traditional surgery group (TS), and Ophthalmic microsurgery group (OM). The results showed that the levels of light and air pollution were elevated in operating rooms during the operation and the changes of tear film function in the other three groups were statistically significant except for DVSS group. In TS group, particulate matter (pm) 1 (R = 0.61, p < 0.01), pm2.5 (R = 0.63, p < 0.01), and pm10 (R = 0.67, p < 0.01) were positively correlated with eye redness index, and first and average noninvasive tear film break-up times were positively correlated with illuminance (R = 0.54, p < 0.05; R = 0.97, p < 0.01). In OM group, there was a positive correlation between the operation time and the first (R = 0.69, p < 0.01) and average (R = 0.89, p < 0.01) noninvasive tear film break-up times. Our research found that exposure to different operating room environment will lead to damage of tear film function, but also provide a theoretical basis for the improvement of surgical environment.