Effects Of Ambient Air Pollution Research Articles

Particulate air pollution in Ho Chi Minh city and risk of hospital admission for acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) among young children

High levels of air pollutants in Vietnam, especially particulate matters including PM2.5, can be important risk factors for respiratory diseases among children of the country. However, few studies on the effects of ambient air pollution on human health have been conducted in Vietnam so far. The aim of this study is to examine the association between PM2.5 and hospital admission due to acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) among children aged < 5 years old in Ho Chi Minh city, the largest city of Vietnam. Data relating PM2.5 and hospital admission were collected from February 2016–December 2017 and a time series regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between PM2.5 and hospital admission including the delayed effect up to three days prior to the admission. We found that each 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 was associated with an increase of 3.51 (95%CI: 0.96–6.12) risk of ALRI admission among children. According to the analysis, male children are more sensitive to exposure to PM2.5 than females, while children exposed to PM2.5 are more likely to be infected with acute bronchiolitis than with pneumonia. The study demonstrated that young children in HCMC are at increased risk of ALRI admissions due to the high level of PM2.5 concentration in the city's ambient air.

Associations between exposure to ambient air pollutants and Parkinson’s disease

OPS 53: Air pollution and neurological outcomes, Room 217, Floor 2, August 27, 2019, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Background: Epidemiological studies have reported contradictory results on the effects of ambient air pollution on Parkinson’s disease (PD). This study investigated the associations between long-term exposure to particles < 2.5 um in diameter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and PD among participants in the 45 and Up Study who were adults older than 45 years living in New South Wales, Australia. Methods: Annual NO2 and PM2.5 concentrations were estimated at the participants’ residential address using satellite-based land use regression and chemical transport model, respectively. Logistic regression was used to quantify the associations of these pollutants with self-reported doctor-diagnosed PD while adjusting for a range of individual- and area-level covariates. Stratified analyses were undertaken for sex and smoking status. Results: Out of around 148,816 participants, 918 (0.6%) reported physician-diagnosed PD. Mean PM2.5 and NO2 concentrations assigned to study participants were 3.96 and 14.80 μg.m^(-3), respectively. We observed not statistically significant positive associations of PD with PM2.5. The adjusted odds ratio for a 1 µg.m-3 increase in PM2.5 was 1.06 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.96 – 1.16). The adjusted odds ratio for a 5 µg.m-3 increase in NO2 was 1.04 (95% CI: 0.92 – 1.17). In subgroup analyses, larger the associations for men were, per 1 µg.m-3 increase in PM2.5, (OR: 1.10 (95% CI: 0.99 – 1.22) and past smokers (OR 1.16 (95% CI: 1.05 – 1.27). Conclusions: Overall, limited evidence for associations between exposures to NO2 or PM2.5 and PD were found. The associations found among men and past smokers should be further investigated.

High resolution spatiotemporal assessment of ambient air pollution using ensemble modeling and links with hypertension in a Delhi based cohort

OPS 47: Increasing spatiotemporal resolution in assessment of exposure to outdoor air pollutants, Room 412, Floor 4, August 27, 2019, 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM Aim: High levels of ambient air pollution has been implicated as a major risk factor for morbidities and premature mortality in India. In this work, we retrospectively assessed daily average PM2.5 exposure at 1 km × 1 km grids in Delhi, India from 2010-2016, using multiple data sources and ensemble averaging approaches that combine machine learning algorithms. In addition, we linked the assessed exposures with blood pressure and hypertension in a cohort study. Methods: We implemented a multi-stage modeling exercise involving satellite data, land use variables, reanalysis based meteorological variables and population density. The relationship between PM2.5 and spatiotemporal predictors was modeled using five learners; generalized additive model, elastic net, support vector regressions, random forests and extreme gradient boosting. Predictions from each base learner was combined under a generalized additive model framework with penalized splines and tensor product smoothing. For studying the effects of ambient air pollution on blood pressure and hypertension, we used longitudinal mixed effects modeling with different exposure metrics while adjusting for confounders. Results: Average cross-validated (CV) R2 ranged from 0.69-0.92 for the ensemble averaged (EA) model across the years with annual average concentrations ranging from 104 to 139 μg/m3. The predictions were characterized by higher bias and root mean squared error in the fall and winter compared to summer and monsoon seasons. Spatial CV-R2 (yearly average) varied between 0.91-0.99, while temporal CV-R2 (daily variability) ranged from 0.65-0.90, showing adequate model performances. We demonstrated important seasonal and geographical differences in PM2.5 particulate matter concentrations using the model outputs. Conclusion: We have developed a detailed exposure assessment for ambient air pollution in a highly polluted region of India and provided insights to the effects of such exposures on longitudinally measured blood pressure measurements in a representative cohort.

Acute effects of air pollution on all-cause mortality

PDS 68: Outdoor air pollution, mortality and morbidity, Exhibition Hall (PDS), Ground floor, August 26, 2019, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Haze episodes causing by forest fire and agriculture waste burning during dry season have been widespread in Chiang Mai Province for more than a decade. The local governmental agencies have been proactive in taking comprehensive measures to control the haze and its impacts on health of the population since early 2008. This study assessed acute effects of ambient air pollutants on all-cause mortality before and after the haze control interventions. We obtained daily mortality counts and data on mass concentrations of particulate matter (PM)<10 micron in aerodynamic diameter (PM10), gaseous pollutants, and meteorology in Chiang Mai Province between Jan 2002 and Dec 2016. We analyzed the data using case-crossover design adjusting humidity, day-of-week and seasons for each three periods: Jan 2002-Dec 2007 (Period 1, before intervention), Jan 2008 to 2011 (Period 2, after intervention), Jan 2012 to Dec 2016 (Period 3, after intervention). Air pollution concentrations decreased over the study period. We found an increased risk of all-cause mortality for one IQR increase in PM10 of lag0 and mean of lag0-1; and O3 for lag0, lag1, and mean of lag0-1 before the intervention (Period 1), but no significant effects after the intervention (Period 2 and Period 3). In Period 1, the effects of PM10 and O3 are stronger for age 65 and older than those of all ages. In Period 3, we found significant effects of NO2 for lag0, lag1, and lag2 and O3 for lag2 for age 65 and older, but after the intervention no significant effects were observed for PM10 and gaseous pollutants for all ages. The findings suggest a reduction in risk of acute effects of all-cause mortality for PM10 and O3 after haze control measures are in force in Chiang-Mai Province.

Land use Regression Model for Exposure Assessment in the Mace Birth Cohort Study in Ethekwini

OPS 46: Exposure assessment to air pollution in Asia and Africa, Room 315, Floor 3, August 27, 2019, 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM Background: The Mother and Child in the Environment (MACE) birth cohort aims to determine the effects of ambient air pollution on pregnancy outcomes and childhood respiratory disorders in Durban, South Africa. A land use regression model (LUR) was developed to characterise exposure. Methods: Based on the European Study of Cohorts for Air Pollution Effects (ESCAPE) methodology, particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were measured over a period of one year, at 41 sites, with Ogawa Badges and 21 sites with PM Monitors. Results: Air pollution concentrations showed a clear seasonal trend with higher concentrations being measured during winter (25.75 µg/m3, 4.18 µg/m3, 50.44 µg/m3, and 20.90 µg/m3 for NO2, SO2, PM10 and PM2.5 respectively) as compared to summer (10.51 µg/m3, 2.8 µg/m3, 20.49 µg/m3, and 8.49 µg/m3 for NO2, SO2, PM10 and PM2.5 respectively). The LUR NO2 models for annual, summer and winter explained 73%, 60% and 59% of the variance with elevation, traffic, population, open space and a regional variable being identified as important predictors. The SO2 models were less robust with lower R2 annual (37%), summer (49%) and winter (33%) with industrial and traffic variables being important predictors. The R2 for PM10 models ranged from 59-66% while for PM2.5 models this range was 62%-73% with only total length of major roads emerging as a predictor. Variables such as urban area and length of minor roads remained statistically insignificant in each model. Conclusion: These results highlight the influence of industrial and traffic emissions from major roads on air pollution concentrations. Furthermore, this is the first study in South Africa highlighting the importance of a regional variable serving as a proxy marker for industry, as areas of higher industrial activity are geographically grouped within the city.

The relationship between air pollution exposure and the risk of diabetic retinopathy

PDS 67: Outdoor air pollution cardiometabolic effects, Exhibition Hall (PDS), Ground floor, August 27, 2019, 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM Background/Aim: Exposure to air pollution has been linked to adverse effects on vascular diseases. However, the effects of air pollution exposure on diabetic retinopathy (DR), a form of vascular disease, have not been studied. The aim of this study was to determine the association between ambient air pollution exposure and diabetic retinopathy occurrence. Material and Methods Retrospective cohort study design was applied for investigating the long-term effect of ambient air pollution on DR occurrence among diabetics. Newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus (DM) cases during 2003-2012 from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) – Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2005 (LHID2005) were included in the study cohort. Yearly air exposure levels were obtained from the Taiwan EPA air monitoring station. Kriging method was used to interpolate concentrations of air pollutants in township levels. We linked yearly townships exposure levels with townships of residence in each year, and calculated the average concentrations of follow-up period as personal exposure. The Cox proportional hazard models were performed adjusting for sex, age of DM onset and comorbidities. Results: A total of 17,403 subjects with newly diagnosed DM were included in the study. Among them, 585 newly diagnosed DR cases were found during the follow-up periods (mean: 5.6 years). The hazard ratio (HR) of DR occurrence associated with per 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5, PM2.5-10, 1 ppb in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2), were 2.06 (95% confidence interval, CI: 1.60-2.66), 1.71 (95%CI: 1.39-2.10), 1.05 (95%CI: 1.03-1.08), and 1.23 (95%CI: 1.13-1.34), respectively. In two-pollutant models, the effects of PM2.5, PM2.5-10, NO2 and SO2 remained robust after adjusting for other air pollutants. Conclusion: Exposure to higher levels of air pollution was associated with increased risk of DR occurrence in diabetic patients.

Estimating joint effects of ambient air pollution on cardiovascular morbidity in the elderly U.S. population

TPS 681: Short-term health effects of air pollutants 1, Exhibition Hall, Ground floor, August 26, 2019, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM Background: While ambient air pollution is a complex mixture, few studies have estimated joint effects of multiple pollutants or evaluated their heterogeneity across a large geographic region. We estimated joint effects of short-term exposures to air pollutant combinations on cardiovascular morbidity in the elderly U.S. population. Methods: Across 79 core-based statistical areas (CBSAs) with >500,000 population, we obtained daily counts of cardiovascular hospital admissions (CVD-HA) among the 65+ year-olds from the Medicare Services. Daily concentrations of ambient air pollutants were obtained from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Quality System during 1999-2010. In a time-series framework controlling for temporal trends and meteorology, we estimated joint effects of PM2.5, CO, NO2, SO2, and O3 on CVD-HA using multi-pollutant Poisson models in each CBSA. Individual pollutant effects were estimated using single-pollutant models. We computed I-square statistics to evaluate heterogeneity of effect estimates across CBSAs. Random-effect meta-analysis examining between-CBSA heterogeneity and obtaining national estimates are underway. Results: Across CBSAs, mean daily counts of CVD-HA ranged from 5 to 249. Mean daily concentrations ranged from 6.39-20.01 ug/m3 (PM2.5), 0.37-1.41 ppm (CO), 9.62-43.36 ppb (NO2), 0.67-24.00 ppb (SO2), and 0.02-0.05 ppm (O3). Using single-pollutant models, the estimated rate ratios per interquartile-range-increase ranged from 0.93-1.03 (PM2.5), 0.89-1.15 (CO), 0.87-1.08 (NO2), 0.89-1.04 (SO2), and 0.95-1.02 (O3) across CBSAs. Using multi-pollutant models, joint effect estimates (i.e., rate ratios per interquartile-range-increase of five pollutants together) ranged from 0.93-1.06. I-square statistics suggested that joint effect estimates were more homogeneous across CBSAs (I-square =0.42) than individual-pollutant effects estimated by single-pollutant models (I-square from 0.81-0.98). Conclusions: Our findings could help advance the understanding of health effects of air pollution mixtures and inform multi-pollutant air quality management. The views expressed in this presentation are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Short-Term Effects of Ambient Air Pollution on ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Events: Are There Potentially Susceptible Groups?

Background: Air pollution exposure is associated with greater risk for cardiovascular events. This study aims to examine the effects of increased exposure to short-term air pollutants on ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and determine the susceptible groups. Methods: Data on particulate matter PM2.5 and PM10 and other air pollutants, measured at each of the 11 air-quality monitoring stations in Kaohsiung City, were collected between 2011 and 2016. The medical records of non-trauma adult (>17 years) patients who had visited the emergency department (ED) with a typical electrocardiogram change of STEMI were extracted. A time-stratified and case-crossover study design was used to examine the relationship between air pollutants and daily ED visits for STEMI. Results: An interquartile range increment in PM2.5 on lag 0 was associated with an increment of 25.5% (95% confidence interval, 2.6%–53.4%) in the risk of STEMI ED visits. Men and persons with ≥3 risk factors (male sex, age, hypertension, diabetes, current smoker, dyslipidemia, history of myocardial infarction, and high body mass index) for myocardial infarction (MI) were more sensitive to the hazardous effects of PM2.5 (interaction: p = 0.039 and p = 0.018, respectively). The associations between PM10, NO2, and O3 and STEMI did not achieve statistical significance. Conclusion: PM2.5 may play an important role in STEMI events on the day of exposure in Kaohsiung. Men and persons with ≥3 risk factors of MI are more susceptible to the adverse effects of PM2.5 on STEMI.

Air pollution and cardiovascular death in Tehran, Iran

TPS 681: Short-term health effects of air pollutants 1, Exhibition Hall, Ground floor, August 26, 2019, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM Background: There is evidence that shows exposure to air pollution can be related to cardiovascular deaths. This study aimed to estimate the effect of ambient air pollutants on cardiovascular deaths in Tehran, Iran; which is one of the most polluted cities in the world. Methods: In this ecological study, air pollutant data was inquired from the air quality control units of municipalities and the Tehran Province Environmental Protection Agency. Meteorological data was enquired from the meteorological organization, and death data was inquired from the Tehran’s cemetery registration (Behesht-e-Zahra). Generalized Additive Models (GAM) were used for data analysis and Incidence Rate Ratios with different lags were calculated for up to 30 days. Results: During 2005 until 2014, 215373 cardiovascular deaths happen in Tehran in which 122911 (57.07%) were male. NO2 and PM10 were associated with total cardiovascular deaths. The strongest relationship between NO2 and respiratory death was seen after 4 day lags (RR= 1.00106, 95% CI: 1.00073-1.00140), and for PM10 was seen on the same day (lag 0) (RR= 1.00053, 95% CI: 1.00030-1.00076). Conclusion: The result of this study showed that PM10, and NO2 are probably responsible for part of the cardiovascular deaths that happen daily in Tehran. There should be more efforts to control air pollution in Tehran.

Ambient air pollution as a mediator in the pathway linking race/ethnicity to blood pressure elevation: The multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis (MESA)

BackgroundRacial/ethnic disparities in blood pressure and hypertension have been evident in previous studies, as were associations between race/ethnicity with ambient air pollution and those between air pollution with hypertension. The role of air pollution exposure to racial/ethnic differences in hypertension has not been explored. ObjectiveTo assess the potential mediating effects of ambient air pollution on the association between race/ethnicity and blood pressure levels. MethodsWe studied 6,463 White, Black, Hispanic and Chinese adults enrolled across 6 US cities. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured at Exam 1 (2000–2002) and Exam 2 (2002–2004). Household-level annual average concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), oxides of nitrogen (NOX), and ozone (O3) for the year 2000 were estimated for participants. ResultsThe difference in SBP levels by race/ethnicity that was related to higher PM2.5 concentrations compared with White men (“indirect associations”) was 0.3 (95% CI: 0.1, 0.6) mmHg for Black men, 0.3 (95% CI: 0.1, 0.6) mmHg for Hispanic men and 1.0 (95% CI: 0.2, 1.8) mmHg for Chinese men. Findings were similar although not statistically significant for women. PM2.5 did not mediate racial/ethnic differences in DBP. Indirect associations were significant for O3 for SBP among women and men and for DBP among men. In contrast, racial/ethnic disparities were attenuated due to exposure to NOX. ConclusionRacial disparities in blood pressure were reduced after accounting for PM2.5 and ozone while increased after accounting for NOX.

Combined effects of ambient air pollution and home environmental factors on low birth weight

BackgroundLow birth weight (LBW) remains a major public health problem worldwide, yet its crucial environmental risk factors are still unclear. ObjectiveTo examine the association between LBW (term and preterm LBW) and prenatal exposure to ambient air pollution and home environmental factors as well as their combination, in order to identify critical time window for exposure and key outdoor and indoor factors in LBW development. MethodsA cohort study of 3509 preschool children was performed in Changsha, China during the period 2011–2012. A questionnaire was conducted to survey each child's birth outcome and each mother's exposure to home environmental factors including parental smoking, new furniture, redecoration, mold/damp stains, window pane condensation, and household pets during pregnancy. Maternal exposure to inhalable particulate matter (PM10), industrial air pollutant (SO2), and traffic air pollutant (NO2) was estimated during different time windows of gestation, including conception month, three trimesters, birth month, and whole gestation. Associations of term and preterm LBW with ambient air pollutants and home environmental factors were assessed by multiple logistic regression models in terms of odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). ResultsTerm LBW (TLBW) was significantly associated with exposure to ambient PM10 during pregnancy, with OR (95% CI) = 1.47 (1.00–2.14) for per IQR increase after adjustment for the covariates and home environmental factors. Specifically, we identified the significant association in early phase of pregnancy including conception month (1.90, 1.09–3.30) and the first trimester (1.72, 1.10–2.69). We further found that TLBW was significantly related with parental smoking at home, OR (95% CI) = 2.17 (1.09–4.33). However, no association was observed for preterm LBW (PLBW). The TLBW risk of ambient air pollution and home environmental factors was independent each other and hence the combined exposure to ambient PM10 and indoor parental smoking caused the highest risk. Sensitivity analysis suggested that foetus with younger mothers were significantly more susceptible to risk of indoor parental smoking, while those with smaller house and cockroaches were more sensitive to risk of outdoor PM10 exposure. ConclusionPrenatal exposure to combined outdoor and indoor air pollution, particularly in critical window(s) during early pregnancy, significantly increases the risk of term LBW.

Hourly associations between ambient air pollution and emergency ambulance calls in one central Chinese city: Implications for hourly air quality standards

BackgroundMost studies on the short-term health effects of air pollution have been conducted on a daily time scale, while hourly associations remain unclear. MethodsWe collected the hourly data of emergency ambulance calls (EACs), ambient air pollution, and meteorological variables from 2014 to 2016 in Luoyang, a central Chinese city in Henan Province. We used a generalized additive model to estimate the hourly effects of ambient air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and NO2) on EACs for all natural causes and cardiovascular and respiratory morbidity, with adjustment for potential confounding factors. We further examined the effect modification by temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and atmospheric pressure using stratified analyses. ResultsIn the single-pollutant models, PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and NO2 were associated with an immediate increase in all-cause morbidity at 0, 0, 12, 10 h, separately, after exposure to these pollutants (excess risks: 0.19% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.03%, 0.35%), 0.13% (95% CI: 0.02%, 0.24%), 0.28% (95% CI: 0.01%, 0.54%) and 0.52% (95% CI: 0.06%, 0.99%), respectively). These effects remained generally stable in two-pollutant models. SO2 and NO2 were significantly associated with an immediate increase in risk of cardiovascular morbidity, but the effects on respiratory morbidity were relatively more delayed. The stratified analyses suggested that temperature could modify the association between PM2.5 and EACs, humidity and atmospheric pressure could modify the association between SO2 and EACs. ConclusionsOur study provides new evidence that higher concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and NO2 may have transiently acute effects on all-cause morbidity and subacute effects on respiratory morbidity. SO2 and NO2 may also have immediate effects on cardiovascular morbidity. Findings of this study have important implications for the formation of hourly air quality standards.

Short-term effects of ambient (outdoor) air pollution on cardiovascular death in Tehran, Iran – a time series study

The aim of this study was to estimate the effect of ambient air pollutants on cardiovascular deaths in Tehran, Iran. In this time series study, air pollutant data were acquired from the Environmental Protection Agency. Meteorological data were acquired from the meteorological organization, and death data were acquired from the Tehran’s cemetery registration. Generalized Additive Models (GAM) were used for estimating the Rate Ratio. NO2, SO2 and PM10 were associated with total cardiovascular deaths. PM10 and NO2 showed stronger relations with deaths in the elder age group. The result of this study showed that NO2, SO2, PM10 and O3 are probably responsible for part of the cardiovascular deaths that happen daily in Tehran.

\u201cHappiness in the air?\u201d the effects of air pollution on adolescent happiness

BackgroundWe aimed to examine the effect of ambient air pollution at the district level on adolescents’ happiness and their change in happiness over time in a cohort sample from Taiwan.MethodA cohort from the Taiwan Youth Project was evaluated. The adolescents (n = 2571) were in the 7th grade (mean age = 14.3 years) when the study was initiated and resided in 40 districts in three cities and counties in northern Taiwan. We examined the effects of the concentration level of air pollution, including PM2.5, PM10, and NO2, at the district level on adolescents’ happiness and their change in happiness over time (7th to 9th grade). Due to the high correlations of the three pollutants, we examined each separately with similar covariates. The analyses were based on both multilevel modeling and latent growth curve modeling.ResultsHigher concentration levels of each of the three air pollutants measured were associated with adolescent happiness such that a higher level of concentration was related to lower levels of adolescents’ happiness. These results were observed after controlling for important individual- and district-level covariates. However, further analyses did not reveal that the concentration level of air pollution was associated with the change in happiness in the study period (after 3 years). Some sensitivity checks (e.g., adjusting district size) did not change the substantive results.ConclusionMany previous studies have shown the influence of air pollution on physical health and negative emotions, but only a few using adult samples have shown that air pollution is inversely related to positive wellbeing. This study may be the first to examine the effects of air pollution on adolescents’ positive affect. Our results echo recent research on the consequent health burden of air pollution. Given that positive affect has been linked to future adult health, the results of the current study provide empirical grounds for early intervention concerning environmental factors.

Short-term exposure to ambient air pollution and daily atherosclerotic heart disease mortality in a cool climate.

The associations between exposure to short-term ambient air pollution and daily atherosclerotic heart disease (ASHD) mortality in cool climate have not been established. We performed a time-series analysis in Shenyang, the largest city of Northeastern China. We identified 7659 ASHD deaths and obtained deaths, ambient air pollution levels, and meteorological data for Shenyang during 2014-2017. The impact of ambient air pollution on daily ASHD deaths was analyzed using generalized additive models (GAMs). Cumulative lag effects were investigated using distributed lag non-linear models (DLNM). We found ASHD deaths significantly increased during days with higher air pollution. Particulate matter with diameter < 2.5μm (PM2.5), PM10, and sulfur dioxide (SO2) were positively associated with ASHD deaths among the total population. Both single- and multi-pollutants models indicated that PM2.5, PM10, and sulfur dioxide (SO2) were positively associated with the deaths of women with AHSD, whereas only SO2 was significant in men. This suggests significant gender-based differences in the fatal effects of ambient air pollution. Up to 28days of single-day lag effects were observed for PM2.5 and PM10 in women. The cumulative lag effects of PM2.5 and PM10 showed increasing trends in both men and women; however, exposure to higher pollutant concentrations did not necessarily translate to greater risks. The ERRs differences between women and men were larger in cold days than in hot days, suggesting that lower temperature may exacerbate the adverse effects of air pollution on vulnerable women.

The effect and burden modification of heating on adult asthma hospitalizations in Shijiazhuang: a time-series analysis

BackgroundPrevious studies have found associations between asthma morbidity and air pollution especially in young population, (PLoS One 12:e0180522, 2017; Can J Public Health 103:4-8, 2012; Environ Health Perspect 118:449-57, 2010; Am J Respir Crit Care Med 182:307-16, 2010; J Allergy Clin Immunol 104:717-22, 2008; J Allergy Clin Immunol 104:717-22, 1999; Environ Res 111:1137-47, 2011) but most of them were conducted in areas with relatively low air pollutant level. Moreover, very few studies have investigated the effect and burden modification of heating season during which the ambient air pollution level is significantly different from that during non-heating season in north China.ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the effect and burden modification of heating on short-term associations between adult asthma hospitalizations and ambient air pollution in the north China city of Shijiazhuang.MethodsGeneralized additive models combined with penalized distributed lag nonlinear models were used to model associations between daily asthma hospitalizations and ambient air pollutants from 1 January 2013 to 16 December 2016 in Shijiazhuang city, adjusting for long-term and seasonality trend, day of week, statutory holiday, daily mean air pressure and temperature. Attributable risks were calculated to evaluate the burden of asthma hospitalizations due to air pollutants exposure. The effect of pollutants on hospitalization and the attributable measures were estimated in heating and non-heating season separately and the comparisons between the two seasons were conducted.ResultsAll pollutants demonstrated positive and significant impacts on asthma hospitalizations both in heating season and non-heating season, except for O3 in heating season where a negative association was observed. However, the differences of the pollutant-specific effects between the two seasons were not significant. SO2 and NO2 exposure were associated with the heaviest burden among all pollutants in heating season; meanwhile, PM10 and PM2.5 were associated with the heaviest burden in heating season.ConclusionsIn conclusion, we found evidence of the effect of ambient air pollutants on asthma hospitalizations in Shijiazhuang. The central heating period could modify the effects in terms of attributable risks. The disease burden modification of heating should be taken into consideration when planning intervention measures to reduce the risk of asthma hospitalization.

The effect of ambient air pollution on circulatory mortality: a short-term exposure assessment in Xi'an, China.

Various studies have illustrated that exposure to ambient air pollution has negative impacts on health. However, little evidence exists on the effects of ambient air pollution on circulatory mortality in Xi'an, China. This study aims to investigate and ascertain the association between short-term exposure to ambient air pollutants and circulatory mortality in Xi'an, China. Daily average concentrations of PM2.5, SO2, and O3, meteorological data (temperature and relative humidity) and daily counts of circulatory mortality were obtained between January 2014 and June 2016. Mortality was stratified by gender and age group (≤ 64years and ≥ 65years). A generalized additive model (GAM) with natural splines (NS) was constructed to analyze the relationship between ambient air pollutants and daily circulatory mortality. There were 57,570 cases of circulatory mortality, with cerebrovascular and ischemic heart diseases accounting for 48.5% and 43.5%, respectively. All ambient air pollutants displayed different seasonal patterns. In the single pollutant model, 10μg/m3 increase in 2-day moving average concentrations of PM2.5, SO2, and O3 was associated with relative risk of 1.288(1.198, 1.388), 1.360(0.877, 2.331), and 1.324(1.059, 1.705) in circulatory mortality, respectively. After adjusting for collinearity in the multi-pollutant model, the effects remained statistically significant. The ≥ 65years and female sub-groups were associated with a higher risk of circulatory mortality. Short-term exposure to ambient air pollutants plays a pivotal role in the genesis of circulatory mortality in Xi'an. Responses to ambient air pollutants exposure in relation to circulatory mortality are different when analyzed by sub-groups.

Short-term joint effects of ambient air pollutants on emergency department visits for respiratory and circulatory diseases in Colombia, 2011–2014

BackgroundWe evaluated the short-term effect of mixtures of ambient air pollutants on respiratory and circulatory morbidity in four Colombian cities. MethodsDaily Emergency Department (ED) visit records for respiratory and circulatory selected diagnosis and daily concentrations for six criteria air pollutant were obtained in four of the five major cities in Colombia: Bucaramanga, Bogota, Cali, and Medellin during 2011–2014. Using conditional Poisson time series analysis with fixed effects, we assessed the effect of air pollutants on health outcomes using single-pollutant, two-pollutant and specific mixtures-of-pollutant models controlling for meteorology and time trends. The percentages of change in the rate of ED visits and their 95% confidence interval were estimated for the joint effect of pollutants. ResultsIn single-pollutant models increases in gases concentrations were associated with increases in ED visits for respiratory and circulatory diseases. The two-pollutant models for respiratory diseases showed that the effect of NO2 alone (% change 2.86 95% CI 1.87–3.85) is higher than the joint effect of any of its combinations except for its combination with SO2 (% change 3.05 95%CI 1.04–5.05). The two-pollutant models for circulatory diseases showed synergistic effects between NO2 and PM2.5 (% change 2.13 95%CI 0.001–4.26). Specific mixtures models showed that the mixture of “traffic-related pollutants” has the higher joint effect on circulatory morbidity and respiratory morbidity. ConclusionsThe results show the dominant effect of NO2 in air pollution mixtures on respiratory and circulatory morbidity, and the synergistic effect of NO2 and SO2 in air pollution mixtures on respiratory morbidity.

Effects of ambient air pollution on respiratory and eye illness in population living in Kodungaiyur, Chennai

In 2017, during spring and summer, the concentration of sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO) and particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) were monitored over a period of 6 months in Kodungaiyur, Chennai, India and compared with the National Ambient Air Quality standard (NAAQS) of India. The maximum mean daily concentration values of NO2, SO2, CO and PM2.5 were found to be 66 μg/m3, 96 μg/m3, 180 μg/m3 and 425 μg/m3 respectively. In this work, a survey of the diseases onset in the locality Kodungaiyur was conducted to bring out the effects mainly due to PM2.5 on human beings. The diseases surveyed include mostly allergic complications in the lungs, eye and ENT. The results showed associations between pollution exposure and increased percentage of infection in the age group from 21 to 30 years, with a confidence level of 95%.

Short-term effects of ambient air pollution and cardiovascular events in Shiraz, Iran, 2009 to 2015.

Air pollution and dust storms are associated with increased cardiovascular hospital admissions. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between short-term exposure to ambient air pollutants and CVD (cardiovascular disease) events in a long-term observational period. The study included the events of cardiovascular diseases (namely coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, and pneumo thrombo embolism) within the population of Shiraz, from March 21, 2009 to March 20, 2015. Also, each patient's demographics were recorded. Main meteorological variables and five ambient pollutants (CO, O3, SO2, NO2, and PM10) were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using linear regression (GLM) and a generalized additive model (GAM) estimating Poisson distribution and adjusted for the main risk factors and ambient meteorological variables. A mild prevalence (51.5%) of coronary artery disease (CAD) was registered in 6425 events. In GLM analysis, we observed an association among the pollutants with the coronary artery disease hospital admissions which was in the order of CO, NO2, and PM10. The highest association of each pollutant with hospital admission was observed as PM10 at lag 4 (RR = 1.08; 95% CI 1.02, 1.14 and p < 0.05), NO2 at lag 0 (RR = 1.22; 95% CI 1.00, 1.48), and CO at lag 0 (RR = 1.52 95% CI = (1.16, 1.99)). However, on dusty days, there were significantly higher numbers of referrals of cardiovascular patients (mean = 7.54 ± 4.44 and p = 0.002,) than on non-dusty days. According to these data, dust storms and some types of pollutants in the air are responsible for more admissions to hospitals for cardiovascular problems.