Ambient Air Levels Research Articles

Can indoor plants reduce formaldehyde levels in the anatomy dissection hall? A study to evaluate the practicality of using plants in reducing formaldehyde levels

Background Formaldehyde a commonly used embalming fluid for the preservation of cadavers, produces numerous short and long-term side effects on the students and staff working with it. Indoor plants have been shown to reduce atmospheric formaldehyde levels. The purpose of the study was to compare the efficacy of indoor plants in reducing formaldehyde levels in ambient air to levels deemed safe by WHO standards Methods The study was conducted in the storage room of the Anatomical dissection hall. 7 potted plants of one variety were kept in the storage room for 14 days and the Formaldehyde reading was measured using a VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) monitor. Then the same was done with no plant. This cycle was repeated 2 more times, with two different plant species. The three spieces of plants used for this study were as follows: Dracaena trifasciata, Epipremnum aureum, Spathiphyllum. Results The results were analysed and compared and it was determined that the effect of having a plant present versus having no plant present on the Formaldehyde concentration in the air was inconclusive as Dracaena trifasciata failed to reject the null hypothesis altogether (p-value>0.05), while Epipremnum aureum and Spathiphyllum rejected the null hypothesis (p-value<0.05), however they both had a weak positive correlation with formaldehyde concentration. Conclusion The efficacy of indoor plants in reducing formaldehyde levels in ambient air needs to be further explored and validated since all the prior studies conducted were in controlled environment and should be done in a real time scenario for its practical and beneficial uses.

Real-time monitoring of CH4 and N2O emissions from livestock using mid-infrared external cavity quantum cascade laser absorption spectroscopy

The largest share of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions related to livestock originates from methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) which have a far higher influence on global warming, it is therefore necessary to accurately monitor CH4 and N2O emissions to provide theoretical and practical basis for further estimating and regulating GHG emissions from livestock and improving livestock production performance. For the purpose of sensing CH4 and N2O emissions during livestock living process in real time, an optical sensor based on continuous-wave (CW) external cavity quantum cascade laser (EC-QCL) operating at room temperature was developed. CH4 and N2O absorption lines, located around 8 μm, of the ν4 and ν1 fundamental vibrational bands, respectively, were chosen for direct absorption spectroscopy, which allows for sensitive, selective and simultaneous measurement of CH4 and N2O concentrations. Use of a Herriot multi-pass cell with an effective path-length of 100 m, 1σ (SNR = 1) limits of detection of 26.8 ppbv, 20.3 ppbv and 0.01 % for CH4, N2O and H2O vapor were achieved, respectively. Field measurement of CH4 and N2O emissions from horses has been carried out in a stable over two weeks at the Vernaelde farm in Couderkerque Branche city, France. Concentrations of CH4 and N2O up to 10 times and 1.5 times higher than their levels in the local ambient air (∼ 2.12 ppmv and ∼ 427 ppbv) were observed, respectively.

Integrating Passive Biomonitoring and Active Monitoring: Spider Web Silk and Portable Instruments for Air Quality in Urban Areas

Urban areas worldwide face significant challenges from increasing air pollution, posing health risks and environmental concerns. Lahore, a major city in Pakistan, is particularly affected by severe air pollution due to rapid industrial growth, high vehicle emissions, and various human activities. Traditional air quality monitoring methods, while effective, are often costly and complex, limiting their widespread use. This study investigates a dual monitoring system combining passive biomonitoring with spider web silk and active measurements using portable instruments to assess airborne pollutants in urban environments. Spider webs, collected from various sites in Lahore, were analyzed for heavy metals, while portable instruments simultaneously measured PM2.5, PM10, total volatile organic contents, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide at the same locations. A spatial distribution analysis using GIS and statistical analysis revealed a pattern with significant changes as per land use in the urban environment related to anthropogenic activities. The Principal Component Analysis revealed three distinct clusters of pollutants origins consisting of: I) effluent drains and landfills, II) construction sites, and III) residential areas. The concentrations of Hg in spider silk (average ~ 2.66 mg/kg) were found to be significantly higher in the northeastern part of Lahore, with a similar trend observed in Cd, Cu, Ni, and As levels (average ~ 15.45, 102.87, 31.72, and 6.64, respectively). Several-fold changes in levels and spatial distribution of Pb (15.12 to 356.41 mg/kg) showed a higher concentration in the northern and northeastern parts of Lahore. The spatial variation pattern of Cr (average~ 57.04 mg/kg) registered a higher concentration in southwestern Lahore. Ambient air levels of measured pollutants followed almost similar patterns in spatial distribution. PM2.5 and PM10 measured higher levels (195 and 226 μg/m3, respectively) in the southwestern and northwestern areas, with a similar pattern of variation observed in TVOC (average ~ 0.14 μg/m3). The concentration of HCHO (average ~ 0.003 μg/m3) was higher in the southwest of Lahore. All measured pollutants registered higher values than air quality standards. Particulate matter is the most dominant pollutant contributing to air pollution (up to 20x higher than WHO guidelines). The findings support the use of a dual monitoring system, integrating passive spider web silk biomonitoring and active portable instruments, as a scalable and sustainable solution for air quality management. This approach holds potential for global application in diverse urban environments, with future research focusing on further validation and integration with advanced remote sensing technologies to enhance air quality monitoring and contribute to improved public health and environmental management worldwide. Hence, this research work points to the potential use of spider silk as a biomonitoring tool in combination with instrumental measurement of ambient air pollutants.

Temporal characteristics and health effects related to NO2, O3, and SO2 in an urban area of Iran

This study reports on temporal variations of NO2, O3, and SO2 pollutants and their related health effects in urban air of Khorramabad, Iran using AirQ 2.2.3 software. Based on data between 2015 and 2021, hourly NO2, O3, and SO2 concentrations increase starting at 6:00 a.m. local time until 9:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. local time, respectively, before gradually decreasing. The highest monthly NO2, O3, and SO2 concentrations are observed in October, August, and September, respectively. Annual median NO2, O3, and SO2 concentrations range between 17 ppb and 38.8 ppb, 17.5 ppb–36.6 ppb, and ∼14 ppb–30.8 ppb, respectively. Two to 93 days and 17–156 days between 2015 and 2021 exhibit daily concentrations of NO2 and SO2 ≤ WHO AQGs, respectively, while 187–294 days have 8-h maximum O3 concentrations ≤ WHO AQGs. The mean excess mortality ascribed to respiratory mortality, cardiovascular mortality, hospital admissions for COPD, and acute myocardial infraction are 121, 603, 39, and 145 during 2015–2021, respectively. O3 is found to exert more significant health effects compared to SO2 and NO2, resulting in higher cardiovascular mortality. The gradual increase in NO2 and possibly O3 over the study period is suspected to be due to economic sanctions, while SO2 decreased due to regulatory activity. Sustainable control strategies such as improving fuel quality, promoting public transportation and vehicle retirement, applying subsidies for purchase of electric vehicles, and application of European emission standards on automobiles can help decrease target pollutant levels in ambient air of cities in developing countries.

Оптимизация регулирующих воздействий на основе дифференцированного подхода к управлению качеством атмосферного воздуха и риском здоровью населения

The study focuses on substantiating the most optimal regulatory actions aimed to minimize health risks caused by airborne exposures within Rospotrebnadzor activities including the Clean Air Federal project and the ongoing experiment on setting quotas for emissions. The aim of this study was to comparatively assess effectiveness of regulatory actions as regards specific subjects (exemplified by heat-power engineering objects) with or without use of differentiated approaches to managing ambient air quality and health risks. We analyzed a database on priority sources of ambient air pollution in an analyzed area; performed a hygienic assessment of ambient air quality relying on computed data and also estimated contributions made by specific chemicals and objects to the total pollution; calculated population health risks; implemented an algorithm for substantiating optimal regulatory actions aimed to mitigate health risks under airborne exposures; comparatively analyzed activities stipulated by the Complex plan and suggested optimal regulatory actions identified by solving the optimization task. We conducted a reconnaissance stage-by-stage assessment of effectiveness of air protection activities over 2019–2023 relying on hygienic indicators and risk levels. As a result, we established that implementation of air protection activities and a reduction in total emissions of more than 20 pollutants by heat-power engineering objects would not ensure significant improvement of environmental conditions in the analyzed area considering their share contributions. Safe standards would still be violated in residential areas with levels of chemicals reaching 6.25 single MPL and 7.0 average annual MPL. An optimal sufficient result, considering this share contribution, would be a reduction in emissions from all heat-power engineering objects by 3.47 thousand tons of 10 specific chemicals. This is lower than a reduction planned within the Complex plan on total emission reduction (18.1 thousand tons). To ensure conformity with safe standards that stipulate chemical levels in ambient air and to achieve permissible risk levels, it is necessary to apply a differentiated approach to reductions in emissions (by 1.06 thousand tons overall), which targets specific chemicals, at other sources of ambient air pollution. Use of a differentiated approach to selecting optimal regulatory actions as regards all sources of ambient air pollution considering their share contributions will make it possible to define priority environmental protection activities, adjust the Complex plans and ensure conformity with safe standards and permissible risk levels in all residential areas.

Optimization of regulatory actions based on a differentiated approach to managing ambient air quality and health risks

The study focuses on substantiating the most optimal regulatory actions aimed to minimize health risks caused by airborne exposures within Rospotrebnadzor activities including the Clean Air Federal project and the ongoing experiment on setting quotas for emissions. The aim of this study was to comparatively assess effectiveness of regulatory actions as regards specific subjects (exemplified by heat-power engineering objects) with or without use of differentiated approaches to managing ambient air quality and health risks. We analyzed a database on priority sources of ambient air pollution in an analyzed area; performed a hygienic assessment of ambient air quality relying on computed data and also estimated contributions made by specific chemicals and objects to the total pollution; calculated population health risks; implemented an algorithm for substantiating optimal regulatory actions aimed to mitigate health risks under airborne exposures; comparatively analyzed activities stipulated by the Complex plan and suggested optimal regulatory actions identified by solving the optimization task. We conducted a reconnaissance stage-by-stage assessment of effectiveness of air protection activities over 2019–2023 relying on hygienic indicators and risk levels. As a result, we established that implementation of air protection activities and a reduction in total emissions of more than 20 pollutants by heat-power engineering objects would not ensure significant improvement of environmental conditions in the analyzed area considering their share contributions. Safe standards would still be violated in residential areas with levels of chemicals reaching 6.25 single MPL and 7.0 average annual MPL. An optimal sufficient result, considering this share contribution, would be a reduction in emissions from all heat-power engineering objects by 3.47 thousand tons of 10 specific chemicals. This is lower than a reduction planned within the Complex plan on total emission reduction (18.1 thousand tons). To ensure conformity with safe standards that stipulate chemical levels in ambient air and to achieve permissible risk levels, it is necessary to apply a differentiated approach to reductions in emissions (by 1.06 thousand tons overall), which targets specific chemicals, at other sources of ambient air pollution. Use of a differentiated approach to selecting optimal regulatory actions as regards all sources of ambient air pollution considering their share contributions will make it possible to define priority environmental protection activities, adjust the Complex plans and ensure conformity with safe standards and permissible risk levels in all residential areas

The risk of imbalance in the population composition of lymphocytes and specific sensitization in children living under exposure to airborne ben-zo(a)pyrene in the arctic zone of Russia

Climatic and geographical determinants of the Arctic zone can aggravate effects of technogenic chemical factors and induce health disorders in children even at low exposure levels. 1291 children aged 3–6 years were examined. Group A included 608 children living in an urbanized area in the Arctic zone. Group B consisted of 204 children from a conventionally clean area of the Arctic zone. Group C included 308 children from an urbanized middle latitude area. Group D consisted of 171 children from a conventionally clean middle latitude area. Benzo(a)pyrene levels in ambient air and in blood were determined by HPLC. Identification of T-(CD3+) and B-lymphocytes (CD19+) was carried out by flow cytofluorometry. Exposure to airborne benzo(a)pyrene (0.6 average daily MPL) in the Arctic zone in a daily dose equal to 7.11•10-3 µg/(kg•day) results in blood of exposed children being contaminated with benzo(a)pyrene and in lower levels of Т-lymphocytes (СD3+) (OR (CI) = 2.99 (2.00–4.46); RR (CI) = 1.94 (1.47–2.56); p = 0.024) against hyperexpression of B-lymphocytes (CD19+) (OR (CI) = 2.55 (1.83–3.56); RR (CI) = 1.68 (1.36–2.06); p = 0.019) and IgG to benzo(a)pyrene (OR (CI) = 53.33 (27.56–103.20); RR (CI) = 15.11 (8,24–27.72); p = 0.001) in comparison with children living on a conventionally clean territory (p < 0.05). Similar disorders are identified in children in case benzo(a)pyrene is introduced in a dose equal to 87.6•10-3 µg/(kg•day) under airborne exposure (7.4 average daily MPL) in the middle-latitude zone (p > 0.05). Thus, children who live in the Arctic zone and are exposed to airborne benzo(a)pyrene in an average daily dose equal to 7.11•10-3 µg/(kg•day) face an elevated risk of imbalance in the population composition of lymphocytes as per basic cell differentiation clusters (CD3+ and CD19+; RR = 1.68–1.94; p = 0.024–0.019) and specific sensitization (IgG to benzo(a)pyrene; RR = 15.11; p = 0.001). This risk is comparable with effects of exposure to airborne benzo(a)pyrene in an average daily dose equal to 87.6•10-3 µg/(kg•day) in the middle-latitude zone. These findings confirm the hypothesis on effects of technogenic chemical factors being potentiated by specific climatic and geographic conditions (low average annual temperatures and photoperiodic asymmetry). Their additive effects induce early manifestations of pathological phenotypic health disorders in children even under low levels of exposure to benzo(a)pyrene.

Риск формирования дисбаланса популяционного состава лимфоцитов и специфиче-ской сенсибилизации у детей, проживающих в условиях аэрогенной экспозиции бенз(а)пиреном в Арктической зоне России

Climatic and geographical determinants of the Arctic zone can aggravate effects of technogenic chemical factors and induce health disorders in children even at low exposure levels. 1291 children aged 3–6 years were examined. Group A included 608 children living in an urbanized area in the Arctic zone. Group B consisted of 204 children from a conventionally clean area of the Arctic zone. Group C included 308 children from an urbanized middle latitude area. Group D consisted of 171 children from a conventionally clean middle latitude area. Benzo(a)pyrene levels in ambient air and in blood were determined by HPLC. Identification of T-(CD3+) and B-lymphocytes (CD19+) was carried out by flow cytofluorometry. Exposure to airborne benzo(a)pyrene (0.6 average daily MPL) in the Arctic zone in a daily dose equal to 7.11•10-3 µg/(kg•day) results in blood of exposed children being contaminated with benzo(a)pyrene and in lower levels of Т-lymphocytes (СD3+) (OR (CI) = 2.99 (2.00–4.46); RR (CI) = 1.94 (1.47–2.56); p = 0.024) against hyperexpression of B-lymphocytes (CD19+) (OR (CI) = 2.55 (1.83–3.56); RR (CI) = 1.68 (1.36–2.06); p = 0.019) and IgG to benzo(a)pyrene (OR (CI) = 53.33 (27.56–103.20); RR (CI) = 15.11 (8,24–27.72); p = 0.001) in comparison with children living on a conventionally clean territory (p < 0.05). Similar disorders are identified in children in case benzo(a)pyrene is introduced in a dose equal to 87.6•10-3 µg/(kg•day) under airborne exposure (7.4 average daily MPL) in the middle-latitude zone (p > 0.05). Thus, children who live in the Arctic zone and are exposed to airborne benzo(a)pyrene in an average daily dose equal to 7.11•10-3 µg/(kg•day) face an elevated risk of imbalance in the population composition of lymphocytes as per basic cell differentiation clusters (CD3+ and CD19+; RR = 1.68–1.94; p = 0.024–0.019) and specific sensitization (IgG to benzo(a)pyrene; RR = 15.11; p = 0.001). This risk is comparable with effects of exposure to airborne benzo(a)pyrene in an average daily dose equal to 87.6•10-3 µg/(kg•day) in the middle-latitude zone. These findings confirm the hypothesis on effects of technogenic chemical factors being potentiated by specific climatic and geographic conditions (low average annual temperatures and photoperiodic asymmetry). Their additive effects induce early manifestations of pathological phenotypic health disorders in children even under low levels of exposure to benzo(a)pyrene.

Bottom-up and top-down approaches for estimating road dust emission and correlating it with a receptor model results over a typical urban atmosphere of Indo Gangetic Plain

To investigate the emission and concentration of PM10 and PM2.5-related road dust over Agra, a typical semi-arid urban atmosphere of the Indo Gangetic Plain (IGP), a fine-resolution emission inventory and receptor modeling-based source apportionment was undertaken for the year 2019. On-road, the silt load of Agra (7–55 g/m2 of the road) was found to be 10 to 50 times higher than that reported in advanced countries. The silt load over Agra varied widely depending on road conditions, long-range transport, and land-use pattern. Depending on the silt load, land-use and fleet averaged weight, the annual emission factor for road dust was estimated as 14.3 ± 3.2 (PM10) and 4.4 ± 1.4 (PM2.5) gm/VKT (vehicle kilometer travel). PM10 emission of road dust alone contributed 80 % (29 ± 6 t/d) to the total emission of PM10 and 68 % (9 ± 3 t/d) to PM2.5 of the city with the maximum emission being in industrial areas. Chemical analysis of ambient PM10, PM2.5, and road dust samples showed that the road dust was enriched with geogenic components and was in good agreement with the road dust profile identified from the positive matrix factorization receptor model. The model estimated contribution of road dust (summer and winter combined) to PM10 and PM2.5 ambient air levels was 28 % (67 μg/m3) and 23 % (27 μg/m3) respectively. Summer showed a larger road dust contribution than winter due to strong surface wind and dry road conditions. Results have revealed that the emissions and concentrations of road dust are closely interrelated with road conditions (silt load), land-use patterns, VKT, weight of the vehicles, and micrometeorological conditions. The large road dust emission in IGP cities requires better road conditions and traffic management to curb the emission.

Development and demonstration of a data visualization platform of short-term guidelines for ambient air levels of benzene during disaster response in Houston, Texas.

Industrial disasters have caused hazardous air pollution and public health impacts. Response officials have developed limited exposure guidelines to direct them during the event; often, guidelines are outdated and may not represent relevant elevated-exposure periods. The 2019 Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC) fire in Houston, Texas led to large-scale releases of benzene and presented a public health threat. This incident highlights the need for effective response and nimble, rapid public health communication. We developed a data-driven visualization tool to store, display, and interpret ambient benzene concentrations to assist health officials during environmental emergencies. Guidance values to interpret risk from acute exposure to benzene were updated using recent literature that also considers exposure periodicity. The visualization platform can process data from different sampling instruments and air monitors automatically, and displays information publicly in real time, along with the associated risk information and action recommendations. The protocol was validated by applying it retrospectively to the ITC event. The new guidance values are 6-30 times lower than those derived by the Texas regulatory agency. Fixed-site monitoring data, assessed using the protocol and revised thresholds, indicated that eight shelter-in-place and 17 air-quality alerts may have been considered. At least one of these shelter-in-place alerts corresponded to prolonged, elevated benzene concentrations (~1000 ppb). This new tool addresses essential gaps in the timely communication of air pollution measurements, provides context to understand potential health risks from exposure to benzene, and provides a clear protocol for local officials in responding to industrial air releases of benzene. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:533-546. © 2023 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

Calculating the number of disease cases associated with acute short-term exposure to harmful chemicals in ambient air

The article addresses development of methodical approaches to calculating levels of health disorders caused by short-term exposure to ambient air pollution. We have established and parameterized relationships relevant for quantification of probable health outcomes as responses to elevated levels of chemicals in ambient air higher than their reference ones. These relationships were modeled using system analysis techniques and were based on dynamic data series on ambient air quality at the control points and the number of applications for medical aid in settlements with their overall population being more than 5 million people. We have formalized relationships that describe how intensively acute health disorders develop under short-term exposure to chemical levels in ambient air being higher than the reference ones that are identified at the control points. The resulting models rely on official data and can be used to predict and assess public health risks in any area where ambient air quality is monitored. The formalized relationships were tested within identifying levels of incidence associated with acute short-term exposure to ambient air pollution in a large industrial center. It was established that, according to data collected in 2020, the highest associated incidence was caused by exposure to benzene (on average 0.364 mg/m3 higher than the reference level) in ambient air and was detected as per such nosologies as ‘Allergic rhinitis unspecified’ and ‘Predominantly allergic asthma’. We are planning to use the results obtained at this stage in the research in further development of methodical approaches to assessing and predicting chemical health risks in areas influenced by hazardous chemical objects under short-term exposure to high levels of pollutants.

К расчету количества случаев заболеваний населения, ассоциированных с острым кратковременным воздействием вредных химических веществ в атмосферном воздухе

The article addresses development of methodical approaches to calculating levels of health disorders caused by short-term exposure to ambient air pollution. We have established and parameterized relationships relevant for quantification of probable health outcomes as responses to elevated levels of chemicals in ambient air higher than their reference ones. These relationships were modeled using system analysis techniques and were based on dynamic data series on ambient air quality at the control points and the number of applications for medical aid in settlements with their overall population being more than 5 million people. We have formalized relationships that describe how intensively acute health disorders develop under short-term exposure to chemical levels in ambient air being higher than the reference ones that are identified at the control points. The resulting models rely on official data and can be used to predict and assess public health risks in any area where ambient air quality is monitored. The formalized relationships were tested within identifying levels of incidence associated with acute short-term exposure to ambient air pollution in a large industrial center. It was established that, according to data collected in 2020, the highest associated incidence was caused by exposure to benzene (on average 0.364 mg/m3 higher than the reference level) in ambient air and was detected as per such nosologies as ‘Allergic rhinitis unspecified’ and ‘Predominantly allergic asthma’. We are planning to use the results obtained at this stage in the research in further development of methodical approaches to assessing and predicting chemical health risks in areas influenced by hazardous chemical objects under short-term exposure to high levels of pollutants.

Methodical approaches to assessing public health risks under combined exposure to climatic factors and chemical air pollution caused by them

The ongoing climate change makes its contribution to public health risks. These risks can be caused both due to direct impacts of the process and modifying influence exerted by climatic factors on chemical levels in ambient air. Given that, it is advisable to develop methodical approaches that give an opportunity to quantify public health risks under combined influence of climatic factors and chemical air pollution caused by them. In this study, we suggest methodical approaches eligible for calculating, assigning a category and assessing acceptability of public health risks under climatic exposures considering their influence on chemical air pollution. We outline approaches to establishing priority climatic factors, calculating exposure levels and associated responses; making up a list of chemicals levels of which are influenced by climatic factors and probable health outcomes caused by exposure to them; identifying levels of chemicals associated with climatic influence; calculating and assigning a category for public health risks associated with combined exposure to climatic and chemical factors using a multiple logistic regression model. We tested the approaches using data collected in Perm in 2020. As a result, we established an unacceptable health risk for working age population (1.11•10-4) due to cerebrovascular diseases (I60–I69). This risk was associated with combined exposure to climatic factors (heat waves) and associated chemical air pollution (high levels of carbon oxide). Risk levels for working age population and older age groups due to diseases of the circulatory system (ischaemic heart diseases (I20–I25) and other cardiac arrhythmias (I49)) were rated as permissible (acceptable), 7.68•10-5 and 4.07•10-5 accordingly. The contribution made by the analyzed climatic factor (heat waves) varied between 76.24 and 92.44 %; the analyzed chemical factor (carbon oxide), between 7.56 and 23.76 %.

Методические подходы к оценке риска здоровью населения в условиях сочетанного воздействия климатических факторов и обусловленного ими химического загрязнения атмосферы

The ongoing climate change makes its contribution to public health risks. These risks can be caused both due to direct impacts of the process and modifying influence exerted by climatic factors on chemical levels in ambient air. Given that, it is advisable to develop methodical approaches that give an opportunity to quantify public health risks under combined influence of climatic factors and chemical air pollution caused by them. In this study, we suggest methodical approaches eligible for calculating, assigning a category and assessing acceptability of public health risks under climatic exposures considering their influence on chemical air pollution. We outline approaches to establishing priority climatic factors, calculating exposure levels and associated responses; making up a list of chemicals levels of which are influenced by climatic factors and probable health outcomes caused by exposure to them; identifying levels of chemicals associated with climatic influence; calculating and assigning a category for public health risks associated with combined exposure to climatic and chemical factors using a multiple logistic regression model. We tested the approaches using data collected in Perm in 2020. As a result, we established an unacceptable health risk for working age population (1.11•10-4) due to cerebrovascular diseases (I60–I69). This risk was associated with combined exposure to climatic factors (heat waves) and associated chemical air pollution (high levels of carbon oxide). Risk levels for working age population and older age groups due to diseases of the circulatory system (ischaemic heart diseases (I20–I25) and other cardiac arrhythmias (I49)) were rated as permissible (acceptable), 7.68•10-5 and 4.07•10-5 accordingly. The contribution made by the analyzed climatic factor (heat waves) varied between 76.24 and 92.44 %; the analyzed chemical factor (carbon oxide), between 7.56 and 23.76 %.

The relationship between air pollutants and gestational diabetes: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

Air pollution is an environmental stimulus that may predispose pregnant women to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to investigate the relationship between air pollutants and GDM. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were systematically searched for retrieving English articles published from January 2020 to September 2021, investigating the relationship of exposure to ambient air pollution or levels of air pollutants with GDM and related parameters, including fasting plasma glucose (FPG), insulin resistance, and impaired glucose tolerance. Heterogeneity and publication bias were evaluated using I-squared (I2), and Begg's statistics, respectively. We also performed the subgroup analysis for particulate matters (PM2.5, PM10), Ozone (O3), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) in the different exposure periods. A total of 13 studies examining 2,826,544 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Compared to non-exposed women, exposure to PM2.5 increases the odds (likelihood of occurrence outcome) of GDM by 1.09times (95% CI 1.06, 1.12), whereas exposure to PM10 has more effect by OR of 1.17 (95% CI 1.04, 1.32). Exposure to O3 and SO2 increases the odds of GDM by 1.10times (95% CI 1.03, 1.18) and 1.10times (95% CI 1.01, 1.19), respectively. The results of the study show a relationship between air pollutants PM2.5, PM10, O3, and SO2 and the risk of GDM. Although evidence from various studies can provide insights into the linkage between maternal exposure to air pollution and GDM, more well-designed longitudinal studies are recommended for precise interpretation of the association between GDM and air pollution by adjusting all potential confounders.

Health risk assessments of exposure carbon dioxide among communities and children around Tonasa cement plant, Pangkep Regency, Indonesia. Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) application.

Chronic exposure to carbon dioxide (CO2) can have a negative influence on one's health and be hazardous to the environment. It could be both directly and indirectly to those communities who are living near the CO2 point sources. This study aimed to investigate the magnitude of CO2 level in ambient air and its spatial distribution which then continued to assess the potential health risks posed by communities living surround the site as well as applied the Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) approach to predict the risks magnitude among adult and children due to CO2 air pollution from the cement industry activities in Pangkep. This observational analytic study applied health risk assessment due to the CO2 exposure both to adult and children population. To estimate the non carcinogenic risk, study used the Monte Carlo Simulation model with 10,000 iterations to estimate the risk through the inhalation pathway suffered by communities, as well as analyzing the sensitivity level every single health risk parameter. The highest risks for the adults was in station 7 with 7,641 whereas the lowest risks was in station 3 with 1,194, respectively. Furthermore, the highest risks for child was in station 4 with 498 whereas the lowest one was in station 15 with 32, respectively. Those non carcinogenic HQ were exceed the standard for adult but not at risks for children. The results of the Monte Carlo Simulation that assessed the non risks cancer probability with the 5th and 95th percentiles demonstrated that adult population were at value of 0.83 and 1.53 0.83 and 1.53 respectively, that still indicated at low risk for developing adverse health effects among those communities temporarily. However, at the same percentiles children indicated at value of 199 and 388 that indicated at risk for developing adverse health effects among those children. In addition, level of sensitivity analysis result indicated that exposure frequency with (20,9%) for adult and the exposure duration with (25,6%) for children were the most contributing factors to health risks among, respectively. Simulation determines the critical factors with major effects in reducing health risks. The CO2 magnitude not poses risks to adults, by contrast, children are at risk. Thus, limiting exposure frequency and inhalation of CO2 levels in the school for children area are highly demanded.

Atmospheric Deposition of Lead and Cadmium in a Central European Country over the Last Three Decades

Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) levels in ambient air were explored due to their toxicity and deleterious environmental effects. The aim of this study was to assess the time tendencies and spatial changes in Pb and Cd atmospheric deposition in a Central European country with a long history of ambient air pollution. We used measured data on precipitation chemistry and ambient air pollutant concentrations in the Czech Republic (CR) obtained within a nation-wide monitoring network. Our analysis is based on spatial patterns of annual wet-only and dry deposition fluxes constructed for 1996–2021. The results indicated that both Pb and Cd deposition over the CR during the last three decades decreased substantially, about 10 times, the absolute values for Cd being one order of magnitude lower than those for Pb. The wet-only deposition pathway dominated over the dry deposition pathway. This trend reflects the heavy metal (HM) emission reductions in the CR and neighboring countries and is in line with decreasing trends in ambient air HM concentrations in Europe. The spatial patterns showed that the northern industrial portions of the CR were loaded more as compared to the southern parts, and that the extension of affected regions has recently decreased substantially.

Diễn biến hàm lượng PCDDs/PCDFs và dl-PCBs trong không khí theo mùa ở một khu vực nội thành giai đoạn 2012-2020

The ambient air monitoring of PCDDs/PCDFs and dl-PCBs using passive air samplers in a residential urban area in Hanoi between 2012-2020 was deteminated. The seasonal variations of PCDD/PCDF and dl-PCB levels in ambient air in three periods: between Spring 2012 and Autumn 2015, from Winter 2015 to Autumn 2018, and between Winter 2018 and Autumn 2020 are similar to a V-shape with the highest peak in winter, then decreasing gradually in spring, bottoming in summer and rising again in autumn. The upward temporal trends of PCDD/PCDF and dl-PCB pollution, and total TEQD/F&DL, total TEQD/F and total TEQDL has been confirmed over time. The concentrations of total PCDFs were dominant and were approximately 1.0 to 9.3 times higher and 2.4 times higher on average than total PCDDs. Total dl-PCBs were 5.8 to 38 times higher and 17 times on average higher than the total toxic PCDDs/PCDFs. The PCDD/PCDF congeners contributed 83% to 95% of the total TEQ value. The phenomenon of temperature inversion not only causes seasonal air pollution but also increases the concentration of PCDDs/PCDFs and dl-PCBs with a narrower range but at a higher average levels.

Higher Household Air Pollution Levels Correlate with Poorer Cognitive Function in the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI)

AbstractBackgroundIndians have some of the highest fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposures in the world, not only due to high ambient air levels but also because of household combustion of biomass fuel. To understand the burdens of these exposures for older adults, we evaluated associations of indoor PM2.5 with cognitive function in India.MethodWe used data from the 2017‐2019 baseline survey of the nationally‐representative Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) to derive a general cognition score for each participant. For indoor PM2.5 levels, we used an India‐specific prediction model informed by participant cooking and housing characteristics. We estimated associations between indoor PM2.5 with cognitive function using linear mixed‐effects models after adjustment for age, sex, individual and community‐level socioeconomic variables, region, clustering by village, and sample weights.ResultWe observed a population of 61,708 participants aged 45 and over. Many of these individuals (48%) used highly polluting fuel, resulting in average indoor PM2.5 concentrations of 205± 110 µg/m3. After adjustment for individual and area‐level confounders, we found that indoor PM2.5 was associated with poorer cognitive function. For each 100 µg/m3 of indoor PM2.5, we observed ‐0.027 (95% CI: ‐0.033, ‐0.02) lower cognition scores. These associations were strongest among women as well as among adults less than age 65 years. When scaling these associations to the observed interquartile range (150 µg/m3), household exposures resulted in cognitive differences comparable to those observed between people 2 years apart.ConclusionAmong older adults living in India, household PM2.5 is associated with poorer cognition at older ages even after adjustment for individual sociodemographic characteristics and regional trends.

Carbon Dioxide Level in Ambient Air in Outpatient Department Area

Carbon Dioxide Level in Ambient Air in Outpatient Department Area