Long-term Effects Of Air Pollution Research Articles

Long-Term Effect of Air Pollution on COPD Exacerbations: AIREPOC Cohort in Bogotá, Colombia

(1) Background: Evidence on the association between air pollution and the risk of exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is scarce and inconsistent. We aimed to analyze the association between long-term exposure to particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and exacerbation of COPD (COPD-E) in Bogotá, Colombia. (2) Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 722 COPD patients in the AIREPOC program of the Colombian Pneumological Foundation between 2018 and 2021. Exposure to PM2.5 and NO2 was estimated for residential locations using the inverse squared-distance weighted regression (IDWR) method. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated for the first COPD-E during follow-up using Cox models, adjusted for meteorological, demographic, and clinical variables. (3) Results: COPD-E was associated with long-term exposure to PM2.5 (HR: 1.03, 95%CI: 1.02–1.05) and NO2 (HR: 1.05, 95%CI: 1.03–1.07), controlling for the effect of quality of life, history of COPD-E, Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second (FEV1) pre-bronchodilator, and exposure to solar radiation. An association was found between COPD-E and concentrations ≥ 25 µg/m3 of NO2 (HR: 1.49, 95%CI: 1.12–1.98) but not with concentrations ≥ 15 µg/m3 of PM2.5. (4) Conclusions: This study suggests that people with COPD exposed to higher concentrations of PM2.5 and NO2 had an increased risk of COPD-E. Solar radiation was also associated with an increased risk of COPD-E. The results highlight the importance of continuing efforts to reduce air pollution. COPD patients should be aware of air quality indices and follow the recommendations, as well as participate in air governance spaces.

Long-term effects of air pollution on daily outpatient visits for allergic conjunctivitis from 2013 to 2020: a time-series study in Urumqi, China.

This study aimed to elucidate the effects of outdoor air pollution and allergic conjunctivitis and population-based lagged effects of air pollution. We included data on six major air pollutants, PM10, PM2.5, carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3), and 3325 allergic conjunctivitis outpatient visits in Urumqi, northwest China, from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2020. We developed quasi-Poisson generalized linear regression models with distributed lagged nonlinear models (DLNM), and single and multi-pollutant models were constructed to investigate single-day and cumulative lagged effects in detail. Our results confirmed that elevated PM10 and NO2 levels are significantly associated with increased allergic conjunctivitis outpatient visits with lags of 2 and 3 days respectively, and subgroup analyses further suggest that the effects of PM10 and NO2 on allergic conjunctivitis are more pronounced during the warm season. Women are more sensitive to PM10 exposure and the effect of air pollution on allergic conjunctivitis is influenced by age (e.g., infancy and older people). Our work provides the first time-series study in Urumqi, the world's furthest inland city from the ocean. Further implementation of specific outdoor air pollution controls such as the burning of fossil fuels like coal, as well as special population protection policies remain necessary. Multicenter studies with larger sample sizes are needed.

Air pollution and risk of 32 health conditions: outcome-wide analyses in a population-based prospective cohort in Southwest China

BackgroundUncertainty remains about the long-term effects of air pollutants (AP) on multiple diseases, especially subtypes of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We aimed to assess the individual and joint associations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), along with its chemical components, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3), with risks of 32 health conditions.MethodsA total of 17,566 participants in Sichuan Province, China, were included in 2018 and followed until 2022, with an average follow-up period of 4.2 years. The concentrations of AP were measured using a machine-learning approach. The Cox proportional hazards model and quantile g-computation were applied to assess the associations between AP and CVD.ResultsPer interquartile range (IQR) increase in PM2.5 mass, NO2, O3, nitrate, ammonium, organic matter (OM), black carbon (BC), chloride, and sulfate were significantly associated with increased risks of various conditions, with hazard ratios (HRs) ranging from 1.06 to 2.48. Exposure to multiple air pollutants was associated with total cardiovascular disease (HR 1.75, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) 1.62–1.89), hypertensive diseases (1.49, 1.38–1.62), cardiac arrests (1.52, 1.30–1.77), arrhythmia (1.76, 1.44–2.15), cerebrovascular diseases (1.86, 1.65–2.10), stroke (1.77, 1.54–2.03), ischemic stroke (1.85, 1.61–2.12), atherosclerosis (1.77, 1.57–1.99), diseases of veins, lymphatic vessels, and lymph nodes (1.32, 1.15–1.51), pneumonia (1.37, 1.16–1.61), inflammatory bowel diseases (1.34, 1.16–1.55), liver diseases (1.59, 1.43–1.77), type 2 diabetes (1.48, 1.26–1.73), lipoprotein metabolism disorders (2.20, 1.96–2.47), purine metabolism disorders (1.61, 1.38–1.88), anemia (1.29, 1.15–1.45), sleep disorders (1.54, 1.33–1.78), renal failure (1.44, 1.21–1.72), kidney stone (1.27, 1.13–1.43), osteoarthritis (2.18, 2.00–2.39), osteoporosis (1.36, 1.14–1.61). OM had max weights for joint effects of AP on many conditions.ConclusionsLong-term exposure to increased levels of multiple air pollutants was associated with risks of multiple health conditions. OM accounted for substantial weight for these increased risks, suggesting it may play an important role in these associations.

Long-term effects of air pollution on health in the five largest cities in Colombia

Long-term effects of air pollution on health in the five largest cities in Colombia

Long-term Effects of Air Pollution on Respiratory Health in Urban Populations

This research paper explores the long-term effects of air pollution on respiratory health within urban populations. Urban areas, characterized by high population density and significant industrial and vehicular activities, are particularly susceptible to elevated levels of pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), and carbon monoxide (CO). The study employs a longitudinal cohort design to assess the impact of prolonged exposure to these pollutants on respiratory conditions including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. Utilizing a multi-disciplinary approach that integrates environmental monitoring, health records, and socio-economic data, the research identifies significant correlations between air pollution and respiratory health outcomes. Key findings include a robust association between elevated levels of particulate matter and declines in lung function, increased incidence of asthma and COPD, and higher rates of hospital admissions for respiratory issues. The study also highlights disparities in health impacts among different demographic and socioeconomic groups, particularly children, the elderly, and low-income communities. Recommendations for policy include stricter air quality regulations, improved urban planning, and targeted public health interventions to protect vulnerable populations. Future research should focus on further elucidating the complex interactions between air pollution and individual susceptibility to respiratory diseases.

Air quality and kidney health: Assessing the effects of PM10, PM2.5, CO, and NO2 on renal function in primary glomerulonephritis

BackgroundWhile extensive studies have elucidated the relationships between exposure to air pollution and chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disorders and diabetes, the intricate effects on specific kidney diseases, notably primary glomerulonephritis (GN)—an immune-mediated kidney ailment—are less well understood. Considering the escalating incidence of GN and conspicuous lack of investigative focus on its association with air quality, investigation is dedicated to examining the long-term effects of air pollutants on renal function in individuals diagnosed with primary GN. MethodsThis retrospective cohort analysis was conducted on 1394 primary GN patients who were diagnosed at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and Seoul National University Hospital. Utilizing time-varying Cox regression and linear mixed models (LMM), we examined the effect of yearly average air pollution levels on renal function deterioration (RFD) and change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). In this context, RFD is defined as sustained eGFR of less than 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2. ResultsDuring a mean observation period of 5.1 years, 350 participants developed RFD. Significantly, elevated interquartile range (IQR) levels of air pollutants—including PM10 (particles ≤10 micrometers, HR 1.389, 95 % CI 1.2–1.606), PM2.5 (particles ≤2.5 micrometers, HR 1.353, 95 % CI 1.162–1.575), CO (carbon monoxide, HR 1.264, 95 % CI 1.102–1.451), and NO2 (nitrogen dioxide, HR 1.179, 95 % CI 1.021–1.361)—were significantly associated with an increased risk of RFD, after factoring in demographic and health variables. Moreover, exposure to PM10 and PM2.5 was associated with decreased eGFR. ConclusionsThis study demonstrates a substantial link between air pollution exposure and renal function impairment in primary GN, accentuating the significance of environmental determinants in the pathology of immune-mediated kidney diseases.

Long-term ambient air pollution and coronary atherosclerosis: Results from the Swedish SCAPIS study

Background and aimsDespite firm evidence for an association between long-term ambient air pollution exposure and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, results from epidemiological studies on the association between air pollution exposure and atherosclerosis have not been consistent. We investigated associations between long-term low-level air pollution exposure and coronary atherosclerosis. MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional analysis in the large Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImaging Study (SCAPIS, n = 30 154), a random general population sample. Concentrations of total and locally emitted particulate matter <2.5 μm (PM2.5), <10 μm (PM10), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) at the residential address were modelled using high-resolution dispersion models. We estimated associations between air pollution exposures and segment involvement score (SIS), coronary artery calcification score (CACS), number of non-calcified plaques (NCP), and number of significant stenoses, using ordinal regression models extensively adjusted for potential confounders. ResultsMedian 10-year average PM2.5 exposure was 6.2 μg/m3 (range 3.5–13.4 μg/m3). 51 % of participants were women and 51 % were never-smokers. None of the assessed pollutants were associated with a higher SIS or CACS. Exposure to PM2.5 was associated with NCP (adjusted OR 1.34, 95 % CI 1.13, 1.58, per 2.05 μg/m3). Associations with significant stenoses were inconsistent. ConclusionsIn this large, middle-aged general population sample with low exposure levels, air pollution was not associated with measures of total burden of coronary atherosclerosis. However, PM2.5 appeared to be associated with a higher prevalence of non-calcified plaques. The results suggest that increased risk of early-stage atherosclerosis or rupture, but not increased total atherosclerotic burden, may be a pathway for long-term air pollution effects on cardiovascular disease.

Associations between short-term exposure to air pollution and thyroid function in a representative sample of the Korean population

BackgroundDisruption of thyroid function can profoundly affect various organ systems. However, studies on the association between air pollution and thyroid function are relatively scarce and most studies have focused on the long-term effects of air pollution among pregnant women. ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore the associations between short-term exposure to air pollution and thyroid function in the general population. MethodsData from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013–2015) were analyzed (n = 5,626). Air pollution concentrations in residential addresses were estimated using Community Multiscale Air Quality models. The moving averages of air pollution over 7 days were set as exposure variables through exploratory analyses. Linear regression and quantile g-computation models were constructed to assess the effects of individual air pollutants and air pollution mixture, respectively. ResultsA 10-ppb increase in NO2 (18.8-μg/m3 increase) and CO (11.5-μg/m3 increase) was associated with 2.43% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.42, 4.48] and 0.19% (95% CI: 0.01, 0.36) higher thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, respectively. A 10-μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 and a 10-ppb increase in O3 (19.6-μg/m3 increment) were associated with 0.87% (95% CI: 1.47, −0.27) and 0.59% (95% CI: 1.18, −0.001) lower free thyroxine (fT4) levels, respectively. A simultaneous quartile increase in PM2.5, NO2, O3, and CO levels was associated with lower fT4 but not TSH levels. ConclusionsAs the subtle changes in thyroid function can affect various organ systems, the present results may have substantial public health implications despite the relatively modest effect sizes. Because this was a cross-sectional study, it is necessary to conduct further experimental or repeated-measures studies to consolidate the current results.

Long-term air pollution exposure is associated with higher incidence of ST-elevation myocardial infarction and in-hospital cardiogenic shock

Previous studies have reported the association between myocardial infarction (MI) and air pollution (AP). However, limited information is available regarding the long-term effects of AP on the relative incidence rates of ST-elevation MI (STEMI) and Non-ST-elevation MI (NSTEMI). We investigated the association between long-term exposure to AP and the incidence of STEMI. Between January 2006 and December 2015, a total of 45,619 eligible patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) were enrolled in the Korea Acute MI Registry (KAMIR) and KAMIR-National Institutes of Health. Mixed-effect regression models were used to examine the association between the annual average ambient AP before MI onset and the incidence of STEMI, and to evaluate the association of AP with the incidence of in-hospital cardiogenic shock. After mixed-effect regression model analysis, particulate matter (PM) 10 µm or less in diameter (PM10) was associated with increased incidence of STEMI compared with NSTEMI (odds ratio [OR] 1.009, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.002–1.016; p = 0.012). For in-hospital cardiogenic shock complication, PM10 and SO2 were associated with increased risk, PM10 (OR 1.033, 95% CI 1.018–1.050; p < 0.001), SO2 (OR 1.104, 95% CI 1.006–1.212; p = 0.037), respectively. Policy-level strategies and clinical efforts to reduce AP exposure are necessary to prevent the incidence of STEMI and severe cardiovascular complications.

Mid and long-term effects of air pollution on cardiovascular outcomes: estimating risk with the PM-years index (EP-PARTICLES study)

Abstract Background Scores and medical calculators are important tools for planning health strategies. Air pollution is one of the main risk factors, especially for the cardiovascular system. In this study, we present and test our concept of estimating the risk associated with exposure to air pollution: Particulate Matters years index (PM-years index). Objective The long-term predictive performance of the PM-years index. Methods The PM-years index is an indicator of hypothetical exposure to air pollution. It is estimated by multiplying the number of years spent in a given environment by the difference between the average annual PM2.5 concentration and the allowed level of pollution given by World Health Organization guidelines. We collected data from 2010 to 2020 on PM2.5 concentration, mortality, and hospitalizations from Inspectorates for Environmental Protection, Central Statistical Office, and National Health Fund in Poland, respectively. County-specific associations of PM-years with multi-outcomes were estimated using Poisson regression panel models. The analysis used an age-standardized rate (SR), which was established on the European Standard Population structure. Models were adjusted for weather conditions. In the first stage, we checked the mid-term association between PM2.5 concentration, and in the second, we examined the association between PM-years index. Results In the analysis, we used data of 831,246 deaths, including 377,344 deaths due to cardiovascular disease (CVD), 198,133 deaths from neoplasm, 159,952 hospitalizations due to ischemic stroke (IS), and 152,055 due to myocardial infarction (MI). The mean standardized rate (SR) for STEMI was 87 (SD=23.1), NSTEMI – 110.1 (31.8), ischemic stroke – 212.4 (51.7), CVD mortality - 544.8 (190.5), cerebrovascular (CbVD) mortality 84.7 (56.8), neoplasm mortality 266.3 (133.9). Total mortality was 1171.2 (398.7). In the mid-term, we recorded the association between PMs and STEMI (OR=1.133 95%CI 1.12-1.15), NSTEMI (OR=1.02, 95%CI 1.004-1.03), IS (OR=1.04 95%CI 1.03-1.04), CVD mortality (OR=1.06 95%CI 1.03-1.04), CbVD mortality (OR=1.07 95%CI 1.06-1.08) but not total mortality and neoplasm mortality. The risk of STEMI significantly increased with each PM-year exposure (OR=1.21 95%CI 1.19-1.12). OR for NSTEMI for each PM-year was 1.08 (95%CI 1.07-1.09), for IS 1.09 (95%CI 1.08-1.11), for CVD mortality 1.07 (95%CI 1.06-1.073), and for CbVD 1.23 (95%CI 1.22-1.25). It is worth noting that PM-year also had an effect on neoplasm mortality (OR=1.02 95%CI 1.01-1.03). P&amp;lt;0.001 for all tests. Conclusions The PM-years index is an independent predictor of major cardiovascular events and neoplasm mortality in patients. It can be used as a tool for risk stratification for patients or incorporated into a prediction model to improve efficacy in primary and secondary prevention. Moreover, the level of long-term exposure can allow for the adjustment of appropriate primary and secondary prevention schemes.

Long-term effects of air pollutants on respiratory and cardiovascular mortality in a port city along the Adriatic sea

BackgroundShipping and port-related air pollution has a significant health impact on a global scale. The present study aimed to assess the mortality burden attributable to long-term exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the city of Ancona (Italy), with one of the leading national commercial harbours.MethodsExposure to air pollutants was derived by dispersion models. The relationship between the long-term exposure of air pollution exposure and cause-specific mortality was evaluated by Poisson regression models, after adjustment for gender, age and socioeconomic status. Results are expressed as percent change of risk (and relative 95% confidence intervals) per 5 unit increases in the exposures. The health impact on the annual number of premature cause-specific deaths was also assessed.ResultsPM2.5 and NO2 annual concentrations were higher in the area close to the harbour than in the rest of the city. Positive associations between each pollutant and most of the mortality outcomes were observed, with estimates of up to 7.6% (95%CI 0.1, 15.6%) for 10 µg/m3 increase in NO2 and cardiovascular mortality and 15.3% (95%CI-1.1, 37.2%) for 10 µg/m3 increase PM2.5 and lung cancer. In the subpopulation living close to the harbour, there were excess risks of up to 13.5%, 24.1% and 37.9% for natural, cardiovascular and respiratory mortality. The number of annual premature deaths due to the excess of PM2.5 and NO2 exposure (having as a reference the 2021 World Health Organization Air Quality Guidelines) was 82 and 25, respectively.ConclusionsOur study confirms the long-term health effects of PM and NO2 on mortality and reveals a higher mortality burden in areas close to shipping and port-related emissions. Estimating the source-specific health burdens is key to achieve a deeper understanding of the role of different emission sources, as well as to support effective and targeted mitigation strategies.

Spatiotemporal association between air pollution and stroke mortality in South Korea

BackgroundAir pollutant concentrations in South Korea vary greatly by region and time. To assess temporal and spatial associations of stroke subtypes with long-term air pollution effects on stroke mortality, we studied ischemic stroke (IS), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). MethodsThis was an observational study conducted in South Korea from 2001–2018. Concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and particulate matter ≤10 µm in diameter (PM10) were determined from 332 stations. Average air pollutant concentrations in each district were determined by distance-weighted linear interpolation. The nationwide stroke mortality rates in 249 districts were obtained from the Korean Statistical Information Service. Time intervals were divided into three consecutive 6-year periods: 2001–2006, 2007–2012, and 2013–2018. ResultsThe concentrations of air pollutants gradually decreased from 2001–2018, along with decreases in IS and ICH mortality rates. However, mortality rates associated with SAH remained constant. From 2001–2006, NO2 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]:1.13, 95% confidence interval: 1.08–1.19), SO2 (aOR: 1.10, 1.07–1.13), and PM10 (aOR: 1.12, 1.06–1.18) concentrations were associated with IS mortality, and SO2 (aOR: 1.07, 1.02–1.13) and PM10 (aOR:1.11,1.06–1.22) concentrations were associated with SAH-associated mortality. Air pollution was no longer associated with stroke mortality from 2007 onward, as the air pollution concentration continued to decline. Throughout the entire 18-year period, ICH-associated mortality was not associated with air pollution. ConclusionsConsidering temporal and spatial trends, high concentrations of air pollutants were most likely to be associated with IS mortality. Our results strengthen the existing evidence of the deleterious effects of air pollution on IS mortality.

Estimating background concentrations of PM2.5 for urban air quality modelling in a data poor environment

Atmospheric dispersion models are widely applied to simulate pollutant concentrations such as PM2.5 for use in long- and short-term health studies. A significant proportion of PM2.5 originates outside urban areas in which many people live. It is important to reflect this ‘background’ component in the modelling process in order to provide an accurate representation of the total pollution load experienced by human populations. To be credible, model outputs must be verified against available monitoring data, which, in the case of PM2.5, may be limited to a small number of monitoring sites across a large urban area. Here we evaluate four different approaches to representing background PM2.5 in an atmospheric dispersion model (ADMS-Urban) for Nottingham, UK. A directional approach, based on multiple urban background monitoring sites located outside the study area provides the most robust estimates. Our adopted approach allows us to model both short- and long-term air quality conditions, whilst accounting for local- and regional-scale variations in the pollution burden, and will ultimately enable us to assess short- and long-term effects of air pollution on health.

Long-term effects of air pollution on hospital admissions and mortality for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Beijing, China.

We aimed to clarify the association between air pollution and hospital admissions for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and mortality in Beijing, China. In this retrospective study, we recruited 510 COPD patients from 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2009. The patient data were obtained from the electronic medical records of Peking University Third Hospital in Beijing. Air pollution and meteorological data were obtained from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Monthly COPD hospital admissions, mortality and air pollution data were analysed using Poisson regression in generalised additive models adjusted for mean temperature, pressure and relative humidity. There were positive correlations between sulfur dioxide (SO2 ), particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 μm (PM10 ) and COPD hospital admissions in the single-pollutant model. An increase of 10 μg/m3 in SO2 and PM10 were associated with an increase of 4.053% (95% CI: 1.470-5.179%) and 1.401% (95%CI: 0.6656-1.850%) in COPD hospital admissions. In the multiple-pollutant model [SO2 and nitrogen dioxide (NO2 ) combinations], there was only a positive correlation between SO2 and COPD hospital admissions. An increase of 10 μg/m3 in SO2 were associated with an increase of 1.916% (95% CI: 1.118-4.286%) in COPD hospital admissions. There was no correlation between three pollutant combinations and COPD hospital admissions. We did not find correlations between air pollution and COPD mortality in either single- or multiple-pollutant models. SO2 and PM10 may be important factors for the increase in COPD hospital admissions in Beijing, China.

Air pollution and cardiovascular heath in a changing climate

Air pollution and cardiovascular heath in a changing climate

Long-term Exposure to Ambient Air Pollutants and Increased Risk of Pneumonia in the UK Biobank

Short-term exposure to air pollution has been linked to pneumonia risk. However, evidence on the long-term effects of air pollution on pneumonia morbidity is scarce and inconsistent. We investigated the associations of long-term air pollutant exposure with pneumonia and explored the potential interactions with smoking. Is long-term exposure to ambient air pollution associated with the risk of pneumonia, and does smoking modify the associations? We analyzed data in 445,473 participants without pneumonia within 1 year before baseline from the UK Biobank. Annual average concentrations of particulate matter (particulate matter with a diameter< 2.5 μm [PM2.5] and particulate matter with a diameter< 10 μm [PM10]), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) were estimated using land-use regression models. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the associations between air pollutants and pneumonia incidence. Potential interactions between air pollution and smoking were examined on both additive and multiplicative scales. The hazard ratios of pneumonia for each interquartile range increase in PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and NOx concentrations were 1.06 (95%CI, 1.04-1.08), 1.10 (95%CI, 1.08-1.12), 1.12 (95%CI, 1.10-1.15), and 1.06 (95%CI, 1.04-1.07), respectively. There were significant additive and multiplicative interactions between air pollution and smoking. Compared with individuals who had never smoked with low air pollution exposure, individuals who had ever smoked with high air pollution exposure had the highest pneumonia risk (PM2.5: hazard ratio [HR], 1.78; 95%CI, 1.67-1.90; PM10: HR, 1.94; 95%CI, 1.82-2.06; NO2: HR, 2.06; 95%CI, 1.93-2.21; NOx: HR, 1.88; 95%CI, 1.76-2.00). The associations between air pollutants and pneumonia risk persisted in participants exposed to air pollutants concentrations meeting the European Union limits. Long-term exposure to air pollutants was associated with an increased risk of pneumonia, especially in individuals who smoke.

Long-term effects of air pollution on Singapore’s national university admissions

ABSTRACT We investigate long-term impacts of exposure to four episodes of haze pollution on national university admission outcomes in Singapore. We find that compared to the unexposed groups, those who were exposed in-utero during the haze episodes of April 1977 and October 1983 obtained significantly lower admission scores and faced lower admission rates to university, with more severe effects for females. However, we do not detect negative effects among those who were exposed in the haze episodes of October 1991, August to October 1994 and August to October 1997 – which were arguably more severe pollution events. These findings present a more nuanced view of the long-term effects of exposure air pollution: while results from the first two episodes show that the long-term impacts are persistent over time, results from the latter three episodes suggest that negative impacts can possibly be mitigated due to economic development and protective measures.

Long-term associations of air pollution exposure with liver enzymes among adult employees of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand: A longitudinal cohort study

Exposure to particulate air pollution may induce hepatotoxic effects via low-grade inflammation. However, only a few longitudinal epidemiological studies have investigated the long-term effects of air pollution on liver enzyme levels. The present study examined associations between long-term air pollution exposure and serum liver enzymes [alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT)] in employees of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) in Thailand's Bangkok Metropolitan Region (BMR). We conducted secondary analyses using the data obtained from 2022 subjects (mean age, 41.2 years as of 2009) of the EGAT3 cohort study (2009–2019). The daily mean concentration of each air pollutant (PM10, O3, NO2, SO2, and CO) was estimated at the sub-district level in BMR from 2008 to 2019 using the Kriging approach. Long-term exposure for each subject was defined as the 1-year average concentrations before the date of the physical examination in 2009, 2014, and 2019. We used linear mixed effects models to assess associations between air pollution and serum liver enzymes. Interquartile range increases in PM10 and O3 were related to decreased ALP [-2.4% (95%CI: -3.0, −1.9) and −6.6% (−7.3, −5.9), respectively] after potential confounders were adjusted. Positive associations between NO2, SO2, and CO with ALP were found [5.7% (4.8, 6.5), 4.5% (4.0, 5.0), and 0.8 (0.3, 1.4), respectively]. Elevated AST was also associated with higher PM10 [1.7% (0.8, 2.5)] and O3 [5.7% (4.5, 6.9)]. However, AST was negatively associated with NO2 [-2.9% (−4.0, −1.8)] and SO2 [-1.7% (−2.3, −1.1)]. In contrast to other air pollutants, we only observed a positive association between O3 and ALT [3.4% (1.5, 5.3)]. The alteration in liver enzyme levels was significantly associated with long-term exposure to air pollution, which may raise the possibility of hepatocellular damage.

Long-term effects of air pollutants on deaths in a semi-urban city in Northwestern Turkey: a time series analysis

ABSTRACT To examine the associations between daily variations of coarse Particulate Matter(PM10) and/or sulfur dioxide(SO2) and mortality. The Poisson Generalized Linear Model(GLM) was employed to analyze the relationship between ambient air pollutants such as PM10 and SO2 and mortality. For each 10 μg/m3 increase in PM10, the overall mortality risk was found to be 1.022-fold high on the previous-eighth-day(lag 7) (RR, 95%CI:1.002–1.042) in the unadjusted model; 1.031-fold high in men (RR, 95%CI:1.005–1.058); 1.024-fold high in those aged 65 and over (RR, 95%CI:1.001–1.048). Also, the risk of death in men was 1.028-fold high in the model adjusted on the previous- eighth-day(lag 7) (RR, 95%CI:1.002–1.055). Mortality risk was found to be 1.088-fold high in 10 μg/m3 increase in SO2 under 65 years in males in the previous-third-day(lag 2) in the unadjusted model, and the risk of death was found to be 1.086-fold (RR, 95%CI:1.007–1.164) high in males in the adjusted model.

Long-term exposure to air pollution and incidence of coronary heart diseases and stroke in the longitudinal metropolitan studies (LMS) network: the BIGEPI project

to assess the potential of using longitudinal metropolitan studies (LMS) to study the association between long-term exposure to air pollution and the incidence of acute coronary events and stroke. closed cohort. subjects aged >=30 years, who took part in the 2011 census, residents in 5 cities (Turin, Bologna, Rome, Brindisi and Taranto). Annual concentrations of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and warm-season ozone (O3) (annual O3 in Taranto and Brindisi), estimated through satellite (Turin, Bologna, Rome) or photochemical models (Taranto and Brindisi) with a spatial resolution of 1 km2, were assigned to the census address. incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke until 31.12.2018 (2019 in Bologna). Cohort-specific Hazard Ratios (HRs), estimated using Cox regression models progressively adjusting for individual and contextual covariates, were pooled with random-effect meta-analysis. there were 71,872 incident CHD cases and 43,884 incident cases of stroke in almost 18 million person-years. No association was observed between the exposures studied and incidence of CHD and stroke, except for an increase in the incidence of CHD associated with warm-season O3 exposure (HR 1.034 per 5 μg/m3 increase). Some positive associations were found in specific cities (both outcomes in Brindisi with PM10 exposure and in Taranto with NO2 exposure, stroke in Rome with both PM10 and PM2.5), although estimates were not significant in some instances. LMS are a high potential tool for the study of comparative medium- and long-term effects of air pollution. Their further development (different definitions of exposure, outcomes, characteristics of the urban areas and extension to other LMS) may make them even more valuable tools for monitoring and planning public health interventions.