Motor Vehicle Exhaust Gas Research Articles

Urinary levels of metal elements in the non-smoking general population in Italy: SIVR study 2012-2015

The purpose of this study of the Italian Society of Reference Values (SIVR) was to provide the reference values for metals in the urine of the Italian general population.Thirteen sampling centres situated in the north, centre and south of Italy took part in this project. Each sampling centre selected 20 adult subjects. The sample was made up of 120 male and 140 female non-smokers or smokers who had abandoned the habit at least 5 years previously, aged between 18 and 60 years. Urine samples were obtained from the same subjects in June and again in November of the same year. During collection of these two samples, we administered an ad hoc questionnaire designed to assess factors that might influence exposure and the results of the study such as personal characteristics, occupational or extra-occupational activities, dietary habits, the presence of dental fillings containing amalgam, the frequency and mode of exposure to passive smoking and exhaust gases of motor vehicles (traffic). Therefore, the urinary levels of thirteen trace elements (Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, In, Mn, Ni, Pb, Pt, Sb, Tl and V) were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. The concentrations obtained (95th percentile) are in μg/L: 0.034, 0.900, 2.24, 0.600, 24.0, 0.013, 1.53, 4.44, 2.64, 0.022, 0.095, 0.759 and 0.855 for Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, In, Mn, Ni, Pb, Pt, Sb, Tl and V, respectively.Further studies with a larger number of subjects are needed in order to continue the biomonitoring of the Italian general population and to monitor the modified levels over time.

Environmental safety management of urban building by regulation of formation process of exhaust gases of motor vehicles

Modern development of the construction industry involves accounting and assessment of operating conditions of structures. Excessive technological environmental impact can lead to economic losses and a decrease in the efficiency of investment projects in construction. Mobile sources emission record is an important component of the ecosystem state diagnosis in modern cities. For scientifically substantiated and reliable determination of the mass flow of the motor vehicles pollutants it is necessary to take into account the mixture formation and combustion of the working mixture in the internal combustion engine. The article describes the authors' approach to calculating the volumetric flow rate of exhaust gases based on the characteristics of the vehicle's transport operations available for operational control. Studies have shown that, when using a particular fuel, the determination of the volume flow rate of exhaust gases can be reduced to finding the power of the engine . In addition, the composition changes of the fuel (or fuel replacement) and the regulation of the effective power of the engine (by organization of traffic) allow to influence on the volume and composition of the emission of exhaust gases of vehicles and on the pollution of the urban environment in general. The results of the studies make it easier to calculate the mass of pollutant emissions by the transport stream into the outer air and can be used as preliminary data to assess the negative anthropogenic impact on the ecosystem.

A Case of Methemoglobinemia Successfully Treated with Hyperbaric Oxygenation Monotherapy

BackgroundMethylene blue is the first-line therapy for methemoglobinemia, but it can be intermittently unavailable due to production issues. For this clinical scenario, alternative treatment options need to be explored. Hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) is conventionally applied as an adjunctive therapy during the systemic administration of methylene blue. Currently, little is known regarding the effects of HBO monotherapy in methemoglobinemia. We report a case of methemoglobinemia that was successfully treated with HBO monotherapy. Case ReportA 41-year-old man presented to the Emergency Department with dyspnea and dizziness subsequent to smoking in a garage filled with motor vehicle exhaust gas. There were no abnormal heart or lung sounds. While administering oxygen flowing at 15 L/min via a mask with a reservoir bag, blood tests revealed high methemoglobin (MetHb) levels at 59.6%. He was treated with HBO monotherapy, and sequential tests showed that the MetHb level decreased significantly to 34.0%, 12.8%, 6.2%, and eventually, 3.5%. He was discharged with stable vital signs the next day. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?HBO monotherapy is an effective alternative treatment for methemoglobinemia when methylene blue is not available.

Identifying risk sources of air contamination by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

This article is directed to determining concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are sorbed to solid particles in the air. Pollution sources were identified on the basis of the ratio of benzo[ghi]perylene (BghiPe) to benzo[a]pyrene (BaP). Because various important information is lost by determining the simple ratio of concentrations, least squares linear regression (classic ordinary least squares regression), reduced major axis, orthogonal regression, and Kendall–Theil robust diagnostics were utilized for identification. Statistical evaluation using all aforementioned methods demonstrated different ratios of the monitored PAHs in the intervals examined during warmer and colder periods. Analogous outputs were provided by comparing gradients of the emission factors acquired from the measured concentrations of BghiPe and BaP in motor vehicle exhaust gases. Based on these outputs, it was possible plausibly to state that the influence of burning organic fuels in heating stoves is prevalent in colder periods whereas in warmer periods transport was the exclusive source because other sources of PAH emissions were not found in the examined locations.

ANALISIS KADAR TIMBAL (Pb) DALAM DARAH DENGAN KARAKTERISTIK PETUGAS PENJAGA PINTU TOL (Studi Kasus di Gerbang Tol Waru Utama dan Waru Ramp Tahun 2015)

Motor vehicle exhaust gas consists of NOx, SOx, CO, lead (Pb) and Hydrocarbons. Toll gate keepersare at high risk of exposure to lead (Pb) from motor vehicle exhaust gas. The purpose of this studyis to determine blood lead level of toll gate keepers.This study is an observational study with cross-sectional approach. Population of the study was 97toll gate keepers and 30 of them were taken as samples. Samples were taken from both morningand afternoon shift. Data was taken through observation, measurement of lead (Pb) level in air andmeasured blood lead level of toll collectors.Results shows that most of the toll gate keepers were over 40 years old (93.3%). 29 collectors(96.7%) has employment period of more than 10 years. 15 Toll gate keepers (50%) wear PPE ontheir duty. Level of lead in the air has exceeded the TLV. Test results of blood lead levels showsnormal level in all workers.Conclusion asserts that toll gate keepers of over 40 years of age and 10 years of employment period showed higher average concentration of lead (Pb). Collectors wearing PPE on their duty showed higher average blood lead levels. It is recommended to the company to conduct trainingon dangers of lead in working environment to all tollgate keepers. Tollgate keepers are alsosuggested to always maintain their personal hygiene to avoid the influence of heavy metals lead(Pb) in the body.

Modelling the dispersion of motor vehicle exhaust gases, including building effects, and its application to the calculation of NOx concentration in Osaka City

This paper presents a model for dispersion of NOx from motor vehicles and stationary sources in urban areas. Annual average NOx concentrations from these sources were calculated using the Gaussian plume model. The calculated concentrations were compared with the observed concentrations at 67 air monitoring stations located in Osaka Plain. The effect of mechanical turbulence resulting from buildings is modelled using the vertical dispersion parameter, σz, including surface roughness and initial dispersion spreads given as a function of building height and building–to–land ratio.

ANALISIS SPASIAL FUNGSI EKOLOGI RUANG TERBUKA HIJAU DI KOTA CIBINONG

Green open space has a function to reduce the level of carbondioxide in the air. Carbondioxide levels are generally increased due to an increase in motor vehicle exhaust gas emissions and land use changes, such as changes in open land into industrial, or agricultural land turned into housing, etc.Cibinong City in this decade had increased levels of carbondioxide caused by the developmnet of a growing city. Research purposes are (1) analyze changes of green open space and its impact on the ability to absorb carbondioxide, (2) analyze the amount of carbondioxide produced by motor vehicle exhaust gas emissions for each road segment and provide direction spatially green open space. In this decade (from 2000 to 2010), Changes of unbuilt land to built land increased from 2.268,88 Ha (35,78 %) to3.558,22 Ha (56,12 %), however, absorption of the green open spaces of the carbondioxide increases. Whereas, Carbondioxide emission strength on larger road on the Raya Bogor (City Center) 498 gr/detik which has the function of arterial roads with the task of helping regional movement. The most amount of carbondioxide emissions generated by personal vehicles, motorcycles, and ligth public trasportation, while trucks and buses do not contribute. When the carbondioxide emission strength map is overlayed with the land use map then we have the conclusion that the roads that have a high volume of vehicle movement will have a high carbondioxide levels, but not mean low air quality because it depends on the existence of protective trees as green belt. Keywords: green open spaces, carbondioxide emission levels, landuse changes

Analisis Spasial Fungsi Ekologi Ruang Terbuka Hijau di Kota Cibinong

Green open space has a function to reduce the level of carbondioxide in the air. Carbondioxide levels are generally increased due to an increase in motor vehicle exhaust gas emissions and land use changes, such as changes in open land into industrial, or agricultural land turned into housing, etc.Cibinong City in this decade had increased levels of carbondioxide caused by the developmnet of a growing city. Research purposes are (1) analyze changes of green open space and its impact on the ability to absorb carbondioxide, (2) analyze the amount of carbondioxide produced by motor vehicle exhaust gas emissions for each road segment and provide direction spatially green open space. In this decade (from 2000 to 2010), Changes of unbuilt land to built land increased from 2.268,88 Ha (35,78 %) to3.558,22 Ha (56,12 %), however, absorption of the green open spaces of the carbondioxide increases. Whereas, Carbondioxide emission strength on larger road on the Raya Bogor (City Center) 498 gr/detik which has the function of arterial roads with the task of helping regional movement. The most amount of carbondioxide emissions generated by personal vehicles, motorcycles, and ligth public trasportation, while trucks and buses do not contribute. When the carbondioxide emission strength map is overlayed with the land use map then we have the conclusion that the roads that have a high volume of vehicle movement will have a high carbondioxide levels, but not mean low air quality because it depends on the existence of protective trees as green belt. Keywords: green open spaces, carbondioxide emission levels, landuse changes

Suicide epidemics: the impact of newly emerging methods on overall suicide rates - a time trends study

BackgroundThe impact of newly emerging, popular suicide methods on overall rates of suicide has not previously been investigated systematically. Understanding these effects may have important implications for public health surveillance. We examine the emergence of three novel methods of suicide by gassing in the 20th and 21st centuries and determine the impact of emerging methods on overall suicide rates.MethodsWe studied the epidemic rises in domestic coal gas (1919-1935, England and Wales), motor vehicle exhaust gas (1975-1992, England and Wales) and barbecue charcoal gas (1999-2006, Taiwan) suicide using Poisson and joinpoint regression models. Joinpoint regression uses contiguous linear segments and join points (points at which trends change) to describe trends in incidence.ResultsEpidemic increases in the use of new methods of suicide were generally associated with rises in overall suicide rates of between 23% and 71%. The recent epidemic of barbecue charcoal suicides in Taiwan was associated with the largest rise in overall rates (40-50% annual rise), whereas the smallest rise was seen for car exhaust gassing in England and Wales (7% annual rise). Joinpoint analyses were only feasible for car exhaust and charcoal burning suicides; these suggested an impact of the emergence of car exhaust suicides on overall suicide rates in both sexes in England and Wales. However there was no statistical evidence of a change in the already increasing overall suicide trends when charcoal burning suicides emerged in Taiwan, possibly due to the concurrent economic recession.ConclusionsRapid rises in the use of new sources of gas for suicide were generally associated with increases in overall suicide rates. Suicide prevention strategies should include strengthening local and national surveillance for early detection of novel suicide methods and implementation of effective media guidelines and other appropriate interventions to limit the spread of new methods.

Relationship between Vehicle Emissions Laws and Incidence of Suicide by Motor Vehicle Exhaust Gas in Australia, 2001–06: An Ecological Analysis

Globally, suicide accounts for 5.2% of deaths among persons aged 15 to 44 years and its incidence is rising. In Australia, suicide rates peaked in 1997 and have been declining since. A substantial part of that decline stems from a plunge in suicides by one particular method: asphyxiation by motor vehicle exhaust gas (MVEG). Although MVEG remains the second most common method of suicide in Australia, its incidence decreased by nearly 70% in the decade to 2006. The extent to which this phenomenon has been driven by national laws in 1986 and 1999 that lowered permissible levels of carbon monoxide (CO) emissions is unknown. The objective of this ecological study was to test the relationship by investigating whether areas of Australia with fewer noxious vehicles per capita experienced lower rates of MVEG suicide. We merged data on MVEG suicides in Australia (2001-06) with data on the number and age of vehicles in the national fleet, as well as socio-demographic data from the national census. Poisson regression was used to analyse the relationship between the incidence of suicide within two levels of geographical area--postcodes and statistical subdivisions (SSDs)--and the population density of pre-1986 and pre-1999 passenger vehicles in those areas. (There was a mean population of 8,302 persons per postcode in the study dataset and 87,413 persons per SSD.) The annual incidence of MVEG suicides nationwide decreased by 57% (from 2.6 per 100,000 in 2001 to 1.1 in 2006) during the study period; the population density of pre-1986 and pre-1999 vehicles decreased by 55% (from 14.2 per 100 persons in 2001 to 6.4 in 2006) and 26% (from 44.5 per 100 persons in 2001 to 32.9 in 2006), respectively. Area-level regression analysis showed that the suicide rates were significantly and positively correlated with the presence of older vehicles. A percentage point decrease in the population density of pre-1986 vehicles was associated with a 6% decrease (rate ratio [RR] = 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-1.08) in the incidence of MVEG suicide within postcode areas; a percentage point decrease in the population density of pre-1999 vehicles was associated with a 3% decrease (RR = 1.03; 95% CI 1.02-1.04) in the incidence of MVEG suicide. Areas of Australia with fewer vehicles predating stringent CO emission laws experience lower rates of MVEG suicide. Although those emission laws were introduced primarily for environmental reasons, countries that lack them may miss the benefits of a serendipitous suicide prevention strategy. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary.

Air pollution as the cause of urban stress. A case study: Nemanjica Boulevard, Nis, Serbia

Topic of this paper is air pollution as a cause of urban stress. This problem is analyzed within a case study in Bulevar Nemanjica in Nis. For the observed location, the measurements were conducted in a period of eight months (May 2007 - June 2007) by the Health Protection Institute in Nis. Motor traffic exhaust gases which were observed were: carbon-monoxide (CO), nitro-oxide (Nox) formaldehyde (HCHO). Measurements were taken at "Bulevar" green market, b standard methodology prescribed by the boundary values code book, immision measurement method, criteria for creation of measuring points and data records. Concentration of exhaust gases of motor vehicles did not exceed permissible limits, except carbon monoxide in May, while it continued to decrease and remained within the legal limits. If the Mediana - Bulevar Nemanjica location was enriched by green surface and pedestrian zones, this would lead to the decrease of exhaust gases concentration. That would prevent endangering environment and facilitate its healthy functioning.

Photocatalytic Properties of Cement-Based Plasters and Paints Containing Mineral Pigments

Innovative cement-based premix products for surface coating of buildings that possess photocatalytic activity arouse great interest because of the results they can achieve in reducting air pollution and maintaining aesthetics. This photoactivity is induced by a photocatalyst, titanium dioxide, that can accelerate the oxidation processes of air pollutants, particularly nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, which are mainly produced by incomplete combustion of fuel and are present in urban environments through the exhaust gases of motor vehicles. Surfaces that are coated with these products acquire a self-cleaning characteristic (maintenance of original color) because the decomposition of organic compounds significantly reduces the ability of atmospheric particles to adhere to treated surfaces, thus facilitating their removal and ensuring a more durable color. These products are particularly suited for use in highly congested areas (i.e., historical centers of cities, tunnels, roads), where air pollution reaches significant levels. This study describes the photocatalytic performances of a series of premix products containing mineral pigments. The tested products are based on hydraulic binders (natural hydraulic lime and cement), and the pigments are inorganic. A wide range of colors was chosen, and the performances of base products were investigated to provide a wider choice to the designers. After a brief introduction of the principles of photocatalysis, the results of a wide experimental work are described. Some consideration of methods of curing and natural exposure is also reported.

The Effect of Catalytic Converter Legislation on Suicide Rates in Grampian and Scotland 1980–2003

To examine the effect of catalytic converter legislation on suicide rates in Grampian and Scotland since its implementation in 1993. (1) Population study in Grampian and Scotland using national population and mortality statistics for 1980 to 2003. (2) Retrospective, controlled cohort study of individualswho had unsuccessfully attempted suicide by motor had unsuccessfully attempted suicide by motor vehicle exhaust gassing to examine the theory of method substitution. method substitution. There was a significant fall in suicides by motor vehicle exhaust gas inhalation in Scotland and Grampian following the introduction of compulsory catalytic converter legislation. However, in the same time period, there was a significant increase in numbers of suicides by hanging and total suicide rates in Scotland. There was a non-significant trend in a small sample of patients from a local hyperbaric unit for an increased rate of subsequent completed suicide between those who had previously attempted suicide by motor vehicle exhaust gas inhalation and controls. Catalytic converter legislation has resulted in a decrease in the number of suicides by motor vehicle exhaust gas inhalation. Overall suicide rates have not decreased. There is evidence to suggest that those who would have previously committed suicide by motor vehicle exhaust gas inhalation find alternative methods of suicide, so called 'method substitution'. Initiatives to reduce suicide rates should be directed at those means that are used by impulsive suicide attempters, as other, determined individuals, will commit suicide by another method.

Looking Back on 2007

Looking Back on 2007

Motor Vehicle Exhaust Gas Suicide.

In many motorized countries, inhalation of carbon monoxide from motor vehicle exhaust gas (MVEG) has been one of the leading methods of suicide. In some countries it remains so (e.g., Australia 16.0% of suicides in 2005). Relative to other methods it is a planned method and one often used by middle-aged males. The study provides a review of countermeasures aimed at restricting this method of suicide. The prevention measures identified were catalytic converters (introduced to reduce carbon monoxide for environmental reasons); in-cabin sensors; exhaust pipe modification; automatic idling stops; and helpline signage at suicide "hotspots." Catalytic converters are now in 90% of new vehicles worldwide and literature supports them being associated with a reduction in exhaust-gassing suicides. There remain, however, accounts of exhaust-gas fatalities in modern vehicles, whether accidentally or by suicide. These deaths and also crashes from fatigue could potentially be prevented by in-cabin multi-gas sensors, these having been developed to the prototype stage. Helpline signage at an exhaust-gassing suicide "hotspot" had some success in reducing suicides. The evidence on method substitution and whether a reduction in MVEG suicides causes a reduction in total suicides is inconsistent.

Model NSR catalysts: Fabrication and reactivity of barium oxide layers on Cu(1 1 1)

The growth of barium oxide on a Cu(1 1 1) substrate, formed by the deposition of barium and its subsequent oxidation, yields stable BaO films which expose predominantly the BaO(1 0 0) surface. The interaction of the oxide films with common components of motor-vehicle exhaust gases (CO 2, H 2O, NO x ) has been studied using surface analytical techniques, including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and reflection IR spectroscopy (RAIRS). The spectroscopic identification of Ba(OH) 2, BaCO 3 and Ba(NO 2) 2 phases is discussed, and the relative stabilities and decomposition mechanisms of these materials when supported on Cu(1 1 1) is revealed by a combination of TPD and XPS. BaO is shown to be resistant to reaction with pure NO and NO/O 2 mixtures, but exposure to NO 2 leads to the rapid formation of barium nitrite. The formation of the nitrite is proposed to be the first-step in the production of barium nitrate, which has previously been shown to be the main phase involved in NO x storage and reduction (NSR) catalysis.

Motor Vehicle Exhaust Gas Suicide in Victoria, Australia 1998-2002

Motor vehicle exhaust gas suicide (MVEGS) is the second most frequent method of suicide in Victoria, Australia. It is a highly lethal method of suicide with 1.5 deaths for every hospital admission. Australian regulations require all vehicles manufactured since 1998 to have a maximum carbon monoxide exhaust emission level of 2.1 g/km, reduced from the previous level of 9.6 g/km. Information surrounding all Victorian MVEGS between 1998-2002 was analyzed to determine whether suicides occurred in vehicles with the lower emission levels. Between 1998-2002, 607 suicides by this means were recorded while just 393 hospital admissions were recorded for the same period. Mean carboxyhaemoglobin levels were significantly lower in fatalities using vehicles manufactured from 1998, however suicide still occurred in these vehicles (n = 25). The extent to which the new regulations contributed to the relatively low rate of suicide in vehicles less than 5 years old compared to their frequency in the fleet remains unknown. Based on international experience and the age of the Victorian vehicle fleet, it may take well over a decade until substantial decreases in MVEGS are observed in the absence of active preventive measures.

3D stream and vortexes in the urban canopy layer and transport of motor vehicles exhaust gas

Wind-tunnel experiments were conducted to investigate the transport of motor vehicle exhaust gas in the vicinity of a street. The stream and the vertical and horizontal vortexes in 2D and 3D street canyons were visualised using smoke. They were recorded by video camera and the transport of the exhaust gas by vortexes was then investigated. The vertical vortex plays a significant role in the vertical exchange between in-canyon flow and outer flow, and transports the exhaust gas outside the street canyons. The horizontal vortexes transport air pollutants to the next intersecting street. The relationships between functions of the vortexes and several assumptions in the Osaka Municipal Government (OMG) volume-source model are discussed.

The impact of reduction in the benzene limit value in gasoline on airborne benzene, toluene and xylenes levels

Background benzene, toluene, xylenes (BTX) average concentrations have been measured over the urban agglomeration of Toulouse, France, during both springtime and summer periods of 1999 and 2001. The benzene average amount over the two Toulouse campaigns in 1999 is equal to 2.2 μg/m 3, very close to the French air quality standard and well under the average value of 5 μg/m 3 recommended by European Economic Community countries, recognising that those regulations are given for a whole year. BTX pollution over Toulouse has, in particular, been produced by motor vehicle exhaust gases. For the study conducted during the same periods of 2001, benzene concentrations were within the French quality value in the whole area. This is because the benzene limit value contained in gasoline went from 5% to 1 % since 2000 January 1. It will be important to measure benzene over annual periods in order to know its exact values over such a period and to observe its potential seasonal variations.

Suicide in Australian farming, 1988-1997.

To identify and describe suicide data for occupational classifications relating to farm managers and agricultural labourers for Australia for the period 1988 to 1997, and to relate resultant suicide rates to farmers' terms of trade. Descriptive and linear regression analysis of aggregated mortality data. In the period 1988 to 1997, 921 suicides were identified. The majority of these suicides were farm managers (67.4%). Farm manager suicides occurred predominantly in older age groups (55 + years). In comparison agricultural labourer suicides were younger, with the majority of suicides occurring in the 15-39 years age group. The most common methods for both groups were firearms (particularly hunting rifles and shot guns), hanging and motor vehicle exhaust gas. These methods accounted for approximately 81% of all male farm suicides. Firearms accounted for 51% of male farm suicide, in comparison to 23% for the wider Australian male population for the same period. Estimated age standardized rates per 100 000 for male farm managers for the 10-year period ranged from 24.8 to 51.4. For male agricultural labourers these rates ranged from 23.5 to 41.9. Analyses also revealed a negative correlation (r = -0.75, p < 0.01) between farm manager suicide rates and farmers' terms of trade. Male farm manager and agricultural labourer suicide rates are higher than male national rates and rates in the wider rural population, particularly in the later years of the period investigated. Firearms prefigure as the most common method of suicide, despite decreases in this method in the wider rural population. Establishing more accurate denominator data for the farming community is a priority, as is preventative action that accounts for unique aspects of farm life.