Particulate Air Pollution Research Articles

Coronary artery culprit lesions progression and ambient temperature exposure - personalised analysis.

Global warming is claimed to be an important cardiovascular disease risk factor. The air pollution and ambient temperatures are believed to have a significant influence on increased morbidity and premature deaths. To point out possible causative factors for coronary angiography progression in patients presenting with chronic coronary syndrome. There were 66 patients (41 [62%] men and 25 [38%] women) with a median age of 71.5 (62-76) years, who underwent repeated coronary angiographies due to chronic coronary syndrome within a median time interval of 145 (96-296) days. In 18 (27%) patients coronary artery lesion progression was observed despite optimal pharmacotherapy. The demographical, clinical, and personalised epidemiological factors including air pollution particles and ambient temperature exposure were taken into account in the analysis. In the multivariate logistic regression model with backward stepwise elimination method, tropical nights (p = 0.047) and mean daily temperatures (p = 0.043) were revealed as predictors of coronary lesion progression > 30%. The analysis of seasonal temperature changes showed significant differences related to minimal winter temperatures between both groups (p = 0.018). Coronary artery lesion progression can be related to either high values of daily temperatures or to low ambient temperature. The dichotomous characteristics of temperature exposure to atherosclerosis progression suggest a detrimental role of environmental extremities on human health.

Measuring the concentrations of some gaseous and particulate air pollutants in the indoor environment of homes (Iraq - Kufa city, a case study)


 The purpose of the study is to detect the concentration of some gaseous and particulate air pollutants in the indoor air of the city of Kufa. The pollutants include (CO, CO2, SO2, NO2, PM10, PM2.5). The concentrations of these pollutants were measured during the period from July 2022 to January 2023 at seventeen stations in the city of Kufa. From each station, three sites (houses) were selected, making (51 dwellings). The study showed the role of some climate elements, such as temperature and humidity, as well as the role of the size of the house and the type of building, as well as the role of house uses such as cleaning and cooking materials in influencing the increase in the concentration of air pollutants. The results showed that there was a variation in the levels of concentrations of air pollutants, and their variation between the months of July and January.

Disruption of Atrial Rhythmicity by the Air Pollutant 1,2-Naphthoquinone: Role of Beta-Adrenergic and Sensory Receptors.

The combustion of fossil fuels contributes to air pollution (AP), which was linked to about 8.79 million global deaths in 2018, mainly due to respiratory and cardiovascular-related effects. Among these, particulate air pollution (PM2.5) stands out as a major risk factor for heart health, especially during vulnerable phases. Our prior study showed that premature exposure to 1,2-naphthoquinone (1,2-NQ), a chemical found in diesel exhaust particles (DEP), exacerbated asthma in adulthood. Moreover, increased concentration of 1,2-NQ contributed to airway inflammation triggered by PM2.5, employing neurogenic pathways related to the up-regulation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1). However, the potential impact of early-life exposure to 1,2-naphthoquinone (1,2-NQ) on atrial fibrillation (AF) has not yet been investigated. This study aims to investigate how inhaling 1,2-NQ in early life affects the autonomic adrenergic system and the role played by TRPV1 in these heart disturbances. C57Bl/6 neonate male mice were exposed to 1,2-NQ (100 nM) or its vehicle at 6, 8, and 10 days of life. Early exposure to 1,2-NQ impairs adrenergic responses in the right atria without markedly affecting cholinergic responses. ECG analysis revealed altered rhythmicity in young mice, suggesting increased sympathetic nervous system activity. Furthermore, 1,2-NQ affected β1-adrenergic receptor agonist-mediated positive chronotropism, which was prevented by metoprolol, a β1 receptor blocker. Capsazepine, a TRPV1 blocker but not a TRPC5 blocker, reversed 1,2-NQ-induced cardiac changes. In conclusion, neonate mice exposure to AP 1,2-NQ results in an elevated risk of developing cardiac adrenergic dysfunction, potentially leading to atrial arrhythmia at a young age.

Particulate matter air pollution in the Republic of Slovenia and its national spatial emissions release

In this work, an impact of particulate matter (PM) on air pollution and its emissions released is investigated. Concentration levels of PM10 and PM2.5 in the Republic of Slovenia (RS) were analyzed on daily, weekly, monthly, quartile, and annual data and then compared. The study was conducted from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020 at two monitoring stations, so-called urban traffic and urban industrial. Obtained results showed that the highest concentrations of PM in air were during the cold months of the year when the temperatures are lower (< 6%). Results from heating seasons (from October 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020 and from October 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021) showed the highest concentration levels of PM10 between 9:00 and 14:00 and between 18:00 and 22:00, with highest concentrations recorded during the winter months (January and February). Additionally, emission building inventory was built based on PM10 and PM2.5 emissions released. The study includes yearly spatial building emissions release model considering currently installed high PM emitted stoves. The building model for the Republic of Slovenia has been developed by using 500 x 500 m model grid. Obtained results showed that changing currently low efficient appliance with advanced appliance would result in significant lower PM emissions released from building sector.

Premature deaths from fine particles PM2.5 air pollution in regional capitals of Slovakia during 2016-2020 period.

The purpose of this quantitative study is to assess the impact of fine particles air pollution in major cities of Slovakia. The study aims to estimate number of premature deaths from long-term exposure to fine particles PM2.5 in eight regional capitals of Slovakia in the period 2016-2020. Consequently, the study aims to conduct a comparative analysis using secondary derived indicators. For calculations of estimated premature deaths from long-term exposure to fine particles PM2.5 air pollution we used standardized methodology developed by the World Health Organization and the European Environment Agency. The annual average of estimated premature deaths from PM2.5 air pollution in the studied period was in Bratislava 353, Košice 219, Prešov 84, Žilina 90, Banská Bystrica 76, Nitra 73, Trnava 59, and Trenčín 52. In relative terms per 1,000 inhabitants Bratislava had annual average 1.14 of estimated premature deaths, Košice 1.32, Prešov 1.38, Žilina 1.61, Banská Bystrica 1.35, Nitra 1.35, Trnava 1.27, and Trenčín 1.31. Bratislava as the largest city in Slovakia recorded the smallest relative number of estimated premature deaths. The worst results were recorded by the city of Žilina. The estimated number of premature deaths from long-term exposure to particulate matter air pollution in the regional capitals decreased in the given period. The most of the regional capitals with the exception of Bratislava and Žilina, showed similar levels of estimated premature deaths. However, the current geopolitical situation and rising energy prices threaten return to solid fuel burning which is the largest source of particulate matter air pollution in Slovakia and thus reversing positive trends.

Air particulate pollution exposure associated with impaired cognition via microbiota gut-brain axis: an evidence from rural elderly female in northwest China.

This study aimed to reveal harm of exposure to indoor air pollution to cognitive function through "gut-brain-axis" among rural elderly residents. There were 120 participants recruited in rural villages of northwest China from December 2021 to February 2022. The cognitive level was assessed by eight-item ascertain dementia (AD) questionnaire, and indoor air pollution exposure was measured by air quality sensor. Inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress-related index were detected in blood serum. Fecal samples were collected for gut microbiota analysis. The 120 participants were divided into impaired cognition (AD8) (81/67.5%) and cognition normal (NG) (39/32.5%). And there had more female in AD8 (FAD) (55/67.9%) than NG (FNG) (18/46.2%) (P = 0.003). Exposure of air pollution in FAD was higher than FNG (PM1, PM2.5, PM10, P < 0.001; NO2, P < 0.001; CO, P = 0.014; O3, P = 0.002). The risk of cognitive impairment increases 6.8%, 3.6%, 2.6%, 11%, and 2.4% in female for every 1 μg/m3 increased in exposure of PM1, PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and O3, separately. And GSH-Px and T-SOD in FAD were significantly lower than the FNG group (P = 0.011, P = 0.019). Gut microbiota in FAD is disordered with lower richness and diversity. Relative abundance of core bacteria Faecalibacterium (top 1 genus) in FAD was reduced (13.65% vs 19.81%, P = 0.0235), while Escherichia_Shigella and Akkermansia was increased. Correlation analysis showed Faecalibacterium was negatively correlated with age, and exposure of O3, PM1, PM2.5, and PM10; Akkermansia and Monoglobus were positively correlated with exposure of PM1, PM2.5 and PM10; Escherichia_Shigella was significantly positively correlated with NO2. Indoor air pollution exposure impaired cognitive function in elderly people, especially female, which may cause systemic inflammation, dysbiosis of the gut microbiota, and ultimately leading to early cognitive impairment through the gut-brain axis.

Associations of long-term exposure to air pollution and physical activity with the risk of systemic inflammation-induced multimorbidity in Chinese adults: results from the China multi-ethnic cohort study (CMEC)

ObjectivePrevious studies proved the effect of long-term exposure to air pollution or physical activity (PA) on the risk of systemic inflammation-induced multimorbidity (SIIM), while the evidence regarding their joint effects was rare, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Therefore, we aimed to examine the extent of interaction or joint relations of PA and air pollution with SIIM.MethodsThis study included 72,172 participants from China Multi-Ethnic Cohort.The average concentrations of ambient particulate matter pollutants (PM1, PM2.5, and PM10) were estimated using satellite-based random forest models. Self-reported information on a range of physical activities related to occupation, housework, commuting, and leisure activities was collected by an interviewer-administered questionnaire. A total of 11 chronic inflammatory systemic diseases were assessed based on self-reported lifetime diagnosis or medical examinations. SIIM was defined as having ≥ 2 chronic diseases related to systemic inflammation. Logistic regression models were used to assess the complex associations of air pollution particulate matter and PA with SIIM.ResultsWe found positive associations between long-term air pollution particulates exposure and SIIM, with odds ratios (95%CI) of 1.07 (1.03 to 1.11), 1.18 (1.13 to 1.24), and 1.08 (1.05 to 1.12) per 10 µg/m3 increase in PM1, PM2.5, and PM10. No significant multiplicative interaction was found between ambient air pollutant exposure and PA on SIIM, whereas negative additive interaction was observed between long-term exposure to PM2.5 and PA on SIIM. The positive associations between low volume PA and SIIM were stronger among those exposed to high-level air pollution particulates. Compared with individuals engaged in high volume PA and exposed to low-level ambient air pollutants, those engaged in low volume PA and exposed to high-level ambient air pollutants had a higher risk of SIIM (OR = 1.49 in PM1 exposure, OR = 1.84 in PM2.5 exposure, OR = 1.19 in PM10 exposure).ConclusionsLong-term (3 years average) exposure to PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 was associated with an increased risk of SIIM. The associations were modified by PA, highlighting PA’s importance in reducing SIIM for all people, especially those living in high-level air pollution regions.

Particulate air pollution and cardiovascular disease mortality in Jiangsu Province, China: a time-series analysis between 2015 and 2021.

Previous time-series studies have revealed a positive association between particulate matter (PM) and acute cardiovascular effects. However, the evidence mostly comes from developed countries and regions, while the majority of air-pollution-related deaths occur in developing countries. To assess the effect of short-term exposure to PM on daily cause-specific cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in Jiangsu Province, China, we investigated 1,417,773 CVD deaths from 2015 to 2021 in Jiangsu. The city-specific association was estimated using generalized additive models with quasi-Poisson regression, and then, random effects meta-analysis was performed to estimate the pooled provincial-average associations between acute exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 and cardiovascular disease mortality. To test the independence of PM from gaseous pollutants, we fitted two-pollutant models. Mortality data were also stratified by sex, age, and region to investigate the modification of associations. The exposure-response (E-R) curve from each city was combined using meta-analysis to drive the provincial-level E-R curve. The results showed that each 10-μg/m3 increase in the PM2.5 concentration was associated with a 0.723% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.512, 0.935] increase in daily total CVD mortality, a 0.669% (95% CI: 0.461, 0.878) increase in CHD mortality, a 0.758% (95% CI: 0.584, 0.931) increase in stroke mortality, a 0.512% (95% CI: 0.245, 0.780) increase in ICH mortality, and a 0.876% (95% CI: 0.637, 1.116) increase in CI mortality. The corresponding increases in daily mortality rates for the same increase in the PM10 concentration were 0.424% (95% CI: 0.293, 0.556), 0.415% (95% CI: 0.228, 0.602), 0.444% (95% CI: 0.330, 0.559), 0.276% (95% CI: 0.026, 0.526), and 0.510% (95% CI: 0.353, 0.667), respectively. The association between PM and total CVD mortality remained significant after adjusting for gaseous pollutants. Females, older adults and districts with lower average PM levels are more sensitive, especially for PM10. The E-R curve for PM on CVD mortality is steeper at lower concentrations and flattens out at higher concentrations. The estimates remained generally consistent in sensitivity analyses when excluding the data during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Our time-series study provides evidence of positive associations between acute exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 and total and cause-specific cardiovascular disease mortality in developing countries.

The contributions of neonatal inhalation of copper to air pollution-induced neurodevelopmental outcomes in mice

Exposures to ambient ultrafine particle (UFP) air pollution (AP) during the early postnatal period in mice (equivalent to human third trimester brain development) produce male-biased changes in brain structure, including ventriculomegaly, reduced brain myelination, alterations in neurotransmitters and glial activation, as well as impulsive-like behavioral characteristics, all of which are also features characteristic of male-biased neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). The purpose of this study was to ascertain the extent to which inhaled Cu, a common contaminant of AP that is also dysregulated across multiple NDDs, might contribute to these phenotypes. For this purpose, C57BL/6J mice were exposed from postnatal days 4–7 and 10–13 for 4 hr/day to inhaled copper oxide (CuxOy) nanoparticles at an environmentally relevant concentration averaging 171.9 ng/m3. Changes in brain metal homeostasis and neurotransmitter levels were determined following termination of exposure (postnatal day 14), while behavioral changes were assessed in adulthood. CuxOy inhalation modified cortical metal homeostasis and produced male-biased disruption of striatal neurotransmitters, with marked increases in dopaminergic function, as well as excitatory/inhibitory imbalance and reductions in serotonergic function. Impulsive-like behaviors in a fixed ratio (FR) waiting-for-reward schedule and a fixed interval (FI) schedule of food reward occurred in both sexes, but more prominently in males, effects which could not be attributed to altered locomotor activity or short-term memory. Inhaled Cu as from AP exposures, at environmentally relevant levels experienced during development, may contribute to impaired brain function, as shown by its ability to disrupt brain metal homeostasis and striatal neurotransmission. In addition, its ability to evoke impulsive-like behavior, particularly in male offspring, may be related to striatal dopaminergic dysfunction that is known to mediate such behaviors. As such, regulation of air Cu levels may be protective of public health.

Analysis of PM2.5 inorganic and organic constituents to resolve contributing sources in Seoul, South Korea and Beijing, China and their possible associations with cytokine IL-8

China and South Korea are the most polluted countries in East Asia due to significant urbanization and extensive industrial activities. As neighboring countries, collaborative management plans to maximize public health in both countries can be helpful in reducing transboundary air pollution. To support such planning, PM2.5 inorganic and organic species were determined in simultaneously collected PM2.5 integrated filters. The resulting data were used as inputs to positive matrix factorization, which identified nine sources at the ambient air monitoring sites in both sites. Secondary nitrate, secondary sulfate/oil combustion, soil, mobile, incinerator, biomass burning, and secondary organic carbon (SOC) were found to be sources at both sampling sites. Industry I and II were only identified in Seoul, whereas combustion and road dust sources were only identified in Beijing. A subset of samples was selected for exposure assessment. The expression levels of IL-8 were significantly higher in Beijing (167.7 pg/mL) than in Seoul (72.7 pg/mL). The associations between the PM2.5 chemical constituents and its contributing sources with PM2.5-induced inflammatory cytokine (interleukin-8, IL-8) levels in human bronchial epithelial cells were investigated. For Seoul, the soil followed by the secondary nitrate and the biomass burning showed increase with IL-8 production. However, for the Beijing, the secondary nitrate exhibited the highest association with IL-8 production and SOC and biomass burning showed modest increase with IL-8. As one of the highest contributing sources in both cities, secondary nitrate showed an association with IL-8 production. The soil source having the strongest association with IL-8 production was found only for Seoul, whereas SOC showed a modest association only for Beijing. This study can provide the scientific basis for identifying the sources to be prioritized for control to provide effective mitigation of particulate air pollution in each city and thereby improve public health.

Emission of particulate and gaseous air pollutants from municipal solid waste in Dhaka City, Bangladesh

Emission of particulate and gaseous air pollutants from municipal solid waste in Dhaka City, Bangladesh

Personal Exposure to Fine Particulate Air Pollution among Brick Workers in Nepal

Prior studies suggest brick workers in Nepal may be chronically exposed to hazardous levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from ambient, occupational, and household sources. However, findings from these studies were based on stationary monitoring data, and thus may not reflect a worker’s individual exposures. In this study, we used RTI International’s MicroPEMs to collect 24 h PM2.5 personal breathing zone (PBZ) samples among brick workers (n = 48) to estimate daily exposures from ambient, occupational, and household air pollution sources. Participants were sampled from five job categories at one kiln. The geometric mean (GM) PM2.5 exposure across all participants was 116 µg/m3 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 94.03, 143.42). Job category was significantly (p &lt; 0.001) associated with PBZ PM2.5 concentrations. There were significant pairwise differences in geometric mean (GM) PBZ PM2.5 concentrations among workers in administration (GM: 47.92, 95% CI: 29.81, 77.03 µg/m3) vs. firemen (GM: 163.46, 95 CI: 108.36, 246.58 µg/m3, p = 0.003), administration vs. green brick hand molder (GM: 163.35, 95% CI: 122.15, 218.46 µg/m3, p &lt; 0.001), administration vs. top loader (GM: 158.94, 95% CI: 102.42, 246.66 µg/m3, p = 0.005), firemen vs. green brick machine molder (GM: 73.18, 95% CI: 51.54, 103.90 µg/m3, p = 0.03), and green brick hand molder vs. green brick machine molder (p = 0.008). Temporal exposure trends suggested workers had chronic exposure to hazardous levels of PM2.5 with little to no recovery period during non-working hours. Multi-faceted interventions should focus on the control of ambient and household air pollution and tailored job-specific exposure controls.

Five Years of Accurate PM2.5 Measurements Demonstrate the Value of Low-Cost PurpleAir Monitors in Areas Affected by Woodsmoke

Low-cost optical sensors are used in many countries to monitor fine particulate (PM2.5) air pollution, especially in cities and towns with large spatial and temporal variation due to woodsmoke pollution. Previous peer-reviewed research derived calibration equations for PurpleAir (PA) sensors by co-locating PA units at a government regulatory air pollution monitoring site in Armidale, NSW, Australia, a town where woodsmoke is the main source of PM2.5 pollution. The calibrations enabled the PA sensors to provide accurate estimates of PM2.5 that were almost identical to those from the NSW Government reference equipment and allowed the high levels of wintertime PM2.5 pollution and the substantial spatial and temporal variation from wood heaters to be quantified, as well as the estimated costs of premature mortality exceeding $10,000 per wood heater per year. This follow-up study evaluates eight PA sensors co-located at the same government site to check their accuracy over the following four years, using either the original calibrations, the default woodsmoke equation on the PA website for uncalibrated sensors, or the ALT-34 conversion equation (see text). Minimal calibration drift was observed, with year-round correlations, r = 0.98 ± 0.01, and root mean square error (RMSE) = 2.0 μg/m3 for daily average PA PM2.5 vs. reference equipment. The utitilty of the PA sensors without prior calibration at locations affected by woodsmoke was also demonstrated by the year-round correlations of 0.94 and low RMSE between PA (woodsmoke and ALT-34 conversions) and reference PM2.5 at the NSW Government monitoring sites in Orange and Gunnedah. To ensure the reliability of the PA data, basic quality checks are recommended, including the agreement of the two laser sensors in each PA unit and removing any transient spikes affecting only one sensor. In Armidale, from 2019 to 2022, the continuing high spatial variation in the PM2.5 levels observed during the colder months was many times higher than any discrepancies between the PA and reference measurements. Particularly unhealthy PM2.5 levels were noted in southern and eastern central Armidale. The measurements inside two older weatherboard houses in Armidale showed that high outdoor pollution resulted in high pollution inside the houses within 1–2 h. Daily average PM2.5 concentrations available on the PA website allow air pollution at different sites across regions (and countries) to be compared. Such comparisons revealed major elevations in PA PM2.5 at Gunnedah, Orange, Monash (Australian Capital Territory), and Christchurch (New Zealand) during the wood heating season. The data for Gunnedah and Muswellbrook suggest a slight underestimation of PM2.5 at other times of the year when there are proportionately more dust and other larger particles. A network of appropriately calibrated PA sensors can provide valuable information on the spatial and temporal variation in the air pollution that can be used to identify pollution hotspots, improve estimates of population exposure and health costs, and inform public policy.

Air pollution deaths attributable to fossil fuels: observational and modelling study

ObjectivesTo estimate all cause and cause specific deaths that are attributable to fossil fuel related air pollution and to assess potential health benefits from policies that replace fossil fuels with...

Increased Risk for Hospitalization Associated with Short Term Particle Air Pollution Exposure for California Residents with Sickle Cell Disease

Background: Air pollution is associated with numerous adverse health outcomes in the general population such as asthma exacerbations, pneumonia, myocardial infarction, and stroke. There is a strong association between air pollution and mechanistic processes associated with oxidative stress, vasoconstriction, and inflammation, suggesting a high risk of exposure for those with sickle cell disease (SCD). A small number of published studies have explored this relationship, primarily focusing on children. Only two studies have examined air pollution in the US, both with outcomes among urban area hospitals in Atlanta, GA. None have taken place in California, which has the worst air quality, including the four most polluted cities in year-round particle pollution in the nation. Additionally, all published studies have overlooked more rural exposure areas. Recent advances in environmental exposure assessment have enabled high-resolution predictions of ambient air pollution concentrations in the whole US, making it possible to cover unmonitored suburban and rural areas that were unrepresented in the past. In addition, these high-resolution predictions are more precise surrogates of the personal exposure measures than monitored data. Particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less (PM 2.5) is the most harmful pollutant based on current research findings. We hypothesized that short term increases in PM 2.5 exposure were associated with an increased risk for hospitalization among individuals with SCD in California. Methods: We designed a time-stratified case-crossover study to estimate the percent change in risk for hospitalization for SCD complications associated with each 1mg/m 3 increase in PM 2.5 exposure. The zip code of residence was used to spatially link each hospital admission with PM 2.5 exposure using a novel hybrid exposure model allowing for estimated exposure in areas without direct remote sensing. We used conditional logistic regressions to examine the PM 2.5 exposures at 7-day moving average and single lag days (from lag 0 to 6 days) before admission, adjusting for nonlinear confounding effects of air temperature and humidity at the same exposure window. We examined risk for all hospitalizations and specifically for vaso-occlusive pain (VOC) and acute chest syndrome (ACS). Results: From 2000-2016, among 5,835 California residents with SCD, there were 107,450 admissions for sickle cell disease complications with VOC being the most common indication (71.1%). PM 2.5 air pollution data was examined among 2,634 zip codes throughout the state. Residents with SCD were noted to be living among 1,180 zip codes. The daily burden of PM 2.5 was higher in zip codes with residents with SCD (mean 11.5 mg/m 3, standard deviation [SD] 9.0) when compared to zip codes without residents known to have SCD (mean 9.2 mg/m 3, SD 8.6, p&amp;lt;0.001) ( Table 1). Overall, the mean daily burden of PM 2.5 declined in the period of 2010-2016 when compared to that from 2000-2009. However, the daily mean PM 2.5 concentration remained higher in zip codes with individuals with SCD. No significant association was seen in examining the week-long exposure to PM 2.5 and increase risk in hospitalizations for any indication over the entire study period (2000-2016). However, when examining the more contemporary period of 2010-2016, we identified that each 1mg/m 3 increase in PM 2.5 was associated with 0.22% increased risk for SCD hospitalization (Confidence Interval [CI] 0.02-0.42, p=0.03) 3 days prior to admission. We observed a 0.26% increased risk for hospitalization for VOC with each 1 mg/m 3 increase in PM 2.5 exposure (CI 0.02-0.49, p=0.03) at lag day 3 (Figure 1). No effect was seen with PM 2.5 on hospitalizations for ACS during any time period. Discussion: Our study suggests that short term air pollution exposure may be a trigger for hospitalization for individuals with SCD. In particular this effect is seen in the more recent years with a lower daily average PM 2.5 burden overall, suggesting attention may be needed well below Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) thresholds. Consistent with previous studies, lag day 3 PM 2.5 exposure is associated with an increased risk for hospitalization for VOC. These results may have important implications in understanding risk factors for hospitalization for children and adults with SCD.

Abstract 12441: Ambient Fine Particulate Matter Air Pollution but Not Ozone is Associated With Elevated Risk of All-Cause Hospitalization in Patients With a Prior Diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation

Introduction: Short-term increases (days to weeks) in fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) air pollution are associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) episodes. We previously reported that PM 2.5 was not associated with severe AF measured as emergency or inpatient hospitalization for the primary diagnosis of AF. Mild AF, though, may influence all-cause hospitalizations. This study evaluated if short-term increases in PM 2.5 and ozone were associated with all-cause hospitalization at 11 Intermountain Health hospitals in patients with AF, and if this differed between wildfire (June-Oct.) and winter inversion (Nov.-March) seasons. Methods: Patients carrying an AF diagnosis (N=347,157) were evaluated for all-cause hospitalization and, secondarily, AF hospitalization (N=25,601) and first AF diagnosis (N=77,893). PM 2.5 levels were measured from January 1, 1999 to March 31, 2022 (ozone: 2006-2022) in subjects residing on Utah’s Wasatch Front. Using the case-crossover design that matched individual-level characteristics, Poisson regression also adjusted for weather variables. Results: Mean age was 72±15 years and 51.0% were female. Overall, PM 2.5 increases at a lag of 0 days, 1 day, 3-day moving average (mAvg) (days 0-2), and 7-day mAvg (days 0-6) were associated with all-cause hospitalization [respectively: odds ratio (OR)=1.010, 1.008, 1.011, 1.009 per +10 μg/m 3 ; p=0.0004, 0.006, 0.0004, 0.028]. Associations differed by seasons (Figure). Regressions entering both ozone and PM 2.5 mildly increased PM 2.5 ORs for all-cause hospitalization. PM 2.5 was not associated with first AF diagnosis. Increases in ozone were not associated with higher risk of any outcome. Conclusions: Short-term increases in PM 2.5 air pollution were associated with all-cause hospitalization in patients with a prior AF diagnosis. Lag structure varied for wildfire and inversion seasons, with greater effect sizes in wildfire season. Increases in ozone did not associate with elevated risk.

Long-term exposure to air pollution and incidence of mental disorders. A large longitudinal cohort study of adults within an urban area

BackgroundRecent epidemiological evidence suggests associations between air pollution exposure and major depressive disorders, but the literature is inconsistent for other mental illnesses. We investigated the associations of several air pollutants and road traffic noise with the incidence of different categories of mental disorders in a large population-based cohort. MethodsWe enrolled 1,739,277 individuals 30 + years from the 2011 census in Rome, Italy, and followed them up until 2019. In detail, we analyzed 1,733,331 participants (mean age 56.43 +/- 15.85 years; 54.96 % female) with complete information on covariates of interest. We excluded subjects with prevalent mental disorders at baseline to evaluate the incidence (first hospitalization or co-pay exemption) of schizophrenia spectrum disorders, bipolar, anxiety, personality, or substance use disorders. In addition, we studied subjects with first prescriptions of antipsychotics, antidepressants, and mood stabilizers. Annual average concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Black Carbon (BC), ultrafine particles (UFP), and road traffic noise were assigned to baseline residential addresses. We applied Cox regression models adjusted for individual and area-level covariates. ResultsEach interquartile range (1.13 µg/m3) increase in PM2.5 was associated with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.070 (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.017, 1.127) for schizophrenia spectrum disorder, 1.135 (CI: 1.086, 1.186) for depression, 1.097 (CI: 1.030, 1.168) for anxiety disorders. Positive associations were also detected for BC and UFP, and with the three categories of drug prescriptions. Bipolar, personality, and substance use disorders did not show clear associations. The effects were highest in the age group 30–64 years, except for depression. ConclusionsLong-term exposure to ambient air pollution, especially fine and ultrafine particles, was associated with increased risks of schizophrenia spectrum disorder, depression, and anxiety disorders. The association of the pollutants with the prescriptions of specific drugs increases the credibility of the results.

Analytical Gas Sensing in the Terahertz Spectral Range.

Exploiting the terahertz (THz) part of the electromagnetic spectrum is attracting attention in various scientific and applied disciplines worldwide. THz technology has also revealed its potential as an effective tool for gas analysis in astronomy, biomedicine and chemical analysis. Recently, it has also become important in environmental applications for monitoring hazardous and toxic gases in the atmosphere. This paper gives an overview of THz gas detection analytical methods for environmental and biomedical applications, starting with a brief introduction to THz technology and an explanation of the interaction of THz radiation with gaseous species and the atmosphere. The review focuses on several gaseous species and groups of air pollutants that have been or can be analysed by THz spectrometry. The review concludes that different but complementary THz detection methods allow unique detection, identification and quantification of gaseous and particulate air pollutants with high selectivity, specificity and sensitivity. THz detection methods also allow further technological improvements and open new application possibilities.

Air Pollution inside Vehicles: Making a Bad Situation Worse.

Thailand has successfully forwarded Article 8, Protection from Exposure to Tobacco Smoke, of the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). It achieved its 100% smoke-free goals in public places in 2010, next pursuing other bans in outdoor places to lower particulate matter air pollution (PM2.5). Our aim was to expose the secondhand smoke levels in vehicles since SHS is a danger to everyone, but especially to children and youth. This is the first experimental study of its kind in Thailand. We measured PM2.5 for 20 min under four conditions in 10 typical Thai vehicles, including commonly used sedans and small pickup trucks. We used an established protocol with two real-time air monitoring instruments to record PM2.5 increases with different vehicle air exchange and air conditioning conditions. Monitoring was recorded in the vehicle's front and back seats. The most common Thai ventilation condition is all windows closed with fan/air conditioning (AC) in operation because of Thai tropical conditions. Mean exposure levels were three and nearly five times (49 and 72 μg/m3) the 24 h WHO standard of 15 μg/m3 in the back and front seats, respectively. These high PM2.5 exposure levels warrant action to limit vehicle smoking for public health protection.

Particulate Air Pollution and Blood Pressure: Signaling by the Arachidonate Metabolism.

Short-term exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM) can raise blood pressure, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We explored whether arachidonate metabolites serve as biological intermediates in PM-associated prohypertensive changes. This panel study recruited 110 adults aged 50 to 65 years living in Beijing, China. The participants' blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and cardiac and endothelial function were measured up to 7 times. The serum concentrations of arachidonate metabolites were quantified by targeted lipidomics. Ambient concentrations of fine PM (PM2.5), black carbon, and accumulation mode particles were continuously monitored at a station and their associations with the health indicators were evaluated. Interquartile range increases in 25 to 96-hour-lag exposure to PM2.5, black carbon, and accumulation mode particles were associated with significant increases in systolic blood pressure (brachial: 0.8-3.2 mm Hg; central: 0.7-2.8 mm Hg) and diastolic blood pressure (brachial, 0.5-1.5 mm Hg; central, 0.5-1.6 mm Hg). At least 1 pollutant was associated with increases in augmentation pressure and heart rate and decreases in reactive hyperemia index and ejection time. The serum concentrations of arachidonate were significantly increased by 3.3% to 14.6% in association with PM exposure, which mediated 9% of the PM-associated increases in blood pressure. The levels of eicosanoids from the cytochrome P450, cyclooxygenase, and lipoxygenase pathways changed with PM exposure, and those from the cytochrome pathway significantly mediated the association between PM exposure and blood pressure. Short-term exposure to particulate air pollution was associated with a prohypertensive change in adults, which was in part mediated by alteration of arachidonate metabolism.