Residential Air Pollution Research Articles

Residential greenness, air pollution and visual impairment: a prospective cohort study

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the associations between residential greenness, air pollution (PM2.5, PM10, and NO2), and the risk of visual impairment in Chinese middle-aged and elderly adults.MethodsThe data were used from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), focusing on adults aged 45 years and older. Exposure to residential greenness was assessed using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), while air pollution exposure (PM2.5, PM10, and NO2) was estimated from the ChinaHighAirPollutants dataset. Visual impairment was self-reported and categorized as distance visual impairment (DVI) and near visual impairment (NVI). Cox proportional hazards models were applied to investigate the associations between residential greenness, air pollution, and visual impairment. Furthermore, we investigated the potential modification and mediation relationship between residential greenness, air pollution and visual impairment.ResultsA total of 9,591 participants were included in this study. During a 7-year period, 2,650 cases of DVI and 3,130 cases of NVI were identified. In the single exposure model, a higher level of residential greenness was associated with a significantly reduced risk of both DVI and NVI. Specifically, for every 0.1 unit increase in NDVI, the hazard ratio (HR) was 0.68 (95%CI: 0.65,0.71) for DVI, and 0.67 (95%CI: 0.64,0.69) for NVI. Conversely, exposure to air pollution was positively associated with increased risks for both DVI and NVI. For each 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5, the HR was 1.60 (95%CI: 1.56,1.65) for DVI and 1.64 (95%CI: 1.60,1.69) for NVI. Similarly, PM10 and NO2 exposure showed elevated risks with HR of 1.28 (95%CI: 1.27,1.30) and 1.73 (95%CI: 1.62,1.85) for DVI, and 1.30 (95%CI: 1.28,1.32) and 1.82 (95%CI: 1.72,1.94) for NVI, respectively. The multiple exposure model also showed significant association between residential greenness, air pollution and visual impairment risk. Additionally, the adverse effects of PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 were attenuated in areas with the highest levels of residential greenness. Mediation analysis revealed that air pollution mediated a significant portion of the association between residential greenness and visual impairment.ConclusionThis study suggests that increased residential greenness may reduce the risk of visual impairment, partially by mitigating air pollution exposure. These findings highlight the environmental benefits to improve air quality and enhance green spaces, thereby promoting visual health in aging populations.

Linking joint exposures to residential greenness and air pollution with adults’ social health in dense Hong Kong

Despite the growing recognition of the impact of urban environments on social health, limited research explores the combined associations of multiple urban exposures, particularly in dense cities. This study examines the interplay between greenspace, air pollution, and social health as well as the underlying pathways and population heterogeneity in Hong Kong using cross-sectional survey data from 1977 adults and residential environmental data. Social health includes social contacts, relations, and support. Greenspace used street-view greenness (SVG), park density, and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). 100-m daily ground NO2 and O3, indicative of air pollution, were derived using a spatiotemporal deep learning model. Mediators involved physical activity and negative emotions. Main analyses were performed in a 1000-m buffer with multivariate logistical regressions, stratification, interaction, and Partial Lease Square - Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Multi-exposure models revealed positive associations between park density/SVG and social contacts, as well as between SVG and social relations, while O3 was negatively associated with social relations/support. Significant moderators included age, birthplace, employment, and education. PLS-SEM indicated direct positive associations between SVG and social contacts/relations and significant indirect negative associations between NO2/O3 and social health via negative emotions. This study adds to urban health research by exploring complex relationships between greenspace, air pollution, and social health, highlighting the role of the environment in fostering social restoration.

Association of residential air pollution and green space with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in individuals with diabetes: an 11-year prospective cohort study

To assess the long-term impact of residential air pollution and green space exposure on cause-specific mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study includes 174,063 participants newly diagnosed with T2DM from a prospective cohort in Shanghai, China, enrolled between 2011 and 2013. Residential annual levels of air pollutants, including fine (PM2.5) and coarse (PM2.5-10) particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), along with the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), were derived from satellite-based exposure models. During a median follow-up of 7.9 years (equivalent to 1,333,343 person-years), this study recorded 22,205 deaths. Higher exposure to PM2.5 was significantly associated with increased risks for all mortality outcomes, whilst PM2.5-10 showed no significant impacts. The strongest associations of PM2.5 were observed for diabetes with peripheral vascular diseases [hazard ratio (HR): 2.70; per 10μg/m3 increase] and gastrointestinal cancer (2.44). Effects of NO2 became significant at concentrations exceeding approximately 45μg/m³, with the highest associations for lung cancer (1.20) and gastrointestinal cancer (1.19). Conversely, each interquartile range increase in NDVI (0.10) was linked to reduced mortality risks across different causes, with HRs ranging from 0.76 to 1.00. The association between greenness and mortality was partly and significantly mediated by reduced PM2.5 (23.80%) and NO2 (26.60%). There was a significant and negative interaction between NO2 and greenness, but no interaction was found between PM2.5 and greenness. Our findings highlight the vulnerability of individuals with T2DM to the adverse health effects of air pollution and emphasise the potential protective effects of greenness infrastructure. The 6th Three-year Action Program of Shanghai Municipality for Strengthening the Construction of Public Health System (GWVI-11.1-22), the National Key Research and Development Program (2022YFC3702701), and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82030103, 82373532).

Greenness Exposure and Mortality Risk in a Cardio-Oncologic Population.

Knowledge is lacking on the relationship between greenness and mortality in cancer survivors who experience coronary artery disease (CAD), a cardio-oncologic population. We aimed to investigate the association between residential greenness exposure and all-cause mortality in a cardio-oncologic population. Cancer survivors undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention at the Rabin Medical Center in Israel between 2004 and 2014 were included in the study. Clinical data were collected from medical records during index hospitalization and from the Israeli National Cancer Registry. Residential greenness was estimated by the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), a satellite-based index derived from Landsat imagery at a 30-meter spatial resolution, with larger values indicating higher levels of vegetative density (ranging between -1 to 1). Mortality follow-up data were obtained through the end of 2021. Cox models were used to assess the hazard ratios (HRs) for all-cause mortality per 1SD increase in NDVI. Among 1,331 patients analyzed [mean (SD) age, 75.6 (10.2) years, 373 (28%) females], the mean (SD) NDVI within a 300-meter radius was 0.12 (0.03). During a median follow-up period of 12.0 (IQR 9.2-14.7) years, 883 (66%) participants died. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, including residential socioeconomic status, air pollution, and smoking, NDVI was inversely associated with mortality hazard [HR (95% CI) = 0.93 (0.86, 0.99); p=.042]. The association was stronger among individuals with more recently (<10 years) diagnosed cancer [HR (95% CI) = 0.89 (0.81, 0.98); p=.019]. In a cohort of cardio-oncologic patients, greenness was independently associated with lower mortality.

Residential ambient air pollution exposure and the development of white matter microstructure throughout adolescence

BackgroundRecent evidence suggests an association of air pollution exposure with brain development, but evidence on white matter microstructure in children is scarce. We investigated how air pollution exposure during pregnancy and childhood impacts longitudinal development of white matter microstructure throughout adolescence. MethodsOur study population consisted of 4108 participants of Generation R, a large population-based birth cohort from Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Residential air pollution exposure to 14 air pollutants during pregnancy and childhood was estimated with land-use regression models. Diffusion tensor images were obtained around age 10 and 14, resulting in a total of 5422 useable scans (n = 3082 for wave 1 and n = 2340 for wave 2; n = 1314 for participants with data on both waves). We calculated whole-brain fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) and performed single- and multi-pollutant analyses using mixed effects models adjusted for life-style and socioeconomic status variables. ResultsHigher exposure to PM2.5 during pregnancy, and PM10, PM2.5, PM2.5-10, and NOX during childhood was associated with a consistently lower whole-brain FA throughout adolescence (e.g. – 0.07 × 10−2 FA [95%CI -0.12; −0.02] per 1 standard deviation higher PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy). Higher exposure to silicon (Si) in PM2.5 and oxidative potential of PM2.5 during pregnancy, and PM2.5 during childhood was associated with an initial higher MD followed by a faster decrease in MD throughout adolescence (e.g. – 0.02 × 10−5 mm2/s MD [95%CI -0.03; −0.00] per year of age per 1 standard deviation higher Si exposure during pregnancy). Results were comparable when performing the analysis in children with complete data on the outcome for both neuroimaging assessments. ConclusionsExposure to several pollutants was associated with a consistently lower whole-brain FA throughout adolescence. The association of few pollutants with whole-brain MD at baseline attenuated throughout adolescence. These findings suggest both persistent and age-limited associations of air pollution exposure with white matter microstructure.

Temporal Trends in Air Pollution Exposure across Socioeconomic Groups in The Netherlands.

Air pollution exposure has been linked to detrimental health outcomes. While cross-sectional studies have demonstrated socioeconomic disparities in air pollution exposure, longitudinal evidence on these disparities remains limited. The current study investigates trends in residential air pollution exposure across socioeconomic groups in the Netherlands from 2014 to 2019. Our dataset includes over 12.5 million individuals, aged 18 years and above, who resided in the Netherlands between 2014 and 2019, using Statistics Netherlands data. The address-level air pollution concentrations were estimated by dispersion models of the National Institute of Public Health and the Environment. We linked the exposure estimations of particulate matter < 10 or <2.5 μm (PM10, PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) to household-level socioeconomic data. In highly urbanized areas, individuals from both the lowest and highest socioeconomic groups were exposed to higher air pollution concentrations. Individuals from the lowest socioeconomic group were disproportionally located in highly urbanized and more polluted areas. The air pollution concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, and NO2 decreased between 2014 and 2019 for all the socioeconomic groups. The decrease in the annual average air pollution concentrations was the strongest for the lowest socioeconomic group, although differences in exposure between the socioeconomic groups remain. Further research is needed to define the health and equity implications.

Association between residential air pollution exposure and cardiovascular risk factors in adults living in northern France.

Air pollution is associated with elevated cardiovascular mortality and an increase in cardiovascular risk factors. However, the literature data on associations between air pollution and cardiovascular risk factors are contradictory. To explore the relationship between residential exposure to atmospheric pollutants and cardiovascular risk factors (lipid biomarker and blood pressure levels). We studied a sample of 2339 adult participants in the ELISABET study from the Dunkirk and Lille urban areas of France. The mean annual exposure to atmospheric pollutants (PM10, NO2 and SO2) at the home address was estimated via an air dispersion model. The associations were probed in multivariate linear regression models. The mean NO2 level was 26.05 μg/m3 in Lille and 19.96 µg/m3 in Dunkirk. The mean PM10 level was 27.02 μg/m3 in Lille and 26.53 μg/m3 in Dunkirk. We detected a significant association between exposure to air pollutants and the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (which is a protective factor against cardiovascular diseases) level: for a 2 µg/m3 increment in PM10, the HDL level decreased by 1.72% (p = 0.0037). None of the associations with other lipid variables or with blood pressure were significant. We didn't find evidence significant associations for most of the risk factors but, long-term exposure of adults to moderate levels of ambient air pollution was associated with a decrement in HDL.

Elevated Exposure to Air Pollutants Accelerates Primary Glomerular Disease Progression

IntroductionEnvironmental contributors to kidney disease progression remain elusive. We explored how residential air pollution impacts disease progression in patients with primary glomerulopathies. MethodsNephrotic Syndrome Study Network (NEPTUNE) and CureGlomerulonephropathy (CureGN) participants with residential census tract data and ≥2 years of follow-up were included. Using Cox proportional hazards models, the associations per doubling in annual average baseline concentrations of total particulate matter with diameter ≤ 2.5 μm (PM2.5) and its components, black carbon, and sulfate, with time to ≥40% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or kidney failure were estimated. Serum tumor necrosis factor levels and kidney tissue transcriptomic inflammatory pathway activation scores were used as molecular markers of disease progression. ResultsPM2.5, black carbon, and sulfate exposures were comparable in NEPTUNE (n=228) and CureGN (n=697). In both cohorts, participants from areas with higher levels of pollutants had lower eGFR, were older and more likely self-reported racial and ethnic minorities. In a fully adjusted model combining both cohorts, kidney disease progression was associated with PM2.5 (adjusted HR 1.55 [95% CI:1.00, 2.38], p=0.0489) and black carbon (adjusted HR 1.43 [95% CI:0.98, 2.07], p=0.0608) exposure. Sulfate and PM2.5 exposure were positively correlated with serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF) (p=0.003) and interleukin-1β levels (p=0.03), respectively. Sulfate exposure was also directly associated with transcriptional activation of the TNF and JAK-STAT signaling pathways in kidneys (r=0.55-0.67, p-value <0.01). ConclusionElevated exposure to select air pollutants is associated with increased risk of disease progression and systemic inflammation in patients with primary glomerulopathies (word count: 248).

Differentiating the impact of fine and coarse particulate matter on cause-specific cerebrovascular mortality: An individual-level, case-crossover study

Background and objectivesMany studies suggested that short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and coarse particulate matter (PM2.5–10) was linked to elevated risk of cerebrovascular disease. However, little is known about the potentially differential effects of PM2.5 and PM2.5–10 on various types of cerebrovascular disease. MethodsWe collected individual cerebrovascular death records for all residents in Shanghai, China from 2005 to 2021. Residential daily air pollution data were predicted from a satellite model. The associations between particulate matters (PM) and cerebrovascular mortality were investigated by an individual-level, time-stratified, case-crossover design. The data was analyzed by the conditional logistic regression combined with the distributed lag model with a maximum lag of 7 days. Furthermore, we explored the effect modifications by sex, age and season. ResultsA total of 388,823 cerebrovascular deaths were included. Monotonous increases were observed for mortality of all cerebrovascular diseases except for hemorrhagic stroke. A 10 μg/m3 rise in PM2.5 was related to rises of 1.35% [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04%, 1.66%] in mortality of all cerebrovascular diseases, 1.84% (95% CI: 1.25%, 2.44%) in ischemic stroke, 1.53% (95% CI: 1.07%, 1.99%) in cerebrovascular sequelae and 1.56% (95% CI: 1.08%, 2.05%) in ischemic stroke sequelae. The excess risk estimates per each 10 μg/m3 rise in PM2.5–10 were 1.47% (95% CI: 1.10%, 1.84%), 1.53% (95% CI: 0.83%, 2.24%), 1.93% (95% CI: 1.38%, 2.49%) and 2.22% (95% CI: 1.64%, 2.81%), respectively. The associations of both pollutants with all cerebrovascular outcomes were robust after controlling for co-pollutants. The associations were greater in females, individuals > 80 years, and during the warm season. ConclusionsShort-term exposures to both PM2.5 and PM2.5–10 may independently increase the mortality risk of cerebrovascular diseases, particularly of ischemic stroke and stroke sequelae.

Association between particulate air pollution and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy: A retrospective cohort study.

Epidemiological findings regarding the association of particulate matter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) exposure with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) are inconsistent; evidence for HDP risk related to PM2.5 components, mixture effects, and windows of susceptibility is limited. We aimed to investigate the relationships between HDP and exposure to PM2.5 during pregnancy. A large retrospective cohort study was conducted among mothers with singleton pregnancies in Kaiser Permanente Southern California from 2008 to 2017. HDP were defined by International Classification of Diseases-9/10 (ICD-9/10) diagnostic codes and were classified into 2 subcategories based on the severity of HDP: gestational hypertension (GH) and preeclampsia and eclampsia (PE-E). Monthly averages of PM2.5 total mass and its constituents (i.e., sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, organic matter, and black carbon) were estimated using outputs from a fine-resolution geoscience-derived model. Multilevel Cox proportional hazard models were used to fit single-pollutant models; quantile g-computation approach was applied to estimate the joint effect of PM2.5 constituents. The distributed lag model was applied to estimate the association between monthly PM2.5 exposure and HDP risk. This study included 386,361 participants (30.3 ± 6.1 years) with 4.8% (17,977/373,905) GH and 5.0% (19,381/386,361) PE-E cases, respectively. In single-pollutant models, we observed increased relative risks for PE-E associated with exposures to PM2.5 total mass [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) per interquartile range: 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.04, 1.10] p < 0.001], black carbon [HR = 1.12 (95% CI [1.08, 1.16] p < 0.001)] and organic matter [HR = 1.06 (95% CI [1.03, 1.09] p < 0.001)], but not for GH. The population attributable fraction for PE-E corresponding to the standards of the US Environmental Protection Agency (9 μg/m3) was 6.37%. In multi-pollutant models, the PM2.5 mixture was associated with an increased relative risk of PE-E ([HR = 1.05 (95% CI [1.03, 1.07] p < 0.001)], simultaneous increase in PM2.5 constituents of interest by a quartile) and PM2.5 black carbon gave the greatest contribution of the overall mixture effects (71%) among all individual constituents. The susceptible window is the late first trimester and second trimester. Furthermore, the risks of PE-E associated with PM2.5 exposure were significantly higher among Hispanic and African American mothers and mothers who live in low- to middle-income neighborhoods (p < 0.05 for Cochran's Q test). Study limitations include potential exposure misclassification solely based on residential outdoor air pollution, misclassification of disease status defined by ICD codes, the date of diagnosis not reflecting the actual time of onset, and lack of information on potential covariates and unmeasured factors for HDP. Our findings add to the literature on associations between air pollution exposure and HDP. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting that specific air pollution components, mixture effects, and susceptible windows of PM2.5 may affect GH and PE-E differently.

Associations Between Early-Life Adversity, Ambient Air Pollution, and Telomere Length in Children.

Examine the independent associations and interaction between early-life adversity and residential ambient air pollution exposure on relative buccal telomere length (rBTL). Experiences of abuse, neglect, household challenges, and related life events were identified in a cross-sectional sample of children aged 1 to 11 years ( n = 197) using the 17-item Pediatric ACEs and Related Life Event Screener (PEARLS) tool. The PEARLS tool was analyzed both as a total score and across established domains (Maltreatment, Household Challenges, and Social Context). Ground-level fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) concentrations were matched to residential locations for the 1 and 12 months before biospecimen collection. We used multivariable linear regression models to examine for independent associations between continuous PM 2.5 exposure and PEARLS score/domains with rBTL. In addition, effect modification by PEARLS scores and domains on associations between PM 2.5 exposure and rBTL was examined. Study participants were 47% girls, with mean (standard deviation) age of 5.9 (3.4) years, median reported PEARLS score of 2 (interquartile range [IQR], 4), median 12-month prior PM 2.5 concentrations of 11.8 μg/m 3 (IQR, 2.7 μg/m 3 ), median 1-month prior PM 2.5 concentrations of 10.9 μg/m 3 (IQR, 5.8 μg/m 3 ), and rBTL of 0.1 (IQR, 0.03). Mean 12-month prior PM 2.5 exposure was inversely associated with rBTL ( β = -0.02, 95% confidence interval = -0.04 to -0.01). Although reported PEARLS scores and domains were not independently associated with rBTL, we observed a greater decrement in rBTL with increment of average annual PM 2.5 as reported Social Context domain items increased ( p -interaction < .05). Our results suggest that adverse Social Context factors may accelerate the association between chronic PM 2.5 exposure on telomere shortening during childhood.

Abstract PR-009: Associations between PM2.5, vegetation density and childhood brain tumors: a case-control registry-based study from Texas 1995-2011

Abstract Background: Air pollution has been reported to be associated with some childhood cancers, namely leukemias. Less is known about air pollution and childhood brain tumor risk. In adult cancers, increasing vegetation density, or greenness, has been inversely associated with cancer incidence and survival. The interplay between air pollution and greenness, which co-occur, in childhood cancer etiology is unclear. Therefore, we sought to estimate the association between prenatal and early life exposure to air pollution, greenness, and childhood cancer in Texas (1995-2011). Materials and Methods: We included 1,316 individuals with a childhood brain tumor diagnosed &amp;lt;17 years of age and 109,762 age- and sex-matched controls. We linked birth certificate residential address to census tract annual average particulate matter 2.5 µg/m³ (PM2.5) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to approximate prenatal and early life exposure to greenness and air pollution. We estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) as the measure of association between PM2.5 and NDVI interquartile range (IQR) increases and brain tumors. Models were adjusted for birth year, sex, maternal race/ethnicity, and area-level socioeconomic status (Yost index). Results: The following brain tumor types were included: ependymoma (n=136), astrocytoma (n=619), medulloblastoma (n=187), PNET (n=57), ATRT (n=54), and other gliomas (n=263). Average birth year PM2.5 and NDVI exposure levels were similar in cases and controls, 11 µg/m³ and 0.4, respectively. Each IQR increase (2.6 µg/m³) in PM2.5 was associated with ependymoma (OR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.01-1.60) when adjusting for control-derived quartiles of NDVI. Conversely, after adjusting for PM2.5 quartiles, each IQR increase in NDVI (0.13) was inversely associated with ependymoma in those diagnosed at 0-4 years of age (OR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.56-0.97) and with medulloblastoma in those aged 0-16 years at diagnosis (OR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.62-0.91). There was no evidence of statistical interaction between NDVI and PM2.5 (all Likelihood Ratio Test p-values&amp;gt;0.05) for any brain tumors. Conclusions: Increasing residential air pollution during prenatal and early life increased the risk of childhood ependymoma in Texas independent of greenness. Conversely, increasing greenness exposure in prenatal and early life decreased the risk of ependymoma and medulloblastoma independent of PM2.5. These findings highlight the complex relationship between air pollution and greenness in childhood cancer etiology. Citation Format: Lindsay Williams, David Haynes, Jeannette Sample, Laura McGuinn, Thanh Hoang, Philip Lupo, Michael Scheurer. Associations between PM2.5, vegetation density and childhood brain tumors: a case-control registry-based study from Texas 1995-2011 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Brain Cancer; 2023 Oct 19-22; Minneapolis, Minnesota. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(5 Suppl_1):Abstract nr PR-009.

Nexus between residential air pollution and physiological stress is moderated by greenness

Nexus between residential air pollution and physiological stress is moderated by greenness

Environmental Health Literacy Regarding Fine Particulate Matter and Related Factors Among Village Health Volunteers in Upper Northern Thailand.

Fine particulate matter pollution has emerged as a significant life-threatening issue in Thailand. Recognizing the importance of environmental health literacy (EHL) in disease prevention is crucial for protecting public health. This study investigated EHL levels and aimed to identify associated factors among village health volunteers (VHVs) in the upper northern region of Thailand. A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data from 710 VHVs using the EHL assessment tool developed by the Department of Health, Thailand. The overall EHL score was moderate (mean, 3.28 out of a possible 5.0), with the highest and lowest domain-specific mean score for the ability to make decisions (3.52) and the ability to access (3.03). Multiple linear regression revealed that the factors associated with EHL score were area of residence (urban areas in Chiang Mai: B=0.254; urban areas in Lampang: B=0.274; and rural areas in Lampang: B=0.250 compared to rural areas in Chiang Mai), higher education levels (senior high school: B=0.212; diploma/high vocational certificate: B=0.350; bachelor's degree or above: B=0.528 compared to elementary school or lower), having annual health checkups compared to not having annual health check-ups (B=0.142), monthly family income (B=0.004), and individuals frequently facing air pollution issues around their residence (B=0.199) compared to those who reported no such issues. The VHVs exhibited moderate EHL associated with residence area, education, health check-ups, family income, and residential air pollution. Considering these factors is vital for enhancing VHVs' EHL through strategic interventions.

Air pollutants, genetic susceptibility, and the risk of incident gastrointestinal diseases: A large prospective cohort study

A comprehensive overview of the associations between air pollution and the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases has been lacking. We aimed to examine the relationships of long-term exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM) with aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5), 2.5–10 μm (PMcoarse), ≤10 μm (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx), with the risk of incident GI diseases, and to explore the interplay between air pollution and genetic susceptibility. A total of 465,703 participants free of GI diseases in the UK Biobank were included at baseline. Land use regression models were employed to calculate the residential air pollutants concentrations. Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the associations of air pollutants with the risk of GI diseases. The dose-response relationships of air pollutants with the risk of GI diseases were evaluated by restricted cubic spline curves. We found that long-term exposure to ambient air pollutants was positively associated with the risk of peptic ulcer (PM2.5 : Q4 vs. Q1: hazard ratio (HR) 1.272, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.179–1.372, NO2: 1.220, 1.131–1.316, and NOx: 1.277, 1.184–1.376) and chronic gastritis (PM2.5: 1.454, 1.309–1.616, PM10 : 1.232, 1.112–1.366, NO2: 1.456, 1.311–1.617, and NOx: 1.419, 1.280–1.574) after Bonferroni correction. Participants with high genetic risk and high air pollution exposure had the highest risk of peptic ulcer, compared to those with low genetic risk and low air pollution exposure (PM2.5: HR 1.558, 95%CI 1.384–1.754, NO2: 1.762, 1.395–2.227, and NOx: 1.575, 1.403–1.769). However, no significant additive or multiplicative interaction between air pollution and genetic risk was found. In conclusion, long-term exposure to ambient air pollutants was associated with increased risk of peptic ulcer and chronic gastritis.

Association of residential greenness, air pollution with adverse birth outcomes: Results from 61,762 mother‑neonatal pairs in project ELEFANT (2011–2021)

BackgroundEmerging evidence has demonstrated the benefits of greenness exposure on human health, while conflicts remain unsolved in issue of adverse birth outcomes. MethodsUtilizing data from project ELEFANT spanning the years 2011 to 2021, we assessed residential greenness using the NDVI from MODIS data and residential PM2.5 exposure level from CHAP data. Our primary concerns were PTD, LBW, LGA, and SGA. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to examine the association of residential greenness and air pollution exposure with risk of adverse birth outcomes. We performed mediation and modification effect analyses between greenness and air pollutant. ResultsWe identified 61,762 mother‑neonatal pairs in final analysis. For per 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 concentration during entire pregnancy was associated with 19.8 % and 20.7 % increased risk of PTD and LGA. In contrast, we identified that an 0.1 unit increment in NDVI were associated with 24 %, 43 %, 26.5 %, and 39.5 % lower risk for PTD, LBW, LGA, and SGA, respectively. According to mediation analysis, NDVI mediated 7.70 % and 7.89 % of the associations between PM2.5 and PTD and LGA. Residential greenness could reduce the risk of PTD among mothers under 35 years old, living in rural areas, primigravidae and primiparity.. ConclusionsIn summary, our results highlighted the potential of residential greenness to mitigate the risk of adverse birth outcomes, while also pointing to the adverse impact of PM2.5 on increased risk of multiple adverse birth outcomes (PTD and LGA). The significant mediation effect of NDVI emphasizes its potential as an important protective factor of PM2.5 exposure. Additionally, the identification of susceptible subgroups can inform targeted interventions to reduce adverse birth outcomes related to air pollution and lack of green spaces. Further research and understanding of these associations can contribute to better public health strategies aimed at promoting healthier pregnancies and birth outcomes.

Residential Nitrogen Dioxide Exposure and Cause-Specific Cerebrovascular Mortality: An Individual-Level, Case-Crossover Study.

Existing studies have already shown a connection between nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exposure and cerebrovascular mortality. However, the differential effects of NO2 on cerebrovascular disease and its subtypes remain unclear and require further exploration. Daily stroke mortality data between 2013 and 2021 in Shanghai, China were collected. Residential daily air pollution data for each decedent were predicted from a satellite model. An individual-level, time-stratified, case-crossover design was applied to examine the relationship between NO2 exposure and cerebrovascular mortality. A combination of conditional logistic regression and distributed lag models with a maximum lag of 7 days was used for data analysis. A total of 219,147 cases of cerebrovascular mortality were recorded. Among them, the proportion of sequelae of cerebrovascular disease, hemorrhagic stroke and ischemic stroke was 50.7%, 17.1% and 27.5%, respectively. The monotonic increases in mortality risks of cerebrovascular diseases, sequelae of cerebrovascular disease and ischemic stroke were observed, without any discernible thresholds. Each 10 μg/m3 increase in NO2 concentration was associated with increments of 3.62% [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.56%, 4.69%] for total cerebrovascular mortality, 4.29% (95% CI: 2.81%, 5.80%) for sequelae of cerebrovascular disease mortality and 4.30% (95% CI: 2.30%, 6.33%) for ischemic stroke mortality. No positive associations between NO2 exposure and hemorrhagic stroke mortality were observed. A greater risk of NO2 was observed in the warm season, in patients with less than 9 years of education and in those with single marital status. The effects of NO2 were robust to mutual adjustment of co-pollutants. Short-term exposures to NO2 may increase the risk of cerebrovascular mortality, specifically for ischemic stroke and sequelae of cerebrovascular disease.

Asthma and Other Respiratory Diseases of Children in Relation to Personal Behavior, Household, Parental and Environmental Factors in West China.

Asthma and other respiratory diseases, which are of great concern in public health, are paid less attention in areas that are less economically developed. This research aimed to study the prevalence of critical respiratory diseases of children living in West China and figure out the potential influencing factors. A total of 575 children under the age of 14 were recruited from Xinjiang, China, to participate in the study in 2022. Information on activity patterns, socioeconomic and parental factors, and household and surrounding environment situations was obtained using a questionnaire survey. Logistic regression models were applied to estimate the odds ratios of respiratory disease prevalence in relation to behavior patterns, household, parental and environmental factors, respectively. The prevalence of ever doctor-diagnosed asthma, doctor-diagnosed bronchitis and current bronchitis were 4.7%, 19.0% and 14.4%, respectively. The prevalence of doctor-diagnosed pneumonia was 8.2%, which was two times higher in urban than rural areas. Longer annual heating duration was significantly associated with higher risks in children's asthma and bronchitis, with an odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of 3.363 (95% CI: 1.215-9.298) and 1.267 (95% CI: 1.002-1.601), respectively. Opening the window longer in autumn would lead to higher risks of bronchitis, with ORs of 1.165 and 1.133, respectively, for doctor-diagnosed bronchitis and current bronchitis. Residential air pollution and having a residence close to waste incineration plant or garbage station were, respectively, significantly associated with higher risks of doctor-diagnosed bronchitis and asthma. Parental disease history was associated with a higher prevalence of children's asthma and respiratory diseases, whereas breastfeeding and doing physical exercise were, respectively, significantly associated with a lower risk of asthma. A high prevalence of respiratory diseases in children in West China may be partly attributed to longer annual heating time, opening windows longer in autumn, surrounding environmental pollution, as well as parental disease history, whereas promoting physical activity and breastfeeding could be an effective measure to reduce the risk of childhood asthma in West China.

Evaluation of Two Chilean Native Macroalgae: “Pelillo” (Gracilaria chilensis) and “Lamilla” (Ulva sp.) for Thermal Insulation Application

Energy consumption in the residential sector and air pollution are relevant topics for the global population. One of the causes, especially in cold climate cities, is that buildings maintain a high energy consumption for heating and cooling, primarily using low-efficiency biomass combustion for heating, which releases a significant amount of particulate matter into the environment. In this context, thermal insulation materials play a crucial role in reducing the energy demand of buildings, requiring advancements in the sustainable development of such materials within the context of climate change. This study carried out an evaluation of two algae species found along the Chilean coasts, with the aim of characterizing them and creating a prototype of a sustainable material. Their physicochemical properties were analyzed, and the results demonstrate that the algae exhibit excellent thermal insulation properties, with an average thermal conductivity of 0.036 [W/mK]. This result is comparable to expanded polystyrene (EPS), a widely used material in the Chilean and global markets, which has an average thermal conductivity value of 0.038 [W/mK]. Additionally, the algae show a good thermal stability, and their morphology contributes to the development of a bulk material, as they possess a porous structure with air chambers between the fibers.

Industrial air pollution and low birth weight in New Mexico, USA

In recent decades, the low birth weight (LBW) rate in New Mexico has consistently exceeded the Unites States average. Maternal exposure to air pollution during pregnancy may be a significant contributor to LBW in offspring. This study investigated the links between maternal residential exposure to air pollution from industrial sources and the risk of LBW in offspring. The analysis included 22,375 LBW cases and 233,340 controls. It focused on 14 common chemicals listed in the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) and monitoring datasets, which have abundant monitoring samples. The Emission Weighted Proximity Model (EWPM) was used to calculate maternal air pollution exposure intensity. Adjusted odds ratios (adjORs) were calculated using binary logistic regressions to examine the association between maternal residential air pollution exposure and LBW, while controlling for potential confounders, such as the maternal age, race/ethnicity, gestational age, prenatal care, education level, consumption of alcohol during pregnancy, public health regions, child's sex, and the year of birth. Multiple comparison correction was applied using the False Discovery Rate approach. The results showed that maternal residential exposure to 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene, benzene, chlorine, ethylbenzene, and styrene had significant positive associations with LBW in offspring, with adjusted odds ratios ranging from 1.10 to 1.13. These five chemicals remained as significant risk factors after dividing the estimated exposure intensities into four categories. In addition, significant linear trends were found between LBW and maternal exposure to each of the five identified chemicals. Furthermore, 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene was identified as a risk factor to LBW for the first time. The findings of this study should be confirmed through additional epidemiological, biological, and toxicological studies.