Ambient Air Pollution

Aim of this study was to assess the annual social cost of air pollution impact on health of Warsaw population. The study consisted of three main parts, i.e. the determination of Warsaw citizens' exposure to air pollution, the quantification of the health effect as a result of this exposure and the economic evaluation of the assessed health impact. Value of Statistical Life (VSL) derived from Willingness To Pay (WTP) for mortality risk reduction was used to assess the costs of premature mortality, whereas the Cost of Illness (COI) Approach was applied for the estimation of the costs of excessive cardiovascular and respiratory hospitalizations as well as restricted activity days. Thorough search was performed to find the best assessment of VSL for the Warsaw population and finally the value of 1.9 Mio PLN was chosen. Annually, approximately 2 264 premature death cases, 351 839 restricted activity days, 684 and 1 551 excessive hospital admissions due to (respectively) respiratory a...

Air pollution, both ambient and indoor, is a significant contributor to cardiovascular oxidative stress, inflammation and elevated blood pressure, a key mechanism for hypertension. Hypertension has emerged as a significant public health concern in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), including India. Previous studies have linked air pollution to hypertension in older adults, while the remaining young and middle-aged (YAMA) women (30-49 years) are also increasingly affected by hypertension due to prolonged exposure to environmental risks, particularly from cooking fuels and proximity to pollution sources. Therefore, this study investigates the association between ambient and household air pollution (HAP) with hypertension among YAMA women in India. We analysed data from the National Family Health Survey-five (NFHS-5) integrated with the PM 2.5 Grids database of NASA. Descriptive statistics and bivariate and multivariable statistical analyses were included. The results showed that the mean PM 2.5 level was 64.34 μg/m 3 , with a 21.91% prevalence of hypertension among women in India. The logistic regression model revealed that exposure to PM 2.5 and HAP increased the likelihood of hypertension by 1.036 times (p < 0.001) and 1.025 times (p < 0.001), respectively. Other risk factors, including women's age, education, religion, caste, wealth index, self-smoking behaviour, body mass index, and diabetes, were also significantly associated with hypertension. These findings underscore the urgent need to address social and environmental determinants of hypertension burden among women. Public health policies should prioritize cleaner household energy sources and enforce stricter ambient air quality regulations in reducing the burden of hypertension and preventing cardiovascular diseases among women in India.

BACKGROUND: This study examined potential associations between exposure to episodes of air pollution and alterations in semen quality. The air pollution, resulting from combustion of coal for industry and home heating in the Teplice district of the Czech Republic, was much higher during the winter than at other times of year with peaks exceeding US air quality standards. METHODS: Young men from Teplice were sampled up to seven times over 2 years allowing evaluation of semen quality after periods of exposure to both low and high air pollution. Routine semen analysis (sperm concentration, motility and morphology) and tests for sperm aneuploidy and chromatin integrity were performed, comparing measurements within each subject. Exposure was classified as high or low based on data from ambient air pollution monitoring. RESULTS: Using repeated measures analysis, a significant association was found between exposure to periods of high air pollution (at or above the upper limit of US air quality standards) and the percentage of sperm with DNA fragmentation according to sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA). Other semen measures were not associated with air pollution. CONCLUSION: Exposure to intermittent air pollution may result in sperm DNA damage and thereby increase the rates of male-mediated infertility, miscarriage, and other adverse reproductive outcomes.

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Objective. Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is one of the most common health threats to the adult population of the U.S. and other countries. The objective of this study was to examine the association between exposure to elevated annual average levels of Particulate matter 2.5 (PM 2.5 ) air quality index (AQI) and IHD in the general population. Methods. We combined data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and the U.S Environmental Protection Agency air quality database. We analyzed the data using SUDAAN software to adjust the effects of sampling bias, weights, and design effects. Results. The prevalence of IHD was 9.6% among respondents who were exposed to an annual average level of PM 2.5 AQI .60 compared with 5.9% among respondents exposed to an annual average PM 2.5 AQI #60. The respondents with higher levels of PM 2.5 AQI exposure were more likely to have IHD (adjusted odds ratio 5 1.72, 95% confidence interval 1.11, 2.66) than respondents with lower levels of exposure after adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, smoking, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia. Conclusions. Our study suggested that exposure to relatively higher levels of average annual PM 2.5 AQI may increase the likelihood of IHD. In addition to encouraging health-related behavioral changes to reduce IHD, efforts should also focus on implementing appropriate measures to reduce exposure to unhealthy AQI levels.

Background: The association between long-term exposure to air pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ), ozone (O 3 ), and particulate matter 10 μm or less in diameter (PM 10 ), and mortality by ischemic heart disease (IHD), cerebrovascular disease (CVD), pneumonia (PN), and chronic lower respiratory disease (CLRD) is unclear. We investigated whether living in an administrative district with heavy air pollution is associated with an increased risk of mortality by the diseases through an ecological study using South Korean administrative data over 19 years. Methods: A total of 249 Si-Gun-Gus, unit of administrative districts in South Korea were studied. In each district, the daily concentrations of CO, SO 2 , NO 2 , O 3 , and PM 10 were averaged over 19 years (2001)(2002)(2003)(2004)(2005)(2006)(2007)(2008)(2009)(2010)(2011)(2012)(2013)(2014)(2015)(2016)(2017)(2018). Age-adjusted mortality rates by IHD, CVD, PN and CLRD for each district were averaged for the same study period. Multivariate beta-regression analysis was performed to estimate the associations between air pollutant concentrations and mortality rates, after adjusting for confounding factors including altitude, population density, higher education rate, smoking rate, obesity rate, and gross regional domestic product per capita. Associations were also estimated for two subgrouping schema: Capital and non-Capital areas (77:172 districts) and urban and rural areas (168:81 districts). Results: For IHD, higher SO 2 concentrations were signi cantly associated with a higher mortality rate, whereas other air pollutants had null associations. For CVD, SO 2 and PM 10 concentrations were signi cantly associated with a higher mortality rate. For PN, O 3 concentrations had signi cant positive associations with a higher mortality rate, while SO 2 , NO 2 , and PM 10 concentrations had signi cant negative associations. For CLRD, O 3 concentrations were associated with an increased mortality rate, while CO, NO 2 , and PM 10 concentrations had negative associations. In the subgroup analysis, positive associations between SO 2 concentrations and IHD mortality were consistently observed in all subgroups, while other pollutant-disease pairs showed null, or mixed associations. Conclusion: Long-term exposure to high SO 2 concentration was signi cantly and consistently associated with a high mortality rate nationwide and in Capital and non-Capital areas, and in urban and rural areas. Associations between other air pollutants and disease-related mortalities need to be investigated in further studies.

Abstract: Introduction: This paper describes the impacts of the closure of a major industry on air quality in‎ the Lower Hunter Region. BHP Rod and Bar was recognized as the most important source of‎ particulate matter (PM10, bsp), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulphur ...

The present study evaluates the ambient particulate matter (PM 2.5) and associated elemental concentrations during the festival of Diwali (firecrackers bursting amid religious celebrations) during October-November in India. PM 2.5 on Diwali day was 182 μg/m 3, which is three times more than National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) set by the government of India with metals contributing 22.7% to the PM 2.5 load on 24 October 2022. Barium, potassium, strontium, aluminum and magnesium are major elements found in PM 2.5. Multiple correlation and enrichment factor also gave similar results. Arsenic concentration exceeds the NAAQS along with cadmium (European Commission) and lead (USEPA) exceeds permissible standards during Diwali days. It is concluded that the bursting of fireworks during the Diwali celebration is a significant contributor to gaseous, and metal pollution, which includes hazardous elements like arsenic, cadmium, and lead. Although the population exposed to the pollution was at risk for a few days, significant health impacts can result from unfavourable weather conditions, as is typically seen in north India during the months of October through November. In general, low-quality conventional firecrackers can pose detrimental health impacts to children and older people during low planet boundary conditions with minimal wind velocity.

A limitation of most air pollution health effects studies is that they rely on monitoring data averaged over one or more ambient monitors to represent daily air pollution exposures for individuals. Such data analyses therefore implicitly require the assumption of a homogeneous spatial distribution for particulate matter ( PM ) . This assumption may be suspected in the Pacific Northwest because of its hilly topography and local variations in wood burning. To examine the bias from substituting regional PM ( i.e., the average of three ambient monitor measurements ) for individual PM exposure, we conducted an exposure substudy to identify the influence of location factors, specifically urban versus suburban classification and topographic features ( ``upstream'' versus ``downstream'' ) , on local ambient measurements. Using nephelometer measurements collected over 1 year in four locations, we developed regression models to predict local PM as a function of regional PM, atmospheric stagnation, temperature, and location. We found a significant interaction between atmospheric stagnation and topography, with the most upstream site having reduced PM levels on high stagnation days after controlling for regional PM. We also found a significant interaction with temperature at one downstream site thought to be heavily exposed to wood smoke in the winter. These results are consistent with the physics of surface radiation inversions. The interactions reordered the index versus referent exposures in a case ± crossover analysis of out -of -hospital primary cardiac arrest for subjects living in specific locations, but did not meaningfully change the associations with PM from the analysis using regional PM as the exposure. The lack of change in these results may be due to limitations in the data used to correct the exposure estimates or to the absence of a PM effect among persons without prior heart disease who experienced a primary cardiac arrest. Journal of Exposure Analysis and Environmental Epidemiology ( 2001 ) 11, 86 ± 96.

Background: Asthmatic individuals constitute a large sub-population that is often considered particularly susceptible to the deleterious effects of inhalation of airborne chemicals. However, for most such chemicals information on asthmatics is lacking and inter-individual assessment factors (AFs) of 3-25 have been proposed for use in the derivation of health-based guideline values. Objective: To evaluate available information in attempt to determine whether a general difference in airway response during short-term exposure between healthy and asthmatic individuals can be identified, and whether current AFs for inter-individual variability provide sufficient protection for asthmatics. Methods: After performing systematic review of relevant documents and the scientific literature estimated differential response factors (EDRF) were derived as the ratio between the lowest observed adverse effect levels for healthy and asthmatic subjects based on studies in which both groups were tested under the same conditions. Thereafter, the concentration-response relationships for healthy and asthmatic subjects exposed separately to four extensively tested chemicals (nitrogen dioxide, ozone, sulfuric acid, sulfur dioxide) were compared on the basis of combined data. Finally, a Benchmark Concentration (BMC) analysis was performed for sulfur dioxide. Results: We found evidence of higher sensitivity among asthmatics (EDRF41) to 8 of 19 tested chemicals, and to 3 of 11 mixtures. Thereafter, we confirmed the higher sensitivity of asthmatics to sulfuric acid and sulfur dioxide. No difference was observed in the case of ozone and nitrogen dioxide. Finally, our BMC analysis of sulfur dioxide indicated a ninefold higher sensitivity among asthmatics. Conclusion: Although experimental data are often inconclusive, our analyses suggest that an AF of 10 is adequate to protect asthmatics from the deleterious respiratory effects of airborne chemicals.

Air pollution is among the highest contributors to mortality worldwide, especially in urban areas. During spring 2020, many countries enacted social distancing measures in order to slow down the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. A particularly drastic measure, the &quot;lockdown&quot;, urged people to stay at home and thereby prevent new Covid-19 infections. In turn, it also reduced traffic and industrial activities. But how much did these lockdown measures improve air quality in large cities, and are there differences in how air quality was affected? Here, we analyse data from two megacities: London as an example for Europe and Delhi as an example for Asia. We consider data during and before the lockdown and compare these to a similar time period from 2019. Overall, we find a reduction in almost all air pollutants with intriguing differences between the two cities. In London, despite smaller average concentrations, we still observe high-pollutant states and an increased tendency towards e...

▪   Energy and energy technologies have a central role in social and economic development at all scales, from household and community to regional and national. Among its welfare effects, energy is closely linked with public health both positively and negatively, the latter through environmental pollution and degradation. We review the current research on how energy use and energy technologies influence public health, emphasizing the risks associated with indoor and ambient air pollution from energy use, and the links between the local and global environmental health impacts of energy use. This review illustrates that, despite their large public health implications, most energy policies and programs in the developing world are fundamentally treated as components of overall economic development, without explicit assessment of their health benefits or hazards. Closer integration of health in energy management can facilitate the development of policies and programs that increase welfare...

A unique illness, the coronavirus disease 2019 , emerged in Wuhan, People's Republic of China, in December 2019. To reduce the spread of the virus, strict lockdown policies and control measures were put in place all over the world. Due to these enforced limitations, a drastic drop in air pollution and an improvement in air quality were observed. The present study used six air pollutants (PM 10 , PM 2.5 , SO 2 , NO 2 , CO and O 3 ) to observe trends before, during and after the COVID-19 lockdown period in Nanjing, China. The data were divided into six phases:

A unique illness, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), emerged in Wuhan, People’s Republic of China, in December 2019. To reduce the spread of the virus, strict lockdown policies and control measures were put in place all over the world. Due to these enforced limitations, a drastic drop in air pollution and an improvement in air quality were observed. The present study used six air pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NO2, CO and O3) to observe trends before, during and after the COVID-19 lockdown period in Nanjing, China. The data were divided into six phases: P1–P3, pre-lockdown (1 October–31 December 2019), lockdown (1 January–31 March 2020), after lockdown (1 April–30 June 2020), P4–P6: the same dates as the lockdown but during 2017, 2018 and 2019. The results indicate that compared with the pre-lockdown phase, the PM10 and PM2.5 average concentrations decreased by –27.71% and –5.09%. Compared with the previous three years, 2017–2019, the reductions in PM10 and PM2.5 were –37.99% a...

Objective: To evaluate the adverse effect of exposure to air pollution on lung function growth in school-aged children. Methods: A cohort of 1983 children from three districts in Guangzhou, China was followed-up for 6 months. The children performed pulmonary function tests twice, and their parents reported the child's respiratory symptoms by self-administered questionnaires in both surveys. Results: The annual mean concentrations of air pollutants for the past 5 years for particulate matter less than 10 microns in diameter (PM 10 ), nitrogen (NO 2 ), and sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) were respectively: 96.1 mg/m 3 , 76.0 mg/m 3 , and 65.7 mg/m 3 in the highly-polluted district (HPD), 80.3 mg/m 3 , 67.6 mg/m 3 , and 54.5 mg/m 3 in the moderately-polluted district (MPD), and 80.0 mg/m 3 , 48.1 mg/m 3 , and 52.2 mg/m 3 in the least-polluted district (LPD). After adjustment for potential confounders, significant deficits were found in the annual growth rates of forced expiratory flows at 25% (FEF 25 ), and between 25% and 75% (FEF 25e75 ) in boys and FEF 25 in girls (In boys, for FEF 25 , À0.136 l/s, p Z 0.008 in MPD and À0.153 l/s, p Z 0.004 in HPD, respectively; for FEF 25e75 , À0.176 l/s, p Z 0.013 in MPD and À0.167 l/s, p Z 0.021 in HPD, respectively. In girls, for FEF 25 , À0.123 l/s, p Z 0.043 in HPD), using LPD

The health effects associated with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) have attracted considerable public attention in recent decades. It has been verified that PM2.5 can damage the respiratory and cardiovascular systems and cause various diseases. While the association between diseases and PM2.5 has been widely studied, this work aims to analyze the association between PM2.5 and hospital visit rates for respiratory diseases in Taiwan. To this end, a disease mapping model that considers spatial effects is applied to estimate the association. The results show that there is a positive association between hospital visit rates and the PM2.5 concentrations in the Taiwanese population in 2012 after controlling for other variables, such as smoking rates and the number of hospitals in each region. This finding indicates that control of PM2.5 could decrease hospital visit rates for respiratory diseases in Taiwan.

Spatio temporal analysis of and health impact assessment of Particulate matter with diameter less than or equal to 2.5 micrometer (PM2.5) has been carried out for certain locations in Nigeria. The data covered a period of one year. ARIMA model was used to forecast PM2.5 concentration for year 2023. Forecast showed that average values were; Anyigba 31.12µg/m 3 , Ibadan 4.12µg/m 3 , Auchi 4,993.88µg/m 3 , Lekki, Lagos State 1.15µg/m 3 , Benin 60.28µg/m 3 , Kebbi 87.84µg/m 3. The health impact assessment for 2023 shows that for long term effect, Benin was forecasted to have the highest casualty. Adults 30+ years most likely to die due to natural causes are 4,180, those likely to die due to lung cancer are 5,640, children 0-5years likely to die due to ALRI are 4,590, mortality due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are 3,804, mortality due to ischemic heart disease is 3,885, mortality due to stroke for adults are 3,561. It was similar for short term effects. According to the estimation for Benin, Hospital admissions due to respiratory diseases will be 1,030, which could rise to 2,082 if the concentration of PM 2.5 is not controlled below 10µg/m 3. Hospital admissions due to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) including stroke, will be 504 and could rise to 905. Mortality due to all natural causes (adults 30+ years) will be 677 and could rise to 1,087. Restricted activity in days (RADs) for all ages will be 2,399 and could rise to 2,671 days.

The article discusses the issue of clarifying the code "37" "Collection and
treatment of wastewater" of the Russian Classifier of Economic Activities. The following are proposed and justified: clarification of the translation of the name of the code "37" "Sewage" of the Statistical Classification of Economic Activities in the European Economic Community (NACE Rev. 2); detailing the types of economic activities within the concept of "wastewater disposal" , first of all, highlighting the types of activities related to the treatment of sewage sludge and the removal of foul-smelling substances.

The rapid and continuous growth of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, have contributed to a surge in vehicular traffic, prompting concerns regarding air pollution and its health implications. This study to analyzed the spatial distribution of Particulate Matter (PM) in Port Harcourt and their possible effects on the respiratory health of residents of Port Harcourt Metropolis. Utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for mapping, air quality monitoring, this study identified pollution hotspots and investigated the prevalence of related respiratory health risks. The results demonstrate significant variations in PM concentrations across the study area, with high-emission zones associated with elevated rates of some respiratory illnesses. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions in air quality management and public health policies to reduce the detrimental effects of PM on respiratory health.

We conducted a mortality time series study to investigate the association between daily mortality for congestive heart failure (CHF), and daily concentrations of particles and gaseous pollutants in the ambient air of Montreal, Quebec, during the period 1984-1993. In addition, using data from the universal Quebec Health Insurance Plan, we identified individuals X65 years of age who, one year before death, had a diagnosis of CHF. Fixed-site air pollution monitors in Montreal provided daily mean levels of pollutants. We regressed the logarithm of daily counts of mortality on the daily mean levels of each pollutant, after accounting for seasonal and subseasonal fluctuations in the mortality time series, non-Poisson dispersion, weather variables, and other gaseous and particle pollutants. Using cause of death information, we did not find any associations between daily mortality for CHF and any air pollutants. The analyses of CHF defined from the medical record showed positive associations with coefficient of haze, the extinction coefficient, SO 2 , and NO 2 . For example, the mean percent increase in daily mortality for an increase in the coefficient of haze across the interquartile range was 4.32% (95% CI: 0.95-7.80%) and for NO 2 it was 4.08% (95% CI: 0.59-7.68%). These effects were generally higher in the warm season.

This study was undertaken to determine whether variations in concentrations of particles in the ambient air of Montreal, Quebec, during the period 1984 to 1993, were associated with daily variations in nonaccidental mortality. Fixed-site air pollution monitors in Montreal provided daily mean levels of various measures of particulates and gaseous pollutants. Total sulfates were also measured daily (1986+1993) at a monitoring station 150 km southeast of the city (Sutton, Quebec). We estimated associations for PM 2.5 , PM 10 , total suspended particles, coefAcient of haze (COH), extinction coefAcient, and sulfates. We used coefAcient of haze, extinction co-efAcient, and Sutton sulfates to predict Ane particles and sulfates for days that were missing. To estimate the associations between nonaccidental mortality and ambient air particles, we regressed the logarithm of daily counts of nonaccidental mortality on the daily mean levels for the above measures of particulates, after accounting for seasonal and subseasonal Buctuations in the mortality time series, non-Poisson dispersion, weather variables, and gaseous pollutants. There were 140,939 residents of Montreal who died during the study period. We found evidence of associations between daily nonaccidental deaths and most measures of particulate air pollution. For example, the mean percentage increase (MPC) for an increase of total suspended particles of 28.57 g/m 3 (interquartile range, IQ), evaluated at lag 0 days, was 1.86% (95% conAdence interval (CI): 0.00+3.76%), and for an increase of coefAcient of haze (IQ ‫؍‬ 18.5 COH units per 327.8 linear m) the MPC was 1.44% (95% CI: 0.75+2.14%). These results are similar to Andings from other studies (the mean percentage increase in nonaccidental deaths for a 100 g/m 3 increase in daily total suspended particles was 6.7%). We also found increases for Ane particles and for inhalable particles, but the conAdence intervals included unity. All measures of sulfates showed increased daily mortality; e.g., the MPC for sulfates from Ane particles (IQ ‫؍‬ 3.51 g/m 3 ) was 1.86% (95% CI: 0.40+3.35%). We generally found higher excesses in daily mortality for persons 65 years of age and for exposures averaged across lags 0, 1, and 2 days. The slope of the association between daily mortality and ambient air particles in Montreal, which has lower levels of pollution than most major urban centers, is similar to that reported in most other industrialized cities. This study therefore provides further evidence that the association is linear and that any threshold effect, should it exist, would be found at lower levels of air pollution than those found in Montreal.

Sustainable development refers to a process in which all available natural resources are utilised in a way that ensures future generations will also benefit from them. Sustainable development is a strategy for boosting the economy that takes into account both immediate needs and long-term goals. The goal of sustainable development is to enhance the standard of living for future generations by bolstering the economy and reducing environmental degradation. Sustainable development aims to promote social harmony as one of its primary outcomes. Sustainable development promotes a progressive shift in how we create and utilise technology in order to preserve and improve our resource base. The biggest obstacles to sustainable development include poverty, unemployment, climate change, armed conflict, and humanitarian help. This paper outlines one of the major environmental issues. The study also focuses on techniques for sustainable development, which are essential for both the survival of the current generation and that of future generations.

The current study uses various approaches to assess the levels and possibly identify the source of atmospheric air pollutants in ambient air within designated areas of Port Harcourt metropolitan city of Rivers state. The pollutants of interest were particulate matters (PM2.5 and PM10), NO2, SO2, CO, CO2 O3, CH4, and NH3. The concentrations of air pollutants were evaluated using in-situ portable aeroqual gas detector and particulate matter counter. The source identification was carried out using principal component analysis (PCA). The average value for air pollutants in Port Harcourt zone were as follows: PM2.

Air pollution has been identified as a significant environmental problem often experienced in rapidly developing built-up cities in developing countries. This study analyzed the dry season spatio-temporal variation of air pollutants (SO 2 , NO 2 , CO, PM 10 and PM 2.5) pollutants and meteorological parameters (ambient temperature, humidity, wind speed and wind direction) and air quality indices (AQI) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Based on land use, three sampling location were selected for the study at Igbogene, Tombia-edepie roundabout, Swali market with Otuogori as control. Measurement was carried out on weekly (Monday, Wednesday and Saturday) from 9:00am and 5:00pm (8 hours daily) on each monitoring day for four weeks. Spatial interpolation of air pollutants was performed using Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW). SO 2 , NO 2 , PM 10 and PM 2.5 concentration exceeded permissible limits. The study showed that northeast wind sector contributed about 40% of the overall dry season variations of air pollutants concentration in the area. Spatial analysis indicated that interpolated average values of air pollutants exceeded permissible limits, Air quality indices of the study area indicate that Swali market and Tombia-Edepie have high to very high air pollution, suggesting increased risk of human health and the environment. To mitigate the effects of air pollution in the study area the study recommends scaling up the use of sustainable transport systems, especially mass transit. We also recommend the strengthening and enforcement of regulatory and economic tools for land use and waste management.

The introduction highlights the challenges of air pollution from construction activities on a site in Lagos Island, Nigeria, emphasizing the need for comprehensive studies to assess air pollution levels and evaluate its implications for public health and environmental quality. The methodology outlines the monthly data collection process, using the Earth Sense Zephyr (equipped with electrochemical detectors for gases) to measure CO, NO, NO₂, O₃, and Optical light scattering for particles) to measure PM₂.₅, and PM₁₀, and the ARA n-FRM Sampler for additional data collection on PM₂.₅, and PM₁₀. The study found that CO, NO, and NO₂ levels were influenced by construction activities, vehicle emissions and industrial sources, with notable peaks in CO and NO concentrations during specific months. Ozone levels remained consistently low, likely due to the "titration effect," while particulate matter (PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀) showed significant seasonal variation, peaking during the dry season due to construction dust and dry weather conditions. The findings underscore the need for stringent regulatory measures and effective dust control practices, particularly during periods of increased construction activity and dry weather, to mitigate air pollution and protect public health. In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the dynamics of air pollution from a typical construction site in Lagos Island, emphasizing the urgency of sustainable interventions to safeguard public health and environmental integrity. The study proposes enhanced monitoring and surveillance, stringent regulatory measures, promotion of sustainable construction practices, and public awareness and education, to address the challenges associated with construction-related air pollution on Lagos Island.

Air pollution is a global health issue and a cause of premature mortality. There is an urgent need to develop air quality monitoring networks and to implement standards enabling dependable testing and delivering reliable results. European standards provide reference methods for testing ambient air quality, which are used in accredited laboratories. In this paper, we present an example of research conducted with the use of a mobile, automated station Airpointer ® in an industrial area under pressure from the lime and cement industry located in southeastern Poland. During the measurement campaign, the concentrations of the studied pollutants did not exceed the permissible thresholds, yet they strongly depended on meteorological conditions. The air filter was analysed with an energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) microanalyzer in the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results confirmed that dust particles present in ambient air are connected with local emission sources-industry based on the extraction and processing of minerals. The equipment and measurement techniques used in this study are effective in identifying the potential threat of air pollution. Automated, short-term measurements of air pollution can be a significant source of information, indispensable for drawing up action plans aimed at air quality protection in order to achieve sustainable development goals.

Introduction: Disposable medical masks commonly used to protect against airborne pathogenic microorganisms have gained popularity during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Until the Comirnaty vaccine was approved by the European Commission on 21 December 2020, the masks had been basically the only protection against the infection. The manufacturer guaranteeing a bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) of 95% also states that the masks are intended for protection of the respiratory system against pollutants and dust. Aim of the research: The aim of the article is to assess the suitability of the mask as a means of protecting the respiratory system against harmful dust during the periods of high PM2.5 air levels. Using the microscopic examination of individual mask layers the quantitative and qualitative composition of the material subjected to aeration in the zone affected by urban pollution was analysed. Material and methods: The FFP2 mask commonly available on the market, manufactured in accordance with the EN 149:20001 + A1:2009 standard, was analysed. Observations and sample analysis was conducted by using the Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) microanalyser in a Scanning Electron Microscopy System FEI Quanta 250 in the

Lung functions of children exposed to air pollutions around industrial areas in Rayong Thailand were tested. 806 elementary students aged 9-12 years performed Spirometric measurements during February-August 2013. Eight volunteer schools were selected based on the distance between schools and Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate (MTPIE). The study sites were divided into 3 groups: A -4 schools located within 1 kilometer from MTPIE, B -2 schools located in 1-5 kilometers from MTPIE and C -2 schools at 5-10 kilometers from MTPIE. The lung function impairments of subjects in group A, B and C were statistically analyzed by Binary Logistic Regression. According to the study, the low lung functions were found in group A with the distance near industrial sites, odds ratios (OR) = 1.66 (95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.06-2.62). Comparing the area B to that of C, the lung functions were found different but not significant, OR = 0.66, (95% CI = 0.34-1.29). Comparing the PM 10 level to the reference group, children exposed to particulate matter PM 10 < 37 μg/ m 3 , their lung function potentially reduced with OR = 1.77 (95% CI = 1.25-2.51). The impaired lung function in school children was associated with the level of air pollution and the distance from industrial sites.

It has been well established that both meteorological attributes and air pollution concentrations affect human health outcomes. We examined all cause nonaccident mortality relationships for 28 years in relation to air pollution and synoptic weather type (encompassing air mass) data in 12 Canadian cities. This study first determines the likelihood of summertime extreme air pollution events within weather types using spatial synoptic classification. Second, it examines the modifying effect of weather types on the relative risk of mortality (RR) due to daily concentrations of air pollution (nitrogen dioxide, ozone, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter <2.5 μm). We assess both single-and twopollutant interactions to determine dependent and independent pollutant effects using the relatively new time series technique of distributed lag nonlinear modeling (DLNM). Results display dry tropical (DT) and moist tropical plus (MT+) weathers to result in a fourfold and twofold increased likelihood, respectively, of an extreme pollution event (top 5 % of pollution concentrations throughout the 28 years) occurring. We also demonstrate statistically significant effects of single-pollutant exposure on mortality (p<0.05) to be dependent on summer weather type, where stronger results occur in dry moderate (fair weather) and DT or MT+ weather types. The overall average single-effect RR increases due to pollutant exposure within DT and MT+ weather types are 14.9 and 11.9 %, respectively. Adjusted exposures (two-way pollutant effect estimates) generally results in decreased RR estimates, indicating that the pollutants are not independent. Adjusting for ozone significantly lowers 67 % of the single-pollutant RR estimates and reduces model variability, which demonstrates that ozone significantly controls a portion of the mortality signal from the model. Our findings demonstrate the mortality risks of air pollution exposure to differ by weather type, with increased accuracy obtained when accounting for interactive effects through adjustment for dependent pollutants using a DLNM.

Now a day Air Quality affected with respect to the Particular matter (PM) which created the growing Pollution is increasing in many cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmadabad and Pune. Increase in Air pollution is due to pollutant such as particulate matter (PM 10 to PM 2.5), Ozone (O 3), Nitrogen oxide (NO 2), Carbon monoxide (CO), Sulphur dioxide (SO 2). Particulate matter may be emitted from a number of sources, some of them natural and some are the manmade (e.g. volcanoes and dust storms, power plants and industrial processes, vehicular traffic, domestic coal burning, industrial and municipal waste incinerators) The majority of these man-made sources are concentrated in limited areas, i.e. the urbanized areas, where populations are also concentrated. This review is focused on evaluation of the health effects of suspended particles in air, underlining studies that permit direct evaluation of associations with PM 10 , PM 2.5, sulfate ion (SO 4). As we are civil engineers, we studied those effects of air pollution and no researcher is undertaking research on reducing the PM concentration from environment. Use of domestic airfiltration devices particle-filtration masks and car air filtration air conditioning leads to meaningful reduction of Particular matters in the environment. That is useful for improvement for human health.

Background: Although several studies have investigated the association between maternal exposure to air pollution and preterm birth, the results are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to further investigate the relation between maternal exposure to ambient air pollution during pregnancy and the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight (LBW) in an Iranian pregnant population. Materials and methods: In this study, we identified 4758 consecutive singleton birth records from one large referral hospital (2010-2012) in Isfahan, Iran. We identified cases of preterm birth and LBW, which were combined with meteorological and air pollution monitoring data. We estimated the effect of air pollution exposure during the entire pregnancy, each trimester, and last month, and preterm birth (gestational age <37 weeks) and LBW (<2500 g) by Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) using logistic regression adjusted for gestational age, neonate gender, birth order, and mother's age. Results: The PSI for entire pregnancy was significantly associated with preterm birth [Odds Ratio (95% CI) = 1.26 (1.20, 1.33)]. There was no association between maternal exposure to ambient air pollution and each trimester and the last month of pregnancy, and preterm birth or LBW. Conclusion: Maternal exposure to ambient air pollution during the entire pregnancy was associated with preterm birth in Isfahani women.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) can broadly be defined as a processes designed to study the effects of a proposed project, plan or program on the environment. The legal, methodological and procedural foundations of EIA were established in 1970 by the enactment of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in the USA. At the international level, lending banks and bilateral aid agencies have EIA procedures that apply to borrowing and recipient countries. Most developing counties have also embraced and are in the process of formalizing EIA through legislation. The paper highlights the evolution to current status, the legal framework, concepts, processes and principles of EIA in Ethiopia.

Understanding air quality is essential in today's world where pollution poses a significant threat to public health. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool that helps individuals comprehend the quality of the air they breathe. By breaking down its different levels and their health impacts, we can become more proactive about our well-being and the environment.

Objective To investigate the level of and covariates associated with ambient air pollution health literacy (AAPHL) among adult residents of Taiwan. Methods With a cross-sectional study design, we conducted telephone interviews using a Chinese version AAPHL scale, which consisted of 24 items assessing 12 subdomains of AAPHL formed by 4 information processing competence matrices (i.e., access, understand, appraise, and apply) and 3 health contexts (i.e., healthcare, disease prevention, and health promotion). The AAPHL was with the lowest and highest score at 1 to 4, respectively. Between September and November 2020, a sample of 1017 and 280 adults was successfully interviewed via home phones and mobile phones, respectively. We employed multiple linear regression models to identify covariates significantly associated with overall and 4 matric-specific AAPHL scores. Results The mean and standard deviation (±SD) of overall AAPHL score was considered as moderate at 2.90 (±0.56), with the ...

The goal of this paper is to examine the respiratory health effects of airborne particles exposure and modification due to climate parameters using a case-control retrospective investigation and a time series analysis of data obtained in the same area and two time periods. In Study-Part 1, TSP (total suspended particles) was identified as a risk factor for COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases) in the exposed population, with relative humidity as a protective factor against asthma. In StudyPart 2, adverse effects of TSP could be revealed for chronic bronchitis. Seasons and days of the weeks turned out to be important confounding factors. In both study periods there was a weak adverse effect of TSP upon chronic bronchitis incidence and hospitalization (disease exacerbation), especially at a specific age, 15-64 years. We conclude that, in the investigated area, the respiratory health effects of particles are substantial and modified by climate parameters and seasonality. Key-Wo...

The Ethiopian industrial development strategy is characterized by export-led and labor intensive industrialization. The country is emerging as the most important investment destination in its apparel sector. Thought this sector is expected to generate more income from the export market, its export earnings remain trivial mainly due to the inefficient organizational resource utilization. One of the competent techniques that help companies to efficiently improve the use of their resources to increase their profit is linear programming. In apparel manufacturing firms, efficient use of materials such as fabrics and sewing threads and processing time at different stages of production as well as minimization of labor and materials cost are necessary to enhance their profitability. Cutting, sewing, and finishing operations deserve more attention for apparel process optimization. However, the issue of proper resource allocation remains an unsolved problem within the Ethiopian apparel industry. The aim of this research is to devise efficient resource utilization mechanism for Ethiopian apparel sector to improve their resource utilization and profitability, taking one of the garment factories engaged in the export market as a case study. Five types of products the company is currently producing, the amount of resources employed to produce each unit of the products, and the value of profit per unit from the sale of each products have been collected from the case company. The monthly availability of resources utilized and the monthly production volume of the five products have also been collected from the company. The data gathered was mathematically modeled using a linear programming technique, and solved using MS-Excel solver. The findings of the study depicts that all of the organizational resources are severely underutilized. This research proved that the resource utilization of the case company can be improved from 46.41% of the current resource utilization to 98.57%. This indicates that the new solution provides very significantly improvement in organizational resource utilization. At the same time, with the new solution, the total profit per month of the case company can be increased from 365,699 birr per month to 897,844 birr per month (i.e., with an increment of 145.5%). Finally, it is concluded that this remarkable profit increment of the company can certainly enhance its global competitiveness.

Industrial, agricultural, and natural pollution pose a critical problem for the Prairie provinces of Canada, with significant environmental and health concerns. This study addresses a critical knowledge gap by assessing the cumulative impacts of pollutants in the Prairie region, which hosts 40 % of the Canada's indigenous population, often living near these pollution sources. By innovatively integrating Sentinel-5P satellite data, Google Earth Engine, ArcGIS, and Python, we show the trends in CO, NO₂, HCHO, SO₂, and aerosols from 2019 to 2023 at high resolution for the entire region, which sheds new light on the dynamics that operate beyond conventional air quality monitoring. Key findings are summer peaks for NO₂ and aerosols in southern Saskatchewan, related to agriculture, while winter peaks for CO and SO₂ in Alberta and Saskatchewan signal the need for renewable heating options. Alberta had the highest levels for most of the pollutants; however, CO concentrations were the highest in Manitoba. By integrating satellite data with ground-based measures, we also offer a more comprehensive and accurate analysis to pinpoint regional pollution issues, to help toward development of data-driven air quality strategies, and to enhance alignment of federal-provincial initiatives. These insights promote targeted interventions lowering exposure risk while encouraging practical sustainability in the Prairie region, and aid Canada in achieving its net-zero emission goal.

Air pollution is a leading global disease risk factor. Tracking progress (e.g. for Sustainable Development Goals) requires accurate, spatially resolved, routinely updated exposure estimates. A Bayesian Hierarchical Model was developed to estimate annual average fine particle (PM2.5) concentrations at 0.1° × 0.1° spatial resolution globally for 2010-2016. The model incorporated spatially-varying relationships between 6003 ground measurements from 117 countries, satellite-based estimates and other predictors. Model coefficients indicated larger contributions from satellite-based estimates in countries with low monitor density. Within and out-of-sample cross-validation indicated improved predictions of ground measurements compared to previous (Global Burden of Disease 2013) estimates (increased within-sample R2 from 0.64 to 0.91, reduced out-of-sample, global population-weighted Root Mean Squared Error from 23 μg/m3 to 12 μg/m3). In 2016, 95% of the world&#39;s population lived in area...

The evaluation of the effects of air pollution on public health and human-wellbeing requires reliable data. Standard air quality monitoring stations provide accurate measurements of airborne pollutant levels, but, due to their sparse distribution, they cannot capture accurately the spatial variability of air pollutant concentrations within cities. Dedicated in-depth field campaigns have dense spatial coverage of the measurements but are held for relatively short time periods. Hence, their representativeness is limited. Moreover, the oftentimes integrated measurements represent time-averaged records. Recent advances in communication and sensor technologies enable the deployment of dense grids of Wireless Distributed Environmental Sensor Networks for air quality monitoring, yet their capability to capture urban-scale spatiotemporal pollutant patterns has not been thoroughly examined to date. Here, we summarize our studies on the practicalities of using data streams from sensor nodes f...

In recent years there has been a trend to view the Citizens&#39; Observatory as an increasingly essential tool that provides an approach for better observing, understanding, protecting and enhancing our environment. However, there is no consensus on how to develop such a system, nor is there any agreement on what a Citizens&#39; Observatory is and what results it could produce. The increase in the prevalence of Citizens&#39; Observatories globally has been mirrored by an increase in the number of variables that are monitored, the number of monitoring locations and the types of participating citizens. This calls for a more integrated approach to handle the emerging complexities involved in this field, but before this can be achieved, it is essential to establish a common foundation for Citizens&#39; Observatories and their usage. There are many aspects to a Citizens&#39; Observatory. One view is that its essence is a process that involves environmental monitoring, information gatheri...

We conducted this systematic review to identify and appraise studies investigating the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) effect on ambient air pollution status worldwide. The review of studies was conducted using determined search terms via three major electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) approach. A total of 26 full-text studies were included in our analysis. The lockdown measures related to COVID-19 pandemic caused significant decreases in the concentrations of PM 2.5 , NO 2 , PM 10 , SO 2 and CO globally in the range of 2.9%-76.5%, 18.0%-96.0%, 6.0%-75.0%, 6.8%-49.0% and 6.2%-64.8%, respectively. However, O 3 concentration increased in the range of 2.4%-252.3%. The highest decrease of PM 2.5 was found in 16 states of Malaysia (76.5%), followed by Zaragoza (Spain) with 58.0% and Delhi (India) with 53.1%. The highest reduction of NO 2 was found in Salé city (Morocco) with 96.0%, followed by Mumbai (India) with 75.0%, India with 70.0%, Valencia (Spain) with 69.0%, and São Paulo (Brazil) with 68.0%, respectively. The highest increase of O 3 was recorded for Milan (Italy) with 252.3% and 169.9% during the first and third phases of lockdown measures, and for Kolkata (India) with 87% at the second phase of lockdown measures. Owing to the lockdown restrictions in the studied countries and cities, driving and public transit as a proxy of human mobilities and the factors affecting emission sources of ambient air pollution decreased in the ranges of 30-88% and 45-94%, respectively. There was a considerable variation in the reduction of ambient air pollutants in the countries and cities as the degree of lockdown measures had varied there. Our results illustrated that the COVID-19 pandemic had provided lessons and extra motivations for comprehensive implementing policies to reduce air pollution and its health effects in the future.

Exposure to ambient air pollution (particles, fibres) is associated with pulmonary diseases and cancer. The mechanisms of induced health effects are believed to involve inflammation and oxidative stress. Oxidative stress mediated by airborne particles and/or fibres may arise from direct generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from the surface of particles/fibres, soluble compounds such as transition metals or organic compounds, and activation of inflammatory cells capable of generating ROS and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). Generation of ROS/RNS can directly cause covalent modifications to DNA or they can initiate the formation of genotoxic lipid hydroperoxides. The resulting oxidative DNA damage can lead to changed gene expression such as upregulation of tumor promoters and downregulation of tumor suppressor genes and thus may be implicated in cancer development. The present review describes the important role of free radicals in particle-/fibreinduced cellular damage, the interaction of ROS with target molecules, especially with DNA, and the modulation of specific genes and transcription factor caused by oxidative stress.

In this study, investigation of aerosol distribution over southern parts of Nigeria. The study employed the dataset (AIRS CO, OMI / TOMS, NOAA) and analysed on a onestop web-based platform known as GIOVANNI. The results revealed that CH₄ in Oguta, Warri, and Akpabuyo outweigh the value in Port Harcourt value by 30.7%, 24.9%, and 29.2% respectively, while the volume occurrence in Port Harcourt outweighs that of Eket by 3.13%. Findings also indicated elevated values of CH4 observed in Akpabuyo followed by Port Harcourt. Additionally, during the rainy season, there was a reduction in CH4 and CO concentration in all the study locations as well as an increase in NO2 and SO2 loading over the study period in all locations except at Warri where the SO2 loading decreased by 2.09% while NO2 recorded a neutral value. Based on the results, the study recommends formulation of legislation to curtail gas flares around the study area.

The problems related to the environmental pollution caused by anthropogenic activity are particularly signifi cant worldwide. The aim of the study is the quality of the atmospheric air in the region of Stara Zagora, Kazanluk Municipality and Galabovo Municipality and the morbidity of the population. The data are provided by RHI (Regional Health Inspectorate), RHIF (Regional Health Insurance Fund) and MI (Medical Institutions)
Stara Zagora for a two-year period 2017-2018. Documentary, statistical and sociological methods are applied. For the period 2017-2018, in Stara Zagora, Ruzhena and Galabovo are reported excessive concentrations of PM10 (fi ne dust particles). There is an increase in the number of respiratory diseases with the highest relative share of acute bronchitis
and pneumonia, especially in children. In order to reduce atmospheric air pollution and the health consequences for the population, it is necessary to carry out architectural and technological measures in the harmful productions of enterprises by installing modern purifi cation facilities. Infrastructural measures such as improving the road surface and using ring roads are also needed.

Featured Application: The article describes the results of a project that concerned the creation of a method of using big data to build traffic models in special periods (e.g., during a pandemic) when obtaining data in a traditional way is difficult or not possible. Then, based on the comparison between those models and the typical state of the transport system, it is possible to perform comparative analysis and impact analyses. For example, analyses of social cost related to travel restrictions can be estimated.

Roadside vegetation helps to retain air pollutants emitted by road traffic. On the other hand, its presence makes it difficult to ventilate street canyons. The paper examines the influence of vegetation on the dispersion of air pollution generated by road traffic, using the example of two street canyons—both-sided and one-sided street canyons. The study was conducted taking into account the actual emission conditions occurring on the analyzed road sections estimated using the HBEFA methodology. Subsequently, a three-dimensional pollution dispersion model named MISKAM was employed to simulate the air pollutant dispersion conditions in the analyzed street canyons. The modelling results were compared with the measurement data from air quality monitoring stations located in these canyons. The obtained results indicated that the presence of vegetation can significantly impact on the air dispersion of traffic-related exhaust and non-exhaust emissions. The impact of vegetation is more pronounced in the case of a street canyon with dense, high-rise development on both sides than in the case of a street canyon with such development on only one side. The results for the both-sided street canyon demonstrate that the discrepancy between the scenario devoid of vegetation and the scenario with vegetation was approximately 5 μg/m3 (10%) for PM10 and approximately 54 μg/m3 (45%) for NOx, with the former scenario showing lower values than the latter. Nevertheless, the scenario with the vegetation exhibited a lesser discrepancy with the air quality measurements. Vegetation functions as a natural barrier, reducing wind speed in the street canyon, which in turn limits the spread of pollutants in the air, leading to pollutant accumulation near the building walls that form the canyon. Consequently, atmospheric dispersion modelling must consider the presence of vegetation to accurately evaluate the effects of road traffic emissions on air quality in urban areas, particularly in street canyons. The results of this study may hold importance for urban planning and decision-making regarding environmental management in cities aimed at improving air quality and public health.

Background-An emerging body of evidence suggests that ambient levels of air pollution during pregnancy are associated with preterm birth. Methods-To further investigate these relationships we used vital record data to construct a retrospective cohort of 476,489 births occurring between 1994 and 2004 in five central counties of metropolitan Atlanta. Using a time-series approach, we examined aggregated daily counts of preterm birth in relation to ambient levels of carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone, particulate matter < 10 m in diameter (PM 10), particulate matter < 2.5 m in diameter (PM 2.5) and speciated PM measurements. Daily pollutant levels in five-county Atlanta were characterized using a population-weighted spatial average of air quality monitors in the study area. We also examined ambient concentrations at individual monitors in analyses limited to mothers with residential geocodes within four miles of each monitor. Relationships between average pollution levels during three gestational windows of interest were modeled using Poisson generalized linear models. Results were adjusted for seasonal and long-term time trends. Results-Although most results were null, there were three positive associations between ambient pollution levels and preterm birth in the four-mile capture-area analyses. Daily preterm birth rates were associated with average NO 2 concentrations in the preceding six weeks and with average PM 2.5 sulfate and PM 2.5 water-soluble metal concentrations in the preceding week. Conclusions-Results provide limited support for late-pregnancy effects of ambient air pollution on preterm birth.