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Atmosphere
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Outdoor Air Pollution and Human Health (2nd Edition)
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Outdoor Air Pollution and Human Health (2nd Edition)

A special issue of Atmosphere (ISSN 2073-4433). This special issue belongs to the section "Air Quality and Human Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2023) | Viewed by 12466

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Haider A. Khwaja

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Environmental Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratory, School of Public Health, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA
Interests: acid rain; cloud water chemistry; water and human health issues; health impacts of air pollution
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Azhar Siddique

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Environment and Sustainability Center, Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
Interests: air pollution studies; air quality; water quality; public health; environmental chemistry; environmental science; environmental analysis; health risk assessment; environmental pollution; environmental monitoring
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Mirza M. Hussain

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Wadsworth Center, New York state Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA
Interests: air quality; particulate matter; atmospheric pollution; air pollution studies; air sampling; aerosol chemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Outdoor air pollution is the world’s leading environmental health threat, contributing to about 7 million premature deaths annually. The global cost for air pollution in 2018 was USD 2.9 trillion or about 3.3% of the entire world’s economic output. Rapid population and industrial growth are accompanied with intense but poorly regulated human activities. Anthropogenic emissions from fossil-fuel combustion, agriculture burning, industrial activities, vehicular traffic, household cooking and heating activities, etc., mixing with natural emissions, form a multifaceted environment. Many pollutants such as gaseous (ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds), biological particles (bacteria, fungi, pollen), and particulate matter (inorganic and organic components) are considered key indicators of outdoor air pollution. Air pollution exposure is well known as a driver of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, lung cancer, communicable diseases like pneumonia, diabetes, low birth weight, tuberculosis, mental health, and cognitive impacts such as autism, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia. A better understanding of the levels and sources of air pollutants and key contributors to their health burden is critical for implementing effective air pollution control strategies. This Special Issue will consider all innovative papers on “Outdoor Air Pollution and Its Impact on Human Health”.

Dr. Haider A. Khwaja
Dr. Azhar Siddique
Dr. Mirza M. Hussain
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Atmosphere is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • air pollution
  • particulate matter
  • source apportionment
  • exposure assessment
  • epidemiological studies
  • biological mechanisms
  • mitigation strategies

Published Papers (6 papers)

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21 pages, 2550 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Air Pollution on Non-Infectious Hospitalizations for Severe Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Time-Series from Serbia
by Jovan Javorac, Dejan Živanović, Miroslav Ilić, Svetlana Kašiković Lečić, Ana Milenković, Nataša Dragić, Sanja Bijelović, Nevena Savić, Kristina Tot Vereš, Mirjana Smuđa, Svetlana Stojkov and Marija Jevtić
Atmosphere 2023, 14(4), 730; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos14040730 - 18 Apr 2023
Viewed by 1099
Abstract
The available data on the impact of air pollution on acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) are inconsistent. We investigated the influence of air pollution on the number of severe AECOPD hospitalizations of non-infectious etiology in patients residing in Novi Sad, [...] Read more.
The available data on the impact of air pollution on acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) are inconsistent. We investigated the influence of air pollution on the number of severe AECOPD hospitalizations of non-infectious etiology in patients residing in Novi Sad, Serbia. In this time-series, we used a quasi-Poisson generalized linear model in conjunction with distributed lag non-linear models, after controlling for lag days, seasonal and long-term trends, and meteorological factors (air temperature and humidity), to estimate the relative risk (RR) of AECOPD hospitalization for each increase of 10 μg/m3 in the air pollutant concentration. A total of 552 AECOPD hospitalizations were registered during 2017–2022. With each 10 μg/m3 increase in the selected air pollutants’ concentration, the cumulative RR (lags0–7) in single-predictor models for AECOPD admission were 1.52 (95% CI 0.98–2.35) for PM10, 1.44 (95% CI 0.93–2.25) for PM2.5, 1.13 (95% CI 0.87–1.47) for SO2, and 0.99 (95% CI 0.69–1.42) for NO2. Similar results were found in multi-predictor models as well as in group analyses between smokers and non-smokers. In conclusion, no significant associations between exposure to air pollutants and the daily AECOPD admissions were found. There is an obvious need for additional research on the topic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Outdoor Air Pollution and Human Health (2nd Edition))
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10 pages, 526 KiB  
Article
Influence of Particulate Matter on Asthma Control in Adult Asthma
by Chalerm Liwsrisakun, Warawut Chaiwong, Chaiwat Bumroongkit, Athavudh Deesomchok, Theerakorn Theerakittikul, Atikun Limsukon, Konlawij Trongtrakul, Pattraporn Tajarernmuang, Nutchanok Niyatiwatchanchai and Chaicharn Pothirat
Atmosphere 2023, 14(2), 410; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos14020410 - 20 Feb 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1295
Abstract
No clear evidence shows the association between particulate matter (PM) with an aerodynamic diameter < 10 µm (PM10) and asthma control. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the association between PM10 and asthma control. A retrospective observational [...] Read more.
No clear evidence shows the association between particulate matter (PM) with an aerodynamic diameter < 10 µm (PM10) and asthma control. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the association between PM10 and asthma control. A retrospective observational study was conducted at the Airway Clinic, Chiang Mai University Hospital, Chiang Mai, Thailand, between January 2010 and April 2013. Various values of asthma control test (ACT) scores between high and low PM10 periods were analyzed. The association of an increased monthly average PM10 level and ACT score was analyzed using a time series analysis. There were a total of 1180 visits from 236 asthmatic patients. The monthly average ACT score was significantly lower in the high PM10 period compared with the low PM10 period. Every 10 µg/m3 increment of monthly average PM10 resulted in a significantly decreased ACT score at lag zero and one month, with an adjusted coefficient of –0.101 (95% CI; –0.165, –0.037), p-value = 0.002 and –0.079 (95% CI; –0.147, –0.012), p-value = 0.021, respectively. Monthly average PM10 significantly affected asthma control in asthmatic patients. During the air pollution period, the serial assessments of ACT should be measured for early detection of worsening asthma control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Outdoor Air Pollution and Human Health (2nd Edition))
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20 pages, 10639 KiB  
Article
Understanding the Sources of Ambient Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
by Shedrack R. Nayebare, Omar S. Aburizaiza, Azhar Siddique, Mirza M. Hussain, Jahan Zeb, Fida Khatib, David O. Carpenter, Donald R. Blake and Haider A. Khwaja
Atmosphere 2022, 13(5), 711; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13050711 - 29 Apr 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2662
Abstract
Urban air pollution is rapidly becoming a major environmental problem of public concern in several developing countries of the world. Jeddah, the second-largest city in Saudi Arabia, is subject to high air pollution that has severe implications for the health of the exposed [...] Read more.
Urban air pollution is rapidly becoming a major environmental problem of public concern in several developing countries of the world. Jeddah, the second-largest city in Saudi Arabia, is subject to high air pollution that has severe implications for the health of the exposed population. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) samples were collected for 24 h daily, during a 1-year campaign from 2013 to 2014. This study presents a detailed investigation of PM2.5 mass, chemical composition, and sources covering all four seasons of the year. Samples were analyzed for black carbon (BC), trace elements (TEs), and water-soluble ionic species (IS). The chemical compositions were statistically examined, and the temporal and seasonal patterns were characterized using descriptive analysis, correlation matrices, and elemental enrichment factor (EF). Source apportionment and source locations were performed on PM2.5 samples using the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model, elemental enrichment factor, and air-mass back trajectory analysis. The 24-h mean PM2.5 and BC concentrations ranged from 33.9 ± 9.1–58.8 ± 25 µg/m3 and 1.8 ± 0.4–2.4 ± 0.6 µg/m3, respectively. Atmospheric PM2.5 concentrations were well above the 24-h WHO guideline of 15 µg/m3, with overall results showing significant temporal and seasonal variability. EF defined two broad categories of TEs: anthropogenic (Ni, V, Cu, Zn, Cl, Pb, S, Lu, and Br), and earth-crust derived (Al, Si, Mg, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Sr). The five identified factors resulting from PMF were (1) fossil-fuels/oil combustion (45.3%), (2) vehicular emissions (19.1%), (3) soil/dust resuspension (15.6%), (4) industrial mixed dust (13.5%), and (5) sea-spray (6.5%). This study highlights the importance of focusing control strategies, not only on reducing PM concentration but also on the reduction of components of the PM as well, to effectively protect human health and the environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Outdoor Air Pollution and Human Health (2nd Edition))
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20 pages, 2699 KiB  
Article
Cadmium and Cadmium/BDE (47 or 209) Exposure Affect Mitochondrial Function, DNA Damage/Repair Mechanisms and Barrier Integrity in Airway Epithelial Cells
by Giusy Daniela Albano, Anna Bonanno, Angela Marina Montalbano, Caterina Di Sano, Giulia Anzalone, Rosalia Gagliardo, Silvia Ruggieri and Mirella Profita
Atmosphere 2022, 13(2), 201; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13020201 - 26 Jan 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2212
Abstract
Heavy metals and Brominated diphenyl ether flame-retardants (BDEs) often coexist in the environment and are capable of inducing injury, cytotoxicity or genotoxicity in human epithelial cells of the lung. We studied the effects of single Cadmium chloride (CdCl2) or CdCl2 [...] Read more.
Heavy metals and Brominated diphenyl ether flame-retardants (BDEs) often coexist in the environment and are capable of inducing injury, cytotoxicity or genotoxicity in human epithelial cells of the lung. We studied the effects of single Cadmium chloride (CdCl2) or CdCl2/BDE (47 or 209) mixtures in airway epithelial cells, using A549 cell line cultured at submerged conditions and air–liquid interface (ALI) (an in vitro model described as physiologically relevant in vivo-like). We evaluated cell viability, oxidative stress, apoptosis, DNA damage/repair (Comet assay, γH2AX phosphorylation ser139), mitochondrial redox balance (NOX-4, Nrf2 and TFAM) and cell barrier integrity (TEER, ZO-1, Claudin-1, E-cadherin-1) in A549 cells exposed to CdCl2 (1 nM to 10 µM), or to CdCl2 (100 nM)/BDEs (47 or 209) (100 nM). CdCl2 (10 μM) reduced cell viability and increased apoptosis. CdCl2 (100 nM) significantly affected DNA-damage/repair (Olive Tail length production), γH2AX phosphorylation and oxidative stress (ROS/JC-1 production) in submerged cell cultures. CdCl2 (100 nM) decreased viability, TEER, ZO-1, Claudin-1 and E-cadherin-1 mRNA expression, and Nrf2 and TFAM while increased NOX-4, in ALI culture of cells. In both cell culture approaches, the cells stimulated with Cadmium/BDEs mixtures did not show a significant increase in the effects observed in the cells treated with CdCl2 alone. CdCl2 inhalation might exert cytotoxicity and genotoxicity, playing a pivotal role in the uncontrolled oxidative stress, damaging DNA and gene expression in airway epithelial cells. No additional or synergistic adverse effects of CdCl2/BDEs mixture were observed in comparison to CdCl2 alone in lung epithelium. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Outdoor Air Pollution and Human Health (2nd Edition))
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12 pages, 2372 KiB  
Brief Report
The Air and Viruses We Breathe: Assessing the Effect the PM2.5 Air Pollutant Has on the Burden of COVID-19
by Sherrie L. Kelly, Andrew J. Shattock, Martina S. Ragettli, Danielle Vienneau, Ana M. Vicedo-Cabrera and Kees de Hoogh
Atmosphere 2023, 14(5), 887; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos14050887 - 19 May 2023
Viewed by 1821
Abstract
Evidence suggests an association between air pollutant exposure and worse outcomes for respiratory viral diseases, like COVID-19. However, does breathing polluted air over many years affect the susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection or severity of COVID-19 disease, and how intense are these effects? As [...] Read more.
Evidence suggests an association between air pollutant exposure and worse outcomes for respiratory viral diseases, like COVID-19. However, does breathing polluted air over many years affect the susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection or severity of COVID-19 disease, and how intense are these effects? As climate change intensifies, air pollutant levels may rise, which might further affect the burden of respiratory viral diseases. We assessed the effect of increasing exposure to PM2.5 (particulate matter ≤ 2.5 microns in diameter) on SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility or COVID-19 severity and projected the impact on infections and hospitalisations over two years. Simulations in a hypothetical, representative population show that if exposure affects severity, then hospital admissions are projected to increase by 5–10% for a one-unit exposure increase. However, if exposure affects susceptibility, then infections would increase with the potential for onward transmission and hospital admissions could increase by over 60%. Implications of this study highlight the importance of considering this potential additional health and health system burden as part of strategic planning to mitigate and respond to changing air pollution levels. It is also important to better understand at which point PM2.5 exposure affects SARS-CoV-2 infection through to COVID-19 disease progression, to enable improved protection and better support of those most vulnerable. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Outdoor Air Pollution and Human Health (2nd Edition))
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10 pages, 1947 KiB  
Case Report
Metagenomic Analysis of the Outdoor Dust Microbiomes: A Case Study from Abu Dhabi, UAE
by Lina Maloukh, Yousef Nazzal, Alagappan Kumarappan, Fares Howari, Lakshmi Kesari Ambika, Rihab Yahmadi, Manish Sharma, Jibran Iqbal, Ahmed A. Al-Taani, Imen Ben Salem, Cijo M. Xavier and Muhamad Naseem
Atmosphere 2023, 14(2), 327; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos14020327 - 07 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2004
Abstract
Outdoor dust covers a shattered range of microbial agents from land over transportation, human microbial flora, which includes pathogen and commensals, and airborne from the environment. Dust aerosols are rich in bacterial communities that have a major impact on human health and living [...] Read more.
Outdoor dust covers a shattered range of microbial agents from land over transportation, human microbial flora, which includes pathogen and commensals, and airborne from the environment. Dust aerosols are rich in bacterial communities that have a major impact on human health and living environments. In this study, outdoor samples from roadside barricades, safety walls, and fences (18 samples) were collected from Abu Dhabi, UAE and bacterial diversity was assessed through a 16S rRNA amplicon next generation sequencing approach. Clean data from HiSeq produced 1,099,892 total reads pairs for 18 samples. For all samples, taxonomic classifications were assigned to the OTUs (operational taxonomic units) representative sequence using the Ribosomal Database Project database. Analysis such as alpha diversity, beta diversity, differential species analysis, and species relative abundance were performed in the clustering of samples and a functional profile heat map was obtained from the OTUs by using bioinformatics tools. A total of 2814 OTUs were identified from those samples with a coverage of more than 99%. In the phylum, all 18 samples had most of the bacterial groups such as Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes. Twelve samples had Propionibacteria acnes and were mainly found in RD16 and RD3. Major bacteria species such as Propionibacteria acnes, Bacillus persicus, and Staphylococcus captis were found in all samples. Most of the samples had Streptococcus mitis, Staphylococcus capitis. and Nafulsella turpanensis and Enhydrobacter aerosaccus was part of the normal microbes of the skin. Salinimicrobium sp., Bacillus alkalisediminis, and Bacillus persicus are halophilic bacteria found in sediments. The heat map clustered the samples and species in vertical and horizontal classification, which represents the relationship between the samples and bacterial diversity. The heat map for the functional profile had high properties of amino acids, carbohydrate, and cofactor and vitamin metabolisms of all bacterial species from all samples. Taken together, our analyses are very relevant from the perspective of out-door air quality, airborne diseases, and epidemics, with broader implications for health safety and monitoring. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Outdoor Air Pollution and Human Health (2nd Edition))
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