Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review, Other

2 pages, 232 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Air Quality and Health

by Giorgio Buonanno and Otto Hänninen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(11), 2399; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15112399 - 29 Oct 2018

Viewed by 3518

Abstract

In the Editorial “Air pollution and health” that appeared in Environ. [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Quality and Health)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review, Other

18 pages, 5208 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Ventilation Improvement on Measured and Perceived Indoor Air Quality in a School Building with a Hybrid Ventilation System

by Camilla Vornanen-Winqvist, Heidi Salonen, Kati Järvi, Maria A. Andersson, Raimo Mikkola, Tamás Marik, László Kredics and Jarek Kurnitski

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(7), 1414; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15071414 - 05 Jul 2018

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 5535

Abstract

Ventilation system design and operation may significantly affect indoor air quality (IAQ). The aims of this case study were to investigate the functionality of a supply air fan-assisted hybrid ventilation system in a newly built school building with reported IAQ problems and to [...] Read more.

Ventilation system design and operation may significantly affect indoor air quality (IAQ). The aims of this case study were to investigate the functionality of a supply air fan-assisted hybrid ventilation system in a newly built school building with reported IAQ problems and to determine the effects of ventilation improvement on measured and perceived IAQ. The ventilation system function was researched simultaneously with IAQ measurements, with an analysis of total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), single volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and indoor mycobiota, and with questionnaires about perceived IAQ. At the baseline, an operational error of the ventilation system was found, which prevented the air from coming into the classrooms, except for short periods of high carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentrations. After the ventilation operation was improved, a significant change in indoor mycobiota was found; the dominant, opportunistic human pathogenic species Trichoderma citrinoviride found in settled dust in the classroom before the improvement was no longer detected. In addition, the concentrations of CO₂, TVOC, and some single VOCs, especially toluene and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, decreased. The analysis of the questionnaire results indicated that the perceptions of unpleasant odors and stuffy air decreased, although a statistically significant improvement in perceived IAQ was not observed. The results provided evidence that the properly controlled hybrid ventilation system operating in mechanical supply mode provided adequate ventilation and was effective in decreasing the concentrations of some indoor-generated pollutants. With simple ventilation adjustments, microbiological exposure from building structures might be prevented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Quality and Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 2724 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Residential Ambient Traffic in Relation to Childhood Pneumonia among Urban Children in Shandong, China: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Jing Chang, Wei Liu and Chen Huang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(6), 1076; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15061076 - 25 May 2018

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3577

Abstract

Pneumonia is a leading cause of childhood death. Few studies have investigated associations between residential ambient environmental exposures and pneumonia. In January–April 2015, we conducted a cross-sectional study in Shandong Province (China) and collected 9597 (response rate: 78.7%) parent-reported questionnaires for 3–6-year-old children [...] Read more.

Pneumonia is a leading cause of childhood death. Few studies have investigated associations between residential ambient environmental exposures and pneumonia. In January–April 2015, we conducted a cross-sectional study in Shandong Province (China) and collected 9597 (response rate: 78.7%) parent-reported questionnaires for 3–6-year-old children from 69 urban kindergartens. We then selected 5640 children who had never changed residence since birth and examined associations between residential ambient traffic-related facilities and childhood pneumonia considering residential characteristics. Prevalence of doctor-diagnosed pneumonia during lifetime-ever was 25.9%. In the multivariate logistic regression analyses, residence close to a main traffic road (adjusted odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: 1.23, 1.08–1.40) and automobile 4S shop (1.76, 1.16–2.67) within 200 m, residence close to a filling station within 100 m (1.71, 1.10–2.65; reference: >200 m), as well as having a ground car park in the residential community (1.24, 1.08–1.42) were significantly associated with childhood pneumonia. The cumulative numbers of these traffic-related facilities had a positive dose-response relationship with the increased odds of childhood pneumonia. These associations and dose-response relationships were stronger among boys and among children with worse bedroom ventilation status during the night. Associations of residence close to the main traffic road and ground car parks in the residential community with childhood pneumonia were stronger among children living in the 1st–3rd floors than those living on higher floors. Similar results were found in the two-level (kindergarten-child) logistic regression analyses. Our findings indicate that living near traffic-related facilities is likely a risk factor for childhood pneumonia among urban children. The child’s sex, bedroom floor level, and bedroom ventilation could modify associations of ambient traffic-related facilities with childhood pneumonia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Quality and Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2867 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Health Impacts of Ambient Air Pollution in Finland

by Heli Lehtomäki, Antti Korhonen, Arja Asikainen, Niko Karvosenoja, Kaarle Kupiainen, Ville-Veikko Paunu, Mikko Savolahti, Mikhail Sofiev, Yuliia Palamarchuk, Ari Karppinen, Jaakko Kukkonen and Otto Hänninen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(4), 736; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15040736 - 12 Apr 2018

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 9190

Abstract

Air pollution has been estimated to be one of the leading environmental health risks in Finland. National health impact estimates existing to date have focused on particles (PM) and ozone (O₃). In this work, we quantify the impacts of particles, ozone, [...] Read more.

Air pollution has been estimated to be one of the leading environmental health risks in Finland. National health impact estimates existing to date have focused on particles (PM) and ozone (O₃). In this work, we quantify the impacts of particles, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) in 2015, and analyze the related uncertainties. The exposures were estimated with a high spatial resolution chemical transport model, and adjusted to observed concentrations. We calculated the health impacts according to Word Health Organization (WHO) working group recommendations. According to our results, ambient air pollution caused a burden of 34,800 disability-adjusted life years (DALY). Fine particles were the main contributor (74%) to the disease burden, which is in line with the earlier studies. The attributable burden was dominated by mortality (32,900 years of life lost (YLL); 95%). Impacts differed between population age groups. The burden was clearly higher in the adult population over 30 years (98%), due to the dominant role of mortality impacts. Uncertainties due to the concentration–response functions were larger than those related to exposures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Quality and Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 21720 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of Fine Particulate Matter and Associated Health Burden in Nanjing

by Dongyang Nie, Mindong Chen, Yun Wu, Xinlei Ge, Jianlin Hu, Kai Zhang and Pengxiang Ge

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(4), 602; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15040602 - 27 Mar 2018

Cited by 39 | Viewed by 5141

Abstract

Particulate matter (PM) air pollution has become a serious environmental problem in Nanjing and poses great health risks to local residents. In this study, characteristics of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm (PM_2.5) over Nanjing were analyzed [...] Read more.

Particulate matter (PM) air pollution has become a serious environmental problem in Nanjing and poses great health risks to local residents. In this study, characteristics of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm (PM_2.5) over Nanjing were analyzed using hourly and daily averaged PM_2.5 concentrations and meteorological parameters collected from nine national monitoring sites during the period of March 2014 to February 2017. Then, the integrated exposure-response (IER) model was applied to assess premature mortality, years of life lost (YLL) attributable to PM_2.5, and mortality benefits due to PM_2.5 reductions. The concentrations of PM_2.5 varied among hours, seasons and years, which can be explained by differences in emission sources, secondary formations and meteorological conditions. The decreased ratio of PM_2.5 to CO suggested that secondary contributions decreased while the relative contributions of vehicle exhaust increased from increased CO data. According to the values of attributable fractions (AF), stroke was the major cause of death, followed by ischemic heart disease (IHD), lung cancer (LC) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The estimated total deaths in Nanjing due to PM_2.5 were 12,055 and 10,771, leading to 98,802 and 87,647 years of life lost in 2014 and 2015, respectively. The elderly and males had higher health risks than youngsters and females. When the PM_2.5 concentrations meet the World Health Organization (WHO) Air Quality Guidelines (AQG) of 10 μg/m³, 84% of the premature deaths would be avoided, indicating that the Nanjing government needs to adopt more stringent measure to reduce PM pollution and enhance the health benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Quality and Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 4970 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Solid Particle Number Emission Factors of Euro VI Heavy-Duty Vehicles on the Road and in the Laboratory

by Barouch Giechaskiel

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(2), 304; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15020304 - 09 Feb 2018

Cited by 65 | Viewed by 8463

Abstract

Particulate matter (PM), and in particular ultrafine particles, have a negative impact on human health. The contribution of vehicle PM emissions to air pollution is typically quantified with emission inventories, which need vehicle emission factors as input. Heavy-duty vehicles, although they represent a [...] Read more.

Particulate matter (PM), and in particular ultrafine particles, have a negative impact on human health. The contribution of vehicle PM emissions to air pollution is typically quantified with emission inventories, which need vehicle emission factors as input. Heavy-duty vehicles, although they represent a small percentage of the vehicle population in nearly every major country, contribute the majority of the on-road PM emissions. However, the published data of modern heavy-duty vehicle emissions are scarce, and for the newest Euro VI technologies, almost non-existent. The main objective of this paper is to present Solid Particle Number (SPN) emission factors from Euro VI heavy-duty vehicles using diesel, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), or Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). Urban, rural and motorway (highway) emissions were determined on the road at various European cities using SPN Portable Emission Measurement Systems (PEMS). Additional tests on a heavy-duty chassis dynamometer showed that the solid sub-23 nm fraction, which is not covered at the moment in the European regulation, is high, especially for CNG engines. The significant contribution of regeneration events and the effect of ambient temperature and engine cold-start on particle emissions were also discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Quality and Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 2598 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Residents’ Self-Reported Health Effects and Annoyance in Relation to Air Pollution Exposure in an Industrial Area in Eastern-Estonia

by Hans Orru, Jane Idavain, Mihkel Pindus, Kati Orru, Kaisa Kesanurm, Aavo Lang and Jelena Tomasova

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(2), 252; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15020252 - 02 Feb 2018

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 5176

Abstract

Eastern Estonia has large oil shale mines and industrial facilities mainly focused on electricity generation from oil shale and shale oil extraction, which produce high air pollution emissions. The “Study of the health impact of the oil shale sector—SOHOS” was aimed at identifying [...] Read more.

Eastern Estonia has large oil shale mines and industrial facilities mainly focused on electricity generation from oil shale and shale oil extraction, which produce high air pollution emissions. The “Study of the health impact of the oil shale sector—SOHOS” was aimed at identifying the impacts on residents’ health and annoyance due to the industrial processing. First, a population-wide survey about health effects and annoyance was carried out. Second, the total and oil shale sectors’ emitted concentrations of benzene, phenol, and PM_2.5 were modelled. Third, the differences between groups were tested and relationships between health effects and environmental pollution studied using multiple regression analysis. Compared to the control groups from non-industrial areas in Tartu or Lääne-Viru, residents of Ida-Viru more frequently (p < 0.05) reported wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, asthma attacks, a long-term cough, hypertension, heart diseases, myocardial infarction, stroke, and diabetes. All health effects except asthma were reported more frequently among non-Estonians. People living in regions with higher levels of PM_2.5, had significantly higher odds (p < 0.05) of experiencing chest tightness (OR = 1.13, 95% CI 1.02–1.26), shortness of breath (1.16, 1.03–1.31) or an asthma attack (1.22, 1.04–1.42) during the previous year. People living in regions with higher levels of benzene had higher odds of experiencing myocardial infarction (1.98, 1.11–3.53) and with higher levels of phenol chest tightness (1.44, 1.03–2.00), long-term cough (1.48, 1.06–2.07) and myocardial infarction (2.17, 1.23–3.83). The prevalence of adverse health effects was also higher among those who had been working in the oil shale sector. Next to direct health effects, up to a quarter of the residents of Ida-Viru County were highly annoyed about air pollution. Perceived health risk from air pollution increased the odds of being annoyed. Annoyed people in Ida-Viru had significantly higher odds of experiencing respiratory symptoms during the last 12 months, e.g., wheezing (2.30, 1.31–4.04), chest tightness (2.88, 1.91–4.33 or attack of coughing (1.99, 1.34–2.95). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Quality and Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 5325 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ventilation Positive Pressure Intervention Effect on Indoor Air Quality in a School Building with Moisture Problems

by Camilla Vornanen-Winqvist, Kati Järvi, Sander Toomla, Kaiser Ahmed, Maria A. Andersson, Raimo Mikkola, Tamás Marik, László Kredics, Heidi Salonen and Jarek Kurnitski

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(2), 230; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15020230 - 30 Jan 2018

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 5401

Abstract

This case study investigates the effects of ventilation intervention on measured and perceived indoor air quality (IAQ) in a repaired school where occupants reported IAQ problems. Occupants’ symptoms were suspected to be related to the impurities leaked indoors through the building envelope. The [...] Read more.

This case study investigates the effects of ventilation intervention on measured and perceived indoor air quality (IAQ) in a repaired school where occupants reported IAQ problems. Occupants’ symptoms were suspected to be related to the impurities leaked indoors through the building envelope. The study’s aim was to determine whether a positive pressure of 5–7 Pa prevents the infiltration of harmful chemical and microbiological agents from structures, thus decreasing symptoms and discomfort. Ventilation intervention was conducted in a building section comprising 12 classrooms and was completed with IAQ measurements and occupants’ questionnaires. After intervention, the concentration of total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) and fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) decreased, and occupants’ negative perceptions became more moderate compared to those for other parts of the building. The indoor mycobiota differed in species composition from the outdoor mycobiota, and changed remarkably with the intervention, indicating that some species may have emanated from an indoor source before the intervention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Quality and Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

4678 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Real-Time Measurements and Characterization of Airborne Particulate Matter from a Primary Silicon Carbide Production Plant

by Rikke Bramming Jørgensen and Ida Teresia Kero

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(12), 1611; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14121611 - 20 Dec 2017

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5455

Abstract

Airborne particulate matter in the silicon carbide (SiC) industry is a known health hazard. The aims of this study were to elucidate whether the particulate matter generated inside the Acheson furnace during active operation is representative of the overall particulate matter in the [...] Read more.

Airborne particulate matter in the silicon carbide (SiC) industry is a known health hazard. The aims of this study were to elucidate whether the particulate matter generated inside the Acheson furnace during active operation is representative of the overall particulate matter in the furnace hall, and whether the Acheson furnaces are the main sources of ultrafine particles (UFP) in primary SiC production. The number concentration of ultrafine particles was evaluated using an Electrical Low Pressure Impactor (ELPI^TM, Dekati Ltd., Tampere, Finland), a Fast Mobility Particle Sizer (FMPS^TM, TSI, Shoreview, MN, USA) and a Condensation Particle Counter (CPC, TSI, Shoreview, MN, USA). The results are discussed in terms of particle number concentration, particle size distribution and are also characterized by means of electron microscopy (TEM/SEM). Two locations were investigated; the industrial Acheson process furnace hall and a pilot furnace hall; both of which represent an active operating furnace. The geometric mean of the particle number concentration in the Acheson process furnace hall was 7.7 × 10⁴ particles/cm³ for the UFP fraction and 1.0 × 10⁵ particles/cm³ for the submicrometre fraction. Particulate matter collected at the two sites was analysed by electron microscopy. The PM from the Acheson process furnace hall is dominated by carbonaceous particles while the samples collected near the pilot furnace are primarily rich in silicon. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Quality and Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

517 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Air Pollution on Menstrual Cycle Length—A Prognostic Factor of Women’s Reproductive Health

by Anna Merklinger-Gruchala, Grazyna Jasienska and Maria Kapiszewska

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(7), 816; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14070816 - 20 Jul 2017

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 7249

Abstract

Air pollution can influence women’s reproductive health, specifically menstrual cycle characteristics, oocyte quality, and risk of miscarriage. The aim of the study was to assess whether air pollution can affect the length of the overall menstrual cycle and the length of its phases [...] Read more.

Air pollution can influence women’s reproductive health, specifically menstrual cycle characteristics, oocyte quality, and risk of miscarriage. The aim of the study was to assess whether air pollution can affect the length of the overall menstrual cycle and the length of its phases (follicular and luteal). Municipal ecological monitoring data was used to assess the air pollution exposure during the monitored menstrual cycle of each of 133 woman of reproductive age. Principal component analyses were used to group pollutants (PM₁₀, SO₂, CO, and NO_x) to represent a source-related mixture. PM₁₀ and SO₂ assessed separately negatively affected the length of the luteal phase after standardization (b = −0.02; p = 0.03; b = −0.06; p = 0.02, respectively). Representing a fossil fuel combustion emission, they were also associated with luteal phase shortening (b = −0.32; p = 0.02). These pollutants did not affect the follicular phase length and overall cycle length, neither in single- nor in multi-pollutant models. CO and NO_x assessed either separately or together as a traffic emission were not associated with overall cycle length or the length of cycle phases. Luteal phase shortening, a possible manifestation of luteal phase deficiency, can result from fossil fuel combustion. This suggests that air pollution may contribute to fertility problems in women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Quality and Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

2121 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Low-Cost Mitigation Measures Implemented to Improve Air Quality in Nursery and Primary Schools

by Juliana P. Sá, Pedro T. B. S. Branco, Maria C. M. Alvim-Ferraz, Fernando G. Martins and Sofia I. V. Sousa

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 585; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060585 - 31 May 2017

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4962

Abstract

Indoor air pollution mitigation measures are highly important due to the associated health impacts, especially on children, a risk group that spends significant time indoors. Thus, the main goal of the work here reported was the evaluation of mitigation measures implemented in nursery [...] Read more.

Indoor air pollution mitigation measures are highly important due to the associated health impacts, especially on children, a risk group that spends significant time indoors. Thus, the main goal of the work here reported was the evaluation of mitigation measures implemented in nursery and primary schools to improve air quality. Continuous measurements of CO₂, CO, NO₂, O₃, CH₂O, total volatile organic compounds (VOC), PM₁, PM_2.5, PM₁₀, Total Suspended Particles (TSP) and radon, as well as temperature and relative humidity were performed in two campaigns, before and after the implementation of low-cost mitigation measures. Evaluation of those mitigation measures was performed through the comparison of the concentrations measured in both campaigns. Exceedances to the values set by the national legislation and World Health Organization (WHO) were found for PM_2.5, PM₁₀, CO₂ and CH₂O during both indoor air quality campaigns. Temperature and relative humidity values were also above the ranges recommended by American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). In general, pollutant concentrations measured after the implementation of low-cost mitigation measures were significantly lower, mainly for CO₂. However, mitigation measures were not always sufficient to decrease the pollutants’ concentrations till values considered safe to protect human health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Quality and Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

4031 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ultrafine Particle Distribution and Chemical Composition Assessment during Military Operative Trainings

by Marcello Campagna, Ilaria Pilia, Gabriele Marcias, Andrea Frattolillo, Sergio Pili, Manuele Bernabei, Ernesto D’Aloja, Pierluigi Cocco and Giorgio Buonanno

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 579; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060579 - 30 May 2017

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4239

Abstract

(1) Background: The assessment of airborne particulate matter (PM) and ultrafine particles (UFPs) in battlefield scenarios is a topic of particular concern; (2) Methods: Size distribution, concentration, and chemical composition of UFPs during operative military training activities (target drone launches, ammunition blasting, and [...] Read more.

(1) Background: The assessment of airborne particulate matter (PM) and ultrafine particles (UFPs) in battlefield scenarios is a topic of particular concern; (2) Methods: Size distribution, concentration, and chemical composition of UFPs during operative military training activities (target drone launches, ammunition blasting, and inert bomb impact) were investigated using an electric low-pressure impactor (ELPI+) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM), equipped with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS); (3) Results: The median of UFPs, measured for all sampling periods and at variable distance from sources, was between 1.02 × 10³ and 3.75 × 10³ particles/cm³ for drone launches, between 3.32 × 10³ and 15.4 × 10³ particles/cm³ for the ammunition blasting and from 7.9 × 10³ to 1.3 × 10⁴ particles/cm³ for inert launches. Maximum peak concentrations, during emitting sources starting, were 75.5 × 10⁶ and 17.9 × 10⁶ particles/cm³, respectively. Particles from the drone launches were predominantly composed of silicon (Si), iron (Fe) and calcium (Ca), and those from the blasting campaigns by magnesium (Mg), sulphur (S), aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), barium (Ba) and silicon (Si); (4) Conclusions: The investigated sources produced UFPs with median values lower than other anthropogenic sources, and with a similar chemical composition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Quality and Health)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research, Other

24 pages, 890 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Comparison of the Health Effects of Ambient Particulate Matter Air Pollution from Five Emission Sources

by Neil J. Hime, Guy B. Marks and Christine T. Cowie

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(6), 1206; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15061206 - 08 Jun 2018

Cited by 145 | Viewed by 11108

Abstract

This article briefly reviews evidence of health effects associated with exposure to particulate matter (PM) air pollution from five common outdoor emission sources: traffic, coal-fired power stations, diesel exhaust, domestic wood combustion heaters, and crustal dust. The principal purpose of this review is [...] Read more.

This article briefly reviews evidence of health effects associated with exposure to particulate matter (PM) air pollution from five common outdoor emission sources: traffic, coal-fired power stations, diesel exhaust, domestic wood combustion heaters, and crustal dust. The principal purpose of this review is to compare the evidence of health effects associated with these different sources with a view to answering the question: Is exposure to PM from some emission sources associated with worse health outcomes than exposure to PM from other sources? Answering this question will help inform development of air pollution regulations and environmental policy that maximises health benefits. Understanding the health effects of exposure to components of PM and source-specific PM are active fields of investigation. However, the different methods that have been used in epidemiological studies, along with the differences in populations, emission sources, and ambient air pollution mixtures between studies, make the comparison of results between studies problematic. While there is some evidence that PM from traffic and coal-fired power station emissions may elicit greater health effects compared to PM from other sources, overall the evidence to date does not indicate a clear ‘hierarchy’ of harmfulness for PM from different emission sources. Further investigations of the health effects of source-specific PM with more advanced approaches to exposure modeling, measurement, and statistics, are required before changing the current public health protection approach of minimising exposure to total PM mass. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Quality and Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 1719 KiB

Open AccessReview

Spatial and Temporal Dynamics in Air Pollution Exposure Assessment

by Daniela Dias and Oxana Tchepel

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(3), 558; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15030558 - 20 Mar 2018

Cited by 96 | Viewed by 8246

Abstract

Analyzing individual exposure in urban areas offers several challenges where both the individual’s activities and air pollution levels demonstrate a large degree of spatial and temporal dynamics. This review article discusses the concepts, key elements, current developments in assessing personal exposure to urban [...] Read more.

Analyzing individual exposure in urban areas offers several challenges where both the individual’s activities and air pollution levels demonstrate a large degree of spatial and temporal dynamics. This review article discusses the concepts, key elements, current developments in assessing personal exposure to urban air pollution (seventy-two studies reviewed) and respective advantages and disadvantages. A new conceptual structure to organize personal exposure assessment methods is proposed according to two classification criteria: (i) spatial-temporal variations of individuals’ activities (point-fixed or trajectory based) and (ii) characterization of air quality (variable or uniform). This review suggests that the spatial and temporal variability of urban air pollution levels in combination with indoor exposures and individual’s time-activity patterns are key elements of personal exposure assessment. In the literature review, the majority of revised studies (44 studies) indicate that the trajectory based with variable air quality approach provides a promising framework for tackling the important question of inter- and intra-variability of individual exposure. However, future quantitative comparison between the different approaches should be performed, and the selection of the most appropriate approach for exposure quantification should take into account the purpose of the health study. This review provides a structured basis for the intercomparing of different methodologies and to make their advantages and limitations more transparent in addressing specific research objectives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Quality and Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1444 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Narrative Review on the Human Health Effects of Ambient Air Pollution in Sub-Saharan Africa: An Urgent Need for Health Effects Studies

by Eric Coker and Samuel Kizito

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(3), 427; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15030427 - 01 Mar 2018

Cited by 58 | Viewed by 10597

Abstract

An important aspect of the new sustainable development goals (SDGs) is a greater emphasis on reducing the health impacts from ambient air pollution in developing countries. Meanwhile, the burden of human disease attributable to ambient air pollution in sub-Saharan Africa is growing, yet [...] Read more.

An important aspect of the new sustainable development goals (SDGs) is a greater emphasis on reducing the health impacts from ambient air pollution in developing countries. Meanwhile, the burden of human disease attributable to ambient air pollution in sub-Saharan Africa is growing, yet estimates of its impact on the region are possibly underestimated due to a lack of air quality monitoring, a paucity of air pollution epidemiological studies, and important population vulnerabilities in the region. The lack of ambient air pollution epidemiologic data in sub-Saharan Africa is also an important global health disparity. Thousands of air pollution health effects studies have been conducted in Europe and North America, rather than in urban areas that have some of the highest measured air pollution levels in world, including urban areas in sub-Saharan Africa. In this paper, we provide a systematic and narrative review of the literature on ambient air pollution epidemiological studies that have been conducted in the region to date. Our review of the literature focuses on epidemiologic studies that measure air pollutants and relate air pollution measurements with various health outcomes. We highlight the gaps in ambient air pollution epidemiological studies conducted in different sub-regions of sub-Saharan Africa and provide methodological recommendations for future environmental epidemiology studies addressing ambient air pollution in the region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Quality and Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 473 KiB

Open AccessReview

Air Pollution and Otitis Media in Children: A Systematic Review of Literature

by Gayan Bowatte, Rachel Tham, Jennifer L. Perret, Michael S. Bloom, Guanghui Dong, Nilakshi Waidyatillake, Dinh Bui, Geoffrey G. Morgan, Bin Jalaludin, Caroline J. Lodge and Shyamali C. Dharmage

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(2), 257; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15020257 - 03 Feb 2018

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 7570

Abstract

Young children are particularly vulnerable to otitis media (OM) which globally affects over 80% of children below the age of 3 years. Although there is convincing evidence for an association between environmental tobacco smoke exposure and OM in children, the relationship with ambient [...] Read more.

Young children are particularly vulnerable to otitis media (OM) which globally affects over 80% of children below the age of 3 years. Although there is convincing evidence for an association between environmental tobacco smoke exposure and OM in children, the relationship with ambient air pollution is not clear. We aimed to systematically review the literature on the relationship between ambient air pollution exposure and OM in children. A systematic search was performed in PubMed and EMBASE databases. Of 934 references identified, 24 articles were included. There is an increasing body of evidence supporting an association between higher ambient air pollution exposure and a higher risk of OM in children. While NO₂ showed the most consistent association with OM, other specific pollutants showed inconsistent associations. Studies were mainly conducted in high/middle income countries with limited evidence from low-income countries. Although there was a general consensus that higher air pollution exposure is associated with a greater prevalence of OM, the evidence for associations with specific pollutants is inconsistent. More well-designed studies on associations between specific air pollutants as risk factors for OM are warranted, especially in low income countries with high air pollution levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Quality and Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 297 KiB

Open AccessReview

Do Carpets Impair Indoor Air Quality and Cause Adverse Health Outcomes: A Review

by Rune Becher, Johan Øvrevik, Per E. Schwarze, Steinar Nilsen, Jan K. Hongslo and Jan Vilhelm Bakke

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(2), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15020184 - 23 Jan 2018

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 9659

Abstract

Several earlier studies have shown the presence of more dust and allergens in carpets compared with non-carpeted floors. At the same time, adverse effects of carpeted floors on perceived indoor air quality as well as worsening of symptoms in individuals with asthma and [...] Read more.

Several earlier studies have shown the presence of more dust and allergens in carpets compared with non-carpeted floors. At the same time, adverse effects of carpeted floors on perceived indoor air quality as well as worsening of symptoms in individuals with asthma and allergies were reported. Avoiding extensive carpet use in offices, schools, kindergartens and bedrooms has therefore been recommended by several health authorities. More recently, carpet producers have argued that former assessments were obsolete and that modern rugs are unproblematic, even for those with asthma and allergies. To investigate whether the recommendation to be cautious with the use of carpets is still valid, or whether there are new data supporting that carpet flooring do not present a problem for indoor air quality and health, we have reviewed the literature on this matter. We have not found updated peer reviewed evidence that carpeted floor is unproblematic for the indoor environment. On the contrary, also more recent data support that carpets may act as a repository for pollutants which may become resuspended upon activity in the carpeted area. Also, the use of carpets is still linked to perception of reduced indoor air quality as well as adverse health effects as previously reported. To our knowledge, there are no publications that report on deposition of pollutants and adverse health outcomes associated with modern rugs. However, due to the three-dimensional structure of carpets, any carpet will to some extent act like a sink. Thus, continued caution should still be exercised when considering the use of wall-to-wall carpeted floors in schools, kindergartens and offices, as well as in children’s bedrooms unless special needs indicate that carpets are preferable. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Quality and Health)

Other

Jump to: Editorial, Research, Review

20 pages, 1203 KiB

Open AccessConcept Paper

On the Development of Health-Based Ventilation Guidelines: Principles and Framework

by Paolo Carrer, Eduardo De Oliveira Fernandes, Hugo Santos, Otto Hänninen, Stylianos Kephalopoulos and Pawel Wargocki

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(7), 1360; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15071360 - 28 Jun 2018

Cited by 47 | Viewed by 6241

Abstract

This paper summarizes the results of HealthVent project. It had an aim to develop health-based ventilation guidelines and through this process contribute to advance indoor air quality (IAQ) policies and guidelines. A framework that allows determining ventilation requirements in public and residential buildings [...] Read more.

This paper summarizes the results of HealthVent project. It had an aim to develop health-based ventilation guidelines and through this process contribute to advance indoor air quality (IAQ) policies and guidelines. A framework that allows determining ventilation requirements in public and residential buildings based on the health requirements is proposed. The framework is based on three principles: 1. Criteria for permissible concentrations of specific air pollutants set by health authorities have to be respected; 2. Ventilation must be preceded by source control strategies that have been duly adopted to improve IAQ; 3. Base ventilation must always be secured to remove occupant emissions (bio-effluents). The air quality guidelines defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) outside air are used as the reference for determining permissible levels of the indoor air pollutants based on the principle that there is only one air. It is proposed that base ventilation should be set at 4 L/s per person; higher rates are to be used only if WHO guidelines are not followed. Implementation of the framework requires technical guidelines, directives and other legislation. Studies are also needed to examine the effectiveness of the approach and to validate its use. It is estimated that implementing the framework would bring considerable reduction in the burden of disease associated with inadequate IAQ. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Quality and Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Air Quality and Health

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (18 papers)

Editorial

Research

Review

Other

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI