Maternal exposure to ambient PM2.5 and term low birthweight in the State of Georgia

A growing body of evidence suggests that ambient air pollution could be associated with low birthweight (LBW). In this study, we examined pregnancy exposure to ambient PM_2.5 and the risk of LBW in the State of Georgia. The study population consisted of 48,172 full-term live births between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2004 in nine counties of Georgia, which was obtained from the national natality dataset. County-level air quality index data obtained from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was used to estimate exposure to ambient levels of PM_2.5. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that infants with maternal exposure to PM_2.5 falling within 75 to < 95th percentiles were at increased risk of LBW (OR: 1.36; 95 % CI: 1.03, 1.79), after adjusting for potential confounders. This study provided more evidence on the role of PM_2.5 in LBW. Reducing exposure for pregnant women would be necessary to improve the health of infants.     

PM(2.5) induces acute electrocardiographic alterations in healthy rats

There is evidence that changes of the autonomic control of the heart are among the potential mechanisms responsible for pollution-related cardiac mortality. The objective of this work is to assess the acute effects of urban particulate matter of 2.5 microm (PM(2.5)) particles on heart rate (HR) and HR variability. Forty-seven healthy Wistar rats were anesthetized, submitted to tracheal intubation, and instilled with 1 mL of four different solutions: saline, blank filter, and 50 or 100 microg of PM(2.5). PM(2.5) was collected in glass fiber filters using a high-volume sampler. Electrodes for obtaining electrocardiograms were implanted subcutaneously in a Lead II configuration. HR and the standard deviation of the intervals between normal beats (SDNN) were assessed immediately before and 30 and 60 min after instillation. HR decreased significantly (P<0.001) with time, but no significant effect of treatment or interaction between time and treatment was observed. In contrast, there was a significant SDNN interaction between time and treatment (P=0.025). The SDNN decreased 60 min after instillation with a PM(2.5) of 50 and 100 microg. In conclusion, the injection of an aqueous suspension of PM(2.5) induced a reduction of SDNN in healthy rats. The effect was observed 1h after instillation and in a concentration of <100 microg.     

北京市大气PM 10和PM2.5中多环芳烃组分的致突变性

目的研究北京市大气颗粒物中提取的多环芳烃组分的致突变性,并探讨采样点、粒径、季节对多环芳烃致突变活性的影响。方法于2005年7和12月从北京市工业区和商业区冬夏两季采集的可吸入颗粒物(PM10和PM2.5)样本中提取出多环芳烃。采用Ames试验检测该多环芳烃的致突变性。每个多环芳烃样本各设125、250和500μg/皿3个剂量,在加S9和不加S9条件下进行实验。结果受试多环芳烃组分在加S9和不加S9条件下均可引起TA98菌株发生回复突变增加,而且在加入活化系统S9后工业区样本的突变活性明显增加。随剂量增加,突变率升高,除部分低、中浓度组外,其他组的每皿回变菌落数为阴性对照的2倍或2倍以上;各组均存在明显的剂量-反应关系(P<0.01,P<0.05)。工业区多环芳烃样本的回变菌落数均高于商业区。冬季多环芳烃样本诱导的回变菌落数高于夏季样本。同剂量的PM2.5的多环芳烃样本诱导TA98菌株产生的回变菌落数大于PM10的多环芳烃样本。结论多环芳烃样本具有较强的致突变性并且以移码型突变为主。工业区多环芳烃样本主要是间接致突变物。工业区空气样本的多环芳烃组分的致突变性明显高于商业区。同剂量的PM2.5的多环芳烃组分的致突变性大于PM10。冬季颗粒物的多环芳烃组分的致突变性均比夏季组分致突变性强,并且商业区冬夏两季致突变性差异较工业区明显。     

Short-term effect of PM2.5 on daily hospital admissions in Madrid (2003–2005)

The aim of this paper was to analyse the effect of particulate matter PM_2.5, a recent air quality guideline value for the protection of health, on hospital admissions in Madrid, Spain. This dependent variable was used as a measure against the daily number of emergency hospital admissions from 2003–2005. The causes analysed were: all causes, respiratory and circulatory. The independent variables were daily records of PM_2.5, PM₁₀, NO₂, NO_x, SO₂ and O₃. Seasonalities, trend, flu epidemics, noise and pollen were used as control variables. Poisson Regression Models were performed to calculate the Relative Risk (RR) and the Attributable Risk (AR). The function relationship with hospital admissions was linear and without threshold. The RR for an increase of 25 μg/m³ in PM_2.5 concentrations was 1.07 IC 95% (1.05 1.09) for all causes; for circulatory was 1.08 IC 95%: (1.03 1.13) and for respiratory was 1.07 IC 95% (1.02 1.11). PM_2.5 concentrations were the only primary pollutant that showed a statistical association with hospital admissions in Madrid.     

Apheis: Health Impact Assessment of Long-term Exposure to PM2.5 in 23 European Cities

Introduction

Apheis aims to provide European decision makers, environmental-health professionals and the general public with up-to-date and easy-to-use information on air pollution (AP) and public health (PH). In the Apheis-3 phase we quantified the PH impact of long-term exposure to PM_2.5 (particulate matter < 2.5 μm) in terms of attributable number of deaths and the potential gain in life expectancy in 23 European cities.

Methods

We followed the World Health Organization (WHO) methodology for Health Impact Assessment (HIA) and the Apheis guidelines for data collection and analysis. We used the programme created by PSAS-9 for attributable-cases calculations and the WHO software AirQ to estimate the potential gain in life expectancy. For most cities, PM_2.5 levels were calculated from PM₁₀ measurements using a local or European conversion factor.

Results

The HIA estimated that 16,926 premature deaths from all causes, including 11,612 cardiopulmonary deaths and 1901 lung-cancer deaths, could be prevented annually if long-term exposure to PM_2.5 levels were reduced to 15 μg/m³ in each city. Equivalently, this reduction would increase life expectancy at age 30 by a range between one month and more than two years in the Apheis cities.

Conclusions

In addition to the number of attributable cases, our HIA has estimated the potential gain in life expectancy for long-term exposure to fine particles, contributing to a better quantification of the impact of AP on PH in Europe.     

The effect of outdoor air and indoor human activity on mass concentrations of PM(10), PM(2.5), and PM(1) in a classroom

The 12-h mass concentration of PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and PM₁ was measured in a lecturing room by means of three co-located Harvard impactors. The filters were changed at 8 AM and at 8 PM to cover the periods of presence and absence of students. Concentrations were assessed by gravimetry. Ambient PM₁₀ data were available for corresponding 12-h intervals from the nearest state air-quality-monitoring network station. The data were pooled into four periods according to the presence and absence of students—Monday-Thursday day (workday daytime), Monday-Thursday night (workday night), Friday-Sunday day (weekend daytime), and Friday-Sunday night (weekend night). Average indoor workday daytime concentrations were 42.3, 21.9 and 13.7 μg m⁻³, workday night were 20.9, 19.1 and 15.2 μg m⁻³, weekend daytime were 21.9, 18.1 and 11.4 μg m⁻³, and weekend night were 24.5, 21.3, and 15.6 μg m⁻³ for PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and PM₁, respectively. The highest 12-h mean, median, and maximum (42.3, 43.0, and 76.2 μg m⁻³, respectively) indoor concentrations were recorded on workdays during the daytime for PM₁₀. The statistically significant (r=0.68,P<0.0009) correlation between the number of students per hour per day and the indoor coarse fraction calculated as PM_10−2.5 during daytime on workdays indicates that the presence of people is an important source of coarse particles indoor. On workdays, the daytime PM₁₀ indoor/outdoor ratio was positively associated (r=0.93) with an increasing indoor coarse fraction (PM_10-2.5), also indicating that an important portion of indoor PM₁₀ had its source inside the classroom. With the exception of the calculated coarse fraction (PM_10-2.5), all of the measured indoor particulate matter fractions were significantly highly correlated with outdoor PM₁₀ and negatively correlated with wind velocity, showing that outdoor levels of particles influence their indoor concentrations.     

济南市社区大气PM_(2.5)中多环芳烃的污染特征及健康风险评价

目的分析2014年济南市王舍人社区大气PM_(2.5)中多环芳烃的污染特征及健康风险。方法于2014年检测王舍人社区大气PM_(2.5)中多环芳烃水平,利用比值法进行污染源识别,并评价人群健康风险。结果王舍人社区76 d大气PM_(2.5)检测结果中有49 d(占64.5%)超过GB 3095—2012《环境空气质量标准》二级标准限值(75μg/m~3),PAHs污染物以2~3环化合物为主,1-5月有燃煤污染特征,7、8月有交通污染特征,9—12月兼有燃煤和交通污染特征。冬季PAHs总浓度(508.33 ng/m~3,n=25)高于春季(132.06 ng/m~3,n=17)、夏季(133.13 ng/m~3,n=14)和秋季(189.33 ng/m~3,n=20),冬季Ba P浓度(5.91 ng/m~3,n=25)高于春季(1.78 ng/m~3,n=17)、秋季(1.44 ng/m~3,n=20)和夏季(1.03 ng/m~3,n=14),差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。12月大气PAHs污染所致成人、儿童的终身致癌超额危险度和成人预期寿命损失分别为0.68×10~(-5)、0.48×10~(-5)和42.52 min。结论 2014年王舍人社区大气PAHs污染有燃煤和交通污染特征,人群终身致癌超额危险度处于可接受范围内。     

Associations between PM2.5 and Heart Rate Variability Are Modified by Particle Composition and Beta-Blocker Use in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease

Background

It has been hypothesized that ambient particulate air pollution is able to modify the autonomic nervous control of the heart, measured as heart rate variability (HRV). Previously we reported heterogeneous associations between particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter < 2.5 μm (PM_2.5) and HRV across three study centers.

Objectives

We evaluated whether exposure misclassification, effect modification by medication, or differences in particle composition could explain the inconsistencies.

Methods

Subjects with coronary heart disease visited clinics biweekly in Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Erfurt, Germany; and Helsinki, Finland for 6–8 months. The standard deviation (SD) of NN intervals on an electrocardiogram (ECG; SDNN) and high frequency (HF) power of HRV was measured with ambulatory ECG during paced breathing. Outdoor levels of PM_2.5 were measured at a central site. In Amsterdam and Helsinki, indoor and personal PM_2.5 were measured during the 24 hr preceding the clinic visit. PM_2.5 was apportioned between sources using principal component analyses. We analyzed associations of indoor/personal PM_2.5, elements of PM_2.5, and source-specific PM_2.5 with HRV using linear regression.

Results

Indoor and personal PM_2.5 were not associated with HRV. Increased outdoor PM_2.5 was associated with decreased SDNN and HF at lags of 2 and 3 days only among persons not using beta-blocker medication. Traffic-related PM_2.5 was associated with decreased SDNN, and long-range transported PM_2.5 with decreased SDNN and HF, most strongly among persons not using beta blockers. Indicators for PM_2.5 from traffic and long-range transport were also associated with decreased HRV.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that differences in the composition of particles, beta-blocker use, and obesity of study subjects may explain some inconsistencies among previous studies on HRV.     

Reduction of wheat photosynthesis by fine particulate (PM2.5) pollution over the North China Plain

The negative impact of rapid urbanization in developing countries has led to a deterioration of urban and regional air quality. Much attention has been given to the impact of fine particulate pollution on urban public health. However, very little attention has been given to its impact on the regional ecosystem such as the agricultural ecosystem. Thus, we evaluate the direct impact of air pollution on the reduction of wheat photosynthesis by fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) pollution in the world’s most heavily polluted area, the North China Plain, using remote sensing observations and ground measurements. We found the following to be true: (1) Heavy PM_2.5 pollution could significantly reduce wheat photosynthesis and cause an expositional relationship between the PM_2.5 concentration and wheat photosynthesis (R² = 0.9824, P < 0.05); (2) Heavy PM_2.5 pollution makes up 2% for the reduction in wheat photosynthesis at all wheat-plant farmlands in the North China Plain, approximately covering an area of 354,400 km²; (3) Increasing heavy PM_2.5 pollution significantly reduced wheat photosynthesis by 87% in wheat-planted farmland during 1999–2011. We hope the results presented here could draw attention to the effect of PM_2.5 pollution on the agricultural ecosystem and encourage further studies to evaluate the feedback of atmospheric pollution on the agricultural ecosystem using remote sensing.

Abbreviation: Northern China Plain (NCP); normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI); The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS); fine particulate matter (PM_2.5)     

Role of sooty mold fungi in accumulation of fine-particle-associated PAHs and metals on deciduous leaves

The focus of this research was on elucidation of the role of deciduous tree ecosystems in accumulation of fine-particle-associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals on leaves of deciduous trees. The studied species were Tilia x euchlora (frequently infested by sooty mold fungi) and Pyrus calleryana (unaffected by sooty mold fungi). The selected species have similar leaf morphology and were exposed to identical environmental conditions. Intra-species comparison showed that moldy linden leaves accumulate significantly higher amounts of PAHs and metals than unaffected linden leaves. Inter-species comparison revealed that in the absence of sooty mold fungi, physico-chemical properties of epicuticular waxes, rather than the amounts of waxes, might play an important role in accumulation of particulate matter on leaves. The accumulation and/or degradation of a number of high-molecular-weight (HMW) PAHs on leaves was temperature dependent. The results show that the presence of sooty mold fungi on deciduous leaves alters either the accumulation modes and/or degradation pathways of PAHs on deciduous leaves.     

The variability of PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations in selected Polish agglomerations: the role of meteorological conditions, 2006–2016

The research focuses on the analysis of PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 concentrations variability at 11 stations in selected urbanized areas of Poland (Tricity, Poznań, ?ód?, Kraków). Methods comprised: the analysis of basic statistical characteristics in yearly/monthly/daily/hourly scale and threshold exceedance frequencies. Also, correlations between PM₁₀ and meteorological variables were investigated. GEV distribution analysis allowed the estimation of the return levels of monthly maxima of PM₁₀ and PM_2.5. Results show that in Tricity there are fewer than 5 % of days with PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 threshold exceedance. In Kraków, the standards are only met during summer and the frequency of daily PM limit exceedance in winter was around 65–90 %. GEV analysis indicates that 10y return level of PM₁₀ monthly maximum daily average do not usually exceed 250 μg/m³ at most of the stations (Kraków agglomeration is an exception here). In winter, the meteorological conditions unfavourable to the pollutant’s dispersion comprise: high-pressure systems, stable equilibrium in the atmosphere and limited turbulence occur quite often together with low wind speed and reduced height of the planetary boundary layer.     

Estimated reduction in cancer risk due to PAH exposures if source control measures during the 2008 Beijing Olympics were sustained

Background

The 2008 Beijing Olympic Games provided a unique case study to investigate the effect of source control measures on the reduction in air pollution, and associated inhalation cancer risk, in a Chinese megacity.

Objectives

We measured 17 carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and estimated the lifetime excess inhalation cancer risk during different periods of the Beijing Olympic Games, to assess the effectiveness of source control measures in reducing PAH-induced inhalation cancer risks.

Methods

PAH concentrations were measured in samples of particulate matter ≤ 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM_2.5) collected during the Beijing Olympic Games, and the associated inhalation cancer risks were estimated using a point-estimate approach based on relative potency factors.

Results

We estimated the number of lifetime excess cancer cases due to exposure to the 17 carcinogenic PAHs [12 priority pollutant PAHs and five high-molecular-weight (302 Da) PAHs (MW 302 PAHs)] to range from 6.5 to 518 per million people for the source control period concentrations and from 12.2 to 964 per million people for the nonsource control period concentrations. This would correspond to a 46% reduction in estimated inhalation cancer risk due to source control measures, if these measures were sustained over time. Benzo[b]fluoranthene, dibenz[a,h]anthracene, benzo[a]pyrene, and dibenzo[a,l]pyrene were the most carcinogenic PAH species evaluated. Total excess inhalation cancer risk would be underestimated by 23% if we did not include the five MW 302 PAHs in the risk calculation.

Conclusions

Source control measures, such as those imposed during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, can significantly reduce the inhalation cancer risk associated with PAH exposure in Chinese megacities similar to Beijing. MW 302 PAHs are a significant contributor to the estimated overall inhalation cancer risk.     

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) association with peripheral artery disease admissions in northeastern United States

Background: Current evidence, on the association of PM_2.5 and peripheral artery disease (PAD) is very sparse. Methods: We use novel PM_2.5 prediction models to investigate associations between chronic and acute PM_2.5 exposures and hospital PAD admissions across the northeast USA. Poisson regression analysis was preformed where daily admission counts in each zip code are regressed against both chronic and acute PM_2.5 exposure, temperature, socio-economic characteristics and time to control for seasonal patterns. Results: Positive significant associations were observed between both chronic and acute exposure to PM_2.5 and PAD hospitalizations. Every 10-μg/m³ increase in acute PM_2.5 exposure was associated with a 0.26 % increase in admissions (CI = 0.08 – 0.45 %) and every 10-μg/m³ increase in chronic PM _2.5 exposure was associated with a 4.4 % increase in admissions (CI = 3.50 – 5.35 %). Conclusions: The study supports the hypothesis that acute and chronic exposure to PM_2.5 can increase the risk of PAD.     

Predictors of indoor fine particulate matter in infants’ bedrooms in Denmark

Background

Particulate matter (PM) in ambient air is responsible for adverse health effects in adults and children. Relatively little is known about the concentrations, sources and health effects of PM in indoor air.

Objective

To identify sources of fine PM in infants’ bedrooms.

Methods

We conducted 1122 measurements of fine PM (PM_2.5 and black smoke) in the bedrooms of 389 infants and registered indoor activities and characteristics of the house. We used mixed models to identify and quantify associations between predictors and concentrations.

Results

The concentration of PM_2.5 was 2.8 times (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4–5.5 times) higher in houses where people smoked; the concentration increased by 19% (95% CI, 15–23%) per doubling of the amount of tobacco smoked and decreased by 16% (95% CI, 9–27%) per 5-m increase in the distance between the smoking area and the infant’s bedroom. Frying without a range hood was associated with a 32% (95% CI, 12–54%) higher PM_2.5 concentration per time per day, whereas frying with use of a range hood did not increase the concentration in the infant’s bedroom. Use of a fireplace, stove, candles or vacuum-cleaner, interior rebuilding or renovation, local traffic, inner city residence and cold season increased the fine PM concentration. Open windows decreased the PM_2.5 concentration in homes with smokers but increased the concentration in non-smoking homes.

Conclusions

We identified several sources of fine PM in infants’ bedrooms. The concentrations can be reduced by use of a range hood for frying, by not using candles, a fireplace or a stove, by increasing the distance between the bedroom and the smoking area and by opening windows in houses of smokers. Smoking is a strong predictor of fine PM in infants’ bedrooms and should be avoided.     

中国5个城市2013-2015年空气质量健康指数模拟研究

目的 纳入PM_2.5、O₃两种空气污染物,构建广州、上海、西安、北京、沈阳市空气质量健康指数（AQHI）,并探讨其在中国应用的科学性及可行性。方法 利用Meta分析方法,提取中国空气PM_2.5、O₃与总死亡的暴露-反应系数、各城市日均死亡数、以及2013-2015年各城市PM_2.5、O₃日均值浓度,构建适用于5个城市的双污染物AQHI,分析5个城市空气污染健康风险等级分布特征,并与PM_2.5、O₃各单污染浓度的分布特征进行比较。结果 5个城市中,PM_2.5广州市平均浓度最低、北京市最高,分别为46 μg/m³、82 μg/m³; O₃平均浓度西安市最低、上海市最高,分别为45 μg/m³、72 μg/m³。5个城市PM_2.5均在冬季浓度最高,O₃夏季浓度最低。AQHI健康风险提示5个城市以低、中风险为主,其中高风险频率北京市夏季最高,为5.69%,极高风险西安市冬季最高,频率为1.63%。结论 构建的AQHI纳入了中国2种典型空气污染物PM_2.5和O₃,该指数应用具有科学性及可行性。     

Induction of IL-6 and inhibition of IL-8 secretion in the human airway cell line Calu-3 by urban particulate matter collected with a modified method of PM sampling

Exposure to particulate matter (PM) induces inflammatory cytokines. In the present study, we evaluated the secretion of IL-6 and IL-8 by an airway cell line exposed to PM with a mean aerodynamic size equal to or less than 10 or 2.5 μm (PM₁₀ and PM_2.5, respectively) collected in Mexico City, using a modified high-volume sampling method avoiding the use of solvents or introducing membrane components into the samples. PM was collected on cellulose-nitrate (CN) membranes modified for collection on high-volume samplers. Composition of the particles was evaluated by particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) and scanning electron microscopy. The particles (10-160 μg/cm²) were tested on Calu-3 cells. Control cultures were exposed to LPS (10 ng/mL to 100 μg/mL) or silica (10-160 μg/cm²). IL-6 and IL-8 secretions were evaluated by ELISA. An average of 10 mg of PM was recovered form each cellulose-nitrate filter. No evidence of contamination from the filter was found. Cells exposed to PM₁₀ presented an increase in the secretion of IL-6 (up to 400%), while IL-8 decreased (from 40% to levels below the detection limit). A similar but weaker effect was observed with PM_2.5. In conclusion, our modified sampling method provides a large amount of urban PM free of membrane contamination. The urban particles induce a decrease in IL-8 secretion that contrasts with the LPS and silica effects. These results suggest that the regulation of IL-8 expression is different for urban particles (complex mixture containing combustion-related particles, soil and biologic components) than for biogenic compounds or pure mineral particles.     

Lung and bladder cancer among workers in a Norwegian aluminium reduction plant

OBJECTIVE—To investigate the relation between exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and the incidence of lung and bladder cancer among aluminium production workers.
METHODS—The cohort comprised 1790 men employed for more than 5 years at a Norwegian aluminium plant contributing 36 587 person-years to the study. Historical exposure to PAHs was estimated by the use of industrial hygiene measurements and by a panel of three people familiar with the industry. Cancer incidence was investigated from 1953 to 1995. The observed cases of cancer among men were compared with expected numbers calculated from national rates for men, and dose-response relations were investigated by internal comparison by Poisson regression with age, period, smoking, and cumulative exposure included in the models. The effect of lagging exposure by 10, 20, and 30 years was also investigated.
RESULT—The present study showed no increased risk of urinary bladder cancer or lung cancer with increasing cumulative exposure to PAHs. No significant changes in risk were found for different lag times.
CONCLUSIONS—Due to the small size of this study, a minor increase in risk could not be excluded.


Keywords: cancer incidence; polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; Søderberg     

Relation between breast cancer incidence and environment,lifestyle and socio‐economic factors ‐ an ecological study

Data from the former Cancer Registry of the GDR and from other sources were used in an attempt to explain regional differences in the female breast cancer incidence taking into account the prevalence of known risk factors or the average regional environmental exposure (to air pollutants like SO₂ and NO_X). Although the well‐known ‘ecological fallacy’ demonstrates that the associations observed for the aggregate population level may not apply to individuals, the results obtained seem to be plausible. They confirm the results from individual‐level observational studies (case‐control and cohort studies). Regional differences in incidence rates of breast cancer could be explained by risk factors, found in those epidemiological studies, as for example age of primiparous mothers, social status and others. On the basis of a multiple weighted linear regression analysis, a final model was developed, by means of which more than 63% of the variance of incidence could be explained.