Characterization of potential indoor sources of ozone

Ozone emission factors were developed for domestic electrostatic air cleaners and photocopying machines. The air cleaners had emission rates from 0-546 microgram/min. These rates will ordinarily not produce air concentrations which are greater than 60 microgram/m3 (0.030 ppm) above background. The emission rate for photocopying machines varied from 48-158 microgram/copy. In small, poorly ventilated rooms these emission rates were sufficient to produce incremental steady state ozone concentrations up to 396 microgram/m3 (0.202 ppm). Recent copying machine maintenance was found to reduce ozone production to less than the detectable level, 4 microgram/m3 (0.002 ppm).     

Characterization of five-year observation data of fine particulate matter in the metropolitan area of Lahore

This study aims to assess the long-term trend of fine particles (PM_2.5; ≤2.5 μm) at two urban sites of Lahore during 2007–2011. These sites represent two distinct areas: commercial (Townhall) and residential cum industrial (Township). The highest daily mean concentrations of PM_2.5 were noted as 389 and 354 μg m^?3 at the Townhall and Township sites, respectively. As expected, the annual seasonal mean of PM_2.5 was about 53 and 101% higher during winter compared with the summer and monsoon/post-monsoon seasons, respectively. On contrary to many observations seen in developing cities, the annual mean PM_2.5 during the weekends was higher than weekdays at both monitoring sites. For example, these were 100 (142) and 142 μg m^?3 (148) during the weekdays (weekends) at the Townhall and Township sites, respectively. The regression analysis showed a significant positive correlation of PM_2.5 with SO₂, NO₂ and CO as opposed to a negative correlation with O₃. The bivariate polar plots suggested a much higher influence of localized sources (e.g., road vehicles) at the Townhall site as opposed to industrial sources affecting the concentrations at the Township site. The imageries from the MODIS Aqua/Terra indicated long-range transport of PM_2.5 from India to Pakistan during February to October whereas from Pakistan to India during November to January. This study provides important results in the form of multiscale relationship of PM_2.5 with its sources and precursors, which are important to assess the effectiveness of pollution control mitigation strategies in Lahore and similar cities elsewhere.

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Baylisascaris procyonis in the metropolitan Atlanta area

Baylisascaris procyonis, the raccoon roundworm responsible for fatal larva migrans in humans, has long been thought to be absent from many regions in the southeastern United States. During spring 2002, 11 (22%) of 50 raccoons trapped in DeKalb County, Georgia, had B. procyonis infection. The increasing number of cases highlight this emerging zoonotic infection.     

Characteristics of the elderly transferees in a resort area from metropolitan areas: comparison to the elderly in a rural non-resort area and in a metropolitan area

PURPOSES: This study examines characteristics of elderly transferees in a resort area who moved from metropolitan areas, comparing them to two groups: elderly living in a rural non-resort area and elderly living in a metropolitan area. METHODS: Both the resort area and the non-resort area were located in Ito, Shizuoka Prefecture. The metropolitan area was in Nerima ward, Tokyo. From each area, 400, 400 and 600 random samples aged 65 and over were selected for face-to-face interview surveys separately. The number of the effective samples in each of the three groups was 176 (excluding transferees from rural area), 267, and 423, respectively. Characteristics were measured from five aspects; demographic aspects, health status, health habits, social networks, and social support. RESULTS: Almost indicators of health status did not show significant differences between respondents living in the resort area and each of the remaining two groups. Respondents living in the resort area were significantly less likely to attend community groups than those living in non-resort rural areas, and they also were less likely to have a home physician or persons who provided care. CONCLUSIONS: Transferees living in a resort area who moved from metropolitan areas may have extra health and welfare needs, compared to the elderly living in non-resort rural areas or the elderly living in metropolitan areas. Possible reasons for these extra needs may be relate to their urbanized life style, lower amount of medical resources in a rural area, or lower level of informal support possessed within a household.     

The perils of healthcare workforce forecasting: a case study of the Philadelphia metropolitan area

In 1996, a widely circulated and influential forecast for the Philadelphia Metropolitan Area stated that a decline in hospital and healthcare employment in the region would occur over the next five years. It also suggested that this decline would exacerbate the problem of an oversupply of nurses seeking hospital employment. The forecast reflected a regional leadership and expert consensus on the impact of the managed care transformation on workforce needs and was supported by short-term statistical trends in regional utilization and employment. Confounding these predictions was the fact that hospital and healthcare employment actually grew. By the end of 2001, hospitals in the region were experiencing problems in recruiting sufficient numbers of nurses, pharmacists, and technicians. The forecast failed to anticipate the impact of a strong regional economy on supply and underestimated the resilience of underlying forces that have driven the long-term growth in healthcare workforce demand. More effective ongoing monitoring can help moderate the fluctuation of workforce shortages and surpluses.     

Minor women obtaining abortions: a study of parental notification in a metropolitan area.

Data were collected from 141 women under age 18 attending an abortion clinic that did not require parental notification. Most of them informed their girl friend but not their parents of the plans for abortion. Younger minors and those who perceive their parents to hold positive attitudes toward abortion were more apt to inform parents. Reasons for not informing parents included fears of physical retaliation. Implications for parental notification legislation are discussed.     

A five-year follow-up study of recipient rates for welfare allowance for the disabled elderly in a metropolitan area

Improvement of the domiciliary care system for the disabled elderly is one of the most urgent issues of welfare for the elderly. In order to understand more clearly the utilization of domiciliary care service in a metropolitan area, we studied recipient rates for welfare allowance for disabled elderly which was the most frequently used welfare service. Between October 1984 and March 1985 a baseline survey was performed on a random sample of elderly living at home, aged from 65 to 89, in Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo. A follow-up survey of this sample of 873 persons was performed in November 1989 where survival and their recipience of welfare allowance were reviewed. The main results were as follows: 1. Recipient proportion of welfare allowance increased rapidly with disability of ADL. Of the severely disabled elderly at the baseline the recipient proportion was 46%. During the following five years 27% of the severely disabled were accepted as new recipients. 2. Recipient proportion of elderly who died at age 75 or greater for the following five years was more than 30%. 3. The recipient incidence rate of those who were non-recipient at baseline increased significantly with age after controlling for ADL. This indicates that the risk of ADL disability increases with age. 4. Mean recipient duration varied according to age. Mean durations for those aged over 80 and those under 80 were 2.1 years and 3.9 years respectively.     

Ticks in the metropolitan area of Berlin,Germany

A high-resolution city map showing the geographic distribution of 12 tick species (Acari: Argasidae, Ixodidae) that have been recorded from the metropolitan area of Berlin, Germany is presented. A total of 237 tick locations was mapped. These include ten ixodid tick species: Dermacentor reticulatus, Haemaphysalis concinna, Hyalomma rufipes, Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes canisuga, Ixodes hexagonus, Ixodes arboricola, Ixodes frontalis, Ixodes trianguliceps and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. The two tick species Hy. rufipes and R. sanguineus s.l. are not endemic to Berlin. Hyalomma rufipes ticks are introduced in Europe with migratory birds from Africa every spring. Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. are introduced to Central Europe with dogs that had travelled to or were imported from countries where this tick is endemic. In Germany, they are able to develop and reproduce inside heated buildings. Occurrences of two soft tick species, the pigeon tick Argas reflexus and the short-legged bat tick Carios vespertilionis were also mapped. Other tick species that are likely to be endemic to Berlin and its environs, but for which documented findings or geographical coordinates are lacking, are mentioned. These include the long-legged bat tick I. vespertilionis and the marten tick I. rugicollis documented in Brandenburg, the federal state surrounding Berlin. It can be assumed that if appropriate field studies are carried out, these tick species will also be found in the metropolitan area of Berlin. The high-resolution mapping of all tick species found in a city (like Berlin) forms the basis for further investigations into the impact of climate change and changing land use on ticks and tick-borne diseases, precisely in those habitats where most people will live in the future.     

Investigations into the indoor environment and respiratory health in Boston public housing

The self-reported prevalence of asthma in the United States increased by 75% from 1980 to 1994, a trend found to be significant and evident in every region of the country. The increase was most marked in children from birth to 14 years of age; and growing evidence indicates that, as with lead poisoning, inner-city and urban populations are most at risk. Attention has turned to the role of indoor environmental risk factors, especially in homes and schools. Such factors include moisture and mold growth, pest infestation, dust mites, the building envelope, heating systems, inadequate ventilation, nitrogen dioxide, and environmental tobacco smoke. The Healthy Public Housing Initiative (HPHI) is a Boston-based community-centered research and intervention project designed to engage Boston Housing Authority residents in a collaborative process to improve respiratory health, quality of life, building conditions, and building maintenance in public housing. This article summarizes the significant research findings from four pilot studies in housing developments that laid the foundation for the larger HPHI asthma-related environmental intervention study. The research design for the pilot projects is informed by principles of community-collaborative research. The strengths of this model of research for our work are also discussed.     

Cross-national study of risky sexual behavior among gang-involved youth in metropolitan Boston and San Salvador,El Salvador

Although conformity to peer norms poses significant risks for adolescent sexual behavior, information is limited on types of gang-related activities that predict risky sexual behavior among gang-involved youth. Using data from Boston (n?=?375) and San Salvador (n?=?207), we compared the two groups on key characteristics and assessed factors associated with risky sexual behaviors. Number of arrests and aggression predicted number of sexual partners in Boston and San Salvador samples, while delinquency, arrests and age predicted pregnancy outcomes. Medium to large effect-size differences were noted in future orientation, delinquency and gang-involvement attitudes. Gang-involvement and risky sexual behavior were associated in this sample. Salvadoran youth differed significantly from those in Boston on key gang-related characteristics, rendering them even more vulnerable.     

Perinatal mortality in the St. Louis metropolitan area

Statistical data in fetal, neonatal, perinatal, and infant mortality were collected from various sources for the St. Louis metropolitan area (St. Louis City and St. Louis County). The overall perinatal mortality rate of 25.8 for the St. Louis metropolitan area in 1973 compares favorably with the national rate of 25.5 in 1973. The prematurity rate at St. Louis City Hospital (SLCH) is almost three times that of St. Mary's Health Center (SMHC), 12.7 in contrast to 4.8. Both the neonatal and perinatal mortality rates at SLCH are about twice the rate of SMHC, neonatal 19.5 versus 7.4 and perinatal 31.7 in contrast to 19.6. Prematurity and its complications still seem to be the leading cause of neonatal mortality. With modern obstetrical and intensive neonatal care, the survival rates for low birth weight infants has improved markedly. The combined survival rates at SLCH and SMHC, 1972 through 1974 for infants weighing 501-1,000 gms 28 percent; 1,001-1,500 gms, 74 percent; 1,501-2,5000 gms, 95.5 percent; and greater than 2,500 gms. 99.7 percent. Recent studies have shown that the long-term prognosis for these low birth weight infants, in terms of neurological or intellectual sequelae is good. Thus, a more aggressive approach to the management of perinatal problems can be expected to yield excellent results.     

Leukemia incidence by occupation in the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan area

During a 15-year period in an urban area with over a million inhabitants, we identified 1,678 cases of leukemia among residents aged 16 or older. Case finding was done according to the methods of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) SEER program. Usual occupation was coded by a system based on the U.S. Census Bureau classification. According to age-standardized incidence rates for persons aged 16-67, significant excess leukemia risks were found for 14 male and 8 female occupation categories, with the larger number of male excess risk situations due to nonlymphatic leukemia. Lymphatic leukemia risks were significantly elevated among dentists, school teachers of both sexes, auto mechanics, gas station attendants, female assembly workers, and female laundry and dry cleaning workers. Nonlymphatic leukemia risks were significantly elevated among machinists, other metal tradesmen, heavy equipment operators, textile operatives, meat cutters, cannery workers, construction laborers, freight and stock handlers, policemen, and firemen. Risks of both types of leukemia were significantly elevated among registered and practical nurses and lumber mill workers. This study has not identified specific etiologic agents and exposures, but applied investigations aimed at disease control by prevention of cases are now possible in this community. Nationwide surveillance and control are recommended.     

Control of particulate emissions from stationary fuel burning sources in the core area of the Metropolitan Boston air quality control region.

Strategies to control emissions were investigated to develop a plan to meet secondary ambient particulate standards in Metropolitan Boston. Each strategy was evaluated for emission reduction potential, cost, and feasibility. The strategy selected by the State, a periodic inspection and maintenance plan for combustion sources, meets the goal of clean air at minimum cost.     

Household dust metal levels in the Sydney metropolitan area

Household dust was collected from 82 residential homes within the Sydney metropolitan area. The geometric mean concentrations of metals in the household dust were Cd, 1.9 microg/g; Cr, 64.3 microg/g; Cu, 103 microg/g; Fe, 2740 microg/g; Mn, 54 microg/g; Ni, 15.6 microg/g; Pb, 85.2 microg/g; and Zn, 437 microg/g. Differences in household income level, dwelling type, or the number of occupants were not statistically significant for the majority of metals. The exceptions were higher amounts of Zn (P=0.033) and Fe (P=0.047) found in households with only 1-2 residents compared to those with 3-4 or >4 residents, and slightly higher Mn levels (P=0.033) were found in low-income households (AUD 0-30,000 dollars/year). Region was highly significant for Pb levels in Sydney but not significant for other metals. Large variations in Pb levels were found in household dust (16-16,600 microg/g), with the inner-west region associated with significantly higher Pb levels (P<0.001). Comparisons with a study from a decade earlier have revealed that the household dust Pb levels have remained constant despite substantial improvements in air quality in the inner-west area of Sydney. New epidemiological studies are required to determine whether Pb blood levels have also remained unchanged and whether accumulated Pb in household dust represents a significant health risk to children in this region.     

Cocaine consumption and death risk: a follow-up study on 347 cocaine addicts in the metropolitan area of Bologna

This paper reports the results of the mortality rate in a retrospective cohort of cocaine addicts enrolled in treatment programs at the SerTs (Drug Addiction Services) of Bologna's metropolitan area from 1989 to December 31, 2004 including 347 subjects, 89% males and 11% females, with an average age of 30.4 years at the time of enrollment (females 29.1 and males 30.6). 15.3% of the subjects had been at least once in jail, 29.4% were also using cannabis, 22.2% alcohol, 25% had a high school degree, 16% were married and 60% were employed. During the follow-up period, 7 deaths have been observed, all in the male population: one caused by AIDS, one by drug overdose, three by vascular diseases, two by injuries and poisonings. The mortality rate was 4.98 per 1000 person-years in both sexes, 5.38 by the males. The survival chance after 12 years from the first contact with the SerTs was of 89% (CI 66.8-96.7). The death risk goes down after two years from the first enrollment and drops remarkably only after two years from the last contact with the drug treatment service. The study confirms the excess of mortality for all causes of the cohort among males in comparison with the general population (SMR 4.75; CI 2.26-9.96). As to the specific death causes, the highest SMR was related to vascular diseases (SMR 14.85; CI 4.79-46.04), suicides (SMR 7.07; CI 1-50.16) and overdoses (SMR 9.95; CI 1.40-70.61). Males show a higher mortality rate, subjects older than 30 years at the first contact with SerTs, with at least one imprisonment, married, with problematic housing situation, unemployed, with concomitant alcohol abuse and low schooling level.     

A case-control study on factors relating to discontinuation of domiciliary care for the bedridden elderly in a metropolitan area]

A case-control study was conducted to examine factors relating to discontinuation of domiciliary care for the bedridden elderly in Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo. Cases were bedridden residents aged 65 years and over who had abandoned home care and applied for admission to live in a special nursing home for the aged between April and September in 1990 after being recipients of welfare allowances for disabled elderly. Controls were bedridden residents who continued to be given home care and matched to cases by sex, age and beginning month of the receiving of allowances. Among 50 cases and 94 controls interviewed, we obtained responses from 31 cases (62%) and 60 controls (64%). The main results were as follows: 1. During the home-care period, ADL (activities of daily living) of cases, especially walking ability, deteriorated more severely than in controls. Night delirium also appeared more frequently in cases. 2. The primary caregivers of cases were older than those of controls. Remarkable differences between cases and controls were observed in the family structure, the number of family members and the number of sub-caregivers. Cases tended to live alone or live with a spouse only, and with smaller number of family members and caregivers. 3. Case lived more frequently in houses with small numbers of rooms and without rooms of their own. 4. As regards utilization of domiciliary care services, cases used dispatch of home helpers more frequently and used day services less frequently.