scholarly journals COVID-19 national lockdown in Morocco: impacts on air quality and public health

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenza Khomsi ◽  
Houda Najmi ◽  
Hassan Amghar ◽  
Youssef Chelhaoui ◽  
Zineb Souhaili
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Ambient Air Pollution ◽  
Pollution Reduction ◽  
Industrial Activities ◽  
Large Cities ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Quality Status

AbstractOn the 20th April 2020, the end date of the first strict lockdown period in Morocco, 2 403 410 cases of the corona Virus were confirmed globally. The number of Morocco confirmed cases attended 2990, while 12 746 were suspected and 143 deaths were recorded. Due to the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 worldwide and in Morocco, almost all avoidable activities in the country were prohibited since the kingdom announced activities reduction on March 16, 2020 and then general lockdown with reduced industrial activities on March 20, 2020.This study aims at comparing the air quality status in Casablanca and Marrakech, two large cities from Morocco, before the pandemic and during the lockdown situation to show whether COVID-19 compelled-anthropogenic activities lockdown may have saved lives by restraining ambient air pollution than by preventing infection.We found that, during the quarantine, NO2 dropped by -12 μg/m3 in Casablanca and -7 μg/m3 in Marrakech. PM2·5 dropped by -18 μg/m3 in Casablanca and -14 μg/m3 in Marrakech. CO dropped by -0.04 mg/m3 in Casablanca and -0.12 mg/m3 in Marrakech. This air pollution reduction had created human health benefits and had reduced mortality and saved lives mainly from cardiovascular diseases.

STATISTICAL METHODS FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF AIR POLLUTION OF JHANSI CITY, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
V. S. CHAUHAN ◽  
BHANUMATI SINGH ◽  
SHREE GANESH ◽  
JAMSHED ZAIDI
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Uttar Pradesh ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Ambient Air Pollution ◽  
Base Line ◽  
Multivariate Statistical ◽  
Large Cities ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
The Status

Studies on air pollution in large cities of India showed that ambient air pollution concentrations are at such levels where serious health effects are possible. This paper presents overview on the status of air quality index (AQI) of Jhansi city by using multivariate statistical techniques. This base line data can help governmental and non-governmental organizations for the management of air pollution.

scholarly journals Air Quality Assessment in the State of Kuwait during 2012 to 2017

Atmosphere ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 678
Author(s):  
Adeeba Al-Hurban ◽  
Sawsan Khader ◽  
Ahmad Alsaber ◽  
Jiazhu Pan
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Meteorological Factors ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
The State ◽  
Ambient Air Pollution ◽  
Northeast Monsoon ◽  
Residential Areas ◽  
Industrial Areas ◽  
The State Of Kuwait

This study aimed to examine the trend of ambient air pollution (i.e., ozone (O3), nitrogen monoxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), benzene (C6H6) and particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 10 microns (PM10), and non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs) at 10 monitoring stations located in the main residential and industrial areas in the State of Kuwait over 6 years (2012–2017). We found that the SO2 level in industrial areas (0.065 ppm) exceeded the allowable range of SO2 in residential areas (0.030 ppm). Air pollution variables were defined by the Environmental Public Authority of Kuwait (K-EPA). In this study, integrated statistical analysis was performed to compare an established air pollution database to Kuwait Ambient Air Quality Guidelines and to determine the association between pollutants and meteorological factors. All pollutants were positively correlated, with the exception of most pollutants and PM10 and O3. Meteorological factors, i.e., the ambient temperature, wind speed and humidity, were also significantly associated with the above pollutants. Spatial distribution mapping indicated that the PM10 level remained high during the southwest monsoon (the hot and dry season), while the CO level was high during the northeast monsoon (the wet season). The NO2 and O3 levels were high during the first intermonsoon season.

Air Quality Profile in an Enclosed Car Park

2014 ◽  
Vol 567 ◽  
pp. 3-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nurul Izma Mohammed ◽  
Nurfadhilah Othman ◽  
Khairul Bariyah Baharuddin
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Health Effects ◽  
Sulphur Dioxide ◽  
Motor Vehicle ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Ambient Air Pollution ◽  
Kuala Lumpur ◽  
Short Supply ◽  
Car Park

Complaints on poor air quality in an enclosed car park have been raised up among the public, which might cause serious health effects to the drivers, passengers, and labours who are working at the premises. Improper design of mechanical ventilation systems in a car park would result in a poor indoor environment. The exhaust emission of motor vehicle contains a variety of potentially harmful substances encompassing carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, hydrocarbons, and fine particulates. In Kuala Lumpur, there is a great demand but a short supply of lands and building spaces. Thus, a large multi-storey underground car parks is a common solution for both, the government and developers. Although the health effects of the motor vehicle emissions and ambient air pollution are already known, but due to the nature of enclosed multi-storey car parks, these health risks are predicted to be intensified. Thus, it is crucial to investigate and evaluate the status of the air pollution in the enclosed car parks with emphasis on sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxides (NO2). Samples were collected in one of the famous shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur using a GrayWolf Advanced Sense Direct Sense; Toxic Gas Test Meters from 8 am until 5 pm on weekdays and weekends. The results demonstrate that the concentrations of SO2 and NO2 on weekends is higher than weekdays. Besides, the concentrations for both weekdays and weekends have exceeded the standard limit set by the Malaysian Ambient Air Quality Guideline (MAAQG).

scholarly journals Ambient Air Quality in the Czech Republic: Past and Present

Atmosphere ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iva Hůnová
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Czech Republic ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Ambient Air Pollution ◽  
Ambient Air Quality ◽  
Limit Values ◽  
Pollution Impacts

Based on an analysis of related core papers and reports, this review presents a historical perspective on ambient air pollution and ambient air quality development in the modern-day Czech Republic (CR) over the past seven decades, i.e., from the 1950s to the present. It offers insights into major air pollution problems, reveals the main hot spots and problematic regions and indicates the principal air pollutants in the CR. Air pollution is not presented as a stand-alone problem, but in the wider context of air pollution impacts both on human health and the environment in the CR. The review is arranged into three main parts: (1) the time period until the Velvet Revolution of 1989, (2) the transition period of the 1990s and (3) the modern period after 2000. Obviously, a major improvement in ambient air quality has been achieved since the 1970s and 1980s, when air pollution in the former Czechoslovakia culminated. Nevertheless, new challenges including fine aerosol, benzo[a]pyrene and ground-level ozone, of which the limit values are still vastly exceeded, have emerged. Furthermore, in spite of a significant reduction in overall emissions, the atmospheric deposition of nitrogen, in particular, remains high in some regions.

scholarly journals Dietary antioxidants and environmental stress

2004 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 579-585 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank J. Kelly
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Atmospheric Pollutants ◽  
Ambient Air Pollution ◽  
Political Agenda ◽  
Antioxidant Defences ◽  
The 1960S

Air is one of our most important natural resources; however, it is also in the front line for receiving environmental pollution. Air quality decreased markedly following the industrial revolution, but it was not until the great London Smog in 1952 that air quality made it onto the political agenda. The introduction of the Clean Air Act in 1956 led to dramatic decreases in black smoke and SO2 concentrations over the next two decades, as domestic and industrial coal-burning activities ceased. However, as these improvements progressed, a new threat to public health was being released into the air in ever-increasing quantities. Rapid motorisation of society from the 1960s onwards has led to the increased release of atmospheric pollutants such as tiny particles (particulate matter of &10 μm in aerodynamic diameter) and oxides of N, and the generation of the secondary pollutant O3. These primary and secondary traffic-related pollutants have all proved to be major risks factors to public health. Recently, oxidative stress has been identified as a unifying feature underlying the toxic actions of these pollutants. Fortunately, the surface of the lung is covered with a thin layer of fluid containing a range of antioxidants that appear to provide the first line of defence against oxidant pollutants. As diet is the only source of antioxidant micronutrients, a plausible link now exists between the sensitivity to air pollution and the quality of the food eaten. However, many questions remain unanswered in relation to inter-individual sensitivity to ambient air pollution, and extent to which this sensitivity is modified by airway antioxidant defences.

Energy and air pollution benefits of household fuel policies in northern China

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenjun Meng ◽  
Qirui Zhong ◽  
Yilin Chen ◽  
Huizhong Shen ◽  
Shu Tao
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Indoor Air Pollution ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Northern China ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Ambient Air Pollution ◽  
Solid Fuels ◽  
Reduce Emissions

<p>In addition to many recent actions taken to reduce emissions from energy production, industry, and transportation, a new campaign substituting residential solid fuels with electricity or natural gas has been launched in Beijing, Tianjin, and other 26 municipalities in northern China, aiming at solving severe ambient air pollution in the region. Quantitative analysis shows that the campaign can accelerate residential energy transition significantly, and if the planned target can be achieved, more than 60% of households are projected to remove solid fuels by 2021, compared with less than 20% without the campaign. Emissions of major air pollutants will be reduced substantially. With 60% substitution realized, emission of primary PM2.5 and contribution to ambient PM2.5 concentration in 2021 are projected to be 30% and 41% of those without the campaign. With 60% substitution, average indoor PM2.5 concentrations in living rooms in winter are projected to be reduced from 209 (190-230) μg/m3 to 125 (99-150) μg/m3. The population-weighted PM2.5 concentrations can be reduced from 140 μg/m3 in 2014 to 78 μg/m3 or 61 μg/m3 in 2021 given that 60% or 100% substitution can be accomplished. Although the original focus of the campaign was to address ambient air quality, exposure reduction comes more from improved indoor air quality because approximately 90% of daily exposure of the population is attributable to indoor air pollution. Women benefit more than men.</p>

scholarly journals Association between ambient air pollution and in vitro fertilization pregnancy outcomes in Taiyuan: A retrospective study in a heavy polluted city in northern China

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suming Xu ◽  
Chunqing Sun ◽  
Xingyu Bi ◽  
Dan Feng ◽  
Lei Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Pregnancy Outcomes ◽  
Northern China ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Clinical Pregnancy ◽  
Ambient Air Pollution ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Biochemical Pregnancy

Abstract BackgroundGlobally, air pollution has a significant impact on human health. However, the effects of air pollution on pregnancy outcomes in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) have not been fully understood. In this study, we analyzed the effects of air pollution on IVF pregnancy outcomes in Taiyuan, which is a heavy polluted city in northern China.Methods516 patients who underwent first fresh IVF cycle were enrolled in the retrospective study from January 1, 2015 to May 31, 2020. We collected medical record data from the electronic medical record system and daily average air pollution data from air quality monitoring station. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between six atmospheric pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2, SO2, CO) and air quality index (AQI) and IVF pregnancy outcomes (biochemical pregnancy and clinical pregnancy) in different exposure periods. ResultsThe results indicated that exposure to NO2 was negatively associated with the odds of biochemical pregnancy and clinical pregnancy, whereas exposure to O3 presented positive association. Furthermore, we also found that AQI was negatively associated with IVF pregnancy outcomes. ConclusionsOur findings suggested that exposure to ambient air pollution during any period may have an impact on IVF pregnancy outcomes, and poor air quality is more likely to reduce clinical pregnancy rates.

scholarly journals Ambient Air Quality and General Health Outcomes in Nigde (Turkey) between 2011 and 2017

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ertan Kara ◽  
Hasan Göksel Özdilek ◽  
Emine Erman Kara ◽  
Fatih Balcı ◽  
Burcu Mestav
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Economic Cost ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Ambient Air Pollution ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Ambient Air Quality

Background: We aimed to provide information for health practitioners and other related people about the association between ambient air quality and adverse health outcomes in the general population of Nigde, a central Turkish city, within the context of current health data epidemiological evidence. Methods: The present study highlights the connection between health problems and time series of particulate matter (PM10) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) in Nigde, Turkey between 2011 and 2017. Significant morbidity is linked to ambient air pollution, resulting in a significant economic cost to society. Results: We found that the required funds to treat cancers and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease triggered by ambient air pollution in Nigde, exceed 9 million US dollars per year, even when only the city center is taken into account. Conclusion: As Turkish cities grow and urban population density increases, air pollution issues need to be given priority in order to protect the health of the public and support sustainable development for future generations. It is recommended that particulate matter concentration in this urban center should be significantly reduced to minimize health problems.

scholarly journals APExpose_DE, an air quality exposure dataset for Germany 2010–2019

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandre Caseiro ◽  
Erika von Schneidemesser
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Time Resolution ◽  
Respiratory Diseases ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Ambient Air Pollution ◽  
Major Influence ◽  
Resolution Level

AbstractExposure to poor air quality is considered a major influence on the occurrence of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Air pollution has also been linked to the severity of the effects of epidemics such as COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Epidemiological studies require datasets of the long-term exposure to air pollution. We present the APExpose_DE dataset, a long-term (2010–2019) dataset providing ambient air pollution metrics at yearly time resolution for NO2, NO, O3, PM10 and PM2.5 at the NUTS-3 spatial resolution level for Germany (corresponding to the Landkreis or Kreisfreie Stadt in Germany, 402 in total).

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