Greenness may improve lung health in low–moderate but not high air pollution areas: Seven Northeastern Cities’ study

Thorax ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. thoraxjnl-2020-214767 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Zhou ◽  
Dinh S Bui ◽  
Jennifer L Perret ◽  
Adrian J Lowe ◽  
Caroline J Lodge ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Lung Function ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Vegetation Index ◽  
Normalized Difference Vegetation Index ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Lung Health ◽  
The Impact

IntroductionThere is growing interest in the impact of greenness exposure on airway diseases, but the impact of greenness on lung function in children is limited. We aimed to investigate the associations between greenness surrounding schools and lung function in children and whether these associations are modified by air pollution exposure.MethodsBetween 2012 and 2013, a cross-sectional survey and spirometry were performed among 6740 school children. Lung function patterns were determined as obstructive forced expiratory volume 1 s/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC <0.8) or restrictive (FEV1/FVC ≥0.8 but FVC <80% of predicted). School greenness was defined by Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and soil-adjusted vegetation index. Nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and particular matter concentrations were assessed using a spatiotemporal model and national monitoring data. Two-level generalised linear models were used to investigate associations and interactions.ResultsOverall, an IQR in NDVI within 500 m was associated with higher FEV1 (+57 mL 95% CI 44 to 70) and FVC (+58 mL 95% CI 43 to 73). NDVI was similarly associated with 25% reduced odds of spirometric restriction (OR: 0.75, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.86). However, among children exposed to the highest compared with the lowest quartile of particulate matter, increasing NDVI was paradoxically associated with lower −40 mL FVC (95% CI −47 to –33, p interaction <0.05).DiscussionOur findings suggest that, in this study population, greening urban areas may promote lung health in low–moderate pollution areas but not in high air pollution areas. If the findings are replicated in other moderate-to-high pollution settings, this highlights a need to have a flexible green policy.

Ambient air pollution exposure and lung function assessment of filling station attendants in Ibadan, Nigeria

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-218
Author(s):  
Toluwanimi Mobolade Oni ◽  
Godson R.E.E. Ana
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Lung Function ◽  
Air Pollutants ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Ambient Air Pollution ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Administration ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Filling Station

Abstract Background There is an increasing range of adverse health effects associated with air pollution at very low concentrations. Few studies have assessed respiratory parameters among filling station attendants. Objectives This study assessed air pollutants; particulate matter (PM10) and total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) concentrations at filling stations as well as determined forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) levels among filling station attendants. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess PM10 and TVOC concentrations at 20 systematically selected filling stations in Ibadan North Local Government Area, Ibadan for 2 months using a Thermo Scientific pDR 1500 PM10 monitor and SF2000-TVOC meter. FEV1 and PEFR levels were measured in order to assess the effect of exposure to PM10 and TVOC on lung function of 100 filling station attendants using a PIKO-1 Electronic peakflow/FEV1 meter. Results Total mean PM10 concentrations (μg/m3) in the morning (43.7±16.5) and afternoon (27.8±7.9) were significantly lower (p<0.01) than the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline limit (50 μg/m3). Total mean TVOC concentrations (ppm) in the morning (12.0±3.4) and afternoon (5.6±2.4) were however significantly higher (p<0.01) than the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guideline limit (3 ppm). Mean FEV1 for filling station attendants was 1.63±0.39 and PEFR was 171.7±45.9. Conclusion Filling stations are hotspots for the emission of VOCs and PM10. However, filling station attendants in this study are at risk of exposure to high concentrations of VOCs but not PM10. FEV1 and PEFR values among filling station attendants were very low which could possibly be attributed to extended exposure to air pollutants. Regular medical examinations should also be conducted on filling station attendants in order to aid early detection of deviations in their health status.

scholarly journals Spatiotemporal Assessment of Vegetation Indices and Land Cover for Erbil City and Its Surrounding Using Modis Imageries

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 31-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shwan O. Hussein ◽  
Ferenc Kovács ◽  
Zalán Tobak
Keyword(s):  
Land Cover ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Vegetation Change ◽  
Vegetation Index ◽  
Normalized Difference Vegetation Index ◽  
Vegetation Indices ◽  
Natural Vegetation ◽  
Visual Interpretation ◽  
Surrounding Areas ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The rate of global urbanization is exponentially increasing and reducing areas of natural vegetation. Remote sensing can determine spatiotemporal changes in vegetation and urban land cover. The aim of this work is to assess spatiotemporal variations of two vegetation indices (VI), the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), in addition land cover in and around Erbil city area between the years 2000 and 2015. MODIS satellite imagery and GIS techniques were used to determine the impact of urbanization on the surrounding quasi-natural vegetation cover. Annual mean vegetation indices were used to determine the presence of a spatiotemporal trend, including a visual interpretation of time-series MODIS VI imagery. Dynamics of vegetation gain or loss were also evaluated through the study of land cover type changes, to determine the impact of increasing urbanization on the surrounding areas of the city. Monthly rainfall, humidity and temperature changes over the 15-year-period were also considered to enhance the understanding of vegetation change dynamics. There was no evidence of correlation between any climate variable compared to the vegetation indices. Based on NDVI and EVI MODIS imagery the spatial distribution of urban areas in Erbil and the bare around it has expanded. Consequently, the vegetation area has been cleared and replaced over the past 15 years by urban growth.

scholarly journals Farming, pesticide exposure and respiratory health: a cross-sectional study in Thailand

2021 ◽  
pp. oemed-2020-107325
Author(s):  
Jate Ratanachina ◽  
Andre Amaral ◽  
Sara De Matteis ◽  
Paul Cullinan ◽  
Peter Burney
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Airflow Obstruction ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Pesticide Use ◽  
Government Employees ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Pesticide Exposures

ObjectiveTo assess the association of lung function and respiratory symptoms with farming, particularly pesticide use, in an agricultural province in Thailand.MethodsWe undertook a cross-sectional survey of adults aged 40–65 in Nan province, Thailand, between May and August 2019. We randomly recruited 345 villagers and enriched the sample with 82 government employees. All participants performed post-bronchodilator spirometry and completed a questionnaire covering information on respiratory symptoms, farming activities, pesticide use and known risk factors for respiratory disease. Associations of respiratory outcomes with farming and pesticide exposures were examined by multivariable regression analysis.ResultsThe response rate was 94%. The prevalence of chronic airflow obstruction among villagers was 5.5%. Villagers had, on average, a lower percent predicted post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) than government employees (98.3% vs 100.3%; p=0.04). There was no evidence of association of lung function with farming activities, the use of specific herbicides (glyphosate and paraquat), insecticides (organophosphates and pyrethroids) or fungicides. The exceptions were poultry farming, associated with chronic cough and an increase of FEV1/FVC, and atrazine, for which duration (p-trend <0.01), intensity (p-trend <0.01) and cumulative hours (p-trend=0.01) of use were all associated with higher FEV1/FVC in an exposure–response manner. Cumulative hours (−280 mL/hour), low duration (−270 mL/year) and intensity (−270 mL/hour/year) of atrazine use were associated with lower FVC.ConclusionsChronic airflow obstruction is uncommon among villagers of an agricultural province in Nan, Thailand. Farming and pesticide use are unlikely to be major causes of respiratory problems there.

scholarly journals Air pollution exposure and lung function until age 16 years: the PIAMA birth cohort study

2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 1800218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edith B. Milanzi ◽  
Gerard H. Koppelman ◽  
Henriette A. Smit ◽  
Alet H. Wijga ◽  
Marieke Oldenwening ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Lung Function ◽  
Secondary School ◽  
Time Windows ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Birth Cohort Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
School Time ◽  
Air Pollution Exposure ◽  
Pollution Exposure

Evidence for the effects of air pollution exposure on lung function growth into adolescence is scarce. We investigated associations of air pollution exposure with lung function and lung function growth until age 16.We conducted both longitudinal (n=915) and cross-sectional (n=721) analyses of associations of air pollution exposure with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) growth from ages eight to 16 and FEV1 and FVC at age 16. We estimated residential concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), “soot” and particulate matter (PMx, where x is the 50% cut-off aerodynamic diameter in µm) with diameters of <2.5 µm (PM2.5), <10 µm (PM10) and 2.5–10 µm (PMcoarse) during the preschool, primary school and secondary school time windows by land use regression models. Associations with (growth in) FEV1 and FVC were analysed by linear (mixed effects) regression.Higher air pollution exposure was associated with reduced FEV1 growth (e.g. adjusted difference −0.26% (95% CI −0.49 to −0.03%) per interquartile range increase in secondary school PM2.5) and lower FEV1 (adjusted difference −2.36% (95% CI −3.76 to −0.94%)), but was not adversely associated with FVC. Associations with FEV1 were stronger in boys than girls and were not modified by asthma status.Higher air pollution exposure may lead to increased airway obstruction, but not reduced lung volume in adolescence.

scholarly journals Lung Function and Chronic Exposure to Air pollution A Study on adolescent male of urban area.

2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 58-60
Author(s):  
Najneen Akhter ◽  
Noorzahan Begum ◽  
US Naima Begum ◽  
Dilruba Akther ◽  
Nasrin Habib ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Lung Function ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Chronic Exposure ◽  
Adolescent Male ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Function Type ◽  
Pulmonary Functions ◽  
Experimental Group

Background Chronic exposure to heavily polluted air affects the respiratory status. Objectives: To observe the effects of air pollution on pulmonary functions of adolescent male living in urban areas of Bangladesh. Methods: This cross-sectional study was done in the department of Physiology, BSMMU. For this purpose, 60 apparently healthy adolescent male of age 13 to 18 were selected from different slum areas of Dhaka city. Sex and age matched 55 subjects were taken as control from rural area of Bangladesh. All subjects were of low socio-economic status and living in the corresponding areas since birth. In the study, Forced vital capacity (FVC), Forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1), FEV1 /FVC % and Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were estimated by VMI ventilometer on standing position. Statistical analysis was done by using “Z” test. Result: The mean measured values of FVC, FEV1, FEV1/ FVC% and PEFR were lower in the experimental group than in the control group. FVC and FEV1 were lowered significantly (p<0.05) but FEV1/FVC % and PEFR in experimental group though lowered , the result were not statistically significant. Conclusion: The results of the study reveals that pulmonary functions were lowered in urban adolescent and it was of restricted lung function type. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdnmch.v18i2.16025 J. Dhaka National Med. Coll. Hos. 2012; 18 (02): 58-60

scholarly journals An urban–rural comparison of the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in Eastern China

2007 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 131-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoping Weng ◽  
Youxue Liu ◽  
Jiemin Ma ◽  
Wenjuan Wang ◽  
Gonghuan Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Waist Circumference ◽  
Rural Women ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Eastern China ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Urban Rural ◽  
The Impact

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the impact of urbanisation on the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in Chinese adults.DesignAs part of a community-based cross-sectional survey conducted in 2002, a sample from rural and urban populations in East China was obtained. The metabolic syndrome is defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria (ATP III) and the modified ATP III, which recommended a lower waist circumference cut-off for Asians.SettingField sites in Jiangxi and Anhui provinces and the Jing'an District of Shanghai, China.SubjectsA total of 529 non-pregnant, non-lactating urban and rural adults, aged 20–64 years without diagnosed diabetes.ResultsDwelling in urban areas was associated with higher dietary fat intake and slightly lower total energy intake, and with significantly lower occupational physical activity. Using the ATP III criteria, the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was significantly higher for urban than rural men (12.7 vs. 1.7%, P < 0.001), and was similar between urban and rural women (10.1 vs. 9.7%, P = 0.17). These urban–rural differences were greatly enhanced when the modified ATP III criteria for the syndrome were used, for men (34.3 vs. 2.7%, P < 0.01) and women (24.1 vs. 11.4%, P = 0.07). The Asian waist circumference cut-offs (90 and 80 cm for men and women, respectively) had a better combination of sensitivity and specificity in identifying other metabolic disorders, which included high glucose, high blood pressure, high triglycerides and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, for this population.ConclusionFor the Chinese population, urban dwelling was associated with higher prevalence of the metabolic syndrome, especially in men.

scholarly journals Metabolic Syndrome and Pulmonary Function Indices

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 261-269
Author(s):  
Gholamreza Pouryaghoub ◽  
Ramin Mehrdad ◽  
Mohammad Mehraban
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Lung Function ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Adult Men ◽  
Total Prevalence ◽  
Independent Association ◽  
Restrictive Pattern

Abstract Background and aims: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a collection of metabolic risk factors including increased waist circumference (WC), elevated blood pressure (BP), increased triglyceride (TG), decreased high density lipoprotein (HDL-C) and increased fasting blood sugar (FBS). We aimed to examine the relevance between the MetS and its components with reduced lung functions in adult men. Material and method: A total of 3899 adult men underwent screening examination between 2015-2016 in a cross-sectional survey. Results: The mean (± SD) age of our population was 37.25 (± 4.9) years. The overall prevalence of MetS was 7.6%. The total prevalence of reduced lung function in men with MetS was 13.8%. The most common type of reduced lung function was the restrictive pattern (7.1%). The forced expiratory volume of first second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) values were significantly lower in men with MetS (both p<0.001). Also these values were significantly lower in diabetic men compared to non-diabetics and those with impaired fasting glucose (IFG). WC and HDL were the most potent predictors of reduced FEV1 and FVC. Conclusions: We obtained a positive independent association between MetS and reduced lung function in adult men which may be related mainly due to increased WC and decreased HDL.

scholarly journals A Cross-Sectional Survey of Vitamin A Deficiency and the Associated Risk Factors among the Children of District Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 46-59
Author(s):  
Adil Hussain ◽  
Safa Rafique ◽  
Sana Batool ◽  
Saman Hina ◽  
Malik Siddique Mahmood
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Vitamin A ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Associated Risk Factors ◽  
The Impact

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a very common problem in developing countries and in extreme situations, it is responsible for vision impairment as well as death. To conduct a comprehensive cross-sectional evaluation of the deficiency of vitamin A and the associated risk factors responsible for its deficiency, a questionnaire based survey was conducted in District Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan. In order to evaluate the data related to VAD and its relationship with different variables, a cross-sectional survey was conducted of 400 female students from three different schools in District Gujrat. The schools were situated in both rural and urban areas. A questionnaire eliciting personal information, family status and diet related information was used to collect the required data for the survey. The results did not pertain with the participants’ gender. The results were based on the summer season routine of diet and physical activity. All information was sorted and the results were analyzed using the Microsoft Excel 2010 update and SPSS version 20. It was found that 39% girls (156 out of 400) were deficient in vitamin A. The main source of VAD was found to be inadequate dietary consumption. It was also found that children with poor socioeconomic standing, low fluid consumption, and from urban areas have more VAD than others. Moreover, the age group of 8-11 years carried a higher percentage of VAD, while physical activity had no impact on VAD. A large number of girls were reported as the victims of VAD due to poverty and related socioeconomic constraints prevailing among the school going children in District Gujrat. A crucial approach towards reducing VAD is to learn about the preventive measures to control VAD. In low-income countries, the use of vitamin A supplements with daily diet is required to reduce the impact of VAD.

scholarly journals A Cross-Sectional Survey of Vitamin A Deficiency and the Associated Risk Factors among the Children of District Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 46-59
Author(s):  
Adil Hussain ◽  
Safa Rafique ◽  
Sana Batool ◽  
Saman Hina ◽  
Malik Siddique Mahmood
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Vitamin A ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Associated Risk Factors ◽  
The Impact

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a very common problem in developing countries and in extreme situations, it is responsible for vision impairment as well as death. To conduct a comprehensive cross-sectional evaluation of the deficiency of vitamin A and the associated risk factors responsible for its deficiency, a questionnaire based survey was conducted in District Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan. In order to evaluate the data related to VAD and its relationship with different variables, a cross-sectional survey was conducted of 400 female students from three different schools in District Gujrat. The schools were situated in both rural and urban areas. A questionnaire eliciting personal information, family status and diet related information was used to collect the required data for the survey. The results did not pertain with the participants’ gender. The results were based on the summer season routine of diet and physical activity. All information was sorted and the results were analyzed using the Microsoft Excel 2010 update and SPSS version 20. It was found that 39% girls (156 out of 400) were deficient in vitamin A. The main source of VAD was found to be inadequate dietary consumption. It was also found that children with poor socioeconomic standing, low fluid consumption, and from urban areas have more VAD than others. Moreover, the age group of 8-11 years carried a higher percentage of VAD, while physical activity had no impact on VAD. A large number of girls were reported as the victims of VAD due to poverty and related socioeconomic constraints prevailing among the school going children in District Gujrat. A crucial approach towards reducing VAD is to learn about the preventive measures to control VAD. In low-income countries, the use of vitamin A supplements with daily diet is required to reduce the impact of VAD.

scholarly journals Influence Perception Differences about Children's Influence in Family Buying Decisions- an Exploratory Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 9-17
Author(s):  
Harikishni Harikishni
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Rural And Urban Areas ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Buying Decisions

This study has been undertaken (i) to examine the extent of disagreements in the perceptions of children and their mothers about the influence exerted by children in family buying decisions; (ii) to evaluate the impact of child’s gender on the agreement in the perceptions of children and their mothers about the influence exerted by children in family buying decisions. A cross-sectional survey method was carried out with “structured non-disguised” questionnaires to collect the primary data from 400 families residing in rural and urban areas of Delhi, capital of India. Children’s influence across stages of decision making process was measured by using an eleven-item scale developed by Talpade and Talpade (1995). The primary data are analyzed and interpreted with the help of statistical tools such as means, standard deviation, and paired t-test by using SPSS (version 16). Descriptive analysis has also been used to support the results of statistical analysis. The analysis results indicate that disagreements exists in the perceptions of children and their mothers about the influence exerted by children in Indian family buying decisions irrespective of child’s gender. The analysis results, thus, supported all the hypotheses exceptH3 (a/b).

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