scholarly journals Air Pollution and Human Sperm Sex Ratio

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 907-912 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michał Radwan ◽  
Emila Dziewirska ◽  
Paweł Radwan ◽  
Lucjusz Jakubowski ◽  
Wojciech Hanke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Sex Ratio ◽  
Human Sperm ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Aerodynamic Diameter ◽  
Limited Data ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Air Quality Data

The present study was designed to address the hypothesis that exposure to specific air pollutants may impact human sperm Y:X chromosome ratio. The study population consisted of 195 men who were attending an infertility clinic for diagnostic purposes and who had normal semen concentration of 15–300 mln/ml (WHO, 2010). Participants represented a subset of men in a multicenter parent study conducted in Poland to evaluate environmental factors and male fertility. Participants were interviewed and provided a semen sample. The Y:X ratio was assessed by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Air quality data were obtained from the AirBase database. In multivariate analysis the significant reduction was observed in the proportion of Y/X chromosome bearing sperm and exposure to particulate matter >10 μm in aerodynamic diameter PM10 ( p = .009) and particulate matter <10 μm in aerodynamic diameter PM2.5 ( p = .023). The observed effects of a lower Y:X sperm chromosome ratio among men exposed to air pollution support the evidence that the trend of declining sex ratio in several societies over past decades has been due to exposure to air pollution; however due to limited data on this issue, the obtained results should be confirmed in longitudinal studies.

scholarly journals Greenspace, Air Pollution, Neighborhood Factors, and Preeclampsia in a Population-Based Case-Control Study in California

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 5127
Author(s):  
Kari A. Weber ◽  
Wei Yang ◽  
Evan Lyons ◽  
David K. Stevenson ◽  
Amy M. Padula ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Vegetation Index ◽  
Census Data ◽  
Effect Modification ◽  
Severe Preeclampsia ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Poverty Level ◽  
Neighborhood Factors

To investigate preeclampsia etiologies, we examined relationships between greenspace, air pollution, and neighborhood factors. Data were from hospital records and geocoded residences of 77,406 women in San Joaquin Valley, California from 2000 to 2006. Preeclampsia was divided into mild, severe, or superimposed onto pre-existing hypertension. Greenspace within 100 and 500 m residential buffers was estimated from satellite data using normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Air quality data were averaged over pregnancy from daily 24-h averages of nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter <10 µm (PM10) and <2.5 µm (PM2.5), and carbon monoxide. Neighborhood socioeconomic (SES) factors included living below the federal poverty level and median annual income using 2000 US Census data. Odds of preeclampsia were estimated using logistic regression. Effect modification was assessed using Wald tests. More greenspace (500 m) was inversely associated with superimposed preeclampsia (OR = 0.57). High PM2.5 and low SES were associated with mild and severe preeclampsia. We observed differences in associations between greenspace (500 m) and superimposed preeclampsia by neighborhood income and between greenspace (500 m) and severe preeclampsia by PM10, overall and among those living in higher SES neighborhoods. Less greenspace, high particulate matter, and high-poverty/low-income neighborhoods were associated with preeclampsia, and effect modification was observed between these exposures. Further research into exposure combinations and preeclampsia is warranted.

scholarly journals Analyzing Individual-Level Secondary Data with Instrumental Variable Methods Is Useful for Studying the Effects of Air Pollution on Dementia

2021 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-23
Author(s):  
Kelly C. Bishop ◽  
Sehba Husain-Krautter ◽  
Jonathan D. Ketcham ◽  
Nicolai V. Kuminoff ◽  
Corbett Schimming
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Instrumental Variable ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Medicare Claims Data ◽  
Advance Knowledge ◽  
Air Quality Data

We hypothesize that analyzing individual-level secondary data with instrumental variable (IV) methods can advance knowledge of the long-term effects of air pollution on dementia. We discuss issues in measurement using secondary data and how IV estimation can overcome biases due to measurement error and unmeasured variables. We link air-quality data from the Environmental Protection Agency’s monitors with Medicare claims data to illustrate the use of secondary data to document associations. Additionally, we describe results from a previous study that uses an IV for pollution and finds that PM2.5’s effects on dementia are larger than non-causal associations.

Air pollution and public health: the challenges for Delhi, India

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arun Kumar Sharma ◽  
Palak Baliyan ◽  
Prashant Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Bronchial Asthma ◽  
Suspended Particulate Matter ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Ambient Air Pollution ◽  
Aerodynamic Diameter ◽  
Suspended Particulate

AbstractMitigating the impact of pollution on human health worldwide is important to limit the morbidity and mortality arising from exposure to its effect. The level and type of pollutants vary in different urban and rural settings. Here, we explored the extent of air pollution and its impacts on human health in the megacity of Delhi (India) through a review of the published literature. The study aims at describing the extent of air pollution in Delhi, the magnitude of health problems due to air pollution and the risk relationship between air pollution and associated health effects. We found 234 published articles in the PubMed search. The search showed that the extent of air pollution in Delhi has been described by various researchers from about 1986 onwards. We synthesized the findings and discuss them at length with respect to reported values, their possible interpretations and any limitations of the methodology. The chemical composition of ambient air pollution is also discussed. Further, we discuss the magnitude of health problem with respect to chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), bronchial asthma and other illnesses. The results of the literature search showed that data has been collected in last 28 years on ambient air quality in Delhi, though it lacks a scientific continuity, consistency of locations and variations in parameters chosen for reporting. As a result, it is difficult to construct a spatiotemporal picture of the air pollution status in Delhi over time. The number of sites from where data have been collected varied widely across studies and methods used for data collection is also non-uniform. Even the parameters studied are varied, as some studies focused on particulate matter ≤10 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM10) and those ≤2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5), and others on suspended particulate matter (SPM) and respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM). Similarly, the locations of data collection have varied widely. Some of the sites were at busy traffic intersections, some on the terraces of offices and residential houses and others in university campuses or airports. As a result, the key question of the extent of pollution and its distribution across various parts of the city could be inferred. None of the studies or a combination of them could present a complete picture of the burden of diseases like COPD, bronchial asthma and other allergic conditions attributable to pollution in Delhi. Neither could it be established what fraction of the burden of the above diseases is attributable to ambient air pollution, given that other factors like tobacco smoke and indoor air pollution are also contributors to the causation of such diseases. In our discussion, we highlight the knowledge gaps and in the conclusion, we suggested what research can be undertaken to fill the these research gaps.

scholarly journals Changes in air-pollution related behaviour measured by Google Trends Search Volume Index in response to reported air quality in Poland

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wojciech Nazar ◽  
Katarzyna Plata-Nazar
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Winter Season ◽  
Google Trends ◽  
Volume Index ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Coefficient Of Determination ◽  
Pollution Levels ◽  
Search Volume ◽  
Air Quality Data

Abstract Background Decreased air quality is connected to a higher number of hospital admissions and an increase in daily mortality rates. Thus, Poles’ behavioural response to sometimes elevated air pollution levels is vital. The aim of this study was to carry out analysis of changes in air-pollution related information seeking behaviour in response to nationwide reported air quality in Poland. Methods Google Trends Search Volume Index data was used to investigate Poles’ interest in air pollution-related keywords. PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations measured across Poland between 2016 and 2019 were collected from the Chief Inspectorate of Environmental Protection databases. Pearson Product-Moment Correlation and the R2 correlation coefficient of determination were used to measure spatial and seasonal correlations between reported air pollution levels and the popularity of search queries. Results The highest PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations were observed in southern voivodeships and during the winter season. Similar trends were observed for Poles’ interest in air-pollution related keywords. All R2 coefficient of determination values were > 0.5 and all correlations were statistically significant. Conclusion Poland’s air quality does not meet the World Health Organisation guidelines. Also, the air quality is lower in southern Poland and during the winter season. It appears that Poles are aware of this issue and search for daily air quality data in their location. Greater interest in air quality data in Poland strongly correlates with both higher regional and higher seasonal air pollution levels.

scholarly journals Developing Web-Based 3D Health-Aware Routing for Pedestrians and Cyclists

2020 ◽  
Vol 171 ◽  
pp. 02009
Author(s):  
Rosanny Sihombing ◽  
Sabo Kwada Sini ◽  
Matthias Fitzky
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Quality Level ◽  
3D Navigation ◽  
Index Numbers ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Air Quality Data ◽  
Monitoring Stations

As the population of people migrating to cities keeps increasing, concerns have been raised about air quality in cities and how it impacts everyday life. Thus, it is important to demonstrate ways of avoiding polluted areas. The approach described in this paper is intended to draw attention to polluted areas and help pedestrians and cyclists to achieve the lowest possible level of air pollution when planning daily routes. We utilise real-time air quality data which is obtained from monitoring stations across the world. The data consist of the geolocation of monitoring stations as well as index numbers to scale the air quality level in every corresponding monitoring stations. When the air quality level is considered having a moderate health concern for people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, an alternative route that avoid air pollution will be calculated so that pedestrians and cyclists can be informed. The implementation can visualize air quality level in several areas in 3D map as well as informs health-aware route for pedestrian and cyclist. It automatically adjusts the observed air quality areas based on the availability of monitoring stations. The proposed approach results in a prototype of a health-aware 3D navigation system for pedestrian and cyclist.

Utilizing Blockchain and Smart Contracts to Enable Audit 4.0: From the Perspective of Accountability Audit of Air Pollution Control in China

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 23-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Dai ◽  
Na He ◽  
Haizong Yu
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Pollution Control ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Smart Sensors ◽  
Chinese Government ◽  
Smart Contracts ◽  
Air Pollution Control ◽  
Government Officials ◽  
New Generation ◽  
Air Quality Data

ABSTRACT Industry 4.0 uses many technologies, such as smart sensors and IoT, to fundamentally improve manufacturing processes. These advanced tools can also be utilized by auditors for the purpose of achieving real-time auditing and monitoring, pushing the profession toward a new generation: “Audit 4.0.” Blockchains and smart contracts should be utilized to overcome new challenges in the transformation toward Audit 4.0. This paper explores the potential of blockchain and smart contracts to reengineer current audit procedures, thereby enabling Audit 4.0. First, this paper demonstrates a framework that summarizes where blockchain and smart contracts should be applied to help implement Audit 4.0. Then, it designs and implements a system to facilitate accountability audit for Chinese government officials regarding air pollution control. In this case, real air quality data are collected via crowdsourcing, verified and analyzed by blockchain and smart contracts to achieve a continuous audit of government officials' performance on air protection.

Respiratory Effects of Particulate Matter Exposure During Short-Term Cycling Among Healthy Adults in Three Chinese Cities

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lejian He ◽  
Laijun Zhao ◽  
Yonghong Liu ◽  
Zhaowen Qiu ◽  
H. Oliver Gao
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Lung Function ◽  
Fine Particles ◽  
Aerodynamic Diameter ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Respiratory Effects ◽  
Air Pollution Exposure ◽  
Pollution Exposure ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: Cycling to work has been promoted as a green commute in many countries because of its reduced congestion relative to that of cars and its reduced environmental impact on air pollution. However, cyclists might be exposed to higher air pollution, causing adverse health effects. Few studies have examined the respiratory effects of traffic-related air pollution exposure during short-term cycling, especially in developing countries with heavy air pollution. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of air pollution exposure on lung function while cycling in traffic. Methods: Twenty-five healthy adults in total cycled on a specified route in each of three Chinese cities during four periods of a day. Lung function measures were collected immediately before and after cycling. Real-time particulate matter (PM) and the particle number count (PNC) for particles with different sizes were measured along each cycling route, while ambient sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), and carbon monoxide (CO) levels were measured at the nearest stations. Mixed-effect models were used to estimate the impact of short-term air pollution exposure on participants’ lung function measures during cycling. Results: We found that an interquartile increase in particulate matter consisting of fine particles (PM1, aerodynamic diameter £ 1 mm; and PM2.5, aerodynamic diameter £ 2.5 mm) was associated with a significant decrease in forced vital capacity (FVC) (PM1, –5.61%, p = 0.021; PM2.5, –5.57%, p = 0.022). Interquartile increases in the 99th percentile of PNC for fine particles (aerodynamic diameter 0.3–0.4 mm) also had significant negative associations with FVC (0.3 mm, –5.13%, p = 0.041; 0.35 mm, –4.81%, p = 0.045; 0.4 mm, –4.59%, p = 0.035). We also observed significant inverse relationships between ambient CO levels and FVC (–5.78%, p = 0.015).Conclusions: Our results suggest that short-term exposure to fine particles and CO while cycling in traffic contributes to a reduction in FVC of cyclists.

scholarly journals In situ, satellite measurement and model evidence on the dominant regional contribution to fine particulate matter levels in the Paris megacity

2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (16) ◽  
pp. 9577-9591 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Beekmann ◽  
A. S. H. Prévôt ◽  
F. Drewnick ◽  
J. Sciare ◽  
S. N. Pandis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Fine Particulate Matter ◽  
Organic Aerosol ◽  
Satellite Measurement ◽  
Fine Particulate ◽  
Wood Burning ◽  
Air Pollution Regulation

Abstract. A detailed characterization of air quality in the megacity of Paris (France) during two 1-month intensive campaigns and from additional 1-year observations revealed that about 70 % of the urban background fine particulate matter (PM) is transported on average into the megacity from upwind regions. This dominant influence of regional sources was confirmed by in situ measurements during short intensive and longer-term campaigns, aerosol optical depth (AOD) measurements from ENVISAT, and modeling results from PMCAMx and CHIMERE chemistry transport models. While advection of sulfate is well documented for other megacities, there was surprisingly high contribution from long-range transport for both nitrate and organic aerosol. The origin of organic PM was investigated by comprehensive analysis of aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS), radiocarbon and tracer measurements during two intensive campaigns. Primary fossil fuel combustion emissions constituted less than 20 % in winter and 40 % in summer of carbonaceous fine PM, unexpectedly small for a megacity. Cooking activities and, during winter, residential wood burning are the major primary organic PM sources. This analysis suggests that the major part of secondary organic aerosol is of modern origin, i.e., from biogenic precursors and from wood burning. Black carbon concentrations are on the lower end of values encountered in megacities worldwide, but still represent an issue for air quality. These comparatively low air pollution levels are due to a combination of low emissions per inhabitant, flat terrain, and a meteorology that is in general not conducive to local pollution build-up. This revised picture of a megacity only being partially responsible for its own average and peak PM levels has important implications for air pollution regulation policies.

scholarly journals The impact of exposure to air pollution on cognitive performance

2018 ◽  
Vol 115 (37) ◽  
pp. 9193-9197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Zhang ◽  
Xi Chen ◽  
Xiaobo Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Aging Brain ◽  
High Stake ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Air Quality Data

This paper examines the effect of both cumulative and transitory exposures to air pollution for the same individuals over time on cognitive performance by matching a nationally representative longitudinal survey and air quality data in China according to the exact time and geographic locations of the cognitive tests. We find that long-term exposure to air pollution impedes cognitive performance in verbal and math tests. We provide evidence that the effect of air pollution on verbal tests becomes more pronounced as people age, especially for men and the less educated. The damage on the aging brain by air pollution likely imposes substantial health and economic costs, considering that cognitive functioning is critical for the elderly for both running daily errands and making high-stake decisions.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document