scholarly journals Insignificant Impact of the “Stay-At-Home” Order on Ambient Air Quality in the Memphis Metropolitan Area, U.S.A.

Atmosphere ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 630 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chunrong Jia ◽  
Xianqiang Fu ◽  
Debra Bartelli ◽  
Larry Smith
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Metropolitan Area ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Ambient Air Pollution ◽  
Small Contribution ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Baseline Concentrations ◽  
The Mean ◽  
At Home

The lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic have been reported to reduce ambient air pollution in many cities globally. This study aims to examine whether air pollution dropped in Memphis, a typical U.S. metropolitan city and transportation hub, during the lockdown from 25 March to 4 May, 2020. Daily air pollution data measured at five representative monitoring stations in the Memphis Metropolitan Area were downloaded from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Quality System. The mean concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone during the lockdown were compared with the baseline concentrations measured during the same periods in 2017–2019 using linear regression models. The average vehicle miles traveled (VMT) reduced by 57% in this region during the lockdown compared to that during 1–24 March, 2020. The mean (± standard deviation) concentrations of PM2.5, NO2, and ozone were 7.5 ± 2.6 μg/m3, 16.5 ± 9.4 ppb, and 44.5 ± 8.4 ppb, respectively, during the lockdown. They did not statistically differ from the baseline concentrations, nor were they lower than the mean concentrations in the prior month (25 February–24 March, 2020), after accounting for meteorological conditions. The lack of effect could be explained by the small contribution of traffic emissions to air pollution. The results suggest that the “stay-at-home” order had an insignificant impact on reducing air pollution in Memphis.

scholarly journals Effect of PM2.5 Levels on Respiratory Pediatric ED Visits in a Semi-Urban Greek Peninsula

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6384
Author(s):  
Nikolaos Kanellopoulos ◽  
Ioannis Pantazopoulos ◽  
Maria Mermiri ◽  
Georgios Mavrovounis ◽  
Georgios Kalantzis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Respiratory Diseases ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Ambient Air Pollution ◽  
World Health ◽  
Quality Guidelines ◽  
Ed Visits ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Air Quality Guidelines

Ambient air pollution accounts for an estimated 4.2 million deaths worldwide. Particulate matter (PM)2.5 particles are believed to be the most harmful, as when inhaled they can penetrate deep into the lungs. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between PM2.5 daily air concentrations and pediatric emergency department (ED) visits for respiratory diseases in a Greek suburban area. All pediatric ED visits for asthma-, pneumonia- and upper respiratory infection (URI)-related complaints were recorded during the one-year period. The 24-h PM2.5 air pollution data were prospectively collected from twelve fully automated air quality monitoring stations. The mean annual concentration of PM2.5 was 30.03μg/m3 (World Health Organization (WHO) Air Quality Guidelines (AQG) Annual mean concentration: 10 μg/m3). PM2.5 levels rose above the WHO Air Quality Guidelines (AQG) 24-h concentrations (25 μg/m3)), 178 times (48.6% of the study period). When PM2.5 levels were above the daily limit, an increase of 32.44% (p < 0.001) was observed in daily pediatric ED visits for respiratory diseases and the increase was much higher during spring (21.19%, p = 0.018). A 32% (p < 0.001) increase was observed in URI-related visits, when PM2.5 levels were ≥ 25 μg/m3, compared to the mean daily visits when PM2.5 levels were < 25 μg/m3. Air pollution levels were associated with increased pediatric ED visits for respiratory-related diseases.

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 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.

scholarly journals Effects of Air Pollution on the Vital Capacity of Commercial Motorcyclists in Nigeria Population

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
G. U. Ezeja ◽  
C. U. Onwudiwe ◽  
O. D. Nwodo ◽  
G. Umahi-Ottah ◽  
N. D. Nwobodo
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Vital Capacity ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Ambient Air Pollution ◽  
Control Group ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Measuring Device ◽  
The Mean

Background: Ambient air pollution is a serious challenge to human health in most West African countries including Nigeria. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the effects of dust inhalation on the vital capacity of commercial motorcyclists in Abakaliki metropolis. Methods: 200 subjects participated in this study, 100 commercial motorcyclists (test group) and 100 non-motorcyclists (control group). The mean ± S.D of their age, height and weight were calculated. Vital capacity was measured using a spirometer. A questionnaire and consent form was filled by every participant before the commencement of the study. A handheld laser dust measuring device called air sampler PCE-PCO 1 was used to analyze the quantity, quality and sizes of particulate matters present in the research area. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics; Mean and standard deviations were calculated and the Z-test was used to test if the mean were significantly different. Level of significance was set at 95%. Results: The age of participants were within the range of 25 – 30 years. Commercial motorcyclists were exposed to particulate matter 0.5, 1.0 and 2.5 µm. The vital capacity of commercial motorcyclists was significantly lower than that of non-motorcyclists (p =0.01). Furthermore, a significant decrease in the vital capacity of commercial motorcyclists was observed when correlated with the number of years spent in the job (p = 0.03). There was also a significant correlation between vital capacity and hours spent per week among commercial motorcyclists (r = 0.245). Conclusion: Commercial motorcyclists need to be encouraged to adopt respiratory health safety strategies like use of full-face helmets, practice of active cycle of breathing techniques and also, be educated on air pollution hazards by public health workers.

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.

scholarly journals Lacrimal Cytokines Assessment in Subjects Exposed to Different Levels of Ambient Air Pollution in a Large Metropolitan Area

PLoS ONE ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. e0143131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monique Matsuda ◽  
Rodolfo Bonatti ◽  
Mônica V. Marquezini ◽  
Maria L. B. Garcia ◽  
Ubiratan P. Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Metropolitan Area ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Ambient Air Pollution ◽  
Large Metropolitan Area ◽  
Different Levels

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

&lt;p&gt;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) &amp;#956;g/m3 to 125 (99-150) &amp;#956;g/m3. The population-weighted PM2.5 concentrations can be reduced from 140 &amp;#956;g/m3 in 2014 to 78 &amp;#956;g/m3 or 61 &amp;#956;g/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.&lt;/p&gt;

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