RESUMEN
Ambient air pollution is a significant environmental risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth. However, the impact of different pollutants across various regions and trimesters of pregnancy has not been fully investigated in Brazil. This study aimed to examine the associations between exposure to PM2.5, NO2, and O3 during different trimesters of pregnancy and the risk of preterm birth across five regions of Brazil. We used logistic regression models to estimate the odds ratios (OR) of preterm birth associated with PM2.5, NO2, and O3 adjusting for potential confounders such as maternal age, education, and socioeconomic status. Our study included over 9.9 million live births from 2001 to 2018, with data obtained from the Ministry of Health in Brazil. On average, for each 1-µg/m3 increase in PM2.5, we estimated a 0.26â¯% (95â¯% CI: 0.08-0.44â¯%) increase in the risk of preterm birth nationally in the first trimester. For NO2, each 1ppb increase was associated with a percentage increase in preterm birth risk of 7.26â¯% (95â¯% CI: 4.77-9.74â¯%) in the first trimester, 8.05â¯% (95â¯% CI: 5.73-10.38â¯%) in the second trimester, and 7.48â¯% (95â¯% CI: 5.25-9.72â¯%) in the third trimester. For O3, each 1ppb increase was associated with a percentage increase in preterm birth risk of 1.24â¯% (95â¯% CI: 0.29-2.18â¯%) in the first trimester, 1.51â¯% (95â¯% CI: 0.60-2.41â¯%) in the second trimester, and 0.72â¯% (95â¯% CI: -0.18-1.62â¯%) in the third trimester. This study highlights the significant impact of ambient air pollution on preterm birth risk in Brazil, with significant regional variations. Our findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions to mitigate the effects of air pollution on pregnancy outcomes, particularly in the most affected regions.
Asunto(s)
Contaminantes Atmosféricos , Contaminación del Aire , Exposición Materna , Nacimiento Prematuro , Embarazo , Nacimiento Prematuro/epidemiología , Femenino , Brasil/epidemiología , Humanos , Contaminación del Aire/efectos adversos , Contaminación del Aire/estadística & datos numéricos , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Adulto , Exposición Materna/estadística & datos numéricos , Exposición Materna/efectos adversos , Material Particulado/análisis , Adulto Joven , Ozono/análisis , Dióxido de Nitrógeno/análisisRESUMEN
Low birth weight (LBW) is a global health concern. While it is commonly associated with maternal health and behavior, exposure to ambient air pollution, can also play a role in contributing to LBW. In Brazil, where diverse environmental conditions and regional disparities exist, assessing the impact of ambient air pollution on LBW becomes particularly pertinent. To our knowledge, there is a gap in the existing literature, as no previous study has specifically investigated the relationship between ambient air pollution and LBW nationwide in Brazil. This study aims to fill this gap by examining the association between ambient air pollution and LBW in each trimester of pregnancy across the Brazilian states. In this work, birth data from January 1, 2001, to December 31, 2018 has been used. We utilized logistic regression models to estimate the odds ratio (OR) for low birth weight (LBW) associated with ambient air pollution (PM2.5, NO2, and O3) during each trimester of pregnancy (1st to 3rd trimester) across all 27 Brazilian states in our nationwide case-control study. We adjusted our model for several variables, including ambient temperature, relative humidity, and socioeconomic status (SES) variables at the individual level. We also conducted effect modification analyses by infant sex, mother's age, and the number of prenatal visits. Our study comprises over 10,213,144 birth records nationwide. Of these, 479,204 (4.92%) infants were included as cases of LBW. Our results indicate positive associations between PM2.5 and LBW, mainly in the Southern region. For example, in the state of Santa Catarina (South region), ORs were 1.003 (95% CI: 1.002, 1.004), 1.003 (95% CI: 1.002, 1.004), and 1.005 (95% CI: 1.003, 1.007) for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters of exposure, respectively. NO2 had a robust association with LBW in the Northern and Northeastern states, including the state of Amapá (North region, where the Amazon Forest is located) with ORs of 1.377 (95% CI: 1.010, 1.878), 1.390 (95% CI: 1.020, 1.894), and 1.747 (95% CI: 1.297, 2.352) for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters of exposure, respectively. Similarly, O3 had a robust association in the North and Midwest states, as observed in the state of Amapá with ORs of 1.033 (95% CI: 1.012, 1.054), and 1.033 (95% CI: 1.013, 1.053) for the 2nd, and 3rd trimesters, respectively. In the stratified analysis, boys were more vulnerable than girls, and the lower number of prenatal visits was associated with higher OR. Our findings are essential to the development of guidelines to prevent maternal exposure and protection of newborns in Brazil. This study provides valuable insights for region-specific strategies to improve maternal and neonatal health.
Asunto(s)
Contaminantes Atmosféricos , Contaminación del Aire , Recién Nacido de Bajo Peso , Exposición Materna , Material Particulado , Humanos , Brasil , Contaminación del Aire/estadística & datos numéricos , Femenino , Embarazo , Recién Nacido , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Material Particulado/análisis , Adulto , Exposición Materna/estadística & datos numéricos , Masculino , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Ozono/análisis , Adulto Joven , Oportunidad Relativa , Dióxido de Nitrógeno/análisis , Modelos LogísticosRESUMEN
Brazil has historically invested few resources in its transport infrastructure, leaving gaps and reducing its efficiency. The country presents a high dependence on road transport, which results in increased operational costs and higher greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Consequently, the performance of cargo transportation in Brazil has been deteriorating, accompanied by a rise in the consumption of fossil fuels and noteworthy levels of GHG emissions. This article assesses the carbon intensity of soybean transport operations within Brazil. Utilizing a network equilibrium model, this study estimated the soybean transportation flows that minimize the total cost of transporting this product across the origins and destinations within the grain handling system. The modeling also calculated the GHG emissions in transportation. The results show that the transportation of soybeans produced 2.74 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually, with road transport accounting for 81.7% of these emissions. The state of Mato Grosso, responsible for 44.08 kg CO2 equivalent per tonne of soybeans transported, contributed almost 49% of the total emissions due to the extensive distances involved. In contrast, states like Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul, located closer to southern ports, exhibited the lowest emissions, with rates of 11.55 kg CO2 eq/t and 12.52 kg CO2 eq/t, respectively. The analysis highlights the significant potential for reducing GHG emissions by increasing the use of rail and barge transport, particularly in high-emission regions such as Mato Grosso.
Asunto(s)
Contaminantes Atmosféricos , Huella de Carbono , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Glycine max , Gases de Efecto Invernadero , Transportes , Brasil , Gases de Efecto Invernadero/análisis , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Contaminación del Aire/estadística & datos numéricos , Modelos Teóricos , Dióxido de Carbono/análisisRESUMEN
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are air pollutants generated mainly by fuel combustion, industry, and other anthropogenic sources. The level of these pollutants can be assessed by employing biomonitors, a cost-effective and less contaminating alternative than conventional methods. In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether spiders inhabiting areas around a major city like Córdoba, Argentina, adsorb and retain PAHs in their exoskeletons. Additionally, we aimed to determine if spiders' life traits influence their capacity to accumulate PAHs and explore potential relationships between PAH levels and the types of roads where they were collected. Specimens of a funnel-shaped web spider (Aglaoctenus lagotis) and an orb-weaver (Metepeira spp.) were collected from roadsides. Roads were classified into four categories based on their traffic intensity. Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), we identified 15 different PAHs. Both species exhibited varying concentrations of PAHs, although Metepeira spp. showed 15-18 times higher PAH levels compared to A. lagotis. Moreover, A. lagotis individuals living alongside highways accumulated up to six times more PAHs compared to those along other road types. These findings suggest that spiders' life traits may influence pollutant concentrations. Our study demonstrates that spiders near roads are exposed to and accumulate PAHs on their exoskeletons, likely sourced from petrogenic vehicular emissions, highlighting their value as biomonitors and emphasizing the need for mitigation measures to address air pollutants emitted from mobile sources.
Asunto(s)
Contaminantes Atmosféricos , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Hidrocarburos Policíclicos Aromáticos , Arañas , Emisiones de Vehículos , Animales , Hidrocarburos Policíclicos Aromáticos/análisis , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Emisiones de Vehículos/análisis , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , Contaminación del Aire/estadística & datos numéricos , Monitoreo Biológico/métodos , ArgentinaRESUMEN
The increase in the frequency and severity of global wildfires has been largely influenced by climate change and land use changes. From February 2 to 6, 2024, central Chile experienced its most devastating wildland-urban interface wildfire in history, severely impacting the Valparaíso region. This catastrophic event, which led to extensive forest destruction, the loss of thousands of homes, and over a hundred human fatalities, directly impacted the area surrounding the campus of Federico Santa María Technical University. In that period, an air quality monitoring campaign was set up on the campus to measure black carbon (BC) and particulate matter (PM) during the wildfire season. The monitoring station was located directly within the smoke plume, allowing for the collection of unprecedented air quality data. Extremely high concentrations of BC at 880 nm were reported during the wildfires, with a daily mean (±σ) of 14.83 ± 19.52 µg m-3. Peak concentrations measured at 880 nm and 375 nm reached 812.89 µg m-3 and 1561.24 µg m-3, respectively. The maximum daily mean BC concentrations at these wavelengths were 55 and 99 times higher, respectively, compared to the pre-event period. The mean Ångström absorbing coefficient during the event was 1.66, indicating biomass burning as the primary BC source, while the maximum BC/PM2.5 ratio (at 375 nm) reached 57 %. From February 2 to 5, 2024, PM concentrations exceeded the Chilean air quality standard by 82 % and 198 % for coarse and fine particles, respectively. These levels are 4.7 and 6.0 times higher than the World Health Organization's recommendations. These elevated concentrations persisted for up to three days after the fire was extinguished. This study provides unique evidence of the rapid deterioration of regional air quality during a wildfire event using in situ measurements, serving as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of a warming climate.
Asunto(s)
Contaminantes Atmosféricos , Contaminación del Aire , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Material Particulado , Hollín , Incendios Forestales , Material Particulado/análisis , Chile , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Hollín/análisis , Contaminación del Aire/estadística & datos numéricos , Cambio ClimáticoRESUMEN
Environmental exposures and gene-exposure interactions are the major causes of some diseases. Early-life exposome studies are needed to elucidate the role of environmental exposures and their complex interactions with biological mechanisms involved in childhood health. This study aimed to determine the contribution of early-life exposome to DNA damage and the modifying effect of genetic polymorphisms involved in air pollutants metabolism, antioxidant defense, and DNA repair. We conducted a cohort study in 416 Colombian children under five years. Blood samples at baseline were collected to measure DNA damage by the Comet assay and to determine GSTT1, GSTM1, CYP1A1, H2AX, OGG1, and SOD2 genetic polymorphisms. The exposome was estimated using geographic information systems, remote sensing, LUR models, and questionnaires. The association exposome-DNA damage was estimated using the Elastic Net linear regression with log link. Our results suggest that exposure to PM2.5 one year before the blood draw (BBD) (0.83, 95 %CI: 0.76; 0.91), soft drinks consumption (0.94, 0.89; 0.98), and GSTM1 null genotype (0.05, 0.01; 0.36) diminished the DNA damage, whereas exposure to PM2.5 one-week BBD (1.18, 1.06; 1.32), NO2 lag-5 days BBD (1.27, 1.18; 1.36), in-house cockroaches (1.10, 1.00; 1.21) at the recruitment, crowding at home (1.34, 1.08; 1.67) at the recruitment, cereal consumption (1.11, 1.04; 1.19) and H2AX (AG/GG vs. AA) (1.44, 1.11; 1.88) increased the DNA damage. The interactions between H2AX (AG/GG vs. AA) genotypes with crowding and PM2.5 one week BBD, GSTM1 (null vs. present) with humidity at the first year of life, and OGG1 (SC/CC vs. SS) with walkability at the first year of life were significant. The early-life exposome contributes to elucidating the effect of environmental exposures on DNA damage in Colombian children under five years old. The exposome-DNA damage effect appears to be modulated by genetic variants in DNA repair and antioxidant defense enzymes.
Asunto(s)
Contaminantes Atmosféricos , Daño del ADN , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales , Interacción Gen-Ambiente , Humanos , Preescolar , Colombia , Masculino , Femenino , Lactante , Exposoma , Estudios de Cohortes , Glutatión Transferasa/genética , Material Particulado , Polimorfismo Genético , Contaminación del Aire/efectos adversos , Contaminación del Aire/estadística & datos numéricosRESUMEN
The aim of this work was to evaluate the presence of 40 pesticides in the PM10 emitted by rural soils of the semiarid region of Argentina. Six agricultural soils for grain production under no till and with high use of pesticides (AG), 5 agricultural soils for forage and grain production under conventional tillage (AFG) and 5 unpaved rural roads (RR) were sampled. The PM10 was generated using the Easy Dust Generator and it was collected with an electrostatic precipitator. The presence of 20 herbicides, 14 insecticides and 6 fungicides was analyzed in the soil and in the PM10. More than 70% of the pesticides analyzed were detected in the soil and in the PM10. All agricultural soils and 87% of RR soils showed at least one residue of pesticides. Multiresidues of pesticides were found in the 100% of PM10 emitted by rural soils. The mean number of pesticides was higher in the PM10 (7) than in the soil (5). Some pesticides were not detected in the soils but they were detected in the PM10 (triticonazole, carbofuran, metsulfuron methyl) and vice versa. In general, the concentrations of herbicides were higher in the PM10 than in the soil, while the concentrations of insecticides and fungicides were lower in the PM10 than in the soil. These results suggest that the concentrations of pesticide in the PM10 (inhalable fraction) should be used instead the concentrations of pesticide in the soil to calculate the exposure factor to pesticides by dust inhalation. This study provides the initial evidence of the presence of multiple pesticide residues in PM10 emitted by rural soils under different land management. Also confirms that the PM10 is a potential source of air contamination with pesticides. Future studies should be driven to measure the concentrations of pesticides and their dynamics in the PM10.
Asunto(s)
Agricultura , Contaminantes Atmosféricos , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Material Particulado , Plaguicidas , Suelo , Argentina , Material Particulado/análisis , Suelo/química , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Plaguicidas/análisis , Contaminación del Aire/estadística & datos numéricos , Contaminantes del Suelo/análisis , Residuos de Plaguicidas/análisis , Herbicidas/análisisRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The potential health benefits of exposure to vegetation, or greenness, are well documented, but there are few nationwide studies in Brazil, a country facing challenges related to land-use planning, deforestation, and environmental health risks. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we investigated the association between greenness and hospitalizations for cardiorespiratory diseases in Brazil. METHODS: We accessed hospital admissions data from 967,771 postal codes (a total of 26,724,624 admissions) covering Brazil for the period between 2008 and 2018. We used Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) to measure greenness at the postal-code level. First, we applied a quasi-Poisson regression model to estimate the association between greenness and hospitalizations for circulatory and respiratory diseases, adjusted for air pollution, weather variables, and area-level socioeconomic status. We stratified the analyzes by sex, age group, health outcome, and Brazilian regions. In the second stage, we performed a meta-analysis to estimate pooled effects across the Brazilian regions. RESULTS: The national meta-analysis for the whole population, incorporating both urban and nonurban areas, showed that higher levels of greenness were associated with a lower risk of hospitalizations for circulatory diseases. An interquartile range (IQR=0.18) increase in average NDVI was associated with a 17% (95% confidence interval: 8%, 27%) lower risk of cardiovascular admissions. In contrast, there was no association found between greenness and respiratory admissions. When specifically examining urban areas, the results remained consistent with the overall findings. However, the analyses of nonurban areas revealed divergent results, suggesting that higher levels of greenness in rural regions are associated with a lower risk of hospital admissions for both circulatory and respiratory diseases. DISCUSSION: The findings emphasize the importance of prioritizing the preservation and creation of green spaces in urban areas as a means of promoting cardiovascular health in Brazil. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13442.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades Cardiovasculares , Hospitalización , Enfermedades Respiratorias , Brasil/epidemiología , Hospitalización/estadística & datos numéricos , Humanos , Enfermedades Cardiovasculares/epidemiología , Enfermedades Respiratorias/epidemiología , Masculino , Femenino , Contaminación del Aire/estadística & datos numéricos , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Anciano , AdolescenteRESUMEN
The 2022 wildfires in New Mexico, United States, were unparalleled compared to past wildfires in the state in both their scale and intensity, resulting in poor air quality and a catastrophic loss of habitat and livelihood. Among all wildfires in New Mexico in 2022, six wildfires were selected for our study based on the size of the burn area and their proximity to populated areas. These fires accounted for approximately 90 % of the total burn area in New Mexico in 2022. We used a regional chemical transport model and data-fusion technique to quantify the contribution of these six wildfires (April 6 to August 22) on particulate matter (PM2.5: diameter ≤ 2.5 µm) and ozone (O3) concentrations, as well as the associated health impacts from short-term exposure. We estimated that these six wildfires emitted 152 thousand tons of PM2.5 and 287 thousand tons of volatile organic compounds to the atmosphere. We estimated that the average daily wildfire smoke PM2.5 across New Mexico was 0.3 µg/m3, though 1 h maximum exceeded 120 µg/m3 near Santa Fe. Average wildfire smoke maximum daily average 8-h O3 (MDA8-O3) contribution was 0.2 ppb during the study period over New Mexico. However, over the state 1 h maximum smoke O3 exceeded 60 ppb in some locations near Santa Fe. Estimated all-cause excess mortality attributable to short term exposure to wildfire PM2.5 and MDA8-O3 from these six wildfires were 18 (95 % Confidence Interval (CI), 15-21) and 4 (95 % CI: 3-6) deaths. Additionally, we estimate that wildfire PM2.5 was responsible for 171 (95 %: 124-217) excess cases of asthma emergency department visits. Our findings underscore the impact of wildfires on air quality and human health risks, which are anticipated to intensify with global warming, even as local anthropogenic emissions decline.
Asunto(s)
Contaminación del Aire , Incendios Forestales , Contaminación del Aire/estadística & datos numéricos , New Mexico , Estado de Salud , Incendios Forestales/estadística & datos numéricos , Material Particulado/análisis , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Exposición por Inhalación/estadística & datos numéricos , Modelos Estadísticos , Humanos , Mortalidad PrematuraRESUMEN
Atmospheric pollution is a major public health issue and has become increasingly critical for human health. Urban atmospheric pollution is typically assessed through physicochemical indicators aligned with environmental legislation parameters, providing data on air quality levels. While the effects of pollution on sensitive organisms serve as a warning for public health decision-makers, there remains a need to explore the interpretation of environmental data on pollutants. The use of species adapted to urban environments as sentinels enables continuous and integrated monitoring of environmental pollution implications on biological systems. In this study, we investigated the use of the plant species Tradescantia pallida as a biomonitor to evaluate the genotoxic effects of atmospheric pollution under diverse vehicular traffic conditions. T. pallida was strategically planted at the leading urban intersections in Uberlândia, Brazil. During COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, we compared indicators such as physical, biological, and traffic data at different intersections in residential and commercial zones. The reduction in vehicular traffic highlighted the sensitivity of plant species to changes in air and soil pollutants. T. pallida showed bioaccumulation of heavy metals Cd and Cr in monitored areas with higher traffic levels. Additionally, we established a multiple linear regression model to estimate genotoxicity using the micronucleus test, with chromium concentration in the soil (X1) and particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere (X2) identified as the primary independent variables. Our findings provide a comprehensive portrait of the impact of vehicular traffic changes on PM and offer valuable insights for refining parameters and models of Environmental Health Surveillance.
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Contaminantes Atmosféricos , Contaminación del Aire , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Tradescantia , Tradescantia/efectos de los fármacos , Tradescantia/genética , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/toxicidad , Contaminación del Aire/estadística & datos numéricos , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , Monitoreo Biológico/métodos , Brasil , Material Particulado/análisis , Material Particulado/toxicidad , Ciudades , Pruebas de Micronúcleos , Contaminantes del Suelo/análisis , Contaminantes del Suelo/toxicidad , Metales Pesados/análisis , Metales Pesados/toxicidad , Humanos , COVID-19RESUMEN
Glacial bodies in the Peruvian Andes Mountains store and supply freshwater to hundreds of thousands of people in central Peru. Atmospheric black carbon (BC) is known to accelerate melting of snow and ice, in addition to contributing to air pollution and the health of people. Currently there is limited understanding on the sources and temporal variability of BC in valley and mountain environments in Peru. To address this problem, this study combined surface observations of BC collected during 2022-2023 with WRF model simulations and HYSPLIT trajectories to analyze the dispersion and sources of BC in valley and high elevation environments and the associated local atmospheric circulations. Results show high BC concentrations are associated with the valley-mountain wind system that occurs on both sides of the Huaytapallana mountain range. A pronounced circulation occurs on the western slopes of Huaytapallana when concentrations of BC increase during daylight hours, which transports atmospheric pollutants from cities in the Mantaro River Valley to the Huaytapallana mountain range. Low concentrations of BC are associated with circulations from the east that are channeled by the pronounced ravines of the Andes-Amazon transition. On average, during the season of highest BC concentrations (July-November), the relative contributions of fossil fuels are dominant to biomass burning at the valley observatory and are slightly lower at the Huaytapallana observatory. These results demonstrate the need to promote mitigation actions to reduce emissions of BC and air pollution associated with forest fires and local anthropogenic activity.
Asunto(s)
Contaminantes Atmosféricos , Contaminación del Aire , Atmósfera , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Hollín , Perú , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Hollín/análisis , Atmósfera/química , Contaminación del Aire/estadística & datos numéricosRESUMEN
Concerns about methane (CH4) emissions from rice, a staple sustaining over 3.5 billion people globally, are heightened due to its status as the second-largest contributor to greenhouse gases, driving climate change. Accurate quantification of CH4 emissions from rice fields is crucial for understanding gas concentrations. Leveraging technological advancements, we present a groundbreaking solution that integrates machine learning and remote sensing data, challenging traditional closed chamber methods. To achieve this, our methodology involves extensive data collection using drones equipped with a Micasense Altum camera and ground sensors, effectively reducing reliance on labor-intensive and costly field sampling. In this experimental project, our research delves into the intricate relationship between environmental variables, such as soil conditions and weather patterns, and CH4 emissions. We achieved remarkable results by utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and evaluating over 20 regression models, emphasizing an R2 value of 0.98 and 0.95 for the training and testing data, respectively. This outcome designates the random forest regressor as the most suitable model with superior predictive capabilities. Notably, phosphorus, GRVI median, and cumulative soil and water temperature emerged as the model's fittest variables for predicting these values. Our findings underscore an innovative, cost-effective, and efficient alternative for quantifying CH4 emissions, marking a significant advancement in the technology-driven approach to evaluating rice growth parameters and vegetation indices, providing valuable insights for advancing gas emissions studies in rice paddies.
Asunto(s)
Agricultura , Contaminantes Atmosféricos , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Metano , Oryza , Tecnología de Sensores Remotos , Metano/análisis , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Agricultura/métodos , Dispositivos Aéreos No Tripulados , Gases de Efecto Invernadero/análisis , Suelo/química , Contaminación del Aire/estadística & datos numéricosRESUMEN
The transport sector is considered the largest contributor of air pollutants in urban areas, mainly on-road vehicles, affecting the environment and human health. Bahía Blanca is a medium-sized Latin American city, with high levels of traffic in the downtown area during peak hours. In this regard, it is necessary to analyze air pollution using an air quality model considering that there are no air pollutant measurements in the central area. Furthermore, this type of study has not been carried out in the region and since the city is expected to grow, it is necessary to evaluate the current situation in order to make effective future decisions. In this sense, the AERMOD model (US-EPA version) and the RLINE source type were used in this work. This study analyzes the variations of pollutant concentrations coming from mobile sources in Bahía Blanca's downtown area, particularly carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) during the period Jul-2020 to Jun-2022. It is interesting to note the results show the maximum concentration values detected are not directly associated with maximum levels of vehicle flow or emission rates, which highlights the importance of meteorological parameters in the modeling. In addition, alternative scenarios are proposed and analyzed from a sustainable approach. Regarding the scenario analysis, it can be concluded that diesel vehicles have a large influence on NOx emissions. Moreover, restrictions as strict as those proposed for a Low Emission Zone would be less applicable in the city than alternative temporary measures that modify traffic at peak hours.
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Contaminantes Atmosféricos , Contaminación del Aire , Monóxido de Carbono , Ciudades , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Emisiones de Vehículos , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Contaminación del Aire/estadística & datos numéricos , Emisiones de Vehículos/análisis , Monóxido de Carbono/análisis , Óxidos de Nitrógeno/análisis , América Latina , Modelos Teóricos , Material Particulado/análisisRESUMEN
Particulate matter is a type of air pollution that consists of fine particles with a diameter <2.5 µm (PM2.5), which can easily penetrate the respiratory system and enter the bloodstream, increasing health risks for pregnant women and their unborn babies. Recent reports have suggested that there is a positive association between PM2.5 exposure and adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, most evidence of this relationship comes from Western countries. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the association between PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy and birth outcomes among pregnant women in Colombia. This study included 542,800 singletons born in 2019 to Colombian women, aged 15+ years, residing in 981 municipalities. Data on parental, child and birth characteristics were extracted from anonymized live birth records. Satellite-based estimates of monthly PM2.5 concentrations at the surface level were extracted for each municipality from the Atmospheric Composition Analysis Group (ACAG). PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy was indicated by the monthly average of PM2.5 concentrations across the pregnancy duration for the municipality where the child was born. The associations of municipality-level PM2.5 concentration during pregnancy with pre-term birth (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW) were tested in separate two-level logistic regression models, with babies nested within municipalities. The prevalence of PTB and LBW were 8.6 % and 8.3 %, respectively. The mean PM2.5 concentration across the 981 municipalities was 18.26 ± 3.30 µg/m3, ranging from 9.11 to 31.44 µg/m3. Greater PM2.5 concentration at municipality level was associated with greater odds of PTB (1.05; 95%CI: 1.04-1.06) and LBW (1.04; 95%CI: 1.03-1.05), after adjustment for confounders. Our findings provide new evidence on the association between PM2.5 on adverse pregnancy outcomes from a middle-income country.
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Contaminantes Atmosféricos , Recién Nacido de Bajo Peso , Exposición Materna , Material Particulado , Resultado del Embarazo , Material Particulado/análisis , Femenino , Embarazo , Colombia/epidemiología , Humanos , Exposición Materna/estadística & datos numéricos , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Resultado del Embarazo/epidemiología , Adulto , Adulto Joven , Adolescente , Contaminación del Aire/estadística & datos numéricos , Nacimiento Prematuro/epidemiología , Recién NacidoRESUMEN
The massive reductions in anthropogenic emissions resulting from the COVID-19 lockdown provided a unique opportunity to evaluate the effect of mitigation measures aiming to abate air pollution. In Mexico, the total lockdown period took place during the dry-hot season when biomass burning activity is enhanced. Here, we investigate the role of biomass burning emissions on regional ozone levels in the Megalopolis of Central Mexico. The studied period covers the lockdown phases 2 and 3, and the first month of the New Normal. We applied a factor separation technique and process analysis to estimate the pure and synergistic contributions of emission reductions under lockdown and that from biomass burning to daily ozone maximum concentrations in 7 metropolitan areas of different states in the Megalopolis. The results revealed that biomass burning plumes likely masked the effect of massive reductions from mobile emissions, impacted the PBL development during phase 3 and favored transition and mixed NOx-limited and VOC-limited regional regimes. This contributed to increased ozone production in the middle to lower PBL by changing the regional background levels which potentially could bias high ozone production efficiency estimations. Given the Megalopolis contribution to economic and societal development at national scale, our study suggests that ozone mitigation measures during the dry-hot season targeting mainly mobile emissions will likely be offset by biomass burning plumes. A regional and synergic policy aiming to control biomass burning would help to reduce the occurrence of high ozone levels in Central Mexico with the co-benefit of tackling short-lived climate pollutants.
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Contaminantes Atmosféricos , Contaminación del Aire , Biomasa , COVID-19 , Ozono , Ozono/análisis , México , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Contaminación del Aire/estadística & datos numéricos , Contaminación del Aire/análisis , Monitoreo del AmbienteRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: PM2.5 exposure has been associated with intima-media thickness (cIMT) increase. However, very few studies distinguished between left and right cIMT in relation to PM2.5 exposure. AIM: To evaluate associations between chronic exposure to PM2.5 and cIMT at bilateral, left, and right in adults from Mexico City. METHODS: This study comprised 913 participants from the control group, participants without personal or family history of cardiovascular disease, of the Genetics of Atherosclerosis Disease Mexican study (GEA acronym in Spanish), recruited at the Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez from June 2008 to January 2013. To assess the associations between chronic exposure to PM2.5 (per 5 µg/m3 increase) at different lag years (1-4 years) and cIMT (bilateral, left, and right) we applied distributed lag non-linear models (DLNMs). RESULTS: The median and interquartile range for cIMT at bilateral, left, and right, were 630 (555, 735), 640 (550, 750), and 620 (530, 720) µm, respectively. Annual average PM2.5 exposure was 26.64 µg/m3, with median and IQR, of 24.46 (23.5-25.46) µg/m3. Results from DLNMs adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, low-density lipoproteins, and glucose, showed that PM2.5 exposure for year 1 and 2, were positively and significantly associated with right-cIMT [6.99% (95% CI: 3.67; 10.42) and 2.98% (0.03; 6.01), respectively]. Negative associations were observed for PM2.5 at year 3 and 4 and right-cIMT; however only year 3 was statistically significant [-2.83% (95% CI: 5.12; -0.50)]. Left-cIMT was not associated with PM2.5 exposure at any lag year. The increase in bilateral cIMT followed a similar pattern as that observed for right-cIMT, but with lower estimates. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest different susceptibility between left and right cIMT associated with PM2.5 exposure highlighting the need of measuring both, left and right cIMT, regarding ambient air pollution in epidemiological studies.
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Contaminación del Aire , Grosor Intima-Media Carotídeo , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales , Adulto , Humanos , Contaminantes Atmosféricos , Contaminación del Aire/estadística & datos numéricos , Aterosclerosis/epidemiología , Índice de Masa Corporal , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/estadística & datos numéricos , México/epidemiología , Material ParticuladoRESUMEN
This study investigates spatio-temporal variations of PM10 mass concentrations and associated metal(oid)s, δ13C carbon isotope ratios, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), total organic carbon (TOC) and equivalent black carbon (eBC) concentrations over a half year period (from March 2017 to October 2017) in two residential areas of Medellín (MED-1 and MED-2) and Itagüí municipality (ITA-1 and ITA-2) at a tropical narrow valley (Aburrá Valley, Colombia), where few data are available. A total of 104 samples were analysed by using validated analytical methodologies, providing valuable data for PM10 chemical characterisation. Metal(oid)s concentrations were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after acid digestion, and PAHs concentrations were measured by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) after Pressurised Hot Water Extraction (PHWE) and Membrane Assisted Solvent Extraction (MASE). Mean PM10 mass concentration ranged from 37.0 µg m-3 to 45.7 µg m-3 in ITA-2 and MED-2 sites, respectively. Al, Ca, Mg and Na (from 6249 ng m-3 for Mg at MED-1 site to 10,506 ng m-3 for Ca at MED-2 site) were the major elements in PM10 samples, whilst As, Be, Bi, Co, Cs, Li, Ni, Sb, Se, Tl and V were found at trace levels (< 5.4 ng m-3). Benzo[g,h,i] perylene (BghiP), benzo[b + j]fluoranthene (BbjF) and indene(1,2,3-c,d)pyrene (IcdP) were the most profuse PAHs in PM10 samples, with average concentrations of 0.82-0.86, 0.60-0.78 and 0.47-0.58 ng m-3, respectively. Results observed in the four sampling sites showed a similar dispersion pattern of pollutants, with temporal fluctuations which seems to be associated to the meteorology of the valley. A PM source apportionment study were carried out by using the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model, pointing to re-suspended dust, combustion processes, quarry activity and secondary aerosols as PM10 sources in the study area. Among them, combustion was the major PM10 contribution (accounting from 32.1 to 32.9% in ITA-1 and ITA-2, respectively), followed by secondary aerosols (accounting for 13.2% and 23.3% ITA-1 and MED-1, respectively). Finally, a moderate carcinogenic risk was observed for PM10-bound PAHs exposure via inhalation, whereas significant carcinogenic risk was estimated for carcinogenic metal(oid)s exposure in the area during the sampling period.
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Contaminación del Aire , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales , Material Particulado , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Carbono/análisis , Colombia , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , Material Particulado/análisis , Hidrocarburos Policíclicos Aromáticos/análisis , Medición de Riesgo , Contaminación del Aire/estadística & datos numéricos , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/estadística & datos numéricos , HumanosRESUMEN
Particulate matter (PM) is a major air pollutant causing serious health problems. The aim of the present study was to find out concentration of PM in ambient air and its associated health risk in Haripur city, Pakistan. Twenty-three samples were taken at various educational institutes, hospitals, recreational areas and industries in Haripur city. Concentration of PM2.5 (µg/m3) and PM10 (µg/m3) was measured with Youngteng YT-HPC 3000A portable PM counter. The results revealed that values of both PM2.5 and PM10 were above the permissible limits (35 µg/m3 for PM2.5 and 150 µg/m3 for PM10) set by Environmental Protection Agency Pakistan (Pak-EPA) in all the educational institutes, hospitals, recreational areas and industries investigated. Furthermore, significant (p<0.05) variation was found in the concentration of both PM2.5 and PM10 in all the educational institutes, hospitals, recreational areas, and industries studied. The concentration of PM2.5 was positively correlated with the concentration of PM10 in all the sampling sites. Therefore, from 1-14 scale standard of health index, the values of PM2.5 and PM10 exhibited that the ambient air quality of Haripur city Pakistan is under high risk. If the regulatory authorities such as Environmental Protection Agency, Health Department and Local Government monitor PM pollution in different settings of Haripur city, then a decrease can be possible in the pollution level. The remedies that can be taken to overcome the problem of ambient air pollution such as PM are plantation of trees at the sites where there are higher levels of air pollutants and use of masks on personal protection basis along with implementation of pollution control system in industries of Hattar Industrial Estate Haripur city, Pakistan.
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Contaminantes Atmosféricos , Contaminación del Aire , Material Particulado/análisis , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Contaminación del Aire/análisis , Contaminación del Aire/estadística & datos numéricos , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , PakistánRESUMEN
Brazil, the country most impacted by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the southern hemisphere, use intensive care admissions per day, mobility and other indices to monitor quarantines and prevent the transmissions of SARS-CoV-2. In this study we quantified the associations between residential mobility index (RMI), air pollution, meteorology, and daily cases and deaths of COVID-19 in São Paulo, Brazil. We applied a semiparametric generalized additive model (GAM) to estimate: 1) the association between RMI and COVID-19, accounting for ambient particulate matter (PM2.5), ozone (O3), relative humidity, temperature and delayed exposure between 4 and 21 days, and 2) the association between COVID-19 and exposure to for ambient particulate matter (PM2.5), ozone (O3), accounting for relative humidity, temperature and mobility. We found that an RMI of 45.28% results in 1212 cases (95% CI: 1189 to 1235) and 44 deaths (95% CI: 40 to 47). Increasing the isolation from 45.28% to 50% would avoid 438 cases and 21 deaths. Also, we found that an increment of 10 µgâ m-³ of PM2.5 results in a risk of 1.140 (95% CI: 1.021 to 1.274) for cases and 1.086 (95% CI: 1.008 to 1.170) for deaths, while O3 produces a relative risk of 1.075 (95% CI: 1.006 to 1.150) for cases and 1.063 (95% CI: 1.006 to 1.124) for deaths, respectively. We compared our results with observations and literature review, finding well agreement. Policymakers can use such mobility indices as tools to control social distance activities. Spatial distancing is an important factor to control COVID-19, however, measuring face-mask usage would enhance the understanding the pandemic dynamic. Small increments of air pollution result in an increased number of COVID-19 cases and deaths.
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Contaminantes Atmosféricos , Contaminación del Aire , COVID-19 , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/toxicidad , Contaminación del Aire/análisis , Contaminación del Aire/estadística & datos numéricos , Brasil/epidemiología , Humanos , Material Particulado/análisis , Material Particulado/toxicidad , SARS-CoV-2RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Several studies have examined whether air pollution is associated with adverse births outcomes, but it is not clear if socioeconomic status (SES) modifies this relationship. OBJECTIVES: We investigated if maternal education and area-level socioeconomic status modified the relationship between ozone, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <10 µm (PM10) on preterm births (PTB; gestational age <37 weeks) and term low birth weight (TLBW; weight < 2500 g on term deliveries). METHODS: Analyses were based on almost 1 million singleton live births in São Paulo municipality between 2011 and 2016. The final sample included 979,306 births for PTB analysis and 888,133 for TLBW analysis. Exposure to PM10, NO2 and O3 were based on date of birth and estimated for the entire gestation and for each trimester. Multilevel logistic regression models were conducted to examine the effect of air pollutants on both adverse birth outcomes and whether it was modified by individual and area-level SES. RESULTS: In fully adjusted models, over the entire pregnancy, a 10 µg/m3 increase in O3 and PM10 was associated with increased chance of PTB (odds ratio; OR = 1.14 CI 1.13, 1.16 and 1.08 CI = 1.02, 1.15 respectively) and PM10 with TLBW (OR = 1.08 CI 1.03, 1.14). Associations were modified by maternal educational and area-level SES for both outcomes. Mothers of lower education had an additional chance of PTB and TLBW due to PM10 exposure (OR = 1.04 CI 1.04, 1.05 and 1.10 CI 1.08, 1.14 respectively), while mothers living in low SES areas have an additional chance for TLBW (OR = 1.05 CI 1.03, 1.06). Similar modification effects were found for O3 exposure. Trimester specific associations were weaker but followed a similar pattern. CONCLUSION: Socioeconomic status modifies the effect of air pollution on adverse birth outcomes. Results indicate that mothers with lower SES may be more susceptible to air pollution effects.