A comparative assessment of air pollutants of smog in wagah border and other sites in Lahore, Pakistan / Uma avaliação comparativa de poluentes do ar do smog na fronteira de wagah e outros sites em Lahore, Paquistão

Abstract Smog has become the fifth season of Pakistan especially in Lahore city. Increased level of air pollutants (primary and secondary) are thought to be responsible for the formation of smog in Lahore. Therefore, the current study was carried out for the evaluation of air pollutants (primary and secondary) of smog in Wagah border particularly and other sites (Jail road, Gulburg) Lahore. For this purpose, baseline data on winter smog from March to December on primary and secondary air pollutants and meteorological parameters was collected from Environmental Protection Department and Pakistan Meteorological Department respectively. Devices being used in both departments for analysis of parameters were also studied. Collected data was further statistically analyzed to determine the correlation of parameters with meteorological conditions and was subjected to air quality index. According to results, PM 10 and PM 2.5 were found very high above the NEQS. NOx concentrations were also high above the permissible limits whereas SO2 and O3 were found below the NEQS thus have no roles in smog formation. Air Quality Index (AQI) of pollutants was PM 2.5(86-227), PM 10 (46-332), NOx (26-110), O3 (19-84) and SO2 (10-95). AQI of PM 2.5 remained between moderate to very unhealthy levels. AQI of PM 10 remained between good to hazardous levels. AQI of NOx remained between good to unhealthy for sensitive groups' levels. AQI of O3 and SO2 remained between good to moderate levels. Pearson correlation showed that every pollutant has a different relation with different or same parameters in different areas. It is concluded from the present study that particulate matter was much more responsible for smog formation. Although NOx also played role in smog formation. So there is need to reduce sources of particulate matter and NOx specifically in order to reduce smog formation in Lahore.

Resumo Smog tornou-se a quinta estação do Paquistão, especialmente na cidade de Lahore. Acredita-se que o aumento do nível de poluentes atmosféricos (primários e secundários) seja responsável pela formação de poluição atmosférica em Lahore. Portanto, o presente estudo foi realizado para a avaliação dos poluentes atmosféricos (primários e secundários) do smog na fronteira de Wagah em particular e em outros locais (Jail road, Gulburg) Lahore. Para este propósito, os dados de referência sobre a poluição atmosférica de inverno de março a dezembro sobre poluentes atmosféricos primários e secundários e parâmetros meteorológicos foram coletados do Departamento de Proteção Ambiental e do Departamento Meteorológico do Paquistão, respectivamente. Dispositivos sendo usados ​​em ambos os departamentos para análise de parâmetros também foram estudados. Os dados coletados foram posteriormente analisados ​​estatisticamente para determinar a correlação dos parâmetros com as condições meteorológicas e foram submetidos ao índice de qualidade do ar. De acordo com os resultados, PM 10 e PM 2,5 foram encontrados muito acima do NEQS. As concentrações de NOx também estavam muito acima dos limites permitidos, enquanto SO2 e O3 foram encontrados abaixo do NEQS, portanto, não têm papéis na formação de smog. O índice de qualidade do ar (AQI) de poluentes foi PM 2,5 (86-227), PM 10 (46-332), NOx (26-110), O3 (19-84) e SO2 (10-95). O AQI de PM 2,5 permaneceu entre níveis moderados a muito prejudiciais à saúde. O AQI de PM 10 permaneceu entre níveis bons e perigosos. AQI de NOx permaneceu entre bom e não saudável para os níveis de grupos sensíveis. O AQI de O3 e SO2 permaneceu entre níveis bons a moderados. A correlação de Pearson mostrou que cada poluente tem uma relação diferente com parâmetros diferentes ou iguais em áreas diferentes. Conclui-se do presente estudo que o material particulado foi muito mais responsável pela formação de smog. Embora o NOx também tenha desempenhado um papel na formação do smog. Portanto, é necessário reduzir as fontes de partículas e NOx, especificamente para reduzir a formação de smog em Lahore.

Assessment of particulate matter (PM) in ambient air of different settings and its associated health risk in Haripur city, Pakistan / Avaliação de material particulado (MP) no ar ambiente de diferentes configurações e sua associação com o risco à saúde na cidade de Haripur, Paquistão

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.

O material particulado (MP) é um importante poluente do ar que causa sérios problemas de saúde. O objetivo do presente estudo foi descobrir a concentração de MP no ar ambiente e sua associação com o risco à saúde na cidade de Haripur, Paquistão. Vinte e três amostras foram coletadas em várias instituições de ensino, hospitais, áreas recreativas e indústrias na cidade de Haripur. A concentração de MP2,5 (µg/m3) e MP10 (µg/m3) foi medida por meio do contador de MP portátil Youngteng YT-HPC 3000A. Os resultados revelaram que os valores de MP2,5 e MP10 estavam acima dos limites permitidos (35 µg/m3 para MP2,5 e 150 µg/m3 para MP10) estabelecidos pela Agência de Proteção Ambiental do Paquistão (Pak-EPA) em todas as instituições de ensino, hospitais, áreas recreativas e indústrias investigadas. Além disso, foi encontrada variação significativa (p < 0,05) na concentração de MP2,5 e MP10 em todos os locais estudados. A concentração de MP2,5 correlacionou-se positivamente com a concentração de MP10 em todos os locais de amostragem. Portanto, a partir da escala padrão 1-14 do índice de saúde, os valores de MP2,5 e MP10 mostraram que a qualidade do ar ambiente na cidade de Haripur, Paquistão, está sob alto risco. Se as autoridades reguladoras, como a Pak-EPA, o Departamento de Saúde e o governo local, monitorarem a poluição por MP em diferentes configurações da cidade de Haripur, pode ser que haja uma diminuição no nível de poluição. As medidas que podem ser tomadas para superar o problema da poluição do ar ambiente, como o MP, são o plantio de árvores nos locais onde há maiores níveis de poluentes atmosféricos, o uso de máscaras e a implantação de sistema de controle de poluição nas propriedades industriais de Hattar, na cidade Haripur, Paquistão.

Consultas por enfermedades respiratorias agudas en la población pediátrica y su relación con el material particulado atmosférico en Bahía Blanca: un estudio ecológico / Consultations for acute respiratory diseases in the pediatric population and their relationship with atmospheric particulate matter in Bahía Blanca: an ecological study

Introducción. El material particulado (PM) es uno de los contaminantes del aire que mayor implicación tienen en la aparición o exacerbación de cuadros respiratorios en niños. Objetivo. Describir las características de las consultas por enfermedades respiratorias agudas en menores de 15 años, los niveles de PM en el aire, y analizar la asociación existente entre ellos en un sector de Bahía Blanca entre abril de 2019 y marzo de 2020. Población y métodos. Estudio ecológico de series temporales y grupos múltiples. Análisis descriptivo de consultas totales, por área, diagnóstico, y del PM. Modelo de correlación y regresión lineal generalizado para determinar la relación entre las variables. Se utilizó el programa SPSS®. Resultados. Se recopilaron 4787 consultas. Un 38,6 % (1846) correspondieron a rinitis y un 21,1 % (1011) a broncoespasmo. El PM de 10 nm (PM10) superó su valor límite el 31 % (115) de los días de estudio y el de 2,5 nm (PM2,5) un 3 % (8). Un aumento del 10 % del PM2,5 demostró incrementos de 1,3 % en las consultas totales; el incremento llegó al 2,1 % en el área más cercana al sector industrial (p <0,05). En esta última, el aumento del 10 % de los valores de PM10 se asoció al aumento del 1,8 % de las consultas (p <0,05). Conclusión. Se demostró asociación positiva entre las consultas por enfermedad respiratoria aguda y los niveles de PM del aire, sobre todo con el PM2,5 y en el área más cercana al sector industrial.

Introduction. Particulate matter (PM) is one of the air pollutants most involved in the onset or exacerbation of respiratory conditions in children. Objective. To describe the characteristics of consultations for acute respiratory diseases in children younger than 15 years and the levels of PM in the air and to analyze their association in a sector of Bahía Blanca between April 2019 and March 2020. Population and methods. Ecological, time-series study with multiple groups. Descriptive analysis of total number of consultations, by area, diagnosis, and PM. Generalized linear correlation and regression model to determine the relationship among variables. The SPSS® software was used. Results. Data from 4787 consultations were collected. Of these, 38.6% (1846) were related to rhinitis and 21.1% (1011), to bronchospasm. PM of 10 nm (PM10) exceeded its limit value on 31% (115) of the study days, and PM of 2.5 nm (PM2.5), on 3% (8). A 10% increase in PM2.5 showed increases of 1.3% in total consultations; the increase reached 2.1% in the area closest to the industrial sector (p < 0.05). In the latter, a 10% increase in PM10 was associated with an increase of 1.8% in consultations (p < 0.05). Conclusion. A positive association was evidenced between consultations for acute respiratory diseases and PM levels in the air, especially with PM2.5 and in the area closest to the industrial sector.

The potential impact of PM2.5 on the covid-19 crisis in the Brazilian Amazon region

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess covid-19 morbidity, mortality, and severity from 2020 to 2021 in five Brazilian Amazon states with the highest records of wildfires. METHODS A distributed lag non-linear model was applied to estimate the potential exposure risk association with particulate matter smaller than 2.5-µm in diameter (PM2.5). Daily mean temperature, relative humidity, percentual of community mobility, number of hospital beds, days of the week, and holidays were considered in the final models for controlling the confounding factors. RESULTS The states of Para, Mato Grosso, and Amazonas have reported the highest values of overall cases, deaths, and severe cases of covid-19. The worrying growth in the percentual rates in 2020/2021 for the incidence, severity, and mortality were highlighted in Rondônia and Mato Grosso. The growth in 2020/2021 in the estimations of PM2.5 concentrations was higher in Mato Grosso, with an increase of 24.4%, followed by Rondônia (14.9%). CONCLUSION This study establishes an association between wildfire-generated PM2.5 and increasing covid-19 incidence, mortality, and severity within the studied area. The findings showed that the risk of covid-19 morbidity and mortality is nearly two times higher among individuals exposed to high concentrations of PM2.5. The attributable fraction to PM2.5 in the studied area represents an important role in the risk associated with covid-19 in the Brazilian Amazon region.

Exposición a material particulado y su relación con el cáncer de mama. Mecanismos fisiopatológicos / Exposure to particulate matter and its association to breast cancer. Pathophysiological mechanisms

Introducción. El cáncer de mama es el tipo de cáncer que genera más muertes en mujeres en el mundo. Aunque se reconoce el aporte de factores genéticos, hormonales y de estilos de vida como sus principales causas, las hipótesis que señalan que la contaminación del ambiente juega un papel importante en su desarrollo, han tomado mucha fuerza en los últimos años. Estas hipótesis surgen debido a que el aumento en la incidencia del cáncer de mama coincide con procesos de industrialización, además de mayor presencia en regiones urbanas y con altos niveles de contaminación. El objetivo de este artículo fue consolidar información sobre los mecanismos fisiopatológicos que puedan explicar la relación entre cáncer de mama y la contaminación por material particulado. Metodología. Se realizó una búsqueda de literatura en PubMed, Google Académico y Epistemonikos para documentos publicados sobre el tema desde enero de 2016 hasta el 3 de agosto de 2022. Resultados. Se encontró que algunos de los mecanismos que podrían explicar dicha relación incluyen: alteraciones endocrinas que favorecen cambios hormonales, induciendo el crecimiento mamario; cambios en las características histológicas del tejido normal, como involución reducida de unidades lobulares ductales terminales; formación de aductos de hidrocarburos aromáticos policíclicos-ácido desoxirribonucleico (HAP-ADN), con mutación específica del gen TP53; activación de la proliferación en la línea celular MCF-7; y, alteraciones en la metilación del ADN. Conclusión. Si bien órganos distales como la mama no son la primera entrada de los contaminantes ambientales al cuerpo, estos sí pueden verse afectados tras la exposición a largo plazo, a través de diferentes mecanismos de disrupción endocrina y daño al ADN principalmente

Breast cancer is the type of cancer that causes the most deaths in women worldwide. Although the contribution of genetic, hormonal and lifestyle factors are recognized as its main causes, the hypotheses that indicate that environmental pollution has an important role in its development have taken on great strength during the last years. These hypotheses are based on the increase in the incidence of breast cancer that coincides with industrialization processes, in addition to its greater presence in urban regions with high levels of pollution. The aim of this study was to consolidate information on the pathophysiological mechanisms that can explain the relationship between breast cancer and air pollution by particulate matter. Methodology. A literature search was carried out in PubMed, Google Scholar and Epistemonikos for documents published on this topic from January 2016 until August 3rd 2022. Results. Some of the mechanisms that could explain this association include endocrine alterations that favor hormonal changes, inducing breast growth; changes in the histological characteristics of normal tissue such as reduced involution of terminal duct lobular units; formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons-deoxyribonucleic acid (PAH-DNA) adducts, with specific mutation of the TP53 gene; an increase in cell proliferation in the MCF-7 cell line; and alterations in DNA methylation. Conclusion. Although distal organs such as the breast are not the entry site of environmental pollutants into the body, they can be affected after prolonged exposure, mainly through different mechanisms of endocrine disruption and DNA damage

Efectos de la contaminación ambiental sobre la salud de la población mediante una revisión narrativa / Effects of environmental pollution on populations health through a narrative review

Mediante la disminución de los niveles de contaminación del aire los países pueden reducir la carga en morbilidad derivada de accidentes cerebrovasculares, cáncer de pulmón y neumopatías crónicas y agudas. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar los efectos a corto y largo plazo que tiene la contaminación ambiental sobre la salud de la población por medio de una revisión narrativa de tipo cualitativo y descriptivo. El método de búsqueda e identificación de los estudios se realizó por medio de las siguientes bases de datos electrónicas: Medline, Pubmed, Science Direct, entre otras; con un estado del arte de máximo 5 años posteriores a su fecha de publicación. De acuerdo con la búsqueda realizada en las bases de datos, se seleccionaron un total de 10 artículos en los cuales se encontraron diferentes efectos de la contaminación ambiental en la salud humana a nivel respiratorio, cardiovascular, hepático, neurológico, gestacional, inmunológico, entre otros sistemas a causa del material particulado encontrado en el ambiente como los son del PM 2.5, PM10 Y otros gases relacionados con la contaminación y los efectos sobre la salud. Los resultados de esta revisión narrativa confirman los efectos asociados a la contaminación ambiental a corto plazo y largo plazo del aumento de las concentraciones de las partículas contaminantes encontradas en el ambiente. Palabras claves: contaminación ambiental, partículas contaminantes, efectos corto plazo, efectos largo plazo, material particulado.

By lowering air pollution levels, countries can reduce the burden of disease from strokes, lung cancer, and chronic and acute lung diseases. Therefore, the objective of this research was to determine the short and long-term effects of environmental pollution on the health of the population through a qualitative and descriptive narrative review. The search and identification method of the studies was carried out through the following electronic databases: Medline, Pubmed, Science Direct, among others; with a state of the art of a maximum of 5 years after its publication date. According to the search carried out in the databases, a total of 10 were selected in which different effects of environmental pollution on human health were found at the respiratory, cardiovascular, liver, neurological, gestational, and immune levels, among other systems. due to particulate matter found in the environment such as PM 2.5, PM10 and other gases related to pollution and health effects. The results of this narrative review confirm the short-term and long-term effects associated with environmental pollution of increased concentrations of polluting particles found in the environment.

Relación de PM2, 5 y Enfermedad Respiratoria Aguda en un territorio de Colombia: Modelos Aditivos Generalizados / Relationship between PM2. 5 and Acute Respiratory Disease in a Colombian region: Generalized Additive Models

Introducción: El efecto deletéreo de material particulado fino exterior sobre la salud respiratoria de la población de niños y de adultos mayores, es de interés en salud pública. Objetivo: Establecer el efecto de la contaminación por Material Particulado de menos de 2,5 μm de diámetro (PM2,5), sobre la Enfermedad Respiratoria Aguda (ERA) en los menores de 5 y personas de mínimo 65 años, ajustado por variables meteorológicas y climáticas, en los municipios del Área Metropolitana del Valle de Aburrá (Colombia), 2008 a 2015. Materiales y métodos: Estudio ecológico con información de la red de vigilancia de calidad del aire y de registros de prestación de servicios de salud. Se construyeron Modelos Aditivos Generalizados con función de enlace Poisson y suavización spline. Para cada rezago distribuido se calculó la medida de la asociación e intervalo de confianza. Resultados: Los casos de ERA aumentaron significativamente en los menores de 5 años en Envigado y Caldas (43,3% vs 29,6%) y en los de 65 y más años, en Medellín (13,2%) por cada incremento de 10 µg/m3 en PM2,5 al día quince a partir de la exposición. Conclusiones: Los eventos diarios respiratorios tuvieron especial frecuencia en Medellín y en municipios de la zona sur.

Introduction: The harmful effect of fine particulate matter on the respiratory health of child and elderly populations is a concern for public health. Objective: To establish the effect of pollution by less than 2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5) particulate matter on Acute Respiratory Disease (ARD) during 2008-2015 in children younger than 5 and adults older than 65 from the Metropolitan Area of the Aburrá Valley (Colombia), adjusting for meteorological and climate variables. Materials and methods: Ecological study with information from the air quality surveillance network and individual records of health providers. Generalized Additive Models were developed using smoothing spline Poisson models. The assessment of the association and confidence intervals were calculated for each distributed lag. Results: For each 10 µg/m3 increment in PM2,5 and the day 15 post-exposure, ARD cases increased significantly in populations who are younger than 5 and older than 65 in Envigado and Caldas (43.3% vs. 29.6%) and Medellín (13.2%), respectively. Conclusions: Daily respiratory events had a special frequency in Medellín and the municipalities of the southern region.

Ambient air pollutants relate to hospital admissions for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Ganzhou, China

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To evaluate the relationship between ambient air pollutants and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in relatively low-polluted areas in China. METHODS Atmospheric pollutants levels and meteorological data were obtained from January 2016 to December 2020. The medical database including daily hospital admissions for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (ICD10: J44) was derived from the First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University. The generalized additive model was used to analyze the percentage change with 95% confidence interval in daily hospital admissions for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease associated with a 10 µg/m3 increase in atmospheric pollutants levels. RESULTS In total, occurred 4,980 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease hospital admissions (not including emergency department visits) during 2016-2020. The mean concentrations of daily PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, O3, and CO were 37.5 μg/m3, 60.1 μg/m3, 18.7 μg/m3, 23.5 μg/m3, 70.0 μg/m3, and 1.2 mg/m3 in Ganzhou. Each 10 µg/m3 increment of PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and O3 were significantly associated with 2.8% (95%CI: 1.0-4.7), 1.3% (95%CI: 0.3-2.4), 2.8% (95%CI: 0.4-5.4), and 1.5% (95%CI: 0.2-2.7) elevation in daily chronic obstructive pulmonary disease hospital admissions. The estimates of delayed effects of PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and O3 were observed at lag6, lag6, lag8, lag1, respectively. The health effects of particulate pollutants (PM2.5 and PM10) may be independent of other pollutants. The adverse effects of air pollutants were more evident in the warm season (May-Oct) than in the cold season (Nov-Apr). CONCLUSION Our study demonstrated that elevated concentrations of atmospheric pollutant (PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and O3), especially particulate pollutants, can be associated with increased daily count of hospital admissions for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , which may promote further understanding of the potential hazards of relatively low levels of air pollution on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other respiratory disorders.

Avaliação de risco à saúde humana associada a exposição inalatória de arsênio, níquel e chumbo no MP10 de fonte veicular, na cidade de São Paulo, SP / Assessment of human health risks associated with airborne arsenic, nickel and lead exposure in PM10 from vehicular sources in Sao Paulo city

Introdução. O material particulado (MP) emitido pela queima de combustíveis fósseis de origem veicular é a principal fonte de exposição ambiental à elementos potencialmente tóxicos (EPTs) presentes no ar atmosférico dos centros urbanos, entre eles arsênio, níquel e chumbo. Objetivos. Este estudo avaliou os riscos à saúde humana de efeitos não carcinogênicos e efeitos carcinogênicos associados a exposição inalatória de arsênio, níquel e chumbo no MP10 de origem veicular, coletado em uma das estações de monitoramento da qualidade do ar, na cidade de São Paulo, ao longo dos anos 2002, 2006, 2009 e 2012. Métodos. Os dados de concentração dos EPTs foram obtidos pela Companhia Ambiental do Estado de São Paulo (CETESB) e estão disponíveis no website da agência. As amostras semanais foram coletadas em todas as estações do ano, durante 2002, 2006, 2009 e 2012 na estação de monitoramento Cerqueira César, localizada próximo a uma via de intenso tráfego veicular. A análise estatística foi realizada utilizando o Software R (versão 4.0.5) e RStudio (versão 1.2). O software ProUCL foi usado para estimar os valores UCL95%. A avaliação de risco à saúde humana foi realizada de acordo com os métodos da United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Resultados. As concentrações de arsênio e chumbo no ar apresentaram médias mais elevadas durante o inverno do que nas outras estações (p <0,05). O chumbo apresentou o maior risco de efeitos não carcinogênicos (HQ> 1,0). Arsênio e níquel apresentaram o maior risco de efeitos carcinogênicos, inclusive acima de 1E-06. O risco para ambos os efeitos foi maior no inverno. Conclusão. Esses achados destacam a importância da poluição do ar como fator de risco para a saúde da população, principalmente em centros urbanos com intenso tráfego veicular. Ações para reduzir a exposição à poluição do ar ambiente devem ser priorizadas nas agendas de políticas ambientais e de saúde.

Background. Particulate matter (PM) emitted from the burning of fuels by vehicles is the main source of environmental exposure to potentially toxic elements (PTEs) present in atmospheric air in urban centers, between them arsenic, nickel and lead. Objective. This study evaluated the risk to human health from non-carcinogenic effects and carcinogenic effects associated with airborne arsenic, nickel and lead in PM10 exposure of the vehicular source collected at one of the air quality monitoring stations in the city of Sao Paulo over the years 2002, 2006, 2009 and 2012. Methods. The concentration data of the PTEs were obtained by the Sao Paulo State Environmental Protection Agency (CETESB) and are available on the agency's website. The statistical analysis was performed using the Software R (version 4.0.5) and RStudio (version 1.2). ProUCL software was used to estimate UCL95% values. The risk assessment for human health was carried out according to the methods of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Results. Airborne arsenic and lead concentrations showed higher means during the winter than in other seasons (p<0.05). Lead had the greatest risk of non-carcinogenic effects (HQ>1.0). Arsenic and nickel had the highest risk of carcinogenic effects, including above 1E-06. The risk for both effects was greatest in winter. Conclusion. These findings highlight the importance of air pollution as a risk factor for population health, especially in urban centers with high vehicular traffic. Actions to reduce air pollution exposure should be prioritized in environmental and health policies agendas.

Years of life lost due to premature deaths associated with air pollution: an ecological time-series study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Exposure to air pollutants is associated with hospital admissions due to cardiovascular diseases and premature deaths. OBJECTIVE: To estimate years of life lost (YLL) due to premature deaths and their financial costs. DESIGN AND SETTING: Ecological time-series study carried out in São José dos Campos, Brazil, in 2016. METHODS: Data on deaths among residents of this city in 2016 were assessed to estimate the financial cost of premature deaths associated with air pollution. The diagnoses studied were ischemic heart disease, congestive heart failure and cerebrovascular disease, according to YLL. The fractions attributable to deaths associated with air pollutant exposure and to each potential year of life lost were calculated using negative binomial regression with lags of 0-7 days between exposure and outcome. Nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter (PM10) and ozone concentrations were included in the model and adjusted for temperature, humidity and seasonality. RESULTS: Exposure to particulate matter was significant at lag 3 days. There were 2177 hospitalizations over the study period, with 201 deaths (9.2%). Premature deaths led to 2035.69 years of life lost. A 10 μg/m3 increase in PM10 concentrations was correlated with 8.0% of the hospitalizations, which corresponded to 152.67 YLL (81.67 for males and 71.00 for females). The cost generated was approximately US$ 9.1 million in 2016. CONCLUSION: In this first study conducted in a medium-sized Brazilian city, using the YLL methodology, we identified an excess expense attributable to air pollution.

Poluição atmosférica e hospitalizações por agravos pulmonares em idosos na cidade de Nova Iguaçu / Atmospheric pollution and hospitalizations for pulmonary results in elderly people in Nova Iguaçu

Objetivo: Correlacionar poluição atmosférica com hospitalizações de idosos em Nova Iguaçu por doenças pulmonares entre 2007 a 2016. Metodologia: Estudo observacional, retrospectivo. O poluente analisado foi o Material Particulado (PM10). Os dados de qualidade do ar foram fornecidos pelo (INEA). Dados de hospitalização pelo (AIH). Foram selecionadas doenças do aparelho respiratório pelo CID X e subcapítulos J. A análise estatística foi realizada pelo SPSS IBM25 com dados expressos em média, desvio padrão, mediana e intervalo de confiança de 95%. Utilizou-se o teste t para amostras independentes, a diferença estatística foi dada pelo p<0,05. A relação entre poluição do ar e hospitalizações utilizou o coeficiente de correlação de Pearson. Resultados: As médias mensais de PM10 e hospitalizações foram, respectivamente, 74,7 mg/m3 (±16,2), (IC=63,8-87,1); 40,6 (±13,5) (IC= 37,5 ­ 43,5). Os homens representaram (52,4%), que totalizaram 2.239 internações em 10 anos, em que 2015 foi o ano com maior índice de hospitalizações (615). A doença mais incidente foi o J18 com média anual de 102,7. A pneumonia viral acometeu três vezes mais mulheres (p<0,042). A correlação de Pearson entre PM10 e hospitalizações (R=-0,230). Conclusão: O sexo mais acometido entre os idosos foi o masculino. Os agravos pulmonares de maior hospitalização foram as pneumonias, insuficiência respiratória e DPOC. Apesar da não conformidade dos níveis de PM10 em 10 anos houve redução de 60% das concentrações. Os meses entre maio e agosto demonstraram as maiores elevações de PM10 e hospitalizações. A correlação mensal entre hospitalizações de idosos e PM10 foi negativa e fraca.(AU)

Objective: Correlate air pollution with hospitalizations of elderly people in Nova Iguaçu (RJ) for pulmonary diseases between 2007 and 2016. Methodology: Observational, retrospective study. The pollutant analyzed was Particulate Material (PM10). Air quality data was provided by INEA. Hospitalization data was provided by AIH. Respiratory system diseases were selected by CID X and subchapters J. The statistical analysis was performed by SPSS IBM 25, with data expressed as mean, standard deviation, median and 95% confidence interval. The t test for independent samples was used, the statistical difference was given by p<0.05. The relationship between air pollution and hospitalizations used Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: The monthly averages of PM10 and hospitalizations were 74.7 mg/m3 (± 16.2), respectively (CI = 63.8-87.1); 40.6 (± 13.5) (CI = 37.5 - 43.5). Men represented 52.4%, which totaled 2,239 hospitalizations in 10 years, 2015 was the year with the highest rate of hospitalizations (615). The most incident disease was J18 with an annual average of 102.7. Viral pneumonia affected three times as many women (p<0.042). Pearson's correlation between PM10 and hospitalizations (R = -0.230). Conclusion: The sex most affected among the elderly was male. The pulmonary diseases with the highest hospitalization were pneumonia, respiratory failure and COPD. Despite the non-compliance of PM10 levels in 10 years, there was a 60% reduction in concentrations. The months between May and August showed the highest increases in PM10 and hospitalizations. The monthly correlation between hospitalizations of the elderly and PM10 was negative and weak.(AU)

Aporte de la gestión de episodios críticos a la reducción de enfermedades respiratorias en las ciudades de Los Ángeles y Chillán, Chile / Contribution of the management of critical air pollution episodes to the reduction of respiratory diseases

Background: In southern Chile cities, the emission of air pollutants, especially the use of firewood for heating is restricted during critical air pollution periods. Aim: To analyze how restrictions applied during the management of air pollution critical episodes have contributed to reduce emergency room admissions for respiratory diseases in two Chilean cities between 2013 and 2019. Material and Methods: Poisson regression models were estimated with daily data including explanatory variables, such as the daily and lag concentration of respirable particulate material (PM10), temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, wind speed, seasonal factors, and implementation of different types of critical episodes. Results: The implementation of restrictions during the management of critical pollution episodes decreased emergency room admissions for upper respiratory infections and bronchial obstructive crises, especially when an environmental emergency was decreed during the critical episode. However, the effect on each group of respiratory diseases was heterogeneous between cities, which could be related to avoidance behavior, indoor air pollution, the composition of PM10, or the presence of other pollutants, and not just a reduction in the daily concentration of PM10. Conclusions: The management of critical pollution episodes with restrictions to pollutant emissions is a useful measure to improve population health in cities that have implemented environmental decontamination plans.

Intrauterine and postnatal exposure to tobacco and wood smoke on hypothalamic development and cognition: an integrative review of the literature / Exposición intrauterina y postnatal al humo de tabaco y de leña en el desarrollo hipotalámico y la cognición: una revisión integrativa de la literatura

SUMMARY: Exposure to air pollution and its pollutants has been associated with important effects on human health since the first years of life, thus it has been seen that exposure to tobacco smoke and wood smoke is directly related to cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, respiratory and cancers. However, exposure to air pollution during fetal development and its effects on brain structure and function during early childhood and adolescence have been little studied. In this review we have analyzed the literature on prenatal exposure to tobacco and wood smoke and its relationship with hypothalamic development and cognition in the first years of life.The molecular, morphological and physiological aspects of the relationship between pre- and postnatal exposure to tobacco and wood smoke with neural developmental, cognitive and behavioral problems during early childhood and adolescence have not yet been fully clarified. The information available in the scientific literature based on antecedents obtained from epidemiological studies has been negatively affected by confounding variables and great methodological challenges that make it impossible to affirm an exact causal relationship with certainty.

RESUMEN: La exposición a la contaminación del aire se ha asociado con importantes efectos en la salud humana desde los primeros años de vida. Estudios han demostrado con certeza que la exposición al humo de tabaco y humo de leña está directamente relacionada con enfermedades cardiovasculares, pulmonares, respiratorias y cánceres. Sin embargo, la exposición a la contaminación del aire durante el desarrollo fetal y sus efectos a posteriori sobre la estructura y función del cerebro durante la primera infancia y la adolescencia son aún desconocidos. En esta revisión analizamos la literatura sobre la exposición prenatal al tabaco y al humo de leña y su relación con el desarrollo hipotalámico y la cognición en los primeros años de vida. Los aspectos moleculares, morfológicos y fisiológicos de la asociación entre la exposición pre y postnatal al humo de tabaco o al humo de leña con problemas del desarrollo neurológico normal, cognitivos y de comportamiento durante la primera infancia y la adolescencia aún no se han aclarado completamente. La información disponible en la literatura científica basada en antecedentes obtenidos de estudios epidemiológicos ha sido afectada negativamente por variables de confusión y grandes desafíos metodológicos que hacen imposible afirmar una relación directa y causal exacta con certeza.

Nutritional value, total dry matter losses, effluent production and pollutant potential in Brachiaria brizantha cv. Paiaguás grass / [Valor nutricional, perdas totais de matéria seca, produção e potencial poluidor de efluentes em silagem de Brachiaria brizantha cv. Paiaguás]

The objective of the present study was to evaluate losses, production and polluting potential of the effluent, nutritional value and aerobic stability of silages of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Paiaguás grass, in different particle sizes and compaction density in silage. Three theoretical particle sizes (TTP 5; 8 and 12mm) and three compaction densities (DC 550; 600 and 650kg/m3) were evaluated, distributed in a factorial design (3 x 3), with four repetitions. The highest volume of effluent was found in silages with higher compaction densities (600 and 650kg/m3) and lower TTP (5 and 8mm). The highest chemical oxygen demand and biochemical oxygen demand were registered in the treatment with TTP of 5mm and higher DC (600 and 650kg/m3). Greater in vitro digestibility of DM was verified in the silage chopped at 5 and 8mm. There was no break in aerobic stability for 216 hours. Silage with a low compaction density 550kg/m3 and processing with a theoretical particle size of 12mm reduces effluent losses. In general, the nutritional value of Paiaguás grass was not influenced by the treatments. Different particle sizes and compaction density did not change the aerobic stability of silages.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar perdas, produção e potencial poluidor do efluente, valor nutricional e estabilidade aeróbia de silagens do capim Brachiaria brizantha cv. Paiaguás, em diferentes tamanhos de partícula e densidade de compactação na ensilagem. Foram avaliados três tamanhos teóricos de partícula (TTP 5; 8 e 12mm) e três densidades de compactação (DC 550; 600 e 650kg/m3), distribuídos em arranjo fatorial (3 x 3), com quatro repetições. O maior volume de efluente foi verificado nas silagens com maiores densidades de compactação (600 e 650kg/m3) e menores TTP (5 e 8mm). As maiores demanda química de oxigênio e demanda bioquímica de oxigênio foram registradas no tratamento com TTP de 5mm e nas maiores DC (600 e 650kg/m3). Maior digestibilidade in vitro da MS (média de 57,2%) foi verificada na silagem picada a 5 e 8mm. Não houve quebra da estabilidade aeróbia durante 216 horas. A ensilagem com baixa densidade de compactação (550kg/m3) e o processamento com tamanho teórico de partículas 12mm reduzem as perdas por efluente. O valor nutricional da silagem de capim-paiaguás, em geral, não foi influenciado pelos tratamentos. Diferentes tamanhos de partícula e densidade de compactação não alteraram a estabilidade aeróbia das silagens.(AU)

Daños de salud respiratoria en comunas expuestas a centrales termoeléctricas a carbón en el norte de Chile: análisis de datos secundarios / Respiratory health damage in communes exposed to coal-fired power plants in northern Chile

INTRODUCCIÓN: En Chile, el funcionamiento de las Centrales Termoeléctricas de Carbón (CTEC) representan un problema de salud pública debido a las consecuencias sanitarias que tienen en la población. Se han notificado daños en el sistema respiratorio. Materiales y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio ecológico, para evaluar los egresos hospitalarios de las personas que viven en las ciudades donde operan las CTEC (Tocopilla y Huasco), se comparó con una ciudad de control sin CTEC (Caldera), las comunas evaluadas tienen condiciones sociodemográficas similares. Se calcularon las tasas de morbilidad y tasas de morbilidad estandarizadas (SMR). RESULTADOS: La tasa de morbilidad por enfermedades respiratorias en Tocopilla (2016) fue de 152,5 por 10.000 habitantes (habs) y para Huasco es de 135,2 por 10.000 habs. En la ciudad control, Caldera, la tasa es de 40,9 por 10.000 habs. Además, los habitantes de Tocopilla tienen 2,42 más riesgo de padecer bronquitis o bronquiolitis, 90% más riesgo de presentar enfermedades crónicas de las vías respiratorias bajas y 2,14 veces más riesgo de enfermar por asma. En Huasco, la población tiene 2,49 veces más riesgo de padecer enfermedades de las vías respiratorias inferiores con respecto a la región y 3,19 veces más riesgo de presentar asma. CONCLUSIONES: El asma y la bronquitis, son las patologías que mostraron mayores riesgos en las ciudades de Tocopilla y Huasco. Nuestros hallazgos son similares a otras investigaciones realizadas en comunidades expuestas a centrales termoeléctricas de carbón. Es necesario tomar medidas urgentes para proteger la salud de la población.

INTRODUCTION: In Chile, coal-fired power plants (CTEC) operate represents public health problems due to the health consequences for the population. Damage to the respiratory system is reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ecological study to evaluate hospital discharges in people living in cities where CTEC operates (Tocopilla and Huasco) were compared to a control city without CTEC (Caldera), all of them with similar sociodemographic conditions. Morbidity rates and Standardized Morbidity Ratios (SMR) were calculated. RESULTS: The respiratory disease morbidity rate in Tocopilla (2016) was 152.5 per 10,000 inhabitants (habs) and for Huasco it is 135.2 per 10,000 inhabitants. In the control city, Caldera, the rate is 40.9 per 10,000 habs. In addition, the inhabitants of Tocopilla have a 2.42 times increased risk of bronchitis or bronchiolitis, 90% higher risk of chronic lower respiratory diseases and 2.14 times more risk of asthma sickness. In Huasco, the population is 2.49 times more at risk of lower respiratory diseases compared to the region and 3.19 times more at risk of asthma. CONCLUSIONS: Asthma and bronchitis are the pathologies that showed the greatest risks in the cities of Tocopilla and Huasco. Our findings are similar to other research conducted in communities exposed to coal-fired power plants. Urgent action is needed to protect the health of the population.

Análisis de la relación entre material particulado, cuarentena y COVID-19 en una ciudad del caribe colombiano / Analysis of the relationship between particulate material, quarantine, and COVID-19 in a Colombian Caribbean city

Resumen Introducción: La exposición de largo y corto plazo a determinadas concentraciones de contaminantes ambientales parece incidir en la propagación y agravamiento de la COVID-19. Por otra parte, se ha hipotetizado que las cuarentenas tienen un efecto positivo en la calidad del aire. Objetivo: Examinar la concentración de material particulado 10 (CPM10) en los últimos cinco años; en meses precuarentena y postcuarentena de 2020 y el impacto de la cuarentena en la CPM10 en Santa Marta (Colombia). Materiales y Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de corte longitudinal, sobre la CPM10 en una muestra de cinco estaciones de monitoreo ambiental, periodo 2016 - 2020. Se calcularon distribuciones de CPM10 por año y estación, así como entre meses pre y postcuarentena. Resultados: Se evidenció una reducción estadísticamente significativa del CPM10 en 2020 respecto a los cuatro años anteriores, cercana al 34 %; lo propio sucedió para meses postcuarentena versus precuarentena, con disminución del 40 % en los primeros. No hubo diferencias significativas de CPM10 entre las estaciones, aunque se observaron medianas superiores del contaminante en las del sur. La CPM10 de 2016 - 2020 (largo plazo) y en meses precuarentena (corto plazo) sobrepasaron los límites de riesgo aumentado de morbimortalidad por COVID-19 establecidos en estudios internacionales previos. Conclusión: La cuarentena tuvo un impacto positivo en la calidad del aire en Santa Marta. No obstante, los niveles de CPM10 encontrados a largo y corto plazo pudieron haber predispuesto a la población al contagio y fallecimiento por el virus.

Abstract Introduction: Long and short-term exposure to certain concentrations of environmental pollutants seems to influence the spread and worsening of COVID-19. On the other hand, it has been hypothesized that quarantines have a positive effect on air quality. Objective: To examine the concentration of particulate material 10 (CPM10) in the last five years, in pre-quarantine and post-quarantine months of 2020 and the impact of the quarantine on CPM10 in Santa Marta (Colombia). Materials and Methods: Retrospective longitudinal study of CPM10 on a sample of five environmental monitoring stations, period 2016-2020. CPM10 distributions were calculated for each year and season, as well as between months before and after quarantine. Results: A statistically significant reduction of 34% in CPM10 was evidenced in 2020 compared to the previous four years. CPM10 of post-quarantine months decreased 40% in comparison with the pre-quarantine months. There were no significant differences in CPM10 between the stations, although median values of CPM10 were higher in the southern stations. CPM10 from 20162020 (long term) and in pre-quarantine months (short term) exceeded the limits of increased risk of morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 established in previous international studies. Conclusion: The quarantine had a positive impact on the air quality in Santa Marta. However, CPM10 levels found in the long and short term could have predisposed the population to infection and death from the virus.

Valores de referencia regionales para parámetros, espirométricos en jóvenes de La Plata, provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina / Regional reference values for spirometric parameters in young people from La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina

INTRODUCCIÓN: En los estudios espirométricos se recomienda que cada población cuente con sus propios valores de referencia debido a condiciones regionales y a características de tipo étnico, etario, social, geográfico y climático. Estudios previos muestran elevados niveles de material particulado, hidrocarburos policíclicos y compuestos volátiles en el aire de La Plata y alrededores, con correlación entre exposición crónica a contaminantes y efectos adversos sobre desarrollo y función pulmonar. El objetivo fue establecer valores de referencia regionales para parámetros espirométricos en jóvenes de La Plata, siguiendo las recomendaciones de la American Thoracic Society (ATS) y la European Respiratory Society (ERS). MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal, observacional y descriptivo. Se realizaron y analizaron 171 espirometrías a jóvenes sanos de 13-17 años. Se llevaron a cabo medidas de correlación, identificando las variables predictoras. Para las ecuaciones de predicción se ajustaron modelos de regresión en función del sexo. RESULTADOS: La mayor correlación se encontró con talla y peso. Se desarrollaron ecuaciones para capacidad vital forzada (FVC) y volumen espiratorio forzado en el primer segundo (FEV1) según género. DISCUSIÓN: El cálculo de nuevos parámetros con valores menores a los propuestos por un estudio en Barcelona y adaptados por la Sociedad Española de Neumología y Cirugía Torácica (SEPAR) confirmó la importancia de contar con valores de referencia regionales.

Impacto de la contaminación aérea por incendios forestales en la morbimortalidad de la población expuesta / Impact of air pollution by forest fires and the morbidity of the exposed population

La exposición a las emanaciones de incendios forestales es un importante problema de salud pública nacional e internacional. El cambio climático que conlleva sequía y aumento de la temperatura estival aumenta el riesgo y magnitud de los episodios de incendios forestales, generándose grandes incendios cuyas emanaciones pueden afectar a poblaciones distanciadas del epicentro. La asociación entre la exposición a las emanaciones de los incendios forestales, el aumento de las concentraciones de material particulado aéreo y la morbilidad respiratoria (exacerbación de asma y enfermedades respiratorias crónicas) ha sido evidenciada en diversos estudios. Sin embargo, es difícil realizar un metaanálisis de ellos, ya que la metodología empleada es muy disímil. Entre los principales mecanismos de morbilidad se encontrarían: la producción de citoquinas proinflamatorias, la activación endotelial y la disfunción del sistema nervioso autónomo. Ante la exposición al humo de incendios forestales, se produce daño tisular, aumento de los mecanismos protrombóticos, aumento de la presión arterial y cambios en el ritmo cardiaco, que explicaría los efectos cardiovasculares. Los sujetos con patología cardiovascular preexistente podrían tener mayor riesgo cardiovascular; sin embargo, existen factores confundentes en esta asociación. Por otra parte, el posible riesgo cancerígeno con la exposición a estas emanaciones requiere mayores estudios poblacionales.

Exposure to forest fire fumes is a major national and international public health issue. Climate change that leads to drought and increased summer temperature increases the risk and magnitude of wildfires episodes, generating mega-fires whose fumes not only affect the boundary population, but they may become transcontinental. Association between exposure to forest fire fumes, mainly increased concentrations of air born particulate matter and respiratory morbidity (exacerbation of asthma and chronic respiratory diseases) has been evidenced by diverse studies. However, it is difficult to carry out meta-analysis with them since the methodology used is dissimilar. Among the main causes of morbidity have been postulated the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, endothelial activation and dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. Occurrence of tissue damage, increased prothrombotic mechanisms, increased blood pressure and changes in heart rate, would explain the cardiovascular effects associated with exposure to smoke from these fires. However, epidemiological outcomes have not been entirely consistent, as the association between cardiovascular morbidity and exposure to wildfire fumes may be mixed with confounding factors. Despite this, patients with pre-existing cardiovascular pathology may be at increased risk. Finally, the potential risk of carcinogen with exposure to these fumes requires further population studies.

Relación entre contaminación atmosférica y consultas por enfermedades respiratorias en atención primaria de urgencia / Relationship between air pollution and respiratory disease consultations in primary emergency care

Resumen La presente investigación indaga la relación entre los niveles de contaminación ambiental por material particulado 2,5 y consultas respiratorias según tipo de enfermedad respiratoria y edad de los usuarios que consultaron en los Servicios de Atención Primaria de Urgencia de 2 comunas de la Región de Ñuble, Chile, entre los años 2016 y 2017 mediante un diseño de tipo ecológico. La unidad de análisis correspondió a medias agrupadas (promedios) de consultas diarias por enfermedades respiratorias y de concentración de material particulado 2,5. Los análisis estadísticos utilizados fueron Anova, test estadístico Dickey-Fuller, análisis inferencial basado en correlación de Spearman y Cross-Correlation. Se observó una correlación positiva entre los niveles de contaminación ambiental y consultas por enfermedades respiratorias registrados al día siguiente y al noveno día posterior a un episodio de emergencia ambiental. Desde la entrada en vigencia del Plan de Prevención y Descontaminación Atmosférica no se observan diferencias significativas en las concentraciones de MP2,5 entre los años 2016 y 2017. Los mayores niveles de contaminación ambiental se concentran entre los meses de abril a septiembre. En conclusión, existe relación entre los niveles de contaminación ambiental por MP2,5 con el número de consultas por enfermedades respiratorias y la edad de los usuarios.

The present investigation inquires the relation between the levels of environmental pollution by air borne particulate matter 2,5 and respiratory-related consultatons according to type of respiratory disease and age of the users who were admitted in the Primary Healthcare Emergency Services in two communes in Chile's Ñuble Region, between 2016 and 2017 through an ecological design. The unit of analysis corresponded to pooled means (averages) of daily consultations for respiratory diseases and concentration of particulate matter 2.5. The statistical methods used were: Anova, statistical test Dickey-Fuller, inferential analysis based on Spearman's correlation and Cross-Correlation. A positive correlation was observed between environmental pollution and consultations related to respiratory diseases recorded the next day and the ninth day after an environmental emergency episode. Since the entry into force of the Atmospheric Prevention and Decontamination Plan, no significant differences have been observed in the concentrations of PM2.5 between 2016 and 2017. The highest levels of environmental pollution are concentrated between the months of April to September. In conclusion, there is a relation between the levels of environmental pollution by PM2.5, the number of respiratory diseases consultatons and the age of users.

La amenaza del cambio climático a la salud de la población y la necesidad urgente de actuar

Climate change is associated with negative health outcomes, such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. This article analyses the threat of climate change on population health and the urgent need to implement measures to avoid this damage. Heat vulnerability, heatwave exposures, and wildfire exposure to forest fires have increased in Chile. In 2018, the annual mean concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exceeded the safe level proposed by the World Health Organization, increasing the risk of negative health outcomes. Thus, multidisciplinary and intersectoral mitigation and adaptation policies are needed. Among other elements, mental health impacts of climate change, health education provided by health workers to reduce negative health impacts of climate change, greater engagement of academia to generate evidence useful for policy-making processes and a better articulation between central and local governments should be considered. Finally, achieving a healthy population should be the aim of all these policies and efforts.