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.

Impact of Air Pollutant on Heart Rate Variability in Healthy Young Adults

Abstract Background: Air pollution and sex independently affect cardiac autonomic control, which can be assessed by heart rate variability (HRV). The research hypothesis is that individuals exposed to low concentrations of pollution have higher cardiac autonomic modulation compared to those exposed to high concentrations and that women have better cardiac autonomic control than men. Objective: To analyze the impact of exposure to air pollutants, specifically smoke, and sex on HRV in healthy young people exposed to different concentrations of pollution over an average period of 22 years. Methods: From April to September 2011, 36 participants of both sexes (20-30 years old) were selected, grouped by levels of air pollution exposure according to indices provided by the Environmental Company of São Paulo State. The R-R intervals (R-Ri) of the electrocardiogram were captured using a heart rate monitor during supine rest. HRV was analyzed by spectral analysis and conditional entropy. The Queen's College step test was used to characterize functional capacity. A between-group comparison was performed using the two-way ANOVA statistical test (post hoc Tukey) and p<0.05. Results: Significant differences were found in mean R-Ri (p<0.01) and cardiac parasympathetic modulation between sexes in the same city (p=0.02) and between groups exposed to different air pollution concentrations (p<0.01). Conclusion: Our results suggest that long-term exposure to air pollutants, specifically smoke, has an unfavorable impact on HRV, with reduced cardiac vagal autonomic modulation in healthy young adults, especially females.

Seasonal variations in daily mortality associated with exposure to particulates, in Campo Grande, Brazil / Variaciones estacionales de la mortalidad diaria asociada a la exposición a partículas, en Campo Grande, Brasil / Variações sazonais na mortalidade diária associada à exposição a partículas, em Campo Grande, Brasil

Obcjetive: to investigate short-term effects of air pollution, climate variability on respiratory morbidity and mortality from 2005 to 2020. Method: the study was carried out in the city of Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Daily counts of hospital admissions from 2005 to 2020 were analyzed in relation to daily variations in atmospheric pollutants (NO2, O3) from the Aurea satellite column, OMI sensor. Poisson regression in generalized additive models was used for analysis. The models were adjusted for the effects of temporal trend, seasonality, meteorological factorsand autocorrelation. Results: there was, in the period, an increasing trend in mortality rates and hospital admissions, with an increase in the proportion of deaths from respiratory diseases in relation to other causes. Conclusion: respiratory diseases are worrying causes of hospitalization and death in the population. The results found are consistent with studies that point to an association between short-term variations in air pollutants and the increase in morbidity and mortality in large urban centers.

Objetivo:investigar los efectos a corto plazo de lacontaminación del aire, la variabilidad climática en la morbilidad y mortalidad respiratoria de 2005 a 2020. Método:el estudio se llevó a cabo en la ciudad de Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. Se analizaron los conteos diarios de ingresos hospitalarios de 2005 a 2020 en relación con las variaciones diarias de contaminantes atmosféricos (NO2, O3) de la columna del satélite Aurea, sensor OMI. Para el análisis se utilizó la regresión de Poisson en modelos aditivos generalizados. Los modelos fueron ajustados por los efectos de tendencia temporal, estacionalidad, factores meteorológicos y autocorrelación. Resultados:hubo, en el período, una tendencia creciente en las tasas de mortalidad e ingresos hospitalarios, con aumento en la proporción de muertes por enfermedades respiratorias en relación a otras causas. Conclusión:las enfermedades respiratorias son causas preocupantesde hospitalización y muerte en la población. Las acciones de prevención y atención de estas causas, así como la profundización de la investigación etiológica, deben ser priorizadas en el actual contexto epidemiológico de salud en Brasil. Los resultados encontrados son consistentes con estudios que apuntan a una asociación entre las variaciones a corto plazo de los contaminantes atmosféricos y el aumento de la morbilidad y mortalidad en los grandes centros urbanos.

Objetivo:investigar os efeitos a curto prazo da poluição do ar, variabilidade climática na morbimortalidade respiratória entre os anos de 2005 a 2020. Método: o estudo foi realizado na cidade de Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. As contagens diárias de internações hospitalares entre os anos de 2005 a 2020 foram analisadas em relação às variações diárias de poluentes atmosféricos (NO2, O3) da coluna satélite Aurea, sensor OMI. A regressão de Poisson em modelos aditivos generalizados foi utilizada para análise. Os modelos foram ajustados pelos efeitos de tendência temporal, sazonalidade, fatores meteorológicos e autocorrelação. Resultados: houve, no período, tendência crescente nas taxas de mortalidade e internações hospitalares, com aumento da proporção de óbitos por doenças respiratórias em relação a outras causas. Conclusão: as doenças respiratórias são causas preocupantes de hospitalização e morte na população. Ações de prevenção e atenção a essas causas, bem como a investigação etiológica , devem ser priorizadas no atual contexto epidemiológico da saúde no Brasil. Os resultados encontrados são consistentes com estudos que apontam para uma associação entre as variações de curto prazo dos poluentesatmosféricos e o aumento da morbimortalidade nos grandes centros urbanos.

Poluição do ar e saúde respiratória / Air pollution and respiratory health

O aumento da prevalência de doenças respiratórias crônicas coincide com o da exposição aos poluentes atmosféricos pelo crescente processo de industrialização, aumento do tráfego veicular e migração da população para áreas urbanas. A poluição do ar é uma mistura complexa de poluentes e outros compostos químicos tóxicos e não tóxicos, e o efeito na saúde pode derivar dessa mistura e da interação com parâmetros meteorológicos. Apesar disso, busca-se estabelecer o papel de um poluente específico em separado e consideram-se os parâmetros meteorológicos como fatores de confusão. Há evidências de que a exposição aos poluentes contribui para maior morbidade e mortalidade por doenças respiratórias, especialmente nas crianças, mesmo em concentrações dentro dos padrões estabelecidos pela legislação. Identificar os efeitos dos poluentes no sistema respiratório, isoladamente e em associação, é um desafio, e os estudos têm limitações devido à variabilidade de resposta individual, a presença de doenças pré-existentes, aos fatores socioeconômicos, às exposições a poluentes intradomiciliares, ocupacionais e ao tabaco. A maioria das evidências sobre o efeito dos poluentes no sistema respiratório de crianças deriva de estudos que incluem desfechos de função pulmonar. Entretanto, esses estudos têm diferenças quanto ao desenho, ao método de avaliação de exposição aos poluentes, às medidas de função pulmonar, às covariáveis consideradas como capazes de alterar a resposta aos poluentes e aos tipos de modelos utilizados na análise dos dados. Considerar todas essas diferenças é fundamental na interpretação e comparação dos resultados dessas pesquisas com os dados já existentes na literatura.

The increase in the prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases coincides with that of exposure to air pollutants due to the growing industrialization process, increased vehicular traffic and population migration to urban areas. Air pollution is a complex mixture of pollutants and other toxic and non-toxic chemical compounds and its effect on health can derive from this mixture and the interaction with meteorological parameters. Despite this, it seeks to establish the role of a specific pollutant separately and considers the meteorological parameters as confounding factors. There is evidence that exposure to pollutants contributes to greater morbidity and mortality from respiratory diseases, especially in children, even at concentrations within the standards established by legislation. Identifying the effects of pollutants on the respiratory system, alone and in association, is a challenge and studies have limitations due to the variability of individual response, the presence of pre-existing diseases, socioeconomic factors, exposure to indoor, occupational and environmental pollutants as well tobacco. Most of the evidence on the effect of pollutants on the respiratory system of children comes from studies that include lung function outcomes. However, these studies differ in terms of design, method of assessing exposure to pollutants, measures of lung function, covariates considered capable of altering the response to pollutants, and types of models used in data analysis. Considering all these differences is fundamental in interpreting and comparing the results of these researches with data already existing in the literature.

Photocatalytic activity, water absorption capacity, and thermal stability of white cement-based mortars with polysiloxane silicone and different doses of titanium dioxide nanoparticles / Actividad fotocatalítica, absorción de agua y estabilidad térmica de morteros a base de cemento blanco con silicona de polisiloxano y diferentes dosis de nanopartículas de dióxido de titanio

White cement-based mortars in urban areas are usually discolored and altered their esthetic properties due to air pollutants. The addition of nanoparticles in these mortars can provide photocatalytic properties that can decompose pollution agents. Likewise, other hydrophobic agents have been individually studied to improve outdoor building constructions. Therefore, this study presented the photocatalytic and hydrophobic effect of adding nano-TiO2and silicone hydrophobic powder (DOWSILTM) in a white cement matrix. The nano-TiO2 were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD); afterwards, the mortar was mixed with additions of nano-TiO2 (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 3.0%) and DOWSILTM (0.0, 0.5%). The mortar's photocatalytic performance was evaluated using a modification of the standard Italian test Ente Nazionale Italiano di Unificazione 11259:2016 based on Rhodamine B (RhB) degradation on the sample exposed to UV irradiation. Therefore, mortar samples were subjected to UV irradiation to degrade the organic dye rhodamine B, monitoring their color variation using a C I E L* a* b* spectrophotometer. Moreover, the water permeability and the contact angle were evaluated. This research demonstrates that the white cement-based mortar samples added with nano-TiO2/DOWSILTM possess photocatalytic activity. The samples with the addition of 1.0%/0.5% and 3.0%/0.5% nano-TiO2/DOWSILTM showed a higher RhB degradation for R4 and R26. Therefore, these two materials can be employed in these proportions to improve the quality of the white cement-based mortars in urban constructions.

Los morteros a base de cemento blanco generalmente se decoloran y alteran sus propiedades estéticas debido a los contaminantes del aire en las áreas urbanas. Nanopartículas añadidas a estos morteros pueden proporcionar propiedades fotocatalíticas que descomponen estos contaminantes. Asimismo, otros agentes hidrofóbicos se han estu-diado individualmente para mejorar las construcciones a la intemperie. Por lo tanto, se presenta el efecto fotocatalítico e hidrofóbico al incorporar nano-TiO2 y silicona hidrofóbica de polisiloxano (DOWSILTM) en una matriz de cemento blanco. El nano-TiO2 se caracterizó por medio de Difracción de Rayos X (DRX); luego, el mortero se mezcló con adiciones de nano-TiO2 (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 3.0%) y DOWSILTM (0.0, 0.5%). Los morteros se sometieron a irradiación UV, para degradar el colorante orgánico rodamina B, monitoreando su variación de color usando un espectrofotómetro C I E L* a* b*. La eficiencia fotocatalítica del mortero se evaluó utilizando una modificación de la norma italiana Ente Nazionale Italiano di Unificazione 11259:2016 basada en la degradación de la rodamina B (RhB) en el mortero expuesto a la radiación UV. Además, se evaluó la permeabilidad al agua y el ángulo de contacto. Esta investigación demostró que el mortero de cemento con nano-TiO2/ DOWSILTM posee actividad fotocatalítica. Las muestras con 1.0%/0.5% y 3.0%/0.5% nano-TiO2/DOWSILTM mostraron una mayor eficiencia de degradación de RhB para R4 y R26. Por lo tanto, estos materiales tienen potencial para mejorar la calidad de los morteros en construcciones urbanas.

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.

Ácaros en sistemas de ventilación de edificios industriales: bioindicadores de la calidad del aire interior / Mites in ventilation systems of industrial buildings: bioindicators of indoors air quality

La Organización mundial de la Salud, ha señalado que 92% de la población mundial vive en lugares donde los niveles de calidad del aire se han reducido por debajo de los límites fijados, estimando que a nivel mundial aproximadamente 90% de las personas respiran aire contaminado y que la población de las ciudades pasa entre el 80 y el 90% de su tiempo en recintos cerrados, en un ambiente contaminado en mayor o menor grado; puesto que los niveles de contaminación pueden llegar a ser de 10 a 100 veces más elevados en espacios interiores respecto a los exteriores. La deficiencia en la calidad del aire interior puede dar origen a la manifestación de síntomas respiratorios relacionados como rinitis alérgica y asma, entre otras patologías y se estima que, a nivel global, millones de personas sufren de ambas enfermedades, reduciendo la calidad de vida de la población. Los ácaros constituyen los sensibilizantes respiratorios más extendidos en lugares de trabajo y están presentes en casi todos los hábitats, inclusive en el ambiente aéreo, movilizados por el viento o aerosoles, siendo la principal fuente de alérgenos interiores asociados a rinitis y asma. La presente revisión describe las características de los ácaros como fuente de contaminación ambiental y su posible utilidad como futuros bioindicadores de calidad del aire interior en sistemas de ventilación de edificios industriales con el fin de reducir la exposición y sensibilización de los trabajadores a sus alérgenos(AU)

The World Health Organization has pointed out that 92% of the world's population lives in places where air quality levels have fallen below the limits set, estimating that approximately 90% of people worldwide they breathe polluted air and that the population of cities spends between 80 and 90% of their time indoors, in an environment that is polluted to a greater or lesser degree; since pollution levels can be 10 to 100 times higher indoors than outdoors. The deficiency in indoor air quality can give rise to the manifestation of related respiratory symptoms such as allergic rhinitis and asthma, among other pathologies, and it is estimated that, globally, millions of people suffer from both diseases, reducing the quality of life of the population. mites are the most widespread respiratory sensitizers in the workplace and are present in almost all habitats, including in the air environment, moved by the wind or aerosols, being the main source of indoor allergens associated with rhinitis and asthma. This review describes the characteristics of mites as a source of environmental contamination and their possible use as future bioindicators of indoor air quality in ventilation systems of industrial buildings in order to reduce the exposure and sensitization of workers to their allergens(AU)

Síntomas respiratorios en agentes civiles de tránsito expuestos a smog en Quito en el año 2021 / Respiratory symptoms in civil traffic police agents exposed to smog in Quito in 2021

INTRODUCCIÓN. Existe relación entre la exposición de contaminantes en el aire y problemas respiratorios que van desde síntomas leves en vías respiratorias altas hasta enfermedades que pueden comprometer la vida de los pacientes como: neumonía, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica y cáncer pulmonar. OBJETIVO. Registrar los síntomas respiratorios presentados por agentes civiles de tránsito expuestos a smog. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS. Estudio analítico transversal. Población de 3 458 y muestra de 454 participantes entre agentes civiles de tránsito, fiscalizadores de tránsito y personal administrativo de la Agencia Metropolitana de Tránsito en el año 2021, seleccionados por muestreo aleatorio simple estratificado para los dos grupos de participantes; se aplicó un sondeo digital basado en las encuestas: European Community Respiratory Health Survey y condiciones de trabajo. Para el análisis de datos se utilizó la herramienta EPI INFO, donde se realizó pruebas estadísticas bivariadas de Chi2 y análisis multivariado como regresiones logísticas crudas y ajustadas. RESULTADOS. Se observó que la población de trabajadores operativos en vía tuvo alrededor de dos veces más riesgo de desarrollar sibilancias en comparación a la población administrativa OR=2,1 (IC 95% 1,01­4,39); el personal operativo tuvo más del doble de riesgo de desarrollar bronquitis crónica versus la población administrativa OR=2,5 (IC 95% 1,14­5,73). Los resultados fueron ajustados mediante regresión logística con variables de condiciones de trabajo y salud (p=<0,05). CONCLUSIÓN. Se registró una relación significativa entre la contaminación ambiental por smog y enfermedades respiratorias a largo plazo.

INTRODUCTION. There is a relationship between exposure to air pollutants and respiratory problems ranging from mild upper respiratory symptoms to life-threatening diseases such as pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer is evident. OBJECTIVE. To record the respiratory symptoms presented by civilian traffic officers exposed to smog. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Cross-sectional analytical study. Population of 3 458 and sample of 454 participants among civilian traffic agents, traffic inspectors and administrative personnel of the Metropolitan Traffic Agency in the year 2021, selected by simple stratified random sampling for the two groups of participants; a digital survey was applied based on the European Community Respiratory Health Survey and working conditions. For data analysis, the EPI INFO tool was used, where bivariate Chi2 statistical tests and multivariate analysis such as crude and adjusted logistic regressions were performed. RESULTS. It was observed that the population of operational track workers had about twice the risk of developing wheezing compared to the administrative population OR=2,1 (95% CI 1,01-4,39); operational personnel had more than twice the risk of developing chronic bronchitis versus the administrative population OR=2,5 (95% CI 1,14­5,73). Results were adjusted by logist regression with working conditions and health variables (p=<0,05). CONCLUSION. There was a significant relationship between smog pollution and long-term respiratory diseases.

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.

Spatial distribution of lichen communities and air pollution mapping in a tropical city: Medellín, Colombia / Distribución espacial de las comunidades de líquenes y mapeo de la contaminación del aire en una ciudad tropical: Medellín, Colombia

Abstract Introduction: Enough scientific evidence is available on the harmful effects of air pollution on the health of human beings, fauna, flora, and ecosystems in general. The mechanical and electronical monitoring networks are the first option for the air quality diagnosis, but they do not allow a direct and precise assessment of the impacts in living organisms that may result from the exposure to air pollutants. Objective: To evaluate the changes in the composition of corticulous lichen communities as a response to various stress factors in areas with different levels of air quality to diagnose the state of pollution or intervention in an area with a more complete option. Methods: Air quality contrasts and changes in richness and coverage of corticulous lichens in response to different stress factors, such as land use and distance to roads, in three different biomonitoring areas, were evaluate using GIS, and the data are presented in an easy-to-understand grey scale coded isoline map. Results: Indicators such as lichen coverage (R= -0.4) and richness (R= -0.7) are inverse correlated with PM2.5 concentrations in each area. A total of 110 lichen species were identified, being Phaeophyscia chloantha (Ach.) Moberg and Physcia poncinsii Hue the most frequent species (present in 38 and 33 % of the 86 sampled phorophytes, respectively). The intra-area relationships of lichen richness exhibit significant relationships with regards to the land use and distance to roads (with correlations coefficients greater than 0.5) and the Simpson index was higher than 0.9, in places with better conditions in terms of air quality and microenvironments, likewise the resistance factors calculated suggest that the most sensitive species can be found in environments with a lesser degree of disturbance. Conclusion: These evaluations represent more criteria elements for the diagnosis of the environmental health in the biomonitoring areas.

Resumen Introducción: Existe suficiente evidencia científica de los efectos nocivos de la contaminación atmosférica sobre la salud de los seres humanos, fauna, flora y ecosistemas en general. La primera opción para el diagnóstico de la calidad del aire son las redes de monitoreo mecánicas o electrónicas, pero estas no permiten evaluar de forma directa y precisa el impacto en los organismos vivos como resultado de la exposición a contaminantes del aire. Objetivo: Evaluar los cambios en la composición de las comunidades de líquenes cortícolas como resultado a la exposición de factores de estrés ambiental en áreas con diferentes niveles de calidad del aire para diagnosticar el estado de contaminación o intervención en una zona de una manera más completa. Métodos: Se determinaron los contrastes y cambios en la calidad del aire, la riqueza y cobertura de líquenes cortícolas en respuesta a diferentes factores de estrés, como usos del suelo y distancia a carreteras, en tres diferentes áreas de biomonitoreo, las cuales fueron evaluadas usando GIS. Los datos se presentan en un mapa de isolíneas con códigos en escala de grises fácil de entender. Resultados: Indicadores como cobertura (R= -0.4) y riqueza (R= -0.7) de líquenes están inversamente correlacionados con las concentraciones de PM2.5 en cada área. Se identificaron un total de 110 especies de líquenes, siendo Phaeophyscia chloantha (Ach.) Moberg y Physcia poncinsii Hue las especies más frecuentes (presentes en 38 y 33 % de los 86 forófitos muestreados, respectivamente). Las relaciones intra-área de riqueza de líquenes exhiben relaciones significativas con respecto al uso del suelo y distancia a carreteras (con coeficientes de correlación mayores a 0.5) y el índice de Simpson fue mayor a 0.9, en lugares con mejores condiciones en términos de calidad del aire y microambientes. Asimismo, los factores de resistencia calculados sugieren que las especies más sensibles se pueden encontrar en ambientes con menor grado de perturbación. Conclusión: Estas evaluaciones representan más elementos de criterio para el diagnóstico de la salud ambiental en las áreas de biomonitoreo.

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.

Aerobiología de polen del olivo en las ciudades de Tacna y Arica y su relación con las enfermedades alérgicas respiratorias / Olive pollen aerobiology in Tacna and Arica cities and it is relation with the allergic respiratory diseases

Medir la concentración del polen en la atmósfera se ha convertido en objeto de interés a nivel mundial debido al aumento de las enfermedades alérgicas, ya que en muchas personas es causa de polinosis. Objetivos: se centró en la elaboración de un calendario de polen del olivo, basado en medir su concentración en las ciudades de Tacna (desde 2015 al 2018) y Arica (periodo 2018), y determinar la prevalencia de resultados positivos para extracto alergénico de polen del olivo en pacientes con síntomas de rinitis y/o asma provenientes de las ciudades de Tacna y Arica (periodo 2015-2018). Métodos: Se midió la concentración de polen, mediante el método volumétrico tipo Hirst, según estándares establecidos por el comité de aerobiología de la Sociedad Española de Alergología e Inmunología Clínica (SEAIC). Se incluyó una muestra total de 350 sujetos con síntomas respiratorios (200 de Tacna y 150 de Arica). Resultados: En Tacna, en 2015, 2016, 2017 y 2018, la concentración máxima de polen de olivo fue de 246 granos/m3 ; 110 granos/m3 ; 78 granos/ m3 y 688 granos/m3 respectivamente. En Arica en 2018, la concentración máxima de polen del olivo fue de 318 granos/ m3 . Se encontró que un 34% (68/200) y un 28% (42/150) de sujetos con síntomas respiratorios estaban sensibilizados u obtuvieron pruebas positivas al extracto de polen del olivo en sujetos de las ciudades de Tacna y Arica respectivamente. Conclusión: En ambas ciudades las concentraciones máximas de polen del olivo se encontraron principalmente entre los meses de septiembre a noviembre, siendo octubre el mes de mayores conteos. Se identificó sujetos alérgicos por test cutáneo al polen del olivo en las ciudades de Tacna y Arica.

The measurement of the concentration of pollen in the atmosphere has become an object of interest worldwide for the increase of allergy diseases, since in many people it is the cause of pollinosis. Objectives: focused on the elaboration of a calendar of olive tree pollen based on the measurement of the pollen concentration in Tacna (since 2015 to 2018) and Arica (period 2018) cities, and to determine the prevalence of positive results for allergenic extract of olive pollen in patients with symptoms of rhinitis and / or asthma, who came from Tacna and Arica cities (period 2015 to 2018). Methods. The pollen concentration was measured using the volumetric method according to standards established by the Aerobiology Committee of the Spanish Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (SEAIC), we included 350 subjects (200 from Tacna and 150 from Arica). Results: In Tacna, in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, the maximum concentration of olive pollen was 246 grains/m3; 110 grains/m3; 78 grains/m3 and 688 grains/m3 respectively. In Arica in 2018, the maximum concentration of olive pollen was 318 grains/m3. We found 34% (68/200) and 28% (42/150) were sensitized or results positive test to the olive pollen extract in subjects with respiratory symptoms from Tacna and Arica cities respectively. Conclusion: The olive pollen in the atmosphere of Tacna and Arica is mainly concentrated in the months of September to November, being October the month with higher count. Allergic subjects were identified by skin test to olive pollen in Tacna and Arica cities.

Calidad del aire en la ciudad San Francisco de Milagro y su influencia en la salud poblacional / Air quality in the city of San Francisco de Milagros and its influence on population health

atmosférica es responsable de 6.67 millones de muertes al año por accidentes cardiovasculares, enfermedades cardíacas, cáncer de pulmón y enfermedades respiratorias crónicas (HEI, 2020; OMS, 2021). La presente investigación determino la calidad del aire en la ciudad San Francisco de Milagro y su influencia en la salud poblacional. Los esultados expresan, que la concentración promedio de estos gases están dentro delos estándares establecidos por la OMS (2005), OMS (2018); para cada uno de ellos y por ende no son dañinos para la salud de la población en esudio. Sin embargo, actividades de desarrollo local como el caso de obras de construcción, estarían causando molestias en la población, debido a la falta de control y regulación ambiental, como lo demostró el estudio de percepciones(AU)

Environmental pollution is a global health problem with serious negative implications for humans. According to the WHO, air pollution is responsible for 6.67 million deaths per year from cardiovascular accidents, heart disease, lung cancer and chronic respiratory diseases (HEI, 2020; WHO, 2021). This research determined the air quality in the city of San Francisco de Milagro and its influence on population health. The results express that the average concentration of these gases are within the standards established by the WHO (2005), WHO (2018); for each of them and therefore are not harmful to the health of the population under study. However, local development activities such as construction works would be causing inconvenience to the population, due to the lack of environmental control and regulation, as the perceptions study showed(AU)

Environmental air pollution: respiratory effects / Poluição do ar ambiental: efeitos respiratórios

ABSTRACT Environmental air pollution is a major risk factor for morbidity and mortality worldwide. Environmental air pollution has a direct impact on human health, being responsible for an increase in the incidence of and number of deaths due to cardiopulmonary, neoplastic, and metabolic diseases; it also contributes to global warming and the consequent climate change associated with extreme events and environmental imbalances. In this review, we present articles that show the impact that exposure to different sources and types of air pollutants has on the respiratory system; we present the acute effects—such as increases in symptoms and in the number of emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and deaths—and the chronic effects—such as increases in the incidence of asthma, COPD, and lung cancer, as well as a rapid decline in lung function. The effects of air pollution in more susceptible populations and the effects associated with physical exercise in polluted environments are also presented and discussed. Finally, we present the major studies on the subject conducted in Brazil. Health care and disease prevention services should be aware of this important risk factor in order to counsel more susceptible individuals about protective measures that can facilitate their treatment, as well as promoting the adoption of environmental measures that contribute to the reduction of such emissions.

RESUMO A poluição do ar ambiental é um dos principais fatores de risco de morbidade e mortalidade global. Ela tem impacto direto na saúde humana, sendo responsável pelo aumento de incidência e de óbitos por doenças cardiorrespiratórias, neoplásicas e metabólicas; também contribui para o aquecimento global e para as consequentes alterações do clima associadas a eventos extremos e aos desequilíbrios ambientais. Nesta revisão, apresentamos artigos que evidenciam o impacto da exposição a diferentes fontes e tipos de poluentes do ar no sistema respiratório; apresentamos os efeitos agudos — como aumento de sintomas e no número de atendimentos em serviços de emergência, internações e óbitos — e crônicos — como o aumento da incidência de asma, DPOC e câncer de pulmão, assim como o declínio acelerado da função pulmonar. Também são apresentados e discutidos os efeitos da poluição atmosférica em populações mais suscetíveis e dos efeitos associados à realização de exercícios físicos em ambientes poluídos. Por fim, apresentamos os principais estudos brasileiros sobre o assunto. Os serviços de atenção à saúde e de prevenção de doenças devem ficar atentos a esse importante fator de risco para orientar indivíduos mais suscetíveis sobre medidas de proteção que possam facilitar seu tratamento, além de estimular a adoção de medidas ambientais que contribuam para a redução dessas emissões.

Efeito de política pública de restrição ao tráfego de veículos pesados na qualidade do ar do município de São Paulo: estudo de caso / Effect of public policy to restrict heavy vehicle traffic on air quality in the city of São Paulo: case study

Os veículos automotores movidos a diesel, classificados como fontes móveis, são importantes emissores de poluentes atmosféricos. As principais emissões associadas aos veículos diesel são o Material Particulado (MP), óxidos de nitrogênio (NOx) e dióxido de enxofre (SO2). Ao longo dos anos, normas legais foram estabelecidas e medidas foram implementadas para diminuição de congestionamentos na cidade que se refletem na diminuição de emissões veiculares. Entre elas estão as medidas restritivas à circulação de veículos nos centros urbanos. Dentre as medidas adotadas na cidade de São Paulo, este trabalho considerou, como estudo de caso, o volume de tráfego de caminhões na Av. dos Bandeirantes de 2005 a 2010 e o período de maior restrição ao tráfego de caminhões de 2010 a 2015, de acordo com a Portaria da Secretaria Municipal de Transportes - SMT nº 84 de 24 de agosto de 2010 e sua influência na qualidade do ar. Na análise dos dados foi utilizada estatística descritiva e análise de correlação e de regressão entre o fluxo de veículos e os dados de qualidade do ar, tendo sido gerados gráficos de dispersão e determinada a correlação, coeficiente de correlação r e valor p, para nível de confiança 95%, entre poluentes e volume de tráfego, de acordo com os sentidos da via e períodos do dia, manhã e tarde. Observou-se diminuição da concentração no ar dos poluentes analisados, MP10, NOx e SO2, de acordo com os dados obtidos no período anterior e posterior à Portaria 84. Os resultados apresentaram correlação positiva estatisticamente significante, com menor concentração de poluentes relacionada com menor número de caminhões trafegando na via. Isto mostra que maiores volumes de caminhões circulando em determinadas vias da cidade aumenta significativamente as concentrações de MP10, NOx e SO2 no ar. Em relação ao MP2,5 não foram obtidas correlações com significância estatística, provavelmente devido ao menor período de coleta dos dados, apresentando número de observações menor em relação aos outros poluentes. Com este estudo conclui-se que algumas medidas de restrição à circulação de veículos, além de reduzir congestionamentos, são relevantes para diminuição da concentração de poluentes no ar em áreas próximas a importantes vias de tráfego da cidade. Portanto, a implementação de outras áreas de restrição à circulação de caminhões no município de São Paulo, em vias próximas a áreas residenciais, e que apresentam grande fluxo de caminhões, serão benéficas para melhoria da qualidade do ar na cidade.

Diesel-powered motor vehicles, classified as mobile sources, are important emitters of atmospheric pollutants. The main emissions associated with diesel vehicles are Particulate Matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulphur dioxide (SO2). Over the years, legal norms have been established and measures have been implemented to reduce congestion in the city that are reflected in the reduction of vehicular emissions. Among them are measures restricting vehicle circulation in urban centres. Among the measures adopted in the city of São Paulo, this study considered, as a case study, the volume of truck traffic on Av. dos Bandeirantes from 2005 to 2010 and the period of greater restriction on truck traffic from 2010 to 2015, according to the Ordinance of the Municipal Transportation Secretary - SMT No. 84 of August 24, 2010 and its influence on air quality. In the data analysis, descriptive statistics and correlation and regression analysis were used between the vehicle flow and air quality data, and scatter plots were generated and the correlation, correlation coefficient r and p value were determined, for confidence level 95%, between pollutants and traffic volume, according to the directions of flow of the road and periods of the day, morning and afternoon. It was observed a decrease in the concentration in the air of the analyzed pollutants, MP10, NOx and SO2, according to the data obtained in the period before and after the Ordinance 84. The results showed a statistically significant positive correlation, with a lower concentration of pollutants related to a lower number of trucks traveling on the road. This shows that higher volumes of trucks circulating in certain streets of the city significantly increases the concentrations of MP10, NOx and SO2 in the air. In relation to MP2.5 no correlations with statistical significance were obtained, probably due to the shorter period of data collection, presenting a smaller number of observations compared to the other pollutants. With this study we conclude that some measures to restrict the circulation of vehicles, in addition to reducing congestion, are relevant to the reduction of the concentration of pollutants in the air in areas near important traffic routes of the city. Therefore, the implementation of other areas of restriction on the circulation of trucks in the city of São Paulo, on roads near residential areas, and which present a large flow of trucks, will be beneficial for the improvement of air quality in the city.

Air quality assessment in Southeast Brazil during COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown: report of increased air pollution / Avaliação da qualidade do ar no Sudeste do Brasil durante a pandemia da COVID-19 e do confinamento: relato de aumento da poluição atmosférica / Evaluación de la calidad del aire en el sudeste de Brasil durante la pandemia de COVID-19 y confinamiento: informe de una mayor contaminación del aire

On March 24, 2020, a partial lockdown was decreed in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, as a measure to hinder the spread of COVID-19, which consisted in prohibiting crowding and advising people to stay home, except for urgent or extremely necessary matters. Based on studies performed in other countries, this study aims to assess the impacts of the lockdown on the air quality of five cities in the state of São Paulo. Our study was conducted by using particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide as air quality indicators, and by correlating the contaminants concentrations with weather data. The results showed an increase in these contaminants in all cities within the first weeks after the lockdown compared with the weeks before the decree and with the same period in previous years. This result is inconsistent with the literature. Therefore, a secondary goal was set to investigate the possible cause (or causes) of such deterioration in air quality, which led to the increased number of wildfires. The anomalous dry weather favored the burning of vegetation in agricultural rural areas and in small, vegetated areas near the municipalities, and limited pollution scavenging by rainfall, both of which contributed to higher pollution concentration. We hypothesize the possible effects of worse air quality on the aggravation of COVID-19, but further research is necessary to obtain a complete assessment.

Em 24 de março de 2020, foi decretado confinamento parcial no Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, como medida para desacelerar a disseminação da COVID-19. O decreto consistia na proibição de aglomerações e na recomendação para as pessoas permanecerem em casa, exceto em situações urgentes ou de extrema necessidade. Na esteira de estudos realizados em outros países, o artigo busca avaliar os impactos do confinamento na qualidade do ar em cinco cidades no Estado de São Paulo. Nosso estudo foi realizado com o material particulado e dióxido de nitrogênio enquanto indicadores da qualidade do ar e pela correlação das concentrações dos contaminantes com dados meteorológicos. Os resultados mostraram um aumento desses contaminantes em todas as cinco cidades dentro das primeiras semanas depois do confinamento, comparado às semanas que antecederam o decreto e com o mesmo período em anos anteriores. O resultado é inconsistente com os achados usualmente relatados em outros estudos. Portanto, foi definido um objetivo secundário a fim de investigar a possível causa (ou causas) da piora na qualidade do ar, o que revelou um aumento no número de incêndios. O tempo anormalmente seco favoreceu a queima de vegetação nas áreas agrícolas rurais e em pequenas áreas de vegetação próximas às cidades, além do limitado escoamento da poluição pela chuva, o que contribuiu à maior concentração de poluentes. Os achados sugerem hipóteses sobre os possíveis efeitos dessa situação de pior qualidade do ar sobre o agravamento de casos de COVID-19, porém são necessários mais estudos para uma avaliação completa.

El 24 de marzo de 2020 se decretó un confinamiento parcial en el estado de São Paulo, Brasil, como medida para evitar la propagación de la COVID-19, que consistió en prohibir aglomeraciones de personas y avisar a la gente que permaneciera en casa, salvo para asuntos urgentes o extremadamente necesarios. Siguiendo algunos estudios realizados en otros países, el objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar los impactos del confinamiento en la calidad del aire de ciudades en el estado de São Paulo. Nuestro estudio fue realizado usando material particulado y dióxido de nitrógeno, como indicadores de la calidad del aire, y mediante la correlación de las concentraciones de contaminantes con los datos meteorológicos. Los resultados mostraron un incremento en estos contaminantes en todas las ciudades dentro de las primeras semanas tras el confinamiento, comparando las semanas antes del decreto y dentro del mismo periodo en los años previos. Este resultado es inconsistente con aquellos que han sido informados en otros estudios. Por ello, un objetivo secundario fue investigar la posible causa (o causas) de tal deterioro en la calidad del aire, que conduce a un incremento en el número de incendios. La climatología seca anómala favoreció la quema de vegetación en las áreas rurales agrícolas, y en áreas con poca vegetación cerca de las ciudades, y la eliminación limitada de la contaminación gracias a la lluvia, ambos contribuyeron a una mayor concentración de contaminación. Se especula que los posibles efectos de esta situación de una peor calidad del aire podrían afectar en el agravamiento de los casos de COVID-19, pero son quizás necesarias más investigaciones para conseguir una evaluación completa.

Impact of maternal exposure to wood smoke pollution on fetal lung morphology in a rat model / Impacto de la exposición materna a la contaminación por humo de leña en la morfología pulmonar fetal en un modelo de rata

SUMMARY: Residential heating with wood is an important source of ambient air pollution. Evidence links air pollution to serious health effects such as respiratory and cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. We hypothesized that prenatal exposure to wood smoke pollution causes morphological changes in the development of the rat lung, leading to altered lung structure and function during later life. We presumed that analysis of the fetal lung stereology provides novel insights into the underlying processes mediating particulate matter associated developmental changes and damage. The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of exposure during gestational period to wood smoke pollution on lung fetal morphology. To test this, pregnant rats were exposed during pregestational and gestational periods to wood smoke pollution. Complete lungs samples were obtained from 24 fetus from healthy female G3 rats subjected to cesarean at 19 days post-fecundation. The lungs were prepared for histological and stereological analysis. The volume fraction of terminal bronchioles VV [tb, lung] and volume fraction of parenchyma VV [par, lung], surface density of terminal bronchioles SV [tb, lung] as well as numerical density of bronchiolar exocrinocytes NA [ec,lung] were calculated by light microscopy. Statistical analysis detected significant differences between groups in volume density VV [tb, lung; %] (p=0.0012) and surface density SV [tb, lung; mm2/mm3] (p<0.0001) of the terminal bronchioles. However, it did not show differences between groups in the stereological parameter volume density VV [par, lung; %] (p=0.0838) and numerical density of bronchiolar exocrinocytes NA [ec,lung; nº/mm2] (p=0.0705). The analysis of the evidence obtained indicates that exposure to environmental pollution was affects lung maturation, and particularly the proportion and area of terminal bronchioles in the fetal lung. In conclusion, maternal exposure to wood smoke pollution during pregnancy was associated with a decrease in the lower conducting airways of lungs, which, according to urban pollution studies, could be related to early childhood lower respiratory illness. The public health implications of this study are that reducing or avoiding exposure to wood smoke is important before and during pregnancy.

RESUMEN: La calefacción residencial con leña es una fuente importante de contaminación ambiental. La evidencia vincula la contaminación del aire con graves efectos sobre la salud, como la mortalidad y la morbilidad respiratoria y cardiovascular. Hipotetizamos que la exposición prenatal a la contaminación por humo de leña causa cambios en el desarrollo del pulmón de rata, lo que conduce a una morfo-función pulmonar alteradas durante la vida posterior, creemos que el análisis de la estereología pulmonar fetal proporcionará nuevos conocimientos sobre los procesos subyacentes que median esos cambios. El objetivo del estudio fue investigar los efectos de la exposición prenatal a la contaminación ambiental por humo de leña sobre la morfología pulmonar fetal. Ratas preñadas fueron expuestas durante los períodos pregestacional y gestacional a la contaminación por humo de leña. En fetos de 19 días post-fecundación fue obtenido el pulmón para análisis histológico y estereológico. Fue determinado la fracción de volumen de bronquiolos terminales VV [tb, pulmón], fracción de volumen del parénquima VV [par, pulmón], densidad superficial de los bronquiolos terminales SV [tb, pulmón] así como la densidad numérica de exocrinocitos NA [ec, pulmón]. El análisis estadístico detectó diferencias significativas entre grupos en la densidad de volumen V [tb, pulmón; %] (p=0,0012) y densidad superficial SV [tb, pulmón; mm2/mm3] (p<0,0001) de los bronquiolos terminales. Sin embargo, no demostró diferencias entre grupos en la densidad de volumen VV [par, pulmón; %] (p=0,0838) y numérica de exocrinocitos bronquiolares NA [ec, pulmón; nº / mm ] (p=0,0705). El análisis de la evidencia obtenida indica que la exposición a la contaminación ambiental afectó la maduración pulmonar, y particularmente la proporción y área de bronquiolos terminales en el pulmón fetal. En conclusión, la exposición materna a la contaminación por humo de leña durante la gestación se asoció a una disminución de las vías respiratorias conductoras de aire en pulmón, lo que, según estudios de contaminación urbana, podría estar relacionado con enfermedades de las vías respiratorias inferiores en la primera infancia. Las implicaciones para la salud pública de este estudio son que reducir o evitar la exposición al humo de leña es importante previo y durante la gestación. Por otro lado, la contaminación por humo de leña tiene un gran impacto en la salud pública que, en teoría, es posible prevenir.