Do Saharan Dust Days Carry a Risk of Hospitalization From Respiratory Diseases for Citizens of the Canary Islands (Spain)?

BACKGROUND: Saharan dust meets the Canary Islands at the beginning of its westward path across the North Atlantic, exceeding the European daily levels for PM10; for this reason, their two provincial capital cities, constitute optimal sites where to evaluate the health effects of this natural event. OBJECTIVES: To assess the short-term association between Saharan Dust Days (SDDs) and respiratory morbidity in the two capital cities. METHODS: We carried out a time-series analysis with daily emergency hospital admissions due to all respiratory system diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma between 2001 and 2005, assessing the independent effect of SDDs, defined according to the application of the methodology accepted by the European Environmental Office. We also examined accumulated effect, and some other specific SDDs' features. RESULTS: We found a short-term association between SDDs and the increase in admission risk for the three outcomes during concurrent SDDs, compared to non-SDDs, that spread from 0 to 5th day: 22.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 10.4, 36.0) for all respiratory diseases and 29.9% (95%CI: 6.6, 58.4) for COPD in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and 33.4% (95%CI: -2.1,82.0) for asthma in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. We obtained a robust association when Saharan dust transported at low altitude, when SDDs belonged to long episodes (≥5days), from the fifth SDD onwards and those SDDs with medium (50

Do Saharan Dust Days Carry a Risk of Hospitalization From Respiratory Diseases for Citizens of the Canary Islands (Spain)?

BACKGROUND: Saharan dust meets the Canary Islands at the beginning of its westward path across the North Atlantic, exceeding the European daily levels for PM10; for this reason, their two provincial capital cities, constitute optimal sites where to evaluate the health effects of this natural event. OBJECTIVES: To assess the short-term association between Saharan Dust Days (SDDs) and respiratory morbidity in the two capital cities. METHODS: We carried out a time-series analysis with daily emergency hospital admissions due to all respiratory system diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma between 2001 and 2005, assessing the independent effect of SDDs, defined according to the application of the methodology accepted by the European Environmental Office. We also examined accumulated effect, and some other specific SDDs' features. RESULTS: We found a short-term association between SDDs and the increase in admission risk for the three outcomes during concurrent SDDs, compared to non-SDDs, that spread from 0 to 5th day: 22.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 10.4, 36.0) for all respiratory diseases and 29.9% (95%CI: 6.6, 58.4) for COPD in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and 33.4% (95%CI: -2.1,82.0) for asthma in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. We obtained a robust association when Saharan dust transported at low altitude, when SDDs belonged to long episodes (≥5days), from the fifth SDD onwards and those SDDs with medium (50

[Characterization of the atmospheric environment in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain: 2000-2004]. / Caracterización del ambiente atmosférico en Las Palmas de Gran Canaria y Santa Cruz de Tenerife: 2000 a 2004.

BACKGROUND: The island factor in the cities of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, their meteorology and the proximity to the African Continent that originates the natural particulate matter transport over the islands, cause some specific features in their air quality. The aim of this paper is to characterize the air pollution from 2000 to 2004 as exposure indicator of both cities inhabitants. METHODS: 24 hour daily average variables of PM10, PM2,5, NO2, SO2 and O3 , 8 hours daily maxima moving averages of O3 y CO and 1 hour maxima of SO2, NO2, O3, CO, PM10 y PM2,5 were calculated. Daily levels of coarse particles were obtained subtracting PM2,5 from PM10. African dust events were identified. RESULTS: In Sta. Cruz de Tf daily means of SO2 (14.0 microg/m(3)N) and ozone levels (44.4 microg/m(3)N ) were higher than Las Palmas de GC levels (8.0 y 28.3 microg/m(3)N). Daily means of NO2 in Las Palmas de GC: 45.8 microg/m(3)N where higher than Sta. Cruz de Tf levels: 30.3 microg/m(3)N. Due to African dust outbreaks, some days in both cities exceeded 600 microg/m(3) of PM10 and 200 of PM2.5 24-h average. CONCLUSIONS: The air quality patterns were characterized by very high levels of African dust outbreaks that affect all PM size fractions. Different O3 seasonality exists respect European cities in addition to an urban-industrial ambient air in Sta. Cruz de TF and clearly urban in Las Palmas de GC. These results have to be considered in order to lay the foundations to suitable surveillance systems, analyse the potential impact on the Canary Islands citizens health and to get conclusions.

Do Saharan Dust Days Carry a Risk of Hospitalization From Respiratory Diseases for Citizens of the Canary Islands (Spain)? / ¿Los días de calima sahariana conllevan un riesgo de hospitalización por enfermedades respiratorias para los ciudadanos de las Islas Canarias, España?

Background: Saharan dust meets the Canary Islands at the beginning of its westward path across the North Atlantic, exceeding the European daily levels for PM10; for this reason, their two provincial capital cities, constitute optimal sites where to evaluate the health effects of this natural event. Objectives: To assess the short-term association between Saharan Dust Days (SDDs) and respiratory morbidity in the two capital cities. Methods: We carried out a time-series analysis with daily emergency hospital admissions due to all respiratory system diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma between 2001 and 2005, assessing the independent effect of SDDs, defined according to the application of the methodology accepted by the European Environmental Office. We also examined accumulated effect, and some other specific SDDs’ features. Results: We found a short-term association between SDDs and the increase in admission risk for the three outcomes during concurrent SDDs, compared to non-SDDs, that spread from 0 to 5th day: 22.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 10.4, 36.0) for all respiratory diseases and 29.9% (95%CI: 6.6, 58.4) for COPD in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and 33.4% (95%CI: −2.1,82.0) for asthma in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. We obtained a robust association when Saharan dust transported at low altitude, when SDDs belonged to long episodes (≥5days), from the fifth SDD onwards and those SDDs with medium (50

Contexto general: El polvo del Sahara se encuentra con las Islas Canarias al comienzo de su viaje en dirección oeste atravesando el Atlántico Norte; esto hace que se superen los niveles límite diarios europeos de PM10. Por este motivo, sus 2 capitales de provincia constituyen entornos óptimos para evaluar los efectos de este fenómeno natural en la salud. Objetivos: Evaluar la asociación a corto plazo entre los días de calima sahariana (DCS) y la morbilidad respiratoria en las 2 ciudades. Métodos: Llevamos a cabo un análisis de series temporales con los ingresos hospitalarios urgentes diarios debido a todas las enfermedades del sistema respiratorio, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) y asma entre 2001 y 2005, evaluando el efecto independiente de los DCS, que definimos siguiendo la aplicación de la metodología aceptada por la Oficina Europea del Medio Ambiente. También estudiamos el efecto acumulado y otras características específicas de los DCS. Resultados: Encontramos una asociación a corto plazo entre los DCS y el aumento en el riesgo de ingreso para las 3 variables durante los DCS concurrentes, en comparación con los no DCS, que se extendía desde 0 a los 5 días: 22,6% (intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%: 10,4-36,0) para todas las enfermedades respiratorias, el 29,9% (IC 95%: 6,6-58,4) para la EPOC en Santa Cruz de Tenerife y el 33,4% (IC 95%: −2,1-82,0) para asma en Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Obtuvimos una asociación fuerte cuando el polvo del Sahara se transportaba a baja altitud, cuando los DCS formaban parte de episodios largos (≥5 días), desde el quinto DCS en adelante y aquellos DCS con niveles de PM10 medios (50

[Health impact evaluation of particle air pollution in five Spanish cities. European APHEIS project]. / Evaluación en cinco ciudades españolas del impacto en salud de la contaminación atmosférica por partículas. Proyecto europeo APHEIS.

BACKGROUND: The health effects of air pollution have been analyzed in numerous studies over recent years, thus having made it possible to quantify the relationship between the two. This study is aimed at analyzing the theoretical benefits which would be achieved by meeting the air quality objectives set forth under EC Directive 1999/30/EC with regard to suspended particles. METHODS: The exposure measurement was taken for Black Smoke (Barcelona, Bilbao, Valencia) and suspended particles under 10 microm (PM10) (Bilbao, Madrid y Sevilla). The health indicators calculated were the mortality due to all causes and respiratory and cardiovascular causes, and emergency hospital admissions and mortality due to respiratory and cardiovascular causes. In the case of PM10 the impact has been calculated because its effects to short-term, within a period of up to 40 days following exposure, and to long-term. For Black Smoke the effects only has been calculated to short-term. RESULTS: The daily levels of PM10 from exceeding 50 microg/m3 in Bilbao, Madrid and Sevilla cause the earlier death of 1.4/100,000 individuals per year because its effects. The effect within a period of up to 40 days following exposure is of 2.8 deaths/100,000. The total number of deaths per year which may be later due to long-term exposure if the yearly average is lowered to 20 microg/m3 is 68/100,000. CONCLUSIONS: The health impact of the current air pollution levels is quantifiable and is not insignificant. APHEIS and the impact evaluations may be of aid in healthcare planning and environmental policies.

[Review of studies on exposure to aluminum and Alzheimer's disease]. / Revisión de los estudios sobre exposición al aluminio y enfermedad de Alzheimer.

A review has been made of the epidemiological studies published evaluating the role of aluminum as a risk factor for developing Alzheimer's disease. A search for published studies was conducted in the Medline database by combining the terms "Aluminum" and "Alzheimer's disease". In most of the studies reviewed, exposure to aluminum in drinking water was examined. These studies suggest that a relationship exists between aluminum (Al) and Alzheimer's disease involving relative risks of around 2 for populations exposed to Al concentrations in drinking water higher than 0.1 mg/l. Types of exposure to this metal by other means (food, medications and occupational exposure) have received little attention. These epidemiological studies entail certain methodological limitations, and their results are not consistent, so the results available to date therefore not making it possible to clearly determine that any relationship exists between exposure to aluminum and the etiology of Alzheimer's disease. Nevertheless, the toxic effect of aluminum on human health cannot be ruled out either, and thus exposure to aluminum should be monitored and limited as far as possible.

[Indoor air pollution in extremely poor Colombian households]. / Contaminación del aire de interiores en hogares en situación de pobreza extrema en Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: Characterising exposure to indoor air pollution arising from solid-fuel use in extremely poor Colombian households. METHODS: Data from the September 2012 survey by Red Unidos (literally United Network, the Colombian government's official instrument for identifying extremely poor households: n=1.3 million households and >5 million people) was used for two logistic regression models: factors associated with solid fuel used in cooking within households and an association between exposure to solid fuel use in households and the prevalence of limitations regarding individual health. RESULTS: According to the Red Unidos data-based models, 2.1 million people living in 530,000 extremely poor households were exposed to environmental health risk (i.e. household air pollution caused by solid fuel use). Such risk was found to be related to living in rural areas (odds ratio (OR)=19.4 95 % confidence interval (95 %CI): 19.2-19.6 %), having an Indian background (OR=2.9: 2.9-3.0 95 %CI) and, inversely (i.e. when living in towns), internal displacement (OR=0.6: 0.6-0.695 %CI). The prevalence of permanent cardiovascular and respiratory limitations and limited vision were associated with exposure to indoor air pollution arising from solid fuel use. DISCUSSION: Initiatives for improving environmental health and the quality of life for extremely poor rural households in Colombia must make full use of the available characterisation data and its impact for prioritising programmes aimed at reducing exposure to solid fuel use.

Contaminación del aire de interiores en hogares en situación de pobreza extrema en Colombia / Indoor air pollution in extremely poor Colombian households

Objetivo Caracterizar la exposición a la contaminación del aire interior por uso de combustibles sólidos en hogares en situación de pobreza extrema en Colombia. Métodos A partir de la información gubernamental oficial de hogares en situación de pobreza extrema (encuesta Red Unidos de septiembre 2012, n=1,3 millones de hogares y >5 millones de individuos) se estructuraron dos modelos de regresión logística: (i) Factores asociados al uso de combustibles sólidos para cocinar a nivel hogar, (ii) Asociación entre el uso de combustibles sólidos en el hogar y prevalencia de limitaciones de la salud a nivel individuo. Resultados Un total de 530 mil hogares en situación de pobreza extrema donde habitan 2,1 millones de colombianos, enfrentan el factor de riesgo (uso de combustibles fósiles en el hogar). La presencia del factor de riesgo está asociada a la zona rural (odds ratio-OR=19,4; intervalo de confianza al 95 %-IC95 %: 19,2-19,6), la etnia indígena (OR=2,9; IC95 %:2,9-3,0) y, de manera inversa, a la situación de desplazamiento (OR=0,6;IC95 %:0,6-0,6). La prevalencia de limitación cardiovascular y/o respiratoria, así como de limitación en visión se asociaron con la exposición. Discusión Las iniciativas que busquen mejorar la salud ambiental y calidad de vida de la población rural de mayor vulnerabilidad socio-económica del país cuentan con información de caracterización e impacto para priorizar programas tendientes a disminuir la exposición al uso de combustibles sólidos.

Objective Characterising exposure to indoor air pollution arising from solid-fuel use in extremely poor Colombian households. Methods Data from the September 2012 survey by Red Unidos (literally United Network, the Colombian government's official instrument for identifying extremely poor households: n=1.3 million households and >5 million people) was used for two logistic regression models: factors associated with solid fuel used in cooking within households and an association between exposure to solid fuel use in households and the prevalence of limitations regarding individual health. Results According to the Red Unidos data-based models, 2.1 million people living in 530,000 extremely poor households were exposed to environmental health risk (i.e. household air pollution caused by solid fuel use). Such risk was found to be related to living in rural areas (odds ratio (OR)=19.4 95 % confidence interval (95 %CI): 19.2-19.6 %), having an Indian background (OR=2.9: 2.9-3.0 95 %CI) and, inversely (i.e. when living in towns), internal displacement (OR=0.6: 0.6-0.695 %CI). The prevalence of permanent cardiovascular and respiratory limitations and limited vision were associated with exposure to indoor air pollution arising from solid fuel use. Discussion Initiatives for improving environmental health and the quality of life for extremely poor rural households in Colombia must make full use of the available characterisation data and its impact for prioritising programmes aimed at reducing exposure to solid fuel use.

Caracterización del ambiente atmosférico en las Palmas de Gran Canaria y Santa Cruz de Tenerife. 2000 a 2004 / Characterization of the atmospheric environment in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. 2000-2004

Fundamento: El carácter insular de las ciudades de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria y Santa Cruz de Tenerife, su meteorología y la proximidad del continente africano que favorece la llegada de material particulado de origen natural sobre las islas, determinan unas especificidades en su calidad del aire. El objetivo de este artículo es la caracterización de la contaminación atmosférica durante los años 2000 a 2004 como indicador de exposición de los habitantes de estas dos ciudades. Métodos: Se elaboraron los siguientes indicadores de contaminación: promedios de 24 horas de PM10, PM2,5, NO2, SO2 y O3; máximo de las 17 medias móviles octohorarias diarias de O3 y CO; máximo horario diario de SO2, NO2, O3, CO, PM10 y PM2,5. También se calcularon los niveles de la moda gruesa de partículas, como la diferencia entre los valores de PM10 y PM2,5 (PM10-2,5). Se identificaron episodios de intrusión africana. Resultados: En Sta Cruz de TF los promedios de SO2 (14µg/m3N) y de O3 (44,4 µg/m3N ) fueron superiores respecto a los de Las Palmas de GC (8 y 28,3 µg/m3N). Los promedios de NO2 en Las Palmas de GC: 45,8 µg/m3N fueron superiores a los de Sta. Cruz de TF: 30,3 µg/m3N. Debido a las intrusiones africanas, algunos días superaron los 600 µg/m3 de PM10 y los 200 de PM2.5 en ambas ciudades. Conclusiones: Se identifica un patrón de calidad del aire con episodios de polvo mineral africano que en superficie afecta a todas las fracciones granulométricas, una estacionalidad diferente a las ciudades europeas respecto al ozono, así como un patrón de contaminación urbano-industrial en Sta. Cruz de Tf y netamente urbano en Las Palmas de GC. Se hace necesario tener en cuenta estos resultados para analizar su posible impacto sobre la salud de los ciudadanos de las Islas Canarias y establecer sistemas adecuados de vigilancia (AU)

Background: The island factor in the cities of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, their meteorology and the proximity to the African Continent that originates the natural particulate matter transport over the islands, cause some specific features in their air quality. The aim of this paper is to characterize the air pollution from 2000 to 2004 as exposure indicator of both cities´ inhabitants. Methods: 24 hour daily average variables of PM10, PM2,5, NO2, SO2 and O3 , 8 hours daily maxima moving averages of O3 y CO and 1 hour maxima of SO2, NO2, O3, CO, PM10 y PM2,5 were calculated. Daily levels of coarse particles were obtained subtracting PM2,5 from PM10. African dust events were identified. Results: In Sta. Cruz de Tf daily means of SO2 (14.0µg/m3N) and ozone levels (44.4 µg/m3N ) were higher than Las Palmas de GC levels (8.0 y 28.3 µg/m3N). Daily means of NO2 in Las Palmas de GC: 45.8 µg/m3N where higher than Sta. Cruz de Tf levels: 30.3 µg/m3N. Due to African dust outbreaks, some days in both cities exceeded 600 µg/m3 of PM10 and 200 of PM2.5 24-h average. Conclusions: The air quality patterns were characterized by very high levels of African dust outbreaks that affect all PM size fractions. Different O3 seasonality exists respect European cities in addition to an urban-industrial ambient air in Sta. Cruz de TF and clearly urban in Las Palmas de GC. These results have to be considered in order to lay the foundations to suitable surveillance systems, analyse the potential impact on the Canary Islands citizens health and to get conclusions (AU)

Evaluación en cinco ciudades españolas del impacto en salud de la contaminación atmosférica por partículas. Proyecto europeo APHEIS / Health impact evaluation of particle air pollution in five spanish cities. European APHEIS project

Fundamento: Los efectos de la contaminación atmosféricasobre la salud han sido objeto en los últimos años de numerosos estudiosque han permitido cuantificar la asociación entre ambas El objetivode este trabajo es llevar a cabo la Evaluación del Impacto enSalud (EIS) calculando los beneficios que se obtendrían al cumplirlos objetivos establecidos por la Directiva 1999/30/CE en relacióncon las partículas en suspensión.Métodos: Se ha valorado el impacto en salud de la contaminación atmosférica por partículas en suspensión, para lo que se han utilizadodos indicadores distintos: Humos Negros (HN) (Barcelona,Bilbao, Valencia) y partículas en suspensión menores de 10 mm(PM10) (Bilbao, Madrid y Sevilla). Los indicadores de salud fueronla mortalidad por todas las causas, por causa respiratoria y por causacardiovascular, e ingresos hospitalarios urgentes por causa respiratoriay cardiovascular. El EIS se ha realizado mediante el cálculo de lafracción atribuible a la contaminación por partículas. En el caso dePM10 se ha calculado el impacto debido a efectos de la contaminación a corto plazo, los acumulados hasta 40 días después, y a largoplazo. Para HN únicamente se han calculado efectos a corto plazo.Resultados: Los niveles diarios de PM10 por encima de 50µg/m3 en Bilbao, Madrid y Sevilla son responsables de 1,4 muertesprematuras por 100.000 habitantes y año debido a sus efectos a cortoplazo y de 2,8 muertes/100.000 en un periodo de hasta 40 días trasla exposición. A largo plazo, el número de muertes prematuras atribuiblesa la contaminación media anual de PM10 por encima de 20µg/m3 es 68/100.000.Conclusiones: El impacto en salud de los niveles actuales decontaminación atmosférica es cuantificable y no despreciable.APHEIS y las evaluaciones de impacto pueden ayudar a la planificación sanitaria y a las políticas medioambientales

Background: The health effects of air pollution have beenanalyzed in numerous studies over recent years, thus having madeit possible to quantify the relationship between the two. This studyis aimed at analyzing the theoretical benefits which would be achievedby meeting the air quality objectives set forth under EC Directive1999/30/EC with regard to suspended particles.Methods: The exposure measurement was taken for Black Smoke(Barcelona, Bilbao, Valencia) and suspended particles under 10mm (PM10) (Bilbao, Madrid y Sevilla). The health indicators calculatedwere the mortality due to all causes and respiratory and cardiovascularcauses, and emergency hospital admissions and mortalitydue to respiratory and cardiovascular causes. In the case of PM10 theimpact has been calculated because its effects to short-term, within aperiod of up to 40 days following exposure, and to long-term. ForBlack Smoke the effects only has been calculated to short-term.Results: The daily levels of PM10 from exceeding 50 µg/m3 inBilbao, Madrid and Sevilla cause the earlier death of 1.4/100,000individuals per year because its effects. The effect within a period ofup to 40 days following exposure is of 2.8 deaths/100,000. The totalnumber of deaths per year which may be later due to long-term exposureif the yearly average is lowered to 20 µg/m3 is 68/100,000.Conclusions: The health impact of the current air pollutionlevels is quantifiable and is not insignificant. APHEIS and theimpact evaluations may be of aid in healthcare planning and environmentalpolicies

Revisión de los estudios sobre exposición al aluminio y enfermedad de Alzheimer / Review of the studies on exposure to aluminum and Alzheimer's disease

Se ha llevado a cabo una revisión bibliográfica de los estudios epidemiológicos que han evaluado el papel del aluminio como factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de la enfermedad de Alzheimer. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en la base de datos MedLine combinando los términos del Thesaurus 'Aluminum' y 'Alzheimer's disease'. En la mayor parte de los estudios revisados se ha examinado la exposición al metal a través del agua de bebida. Los estudios que sugieren que existe una asociación entre el aluminio y la enfermedad presentan riesgos relativos de alrededor de 2 para poblaciones con exposiciones a concentraciones de Al en el agua mayores de 0,1 mg/l. Las exposiciones al metal a través de otras vías (alimentación, medicamentos y exposición laboral) han sido poco estudiadas. Estos estudios epidemiológicos presentan limitaciones metodológicas y sus resultados no son consistentes por lo que los resultados disponibles hasta el momento no permiten establecer, de manera clara, que exista una asociación entre la exposición al metal y la etiología de la enfermedad de Alzheimer. No obstante, tampoco es posible descartar un papel tóxico del aluminio sobre la salud, por lo que su exposición debería ser controlada y reducida en lo posible. (AU)