Histological and Endocrine Effects of Chronic Exposure to MP2.5 Derived from Wood Smoke in the Uterus of Nulliparous Adult Rats

SUMMARY: The study explores the relationship between chronic exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), sourced from wood smoke, and the histological structure and endocrine function of the uterus in nulliparous adult rats. It assesses potential structural changes in the uterus that could impact reproductive health, viewing PM2.5 exposure as a possible risk factor. A controlled experiment was conducted in a city known for high air pollution levels, exposing rats to filtered and unfiltered air conditions, thus mimicking human PM2.5 exposure. Histological findings indicated a significant increase in collagen density and uterine wall thickness in PM2.5 exposed subjects, suggesting a reproductive function risk. However, no significant differences were observed in progesterone and estradiol hormone levels, pointing to the complex relationship between PM2.5 exposure and its endocrine impact, and emphasizing the need for further studies for a deeper understanding. This work highlights the importance of thoroughly investigating the long-term effects of PM2.5 pollution on reproductive health, underlining the significance of considering environmental exposure as a critical factor in reproductive health research.

El estudio explora la relación entre la exposición crónica a partículas finas (PM2,5), procedentes del humo de leña, y la estructura histológica y la función endocrina del útero en ratas adultas nulíparas. Evalúa posibles cambios estructurales en el útero que podrían afectar la salud reproductiva, considerando la exposición a PM2,5 como un posible factor de riesgo. Se llevó a cabo un experimento controlado en una ciudad conocida por sus altos niveles de contaminación del aire, exponiendo ratas a condiciones de aire filtrado y sin filtrar, imitando así la exposición humana a PM2,5. Los hallazgos histológicos indicaron un aumento significativo en la densidad del colágeno y el grosor de la pared uterina en sujetos expuestos a PM2,5, lo que sugiere un riesgo para la función reproductiva. Sin embargo, no se observaron diferencias significativas en los niveles de las hormonas progesterona y estradiol, lo que apunta a la compleja relación entre la exposición a PM2,5 y su impacto endocrino, y enfatiza la necesidad de realizar más estudios para una comprensión más profunda. Este trabajo destaca la importancia de investigar a fondo los efectos a largo plazo de la contaminación por PM2,5 en la salud reproductiva, subrayando la importancia de considerar la exposición ambiental como un factor crítico en la investigación de la salud reproductiva.

Non-linear association between long-term air pollution exposure and risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

BACKGROUND@#Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) has become a global epidemic, and air pollution has been identified as a potential risk factor. This study aims to investigate the non-linear relationship between ambient air pollution and MASLD prevalence.@*METHOD@#In this cross-sectional study, participants undergoing health checkups were assessed for three-year average air pollution exposure. MASLD diagnosis required hepatic steatosis with at least 1 out of 5 cardiometabolic criteria. A stepwise approach combining data visualization and regression modeling was used to determine the most appropriate link function between each of the six air pollutants and MASLD. A covariate-adjusted six-pollutant model was constructed accordingly.@*RESULTS@#A total of 131,592 participants were included, with 40.6% met the criteria of MASLD. "Threshold link function," "interaction link function," and "restricted cubic spline (RCS) link functions" best-fitted associations between MASLD and PM2.5, PM10/CO, and O3 /SO2/NO2, respectively. In the six-pollutant model, significant positive associations were observed when pollutant concentrations were over: 34.64 µg/m3 for PM2.5, 57.93 µg/m3 for PM10, 56 µg/m3 for O3, below 643.6 µg/m3 for CO, and within 33 and 48 µg/m3 for NO2. The six-pollutant model using these best-fitted link functions demonstrated superior model fitting compared to exposure-categorized model or linear link function model assuming proportionality of odds.@*CONCLUSION@#Non-linear associations were found between air pollutants and MASLD prevalence. PM2.5, PM10, O3, CO, and NO2 exhibited positive associations with MASLD in specific concentration ranges, highlighting the need to consider non-linear relationships in assessing the impact of air pollution on MASLD.

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.

Effects of land cover and air pollution on the risk of preterm births / Efeitos da cobertura de solo e poluição do ar no risco de nascimentos prematuros

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between gestational age and green areas, urban built areas, and the concentration of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) in the city of São Paulo, analyzing the irregular distribution of these areas and pollution levels above the recommended level. METHODS The study population consisted of a cohort of live births from 2012, and data from the Live Birth Information System (Sinasc) of the city of São Paulo were used. Using satellite images and supervised classification, the distribution and quantity of green areas and built areas in the city of São Paulo was obtained, as well as the concentrations of PM2.5. Logistic regressions were used to obtain possible associations. RESULTS The results of the study show that a lower percentage of green areas is significantly associated with a higher chance of preterm births. A higher building density was positively associated with the odds ratio for preterm birth. We did not find any significant associations between air pollution (PM2.5) and preterm births. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study show that greener areas are less associated with preterm births when compared with less green areas.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Avaliar a associação entre a idade gestacional e as áreas verdes, áreas construídas urbanas e a concentração de material particulado 2,5 (MP2,5) em São Paulo, analisando a distribuição irregular dessas áreas e os níveis de poluição acima do recomendado. MÉTODOS A população utilizada no estudo foi a dos nascidos vivos no ano de 2012, com os dados do Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivo (Sinasc) na cidade de São Paulo. Por meio de imagens de satélites e realizando a classificação supervisionada, obtivemos a distribuição e quantidade de áreas verdes e de áreas construídas, na cidade de São Paulo, assim como as concentrações de MP2,5. Regressões logísticas foram utilizadas para obter possíveis associações. RESULTADOS Os resultados do estudo mostram que menor percentual de áreas verdes está associado significativamente com maior chance de prematuridade. Maior densidade de construção foi associada positivamente com a razão de chance de nascimento prematuro. Não encontramos resultados significativos entre a poluição do ar (MP2,5) e prematuridade. CONCLUSÕES Os resultados deste estudo demostraram que áreas mais verdes em relação às áreas menos verdes são menos associadas a nascimentos prematuros.

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.

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

Study on the association between air pollution and respiratory disease of primary school students in Chongqing City / 中华预防医学杂志

To analyze the association between exposure to air pollution and respiratory disease of primary school students in Chongqing City. Eight districts and counties were randomly selected based on the air pollution situation in Chongqing City. In each selected district and county, one primary school was randomly selected. A questionnaire survey was conducted on all primary school students in Grades 3-5 by the end of 2019. Air quality data from the nearest environmental monitoring sites were collected. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the impact of the living environment, lifestyle and air pollution on the respiratory disease of surveyed students. This study included 5 918 primary school students, with a prevalence rate of respiratory disease of 21.54%. The prevalence rates of boys and girls were 23.38% and 19.59%, respectively. The average Air quality index (AQI) of the surveyed school was 67, and the rates of exceeding standards of PM10, PM2.5, NO2 and O3 were 1.16%, 6.92%, 0.99% and 5.65%, respectively. The level of SO2 and CO did not exceed the standard. After adjusting for relevant factors, logistic regression analysis showed that primary school students in areas with high exposure to air pollution (OR=2.52), using air pollution related-chemicals at home (OR=1.47), passive smoking (OR=1.27), and keeping pets at home (OR=1.18) had a higher risk of respiratory disease (all P<0.05). In addition, the average annual values of AQI (OR=1.18), PM10 (OR=1.20), PM2.5 (OR=1.35), and NO2 (OR=1.11) increased the risk of respiratory diseases in primary school students (all P<0.05). In conclusion, the respiratory disease of primary school students in Chongqing City is related to the living environment, behavior habits and ambient air quality. The increased exposure concentration of PM10, PM2.5 and NO2 in air pollutants can lead to an increased risk of respiratory disease among primary school students.

Study on formulation and revision of standard limits for inhalable particulate matter (PM10) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in "Standards for indoor air quality（GB/T 18883-2022）" in China / 中华预防医学杂志

The pollution and health effects of indoor inhalable particulate matter (PM10) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are increasingly receiving public attention. The"Standards for indoor air quality (GB/T 18883-2022)"has revised the standard limit for PM10 and added the standard limit for PM2.5. This study analyzed and interpreted the relevant technical contents of the revision of the standard limits for two indicators, including the exposure status, health effects, and the basis for the determination of the limit value. It also proposed prospects for the future development and revision of standard limits for indoor particulate matters.

Study on revision of standard limits for nitrogen dioxide in "Standards for indoor air quality（GB/T 18883-2022）" in China / 中华预防医学杂志

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is an important indoor air pollutant, with both outdoor and indoor sources contributing to indoor NO2 exposure levels. Considering the association of high NO2 exposure with adverse health effects, the Standards for indoor air quality (GB/T 18883-2022) have been revised to further restrict indoor NO2 limit values. The 1-h average concentration limit value for NO2 has been reduced from 0.24 mg/m3 to 200 μg/m3.This study analyzed the technical contents related to the determination of the limits of indoor NO2 in Standards for Indoor Air Quality (GB/T 18883-2022), including source, exposure level, health effects, and the process and evidence basis for determining the limit value. It also proposed prospects for the direction for the implementation of the indoor NO2 standard.

Study on the association between air pollution and respiratory disease of primary school students in Chongqing City / 中华预防医学杂志

To analyze the association between exposure to air pollution and respiratory disease of primary school students in Chongqing City. Eight districts and counties were randomly selected based on the air pollution situation in Chongqing City. In each selected district and county, one primary school was randomly selected. A questionnaire survey was conducted on all primary school students in Grades 3-5 by the end of 2019. Air quality data from the nearest environmental monitoring sites were collected. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the impact of the living environment, lifestyle and air pollution on the respiratory disease of surveyed students. This study included 5 918 primary school students, with a prevalence rate of respiratory disease of 21.54%. The prevalence rates of boys and girls were 23.38% and 19.59%, respectively. The average Air quality index (AQI) of the surveyed school was 67, and the rates of exceeding standards of PM10, PM2.5, NO2 and O3 were 1.16%, 6.92%, 0.99% and 5.65%, respectively. The level of SO2 and CO did not exceed the standard. After adjusting for relevant factors, logistic regression analysis showed that primary school students in areas with high exposure to air pollution (OR=2.52), using air pollution related-chemicals at home (OR=1.47), passive smoking (OR=1.27), and keeping pets at home (OR=1.18) had a higher risk of respiratory disease (all P<0.05). In addition, the average annual values of AQI (OR=1.18), PM10 (OR=1.20), PM2.5 (OR=1.35), and NO2 (OR=1.11) increased the risk of respiratory diseases in primary school students (all P<0.05). In conclusion, the respiratory disease of primary school students in Chongqing City is related to the living environment, behavior habits and ambient air quality. The increased exposure concentration of PM10, PM2.5 and NO2 in air pollutants can lead to an increased risk of respiratory disease among primary school students.

Study on formulation and revision of standard limits for inhalable particulate matter (PM10) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in "Standards for indoor air quality（GB/T 18883-2022）" in China / 中华预防医学杂志

The pollution and health effects of indoor inhalable particulate matter (PM10) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are increasingly receiving public attention. The"Standards for indoor air quality (GB/T 18883-2022)"has revised the standard limit for PM10 and added the standard limit for PM2.5. This study analyzed and interpreted the relevant technical contents of the revision of the standard limits for two indicators, including the exposure status, health effects, and the basis for the determination of the limit value. It also proposed prospects for the future development and revision of standard limits for indoor particulate matters.

Study on revision of standard limits for nitrogen dioxide in "Standards for indoor air quality（GB/T 18883-2022）" in China / 中华预防医学杂志

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is an important indoor air pollutant, with both outdoor and indoor sources contributing to indoor NO2 exposure levels. Considering the association of high NO2 exposure with adverse health effects, the Standards for indoor air quality (GB/T 18883-2022) have been revised to further restrict indoor NO2 limit values. The 1-h average concentration limit value for NO2 has been reduced from 0.24 mg/m3 to 200 μg/m3.This study analyzed the technical contents related to the determination of the limits of indoor NO2 in Standards for Indoor Air Quality (GB/T 18883-2022), including source, exposure level, health effects, and the process and evidence basis for determining the limit value. It also proposed prospects for the direction for the implementation of the indoor NO2 standard.

Research progress on the relationship between air pollution and gestational diabetes / 中华预防医学杂志

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common pregnancy complications and has serious implications for the health of mothers and their offspring. In recent years, studies have confirmed that air pollution is one of the main risk factors for diabetes, and there is increasing evidence that air pollution exposure is closely related to the occurrence of gestational diabetes. However, current studies on the association between air pollutant exposure and the incidence of gestational diabetes are inconsistent, and the window period of pollutant exposure is still unclear. Limited mechanistic studies suggest that airborne particulate matter and gaseous pollutants may affect GDM through multiple mechanisms, including inflammation, oxidative stress, disruption of adipokine secretion, and imbalance of intestinal flora. This review summarizes the relationship between air pollutant exposure and the incidence of GDM in recent years, as well as the possible molecular mechanism of the occurrence and development of GDM caused by air pollutants, in order to provide scientific basis for preventing pollutant exposure, reducing the risk of GDM, improving maternal and fetal outcomes and improving the quality of the birth population.

Progress and future perspective of epidemiological research of air pollution and climate change in the context of achieving carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals / 中华流行病学杂志

Climate change is the great health challenge for human beings in the 21st century. Air pollution is also an important public health problem worldwide. China announced the climate commitment to achieve carbon peaking by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. Achieving these goals would not only have far-reaching effects on air pollution control and climate change, but also improve the population health in China. Air pollution and climate change epidemiology are important aspects of environmental epidemiology. In this paper, we discuss the current status and future development of epidemiological research of air pollution and climate change in the context of achieving carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals to provide ideas and suggestions for environmental and health studies in the future.

Building back better: resilient environmental and occupational health systems for the next global crisis

@#Even after two years, the COVID-19 pandemic still disrupts public activities and services as it exposes vulnerabilities among the population and negatively impacts environmental conditions. The crisis also impeded global progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The Fourth Environmental and Occupational Health (EOH) Forum held virtually on November 25 to 26, 2021 provided a venue for learning about local and international COVID-19 responses to help prepare for the next global crisis. Through the systems thinking approach, the discussions prioritized analyses of leadership and governance, financing, human resource, technologies, information management, and service delivery. These analyses focused on community and/or workplace programs and services linked to air quality, waste management, psychosocial wellness, and COVID-19 vaccination. The forum amplified calls for climate actions and public health improvement and emphasized the significance of a collaborative, evidence-based, integrated public health response to a crisis underscoring the apparent interdependence of the SDGs.

Association of greenness, nitrogen dioxide with the prevalence of hypertension among the elderly over 65 years old in China / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective: To investigate the association of mixed exposure to greenness and nitrogen dioxide(NO2) and hypertension among the older adults aged 65 years and over in China. Methods: The study subjects were from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey from 2017 to 2018. A total of 15 423 older adults aged 65 years and over meeting the criteria were finally included in the study. A questionnaire survey was used to collect information on demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits and self-reported prevalence of hypertension. Blood pressure values were obtained through physical examination. The level of normalized difference vegetation index(NDVI) was measured by the Medium-resolution Imaging Spectral Radiator(MODIS) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA). The concentration of NO2 was from China's surface air pollutant data set. Meteorological data was from NASA MERRA-2. The exposure to NDVI and NO2 for each study subject was calculated based on the area within a 1 km radius around their residence. The association between mixed exposure of NDVI and NO2 as well as their interaction and hypertension in older adults was analyzed by using the multivariate logistic regression model. The restrictive cubic spline(RCS) function was used to explore the exposure-response relationship between greenness and NO2 and the risk of hypertension in study subjects. Results: The mean age of 15 423 older adults were (85.6±11.6). Women accounted for 56.3%(8 685/15 423) and 55.6%(8 578/15 423) lived in urban areas. The mean time of residence was (60.9±28.5) years. 59.8% of participants were with hypertension. The mean NDVI level was 0.41±0.13, and the mean NO2 concentration was (32.18±10.36) μg/cm3. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that NDVI was inversely and linearly associated with the hypertension in older adults, with the OR(95%CI) value of 0.959(0.928-0.992). Compared with the T1 group of NDVI, the risk of hypertension was lower in the T3 group, with the OR(95%CI) value of 0.852(0.769-0.944), and the trend test was statistically significant(P<0.05). Compared with the T1 group of NO2, the risk of hypertension was higher in the T2 and T3 groups, with OR(95%CI) values of 1.160(1.055-1.275) and 1.244(1.111-1.393), and the trend test was statistically significant (P<0.05). The result of the RCS showed that NDVI was inversely and linearly associated with hypertension in older adults. NO2 was nonlinearly associated with hypertension in older adults. The interaction analysis showed that NDVI and NO2 had a negative multiplicative interaction on the risk of hypertension, with OR(95%CI) value of 0.995(0.992-0.997). Conclusion: Exposure to greenness and NO2 are associated with hypertension in older adults.

Progress in research of deaths and disease burden of major chronic diseases caused by indoor and outdoor air pollution in China / 中华流行病学杂志

Health damage including chronic disease caused by air pollution have attracted increasing attention. With the acceleration of industrialization and urbanization, the emission of air pollutants has increased, and its association with chronic diseases has become a research trending topic. Cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory disease are the major chronic diseases, causing about 86.6% of the total deaths in China. The prevention and control of chronic diseases, especially the etiologic prevention, is a major public health issue related to national health. This article summarizes the recent progress in research of association of indoor and outdoor air pollution with all-cause mortality, the deaths and disease burden of four major chronic diseases, i.e. cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory disease, and puts forward suggestions for the reduction of the burden caused by chronic diseases due to air pollution to provide a theoretical foundation to revise air quality standards in China.

Association between airborne particulate matter（PM 2.5） concentration and the incidence of allergic rhinitis in Shanghai / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective:To explore the impact of PM 2.5 concentration in Shanghai on the incidence of allergic rhinitis（AR） in the population, and provide strategies for early warning and prevention of AR. Methods:Collect daily average concentrations of atmospheric pollutants monitored in Shanghai from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019, and clinical data of AR patients from five hospitals in Shanghai during the same period. We used a time-series analysis additive Poisson regression model to analyze the correlation between PM 2.5 levels and outpatient attendance for AR patients. Results:During the study period, a total of 56 500 AR patients were included, and the daily average concentration of PM 2.5 was（35.28±23.07）μg/m³. There is a correlation between the concentration of PM 2.5 and the number of outpatient attendance for AR cases. There is a positive correlation between the daily average number of outpatient for AR and levels of PM 2.5 air pollution（（P<0.05）） . We found that every 10 μg/m³ increase in PM 2.5, the impact of on the number of AR visits was statistically significant on the same day, the first day behind, and the second day behind, with the strongest impact being the exposure on the same day. Every 10 μg/m³ increases in PM 2.5, the number of outpatient visits increased by 0.526% on the same day（95%CI 1.000 50-1.010 04）. Conclusion:The atmospheric PM 2.5 concentration in Shanghai is positively correlated with the number of outpatient for AR, and PM 2.5 exposure is an independent factor in the onset of AR. This provides an important theoretical basis for AR.

Caracterização da qualidade do ar atmosférico na Cidade de São Paulo para compostos do grupo BTEX (benzeno, tolueno, etilbenzeno e xilenos), utilizando amostradores passivos / Characterization of atmospheric air quality in the City of São Paulo for compounds of the BTEX group (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes), using passive samplers

A presença de compostos do grupo BTEX, no ar atmosférico de grandes centros urbanos como a cidade de São Paulo é proveniente principalmente de emissões veiculares e demais fontes como as industriais. A exposição a estes compostos, principalmente quando inalados, podem causar sérios efeitos adversos a saúde humana, especialmente o composto benzeno que possui propriedades cancerígenas. Desta forma, a presente pesquisa teve objetivo realizar uma caracterização da qualidade do ar atmosférico na cidade de São Paulo utilizando amostradores passivos para quantificação de compostos do grupo BTEX. Foram selecionadas 5 áreas na cidade conforme dados de tráfego destas regiões e de acordo com o perfil de uso e ocupação do solo. Adicionalmente, foi selecionada uma área como background, com interferência mínima de emissões veiculares ou industriais. Ao todo foram realizadas 3 campanhas de amostragem no entre os anos de 2020 e 2021. O período de coleta de cada campanha foi de 21 dias e na sequência as amostras foram enviadas para análise química em laboratório através do método USEPA-TO17, de 1999 com a utilização de dessorvedor térmico acoplado à um cromatógrafo de gás e um espectrômetro de massas. Foram quantificadas concentrações de BTEX em todas as áreas selecionadas, com destaque para as concentrações de benzeno cuja variação foi de 1,2µg/m3 a 13,5µg/m3, e média de 4,6µg/m3, considerando as 3 campanhas e todas as áreas. Dentro as áreas avaliadas, os pontos localizados no bairro de Santo Amaro apresentaram as maiores concentrações de BTEX, seguido dos pontos no Jaguaré, Mooca, Pinheiros e Paraíso. A campanha realizada no inverno de 2021 apresentou as maiores concentrações tendo influência das condições meteorológicas características desta estação como também influência do aumento do número de veículos circulando na cidade decorrente da diminuição do distanciamento social necessário por conta da pandemia da COVID-19. Os tratamentos estatísticos utilizados nesta pesquisa, especialmente as ferramentas PCA e PMF, concluíram que a principal contribuição para a presença dos BTEX no ar atmosférico são as emissões veiculares, principalmente para os veículos movidos a gasolina.

The presence of compounds from the BTEX group in the atmospheric air of large urban centers such as the city of São Paulo comes mainly from vehicular emissions and other sources such as industrial ones. Exposure to these compounds, especially when inhaled, can cause serious adverse effects on human health, especially the compound benzene, which has carcinogenic properties. Thus, the present research aimed to carry out a characterization of the atmospheric air quality in the city of São Paulo using passive samplers to quantify compounds of the BTEX group. Five areas were selected in the city according to traffic data from these regions and according to the profile of land use and occupation. Additionally, an area was selected as a background, with minimal interference from vehicular or industrial emissions. In all, 3 sampling campaigns were carried out between the years 2020 and 2021. The collection period of each campaign was 21 days and then the samples were sent for chemical analysis in the laboratory using the USEPA-TO17 method, from 1999 with the use of a thermal desorber coupled to a gas chromatograph and a mass spectrometer. BTEX concentrations were quantified in all selected areas, especially benzene concentrations which ranged from 1.2µg/m3 to 13.5µg/m3, and an average of 4.6µg/m3, considering the 3 campaigns and all areas. Within the evaluated areas, the points located in the Santo Amaro neighborhood had the highest concentrations of BTEX, followed by the points in Jaguaré, Mooca, Pinheiros and Paraíso. The campaign carried out in the winter of 2021 showed the highest concentrations influenced by the meteorological conditions characteristic of this season as well as the influence of the increase in the number of vehicles circulating in the city due to the decrease in the social distance necessary due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The statistical treatments used in this research, especially the PCA and PMF tools, concluded that the main contribution to the presence of BTEX in the atmospheric air are vehicular emissions, especially for gasoline-powered vehicles.