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1.
Environ Res ; 159: 176-185, 2017 11.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28802208

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies have reported positive associations between the amount of green space in the living environment and mental and cardiovascular human health. In a search for effect mechanisms, field studies have found short-term visits to green environments to be associated with psychological stress relief. Less evidence is available on the effect of visits on cardiovascular physiology. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether visits to urban green environments, in comparison to visits to a built-up environment, lead to beneficial short-term changes in indicators of cardiovascular health. METHODS: Thirty-six adult female volunteers visited three different types of urban environments: an urban forest, an urban park, and a built-up city centre, in Helsinki, Finland. The visits consisted of 15min of sedentary viewing, and 30min of walking. During the visits, blood pressure and heart rate were measured, and electrocardiogram recorded for the determination of indicators of heart rate variability. In addition, levels of respirable ambient particles and environmental noise were monitored. RESULTS: Visits to the green environments were associated with lower blood pressure (viewing period only), lower heart rate, and higher indices of heart rate variability [standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN), high frequency power] than visits to the city centre. In the green environments, heart rate decreased and SDNN increased during the visit. Associations between environment and indicators of cardiovascular health weakened slightly after inclusion of particulate air pollution and noise in the models. CONCLUSIONS: Visits to urban green environments are associated with beneficial short-term changes in cardiovascular risk factors. This can be explained by psychological stress relief with contribution from reduced air pollution and noise exposure during the visits. Future research should evaluate the amount of exposure to green environments needed for longer-term benefits for cardiovascular health.


Asunto(s)
Presión Sanguínea , Ambiente , Frecuencia Cardíaca , Parques Recreativos , Estrés Psicológico/prevención & control , Adulto , Contaminación del Aire/análisis , Ciudades , Electrocardiografía , Femenino , Finlandia , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Ruido , Material Particulado/análisis
2.
Environ Res ; 154: 181-189, 2017 Apr.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28088011

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: In order to curb traffic-related air pollution and its impact on the physical environment, contemporary city commuters are encouraged to shift from private car use to active or public transport modes. However, personal exposures to particulate matter (PM), black carbon and noise during commuting may be substantial. Therefore, studies comparing exposures during recommended modes of transport versus car trips are needed. METHODS: We measured personal exposure to various-sized particulates, soot, and noise during commuting by bicycle, bus and car in three European cities: Helsinki in Finland, Rotterdam in the Netherlands and Thessaloniki in Greece using portable monitoring devices. We monitored commonly travelled routes in these cities. RESULTS: The total number of one-way trips yielding data on any of the measured parameters were 84, 72, 94 and 69 for bicycle, bus, closed-window car and open-window car modes, respectively. The highest mean PM2.5 (85µg/m3), PM10 (131µg/m3), black carbon (10.9µg/m3) and noise (75dBA) levels were recorded on the bus, bus (again), open-window car and bicycle modes, respectively, all in Thessaloniki, PM and soot concentrations were generally higher during biking and taking a bus than during a drive in a a car with closed windows. Ratios of bike:car PM10 ranged from 1.1 in Thessaloniki to 2.6 in Helsinki, while bus:car ratios ranged from in 1.0 in Rotterdam to 5.6 in Thessaloniki. Higher noise levels were mostly recorded during bicycle rides. CONCLUSION: Based on our study, active- and public-transport commuters are often at risk of higher air pollution and noise exposure than private car users. This should be taken into account in urban transportation planning.


Asunto(s)
Automóviles , Ciclismo , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/análisis , Vehículos a Motor , Ruido , Material Particulado/análisis , Emisiones de Vehículos/análisis , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Ciudades , Finlandia , Grecia , Humanos , Países Bajos , Transportes
3.
Occup Environ Med ; 72(4): 277-83, 2015 Apr.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25479755

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: To compare short-term effects of fine particles (PM2.5; aerodynamic diameter <2.5 µm) from different sources on the blood levels of markers of systemic inflammation. METHODS: We followed a panel of 52 ischaemic heart disease patients from 15 November 2005 to 21 April 2006 with clinic visits in every second week in the city of Kotka, Finland, and determined nine inflammatory markers from blood samples. In addition, we monitored outdoor air pollution at a fixed site during the study period and conducted a source apportionment of PM2.5 using the Environmental Protection Agency's model EPA PMF 3.0. We then analysed associations between levels of source-specific PM2.5 and markers of systemic inflammation using linear mixed models. RESULTS: We identified five source categories: regional and long-range transport (LRT), traffic, biomass combustion, sea salt, and pulp industry. We found most evidence for the relation of air pollution and inflammation in LRT, traffic and biomass combustion; the most relevant inflammation markers were C-reactive protein, interleukin-12 and myeloperoxidase. Sea salt was not positively associated with any of the inflammatory markers. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that PM2.5 from several sources, such as biomass combustion and traffic, are promoters of systemic inflammation, a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.


Asunto(s)
Contaminación del Aire/efectos adversos , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/efectos adversos , Isquemia Miocárdica/epidemiología , Material Particulado/toxicidad , Contaminación del Aire/análisis , Biomarcadores/sangre , Enfermedades Cardiovasculares/etiología , Causalidad , Citocinas/sangre , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/análisis , Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática , Finlandia/epidemiología , Humanos , Inflamación/sangre , Inflamación/epidemiología , Luminiscencia , Isquemia Miocárdica/sangre , Nefelometría y Turbidimetría , Material Particulado/análisis , Factores de Riesgo
4.
Sci Total Environ ; 493: 298-306, 2014 Sep 15.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24950499

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Land use regression (LUR) models predict spatial variation of ambient concentrations, but little is known about the validity in predicting personal exposures. In this study, the association of LUR modeled concentrations of PM2.5 components with measured personal concentrations was determined. The elements of interest were copper (Cu), iron (Fe), potassium (K), nickel (Ni), sulfur (S), silicon (Si), vanadium (V) and zinc (Zn). METHODS: In Helsinki (Finland), Utrecht (the Netherlands) and Barcelona (Spain) five participants from urban background, five from suburban background and five from busy street sites were selected in each city (15 participants per city). Outdoor, indoor and personal 96-hour PM2.5 samples were collected by the participants over periods of two weeks in three different seasons (winter, summer and spring/autumn) and the overall average was calculated. Elemental composition was measured by ED-XRF spectrometry. The LUR models for the average ambient concentrations of each element were developed by the ESCAPE project. RESULTS: LUR models predicted the within-city variation of average outdoor Cu and Fe concentrations moderately well (range in R(2) 27-67% for Cu and 24-54% for Fe). The outdoor concentrations of the other elements were not well predicted. The LUR modeled concentration only significantly correlated with measured personal Fe exposure in Utrecht and Ni and V in Helsinki. The LUR model predictions did not correlate with measured personal Cu exposure. After excluding observations with an indoor/outdoor ratio of >1.5, modeled Cu outdoor concentrations correlated with indoor concentrations in Helsinki and Utrecht and personal concentrations in Utrecht. The LUR model predictions were associated with measured outdoor, indoor and personal concentrations for all elements when the data for the three cities was pooled. CONCLUSIONS: Within-city modeled variation of elemental composition of PM2.5 did not predict measured variation in personal exposure well.


Asunto(s)
Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Contaminación del Aire/estadística & datos numéricos , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/análisis , Modelos Químicos , Material Particulado/análisis , Ciudades , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/estadística & datos numéricos , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Finlandia , Humanos , Países Bajos
5.
Environ Sci Technol ; 47(15): 8523-31, 2013 Aug 06.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23786264

RESUMEN

Land use regression (LUR) models are often used to predict long-term average concentrations of air pollutants. Little is known how well LUR models predict personal exposure. In this study, the agreement of LUR models with measured personal exposure was assessed. The measured components were particulate matter with a diameter smaller than 2.5 µm (PM2.5), soot (reflectance of PM2.5), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). In Helsinki, Utrecht, and Barcelona, 15 volunteers (from semiurban, urban background, and traffic sites) followed prescribed time activity patterns. Per participant, six 96 h outdoor, indoor, and personal measurements spread over three seasons were conducted. Soot LUR models were significantly correlated with measured average outdoor and personal soot concentrations. Soot LUR models explained 39%, 44%, and 20% of personal exposure variability (R(2)) in Helsinki, Utrecht, and Barcelona. NO2 LUR models significantly predicted outdoor concentrations and personal exposure in Utrecht and Helsinki, whereas NOx and PM2.5 LUR models did not predict personal exposure. PM2.5, NO2, and NOx models were correlated with personal soot, the component least affected by indoor sources. LUR modeled and measured outdoor, indoor, and personal concentrations were highly correlated for all pollutants when data from the three cities were combined. This study supports the use of intraurban LUR models for especially soot in air pollution epidemiology.


Asunto(s)
Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales , Modelos Teóricos , Óxidos de Nitrógeno/análisis , Humanos , Análisis de Regresión
6.
Environ Pollut ; 183: 104-12, 2013 Dec.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23274234

RESUMEN

It is generally accepted that urban vegetation improves air quality and thereby enhances the well-being of citizens. However, empirical evidence on the potential of urban trees to mitigate air pollution is meager, particularly in northern climates with a short growing season. We studied the ability of urban park/forest vegetation to remove air pollutants (NO2, anthropogenic VOCs and particle deposition) using passive samplers in two Finnish cities. Concentrations of each pollutant in August (summer; leaf-period) and March (winter, leaf-free period) were slightly but often insignificantly lower under tree canopies than in adjacent open areas, suggesting that the role of foliage in removing air pollutants is insignificant. Furthermore, vegetation-related environmental variables (canopy closure, number and size of trees, density of understorey vegetation) did not explain the variation in pollution concentrations. Our results suggest that the ability of urban vegetation to remove air pollutants is minor in northern climates.


Asunto(s)
Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Árboles/fisiología , Contaminación del Aire/estadística & datos numéricos , Biodegradación Ambiental , Ciudades , Clima , Estaciones del Año
7.
Environ Res ; 116: 44-51, 2012 Jul.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22541720

RESUMEN

Short-term exposure to ambient air pollution is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. This adverse health effect is suggested to be mediated by inflammatory processes. The purpose of this study was to determine if low levels of particulate matter, typical for smaller cities, are associated with acute systemic inflammation. Fifty-two elderly individuals with ischemic heart disease were followed for six months with biweekly clinical visits in the city of Kotka, Finland. Blood samples were collected for the determination of inflammatory markers interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, interferon (IFN)γ, C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, myeloperoxidase and white blood cell count. Particle number concentration and fine particle (particles with aerodynamic diameters <2.5 µm (PM(2.5))) as well as thoracic particle (particles with aerodynamic diameters <10 µm (PM(10))) mass concentration were measured daily at a fixed outdoor measurement site. Light-absorbance of PM(2.5) filter samples, an indicator of combustion derived particles, was measured with a smoke-stain reflectometer. In addition, personal exposure to PM(2.5) was measured with portable photometers. During the study period, wildfires in Eastern Europe led to a 12-day air pollution episode, which was excluded from the main analyses. Average ambient PM(2.5) concentration was 8.7 µg/m(3). Of the studied pollutants, PM(2.5) and absorbance were most strongly associated with increased levels of inflammatory markers; most notably with C-reactive protein and IL-12 within a few days of exposure. There was also some evidence of an effect of particulate air pollution on fibrinogen and myeloperoxidase. The concentration of IL-12 was considerably (227%) higher during than before the forest fire episode. These findings show that even low levels of particulate air pollution from urban sources are associated with acute systemic inflammation. Also particles from wildfires may exhibit pro-inflammatory effects.


Asunto(s)
Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Exposición por Inhalación/efectos adversos , Exposición por Inhalación/análisis , Isquemia Miocárdica/etiología , Isquemia Miocárdica/inmunología , Material Particulado/análisis , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Biomarcadores/sangre , Proteína C-Reactiva/análisis , Citocinas/sangre , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , Femenino , Fibrinógeno/análisis , Finlandia , Humanos , Recuento de Leucocitos , Leucocitos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Isquemia Miocárdica/sangre , Peroxidasa/sangre
8.
Anal Bioanal Chem ; 401(10): 3183-95, 2011 Dec.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21960254

RESUMEN

Several studies have shown that combustion-derived fine particles cause adverse health effects. Previous toxicological studies on combustion-derived fine particles have rarely involved multiple endpoints and a detailed characterization of chemical composition. In this study, we developed a novel particle sampling system for toxicological and chemical characterization (PSTC), consisting of the Dekati Gravimetric Impactor (DGI) and a porous tube diluter. Physico-chemical and toxicological properties of the particles emitted from various combustion sources were evaluated in two measurement campaigns. First, the DGI was compared with the High-Volume Cascade Impactor (HVCI) and to the Dekati Low-Pressure Impactor (DLPI), using the same dilution system and the same sampling conditions. Only small differences were observed in the mass size distributions, total particulate matter (PM), and particulate matter with diameter smaller than 1 um (PM(1)) concentrations and geometric mass mean diameters (GMMD) between these three impactors. Second, the PSTC was compared with the HVCI sampling system, which has been optimal for collection of particulate samples for toxicological and chemical analyses. Differences were observed in the mass size distributions, total PM and PM(1) emissions, and GMMDs, probably due to the different sampling and dilution methods as well as different sampling substrates which affected the behavior of semi-volatile and volatile organic compounds. However, no significant differences were detected in the in vitro measurements of cytotoxicity between the samples collected with the PSTC and the HVCI systems. In measurements of genotoxicity, significant differences between the two sampling systems were seen only with the particles emitted from the sauna stove. In conclusion, due to compact size, PSTC is an applicable method for use in particle sampling as part of the toxicological and chemical characterization of particulate emissions from different combustion sources. It offers some advantages compared to the previously used high-volume sampling methods including compactness for field measurements, simple preparation of sample substrates and high extraction efficiency.


Asunto(s)
Contaminantes Atmosféricos/química , Métodos Analíticos de la Preparación de la Muestra/métodos , Material Particulado/química , Emisiones de Vehículos/análisis , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/toxicidad , Métodos Analíticos de la Preparación de la Muestra/instrumentación , Animales , Ciclo Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Línea Celular , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Humanos , Ratones , Pruebas de Mutagenicidad , Material Particulado/toxicidad
9.
Inhal Toxicol ; 22 Suppl 2: 48-58, 2010 Dec.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21029031

RESUMEN

There is increasing demand for renewable energy and the use of biodiesel in traffic is a major option when implying this increment. We investigated the toxicological activities of particulate emissions from a nonroad diesel engine, operated with conventional diesel fuel (EN590), and two biodiesels: rapeseed methyl ester (RME) and hydrotreated fresh vegetable oil (HVO). The engine was operated with all fuels either with or without catalyst (DOC/POC). The particulate matter (PM(1)) samples were collected from the dilution tunnel with a high-volume cascade impactor (HVCI). These samples were characterized for ions, elements, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds. Mouse RAW264.7 macrophages were exposed to the PM samples for 24 h. Inflammatory mediators, (TNF-α and MIP-2), cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and oxidative stress (reactive oxygen species [ROS]) were measured. All the samples displayed mostly dose-dependent toxicological activity. EN590 and HVO emission particles had larger inflammatory responses than RME-derived particles. The catalyst somewhat increased the responses per the same mass unit. There were no substantial differences in the cytotoxic responses between the fuels or catalyst use. Genotoxic responses by all the particulate samples were at same level, except weaker for the RME sample with catalyst. Unlike other samples, EN590-derived particles did not significantly increase ROS production. Catalyst increased the oxidative potential of the EN590 and HVO-derived particles, but decreased that with RME. Overall, the use of biodiesel fuels and catalyst decreased the particulate mass emissions compared with the EN590 fuel. Similar studies with different types of diesel engines are needed to assess the potential benefits from biofuel use in engines with modern technologies.


Asunto(s)
Contaminantes Atmosféricos/toxicidad , Biocombustibles/toxicidad , Gasolina/toxicidad , Material Particulado/toxicidad , Hidrocarburos Policíclicos Aromáticos/toxicidad , Emisiones de Vehículos/toxicidad , Animales , Catálisis , Línea Celular , Quimiocina CXCL2/metabolismo , Ensayo Cometa , Pruebas Inmunológicas de Citotoxicidad , Inflamación/metabolismo , Ratones , Pruebas de Mutagenicidad , Estrés Oxidativo , Material Particulado/análisis , Hidrocarburos Policíclicos Aromáticos/análisis , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/metabolismo
10.
Inhal Toxicol ; 21(12): 994-1006, 2009 Oct.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19772479

RESUMEN

Epidemiological studies show heterogeneities in the particulate pollution-related exposure-effect relationships among cardiorespiratory patients, but the connection to chemical composition and toxic properties of the inhaled particles is largely unknown. To identify the chemical constituents and sources responsible for the diverse inflammatory and cytotoxic effects of urban air, fine (PM(2.5-0.2)) and coarse (PM(10-2.5)) particulate samples were collected during contrasting air pollution situations. We exposed mouse RAW 246.7 macrophages for 24 hrs to PM(2.5-0.2) and PM(10-2.5) samples from six European cities. The concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNFalpha), chemokine (MIP-2), and nitric oxide were measured from the cell culture medium, and the cytotoxicity was assayed. Spearman's correlations between the chemical constituents and cellular responses were analyzed. In the PM(2.5-0.2) size range, the tracers of photo-oxidation of organics in the atmosphere (oxalate, succinate, malonate), some transition metals (Ni, V, Fe, Cu, Cr), and insoluble soil constituents (Ca, Al, Fe, Si) correlated positively with the response parameters. In contrast, the tracers of incomplete biomass (monosaccharide anhydrides) and coal (As) combustion, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), had negative correlations with the inflammatory activity. The compositions of PM(10-2.5) samples were more uniform and there were only occasional high correlations between the chemical constituents, endotoxin, and the response parameters. The present results suggest that the local sources of incomplete combustion and resuspended road dust are important producers of harmful fine particulate constituents that may, however, operate via diverse toxicity mechanisms. The results agree well with our recent findings in the mouse lung.


Asunto(s)
Contaminantes Atmosféricos/toxicidad , Inflamación/inducido químicamente , Macrófagos/efectos de los fármacos , Material Particulado/toxicidad , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Animales , Línea Celular , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Quimiocinas/biosíntesis , Colorantes , Citocinas/biosíntesis , Europa (Continente) , Inflamación/patología , Ratones , Óxido Nítrico/biosíntesis , Tamaño de la Partícula , Material Particulado/química , Hidrocarburos Policíclicos Aromáticos/análisis , Sales de Tetrazolio , Tiazoles , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/metabolismo , Agua/análisis
11.
Inhal Toxicol ; 20(14): 1215-31, 2008 Nov.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18855153

RESUMEN

Inflammation is regarded as an important mechanism in mortality and morbidity associated with exposures of cardiorespiratory patients to urban air particulate matter. We investigated the association of the chemical composition and sources of urban air fine (PM(2.5-0.2)) and coarse (PM(10-2.5)) particulate samples with the inflammatory activity in the mouse lung. The particulate samples were collected during selected seasons in six European cities using a high-volume cascade impactor. Healthy C57BL/6J mice were intratracheally instilled with a single dose (10 mg/kg) of the particulate samples. At 4, 12, and 24 h after the exposure, the lungs were lavaged and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was assayed for indicators of inflammation and tissue damage: cell number, total protein, and cytokines (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-alpha, interleukin [IL]-6, and KC). Dicarboxylic acids and transition metals, especially Ni and V, in PM(2.5-0.2) correlated positively and some secondary inorganic ions (NO3(-), NH4(+)) negatively with the inflammatory activity. Total organic matter and SO4(2-) had no consistent correlations. In addition, the soil-derived constituents (Ca2+, Al, Fe, Si) showed positive correlations with the PM(2.5-0.2)-induced inflammatory activity, but their role in PM(10-2.5) remained obscure, possibly due to largely undefined biogenic material. Markers of poor biomass and coal combustion, i.e., monosaccharide anhydrides and As, were associated with elevated PAH contents in PM(2.5-0.2) and a consistent immunosuppressive effect. Overall, our results support epidemiological findings that the local sources of incomplete combustion and resuspended road dust are important in urban air particulate pollution-related health effects.


Asunto(s)
Contaminantes Atmosféricos/efectos adversos , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/química , Tamaño de la Partícula , Material Particulado/efectos adversos , Material Particulado/química , Contaminación del Aire , Animales , Europa (Continente) , Aceites Combustibles/efectos adversos , Masculino , Metales/efectos adversos , Metales/química , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Compuestos Orgánicos/efectos adversos , Compuestos Orgánicos/química , Emisiones de Vehículos
12.
Toxicol Appl Pharmacol ; 229(2): 146-60, 2008 Jun 01.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18325559

RESUMEN

We investigated the inflammatory and cytotoxic activities of the water-soluble and -insoluble as well as organic-solvent-soluble and -insoluble fractions of urban air fine (PM(2.5-0.2)) and coarse (PM(10-2.5)) particulate samples. The samples were collected with a high volume cascade impactor (HVCI) in 7-week sampling campaigns of selected seasons in six European cities. Mouse macrophage cells (RAW 264.7) were exposed to the samples for 24 h. The production of nitric oxide (NO) and proinflammatory cytokines (TNFalpha, IL-6), and cytotoxicity (MTT-test, apoptosis, cell cycle) were measured. The inflammatory and cytotoxic responses in both size ranges were mostly associated with the insoluble particulate fractions. However, both the water- and organic-solvent-soluble particulate fractions induced TNFalpha production and apoptosis and had some other cytotoxic effects. Soil-derived water-soluble and -insoluble components of the chemical PM(2.5-0.2) mass closure had consistent positive correlations with the responses, while the correlations were negative with the secondary inorganic anions (NO(3)(-), NH(4)(+), non-sea-salt SO(4)(2-)) and particulate organic matter (POM). With the PM(10-2.5) samples, sea salt and soluble soil components correlated positively with the induced toxic responses. In this size range, a possible underestimation of the insoluble, soil-related compounds containing Si and Ca, and biological components of POM, increased uncertainties in the evaluation of associations of the mass closure components with the responses. It is concluded that insoluble components of the complex urban air particulate mixture exert the highest inflammatory and cytotoxic activities in the macrophage cell line but, at the same time, they may operate as carriers for active water- and lipid-soluble components.


Asunto(s)
Contaminantes Atmosféricos/toxicidad , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Inflamación/inducido químicamente , Macrófagos/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Línea Celular , Citocinas/biosíntesis , Macrófagos/metabolismo , Ratones , Óxido Nítrico/biosíntesis , Tamaño de la Partícula , Solubilidad
13.
Environ Int ; 34(1): 51-7, 2008 Jan.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17716732

RESUMEN

Poor indoor air quality and epidemic carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)) poisonings due to exhaust emissions from ice resurfacers have been continuously reported from enclosed ice arenas for over 30 years. The health risks in users of Finnish ice arenas were analysed in three ways: (1) evaluation of four cases of epidemic CO poisonings, (2) modelling the association between NO(2) exposure and respiratory symptoms among junior ice hockey players, and (3) estimation of the number of arena users at risk of breathing poor quality air due to non-compliance of ice arenas with recommended abatement measures. The common causes for the CO poisonings involving over 300 subjects were large emissions from propane-fuelled ice resurfacer, small arena volume, negligible ventilation, and very recent opening of the arena. Rhinitis (prevalence 18.3%) and cough (13.7%) during or after training or game were significantly associated with the estimated personal NO(2) exposure of young hockey players (n=793) to average concentrations ranging from 21 to 1176 microg/m(3) in their home arena. During a 6-year follow-up of an intensive information campaign the portion of electric resurfacers increased from 9% to 27%, and that of emission control technology on propane-fuelled resurfacers increased from 13% to 84%. The portion of inadequately ventilated arenas decreased from 34% to 25%. However, 48% of the investigated Finnish ice arenas (n=125) did not fully comply with the non-regulatory recommendations. Consequently, 20000 daily users of ice arenas were estimated to remain in 2001 at risk of breathing poor quality air. Modern small and inadequately ventilated ice arenas pose their users (mostly children and young adults) at risk of breathing poor quality air and suffering from acute adverse health effects. Governmental regulations are needed worldwide to ensure safe sports in enclosed ice arenas.


Asunto(s)
Contaminación del Aire Interior/análisis , Intoxicación por Monóxido de Carbono/epidemiología , Dióxido de Nitrógeno/toxicidad , Trastornos Respiratorios/epidemiología , Medición de Riesgo , Adolescente , Adulto , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Intoxicación por Monóxido de Carbono/fisiopatología , Niño , Femenino , Finlandia/epidemiología , Humanos , Masculino , Prevalencia , Instalaciones Públicas , Trastornos Respiratorios/fisiopatología
14.
Inhal Toxicol ; 19(3): 213-25, 2007 Mar.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17365026

RESUMEN

We investigated the cytotoxic and inflammatory activities of size-segregated particulate samples (particulate matter, PM) from contrasting air pollution situations in Europe. Coarse (PM10-2.5), fine (PM2.5-0.2), and ultrafine (PM0.2) particulate samples were collected with a modified Harvard high-volume cascade impactor (HVCI). Mouse RAW 264.7 macrophages were exposed to the samples for 24 h. Selected inflammatory mediators, nitric oxide (NO) and cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNFalpha], interleukin 6 [IL-6], macrophage inflammatory protein-2 [MIP-2]), were measured together with cytotoxicity (MTT test), and analysis of apoptosis and cell cycle (propidium iodide staining). The PM10-2.5 samples had a much higher inflammatory activity than the PM2.5-0.2 and PM0.2 samples, but the PM2.5-0.2 samples showed the largest differences in inflammatory activity, and the PM0.2 samples in cytotoxicity, between the sampling campaigns. The PM2.5-0.2 samples from traffic environments in springtime Barcelona and summertime Athens had the highest inflammatory activities, which may be related to the high photochemical activity in the atmosphere during the sampling campaigns. The PM0.2 sample from wintertime Prague with proven impacts from local coal and biomass combustion had very high cytotoxic and apoptotic activities and caused a distinct cell cycle arrest. Thus, particulate size, sources, and atmospheric transformation processes affect the toxicity profile of urban air particulate matter. These factors may explain some of the heterogeneity observed in particulate exposure-response relationships of human health effects in epidemiological studies.


Asunto(s)
Contaminantes Atmosféricos/toxicidad , Inflamación/inducido químicamente , Macrófagos/efectos de los fármacos , Material Particulado/toxicidad , Animales , Línea Celular , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Citocinas/biosíntesis , Ratones , Óxido Nítrico/biosíntesis , Tamaño de la Partícula
15.
Toxicol Appl Pharmacol ; 215(3): 341-53, 2006 Sep 15.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16678872

RESUMEN

The impact of long-range transport (LRT) episodes of wildfire smoke on the inflammogenic and cytotoxic activity of urban air particles was investigated in the mouse RAW 264.7 macrophages. The particles were sampled in four size ranges using a modified Harvard high-volume cascade impactor, and the samples were chemically characterized for identification of different emission sources. The particulate mass concentration in the accumulation size range (PM(1-0.2)) was highly increased during two LRT episodes, but the contents of total and genotoxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in collected particulate samples were only 10-25% of those in the seasonal average sample. The ability of coarse (PM(10-2.5)), intermodal size range (PM(2.5-1)), PM(1-0.2) and ultrafine (PM(0.2)) particles to cause cytokine production (TNFalpha, IL-6, MIP-2) reduced along with smaller particle size, but the size range had a much smaller impact on induced nitric oxide (NO) production and cytotoxicity or apoptosis. The aerosol particles collected during LRT episodes had a substantially lower activity in cytokine production than the corresponding particles of the seasonal average period, which is suggested to be due to chemical transformation of the organic fraction during aging. However, the episode events were associated with enhanced inflammogenic and cytotoxic activities per inhaled cubic meter of air due to the greatly increased particulate mass concentration in the accumulation size range, which may have public health implications.


Asunto(s)
Contaminantes Atmosféricos/toxicidad , Incendios , Macrófagos/efectos de los fármacos , Humo/efectos adversos , Movimientos del Aire , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Animales , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Línea Celular , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Quimiocina CXCL2 , Quimiocinas/metabolismo , Finlandia , Interleucina-6/metabolismo , Macrófagos/metabolismo , Metales/análisis , Ratones , Nitratos/análisis , Óxido Nítrico/biosíntesis , Tamaño de la Partícula , Hidrocarburos Policíclicos Aromáticos/análisis , Compuestos de Amonio Cuaternario/análisis , Humo/análisis , Sulfatos/análisis , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/metabolismo
16.
Sci Total Environ ; 350(1-3): 119-35, 2005 Nov 01.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16227078

RESUMEN

Special episodes of long-range transported particulate (PM) air pollution were investigated in a one-month field campaign at an urban background site in Helsinki, Finland. A total of nine size-segregated PM samplings of 3- or 4-day duration were made between August 23 and September 23, 2002. During this warm and unusually dry period there were two (labelled P2 and P5) sampling periods when the PM2.5 mass concentration increased remarkably. According to the hourly-measured PM data and backward air mass trajectories, P2 (Aug 23-26) represented a single, 64-h episode of long-range transported aerosol, whereas P5 (Sept 5-9) was a mixture of two 16- and 14-h episodes and usual seasonal air quality. The large chemical data set, based on analyses made by ion chromatography, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, X-ray fluorescence analysis and smoke stain reflectometry, demonstrated that the PM2.5 mass concentrations of biomass signatures (i.e. levoglucosan, oxalate and potassium) and of some other compounds associated with biomass combustion (succinate and malonate) increased remarkably in P2. Crustal elements (Fe, Al, Ca and Si) and unidentified matter, presumably consisting to a large extent of organic material, were also increased in P2. The PM2.5 composition in P5 was different from that in P2, as the inorganic secondary aerosols (NO3-, SO4(2-), NH4+) and many metals reached their highest concentration in this period. The water-soluble fraction of potassium, lead and manganese increased in both P2 and P5. Mass size distributions (0.035-10 microm) showed that a large accumulation mode mainly caused the episodically increased PM2.5 concentrations. An interesting observation was that the episodes had no obvious impact on the Aitken mode. Finally, the strongly increased concentrations of biomass signatures in accumulation mode proved that the episode in P2 was due to long-range transported biomass combustion aerosol.


Asunto(s)
Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , Incendios , Glucosa/análogos & derivados , Humo/análisis , Aerosoles/análisis , Movimientos del Aire , Finlandia , Glucosa/análisis , Microscopía Electrónica de Rastreo , Oxalatos , Tamaño de la Partícula , Potasio
17.
Scand J Work Environ Health ; 30 Suppl 2: 80-90, 2004.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-15487689

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVES: The chemical composition and toxicity of wintertime urban-air particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of <10 microm (PM10), derived mostly from long-range transport and local combustion sources, were compared with those of springtime PM10 derived mostly from the resuspension of road dust. METHODS: Water-soluble ions and elements and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were analyzed from seasonally pooled PM10 samples collected at a busy traffic site in Helsinki in 1999. These PM10 samples were also tested for cytotoxicity [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide test] and the production of proinflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin 6 (IL-6)] and nitric oxide (NO) in the mouse macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. Their oxidative capacity and the associated DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) damage were investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance and the formation of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-DG) in isolated calf thymus DNA, respectively. RESULTS: The late wintertime and springtime PM10 had similar compositions of water-soluble ions and elements, but the winter PM10 had a higher content of PAH. The spring PM10 was a much more potent inducer of TNF-alpha and IL-6 production than the winter PM10 was, but there were no consistent differences in cytotoxic potency. In contrast, the winter PM10 was a significantly more potent inducer of NO production and 8-OH-DG formation. The large cytokine responses to the spring PM10 were caused by its insoluble fraction and largely inhibited by the endotoxin antagonist polymyxin B. The transition metal chelator deferoxamine did not modify the proinflammatory or cytotoxic responses to the PM10 samples. CONCLUSIONS: The toxicity profile of urban-air PM10 changed with season in a subarctic climate. Particulate-bound endotoxin from soil gram-negative bacteria is suggested as a highly proinflammatory constituent of springtime resuspended road dust.


Asunto(s)
Contaminación del Aire/análisis , Desoxiguanosina/análogos & derivados , Estaciones del Año , 8-Hidroxi-2'-Desoxicoguanosina , Animales , Línea Celular , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Daño del ADN , Desoxiguanosina/biosíntesis , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Espectroscopía de Resonancia por Spin del Electrón , Finlandia , Humanos , Compuestos Inorgánicos/análisis , Compuestos Inorgánicos/toxicidad , Interleucina-6/biosíntesis , Macrófagos/citología , Macrófagos/efectos de los fármacos , Macrófagos/metabolismo , Ratones , Óxido Nítrico/biosíntesis , Tamaño de la Partícula , Hidrocarburos Policíclicos Aromáticos/análisis , Hidrocarburos Policíclicos Aromáticos/toxicidad , Factores de Tiempo , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/biosíntesis , Salud Urbana
18.
J Air Waste Manag Assoc ; 47(10): 1087-1094, 1997 Oct.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28445114

RESUMEN

The effectiveness of a new emission control system in the ice resurfacer was tested in an exhaust gas emission laboratory, and the improvement of the air quality in a small, enclosed ice arena was demonstrated in a 4.5-month follow-up study. The emission control system consisted of a lambda sensor-controlled fuel supply and a three-way metallic catalyst that were applied to a propane-fueled resurfacer. In the laboratory tests, the engine emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and nitrogen oxides (NO ) reduced simultaneously by 91, 90, and 96%, respectively. During the air quality follow-up the median 1-hour average nitrogen dioxide (N02) concentration inside the ice arena decreased from 430 ug/m3 (230ppb) to 58 ug/m3 (31 ppb), and that of CO decreased from 4.4 mg/m3 (3.8 ppm) to 1.5 mg/m3 (1.3 ppm). The new emission control system proved to be a feasible, reliable, and effective means to improve the indoor air quality in the ice arena. However, continuous mechanical ventilation was necessary during all business hours in order to achieve and maintain a fully acceptable air quality with this technology.

19.
J Air Waste Manag Assoc ; 47(10): 1079-1086, 1997 Oct.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28445121

RESUMEN

The air quality in five Finnish ice arenas with different volumes, ventilation systems, and resurfacer power sources (propane, gasoline, electric) was monitored during a usual training evening and a standardized, simulated ice hockey game. The measurements included continuous recording of carbon monoxide (CO), nitric oxide (NO), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations, and sampling and analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Emissions from the ice resurfacers with combustion engines caused indoor air quality problems in all ice arenas. The highest 1-hour average CO and NO2 concentrations ranged from 20 to 33 mg/m3 (17 to 29 ppm) and 270 to 7440 µg/m3 (0.14 to 3.96 ppm), respectively. The 3-hour total VOC concentrations ranged from 150 to 1200 µg/m3. The highest CO and VOC levels were measured in the arena in which a gasoline-fueled resurfacer was used. The highest NO2 levels were measured in small ice arenas with propane-fueled ice resurfacers and insufficient ventilation. In these arenas, the indoor NO2 levels were about 100 times the levels measured in ambient outdoor air, and the highest 1-hour concentrations were about 20 times the national and World Health Organization (WHO) health-based air quality guidelines. The air quality was fully acceptable only in the arena with an electric resurfacer. The present study showed that the air quality problems of indoor ice arenas may vary with the fuel type of resurfacer and the volume and ventilation of arena building. It also confirmed that there are severe air quality problems in Finnish ice arenas similar to those previously described in North America.

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