Childhood and Life-Course Socioeconomic Position and Cognitive Function in the Adult Population of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos.

The Hispanic/Latino population experiences socioeconomic adversities across the lifespan and is at greater risk of cognitive impairment, yet little is known about the role of life-course socioeconomic position (SEP) in cognitive function in this population. Using baseline data (2008-2011) from adults (aged 45-74 years) of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos, we assessed the association between childhood SEP and socioeconomic mobility with cognitive function, and whether this association was mediated by midlife SEP. Childhood SEP was assessed using parental education. An index combining participants' education and household income represented midlife SEP. Socioeconomic mobility was categorized as stable low, downward or upward mobility, and stable high-SEP. Cognitive function measures were modeled using survey linear regression with inverse-probability weighting, accounting for covariates. We used mediation analysis to estimate the indirect effect of childhood SEP on cognition through midlife SEP. High childhood SEP was associated with global cognition in adulthood (coefficient for parental education beyond high school vs. less than high school = 0.26, 95% confidence interval: 0.15, 0.37). This association was partially mediated through midlife SEP (indirect effect coefficient = 0.16, 95% confidence interval: 0.15, 0.18). Low SEP through the life course was associated with the lowest cognitive function. This study provides evidence that life-course SEP influences cognitive performance in adulthood.

Commuter's personal exposure to air pollutants after the implementation of a cable car for public transport: Results of the natural experiment TrUST.

Commuters in urban settlements are frequently exposed to high concentrations of air pollutants due to their proximity to mobile sources, making exposure to traffic-related air pollutants an important public health issue. Recent trends in urban transport towards zero- and low-tailpipe emission alternatives will likely result in decreased exposure to air pollutants. The TrUST (Urban transformations and health) study offers a unique opportunity to understand the impacts of a new cable car (TransMiCable) in underserved communities within Bogotá, Colombia. The aims of this study are to assess the personal exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), equivalent Black Carbon (eBC), and Carbon Monoxide (CO) in transport micro-environments and to estimate the inhaled dose per trip during mandatory multimodal trips before and after the implementation of the TransMiCable. We collected personal exposure data for Bus-Rapid-Transit (BRT) feeder buses, regular buses, informal transport, pedestrians, and TransMiCable. TransMiCable showed lower exposure concentration compared to BRT feeder and regular buses (PM2.5: 23.6 vs. 87.0 µg m-3 (P ≤ 0.001) and eBC: 5.2 vs. 28.2 µg m-3 (P ≤ 0.001), respectively). The mean concentration of PM2.5 and eBC inside the TransMiCable cabins were 62 % and 82 % lower than the mean concentrations in buses. Furthermore, using a Monte Carlo simulation model, we found that including the TransMiCable as a feeder is related to a 54.4 µg/trip reduction in PM2.5 inhaled dose and 35.8 µg/trip in eBC per trip. Those changes represent a 27 % and 34 % reduction in an inhaled dose per trip, respectively. Our results show that PM2.5, eBC, and CO inhaled dose for TransMiCable users is reduced due to lower exposure concentration inside its cabins and shorter travel time. The implementation of a cable car in Bogotá is likely to reduce air pollution exposure in transport micro-environments used by vulnerable populations living in semi-informal settlements.

Health benefits from cleaner vehicles and increased active transportation in Seattle, Washington.

BACKGROUND: Climate mitigation policies that focus on the transportation sector yield near-term health co-benefits that could motivate policy action. OBJECTIVE: We quantified CO2 emission reductions as well as the air pollution and health benefits of urban transportation policies promoting electric vehicles (EV) and walking and bicycling in Seattle, Washington. METHODS: We compared a business-as-usual scenario projected to 2035 with intervention scenarios in which 35% of gasoline vehicles were switched to EV, and 50% of car trips less than 8 kilometers were replaced by walking or bicycling. We modeled changes in primary traffic-generated oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) as well as walking and bicycling activity, CO2 emissions from traffic, and fatal traffic injuries due to the transportation policy scenarios. We estimated the impacts of these changes on annual cases of asthma and premature mortality in the Seattle population. RESULTS: Increasing the use of EV, walking, and bicycling is estimated to reduce CO2 emissions by 744 tons/year (30%) and lower annual average concentrations of primary traffic-generated NOx and PM2.5 by 0.32 ppb (13%) and 0.08 µg/m3 (19%), respectively. In Seattle, the lower air pollutant concentrations, greater active transportation, and lower fatal traffic injuries would prevent 13 (95% CI: -1, 28), 49 (95% CI: 19, 71), and 5 (95% CI: 0, 14) premature deaths per year, respectively and 20 (95% CI: 8, 27) cases of asthma per year. SIGNIFICANCE: Moving towards cleaner vehicles and active transportation can reduce CO2 emissions, improve air quality, and population health. The resulting public health benefits provide important motivation for urban climate action plans. IMPACT STATEMENT: Using key components of the health impact assessment framework, we quantify the environmental and health benefits of urban transportation policy scenarios that promote electric vehicle use and replace short car trips with walking and bicycling as compared with a business as usual scenario in 2035. Our findings demonstrate that transportation scenarios promoting cleaner vehicles and active transportation can reduce CO2 emissions, improve air quality, and increase physical activity levels, resulting in significant public health benefits.

Exposure to Primary Air Pollutants Generated by Highway Traffic and Daily Mortality Risk in Near-Road Communities: A Case-Crossover Study.

Most epidemiologic studies fail to capture the impact of spatiotemporal fluctuations in traffic on exposure to traffic-related air pollutants in the near-road population. Using a case-crossover design and the Research LINE source (R-LINE) dispersion model with spatiotemporally resolved highway traffic data, we quantified associations between primary pollutants generated by highway traffic-particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 2.5 µm (PM2.5), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and black carbon (BC)-and daily nonaccidental, respiratory, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular mortality among persons who had resided within 1 km (0.6 mile) of major highways in the Puget Sound area of Washington State between 2009 and 2013. We estimated these associations using conditional logistic regression, adjusting for time-varying covariates. Although highly resolved modeled concentrations of PM2.5, NOx, and BC from highway traffic in the hours before death were used, we found no evidence of an association between mortality and the preceding 24-hour average PM2.5 exposure (odds ratio = 0.99, 95% confidence interval: 0.96, 1.02) or exposure during shorter averaging periods. This work did not support the hypothesis that mortality risk was meaningfully higher with greater exposures to PM2.5, NOx, and BC from highways in near-road populations, though we did incorporate a novel approach to estimate exposure to traffic-generated air pollution based on detailed traffic congestion data.

Ambient Coarse Particulate Matter and Human Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Airborne particles have been linked to increased mortality and morbidity. As most research has focused on fine particles (PM2.5), the health implications of coarse particles (PM10-2.5) are not well understood. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of associations for short- and long-term PM10-2.5 concentrations with mortality and hospital admissions. Using 23 mortality and 10 hospital admissions studies, we documented suggestive evidence of increased morbidity and mortality in relation to higher short-term PM10-2.5 concentrations, with stronger relationships for respiratory than cardiovascular endpoints. Reported associations were highly heterogeneous, however, especially by geographic region and average PM10-2.5 concentrations. Adjustment for PM2.5 and publication bias resulted in weaker and less precise effect estimates, although positive associations remained for short-term PM10-2.5 concentrations. Inconsistent relationships between effect estimates for PM10-2.5 and correlations between PM10-2.5 and PM2.5 concentrations, however, indicate that PM10-2.5 associations cannot be solely explained by co-exposure to PM2.5. While suggestive evidence was found of increased mortality with long-term PM10-2.5 concentrations, these associations were not robust to control for PM2.5. Additional research is required to better understand sources of heterogeneity of associations between PM10-2.5 and adverse health outcomes.

Blood lead levels in schoolchildren living near an industrial zone in Cali, Colombia: the role of socioeconomic condition.

This study aimed to determine Blood Lead Levels (BLL) in schoolchildren 6-14 years old exposed to industrial sources of lead and evaluated the role of socioeconomic condition. A cross-sectional study was conducted in an area likely to be exposed to industrial pollutants in northern Cali (i.e., distance and wind direction) and in a "non-exposed" area. In children in two schools of corresponding study areas, venous samples (5 ml) were collected to determine BLL by graphite furnace absorption spectrometry. Using regression models, we evaluated the association between risk factors to BLL and the effect of modification with variables of socioeconomic condition. We enrolled 350 schoolchildren. Schoolchildren in the exposed area had higher prevalence of BLL of ≥ 5 µg/dl (44.2 vs. 8.2 %, p = 0.000) than those in non-exposed area. A positive association was found between exposure and BLL of ≥ 5 µg/dl (prevalence ratios (PR), 6.68; 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI), 3.95, 11.29). Demographic characteristics and socioeconomic condition such as age (PR, 1.45; 95 % CI, 1.03, 2.04), sex (PR, 1.84; 95 % CI, 1.30, 2.60), race (PR, 2.32; 95 % CI, 1.39, 3.89) and socioeconomic position (SEP; PR, 2.02; 95 % CI, 1.35, 3.04) were statistically significant and independently associated with BLL. There was a synergistic interaction between exposure to the industrial zone and SEP for higher BLL (coefficient, 0.80; 95 % CI, 0.17, 1.43). Residence in the northern urban area of Cali exposed to pollutants of an industrial zone is associated to an increased risk of higher BLL, especially among children from low SEC who are at greater risk of exposure and susceptibility.

Impacto de un sitio de disposición final de residuos sólidos en la salud respiratoria de los adultos mayores / Impact of a waste disposal site on adult respiratory health

Introducción. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el impacto de un sitio de disposición final de residuos sólidos sobre la salud respiratoria de adultos mayores de 50 años, residentes en su área de influencia. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio de cohortes que incluyó un grupo de 313 adultos mayores de 50 años expuestos al Botadero de Navarro y otro de 359 no expuestos, seguidos durante seis meses, para comparar la incidencia mensual de síntomas respiratorios y alteraciones en el flujo espiratorio pico. Resultados. Después de ajustar por edad, sexo, escolaridad, humedad, afiliación a salud, enfermedades concomitantes, tabaquismo y exposición ocupacional previa, la exposición al Botadero de Navarro se asoció con la presencia de uno o más síntomas respiratorios (OR=1,25; IC95%: 1,01-1,56), síntomas respiratorios moderados (OR=1,28; IC95%: 0,98-1,66), pero no se encontró asociación con síntomas respiratorios graves (OR= 1,16; IC95%: 0,89-1,50). Se evidenció una mayor recurrencia de síntomas en los adultos de la zona expuesta (coeficiente de correlación=0,29, IC95%: 0,23-0,33, p=0,000). En los adultos expuestos al Botadero de Navarro, se encontró en la función pulmonar una reducción significativa del flujo espiratorio pico (-15,19 L/minuto; IC95%: -30,16-0,22). Conclusión. Este estudio muestra que, independientemente de los potenciales factores de confusión, la salud respiratoria de los adultos mayores de 50 años expuestos al Botadero de Navarro está afectada con una mayor presencia y cronicidad de síntomas respiratorios moderados y una disminución de la función pulmonar.

Introduction. This study evaluated the impact of the presence of a dump on respiratory health in adults older than 50 years of age, living in its area of influence. Materials and methods. A cohort study was conducted with 313 adults older than 50 years of age living near the Navarro Dump (Cali, Colombia) and compared with 359 adults in an unexposed area. Each was examined monthly during a 6 month period to compare the incidence of respiratory symptoms and alterations in peak expiratory flow. Results. Exposure to the Navarro Dump was associated with occurrence of respiratory symptoms (odds ratio=1.25, 95% C.I. 1.01-1.56), in particular with mild respiratory symptoms (odds ratio=1.28, 95% C.I. 0.98-1.66). This result was obtained after adjusting for age, sex, education level, humidity, health insurance, comorbidity, smoking and previous occupational exposure. A higher recurrence of symptoms was found in adults in the area of exposure (correlation coefficient=0.29, 95% C.I. 0.23-0.33, p<0.001) and a significant reduction in the lung function defined by peak expiratory flow; the average decrease was15.2 L/min (95% C.I. -30.2 to +0.22). Conclusion. Independent of potential confounding factors, the respiratory health of adults exposed to the Navarro Dump was affected and exhibited an increased occurrence and recurrence of mild respiratory symptoms as well as decreased lung function.

[Impact of a waste disposal site on adult respiratory health]. / Impacto de un sitio de disposición final de residuos sólidos en la salud respiratoria de los adultos mayores.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the impact of the presence of a dump on respiratory health in adults older than 50 years of age, living in its area of influence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cohort study was conducted with 313 adults older than 50 years of age living near the Navarro Dump (Cali, Colombia) and compared with 359 adults in an unexposed area. Each was examined monthly during a 6 month period to compare the incidence of respiratory symptoms and alterations in peak expiratory flow. RESULTS: Exposure to the Navarro Dump was associated with occurrence of respiratory symptoms (odds ratio=1.25, 95% C.I. 1.01-1.56), in particular with mild respiratory symptoms (odds ratio=1.28, 95% C.I. 0.98-1.66). This result was obtained after adjusting for age, sex, education level, humidity, health insurance, comorbidity, smoking and previous occupational exposure. A higher recurrence of symptoms was found in adults in the area of exposure (correlation coefficient=0.29, 95% C.I. 0.23-0.33, p<0.001) and a significant reduction in the lung function defined by peak expiratory flow; the average decrease was 15.2 L/min (95% C.I. -30.2 to +0.22). CONCLUSION: Independent of potential confounding factors, the respiratory health of adults exposed to the Navarro Dump was affected and exhibited an increased occurrence and recurrence of mild respiratory symptoms as well as decreased lung function.

Descripción de la calidad del aire en el ßrea de influencia del Botadero de Navarro, Cali, Colombia / Description of the air quality in the Navarro Dumpsite area of influence, in Cali, Colombia

Antecedentes: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de las emisiones del sitio de disposición final de residuos sólidos en Cali, el Botadero de Navarro (BN), en la calidad del aire de una zona definida como expuesta (<3 km de distancia y en dirección predominante del viento) en comparación con otra seleccionada como control (>3 km y en sentido contrario al viento predominante). Materiales y métodos: La toma de muestras se realizó con equipos semiautomßticos y los procedimientos seguidos obedecieron a lineamientos internacionales aceptados por la legislación ambiental colombiana. El monitoreo se efectuó simultßneamente en la zona expuesta y en la zona control durante tres períodos climatológicos diferentes: uno en verano, otro en invierno y en un período intermedio entre los dos anteriores. Se tomaron muestras durante 10 días en cada período en ambas zonas. Se midió material particulado menor a 10 micras (PM10), dióxido de azufre, metano y los compuestos orgßnicos volßtiles: benceno, tolueno y xileno. Resultados: Los resultados indican que el metano y el benceno tienen como fuente principal de emisión el BN y son dispersados por acción del viento en la dirección predominante hacia la zona denominada expuesta. Hay evidencia de un gradiente en la concentración de benceno desde el BN (p<0.01). Las concentraciones encontradas en la zona expuesta (mediana=2.92 µg/m3) superaron 48% de las veces el nivel mßximo permitido para prevenir afectación en la salud y fueron mayores que en la zona control (mediana=1.54 µg/m3) donde sólo 22% de las veces se superó la norma. El metano presentó también un gradiente con concentraciones mßs altas en la zona expuesta que en la zona control, y hay evidencia de una mayor concentración de material particulado menor a 5 micras en la zona expuesta. Conclusiones: Los hallazgos del presente artículo muestra evidencias de efectos ambientales en ßreas <3 km del BN.

Background: This study evaluated emissions from the municipal open dump in Cali, the Navarro dump (ND), and their effects in air quality of an area defined as exposed (<3 km distance and downwind) as compared with a control zone (>3 km and upwind). Methods: Sample collection was carried out with semiautomatic equipments following approved international procedures accepted by local environmental laws. Sampling was carried out simultaneously in the study zones during three climatologic periods: dry, rainy and inter-season periods. Ten samples were taken during each period, for a total of 30 samples per zone. Particulate matter below 10 micras, SO2, methane and volatile organic compounds: benzene, toluene and xilene were measured in each sample. Results: Results showed sources of methane and benzene are mainly inside the ND and are carried by wind dispersion to the exposed zone of the study. There is evidence of a gradient in benzene concentrations starting in the ND (p<0.01). Benzene concentrations were high in the exposed zone (median=2.92 µg/m3) and 48% of samples collected there were above the maximum level of air quality norm. These measurements were higher that those made in the control zone (median=1.54 µg/m3) where only 22% of the samples were above the maximum levels. Methane also showed decreasing concentrations from exposed to control zone, and there was also a higher concentration of particle matter <5 micras in the exposed area. Conclusions: Our study gives evidence of environmental effects in areas <3 km distant of a dump site. This distance should be considered when defining the perimeter of a non inhabited area around municipal solid waste disposals.