Spatial-temporal variability of metal pollution across an industrial district, evidencing the environmental inequality in São Paulo.

Although air pollution decreased in some cities that shifted from an industrial to a service-based economy, and vehicular emission regulation became more restrictive, it is still a major risk factor for mortality worldwide. In central São Paulo, Brazil, air quality monitoring stations and tree-ring analyses revealed a decreasing trend in the concentrations of particulate matter and metals. Such trends, however, may not be observed in industrial districts located in the urban periphery, where the usual mobile sources may be combined with local stationary sources. To evaluate environmental pollution in an industrial district in southeastern São Paulo, we assessed its spatial variability, by measuring magnetic properties and concentrations of Al, Ba, Ca, Cl, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, P, S, Sr, Zn in the bark of 62 trees, and its temporal trends, by measuring Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, V, Zn in tree rings of three trees. Source apportionment analysis based on tree barks revealed two clusters with high concentrations of metals, one related to vehicular and industrial emissions (Al, Ba, Cu, Fe, Zn) in the east side of the industrial cluster, and the other related to soil resuspension (Cu, Zn, Mn) in its west side. These patterns are also supported by the magnetic properties of bark associated with iron oxides and titanium-iron alloy concentrations. Dendrochemical analyses revealed that only the concentrations of Pb consistently decreased over the last four decades. The concentrations of Cd, Cu, Ni, V, and Zn did not significantly decrease over time, in contrast with their negative trends previously reported in central São Paulo. This combined biomonitoring approach revealed spatial clusters of metal concentration in the vicinity of this industrial cluster and showed that the local population has not benefited from the decreasing polluting metal concentrations in the last decades.

The role of air pollution and climate on the growth of urban trees.

The urban environment features poor air quality and harsher climate conditions that affect the life in the cities. Citizens are especially vulnerable to climate change, because heat island and impervious exacerbates extreme climate events. Urban trees are important tools for mitigation and adaptation of cities to climate change because they provide ecosystem services that increase while trees grow. Nonetheless, the growth of trees may be affected by the harsher conditions found in the urban environment. We assessed the impact of air pollution and climate on the spatial/temporal variability of tree growth in São Paulo, Brazil, one of the largest urban conglomerates in the world. For this purpose, we sampled 41 trees of the Tipuana tipu species in a region that includes industrial areas. We built a tree-ring chronology using standard dendrochronological methods. Spatial analyses show that trees grow faster in the warmer parts of the city and under higher concentrations of airborne P, whereas growth is reduced under higher concentrations of Al, Ba, Zn. Particulate matter (PM10) from the industrial cluster also reduce average growth rate of trees, up to 37% in all diameter classes. Similar results were obtained via temporal analyses, suggesting that the annual growth rate is positively associated with temperature, which explain 16% of interannual growth variability. Precipitation, on the other hand, has no association with tree growth. The average concentration of PM10 explains 41% of interannual growth variability, and higher concentrations during the driest months reduce growth rate. Despite heat island effect and water limitation in the soil of the city, this species takes advantage of warmer conditions and it is not limited by water availability as measured by precipitation. On the other hand, air pollution directly impacts the growth of these trees being a major limiting growth factor.

Evaluation of peak expiratory flow in adolescents and its association with inhalable particulate in a Brazilian medium-sized city.

INTRODUCTION: High particulate matter (PM10) concentrations are associated with increased incidence of respiratory symptoms and decreased lung function. This study evaluates the air pollution effects in children's and adolescents' lung function using peak expiratory flow (PEF) measurements over a given period, in an area exposed to industrial emissions. METHODOLOGY: This was a panel study. The effects of air pollution on respiratory symptoms and PEF were investigated in 117 children and adolescents from three public schools in areas of exposure to air pollution from a mining company in a Brazilian medium-sized city, from 2008 to 2009. The average daily PM10, temperature and humidity were recorded by the monitoring network in the region. Association between daily records of PEF and PM10 was assessed in mixed-effect regression models, controlling for temperature, humidity, and body mass index. RESULTS: About 60,000 PEF measurements were performed. Increases of 14µg/m3 in PM10 were associated with decreased PEF in the morning (-1.04%, 95%CI -1.32; -0.77) and evening (-1.2%, 95%CI -1.49, -0.92). DISCUSSION: We found a significant negative association between particulate matter and peak expiratory flow rate in this population, and these remained significant even after adjusted for temperature, humidity, body mass index, coughing, wheezing and coryza. CONCLUSION: Adverse effects were found and it suggests an association between increase in PM10 and reduced lung function.

Evaluation of peak expiratory flow in adolescents and its association with inhalable particulate in a Brazilian medium-sized city / Avaliação do pico de fluxo expiratório em adolescentes e sua associação com material particulado em uma cidade brasileira de médio porte

ABSTRACT: Introduction: High particulate matter (PM10) concentrations are associated with increased incidence of respiratory symptoms and decreased lung function. This study evaluates the air pollution effects in children's and adolescents' lung function using peak expiratory flow (PEF) measurements over a given period, in an area exposed to industrial emissions. Methodology: This was a panel study. The effects of air pollution on respiratory symptoms and PEF were investigated in 117 children and adolescents from three public schools in areas of exposure to air pollution from a mining company in a Brazilian medium-sized city, from 2008 to 2009. The average daily PM10, temperature and humidity were recorded by the monitoring network in the region. Association between daily records of PEF and PM10 was assessed in mixed-effect regression models, controlling for temperature, humidity, and body mass index. Results: About 60,000 PEF measurements were performed. Increases of 14µg/m3 in PM10 were associated with decreased PEF in the morning (-1.04%, 95%CI -1.32; -0.77) and evening (-1.2%, 95%CI -1.49, -0.92). Discussion: We found a significant negative association between particulate matter and peak expiratory flow rate in this population, and these remained significant even after adjusted for temperature, humidity, body mass index, coughing, wheezing and coryza. Conclusion: Adverse effects were found and it suggests an association between increase in PM10 and reduced lung function.

RESUMO: Introdução: Altas concentrações de material particulado (MP10) estão associadas com o aumento da incidência de sintomas respiratórios e a diminuição da função pulmonar. Este estudo avalia os efeitos da poluição do ar na função pulmonar de crianças e adolescentes, usando medições de pico de fluxo expiratório por determinado período, em área exposta a emissões industriais. Metodologia: Este é um estudo de painel. Os efeitos da poluição nos sintomas respiratórios e no pico de fluxo expiratório (PEF) foram investigados em 117 crianças e adolescentes, em três escolas públicas localizadas na área de dispersão da pluma dos poluentes emitidos por uma indústria de mineração em uma cidade brasileira de médio porte, em 2008 e 2009. Médias diárias de MP10, temperatura e umidade foram coletadas pela rede de monitoramento na região. Associação entre registros diários de PEF e de MP10 foi avaliada utilizando modelos de regressão de efeito misto, controlando por temperatura, umidade e índice de massa corporal (IMC). Resultados: Cerca de 60 mil medidas de PEF foram realizadas. Aumentos de 14 µg/m3 de MP10 foram associados com diminuições das medições do PEF da manhã (-1,04%, intervalo de confiança de 95% - IC95% -1,32; -0,77) e à noite (-1,2%, IC95% -1,49; -0,92). Discussão: Neste estudo encontramos associação negativa significativa entre exposição a MP10 e pico de fluxo expiratório. Essas associações permaneceram significativas mesmo após o ajuste para temperatura, umidade, IMC, sexo, tosse, chiado e coriza. Conclusão: Os efeitos adversos foram encontrados sugerindo associação entre o aumento de MP10 e a função pulmonar reduzida.

Lean diesel technology and human health: a case study in six Brazilian metropolitan regions.

OBJECTIVE: Due to their toxicity, diesel emissions have been submitted to progressively more restrictive regulations in developed countries. However, in Brazil, the implementation of the Cleaner Diesel Technologies policy (Euro IV standards for vehicles produced in 2009 and low-sulfur diesel with 50 ppm of sulfur) was postponed until 2012 without a comprehensive analysis of the effect of this delay on public health parameters. We aimed to evaluate the impact of the delay in implementing the Cleaner Diesel Technologies policy on health indicators and monetary health costs in Brazil. METHODS: The primary estimator of exposure to air pollution was the concentration of ambient fine particulate matter (particles with aerodynamic diameters <2.5 µm, [PM2.5]). This parameter was measured daily in six Brazilian metropolitan areas during 2007-2008. We calculated 1) the projected reduction in the PM2.5 that would have been achieved if the Euro IV standards had been implemented in 2009 and 2) the expected reduction after implementation in 2012. The difference between these two time curves was transformed into health outcomes using previous dose-response curves. The economic valuation was performed based on the DALY (disability-adjusted life years) method. RESULTS: The delay in implementing the Cleaner Diesel Technologies policy will result in an estimated excess of 13,984 deaths up to 2040. Health expenditures are projected to be increased by nearly US$ 11.5 billion for the same period. CONCLUSIONS: The present results indicate that a significant health burden will occur because of the postponement in implementing the Cleaner Diesel Technologies policy. These results also reinforce the concept that health effects must be considered when revising fuel and emission policies.

Lean diesel technology and human health: a case study in six Brazilian metropolitan regions

OBJECTIVE: Due to their toxicity, diesel emissions have been submitted to progressively more restrictive regulations in developed countries. However, in Brazil, the implementation of the Cleaner Diesel Technologies policy (Euro IV standards for vehicles produced in 2009 and low-sulfur diesel with 50 ppm of sulfur) was postponed until 2012 without a comprehensive analysis of the effect of this delay on public health parameters. We aimed to evaluate the impact of the delay in implementing the Cleaner Diesel Technologies policy on health indicators and monetary health costs in Brazil. METHODS: The primary estimator of exposure to air pollution was the concentration of ambient fine particulate matter (particles with aerodynamic diameters <2.5 μm, [PM2.5]). This parameter was measured daily in six Brazilian metropolitan areas during 2007-2008. We calculated 1) the projected reduction in the PM2.5 that would have been achieved if the Euro IV standards had been implemented in 2009 and 2) the expected reduction after implementation in 2012. The difference between these two time curves was transformed into health outcomes using previous dose-response curves. The economic valuation was performed based on the DALY (disability-adjusted life years) method. RESULTS: The delay in implementing the Cleaner Diesel Technologies policy will result in an estimated excess of 13,984 deaths up to 2040. Health expenditures are projected to be increased by nearly US$ 11.5 billion for the same period. CONCLUSIONS: The present results indicate that a significant health burden will occur because of the postponement in implementing the Cleaner Diesel Technologies policy. These results also reinforce the concept that health effects must be considered when revising fuel and emission policies.

[Association between air pollution and respiratory and cardiovascular diseases in Itabira, Minas Gerais State, Brazil]. / Associação entre poluição atmosférica e doenças respiratórias e cardiovasculares na cidade de Itabira, Minas Gerais, Brasil.

The city of Itabira, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, is located in the Espinhaço Mountain Range, an area that features large-scale mechanized iron ore pit mines. The current study evaluates the acute effects of inhalable particulate matter (PM10) in terms of emergency room visits due to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases in Itabira. Generalized additive Poisson regression models were adopted, controlling for temperature, humidity, and both short and long-term seasonality. Increases of 10mg/m(3) in PM10 were associated with increases in respiratory emergency room visits of 4% (95%CI: 2.2-5.8), at lags 0 and 1 for children and adolescents younger than 13 years of age, and of 12% (95%CI: 8.5-15.5) on the three subsequent days for adolescents (13 to 19 years of age). For cardiovascular diseases, the effect was acute (4%; 95%CI: 0.8-8.5) and mainly for the 45 to 64 age group. These results show that PM10 generated by open pit mining can lead to health problems in the exposed population.

Associação entre poluição atmosférica e doenças respiratórias e cardiovasculares na cidade de Itabira, Minas Gerais, Brasil / Association between air pollution and respiratory and cardiovascular diseases in Itabira, Minas Gerais State, Brazil

A cidade de Itabira, Minas Gerais, Brasil, está localizada na Serra do Espinhaço, onde existem grandes jazidas de minério de ferro que são extraídas em lavra mecanizada a céu aberto. Este estudo foi realizado para avaliar os efeitos agudos do material particulado inalável (PM10) sobre os atendimentos em pronto-socorro por doenças respiratórias e cardiovasculares no Município de Itabira. Modelos aditivos generalizados de regressão de Poisson foram utilizados, controlando-se para temperatura, umidade e sazonalidades de longa e curta duração. Aumentos de 10µg/m³ no PM10 foram associados com aumentos nos atendimentos de pronto-socorro por doenças respiratórias de 4 por cento (IC95 por cento: 2,2-5,8), no dia e no dia seguinte, para crianças menores de 13 anos, e de 12 por cento (IC95 por cento: 8,5-15,5), nos três dias subseqüentes para os adolescentes entre 13 e 19 anos. Dentre os atendimentos por doenças cardiovasculares, o efeito foi agudo (4 por cento; IC95 por cento: 0,8-8,5), principalmente para os indivíduos com idade entre 45 e 64 anos. Esses resultados mostram que o PM10 gerado principalmente através de mineração a céu aberto pode acarretar prejuízos à saúde da população exposta.

The city of Itabira, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, is located in the Espinhaço Mountain Range, an area that features large-scale mechanized iron ore pit mines. The current study evaluates the acute effects of inhalable particulate matter (PM10) in terms of emergency room visits due to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases in Itabira. Generalized additive Poisson regression models were adopted, controlling for temperature, humidity, and both short and long-term seasonality. Increases of 10mg/m³ in PM10 were associated with increases in respiratory emergency room visits of 4 percent (95 percentCI: 2.2-5.8), at lags 0 and 1 for children and adolescents younger than 13 years of age, and of 12 percent (95 percentCI: 8.5-15.5) on the three subsequent days for adolescents (13 to 19 years of age). For cardiovascular diseases, the effect was acute (4 percent; 95 percentCI: 0.8-8.5) and mainly for the 45 to 64 age group. These results show that PM10 generated by open pit mining can lead to health problems in the exposed population.

Câmara de topo aberto, CTA: construção e uso para observação de potencial tóxico da poluição atmosférica urbana com bioensaios em plantas / Open Top Chamber: erection and use for toxicological evaluation of urban air pollution using plants bioassay

Câmara de Topo Aberto, CTA, adaptada para filtrar material particulado, gera gradiente suficiente para testar a toxicidade da atmosfera urbana. Suas características construtivas e operacionais foram documentadas, e o desempenho com bioensaios em Tradescantia avaliado por 60 dias. A concentração ambiente média diária de MP2,5, de 28,6 g/m3, foi reduzida na CTA em 75 por cento. Foi detectada menor ocorrência de mutações nas plantas dentro da CTA: nos protocolos de inflorescências, Trad-MCN (p=0,002); em pêlo estaminal, Trad-SHM (p=0,007); em aborto de grão de pólen (p=0,041). A partir da análise elementar feita em folhas por fluorescência de raio-X, detectou-se presença de fontes de solo e automotiva, com menor presença de Ti (p=0,049) e menor concentração geral dos poluentes dessas fontes nas coletas dentro da CTA...

Open Top Chamber, OTC, modified to filter particulate material, PM, provides enough reduction on urban PM to perform toxicological studies. It’s dimensional and operational characteristics were described, and a 60 day-performance test using Tradescantia was done. The environmental daily average of PM2,5 about 28,6 g/m3 have a 75 per cent reduction inside OTC. It was detected a lower mutation on plants sampled inside the OTC: on Trad-MCN protocol (p=0,007), on Trad-SHM protocol (p=0,002) and on pollen mother cell abortion (p=0,041). X-ray fluorescence analysis made on leave samples, measured chemical elementary concentration. It was detected elements from soil and automotive sources, with lower Ti concentration (p=0,049) and lower general pollutants concentration on samples from inside OTC.

Environmental epidemiology applied to urban atmospheric pollution: a contribution from the Experimental Air Pollution Laboratory (LPAE)

A investigaçäo sobre os efeitos da exposiçäo humana à poluiçäo ambiental iniciou de maneira sistemática, com abordagem científica, apenas no século XX, como conseqüência de uma série de acidentes ambientais percebidos por um significativo aumento na mortalidade e com a realizaçäo de estudos epidemiológicos observacionais e toxicológicos em animais. Tais estudos têm se concentrado nos países considerados desenvolvidos. Relata a experiência do Laboratório de Poluiçäo Atmosférica Experimental (LPAE), da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Säo Paulo, no estudo dos mecanismos fisiopatológicos do sistema respiratório em face da exposiçäo aos poluentes, utilizando abordagens experimentais e toxicológicas, complementadas com estudos epidemiológicos observacionais na cidade de Säo Paulo. Descreve como esses estudos se inserem no panorama mundial, convergindo para um consenso de que a poluiçäo do ar é prejudicial à saúde pública, e que esses efeitos säo observados inclusive em concentraçöes de poluentes abaixo dos limites estabelecidos pela legislaçäo ambiental em vigor, fornecendo dados valiosos para subsidiar a tomada de decisöes políticas e econômicas para a melhoria do meio ambiente.