Health equity and burden of childhood asthma - related to air pollution in Barcelona.

BACKGROUND: Air pollution is one of the major health risk factors in urban populations. Air pollution has been associated with asthma in children. Air pollution has also been suggested to be distributed unequally within the cities, something that can lead to urban health inequalities. AIM: We aimed to estimate the number of childhood asthma cases attributable to three main air pollutants; Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), Particulate Matter (PM 2.5), and Black Carbon (BC) in the city of Barcelona, Spain. We also aimed to describe the distribution of those impacts depending on the social deprivation index in Barcelona. METHODS: We estimated the number of childhood asthma cases in Barcelona by applying a quantitative Health Impact Assessment (HIA) approach. Air pollution (NO2, PM2.5, and BC) exposure assessment was estimated using a land-use regression model. Two scenarios were assessed and compared the current levels of air pollution with 1) achieving the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline on exposure levels for NO2 and PM2.5 (scenario 1); and 2) achieving the minimum reported levels in a previously published meta-analysis (scenario 2), from where we also obtained the exposure-response functions. The relative risk and population attributable fraction (PAF) for each scenario and pollutant were estimated. Using the asthma incidence rate in Spain the expected number of asthma cases in Barcelona attributable to NO2, PM2.5, and BC for each scenario was estimated. RESULTS: The annual average levels of NO2, PM2.5, and BC at census levels were 56 µg/m3, 17.11 µg/m3, and 2.88 µg/m3, respectively. The number of asthma cases attributable to NO2 and PM2.5 (percentage of total cases) estimated in scenario 1 was 454 (18%) and 478 (19%) respectively. For scenario 2, the estimated number of cases attributable to NO2, PM2.5, and BC were 1230 (48%), 992 (39%) and 789 (31%) respectively. Although NO2 and BC showed differences between asthma cases and areas with different deprivation index, only BC differences were statistically significant between less and more deprived areas. CONCLUSIONS: This study estimated that up to 1230 (48%) of asthma cases in Barcelona could be attributable to air pollution each year. This study also found that in Barcelona, less socially deprived groups could be more affected by asthma-related to air pollution than those more socially deprived.

Performance of low-cost monitors to assess household air pollution.

Exposure to household air pollution is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. However, due to the lack of validated low-cost monitors with long-lasting batteries in indoor environments, most epidemiologic studies use self-reported data or short-term household air pollution assessments as proxies of long-term exposure. We evaluated the performance of three low-cost monitors measuring fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and carbon monoxide (CO) in a wood-combustion experiment conducted in one household of Spain for 5 days (including the co-location of 2 units of HAPEX and 3 units of TZOA-R for PM2.5 and 3 units of EL-USB-CO for CO; a total of 40 unit-days). We used Spearman correlation (ρ) and Concordance Correlation Coefficient (CCC) to assess accuracy of low-cost monitors versus equivalent research-grade devices. We also conducted a field study in India for 1 week (including HAPEX in 3 households and EL-USB-CO in 4 households; a total of 49 unit-days). Correlation and agreement at 5-min were moderate-high for one unit of HAPEX (ρ = 0.73 / CCC = 0.59), for one unit of TZOA-R (ρ = 0.89 / CCC = 0.62) and for three units of EL-USB-CO (ρ = 0.82-0.89 / CCC = 0.66-0.91) in Spain, although the failure or malfunction rate among low-cost units was high in both settings (60% of unit-days in Spain and 43% in India). Low-cost monitors tested here are not yet ready to replace more established exposure assessment methods in long-term household air pollution epidemiologic studies. More field validation is needed to assess evolving sensors and monitors with application to health studies.

Private and public modes of bicycle commuting: a perspective on attitude and perception.

BACKGROUND: Public bicycle-sharing initiatives can act as health enhancement strategies among urban populations. The aim of the study was to determine which attitudes and perceptions of behavioural control toward cycling and a bicycle-sharing system distinguish commuters with a different adherence to bicycle commuting. METHODS: The recruitment process was conducted in 40 random points in Barcelona from 2011 to 2012. Subjects completed a telephone-based questionnaire including 27 attitude and perception statements. Based on their most common one-way commute trip and willingness to commute by bicycle, subjects were classified into Private Bicycle (PB), public bicycle or Bicing Bicycle (BB), Willing Non-bicycle (WN) and Non-willing Non-bicycle (NN) commuters. After reducing the survey statements through principal component analysis, a multinomial logistic regression model was obtained to evaluate associations between attitudinal and commuter sub-groups. RESULTS: We included 814 adults in the analysis [51.6% female, mean (SD): age 36.6 (10.3) years]. BB commuters were 2.0 times [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.1-3.7] less likely to perceive bicycle as a quick, flexible and enjoyable mode compared to PB. BB, WN and NN were 2.5 (95% CI = 1.46-4.24), 2.6 (95% CI = 1.53-4.41) and 2.3 times (95% CI = 1.30-4.10) more likely to perceive benefits of using public bicycles (bicycle maintenance and parking avoidance, low cost and no worries about theft and vandalism) than did PB. CONCLUSION: Willing non-bicycle and public-bicycle commuters had more favourable perception toward public-shared bicycles compared to private cyclists. Hence, public bicycles may be the impetus for those willing to start bicycle commuting, thereby increasing physical activity levels.

Health impact assessment of increasing public transport and cycling use in Barcelona: a morbidity and burden of disease approach.

OBJECTIVE: Quantify the health impacts on morbidity of reduced car trips and increased public transport and cycling trips. METHODS: A health impact assessment study of morbidity outcomes related to replacing car trips in Barcelona metropolitan (3,231,458 inhabitants). Through 8 different transport scenarios, the number of cases of disease or injuries related to physical activity, particulate matter air pollution <2.5 µm (PM2.5) and traffic incidents in travelers was estimated. We also estimate PM2.5 exposure and cases of disease in the general population. RESULTS: A 40% reduction in long-duration car trips substituted by public transport and cycling trips resulted in annual reductions of 127 cases of diabetes, 44 of cardiovascular diseases, 30 of dementia, 16 minor injuries, 0.14 major injuries, 11 of breast cancer and 3 of colon-cancer, amounting to a total reduction of 302 Disability Adjusted Life Years per year in travelers. The reduction in PM2.5 exposure in the general population resulted in annual reductions of 7 cases of low birth weight, 6 of preterm birth, 1 of cardiovascular disease and 1 of lower respiratory tract infection. CONCLUSIONS: Transport policies to reduce car trips could produce important health benefits in terms of reduced morbidity, particularly for those who take up active transportation.

Climate and group B streptococci colonisation during pregnancy: present implications and future concerns.

The available evidence on the impact of climate on human bacterial infections is very limited. We studied the impact of climatic factors on maternal group B streptococci (GBS) colonisation during pregnancy in Barcelona, Spain, in the period 2001-2005. Averages of daily temperature, relative humidity, and heat index (perceived temperature) over weeks 32-36 of gestation, measured by the closest of three meteorological monitors to the maternal place of residence were assigned to each subject. Logistic regression models were developed to extract adjusted odds ratios for continuous and categorical (quartiles) exposures. We detected increased risks of GBS colonisation in higher ambient temperatures and humidity.

Water disinfection by-products and bladder cancer: is there a European specificity? A pooled and meta-analysis of European case-control studies.

Several epidemiological studies suggested an association between the risk of bladder cancer and the exposure to trihalomethanes (THMs), the main disinfection by-products (DBPs) of chlorinated water. A previous pooled analysis of case-control studies from North America and Europe estimated a summarized dose-response relation. For policy guidance of drinking water disinfection in Europe and because major differences exist in water disinfection practices and DBPs occurrence between both continents, specific risk estimates for bladder cancer in relation to DBPs exposure for European populations were needed. We conducted a pooled and a two-stage random-effect meta-analyses of three European case-control studies from France, Finland, and Spain (5467 individuals: 2381 cases and 3086 controls). Individual exposure to THMs was calculated combining information on residential history, estimates of the average total THMs (TTHM) level in tap water at the successive residences and personal water consumption. A significant odds-ratio was observed for men exposed to an average residential TTHM level > 50 µg/l (OR = 1.47 (1.05; 2.05)) when compared to men exposed to levels ≤ 5 µg/l. The linear trend of the exposure-risk association was significant (p = 0.01). Risks increased significantly for exposure levels above 25 µg/l and with more than 30 years of exposure to chlorinated water, but were mainly driven by the level rather than the duration of exposure. No significant association was found among women or with cumulative exposure through ingestion. There was no evidence of a differential exposure-response relation for TTHM and bladder cancer in Europe and North America. Consequently, a global exposure-risk relation based on 4351 cases and 7055 controls is now available.

Premature Mortality of 2050 High Bike Use Scenarios in 17 Countries.

BACKGROUND: Biking plays a significant role in urban mobility and has been suggested as a tool to promote public health. A recent study has proposed 2050 global biking scenarios based on large shifts from motorized vehicles to bikes. No previous studies have estimated the health impacts of global cycling scenarios, either future car-bike shift substitutions. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to quantify changes in premature mortality of 2050 global biking scenarios in urban populations from 17 countries. METHODS: Through a quantitative Health Impact Assessment, the mortality risks and benefits of replacing car trips by bike (mechanica bike and electric bike) in urban populations from 17 countries were estimated. Multiple bike scenarios were created based on current transport trends or large shifts from car trips to bike trips. We quantified the estimated change in the number of premature deaths (reduced or increased) concerning road traffic fatalities, air pollution, and physical activity. This study focuses on urban populations between 20 and 64 y old. RESULTS: We found that, among the urban populations (20-64 y old) of 17 countries, 205,424 annual premature deaths could be prevented if high bike-use scenarios are achieved by 2050 (assuming that 100% of bike trips replace car trips). If only 8% of bike trips replace car trips in a more conservative scenario, 18,589 annual premature deaths could be prevented by 2050 in the same population. In all the countries and scenarios, the mortality benefits related to bike use (rather than car use) outweighed the mortality risks. DISCUSSION: We found that global biking policies may provide important mortality benefits in 2050. Current and future bike- vs. car-trip policies should be considered key public health interventions for a healthy urban design. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP9073.

Data for a city-level health impact assessment of urban transport in Mauritius.

Participatory quantitative Health Impact Assessments (HIAs) in developing countries are rare partly due to data scarcity. This paper reports on primary data collected in the city of Port Louis to complete a HIA of urban transport planning in Mauritius. We conducted a full-chain participatory HIA to assess health impacts on the basis of a transport mode shift in Port Louis, Mauritius [1]. By applying mixed-methods, we estimated averted deaths per year and economic outcomes by assessing the health determinants of air pollution, traffic deaths and physical activity. The participatory quantitative HIA included [1] baseline data collection [2] co-validation of transport policy scenarios with stakeholders and [3] quantitative modelling of health impacts. We used the risk assessment method for HIA appraisal. The data can be reused for epidemiological analysis and different types of impact assessments.

Use of biocides and insect repellents and risk of hypospadias.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between the use of biocides and insect repellents and the risk of hypospadias was examined in a large case-control study in the South East of England. METHODS: A case-control study was carried out among 471 cases of hypospadias referred to surgeons, and 490 randomly selected population-based controls, born between 1 January 1997 and 30 September 1998. Telephone interviews were conducted between September 2000 and March 2003. The questionnaire included information on demographic, lifestyle and environmental factors, including the use of biocides and insect repellents, during pregnancy. A total biocide score was created from summing positive responses to an eight-item biocide exposure questionnaire. RESULTS: The use of insect repellent (adjusted OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.06 to 3.11) during the first trimester of pregnancy was associated with risk of hypospadias, but none of the biocides, or indicators for them, except for the total biocide score for the highest two exposure categories (score 3: adjusted OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.94; and scores 4 and 5 combined: adjusted OR 2.98, 95% CI 1.01 to 8.78) showed statistically significant associations. CONCLUSION: The authors found an association between the use of insect repellent and total biocide score and risk of hypospadias. In particular, the use of insect repellent warrants further investigation, specifically in relation to type, content and frequency of use since this information was missing in the current study.

Participatory quantitative health impact assessment of urban transport planning: A case study from Eastern Africa.

BACKGROUND: High rates of motorization in urban areas of Africa have adverse effects on public health. Transport-related mortality will increase as a result of inadequate transport infrastructure, air pollution and sedentary lifestyles. Health Impact Assessments (HIAs) have proven to be a successful tool to predict and mitigate negative health impact of urban transport planning policies, programmes or projects. Yet, there is a gap of evidence on transport and health in African countries. The aim of this study is assessing the health impacts of transport scenarios in Port Louis (city of 119,018 inhabitants in Mauritius) using a full chain participatory HIA model. METHODS: We estimated health and economic impacts associated to transport scenarios with qualitative data and quantitative comparative risk assessment methods. The health impact modeling was based on differences between the baseline and three transport scenarios (worse, good, ideal), estimating the averted deaths per year and economic outcomes by assessing health determinants of air pollution (AP), traffic deaths and physical activity (PA). Data on air pollution and traffic fatalities were obtained from public data sources. Data used to construct scenarios, establish baseline travel mode shares and physical activity were collected through (a) open-ended individual interviews (IDIs) with 14 stakeholders (b) closed-ended survey questions to 600 citizens and (c) 2 focus group discussions (FGDs) with the same 14 stakeholders from (a). RESULTS: In Port Louis, the worse-case transport scenario (doubling in car trips and a reduction in walking, motorcycle, and public transport), resulted in a total increment of 3.28 premature deaths per year. The good-case scenario (reducing car trips by half and increasing walking, motorcycle, and public transport trips) resulted in a total increment of 0.79 premature deaths per year. The ideal-case scenario (reduction in car and motorcycle trips and an increase in walking and public transport trips) resulted in a total reduction of 13.72 premature deaths per year. We estimated USD 23 millions of economic benefits related to mortality if the ideal-case was achieved. CONCLUSION: Participatory HIA shows that implementing transport policies aiming for less than an ideal situation may not be adequate or sufficient to avoid negative transport-related mortality in Mauritius. Urban transport planning is an opportunity to encourage physical activity in rapidly urbanizing settings of Africa. Transport policies should aim to restrict all forms of private motorized vehicles and promote active and public transport to support public health. We highly recommend the use of participatory approaches in quantitative HIA to ensure context specificity and policy relevance.

The association between natural outdoor environments and common somatic symptoms.

There is growing evidence that urban natural outdoor environments (NOE) may positively impact health by reducing stress and stress-related symptoms. However, there is limited research investigating this link across a range of NOE indicators. This cross-sectional study investigated the association between neighbourhood NOE (availability, use, and satisfaction with NOE) and common somatic symptoms and the role of potential mediators. Data were analysed from 3481 adults from Barcelona (Spain), Doetinchem (Netherlands), Kaunas (Lithuania) and Stoke-on-Trent (United Kingdom). NOE data were obtained through self-reported data and environmental measurements. Common somatic symptom data were self-reported. Mixed effects regression models were used for analysis, with models adjusted for potential sociodemographic confounders. Higher satisfaction with neighbourhood NOE was associated with lower prevalence of common somatic symptoms (exp(ß) 0.97; 95% CI 0.96, 0.98); an association partially mediated by mental health, social cohesion and air quality concern. A longer time spent in NOE was associated with lower prevalence of common somatic symptoms in low socioeconomic status neighbourhoods (exp(ß) 0.98; 95% CI 0.96, 1.00). A higher number of neighbourhood green spaces (300m buffer) was associated with higher prevalence of common somatic symptoms (exp(ß) 1.03; 95% CI 1.00, 1.05). No statistically significant associations were found for other NOE indicators. Study findings suggest that higher satisfaction with NOE may be associated with lower prevalence of common somatic symptoms, with mental health, social cohesion and concern about air quality playing partial mediating roles. Little evidence was found of an association between objective NOE measurements and common somatic symptoms, underlining the importance of perceptions of NOE for conferring health benefits.

Swimming pool attendance and risk of asthma and allergic symptoms in children.

Increased asthma risk has been associated with pool attendance in children but evidence is inconsistent and inconclusive. A survey was conducted of 3,223 9-12-yr-old children in Sabadell (Spain) to evaluate association between swimming pool attendance and prevalence of asthma and allergic conditions and symptoms. Parents completed a questionnaire on lifetime frequency of pool attendance and symptoms in the last 12 months (wheezing, asthma medication, rhinitis and allergic rhinitis), ever having asthma and eczema, and potential confounders. Indicators of indoor and outdoor swimming pool attendance early in life, cumulatively and currently were calculated. Swimming pool attendance before the age of 2 yrs was associated with slightly lower prevalence of current asthma (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.43-1.46), rhinitis (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.68-1.08) and allergic rhinitis symptoms (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.54-0.96) compared to those who started attending swimming pools after 4 yrs of age. An increased prevalence of eczema was associated with duration of lifetime pool attendance (OR 1.71, 95%CI 1.38-2.12 for >5 yrs versus 0 yrs). Swimming pool attendance in Spanish children was associated with slightly less upper and lower respiratory tract symptoms and with more eczema. Longitudinal studies are required to confirm these findings and avoid potential reverse causation.

Exposures recorded for participants in the UK Chemical Warfare Agent Human Research Programme, 1941-1989.

OBJECTIVES: This study describes exposures to military veterans who participated between 1941 and 1989 in British research at Porton Down on the effects of exposure to chemical warfare agents and to defences against those agents. The study is part of a programme of epidemiological research initiated in response to service veterans' concerns about possible long-term health effects of their participation. METHODS: All entries in 97 books held in the Porton Down historical experimental archive covering the years 1939-1989 were reviewed. For tests between April 1941 and December 1989, data were abstracted on chemicals used, with additional detail abstracted for tests involving vesicants and nerve agents. For tests recorded during 1939-1941, similar data were abstracted for a representative sample of tests. RESULTS: Historical data were abstracted for 17 303 veterans included in the cohort study of 18,276 servicemen who took part in tests at Porton Down between 1941 and 1989. The median number of days per veteran on which tests were carried out was 2 days. The median difference between the last and first day of testing was 4 days. A large number of chemicals were tested over this period (n = 492). The type of chemical tested varied over time. Exposures were often modified by respirator use or use of protective clothing or protective equipment. It was possible to assign a quantitative measure of cumulative exposure to 73% of veterans exposed to the vesicant sulphur mustard--3491 (34%) of exposed veterans had cumulative exposures > or =10.63 mg and for 70% of veterans exposed to the nerve agent sarin--658 (29%) of exposed veterans had cumulative exposures > or =15.0 mg min m(-3). Ninety-three per cent of veterans exposed to sulphur mustard were classified to a semi-quantitative scale of dermal effect--3771 (37%) had a vesicle or necrosed area, and 69% of veterans exposed to sarin could be categorized by change in blood cholinesterase activity--1033 (31%) had a depression in cholinesterase activity of > or =30%. CONCLUSIONS: The experimental archive at Porton Down has proved to be a rich source of data on tests conducted between 1941 and 1989. It has been possible to categorize most veterans according to date of test, chemical group, chemical, type of protection and, for certain chemicals, level of exposure and/or degree of acute toxicity. These categorizations have been used to assign veterans to exposure groups for epidemiological analysis.

Environmental, health, wellbeing, social and equity effects of urban green space interventions: A meta-narrative evidence synthesis.

BACKGROUND: As populations become increasingly urbanised, the preservation of urban green space (UGS) becomes paramount. UGS is not just dedicated recreational space such as public parks, but other types of informal green space are important, for example, street trees and roof gardens. Despite the potential from cross-sectional evidence, we know little about how to design new, or improve or promote existing UGS for health, wellbeing, social and environmental benefits, or known influencing factors such as physical activity. OBJECTIVES: To perform a meta-narrative review of the evidence regarding the health, wellbeing, social, environmental and equity effects, or known influencing factors of these outcomes, of UGS interventions. DATA SOURCES: Eight electronic databases were searched ((Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science (Science and Social Science Citation Indices), PADDI (Planning Architecture Design Database Ireland), Zetoc, Scopus, Greenfiles, SIGLE (System for Information on Grey Literature in Europe)), and reference lists of included studies and relevant reviews were hand searched for further relevant studies. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA, PARTICIPANTS, AND INTERVENTIONS: Eligibility criteria included: (i) evaluation of an UGS intervention; and (ii) health, wellbeing, social or environmental outcome(s), or known influencing factors of these outcomes, measured. Interventions involving any age group were included. Interventions must have involved: (a) physical change to green space in an urban-context including improvements to existing UGS or development of new UGS, or (b) combination of physical change to UGS supplemented by a specific UGS awareness, marketing or promotion programme to encourage use of UGS. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS: Following a meta-narrative approach, evidence was synthesised by main intervention approach, including: (i) park-based; (ii) greenways/trails; (iii) urban greening; (iv) large green built projects for environmental purposes. Outcomes such as economic (e.g. cost effectiveness and cost-benefit analyses), adverse effects and unintended consequences were also extracted. Evidence was synthesised following the RAMESES guidelines and publication standards, the PROGRESS-plus tool was used to explore equity impact, and risk of bias/study quality was assessed. The findings from the evidence review were presented at an expert panel representing various disciplines in a workshop and these discussions framed the findings of the review and provide recommendations that are relevant to policy, practice and research. RESULTS: Of the 6997 studies identified, 38 were included. There was strong evidence to support park-based (7/7 studies) and greenway/trail (3/3 studies) interventions employing a dual-approach (i.e. a physical change to the UGS and promotion/marketing programmes) particularly for park use and physical activity; strong evidence for the greening of vacant lots (4/4 studies) for health, wellbeing (e.g. reduction in stress) and social (e.g. reduction in crime, increased perceptions of safety) outcomes; strong evidence for the provision of urban street trees (3/4 studies) and green built interventions for storm water management (6/7 studies) for environmental outcomes (e.g. increased biodiversity, reduction in illegal dumping). Park-based or greenway/trail interventions that did not employ a dual-approach were largely ineffective (7/12 studies showed no significant intervention effect). Overall, the included studies have inherent biases owing to the largely non-randomized study designs employed. There was too little evidence to draw firm conclusions regarding the impact of UGS interventions on a range of equity indicators. LIMITATIONS; CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS OF KEY FINDINGS: UGS has an important role to play in creating a culture of health and wellbeing. Results from this study provide supportive evidence regarding the use of certain UGS interventions for health, social and environmental benefits. These findings should be interpreted in light of the heterogeneous nature of the evidence base, including diverging methods, target populations, settings and outcomes. We could draw little conclusions regarding the equity impact of UGS interventions. However, the true potential of UGS has not been realised as studies have typically under-evaluated UGS interventions by not taking account of the multifunctional nature of UGS. The findings have implications for policymakers, practitioners and researchers. For example, for policymakers the trajectory of evidence is generally towards a positive association between UGS and health, wellbeing, social and environmental outcomes, but any intervention must ensure that negative consequences of gentrification and unequal access are minimised.

Health impacts of bike sharing systems in Europe.

BACKGROUND: Bike-sharing systems (BSS) have been implemented in several cities around the world as policies to mitigate climate change, reduce traffic congestion, and promote physical activity. This study aims to assess the health impacts (risks and benefits) of major BSS in Europe. METHODS: We performed a health impact assessment study to quantify the health risks and benefits of car trips substitution by bikes trips (regular-bikes and/or electric-bikes) from European BSS with >2000 bikes. Four scenarios were created to estimate the annual expected number of deaths (increasing or reduced) due to physical activity, road traffic fatalities, and air pollution. A quantitative model was built using data from transport and health surveys and environmental and traffic safety records. The study population was BSS users between 18 and 64 years old. RESULTS: Twelve BSS were included in the analysis. In all scenarios and cities, the health benefits of physical activity outweighed the health risk of traffic fatalities and air pollution. It was estimated that 5.17 (95%CI: 3.11-7.01) annual deaths are avoided in the twelve BSS, with the actual level of car trip substitution, corresponding to an annual saving of 18 million of Euros. If all BSS trips replaced car trips, 73.25 deaths could be avoided each year (225 million Euros saving) in the twelve cities. CONCLUSIONS: The twelve major Bike-sharing systems in Europe provide health and economic benefits. The promotion of shifting car drivers to use BSS can significantly increase the health benefits. BSS in Europe can be used as a tool for health promotion and prevention.

Dispersion of As and selected heavy metals around a coal-burning power station in central Slovakia.

A power station in central Slovakia emitted arsenic (As) in large quantities for over 30 years as a result of burning As-rich brown coal. Nowadays emissions of As are low. Over the lifetime of the plant's operation over 3000 tonne of As have been emitted into the environment. This paper aims to examine the concentrations of As in the soil around the power station, and also to investigate whether the coal burnt in the plant, and consequently the emissions from it, contained raised levels of six further heavy metals. Soil concentrations were compared to ground level air As concentrations predicted by an air dispersion model. Coal samples were taken from the power station and analysed to determine concentrations of As, Zn, Pb, Cu, Cr, Ni and Cd. Soil samples (n=113) were taken up to 12 km from the plant along a transect designed to follow the valley floor in which the power station is situated. Soil samples were analysed for concentrations of those elements for which coal was tested. Concentrations of As in coal were high (AM 518 mug/g). Those of other heavy metals were, in general, low. Concentrations of soil As were substantially raised in the near vicinity of the plant but decreased within 5 km to concentrations similar to those in the rest of the district. Overall, levels within 10 km of the plant were slightly above those recommended for residential levels in the UK. Soil concentrations of other heavy metals were higher in the vicinity of the plant but none, overall was raised. Comparison of results from a previous air dispersion model of ground level air arsenic concentrations showed a moderate correlation (r=0.6) between modelled and measured values. Over its period of operation the power plant has contributed to raised levels of soil As in the local soils, though not substantially of other elements. Though now airborne As emissions are controlled, concern remains regarding soil arsenic concentrations and fugitive emissions from the plant that could be contributing to exposure of the local population and of the workforce.

The association between green space and depressive symptoms in pregnant women: moderating roles of socioeconomic status and physical activity.

BACKGROUND: The current study explored the association between green space and depression in a deprived, multiethnic sample of pregnant women, and examined moderating and mediating variables. METHOD: 7547 women recruited to the 'Born in Bradford' cohort completed a questionnaire during pregnancy. A binary measure of depressive symptoms was calculated using a validated survey. Two green space measures were used: quintiles of residential greenness calculated using the normalised difference vegetation index for three neighbourhood sizes (100, 300 and 500 m buffer zones around participant addresses); access to major green spaces estimated as straight line distance between participant address and nearest green space (>0.5 hectares). Logistic regression analyses examined relationships between green space and depressive symptoms, controlling for ethnicity, demographics, socioeconomic status (SES) and health behaviours. Multiplicative interactions explored variations by ethnic group, SES or activity levels. Mediation analysis assessed indirect effects via physical activity. RESULTS: Pregnant women in the greener quintiles were 18-23% less likely to report depressive symptoms than those in the least green quintile (for within 100 m of green space buffer zone). The green space-depressive symptoms association was significant for women with lower education or who were active. Physical activity partially mediated the association of green space, but explained only a small portion of the direct effect. CONCLUSIONS: Higher residential greenness was associated with a reduced likelihood of depressive symptoms. Associations may be stronger for more disadvantaged groups and for those who are already physically active. Improving green space is a promising intervention to reduce risk of depression in disadvantaged groups.

Arterial blood pressure responses to short-term exposure to low and high traffic-related air pollution with and without moderate physical activity.

BACKGROUND: Short-term exposure to traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) has been associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Physical activity (PA) in polluted air may increase pollutant uptake and increase these effects. METHODS: Crossover real-world exposure study in 28 healthy participants comparing systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) responses to four different exposure scenarios: 2 h exposure in high or low-TRAP environment, each at rest and combined with intermittent moderate PA consisting of 15 min intervals alternating rest and cycling on a stationary bicycle. Data was analyzed using mixed effect models for repeated measures. RESULTS: Exposure to high TRAP was associated with higher DBP (1.1 mm/Hg, p = 0.002) post-exposure, irrespective of exercise status. Ultrafine particles (UFP) increased DBP post-exposure (0.9 mm/Hg, p = 0.004). Interquartile increases in black carbon (BC), fine particulate matter (PM10 and PMcoarse), UFP, and nitric oxides (NOx) were associated with statistically significantly higher SBP post-exposure (1.2, 1.0, 1.1, and 1.1 mm/Hg, respectively). Intermittent PA compared with rest was associated with lower SBP post-exposure (-2.4 mm/Hg, p < 0.001). PA lowered SBP more after exposure to the low-TRAP site (-2.3 mm/Hg) compared with the high-TRAP site (-1.6 mm/Hg). We only found evidence of an interaction between PA and both PM10 and PMcoarse, increasing SBP. CONCLUSION: Both SBP and DBP increase after exposure to TRAP. Intermittent PA attenuates the TRAP-related increases in SBP, with the exception of PM10 and PMcoarse, which potentiate these increases. We showed that in low-TRAP environments intermittent PA has stronger beneficial effects on SBP than in high-TRAP environments.

Exposure of pregnant women to tap water related activities.

BACKGROUND: Evidence for an association between exposure of pregnant women to chlorination disinfection by-products and adverse birth outcomes is inconsistent and inconclusive. AIMS: To evaluate the use of a questionnaire in a population of pregnant women to assess their exposure to water, examine the validity of the questionnaire by a seven day diary, and to obtain a better understanding of the exposure of pregnant women to water in Central London. METHODS: A total of 147 pregnant women were asked to complete a questionnaire. Information was requested on their exposure to water from cooking and washing up, showering and bathing, food and drink, and swimming. Demographic and socioeconomic information were also recorded. For validation purposes, women were asked to complete a seven day diary at home. RESULTS: The average exposure duration was 338.5 min/week for cooking and washing up, 172.2 min/week for bathing and showering, and 67.9 min/month for swimming. The total fluid intake was 18.9 l/week of which, on average, 18% was cold tap water; 30% of this tap water was consumed outside the home. The correlation between questionnaire and diary data was generally good to very good, although women tended to overestimate their exposure in the questionnaire compared to the diary. CONCLUSIONS: Information was obtained on the daily exposure of pregnant women in Central London to chlorinated water at home, work, and elsewhere. The questionnaire was found to be a valid method to assess the exposure of pregnant women to water and the response rate was higher than for diaries.

Exposure-response relations for work related respiratory symptoms and sensitisation in a cohort exposed to alpha-amylase.

AIMS: To explore relations between exposure to fungal alpha-amylase and the risk of new work related respiratory symptoms or sensitisation. METHODS: A prospective cohort study among 300 bakers and millers was followed up for a maximum of seven years. Exposure to alpha-amylase was estimated by air measurements and questionnaires and classified into three categories. Symptoms were recorded with a self-administered questionnaire and skin sensitisation assessed using skin prick test (SPT). RESULTS: There were 36 new cases of chest symptoms, 86 of eyes/nose symptoms, and 24 of a positive SPT to alpha-amylase. There were exposure-response relations for chest and eyes/nose symptoms and for sensitisation, and a significantly increased prevalence ratio for chest symptoms in the highest exposure category. CONCLUSION: A reduction in alpha-amylase exposure is likely to reduce the risk for respiratory morbidity in bakery workers.