Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
4.6
2.5
Journals
Atmosphere
Special Issues
New Insights into Exposure and Health Impacts of Air Pollution
share announcement

New Insights into Exposure and Health Impacts of Air Pollution

A special issue of Atmosphere (ISSN 2073-4433). This special issue belongs to the section "Air Quality and Human Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 22 January 2025 | Viewed by 4633

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Parinaz Poursafa

E-Mail
Guest Editor
Faculty of social sciences, Global health and development, Tampere University, 33520 Tampere, Finland
Interests: environmental pollution; exposure; persistent organic pollutants; health effects; environmental health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Air pollution is a major global health concern. It is considered to be the contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by chemical, physical, or biological agents that can alter the natural characteristics of the atmosphere. Air pollution has a direct impact on different bodily organs as well as indirect health effects as a result of contributing to global warming and climate change. According to global data, in 2022, billions of the world’s population were breathing in unhealthy air.

Exposure to toxic air pollutants has several adverse effects. Both outdoor and indoor pollution are important; however, people are usually exposed to indoor pollutants in their home, school, or workplace. A growing body of evidence has shown that indoor air particulate matter, on an equal weight basis, is toxicologically more active than outdoor particulate matter.

As the Guest Editor, I invite you to consider submitting your research for publication in this Special Issue of Atmosphere focused on “Exposure and Health Impacts of Air Pollution”. The aim of this Special Issue is to provide a selection of novel studies in the form of reviews and original papers related to the short- and long-term health impacts of air pollutants during the life course. Potential authors are welcome to contact the Guest Editor with questions regarding their proposed topics for this Special Issue.

Dr. Parinaz Poursafa
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Atmosphere is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • air pollution
  • health
  • exposure
  • environmental health
  • indoor air pollution
  • persistent organic pollutants (POPs)
  • environmental pollution

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Other

12 pages, 558 KiB  
Article
Particulate Matter Exposure during Pregnancy and Childhood Leukemia Incidence
by Enrique Sanz Olea, Carlos Ojeda Sanchez, Mònica Guxens, Adela Cañete, Elena Pardo Romaguera, Diana Gómez-Barroso, Javier García-Pérez, Beatriz Nuñez-Corcuera, Juan Antonio Ortega-García and Rebeca Ramis
Atmosphere 2024, 15(7), 751; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15070751 - 24 Jun 2024
Viewed by 412
Abstract
Leukemia is the most common childhood cancer and its etiology could be related to various environmental contaminants such as particulate matter (PM). The objective of our study is to evaluate the potential association between exposure to PM during pregnancy and the incidence of [...] Read more.
Leukemia is the most common childhood cancer and its etiology could be related to various environmental contaminants such as particulate matter (PM). The objective of our study is to evaluate the potential association between exposure to PM during pregnancy and the incidence of childhood leukemia. We established a population-based nationwide cohort using the Spanish Birth Registry Statistics database of the National Statistics Institute. We used spatiotemporal land use random forest models to estimate the concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 for the entire pregnancy and by trimesters. We conducted logistic regression analyses adjusted for various covariates. In addition, we fitted generalized additive models (GAMs) to estimate the non-linear relationship between PM levels and leukemia incidence. The study included 3,112,123 children and 1066 cases of leukemia. The results for the continuous variable of PM10 exposure levels suggested an increased risk of childhood leukemia to be associated with higher exposure. The results for the categorized PM10 variable suggest an increased risk of childhood leukemia among pregnant women whose exposure levels were higher than the median (third and fourth quartiles). The results for PM2.5 were weaker. We found association between exposure to PM10 during pregnancy and an increased risk of childhood leukemia. Our findings indicate that public health interventions should aim to reduce air pollution to lower the incidence of childhood leukemia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Exposure and Health Impacts of Air Pollution)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 6978 KiB  
Article
Associations between Indoor and Outdoor Size-Resolved Particulate Matter in Urban Beijing: Chemical Compositions, Sources, and Health Risks
by Shili Tian, Liming Wang, Qingyang Liu, Liang Luo, Chunyan Qian, Baocheng Wang and Yanju Liu
Atmosphere 2024, 15(6), 721; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15060721 - 16 Jun 2024
Viewed by 549
Abstract
Ventilation may lead to a deterioration in indoor air quality in urban environments located close to roads. Understanding the differences in the chemical compositions of size-resolved particulate matter (PM) in indoor air and outdoor air could aid in assessing the health impacts of [...] Read more.
Ventilation may lead to a deterioration in indoor air quality in urban environments located close to roads. Understanding the differences in the chemical compositions of size-resolved particulate matter (PM) in indoor air and outdoor air could aid in assessing the health impacts of air in these settings and establishing relevant regulation policies. In this study, indoor and outdoor size-resolved PM was collected from an office in Beijing in summer (between 5 and 25 July 2020) and winter (between 5 and 31 January 2021). Its chemical components, including sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, chlorine, organic matter (OM), elemental carbon (EC), crustal materials (CM), and heavy metals (HM), were analyzed. The mean levels of indoor and outdoor PM2.1 and PM9 were found to be much higher than those in the guidelines for PM2.5 and PM10 outlined by the National Ambient Air Quality Standard. Moreover, the levels of PM2.1 and PM2.1–9 mass were higher outdoors than they were indoors. The size distributions of mass concentrations were shown to be bimodal, peaking at 0.43–0.65 μm and 4.7–5.8 μm, respectively. The most abundant chemicals were OM, nitrate, and sulfate for PM2.1 and OM, CM, and nitrate for PM2.1–9. We found higher percentages of sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, EC, and HM in smaller-size fractions of PM. Additionally, positive matrix factorization showed that biomass burning, secondary inorganic aerosol, coal combustion, dust, traffic, and industrial pollution were the main sources of PM during the study period. The greatest non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic hazards were found at 0.43–0.65 μm in summer and 2.1–3.3 μm in winter. Our results indicate that size-resolved PM of ambient origin may infiltrate buildings near roads to varying degrees, resulting in negative health effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Exposure and Health Impacts of Air Pollution)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 1113 KiB  
Article
Seasonal Variation in Short-Term Ambient Air Pollutants and ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Admissions: An Innovative Exploration of Air Pollution’s Health Consequences
by Andreea-Alexandra Rus, Raluca Şoşdean, Mihai-Andrei Lazăr, Marius Simonescu, Silvia-Ana Luca, Ciprian Nicuşor Dima, Alexandra-Cătălina Frişan, Dan Gaiţă and Cristian Mornoş
Atmosphere 2024, 15(5), 590; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15050590 - 12 May 2024
Viewed by 732
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) persist as a significant contributor to global morbidity and mortality despite advances in medical technology. Air pollution has emerged as a significant contemporary challenge due to increased energy consumption and rapid economic development. The study utilized multivariable Poisson regression and [...] Read more.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) persist as a significant contributor to global morbidity and mortality despite advances in medical technology. Air pollution has emerged as a significant contemporary challenge due to increased energy consumption and rapid economic development. The study utilized multivariable Poisson regression and Distributed Lag Models (DLM) to assess the link between brief exposure to outdoor air pollutants (PM10—particulate matter with a diameter ≤ 10 μm, NO2—nitrogen dioxide, and O3—ozone) and the risk of acute myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation (STEMI) hospitalization, stratified by season. The research was conducted from January 2019 to December 2021 at the University Hospital in Timisoara, Romania, and daily records were collected for STEMI admissions, atmospheric pollutant levels, and meteorological parameters. The most pronounced impacts were observed with each 10 μg/m3 increase at lag 07 for PM10 during summer, leading to a 2% increase in STEMI admissions, and for NO2 during spring at lag 07, resulting in a 0.9% rise in CVD incidence. Men, middle-aged adults, and older adults exhibited greater susceptibility to elevated NO2 and PM10 concentrations than women and younger individuals. Brief exposure to diverse air pollutants heightens the likelihood of hospitalization due to STEMI, particularly among men and adults over 45. Effective measures must be implemented to mitigate these impacts, especially for vulnerable populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Exposure and Health Impacts of Air Pollution)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2081 KiB  
Article
Unveiling the Air Quality Impacts of Municipal Solid Waste Disposal: An Integrative Study of On-Site Measurements and Community Perceptions
by Tugce Pekdogan, Hasan Yildizhan and Arman Ameen
Atmosphere 2024, 15(4), 410; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15040410 - 26 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1574
Abstract
This study examines air quality conditions in and around a classroom located in the Sarıçam/Adana region of Türkiye, near the campus of Adana Alparslan Türkeş Science and Technology University and the Sofulu municipal solid waste (MSW) facility. This academic setting was strategically chosen [...] Read more.
This study examines air quality conditions in and around a classroom located in the Sarıçam/Adana region of Türkiye, near the campus of Adana Alparslan Türkeş Science and Technology University and the Sofulu municipal solid waste (MSW) facility. This academic setting was strategically chosen due to its proximity to the waste facility. The study aims to provide a comprehensive view of the environmental and social impacts of solid waste management through a methodological approach that combines quantitative on-site measurements and qualitative survey studies. Findings from measurements and surveys underline the significant and measurable impacts of MSW facilities on the ambient air quality of university residents. The analysis revealed a marked increase in concentrations of key pollutants, including carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), dust, and methane (CH4). At sampling point N1, H2S levels rose from 0 ppm in July to 13 ppm in November. Methane increased from 0.2% to 2.5% of the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) at the same point, although it remained within safety limits. Additionally, CO levels showed a 40% increase, and dust concentration levels rose from 0.21 mg/m3 to 2.36 mg/m3 from summer to winter, indicating a seasonal variation likely influenced by the landfill’s operational dynamics, as well as changes in temperature and relative humidity. In particular, the results indicate high concentrations of CO, H2S and dust, which are directly related to air quality degradation. The study also sheds light on the impacts of these waste disposal facilities on the general well-being and health of the university community, particularly on students and staff. In addition to these findings, the study highlights a general lack of awareness in the university community about the impacts of MSW facilities on air quality. This highlights the need for increased education and information dissemination. The results support the development of comprehensive and effective strategies, including technical solutions and public awareness initiatives, to mitigate the impacts of these facilities on residential areas. In conclusion, the impacts of MSW facilities on air quality should be seen as a multidimensional issue that requires a holistic approach addressing environmental, health, social, and educational dimensions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Exposure and Health Impacts of Air Pollution)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research

12 pages, 229 KiB  
Project Report
A Mixed Method Study to Explore How Maintenance Personnel Can Enhance Wildfire Smoke Resilience at Long-Term Care Facilities in the US Mountain West
by Adhieu Arok, James Caringi, Sarah Toevs, Meredith Spivak and Luke Montrose
Atmosphere 2024, 15(4), 504; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15040504 - 20 Apr 2024
Viewed by 873
Abstract
Wildfire activity is increasing around the world, concurrent with climate change, and mitigation strategies for protecting vulnerable populations are desperately needed. Because inhaled particles are deleterious to respiratory health, particularly among older adults with co-morbidities, we engaged maintenance personnel working in long term [...] Read more.
Wildfire activity is increasing around the world, concurrent with climate change, and mitigation strategies for protecting vulnerable populations are desperately needed. Because inhaled particles are deleterious to respiratory health, particularly among older adults with co-morbidities, we engaged maintenance personnel working in long term care facilities located in the Western US. Our objective was to identify opportunities to build resilience during wildfire smoke events. We implemented a virtual workshop that addressed wildfire smoke health impacts as well as strategies to assess and maintain indoor air quality. A total of 24 maintenance personnel attended the virtual workshop and 14 participated in a quantitative survey. Workshop attendees found value in the material and there was enthusiasm for educational resources and enhancing indoor air quality. Four months later, four maintenance staff participated in a follow-up interview. Our qualitative assessment revealed the following themes: awareness and prioritization, application of knowledge, barriers, and educational resources. Access to real-time actionable air quality data was a consistent feature across these themes. Maintenance personnel could play a key role in a facility’s ability to prepare for and respond to wildfire smoke events, and this study highlights potential challenges and opportunities to involving them in resilience building strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Exposure and Health Impacts of Air Pollution)
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-5
Back to TopTop