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Atmosphere
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Air Pollution: Health Risks and Mitigation Strategies
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Air Pollution: Health Risks and Mitigation Strategies

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2025 | Viewed by 5476

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Gabriele Donzelli

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Institute of Clinical Physiology of the National Research Council (CNR-IFC), 56124 Pisa, Italy
2. Research Group in Social and Nutritional Epidemiology, Pharmacoepidemiology and Public Health, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Food Sciences, Toxicology and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitat de València, Av. Vicent Andrés Estelles s/n, 46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
Interests: environmental epidemiology; human health; environmental pollution; epidemiological studies; biostatistics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. María M. Morales Suárez-Varela

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Research Group in Social and Nutritional Epidemiology, Pharmacoepidemiology and Public Health, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Food Sciences, Toxicology and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitat de València, Av. Vicent Andrés Estelles s/n, 46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
2. Biomedical Research Center in Epidemiology and Public Health Network (CIBERESP), Carlos III Health Institute, Av. Monforte de Lemos 3-5 Pabellón 11 Planta 0, 28029 Madrid, Spain
Interests: environmental epidemiology; human health; environmental pollution; epidemiological studies; biostatistics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The detrimental health effects of major air pollutants, particularly on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, are well-documented through robust epidemiological and toxicological studies. However, research is increasingly exploring the broader health impacts, including potential effects on reproductive health and childhood neurological development.

A critical barrier to fully elucidating the health burden of air pollution lies in accurately quantifying individual exposure. Unlike single-source contaminants, air pollution presents a complex mixture with spatiotemporal variability due to factors like traffic patterns, meteorology, and even building layouts. Additionally, individual factors such as age, respiratory health, and activity patterns significantly influence exposure.

Traditional methods, such as relying on central monitoring stations or residence location, often fail to capture these intricate variations, potentially underestimating individual health risks. This Special Issue addresses this gap by focusing on studies that utilized advanced exposure assessment techniques. We encourage submissions that employ the following:

  • Sophisticated air quality models: these models incorporate diverse data sets on air quality, meteorology, and human behavior to estimate individual exposure with greater precision.
  • Personal exposure monitors: worn by participants, these devices directly measure an individual's exposure to air pollutants throughout their daily routines.

We welcome research investigating any health effects associated with these advanced exposure assessments, alongside literature reviews that summarize the current state of knowledge in overcoming the challenges of individual exposure assessment in air pollution research.

Dr. Gabriele Donzelli
Prof. Dr. María M. Morales Suárez-Varela
Guest Editors

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

  • environmental epidemiology
  • air pollution
  • environmental health
  • human health
  • burden of disease

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 1005 KiB  
Article
Ground-Level Ozone Exposure and Type 2 Diabetes Incidence: An Ecological Study of Environmental and Social Determinants
by Adi Levi, Gal Hagit Carasso Romano and Zohar Barnett-Itzhaki
Atmosphere 2025, 16(5), 528; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16050528 - 30 Apr 2025
Abstract
Ambient air pollution causes 4.2 million premature deaths annually. Ozone (O3), a secondary pollutant, is prevalent in urban areas with high transportation/industrial emissions. Chronic exposure to ozone is associated with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and with metabolic disorders, such as type-2 [...] Read more.
Ambient air pollution causes 4.2 million premature deaths annually. Ozone (O3), a secondary pollutant, is prevalent in urban areas with high transportation/industrial emissions. Chronic exposure to ozone is associated with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and with metabolic disorders, such as type-2 diabetes (T2D). This study examined the relationship between chronic exposure to ground-level ozone, socioeconomic status, and T2D incidence. We found a significant positive correlation between ozone exposure and the T2D incidence in Israel’s urban population (municipalities with ≥20,000 residents). Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses revealed that exposure to ground-level ozone significantly contributed to the T2D morbidity, mostly in ages ≥ 45 years. Our results emphasize the relationship between chronic ozone exposure and T2D in Israel’s unique heterogeneous populations and highlight health risks associated with ozone exposure. While socioeconomic status is a significant determinant of T2D, as shown in the current study, our findings suggest that environmental factors, such as exposure to ground-level ozone, exert independently potent effects. This emphasizes the need to consider both socioeconomic and environmental factors in public health strategies. Stricter air quality regulations and targeted public health interventions are essential, particularly in high-ozone areas. Reducing ambient ozone levels could also help mitigate the T2D burden, particularly among vulnerable populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution: Health Risks and Mitigation Strategies)
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21 pages, 6971 KiB  
Article
Study on Dust Hazard Levels and Dust Suppression Technologies in Cabins of Typical Mining Equipment in Large Open-Pit Coal Mines in China
by Xiaoliang Jiao, Wei Zhou, Junpeng Zhu, Xinlu Zhao, Junlong Yan, Ruixin Wang, Yaning Li and Xiang Lu
Atmosphere 2025, 16(4), 461; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16040461 - 16 Apr 2025
Viewed by 277
Abstract
As the world’s largest open-pit coal producer, China faces severe dust pollution in mining operations. Cabins of mining equipment (electric shovels, haul trucks, drills) exhibit unique micro-environmental contamination due to dual-source pollution (external infiltration and internal secondary dust generation), posing severe health risks [...] Read more.
As the world’s largest open-pit coal producer, China faces severe dust pollution in mining operations. Cabins of mining equipment (electric shovels, haul trucks, drills) exhibit unique micro-environmental contamination due to dual-source pollution (external infiltration and internal secondary dust generation), posing severe health risks to miners. This study focused on electric shovel cabins at the Heidaigou open-pit coal mine to address cabin dust pollution. Through analysis of dust physicochemical properties, a pollution characteristic database was established. Field measurements and statistical methods revealed temporal–spatial variation patterns of dust concentrations, quantifying occupational exposure risks and providing theoretical foundations for dust control. A novel gradient-pressurized air purification system was developed for harsh mining conditions. Key findings include the following. (1) Both coal-shovel and rock-shovel operators were exposed to Level I (mild hazard level), with rock-shovel operators approaching Level II (moderate hazard level). (2) The system reduced respirable dust concentrations from 0.313 mg/m3 to 0.208 mg/m3 (≥33.34% improvement) in coal-shovel cabins and from 0.625 mg/m3 to 0.421 mg/m3 (≥32.64% improvement) in rock-shovel cabins. These findings offer vital guidance for optimizing cabin design, improving dust control, and developing scientific management strategies, thereby effectively protecting miners’ health and ensuring operational safety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution: Health Risks and Mitigation Strategies)
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12 pages, 1465 KiB  
Article
Assessment of BTEX, PM10, and PM2.5 Concentrations in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, and the Health Risks for Security Guards and Copy Shop Employees
by Navaporn Kanjanasiranont
Atmosphere 2025, 16(2), 212; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16020212 - 13 Feb 2025
Viewed by 557
Abstract
Concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, and the BTEX chemical group were studied in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. The occupational health risk for workers (security guards and printing machine operators) was estimated against exposure to these pollutants. The average levels of PM [...] Read more.
Concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, and the BTEX chemical group were studied in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. The occupational health risk for workers (security guards and printing machine operators) was estimated against exposure to these pollutants. The average levels of PM10, PM2.5, and BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes) were 67.32, 40.21, and 80.93 µg/m3, respectively. Among the BTEX group, toluene was the most prevalent at all the sampling sites, with mean levels of 55.71 µg/m3. The measured toluene/benzene ratios (T/B) indicated that the potential sources of BTEX at EG, CP1, and CP2 sites were influenced by vehicular or traffic sources. The level of benzene was utilized for evaluating the risk of cancer, whereas toluene and PM2.5 were estimated for non-cancer health risk. According to the health risk assessment (at the 95% CI), security guards tended to have higher cancer risk values due to benzene (4.04 × 10−5) when compared to printing machine operators (2.41 × 10−5) due to their frequent exposure to particular sources of high concentration. Meanwhile, the non-cancer risk values were at an acceptable level for security guards and copy center employees. In order to lower the overall cancer risk levels of workers, the most effective method is to reduce the chemical concentration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution: Health Risks and Mitigation Strategies)
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22 pages, 974 KiB  
Article
Environmental Information Disclosure and Firms’ Green Total Factor Productivity: Evidence from New Ambient Air Quality Standards in China
by Jiemei Hu, De Xiao, Baoxi Li and Lv Peng
Atmosphere 2025, 16(2), 155; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16020155 - 31 Jan 2025
Viewed by 650
Abstract
Green total factor productivity (GTFP) is a key factor for achieving sustainable development and enhancing economic competitiveness. Environmental information disclosure plays a significant role in improving the corporate GTFP. Using A-share-listed company data in China from 2009 to 2019, this study employs the [...] Read more.
Green total factor productivity (GTFP) is a key factor for achieving sustainable development and enhancing economic competitiveness. Environmental information disclosure plays a significant role in improving the corporate GTFP. Using A-share-listed company data in China from 2009 to 2019, this study employs the Ambient Air Quality Standards (GB3095-2012) promulgated by China in 2012 as a quasi-natural experiment. This study employs difference-in-differences (DID) to examine the impact of environmental information disclosure on corporate GTFP. The findings reveal that on average, environmental information disclosure positively affects firms’ GTFP. Mechanism analyses show that environmental information disclosure promotes GTFP by increasing total corporate costs, alleviating corporate financing constraints, and promoting green technological innovation. Environmental information disclosure mainly affects non-state-owned smaller, and young enterprises. These conclusions provide theoretical support and empirical evidence for governments to leverage environmental information disclosure to promote green and sustainable development, thereby achieving high-quality economic growth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution: Health Risks and Mitigation Strategies)
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14 pages, 2120 KiB  
Article
Improving Air Quality and Childhood Respiratory Health in Mongolia: The Impact of the Raw Coal Ban and COVID-19 Restrictions—An Interrupted Time-Series Analysis
by Emma Dickinson-Craig, Terkhen Turbat, Karla Hemming, Francis D. Pope, Suzanne E. Bartington, Suvdaa Anjaa, Sumiya Davaa, Rosie Day, Damdindorj Boldbaatar, Chimedsuren Ochir, David Warburton, Graham Neil Thomas, Jargalsaikhan Badarch and Semira Manaseki-Holland
Atmosphere 2025, 16(1), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16010046 - 3 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1743
Abstract
Background: In May 2019, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia introduced a city-wide raw coal ban (RCB) to improve ambient air quality. Air pollution exposure particularly affects child health and is associated with acute respiratory disease. We assessed the effects of the RCB on air quality and [...] Read more.
Background: In May 2019, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia introduced a city-wide raw coal ban (RCB) to improve ambient air quality. Air pollution exposure particularly affects child health and is associated with acute respiratory disease. We assessed the effects of the RCB on air quality and child respiratory health. Methods: An interrupted time-series analysis was conducted on air quality (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, CO) and child (<5 y) severe acute respiratory disease, adjusting for coinciding co-events (COVID-19) where necessary. The subgroup analysis focussed on peak pollution months (November–February). Results: PM10 significantly decreased by −34.3 µg/m3 (95% CI −62.9, −5.8, p = 0.02) and PM2.5 by −17.1 µg/m3 (95% CI −26.3, −7.9, p < 0.01), immediately post-intervention. The subgroup analysis showed SO2 increased by 81.6 µg/m3 (95% CI 45.2, 117.9, p < 0.01) in the first month and by 4.9 µg/m3 (95% CI 2.6, 7.3, p < 0.01) monthly afterwards. CO increased by 56.1 µg/m3 (95% CI 13.5, 98.7, p = 0.01). Child respiratory health showed no significant change after adjusting for the COVID-19 effect. Discussion: The RCB successfully reduced key pollutants (PM), almost instantly. Long-term increases in SO2 and CO and limited health effects highlight the need for further air quality improvements. Outputs from Mongolia’s continuous air quality mitigation efforts provide useful insights for countries facing similar challenges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution: Health Risks and Mitigation Strategies)
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20 pages, 2516 KiB  
Article
Rapid PM2.5-Induced Health Impact Assessment: A Novel Approach Using Conditional U-Net CMAQ Surrogate Model
by Yohan Lee, Junghyun Park, Jinseok Kim, Jung-Hun Woo and Jong-Hyeon Lee
Atmosphere 2024, 15(10), 1186; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15101186 - 2 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1381
Abstract
There is a pressing need for tools that can rapidly predict PM2.5 concentrations and assess health impacts under various emission scenarios, aiding in the selection of optimal mitigation strategies. Traditional chemical transport models (CTMs) like CMAQ are accurate but computationally intensive, limiting [...] Read more.
There is a pressing need for tools that can rapidly predict PM2.5 concentrations and assess health impacts under various emission scenarios, aiding in the selection of optimal mitigation strategies. Traditional chemical transport models (CTMs) like CMAQ are accurate but computationally intensive, limiting practical scenario analysis. To address this, we propose a novel method integrating a conditional U-Net surrogate model with health impact assessments, enabling swift estimation of PM2.5 concentrations and related health effects. The U-Net model was trained with 2019 South Korean PM2.5 data, including precursor emissions and boundary conditions. Our model showed high accuracy and significant efficiency, reducing processing times while maintaining reliability. By combining this surrogate model with the EPA’s BenMAP-CE tool, we estimated potential premature deaths under various emission reduction scenarios in South Korea, extending projections to 2050 to account for demographic changes. Additionally, we assessed the required PM2.5 emission reductions needed to counteract the increase in premature deaths due to an aging population. This integrated framework offers an efficient, user-friendly tool that bridges complex air quality modeling with practical policy evaluation, supporting the development of effective strategies to reduce PM2.5-related health risks and estimate economic benefits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution: Health Risks and Mitigation Strategies)
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