Search Results (129)

Microplastics are pervasive environmental pollutants that pose risks to human health through ingestion and inhalation. This review synthesizes current practices to reduce exposure and toxicity by examining major exposure routes and dietary interventions. More than 130 papers were analyzed to achieve this aim. The findings show that microplastics contaminate a wide range of food products, with particular concern over seafood, drinking water, plastic-packaged foods, paper cups, and tea filter bags. Inhalation exposure is mainly linked to indoor air quality and smoking, while dermal contact poses minimal risk, though the release of additives from plastics onto the skin remains an area of concern. Recommended strategies to reduce dietary exposure include consuming only muscle parts of seafood, moderating intake of high-risk items like anchovies and mollusks, limiting canned seafood liquids, and purging mussels in clean water before consumption. Avoiding plastic containers, especially for hot food or microwaving, using wooden cutting boards, paper tea bags, and opting for tap or filtered water over bottled water are also advised. To mitigate inhalation exposure, the use of air filters with HyperHEPA systems, improved ventilation, regular vacuuming, and the reduction of smoking are recommended. While antioxidant supplementation shows potential in reducing microplastic toxicity, further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness. This review provides practical, evidence-based recommendations for minimizing daily microplastic exposure. Full article

Air-quality standards (AQS) are key regulatory tools to protect public health by setting pollutant thresholds. However, most are based on sea-level data. High-altitude (HA) environments differ in atmospheric conditions, influencing pollutant behavior and human vulnerability. These differences have prompted proposals for altitude-specific AQS adjustments. This systematic review identifies models and criteria supporting such adaptations and examines regulatory air-quality frameworks in countries with substantial populations living at very high altitudes (VHA). This review follows PRISMA-P guidelines, focusing on studies examining AQS adjustment approaches based on altitude. The Population/Concept/Context (PCC) framework was used to define search terms: population (AQS), concept (air pollutants), and context (altitude), with equivalents. The literature was retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Gale OneFile: Environmental Studies and Policy. A total of 2974 articles were identified, with 2093 remaining after duplicate removal. Following title and abstract screening, 2081 papers were excluded, leaving 12 for full-text evaluation. Ultimately, six studies met the eligibility criteria. Three studies focused on adjustment models based on atmospheric conditions, such as temperature and pressure changes, while the other three examined human physiological responses, particularly the increased inhaled air volume. China, Peru, and Bolivia have the largest populations living above 3500 m a.s.l., yet none of these countries have specific air-quality regulations tailored to HA conditions. The review underscores the necessity for tailored AQS in HA environments, highlighting specific criteria related to both atmospheric conditions and human physiological responses. Full article

Background: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in atmospheric particulate matter (PM) are high in Saudi cities due to industry and traffic, often exceeding safety limits. This study assesses PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ and health risks in Riyadh’s desert environment. Method: High-purity chemicals and PAH standards were used. Air samples were collected at King Saud University, extracted, cleaned, and analyzed by GC-MS. QA/QC ensured accuracy, with RSDs of 4.6–7.9%. Results: Seasonal temperature shifts in Riyadh influence PM and PAH levels. Higher summer temperatures raise PM/PAH, posing health risks, especially via inhalation. Winter favors PAH accumulation on particles. Conclusions: Seasonal temperature shifts significantly affect PM_2.5, PM₁₀, and PAH levels in Riyadh, with summer posing the highest health risks. Inhalation is the main exposure route, especially for PM_2.5. Full article

The utilization of 3D printing releases a multitude of harmful gas pollutants, posing potential health risks to operators. Materials extrusion (ME; also known as fused deposition modeling (FDM)), a widely adopted 3D printing technology, predominantly employs acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) and polylactic acid (PLA) as printing materials, with the respective market shares of these materials reaching approximately 75%. The extensive usage of ABS and PLA during the ME process leads to significant volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, thereby deteriorating the quality of indoor air. Nevertheless, information regarding the emission characteristics of VOCs and their influencing factors, as well as the toxicological impacts of the printing processes, remains largely unknown. Herein, we thoroughly reviewed the emission characteristics of VOCs released during ME printing processes using ABS and PLA in various printing environments, such as chambers, laboratories, and workplaces, as well as their potential influencing factors under different environmental conditions. A total of 62 VOC substances were identified in chamber studies using ABS and PLA filaments; for example, styrene had an emission rate of 0.29–113.10 μg/min, and isopropyl alcohol had an emission rate of 3.55–56.53 μg/min. Emission rates vary depending on the composition of the filament’s raw materials, additives (such as dyes and stabilizers), printing conditions (temperature), the printer’s condition (whether it has closure), and other factors. Additionally, we reviewed the toxicological concerns associated with hazardous VOC species commonly detected during the ME printing process and estimated cancer and non-cancer risks for users after long-term inhalation exposure. Potential health hazards associated with inhalation exposure to benzene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, styrene, and other substances were identified, which were calculated based on concentrations measured in real indoor environments. This study provides valuable insights for future research on the development of ME printing technologies and offers suggestions to reduce VOC emissions to protect users. Full article

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of organic compounds with fused aromatic rings, primarily derived from combustion processes and environmental pollutants. This narrative review discusses the most relevant studies on PAHs, focusing on their sources, environmental and occupational exposure, and effects on human health, emphasizing their roles as carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic agents. The primary pathways for human exposure to PAHs are through the ingestion of contaminated food (mainly due to some food processing methods, such as smoking and high-temperature cooking techniques), the inhalation of ambient air, and the smoking of cigarettes. Coke oven workers are recognized as a high-risk occupational group for PAH exposure, highlighting the need for appropriate strategies to mitigate these risks and safeguard worker health. PAHs are metabolized into reactive intermediates in the body, which can lead to DNA damage and promote the development of various health conditions, particularly in environments with high exposure levels. Chronic PAH exposure has been linked to respiratory diseases, as well as cardiovascular problems and immune system suppression. Furthermore, this review underscores the significant impact of PAHs on reproductive health. The results of the reported studies suggest that both male and female fertility can be compromised due to oxidative stress, DNA damage, and endocrine disruption caused by PAH exposure. In males, PAHs impair sperm quality, while, in females, they disrupt ovarian function, potentially leading to infertility, miscarriage, and birth defects. Fetal exposure to PAHs is also associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Given the extensive and detrimental health risks posed by PAHs, this review stresses the importance of stringent environmental regulations, occupational safety measures, and public health initiatives to mitigate exposure and safeguard reproductive and overall health. Full article

Fast-developing countries, particularly in Southeast Asia, are critically susceptible to high concentrations of inhalable fine particulate pollution (PM2.5), which threatens public health and economic development. This study evaluates the incremental reduction in PM2.5 concentrations and its potential health and economic benefits, focusing on sustainable air quality management in vulnerable communities, particularly in the fisheries sector in the Philippines. Using satellite-derived PM2.5 data and the Environmental Benefits Mapping and Analysis Program–Community Edition (BenMAP-CE) model, the estimated premature mortality rates and the associated costs under various concentration reduction scenarios (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) for the regions of Navotas, Bohol, and Davao Del Sur revealed substantial health and economic benefits. Under 25–50% reduction scenarios, it could prevent annual premature mortalities of 55–104 in the three regions, generating approximately USD 1.15 million in monetary benefits. A more considerable 75–100% reduction scenario could prevent up to 206 mortalities annually, yielding USD 2.07 million in monetary benefits. These benefits were notable in areas with higher baseline PM2.5 concentrations, such as Navotas and Davao Del Sur, which experienced significant reductions in premature mortality within the range of 1–3% of the fisherfolk population. These findings highlight the incremental reduction strategies in a sector-specific approach to protect vulnerable communities crucial for economic development. The developed approach aims to improve the air quality in fishing-dependent regions to ensure sustainable livelihoods across the Philippines while meeting national and global health targets. Full article

Levels of BTEX (Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and p-Xylene) were determined in the ambient air of two urban sites located in the Metropolitan Area of Monterrey (MAM) during two climatic seasons of 2023. The study revealed that BTEX compounds in Santa Catarina and Obispado had the following relative abundance: p-Xylene (20.09 µg m⁻³) > Toluene (19.50 µg m⁻³) > Ethylbenzene (19.34 µg m⁻³) > Benzene (17.39 µg m⁻³). Their concentrations were consistent with global reports, showing diurnal and seasonal variability. Levels were higher during the dry season due to elevated temperatures, low wind speeds, and lack of precipitation, which reduced pollutant dispersion. BTEX concentrations in Santa Catarina (industrial site) and Obispado (urban site) were influenced by local activities like industrial processes, area sources, and vehicular traffic. Wind rose analysis confirmed the influence of local sources, with higher BTEX levels when winds came from the east. This was linked to pollutant transport within MAM and thermal inversions trapping pollutants during the dry season. Benzene/Toluene (B/T) and p-Xylene/Ethylbenzene (X/E) ratios showed that the sampling sites were influenced by vehicular sources and local fresh emissions. Benzene inhalation has an unacceptable lifetime cancer risk, urging MAM authorities to implement stricter regulations to protect public health. While non-cancer risks were within acceptable limits, controlling Benzene and p-Xylene emissions remains critical to improving air quality. Full article

Unprecedented levels of air pollution in our cities due to rapid urbanization have caused major health concerns, severely affecting the population, especially children and the elderly. A steady loss of ecological balance, without remedial measures like phytoremediation, coupled with alarming vehicular and industrial pollution, have pushed the Air Quality Index (AQI) and particulate matter (PM) to dangerous levels, especially in the metropolitan cities of India. Monitoring and accurate prediction of inhalable Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and Particulate Matter 10 (PM10) levels, which cause escalations in and increase the risks of asthma, respiratory inflammation, bronchitis, high blood pressure, compromised lung function, and lung cancer, have become more critical than ever. To that end, the authors of this work have proposed a federated learning (FL) framework for monitoring and predicting PM2.5 and PM10 across multiple locations, with a resultant impact analysis with respect to key health parameters. The proposed FL approach encompasses four stages: client selection for processing and model updates, aggregation for global model updates, a pollution prediction model with necessary explanations, and finally, the health impact analysis corresponding to the PM levels. This framework employs a VGG-19 deep learning model, and leverages Causal Inference for interpretability, enabling accurate impact analysis across a host of health conditions. This research has employed datasets specific to India, Nepal, and China for the purposes of model prediction, explanation, and impact analysis. The approach was found to achieve an overall accuracy of 92.33%, with the causal inference-based impact analysis producing an accuracy of 84% for training and 72% for testing with respect to PM2.5, and an accuracy of 79% for training and 74% for testing with respect to PM10. Compared to previous studies undertaken in this field, this proposed approach has demonstrated better accuracy, and is the first of its kind to analyze health impacts corresponding to PM2.5 and PM10 levels. Full article

The global prevalence and burden of anxiety disorders (ADs) are increasing. However, findings on the acute effects of air pollution on ADs remain inconclusive. We evaluated the effects of short-term exposure to ambient air pollutants, including fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), inhalable particulate matter (PM₁₀), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and ozone (O₃), on daily hospital visits for ADs. A generalized additive model was used to perform a time-series analysis on data from a Southern China city’s medical insurance system between 1 March 2021, and 31 July 2023. Although the daily levels of most pollutants (PM₁₀, SO₂, CO, NO₂ and O₃) were consistently below China and WHO’s Ambient Air-Quality Standards, significant associations were observed between daily hospital visits for ADs and all six air pollutants. Each interquartile range increase in concentrations resulted in the largest odds ratios of 1.08 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.16) at lag1 for PM_2.5, 1.19 (95% CI: 1.05, 1.34) at lag07 for NO₂, 1.14 (95% CI: 1.05, 1.23) at lag02 for CO, 1.12 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.25) at lag07 for PM₁₀, 1.06 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.12) at lag7 for SO₂ and 1.08 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.15) at lag7 for O₃, respectively. The effects of NO₂ and CO remained robust across subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses. Females and middle-aged individuals showed stronger associations than other subgroups. The findings underscore the necessity for public health efforts to alleviate the impact of air pollution on mental health, even in low-concentration settings. Full article

This review discusses approaches and implementations of flowrate sensing and measurement in smart inhalers for effective respiratory disease management. It highlights the importance of compliance with proper inhaling techniques and consistent adherence for managing respiratory conditions. Methods and relevant commercial and prototype research-type devices for sensing and measuring inhalation flowrate in smart inhalers are studied and compared. The study argues that the utilisation of acoustic analysis and air-pressure sensing is a promising approach to detect and evaluate the inhaling action, ultimately allowing improvement in the treatment outcomes and life quality of patients with respiratory diseases. Full article

This paper investigates the impact of air quality and climate variability during the first wave of COVID-19 associated with accelerated transmission and lethality in Wuhan in China and four European metropolises (Milan, Madrid, London, and Bucharest). For the period 1 January–15 June 2020, including the COVID-19 pre-lockdown, lockdown, and beyond periods, this study used a synergy of in situ and derived satellite time-series data analyses, investigating the daily average inhalable gaseous pollutants ozone (O₃), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and particulate matter in two size fractions (PM2.5 and PM10) together with the Air Quality Index (AQI), total Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) at 550 nm, and climate variables (air temperature at 2 m height, relative humidity, wind speed, and Planetary Boundary Layer height). Applied statistical methods and cross-correlation tests involving multiple datasets of the main air pollutants (inhalable PM2.5 and PM10 and NO₂), AQI, and aerosol loading AOD revealed a direct positive correlation with the spread and severity of COVID-19. Like in other cities worldwide, during the first-wave COVID-19 lockdown, due to the implemented restrictions on human-related emissions, there was a significant decrease in most air pollutant concentrations (PM2.5, PM10, and NO₂), AQI, and AOD but a high increase in ground-level O₃ in all selected metropolises. Also, this study found negative correlations of daily new COVID-19 cases (DNCs) with surface ozone level, air temperature at 2 m height, Planetary Boundary PBL heights, and wind speed intensity and positive correlations with relative humidity. The findings highlight the differential impacts of pandemic lockdowns on air quality in the investigated metropolises. Full article

To assess the impact of air pollution on human health in multiple urban areas in Greece, hourly concentrations of common air pollutants (CO, NO₂, O₃, SO₂, PM₁₀, and PM_2.5) from 11 monitoring stations in six major Greek cities (Athens, Thessaloniki, Patra, Volos, Ioannina, and Kozani), were used to implement the U.S. EPA’s Air Quality Index (AQI) during a seven-year period (2016–2022). In Athens, the capital city of Greece, hourly PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 concentrations were also studied in relation to the prevailing wind patterns, while major PM₁₀ episodes exceeding the official daily EU limit (50 μg/m³) were analyzed using the Potential Source Contribution Function (PSCF) in terms of the air mass origin. According to the AQI results, PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 were by far the most hazardous pollutants associated with moderate and unhealthy conditions in all the studied areas. In addition, in Athens, Thessaloniki, and Patra, where the benzene levels were also studied, a potential inhalation cancer risk (>1.0 × 10⁻⁶) was detected. In Athens, Saharan dust intrusions were associated with downgraded air quality, whilst regional transport and the accumulation of local emissions triggered increased PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 levels in traffic sites, especially during cold periods. Our study highlights the need for the development of early warning systems and emission abatement strategies for PM pollution in Greece. Full article

Recent advances in sensor technology for air pollution monitoring open new possibilities in the field of environmental epidemiology. The low spatial resolution of fixed outdoor measurement stations and modelling uncertainties currently limit the understanding of personal exposure. In this context, air quality sensor systems (AQSSs) offer significant potential to enhance personal exposure assessment. A pilot study was conducted to investigate the feasibility of the NO₂ sensor model B43F and the particulate matter (PM) sensor model OPC-R1, both from Alphasense (UK), for use in epidemiological studies. Seven patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma had built-for-purpose sensor systems placed inside and outside of their homes at fixed locations for one month. Participants documented their indoor activities, presence in the house, window status, and symptom severity and performed a peak expiratory flow test. The potential inhaled doses of PM_2.5 and NO₂ were calculated using different data sources such as outdoor data from air quality monitoring stations, indoor data from AQSSs, and generic inhalation rates (IR) or activity-specific IR. Moreover, the relation between indoor and outdoor air quality obtained with AQSSs, an indoor source apportionment study, and an evaluation of the suitability of the AQSS data for studying the relationship between air quality and health were investigated. The results highlight the value of the sensor data and the importance of monitoring indoor air quality and activity patterns to avoid exposure misclassification. The use of AQSSs at fixed locations shows promise for larger-scale and/or long-term epidemiological studies. Full article

Due to the material properties of current ski face masks for adolescents, moisture in exhaled air can become trapped within the material fibers and freeze, leading to potential issues such as breathing difficulties and increased risk of facial frostbite after prolonged skiing. This paper proposes a research approach combining computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and ergonomics to address these issues and enhance the comfort of adolescent skiers. We developed head and face mask models based on the head dimensions of 15–17-year-old males. For enclosed cavities, ensuring the smooth expulsion of exhaled air to prevent re-inhalation is the primary challenge. Through fluid simulation of airflow characteristics within the cavity, we evaluated three different inlet configurations. The results indicate that the location of the air inlets significantly affects the airflow characteristics within the cavity. The side inlet design (type II) showed an average face temperature of 35.35 °C, a 38.5% reduction in average CO₂ concentration within the cavity, and a smaller vortex area compared to the other two inlet configurations. Although the difference in airflow velocity within the cavity among the three configurations was minimal, the average exit velocity differed by up to 0.11 m/s. Thus, we conclude that the side inlet configuration offers minimal obstruction to airflow circulation and better thermal insulation when used in the design of fully enclosed helmets. This enhances the safety and comfort of adolescent wearers during physical activities in cold environments. Through this study, we aim to further promote the development of skiing education, enhance the overall quality of adolescents’ skiing, and thus provide them with more opportunities for the future. Full article

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