Impacts of Air Quality on Environment and Human Health

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce a Topic of MDPI publications that will explore the impacts of air quality on the environment and human health. We are aware of the adverse effects that air pollution generates. A dramatic example is climate change, which affects entire ecosystems and natural and built living environments. In recognition of this significant topic, we are launching a cross-cutting Topic, which draws the attention of different disciplinary areas, aiming to gather scientific observations that expand academic knowledge on issues related to air quality and environmental and human health. Due to the crucial role played by the topic in protecting and promoting environmental and population health, this Topic aims to publish scientific evidence regarding the following topics:

- Air Quality
- Air Pollution
- Indoor Air Quality
- Bioaerosols
- Particulate Matter
- Air Pollution
- Environmental Health
- Public Health
- Human Health
- One Health
- Climate Change

This Topic will include high-quality papers on topics within the broad scope of MDPI journals. We welcome the submission of reviews, original research articles, short communications, systematic reviews, case Studies, and other types of articles targeting any of the above-mentioned core research questions and beyond.

Dr. Marco Dettori
Dr. Antonella Arghittu
Dr. Giovanna Deiana
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Urban Science urbansci	2.1	4.3	2017	20.7 Days	CHF 1600	Submit
Medicina medicina	2.4	3.3	1920	17.1 Days	CHF 2200	Submit
Atmosphere atmosphere	2.5	4.6	2010	16.1 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Buildings buildings	3.1	3.4	2011	15.3 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Applied Sciences applsci	2.5	5.3	2011	18.4 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Aerobiology aerobiology	-	-	2023	15.0 days *	CHF 1000	Submit
Healthcare healthcare	2.4	3.5	2013	20.3 Days	CHF 2700	Submit

* Median value for all MDPI journals in the second half of 2024.

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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All Urban Science Medicina Atmosphere Buildings Applied Sciences Aerobiology Healthcare

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Open AccessArticle

Non-Optimal Wet-Bulb Temperature and Short-Term Black Carbon Exposure Largely Impact Emergency Department Visits for Cause-Stable Ischemic Heart Disease

by Qianrong Chen, Kun Hou, Xia Xu and Zhen Wang

Atmosphere 2025, 16(5), 542; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16050542 - 4 May 2025

Abstract

Little is known about the effects of wet-bulb temperature (WBT) and short-term black carbon (BC) exposure on emergency department visits for cause-stable ischemic heart disease (CSIHD). In this study, we improved and extended a set of distributed lag nonlinear models (DLNMs). After controlling [...] Read more.

Little is known about the effects of wet-bulb temperature (WBT) and short-term black carbon (BC) exposure on emergency department visits for cause-stable ischemic heart disease (CSIHD). In this study, we improved and extended a set of distributed lag nonlinear models (DLNMs). After controlling for the interaction effect of WBT and BC and multiple confounding factors, we found that the lagged effect of low WBT reached the maximum risk of 1.076 (95% CI, 1.083–1.134) at lag day 7, which was greater than the maximum value of 1.057 (95% CI, 1.016–1.093) of high WBT occurring at lag day 0. The lagged effects of low and high BC both approached their maximum at lag day 0, corresponding to the risk of 1.061 (95% CI, 1.021–1.085) and 1.326 (95% CI, 1.072–1.187), respectively. The effect of short-term consecutive extreme low WBT was significant over a duration of 0–5.5 days and became insignificant after 5.5 days, whereas extreme high WBT had no impact except for the duration of 0–3 days. Exposure to short-term consecutive extreme low and high BC was found to have significant effects over a certain period, manifested in the durations of 0–1, 4–10, and 0–10 days, respectively. Our study confirmed the association of varying degrees of WBT and BC with emergency department visits for CSIHD, and targeted public health interventions for individuals are recommended under specific external humid thermal and high air pollution environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Impacts of Air Quality on Environment and Human Health)

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20 pages, 33654 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Air Pollutant Exposure on Diabetes Hospital Admissions in a City in Xinjiang

by Zhicong Fu, Haoxuan Gong, Xiaopeng Hu, Yuting Xie and Dongsheng Rui

Atmosphere 2025, 16(3), 244; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16030244 - 21 Feb 2025

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Abstract

Emerging evidence highlights air pollution as a critical environmental risk factor for diabetes exacerbation. In Xinjiang’s unique climatic context, characterized by prolonged heating seasons and temperature inversions, pollutant dispersion is severely constrained, potentially amplifying health impacts. This study will collect the daily hospitalization [...] Read more.

Emerging evidence highlights air pollution as a critical environmental risk factor for diabetes exacerbation. In Xinjiang’s unique climatic context, characterized by prolonged heating seasons and temperature inversions, pollutant dispersion is severely constrained, potentially amplifying health impacts. This study will collect the daily hospitalization admissions of 10 comprehensive hospitals in a certain city in Xinjiang from 2021 to 2022, along with air pollutants and meteorological monitoring data during the same period. The relationship between air pollutant concentrations and the daily hospital admission rates of diabetes patients was analyzed using a distributed lag non-linear model. There was no statistically significant difference between the impact of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ exposure on daily hospital admission rates, with RR values reaching peak values at lag5 and lag0 days of 1.06 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.12) and 1.08 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.16), respectively. NO, SO₂, O₃, and CO affected the daily hospital admission rate of diabetic patients, with RR values reaching peak values at lag5, lag1, lag5, and lag2 days of 1.21 (95% CI: 1.11, 1.31), 1.69 (95% CI: 1.43, 1.99), 1.23 (95% CI: 1.14, 1.34), and 1.36 (95% CI: 1.21, 1.53), respectively. PM₁₀ had an immediate effect only on the daily hospital admission rate of males, reaching a peak at lag0 day of 1.16 (95% CI: 1.05, 1.28); NO₂ displayed the largest RR values for females and those over 65 years of age at 1.26 (95% CI: 1.11, 1.44) and 1.23 (95% CI: 1.07, 1.41), respectively, and these results were statistically significant. The results show that exposure to NO₂, SO₂, O₃, and CO increased the risk of hospitalization for diabetes. The diabetic population of women and those over 65 years of age were more vulnerable to exposure to NO₂ and CO, resulting in an increased hospitalization risk. During the entire day and the period from 9 AM to 9 PM, the trend of the influence of NO₂ on the daily hospitalization admission of diabetic patients varies the most, while there is no obvious change trend for the other pollutants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Impacts of Air Quality on Environment and Human Health)

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17 pages, 2485 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Dust Events on UV Index and Vitamin D Synthesis in Bahrain and Its Correlation with Population Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels

by Fatima Jahromi, Maryam Al Mannai, Abdulla Alabed, Saud Alkhlofi, Suha Hejres, Dalal Alromaihi, Prashant Kumar and Afnan Freije

Atmosphere 2024, 15(12), 1497; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15121497 - 16 Dec 2024

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Abstract

Vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining human health. Its deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of several chronic diseases. Sun exposure, particularly UV-B radiation, accounts for greater than 90% of vitamin D production in humans. The aim of this [...] Read more.

Vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining human health. Its deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of several chronic diseases. Sun exposure, particularly UV-B radiation, accounts for greater than 90% of vitamin D production in humans. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between dust and UV index and its effect on vitamin D concentrations. Data on the UV index and the number of dusty days measured at ≤1000 m, ≤3000 m, and ≤5000 m altitudes in the period January 2017 to June 2022 were collected. Dust particles (PM_2.5 and PM₁₀) and vitamin D values were also gathered. No correlation was observed between UV index and PM_2.5 (r = −0.013, p = 0.947) and between UV index and PM₁₀ (r = 0.251, p = 0.165) due to numerous factors, such as unavailable data on UV-B and particle concentrations at a maximum of 1000 m rather than 20 to 30 km. A positive correlation was observed between the number of dusty days at all altitudes and PM₁₀ (p < 0.001), whereas no correlation was found between the number of dusty days at all altitudes and PM_2.5. A positive correlation was found between vitamin D-deficient patients and PM_2.5 (r = 0.529, p = 0.005) and between vitamin D-deficient patients and PM₁₀ (r = 0.399, p = 0.024). The PM _2.5 and PM₁₀ concentrations exceeded both the WHO guidelines and the Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended levels during most months of the study period. The average range of the PM_2.5/PM₁₀ ratio was low (0.24–0.35), indicating dust pollution. The results indicate a strong relationship between PM₁₀ dust particles and the number of vitamin D-deficient patients, indicating high levels of dust air pollution, which might have an influence on the high levels of vitamin D deficiency in Bahrain. This study hypothesized that dust events may reduce UV-B levels, leading to vitamin D deficiency (VDD). However, the results of the study supported this hypothesis only partially due to several limitations, including the unavailability of data on UV-B, dusty days, and dust particles (PM_2.5 and PM₁₀) at higher altitudes (20–30 Km). Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Impacts of Air Quality on Environment and Human Health)

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14 pages, 1157 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Concrete Actions for Improving Indoor Air Quality in Korea: Advancing Public Health for Vulnerable Populations

by Seongho Jeon, Hyosun Lee, Kyunghee Jo, Yongsung Park, Wonsuck Yoon and Jaewook Choi

Atmosphere 2024, 15(11), 1389; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15111389 - 18 Nov 2024

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Abstract

In modern society, individuals spend an increasing amount of time indoors, emphasizing the importance of understanding the health impacts of indoor environments. This study focused on measuring indoor air quality to identify vulnerable populations and observe the effects of residential environment improvements on [...] Read more.

In modern society, individuals spend an increasing amount of time indoors, emphasizing the importance of understanding the health impacts of indoor environments. This study focused on measuring indoor air quality to identify vulnerable populations and observe the effects of residential environment improvements on air quality. Targeting low-income families and elderly households, known for their heightened vulnerability to environmental health risks, the study involved direct visits to 2328 low-income households across 16 cities and provinces in South Korea from 2021 to 2022. Indoor air quality parameters, including PM_2.5, PM₁₀, total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), formaldehyde (HCHO), and airborne mold, were measured. Among these households, 300 with critically compromised living conditions received support for wallpaper and paneling replacement. Comparative measurements before and after the renovations revealed that single-person households had higher levels of PM_2.5 and TVOC compared with households with four or more members. Additionally, households with elevated concentrations of airborne mold also exhibited higher levels of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀. Importantly, households that received environmental improvements showed a significant reduction in airborne mold concentration by approximately 50% or more. This study underscores the importance of indoor environmental health and provides valuable evidence supporting policies focused on health promotion and residential welfare improvements for vulnerable populations. The research is distinguished by its comprehensive nature, involving direct measurements from nearly 2000 households nationwide, rather than relying solely on secondary data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Impacts of Air Quality on Environment and Human Health)

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