Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiawen Liao, Yang Liu, Kyle Steenland, Ajay Pillarisetti, Lisa M. Thompson, Sagnik Dey, Kalpana Balakrishnan, Thomas Clasen
Summary: A study conducted in India shows an association between exposure to PM2.5 during the in utero and post-delivery periods and child survival. This study highlights the need for measures to reduce ambient air pollution levels, especially during pregnancy and early life stages, in India and other countries where guideline values are exceeded.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
H. A. Sheikh, B. A. Maher, A. W. Woods, P. Y. Tung, R. J. Harrison
Summary: This study demonstrates the efficacy of roadside green infrastructure (GI) in improving local air quality by capturing and reducing airborne particulate matter (PM). A recently installed 'tredge' was found to be effective in intercepting and depositing PM, resulting in significant reduction in exposure in a school playground setting. The findings suggest that GI can be a cost-effective mitigation strategy.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shuang Zhou, Lizi Lin, Zheng Bao, Tong Meng, Shanshan Wang, Gongbo Chen, Qin Li, Zheng Liu, Heling Bao, Na Han, Haijun Wang, Yuming Guo
Summary: Prenatal exposure to PM1 and PM2.5 was significantly associated with increased weight-for-length, BMI Z-scores, and a higher risk of OWOB in one-year-old children. These associations were partially mediated by preterm birth.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Robert Popek, Beata Fornal-Pieniak, Filip Chylinski, Magdalena Pawelkowicz, Jan Bobrowicz, Dominika Chrzanowska, Natalia Piechota, Arkadiusz Przybysz
Summary: The study found that plants at all layers of urban forests accumulate particulate matter (PM). Herbaceous plants growing along roadsides efficiently accumulate PM, while trees and shrubs accumulate PM that was not deposited on herbaceous plants. As the distance from the road into the forest increases, the PM content on herbaceous plants decreases and the accumulation on trees and shrubs increases. The results demonstrate the important role of meadow vegetation and urban forests in air purification.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Wiessam Abu Ahmad, Ronit Nirel, Rachel Golan, Itai Kloog, Ran Rotem, Maya Negev, Gideon Koren, Hagai Levine
Summary: Exposure to PM2.5 during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of preterm birth, with the effect being modified by ambient temperature. Lower temperatures amplify the risk, while higher temperatures reduce the risk.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Chen Gong, Jianmei Wang, Zhipeng Bai, David Q. Rich, Yujuan Zhang
Summary: This study systematically reviewed the impact of prenatal exposure to ambient PM2.5 on birth weight among term births and found a negative association between maternal PM2.5 exposure and birth weight during the entire pregnancy. Different exposure assessment methods can affect the heterogeneity of study results.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Festina Balidemaj, Erin Flanagan, Ebba Malmqvist, Ralf Rittner, Karin Kallen, Daniel Oudin Astrom, Anna Oudin
Summary: This study investigated the relationships between prenatal exposure to different sources of PM2.5 and birth weight, finding that each local source of PM2.5 was associated with reduced birth weight, with only small-scale residential heating clearly linked to low birth weight.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Yunyun Luo, Yuelun Zhang, Hui Pan, Shi Chen
Summary: The study found that pregnant women exposed to PM2.5 during pregnancy were at an increased risk of macrosomia in both the entire pregnancy and the first trimester. Maternal exposure to SHS during pregnancy enhances the impact of PM2.5 air pollutants on the risk of macrosomia, with a stronger interaction between the two pollutants as the frequency of SHS exposure increases.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Megha Chitranshi, Daniel Rui Chen, Peter Kosel, Marc Cahay, Mark Schulz
Summary: A flexible and lightweight carbon nanotube composite air filter for particulate matter removal is proposed. The filter demonstrated high filtration efficiency and hydrophobicity suitable for humid environments.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Inyang Uwak, Natalie Olson, Angelica Fuentes, Megan Moriarty, Jairus Pulczinski, Juleen Lam, Xiaohui Xu, Brandie D. Taylor, Samuel Taiwo, Kirsten Koehler, Margaret Foster, Weihsueh A. Chiu, Natalie M. Johnson
Summary: Numerous studies have shown an inverse association between prenatal exposure to PM2.5 and low birth weight, with an increase in PM2.5 exposure related to a decrease in birth weight. On the other hand, the evidence for the impact of PM10 on birth weight is moderate and the quality of evidence for coarse PM is rated as very low/low, primarily due to heterogeneity and risk of bias.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yanhong Huang, Xi Gong, Lin Liu, Li Luo, Shuguang Leng, Yan Lin
Summary: Infants with low birth weight (LBW) are more likely to have health problems. This study found associations between maternal exposure to 10 metal components of PM2.5 and LBW in offspring, specifically an increase in LBW rate associated with mercury and chromium exposure.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
Doug Brugge, Jianghong Li, Wig Zamore
Summary: Particulate matter air pollution is linked to blood inflammatory markers, but the mechanisms through which exposure leads to peripheral inflammation are not well known. We suggest that the NLRP3 inflammasome might be activated by ambient particulate matter, as it is by other particles, and recommend further research into this pathway.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ashlinn K. Quinn, Irene Apewe Adjei, Kenneth Ayuurebobi Ae-Ngibise, Oscar Agyei, Ellen Abrafi Boamah-Kaali, Katrin Burkart, Daniel Carrion, Steven N. Chillrud, Carlos F. Gould, Stephaney Gyaase, Darby W. Jack, Seyram Kaali, Patrick L. Kinney, Alison G. Lee, Mohammed Nuhu Mujtaba, Felix Boakye Oppong, Seth Owusu-Agyei, Abena Yawson, Blaire J. Wylie, Kwaku Poku Asante
Summary: This study found associations between maternal exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) during pregnancy and birth outcomes in newborns, with these effects being modified by placental malaria status. The results suggest that even modest reductions in exposure to household air pollution (HAP) among pregnant women could yield substantial public health benefits.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rizhen Wang, Jingjing Liu, Yinghua Qin, Zhuo Chen, Jiacheng Li, Pengfei Guo, Linghan Shan, Ye Li, Yanhua Hao, Mingli Jiao, Xinye Qi, Nan Meng, Shengchao Jiang, Zheng Kang, Qunhong Wu
Summary: The study examines the contribution of different air pollutants to death across various diseases and finds that ambient particulate matter pollution is the primary contributor to mortality burden. It also highlights the impact of population ageing on the increase in deaths caused by air pollution.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhuoying Li, Jianjiang Lu, Yanbin Tong, Shanman Li, Feifei He
Summary: Environmental pollution has become a growing concern in China due to rapid economic development. This study analyzed atmospheric particulate matter samples from different cities in Xinjiang, China to understand the spatial distribution of microbial communities. The results showed that environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and wind speed had a significant impact on microorganisms, while O3 had a negative correlation. Short-range transported air masses had a greater impact on local pollutants and microorganisms.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nicole C. Deziel, Joshua L. Warren, Mercedes A. Bravo, Franchesca Macalintal, Rachel T. Kimbro, Michelle L. Bell
Summary: The study evaluated the spatial distribution, variability, and relationships among different metrics of social vulnerability and isolation across urban and rural settings to inform interpretation and selection of metrics for environmental disparity research.
JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Seulkee Heo, Michelle L. Bell
Summary: The study explored the disparities in accessing greenspace by sociodemographic status, and found that different greenspace metrics were associated with income, education, linguistic isolation, race/ethnicity, and age. The findings highlight the need to consider different greenspace indicators in decision-making processes within local contexts.
JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Barrak Alahmad, Haitham Khraishah, Dominic Roye, Ana Maria Vicedo-Cabrera, Yuming Guo, Stefania I. Papatheodorou, Souzana Achilleos, Fiorella Acquaotta, Ben Armstrong, Michelle L. Bell, Shih-Chun Pan, Micheline de Sousa Zanotti Stagliorio Coelho, Valentina Colistro, Tran Ngoc Dang, Do Van Dung, Francesca K. De Donato, Alireza Entezari, Yue-Liang Leon Guo, Masahiro Hashizume, Yasushi Honda, Ene Indermitte, Carmen Iniguez, Jouni J. K. Jaakkola, Ho Kim, Eric Lavigne, Whanhee Lee, Shanshan Li, Joana Madureira, Fatemeh Mayvaneh, Hans Orru, Ala Overcenco, Martina S. Ragettli, Niilo R. I. Ryti, Paulo Hilario Nascimento Saldiva, Noah Scovronick, Xerxes Seposo, Francesco Sera, Susana Pereira Silva, Massimo Stafoggia, Aurelio Tobias, Eric Garshick, Aaron S. Bernstein, Antonella Zanobetti, Joel Schwartz, Antonio Gasparrini, Petros Koutrakis
Summary: A study found that exposure to extreme hot and cold temperatures is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease mortality. The study used data from 567 cities in 27 countries and found a positive correlation between high and low temperatures and mortality from various cardiovascular diseases. The highest risks were observed for heart attacks and stroke during exposure to extreme temperatures.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hyung Joo Lee, Michelle L. Bell, Petros Koutrakis
Summary: This study quantified the impact of drought on air quality in California and found that droughts resulted in higher ozone concentrations. The study also identified that the impact of drought on ozone concentrations was more significant during the warm season than the cool season, with regional variations.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Mito Imagawa, Marcus Rushing, Allison Carter, Renee Schott, Jesse D. Berman
Summary: Lead poisoning remains a significant health issue for humans and wildlife. This study uses GIS to investigate the associations between blood lead levels in wildlife and potential lead exposure risk factors in an urban area. The results reveal a high variability in animal blood lead levels across the urban environment, with road density and population density being significant factors. The findings suggest a need for a One Health approach to address public health concerns and aid in wildlife rehabilitation.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Masna Rai, Massimo Stafoggia, Francesca de'Donato, Matteo Scortichini, Sofia Zafeiratou, Liliana Vazquez Fernandez, Siqi Zhang, Klea Katsouyanni, Evangelia Samoli, Shilpa Rao, Eric Lavigne, Yuming Guo, Haidong Kan, Samuel Osorio, Jan Kysely, Ales Urban, Hans Orru, Marek Maasikmets, Jouni J. K. Jaakkola, Niilo Ryti, Mathilde Pascal, Masahiro Hashizume, Chris Fook Sheng Ng, Barrak Alahmad, Magali Hurtado Diaz, Cesar De la Cruz Valencia, Baltazar Nuness, Joana Madureira, Noah Scovronick, Rebecca M. Garland, Ho Kim, Whanhee Lee, Aurelio Tobias, Carmen Iniguez, Bertil Forsberg, Christofer Astrom, Ana Maria Vicedo-Cabrera, Martina S. Ragettli, Yue-Liang Leon Guo, Shih-Chun Pan, Shanshan Li, Antonio Gasparrini, Francesco Sera, Pierre Masselot, Joel Schwartz, Antonella Zanobetti, Michelle L. Bell, Alexandra Schneider, Susanne Breitner
Summary: A study conducted in 482 locations across 24 countries found that heat has an impact on cardiovascular and respiratory mortality, and air pollution exacerbates this effect. The effect on respiratory mortality is stronger than on cardiovascular mortality. Therefore, it is crucial to implement mitigation measures based on the new WHO Air Quality Guidelines to improve health and promote sustainable development.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Scott D. Siegel, Madeline M. Brooks, Jesse D. Berman, Shannon M. Lynch, Jennifer Sims-Mourtada, Zachary T. Schug, Frank C. Curriero
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between neighborhood-level exposures and the risk of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). The results showed that cumulative exposure to neighborhood-level risk factors was associated with a higher risk of TNBC. Census tracts with a higher proportion of Black residents had higher cumulative exposure risk scores, suggesting that neighborhood conditions may contribute to the risk of TNBC in Black communities.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cheng He, Peng Yin, Renjie Chen, Ya Gao, Wei Liu, Alexandra Schneider, Michelle L. Bell, Haidong Kan, Maigeng Zhou
Summary: This nationwide study confirms that higher summer temperatures are associated with an increased risk of accidental deaths. Younger age groups and males face a higher risk. This indicates that current estimates of the health effects of climate change might be underestimated, particularly for younger populations.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lucien Swetschinski, Kelvin C. Fong, Rachel Morello-Frosch, Julian D. Marshall, Michelle L. Bell
Summary: The societal costs of air pollution have historically been measured in terms of premature deaths, disability-adjusted life years, and medical costs. However, emerging research shows that air pollution can also impact human capital formation. Extended exposure to pollutants such as PM2.5 during childhood can lead to health complications and hinder academic performance and skill acquisition. A study analyzing income data for Americans born between 1979 and 1983 found that early-life exposure to PM2.5 is associated with lower predicted income percentiles in adulthood. The study estimates that meeting air quality standards for PM2.5 could have increased 2014-2015 earnings by $7.18 billion for this birth cohort.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jieun Min, Whanhee Lee, Michelle L. Bell, Yijun Kim, Seulkee Heo, Ga Eun Kim, Jee Hyun Kim, Ji Young Yun, Soo In Kim, Joel Schwartz, Eunhee Ha
Summary: This study investigates the risks and excess costs of hospital admission for neurological symptoms due to long-term exposure to PM2.5. The results show a positive correlation between PM2.5 and headache, as well as convulsion, and estimate the additional hospital admission costs associated with these symptoms.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
Michelle L. Bell, Krystal J. G. Pollitt, Nicole C. Deziel
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Vu Thuy Huong Le, Jesse D. Berman, Elizabeth Wattenberg, Toan Van Ngo, Quynh Anh Tran, Bruce H. Alexander
Summary: This study analyzed the effects of temperature on emergency injury visits (EIV) in Hanoi, Vietnam. The results showed a positive association between temperature and EIV, with males and individuals aged 15-44 and 44-60 being more vulnerable to injuries.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rongbin Xu, Tingting Ye, Xu Yue, Zhengyu Yang, Wenhua Yu, Yiwen Zhang, Michelle L. Bell, Lidia Morawska, Pei Yu, Yuxi Zhang, Yao Wu, Yanming Liu, Fay Johnston, Yadong Lei, Michael J. Abramson, Yuming Guo, Shanshan Li
Summary: Wildfires caused by climate change are increasing in severity and frequency, leading to higher levels of air pollution. This study reveals that the global population is increasingly exposed to air pollution from landscape fires, with higher levels in low-income countries compared to high-income countries.
Article
Respiratory System
Camille Robichaux, Jordan Aron, Chris H. Wendt, Jesse Berman, Austin Rau, Ann Bangerter, R. Adams Dudley, Arianne K. Baldomero
Summary: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients living in poorer neighborhoods and urban areas have higher all-cause mortality rates, indicating the impact of social determinants of health on COPD outcomes. Black/African American race was initially associated with higher mortality, but this association was abrogated after adjusting for other factors.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Annie I. Chen, Keita Ebisu, Tarik Benmarhnia, Rupa Basu
Summary: This study examined the impacts of wildfire smoke events on respiratory, cardiovascular, diabetes, and mental health outcomes in California. The results showed that smoke events were associated with increased risk of emergency department visits for respiratory diseases, asthma, chronic lower respiratory disease, and cardiovascular diseases. Mental health outcomes showed mixed results. The study also revealed potential disparities by race/ethnicity.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
