Article
Environmental Sciences
Nazneen, A. K. Patra, S. S. R. Kolluru, R. Dubey, S. Kumar
Summary: This study investigated the personal exposure of toll station workers on a busy national highway and found that workers inside the toll cabins were exposed to higher levels of diesel particulate matter. The study also found that particulate matter concentrations were higher in the evenings, on weekdays, and inside the toll cabins. This study highlights the need for specific policies to control pollution in workplaces near traffic.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mohammad Maksimul Islam, Roshan Wathore, Hisham Zerriffi, Julian D. Marshall, Rob Bailis, Andrew P. Grieshop
Summary: We conducted indoor air quality measurements during a multiyear cookstove randomized control trial in rural areas in India. The results suggest that the use of improved stove technology and kitchen ventilation facilities can significantly reduce PM2.5 concentrations in the air.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ajay Pillarisetti, Line W. H. Alnes, Wenlu Ye, John P. McCracken, Eduardo Canuz, Kirk R. Smith
Summary: Household air pollution from solid fuel combustion is a major cause of global morbidity and mortality. Short-term measurements are commonly used to assess the health risks of household air pollution exposure, but their ability to predict longer-term averages is not well understood. In Guatemala, we used a low-cost sensor to measure particle and temperature levels in the kitchens of 8 homes over 120-333 days. We found that a single 24-hour measurement had a 32-39% chance of being within 25% of the household-level mean, and the RMSE of a single 24-hour measurement was 4.5 times higher than the mean of weekly measurements. Sampling once per week or per month yielded estimates that were closer to the overall average and had smaller errors.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
John P. Capitanio, Laura A. Del Rosso, Nancy Gee, Bill L. Lasley
Summary: Prenatal exposure to wildfire smoke may have teratogenic effects on the developing fetus, leading to increased inflammation, decreased cortisol, and altered behavior.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Md Mahsin, Jason Cabaj, Vineet Saini
Summary: The exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) during a remote wildfire event in the Pacific Northwest has led to an increase in outpatient visits related to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases in Calgary, Canada. This increase was observed during and after the wildfire, particularly among children and individuals with pre-existing diabetes or hypertension.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Ashly Anderson, Pedram Rezamand, Amy L. Skibiel
Summary: This study investigated the immune, metabolic, and production responses of lactating Holstein cows to wildfire PM2.5 inhalation. The results showed that exposure to elevated PM2.5 from wildfire smoke resulted in lower milk yield and higher blood CO2 concentration. Additionally, the effects of PM2.5 and temperature-humidity index (THI) on metabolism were contingent on the day of exposure. These findings suggest that exposure to high wildfire-derived PM2.5, alone or in combination with elevated THI, can alter systemic metabolism, milk production, and the innate immune system of dairy cows.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nadya Y. Rivera Rivera, Marcela Tamayo-Ortiz, Adriana Mercado Garcia, Allan C. Just, Itai Kloog, Martha Maria Tellez-Rojo, Robert O. Wright, Rosalind J. Wright, Maria Jose Rosa
Summary: Exposure to prenatal ETS modified the association between prenatal and early life PM2.5 exposure and respiratory outcomes at age 6-8 years, suggesting the importance of considering concurrent chemical exposures to more comprehensively characterize children's environmental risk. Interventions aimed at decreasing passive smoking might mitigate the effects of ambient air pollution.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Krassi Rumchev, Dong Van Hoang, Andy Lee
Summary: Occupational exposure to RCS among mine workers is associated with adverse respiratory health effects, even at concentrations below the exposure limit. More stringent prevention strategies are recommended.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Economics
Ruben Calvo, Nicolas Alamos, Nicolas Huneeus, Raill O'Ryan
Summary: Residential firewood burning is the main source of PM2.5 emissions in southern and central Chile, with approximately 4000 premature deaths observed each year due to air pollution. Mitigation policies aiming to reduce energy demand and promote cleaner energy sources may be hindered by pre-existing energy poverty conditions. Results from the study show that PM2.5 emissions will continue to increase without intervention, and the effectiveness of mitigation policies could potentially be reduced by 25% due to energy poverty effects.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Eghbal Sekhavati, Reza Jalilzadeh Yengejeh
Summary: This study investigated the exposure to high concentrations of suspended particulate matters (PMs) in different stages of construction and the associated health risks in Lar, Fars, Iran. The findings showed that the highest non-cancer risk for construction workers was in the drilling process, particularly for PM2.5 and PM10 particles. It is important to improve management in the construction industry, especially in developing countries, to protect the health of workers.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Surgery
Camille L. Stewart, Mustafa Raoof, Robert Lingeman, Linda Malkas, Viviana Flores, Kerry Caldwell, Yuman Fong, Kurt Melstrom
Summary: The study found that the quantity and mutagenic potential of particulate matter in operating room air is extremely low, almost negligible, compared to office air and cigarette smoke. This may be due to the high airflow and low frequency of diathermy use during surgery.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Kathleen M. Navarro, Kathleen A. Clark, Daniel J. Hardt, Colleen E. Reid, Peter W. Lahm, Joseph W. Domitrovich, Corey R. Butler, John R. Balmes
Summary: Wildland firefighters in the United States respond to wildfires and perform challenging work in remote areas. Exposure to wildfire smoke could increase the likelihood and severity of COVID-19 infection in these firefighters, due to various factors such as oxidative stress and inflammatory responses from particulate matter in the smoke. Additional measures may be necessary to prevent the co-occurrence of wildfire smoke exposure and SARS-CoV-2 infection.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chieh-Ming Wu, Chi (Chuck) Song, Ryan Chartier, Jacob Kremer, Luke Naeher, Olorunfemi Adetona
Summary: Wildland firefighters in the Midwest are exposed to higher levels of wildland fire smoke during prescribed burns compared to those in the western and southeastern United States. Concentrations of carbon monoxide and particulate matter are elevated in the Midwest region. There are differences in exposures among firefighters performing different tasks, and trace metal levels are mostly below safety limits.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ellen Boamah-Kaali, Darby W. Jack, Kenneth A. Ae-Ngibise, Ashlinn Quinn, Seyram Kaali, Kathryn Dubowski, Felix B. Oppong, Blair J. Wylie, Mohammed N. Mujtaba, Carlos F. Gould, Stephaney Gyaase, Steven Chillrud, Seth Owusu-Agyei, Patrick L. Kinney, Kwaku Poku Asante, Alison G. Lee
Summary: In rural Ghana, prenatal and postnatal household air pollution (HAP) exposure can affect infant growth trajectories, while cleaner-burning stove intervention may help improve some growth trajectories.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Guanjin Yin, Xiaodan Wu, Yihan Wu, Hongjin Li, Lei Gao, Xinlei Zhu, Yixuan Jiang, Weidong Wang, Yanling Shen, Yu He, Chen Chen, Yue Niu, Yi Zhang, Ruolin Mao, Yuzhen Zeng, Haidong Kan, Zhihong Chen, Renjie Chen
Summary: The study found that personal exposure to PM2.5 within 24 hours was significantly associated with increased carbon content in airway macrophages (AM), as well as decreased lung function, anti-inflammatory cytokines, and increased pro-inflammatory cytokines. These changes were accompanied by increased areas of AM carbon and higher percentage of AM area occupied by carbon, which were associated with increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and decreased levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Exposure to ambient black carbon and organic carbon in PM2.5 within 2 days was significantly associated with increased AM carbon area and percentage of AM area occupied by carbon. The findings indicate that increased AM carbon content may serve as a valid exposure biomarker for the respiratory health effects of PM2.5.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Miranda Baame Esong, Andre Pascal Goura, Bertrand Hugo Ngahane Mbatchou, Berenice Walage, Herman Styve Yomi Simo, Romarique Mboumo Medjou, Martial Pianta Sonkoue, Cyrielle Douanla Djouda, Rose Suzie Fowoh Ngnewa, Milaine Sandra Teugueu Guiagain, Brice-Donald Kemnang Agokeng, Olivia Tania Megaptche Homla, Dan Pope, Jerome Ateudjieu
Summary: In the peri-urban and rural communities of the Dschang Health District in Cameroon, wood is the primary cooking fuel. Supporting households, especially those with limited resources, to adopt LPG equipment for cooking and use in a more exclusive way, is necessary to reduce household air pollution.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Michael Johnson, Ricardo Piedrahita, Ajay Pillarisetti, Matthew Shupler, Diana Menya, Madeleine Rossanese, Samantha Delapena, Neeraja Penumetcha, Ryan Chartier, Elisa Puzzolo, Daniel Pope
Summary: This study evaluated modeling approaches for estimating personal exposure in Kenyan homes with significant household air pollution from cooking fuel combustion. The best performing regression model utilized a combination of survey-based data and physical measurements, while extreme gradient boosting among the machine learning algorithms yielded the best results.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Matthew Shupler, Mark O'Keefe, Elisa Puzzolo, Emily Nix, Rachel Anderson de Cuevas, James Mwitari, Arthur Gohole, Edna Sang, Iva Cukic, Diana Menya, Daniel Pope
Summary: The study found that 95% of PAYG LPG customers in Nairobi continued using the service during the COVID-19 lockdown, with an increase in gas consumption and cooking frequency. In contrast, households purchasing 6 kg cylinder LPG in Eldoret saw a significant decline in LPG usage days during lockdown. Customers reported additional benefits of PAYG LPG beyond affordability, highlighting the potential for smart meter technology to facilitate clean cooking access.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Sabine Ruths, Inger Haukenes, Oystein Hetlevik, Tone Smith-Sivertsen, Stefan Hjorleifsson, Anneli B. Hansen, Sharline Riiser, Heidi Marie Meling, Valborg Baste
Summary: The study found that in Norway, the trend in general practitioner depression care is towards increased provision of psychological treatment and decreased use of drug treatment and sick-listing. However, significant differences still exist in terms of gender, age, and comorbidity, which require further investigation.
BMC HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Iva Cukic, Chris Kypridemos, Alex W. Evans, Daniel Pope, Elisa Puzzolo
Summary: Rwanda aims to reduce the reliance on solid fuels for cooking and increase LPG usage to improve health, environment, and societal well-being. The National Master Plan projects a significant increase in household LPG use by 2030, leading to reductions in premature deaths, carbon emissions, and improved access to clean modern energy.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Daniel Pope, Michael Johnson, Nigel Fleeman, Kirstie Jagoe, Rui Duarte, Michelle Maden, Ramona Ludolph, Nigel Bruce, Matthew Shupler, Heather Adair-Rohani, Jessica Lewis
Summary: This review analyzed evidence from field studies on cleaner cooking technologies and fuels, indicating that interventions with clean fuels such as LPG and electricity significantly reduce kitchen concentrations and personal exposure to PM2.5 in household settings. However, stove stacking and background levels of ambient air pollution have hindered most clean fuel interventions from reaching the WHO-IT1 target level.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Matthew Shupler, James Mwitari, Arthur Gohole, Rachel Anderson de Cuevas, Elisa Puzzolo, Iva Cukic, Emily Nix, Daniel Pope
Summary: This study reveals the significant impact of the COVID-19 community lockdown on household economic, food, and energy security in informal settlements, with income decline and worsened food insecurity. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing inequities in clean cooking fuel access to improve food and energy security among the urban poor.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Matthew Shupler, Judith Mangeni, Theresa Tawiah, Edna Sang, Miranda Baame, Rachel Anderson de Cuevas, Emily Nix, Emmanuel Betang, Jason Saah, Mieks Twumasi, Seeba Amenga-Etego, Reginald Quansah, Elisa Puzzolo, Bertrand Mbatchou, Kwaku Poku Asante, Diana Menya, Daniel Pope
Summary: This study examined cooking practices in peri-urban communities within Cameroon, Kenya, and Ghana, finding that supply-side factors and the type of stove used were better predictors of LPG usage and consumption than household socio-economic status. These results emphasize the importance of policies promoting LPG supply and stove equipment to meet household needs, as billions of people still rely on polluting fuels for cooking despite efforts to transition to cleaner options.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Matthew Shupler, Diana Menya, Edna Sang, Rachel Anderson de Cuevas, Judith Mang'eni, Federico Lorenzetti, Serena Saligari, Emily Nix, James Mwitari, Arthur Gohole, Daniel Pope, Elisa Puzzolo
Summary: The universal access to cleaner cooking fuels in Kenya has been hindered by COVID-19 restrictions and the reintroduction of value added tax (VAT) on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The impact has been particularly severe for low-income households, leading to increased unemployment and food insecurity. Zero-rating VAT on LPG could help alleviate these inequities.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Ina Grung, Norman Anderssen, Inger Haukenes, Sabine Ruths, Tone-Smith Sivertsen, Oystein Hetlevik, Stefan Hjorleifsson
Summary: This study investigates patient experiences and preferences regarding depression care in general practice. The results show that patients appreciate the help they receive from general practitioners (GPs) and desire to be met with a listening, accepting, understanding, and respectful attitude. It is important for patients to be involved in decision-making regarding their treatment.
SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Sharline Riiser, Valborg Baste, Inger Haukenes, Tone Smith-Sivertsen, Oystein Hetlevik, Sabine Ruths
Summary: This study investigated the associations between practice characteristics and the provision of depression care in general practices in Norway.
BMC HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Emily Floess, Andrew Grieshop, Elisa Puzzolo, Dan Pope, Nicholas Leach, Christopher J. Smith, Annelise Gill-Wiehl, Katherine Landesman, Rob Bailis
Summary: Nearly three billion people in LMICs rely on polluting fuels, causing millions of avoidable deaths each year. Transitioning to LPG and/or electricity can significantly reduce emissions and improve climate impacts. Full transitions to LPG or grid electricity in LMICs can also substantially lower health risks from household air pollution.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Oystein Hetlevik, Tone Smith-Sivertsen, Inger Haukenes, Sabine Ruths, Valborg Baste
Summary: This study aims to investigate the association between depression diagnosis in young adulthood and the risk of marginalization at age 29, focusing on those who completed upper secondary school and those who did not. Using nationwide registers, 111,558 individuals aged 22-29 were followed in a longitudinal cohort study. The results showed that a diagnosis of depression at ages 22-26 increased the risk of low income, prolonged unemployment benefit, and social security benefit at age 29 for both groups. The presence of comorbid mental health conditions further reinforced this association.
SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Mukesh K. Dherani, Daniel Pope, Terence Tafatatha, Ellen Heinsbroek, Ryan Chartier, Thandie Mwalukomo, Amelia Crampin, Elena Mitsi, Esther L. German, Elissavet Nikolaou, Carla Solorzano, Daniela M. Ferreira, Todd D. Swarthout, Jason Hinds, Kevin Mortimer, Stephen B. Gordon, Neil French, Nigel G. Bruce
Summary: This study aimed to assess the association between exposure to household air pollution and the prevalence and density of S pneumoniae carriage among children. The study found a significant association between household air pollution exposure and the prevalence of nasopharyngeal S pneumoniae carriage, providing empirical evidence for the potential mechanistic association between exposure to household air pollution and childhood pneumonia.
LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Primary Health Care
Sharline Riiser, Inger Haukenes, Valborg Baste, Tone Smith-Sivertsen, Oystein Hetlevik, Sabine Ruths
Summary: The study showed that highly educated women on sick leave were less likely to receive medication for depression compared to other patient groups, and more likely to receive talking therapy. GPs provided equitable depression care in terms of consultations and referrals for all intersectional groups, but differential drug treatment and talking therapy for highly educated women.