Article
Environmental Sciences
Meera Sangaramoorthy, Juan Yang, Chiuchen Tseng, Jun Wu, Beate Ritz, Timothy Larson, Scott Fruin, Daniel O. Stram, Sung-shim Lani Park, Adrian A. Franke, Lynne R. Wilkens, Jonathan M. Samet, Salma Shariff-Marco, Christopher A. Haiman, Anna H. Wu, Iona Cheng
Summary: Inhaled particles and gases can harm health by promoting chronic inflammation in the body. This study investigated the relationship between outdoor air pollution and inflammation by race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and lifestyle risk factors. The results showed that particulate matter (PM) and other markers of traffic-related air pollution were associated with circulating levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a biomarker of systemic inflammation.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hari S. Iyer, Jaime E. Hart, Melissa R. Fiffer, Elise G. Elliott, Jeff D. Yanosky, Joel D. Kaufman, Robin C. Puett, Francine Laden
Summary: This study examined the associations between multiple particulate matter and gaseous air pollutants and inflammatory cytokines. The findings suggest that these associations are generally weak, and further research is needed to clarify the specific mechanisms.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kimberly L. Parra, Gene E. Alexander, David A. Raichlen, Yann C. Klimentidis, Melissa A. Furlong
Summary: The study found that air pollutants PM2.5 and NO2 were associated with multiple types of dementia, while the APOE-epsilon 4 genotype did not modify these associations.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
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)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Jie Tang, Anthony Chen, Fan He, Martin Shipley, Alan Nevill, Hugh Coe, Zhi Hu, Tao Zhang, Haidong Kan, Eric Brunner, Xuguang Tao, Ruoling Chen
Summary: Two cohort studies in China found a significant association between air pollution and increased risk of dementia, which is supported by a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of 15 population-based cohort studies worldwide. Controlling air pollution and targeting specific pollutants would help reduce dementia globally.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Mengting Sun, Ming Gao, Manjun Luo, Tingting Wang, Taowei Zhong, Jiabi Qin
Summary: This study used two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess the causal relationship between air pollution and primary liver cancer risk. The results showed no statistical association between air pollution and primary liver cancer in European and East Asian populations. However, there was a causal relationship between nitrogen oxides and the biomarker Arginase-1, which is associated with hepatocellular differentiation.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Yu-yan Yang, Lin Fan, Jiao Wang, Yuan-duo Zhu, Xu Li, Xin-qi Wang, Xu Yan, Li Li, Yu-jing Zhang, Wen-jing Yang, Xiao-yuan Yao, Xian-liang Wang
Summary: The study found that household fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution in China is severe, especially in rural areas where the HPL is higher than in urban areas. There are significant differences in PM2.5 concentrations in households across different seasons and geographic locations. Urgent measures are needed to reduce indoor pollution and protect residents' health.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Otavio T. Ranzani, Santhi Bhogadi, Carles Mila, Bharati Kulkarni, Kalpana Balakrishnan, Sankar Sambandam, Judith Garcia-Aymerich, Julian D. Marshall, Sanjay Kinra, Cathryn Tonne
Summary: The study found negative associations between ambient PM2.5 and household air pollution with lung function in young adults who had recently attained their expected maximum lung function, especially for those using biomass as cooking fuel.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Jeroen de Bont, Suganthi Jaganathan, Marcus Dahlquist, Asa Persson, Massimo Stafoggia, Petter Ljungman
Summary: This umbrella review summarizes the current epidemiological evidence linking ambient air pollution and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), with a focus on geographical differences and vulnerable subpopulations. The review found strong evidence that higher levels of ambient air pollution increase the risk of CVDs, especially all-cause CVD mortality, stroke, and ischemic heart diseases. The associations were stronger in Asian countries and among vulnerable subpopulations.
JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Wenhao Qi, Zhendong Mei, Zhonghan Sun, Chenhao Lin, Jinran Lin, Jialin Li, John S. S. Ji, Yan Zheng
Summary: Atmospheric chemistry studies suggest air pollution reduces cutaneous vitamin D-3 synthesis, while biological evidence shows that inhaled pollutants disrupt circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D metabolism and impact bone health. This study investigated the association between air pollution and fracture risks, finding that higher air pollution concentrations were associated with a higher risk of fractures, partially mediated by lower circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. The study also identified specific pollutants and factors that influenced the strength of this association.
JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Libin Panavelil Oommen, Kumar Gottigere Narayanappa
Summary: The deterioration of air quality due to the combustion of hydrocarbon fuels is a global issue, especially in countries like India where a majority of energy needs are met through fossil fuel combustion. Magnetic field-assisted combustion has shown to be effective in reducing harmful emissions from internal combustion engines, with significant reductions in toxic components like carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons. The study highlights the importance of this technology in combating air pollution from vehicular exhaust, especially in high-speed engine operation, aiming to reduce the overall impact of hydrocarbon combustion on air quality.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Hewen Niu, Shichang Kang, Chandan Sarangi, Guotao Zhang, Mengxue Chen, Yuzhong Zhang, Huili Qin
Summary: This study systematically determines the organic and inorganic constituents in water bodies of the cryosphere region in the eastern Tibetan Plateau and finds that high-elevation water bodies have lower organic carbon content. Additionally, it suggests that atmospheric deposition and anthropogenic activities contribute to the observed patterns in organic carbon and nitrogen content.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jad Zalzal, Marianne Hatzopoulou
Summary: This study finds disparities in exposure to traffic-related air pollution among populations with different socioeconomic/ethnic backgrounds. Despite reductions in traffic emissions, these disparities persist and have worsened in some groups.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
J. Chen, Z. J. Wu, G. M. Wu, X. D. Gong, F. Wang, J. C. Chen, G. L. Shi, M. Hu, Z. Y. Cong
Summary: This study investigates ice-nucleating particles (INPs) in rainwater collected in the Tibetan Plateau (TP) region under mixed-phase cloud conditions for the first time. It is found that biological particles are the major contributors to INPs at temperatures above -20 degrees C. The rainwater components consist of dust particles, marine aerosol, and anthropogenic pollutants, with dust particles potentially contributing to heat-resistant INPs at temperatures below -20 degrees C.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-ATMOSPHERES
(2021)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jack T. Pryor, Lachlan O. Cowley, Stephanie E. Simonds
Summary: Nine out of 10 people breathe air that does not meet World Health Organization pollution limits, leading to approximately 8 million deaths annually. Particulate matter is the most dangerous form of air pollution, causing inflammatory and oxidative tissue damage. This review will summarize the impact of particulate matter on physiological systems, referring to relevant epidemiological and toxicological studies.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Peng Huo, Yang Zhang, Lijia Zhang, Mei Yang, Wenjie Wei, Xin Zhang, Jianxiao Yang, Yuanxun Zhang
Summary: Modified activated carbon fibers (ACFs) with a micro-mesopore hierarchical porous structure and improved surface properties were prepared using steam secondary activation method. ACF-850 showed the highest static adsorption capacity for ethanol and exhibited excellent regeneration ability, making it a promising ethanol adsorbent for both wet and dry conditions.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jinxi Hua, Yuanxun Zhang, Benjamin de Foy, Jing Shang, James J. Schauer, Xiaodong Mei, Ishaq Dimeji Sulaymon, Tingting Han
Summary: The unprecedented travel restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic led to significant reductions in anthropogenic emissions, but extreme haze pollution was still experienced in the Beijing area despite strict COVID19 controls. Generalized Additive Models (GAM) were developed to differentiate the lockdown effects and meteorology impacts on nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particulate matters (PM2.5) concentrations at 34 sites in Beijing. The results showed that while lockdown measures caused large reductions, meteorology offset a substantial part of the decrease in surface concentrations.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ishaq Dimeji Sulaymon, Yuanxun Zhang, Jianlin Hu, Philip K. Hopke, Yang Zhang, Bin Zhao, Jia Xing, Lin Li, Xiaodong Mei
Summary: The study quantified and analyzed the vertical transport of PM2.5 in three major cities of Anhui Province in January and July 2018. Results showed dominant transport pathways, emphasizing the need for joint emission controls across multiple cities to reduce winter pollution episodes.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hailin Wang, Run Hao, Lei Nie, Xin Zhang, Yuanxun Zhang
Summary: This study investigated the characteristics of air multi-pollutants emitted during typical electronic waste dismantling processes and assessed their risks to the environment and human health. The study found that emission control measures can decrease the concentrations of pollutants and reduce the ozone formation potential and non-cancer risk. The emissions from e-waste recycling processes should be considered as an important source of air pollution, and more efficient control measures should be taken in the future.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jing Shang, Yuanxun Zhang, James J. Schauer, Sumin Chen, Shujian Yang, Tingting Han, Dong Zhang, Jinjian Zhang, Jianxiong An
Summary: This study investigated the ability to predict the inherent oxidation potential (OP) of particulate matter (PM) in Beijing based on the chemical composition, pollutants, and sources. The results showed that the calculated metrics of excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) and hazard index (HI) could predict the OP of PM, and the prediction models based on pollution sources performed better than those based on pollutants. Additionally, the relationships developed in Europe and North America were found to have good predictive ability in Beijing, suggesting their applicability to other regions.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Michael R. Olson, Wang Yuqin, Benjamin de Foy, Zhengqiang Li, Michael H. Bergin, Yuanxun Zhang, James Jay Schauer
Summary: The study focused on estimating atmospheric light absorption related to emission sources by collecting BC and BrC data using an Aethalometer in Beijing. Mobile sources were found to be the major contributor to near-UV light absorption, with air mass origin not impacting absorption reconstruction. The approach allows for a more robust method of assigning light absorption to source categories and expanding BrC apportionment to multiple sources.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yuxiong Chen, Siqin Feng, Zhen'ge Chang, Yakun Zhao, Jia Fu, Yijie Liu, Siqi Tang, Yitao Han, Yanbo Liu, Yuanxun Zhang, Shuyang Zhang, Zhongjie Fan
Summary: The use of household solid fuel for cooking and heating is positively associated with diabetes and fasting blood glucose levels. These findings suggest that reducing household solid fuel use may contribute to a decrease in diabetes development in China.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bi'an Zhou, Tianyi Zhao, Jian Ma, Yuanxun Zhang, Lijia Zhang, Peng Huo, Yang Zhang
Summary: The study found that VOC pollution in the suburbs of Beijing after the coal to electricity project was mainly caused by local emissions. The contribution of coal combustion to VOCs increased significantly, but the TVOCs concentration was lower than before heating. Most of the selected VOC species had carcinogenic risks above the acceptable level.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaoying Li, Jill Baumgartner, Christopher Barrington-Leigh, Sam Harper, Brian Robinson, Guofeng Shen, Talia Sternbach, Shu Tao, Xiang Zhang, Yuanxun Zhang, Ellison Carter
Summary: The Chinese government implemented a household energy transition program in northern China, which replaced coal heating stoves with electricity-powered heat pumps. This study investigated personal air pollution exposures within and between villages, as well as the impact of sociodemographic factors. The results showed that variability in pollution exposures was greater within villages, and participants using traditional stoves had the highest levels of pollution. Wealthier households tended to burn more coal, while less wealthy households used more biomass.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yu Yan, Tianyi Zhao, Wei Huang, Dongqing Fang, Xin Zhang, Lijia Zhang, Peng Huo, Kang Xiao, Yuanxun Zhang, Yang Zhang
Summary: The complexation between transition metals (TMs) and water-soluble organic compounds (WSOCs) in atmospheric particles plays a role in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study found that the complexation between WSOC and Cu or Mn has a synergistic effect on ROS generation, while the complexation with Fe has a negative effect. The hydrophobic fraction of WSOC and the rate of ROS generation decrease during the complexation process. Cu-WSOC exhibits the most significant synergistic effect on ROS generation, suggesting that aromatic and polar substituents in WSOC dominate the complexation process.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Xiaoying Li, Jill Baumgartner, Sam Harper, Xiang Zhang, Talia Sternbach, Christopher Barrington-Leigh, Collin Brehmer, Brian Robinson, Guofeng Shen, Yuanxun Zhang, Shu Tao, Ellison Carter
Summary: The COVID-19 lockdown in China reduced community air pollution, but had minimal impact on indoor air quality. Household energy choice and indoor smoking had a greater influence on indoor air quality than the lockdown.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nanqi Bao, Jake I. Gold, Jonathan K. Sheavly, James J. Schauer, Victor M. Zavala, Van Lehn, Manos Mavrikakis, Nicholas L. Abbott
Summary: This study reveals that liquid crystals can undergo ordering transitions in response to surface reactions triggered by metal oxide substrates, offering a new class of substrates for amplifying atomic-scale transformations. The experiments and computational modeling demonstrate that the reaction between SO2 and H2O on anatase (101) substrates displaces the liquid crystal from the surface, resulting in an orientation transition. Moreover, the liquid crystal shows a high selectivity to SO2, making it a promising material for sensing atmospheric chemical species.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nanqi Bao, Shengli Jiang, Alexander Smith, James J. Schauer, Manos Mavrikakis, Reid C. Van Lehn, Victor M. Zavala, Nicholas L. Abbott
Summary: In this study, we show how analysis of the optical responses of liquid crystal films to targeted gases using a machine learning methodology can improve gas sensing and provide insights into the underlying physical processes. We demonstrate that a three-dimensional convolutional neural network can extract feature information from the color patterns of the liquid crystals to detect and quantify the presence of different gases in mixtures. Our findings suggest that the detection of O3 is driven by the transition time of brightness changes in the liquid crystals, while the detection of Cl2 is driven by late-developing color fluctuations. This research has implications for the design of portable liquid crystal monitoring devices.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tianyi Zhao, Yu Yan, Bian Zhou, Xuezhen Zhong, Xiaoyu Hu, Lijia Zhang, Peng Huo, Kang Xiao, Yuanxun Zhang, Yang Zhang
Summary: This study investigated the interaction between Water-Soluble Organic Compounds (WSOCs) and Transition Metals (TMs) and its impact on Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) generation. The results showed that the interaction between WSOCs and TMs significantly affected ROS generation, with the organic compound SRFA exhibiting a stronger ability to complex with TMs and facilitate ROS generation.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Christina L. Norris, Ross Edwards, Chinmay Ghoroi, James J. Schauer, Marilyn Black, Michael H. Bergin
Summary: Indian cities have poor air quality, and there is limited research on the indoor sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A pilot study in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, Gujarat, quantified hundreds of VOCs inside and outside 26 homes. The study found seasonal variations in VOC concentrations and sources, emphasizing the need for a better understanding of factors contributing to indoor pollution to reduce health risks.