Submit to IJERPH Review for IJERPH Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Advances in Airborne Pollution and Human Exposure Research

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Published Papers

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2023) | Viewed by 21817

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Jonathan E. Thompson

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
Interests: aerosols and particulate matter; human health effects; atmospheric chemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The past 18 months have taught the world the critical importance of the air we share. Whether aerosol particles are comprised of viral RNA to infect cells, incompletely combusted hydrocarbons capable of carcinogenesis, or highly reactive oxygen species, the message is clear—aerosols can and do impact human health by mechanisms we are only beginning to unravel.

Today, I am pleased to invite you to contribute a manuscript to the evolving body of knowledge regarding airborne pollution and human health by submitting a scientific paper for a Special Issue in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH).

The scope and purpose of this Special Issue is broad yet simple: to advance and disseminate knowledge of the health effects of airborne pollution. In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas and topics may be diverse, but manuscripts must provide a clear link to human health and/or exposure to be considered for publication.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Jonathan E. Thompson
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

aerosols
human health
reactive oxygen species
COVID
particulate matter
PM_2.5
PM₁₀

Published Papers (10 papers)

Download All Papers

Research

11 pages, 1530 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Fine Particulate Matter Exposure on Liver Enzymes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Ling Pan, Jing Sui, Ying Xu, Qun Zhao, Yinyin Cai, Guiju Sun and Hui Xia

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(4), 2803; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph20042803 - 04 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1720

Abstract

Although previous studies have presented that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) regulates liver enzyme levels in the development of liver diseases, the evidence regarding the relationship between PM2.5 exposure and liver enzyme is not robust. We further aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies to summarize the recent evidence on the effects of PM2.5 on liver enzyme in humans. In the meta-analysis, we retrieved online databases including PubMed and Web of Science database from 1982 up to 2022. A random-effects model was applied to evaluate the correlation between PM2.5 and liver enzyme level. A total of 10 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria, including five prospective cohort studies, two cross-sectional studies, two longitudinal studies, and one time-series analysis. Each 10 μg/m³ increase in PM2.5 concentration was significantly correlated with a 4.45% increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level (95% CI: 0.51–8.38%, p = 0.03), a 3.99% increase in aspartate transferase (AST) level (95% CI: 0.88–7.10%, p = 0.01), and a 2.91% increase in gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) level (95% CI: 1.18–4.64%, p < 0.001), but this significant association was not observed in alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Subgroup analysis revealed that PM2.5 has a significant correlation with ALT (5.07%, 95% CI: 0.81–9.33%), AST (4.11%, 95% CI: 0.74–7.48%), and GGT (2.74%, 95% CI: 1.09–4.38%) in Asia. Our meta-analysis showed that increments in PM2.5 exposure were significantly associated with a higher level of ALT, AST, and GGT. In addition, investigations into liver enzyme subtypes and specific chemical components of PM2.5 are important directions for future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Airborne Pollution and Human Exposure Research)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1780 KiB

Open AccessArticle

PM_2.5-Associated Hospitalization Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases in Wuhan: Cases Alleviated by Residential Greenness

by Haomin Yang, Jianpeng Liao, Jing Wang, Can Yang, Kuizhuang Jiao, Xiaodie Wang, Zenghui Huang, Xuxi Ma, Xingyuan Liu, Jingling Liao and Lu Ma

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 746; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph20010746 - 31 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1377

Abstract

PM_2.5, a type of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 μm, is associated with the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), while greenness seems to be associated with better cardiovascular health. We identified 499,336 CVD cases in Wuhan’s 74 municipal hospitals between 2017 and 2019. A high-resolution PM_2.5 model and a normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) map were established to estimate individual exposures. The time-stratified case-crossover design and conditional logistic regression models were applied to explore the associations between PM_2.5 and CVDs under different levels of environmental factors. Greenness could alleviate PM_2.5-induced hospitalization risks of cardiovascular diseases. Compared with patients in the low-greenness group (ER = 0.99%; 95% CI: 0.71%, 1.28%), patients in the high-greenness group (ER = 0.45%; 95% CI: 0.13%, 0.77%) showed a lower increase in total CVD hospitalizations. After dividing the greenness into quartiles and adding long-term PM_2.5 exposure as a control factor, no significant PM_2.5-associated hospitalization risks of CVD were identified in the greenest areas (quartile 4), whether the long-term PM_2.5 exposure level was high or low. Intriguingly, in the least green areas (quartile 1), the PM_2.5-induced excess risk of CVD hospitalization was 0.58% (95% CI: 0.04%, 1.11%) in the long-term high-level PM_2.5 exposure group, and increased to 1.61% (95% CI: 0.95%, 2.27%) in the long-term low-level PM_2.5 exposure group. In the subgroup analysis, males and participants aged 55–64 years showed more significant increases in the PM_2.5-induced risk of contracting CVDs with a reduction in greenness and fine particle exposure conditions. High residential greenness can greatly alleviate the PM_2.5-induced risk of cardiovascular admission. Living in the areas with long-term low-level PM_2.5 may make people more sensitive to short-term increases in PM_2.5, leading to CVD hospitalization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Airborne Pollution and Human Exposure Research)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1122 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Long-Term Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter and the Risk of Chronic Liver Diseases: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

by Jing Sui, Hui Xia, Qun Zhao, Guiju Sun and Yinyin Cai

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 10305; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph191610305 - 18 Aug 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2168

Abstract

Although fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a known carcinogen, evidence of the association between PM2.5 and chronic liver disease is controversial. In the present meta-analysis study, we reviewed epidemiological studies to strengthen evidence for the association between PM2.5 and chronic liver disease. We searched three online databases from 1990 up to 2022. The random-effect model was applied for detection of overall risk estimates. Sixteen eligible studies, including one cross-sectional study, one retrospective cohort study, and 14 prospective cohort studies, fulfilled inclusion criteria with more than 330 thousand participants from 13 countries. Overall risk estimates of chronic liver disease for 10 μg/m³ increase in PM2.5 was 1.27 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19–1.35, p < 0.001). We further analyzed the relationship between PM2.5 exposure and different chronic liver diseases. The results showed that increments in PM2.5 exposure significantly increased the risk of liver cancer, liver cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.14–1.33; HR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.06–1.29; HR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.09–2.08, respectively). Our meta-analysis indicated long-term exposure to PM2.5 was associated with increased risk of chronic liver disease. Moreover, future researches should be focused on investigating subtypes of chronic liver diseases and specific components of PM2.5. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Airborne Pollution and Human Exposure Research)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1152 KiB

Open AccessArticle

SARS-CoV-2 in Atmospheric Particulate Matter: An Experimental Survey in the Province of Venice in Northern Italy

by Alberto Pivato, Gianni Formenton, Francesco Di Maria, Tatjana Baldovin, Irene Amoruso, Tiziano Bonato, Pamela Mancini, Giusy Bonanno Ferraro, Carolina Veneri, Marcello Iaconelli, Lucia Bonadonna, Teresa Vicenza, Giuseppina La Rosa and Elisabetta Suffredini

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9462; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19159462 - 02 Aug 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2007

Abstract

Analysis of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) has been proposed for the environmental surveillance of SARS-CoV-2. The aim of this study was to increase the current knowledge about the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 in atmospheric PM, introduce a dedicated sampling method, and perform a simultaneous assessment of human seasonal coronavirus 229E. Thirty-two PM samples were collected on quartz fiber filters and six on Teflon using a low- and high-volumetric rate sampler, respectively, adopting a novel procedure for optimized virus detection. Sampling was performed at different sites in the Venice area (Italy) between 21 February and 8 March 2020 (n = 16) and between 27 October and 25 November 2020 (n = 22). A total of 14 samples were positive for Coronavirus 229E, 11 of which were collected in October–November 2020 (11/22; positivity rate 50%) and 3 in February–March 2020 (3/16 samples, 19%). A total of 24 samples (63%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2. Most of the positive filters were collected in October–November 2020 (19/22; positivity rate, 86%), whereas the remaining five were collected in February–March 2020 at two distinct sites (5/16, 31%). These findings suggest that outdoor PM analysis could be a promising tool for environmental surveillance. The results report a low concentration of SARS-CoV-2 in outdoor air, supporting a scarce contribution to the spread of infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Airborne Pollution and Human Exposure Research)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 704 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of the Feasibility of a Future Integrated Larger-Scale Epidemiological Study to Evaluate Health Risks of Air Pollution Episodes in Children

by Sarah J. D. Nauwelaerts, Koen De Cremer, Natalia Bustos Sierra, Mathieu Gand, Dirk Van Geel, Maud Delvoye, Els Vandermassen, Jordy Vercauteren, Christophe Stroobants, Alfred Bernard, Nelly D. Saenen, Tim S. Nawrot, Nancy H. C. Roosens and Sigrid C. J. De Keersmaecker

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(14), 8531; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19148531 - 12 Jul 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1449

Abstract

Air pollution exposure can lead to exacerbation of respiratory disorders in children. Using sensitive biomarkers helps to assess the impact of air pollution on children’s respiratory health and combining protein, genetic and epigenetic biomarkers gives insights on their interrelatedness. Most studies do not contain such an integrated approach and investigate these biomarkers individually in blood, although its collection in children is challenging. Our study aimed at assessing the feasibility of conducting future integrated larger-scale studies evaluating respiratory health risks of air pollution episodes in children, based on a qualitative analysis of the technical and logistic aspects of a small-scale field study involving 42 children. This included the preparation, collection and storage of non-invasive samples (urine, saliva), the measurement of general and respiratory health parameters and the measurement of specific biomarkers (genetic, protein, epigenetic) of respiratory health and air pollution exposure. Bottlenecks were identified and modifications were proposed to expand this integrated study to a higher number of children, time points and locations. This would allow for non-invasive assessment of the impact of air pollution exposure on the respiratory health of children in future larger-scale studies, which is critical for the development of policies or measures at the population level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Airborne Pollution and Human Exposure Research)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1765 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship between Exposure to Airborne Particulate and DNA Adducts in Blood Cells in an Urban Population of Subjects with an Unhealthy Body Mass Index

by Alessandra Pulliero, Simona Iodice, Angela Cecilia Pesatori, Luisella Vigna, Zumama Khalid, Valentina Bollati and Alberto Izzotti

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5761; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19095761 - 09 May 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1536

Abstract

Bulky DNA adducts are a combined sign of aromatic chemical exposure, as well as an individual’s ability to metabolically activate carcinogens and repair DNA damage. The present study aims to investigate the association between PM exposure and DNA adducts in blood cells, in a population of 196 adults with an unhealthy BMI (≥25). For each subject, a DNA sample was obtained for quantification of DNA adducts by sensitive³²P post-labelling methods. Individual PM₁₀ exposure was derived from daily mean concentrations measured by single monitors in the study area and then assigned to each subject by calculating the mean of the 30 days (short-term exposure), and of the 365 (long-term exposure) preceding enrolment. Multivariable linear regression models were used to study the association between PM₁₀ and DNA adducts. The majority of analysed samples had bulky DNA adducts, with an average value of 3.7 ± 1.6 (mean ± SD). Overall, the findings of the linear univariate and multiple linear regression showed an inverse association between long-term PM₁₀ exposure and adduct levels; this unexpected result might be since the population consists of subjects with an unhealthy BMI, which might show an atypical reaction to airborne urban pollutants; a hermetic response which happens when small amounts of pollutants are present. Pollutants can linger for a long time in the adipose tissue of obese persons, contributing to an increase in oxidative DNA damage, inflammation, and thrombosis when exposure is sustained. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Airborne Pollution and Human Exposure Research)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 3192 KiB

Open AccessArticle

SH-29 and SK-119 Attenuates Air-Pollution Induced Damage by Activating Nrf2 in HaCaT Cells

by Shirin Kahremany, Lukas Hofmann, Noy Eretz-Kdosha, Eldad Silberstein, Arie Gruzman and Guy Cohen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(23), 12371; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182312371 - 24 Nov 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2271

Abstract

Air pollution has been repeatedly linked to numerous health-related disorders, including skin sensitization, oxidative imbalance, premature extrinsic aging, skin inflammation, and increased cancer prevalence. Nrf2 is a key player in the endogenous protective mechanism of the skin. We hypothesized that pharmacological activation of Nrf2 might reduce the deleterious action of diesel particulate matter (DPM), evaluated in HaCaT cells. SK-119, a recently synthesized pharmacological agent as well as 2,2′-((1E,1′E)-(1,4-phenylenebis(azaneylylidene))bis(methaneylylidene))bis(benzene-1,3,5-triol) (SH-29) were first evaluated in silico, suggesting a potent Nrf2 activation capacity that was validated in vitro. In addition, both compounds were able to attenuate key pathways underlying DPM damage, including cytosolic and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, tested by DC-FDA and MitoSOX fluorescent dye, respectively. This effect was independent of the low direct scavenging ability of the compounds. In addition, both SK-119 and SH-29 were able to reduce DPM-induced IL-8 hypersecretion in pharmacologically relevant concentrations. Lastly, the safety of both compounds was evaluated and demonstrated in the ex vivo human skin organ culture model. Collectively, these results suggest that Nrf2 activation by SK-119 and SH-29 can revert the deleterious action of air pollution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Airborne Pollution and Human Exposure Research)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2580 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Short-Term Cumulative Exposure to Ambient Traffic-Related Black Carbon and Blood Pressure: MMDA Traffic Enforcers’ Health Study

by Zypher Jude G. Regencia, Godofreda V. Dalmacion, Antonio D. Ligsay and Emmanuel S. Baja

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(22), 12122; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182212122 - 18 Nov 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3356

Abstract

Exposure to traffic-related air pollution is linked with acute alterations in blood pressure (BP). We examined the cumulative short-term effect of black carbon (BC) exposure on systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) BP and assessed effect modification by participant characteristics. SBP and DBP were repeatedly measured on 152 traffic enforcers. Using a linear mixed-effects model with random intercepts, quadratic (QCDL) and cubic (CCDL) constrained distributed lag models were fitted to estimate the cumulative effect of BC concentration on SBP and DBP during the 10 hours (daily exposure) and 7 days (weekly exposure) before the BP measurement. Ambient BC was related to increased BP with QCDL models. An interquartile range change in BC cumulative during the 7 days before the BP measurement was associated with increased BP (1.2% change in mean SBP, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.1 to 2.3; and 0.5% change in mean DBP, 95% CI, −0.8 to 1.7). Moreover, the association between the 10-h cumulative BC exposure and SBP was stronger for female (4.0% change, 95% CI: 2.1–5.9) versus male and for obese (2.9% change, 95% CI: 1.0–4.8) vs. non-obese traffic enforcers. Short-term cumulative exposure to ambient traffic-related BC could bring about cardiovascular diseases through mechanisms involving increased BP. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Airborne Pollution and Human Exposure Research)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 7087 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seasonal Variation, Chemical Composition, and PMF-Derived Sources Identification of Traffic-Related PM₁, PM_2.5, and PM_2.5–10 in the Air Quality Management Region of Žilina, Slovakia

by Dusan Jandacka and Daniela Durcanska

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(19), 10191; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph181910191 - 28 Sep 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2256

Abstract

Particulate matter (PM) air pollution in the urban environment is mainly related to the presence of potential sources throughout the year. Road transport is one of the most important sources of PM in the urban environment, because it directly affects pedestrians. PM measurements were performed in the city of Žilina, Slovakia, at various road-traffic-related measurement stations over the course of several years. This paper evaluates changes in the concentration of the fine fraction (PM_2.5), the ultrafine fraction (PM₁), and the coarse fraction (PM_2.5–10) over time. PM concentrations were measured by reference gravimetric method. Significant changes in PM concentrations over time due to the diversification of pollution sources and other, secondary factors can be observed from the analysis of the measured data. PM samples were subjected to chemical analysis inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to determine the concentrations of elements (Mg, Al, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, Cd, Sb, Ba, Pb, Ni, and Zn). The seasonal variation of elements was evaluated, and the sources of PM_2.5, PM₁, and PM_2.5–10 were estimated using principal component analysis (PCA) and positive matrix factorization (PMF). PM_2.5 (maximum concentration of 148.95 µg/m³ over 24 h) and PM₁ (maximum concentration of 110.51 µg/m³ over 24 h) showed the highest concentrations during the heating season, together with the elements Cd, Pb, and Zn, which showed a significant presence in these fractions. On the other hand, PM_2.5–10 (maximum concentration of 38.17 µg/m³ over 24 h) was significantly related to the elements Cu, Sb, Ba, Ca, Cr, Fe, Mg, and Al. High correlation coefficients (r ≥ 0.8) were found for the elements Mg, Ca, Fe, Al, Cd, Pb, and Zn in the PM₁ fraction, Cd, Pb, and Zn in PM_2.5, and Ba, Sb, Fe, Cu, Cr, Mg, Al, and Ca in PM_2.5–10. Using PMF analysis, three major sources of PM (abrasion from tires and brakes, road dust resuspension/winter salting, and combustion processes) were identified for the PM_2.5 and PM₁ fractions, as well as for the coarse PM_2.5–10 fraction. This study reveals the importance of non-exhaust PM emissions in the urban environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Airborne Pollution and Human Exposure Research)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1102 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biomarkers after Controlled Inhalation Exposure to Exhaust from Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO)

by Annette M. Krais, Julie Y. Essig, Louise Gren, Carolina Vogs, Eva Assarsson, Katrin Dierschke, Jörn Nielsen, Bo Strandberg, Joakim Pagels, Karin Broberg, Christian H. Lindh, Anders Gudmundsson and Aneta Wierzbicka

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(12), 6492; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18126492 - 16 Jun 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2392

Abstract

Hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) is a renewable diesel fuel used to replace petroleum diesel. The organic compounds in HVO are poorly characterized; therefore, toxicological properties could be different from petroleum diesel exhaust. The aim of this study was to evaluate the exposure and effective biomarkers in 18 individuals after short-term (3 h) exposure to HVO exhaust and petroleum diesel exhaust fumes. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used to analyze urinary biomarkers. A proximity extension assay was used for the measurement of inflammatory proteins in plasma samples. Short-term (3 h) exposure to HVO exhaust (PM₁ ~1 µg/m³ and ~90 µg/m³ for vehicles with and without exhaust aftertreatment systems, respectively) did not increase any exposure biomarker, whereas petroleum diesel exhaust (PM₁ ~300 µg/m³) increased urinary 4-MHA, a biomarker for p-xylene. HVO exhaust from the vehicle without exhaust aftertreatment system increased urinary 4-HNE-MA, a biomarker for lipid peroxidation, from 64 ng/mL urine (before exposure) to 141 ng/mL (24 h after exposure, p < 0.001). There was no differential expression of plasma inflammatory proteins between the HVO exhaust and control exposure group. In conclusion, short-term exposure to low concentrations of HVO exhaust did not increase urinary exposure biomarkers, but caused a slight increase in lipid peroxidation associated with the particle fraction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Airborne Pollution and Human Exposure Research)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Advances in Airborne Pollution and Human Exposure Research

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (10 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI