-
Cancers Feb 2023Current evidence of an association of breast cancer (BC) risk with air pollution exposure, in particular from traffic exhaust, remains inconclusive, and the exposure... (Review)
Review
Current evidence of an association of breast cancer (BC) risk with air pollution exposure, in particular from traffic exhaust, remains inconclusive, and the exposure assessment methodologies are heterogeneous. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the association between traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) and BC incidence (PROSPERO CRD42021286774). We systematically reviewed observational studies assessing exposure to TRAP and BC risk published until June 2022, available on Medline/PubMed and Web of Science databases. Studies using models for assessing exposure to traffic-related air pollutants or using exposure proxies (including traffic density, distance to road, etc.) were eligible for inclusion. A random-effects meta-analysis of studies investigating the association between NO/NO exposure and BC risk was conducted. Overall, 21 studies meeting the inclusion criteria were included (seven case-control, one nested case-control, 13 cohort studies); 13 studies (five case-control, eight cohort) provided data for inclusion in the meta-analyses. Individual studies provided little evidence of an association between TRAP and BC risk; exposure assessment methods and time periods of traffic emissions were different. The meta-estimate on NO exposure indicated a positive association (pooled relative risk per 10 µg/m of NO: 1.015; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.003; 1.028). No association between NO exposure and BC was found (three studies). Although there was limited evidence of an association for TRAP estimated with proxies, the meta-analysis showed a significant association between NO exposure, a common TRAP pollutant marker, and BC risk, yet with a small effect size. Our findings provide additional support for air pollution carcinogenicity.
PubMed: 36765887
DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030927 -
International Journal of Environmental... Dec 2016Air pollution is an important public health problem in Europe and there is evidence that it exacerbates health inequities. This calls for effective strategies and... (Review)
Review
Air pollution is an important public health problem in Europe and there is evidence that it exacerbates health inequities. This calls for effective strategies and targeted interventions. In this study, we conducted a systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies relating to air pollution control on public health and health equity in Europe. Three databases, Web of Science, PubMed, and Trials Register of Promoting Health Interventions (TRoPHI), were searched for scientific publications investigating the effectiveness of strategies on outdoor air pollution control, public health and health equity in Europe from 1995 to 2015. A total of 15 scientific papers were included in the review after screening 1626 articles. Four groups of strategy types, namely, general regulations on air quality control, road traffic related emission control interventions, energy generation related emission control interventions and greenhouse gas emission control interventions for climate change mitigation were identified. All of the strategies reviewed reported some improvement in air quality and subsequently in public health. The reduction of the air pollutant concentrations and the reported subsequent health benefits were more significant within the geographic areas affected by traffic related interventions. Among the various traffic related interventions, low emission zones appeared to be more effective in reducing ambient nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and particulate matter levels. Only few studies considered implications for health equity, three out of 15, and no consistent results were found indicating that these strategies could reduce health inequity associated with air pollution. Particulate matter (particularly fine particulate matter) and NO₂ were the dominant outdoor air pollutants examined in the studies in Europe in recent years. Health benefits were gained either as a direct, intended objective or as a co-benefit from all of the strategies examined, but no consistent impact on health equity from the strategies was found. The strategy types aiming to control air pollution in Europe and the health impact assessment methodology were also discussed in this review.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Climate Change; Europe; Health Equity; Humans; Public Health
PubMed: 27918457
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13121196 -
PloS One 2016Household air pollution from solid fuel burning kills over 4 million people every year including half a million children from acute lower respiratory infections.... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Household air pollution from solid fuel burning kills over 4 million people every year including half a million children from acute lower respiratory infections. Although biologically plausible, it is not clear whether household air pollution is also associated with acute lower respiratory infections in adults. We systematically reviewed the literature on household air pollution and acute lower respiratory infection in adults to identify knowledge gaps and research opportunities.
METHODS
Ten bibliographic databases were searched to identify studies of household air pollution and adult acute lower respiratory infection. Data were extracted from eligible studies using standardised forms.
RESULTS
From 4617 titles, 513 abstracts and 72 full-text articles were reviewed. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria of which 2 found a significant adjusted increased risk of acute lower respiratory infection, 2 identified a univariate association whilst 4 found no significant association. Study quality was generally limited. Heterogeneity in methods and findings precluded meta-analysis.
DISCUSSION
A systematic review of the literature found limited evidence for an association between household air pollution and risk of acute lower respiratory infection in adults. Additional research, with carefully defined exposure and outcome measures, is required to complete the risk profile caused by household air pollution in adults.
REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42015028042.
Topics: Acute Disease; Adult; Air Pollution; Air Pollution, Indoor; Child; Environmental Exposure; Family Characteristics; Humans; Male; Respiratory Tract Infections
PubMed: 27907205
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167656 -
International Journal of Otolaryngology 2017Prevalence of rhinitis in athletes has frequently been studied and varies widely from 27% to 74%. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the prevalence of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Prevalence of rhinitis in athletes has frequently been studied and varies widely from 27% to 74%. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the prevalence of rhinitis in athletes, to specifically compare the evidence of rhinitis in land-based and aquatic athletes.
METHODS
Systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the non-MEDLINE subset of PubMed was performed from inception to March 8, 2016, to identify studies on rhinitis in athletes.
RESULTS
Of the 373 identified unique articles, a total of 13 studies satisfied the criteria for this review. The final group contained 9 cohort and 4 case-control studies. We found 10 studies that reported the prevalence of allergic rhinitis (21%-56.5%). In contrast, nonallergic rhinitis was identified by only 1 author (6%). We have also evaluated the prevalence of rhinitis in the separate subgroups (land, water, and cold air) where swimmers seem to be the most affected (40%-74%), followed by cross-country skiers (46%) and track and field athletes (21 to 49%).
CONCLUSION
We did not reveal any convincing trend of a higher prevalence in land-based athletes compared to general population. By contrast, aquatic and cold air athletes demonstrate increased prevalence reflecting the irritant effects of their environment on the nasal mucosa.
PubMed: 28852408
DOI: 10.1155/2017/8098426 -
EBioMedicine Dec 2022A growing number of studies have reported an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and respiratory disease (RD) within hours after exposure to ambient air... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
A systematic review and meta-analysis of intraday effects of ambient air pollution and temperature on cardiorespiratory morbidities: First few hours of exposure matters to life.
BACKGROUND
A growing number of studies have reported an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and respiratory disease (RD) within hours after exposure to ambient air pollution or temperature. We assemble published evidence on the sub-daily associations of CVD and RD with ambient air pollution and temperature.
METHODS
Databases of PubMed and Web of Science were searched for original case-crossover and time-series designs of English articles examining the intra-day effects of ambient air pollution [particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm (PM), ≤10 μm (PM), 2.5-10μm (PM), and < 7 μm (SPM), O, SO, NO, CO, and NO] and temperatures (heat and cold) on cardiorespiratory diseases within 24 h after exposure in the general population by comparing with exposure at different exposure levels or periods. Meta-analyses were conducted to pool excess risks (ERs, absolute percentage increase in risk) of CVD and RD morbidities associated with an increase of 10 μg/m in particulate matters, 0.1 ppm in CO, and 10 ppb in other gaseous pollutants.
FINDINGS
Final analysis included thirty-three papers from North America, Europe, Oceania, and Asia. Meta-analysis found an increased risk of total CVD morbidity within 3 h after exposure to PM [ER%: 2.65% (95% CI: 1.00% to 4.34%)], PM [0.31% (0.02% to 0.59%)], O [1.42% (0.14% to 2.73%)], and CO [0.41% (0.01% to 0.81%)]. The risk of total RD morbidity elevated at lag 7-12 h after exposure to PM [0.69% (0.14% to 1.24%)] and PM [0.38% (0.02% to 0.73%)] and at lag 12-24 h after exposure to SO [2.68% (0.94% to 4.44%)]. Cause-specific CVD analysis observed an increased risk of myocardial infarction morbidity within 6 h after exposure to PM, PM, and NO, and an increased risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest morbidity within 12 h after exposure to CO. Risk of total CVD also increased within 24 h after exposure to heat.
INTERPRETATION
This study supports a sudden risk increase of cardiorespiratory diseases within a few hours after exposure to air pollution or heat, and some acute and highly lethal diseases such as myocardial infarction and cardiac arrest could be affected within a shorter time.
FUNDING
The National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 42105165; 81773518), the High-level Scientific Research Foundation of Anhui Medical University (Grant No. 0305044201), and the Discipline Construction of Anhui Medical University (Grant No. 0301001836).
Topics: Humans; Temperature; Nitrogen Dioxide; Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Particulate Matter; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Morbidity; Myocardial Infarction; China; Environmental Exposure
PubMed: 36323182
DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104327 -
BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care Mar 2020Exposure to different air pollutants has been linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus, but the evidence for the association between air pollutants and gestational diabetes... (Review)
Review
Exposure to different air pollutants has been linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus, but the evidence for the association between air pollutants and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has not been systematically evaluated. We systematically retrieved relevant studies from PubMed, Embase, and the Web of Science, and performed stratified analyses and regression analyses. Thirteen studies were analyzed, comprising 1 547 154 individuals from nine retrospective studies, three prospective studies, and one case-control study. Increased exposure to particulate matter ≤2.5 µm in diameter (PM) was not associated with the increased risk of GDM (adjusted OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.06). However, subgroup analysis showed positive correlation of PM exposure in the second trimester with an increased risk of GDM (combined OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.13). Among pollutants other than PM, significant association between GDM and nitrogen dioxide (NO) (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.10), nitrogen oxide (NO) (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.05), and sulfur dioxide (SO) (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.15) was noted. There was no significant association between exposure to black carbon or ozone or carbon monoxide or particulate matter ≤10 µm in diameter and GDM. Thus, systematic review of existing evidence demonstrated association of exposure to NO, NO, and SO, and the second trimester exposure of PM with the increased risk of GDM. Caution may be exercised while deriving conclusions from existing evidence base because of the limited number and the observational nature of studies.
Topics: Air Pollution; Case-Control Studies; Cohort Studies; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Diabetes, Gestational; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 32193198
DOI: 10.1136/bmjdrc-2019-000937 -
Environmental Health : a Global Access... Mar 2023The adverse effects of air pollution on human health include many diseases and health conditions associated with mortality, morbidity and disability. One example of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The adverse effects of air pollution on human health include many diseases and health conditions associated with mortality, morbidity and disability. One example of these outcomes that can be translated into economic costs is the number of days of restricted activity. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of outdoor exposure to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 10 and 2.5 μm (PM, PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO), and ozone (O), on restricted activity days.
METHODS
Observational epidemiological studies with different study designs were included, and pooled relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated for an increase of 10 μg/m of the pollutant of interest. Random-effects models were chosen because of the environmental differences between the studies. Heterogeneity was estimated using prediction intervals (PI) and I-Squared (I2) values, while risk of bias was assessed using a tool developed by the World Health Organization specifically designed for air pollution studies, and based on different domains. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed where possible. The protocol for this review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022339607).
RESULTS
We included 18 articles in the quantitative analysis. Associations between pollutants and restricted activity days in time-series studies of short-term exposures, measured as work-loss days, school-loss days, or both were significant for PM (RR: 1.0191; 95%CI: 1.0058-1.0326; 80%PI: 0.9979-1.0408; I2: 71%) and PM (RR: 1.0166; 95%CI: 1.0050-1.0283; 80%PI: 0.9944-1.0397; I2: 99%), but not for NO or O. Some degree of heterogeneity between studies was observed, but sensitivity analysis showed no differences in the direction of the pooled relative risks when studies with a high risk of bias were excluded. Cross-sectional studies also showed significant associations for PM and restricted activity days. We could not perform the analysis for long-term exposures because only two studies analysed this type of association.
CONCLUSION
Restricted activity days and related outcomes were associated with some of the pollutants under evaluation, as shown in studies with different designs. In some cases, we were able to calculate pooled relative risks that can be used for quantitative modelling.
Topics: Humans; Air Pollutants; Nitrogen Dioxide; Cross-Sectional Studies; Air Pollution; Particulate Matter; Ozone; Environmental Pollutants; Environmental Exposure; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 36991377
DOI: 10.1186/s12940-023-00979-8 -
Environment International Jun 2023The health effects of traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) continue to be of important public health interest across the globe. Following its 2010 review, the Health... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The health effects of traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) continue to be of important public health interest across the globe. Following its 2010 review, the Health Effects Institute appointed a new expert Panel to systematically evaluate the epidemiological evidence regarding the associations between long-term exposure to TRAP and selected health outcomes. This paper describes the main findings of the systematic review on non-accidental mortality.
METHODS
The Panel used a systematic approach to conduct the review. An extensive search was conducted of literature published between 1980 and 2019. A new exposure framework was developed to determine whether a study was sufficiently specific to TRAP, which included studies beyond the near-roadway environment. We performed random-effects meta-analysis when at least three estimates were available of an association between a specific exposure and outcome. We evaluated confidence in the evidence using a modified Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) approach, supplemented with a broader narrative synthesis.
RESULTS
Thirty-six cohort studies were included. Virtually all studies adjusted for a large number of individual and area-level covariates-including smoking, body mass index, and individual and area-level socioeconomic status-and were judged at a low or moderate risk for bias. Most studies were conducted in North America and Europe, and a few were based in Asia and Australia. The meta-analytic summary estimates for nitrogen dioxide, elemental carbon and fine particulate matter-pollutants with more than 10 studies-were 1.04 (95% CI 1.01, 1.06), 1.02 (1.00, 1.04) and 1.03 (1.01, 1.05) per 10, 1 and 5 µg/m, respectively. Effect estimates are interpreted as the relative risk of mortality when the exposure differs with the selected increment. The confidence in the evidence for these pollutants was judged as high, because of upgrades for monotonic exposure-response and consistency across populations. The consistent findings across geographical regions, exposure assessment methods and confounder adjustment resulted in a high confidence rating using a narrative approach as well.
CONCLUSIONS
The overall confidence in the evidence for a positive association between long-term exposure to TRAP and non-accidental mortality was high.
Topics: Humans; Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Environmental Exposure; Particulate Matter; Environmental Pollutants
PubMed: 37210806
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107916 -
Journal of Dentistry Feb 2021This review aimed to identify which dental procedures generate droplets and aerosols with subsequent contamination, and for these, characterise their pattern, spread and... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
This review aimed to identify which dental procedures generate droplets and aerosols with subsequent contamination, and for these, characterise their pattern, spread and settle.
DATA RESOURCES
Medline(OVID), Embase(OVID), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, Web of Science and LILACS databases were searched for eligible studies from each database's inception to May 2020 (search updated 11/08/20). Studies investigating clinical dental activities that generate aerosol using duplicate independent screening. Data extraction by one reviewer and verified by another. Risk of bias assessed through contamination measurement tool sensitivity assessment.
STUDY SELECTION
A total eighty-three studies met the inclusion criteria and covered: ultrasonic scaling (USS, n = 44), highspeed air-rotor (HSAR, n = 31); oral surgery (n = 11), slow-speed handpiece (n = 4); air-water (triple) syringe (n = 4), air-polishing (n = 4), prophylaxis (n = 2) and hand-scaling (n = 2). Although no studies investigated respiratory viruses, those on bacteria, blood-splatter and aerosol showed activities using powered devices produced greatest contamination. Contamination was found for all activities, and at the furthest points studied. The operator's torso, operator's arm and patient's body were especially affected. Heterogeneity precluded inter-study comparisons but intra-study comparisons allowed construction of a proposed hierarchy of procedure contamination risk: higher (USS, HSAR, air-water syringe, air polishing, extractions using motorised handpieces); moderate (slow-speed handpieces, prophylaxis, extractions) and lower (air-water syringe [water only] and hand scaling).
CONCLUSION
Gaps in evidence, low sensitivity of measures and variable quality limit conclusions around contamination for procedures. A hierarchy of contamination from procedures is proposed for challenge/verification by future research which should consider standardised methodologies to facilitate research synthesis.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
This manuscript addresses uncertainty around aerosol generating procedures (AGPs) in dentistry. Findings indicate a continuum of procedure-related aerosol generation rather than the common binary AGP or non-AGP perspective. The findings inform discussion around AGPs and direct future research to support knowledge and decision making around COVID-19 and dental procedures.
Topics: Aerosols; COVID-19; Dentistry; Humans; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 33359043
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdent.2020.103556 -
Toxics Mar 2024The effects of air pollution on physical health are well recognized, with many studies revealing air pollution's effects on vision disorder, yet no relationship has been... (Review)
Review
The effects of air pollution on physical health are well recognized, with many studies revealing air pollution's effects on vision disorder, yet no relationship has been established. Therefore, a meta-analysis was carried out in this study to investigate the connection between vision disorder and ambient particles (diameter ≤ 2.5 µm (PM), diameter ≤ 10 µm (PM)) and gaseous pollutants (nitrogen dioxide (NO), sulfur dioxide (SO), carbon monoxide (CO), Ozone (O)). Twelve relevant studies published by 26 February 2024 were identified in three databases. A pooled odds ratios (ORs) of 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained using random-effects meta-analysis models. Meta-analysis results revealed that for every 10 µg/m increase in PM and NO exposure, a substantially higher incidence of vision disorder was observed (OR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.19; OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.16). No significant correlation existed between exposure to PM, SO and CO and vision disorder. However, O exposure was negatively associated with vision disorder. In addition, subgroup analyses revealed that PM exposure was significantly correlated with the risk of glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration and that children and adolescents were more susceptible to NO and PM than adults. Overall, exposure to air pollutants, especially PM and NO, may increase the incidence of vision disorder.
PubMed: 38535942
DOI: 10.3390/toxics12030209