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International Journal of Environmental... Jul 2022Air pollution affects health, but much of the focus to this point has been on outdoor air. Higher indoor pollution is anticipated due to increasingly energy-efficient... (Review)
Review
Indoor Air Pollution and the Health of Vulnerable Groups: A Systematic Review Focused on Particulate Matter (PM), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Their Effects on Children and People with Pre-Existing Lung Disease.
Air pollution affects health, but much of the focus to this point has been on outdoor air. Higher indoor pollution is anticipated due to increasingly energy-efficient and less leaky buildings together with more indoor activities. Studies of indoor air pollution focusing on children and people with respiratory disease from the database Web of Science (1991-2021) were systemically reviewed according to the PRISMA guidelines, with 69 studies included in the final selection. Emissions from building materials affected indoor air quality, and ventilation also had an influence. The main indoor air pollutants are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Particulate Matter (PM). PM sources included smoking, cooking, heating, candles, and insecticides, whereas sources of coarse particles were pets, housework and human movements. VOC sources included household products, cleaning agents, glue, personal care products, building materials and vehicle emissions. Formaldehyde levels were particularly high in new houses. Personal exposure related to both indoor and outdoor pollutant levels, highlighting home characteristics and air exchange rates as important factors. Temperature, humidity, educational level, air purifiers and time near sources were also related to personal exposure. There was an association between PM and Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO), lung function, oxygen saturation, childhood asthma and symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. High VOCs were associated with upper airways and asthma symptoms and cancer. Effective interventional studies for PM in the future might focus on human behavior together with air purifiers and increased ventilation, whereas VOC interventions might center more on building materials and household products, alongside purification and ventilation.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Air Pollution, Indoor; Asthma; Child; Environmental Monitoring; Humans; Lung; Lung Diseases; Particulate Matter; Volatile Organic Compounds
PubMed: 35886604
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148752 -
Fertility and Sterility Aug 2022Climate change is a major risk factor for overall health, including reproductive health, and well-being. Increasing temperatures, due mostly to increased greenhouse... (Review)
Review
Climate change is a major risk factor for overall health, including reproductive health, and well-being. Increasing temperatures, due mostly to increased greenhouse gases trapping excess heat in the atmosphere, result in erratic weather patterns, wildfires, displacement of large communities, and stagnant water resulting in vector-borne diseases that, together, have set the stage for new and devastating health threats across the globe. These conditions disproportionately affect disadvantaged and vulnerable populations, including women, pregnant persons, young children, the elderly, and the disabled. This review reports on the evidence for the adverse impacts of air pollution, wildfires, heat stress, floods, toxic chemicals, and vector-borne diseases on male and female fertility, the developing fetus, and obstetric outcomes. Reproductive health care providers are uniquely positioned and have an unprecedented opportunity to educate patients and policy makers about mitigating the impact of climate change to assure reproductive health in this and future generations.
Topics: Air Pollution; Climate Change; Female; Humans; Male; Reproductive Health; Vulnerable Populations; Weather
PubMed: 35878942
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.06.005 -
Journal of Alzheimer's Disease : JAD 2019Both air pollution and dementia are current and growing global issues. There are plausible links between exposure to specific air pollutants and dementia.
BACKGROUND
Both air pollution and dementia are current and growing global issues. There are plausible links between exposure to specific air pollutants and dementia.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review the evidence base with respect to the relationship between air pollution and later cognitive decline and dementia.
METHODS
Medline, Embase, and PsychINFO® were searched from their inception to September 2018, for publications reporting on longitudinal studies of exposure to air pollution and incident dementia or cognitive decline in adults. Studies reporting on exposure to tobacco smoke including passive smoking or on occupational exposure to pollutants were excluded. Using standard Cochrane methodology, two readers identified relevant abstracts, read full text publications, and extracted data into structured tables from relevant papers, as defined by inclusion and exclusion criteria. Papers were also assessed for validity. CRD42018094299Results:From 3,720 records, 13 papers were found to be relevant, with studies from the USA, Canada, Taiwan, Sweden, and the UK. Study follow-up ranged from one to 15 years. Pollutants examined included particulate matter ≤2.5 μ (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitrous oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone. Studies varied in their methodology, population selection, assessment of exposure to pollution, and method of cognitive testing. Greater exposure to PM2.5, NO2/NOx, and CO were all associated with increased risk of dementia. The evidence for air pollutant exposure and cognitive decline was more equivocal.
CONCLUSION
Evidence is emerging that greater exposure to airborne pollutants is associated with increased risk of dementia.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Cognitive Dysfunction; Dementia; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Particulate Matter
PubMed: 30775976
DOI: 10.3233/JAD-180631 -
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex... Jan 2022We provide a comprehensive and updated systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between air pollution exposure and depression, searching PubMed, Embase,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
We provide a comprehensive and updated systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between air pollution exposure and depression, searching PubMed, Embase, and Web of Sciences for relevant articles published up to May 2021, and eventually including 39 studies. Meta-analyses were performed separately according to pollutant type [particulate matter with diameter ≤10 μm (PM) and ≤2.5 μm (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO), sulfur dioxide (SO), ozone (O), and carbon monoxide (CO)] and exposure duration [short- (<30 days) and long-term (≥30 days)]. Test for homogeneity based on Cochran's Q and I statistics were calculated and the restricted maximum likelihood (REML) random effect model was applied. We assessed overall quality of pooled estimates, influence of single studies on the meta-analytic estimates, sources of between-study heterogeneity, and publication bias. We observed an increased risk of depression associated with long-term exposure to PM (relative risk: 1.074, 95% confidence interval: 1.021-1.129) and NO (1.037, 1.011-1.064), and with short-term exposure to PM (1.009, 1.006-1.012), PM (1.009, 1.007-1.011), NO (1.022, 1.012-1.033), SO (1.024, 1.010-1.037), O (1.011, 0.997-1.026), and CO (1.062, 1.020-1.105). The publication bias affecting half of the investigated associations and the high heterogeneity characterizing most of the meta-analytic estimates partly prevent to draw very firm conclusions. On the other hand, the coherence of all the estimates after excluding single studies in the sensitivity analysis supports the soundness of our results. This especially applies to the association between PM and depression, strengthened by the absence of heterogeneity and of relevant publication bias in both long- and short-term exposure studies. Should further investigations be designed, they should involve large sample sizes, well-defined diagnostic criteria for depression, and thorough control of potential confounding factors. Finally, studies dedicated to the comprehension of the mechanisms underlying the association between air pollution and depression remain necessary.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Depression; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Nitrogen Dioxide; Ozone; Particulate Matter
PubMed: 34600062
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118245 -
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) Mar 2015To review the evidence for the short term association between air pollution and stroke. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To review the evidence for the short term association between air pollution and stroke.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
DATA SOURCES
Medline, Embase, Global Health, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Web of Science searched to January 2014 with no language restrictions.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Studies investigating the short term associations (up to lag of seven days) between daily increases in gaseous pollutants (carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone) and particulate matter (<2.5 µm or <10 µm diameter (PM2.5 and PM10)), and admission to hospital for stroke or mortality.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Admission to hospital and mortality from stroke.
RESULTS
From 2748 articles, 238 were reviewed in depth with 103 satisfying our inclusion criteria and 94 contributing to our meta-estimates. This provided a total of 6.2 million events across 28 countries. Admission to hospital for stroke or mortality from stroke was associated with an increase in concentrations of carbon monoxide (relative risk 1.015 per 1 ppm, 95% confidence interval 1.004 to 1.026), sulphur dioxide (1.019 per 10 ppb, 1.011 to 1.027), and nitrogen dioxide (1.014 per 10 ppb, 1.009 to 1.019). Increases in PM2.5 and PM10 concentration were also associated with admission and mortality (1.011 per 10 μg/m(3) (1.011 to 1.012) and 1.003 per 10 µg/m(3) (1.002 to 1.004), respectively). The weakest association was seen with ozone (1.001 per 10 ppb, 1.000 to 1.002). Strongest associations were observed on the day of exposure with more persistent effects observed for PM(2·5).
CONCLUSION
Gaseous and particulate air pollutants have a marked and close temporal association with admissions to hospital for stroke or mortality from stroke. Public and environmental health policies to reduce air pollution could reduce the burden of stroke.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO-CRD42014009225.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Particulate Matter; Patient Admission; Risk Factors; Stroke
PubMed: 25810496
DOI: 10.1136/bmj.h1295 -
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex... Dec 2020Exposure to outdoor air pollution has been linked to lung cancer, and suspicion arose regarding bladder, kidney, and urinary tract cancer (urological cancers). However,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Exposure to outdoor air pollution has been linked to lung cancer, and suspicion arose regarding bladder, kidney, and urinary tract cancer (urological cancers). However, most of evidence comes from occupational studies; therefore, little is known about the effect of exposure to air pollution on the risk of urological cancers in the general population.
METHOD
We systematically searched Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles investigating the associations between long-term exposure to air pollution and the risk of urological cancer (incidence or mortality). We included articles using a specific air pollutant (PM, PM, …) or proxies (traffic, proximity index …). We assessed each study's quality with the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and rated the quality of the body of evidence for each pollutant-outcome with the GRADE approach. The different study methodologies regarding exposure or outcome prevented us to perform a meta-analysis.
RESULTS
twenty articles (four case-control, nine cohort, and seven ecologic) met our inclusion criteria and were included in this review: eighteen reported bladder, six kidney, and two urinary tract. Modeling air pollutants was the most common exposure assessment method. Most of the included studies reported positive associations between air pollution and urological cancer risk. However, only a few reached statistical significance (e.g. for bladder cancer mortality, adjusted odds-ratio of 1.13 (1.03-1.23) for an increase of 4.4 μg.m-3 of PM). Most studies inadequately addressed confounding, and cohort studies had an insufficient follow-up.
DISCUSSION
Overall, studies suggested positive (even though mostly non-significant) associations between air pollution exposure and bladder cancer mortality and kidney cancer incidence. We need more studies with better confounding control and longer follow-ups.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Particulate Matter; Urinary Bladder; Urologic Neoplasms
PubMed: 32871482
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115328 -
Scientific Reports Nov 2021Skin aging has been defined to encompass both intrinsic and extrinsic aging, with extrinsic aging effected by environmental influences and overlaying the effects of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Skin aging has been defined to encompass both intrinsic and extrinsic aging, with extrinsic aging effected by environmental influences and overlaying the effects of chronological aging. The risk factors of skin aging have been studied previously, using methods of quantifying skin aging. However, these studies have yet to be reviewed. To better understand skin aging risk factors and collate the available data, we aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis. We conducted our systematic review in compliance with Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Embase, PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched in October 2020 using specific search strategies. Where odds ratios were reported, meta-analyses were conducted using the random effects model. Otherwise, significant factors were reported in this review. We identified seven notable risk factors for various skin aging phenotypes: age, gender, ethnicity, air pollution, nutrition, smoking, sun exposure. This review's results will guide future works, such as those aiming to examine the interaction between genetic and environmental influences.
Topics: Age Factors; Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Humans; Risk Factors; Sex Factors; Skin; Skin Aging; Smoking; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 34764376
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01573-z -
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) Apr 2023To investigate the role of air pollutants in risk of dementia, considering differences by study factors that could influence findings. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the role of air pollutants in risk of dementia, considering differences by study factors that could influence findings.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES
EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, Psycinfo, and OVID Medline from database inception through July 2022.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES
Studies that included adults (≥18 years), a longitudinal follow-up, considered US Environmental Protection Agency criteria air pollutants and proxies of traffic pollution, averaged exposure over a year or more, and reported associations between ambient pollutants and clinical dementia. Two authors independently extracted data using a predefined data extraction form and assessed risk of bias using the Risk of Bias In Non-randomised Studies of Exposures (ROBINS-E) tool. A meta-analysis with Knapp-Hartung standard errors was done when at least three studies for a given pollutant used comparable approaches.
RESULTS
2080 records identified 51 studies for inclusion. Most studies were at high risk of bias, although in many cases bias was towards the null. 14 studies could be meta-analysed for particulate matter <2.5 µm in diameter (PM). The overall hazard ratio per 2 μg/m PM was 1.04 (95% confidence interval 0.99 to 1.09). The hazard ratio among seven studies that used active case ascertainment was 1.42 (1.00 to 2.02) and among seven studies that used passive case ascertainment was 1.03 (0.98 to 1.07). The overall hazard ratio per 10 μg/m nitrogen dioxide was 1.02 ((0.98 to 1.06); nine studies) and per 10 μg/m nitrogen oxide was 1.05 ((0.98 to 1.13); five studies). Ozone had no clear association with dementia (hazard ratio per 5 μg/m was 1.00 (0.98 to 1.05); four studies).
CONCLUSION
PM might be a risk factor for dementia, as well as nitrogen dioxide and nitrogen oxide, although with more limited data. The meta-analysed hazard ratios are subject to limitations that require interpretation with caution. Outcome ascertainment approaches differ across studies and each exposure assessment approach likely is only a proxy for causally relevant exposure in relation to clinical dementia outcomes. Studies that evaluate critical periods of exposure and pollutants other than PM, and studies that actively assess all participants for outcomes are needed. Nonetheless, our results can provide current best estimates for use in burden of disease and regulatory setting efforts.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42021277083.
Topics: Humans; Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Dementia; Environmental Exposure
PubMed: 37019461
DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2022-071620 -
Environmental Health Perspectives Jul 2023Heart failure (HF) poses a significant global disease burden. The current evidence on the impact of air pollution on HF remains inconsistent. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Heart failure (HF) poses a significant global disease burden. The current evidence on the impact of air pollution on HF remains inconsistent.
OBJECTIVES
We aimed to conduct a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis to provide a more comprehensive and multiperspective assessment of the associations between short- and long-term air pollution exposure and HF from epidemiological evidences.
METHODS
Three databases were searched up to 31 August 2022 for studies investigating the association between air pollutants (, , , , CO, ) and HF hospitalization, incidence, or mortality. A random effects model was used to derive the risk estimations. Subgroup analysis was conducted by geographical location, age of participants, outcome, study design, covered area, the methods of exposure assessment, and the length of exposure window. Sensitivity analysis and adjustment for publication bias were performed to test the robustness of the results.
RESULTS
Of 100 studies covering 20 countries worldwide, 81 were for short-term and 19 were for long-term exposure. Almost all air pollutants were adversely associated with the risk of HF in both short- and long-term exposure studies. For short-term exposures, we found the risk of HF increased by 1.8% [relative risk , 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.011, 1.025] and 1.6% (, 95% CI: 1.011, 1.020) per increment of and , respectively. HF was also significantly associated with , , and CO, but not . Positive associations were stronger when exposure was considered over the previous 2 d (lag 0-1) rather than on the day of exposure only (lag 0). For long-term exposures, there were significant associations between several air pollutants and HF with RR (95% CI) of 1.748 (1.112, 2.747) per increment in , 1.212 (1.010, 1.454) per increment in , and 1.204 (1.069, 1.356) per increment in , respectively. The adverse associations of most pollutants with HF were greater in low- and middle-income countries than in high-income countries. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated the robustness of our results.
DISCUSSION
Available evidence highlighted adverse associations between air pollution and HF regardless of short- and long-term exposure. Air pollution is still a prevalent public health issue globally and sustained policies and actions are called for to reduce the burden of HF. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11506.
Topics: Humans; Particulate Matter; Environmental Exposure; Air Pollution; Air Pollutants; Heart Failure
PubMed: 37399145
DOI: 10.1289/EHP11506 -
JAMA Network Open Jun 2020Knowledge of whether serious adverse pregnancy outcomes are associated with increasingly widespread effects of climate change in the US would be crucial for the...
IMPORTANCE
Knowledge of whether serious adverse pregnancy outcomes are associated with increasingly widespread effects of climate change in the US would be crucial for the obstetrical medical community and for women and families across the country.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate prenatal exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), ozone, and heat, and the association of these factors with preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth.
EVIDENCE REVIEW
This systematic review involved a comprehensive search for primary literature in Cochrane Library, Cochrane Collaboration Registry of Controlled Trials, PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov website, and MEDLINE. Qualifying primary research studies included human participants in US populations that were published in English between January 1, 2007, and April 30, 2019. Included articles analyzed the associations between air pollutants or heat and obstetrical outcomes. Comparative observational cohort studies and cross-sectional studies with comparators were included, without minimum sample size. Additional articles found through reference review were also considered. Articles analyzing other obstetrical outcomes, non-US populations, and reviews were excluded. Two reviewers independently determined study eligibility. The Arskey and O'Malley scoping review framework was used. Data extraction was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline.
FINDINGS
Of the 1851 articles identified, 68 met the inclusion criteria. Overall, 32 798 152 births were analyzed, with a mean (SD) of 565 485 (783 278) births per study. A total of 57 studies (48 of 58 [84%] on air pollutants; 9 of 10 [90%] on heat) showed a significant association of air pollutant and heat exposure with birth outcomes. Positive associations were found across all US geographic regions. Exposure to PM2.5 or ozone was associated with increased risk of preterm birth in 19 of 24 studies (79%) and low birth weight in 25 of 29 studies (86%). The subpopulations at highest risk were persons with asthma and minority groups, especially black mothers. Accurate comparisons of risk were limited by differences in study design, exposure measurement, population demographics, and seasonality.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
This review suggests that increasingly common environmental exposures exacerbated by climate change are significantly associated with serious adverse pregnancy outcomes across the US.
Topics: Air Pollution; Female; Hot Temperature; Humans; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Maternal Exposure; Observational Studies as Topic; Pregnancy; Premature Birth; Stillbirth; United States
PubMed: 32556259
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.8243