Indoor air pollution and respiratory health of children in the developing world

Indoor air pollution(IAP) is a key contributor to the global burden of disease mainly in developing countries. The use of solid fuel for cooking and heating is the main source of IAP in developing countries, accounting for an estimated 3.5 million deaths and 4.5% of Disability-Adjusted Life Years in 2010. Other sources of IAP include indoor smoking, infiltration of pollutants from outdoor sources and substances emitted from an array of human utilities and biological materials. Children are among the most vulnerable groups for adverse effects of IAP. The respiratory system is a primary target of air pollutants resulting in a wide range of acute and chronic effects. The spectrum of respiratory adverse effects ranges from mild subclinical changes and mild symptoms to life threatening conditions and even death. However, IAP is a modifiable risk factor having potential mitigating interventions. Possible interventions range from simple be-havior change to structural changes and from shifting of unclean cooking fuel to clean cooking fuel. Shifting from use of solid fuel to clean fuel invariably reduces the household air pollution in developing countries, but such a change is challenging. This review aims to summarize the available information on IAP exposure during childhood and its effects on respiratory health in developing countries. It specifically discusses the common sources of IAP, susceptibility of children to air pollution, mechanisms of action, common respiratory conditions, preventive and mitigating strategies.

Economic Valuation of Health Impact of PM_(10) Pollution in Beijing from 2001 to 2006

In light of the practical need for research to inform policy in Beijing,this study evaluates the economic cost of the impact of PM 10 pollution in Beijing from 2001 to 2006,taking health as the main impact,and mortality as the main outcome.Based on the literature review,this study adopts relatively conservative parameters as the basis for calculating the health impacts.It concludes that nearly 30%of mortality among registered residents above age 30 in Beijing can be attributed to PM 10 pollution,and that the economic cost equals 0.8%-1.2%of the city's GDP over the same period.This is lower than the results of previous studies,but still high enough to warrant a commitment to solve the city's air pollution problem.

Effectiveness of Improved Cookstoves to Reduce Indoor Air Pollution in Developing Countries. The Case of the Cassamance Natural Subregion, Western Africa

The Spanish NGO “Alianza por la Solidaridad” has installed improved cookstoves in 3000 households during 2012 and 2013 to improve energy efficiency reducing fuelwood consumption and to improve indoor air quality. The type of cookstoves were Noflaye Jeeg and Noflaye Jaboot and were installed in the Cassamance Natural Subregion covering part of Senegal, The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau. The Technical University of Madrid (UPM) has conducted a field study on a sample of these households to assess the effect of improved cookstoves on kitchen air quality. Measurements of carbon monoxide (CO) and fine particle matter (PM2.5) were taken for 24-hr period before and after the installation of improved cookstoves. The 24-hr mean CO concentrations were lower than the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for Guinea-Bissau but higher for Senegal and Gambia, even after the installation of improved cookstoves. As for PM2.5 concentrations, 24-hr mean were always higher than these guidelines. However, improved cookstoves produced significant reductions on 24-hr mean CO and PM2.5 concentrations in Senegal and for mean and maximum PM2.5 concentration on Gambia. Although this variability needs to be explained by further research to determine which other factors could affect indoor air pollution, the study provided a better understanding of the problem and envisaged alternatives to be implemented in future phases of the NGO project.

Health impacts of air pollution in China

The health effects of air pollution have attracted considerable attention in China.In this review,the status of air pollution in China is briefly presented.The impacts of air pollution on the health of the respiratory system,the circulatory system,the nervous system,the digestive system,the urinary system,pregnancy and life expectancy are highlighted.Additionally,China’s actions to control air pollution and their effects are briefly introduced.Finally,the challenges and perspectives of the health effects of air pollution are provided.We believe that this review will provide a promising perspective on the health impacts of air pollution in China,and further elicit more attention from governments and researchers worldwide.

Impact of Ambient Air Pollution on Public Health under Various Traffic Policies in Shanghai,China

Objective To investigate the potential impact of ambient air pollution on public health under various traffic policies in Shanghai. Methods The exposure level of Shanghai residents to air pollution under various planned traffic scenarios was estimated, and the public health impact was assessed using concentration-response functions derived from available epidemiological studies. Results Our results showed that ambient air pollution in relation to traffic scenarios had a significant impact on the future health status of Shanghai residents. Compared with the base case scenario, implementation of various traffic scenarios could prevent 759-1574, 1885-2420, and 2277-2650 PM10-related avoidable deaths （mean-value） in 2010, 2015, and 2020, respectively. It could also decrease the incidence of several relevant diseases. Conclusion Our findings emphasize the need to consider air pollution-related health effects as an important impact of traffic policy in Shanghai.

Health and Economic Impacts of Air Pollution in China: A Comparison of the General Equilibrium Approach and Human Capital Approach

In China, combustion of fossil fuels and biomass has produced serious air pollution that does harm to human health. Based on dose-response relationships derived from epidemiological studies, the authors calculated the number of deaths and people with health problems which were thought to be attributable to China＇s air pollution in the year of 2000. In order to estimate the corresponding economic impacts from the national point of view, the general equilibrium approach was selected as an analysis tool for this study. A computable general equilibrium （CGE） model was constructed involving 39 sectors and 32 commodities. The human capital approach （HCA） was also used for comparison. The economic burden of disease for people estimated by HCA was equivalent to 1.26‰ （ranging from 0.44‰ to 1.84‰） of China＇s gross domestic product （GDP）. China＇s GDP loss estimated by the general equilibrium approach reached 0.38‰ （ranging from 0.16‰ to 0.51‰）. The difference between the two approaches and the implications of the results were discussed.

Deposition of nanoparticles on school eyeglasses in urban and rural areas:A methodology for a more real assessment of the possible impacts

Because incomplete confirmation is available concerning the influential role of atmosphere contamination on conjunctivitis,myopia,asthma,and allergic rhinitis in Brazil,the focus of the present work is to explore the possible relations among atmosphere contamination and eye problems.Rather that a case study on eye diseases,by way of questionnaires supplemented by the investigation of nanoparticles(NPs)on eyeglasses,the study examines the mechanisms in which NPs and ultra-fine particles are deposited on the glasses of children up to 10 years of age in urban and rural area.The important connection between atmosphere contaminants and individual protection equipment justifies improving indoor school properties in order could protect children’s eyes,particularly in high-pollution/high-particulate areas.

室内粉尘污染对人体健康的影响及防治策略研究

本研究旨在深入探讨室内粉尘污染对人体健康的影响,并提出了一系列有效的防治策略。通过文献综述和数据分析,发现室内粉尘污染与多种健康问题密切相关,强调了改善室内空气质量的紧迫性。为了降低室内粉尘污染的危害,建议采取综合性的控制措施,包括通风改善、定期清洁、过滤器使用等,以保护人体健康。此外,还将通过案例研究深入探讨不同环境下的室内粉尘污染问题和解决方法。

Indoor Particulate Matter Assessment in a Northern Nigerian Abattoir and a Residential Building

Indoor air pollution in buildings puts people at risk of developing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.Particulate matter(PM)exposure is known to cause these health issues.Preliminary efforts were made in this study to assess the quantity and quality of PM1.0,PM_(2.5),and PM_(10)present in an abattoir and a residential building in northern Nigeria.Canree A1 low-cost sensor was used to monitor the locations,8 hourly for two weeks.The results showed that the aver­age values(μg/m^(3))of PM1.0,PM_(2.5),and PM_(10)in an abattoir were 62.74,161.94,and 199.08,respectively,and in a residential building were 28.70,83.31,and 103.71.The average Air Quality Index(AQI)of the abattoir office was Very Unhealthy,while the living room of the residential building was unhealthy.The PM_(2.5),and PM_(10)levels were higher than the international(WHO)and national(FMEnv)standard limits,indicating a potential danger to building occupants.It is expected that the indoor environment of the locations will be improved by the use of good ventilators(adequate windows and doors)and the provision of good extractors.

Challenges and perspectives of air pollution control in China

Air pollution is one of the most challenging environmental issues in the world.China has achieved remarkable success in improving air quality in last decade as a result of aggressive air pollution control policies.However,the average fine particulate matter(PM2.5)concentration in China is still about six times of the World Health Organization(WHO)Global Air Quality Guidelines(AQG)and causing significant human health risks.Extreme emission reductions of multiple air pollutants are required for China to achieve the AQG.Here we identify the major challenges in future air quality improvement and propose corresponding control strategies.The main challenges include the persistently high health risk attributed to PM2.5 pollution,the excessively loose air quality standards,and coordinated control of air pollution,greenhouse gases(GHGs)emissions and emerging pollutants.To further improve air quality and protect human health,a health-oriented air pollution control strategy shall be implemented by tightening the air quality standards as well as optimizing emission reduction pathways based on the health risks of various sources.In the meantime,an“oneatmosphere”concept shall be adopted to strengthen the synergistic control of air pollutants and GHGs and the control of non-combustion sources and emerging pollutants shall be enhanced.

住宅室内空气羰基化合物的污染特征及健康影响

为研究住宅室内空气中羰基化合物污染水平及健康影响,于2016年采集西安市城区住宅5户家庭室内空气中20种羰基化合物,利用高效液相色谱仪进行检测和分析.结果表明,室内羰基化合物浓度((144.3±56.2)μg·m^(-3))显著高于室外((63.0±21.8)μg·m^(-3)).甲醛、乙醛和丙酮是室内外环境中相对贡献比较丰富的化合物,占总羰基化合物浓度的47.0%—73.0%.通风换气次数对室内环境中羰基化合物污染影响显著.室内羰基化合物浓度变化呈现显著的“周末效应”,具体表现为供暖季多数羰基化合物周末高于工作日,非供暖季工作日高于周末.健康风险评估表明各住宅儿童每日吸入甲醛和乙醛的剂量均超过儿童终生致癌风险阈值1—2个数量级,因此面临显著的潜在癌症风险.室内气味污染则主要来自于气味阈值较低的高分子量羰基化合物,包括己醛、庚醛、辛醛、壬醛和癸醛.其中辛醛贡献最大,其气味活性值均大于100.本研究结果为城市住宅室内痕量羰基污染物特征及健康影响提供了基础数据和科学依据.

A Review of Literature on Residential Solid Fuel Burning, and Consequently the Implications of Meeting the European 2050 Low-Carbon Targets

This paper is intended to source literature, identifying the adverse impacts on human health, from the pollutants released from residential burning from both fossil fuel and biomass sources. The literature sourced was ascertained through the conduction of a systematic literature review. The author assessed peer-reviewed English language articles, which had been published within the last five years. The studies reviewed indicated a clear increase in the burning of residential solid fuels. The findings suggest that residential solid fuel combustion is occurring in developed countries, primarily as a secondary source of heating during the winter months. The study concluded that similarly to bituminous coal, the domestic burning of wood also had adverse effects on human health. The intentions of UK Climate Change Act 2008 are to achieve an 80% reduction by the year 2050 in the net carbon account from the 1990 baseline. It is recommended for countries to meet the European 2050 targets, long-term measures need to be adopted. This includes switching from residential solid fuel burning to heating methods such as oil and gas, which are necessary in improving overall air quality and public health.

装修后居室空气污染及健康效应

目的探讨装修后居室空气污染及健康效应。方法选择新装修的13户家庭在装修后的第1～4天、2个月和6个月进行室内空气采样,测定室内空气中甲醛、苯、对二甲苯、间二甲苯、邻二甲苯的浓度,同时对家庭成员装修前后眼及呼吸系统的不良反应进行流行病学调查。结果室内空气甲醛浓度超标2.92倍以上,苯、二甲苯超标7.4～11.3倍及58.2～87.1倍。装修后室内空气污染物浓度随时间的延长呈下降趋势。家庭成员中流泪和打喷嚏、支气管炎或咳嗽、哮喘、头晕的阳性率在装修前分别为0%、3.0%、3.0%、0%,装修后上升至24.2%、7.6%、6.1%、7.6%。结论室内装修可导致室内空气中甲醛和苯系物污染,污染程度与装修的复杂程度成正比,并与装修材料的质量有关,装修还导致家庭成员眼部及呼吸系统的不良反应的阳性率上升。

室内空气主要污染物及其健康效应

室内空气质量与人体健康紧密相关。室内空气污染物的种类众多、来源广泛 ,对人体健康造成的危害十分复杂 ,可累及呼吸、免疫和血液等多个系统。目前 ,室内空气中存在的污染物以燃料燃烧产物、建筑装饰材料产生的挥发性有机化合物和生物性污染物等为主。

武汉市室内装修后甲醛浓度动态变化规律研究

目的了解武汉市新装修居室空气中甲醛的污染情况及其动态变化规律和室内装修装饰材料的构成。方法于2005年4月,选择武汉市新装修的66户住户,连续6个月监测室内空气中的甲醛浓度,同时对室内装饰材料的构成做相关调查。结果武汉市新装修居室空气中甲醛浓度在第4次监测(7月)时达到峰值,其平均浓度为0.272mg/m3,超过国家卫生标准(0.1mg/m3)1.72倍,此后甲醛浓度随时间的延长而逐渐降低。6个月后,仍有近30%的住户室内空气甲醛浓度超标。人造板材占家具和门窗、墙面等装修材料构成的81.48%,成为室内空气甲醛污染的主要来源。结论新装修居室空气中甲醛浓度的降低是一个长期缓慢的过程。大量使用易挥发甲醛的装饰材料(人造板材)造成新装修居室空气中甲醛污染严重。

我国113个城市大气颗粒物污染的健康经济学评价

搜集2006年我国113个主要城市的PM10年均浓度和当年我国城市居民的健康资料,评价大气PM10污染对我国113个主要城市的居民健康影响,并粗略估算了相关的健康经济损失.结果表明,2006年大气PM10污染对我国113个城市的居民造成了较大的健康损失,可引起29.97万例过早死亡,9.26万例慢性支气管炎,762.51万例内科门诊,16.59万例心血管疾病住院和8.90万例呼吸系统疾病住院.折算成货币,总归因健康经济损失为3414.03亿元,其中由过早死亡造成的损失占87.79%.

贵阳市室内空气中苯和甲醛的健康风险评价

目的研究贵阳市室内空气中苯和甲醛的癌症风险。方法于2004—2005年,对贵阳市110个监测点的卧室、客厅、厨房、办公室、教室空气中以及室外环境中的苯和甲醛浓度进行监测。应用健康风险评价的方法对空气中苯和甲醛的人群癌症风险进行评价。结果办公室空气中甲醛浓度超过了 GB/T 18883—2002《室内空气质量标准》限值,其他环境空气中苯和甲醛浓度低于标准限值。成年男性和成年女性的苯癌症风险分别为1.63×10^(-4)和1.40×10^(-4),甲醛癌症风险分别为6.05×10^(-4)和5.23×10^(-4)。甲醛癌症风险高于苯癌症风险,男性癌症风险高于女性。不同人群在不同环境中的苯和甲醛的癌症风险值均超过美国环境保护局制定的安全限值(1.00×10^(-6))。结论贵阳市室内空气中苯和甲醛浓度对人群存在较大的致癌风险。

装修所致室内空气污染对健康的影响

目的通过对新装修住宅的室内空气质量检测和居民健康状况调查,研究室内空气污染物对居民健康的危害。方法检测159户新装修6月～1年的居室室内空气中甲醛、总挥发性有机物(TVOC)、氨和放射性氡的浓度,并用问卷调查居民的健康状况。以各个污染物浓度是否超过国家标准分组分析其对居民健康的影响。结果超标组和达标组室内空气中甲醛浓度分别为(0.170±0.075)mg m3,(0.064±0.022)mg m3;TVOC超标组和TVOC达标组室内空气中TVOC浓度分别为(2.033±1.161)mg m3,(0.271±0.142)mg m3。甲醛超标组居民疲劳、恶心、眼部刺激症状、鼻部刺激症状、喉咙干燥、皮肤干燥、皮肤骚痒、皮肤红肿的阳性率均明显高于甲醛达标组(均P<0.05)。TVOC超标组居民恶心、皮肤骚痒、胸闷气短3个指标阳性率明显高于TVOC达标组(均P<0.05)。结论装修可致室内空气中甲醛和TVOC超标,并可引起明显居民恶心、眼部刺激症状和皮肤刺激等症状,严重损害了居民健康。

室内空气质量与人体健康

空气质量与人体健康密切相关 ,在大都市中 ,人们绝大部分时间在室内度过 ,因此室内环境质量对人体影响甚大。在介绍国内外室内空气污染及其对人体健康影响研究的基础上 ,分析了室内空气污染物的来源及种类 ,重点阐述了各污染物对人体健康的影响。通过实际调查以及同国外室内环境污染水平相比较 ,结果表明当前我国大都市室内污染水平较高 ,特别是因室内装修引起的有机物污染。因此加强室内污染调查研究 ,对于控制室内污染 ,保障人体健康具有重要的现实意义。

地下空间空气中微生物调查

目的通过对51个地下空间空气中微生物检测,了解地下空间空气中微生物污染状况。方法1992—2004年对华北地区51个地下空间,按通风状况分为密闭型(12个)、通风型(21个)、半密闭型(18个)。用撞击法和沉降法检测空气中细菌总数、真菌数、链球菌及厌氧菌。分离出的黄曲霉菌用ELISA方法检测黄曲霉毒素B1。结果地下空间空气中细菌总数符合GJB3768—1999《屯兵坑道环境卫生学要求》,半密闭型地下空间房间和通道空气中细菌总数、真菌数的监测结果均高于相应对照(P<0.01)。鉴定出的2845株真菌中,青霉属及曲霉属为优势菌,分别占41.5%及19.1%。73株黄曲霉菌中黄曲霉毒素B1阳性者9株,占12.3%。通风型、密闭型地下空间通道和房间空气中厌氧菌高于相应对照组(P<0.01或P<0.05),链球菌与相应对照组相比,差异无统计学意义。密闭型通道空气中厌氧菌分别是半密闭型及通风型通道的4.2倍及3.8倍。结论地下空间房间和通道空气中含有大量真菌和厌氧菌,对进驻人员健康有一定危害。