| 1. |
- Adeyemi, Adewale, et al.
(författare)
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Source apportionment of fine atmospheric particles using positive matrix factorization in Pretoria, South Africa
- 2021
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Ingår i: Environmental Monitoring & Assessment. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0167-6369 .- 1573-2959. ; 193:11
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In Pretoria South Africa, we looked into the origins of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), based on one-year sampling campaign carried out between 18 April 2017 to 17 April 2018. The average PM2.5 concentration was 21.1± 15.0 µg/m3 (range 0.7 - 66.8 µg/m3), with winter being the highest and summer being the lowest. The XEPOS 5 Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectroscopy was used for elemental analysis, and the US EPA PMF 5.0 program was used for source apportionment. The sources identified includes fossil fuel combustion, soil dust, secondary sulphur, vehicle exhaust, road traffic, base metal/pyrometallurgical, coal burning. Coal burning and secondary sulphur were significantly higher in winter and contributed more than 50% of PM2.5 sources. The HYSPLIT model was used to calculate the air mass trajectories (version 4.9). During the one-year research cycle, five transportation clusters were established. North Limpopo (NLP), Eastern Inland (EI), Short-Indian Ocean (SIO), Long-Indian Ocean (LIO) and South Westerly-Atlantic Ocean (SWA). Local and transboundary origin accounted for 85%, while 15% were long-range transport. Due to various anthropogenic activities such as biomass burning and coal mining, NLP clusters were the key source of emissions adding to the city's PM rate. In Pretoria, the main possible source regions of PM2.5 were discovered to be NLP and EI. Effective control strategies designed at reducing secondary sulphur, coal burning, and fossil fuel combustion emissions at Southern African level and local combustion sources would be an important measure to combat the reduction of ambient PM2.5 pollution in Pretoria.
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| 2. |
- Andersson, Eva M., 1968, et al.
(författare)
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Road traffic noise, air pollution and cardiovascular events in a Swedish cohort
- 2020
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Ingår i: Environmental Research. - : Elsevier BV. - 0013-9351. ; 185
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Urbanization and increasing road traffic cause exposure to both noise and air pollution. While the levels of air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) have decreased in Sweden during the past decades, exposure to traffic noise has increased. The association with cardiovascular morbidity is less well established for noise than for air pollution, and most studies have only studied one of the two highly spatially correlated exposures. The Swedish Primary Prevention Study cohort consists of men aged 47 to 55 when first examined in 1970-1973. The cohort members were linked to the Swedish patient registry through their personal identity number and followed until first cardiovascular event 1970-2011. The address history during the entire study period was used to assign annual modelled residential exposure to road traffic noise and NOx. The Cox proportional hazards model with age on the time axis and time-varying exposures were used in the analysis. The results for 6304 men showed a non-significant increased risk of cardiovascular disease for long-term road traffic noise at the home address, after adjusting for air pollution. The hazard ratios were 1.08 (95% CI 0.90-1.28) for cardiovascular mortality, 1.14 (95% CI 0.96-1.36) for ischemic heart disease incidence and 1.07 (95% CI 0.85-1.36) for stroke incidence, for noise above 60 dB, compared to below 50 dB. This study found some support for cardiovascular health effects of long-term exposure to road traffic noise above 60 dB, after having accounted for exposure to air pollution.
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| 3. |
- Azzouz, Mehjar, 1999, et al.
(författare)
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Air pollution and biomarkers of cardiovascular disease and inflammation in the Malmo Diet and Cancer cohort
- 2022
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Ingår i: Environmental Health. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1476-069X. ; 21:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction Air pollution is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, possibly through chronic systemic inflammation that promotes the progression of atherosclerosis and the risk of cardiovascular events. This study aimed to investigate the associations between air pollution and established biomarkers of inflammation and cardiovascular disease. Methods The Cardiovascular Subcohort of the Malmo Diet and Cancer cohort includes 6103 participants from the general population of Malmo, Sweden. The participants were recruited 1991-1994. Annual mean residential exposure to particulate matter < 2.5 and < 10 mu m (PM2.5 and PM10), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) at year of recruitment were assigned from dispersion models. Blood samples collected at recruitment, including blood cell counts, and biomarkers (lymphocyte- and neutrophil counts, C-reactive protein (CRP), soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) (Lp-PLA(2)), ceruloplasmin, orosomucoid, haptoglobin, complement-C3, and alpha-1-antitrypsin) were analyzed. Multiple linear regression models were used to investigate the cross-sectional associations between air pollutants and biomarkers. Results The mean annual exposure levels in the cohort were only slightly or moderately above the new WHO guidelines of 5 mu g/m(3) PM2.5 (10.5 mu g/m(3) PM2.5). Residential PM2.5 exposure was associated with increased levels of ceruloplasmin, orosomucoid, C3, alpha-1-antitrypsin, haptoglobin, Lp-PLA(2) and the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio. Ceruloplasmin, orosomucoid, C3 and alpha-1-antitrypsin were also positively associated with PM10. There were no associations between air pollutants and suPAR, leukocyte counts or CRP. The associations between particles and biomarkers were still significant after removing outliers and adjustment for CRP levels. The associations were more prominent in smokers. Conclusion Long-term residential exposure to moderate levels of particulate air pollution was associated with several biomarkers of inflammation and cardiovascular disease. This supports inflammation as a mechanism behind the association between air pollution and cardiovascular disease.
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| 4. |
- Barregård, Lars, 1948, et al.
(författare)
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Impact on Population Health of Baltic Shipping Emissions
- 2019
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Ingår i: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI AG. - 1660-4601. ; 16:11
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Emission of pollutants from shipping contributes to ambient air pollution. Our aim was to estimate exposure to particulate air pollution (PM2.5) and health effects from shipping in countries around the Baltic Sea, as well as effects of the sulfur regulations for fuels enforced in 2015 by the Baltic Sulfur Emission Control Area (SECA). Yearly PM2.5 emissions, from ship activity data and emission inventories in 2014 and 2016, were estimated. Concentrations and population exposure (0.1 degrees x 0.1 degrees) of PM2.5 were estimated from a chemical transport mode, meteorology, and population density. Excess mortality and morbidity were estimated using established exposure-response (ER) functions. Estimated mean PM2.5 per inhabitant from Baltic shipping was 0.22 mu g/m(3) in 2014 in ten countries, highest in Denmark (0.57 mu g/m(3)). For the ER function with the steepest slope, the number of estimated extra premature deaths was 3413 in total, highest in Germany and lowest in Norway. It decreased by about 35% in 2016 (after SECA), a reduction of >1000 cases. In addition, 1500 non-fatal cases of ischemic heart disease and 1500 non-fatal cases of stroke in 2014 caused by Baltic shipping emissions were reduced by the same extent in 2016. In conclusion, PM2.5 emissions from Baltic shipping, and resulting health impacts decreased substantially after the SECA regulations in 2015.
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| 5. |
- Boman, Johan, 1955, et al.
(författare)
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ASSESSING THE ENVIRONMENT WITH X-RAY FLUORESCENCE
- 2011
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Ingår i: Advances in X-ray Analysis. - 0376-0308. ; 54, s. 266-279
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In this paper we will introduce the general benefits of X-Ray Fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) for assessing the condition of the outer environment, especially where ambient aerosol particles are causing environmental disturbances. Examples from recent environmental studies are presented, and energy dispersive XRF is concluded to be a powerful, nondestructive yet easily applicable tool to supply detailed elemental information of particles collected in different applications. The further development and future potential of the method for detailed analysis of aerosol particles are discussed.
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| 6. |
- Carlsen, Hanne Krage, et al.
(författare)
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Incident cardiovascular disease and long-term exposure to source-specific air pollutants in a Swedish cohort
- 2022
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Ingår i: Environmental Research. - : Elsevier BV. - 0013-9351 .- 1096-0953. ; 209
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Air pollution is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, but its role in the development of congestive heart failure (CHF) and the role of different pollution sources in cardiovascular disease remain uncertain. Methods: Participants were enrolled in the Malmö Diet and Cancer cohort in 1991–1996 with information on lifestyle and clinical indicators of cardiovascular disease. The cohort participants were followed through registers until 2016. Annual total and local source-specific concentrations of particulate matter less than 10 μm and 2.5 μm (PM10 and PM2.5), black carbon (BC), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) from traffic, residential heating, and industry were assigned to each participant's address throughout the study period. Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for possible confounders was used to estimate associations between air pollution 1–5 years prior to outcomes of incident CHF, fatal myocardial infarction (MI), major adverse coronary events (MACE), and ischemic stroke. Results: Air pollution exposure levels (mean annual exposures to PM2.5 of 11 μg/m3 and NOx of 26 μg/m3) within the cohort were moderate in terms of environmental standards. After adjusting for confounders, we observed statistically significant associations between NOx and CHF (hazard ratio [HR] 1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.22) and NOx and fatal MI (HR 1.10, 95%CI 1.01–1.20) per interquartile range (IQR) of 9.6 μg/m3. In fully adjusted models, the estimates were similar, but the precision worse. In stratified analyses, the associations were stronger in males, ever-smokers, older participants, and those with baseline carotid artery plaques. Locally emitted and traffic-related air pollutants generally showed positive associations with CHF and fatal MI. There were no associations between air pollution and MACE or stroke. Discussion/conclusion: In an area with low to moderate air pollution exposure, we observed significant associations of long-term residential NOx with increased risk of incident CHF and fatal MI, but not with coronary events and stroke. © 2022
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| 7. |
- Hasslöf, Helena, et al.
(författare)
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Long-term exposure to air pollution and atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries in the Malmö diet and cancer cohort.
- 2020
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Ingår i: Environmental research. - : Elsevier BV. - 1096-0953 .- 0013-9351. ; 191
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Long-term exposure to air pollution increases the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, but the mechanisms are not fully known. Current evidence suggests that air pollution exposure contributes to the development of atherosclerosis. There are few studies investigating associations between air pollution and carotid plaques, a well-known precursor of cardiovascular disease.A Swedish population-based cohort (aged 45-64yearsat recruitment) was randomly selected from the Malmö Diet and Cancer study between 1991 and 1994, of which 6103 participants underwent ultrasound examination of the right carotid artery to determine carotid plaque presence and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT). Participants were assigned individual residential air pollution exposure (source-specific PM2.5, PM10, NOx, BC) at recruitment from Gaussian dispersion models. Logistic and linear regression models, adjusted for potential confounders and cardiovascular risk factors, were used to investigate associations between air pollutants and prevalence of carotid plaques, and CIMT, respectively.The prevalence of carotid plaques was 35%. The mean levels of PM2.5 and PM10 at recruitment were 11 and 14μg/m3, most of which was due to long range transport. The exposure contrast within the cohort was relatively low. PM2.5 exposure was associated with carotid plaques in a model including age and sex only (OR 1.10 (95% CI 1.01-1.20) per 1μg/m3), but after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors and socioeconomic status (SES) the association was weak and not significant (OR 1.05 (95% CI 0.96-1.16) per 1μg/m3). The pattern was similar for PM10 and NOx exposure. Associations between air pollutants and plaques were slightly stronger for long-term residents and in younger participants with hypertension. There was no clear linear trend between air pollution exposure and plaque prevalence. Non-significant slightly positive associations were seen between air pollution exposures and CIMT.In this large, well-controlled cross-sectional study at low exposure levels we found no significant associations between air pollution exposures and subclinical atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries, after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors and SES. Further epidemiological studies of air pollution and intermediate outcomes are needed to explain the link between air pollution and cardiovascular events.
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| 8. |
- Howlett-Downing, C., et al.
(författare)
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Health risk assessment of PM2.5 and PM2.5-bound trace elements in Pretoria, South Africa
- 2023
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Ingår i: Journal of Environmental Science and Health Part a-Toxic/Hazardous Substances & Environmental Engineering. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1093-4529 .- 1532-4117. ; 58:4, s. 342-358
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Exposure to outdoor air pollutants poses a risk for both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic respiratory disease outcomes. A standardized health risk assessment (US EPA) utilizes air quality data, body mass and breathing rates to determine potential risk. This health risk assessment study assesses the hazard quotient (HQ) for total PM2.5 and trace elemental constituents (Br, Cl, K, Ni, S, Si, Ti and U) exposure in Pretoria, South Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guideline (5 mu g m(-3)) and the yearly South African National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) (20 mu g m(-3)) were the references dosages for total PM2.5. A total of 350 days was sampled in Pretoria, South Africa. The mean total PM2.5 concentration during the 34-month study period was 23.2 mu g m(-3) (0.7-139 mu g m(-3)). The HQ for total PM2.5 was 1.17, 3.47 and 3.78 for adults, children and infants. Non-carcinogenic risks for trace elements K, Cl, S and Si were above 1 for adults. Seasonally, Si was the highest during autumn for adults (1.9) and during spring for S (5.5). The HQ values for K and Cl were highest during winter. The exposure to Ni posed a risk for cancer throughout the year and for As during winters.
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| 9. |
- Howlett-Downing, Chantelle, et al.
(författare)
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PM2.5 Chemical Composition and Geographical Origin of Air Masses in Pretoria, South Africa
- 2022
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Ingår i: Water, Air, and Soil Pollution. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0049-6979 .- 1573-2932. ; 233
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In Africa, there is a paucity of studies that reported on PM2.5, soot, BC, UV-PM (organic carbon) and trace element levels in rural and urban regions. PM2.5 samples were collected over 24 h and every third day during 19 April 2018 and 28 February 2020. The mean PM2.5 level was 24.1 μg.m−3 (range: 2.9–139 μg.m−3). PM2.5 levels exceeded the yearly World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guideline (5 μg.m−3). The daily WHO guideline (15 μg.m−3) was exceeded on 151 of the 228 days. The mean soot, black carbon and organic carbon levels were 1.43 m−1 × 10−5, 2.7 μg.m−3 and 2.1 μg.m−3, respectively. Twelve PM2.5-bound trace elements (Br, Ca, Cl, Cu, Fe, K, Ni, S, Si, Ti, U and Zn) were analysed. The geographical origin of air masses that passed the study site was estimated using the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory software. Four air masses were identified. The observed PM2.5, soot, BC, UV-PM and trace element levels at this urban background study site could potentially pose a significant risk to human health.
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| 10. |
- Howlett-Downing, Chantelle, et al.
(författare)
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Source Apportionment of PM2.5 and PM2.5-Bound Trace Elements in Pretoria, South Africa
- 2023
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Ingår i: ENVIRONMENTAL FORENSICS. - 1527-5922 .- 1527-5930.
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Outdoor PM2.5 samples were collected for 34 months in Pretoria, South Africa from 18 April 2017 to 28 February 2020. The average total PM2.5 concentration was 23.2 +/- 17.3 mu g.m(3) (0.69-139 mu g.m(-3)), with the highest mean recorded during winter and the lowest during summer (p < 0.05). The sources were determined by means of cross referencing the US EPA PMF 5.0 program and the NOAA HYsplit model. The sources of the total PM2.5 were mining (33%), resuspended dust (24%), industry (15%), general exhaust (12%), vehicular emissions (12%) and biomass burning (4%). Sources of air pollutants are both ubiquitous and seasonal.Highlights center dot In central Pretoria, the largest contributing sources of PM2.5 are resuspended dust matrix and mining from surrounding areas;center dot A winter analysis was run where As, Se and Pb was included in the dataset, confirming biomass burning sources which were typically higher during the winter season; and center dot Air quality management policies should address both ubiquitous and seasonal sources.
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