| 1. |
- Andersson, Camilla, et al.
(author)
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Achievements and experiences from science–policy interaction in the field of air pollution : Synthesising 20 years of research and outreach,thinking about future needs
- 2021
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Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- For 20 years, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency together with the MISTRA research foundation have funded five air pollution research programmes with focus on producing knowledge that supports policy and emission control in national and international arenas. The research has been multidisciplinary and has included research on emissions, atmospheric transport and transformation processes, human health effects, ecosystem effects, and emission control strategies. Research has also been conducted on the interaction between air pollution and climate change.Over these years, the link between the research programmes and the development of emission control strategies and policies in Sweden, the EU, and the UNECE Air Convention has been of high importance. This report presents how the research programmes have created societal benefits through support for the development of air pollution policies and emission control measures. The report also identifies future research needs to ensure continued progress towards even better air quality for future generations.
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| 2. |
- Cyrys, Josef, et al.
(author)
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Variation of NO2 and NOx concentrations between and within 36 European study areas : Results from the ESCAPE study
- 2012
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In: Atmospheric Environment. - : Elsevier BV. - 1352-2310 .- 1873-2844. ; 62, s. 374-390
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The ESCAPE study (European Study of Cohorts for Air Pollution Effects) investigates long-term effects of exposure to air pollution on human health in Europe. This paper documents the spatial variation of measured NO2 and NOx concentrations between and within 36 ESCAPE study areas across Europe.In all study areas NO2 and NOx were measured using standardized methods between October 2008 and April 2011. On average, 41 sites were selected per study area, including regional and urban background as well as street sites. The measurements were conducted in three different seasons, using Ogawa badges. Average concentrations for each site were calculated after adjustment for temporal variation using data obtained from a routine monitor background site.Substantial spatial variability was found in NO2 and NOx concentrations between and within study areas; 40% of the overall NO2 variance was attributable to the variability between study areas and 60% to variability within study areas. The corresponding values for NOx were 30% and 70%. The within-area spatial variability was mostly determined by differences between street and urban background concentrations. The street/urban background concentration ratio for NO2 varied between 1.09 and 3.16 across areas. The highest median concentrations were observed in Southern Europe, the lowest in Northern Europe.In conclusion, we found significant contrasts in annual average NO2 and NOx concentrations between and especially within 36 study areas across Europe. Epidemiological long-term studies should therefore consider different approaches for better characterization of the intra-urban contrasts, either by increasing of the number of monitors or by modelling.
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| 3. |
- Fuks, Kateryna B., et al.
(author)
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Long-term exposure to ambient air pollution and traffic noise and incident hypertension in seven cohorts of the European study of cohorts for air pollution effects (ESCAPE)
- 2017
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In: European Heart Journal. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0195-668X .- 1522-9645. ; 38:13, s. 983-990
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims We investigated whether traffic-related air pollution and noise are associated with incident hypertension in European cohorts. Methods and results We included seven cohorts of the European study of cohorts for air pollution effects (ESCAPE). We modelled concentrations of particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <= 2.5 mu m (PM2.5), <= 10 mu m (PM10), >2.5, and <= 10 mu m (PMcoarse), soot (PM2.5 absorbance), and nitrogen oxides at the addresses of participants with land use regression. Residential exposure to traffic noise was modelled at the facade according to the EU Directive 2002/49/EC. We assessed hypertension as (i) self-reported and (ii) measured (systolic BP >= 140mmHg or diastolic BP >= 90mmHg or intake of BP lowering medication (BPLM). We used Poisson regression with robust variance estimation to analyse associations of traffic-related exposures with incidence of hypertension, controlling for relevant confounders, and combined the results from individual studies with random-effects meta-analysis. Among 41 072 participants free of self-reported hypertension at baseline, 6207 (15.1%) incident cases occurred within 5-9 years of follow-up. Incidence of self-reported hypertension was positively associated with PM2.5 (relative risk (RR) 1.22 [95%-confidence interval (CI): 1.08; 1.37] per 5 mu g/m(3)) and PM2.5 absorbance (RR 1.13 [95% CI: 1.02; 1.24] per 10(-5) m(-1)). These estimates decreased slightly upon adjustment for road traffic noise. Road traffic noise was weakly positively associated with the incidence of self-reported hypertension. Among 10 896 participants at risk, 3549 new cases of measured hypertension occurred. We found no clear associations with measured hypertension. Conclusion Long-term residential exposures to air pollution and noise are associated with increased incidence of self-reported hypertension.
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| 4. |
- Gehring, Ulrike, et al.
(author)
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Air Pollution Exposure and Lung Function in Children : The ESCAPE Project
- 2013
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In: Journal of Environmental Health Perspectives. - : Environmental Health Perspectives. - 0091-6765 .- 1552-9924. ; 121:11-12, s. 1357-1364
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: There is evidence for adverse effects of outdoor air pollution on lung function of children. Quantitative summaries of the effects of air pollution on lung function, however, are lacking due to large differences among studies. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to study the association between residential exposure to air pollution and lung function in five European birth cohorts with a standardized exposure assessment following a common protocol. METHODS: As part of the European Study of Cohorts for Air Pollution Effects (ESCAPE) we analyzed data from birth cohort studies situated in Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom that measured lung function at 6-8 years of age (n = 5,921). Annual average exposure to air pollution [nitrogen oxides (NO2, NOx), mass concentrations of particulate matter with diameters < 2.5, < 10, and 2.5-10 mu m (PM2.5, PM10, and PMcoarse), and PM2.5 absorbance] at the birth address and current address was estimated by land-use regression models. Associations of lung function with estimated air pollution levels and traffic indicators were estimated for each cohort using linear regression analysis, and then combined by random effects meta-analysis. RESULTS: Estimated levels of NO2, NOx, PM2.5 absorbance, and PM2.5 at the current address, but not at the birth address, were associated with small decreases in lung function. For example, changes in forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) ranged from -0.86% (95% CI: -1.48, -0.24%) for a 20-mu g/m(3) increase in NOx to -1.77% (95% CI: -3.34, -0.18%) for a 5-mu g/m(3) increase in PM2.5. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to air pollution may result in reduced lung function in schoolchildren.
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| 5. |
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| 6. |
- Gruzieva, Olena, et al.
(author)
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Comparison of measured residential black carbon levels outdoors and indoors with fixed-site monitoring data and with dispersion modelling
- 2021
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In: Environmental Science and Pollution Research. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0944-1344 .- 1614-7499. ; 28:13, s. 16264-16271
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Epidemiologic studies on health effects of air pollution usually rely on time-series of ambient monitoring data or on spatially modelled levels. Little is known how well these estimate residential outdoor and indoor levels. We investigated the agreement of measured residential black carbon (BC) levels outdoors and indoors with fixed-site monitoring data and with levels calculated using a Gaussian dispersion model. One-week residential outdoor and indoor BC measurements were conducted for 15 families living in central Stockholm. Time-series from urban background and street-level monitors were compared to these measurements. The observed weekly concentrations were also standardized to reflect annual averages, using urban background levels, and compared spatially to long-term levels as estimated by dispersion modelling. Weekly average outdoor BC level was 472 ng/m3 (range 261-797 ng/m3). The corresponding fixed-site urban background and street levels were 313 and 1039 ng/m3, respectively. Urban background variation explained 50% of the temporal variation in residential outdoor levels averaged over 24 h. Modelled residential long-term outdoor levels were on average comparable with the standardized measured home outdoor levels, and explained 49% of the spatial variability. The median indoor/outdoor ratio across all addresses was 0.79, with no difference between day and night time. Common exposure estimation approaches in the epidemiology of health effects related to BC displayed high validity for residencies in central Stockholm. Urban background monitored levels explained half of the outdoor day-to-day variability at residential addresses. Long-term dispersion modelling explained half of the spatial differences in outdoor levels. Indoor BC concentrations tended to be somewhat lower than outdoor levels.
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| 7. |
- Gruzieva, Olena, et al.
(author)
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Comparison of personal exposure to black carbon levels with fixed-site monitoring data and with dispersion modelling and the influence of activity patterns and environment
- 2024
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In: Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology. - 1559-0631 .- 1559-064X.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Short-term studies of health effects from ambient air pollution usually rely on fixed site monitoring data or spatio-temporal models for exposure characterization, but the relation to personal exposure is often not known.Objective: We aimed to explore this relation for black carbon (BC) in central Stockholm.Methods: Families (n = 46) with an infant, one parent working and one parent on parental leave, carried battery-operated BC instruments for 7 days. Routine BC monitoring data were obtained from rural background (RB) and urban background (UB) sites. Outdoor levels of BC at home and work were estimated in 24 h periods by dispersion modelling based on hourly real-time meteorological data, and statistical meteorological data representing annual mean conditions. Global radiation, air pressure, precipitation, temperature, and wind speed data were obtained from the UB station. All families lived in the city centre, within 4 km of the UB station.Results: The average level of 24 h personal BC was 425 (s.d. 181) ng/m3 for parents on leave, and 394 (s.d. 143) ng/m3 for working parents. The corresponding fixed-site monitoring observations were 148 (s.d. 139) at RB and 317 (s.d. 149) ng/m3 at UB. Modelled BC levels at home and at work were 493 (s.d. 228) and 331 (s.d. 173) ng/m3, respectively. UB, RB and air pressure explained only 21% of personal 24 h BC variability for parents on leave and 25% for working parents. Modelled home BC and observed air pressure explained 23% of personal BC, and adding modelled BC at work increased the explanation to 34% for the working parents.Impact: Short-term studies of health effects from ambient air pollution usually rely on fixed site monitoring data or spatio-temporal models for exposure characterization, but the relation to actual personal exposure is often not known. In this study we showed that both routine monitoring and modelled data explained less than 35% of variability in personal black carbon exposure. Hence, short-term health effects studies based on fixed site monitoring or spatio-temporal modelling are likely to be underpowered and subject to bias.
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| 8. |
- Gruzieva, Olena
(author)
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Long-term exposure to air pollution from road traffic and development of airway and allergic diseases in children
- 2012
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Allergic diseases are of great public health concern and constitute one of the most prevalent childhood illnesses. Air pollution exposure is related to several types of adverse health effects. There are, however, limited prospective data on long-term exposure to air pollution and effects on childhood respiratory and allergic morbidity, particularly concerning the role of timing of exposure, and susceptible groups. The aim of this thesis was to investigate effects of long-term exposure to air pollution on the development of airway disease in children, focusing on allergic sensitization, asthma-related symptoms and lung function. It is based on two epidemiologic materials, the Swedish birth cohort BAMSE and the ESCAPE study, which included five European birth cohorts. Over 4000 children in the BAMSE cohort were followed with repeated questionnaires, blood samples and lung function tests until 12 years of age. Outdoor concentrations of nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particles with an aerodynamic diameter of <10 μm (PM10) from traffic, were assigned to residential, day care, and school addresses by dispersion models. Air pollution exposure during the first year of life was related to an increased risk of sensitization to pollen allergens at 4 years (OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.02–3.28) for a 46.7 μg/m3 increase in exposure to NOx, but no consistent association was seen at 8 years of age. Our results suggested possible associations between exposure to air pollution during infancy and asthma in children up to 12 years of age. Risks appeared particularly elevated in children aged 8-12 years (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.1–3.5) and for nonallergic asthma (3.8; 0.9–16.2), for a 7.2 μg/m3 increase in PM10. Furthermore, early-life exposure to air pollution seemed to have long-term negative consequences on lung function, particularly in atopic children, with a reduction of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) of -136.9 mL; 95% CI, -224.1 to -49.7, for a 7.0 μg/m3 increase in PM10. Exposure after the first year of life appeared to have less impact on the respiratory outcomes under study. In five European birth cohorts participating in the ESCAPE project, land-use regression models were applied to assess the individual exposures to several air pollution components. Blood samples drawn at 4 and/or 8 years from more than 6500 children were analyzed for specific IgE against common inhalant/food allergens. A meta- analysis did not reveal any clear association between air pollution exposure and development of allergic sensitization in children up to 10 years of age. In conclusion, our results suggest that the infancy period might be critical for the influence of air pollution exposure on the development of asthma, allergy and lung function in children. Furthermore, our results suggest that current air quality standards do not fully protect children against adverse respiratory effects.
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| 9. |
- Gruzieva, Olena, et al.
(author)
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Utomhusluften i Stockholms län : Exponering, utsatta grupper och besvär
- 2020
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Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Omgivningsmiljön och miljön i bostaden har en stor betydelse för folkhälsan. Dessa miljöer kan se olika ut för olika grupper i befolkningen vilket skapar ojämlika förutsättningar för en god hälsa. Den här undersökningen av särskilt utsatta grupper i befolkningen vad gäller exponering för luftföroreningar baserades på ett urval av befolkningen i Stockholms län som besvarat Miljöhälsoenkät 2015 (n=12 360).Resultaten visar ojämlikheter i exponering för luftföroreningar. Särskilt utsatta för luftföroreningar var yngre personer (18-39 år), ogifta, födda utanför Norden, de med högskoleutbildning och personer boende i flerfamiljshus. Dessutom observerade vi ett samband mellan exponering för luftföroreningar och upplevelse av luftkvalitet både inne i och utanför bostaden, självskattad påverkan på hälsa av utomhusluften, samt förekomst av besvär på grund av utomhusmiljö, framförallt avgaser.Resultaten visar också på en tydlig trend mellan halter av luftföroreningar utanför bostaden och självskattad påverkan på hälsa av utomhusluften, där de flesta som rapporterade negativ och mycket negativ påverkan på sin hälsa av utomhusluften bodde i område med högre halter av luftföroreningar.Det fanns även tydliga exponering-responssamband mellan luftföroreningshalter utanför bostaden och förekomst av besvär, framförallt av avgaser, samt trötthet.Sammanfattningsvis, resultaten som presenteras i den här rapporten talar för att det finns ojämlikheter i befolkningen både när det gäller exponering för luftföroreningar och besvär. Det är därför viktigt att fortsätta följa miljöns påverkan på hälsan med särskilt fokus på ojämlikhet mellan olika befolkningsgrupper.
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| 10. |
- He, Shizhen, et al.
(author)
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Ambient air pollution and inflammation-related proteins during early childhood
- 2022
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In: Environmental Research. - : Elsevier. - 0013-9351 .- 1096-0953. ; 215
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background and aim: Experimental studies show that short-term exposure to air pollution may alter cytokine concentrations. There is, however, a lack of epidemiological studies evaluating the association between long-term air pollution exposure and inflammation-related proteins in young children. Our objective was to examine whether air pollution exposure is associated with inflammation-related proteins during the first 2 years of life. Methods: In a pooled analysis of two birth cohorts from Stockholm County (n = 158), plasma levels of 92 systemic inflammation-related proteins were measured by Olink Proseek Multiplex Inflammation panel at 6 months, 1 year and 2 years of age. Time-weighted average exposure to particles with an aerodynamic diameter of <10 mu m (PM10), <2.5 mu m (PM2.5), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) at residential addresses from birth and onwards was estimated via validated dispersion models. Stratified by sex, longitudinal cross-referenced mixed effect models were applied to estimate the overall effect of preceding air pollution exposure on combined protein levels, "inflammatory proteome", over the first 2 years of life, followed by cross-sectional protein-specific bootstrapped quantile regression analysis. Results: We identified significant longitudinal associations of inflammatory proteome during the first 2 years of life with preceding PM2.5 exposure, while consistent associations with PM10 and NO2 across ages were only observed among girls. Subsequent protein-specific analyses revealed significant associations of PM10 exposure with an increase in IFN-gamma and IL-12B in boys, and a decrease in IL-8 in girls at different percentiles of proteins levels, at age 6 months. Several inflammation-related proteins were also significantly associated with preceding PM10, PM2.5 and NO2 exposures, at ages 1 and 2 years, in a sex-specific manner. Conclusions: Ambient air pollution exposure influences inflammation-related protein levels already during early childhood. Our results also suggest age-and sex-specific differences in the impact of air pollution on children's inflammatory profiles.
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