Particulate air pollution and chronic respiratory symptoms among traffic policemen in Bangkok

In this cross-sectional study, the authors examined the relationship between traffic-based air pollution and chronic, nonspecific respiratory symptoms among traffic policemen in Bangkok, Thailand. A total of 1,603 policemen who lived and worked in areas that had 3 different levels of airborne particulates were evaluated. The authors used a modified standardized questionnaire to identify nonspecific respiratory disease (NSRD) in participants. The prevalence of NSRD in heavily polluted, moderately polluted, and suburban areas was 13.0%, 10.9%, and 9.4%, respectively. Among nonsmokers, the age-adjusted prevalence of NSRD in the heavily polluted areas was significantly higher than in the suburban control area. Also among nonsmokers, the odds ratio for NSRD for each 10-microg/m3 increase in ambient particulate matter was 1.11. The authors concluded that the increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms among traffic policemen in Bangkok was associated with urban traffic air pollution.     

Pollution in Lucknow City and its health implication on exposed vendors, drivers and traffic policemen

In this pilot study, an exposure–response assessment (aged 16 to 60 years, n?=?1,012) was carried out related to eye problems due to vehicular fumes during the winter of 2003. Inhalable particles <PM₁₀ and Pb level were monitored at 12 locations of Lucknow using a Respirable Dust Sampler and EPM 2000 filter. The range of PM₁₀ particles varied from 144 to 305, 211–366 and 141–242 μg/m³ while Pb levels were 0.02–0.93, 0.06–0.90 and 0.07–0.77 μg/m³ during 2002, 2003 and 2004, respectively. The concentrations of PM₁₀ exceeded alarmingly the prescribed standards by a factor of 1.3–3.2. A health survey demonstrated that symptoms were developed such as burning of eyes (in 20 % of drivers, 74.07 % of vendors and 77.47 % of traffic policemen), eye watering (in 51.45 % of drivers, 44 % of vendors and 72.77 % of traffic policemen), constant irritation and redness (in 33.49 % of drivers, 21.29 % of vendors and 26.12 % of traffic policemen) and impaired vision (in 25.01 % of drivers, 20.37 % of vendors and 23.5 % of traffic policemen). The main finding was the prevalence of symptoms of the eyes among the population exposed to automobile fumes.     

交通噪声对交通警察听阈影响动态观察初探

合肥市四个主要交通路口车流量１１６７－１４１３辆／小时,噪声范围为６５－９６ｄＢ（Ａ）,等效连续声级为８３－８７ｄＢ（Ａ）,各监测点全部超过７０ＬｅｐｄＢ（Ａ）（国家标准）。内勤警环境噪声５５－７０ｄＢ（Ａ）。７９名外勤警,３０名内勤擎 听阈测试动态观察提示;外勤警３年后自身对比各频率听阈均明显高于３年前,内勤警３年前后自身对比各频率听阈未见明显改变。１９９２年外勤警仅３ｋ、４ｋＨｚ听阈高于内勤警     

Exposure to carcinogenic air pollutants among policemen working close to traffic in an urban area

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates individual airborne exposure to gaseous and particulate carcinogenic pollutants in a group of policemen working close to traffic in the center of Grenoble, France. METHODS: Sixty-two personal active air samples were collected during the workshifts of eight policemen in summer and in winter during the occurrence of the thermal inversion phenomenon. Seventeen stationary air samples were monitored in the policemen's work area during the same period with the same sampling devices as used for the personal samples. The respirable particle concentration was determined using the gravimetric method. The concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and aldehydes were measured with high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorimetric or ultraviolet detection. The benzene-toluene-xylene levels were determined with gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. RESULTS: The median concentration of the personal samples for respirable particles was 55.5 microg/m3 in the summer and 124 microg/m3 in the winter. The corresponding values were 0.10 and 0.28 ng/m3 for benzo(a)pyrene, 14 and 21 microg/m3 for formaldehyde, and 10.5 and 23.5 microg/m3 for benzene. The median personal concentrations were equal to or higher than the corresponding stationary levels for both seasons. Compared with the concentration of aldehydes, the concentrations of respirable particles, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and benzene-toluene-xylene appeared to show higher individual variability. CONCLUSIONS: The occupational exposure of policemen does not exceed any currently applicable occupational or medical exposure limits. Individual particulate levels should preferably be monitored in Grenoble in winter to avoid underestimations.     

Concentrations of vehicle-related air pollutants in an urban parking garage

There is growing evidence that traffic-related air pollution poses a public health threat, yet the dynamics of human exposure are not well understood. The urban parking garage is a microenvironment that is of concern but has not been characterized. Using time-resolved measurement methods, we evaluated air toxics levels within an urban parking garage and assessed the influence of vehicle activity and type on their levels. Carbon monoxide (CO) and particle-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (pPAH) were measured with direct-reading instruments. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were measured in 30 min intervals using a sorbent tube loaded sequential sampler. Vehicle volume and type were evaluated by video recording. Sampling was conducted from June 24 to July 17, 2002. We observed garage traffic median volumes of 71 counts/h on weekdays and 6 counts/h on weekends. The 12-fold reduction in traffic volume from weekday to weekend corresponded with a decrease in median air pollution that varied from a minimum 2- (CO) to a maximum 7 (pPAH)-fold. The actual 30-min median weekday and weekend values were: CO--2.6/1.2 ppm; pPAH--19/2.6 ng/m(3); 1,3-butadiene-0.5/0.2 microg/m(3), MTBE-7.4/0.4 microg/m(3); and benzene-2.7/0.3 microg/m(3). The influence of traffic was quantified using longitudinal models. The pollutant coefficients provide an indication of the average air pollution vehicle source contribution and ranged from 0.31 (CO) to 1.08 (pPAH) percent increase/vehicle count. For some pollutants, a slightly higher (0.5-0.6%) coefficient was observed for light-trucks relative to cars. This study has public health relevance in providing a unique assessment of air pollution levels and source contribution for the urban parking garage.     

Predicted health impacts of urban air quality management

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The 1995 UK Environment Act required local authorities to review air quality and, where UK National Air Quality Strategy objectives (except ozone) are likely to be exceeded in 2005, to declare local air quality management areas and prepare action plans. This study modelled the impacts on health of reductions from current levels of PM(10) to these objectives. DESIGN: The framework for conducting quantified health impact assessment assessed causality, then, if appropriate, examined the shape and magnitude of the exposure-response relations. The study modelled declines in pollution to achieve the objectives, then modelled the numbers of deaths and admissions affected if air pollution declined from existing levels to meet the objectives, using routine data. SETTING: Westminster, central London. MAIN RESULTS: Attaining the 2004 PM(10) 24 hour objective in Westminster results in 1-21 lives no longer shortened in one year (annual deaths 1363). Reducing exceedences from 35 to seven almost doubles the estimates. The 2009 objective for the annual mean requires a substantial reduction in PM(10), which would delay 8-20 deaths. About 20 respiratory and 14-20 circulatory admissions would be affected and around 5% of emergency hospital attendances for asthma by attaining the lower annual mean target. The effects of long term exposure to particulates may be an order of magnitude higher: models predict about 24 deaths are delayed by reaching the 2004 annual target (40 microg/m(3)([gravimetric])) and a hundred deaths by reducing annual mean PM(10) to 20 microg/m(3)([gravimetric]). CONCLUSIONS: Modelling can be used to estimate the potential health impacts of air quality management programmes.     

Five epidemiological studies on transport and asthma: objectives,design and descriptive results

A case-control study was conducted in five French metropolitan areas in order to assess the role of traffic-related air pollution in the occurrence of childhood asthma. This paper presents the study design and describes the distribution of key exposure variables. A set of 217 pairs of matched 4- to 14-year-old cases and controls were investigated (matching criteria: city, age, and gender). Current and past environmental smoke exposures, indoor allergens or air pollution sources, and personal and family atopy were assessed by standard questionnaires. When possible, direct measurements were done to check the validity of this information, on current data: skin prick tests, urine cotinine, house dust mites densities, personal exposures to, and home indoor concentrations of NO(x) and PM(2.5). Cumulative exposure to traffic-related pollutants was estimated through two indices: "traffic density" refers to a time-weighted average of the traffic density-to-road distance ratio for all home and school addresses of each child's life; "air pollution" index combines lifelong time-activity patterns and ambient air concentration estimates of NO(x), using an air dispersion model of traffic exhausts. Average current PM(2.5) personal exposure is 23.8 microg/m3 (SD=17.4), and average indoor concentrations=22.5 microg/m3 (18.2); corresponding values for NO(2) are 31.4 (13.9) and 36.1 (21.4) microg/m3. Average lifelong calculated exposures to traffic-related NO(x) emissions are 62.6 microg/m3 (43.1). The five cities show important contrasts of exposure to traffic pollutants. These data will allow comparison of lifelong exposures to indicators of traffic exhausts between cases and controls, including during early ages, while controlling for a host of known enhancers or precipitators of airway chronic inflammation and for possible confounders.     

Distribution of volatile organic compounds in ambient air of Tehran

Transportation sources have created a major hydrocarbon pollution problem in the ambient air of Tehran. The authors used a Carbotrap tube to determine volatile organic compounds in air. Such compounds can be desorbed thermally and analyzed with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Samples were obtained from 8 sites in Tehran at which traffic flow varied between 500 and 2,500 vehicles/hr. A total of 54 hydrocarbons were identified in the ambient air of Tehran, and the average measured concentrations of benzene, toluene, m- and p-xylene, ethyl benzene, and o-xylene were 127.6 microg/m3, 201.1 microg/m3, 110.7 microg/m3, 58.1 microg/m3, and 57.6 microg/m3, respectively (standard deviation = 3.8-51.7 microg/m3). Emissions of individual pollutants in south Tehran exceeded those in north Tehran, and these emissions were higher during the afternoon than during the morning. The geographical parameters and the photochemical reaction also played important roles in the pollution conditions.     

Role of motor-vehicles and trend of air borne particulate in the Great Tehran area, Iran

Tehran, the capital city of Iran, is one of the largest cities in the world. It extends over an area of approximately 2,300 square kilometers and has a population of more than 10 million people. The city is suffering from atmospheric pollution arising from the rapid urbanization during the last 3 to 4 decades. The city will develop towards the west to Karaj, and large volumes of traffic will be going east-west by the year 2015. With more than 2 million vehicles in Tehran, most of which are more than 20 years old, traffic is the major source of air pollution in Tehran. The city of Tehran has a significant air pollution problem and suspended particulate matter (SPM) appears to rank high on the list pollutants. The monthly average of PM-10 in Tehran is high in autumn and low in spring. Maximum average value observed in September is over 370 microg/m(3); the minimum in March (102 microg/m(3)) and early April (65 microg/m(3)). The diurnal variation PM-10 concentration have been studied.     

Indoor air pollution and acute lower respiratory infections in the first two years of life

The relationship between outdoor air pollution and acute respiratory infections (ARI) was previously documented. There are recent indications for connection between indoor air pollution and ARI in infants and young children. The aim of this study was to identify the relationship of indoor air pollutants to acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) in children (< 2 years). The indoor air pollutants concentrations were measured in the homes of the sample. The sample consisted of 115 children (< 2 years) representing the control group (24), ALRI but no pneumonia (24), pneumonia (30), severe pneumonia or very severe disease (37). Air sampling was performed to measure the concentration of total suspended particulates (TSP), SO2 and CO. These pollutants were found in higher concentrations in cases' homes (52.46 +/- 19.68 microg/m3, 298.15 +/- 669.37 microg/m3, and 1.92 +/- 3.60 ppm) than in controls' homes (31.92 +/- 8.76 microg/m3, not detected, and 0.33 +/- 1.63 ppm respectively). Whereas SO2 was detected only in houses using kerosene, TSP and CO were detected with the different types of cooking fuels. Their mean concentrations were highest for biomass (88.86 +/- 13.30 microg/m3 and 9.29 +/- 2.50 ppm) and lowest for gas (40.78 +/- 15.25 microg/m3 and 0.76 +/- 2.19 ppm). Measures to improve indoor air quality are highly required.     

Urban CO exposure and its health effects on traffic policemen in Ankara

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an important component of air pollution caused by traffic exhaust fumes. CO can cause chronic poisoning which shows its first symptoms as headaches, blurry vision, difficulty in concentration, and confusion. With the increasing number of vehicles in metropolitan areas of Turkey, the CO level has also increased in the city air as is the case in the capital city of Ankara, especially at certain locations. As far as the effects of CO on humans are concerned, traffic policemen are the population group under risk due to their inhalation of CO-rich air while on duty at the crowded cross-sections of the city. The traffic policemen on duty at these cross-sections are exposed to these high levels of CO for at least 6 h. This study was performed to investigate the traffic policemen (traffic organizers) who are exposed to high concentrations of CO at crowded cross-sections of Ankara City and to find out if chronic CO intoxication exits among this risk group. The CO levels in the ambient air at these cross-sections have also been compared to, and correlated with measurements of CO in the expired air of the target population. Additional factors like smoking, general health status, type of heating systems used at home, etc., have been taken into consideration by evaluating special questionnaires filled out by the policemen. A control group of clerk policemen, who were not engaged in street traffic activities was formed for comparative purposes.     

Effect of residential proximity to traffic on respiratory disorders in school children in upper Silesian Industrial Zone, Poland

Objective

A number of studies show an association between traffic-related air pollution and adverse respiratory health effects in children. However, most evidence relates to the regions with low or moderate levels of ambient air pollution. The study was undertaken to assess the impact of traffic-related air pollution on respiratory health status in children living in the area of high levels of industrial and municipal ambient air pollution.

Materials and Methods

Analyses involved data obtained from cross-sectional study on respiratory health in children (N = 5733), conducted between 2003–2004 in Bytom, one of the largest cities of Silesian Metropolis (Poland). Exposure to traffic-related air pollution was assessed by means of geographic information system and expressed as several measures of potential exposure to traffic-related air pollution, involving residential distance to major road and traffic density in the residential area. Logistic regression was used to examine association between reported respiratory health and traffic measures.

Results

Statistically significant association was found between doctor-diagnosed asthma and residential proximity to traffic. Results of multivariate logistic regression (logOR; 95%CI) confirmed the effect of living in an area of a city with high-traffic-density on childhood asthma: 1.60 (1.07–2.39). Similar effects were found in case of allergic rhinitis and rhinitis symptoms, but the observed associations were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

The study findings suggest that even in an area with poor regional ambient air quality, adverse respiratory health outcomes are more frequent in children living in a proximity to the high vehicle traffic flow.     

某市交通警察健康状况调查

目的 了解某市交通警察的健康状况,分析影响交通警察健康的因素.方法 采用现况调查方法调查某市在职交通警察的健康状况,分析交通警察健康的影响因素.结果 某市在职交通警察共4486人,严格外勤交通警察1604人,占35.76%,平均参加外勤工作(12.0±7.9)年,平均每天站立时间(7.0±1.7)h.外勤交通警察鼻咽炎、骨关节病、光敏性皮炎、中暑和冻疮、噪声聋的发病高于内勤交通警察,外勤工作20～25年的交通警察眼病高发,每天站立时间＞4 h的交通警察下肢静脉曲张高发.外勤交通警察中8种疾病发病时平均外勤工作时间为7～8年.结论 该市外勤交通警察工作压力较大,汽车尾气污染以及高温、严寒、强光照射等理化因素导致外勤交通警察8种疾病高发,外勤工作7～8年是多种疾病的高发时段.     

Impacts of highway traffic exhaust in alpine valleys on the respiratory health in adults: a cross-sectional study

Background  

Most studies having shown respiratory health effects from traffic exhaust were conducted in urban areas with a complex mixture of air pollution sources. This study has investigated the potential impact of traffic exhaust on respiratory symptoms among adults living along a Swiss alpine highway corridor, where traffic exhaust from the respective trans-Alpine highway is the predominate source of air pollution.     

Air pollution and respiratory hospital admissions in greater Paris: exploring sex differences

The subject of sex and gender differences is relevant to the study of health effects of environmental exposures. In this study the authors aim at assessing the differences that may exist between males and females regarding short-term air pollution health effects. They studied the short-term relationships between air pollution levels and respiratory hospital admissions in greater Paris area for patients older than 15 years between 2000 and 2003. They also conducted time series analyses by using generalized additive models. For an increase of 10 microg/m3 in the air pollutant levels, the increase in relative risk of hospitalization was higher for males than for females and was significant only for males. These differences may not result solely from differences in biological susceptibility to air pollution because other factors related to gender (differences in individual exposures, in health care management, and so on) may play a role.     

Air pollution and mortality and hospital admission for respiratory disease in Parma on 1992-2001 period

A study into the effects of atmospheric pollution on the health of people living in the city of Parma (population 170,000) shows motor vehicle traffic of average density and light industrial activities that have little impact on air pollution. General mortality and hospitalisation for all causes and for DRG specific were considered as sanitary events. The day values of the total PT, PM10, SO2 and NO2, CO and benzene were analysed. In addition, atmospheric conditions and outbreaks of flu were considered. The study results for the period 1992-2001 show quite moderate pollution levels with the sole exception of PM10 that shows average values often higher than 40 microg/l. An analysis of the associations between mortality and climatic parameters shows the role of temperature with RR equal to 1.0064 (CI95% 1.0046-1.0082) and epidemics of influenza with RR 1.042 (CI95% 1.0219-1.0671). As regards the pollution parameters, the total PT and SO2 turned out to be related to increases in mortality of respectively 0.6% for 100 microg/m3 of PT and 1.72% for 50 microg/m3 of SO2 while the NO2 turned out to be related to an increase in hospitalisations of 1.9% for 10 microg/m3 of NO2.     

职业接触可溶性铬盐个体暴露与尿铬水平的相关性研究

目的通过对职业接触可溶性铬盐个体暴露与尿铬水平的相关性研究,探讨并提出可溶性铬盐职业接触者尿铬生物限值,为铬盐职业接触人群健康监护和危险性评价提供依据。方法通过流行病学横断面调查,以不同剂量铬盐接触的83名劳动者为研究对象,10名非铬盐接触的农民为对照,两组人群在年龄、性别和吸烟状况等方面相匹配,进行了个体铬盐暴露与班末尿铬含量的研究,并对二者之间的关系进行了分析。同时复习了对可溶性铬盐职业接触者尿铬生物限值的相关文献。结果对照组8 h个体空气铬连续监测浓度在0.00~0.08μg/m3之间,尿铬浓度经肌酐校正后在0.40~1.02μg/g肌酐之间。铬盐接触劳动者8 h连续空气个体监测浓度在0.10~287.00μg/m3之间,尿铬浓度范围在1.14~79.07μg/g肌酐。职业接触铬盐工人班末的尿铬浓度随个体铬盐暴露水平的增加而增加,两者具有相关性。其回归方程为尿铬浓度(μg/g肌酐)=4.16+236.86×空气中铬的浓度(mg/m3),尿铬与空气铬的浓度相关系数r=0.976。通过文献复习,美国政府职业卫生工作者协会(ACG IH)推荐的职业接触可溶性铬盐在与我国相同的时间加权平均阈限值0.05mg/m3下,尿铬生物接触限值为65.1μmol/mol肌酐(30μg/g肌酐)。结论职业接触可溶性铬盐工人班末的尿铬含量可以用来评价作业场所铬盐的接触情况。依据美国ACG IH推荐的生物接触限值以及本调查结果,作者提出连续工作5个工作日的工作周末/班末尿铬的推荐值为65.1μmol/mol肌酐(30μg/g肌酐)。     

Acute exposure to elevated PM2.5 generated by traffic and cardiopulmonary health effects in healthy older adults

There are evidences for exposure to vehicular emissions and adverse cardiopulmonary health effects. This study attempted to further explore these effects on elderly. This study monitored personal PM(2.5) concentrations and ambulatory electrocardiograms continuously for 24 h on 1 working day in 3 separate weeks for 11 school crossing guards. Spirometry was also performed before and after the morning shift. The traffic at each work location was video recorded during one of the three morning shifts. The increases in the average personal PM(2.5) concentrations (baseline PM(2.5) was subtracted) of 1.2-87 and 1.1-98 microg/m(3) were observed during the 1-h morning (DeltaPM(2.5-ave-m)) and afternoon shift (DeltaPM(2.5-ave-a)), respectively. Traffic count was not a significant predictor of the DeltaPM(2.5-ave-m) (P=0.78). Mean heart rate variability (HRV), measured as 5-min standard deviation of normal-to-normal (SDNN) beats during the 10-min rest periods, decreased 18-26% (P<0.02) 15 min, 2 and 4 h after the morning shift, but changes in SDNN (DeltaSDNN) were insignificant post-afternoon exposure (-0.3 to -7% with P>0.53). DeltaSDNN were negatively associated with DeltaPM(2.5-ave-m), with the strongest association at 2 h after the morning shift (P<0.01) but insignificant 4 h after the morning exposure. The peak PM(2.5) concentration (DeltaPM(2.5-peak), baseline PM(2.5) was subtracted) was not a significant predictor for DeltaSDNN, and no clear effect of PM(2.5) exposure on heart rate was observed. There was no effect of PM exposure on lung function (P>0.16), either. In conclusion, acute exposure to the PM(2.5) resulting from mobile sources can cause acute decline in HRV in healthy older adults, suggesting one of the biological mechanisms for the adverse cardiovascular health effects associated with traffic-related air pollution. Traffic count may not be an appropriate surrogate measure of acute personal exposure to vehicular emission in traffic congested areas.     

唐山市交通废气污染与交通警察血脂水平关系的研究

目的探讨城市交通废气污染对交通警察血脂水平的影响。方法选择唐山市交通警察中169名外勤交警为暴露组,112名内勤交警为对照组。应用化学法测定血脂;用一氧化碳微型检测仪测定调查对象呼出气中一氧化碳（CO）浓度及血碳氧血红蛋白饱和度（HbCO％）。结果内、外勤交警血胆固醇均值分别为4．90mmol／L和5．43mmol／L,两组间差异有显著性（P〈0．01）;外勤交警血甘油三酯（2．57mmol／L）高于内勤交警（2．42mmol／L）,但差异无显著性。两组中血HbCO％高的人群,其血脂均高于HbCO％低的人群。在HbCO％〉1％的交背中,外勤交警的血胆固醇（5．48mmol／L）明显高于内勤交警（4．96mmol／L）,差异有显著性（P〈0．01）。结论交通废气污染能引起外勤交通警察的血脂水平增高;交通环境中的CO是影响外勤交通警察血脂水平的一个重要因素。     

Global review of studies on traffic police with special focus on environmental health effects

Since occupation is a major determinant of health, traffic police personnel face multiple occupational hazards. They are continuously exposed to vehicular emissions and work in a noisy and polluted environment. The objective of the present review is to explore the impact of occupational health hazards on the health of traffic police personnel. Published research papers on traffic police reporting occupational health issues were accessed and reviewed. Attempts were made to access papers that reported negative associations in order to present a balanced review. The majority of the studies have reported a decrease in the lung function and increased respiratory morbidity. The research on the cytogenetic abnormalities or genotoxic effect of vehicular emissions arising due to long-term exposure to benzene and other polyaromatic hydrocarbons has provided conflicting results, since more or less equal numbers of studies have given evidence for and against the causal association. There is a vast accumulation of epidemiological evidence on the casual association between vehicular pollution and its carcinogenic effect. Multiple studies have concluded that traffic police are highly stressed. A number of occupational factors have been attributed to stress among traffic police. Occupational health studies help us to understand the effects of vehicular pollution and its adverse influence on workers. They also provide opportunity for defined exposures measurements and precise risk assessment. The findings from these studies are easily generalizable and can help us understand the impact of air pollution on the general population.