Industrialization, Environment and Health： the Impacts of Industrial SO2 Emission on Public Health in China

In this paper, we construct a model in which the impact of pollution on health is exerted through both direct and indirect channels. The indirect channel is captured by a production function in which the principal health-improving factor, income growth, can be realized only in the cost of pollution increase. This model is then tested by the aggregated chronicle disease data in over 78 Chinese counties. Our results show, after attaining the threshold of 8 μ g/m^2, continuous increase in industrial SO2 emission density will lead the ratio of population suffering chronicle diseases, among which respiratory diseases occupy a significant proportion, to rise. However, owing to technological progress in pollution control activities, the needed SO2 emission to produce one unit of GDP diminishes with time. Therefore, the negative effect from pollution augmentation on public health seems to be recompensed more and more by the positive effect of economic growth.     

区域经济重心及 COD、SO_2、TSP排放重心演变路径分析——以江苏省为例

运用重心模型,采用1996~2006年江苏省经济和环境数据,计算出各年份GDP、工业产值、COD、SO ₂和TSP排放重心坐标,揭示江苏省经济重心和环境污染排放重心变化轨迹及演变规律,以期为江苏省环境宏观战略决策及生态省建设提供理论参考。研究表明,经济重心总体上向东南方向偏移,GDP重心偏移距离为14.81 km,工业产值重心偏移距离为12.84 km;经济重心在南北方向上的偏移程度大于东西方向的偏移程度。环境污染排放重心也向东南方向偏移,COD和TSP排放重心轨迹呈现较大变化,SO2排放重心轨迹变动较小;COD排放重心偏移距离为79.26 km,SO₂排放重心偏移距离为15.73 km,TSP排放重心偏移距离为42.24 km;各污染排放重心轨迹在不同时段表现出不同特点。COD、SO₂和TSP排放重心相对于经济重心偏向于西北方向,且COD排放重心近年来明显趋向于工业产值重心;COD排放重心和TSP排放重心与经济重心存在着强正相关.     

Assessing concentrations and health impacts of air quality management strategies: Framework for Rapid Emissions Scenario and Health impact ESTimation (FRESH-EST)

In air quality management, reducing emissions from pollutant sources often forms the primary response to attaining air quality standards and guidelines. Despite the broad success of air quality management in the US, challenges remain. As examples: allocating emissions reductions among multiple sources is complex and can require many rounds of negotiation; health impacts associated with emissions, the ultimate driver for the standards, are not explicitly assessed; and long dispersion model run-times, which result from the increasing size and complexity of model inputs, limit the number of scenarios that can be evaluated, thus increasing the likelihood of missing an optimal strategy. A new modeling framework, called the “Framework for Rapid Emissions Scenario and Health impact ESTimation” (FRESH-EST), is presented to respond to these challenges. FRESH-EST estimates concentrations and health impacts of alternative emissions scenarios at the urban scale, providing efficient computations from emissions to health impacts at the Census block or other desired spatial scale. In addition, FRESH-EST can optimize emission reductions to meet specified environmental and health constraints, and a convenient user interface and graphical displays are provided to facilitate scenario evaluation. The new framework is demonstrated in an SO₂ non-attainment area in southeast Michigan with two optimization strategies: the first minimizes emission reductions needed to achieve a target concentration; the second minimizes concentrations while holding constant the cumulative emissions across local sources (e.g., an emissions floor). The optimized strategies match outcomes in the proposed SO₂ State Implementation Plan without the proposed stack parameter modifications or shutdowns. In addition, the lower health impacts estimated for these strategies suggest that FRESH-EST could be used to identify potentially more desirable pollution control alternatives in air quality management planning.     

The relationship between population and the environment and its impact on sustainable development in Egypt using a multi-equation model

The relationship between population and the environment is a significant issue due to its impact on chances for achieving sustainable development, especially in developing countries. Previous studies on this relationship have primarily focused on the impact of population growth on the environment, while the impact of the environment on population has received less attention, where most of these studies have used single-equation models (SEM) in their analysis. In order to capture the interrelationship between population growth and the environment, and both its direct and indirect effects on the potential for achieving sustainable development, SEM may not be appropriate. This paper takes a step forward in providing such empirical evidence, by developing a multi-equation model based on the recursive equation system in order to empirically examine the relationship between population growth and the environment in terms of air pollution represented by increased CO₂ emissions, health level represented by the mortality and morbidity due to air pollution, and labour productivity represented by GDP per hour worked, and using a time series data set for Egypt during the period of 1950–2010. Quantitatively, the current study finds that (1) In Egypt, a 1% increase in population raises the CO₂ emissions by 2.4%. (2) An increase in CO₂ emissions by 1% is associated with an increase in deaths due to outdoor air pollution (respiratory and cardiovascular diseases) by 2.5%. (3) Poor health due to air pollution leads to a decrease in labour productivity by 1.58%. (4) The impact of population growth on chances for sustainable development depends on how much the rise in air pollution decreases labour productivity through raising the rate of morbidity. (5) Even when rapid population growth rate plays a minor role in creating a specific problem, such as its indirect negative impact on labour productivity and thus economic growth, population management policies may still constitute a viable measure for dealing with that problem, especially with respect to policy intervention cost. The study argues that population growth in Egypt negatively affects the state’s ability to achieve sustainable development via its negative impact on the environment. Environmental degradation in turn leads to adverse effects on population, particularly with regard to public health. These negative effects on health lead to lower labour productivity, and thus hinder the state’s ability to sustain development.     

Outdoor air pollution and term low birth weight in Japan

IntroductionEvidence has accumulated on the association between ambient air pollution and adverse birth outcomes. However, most of the previous studies were conducted in geographically distinct areas and suffer from lack of important potential covariates. We examined the effect of ambient air pollution on term low birth weight (LBW) using data from a nationwide population-based longitudinal survey in Japan that began in 2001.MethodsWe restricted participants to term singletons (n = 44,109). Air pollution concentrations during the 9 months before birth were obtained at the municipality level and were assigned to the participants who were born in the corresponding municipality. We conducted multilevel logistic regression analyses adjusting for individual and municipality-level variables.ResultsWe found that air pollution exposure during pregnancy was positively associated with the risk of term LBW. In the fully adjusted models, odds ratios following one interquartile range increase in each pollutant were 1.09 (95% confidence interval: 1.00, 1.19) for suspended particulate matter (SPM), 1.11 (0.99, 1.26) for nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and 1.71 (1.18, 2.46) for sulfur dioxide (SO₂). Specifically, effect estimates for SPM and NO₂ exposure at the first trimester were higher than those at other trimesters, while SO₂ was associated with the risk at all trimesters. Nonsmoking mothers were more susceptible to SPM and NO₂ exposure compared with smoking mothers.ConclusionsAmbient air pollution increases the risk of term LBW in a nationally representative sample in Japan.     

Association between long-term exposure to air pollution and mortality in France: A 25-year follow-up study

IntroductionLong-term exposure to air pollution (AP) has been shown to have an impact on mortality in numerous countries, but since 2005 no data exists for France.ObjectivesWe analyzed the association between long-term exposure to air pollution and mortality at the individual level in a large French cohort followed from 1989 to 2013.MethodsThe study sample consisted of 20,327 adults working at the French national electricity and gas company EDF-GDF. Annual exposure to PM₁₀, PM_10–2.5, PM_2.5, NO₂, O₃, SO₂, and benzene was assessed for the place of residence of participants using a chemistry-transport model and taking residential history into account. Hazard ratios were estimated using a Cox proportional-hazards regression model, adjusted for selected individual and contextual risk factors. Hazard ratios were computed for an interquartile range (IQR) increase in air pollutant concentrations.ResultsThe cohort recorded 1967 non-accidental deaths. Long-term exposures to baseline PM_2.5, PM_10-25, NO₂ and benzene were associated with an increase in non-accidental mortality (Hazard Ratio, HR = 1.09; 95% CI: 0.99, 1.20 per 5.9 μg/m³, PM_10-25; HR = 1.09;95% CI: 1.04, 1.15 per 2.2 μg/m³, NO₂: HR = 1.14; 95% CI: 0.99, 1.31 per 19.3 μg/m³ and benzene: HR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.22 per 1.7 μg/m³).The strongest association was found for PM₁₀: HR = 1.14; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.25 per 7.8 μg/m³. PM₁₀, PM_10-25 and SO₂ were associated with non-accidental mortality when using time varying exposure. No significant associations were observed between air pollution and cardiovascular and respiratory mortality.ConclusionLong-term exposure to fine particles, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and benzene is associated with an increased risk of non-accidental mortality in France. Our results strengthen existing evidence that outdoor air pollution is a significant environmental risk factor for mortality. Due to the limited sample size and the nature of our study (occupational), further investigations are needed in France with a larger representative population sample.     

Economic Valuation of Health Impact of PM10 Pollution in Beijing from 2001 to 2006

Abstract

In light of the practical need for research to inform policy in Beijing, this study evaluates the economic cost of the impact of PM₁₀ 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 PM₁₀ 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.     

A quantitative integrated assessment of pollution prevention achieved by Integrated Pollution Prevention Control licensing

This paper presents an innovative, quantitative assessment of pollution avoidance attributable to environmental regulation enforced through integrated licensing, using Ireland's pharmaceutical-manufacturing sector as a case study. Emissions data reported by pharmaceutical installations were aggregated into a pollution trend using an Environmental Emissions Index (EEI) based on Lifecycle Assessment methodologies. Complete sectoral emissions data from 2001 to 2007 were extrapolated back to 1995, based on available data. Production volume data were used to derive a sectoral production index, and determine ‘no-improvement’ emission trends, whilst questionnaire responses from 20 industry representatives were used to quantify the contribution of integrated licensing to emission avoidance relative to these trends. Between 2001 and 2007, there was a 40% absolute reduction in direct pollution from 27 core installations, and 45% pollution avoidance relative to hypothetical ‘no-improvement’ pollution. It was estimated that environmental regulation avoided 20% of ‘no-improvement’ pollution, in addition to 25% avoidance under business-as-usual. For specific emissions, avoidance ranged from 14% and 30 kt a^− 1 for CO₂ to 88% and 598 t a^− 1 for SO_x. Between 1995 and 2007, there was a 59% absolute reduction in direct pollution, and 76% pollution avoidance. Pollution avoidance was dominated by reductions in emissions of VOCs, SO_x and NO_x to air, and emissions of heavy metals to water. Pollution avoidance of 35% was attributed to integrated licensing, ranging from between 8% and 2.9 t a^− 1 for phosphorus emissions to water to 49% and 3143 t a^− 1 for SO_x emissions to air. Environmental regulation enforced through integrated licensing has been the major driver of substantial pollution avoidance achieved by Ireland's pharmaceutical sector — through emission limit values associated with Best Available Techniques, emissions monitoring and reporting requirements, and performance targets specified in environmental management plans. This compliant sector offers a positive, but not necessarily typical, case study of IPPC effectiveness.     

The emission inventory of atmospheric industrial pollution sources of the five cities in Zhejiang Province

The amount of several air pollutants emitted in some cities including Hangzhou, Ningbo, Huzhou, Shaoxing and Jiaxing of Zhejiang Province is based on pollution source census data of Zhejiang Province in 2010. This paper focused on the release of air pollutants such as NO_x, SO₂, CO, PM2.5, PM10 and VOC, and calculated the total amount of those air pollutants. It analyzed air pollutant emission factors and found that the electricity and heat production industry released the largest amount of pollutants.     

Short-term effects of air pollution on respiratory morbidity at Rio de Janeiro — PART I: Air Pollution Assessment

Exposure to air pollution has been related with the most varied adverse health outcomes. This study aims to assess the impact of air pollution on the emergency hospitalization for respiratory disease in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The study was divided in two parts: Part I specifically addressing the air pollution assessment and Part II addressing the health assessment. Accordingly, this Part I aims to: i) evaluate the concentrations of PM₁₀, SO₂ and CO at two sites in Rio de Janeiro and compare them; ii) analyse the concentrations observed according to the national and international standards; and iii) analyse the air pollutants behaviour, namely, annually, seasonally, daily and considering weekdays/weekends variations. The pollutant concentrations were measured at two different sites in Rio de Janeiro and the analysis was performed for the period between September 2000 and December 2005. Results showed that PM₁₀ concentrations in Rio de Janeiro exceeded the daily and annual standards imposed by the European Union, the Brazilian legislation and WHO guidelines. Regarding SO₂ and CO, concentrations were, generally, below both European and Brazilian standards. Nevertheless, considering WHO guidelines, SO₂ threshold for daily concentrations (20 μg m^− 3) was exceeded around 150 times. Behaviour assessment showed that the influence of traffic is a major factor affecting the air pollution in Rio de Janeiro.Considering the results achieved and the proven health effects of air pollution, strategies should be defined for its reduction, particularly concerning particulate matter, and consequently contribute to the protection of public health.     

Associations of gestational and early life exposures to ambient air pollution with childhood respiratory diseases in Shanghai,China: A retrospective cohort study

BackgroundAssociations of ambient air pollutants with respiratory health are inconsistent.ObjectivesWe analyzed the associations of gestational and early life exposures to air pollutants with doctor-diagnosed asthma, allergic rhinitis, and pneumonia in children.MethodsWe selected 3358 preschool children who did not alter residences after birth from a cross-sectional study in 2011–2012 in Shanghai, China. Parents reported children's respiratory health history, home environment, and family lifestyle behaviors. We collected daily concentrations of sulphur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 μm (PM₁₀) during the child's total lifetime (2006–2012) for each district where the children lived. We analyzed the associations using logistic regression models.ResultsAfter adjusting for covariates and the other studied pollutants, we found that exposure to NO₂ (increment of 20 μg/m³) during the first year of life was significantly associated with asthma [odds ratio (OR) = 1.77; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.29–2.43] and allergic rhinitis (OR = 1.67; 95% CI: 1.07–2.61). Exposure to NO₂ during gestation, the first two and three years, and over total lifetimewas all consistently associated with increased odds of allergic rhinitis. Quartiles of NO₂ concentration during different exposure periods showed a slight dose–response relationship with the studied diseases. These diseases had significant associations with pollutant mixtures that included NO₂, but had no significant association with exposures to SO₂ and PM₁₀ individually or in mixtures.ConclusionsGestational and early life exposures to ambient NO₂ are risk factors for childhood respiratory diseases.     

Short-term effects of air pollution on respiratory morbidity at Rio de Janeiro — Part II: Health assessment

The effects of air pollution on health have been studied worldwide. Given that air pollution triggers oxidative stress and inflammation, it is plausible that high levels of air pollutants cause higher number of hospitalisations. This study aimed to assess the impact of air pollution on the emergency hospitalisation for respiratory disease in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The study was divided in two parts: Part I specifically addressing the air pollution assessment and Part II addressing the health assessment. Accordingly, this Part II aimed to estimate the association between the concentrations of PM₁₀, SO₂ and CO observed in Rio de Janeiro and the number of emergency hospitalisations at a central hospital due to respiratory diseases. The pollutant concentrations were measured at two different sites in Rio de Janeiro, but the excess relative risks were calculated based on the concentrations observed at one of the sites, where limits were generally exceeded more frequently, between September 2000 and December 2005. A time series analysis was performed using the number of hospitalisations, divided in three categories (children until 1 year old, children aged between 1 and 5 years old and elderly with 65 years old or more) as independent variable, the concentrations of pollutants as dependent variables and temperature, relative humidity, long term trend, and seasonality as confounders. Data were analysed using generalised additive models with smoothing for some of the dependent variables. Results showed an excess risk of hospitalisation for respiratory disease higher than 2% per 10 μg m^− 3 increase in PM₁₀ concentrations for children under 5 years old, of 2% per 10 μg m^− 3 increase in SO₂ for elderly above 65 years old and around 0.1% per 10 μg m^− 3 increase in CO for children under 1 year and elderly. Other studies have found associations that are in agreement with the results achieved in this study.The study suggests that the ambient levels of air pollutants experienced in Rio de Janeiro between 2000 and 2005 were linked to the number of hospitalisations for respiratory diseases among children and elderly.     

工业经济结构、经济增长对环境污染的非线性影响

本文从生产要素投入端将环境污染引至索洛增长模型,理论考察工业经济结构、经济增长对环境污染的非线性影响机制,基于1999—2014年我国30个省份的面板数据,以SO_2排放量作为环境污染水平的代理变量,采用面板平滑迁移回归(PSTR)模型检验全国及分区域工业经济结构、经济增长对环境污染的非线性影响效应及区域差异性。研究结果表明:随着工业化进程的不断加快,工业产出及污染排放均呈现不断上升的趋势,但由于资本边际收益递减规律使得这种增长趋势逐渐减弱,最终导致经济增长和环境污染增长趋于稳态,当污染排放增长率降低为负时,经济增长对环境污染的影响作用由正向转变为负向。实证表明我国工业经济结构、经济增长与SO_2排放具有显著的产出水平门槛效应,随着经济产出水平由低区制平滑的过渡到高区制,经济增长对SO_2排放的影响由正向促进作用转变为负向减排效应,但工业经济结构对SO_2排放呈现逐渐增强正向促进作用,可见工业经济结构、经济增长对SO_2排放具有显著的非线性影响。此外,研究发现工业经济结构、经济增长对SO_2排放的非线性影响存在显著的区域差异性,东部地区经济增长与SO_2排放呈现显著的倒"U"型曲线关系,而在中西部地区表现出逐渐增强的促进作用,中部地区的工业经济结构对SO_2排放的促进作用最大,西部其次,东部最弱,研究还表明,减排技术水平以及环境治理投资增加对SO_2污染排放具有遏制作用,能源投资的增加加速了SO_2的排放。在未来经济发展中,应摒弃传统"高投入、高消耗"的工业化模式,政府应实施创新管理,完善环境保护立法,鼓励企业发展环境污染治理方面的技术,避免以环境容量过渡为代价,追求工业经济高质量、可持续发展模式。     

空气污染、空间外溢与公共健康——以中国珠江三角洲9个城市为例

空气污染对居民公共健康的影响,引起了人们高度的关注。但大多数学者研究从样本的独立性出发且不考虑内生性问题,忽视区域之间空间相关性,所得结论和政策建议需谨慎对待。为了弥补上述不足,本文基于Grossman中国宏观健康生产函数,选取2001—2014年中国广东省珠江三角洲9个城市作为样本,选择以PM_(10)和PM_(2.5)作为空气污染的代理指标,在充分考虑空间效应和严格假设检验的基础上选择合适的空间计量经济学模型,对此进行实证研究。主要研究结果显示:空气污染对居民的公共健康带来了负面影响,即PM_(10)和PM_(2.5)每增加1%,导致哮喘疾病和内科门诊等疾病人数不断上升,且影响都比较大,尤其是对哮喘疾病的影响分别为0.2236%和0.2272%。经济增长对公共健康均有显著的促进作用,影响最大;其它财政医疗支出、卫生技术人员和人口密度等要素对居民公共健康的影响较小。由于空气污染的负外部性,研究还发现,区域之间空气污染的"溢出效应"对领域居民公共健康存在显著的影响,说明忽视空间自相关性的存在,会使得空气污染对公众健康的估计产生偏差。从长期看,空气污染对本地居民公共健康的直接效应都显著为正,PM_(2.5)间接效应显著为负,但PM_(10)间接效应并不显著。因此,各级政府除了在源头上治理污染物的排放,提高公共健康水平外,还应该打破各自为阵的行政垄断,应该作为一个整体,实现跨区域环保合作,共同治理和制定公共卫生政策等。这对区域之间协同减排和保护居民公共健康具有重要的理论和现实意义。     

Ambient air pollution and children's lung function in China

ObjectiveTo describe the correlations between ambient air pollutants (TSP, SO₂, NO_x) and the level of children's lung function (FVC, FEV₁, MMEF) in China.MethodsWe collected the research articles on ambient air pollution and children's lung function published from 1985 to 2006 and selected 11 articles finally according to the following criteria: (1) Children between the age of 7 and 15 as objects; (2) Local air quality monitoring results were reported; (3) Strict quality control was taken when testing children's lung function; (4) The results were expressed by the average of measured value. Then we analyzed the correlation relationship between the level of ambient air pollutants and children's lung function and compared the effects of ambient air pollutants on children's lung function of boy and girl.ResultsThe selected articles included the results of 7 cities in China. Among them, the results of 6 cities' studies revealed that the levels of children's lung function were significantly lower in the areas with heavy ambient air pollution than those in the areas with light ambient air pollution. According to the articles, the average levels of TSP were at the range of 0.084 mg/m³–0.835 mg/m³, SO₂ were 0.013 mg/m³–0.929 mg/m³, NO_x were 0.044 mg/m³–0.229 mg/m³. Correlation analysis showed significant negative correlation between the levels of TSP and SO₂ and children's FVC and FEV₁, as well as the levels of NO_x and children's MMEF. The correlation coefficient was ? 0.797 (t = ? 4.384, P = 0.001) between TSP and FVC, ? 0.693 (t = ? 4.190, P < 0.001) between Ln (SO₂) and FVC, ? 0.886 (t = ? 5.392, P = 0.001) and ? 0.685 (t = ? 4.101, P = 0.001) between FEV₁ and TSP and Ln (SO₂), and ? 0.973 (t = ? 5.993, P = 0.027) between NO_xNO_x and MMEF, respectively. The results also suggested that the decreases of lung function for girl with the increasing of ambient air pollution were significantly greater for boy.ConclusionThe levels of ambient air TSP and SO₂ correlated with the damage of the big airway function of children, while NO_xNO_x affected the small airway function chiefly. Furthermore, lung function of girl was more susceptible to ambient air pollutants than boy.     

Using the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model to estimate public health impacts of PM2.5 from individual power plants

We estimated PM_2.5-related public health impacts/ton emitted of primary PM_2.5, SO₂, and NO_x for a set of power plants in the Mid-Atlantic and Lower Great Lakes regions of the United States, selected to include varying emission profiles and broad geographic representation. We then developed a regression model explaining variability in impacts per ton emitted using the population distributions around each plant. We linked outputs from the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model v 4.7.1 with census data and concentration–response functions for PM_2.5-related mortality, and monetized health estimates using the value-of-statistical-life. The median impacts for the final set of plants were $130,000/ton for primary PM_2.5 (range: $22,000–230,000), $28,000/ton for SO₂ (range: $19,000–33,000), and $16,000/ton for NOx (range: $7100–26,000). Impacts of NO_x were a median of 34% (range: 20%–75%) from ammonium nitrate and 66% (range: 25%–79%) from ammonium sulfate. The latter pathway is likely from NO_x enhancing atmospheric oxidative capacity and amplifying sulfate formation, and is often excluded. Our regression models explained most of the variation in impact/ton estimates using basic population covariates, and can aid in estimating impacts averted from interventions such as pollution controls, alternative energy installations, or demand-side management.     

Projecting ozone-related mortality in East China

BackgroundThe concentrations of ozone (O₃) in China are increasing, especially in East China, but its future trends and potential health impacts remain to be explored.ObjectivesThe objective was to assess future trends in O₃ concentrations and related premature death in East China between 2005 and 2030.MethodsFirst, a global chemical transport model (MIROC-ESM-CHEM) and regional chemical transport modelling system (including the Weather Research and Forecasting model and the Community Multiscale Air Quality model) were combined to estimate daily O₃ concentrations in 2005 and 2030 in East China under the “current legislation” (CLE) and “maximum technically feasible reduction” (MFR) scenarios which were applied globally. O₃ concentrations were then linked with population projections, mortality projections, and O₃-mortality associations to estimate changes in O₃-related mortality in East China.ResultsThe annual mean O₃ concentration was projected to increase in East China between 2005 and 2030 under the CLE scenario, while decrease under the MFR scenario. Under the CLE scenario, O₃-attributable health burden could increase by at least 40,000 premature deaths in East China, without considering the population growth. Under the MFR scenario, the health burden could decrease by up to 260,000 premature deaths as a result of the reduction in O₃ concentration with a static population. However, when the population growth was considered, O₃-attributable health burden could increase by up to 46,000 premature deaths in East China under the MFR scenario.ConclusionsThe results suggest that the health burden attributable to O₃ may increase in East China in 2030.     

Effect of the shape of the exposure-response function on estimated hospital costs in a study on non-elective pneumonia hospitalizations related to particulate matter

ObjectiveWe used log-linear and log-log exposure-response (E-R) functions to model the association between PM_2.5 exposure and non-elective hospitalizations for pneumonia, and estimated the attributable hospital costs by using the effect estimates obtained from both functions.MethodsWe used hospital discharge data on 3519 non-elective pneumonia admissions from UZ Brussels between 2007 and 2012 and we combined a case-crossover design with distributed lag models. The annual averted pneumonia hospitalization costs for a reduction in PM_2.5 exposure from the mean (21.4 μg/m³) to the WHO guideline for annual mean PM_2.5 (10 μg/m³) were estimated and extrapolated for Belgium.ResultsNon-elective hospitalizations for pneumonia were significantly associated with PM_2.5 exposure in both models. Using a log-linear E-R function, the estimated risk reduction for pneumonia hospitalization associated with a decrease in mean PM_2.5 exposure to 10 μg/m³ was 4.9%. The corresponding estimate for the log-log model was 10.7%. These estimates translate to an annual pneumonia hospital cost saving in Belgium of €15.5 million and almost €34 million for the log-linear and log-log E-R function, respectively.DiscussionAlthough further research is required to assess the shape of the association between PM_2.5 exposure and pneumonia hospitalizations, we demonstrated that estimates for health effects and associated costs heavily depend on the assumed E-R function. These results are important for policy making, as supra-linear E-R associations imply that significant health benefits may still be obtained from additional pollution control measures in areas where PM levels have already been reduced.     

Chemical characteristics of precipitation and wet deposition of major ions in Liaozhong County of Liaoning Province,Northeast China

The chemical characteristics of precipitation were analyzed based on the chemical composition of principal ionic within acid rain（from February 2007 to January 2008）of Liaozhong Meteorological Station located in Malong Village in Liaozhong County of Northeast China,meteorological conditions on the corresponding period ground,and variation of several air pollutants concentration.The results indicated that:（1）The precipitation average pH value of all samples was4.76;the frequency of acid rain during the observation period was 70.7%;the frequency was 82.8%in summer and autumn.（2）In the chemical composition of precipitation,the primary anions were SO₄^2-and NO₃^-;the primary cations were NH₄⁺and Ca²⁺.（3）All concentration of anions was higher in summer and winter,but relatively low in spring and autumn.This showed that the relationship between regional rainfall acidification and pollution was not significant.（4）Rainwater acidity and nearly floor gaseous pollution concentration were different from each other,and pH and NO_x,CO,NO₂ and O₃concentrations showed significant negative correlation,but was not obvious with SO₂ concentration.However,the pH and alkaline pollutants,such as particulate,was positively correlative.     

Housing interventions and health: Quantifying the impact of indoor particles on mortality and morbidity with disease recovery

Housing interventions for energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emission reduction have the potential to reduce exposure to indoor air pollution if they are implemented correctly. This work assessed the health impacts of home energy efficiency measures in England and Wales resulting in a reduction in average indoor PM_2.5 exposures of 3 μg m^− 3. The assessment was performed using a new multistate life table model which allows transition into and between multiple morbid states, including recovery to disease-free status and relapse, with transition rates informed by age- and cause-specific disease prevalence, incidence and mortality data. Such models have not previously included disease recovery. The results demonstrate that incorporation of recovery in the model is necessary for conditions such as asthma which have high incidence in early life but likelihood of recovery in adulthood. The impact assessment of the home energy efficiency intervention showed that the reduction in PM_2.5 exposure would be associated with substantial benefits for mortality and morbidity from asthma, coronary heart disease and lung cancer. The overall impact would be an increase in life expectancy of two to three months and approximately 13 million QALYs gained over the 90 year follow-up period. Substantial quality-of-life benefits were also observed, with a decrease in asthma over all age groups and larger benefits due to reduced coronary heart disease and lung cancer, particularly in older age groups. The multistate model with recovery provides important additional information for assessing the impact on health of environmental policies and interventions compared with mortality-only life tables, allowing more realistic representation of diseases with substantial non-mortality burdens.