Particulate matters deposition in the human respiratory system: A health risk assessment at a technical university

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Air Pollution and Health 2476-3071 9 1 2024 03 04 Particulate matters deposition in the human respiratory system: A health risk assessment at a technical university 1 14 EN Salman Khan IIT Roorkee Veerendra Sahu IIT Roorkee Nachimuthu Kumar Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, Bengaluru, India Bhola Gurjar IIT Roorkee 2023 11 17 2024 01 20 Introduction: This study quantified Particulate Matter (PM) deposition and its clearance in the Human Respiratory Tract (HRT) at different microenvironments of a university. The university is located adjacent to the National Highway (NH 334) and main bus stop of the city, thus highly affected by PM pollution. Materials and methods: The deposition calculations were performed using a widely accepted MPPD 3.04 model. Three seasons (summer, winter and monsoon), seven microenvironments (including three Lecture Hall Complexes (LHCs), a library, two laboratories and outdoor), and different activity patterns associated with each microenvironment were considered. Results: The deposited mass of coarse fraction (PM2.5-10) in different HRT regions follows the order: pulmonary (0.5%)<tracheobronchial (2%)<head (or extrathoracic region) (97.5%). In the case of lobar region, because of the larger volume of lower lobes, they received higher deposition (53%) than the middle (8%) and upper lobes (39%). Further, the sitting activity level was found to be most critical for lobar deposition. The total deposited mass in the HRT was maximum outdoors and minimum at the library. The difference in winter and monsoon deposition was 100% for PM2.5-10, 75% for PM1-2.5 and 126% for PM1. The clearance rate of PM1 is such that 1.5 % of particles in the tracheobronchial and 64% in the pulmonary region remained even after six months. Conclusion: The results implied that physical activity levels, mode of inhalation and particle size significantly influence regional deposition. For instance, heavy exercise causes greater deposition in the head region, whereas sitting activity contributes to higher pulmonary and tracheobronchial deposition. https://japh.tums.ac.ir/index.php/japh/article/view/625 https://japh.tums.ac.ir/index.php/japh/article/download/625/384

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Air Pollution and Health 2476-3071 9 1 2024 03 04 Impact of cotton dust, endotoxin exposure, and other occupational health risk due to indoor pollutants on textile industry workers in low and middle-income countries 75 96 Shankar Subramaniam Kongu Engineering College Naveenkumar Raju Kongu Engineering College Abbas Ganesan Kongu Engineering College Nithyaprakash Rajavel Kongu Engineering College Maheswari Chenniappan Kongu Engineering College Albert Alexander Stonier Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, INDIA Chander Prakash Lovely Proffessional University Alokesh Pramanik Curtin University Animesh Kumar Basak The University of Adelaide 2023 08 12 2024 02 07 The textile industry consists of several units that engage different processes namely ginning, spinning, weaving, dyeing, printing, and several other processes which required for converting raw cotton fiber into finished fabrics. Exposure to cotton dust, endotoxin, chemicals, noise, and musculoskeletal disorders causes several health-related hazards to textile workers. This review article aims to study the health issues due to various risk factors associated with the working environment in detail and its impacts on workers' health. This review article also reports dust and endotoxin concentrations in indoor environments of textile industries, as well as discusses the association between workplace exposure to cotton dust, endotoxin, and the prevalence of respiratory disorders. In this review, the focus is also given to the prevalence of indoor pollutants like Particulate Matter (PM), Carbon dioxide (CO2), Carbon monoxide (CO), and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Formaldehyde (HCHO) in the workplace and its effects on human health. The study expands to other aspects that influence human comfort and health during working hours like occupational noise, musculoskeletal disorders, and eyesight problems. In addition, the advanced technologies for monitoring indoor air quality for control and reduction of pollutants indoor environment the current regulatory limits of cotton dust and indoor pollutants, and suggestions to enhance the occupational safety and health conditions in textile sectors are also pointed out. In conclusion, the current study stresses the need to regulate and apply international standards in the textile sector to prevent short- and long-term occupational illness. https://japh.tums.ac.ir/index.php/japh/article/view/573 https://japh.tums.ac.ir/index.php/japh/article/download/573/389

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Air Pollution and Health 2476-3071 9 1 2024 03 04 Impact of indoor air pollution exposure from traditional stoves on lung functions in adult women of a rural Indian district 15 28 Vaishali Jaiswal National Institute of Health& Family Welfarfe Pravin Meshram RTMNU Sherin Raj National Institute of Health& Family Welfarfe 2023 07 05 2024 01 23 Introduction: Biomass Fuels (BMF) used for daily cooking in developing countries inside home is the highest exposures to air pollutants. Inhalation of these pollutants causes harmful health effects. This study aims to assess the health effects with the indoor air pollutants generated BMF. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study, conducted in a rural village of India. 450 households were divided into two groups based on the cooking fuel, the BMF group and the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) clean fuel group. Socioeconomic and respiratory symptoms information was obtained using a standard questionnaire. Indoor air concentration for PM10 and PM2.5 was measured during cooking hours. Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) were conducted for the women inhabitants using spirometer. Results: Respiratory symptoms like chest pain, breathlessness, eye irritation, and blackout found to be significantly higher in biomass users (P<0.05). Moreover, an increasing trend in the prevalence of symptoms/ morbid conditions observed with an increase in exposure. Conclusion: Findings of the study confirms that the traditional use of biomass fuels exposes all family members daily to air pollution levels that well exceed available health guidelines for indoor air quality and highlights the critical gender and age dimensions of the Household Air Pollution (HAP) problem. Women exposed to BMF smoke suffer more from health problems and are at higher risk of respiratory illnesses than other fuel users. https://japh.tums.ac.ir/index.php/japh/article/view/562 https://japh.tums.ac.ir/index.php/japh/article/download/562/385

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Air Pollution and Health 2476-3071 9 1 2024 03 04 A comprehensive review on removal of VOCs from air using fly ash as an adsorbent 97 122 Farheen Zehra Isabella Thoburn College Anam Taushiba Integral University Samridhi Dwivedi Isabella Thoburn College BS Rajanikanth Indian Institute of Science pawan nagar Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur Alfred Lawrence Isabella Thoburn College 2023 10 04 2024 02 21 Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) play a critical role in the atmosphere and are produced from biogenic and anthropogenic sources. These chemicals have serious health consequences for humans. Among many types of industrial waste available, Coal Fly Ash (CFA) are mostly produced by coalfired power plants with the ability to capture VOCs from the air. The use of an inexpensive, high-performance electrospun nanofiber membrane to filter out airborne impurities. Adsorption is thought to be the best approach out of all of them due to its convenience, ease of usage, and easy-to-understand design. This review article covers the procedure, and environmental effects of employing fly ash for the adsorption of VOCs. The main concerns with fly ash disposal are the need for massive land areas for landfills and the harmful effects and groundwater pollution caused by the accumulation of heavy metals. Additionally, the methods for overcoming the benefits of using fly ash are also examined. https://japh.tums.ac.ir/index.php/japh/article/view/596 https://japh.tums.ac.ir/index.php/japh/article/download/596/393

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Air Pollution and Health 2476-3071 9 1 2024 03 29 Assessment of the seasonal trends of air pollution: A case study of Gurugram city, Haryana, India 29 40 Indraj Indraj Indra Gandhi Nation Open University, New Delhi Vishal Warpa Discipline of Geography, School of Sciences, Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi, India 2023 08 16 2024 02 07 Introduction: The air pollution is a significant environmental issue that profoundly impacts urban areas and their surrounding regions. The processes involved in air pollution are complex, as primary pollutants are released into the atmosphere and then transported by the action of wind. Primary pollutants may undergo chemical reactions, change phases, and eventually be eliminated from the atmosphere through dry and wet deposition. Materials and methods: The Air Quality Index (AQI) has been used to analyse the variations in the AQI over a span of three years (2019-2021) for Gurugram city. The study aimed to quantify the changes in the AQI values on seasonal basis (winter, summer, and monsoon). Results: The results show that there has been a slight improvement in the air quality in certain areas, but it still remains critical. Therefore, it highlights the need for continued and concerted efforts to address the issue of air pollution. The deteriorating air quality poses severe threats, including the potential alteration into the natural state of atmospheric composition, besides health-related issues. Conclusion: It is closely linked to adverse health effects, such as respiratory problems, increased instances of asthma, cancer, and even leads to mortality in extreme cases. The measurements from four monitoring sites namely Seva Sadan, Sector-51, Gawal Pahari, and Manesar, were analysed and a comparison of seasonal trends among these sites were also attempted. https://japh.tums.ac.ir/index.php/japh/article/view/578 https://japh.tums.ac.ir/index.php/japh/article/download/578/392

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Air Pollution and Health 2476-3071 9 1 2024 03 04 A narrative review of microplastics in the indoor and outdoor environment, human effects, and ecological risks 123 140 Nasim Zolfaghari Firouzsalari Health and Environment Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran AND Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Farhad Ghayurdoost Health and Environment Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran AND Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Akbar Gholampour Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran 2023 10 24 2024 02 07 Due to their widespread identification in all environmental compartments, Microplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants that have garnered growing scientific and public attention over the last decades. Early research on MPs and their effects was limited to studies of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, but more recent studies have included MPs in the air. There is now considerable concern about the effects of MPs on pristine environments and urban air quality. A literature search was conducted in Science Direct and Google Scholar using the following keywords: microplastics, indoor environment, outdoor environment, human effects, and ecological risks. Finally, eligible studies were selected for the review. Textiles, such as clothes, carpets, and curtains, are the main indoor sources of MPs. As well as the primary sources of MPs outdoors, there are landfills, urban and home dust, and synthetic particles. According to current theories, human exposure to MPs occurs through dermal contact, ingestion, and inhalation. Recent research has demonstrated that inhalation is the principal mechanism of human exposure to MPs. Early toxicological research suggests that MPs may lead to inflammation and oxidative stress. However, there is growing concern about the possible leaching of hazardous chemicals used as plastic additives. Nevertheless, MP exposure and risk assessment in humans is still in its infancy, and more research on the presence of MPs in various indoor and outdoor environments is required to provide the knowledge base needed for regulations to protect human health and the environment from MPs. https://japh.tums.ac.ir/index.php/japh/article/view/611 https://japh.tums.ac.ir/index.php/japh/article/download/611/394

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Air Pollution and Health 2476-3071 9 1 2024 03 04 Analysis of in-vehicle air quality and load factor as environmental and social dimensions of sustainable urban mobility: A case study from Kathmandu valley, Nepal 41 58 Pooja Bhusal CDES,Tribhuvan University Suman Man Shrestha Central Department of Environmental Science, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal Narayan Babu Dhital Patan Multiple Campus,Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal Gauri Shankar Bhandari Resources Himalaya Foundation, Naya bato, Lalitpur, Nepal Bhupendra Das Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal Rishav Pandit Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal 2023 11 19 2024 02 07 Introduction: Assessing in-vehicle air pollution and load factor is crucial in developing countries like Nepal within the environmental and social aspects of sustainable urban mobility. Materials and methods: In this study in-vehicle air quality of public vehicles in Kathmandu valley was monitored for three road sections based on vehicle density i.e. Ring Road Section (RRS), Urban Commercial Route 1 (UCR1), and Urban Commercial Route 2 (UCR2) using Air Visual Pro N1 Model for which validationand was done with reference Particulate Matter (PM) values obtained from the GRIMM EDM 180 analyzer. The quantitative count method was used torecasting (WRF)-Chem model outputs with reanalysis data demonstrated that the model accurately predicted dust events along the southern Caspian shores in all three cases, though its precision is not yet suitable for quantitative comparison. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, dust in the northern provinces of Iran is emitted from three dust sources in northern Iraq, central Iran, and Turkmenistan. Also, the WRF-Chem model has been able to predict the dust transport from these different dust sources to northern Iran. However, it can be stated that the accuracy of the outputs is still not suitable for quantitative comparison. https://japh.tums.ac.ir/index.php/japh/article/view/877 https://japh.tums.ac.ir/index.php/japh/article/download/877/440

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Air Pollution and Health 2476-3071 10 2 2025 07 09 Evaluation and modeling of traffic noise in an urban area of Chhattisgarh, India 269 282 Vishal Kumar Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Raipur, Chhatisgarh, India Ajay Ahirwar Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Raipur, Chhatisgarh, India A. Prasad Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Raipur, Chhatisgarh, India 2024 06 06 2025 06 08 Introduction: Traffic noise modeling is a rapidly growing field. Researchers are continually improving existing models and creating new ones that take into consideration complex aspects such as traffic flow patterns and the influence of geography. This study aims to test few models that may be suitable for the Indian scenario along with development of new model. Materials and methods: In the present study, evaluation and modeling of traffic noise have been carried out. The study was carried out in 20 locations in Raipur city. Half of the locations were selected for validation of results, and half were selected for studying the best-suited model for our selected area. Six models best suited to our location were selected after performing the literature review in brief. Traffic data was collected, and models were tested. Results: On comparing the data, it was found that out of six models, the Burgess model was found to be the most accurate, as its predicted noise levels are consistently closest to the measured noise levels across all ten locations. But the coefficient of correlation (R) for this model was found to be in the range of 0.31 to 0.64. Burgess model uses the framework of concentric zones to analyse how noise varies based on location within a city, taking into account factors such as land use, population density, and the types of activities prevalent in each zone. Further, we developed our own model by using the multiple regression method and validated our results. On performing the statistical analysis, highest value of R2 (0.83 and 0.82) were found for locations PL1 and PL8 respectively. Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD) values ranged from 0.859 to 2.175, and Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) values ranged from 0.884 to 2.203 for all locations. Conclusion: The high R² values, close to 1, and the low RMSE values indicate that our model fits