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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1976

Immunoglobulins under the influence of nonspecific factors. III. Immunoglobulins, pertussis antibodies and lysozyme in three child populations exposed to different air pollution.

The levels of IgG, IgA, IgM, lysozyme, agglutinins against B. pertussis and B. parapertussis were followed in the blood serum of 306 children 9--10 years old in 3 areas of Central Bohemian region. In children dwelling in areas with more polluted air significantly higher levels of serum lysozyme and of parapertussis antibodies were found by the t-test. The distribution of these values shows significant differences between more polluted areas in comparison with lower-pollution area also in Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The average levels of Ig approached statistically critical values but did not reach them, but significant differences in the distribution of values of IgG and IgA were shown by the F-test and chi2-test between lightly and heavily polluted areas. The values of immunological reactions in polluted areas were always higher than in the non-polluted group. This provides evidence for a hypothesis about a stimulatory effect of polluted air on immunological mechanisms in child population. The higher values of IgM observed recently by other authors in women were shown in girls of 9--10 years.

Agglutinins↗
PubMed1975

Investigations on the carcinogenic burden by air pollution in man. XIII. Assessment of the contribution of passenger cars to air pollution by carcinogenic polycylic hydrocarbons.

A total of 100 passenger cars were tested with regard to the amount of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) emitted during the EUROPA-Test (E.-Test, simulate city driving; 4 times 195 s). As determined by frequency of registration, the 20 most common car models were chosen. Each model was represented by 5 cars. The total amount of selected 14 PAH emitted by all test vehicles during an E.-test is in the range of 1-16 mg. As can be seen from the average of fuel consumption (409.4 g/E.-test) and benzo(a)pyrene emission (41.6 mug/E.-test), 1000 kg of burned fuel yield 101 mg of benzo(a)pyrene. Based on the consumption of gasoline in 1973 in West Germany (18508200 tons), an annual amount of 1.85 tons of benzo(a)pyrene is produced by gas engine vehicles. However, the biological effect of the automobile exhaust is still larger because it contains additional carcinogenic PAH. - A statistical evaluation of the results shows that different car models can not be distinguish by their PAH emission. When evaluating individual vehicles after 5 repeated E.-tests, the margin of error for any single PAH is between 6.3-10.9% (variation coefficient) for this car. A larger margin of error is obtained by pooling 5 different vehicles of the same model.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed1977

[Air pollution and cancer (author's transl)].

Several data justify the suspension that air pollution may contribute to cancer risk. These observations are: high risk of lung cancer in coal gas workers; higher incidence of lung cancer in urbanized regions as compared with rural ones and higher incidence in highly industrialized countries as compared with less industrialized; observations in migrant populations; data of comparative pathology. Specific studies of the association between lung cancer and air pollution taking into consideration confounding variables failed to give conclusive evidence of a causal relationship. Obviously the role of air pollution for cancerogenesis in the lung is far less important than inhalation of tobacco smoke. Furthermore there are some findings suggesting a causal association of particulate air pollution and malignant neoplasms of the stomach and prostate.

Adult↗
PubMed1975

Air pollution and health.

The effects of air pollution on human health are reviewed. Data from toxicology, epidemiology, clinical and laboratory exposures are presented as a basis for an emerging etiology. Sulfur dioxide, suspended particulates, nitrogen dioxide, photochemical oxidants, and carbon monoxide are examined as stress agents to the cardio-pulmonary system.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Comprehensive view of air pollution problems (author's transl)].

Air pollution is treated under various aspects: natural, urban, industrial. Primary polluants are studied and their transformation into secondary polluants (oxidant smog, acid smog). Biologic effects on laboratory animals, human health are tackled.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed2026

Endothelial function in relation to low-level chronic residential air pollution in a general population: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Given the recently updated clean-air targets, this population study assessed endothelial function at low exposure to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of &#x2264;10&#xa0;&#xb5;m (PM10) and &#x2264;2.5&#x2009;&#xb5;m (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and black carbon (BC). METHODS: In 453 Flemish participants (47.7% women; mean age, 52.8&#x2009;years), endothelial function was assessed by finger photoplethysmography after 5&#x2009;min of ischaemia. The outcome measures were the maximal ischaemic-to-control ratio (Rmax) and the maximal difference (Dmax) in pulse amplitude between the test and control fingers. The air pollutants were related to Rmax and Dmax using mixed models accounting for coresidence, to cardiovascular endpoints by proportional hazards regression, and to residential address by high-resolution spatiotemporal interpolation. RESULTS: From 2010 to 2015, PM10, PM2.5, NO2 and BC decreased (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.0001) with 6-year levels averaging 15.9, 12.8, 14.3 and 1.04&#xa0;&#xb5;g/m3. Irrespective of adjustment for risk factors, Dmax was inversely correlated with PM2.5, while associations of Rmax with PM2.5 and associations of both Dmax and Rmax with other pollutants were weaker (p values <0.10), but consistently inverse. Association sizes of Rmax and Dmax with PM10 and PM2.5 weakened over 6&#xa0;years, paralleling the decreasing air pollutants (p&#x2009;&#x2264;&#x2009;0.044). In adjusted analyses, the risk of a composite cardiovascular endpoint decreased (p&#x2009;&#x2264;&#x2009;0.043) with higher Rmax and Dmax with hazard ratios ranging from 0.31 to 0.49. Finally, in the geographical analysis, endothelial dysfunction followed the spatial gradients in PM2.5. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term low-level air pollution is associated with subclinical endothelial dysfunction, the initial and critical step leading to adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

Humans↗
PubMed2026

Association of long-term exposure to ambient air pollution and myopia in Chinese children.

Ambient air pollution is recognized as a major global health concern, but evidence on its association with childhood myopia remains limited, particularly under multi-pollutant exposure conditions. A school-based study was conducted in Tianjin, China, including 212,566 students in grades 4-6. The 3-yr mean concentrations of particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter &#x2264; 2.5&#xa0;&#x3bc;m (PM2.5), its major components (sulfate (SO42-), nitrate (NO3-), ammonium (NH4+), organic matter (OM), and black carbon (BC)), and ozone (O3) were estimated using machine-learning exposure models and linked to school locations. Restricted cubic splines and quartile-based modified Poisson models were used to assess single-pollutant exposure-response relationships, and quantile-based g-computation was applied to estimate joint pollutant associations. In single-pollutant models, the highest quartile of SO42- was associated with higher myopia prevalence compared with the lowest quartile (PR&#xa0;=&#xa0;1.10; 95% CI, 1.07-1.13). O3 showed weaker and non-monotonic positive patterns (Q4 vs Q1: PR&#xa0;=&#xa0;1.03; 95% CI, 1.00-1.05). In mixture analyses, a one-quartile increase in joint exposure was associated with higher myopia prevalence (PR&#xa0;=&#xa0;1.017; 95% CI, 1.007-1.027). Sensitivity analyses generally supported the direction of the main findings. These findings suggest that long-term exposure to specific ambient air pollutants may be associated with myopia in school-aged children.

Chemical components↗
PubMed1977

Air pollution: its effects on health and respiratory disease--a review.

A selective review of clinical and experimental data pertaining to air pollution and its effects on health and disease is presented. Various air pollutants, their effects on health and national air quality standard levels are outlined. The guidelines for asthmatic patients to follow during air pollution episodes are enumerated.

Air Pollution↗
PubMed1979

Health effects of urban air pollution. Special consideration of areas at 1,500 m and above.

Urban air pollution, when sufficiently severe, can cause death in humans; these deaths occur preponderantly among those with increased susceptibility. Pollution--carbon monoxide and oxidants in particular--is capable of aggravating preexisting chronic heart and lung diseases. Pollution and tobacco (especially cigarette) smoke act synergistically in a causative role in chronic bronchitis and in an aggravating role in emphysema. Susceptibility to the effects of urban air pollution varies widely, with the most susceptible being fetuses, the newborn, the elderly, the infirm, those with chronic heart and lung diseases, and those who smoke. The carbon monoxide standards for sea level are probably too lenient for an altitude of 1,500 m and above. Using a broad definition of health, which takes into account concepts such as quality of life and social and mental well-being, few metropolitan residents would deny that their health is compromised by air that is malodorous, that irritates mucous membranes, and that obscures beautiful scenery.

Adult↗
PubMed1979

[Changes of biochemical processes of the lungs caused by air pollutants (author's transl)].

The investigations of the last 10 years have shown that beside the respiratory function the biochemical processes of the lungs are of basic importance. The normal biochemical processes are the prerequisite to a normal respiratory function. Today the problems of air pollutants are topical. Therefore a review of the new literature about the influence of air pollutants on biochemical processes of the lungs is given. The following substances are included: gaseous air pollutants (ozone, NO2, SO2, phosgene) and aerosols as well as dust (cadmium, paraquat, carcinogens, tobacco smoke). Furthermore the biochemical changes of the lungs by high and low oxygen concentrations are described. Our knowledge concerning the simultaneous influence of several pollutants, the possibilities for an early biochemical detection of damages caused by air pollutants, and their therapeutical influence are still limited.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed2026

Air Pollution and Heat Impacts on Respiratory Morbidity and Mortality Outcomes in Africa: A Systematic Review Towards a Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: This review synthesised evidence on associations between air pollution and respiratory morbidity in Africa. Following PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched PubMed, ScienceDirect and Elicit for case-control studies published between 2015 and 2025. RECENT FINDINGS: Thirteen studies from ten African countries reported pollutant levels far exceeding WHO guidelines. Indoor PM&#x2082;.&#x2085; in biomass-using homes ranged from 96 to 177&#xa0;&#xb5;g/m&#xb3;, and ambient PM&#x2082;.&#x2085; reached 259&#xa0;&#xb5;g/m&#xb3;. Nitrogen oxides were consistently associated with reduced lung function in children, while household air pollution increased risks of under-five mortality and low birthweight. Associations with acute respiratory infections varied across settings. Vulnerability was greatest among young children, those with airway hyperresponsiveness, and households with poor ventilation. Only three studies included temperature, and none examined heat-respiratory interactions. Across African case-control studies, particulate matter and household air pollution remain consistently linked to adverse respiratory outcomes, highlighting urgent needs for cleaner fuels, improved ventilation, and stronger evidence on combined pollution and heat exposures.

Humans↗
PubMed1979

Health costs of air pollution: a study of hospitalization costs.

This study of the hospitalization costs of exposure to air pollution in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania was conducted to determine whether persons exposed to air pollution incurred higher hospital utilization rates and additional costs for treatment. A hospitalization data-base comprising 37,818 total admissions for respiratory, suspect circulatory diseases, and comparison circulatory diseases was tested in a cross-section type analysis for relationships between rates of hospitalization, length of stay, and levels of air quality in the neighborhoods of patients' residence. Air quality was identified using data from 49 monitoring stations. Corrections were made for race, age, sex, smoking habits, median income, and occupation. The results show that hospitalization rates, length of stay, and costs of respiratory and suspect circulatory system diseases were significantly greater among populations residing in the more polluted zones of the County. At average costs for hospitalization in this area in 1972, the total increased cost for the 1.6 million persons in the County was estimated at $9.8 million ($9.1 million for increased hospitalization rates and $0.7 million for increased length of stay). The total health costs resulting from air pollution exposure in this area would be much greater when non-hospitalization costs are also included.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1977

Detection of mutagenic activity in particulate air pollutants.

Ames's strains of Salmonella typhimurium were used to evaluate the mutagenic activity of airbone particulate materials collected at six different points in the industrial area of Ohmuta and the residential area Fukuoka. Tests were done in presence of rat-liver S-9 fraction isolated from rats that had been treated with Aroclor 1254. When the number of revertant colonies per plate was plotted against the amount of methanol extract of particulate air pollutants, using strain TA98, approximately linear relationships were observed for active samples. Generally, mutagenic activity of the samples increased in proportion to the density of air pollutants. In our system, 38--349 microng of methanol extract, from 0.225--4.51 m3 of air from the factory districts in Ohmuta City gave 100 his+ revertants per plate. On the other hand, 54--2300 microng of air pollutants, from 1.29--14.1 m3 of air from the residential districts in Fukuoka City, gave a comparable activity. Every sample from each area had mutagenic activity. Chemicals in air pollutants were fractionated by alumina column chromatography and identified by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. More than 28 compounds, including 12 unknown substances were identified as polycyclic hydrocarbons. Twelve of these compounds are already known to be carcinogens and to induce reversions to histidine independence in strain TA98 of Salmonella.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed1978

A plant indicator of air pollution and human health in Japanese rural communities.

An investigation of the effects of air pollution on vegetation and human health was conducted in a low-degree air-polluted Japanese rural area. The validity of the criteria, which were expressed as Bi-band ratios (R/B, R/G) in leaves of Japanese cedars based on infrared air photography, has been proved worthwhile for estimating the injury to the cedars. The degree of injury to the cedars by field survey showed a significant positive correlation with the concentration of sulfur oxide in the air for the last 3 years. The quantity of water-soluble sulfur in leaves of the cedar was less in the leaves of the less-injured cedars. In school children with positive skin reactions in the area, "subacute cough" (la and/or 3a by BMRC) and "phlegm" (6a and/or 8a by BMRC) had a significant positive correlation with the degree of injury to the cedars.

Air Pollution↗