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A systematic literature review was performed to identify all peer-reviewed literature quantifying the association between short-term exposures of particulate matter <2.5 microns (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) and COPD-related emergency department (ED) visits, hospital admissions (HA), and mortality. These results were then pooled for each pollutant through meta-analyses with a random effects model. Subgroup meta-analyses were explored to study the effects of selected lag/averaging times and health outcomes. A total of 37 studies satisfied our inclusion criteria, contributing to a total of approximately 1,115,000 COPD-related acute events (950,000 HAs, 80,000 EDs, and 130,000 deaths) to our meta-estimates. An increase in PM2.5of 10 ug/m3was associated with a 2.5% (95% CI: 1.6–3.4%) increased risk of COPD-related ED and HA, an increase of 10 ug/m3in NO2was associated with a 4.2% (2.5–6.0%) increase, and an increase of 10 ug/m3in SO2was associated with a 2.1% (0.7–3.5%) increase. The strength of these pooled effect estimates, however, varied depending on the selected lag/averaging time between exposure and outcome. Similar pooled effects were estimated for each pollutant and COPD-related mortality. These results suggest an ongoing threat to the health of COPD patients from both outdoor particulates and gaseous pollutants. Ambient outdoor concentrations of PM2.5, NO2, and SO2were significantly and positively associated with both COPD-related morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

ABSTRACT. The authors studied the respiratory effects of formaldehyde exposure among students who dissected cadavers in a gross anatomy laboratory. Peak expiratory flow and respiratory symptoms were measured before and after each weekly laboratory session. Each of 38 students was exposed to formaldehyde for 2.5 hr/wk for 14 wk. Individual, daily formaldehyde measurements averaged 1.1 ppm (standard deviation = 0.56 ppm). Multivariate models demonstrated two different time scales of effect of formaldehyde on peak expiratory flow: (1) exposure during the previous 2.5 hr reduced peak expiratory flow by -1.0% per ppm, and (2) average exposure during all preceding weeks reduced peak expiratory flow by an additional -0.5% per ppm of formaldehyde. However, the short-term exposure effect was diminished during the first 4 wk, suggesting at least partial acclimatization. Symptom reporting was also associated with exposure during the previous 2.5 hr, and similar evidence of acclimatization was observed. These results suggest that there are two different time scales of response to formaldehyde, and they emphasize the need for longitudinal studies, characterized by quantitative exposure characterization, and frequent measurements of outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on dioxins, a class of highly toxic synthetic pollutants. Evidence for the ubiquity of dioxins; Sources of dioxins; How dioxins spread; Toxic effects of exposure to dioxins.

Provides information on the study about the effects of magnetic field exposure to workers in an automobile transmission plant factory. Method used in the study; Information about the exposure of the workers within-day variability; Range of magnetic field exposure in the plant.

Deals with a study which evaluated the attitudes of environmental educators in the United States. Methodology; Community issues included in the study; Results of the study.

Presents information on the master's program in environmental studies at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Philosophy of the program; Number of credits in the program.

Discusses the physiological risks of benzo(a)pyrene. Factors affecting the amount of benzo(a)pyrene formed; Study on how to reduce the amount of benzo(a)pyrene formed during cooking; Sources of benzo(a)pyrene in food.

Editorial. Comments on the impact of the Union Carbide plant disaster in Bhopal, India. Deaths of people due to exposure to methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas; Effects of the accident on the health of people; Estimation of the quantity of MIC exposed during the disaster.

Evaluates the environmental risk factors potentially involved in male infertility in Florence, Italy. Relationship between infertility and lifestyle; List of relative risk factors associated with male infertility; Effects of x-rays to gonads.