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How low can you reduce the carbon footprint associated with an index-based portfolio without creating unacceptable levels of active risk versus a capitalization-weighted benchmark? We find that an investor may be able to reduce the carbon footprint of a typical index-based portfolio by more than 50%, while keeping active risk low, near 1% tracking error volatility. This involves investing in companies with low greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and reducing exposure to companies with high emissions. The intensity of emissions per unit of revenue is a particularly helpful metric. Portfolio screening is an effective approach that removes emissions-intensive companies from an index, but can create unintended sector, industry, country, and factor exposures in the portfolio. Using an integrated portfolio optimization approach to minimize carbon intensity, we can explicitly constrain multiple risk dimensions. Another approach we explore is a two-step process: 1) apply a screen to invest only in lower carbon-intensity stocks, then 2) optimize the portfolio by minimizing tracking error versus the index. We study the effects of constraints on the optimization problem and find that loosening sector and industry constraints enables a greater reduction in carbon emissions, without a significant increase in overall active risk. Specifically, underweights to utilities, energy, and materials allow for a greater reduction in carbon emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work investigates the etching of coated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) films using an atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge operating in nitrogen in a filamentary regime. For different treatment durations, the optical emission spectra were recorded over time. Most of the emissions are attributed to the N2 second positive system. The presence of CN is also observed, and its emissions rise with the exposure time of PTFE. This rise is attributed to the density of CN produced. The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy surface characterization suggests two etching regimes. This is linked with a change in slope in the intensity evolution of the optical emissions of the CN. At longer times, a fluorinated deposit on the electrode is observed, confirming a different nature of the etched material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed workers' exposure to vehicle exhaust emissions and its health effects at the Lebombo Port of Entry. A quantitative cross-sectional design was adopted, and a structured questionnaire was administered on 209 adult workers to measure their knowledge on vehicle exhaust emissions exposures. Air samples were also collected from the participants using air sampling pumps. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 27. Logistic regression was performed to examine the association between dependent variables and some sociodemographic factors. Vocational certificates and associate degrees were attributed to workers in the South African Police Services and those in Agriculture: (Odds Ratio) = 2.83%, Confidence Interval (1.41–5.65) and (Odds Ratio) = 4.58%, Confidence Interval (2.10–9.99), respectively. Divorced males had a high level of knowledge and awareness of vehicle exhaust emission and their health effects: (Adjusted Odds Ratio) = 5.31%, Confidence Interval (1.08–26.14). Males had better knowledge of vehicle exhaust emission with carcinogenic effects: (Adjusted Odds Ratio) = 3.28%, Confidence Interval (1.11–9.67). Having an associate's degree as the highest level of education and irritation of nose and eyes were associated with lower awareness of vehicle exhaust emissions: (Adjusted Odds Ratio) = 0.42%, Confidence Interval (0.19–0.97) and (Adjusted Odds Ratio) = 0.31%, Confidence Interval (0.13–0.76), respectively. The diesel particulate matter concentration was higher during day shifts (0.027 mg/m3) compared to night shifts (0.021 mg/m3), p = 0.001. Seventy-one workers (34%) reported experiencing acute headaches often, and fewer workers (n = 31, 14.8%) reported to have never suffered from an acute headache. A majority of workers (71 (34%)) experienced acute irritation of nose and eyes often compared to a few (33 (16%)) workers who experienced the same less often. In addition, a majority of workers (84 (40.2%)) experienced acute fatigue and nausea often, while fewer workers (37 (17.7%)) experienced fatigue and nausea very often. The majority of workers (n = 116, 55.5%) suffered cough and sneezing more often compared to others. There is an urgent need for improved and effective controls to reduce workers' exposure to vehicle exhaust emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional (3D) printing with polycarbonate (PC) plastic occurs in manufacturing settings, homes, and schools. Emissions generated during printing with PC stock and bisphenol-A (BPA), an endocrine disrupter in PC, may induce adverse health effects. Inhalation of 3D printer emissions, and changes in endocrine function may lead to cardiovascular dysfunction. The goal of this study was to determine whether there were any changes in markers of peripheral or cardiovascular dysfunction in animals exposed to PC-emissions. Male Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to PC-emissions generated by 3D printing for 1, 4, 8, 15 or 30 d. Exposure induced a reduction in the expression of the antioxidant catalase (Cat) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNos). Endothelin and hypoxia-induced factor 1α transcripts increased after 30 d. Alterations in transcription were associated with elevations in immunostaining for estrogen and androgen receptors, nitrotyrosine, and vascular endothelial growth factor in cardiac arteries of PC-emission exposed animals. There was also a reduction eNOS immunostaining in cardiac arteries from rats exposed to PC-emissions. Histological analyses of heart sections revealed that exposure to PC-emissions resulted in vasoconstriction of cardiac arteries and thickening of the vascular smooth muscle wall, suggesting there was a prolonged vasoconstriction. These findings are consistent with studies showing that inhalation 3D-printer emissions affect cardiovascular function. Although BPA levels in animals were relatively low, exposure-induced changes in immunostaining for estrogen and androgen receptors in cardiac arteries suggest that changes in the action of steroid hormones may have contributed to the alterations in morphology and markers of cardiac function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine how environmental pressure influences board gender diversity. Drawing from resource dependence, strategic adaptation, and gender socialization theories, we develop and test the prediction that firms with worse environmental performance have a higher likelihood of increasing their board gender diversity following a rise in environmental pressure. Focusing on the third phase (2013–2019) of the European Union Emission Trading System (EU ETS), we exploit the unexpected increase in emission prices after the European Council's (EC) intervention in 2017 as a quasi‐natural experiment bringing heightened environmental pressure to firms. Our baseline sample consists of 182 polluting firms in 20 different EU ETS‐covered countries. In line with our main hypothesis, we find that board gender diversity increases with firms' industry‐adjusted levels of pollution in the post‐EC intervention period, with the effect being particularly pronounced for firms with a higher exposure to emission prices and lower diversity levels. Inconsistent with a window dressing explanation, highly polluting firms replace incumbent male board members with highly qualified women. Our findings, which survive several robustness tests, suggest that more stringent environmental regulation drives social and governance changes at top corporate levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emission of ultrafine particles from small desktop Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D printers has been frequently investigated in the past years. However, the vast majority of FFF emission and exposure studies have not considered the possible occurrence of particles below the typical detection limit of Condensation Particle Counters and could have systematically underestimated the total particle emission as well as the related exposure risks. Therefore, we comparatively measured particle number concentrations and size distributions of sub-4 nm particles with two commercially available diethylene glycol-based instruments – the TSI 3757 Nano Enhancer and the Airmodus A10 Particle Size Magnifier. Both instruments were evaluated for their suitability of measuring FFF-3D printing emissions in the sub-4 nm size range while operated as a particle counter or as a particle size spectrometer. For particle counting, both instruments match best when the Airmodus system was adjusted to a cut-off of 1.5 nm. For size spectroscopy, both instruments show limitations due to either the fast dynamics or rather low levels of particle emissions from FFF-3D printing in this range. The effects are discussed in detail in this article. The findings could be used to implement sub-4 nm particle measurement in future emission or exposure studies, but also for the development of standard test protocols for FFF-3D printing emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Airborne particulate matter (PM) is of great concern in the modern-day atmosphere owing to its association with a variety of health impacts, such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Of the various size fractions of PM, it is the finer fractions that are most harmful to health, in particular ultrafine particles (PM0.1; UFPs), with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 100 nm. The smaller size fractions, of ≤2.5 µm (PM2.5; fine particles) and ≤0.1 µm (PM0.1; ultrafine particles), have been shown to have numerous linkages to negative health effects; however, their collection/sampling remains challenging. This review paper employed a comprehensive literature review methodology; 200 studies were evaluated based on the rigor of their methodologies, including the validity of experimental designs, data collection methods, and statistical analyses. Studies with robust methodologies were prioritised for inclusion. This review paper critically assesses the health risks associated with fine and ultrafine particles, highlighting vehicular emissions as the most significant source of particulate-related health effects. While coal combustion, diesel exhaust, household wood combustors' emissions, and Earth's crust dust also pose health risks, evidence suggests that exposure to particulates from vehicular emissions has the greatest impact on human health due to their widespread distribution and contribution to air pollution-related diseases. This article comprehensively examines current sampling technologies, specifically focusing on the collection and sampling of ultrafine particles (UFP) from ambient air to facilitate toxicological and physiochemical characterisation efforts. This article discusses diverse approaches to collect fine and ultrafine particulates, along with experimental endeavours to assess ultrafine particle concentrations across various microenvironments. Following meticulous evaluation of sampling techniques, high-volume air samplers such as the Chem Vol Model 2400 High Volume Cascade Impactor and low-volume samplers like the Personal Cascade Impactor Sampler (PCIS) emerge as effective methods. These techniques offer advantages in particle size fractionation, collection efficiency, and adaptability to different sampling environments, positioning them as valuable tools for precise characterisation of particulate matter in air quality research and environmental monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the empirical association between corporate pollution and reputational exposure using a sample of 745 U.S. firms from 2007 to 2019 and an ordered probit model. Our results reveal an inverse relationship between chemical emissions and reputational exposure rating, after controlling for various firm attributes. We examine the roles of corporate governance structure and the demographic background of the top management team in the transmission process from polluting chemical emissions to reputation. Further, the negative impact of corporate pollution on reputational exposure rating is much stronger in areas where residents are convinced that climate change is happening. We perform several tests and analyses designed to mitigate endogeneity issues and correct sample bias to ensure the robustness of our findings. Finally, our results suggest that the negative effect is stronger for companies with higher information asymmetry, which indicates the importance of information transparency for firms' credibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental justice research has focused on the distribution of environmental inequalities, such as proximity to landfills, across the U.S. and globally. Background: Public health research and environmental health research, specifically, have focused on toxic exposure—encompassing individuals or communities that are disproportionately exposed to contaminants that are harmful or potentially harmful to them. Yet, little research has applied critical environmental justice theory—characterized by the idea that marginalized communities need to be treated as indispensable rather than disposable—to the study of toxic exposure. To fill this gap, the current paper offers a case study approach applying critical environmental justice theory to the study of disproportionate and unequal exposure to toxic contaminants. Methods: This case study is of Kettleman City, a rural, unincorporated community in the heart of California's Central Valley (USA). This community experiences the co-location of environmental hazards, including residing at the intersection of two major highways and hosting a class I hazardous-waste landfill, which is one of the few licensed to accept PCBs. PCBs are a contaminant that has been linked with several adverse health outcomes, including cancers and low birthweight. Residents may also experience poor air quality from proximity to the highways. Results: This case highlights the uneven distribution of pollution and environmental degradation that may be shouldered by the community, along with their experiences of adverse health and social impacts. This analysis reveals the importance of incorporating a critical environmental justice perspective to unpack experiences of not only disproportionate exposure but also disproportionate procedural and recognitional inequality. Conclusions: This research highlights the untapped potential of environmental justice to catalyze exposure science in challenging the unequal distribution of contaminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vehicular emissions, as a major source of urban air pollution, are threatening public health. With a goal to regulate population exposure to vehicular emissions, three bilevel road pricing models are established to minimize the exposure to vehicular emissions for on-road travelers, near-road residents, and all populations in the study network. A simulated annealing-based method is applied to solve these models based on a first-best pricing scheme. For ease of implementation, a second-best pricing scheme is then proposed and solved based on a meta-heuristic approach coupled with genetic algorithm with elitism and simulated annealing. The proposed method is tested using the Nguyen-Dupuis network and the Sioux Falls network. It is found that a tradeoff exists between the objectives of minimizing the emission exposure levels of travelers and near-road residents. Another tradeoff is found between the objectives of minimizing total population exposure and total travel time. Results from the numerical example indicate that the optimality results obtained in the first-best pricing scheme may also be approximated by the second-best pricing scheme with fewer tolling locations and less toll collection. The conclusions drawn from the paper could potentially assist policymakers in formulating road pricing policies that prioritize environmental concerns. • Three bilevel pricing models are developed to explore the differences between emission exposure of travelers and residents. • Roading pricing can guide travelers to choose appropriate routes to reduce population exposure to vehicular emissions. • The exposure to traffic-related emissions for both travelers and residents usually cannot be simultaneously minimized. • The second-best pricing scheme can achieve similar results compared to first-best pricing scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formulation of the problem. The transition from territorial-administrative to basin-based water resources management in Ukraine requires an assessment of the load of water bodies with pollutants from diffuse and point sources. Among the various components of the chemical composition of water entering water bodies, organic matter and nutrients are the most important. The Danube is the second largest river in Europe, with a basin covering the territories of 19 countries and is an important transportation waterway. Within Ukraine, the Danube is divided into the Lower Danube sub-catchment and the Tisza, Prut, and Siret River basins within the Carpathian region. The scientific results presented in this paper were obtained during research within the framework of state budgetary research works of the UHMI, the implementation of which will contribute to the further development of knowledge in the field of hydrometeorology. The results presented in the publication are important for supplementing information when writing the Danube River Basin Management Plan, which is being developed in accordance with Ukraine's obligations under the Association Agreement with the European Union. Aim of the study. To calculate the supply of nutrients and organic matter from diffuse sources to the rivers of the Danube basin within the Ukrainian Carpathians. Methods. Monitoring data of organic substances and nutrients provided by the Danube Hydrometeorological Observatory (the state surface water monitoring network of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine) for 2018 were used for calculations. To assess the load of water bodies by diffuse sources, a conceptual scheme was developed that allowed to take into account the main pathways of substances supply, i.e precipitation; water runoff from arable land, forests, meadows and pastures, built-up areas, rock outcrops, as well as from the population of rural regions without sewage systems. Scientific novelty. For the first time: - the load of nutrients and organic matter in the Danube rivers within the Ukrainian Carpathians by the sources of their income was evaluated; - it was found that agricultural land is the main source of emissions of inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus compounds. Practical value. The analysis of the diffuse load by nutrients and organic matter in the Danube rivers can be used as an important part of the River Basin Management Plan. The results of the calculations can also be used to develop measures to achieve certain environmental objectives. Results. The main source of organic matter in the water of rivers of the Carpathian region ere agricultural enterprises locating within rural settlements that are not equipped with sewage systems. Surface water of Prut and Tisza River basins is the most polluted by organic matter. By source, the nutrient emissions are distributed as follows. For the Tisza and Prut rivers, more than 50% of the total nitrogen compounds emissions come from agricultural land, while for the Siret River the source of nitrogen compounds are forests (46% of the total nitrogen emissions). Accordingly, the total phosphorus runoff for the Tisza and Prut rivers was distributed as follows: the dominant share (up to 45%) comes from agricultural land, the load caused by population not connected to the sewerage systems is 36%. For the Siret River, agricultural land and forested areas are of equal shares (33%) among the sources of phosphorus compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of solid fuels remains a significant contributor to air pollution, with well-documented adverse health consequences. In rural regions, the prevalence of solid fuel use for heating and cooking plays a pivotal role in shaping local air quality. This study focuses on evaluating personal exposure to gaseous pollutants originating from restaurants situated in Karunya Nagar, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. The study design considers establishments that use distinct energy sources, with a particular emphasis on those employing wood and liquefied petroleum gas. We measure the concentration of various pollutants, including particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM10), carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, and total volatile organic carbon, utilizing advanced sensor technology. The levels of these pollutants are influenced by various factors, such as ventilation, chimney placement, stove type, fuel selection, time of exposure, frequency of exposure, and toxicity. Notably, our findings reveal that restaurants using wood as a cooking fuel tend to release higher quantities of gaseous pollutants compared to those employing liquefied petroleum gas. In addition to quantitative measurements, we employ comprehensive chemical characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, to delineate the morphology, chemical composition, and other essential properties of the emitted particulate matter. Our study sheds light on the potential health repercussions faced by rural residents who heavily rely on solid domestic fuels. The insights derived from this research not only contribute to the reduction of air pollution exposure but also facilitate the development of exposure assessment models for forthcoming epidemiological investigations. This aligns with the broader objectives of Sustainable Development Goals and seeks to enhance the well-being of women in rural Southern India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional (3D) printer usage in household and school settings has raised health concerns regarding chemical and particle emission exposures during operation. Although the composition of 3D printer emissions varies depending on printer settings and materials, little is known about the impact that emissions from different filament types may have on respiratory health and underlying cellular mechanisms. In this study, we used an in vitro exposure chamber system to deliver emissions from two popular 3D-printing filament types, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polylactic acid (PLA), directly to human small airway epithelial cells (SAEC) cultured in an air–liquid interface during 3D printer operation. Using a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) and an optical particle sizer (OPS), we monitored 3D printer particulate matter (PM) emissions in terms of their particle size distribution, concentrations, and calculated deposited doses. Elemental composition of ABS and PLA emissions was assessed using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). Finally, we compared the effects of emission exposure on cell viability, inflammation, and metabolism in SAEC. Our results reveal that, although ABS filaments emitted a higher total concentration of particles and PLA filaments emitted a higher concentration of smaller particles, SAEC were exposed to similar deposited doses of particles for each filament type. Conversely, ABS and PLA emissions had distinct elemental compositions, which were likely responsible for differential effects on SAEC viability, oxidative stress, release of inflammatory mediators, and changes in cellular metabolism. Specifically, while ABS- and PLA-emitted particles both reduced cellular viability and total glutathione levels in SAEC, ABS emissions had a significantly greater effect on glutathione relative to PLA emissions. Additionally, pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, MMP-9, and RANTES were significantly increased due to ABS emissions exposure. While IL-6 and IL-8 were stimulated in both exposure scenarios, VEGF was exclusively increased due to PLA emissions exposures. Notably, ABS emissions induced metabolic perturbation on amino acids and energy metabolism, as well as redox-regulated pathways including arginine, methionine, cysteine, and vitamin B3 metabolism, whereas PLA emissions exposures caused fatty acid and carnitine dysregulation. Taken together, these results advance our mechanistic understanding of 3D-printer-emissions-induced respiratory toxicity and highlight the role that filament emission properties may play in mediating different respiratory outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evidence on the relationship between air pollution and allergic sensitisation in childhood is inconsistent, and this relationship has not been investigated in the context of smoke events that are predicted to increase with climate change. Thus, we aimed to evaluate associations between exposure in two early life periods to severe levels of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter < 2.5 μm (PM2.5) from a mine fire, background PM2.5, and allergic sensitisation later in childhood. Methods: We measured specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels for seven common aeroallergens as well as total IgE levels in a cohort of children who had been exposed to the Hazelwood coal mine fire, either in utero or during their first two years of life, in a regional area of Australia where ambient levels of PM2.5 are generally low. We estimated personal exposure to fire-specific emissions of PM2.5 based on a high-resolution meteorological and pollutant dispersion model and detailed reported movements of pregnant mothers and young children during the fire. We also estimated the usual background exposure to PM2.5 at the residential address at birth using a national satellite-based land-use regression model. Associations between both sources of PM2.5 and sensitisation to dust, cat, fungi, and grass seven years after the fire were estimated with logistic regression, while associations with total IgE levels were estimated with linear regression. Results: No association was found between the levels of exposure at either developmental stage to fire-related PM2.5 and allergic sensitisation seven years after the event. However, levels of background exposure were positively associated with sensitisation to dust (OR = 1.90, 95%CI = 1.12,3.21 per 1 μg/m3). Conclusions: Chronic but low exposure to PM2.5 in early life could be more strongly associated with allergic sensitisation in childhood than time-limited high exposure levels, such as the ones experienced during landscape fires. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is an important contributor to global human disease burden, particularly indoors where people spend the majority of their time and exposure is highest. We propose a framework linking indoor PM2.5 emissions from human activities to exposure and health impacts, expressed in Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY). Derived dynamic indoor PM2.5 concentrations—capturing temporal variations through different window-opening scenarios and air renewal rates—are used to estimate uncertainty for a parametric model (up to a factor of 114). Intake fractions (fraction of emitted substance taken in (μgintake/μgemitted)), effect factors (μDALY/μgintake), related impact characterisation factors (health impact per unit mass emitted (μDALY/μgemitted)), and impact scores (health impact per hour activity (μDALY/hactivity)) are provided for 19 one-hour indoor activities and can be flexibly scaled to real activity durations. Indoor concentrations exceeded recommended World Health Organization (WHO) limits for all activities at low ventilation rates. Per person, 98 to 119 μDALY/hactivity (52 to 63 minuteslost/hactivity) was associated with traditional fuel cook stoves, with high air renewal rates (3 and 14 h-1). The burning of candles, at low air renewal rates of 0.2 to 0.6 h-1, results in 7 to 11 μDALY/hactivity (4 to 11 minuteslost/hactivity). Derived impact scores and characterisation factors serve as a starting point for integrating indoor PM2.5 emissions and exposure into life cycle impact and public health assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental epidemiology studies require accurate estimations of exposure intensities to air pollution. The process from air pollutant emission to individual exposure is however complex and nonlinear, which poses significant modeling challenges. This study aims to develop an exposure assessment model that can strike a balance between accuracy, complexity, and usability. In this regard, neural networks offer one possible approach. This study employed a custom-designed pruned feed-forward neural network (pruned-FNN) approach to calculate the air pollution exposure index based on emission time and rates, terrain factors, meteorological conditions, and proximity measurements. The model's performance was evaluated by cross-validating the estimated exposure indexes with ground-based monitoring records. The pruned FNN can predict pollution exposure indexes (PEIs) that are highly and stably correlated with the monitored air pollutant concentrations (Spearman's rank correlation coefficients for tenfold cross-validation (mean ± standard deviation: 0.906 ± 0.028) and for random cross-validation (0.913 ± 0.024)). The predicted values are also close to the ground truth in most cases (95.5% of the predicted PEIs have relative errors smaller than 10%) when the training datasets are sufficiently large and well-covered. The pruned-FNN method can make accurate exposure estimations using a flexible number of variables and less extensive data in a less money/time-consuming manner. Compared to other exposure assessment models, the pruned FNN is an appropriate and effective approach for exposure assessment that covers a large geographic area over a long period of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution is associated with large‐scale health consequences, but the ranges in estimates of global air pollution exposure and PM2.5‐related global premature mortality remain understudied. Using four model/observation‐based PM2.5 data sets and six Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) climate models, we compare ranges in current PM2.5‐related mortality estimates based on model/observation combinations to the range of projected emissions reductions and the resulting impacts on global health from CMIP6 models. Although estimates of current mortality are sensitive to the PM2.5 data set (6.54–9.23 million/year using the central estimate from the Global Exposure Mortality Model), the projected near‐term benefits of emissions reductions for reduced mortality are much more certain. Specifically, until the middle of the century, uncertainty ranges in projected avoided deaths are less than the magnitude of ranges in present‐day mortality estimates, even when projected future changing socio‐demographic factors are considered. Under a low‐emissions scenario, avoided cumulative early deaths could reach 275 million (range: 243–351 million) by 2100, assuming no future socio‐demographic changes. Avoided cumulative deaths could reach 124 million (range: 74–246 million) if changing future socio‐demographic factors are considered. As the global population ages and becomes more sensitive to breathing polluted air, there will be an increasing need for policies that both reduce air pollution and improve public health. Plain Language Summary: Most people on Earth breathe polluted air. Breathing polluted air is associated with a variety of health problems, including early death. Despite the importance of breathing polluted air, global estimates of early death associated with breathing polluted air are often based on one observation‐based data set of global air pollution. Here we examine the ranges in estimates of global deaths from air pollution due to the choice of observation‐based data set. We find that estimates of recent global air pollution and associated deaths in recent years can vary substantially, depending on data set. We also use the latest climate model simulations to estimate how air pollution and associated deaths would change under a high‐emissions future and a low‐emissions future. We find that climate models agree that reducing fossil fuel emissions would lead to rapid, large‐scale reductions in the amount of polluted air people breathe, which leads to avoided future early deaths through at least the middle of the century. However, as the global population ages and becomes more sensitive to breathing polluted air, there will be an increasing need for policies that both reduce air pollution and improve public health. Key Points: Estimates of recent global air pollution exposure and associated premature deaths are sensitive to the choice of observation‐based data setThe benefits of reduced fossil fuel emissions for future global health remain relatively well‐constrained until late in the centuryUnder aggressive emissions reductions, avoided cumulative premature deaths could reach 124 million by 2100 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strain engineering is an effective way to adjust the sensing properties of two-dimensional materials. In this paper, lateral heterojunctions (LHSs) based on arsenic and antimony have been designed along the armchair (AC) or zigzag (ZZ) edges. The adsorption and sensing characteristics of As/Sb LHSs to NO2 before and after applying different types of strain are calculated by first principles. The band gaps of all As/Sb heterostructures are contributed by As-p and Sb-p orbitals. In addition, the adsorption energy of As/Sb ZZ-LHS with −4% compression strain is the largest. Furthermore, its work function changes significantly before and after the adsorption of NO2. Meanwhile, strong orbital hybridizations near the Fermi level are observed and a new state is yielded after applying compressive strain. These results indicate that the As/Sb LHS with ZZ interface under −4% compression strain possesses the best sensing properties to NO2. This work lays the foundation for the fabrication of high-performance NO2 gas sensors. High-performance gas sensors can be used to track and regulate NO2 exposure and emission, as well as to track NO2 concentrations in the atmosphere and support the assessment of air quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bladder cancer is a significant global health problem. Smoking and specific occupational exposures are the most established risk factors. There is emerging evidence for specific dietary factors, imbalanced microbiome, gene-external risk factor interactions, diesel exhaust emission exposure, and pelvic radiotherapy. Bladder cancer (BC) is common worldwide and poses a significant public health challenge. External risk factors and the wider exposome (totality of exposure from external and internal factors) contribute significantly to the development of BC. Therefore, establishing a clear understanding of these risk factors is the key to prevention. To perform an up-to-date systematic review of BC's epidemiology and external risk factors. Two reviewers (I.J. and S.O.) performed a systematic review using PubMed and Embase in January 2022 and updated it in September 2022. The search was restricted to 4 yr since our previous review in 2018. Our search identified 5177 articles and a total of 349 full-text manuscripts. GLOBOCAN data from 2020 revealed an incidence of 573 000 new BC cases and 213 000 deaths worldwide in 2020. The 5-yr prevalence worldwide in 2020 was 1 721 000. Tobacco smoking and occupational exposures (aromatic amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) are the most substantial risk factors. In addition, correlative evidence exists for several risk factors, including specific dietary factors, imbalanced microbiome, gene-environment risk factor interactions, diesel exhaust emission exposure, and pelvic radiotherapy. We present a contemporary overview of the epidemiology of BC and the current evidence for BC risk factors. Smoking and specific occupational exposures are the most established risk factors. There is emerging evidence for specific dietary factors, imbalanced microbiome, gene-external risk factor interactions, diesel exhaust emission exposure, and pelvic radiotherapy. Further high-quality evidence is required to confirm initial findings and further understand cancer prevention. Bladder cancer is common, and the most substantial risk factors are smoking and workplace exposure to suspected carcinogens. On-going research to identify avoidable risk factors could reduce the number of people who get bladder cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modulated self-assembly protocols are used to develop facile, HF-free syntheses of the archetypal flexible PCP, MIL-53(Cr), and novel isoreticular analogues MIL-53(Cr)-Br and MIL-53(Cr)-NO2. All three PCPs show good SO2 uptake (298 K, 1 bar) and high chemical stabilities against dry and wet SO2. Solid-state photoluminescence spectroscopy indicates all three PCPs exhibit turn-off sensing of SO2, in particular MIL-53(Cr)-Br, which shows a 2.7-fold decrease in emission on exposure to SO2 at room temperature, indicating potential sensing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives have received extensive attention due to their negative effects on the environment and on human health. However, few studies have performed comprehensive assessments of PAHs emitted from pesticide factories. This study assessed the concentration, composition, and health risk of 52 PM2.5-bound PAHs during the daytime and nighttime in the vicinity of a typical pesticide factory. The total concentration of 52 PAHs (Σ52PAHs) ranged from 53.04 to 663.55 ng/m3. No significant differences were observed between daytime and nighttime PAH concentrations. The average concentrations of twenty-two parent PAHs, seven alkylated PAHs, ten oxygenated PAHs, and twelve nitrated PAHs were 112.55 ± 89.69, 18.05 ± 13.76, 66.13 ± 54.79, and 3.90 ± 2.24 ng/m3, respectively. A higher proportion of high-molecular-weight (4–5 rings) PAHs than low-molecular-weight (2–3 rings) PAHs was observed. This was likely due to the high-temperature combustion of fuels. Analysis of diagnostic ratios indicated that the PAHs were likely derived from coal combustion and mixed sources. The total carcinogenic equivalent toxicity ranged from 15.93 to 181.27 ng/m3. The incremental lifetime cancer risk from inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact with the PAHs was 2.33 × 10−3 for men and 2.53 × 10−3 for women, and the loss of life expectancy due to the PAHs was 11,915 min (about 0.023 year) for men and 12,952 min (about 0.025 year) for women. These results suggest that long-term exposure to PM2.5 emissions from a pesticide factory has significant adverse effects on health. The study results support implementing the characterization of PAH emissions from pesticide factories and provides a scientific basis for optimizing the living environment around pesticide factories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specifically, The following Fig 4B panels appear similar: CDC42 biosensors WB FC-Rho, CDC42 biosensors CoIP FN-WASP when rotated 180°, and RhoA biosensors CoIP FN-PAK when flipped horizontally The following Fig 4B panels appear to partially overlap with one another: Rac1 biosensors WB FC-Rho, RhoA biosensors WB FC-Rho, and RhoA biosensors WB GAPDH when rotated 180° The following Fig 6A panels appear similar: Active RhoA, active Rac1, and active CDC42 when rotated 180° and vertically compressed The corresponding author commented that errors were made during figure preparation, due to the similarities in bands and overall underlying images. The corresponding author also clarified that during their post-publication review of the data, they noticed that the following published panels were also incorrect: Fig 4B CDC42 biosensors WB FN-WASP Fig 4B Rac1 biosensors CoIP FN-PKN Fig 4B RhoA biosensors WB FN-PAK Graph: Fig 4 The application of BiLC strategy to image the three main members of Rho GTPases.The results of optical imaging of three kinds of BiLC RhoGTPase biosensors. Graph: Fig 6 The sensitivity analysis of BiLC Rho GTPase sensors to extracellular ligands.(A) The temporal response of BiLC Rho GTPase sensors stimulated by extracellular ligands. [Extracted from the article]

Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) technology is increasingly being utilized to repair aging and damaged pipes, however, there are concerns associated with the public health hazards of emissions. CIPP installation involves the manufacture of a new plastic composite pipe at the worksite and includes multiple variable components including resin material, curing methods, and operational conditions. We hypothesize styrene-based composite manufacturing emissions (CMEs) will induce greater pulmonary inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, as well as neurological toxicity compared with nonstyrene CMEs. Further, these CME-toxicological responses will be sex- and time-dependent. To test the hypothesis, representative CMEs were generated using a laboratory curing chamber and characterized using thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and photoionization detector. Styrene was released during staying, isothermal curing, and cooling phases of the process and peaked during the cooling phase. Male and female C57BL6/J mice were utilized to examine alterations in pulmonary responses and neurotoxicity 1 day and 7 days following exposure to air (controls), nonstyrene-CMEs, or styrene-CMEs. Serum styrene metabolites were increased in mice exposed to styrene-CMEs. Metabolic and lipid profiling revealed alterations related to CIPP emissions that were resin-, time-, and sex-dependent. Exposure to styrene-CMEs resulted in an influx of lymphocytes in both sexes. Expression of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, including Tnfα, Vcam1, Ccl2, Cxcl2 , Il6 , Cxcl1 , Tgfβ1 , Tgmt2 , and Hmox1 , displayed alterations following exposure to emissions. These changes in pulmonary and neurological markers of toxicity were dependent on resin type, sex, and time. Overall, this study demonstrates resin-specific differences in representative CMEs and alterations in toxicity endpoints, which can potentially inform safer utilization of composite manufacturing processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known regarding the amount of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) emitted during refinery process under different management systems. Therefore, two refinery fields were investigated to explain their H2S emission, as they were managed using non-standardized and standardized protocols. In addition, three units of standardized refinery were investigated to correlate the amount of emitted H2S with oil quality. Both of non-standardized and standardized oil refineries emitted H2S, but the former contributed more; in fact, it was orders of magnitude higher. At non-standardized and standardized oil refineries, the highest concentration of H2S measured was 35.6 ± 2.4 and 2.6 ± 0.3 mg/m3, respectively, and the concentrations steadily declined with the distance from the refinery subunits until it was not detected at 550 and 130 m, respectively. In addition, refinery subunits: distillation tower, flare gas, and storage tank, emitted H2S, but the former was the dominant source. The crude oil quality affected H2S concentration in the air, the higher sulfur content the more H2S released. Furthermore, there was diurnal pattern of H2S concentrations, with higher H2S emitted during nighttime than the daytime. This study demonstrates that H2S emitted into atmosphere, and it most likely affects refinery workers health, surrounding area, and this can lead to further environmental consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Average ambient concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), an important air pollutant, have declined in the United States since the enactment of the Clean Air Act. Despite evidence that NO2 disproportionately affects racial/ethnic minority groups, it remains unclear what drives the exposure disparities and how they have changed over time. Here, we provide evidence by integrating high-resolution (1 km × 1 km) ground-level NO2 estimates, sociodemographic information, and source-specific emission intensity and location for 217,740 block groups across the contiguous United States from 2000 to 2016. We show that racial/ethnic minorities are disproportionately exposed to higher levels of NO2 pollution compared with Whites across the United States and within major metropolitan areas. These inequities persisted over time and have worsened in many cases, despite a significant decrease in the national average NO2 concentration over the 17-y study period. Overall, traffic contributes the largest fraction of NO2 disparity. Contributions of other emission sources to exposure disparities vary by location. Our analyses offer insights into policies aimed at reducing air pollution exposure disparities among races/ethnicities and locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) air pollution provides valuable information for quantifying NO x (NO x = NO + NO 2) emissions and exposures. This study presents a comprehensive method to estimate average tropospheric NO 2 emission strengths derived from 4-year (May 2018–June 2022) TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) observations by combining a wind-assigned anomaly approach and a machine learning (ML) method, the so-called gradient descent algorithm. This combined approach is firstly applied to the Saudi Arabian capital city of Riyadh, as a test site, and yields a total emission rate of 1.09×1026 molec. s -1. The ML-trained anomalies fit very well with the wind-assigned anomalies, with an R2 value of 1.0 and a slope of 0.99. Hotspots of NO 2 emissions are apparent at several sites: over a cement plant and power plants as well as over areas along highways. Using the same approach, an emission rate of 1.99×1025 molec. s -1 is estimated in the Madrid metropolitan area, Spain. Both the estimate and spatial pattern are comparable with the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) inventory. Weekly variations in NO 2 emission are highly related to anthropogenic activities, such as the transport sector. The NO 2 emissions were reduced by 16 % at weekends in Riyadh, and high reductions were found near the city center and in areas along the highway. An average weekend reduction estimate of 28 % was found in Madrid. The regions with dominant sources are located in the east of Madrid, where residential areas and the Madrid-Barajas airport are located. Additionally, due to the COVID-19 lockdowns, the NO 2 emissions decreased by 21 % in March–June 2020 in Riyadh compared with the same period in 2019. A much higher reduction (62 %) is estimated for Madrid, where a very strict lockdown policy was implemented. The high emission strengths during lockdown only persist in the residential areas, and they cover smaller areas on weekdays compared with weekends. The spatial patterns of NO 2 emission strengths during lockdown are similar to those observed at weekends in both cities. Although our analysis is limited to two cities as test examples, the method has proven to provide reliable and consistent results. It is expected to be suitable for other trace gases and other target regions. However, it might become challenging in some areas with complicated emission sources and topography, and specific NO 2 decay times in different regions and seasons should be taken into account. These impacting factors should be considered in the future model to further reduce the uncertainty budget. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: Studies linking early life exposure to air pollution and subsequent impaired lung health have focused on chronic, low-level exposures in urban settings. We aimed to determine whether in utero exposure to an acute, high-intensity air pollution episode impaired lung function 7-years later. Method: We conducted a prospective cohort study of children who lived in the vicinity of a coalmine fire. Respiratory function was measured using the forced oscillation technique (FOT). Z-scores for resistance at 5 Hz (R5), reactance at 5 Hz (X5) and area under the reactance curve (AX) were calculated. Two sets of analyses were conducted to address two separate questions: (1) whether mine fire exposure (a binary indicator; conceived after the mine fire vs in utero exposed) was associated with the respiratory Z-scores; (2) whether there was any dose–response relationship between fire-related PM2.5 exposure and respiratory outcomes among those exposed. Results: Acceptable lung function measurements were obtained from 79 children; 25 unexposed and 54 exposed in utero. Median (interquartile range) for daily average and peak PM2.5 for the exposed children were 4.2 (2.6 – 14.2) and 88 (52—225) µg/m3 respectively. There were no detectable differences in Z-scores between unexposed and exposed children. There were no associations between respiratory Z-scores and in utero exposure to PM2.5 (daily average or peak). Conclusion: There was no detectable effect of in utero exposure to PM2.5 from a local coalmine fire on post-natal lung function 7-years later. However, statistical power was limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Emissions from burning biomass have become a problem in Indonesia. As found on the Indonesian island of Lombok, agricultural waste is burned for traditional industrial activities. On the other hand, biomass burning emissions contain many PMs (particulates) in different size distributions recognized to have a significant correlation to health impact. This study is conducted to predict the impact of the PM exposure on blood using a ANN (artificial neural network) model as well as a histological examination. The relationship between both methods is determined to estimate the impact of biomass burning emissions on the blood. This study used male mice as the experimental animals exposed to PM emissions (PM0.1, PM2.5, and PM10 ) produced from the burning of various biomass (rice straw, rice husks, corn cobs, corn stalks, and tobacco) taken from Lombok Island. The sample exposure was conducted in a chamber for 100 s for ten sequence days. The blood samples were observed using a microscope with the 400 x magnification. The cell deformation was examined histologically by calculating the normal and abnormal cells. The percentage of the erythrocyte deformation was assessed using a fixed back and forth propagation ANN. The result shows that the biomass burning PM emissions have a significant impact on the erythrocyte deformation depending on the type of biomass and the particulate matter emissions. The ANN model confirms the erythrocyte deformation data obtained by the histological examination method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• PFAS emission from functional textiles in firefighter turnout gear heated to 38 °C was investigated. • TD-GC×GC-TOF MS was shown to provide a comprehensive emission profile for functional textiles. • 8 PFAS species were identified using targeted profiling. • Chemical differentiators were uncovered for both wear and layer type using non-targeted screening. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), in the polymeric form, have been used extensively in functional textiles, including firefighter's turnout gear (e.g., jackets and pants), where PFAS are applied to confer oil and water resistance. However, growing concerns over the persistence, potential toxicity, and environmental impact of PFAS have prompted a thorough assessment of potential exposure pathways. Here, we report the emission of PFAS from three firefighter turnout gear jackets at 38 °C. Volatile emissions from the three layers (outer layer, moisture barrier, and thermal liner) were collected onto sorbent tubes via dynamic headspace sampling using a micro-scale chamber device kept at 38 °C for one hour. The emission was characterized using thermal desorption (TD) coupled to two-dimensional gas chromatography - time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC–TOF MS). The enhanced separation capacity of GC×GC was essential due to the high number of compounds present in each sample, especially for the fabrics from used turnout gear jackets. Based on the filtering expressions, including two-dimensional retention time (1t r and 2t r) and PFAS diagnostic fragment ions (m/z 69, 95, and 131), fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) and fluorotelomer acrylates were identified using standards and spectral matching with the NIST database. After conducting a non-targeted tile-based workflow, jackets (both used and unused) and layers were compared, resulting in the identification of the top 15 discriminating features from over 400 chromatographic peaks. Finally, preliminary FTOH emission experiments showed some usage and layers trends that are aligned with those reported using solvent extraction. Highest levels of FTOHs were found in the moisture barrier, followed by the outer layer and the thermal liner. Older jackets emitted higher levels of 8:2 FTOH and 10:2 FTOH than a newer jacket. In contrast, a newer jacket used for one year had emissions containing higher levels of 6:2 FTOH. Investigating routes of exposure and identifying new PFAS targets are critical steps in evaluating the environmental and health impacts of these persistent chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contaminated liquid mixture containing mucosalivary fluid and blood would be aerosolized during medical procedures, resulting in higher-risk exposures. The novelty of this research is integrating laser visualization and numerical characterization to assess the propagation and evaporation of contaminated droplets, and the interactive effects of humidity and temperature on exposure risks will be numerically evaluated in surgery environments. The numerical model evidenced by experiments can predict the mass balance of ejection droplets, the minimum required fallow time (FT) between appointments, and the disinfection region of greatest concern. Around 98.4 % of the ejection droplet mass will be removed after the cessation of ultrasonic scaling, while the initial droplet size smaller than 72.6 μ m will dehydrate and become airborne. The FT recommendation of 30 min is not over-cautious, and the extended FT (range of 28–37 min) should be instituted for low temperature (20.5 °C) and high humidity levels (60 %RH). The variation of the temperature and humidity in the range for human thermal comfort has little influence on the area of the disinfection region (0.15 m 2 ) and the cut-off size (72.6 μ m) of droplet deposition and suspension. This research can provide scientific evidence for the guidelines of environmental conditions in surgery rooms. [Display omitted] • Develop PIV-NS framework for integrating laser visualization and numerical characterization. • Evaluate propagation and evaporation of contaminated droplets in surgery environments. • Interactive effect of humidity and temperature is assessed from the exposure risks. • Cut-off size of contaminated droplets for deposition and suspension was 72.6 µm. • Extended FT for 28-37 min should be instituted for low temperature and high humidity conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Particulate matter (PM) from the road resuspension dust of vehicles driving can deteriorate urban air quality. The goal of our study was to develop a discrete phase model and sliding grid technology to simulate the distribution characteristics of resuspension PM 2.5 from vehicle road dust, and to analyze PM 2.5 exposure of drivers and pedestrians caused by resuspension dust. The results indicated that the maximum height of PM 2.5 concentration at the XZ section at 1–10 s varied in a zigzag pattern, with the lowest at 3.37 m at 1 s and the highest at 5.85 m at 2 s. PM 2.5 concentration diffusion presented a "two lungs within one bracket" shape at Z = −0.03 m section and PM 2.5 was gradually diffused from the tire to the two sides of the vehicle at 1–10 s. PM 2.5 concentration at y = 5.5 m line of X = −15 m section gradually decreased with ground height increasing. The average PM 2.5 concentration at Z = 1.25 m section at 1–10 s was 1.86, 3.17, 6.85, 8.85, 12.78, 14.69, 16.64, 18.96, 21.50, and 22.98 μg/m3, respectively. The average PM 2.5 concentration was directly proportional to the change in road dust mass flow rate. The range of PM 2.5 concentration of points a (left driver), b (right driver), c 1 (pedestrian standing still for 3 m on right side of right vehicle) and c 2 (pedestrian walking at a speed of 1.5 m/s) were 0–49.8, 0–183.0, 0–16.5, and 0–59.8 μg/m3, and the time of the maximum PM 2.5 concentration for a, b, c 1, and c 2 was 5, 6.5, 4.5 and 5 s, respectively. These results indicated that the driver of point b had the highest exposure concentration within 1–10 s, which was 5.8 times that of the driver of point a, 7.7, and 2.9 times that of pedestrians of points c 1 and c 2. These results can provide basic data for road dust emissions and population exposure risk management. [Display omitted] • Sliding grid technology was applied to simulate distribution of resuspension PM 2.5. • Diffusion of resuspension PM 2.5 for different sections of XYZ were analyzed. • PM 2.5 exposure concentration of driver and pedestrians were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gas stoves and cooking are significant sources of indoor pollution. Using a combination of regulatory and calibrated low-cost sensors (LCS) we measured NO, NO 2 , CO and CO 2 emission rates (g hr−1) and emission factors (g J−1) from a natural-gas stove and oven. The emission rates for gaseous pollutants were significantly higher, by factors of 2.6–29, from the oven compared to the stove for every pollutant measured. To evaluate the indoor air concentrations, we used a calibrated low-cost sensor (TSI Inc, AirAssure) to examine indoor concentration of CO, CO 2 , NO 2 and PM 2.5 for one month in one U.S. home with a gas stove during normal activities, including cooking. Indoor concentrations of one or more pollutants exceeded the U.S. EPA's Air Quality Index (AQI) level of 100 (for CO, NO 2 , and PM 2.5) or 2000 ppm (for CO 2) for an average of 99 min per day. The AirAssure, with only the manufacturer's calibration, was an excellent indicator of times when indoor concentrations of CO, CO 2 , and NO 2 exceeded these reference levels. Without in-situ calibration, the AirAssure underestimated in-home PM 2.5 concentrations. After in-situ calibration, the AirAssure correctly identified 1-min periods when the AQI was >100 85% of the time (up from 46% of the time without calibration). • Reference and low-cost sensors quantified the emissions and exposure to CO, CO 2 , NO 2 and PM 2.5 from a gas stove and cooking. • While calibration of the LCS improves the data for all parameters, it is especially important for PM 2.5. • For this home, NO 2 , from the gas stove, and PM 2.5 , from cooking, were the pollutants of greatest concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought new momentum to 'wastewater-based epidemiology' (WBE). This approach can be applied to monitor the levels of antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs), which in terms are used to make inferences about the burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in human settlements. However, there is still little information about temporal variability in ARG levels measured in wastewater streams and how these influence the inferences made about the occurrence of AMR in communities. The goal of this study was hence to gain insights into the variability in ARG levels measured in the influent and effluent of two wastewater treatment plants in The Netherlands and link these to levels of antibiotic residues measured in the same samples. Eleven antibiotics were detected, together with all selected ARGs, except for VanB. Among the measured antibiotics, significant positive correlations (p. 0.70) with the corresponding resistance genes and some non-corresponding ARGs were found. Mass loads varied up to a factor of 35 between days and in concomitance with rainfall. Adequate sampling schemes need to be designed to ensure that conclusions are drawn from valid and representative data. Additionally, we advocate for the use of mass loads to interpret levels of AMR measured in wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volatile organic compounds are a broad and important class of pollutants affecting the indoor air quality. They are emitted from commercial products, building materials, furniture, occupant activities and even occupants, etc., and can participate in the indoor chemistry reacting with oxidants or being formed from secondary reactions. Some VOCs are classified as carcinogens and are associated with a variety of health effects. Characterizing and quantifying the VOCs in the indoor environments is of paramount importance in order to implement preventive measures to minimize the human exposure. A correct assessment of human exposure or characterization of emission sources and indoor activities requires appropriate and efficient methods for sampling and analysis. Therefore, this review focuses on the different methodologies for monitoring VOC that must be selected when a sampling plan is designed considering the objective of the measure. Selecting the most suitable procedures for assessing VOCs requires proper knowledge on the existing standards and off-line (including the selection of the sorbent media) and online instrumentation. Knowing the advantages and drawbacks of the different techniques available can help to plan future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) air pollution provides valuable information for quantifying NOx emissions and exposures. This study presents a comprehensive method to estimate average tropospheric NO2 emission strengths derived from three-year (April 2018 - March 2021) TROPOMI observations by combining a wind-assigned anomaly approach and a Machine Learning (ML) method, the so-called Gradient Descent. This combined approach is firstly applied to the Saudi Arabian capital city Riyadh, as a test site, and yields a total emission rate of 1.04×1026 molec./s. The ML-trained anomalies fit very well with the wind-assigned anomalies with an R2 value of 1.0 and a slope of 0.99. Hotspots of NO2 emissions are apparent at several sites where the cement plant and power plants are located and over areas along the highways. Using the same approach, an emission rate of 1.80×1025 molec./s is estimated in the Madrid metropolitan area, Spain. Both the estimate and spatial pattern are comparable to the CAMS inventory. Weekly variations of NO2 emission are highly related to anthropogenic activities, such as the transport sector. The NO2 emissions were reduced by 24% at weekends in Riyadh, and high reductions are found near the city center and the areas along the highway. An average weekend reduction estimate of 30% in Madrid is found. The regions with dominant sources are located in the east of Madrid, where the residential areas and the Madrid-Barajas airport are located. Additionally, the NO2 emissions decreased by 21% in March-June 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 induced by the COVID-19 lockdowns in Riyadh. A much higher reduction (60%) is estimated for Madrid where a very strict lockdown policy was implemented. The high emission strengths during lockdown only persist in the residential areas and cover smaller areas during weekdays than at weekends. The spatial patterns of NO2 emission strengths during lockdown are similar to those observed at weekends in both cities. Though our analysis is limited to two cities as testing examples, the method has proved to provide reliable and consistent results. Therefore, it is expected to be suitable for other trace gases and other target regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regular use of incense and earthen lamps in temples leads to the release of particulate matter (PM), airborne flecks, and gaseous pollutants. Similarly, the cremation of dead bodies using timber and other accessories such as incense, organic chemicals containing carbon, and clothes generates air pollutants. It is currently unclear how much emissions and exposure these activities may lead. This work attempts to fill this gap in our understanding by assessing the associated emissions of PM2.5 and the corresponding exposure. Ten temples and two cremation grounds were considered for the sampling of PM2.5. The average PM2.5 concentration at the ten temples and the two crematoriums was found to be 658.30 ± 112.63 µg/m3 and 1043.50 ± 191.63 µg/m3, respectively. The range of real-time PM2.5 data obtained from the nearest twelve stations located in the vicinity was 113–191 µg/m3. The exposure assessment in terms of deposition dose was carried out using the ICRP model. The maximum and minimum total respiratory deposition dose rate for PM2.5 for temples was 175.75 µg/min and 101.15 µg/min, respectively. For crematoriums, the maximum and minimum value of same was 252.3 µg/min and 194.31 µg/min, respectively, for an exposure period of 10 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since the introduction of copper based, lead-free frangible (LFF) ammunition to Air Force small arms firing ranges, instructors have reported symptoms including chest tightness, respiratory irritation, and metallic taste. These symptoms have been reported despite measurements determining that instructor exposure does not exceed established occupational exposure limits (OELs). The disconnect between reported symptoms and exposure limits may be due to a limited understanding of LFF firing byproducts and subsequent health effects. A comprehensive characterization of exposure to instructors was completed, including ventilation system evaluation, personal monitoring, symptom tracking, and biomarker analysis, at both a partially enclosed and fully enclosed range. Results: Instructors reported symptoms more frequently after M4 rifle classes compared to classes firing only the M9 pistol. Ventilation measurements demonstrated that airflow velocities at the firing line were highly variable and often outside established standards at both ranges. Personal breathing zone air monitoring showed exposure to carbon monoxide, ultrafine particulate, and metals. In general, exposure to instructors was higher at the partially enclosed range compared to the fully enclosed range. Copper measured in the breathing zone of instructors, on rare occasions, approached OELs for copper fume (0.1 mg/m3). Peak carbon monoxide concentrations were 4–5 times higher at the partially enclosed range compared to the enclosed range and occasionally exceeded the ceiling limit (125 ppm). Biological monitoring showed that lung function was maintained in instructors despite respiratory symptoms. However, urinary oxidative stress biomarkers and urinary copper measurements were increased in instructors compared to control groups. Conclusions: Consistent with prior work, this study demonstrates that symptoms still occurred despite exposures below OELs. Routine monitoring of symptoms, urinary metals, and oxidative stress biomarkers can help identify instructors who are particularly affected by exposures. These results can assist in guiding protective measures to reduce exposure and protect instructor health. Further, a longitudinal study is needed to determine the long-term health consequences of LFF firing emissions exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is highly demanding to develop a fluorescence-based multi-stimuli responsive material. Herein, we reported an oligomeric network labeled P1, composed of heterocyclic triazine as the π-electron acceptor (A) connected directly with the π-electron rich donor (D) triphenylamine (TPA). The observed difference in the electron density of the D–A moieties of P1 supports the response with various solvent polarities and exhibits solvatochromic property. P1 shows the ability to sense the trinitrotoluene (TNT) explosive material by observing the quenching effect on the emission. It detects TNT from an aqueous solution down to the femtomolar level (10−15 M). The observed detection limit is 698 ppb in the vapor phase. The paper-based sensing ability of TNT by P1 was verified. The D–A network structure and available active protonic sites in the oligomer (P1) make it highly sensitive to both Brønsted and Lewis acids in liquid and vapor phases. P1 exhibited a bathochromic shifted emission upon exposure with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and boron trifluoride etherate by 108 and 94 nm in the solution phase and 97 nm and 35 nm in the vapor phase, respectively. Furthermore, P1 exhibits mechanofluorochromism (MFC) with unusual hypsochromic shifting (555 to 535 nm) with enhanced emission intensity upon grinding. It is further noted that the same probe shows a distinct emissive response with different stimuli, i.e., quenching towards TNT sensing, bathochromically shifted emission for acidochromism, hypsochromically shifted emission against MFC behavior, and polarity-dependent emission observed for solvatochromism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New tetrakis Lanthanide(III) carboxylate-based complexes (Ln3+: Eu and Tb) were successfully synthesized via a facile one-pot method with flufenamic acid (fluf) as ligand and benzimidazole (Bzim) or 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazole (C 2 mim) as counterions. In addition, the Q[Tb(fluf) 4 ] complexes (Q+: Bzim and C 2 mim) were doped into polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polystyrene (PS), polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly(9-vinylcarbazole) (PVK) polymeric matrices at a 1 % (w/w) concentration and revealed highly desirable photophysical features such as wide range excitation wavelengths for the PMMA and PCL matrices and a very uncommon emission under sunlight exposure arising from the Tb3+ ion for the PMMA material. Thus, the tetrakis compounds with general formula Q[Ln(fluf) 4 ] were characterized by elemental and thermal analysis, ESI-MS mass spectrometry, and FTIR absorption spectroscopy. The PMMA:(1 %)Q[Tb(fluf) 4 ] doped films revealed higher thermal stability than the complexes. The tetrakis Eu3+ complex with Bzim as counterion shows no luminescence either for room or low temperature due to a highly operative low-lying ligand to metal charge transfer (LMCT) state quenching, while the corresponding C 2 mim-based analogous complex reveals some weak intensity emission, showing very low intrinsic quantum yield (Q Eu Eu) values. On the other hand, the corresponding Tb3+ compounds presented bright green emission for the solid-state complexes and, particularly, for the PMMA:(1 %)Q[Tb(fluf) 4 ] doped films when excited at UVA, UVB, and UVC radiation. Moreover, when the doped PMMA films are exposed to sunlight radiation in an open external environment, a bright green emission arising from the 5 D 4 → 7F 5 transition from the Tb3+ ion can be seen. In this way, these optical results suggest that the PMMA:(1 %)Q[Tb(fluf) 4 ] luminescent photonic materials can act as versatile and efficient light-converting molecular devices (LCMDs). [Display omitted] • New Ln3+ carboxylate-based tetrakis complexes. • Photophysical study of different doped polymeric matrices. • Improved thermal stability of the complexes when doped into the PMMA matrix. • Unusual wide excitability range comprising UVA, UVB and UVC regions for Tb3+-based complexes. • Remarkable observation of bright green emission upon exposure of doped PMMA films to sunlight radiation in an external environment, indicating the potential of these luminescent photonic materials to serve as versatile and efficient light-converting molecular devices (LCMDs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon nanotubes oriented vertically on vertical graphene (CNTs@VG) were synthesized by in-situ growth of vertical CNTs on the VG surface utilizing the chemical vapour deposition (CVD) method. A novel field emission analysis method was employed, which integrated the Fowler-Nordheim equation with the "orthodox test" to prevent false results. The turn-on-voltage of CNTs@VG 750 were 0.24 kV, demonstrating lower value compared to bare VG. The superior field emission properties of CNTs@VG 750 were mainly contributed to the increase in emitting tips on the VG surface. The emission tips experienced reduced current exposure at equivalent emission densities and prevent overheating on emitting tips, resulting in less structural damage and thereby offering improved field emission stability for CNTs@VG 750. Following a 60-min stability assessment, CNTs@VG 750 exhibited a 12 % higher current retention compared to bare VG. The structural stability of bare VG and CNTs@VG 750 were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results will reveal the effect of structural stability on the field emission properties by observing the nano-structural evolution of bare VG and CNTs@VG 750 before and after field emission. • Carbon nanotubes oriented vertically on vertical graphene (CNTs@VG) were synthesized. • Vertical CNTs on VG surface assisted in improving field emission properties. • The nano-structure evolution of VG and CNTs@VG 750 was studied during field emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial facilities across the United States (US) release millions of pounds of toxic chemicals, including metals. Exposure to toxic metals has been associated with adverse health outcomes, but there is limited evidence on the association between living near metal-releasing facilities and the body burden of emitted compounds. To investigate the association between residential proximity to toxic metal-emitting industrial facilities and toenail metal concentrations and to evaluate whether associations differed by race. In a sample of 1556 non-Hispanic Black (32.5%) and non-Hispanic White (67.5%) women from the Sister Study, we used the US Environmental Protection Agency Toxics Release Inventory to identify metal-emitting facilities within 3, 5, and 10 km of participants' baseline residences. We measured toenail concentrations (μg/g) of arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, and lead. Using multivariable linear regression, we examined associations between residential proximity to and emissions from metal-emitting facilities and toenail metal concentrations, stratifying by race. We explored modification of race-stratified associations by neighborhood deprivation, using the Area Deprivation Index (ADI). Black participants were more likely to reside within 3 km of chromium-releasing facilities and 5 and 10 km of all observed metal-emitting sites. Living near metal-releasing facilities was not associated with higher toenail metal concentrations overall. Among Black women, higher chromium emissions exposure was associated with higher toenail chromium levels (β Tertile3vs.non-exposed = 2.36 μg/g, 95% CI = 0.63, 4.10). An association with lead was observed among Black women residing in the most deprived areas (≥75th ADI percentile: β = 3.08 μg/g, 95% CI = 1.46, 4.71). No associations were observed for White participants. Despite low exposure prevalence, our findings suggest that living near chromium- and lead-releasing facilities, especially at shorter distances, may be associated with higher corresponding toenail metal levels among Black women, particularly those residing in the most disadvantaged areas. • We evaluated toenail metal levels and residential proximity to industrial sites. • No associations were observed among non-Hispanic (NH) White women. • Increased Cr emissions were related to higher Cr toenail levels for NH Black women. • Proximity to Pb sites was associated with higher toenail Pb levels in Black women in deprived areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dust events have far-reaching and detrimental effects on the environment and human populations, often crossing international borders and spanning vast distances. However, a comprehensive assessment of their transboundary linkages is lacking. In this study, we integrated dust emissions with dust transport in Asia to investigate the dust exposure linkages among Asian countries. Our findings indicate a significant correlation between dust transport and dust exposure in various countries, which is stronger than that between dust emission and dust exposure. Our results reveal the origins of dust exposure in countries distant from dust sources, as well as the destinations of dust from dust source countries. For instance, 65.16% of dust exposure in Japanese cities originates from Mongolian dust emissions, while dust emissions from China account for 57.14% of dust exposure in Chinese cities. This information is instrumental in effectively addressing the impact of dust events under the Policy Advocacy Framework to combat Sand and Dust Storms. This research provides insights for developing policies that leverage intercountry communication and collaboration to alleviate the threats of dust events at the regional and local levels. • Comprehensive evaluations of transboundary dust exposure linkages are currently lacking. • Dust transport trajectories exhibit a substantial correlation with dust exposure levels in cities. • We measured the intercountry linkages between dust emissions and dust exposure in Asia. • Effectively addressing dust event risks necessitates mitigation efforts that integrate both emissions and transport. • Reducing regional dust risk requires improved communication and collaboration between dust-emitting and affected countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Any functional change in cigarette filter design warrants a rigorous assessment to ensure comparability to existing filter functionality. This study compares the functionality of a standard CA filter with a novel cellulose-based alternative using a combination of emissions, in silico approaches, pre-clinical assessments and behavioural studies. We assess the challenges faced with a significant filtration change, the substantiation of this change and the limitations of such assessments. We explore cigarette emission chemical profiles; assess the potential toxicological impacts (in vitro and statistical modelling) of the differing chemical profiles of cigarette smoke aerosol resulting from the respective filter types; and, finally investigate the behavioural aspects associated with use of the novel filter as compared to the traditional one. The aim of the study was to establish a weight of evidence assessment framework for the comprehensive evaluation of a novel cigarette filter design as part of robust stewardship approach. The data show comparability to a standard CA filter across all assessments and highlight potential areas of investigation for future novel filter product iterations. The approach demonstrates the applicability of a comprehensive step-wise assessment framework to identify any potential increased toxicant emissions and exposures associated with using the novel filter. [Display omitted] • A substantial technology change requires a comprehensive step-wise toxicological evaluation. • A novel filter was assessed as an alternative to a standard cellulose acetate (CA) filter. • Data showed comparable performance to between filter technologies. • Changing a fundamental design aspect can have significant implications. • Regulation needs to consider the implications of significant product change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are the main source of bioaerosol emissions. The cover of deodorization within WWTPs serves not only to manage odors but also to limit the dispersion of bioaerosols. This study investigated the emission characteristics and exposure risks of bioaerosols inside deodorization covers from a WWTP in Northern China. The results revealed that the concentration of bacteria in bioaerosols ranged from 96 ± 8 to 706 ± 45 CFU/m3, with the highest concentration observed in the biochemical reaction tank. The predominant bacterial genera in bioaerosols within the odor control covers were Cetobacterium , Romboutsia , Bacteroides , Lactobacillus , and Tubricibacter , while the dominant fungal genera included Aspergillus , Alternaria , Fusarium , and Cladosporium. The main water-soluble ions in the air were NH 4 +, Ca2+, SO 4 2−, and Cl−. SO 4 2− was found to promote the survival of Cetobacterium, Brevibacterium, Fusarium, Penicillium, and Filobasidium , while Cl− exhibited inhibitory effects on most microorganisms in bioaerosols. Source tracker analysis indicated that wastewater was the primary source of bioaerosols in the biochemical reaction tank. The non-carcinogenic risk associated with bioaerosols within deodorization covers was less than 1 (2.34 × 10−9 to 3.08 × 10−2). FunGuild fungal functional prediction suggested that the abundance of animal pathogens was highest in the bioaerosols from the anaerobic sedimentation tank. BugBase phenotypic prediction showed that the abundance of potential pathogens in secondary sedimentation tank bioaerosols was the highest. This study effectively revealed the characteristics and sources of bioaerosols in the sewage and sludge treatment area under the deodorization cover, which provided a theoretical basis for enhancing the management and control of bioaerosols. [Display omitted] • The characteristics of the bioaerosols within the covers were analyzed. • The bioaerosols in the biochemical reaction tank were originated from the wastewater. • SO 4 2− exhibited a promoting effect on the survival of the dominant bacterial genera. • There were symbiotic relationships among the pathogenic microorganisms. • Highest abundance of animal pathogens in anaerobic sedimentation tank bioaerosols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adverse health effects have been linked with exposure to livestock farms, likely due to airborne microbial agents. Accurate exposure assessment is crucial in epidemiological studies, however limited studies have modelled bioaerosols. This study used measured concentrations in air of livestock commensals (Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus species (spp.)), and antimicrobial resistance genes (tetW and mecA) at 61 residential sites in a livestock-dense region in the Netherlands. For each microbial agent, land use regression (LUR) and random forest (RF) models were developed using Geographic Information System (GIS)-derived livestock-related characteristics as predictors. The mean and standard deviation of annual average concentrations (gene copies/m3) of E. coli , Staphylococcus spp., tetW and mecA were as follows: 38.9 (±1.98), 2574 (±3.29), 20991 (±2.11), and 15.9 (±2.58). Validated through 10-fold cross-validation (CV), the models moderately explained spatial variation of all microbial agents. The best performing model per agent explained respectively 38.4%, 20.9%, 33.3% and 27.4% of the spatial variation of E. coli , Staphylococcus spp., tetW and mecA. RF models had somewhat better performance than LUR models. Livestock predictors related to poultry and pig farms dominated all models. To conclude, the models developed enable enhanced estimates of airborne livestock-related microbial exposure in future epidemiological studies. Consequently, this will provide valuable insights into the public health implications of exposure to specific microbial agents. [Display omitted] • Improving livestock exposure assessment is crucial for accurately assessing health risks. • Empirical spatial models effectively predict airborne microbial concentrations. • Random Forest models slightly outperform Land Use Regression models. • Variables related to poultry and pig farms are large contributors to the models. • Modelling residential exposure will benefit future epidemiological studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, the time-resolved two-photon excited autophosphorescence of non-labeled biological specimens was investigated by phosphoresce lifetime imaging with microscopic spatial resolution. A modified multiphoton tomograph was employed to record both photoluminescence contributions, autofluorescence and autophosphorescence, simultaneously, induced by two-photon excitation using an 80 MHz near infrared femtosecond-pulse-laser scanning beam, an acousto-optic modulator, and a time-correlated single-photon counting module for lifetime measurements from the picosecond to the microsecond range. In particular, the two-photon-excited luminescence of thermally altered bones was imaged. A strong dependence of the phosphorescence intensity on exposure temperature, with a maximum emission for an exposure temperature of approximately 600 °C was observed. Furthermore, the phosphorescence lifetime data indicated a bi-exponential signal decay with both a faster few µs decay time in the range of 3–10 µs and a slower one in the range of 30–60 µs. The recording of fluorescence and phosphorescence allowed deriving the relative signal proportion as an unbiased measure of the temperature dependence. The measurements on thermally altered bones are of particular interest for application to forensic and archeological investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]