Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health

Systematic Review

Association of Particulate Matter (PM_2.5) With COVID-19 Infection and Mortality in Low-and Middle-income Asian Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis: Frisca Rahmadina, Riris Andono Ahmad, Aditya Lia Ramadona; J Prev Med Public Health. 2026;59(1):12-24. Published online January 17, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.25.499

433 View
50 Download

Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material: Objectives
Low-income and middle-income countries in Asia bear a disproportionate burden of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less (PM_2.5) pollution, yet data remain scarce. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantify the association between PM_2.5 exposure and the risks of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and mortality in this vulnerable region.
Methods
A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and other major databases for studies published up to December 31, 2024. We included observational studies reporting associations between PM_2.5 and COVID-19 outcomes in low-income and middle-income Asian countries. Pooled effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. The study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022316008).
Results
Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Separate analyses demonstrated statistically significant positive associations between PM_2.5 exposure and COVID-19 infection for both short-term exposure (pooled risk ratio [RR], 1.12; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.18) and long-term exposure (pooled RR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.28 to 1.56). For mortality, the analysis identified a statistically non-significant positive association with short-term exposure (pooled RR, 1.37; 95% CI, 0.80 to 2.33). Substantial heterogeneity was observed across all analyses (I²>75%); however, sensitivity analyses confirmed that the findings for infection were robust.
Conclusions
Our findings provide robust evidence that PM_2.5 exposure is a significant risk factor for COVID-19 infection in low-income and middle-income Asian countries. The available evidence was insufficient to establish a clear association with mortality. These results underscore the urgent need for strengthened air quality control policies as a critical component of public health strategies to mitigate the burden of respiratory pandemics.; Summary

Key Message
This systematic review and meta-analysis confirms that both short-term and long-term PM 2.5 exposure significantly increase COVID-19 infection risks in Asian LMICs, with long-term exposure showing a substantially higher risk ratio. These findings highlight a critical intersection between air quality and infectious disease vulnerability. Consequently, integrating air quality management into public health strategies is essential for strengthening preparedness against future respiratory pandemics.

Original Articles

Environmental Health Literacy Regarding Fine Particulate Matter and Related Factors Among Village Health Volunteers in Upper Northern Thailand: Nattapon Pansakun, Warangkana Naksen, Waraporn Boonchieng, Parichat Ong-artborirak, Tippawan Prapamontol; J Prev Med Public Health. 2024;57(2):138-147. Published online February 10, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.23.434

6,720 View
656 Download
2 Web of Science
3 Crossref

Objectives
Fine particulate matter pollution has emerged as a significant life-threatening issue in Thailand. Recognizing the importance of environmental health literacy (EHL) in disease prevention is crucial for protecting public health. This study investigated EHL levels and aimed to identify associated factors among village health volunteers (VHVs) in the upper northern region of Thailand.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data from 710 VHVs using the EHL assessment tool developed by the Department of Health, Thailand.
Results
The overall EHL score was moderate (mean, 3.28 out of a possible 5.0), with the highest and lowest domain-specific mean score for the ability to make decisions (3.52) and the ability to access (3.03). Multiple linear regression revealed that the factors associated with EHL score were area of residence (urban areas in Chiang Mai: B=0.254; urban areas in Lampang: B=0.274; and rural areas in Lampang: B=0.250 compared to rural areas in Chiang Mai), higher education levels (senior high school: B=0.212; diploma/high vocational certificate: B=0.350; bachelor’s degree or above: B=0.528 compared to elementary school or lower), having annual health checkups compared to not having annual health check-ups (B=0.142), monthly family income (B=0.004), and individuals frequently facing air pollution issues around their residence (B=0.199) compared to those who reported no such issues.
Conclusions
The VHVs exhibited moderate EHL associated with residence area, education, health check-ups, family income, and residential air pollution. Considering these factors is vital for enhancing VHVs’ EHL through strategic interventions.

Summary

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Environmental Health Literacy of Brazilian Indigenous People
Bernardo Oliveira Buta, Wauana Sheeva Costa Silva Manchineri, Matheus Britto Froner, Maria Berta Ecija, Debora Helena Rosa Cardoso, Benjamin Miranda Tabak
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2025; 22(4): 625. CrossRef
Development of personal air pollution exposure report-back materials to Household Air Pollution Intervention Network (HAPIN) trial participants in Guatemala and Rwanda: a qualitative study
Ashlinn Quinn, Mayari Hengstermann, Anaite Diaz-Artiga, Ajay Pillarisetti, Maggie Clark, Laura Ruiz-Aguilar, Florien Ndagijimana, John P McCracken, Ghislaine Rosa, William Checkley, Jennifer Peel, Thomas F Clasen, Lisa Thompson
BMJ Global Health.2025; 10(5): e017672. CrossRef
Scale validation and prediction of environmental health literacy in Brazil
Bernardo Oliveira Buta, Matheus Britto Froner, Benjamin Miranda Tabak
Scientific Reports.2025;[Epub] CrossRef

The Association Between PM_2.5 Exposure and Diabetes Mellitus Among Thai Army Personnel: Apisorn Laorattapong, Sarun Poobunjirdkul, Thanapoom Thanapoom, Wiroj Jiamjarasrangsi; J Prev Med Public Health. 2023;56(5):449-457. Published online September 26, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.23.292

6,043 View
151 Download
3 Web of Science
3 Crossref

Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material

Objectives
This study investigated the association between baseline exposures to particulate matter with a diameter < 2.5 microns (PM_2.5) and subsequent temporal changes in PM_2.5 exposure with the incidence of type 2 diabetes among Royal Thai Army personnel.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study was conducted using nationwide health check-up data from 21 325 Thai Army personnel between 2018 and 2021. Multilevel mixed-effects parametric survival statistics were utilized to analyze the relationship between baseline (i.e., PM_2.5-baseline) and subsequent changes (i.e., PM_2.5-change) in PM_2.5 exposure and the occurrence of type 2 diabetes. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were employed to assess this association while considering covariates.
Results
There was a significant association between both PM_2.5 baseline and PM_2.5-change and the incidence of type 2 diabetes in a dose-response manner. Compared to quartile 1, the HRs for quartiles 2 to 4 of PM_2.5-baseline were 1.11 (95% CI, 0.74 to 1.65), 1.51 (95% CI, 1.00 to 2.28), and 1.77 (95% CI, 1.07 to 2.93), respectively. Similarly, the HRs for quartiles 2 to 4 of PM_2.5-change were 1.41 (95% CI, 1.14 to 1.75), 1.43 (95% CI, 1.13 to 1.81) and 2.40 (95% CI, 1.84 to 3.14), respectively.
Conclusions
Our findings contribute to existing evidence regarding the association between short-term and long-term exposure to PM_2.5 and the incidence of diabetes among personnel in the Royal Thai Army.

Summary

Key Message
We simultaneously investigated the impact of the baseline and temporal variations in the exposure to particulate matter (PM) with a diameter <2.5 microns (PM2.5) on type 2 diabetes risk among the Royal Thai Army personnel. We found stronger evidence on the impact of the temporal variation in PM2.5 exposure on the disease risk than that of the baseline variation. This finding may reflect the shorter time frame between the increased PM2.5 exposure and changes in fasting plasma glucose level.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Environmental Endocrine‐Disrupting Chemicals, Pancreatic β‐Cells, and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Yan‐li Zhao, Yang Ou
Clinical Endocrinology.2026; 104(2): 79. CrossRef
Epidemiological and mechanistic links between PM2.5 exposure and type 2 diabetes: focus on the TRPV1 receptor
Filippo Liviero, Sofia Pavanello
Frontiers in Endocrinology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Influence of Air Pollution Exposures on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: a Review
Li-Hao Guo, Mohammed Zeeshan, Guo-Feng Huang, Duo-Hong Chen, Min Xie, Jun Liu, Guang-Hui Dong
Current Environmental Health Reports.2023; 10(4): 501. CrossRef

Associations of Ambient Air Pollutant Concentrations With Respiratory Symptoms and Perceived Health Status in Japanese Adults With and Without Chronic Respiratory Diseases: A Panel Study: Motoyuki Nakao, Keiko Yamauchi, Satoshi Mitsuma, Tetsuro Odaira, Hideto Obata, Yoichi Chijimatsu, Yoko Ishihara; J Prev Med Public Health. 2019;52(6):416-426. Published online November 13, 2019; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.19.180

9,042 View
113 Download
6 Crossref

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Objectives
In recent years, transboundary air pollution from mainland East Asia has led to growing concerns about air pollution in Japan. Air pollution is reportedly associated with the exacerbation of respiratory diseases. In this study, we assessed the effects of air pollution on respiratory symptoms and the health status of participants with and without chronic respiratory diseases.
Methods
Participants (n=2753) with and without chronic respiratory diseases who visited healthcare facilities in Japan during February from 2010 to 2015 filled out a self-report questionnaire regarding their symptoms and perceived health status. Participants were followed up during April-May and June-July.
Results
Oxidant concentrations were associated with respiratory symptoms, overall health, and quality of life (QoL). Suspended particulate matter (SPM) and particulate matter <2.5 μm levels were associated with physical fitness; SPM was also associated with QoL. Recent experience of an Asian sand dust event had a significant effect on allergic symptoms, change in health, and QoL.
Conclusions
Respiratory symptoms were more strongly affected by oxidants than by other pollutants. Significant associations of air pollutants were found with a comprehensive range of items related to perceived health status, including overall health and QoL. Although the effects of air pollutants on respiratory symptoms and health status were more apparent among patients with respiratory diseases, the adverse effects of air pollutants were significant even among participants without such conditions.

Summary

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Asian sand dust exacerbates airway inflammation in a mouse model of asthma
Se-Jin Lee, So-Won Pak, Woong-Il Kim, Sin-Hyang Park, Young-Kwon Cho, Tae-Won Kim, Je-Won Ko, Joong-Sun Kim, Jong-Choon Kim, In-Hyeon Kim, Sung-Hwan Kim, In-Sik Shin
Laboratory Animal Research.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Effect of telenursing empowerment programme on self-efficacy and health status of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: randomised controlled trial
Shirin Rajabi, Maryam Momeni, Mehdi Ranjbaran, Marzieh Khatooni
Journal of Research in Nursing.2025; 30(5-6): 421. CrossRef
Loranthus tanakae Franch. and Sav. Attenuates Respiratory Inflammation Caused by Asian Sand Dust
Se-Jin Lee, So-Won Pak, A Yeong Lee, Woong-Il Kim, Sung-Wook Chae, Young-Kwon Cho, Je-Won Ko, Tae-Won Kim, Jong-Choon Kim, Byeong Cheol Moon, Yun-Soo Seo, In-Sik Shin
Antioxidants.2024; 13(4): 419. CrossRef
URANS simulation reproducing large-scale periodic fluctuations and their impact on pollutant dispersion around an isolated 1:1:2 building
Xinyi Li, Tsubasa Okaze
Building and Environment.2024; 265: 111872. CrossRef
Evaluation of the impact of energy utilization and PM on respiratory health in China
Changfeng Shi, Xinhui Liu, Min Gu, Qinghua Pang, Zhen Shi
Energy & Environment.2021; 32(3): 380. CrossRef
Respiratory Effects of Exposure to Traffic-Related Air Pollutants During Exercise
Giuseppe Morici, Fabio Cibella, Annalisa Cogo, Paolo Palange, Maria R. Bonsignore
Frontiers in Public Health.2020;[Epub] CrossRef

Short-term Effect of Ambient Air Pollution on Emergency Department Visits for Diabetic Coma in Seoul, Korea: Hyunmee Kim, Woojin Kim, Jee eun Choi, Changsoo Kim, Jungwoo Sohn; J Prev Med Public Health. 2018;51(6):265-274. Published online October 29, 2018; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.18.153

9,294 View
243 Download
8 Crossref

Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material

Objectives
A positive association between air pollution and both the incidence and prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) has been reported in some epidemiologic and animal studies, but little research has evaluated the relationship between air pollution and diabetic coma. Diabetic coma is an acute complication of DM caused by diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, which is characterized by extreme hyperglycemia accompanied by coma. We conducted a time-series study with a generalized additive model using a distributed-lag non-linear model to assess the association between ambient air pollution (particulate matter less than 10 μm in aerodynamic diameter, nitrogen dioxide [NO2], sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone) and emergency department (ED) visits for DM with coma in Seoul, Korea from 2005 to 2009.
Methods
The ED data and medical records from the 3 years previous to each diabetic coma event were obtained from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service to examine the relationship with air pollutants.
Results
Overall, the adjusted relative risks (RRs) for an interquartile range (IQR) increment of NO2 was statistically significant at lag 1 (RR, 1.125; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.039 to 1.219) in a single-lag model and both lag 0-1 (RR, 1.120; 95% CI, 1.028 to 1.219) and lag 0-3 (RR, 1.092; 95% CI, 1.005 to 1.186) in a cumulative-lag model. In a subgroup analysis, significant positive RRs were found for females for per-IQR increments of NO2 at cumulative lag 0-3 (RR, 1.149; 95% CI, 1.022 to 1.291).
Conclusions
The results of our study suggest that ambient air pollution, specifically NO2, is associated with ED visits for diabetic coma.

Summary

Korean summary
본 연구에서는 대기오염물질의 단기적인 영향을 확인하기 위하여 당뇨병성 혼수로 인한 응급실 내원을 시계열적으로 분석하였다. 분석 결과 이산화질소 상승이 노출 1일 후의 응급실 방문을 1.25% 상승시켰다(RR, 1.125; 95% CI 1.039-1.219). 또한, 노출 3일 후까지 누적 결과도 유의한 상관관계를 보였다(RR 1.092; 95% CI, 1.005-1.186).

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Ambient particulate air pollution is associated with higher risk of microvascular complications and diabetic ketoacidosis among persons with type 1 diabetes mellitus in an observational survival study
Trenton Honda, Trenton Henry, James VanDerslice, Christina A. Porucznik, Laura Corlin, Owais Gilani, Kipruto Kirwa, Jose M. Lazaro-Guevara, Marcus G. Pezzolesi
Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice.2025; 230: 112983. CrossRef
Charting Peptide Shared Sequences Between ‘Diabetes-Viruses’ and Human Pancreatic Proteins, Their Structural and Autoimmune Implications
Stephen A James, Istifanus A Joshua
Bioinformatics and Biology Insights.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Criteria air pollutants and diabetes mortality classified by different subtypes and complications: A nationwide, case-crossover study
Peng Yin, Huihuan Luo, Ya Gao, Wei Liu, Su Shi, Xinyue Li, Xia Meng, Haidong Kan, Maigeng Zhou, Guanglin Li, Renjie Chen
Journal of Hazardous Materials.2023; 460: 132412. CrossRef
Comparison of different hybrid modeling methods to estimate intraurban NO2 concentrations
Inbo Oh, Mi-Kyoung Hwang, Jin-Hee Bang, Wonho Yang, Soontae Kim, Kiyoung Lee, SungChul Seo, Jiho Lee, Yangho Kim
Atmospheric Environment.2021; 244: 117907. CrossRef
Short-term effect of NO2 on outpatient visits for dermatologic diseases in Xinxiang, China: a time-series study
Ling Chao, Mengxue Lu, Zhen An, Juan Li, Yuchun Li, Qian Zhao, Yinbiao Wang, Yue Liu, Weidong Wu, Jie Song
Environmental Geochemistry and Health.2021; 43(9): 1. CrossRef
Assessing short-term effects of ambient air pollution on respiratory diseases in Guwahati, India with the application of the generalized additive model
Abhishek Dutta, Wanida Jinsart
Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal.2021; 27(7): 1786. CrossRef
Does ozone inhalation cause adverse metabolic effects in humans? A systematic review
Judy S. LaKind, Carol J. Burns, Lynn H. Pottenger, Daniel Q. Naiman, Julie E. Goodman, Satori A. Marchitti
Critical Reviews in Toxicology.2021; 51(6): 467. CrossRef
Joint effect of heatwaves and air quality on emergency department attendances for vulnerable population in Perth, Western Australia, 2006 to 2015
Dimpalben Patel, Le Jian, Jianguo Xiao, Janis Jansz, Grace Yun, Andrew Robertson
Environmental Research.2019; 174: 80. CrossRef

Perspective

Necessity of Epigenetic Epidemiology Studies on the Carcinogenesis of Lung Cancer in Never Smokers: Jong-Myon Bae; J Prev Med Public Health. 2018;51(5):263-264. Published online July 8, 2018; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.18.076

6,938 View
145 Download

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Based on epidemiological and genomic characteristics, lung cancer in never smokers (LCNS) is a different disease from lung cancer in smokers. Based on current research, the main risk factor for LCNS may be air pollution. A recent case-control study in Koreans reported that nitrogen dioxide (NO2) may be a risk factor for LCNS. Additionally, a cohort study showed that exposure to NO2 was associated with significant hypomethylation. Thus, epigenetic epidemiology studies are needed in the near future to evaluate the carcinogenesis of LCNS according to chronic exposure to air pollution and/or viral infections.; Summary

Original Articles

Effects of Air Pollution on Public and Private Health Expenditures in Iran: A Time Series Study (1972-2014): Pouran Raeissi, Touraj Harati-Khalilabad, Aziz Rezapour, Seyed Yaser Hashemi, Abdoreza Mousavi, Saeed Khodabakhshzadeh; J Prev Med Public Health. 2018;51(3):140-147. Published online May 14, 2018; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.17.153

11,765 View
212 Download
27 Crossref

Abstract PDF

Objectives
Environmental pollution is a negative consequence of the development process, and many countries are grappling with this phenomenon. As a developing country, Iran is not exempt from this rule, and Iran pays huge expenditures for the consequences of pollution. The aim of this study was to analyze the long- and short-run impact of air pollution, along with other health indicators, on private and public health expenditures.
Methods
This study was an applied and developmental study. Autoregressive distributed lag estimating models were used for the period of 1972 to 2014. In order to determine the co-integration between health expenditures and the infant mortality rate, fertility rate, per capita income, and pollution, we used the Wald test in Microfit version 4.1. We then used Eviews version 8 to evaluate the stationarity of the variables and to estimate the long- and short-run relationships.
Results
Long-run air pollution had a positive and significant effect on health expenditures, so that a 1.00% increase in the index of carbon dioxide led to an increase of 3.32% and 1.16% in public and private health expenditures, respectively. Air pollution also had a greater impact on health expenditures in the long term than in the short term.
Conclusions
The findings of this study indicate that among the factors affecting health expenditures, environmental quality and contaminants played the most important role. Therefore, in order to reduce the financial burden of health expenditures in Iran, it is essential to reduce air pollution by enacting and implementing laws that protect the environment.

Summary

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Is rapid urbanisation in Africa jeopardising the health and education of the population?
Borice Augustin Ngounou, Honoré Tekam Oumbe, Jean‐Marie Gankou Fowagap, Edmond Noubissi Domguia
Review of Development Economics.2025; 29(1): 499. CrossRef
Does Air Pollution Aggravate Health Problems in Low-Income Countries? Verification from Countries Along the Belt and Road
Xiaocang Xu, Yanglin Zhong, Shuangshuang Cai, Lei Lei, Jian Peng
Sustainability.2025; 17(5): 1796. CrossRef
Contemporary health challenges in the Anthropocene: Implications for nursing education
Noriel P. Calaguas
Teaching and Learning in Nursing.2025; 20(3): e791. CrossRef
Modeling the effects of air pollution and meteorological variables on mortality from respiratory diseases: insights from the ARDL
Mandana Mohammadi, Mitra Mohammadi, Didem Saloglu, Halil Dertli, Hamed Sargazi-Avval, Mansour Ghaffari-Moghaddam
Network Modeling Analysis in Health Informatics and Bioinformatics.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
The impact of water pollution on health expenditures of residents:Evidence from urban sewage in China
Junkai Sun, Xin Fang, Guilin Dai, Xinyue Gao
Water Resources and Economics.2025; 52: 100268. CrossRef
Health Is Wealth: Exploring Determinants of Health Expenditures in the Emerging Economies
Zia Ur RAHMAN, Wajid KHAN, Shahab Ud DIN
Chinese Journal of Urban and Environmental Studies.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
The Impact of Carbon Dioxide Emissions on Health Expenditures in Developing Countries
Burak Baş
Medical Research Reports.2025; 8(3): 167. CrossRef
Evaluating the Role of GDPPer Capita, Air Pollution and Non‐Economic Factors in Determining Health Expenditure: Evidence from Asian Region Using Instrumental Variables Techniques
Samia Nasreen, Aviral Kumar Tiwari, Mehr‐un Nisa, Faryal Ishtiaq
Economic Papers: A journal of applied economics and policy.2024; 43(1): 63. CrossRef
Economic-environmental assessment of emission tax policy in developing countries: evidence from Iran
Shahrokh Shakerin, Seyed Nematollah Moosavi, Abbas Aminifard
China Agricultural Economic Review.2024; 16(2): 368. CrossRef
Yenilenebilir Enerji Tüketimi Sağlık Harcamaları Üzerinde Etkili Mi? AB Ülkeleri Örneği
Dilek Atılgan, Enver Günay
Hitit Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi.2024; 17(1): 39. CrossRef
Environmental sustainability and government health expenditure in Africa: is there a nexus?
Ibrahim Nandom Yakubu, Alhassan Musah, Issah Aminu Danaa
Technological Sustainability.2024; 3(4): 416. CrossRef
Exploring the Impact of Environmental Degradation, Income Inequality, Technological Development and Food Availability on Quality of Life: Recent Evidence From South Asia
Abbas Ali Chandio, Asad Amin, Narayan Sethi, Ilham Haouas, Fayyaz Ahmad
Journal of Public Affairs.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Does climate change drive up government healthcare costs in the European Union?
Adela Socol, Horia Iuga, Dragoș Socol, Iulia Cristina Iuga
Frontiers in Environmental Science.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
An analysis of emission reduction strategy for light and heavy-duty vehicles pollutions in high spatial–temporal resolution and emission
Leila Khazini, Mina Jamshidi Kalajahi, Nadège Blond
Environmental Science and Pollution Research.2022; 29(16): 23419. CrossRef
Air pollution and economic growth under local government competition: Evidence from China, 2007–2016
Shurui Jiang, Xue Tan, Peiqi Hu, Yue Wang, Lei Shi, Zhong Ma, Genfa Lu
Journal of Cleaner Production.2022; 334: 130231. CrossRef
Theoretical Model and Actual Characteristics of Air Pollution Affecting Health Cost: A Review
Xiaocang Xu, Haoran Yang, Chang Li
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2022; 19(6): 3532. CrossRef
Health is Wealth: A Dynamic SUR Approach of Examining a Link Between Climate Changes and Human Health Expenditures
Muhammad Azam, Abdul Majid Awan
Social Indicators Research.2022; 163(2): 505. CrossRef
Impact of Environmental Quality on Healthcare Expenditures in Developing Countries: A Panel Data Approach
Asim Anwar, Shabir Hyder, Russell Bennett, Mustafa Younis
Healthcare.2022; 10(9): 1608. CrossRef
The impact of air pollution on urban residents’ health expenditure: spatial evidence from Yangtze River Delta, China
Han Sun, Zhihui Leng, Hengsong Zhao, Shan Ni, Chao Huang
Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health.2021; 14(3): 343. CrossRef
Association between health expenditures, economic growth and environmental pollution: Long‐run and causality analysis from Asian economies
Samia Nasreen
The International Journal of Health Planning and Management.2021; 36(3): 925. CrossRef
The relationship between renewable energy use and health expenditures in EU countries
Mahmut Unsal Sasmaz, Aysun Karamıklı, Ulas Akkucuk
The European Journal of Health Economics.2021; 22(7): 1129. CrossRef
Do renewable energy and health expenditures improve load capacity factor in the USA and Japan? A new approach to environmental issues
Ugur Korkut Pata
The European Journal of Health Economics.2021; 22(9): 1427. CrossRef
Development of Reduction Scenarios Based on Urban Emission Estimation and Dispersion of Exhaust Pollutants from Light Duty Public Transport: Case of Tabriz, Iran
Mina Jamshidi Kalajahi, Leila Khazini, Yousef Rashidi, Saeed Zeinali Heris
Emission Control Science and Technology.2020; 6(1): 86. CrossRef
The Impact of Air Pollution on Healthcare Expenditure for Respiratory Diseases: Evidence from the People’s Republic of China

Lele Li, Tiantian Du, Chi Zhang
Risk Management and Healthcare Policy.2020; Volume 13: 1723. CrossRef
Are Air Pollution, Economic and Non-Economic Factors Associated with Per Capita Health Expenditures? Evidence from Emerging Economies
Muhammad Usman, Zhiqiang Ma, Muhammad Wasif Zafar, Abdul Haseeb, Rana Umair Ashraf
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2019; 16(11): 1967. CrossRef
Health impact and related cost of ambient air pollution in Tehran
Reza Bayat, Khosro Ashrafi, Majid Shafiepour Motlagh, Mohammad Sadegh Hassanvand, Rajabali Daroudi, Günther Fink, Nino Künzli
Environmental Research.2019; 176: 108547. CrossRef
Sağlık Harcamalarının Belirleyicileri Üzerine Bir Uygulama: Çevre Kirliliği ve Yönetişimin Etkilerinin İncelenmesi
Alper KARASOY, Gökhan DEMİRTAŞ
İnsan ve Toplum Bilimleri Araştırmaları Dergisi.2018; 7(3): 1917. CrossRef

The Impact of Air Pollution, Including Asian Sand Dust, on Respiratory Symptoms and Health-related Quality of Life in Outpatients With Chronic Respiratory Disease in Korea: A Panel Study: Motoyuki Nakao, Yoko Ishihara, Cheol-Hong Kim, In-Gyu Hyun; J Prev Med Public Health. 2018;51(3):130-139. Published online May 9, 2018; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.18.021

12,658 View
263 Download
36 Crossref

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Objectives
Air pollution is a growing concern in Korea because of transboundary air pollution from mainland China. A panel study was conducted to clarify the effects of air pollution on respiratory symptoms and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in outpatients with and without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Korea.
Methods
Patients filled out a questionnaire including self-reported HR-QoL in February and were followed up in May and July. The study was conducted from 2013 to 2015, with different participants each year. Air quality parameters were applied in a generalized estimating equation as independent variables to predict factors affecting HR-QoL.
Results
Lower physical fitness scores were associated with Asian sand dust events. Daily activity scores were worse when there were high concentrations of particulate matter (PM) less than 10 μm in diameter (PM₁₀). Lower social functioning scores were associated with high PM less than 2.5 μm in diameter and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) concentrations. High NO₂ concentrations also showed a significant association with mental health scores. Weather-related cough was prevalent when PM₁₀, NO₂, or ozone (O₃) concentrations were high, regardless of COPD severity. High PM₁₀ concentrations were associated with worsened wheezing, particularly in COPD patients.
Conclusions
The results suggest that PM, NO₂, and O₃ cause respiratory symptoms leading to HR-QoL deterioration. While some adverse effects of air pollution appeared to occur regardless of COPD, others occurred more often and more intensely in COPD patients. The public sector, therefore, needs to consider tailoring air pollution countermeasures to people with different conditions to minimize adverse health effects.

Summary

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Improvement of indoor air quality and health effects in COPD patients in a heavy industrial area
Jia Lin Zhang, Yi Ting Chang, Ching Yu Hsiao, Chung-Shin Yuan, Yen-Ping Peng, Da Wei Wu, Huang-Chi Chen, Jia-Yu Kuo, Huai-Lei Juan, Pei-Shih Chen
Environmental Research.2026; 292: 123699. CrossRef
Dust Storms and Emergency Department Visits in 3 Southwestern States Using NWS Storm Reports
Xiaping Zheng, Howard H. Chang, Stefanie T. Ebelt, Rohan D’Souza, Kirk Hohsfield, James L. Crooks
JAMA Network Open.2025; 8(2): e2457666. CrossRef
Asian sand dust exacerbates airway inflammation in a mouse model of asthma
Se-Jin Lee, So-Won Pak, Woong-Il Kim, Sin-Hyang Park, Young-Kwon Cho, Tae-Won Kim, Je-Won Ko, Joong-Sun Kim, Jong-Choon Kim, In-Hyeon Kim, Sung-Hwan Kim, In-Sik Shin
Laboratory Animal Research.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Cell Death and Proliferation Variability Caused by Different Dust Clay Minerals Using the Single‐Cell Method
Z. Ramirez‐Diaz, A. Deonarine, M. Plantier, N. Shaghaghi, K. Ardon‐Dryer
GeoHealth.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Impact of exposure to ambient air pollution on health related quality of life of rural elderly in western China
Wenwen Xiao, Wenlong Wang, Jiafei Yang, Ningde Peng, Yongxin Xie, Ting Zhao, Yanan Chen, Hui Qiao
Scientific Reports.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Association between outdoor air pollution and acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Xinjiang, China
Zhichuang Lian, Jiayu Zhang, Sumanye Maolahong, Nurula Yakufu, Maheliya Hasimujiang, Jingxue Hong, Rong Huang, Chao Wu, Julaiti Kelimu
International Journal of Environmental Health Research.2025; : 1. CrossRef
The effects of Pycnogenol, a pine bark extract on pulmonary inflammation by Asian sand dust in mice
SW Pak, SJ Lee, Kim WI, YG Yang, YK Cho, JS Kim, TW Kim, JW Ko, JC Kim, SH Kim, IS Shin
Veterinární medicína.2024; 69(1): 8. CrossRef
Fine particulate matter aggravates smoking induced lung injury via NLRP3/caspase-1 pathway in COPD
Chiwook Chung, Suk Young Park, Jin-Young Huh, Na Hyun Kim, ChangHo Shon, Eun Yi Oh, Young-Jun Park, Seon-Jin Lee, Hwan-Cheol Kim, Sei Won Lee
Journal of Inflammation.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Dust exposure linkages among Asian countries
Chaowei Zhou, Xiaoming Feng, Ruibo Zhao, Yichu Huang, Yu Zhang, Xuejing Leng, Chuanlian Sun, Yihe Lü, Bojie Fu
Journal of Cleaner Production.2024; 459: 142493. CrossRef
Association Between Asian Dust Exposure and Pneumonia Hospitalization in Western Japan: A Case-Crossover Study
Takayuki Okura, Sachiko Tanaka-Mizuno, Masanobu Ishii, Masato Takeuchi, Koji Kawakami
Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health.2024; 36(6-7): 589. CrossRef
Silibinin Suppresses Inflammatory Responses Induced by Exposure to Asian Sand Dust
Se-Jin Lee, So-Won Pak, Woong-Il Kim, Sin-Hyang Park, Young-Kwon Cho, Je-Won Ko, Tae-Won Kim, Joong-Sun Kim, Jong-Choon Kim, Je-Oh Lim, In-Sik Shin
Antioxidants.2024; 13(10): 1187. CrossRef
Acceleration of acute lung inflammation by IL-1α released through cell death of alveolar macrophages upon phagocytosis of fine Asian sand dust particles
Tomoya Sagawa, Takamichi Ichinose, Akiko Honda, Etsushi Kuroda, Raga Ishikawa, Natsuko Miyasaka, Megumi Nagao, Tomoaki Okuda, Yutaka Kawahito, Hirohisa Takano
Environment International.2024; 194: 109178. CrossRef
Ambient air pollution and the health-related quality of life of older adults: Evidence from Shandong China
Jialong Tan, Nuo Chen, Jing Bai, Peizhe Yan, Xinyu Ma, Meiling Ren, Elizabeth Maitland, Stephen Nicholas, Wenjing Cheng, Xue Leng, Chen Chen, Jian Wang
Journal of Environmental Management.2023; 336: 117619. CrossRef
Climate change and mental health in Korea: A scoping review
Jiyoung Shin, Juha Baek, Sumi Chae
Journal of Climate Change Research.2023; 14(6-2): 989. CrossRef
Roles of the physical environment in health-related quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Subhabrata Moitra, Maria Foraster, Ane Arbillaga-Etxarri, Alicia Marín, Anael Barberan-Garcia, Diego A. Rodríguez-Chiaradia, Eva Balcells, Maria Koreny, Pere Torán-Monserrat, Pere Vall-Casas, Robert Rodríguez-Roisin, Judith Garcia-Aymerich
Environmental Research.2022; 203: 111828. CrossRef
Ambient PM Concentrations as a Precursor of Emergency Visits for Respiratory Complaints: Roles of Deep Learning and Multi-Point Real-Time Monitoring
SungChul Seo, Choongki Min, Madeline Preston, Sanghoon Han, Sung-Hyuk Choi, So Young Kang, Dohyeong Kim
Sustainability.2022; 14(5): 2703. CrossRef
Comparative Evaluation between Particulate Matter Concentrations in Rural Villages in Wanju-gun and the Air Pollution Monitoring Network
Minji Lee, Dongphil Choi, Kyungsu Kim
The Korean Journal of Community Living Science.2022; 33(1): 139. CrossRef
Air and water health: industrial footprints of COVID-19 imposed lockdown
Vedika Gupta, Nikita Jain, Deepali Virmani, Senthilkumar Mohan, Ali Ahmadian, Massimiliano Ferrara
Arabian Journal of Geosciences.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
Effects of Non‐Photosynthetic Vegetation on Dust Emissions
Xinyue Huang, Hosein Foroutan
Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
Effects of exposure to ambient air pollution on pulmonary function impairment in Korea: the 2007-2017 Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey
Soo Beom Choi, Sungha Yun, Sun-Ja Kim, Yong Bum Park, Kyungwon Oh
Epidemiology and Health.2021; 43: e2021082. CrossRef
Effects of temperature, humidity, and diurnal temperature range on influenza incidence in a temperate region
Ji‐Eun Park, Woo‐Sik Son, Yeonhee Ryu, Soo Beom Choi, Okyu Kwon, Insung Ahn
Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses.2020; 14(1): 11. CrossRef
Improved Interpolation and Anomaly Detection for Personal PM2.5 Measurement
JinSoo Park, Sungroul Kim
Applied Sciences.2020; 10(2): 543. CrossRef
Asian Sand Dust Particles Increased Pneumococcal Biofilm Formation in vitro and Colonization in Human Middle Ear Epithelial Cells and Rat Middle Ear Mucosa
Mukesh Kumar Yadav, Yoon Young Go, Sung-Won Chae, Moo Kyun Park, Jae-Jun Song
Frontiers in Genetics.2020;[Epub] CrossRef
Latest circular economy policy and direction in the Republic of Korea: Room for enhancements
Manuel Herrador, Youngtae Cho, Pil-Hwan Park
Journal of Cleaner Production.2020; 269: 122336. CrossRef
Association of air pollution with outpatient visits for respiratory diseases of children in an ex-heavily polluted Northwestern city, China
Yueling Ma, Li Yue, Jiangtao Liu, Xiaotao He, Lanyu Li, Jingping Niu, Bin Luo
BMC Public Health.2020;[Epub] CrossRef
Health Effects of Asian Dust: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Masahiro Hashizume, Yoonhee Kim, Chris Fook Sheng Ng, Yeonseung Chung, Lina Madaniyazi, Michelle L. Bell, Yue Leon Guo, Haidong Kan, Yasushi Honda, Seung-Muk Yi, Ho Kim, Yuji Nishiwaki
Environmental Health Perspectives.2020;[Epub] CrossRef
Associations between perceived environmental pollution and health-related quality of life in a Chinese adult population
Bingxue Han
Health and Quality of Life Outcomes.2020;[Epub] CrossRef
Associations Between Dust Storms and Intensive Care Unit Admissions in the United States, 2000–2015
C. S. Rublee, C. J. Sorensen, J. Lemery, T. J. Wade, E. A. Sams, E. D. Hilborn, J. L. Crooks
GeoHealth.2020;[Epub] CrossRef
Temporal-spatial variation and environmental risk assessment of pharmaceuticals in tributaries of the Han River watershed, South Korea
Jong Kwon Im, Sang Hun Kim, Hye Ran Noh, Soon Ju Yu
Science of The Total Environment.2020; 741: 140486. CrossRef
Distribution of Viable Bacteria in the Dust-Generating Natural Source Area of the Gobi Region, Mongolia
Katsuro Hagiwara, Tamaki Matsumoto, Purevsuren Tsedendamba, Kenji Baba, Buho Hoshino
Atmosphere.2020; 11(9): 893. CrossRef
Impact of the COVID-19 Outbreak on Air Quality in Korea
Ji Hoon Seo, Hyun Woo Jeon, Ui Jae Sung, Jong-Ryeul Sohn
Atmosphere.2020; 11(10): 1137. CrossRef
Marble Dust Exposure Relationship to Workers‘ Lung Conditions in Marble Industries
Ummul Khoiroh
JURNAL KESEHATAN LINGKUNGAN.2020; 12(4): 285. CrossRef
Association between ambient temperature and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a population-based study of the years of life lost
Guijie Luan, Peng Yin, Lijun Wang, Maigeng Zhou
International Journal of Environmental Health Research.2019; 29(3): 246. CrossRef
Influence of Particulate Matter during Seasonal Smog on Quality of Life and Lung Function in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Chaicharn Pothirat, Warawut Chaiwong, Chalerm Liwsrisakun, Chaiwat Bumroongkit, Athavudh Deesomchok, Theerakorn Theerakittikul, Atikun Limsukon, Pattraporn Tajaroenmuang, Nittaya Phetsuk
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2019; 16(1): 106. CrossRef
Young mothers’ acceptance of herbal food supplements: Centred on preventive health behaviour for children
Malliga Marimuthu
Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services.2019; 51: 311. CrossRef
Environmental Air Pollution and the Risk of Osteoporosis and Bone Fractures
Vu H. Nguyen
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health.2018; 51(4): 215. CrossRef

Short-term Effects of Ambient Air Pollution on Emergency Department Visits for Asthma: An Assessment of Effect Modification by Prior Allergic Disease History: Juhwan Noh, Jungwoo Sohn, Jaelim Cho, Seong-Kyung Cho, Yoon Jung Choi, Changsoo Kim, Dong Chun Shin; J Prev Med Public Health. 2016;49(5):329-341. Published online September 8, 2016; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.16.038

13,034 View
251 Download
32 Crossref

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Objectives
The goal of this study was to investigate the short-term effect of ambient air pollution on emergency department (ED) visits in Seoul for asthma according to patients’ prior history of allergic diseases.
Methods
Data on ED visits from 2005 to 2009 were obtained from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. To evaluate the risk of ED visits for asthma related to ambient air pollutants (carbon monoxide [CO], nitrogen dioxide [NO2], ozone [O3], sulfur dioxide [SO2], and particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter <10 μm [PM10]), a generalized additive model with a Poisson distribution was used; a single-lag model and a cumulative-effect model (average concentration over the previous 1-7 days) were also explored. The percent increase and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for each interquartile range (IQR) increment in the concentration of each air pollutant. Subgroup analyses were done by age, gender, the presence of allergic disease, and season.
Results
A total of 33 751 asthma attack cases were observed during the study period. The strongest association was a 9.6% increase (95% CI, 6.9% to 12.3%) in the risk of ED visits for asthma per IQR increase in O3 concentration. IQR changes in NO2 and PM10 concentrations were also significantly associated with ED visits in the cumulative lag 7 model. Among patients with a prior history of allergic rhinitis or atopic dermatitis, the risk of ED visits for asthma per IQR increase in PM10 concentration was higher (3.9%; 95% CI, 1.2% to 6.7%) than in patients with no such history.
Conclusions
Ambient air pollutants were positively associated with ED visits for asthma, especially among subjects with a prior history of allergic rhinitis or atopic dermatitis.

Summary

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Impact of urban residential environment and biological agents on childhood allergic diseases: Insights from the Greater Taipei area
Yohane V.A. Phiri, Yi-Hua Chen, Ming-Lun Zou, Gary Adamkiewicz, Chuen-Bin Jiang, Chih-Da Wu, Shih-Chun Candice Lung, Ling-Chu Chien, Hsing Jasmine Chao, John D. Spengler, Francine Laden
International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health.2025; 269: 114626. CrossRef
Update of a systematic review on associations between environmental exposures and asthma control and exacerbations in young children
Ronan Docherty, Miriam Gill, Shruthi Shankar, Stephen Turner, Smita Dick
BMJ Open.2025; 15(8): e091855. CrossRef
The influence of environmental air pollutants on asthma outpatient hospital visits in Xinxiang city, China
Qian Wang, Zhikang Jiao, Hongyue Liang, Jiaqi Duan, Yanwei Du, Yongbin Wang, Yongbin Wang
International Journal of Biometeorology.2025; 69(11): 3203. CrossRef
Causal relationship between asthma outpatient visits and air pollution with instrumental variable approach
Su Hwan Kim, Seong Pyo Kim, Jae‐In Song, Zio Kim, Jin Youp Kim, Hyung‐Jin Yoon
Allergy.2023; 78(11): 3007. CrossRef
Defining the Relationship between Daily Exposure to Particulate Matter and Hospital Visits by Psoriasis Patients
Eun Hye Lee, Daesick Ryu, Nam-Soo Hong, Jun Young Kim, Kyung Duck Park, Weon Ju Lee, Seok-Jong Lee, Sang-Hyun Kim, Younghae Do, Yong Hyun Jang
Annals of Dermatology.2022; 34(1): 40. CrossRef
Review of Ground-Level Ozone Impact in Respiratory Health Deterioration for the Past Two Decades
Angelo Roldão Soares, Carla Silva
Atmosphere.2022; 13(3): 434. CrossRef
Role of ambient air pollution in asthma spread among various population groups of Lahore City: a case study
Rabia Aslam, Faiza Sharif, Mujtaba Baqar, Abdul-Sattar Nizami, Uzma Ashraf
Environmental Science and Pollution Research.2022; 30(4): 8682. CrossRef
Associations between Daily Ambient Air Pollution and Pulmonary Function, Asthma Symptom Occurrence, and Quick-Relief Inhaler Use among Asthma Patients
Monika Ścibor, Bartosz Balcerzak, Andrzej Galbarczyk, Grazyna Jasienska
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2022; 19(8): 4852. CrossRef
Spatial autocorrelation may bias the risk estimation: An application of eigenvector spatial filtering on the risk of air pollutant on asthma
Yujin Park, Su Hwan Kim, Seong Pyo Kim, Jiwon Ryu, Jinyeong Yi, Jin Youp Kim, Hyung-Jin Yoon
Science of The Total Environment.2022; 843: 157053. CrossRef
Associations between ambient air pollution and medical care visits for atopic dermatitis
Jin-Ok Baek, Jaelim Cho, Joo-Young Roh
Environmental Research.2021; 195: 110153. CrossRef
Effects of ambient air pollution on childhood asthma exacerbation in the Philadelphia metropolitan Region, 2011–2014
Wanyu Huang, Leah H. Schinasi, Chén C. Kenyon, Kari Moore, Steven Melly, Rebecca A. Hubbard, Yuzhe Zhao, Ana V. Diez Roux, Christopher B. Forrest, Mitchell Maltenfort, Anneclaire J. De Roos
Environmental Research.2021; 197: 110955. CrossRef
Glutathione S-transferases and their implications in the lung diseases asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Early life susceptibility?
Cheryl van de Wetering, Evan Elko, Marijn Berg, Caspar H.J. Schiffers, Vasili Stylianidis, Maarten van den Berge, Martijn C. Nawijn, Emiel F.M. Wouters, Yvonne M.W. Janssen-Heininger, Niki L. Reynaert
Redox Biology.2021; 43: 101995. CrossRef
Effects of Particulate Matter on Healthy Skin: A Comparative Study between High- and Low-Particulate Matter Periods
Se Jin Oh, Dokyoung Yoon, Ji-Hye Park, Jong Hee Lee
Annals of Dermatology.2021; 33(3): 263. CrossRef
Association with Ambient Air Pollutants and School Absence Due to Sickness in Schoolchildren: A Case-Crossover Study in a Provincial Town of Japan
Masanari Watanabe, Hisashi Noma, Jun Kurai, Kazuhiro Kato, Hiroyuki Sano
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2021; 18(12): 6631. CrossRef
A traditional herbal formula, Deng-Shi-Qing-Mai-Tang, regulates TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway to reduce inflammatory response in PM2.5-induced lung injury
You Zhou, Jianbo Liu, Cheng Jiang, Jiaming Chen, Xilian Feng, Weiyan Chen, Jiechun Zhang, Hongzhen Dong, Wei Zhang
Phytomedicine.2021; 91: 153665. CrossRef
Long-term exposure to air pollution and the risk of non-lung cancer: a meta-analysis of observational studies
H-B Kim, J-Y Shim, B Park, Y-J Lee
Perspectives in Public Health.2020; 140(4): 222. CrossRef
Predicting Asthma Attacks: Effects of Indoor PM Concentrations on Peak Expiratory Flow Rates of Asthmatic Children
Dohyeong Kim, Sunghwan Cho, Lakshman Tamil, Dae Jin Song, Sungchul Seo
IEEE Access.2020; 8: 8791. CrossRef
Acute associations between PM2.5 and ozone concentrations and asthma exacerbations among patients with and without allergic comorbidities
Natalie A. Rosenquist, William J. Metcalf, So Young Ryu, Aida Rutledge, Max J. Coppes, Joe J. Grzymski, Matthew J. Strickland, Lyndsey A. Darrow
Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology.2020; 30(5): 795. CrossRef
The short-term effects of air pollution on respiratory disease hospitalizations in 5 cities in Poland: comparison of time-series and case-crossover analyses
Alessandro Slama, Andrzej Śliwczyński, Jolanta Woźnica-Pyzikiewicz, Maciej Zdrolik, Bartłomiej Wiśnicki, Jakub Kubajek, Olga Turżańska-Wieczorek, Marcin Studnicki, Waldemar Wierzba, Edward Franek
Environmental Science and Pollution Research.2020; 27(19): 24582. CrossRef
Association between air pollutants and outpatient and emergency hospital visits for childhood asthma in Shenyang city of China
Qing Chang, Shu Liu, Zongjiao Chen, Biao Zu, Hehua Zhang
International Journal of Biometeorology.2020; 64(9): 1539. CrossRef
Effect of particulate matter exposure on patients with COPD and risk reduction through behavioural interventions: the protocol of a prospective panel study
Shinhee Park, Seung Won Ra, Sung Yoon Kang, Hwan-Cheol Kim, Sei Won Lee
BMJ Open.2020; 10(11): e039394. CrossRef
The Respiratory Risks of Ambient/Outdoor Air Pollution
Gary Adamkiewicz, Jahred Liddie, Jonathan M. Gaffin
Clinics in Chest Medicine.2020; 41(4): 809. CrossRef
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTANTS AND PREVALENCE OF ASTHMA AMONG CHILDREN: A REVIEW
N. M. Agarkov, A. V. Poshibailova, V. A. Ivanov
Ekologiya cheloveka (Human Ecology).2020; 27(5): 45. CrossRef
The Effects of Air Pollutants on the Prevalence of Common Ear, Nose, and Throat Diseases in South Korea: A National Population-Based Study
Mina Park, Ji Sung Lee, Moo Kyun Park
Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology.2019; 12(3): 294. CrossRef
Air Pollutants and Frailty in Older Adults: A Geriatrician’s Perspective
Heayon Lee, Eunju Lee, Il-Young Jang
Annals of Geriatric Medicine and Research.2019; 23(4): 212. CrossRef
Assessing the impact of air pollution on childhood asthma morbidity: how, when, and what to do
Allison J. Burbank, David B. Peden
Current Opinion in Allergy & Clinical Immunology.2018; 18(2): 124. CrossRef
The relationship between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and schizophrenia severity
Rika Eguchi, Daisuke Onozuka, Kouji Ikeda, Kenji Kuroda, Ichiro Ieiri, Akihito Hagihara
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health.2018; 91(5): 613. CrossRef
Metal(loid) bioaccessibility and inhalation risk assessment: A comparison between an urban and an industrial area
A. Hernández-Pellón, W. Nischkauer, A. Limbeck, I. Fernández-Olmo
Environmental Research.2018; 165: 140. CrossRef
Air pollution influences the incidence of otitis media in children: A national population-based study
Mina Park, Jiyeon Han, Myoung-jin Jang, Myung-Whan Suh, Jun Ho Lee, Seung Ha Oh, Moo Kyun Park, Alexander Larcombe
PLOS ONE.2018; 13(6): e0199296. CrossRef
Impact of Air Pollutants on Outpatient Visits for Acute Respiratory Outcomes
Ran Li, Ning Jiang, Qichen Liu, Jing Huang, Xinbiao Guo, Fan Liu, Zhancheng Gao
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2017; 14(1): 47. CrossRef
Relationship between emergency care utilization, ambient temperature, and the pollution standard index in Taiwan
Ching-hui Tseng, Li-Chin Lu, Shao-Hwan Lan, Yen-Ping Hsieh, Shou-Jen Lan
International Journal of Environmental Health Research.2017; 27(5): 344. CrossRef
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Human Skin Diseases Due to Particulate Matter
Le Ngoc, Duckshin Park, Yongil Lee, Young-Chul Lee
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2017; 14(12): 1458. CrossRef

Physical Activity- and Alcohol-dependent Association Between Air Pollution Exposure and Elevated Liver Enzyme Levels: An Elderly Panel Study: Kyoung-Nam Kim, Hyemi Lee, Jin Hee Kim, Kweon Jung, Youn-Hee Lim, Yun-Chul Hong; J Prev Med Public Health. 2015;48(3):151-169. Published online May 15, 2015; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.15.014

13,384 View
141 Download
55 Crossref

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Objectives
The deleterious effects of air pollution on various health outcomes have been demonstrated. However, few studies have examined the effects of air pollution on liver enzyme levels.
Methods
Blood samples were drawn up to three times between 2008 and 2010 from 545 elderly individuals who regularly visited a community welfare center in Seoul, Korea. Data regarding ambient air pollutants (particulate matter ≤2.5 μm [PM_2.5], nitrogen dioxide [NO₂], ozone [O₃], carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide) from monitoring stations were used to estimate air pollution exposure. The effects of the air pollutants on the concentrations of three liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], and γ-glutamyltranspeptidase [γ-GTP)]) were evaluated using generalized additive and linear mixed models.
Results
Interquartile range increases in the concentrations of the pollutants showed significant associations of PM_2.5 with AST (3.0% increase, p=0.0052), ALT (3.2% increase, p=0.0313), and γ-GTP (5.0% increase, p=0.0051) levels; NO₂ with AST (3.5% increase, p=0.0060) and ALT (3.8% increase, p=0.0179) levels; and O₃ with γ-GTP (5.3% increase, p=0.0324) levels. Significant modification of these effects by exercise and alcohol consumption was found (p for interaction <0.05). The effects of air pollutants were greater in non-exercisers and heavy drinkers.
Conclusions
Short-term exposure to air pollutants such as PM_2.5, NO₂, and O₃ is associated with increased liver enzyme levels in the elderly. These adverse effects can be reduced by exercising regularly and abstinence from alcohol.

Summary

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Association of nitrogen dioxide with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Chinese rural older adults: The mediating role of fasting plasma glucose
Yuantao Zhang, Xianglong Liu, Yunkai Hu, Xuqiu Cheng, Wenyuan Liu, Ziwei Tian, Yan Zhang, Guimei Chen, Bing Hu, Changliu Liang, Chunmei Liang, Fangbiao Tao, Linsheng Yang
Environmental Research.2026; 290: 123518. CrossRef
Influence of Exercise on Oxygen Consumption, Pulmonary Ventilation, and Blood Gas Analyses in Individuals with Chronic Diseases
Mallikarjuna Korivi, Mohan Krishna Ghanta, Poojith Nuthalapati, Nagabhishek Sirpu Natesh, Jingwei Tang, LVKS Bhaskar
Life.2025; 15(8): 1255. CrossRef
A meta-analysis and systematic review on the association between air pollution and chronic liver diseases
Sibo Gao, Li Tian, Yao Zeng, Huili Wang, Yang Yu
Nanotoxicology.2025; 19(6): 589. CrossRef
Health Implications of Industrial Pollution: A Study of Physiological Parameters and Oxidative Markers in Workers in Erbil City
Rayan Sardar Sulaiman, Edrees Mohammad Ameen
Journal of Applied Toxicology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
The Impact of Urban Regeneration, Air Pollution, Green Space, and Paved Roads on Problematic Alcohol Use: A Population-Based Study Across 43 Cities in China
Weifang Zhang, Sihui Peng, Joan L. Bottorff, Tingzhong Yang
Substance Use & Misuse.2025; : 1. CrossRef
Exposure to PM_2.5 Metal Constituents and Liver Cancer Risk in REVEAL-HBV
Tzu-Yi Lu, Chih-Da Wu, Yen-Tsung Huang, Yu-Cheng Chen, Chien-Jen Chen, Hwai-I Yang, Wen-Chi Pan
Journal of Epidemiology.2024; 34(2): 87. CrossRef
Challenges of developing a green gastroenterology evidence base and how trainee research networks can fill the gaps
Oliver Tavabie, Jennifer Clough, Jonathan King, Victoria Nicholas, Aditi Kumar
Frontline Gastroenterology.2024; 15(e1): e37. CrossRef
Chronic exposure to ambient air pollution and the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A cross-sectional study in Taiwan and Hong Kong
Yacong Bo, Changqing Lin, Cui Guo, Martin Wong, Bo Huang, Alexis Lau, Yu Huang, Xiang Qian Lao
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety.2024; 275: 116245. CrossRef
Relationship of long-term exposure to air pollutant mixture with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease and subtypes: A retrospective cohort study of the employed population of Southwest China
Chuanteng Feng, Bo Yang, Zihang Wang, Jiayi Zhang, Yao Fu, Bin Yu, Shu Dong, Hua Ma, Hongyun Liu, Honglian Zeng, Jan D. Reinhardt, Shujuan Yang
Environment International.2024; 188: 108734. CrossRef
Exposure to PM2.5 and its constituents is associated with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease: a cohort study in Northwest of China
Yamin Zhao, Yindi Peng, Minzhen Wang, Yanan Zhao, Yingqian He, Lulu Zhang, Jing Liu, Shan Zheng
Environmental Geochemistry and Health.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Exploring the Interplay Between Climate Change, 24-Hour Movement Behavior, and Health: A Systematic Review
Eun-Young Lee, Seiyeong Park, Yeong-Bae Kim, Mikyung Lee, Heejun Lim, Amanda Ross-White, Ian Janssen, John C. Spence, Mark S. Tremblay
Journal of Physical Activity and Health.2024; 21(12): 1227. CrossRef
Air pollutants and primary liver cancer mortality: a cohort study in crop-burning activities and forest fires area
Natthapat Thongsak, Taned Chitapanarux, Anon Chotirosniramit, Somvilai Chakrabandhu, Patrinee Traisathit, Nawapon Nakharutai, Pimwarat Srikummoon, Salinee Thumronglaohapun, Titaporn Supasri, Phonpat Hemwan, Imjai Chitapanarux
Frontiers in Public Health.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Associations among urinary 1-hydroxypyrene level, oxidative stress, and high blood pressure: A panel study among elderly Koreans
Jin Hee Kim, Yun-Chul Hong
Chemosphere.2024; 368: 143693. CrossRef
Effect of exposure to traffic-related air pollution on liver function during the compensation period for cirrhosis: a 4-year follow-up cohort study
Qian Hu, Lili Zhao, Zeyuan Wang, Ping Han, Jing Ding, Ting Wang, Jia Li, Hongjun Mao
Journal of Environmental Exposure Assessment.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Exposure to air pollution and non-neoplastic digestive system diseases: findings from the China health and retirement longitudinal study
Yanqi Kou, Shenshen Du, Weiwei Du, Weixiang Ye, Yuping Yang, Ling Qin
Frontiers in Public Health.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Does ambient air pollution influence biochemical markers of liver injury? Findings of a cross-sectional population-based survey
Robert Dales, Kimberly Mitchell, Anna Lukina, Jeffrey Brook, Subramanian Karthikeyan, Sabit Cakmak
Chemosphere.2023; 340: 139859. CrossRef
The evaluation of liver dysfunction and oxidative stress due to urban environmental pollution in Mexican population related to Madin Dam, State of Mexico: a pilot study
Karina Ruiz-Lara, Sandra García-Medina, Marcela Galar-Martínez, Israel Parra-Ortega, Israel Morales-Balcázar, Nancy Aline Hernández-Rosas, Sergio Esteban Moreno-Vázquez, Misael Hernández-Díaz, Selene Cano-Viveros, Eduardo Osel Olvera-Roldán, Leobardo Manu
Environmental Science and Pollution Research.2023; 30(3): 6950. CrossRef
Long‐term exposure to air pollution and incident non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and cirrhosis: A cohort study
Fu‐Rong Li, Jian Liao, Bin Zhu, Xia Li, Zhiyuan Cheng, Cheng Jin, Chunbao Mo, Xianbo Wu, Qian Li, Fengchao Liang
Liver International.2023; 43(2): 299. CrossRef
Ambient NO2 exposure affects hepatic glycolipid metabolism in mice with a sex-dependent property
Yuqiong Guo, Shaoyang Ji, Dan Li, Nan Sang
Journal of Hazardous Materials.2023; 441: 129957. CrossRef
Associations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, water-soluble ions and metals in PM2.5 with liver function: Evidence from schizophrenia cohort
Weizhuo Yi, Jun Cheng, Jian Song, Rubing Pan, Yunfeng Liang, Xiaoni Sun, Yuxuan Li, Yudong Wu, Shuangshuang Yan, Xiaoyu Jin, Lu Mei, Jian Cheng, Xulai Zhang, Hong Su
Science of The Total Environment.2023; 868: 161624. CrossRef
Long-term associations of air pollution exposure with liver enzymes among adult employees of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand: A longitudinal cohort study
Kanawat Paoin, Chanathip Pharino, Prin Vathesatogkit, Suhaimee Buya, Krittika Saranburut, Arthit Phosri, Kayo Ueda, Xerxes Tesoro Seposo, Thammasin Ingviya, Taya Kitiyakara, Nisakron Thongmung, Piyamitr Sritara
Atmospheric Environment.2023; 299: 119648. CrossRef
Effects of Air Pollution on the Health of Older Adults during Physical Activities: Mapping Review
Alexandro Andrade, Anderson D’Oliveira, Loiane Cristina De Souza, Ana Cecilia Rosatelli de Freitas Bastos, Fábio Hech Dominski, Luca Stabile, Giorgio Buonanno
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2023; 20(4): 3506. CrossRef
Effect of Fine Particulate Matter Exposure on Liver Enzymes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Ling Pan, Jing Sui, Ying Xu, Qun Zhao, Yinyin Cai, Guiju Sun, Hui Xia
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2023; 20(4): 2803. CrossRef
Evaluation of Air Pollution Standard Index for NO2Parameter in Jakarta and Bogor
A S Yuwono, A V A Pinem, Supandi, K Nisa, C Arif
IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science.2023; 1134(1): 012023. CrossRef
Risk of death from liver cancer in relation to long-term exposure to fine particulate air pollution in Taiwan
Shang-Shyue Tsai, Chun-Ta Hsu, ChunYuh Yang
Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A.2023; 86(5): 135. CrossRef
Exposure to ambient air pollution and elevated blood levels of gamma-glutamyl transferase in a large Austrian cohort
Jan Wirsching, Gabriele Nagel, Ming-Yi Tsai, Kees de Hoogh, Andrea Jaensch, Bernhard Anwander, Ranjeet S. Sokhi, Hanno Ulmer, Emanuel Zitt, Hans Concin, Bert Brunekreef, Gerard Hoek, Gudrun Weinmayr
Science of The Total Environment.2023; 883: 163658. CrossRef
Synergistic association of long-term ozone exposure and solid fuel use with biomarkers of advanced fibrosis
Xiaoyu Hou, Zhenxing Mao, Xiaoqin Song, Ruiying Li, Wei Liao, Ning Kang, Caiyun Zhang, Xiaotian Liu, Ruoling Chen, Wenqian Huo, Chongjian Wang, Jian Hou
Environmental Science and Pollution Research.2023; 30(36): 85318. CrossRef
Impact of air pollution on the health of the older adults during physical activity and sedentary behavior: A systematic review
Anderson D'Oliveira, Fábio Hech Dominski, Loiane Cristina De Souza, Joaquim Henrique Lorenzetti Branco, Darlan Lauricio Matte, Whyllerton Mayron da Cruz, Alexandro Andrade
Environmental Research.2023; 234: 116519. CrossRef
Air pollution, alcohol consumption, and the risk of elevated liver enzyme levels: a cross-sectional study in the UK Biobank
Run Liu, Dankang Li, Junqing Xie, Lulin Wang, Yonghua Hu, Yaohua Tian
Environmental Science and Pollution Research.2023; 30(37): 87527. CrossRef
PM2.5 exposure aggravates acute liver injury by creating an inflammatory microenvironment through Kupffer cell
Hongyan Pei, Zhongmei He, Rui Du, Yu Zhu, Yi Yang
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety.2023; 263: 115264. CrossRef
PM2.5 induced liver lipid metabolic disorders in C57BL/6J mice
Chenxiao Zhang, Tengfei Ma, Chang Liu, Ding Ma, Jian Wang, Meng Liu, Jinjun Ran, Xueting Wang, Xiaobei Deng
Frontiers in Endocrinology.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
Short-Term Exposure to PM2.5 and O3 Impairs Liver Function in HIV/AIDS Patients: Evidence from a Repeated Measurements Study
Hongfei Ma, Qian Zhang, Wei Liang, Aojing Han, Nianhua Xie, Hao Xiang, Xia Wang
Toxics.2023; 11(9): 729. CrossRef
Long-term exposure to air pollution and the blood lipid levels of healthy young men
Kyoung-Nam Kim, Beomman Ha, Woong Seog, Il-Ung Hwang
Environment International.2022; 161: 107119. CrossRef
Green space exposure during pregnancy and umbilical cord blood levels of liver enzymes
Saide Mehrabadi, Mohammad Miri, Moslem Lari Najafi, Mina Ghalenovi, Abolfazl Adli, Nasim Sadat Pajohanfar, Albert Ambrós, Afishin Dovlatabadi, Elahe Hasannejad Estiri, Mina Abroudi, Lucia Alonso, Malihe Sadat Bazghandi, Payam Dadvand
Environmental Science and Pollution Research.2022; 29(45): 68432. CrossRef
Modification Effect of PARP4 and ERCC1 Gene Polymorphisms on the Relationship between Particulate Matter Exposure and Fasting Glucose Level
Jin Hee Kim, Seungho Lee, Yun-Chul Hong
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2022; 19(10): 6241. CrossRef
Long-term exposure to ambient air pollution and serum liver enzymes in older adults: A population-based longitudinal study
Yingxin Li, Xueli Yuan, Jing Wei, Yuanying Sun, Wenqing Ni, Hongmin Zhang, Yan Zhang, Rui Wang, Ruijun Xu, Tingting Liu, Chunyu Yang, Gongbo Chen, Jian Xu, Yuewei Liu
Annals of Epidemiology.2022; 74: 1. CrossRef
Role of Liver Enzymes in the Relationship Between Particulate Matter Exposure and Diabetes Risk: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
Xing Wang, Bing Guo, Xianxian Yang, Jingzhong Li, Yangji Baima, Jianzhong Yin, Jianhong Yu, Huan Xu, Chunmei Zeng, Shiyu Feng, Jing Wei, Feng Hong, Xing Zhao
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.2022; 107(10): e4086. CrossRef
Exposure to Air Pollution and Survival in Follow-Up after Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Wei-Shan Chin, Shin-Chun Pan, Ching-Chun Huang, Pei-Jer Chen, Yue Leon Guo
Liver Cancer.2022; 11(5): 474. CrossRef
Exposure to ambient air pollution and indicators of maternal liver function during pregnancy: Findings from a birth cohort study in Foshan City, Southern China
Yin Yang, Qingmei Lin, Ying Liang, Liming Ma, Shiyu Zhang, Zhihan Lai, Zhengmin (Min) Qian, Stephen Edward McMillin, Steven W. Howard, Xueli Wu, Weidong Luo, Zilong Zhang, Xiaoling Guo, Hualiang Lin
Atmospheric Environment.2022; 291: 119408. CrossRef
Ambient No2 Exposure Alters Glucose Metabolism and Nafld Susceptibility in Female Mice
Yuqiong Guo, Shaoyang Ji, Dan Li, Nan Sang
SSRN Electronic Journal .2022;[Epub] CrossRef
Air Pollution, Alcohol Consumption, and the Risk of Elevated Liver Enzyme Levels: A Cross-Sectional Study in the UK Biobank
Run Liu, Dankang Li, Junqing Xie, Lulin Wang, Yonghua Hu, Yaohua Tian
SSRN Electronic Journal .2022;[Epub] CrossRef
Effects of long-term exposure to air pollution on all-cause mortality and cause-specific mortality in seven major cities of South Korea: Korean national health and nutritional examination surveys with mortality follow-up
Honghyok Kim, Garam Byun, Yongsoo Choi, Sera Kim, Soo-Yeon Kim, Jong-Tae Lee
Environmental Research.2021; 192: 110290. CrossRef
Short-term effects of air pollution on liver function among urban adults in China
Weihong Qiu, Yun Zhou, Heng He, Bin Wang, Ge Mu, Min Zhou, Jixuan Ma, Zhuang Zhang, Limin Cao, Lili Xiao, Jing Yuan, Weihong Chen
Atmospheric Environment.2021; 245: 118011. CrossRef
Multi-dimensional community characteristics in linking particulate matter pollution and cause-specific mortality: 72 communities of South Korea
Honghyok Kim, Michelle L. Bell, Jong-Tae Lee
Environmental Research.2021; 196: 110989. CrossRef
Prenatal and childhood exposure to air pollution and traffic and the risk of liver injury in European children
Erika Garcia, Nikos Stratakis, Damaskini Valvi, Léa Maitre, Nerea Varo, Gunn Marit Aasvang, Sandra Andrusaityte, Xavier Basagana, Maribel Casas, Montserrat de Castro, Serena Fossati, Regina Grazuleviciene, Barbara Heude, Gerard Hoek, Norun Hjertager Krog,
Environmental Epidemiology.2021; 5(3): e153. CrossRef
Long‐term exposure to air pollution and liver cancer incidence in six European cohorts
Rina So, Jie Chen, Amar J. Mehta, Shuo Liu, Maciej Strak, Kathrin Wolf, Ulla A. Hvidtfeldt, Sophia Rodopoulou, Massimo Stafoggia, Jochem O. Klompmaker, Evangelia Samoli, Ole Raaschou‐Nielsen, Richard Atkinson, Mariska Bauwelinck, Tom Bellander, Marie‐Chri
International Journal of Cancer.2021; 149(11): 1887. CrossRef
PM2.5 exposure induces age-dependent hepatic lipid metabolism disorder in female mice
Ruifeng Yan, Tingting Ku, Huifeng Yue, Guangke Li, Nan Sang
Journal of Environmental Sciences.2020; 89: 227. CrossRef
Associations between perceived environmental pollution and health-related quality of life in a Chinese adult population
Bingxue Han
Health and Quality of Life Outcomes.2020;[Epub] CrossRef
Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy and newborn liver function
Akbar Pejhan, Jila Agah, Abolfazl Adli, Saide Mehrabadi, Ramin Raoufinia, Adel Mokamel, Mina Abroudi, Mina Ghalenovi, Zahra Sadeghi, Zahra Bolghanabadi, Malihe Sadat Bazghandi, Masoud Hamidnia, Fatemeh Salimi, Nasim Sadat Pajohanfar, Payam Dadvand, Abolfa
Chemosphere.2019; 226: 447. CrossRef
Association of Ambient Air Pollution with Increased Liver Enzymes in Korean Adults
Hyun-Jin Kim, Jin-young Min, Yong-Seok Seo, Kyoung-bok Min
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2019; 16(7): 1213. CrossRef
Long-term exposure to ambient fine particulate matter and liver enzymes in adults: a cross-sectional study in Taiwan
Zilong Zhang, Cui Guo, Ly-yun Chang, Yacong Bo, Changqing Lin, Tony Tam, Gerard Hoek, Martin CS Wong, Ta-Chien Chan, Alexis KH Lau, Xiang Qian Lao
Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2019; 76(7): 488. CrossRef
Traffic‐related air pollution associations with cytokeratin‐18, a marker of hepatocellular apoptosis, in an overweight and obese paediatric population
S. Hsieh, B. P. Leaderer, A. E. Feldstein, N. Santoro, L. A. McKay, S. Caprio, R. McConnell
Pediatric Obesity.2018; 13(6): 342. CrossRef
Effects of sub-chronic exposure to atmospheric PM2.5on fibrosis, inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis in the livers of rats
Ruijin Li, Mei Zhang, Ying Wang, Ken Kin Lam Yung, Ruijun Su, Zhuoyu Li, Liping Zhao, Chuan Dong, Zongwei Cai
Toxicology Research.2018; 7(2): 271. CrossRef
Ambient air pollution and primary liver cancer incidence in four European cohorts within the ESCAPE project
Marie Pedersen, Zorana J. Andersen, Massimo Stafoggia, Gudrun Weinmayr, Claudia Galassi, Mette Sørensen, Kirsten T. Eriksen, Anne Tjønneland, Steffen Loft, Andrea Jaensch, Gabriele Nagel, Hans Concin, Ming-Yi Tsai, Sara Grioni, Alessandro Marcon, Vittorio
Environmental Research.2017; 154: 226. CrossRef
Residential Proximity to Major Roadways, Fine Particulate Matter, and Hepatic Steatosis
Wenyuan Li, Kirsten S. Dorans, Elissa H. Wilker, Mary B. Rice, Michelle T. Long, Joel Schwartz, Brent A. Coull, Petros Koutrakis, Diane R. Gold, Caroline S. Fox, Murray A. Mittleman
American Journal of Epidemiology.2017; 186(7): 857. CrossRef

Prenatal Exposure to PM10 and Preterm Birth between 1998 and 2000 in Seoul, Korea.: Eun Hee Ha, Bo Eun Lee, Hye Sook Park, Yun Sang Kim, Ho Kim, Young Ju Kim, Yun Chul Hong, Eun Ae Park; J Prev Med Public Health. 2004;37(4):300-305. Published online November 30, 2004

2,998 View
128 Download

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
The exposure to particulate air pollution during the pregnancy has reported to result in adverse pregnancy outcome such as low birth weight, preterm birth, still birth, and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). We aim to assess whether prenatal exposure of particulate matter less than 10 (m in diameter (PM10) is associated with preterm birth in Seoul, South Korea. METHODS: We included 382, 100 women who delivered a singleton at 25-42 weeks of gestation between 1998 and 2000. We calculated the average PM10 exposures for each trimester period and month of pregnancy, from the first to the ninth months, based on the birth date and gestational age. We used three different models to evaluate the effect of air pollution on preterm birth; the logistic regression model, the generalized additive logistic regression model, and the proportional hazard model. RESULTS: The monthly analysis using logistic regression model suggested that the risks of preterm birth increase with PM10 exposure between the sixth and ninth months of pregnancy and the highest risk was observed in the seventh month (adjusted odds ratio=1.07, 95% CI=1.01- 1.14). We also found the similar results using generalized additive model. In the proportional hazard model, the adjusted odds ratio for preterm births due to PM10 exposure of third trimester was 1.04 (95% CI=0.96-1.13) and PM10 exposure between the seventh month and ninth months of pregnancy was associated with the preterm births. CONCLUSIONS: We found that there were consistent results when we applied the three different models. These findings suggest that air pollution exposure during the third trimester pregnancy has an adverse effect on preterm birth in South Korea.; Summary

Review

Air Pollution Exposure and Health Effects in Fetus.: Bo Eun Lee, Hye sook Park, Young Ju Kim, Eun Ae Park, Yun Chul Hong, Eun Hee Ha; J Prev Med Public Health. 2004;37(4):291-299. Published online November 30, 2004

3,173 View
98 Download

Abstract PDF: As there have been growing concerns about the adverse effects of air pollution on birth outcome, studies for this area has been carried out in different populations and sites. We reviewed the epidemiologic studies that evaluated the effects of air pollution on birth outcome such as low birth weight and preterm births. We identified the air pollution exposure during pregnancy was related with low birth weight and preterm birth, although there are differences among studies for the critical period of vulnerability. The biological mechanisms whereby air pollution might influence health of fetus are not clearly established. The exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) during pregnancy could increase fetal carboxyhemoglobin and result in tissue hypoxia. On the other hand, ambient particles less than 10 micrometer in aerodynamic diameter (PM10) could lead to inflammation and increase blood viscosity. Controlling for potential confounders and valid assessment of exposure are the methodological issues remained in these epidemiologic studies. In the future, more studies are needed to investigate the effect of air pollution on preterm birth or stillbirths, considering the various exposure period and the biological mechanism.; Summary

English Abstracts

Environmental Health Surveillance of Low Birth Weight in Seoul using Air Monitoring and Birth Data.: Ju Hee Seo, Eun Hee Ha, Ok Jin Kim, Byung Mi Kim, Hye Sook Park, Jong Han Leem, Yun Chul Hong, Young Ju Kim; J Prev Med Public Health. 2007;40(5):363-370.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.2007.40.5.363

5,708 View
53 Download
6 Crossref

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
The principal objective of this study was to determine the relationship between maternal exposure to air pollution and low birth weight and to propose a possible environmental health surveillance system for low birth weight. METHODS: We acquired air monitoring data for Seoul from the Ministry of Environment, the meteorological data from the Korean Meteorological Administration, the exposure assessments from the National Institute of Environmental Research, and the birth data from the Korean National Statistical Office between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2003. The final birth data were limited to singletons within 37~44 weeks of gestational age. We defined the Low Birth Weight (LBW) group as infants with birth weights of less than 2500g and calculated the annual LBW rate by district. The air monitoring data were measured for CO, SO2, NO2, and PM10 concentrations at 27 monitoring stations in Seoul. We utilized two models to evaluate the effects of air pollution on low birth weight: the first was the relationship between the annual concentration of air pollution and low birth weight (LBW) by individual and district, and the second involved a GIS exposure model constructed by Arc View 3.1. RESULTS: LBW risk (by Gu, or district) was significantly increased to 1.113(95% CI=1.111~1.116) for CO, 1.004 (95% CI=1.003~1.005) for NO2, 1.202(95% CI=1.199~ 1.206) for SO2, and 1.077(95% CI=1.075~1.078) for PM10 with each interquartile range change. Personal LBW risk was significantly increased to 1.081(95% CI=1.002~1.166) for CO, 1.145(95% CI=1.036~1.267) for SO2, and 1.053(95% CI=1.002~1.108) for PM10 with each interquartile range change. Personal LBW risk was increased to 1.003(95% CI=0.954~1.055) for NO2, but this was not statistically significant. The air pollution concentrations predicted by GIS positively correlated with the numbers of low birth weights, particularly in highly polluted regions. CONCLUSIONS: Environmental health surveillance is a systemic, ongoing collection effort including the analysis of data correlated with environmentally-associated diseases and exposures. In addition, environmental health surveillance allows for a timely dissemination of information to those who require that information in order to take effective action. GIS modeling is crucially important for this purpose, and thus we attempted to develop a GIS-based environmental surveillance system for low birth weight.

Summary

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Spatiotemporal association of low birth weight with Cs-137 deposition at the prefecture level in Japan after the Fukushima nuclear power plant accidents: an analytical-ecologic epidemiological study
Hagen Scherb, Keiji Hayashi
Environmental Health.2020;[Epub] CrossRef
Current State of Research on the Risk of Morbidity and Mortality Associated with Air Pollution in Korea
Sanghyuk Bae, Ho-jang Kwon
Yonsei Medical Journal.2019; 60(3): 243. CrossRef
The Effect of Nitric Oxide Pollution on Oxidative Stress in Pregnant Women Living in Durban, South Africa
Samantha M. Anderson, Rajen N. Naidoo, Prithiksha Ramkaran, Alisa Phulukdaree, Sheena Muttoo, Kareshma Asharam, Anil A. Chuturgoon
Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology.2018; 74(2): 228. CrossRef
HIV induced nitric oxide and lipid peroxidation, influences neonatal birthweight in a South African population
Samantha M. Anderson, Rajen N. Naidoo, Yashodani Pillay, Charlette Tiloke, Sheena Muttoo, Kareshma Asharam, Anil A. Chuturgoon
Environment International.2018; 121: 1. CrossRef
Outdoor Air Pollution, Preterm Birth, and Low Birth Weight: Analysis of the World Health Organization Global Survey on Maternal and Perinatal Health
Nancy L. Fleischer, Mario Merialdi, Aaron van Donkelaar, Felipe Vadillo-Ortega, Randall V. Martin, Ana Pilar Betran, João Paulo Souza
Environmental Health Perspectives.2014; 122(4): 425. CrossRef
Burden of Disease Due to Outdoor Air Pollution in Korea: Based on PM10
Hyun-Jin Kim, Seok-Jun Yoon, Hyeong-Su Kim, Kun-Sei Lee, Eun-Jung Kim, Min-Woo Jo, In-Hwan Oh
Korean Journal of Environmental Health Sciences.2011; 37(5): 387. CrossRef

Spatial Analysis of Air Pollution and Lung Cancer Incidence and Mortality in 7 Metropolitan Cities in Korea. .: Seung Sik Hwang, Jin Hee Lee, Gyu Won Jung, Jeong Hun Lim, Ho Jang Kwon; J Prev Med Public Health. 2007;40(3):233-238.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.2007.40.3.233

6,881 View
150 Download
9 Crossref

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
We aimed to assess the relationship between long-term exposure to air pollution and lung cancer in the Republic of Korea. METHODS: Using the Annual Report of Ambient Air Quality in Korea, Annual Report of National Cancer Registration, and Annual Report on the Cause of Death Statistics, we calculated the standardized mortality ratio (SMR) and standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of lung cancer for both sexes in 74 areas from 7 Korean metropolitan cities. We performed random intercept, Poisson regression using empirical Bayes method. RESULTS: Both SMRs and SIRs in the 7 metropolitan cities were higher in women than in men. Mean SIRs were 99.0 for males and 107.0 for females. The association between PM(10) and lung cancer risk differed according to gender. PM(10) was not associated with the risk of lung cancer in males, but both incidence and mortality of lung cancer were positively associated with PM(10) in females. The estimated percentage increases in the rate of female lung cancer mortality and incidence were 27% and 65% at the highest PM(10) category (> or = 70 microgram/m(3)), compared to the referent category (<50 microgram/m(3)). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term exposure to PM(10) was significantly associated with female lung cancer incidence in 7 Korean metropolitan cities. Further study is undergoing to estimate the relative risk of PM(10) using multi-level analysis for controlling individual and regional confounders such as smoking and socioeconomic position.

Summary

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Lung Cancer in Women: The Past, Present, and Future
Narjust Florez, Lauren Kiel, Ivy Riano, Shruti Patel, Kathryn DeCarli, Natasha Dhawan, Ivy Franco, Ashley Odai-Afotey, Kelly Meza, Nishwant Swami, Jyoti Patel, Lecia V. Sequist
Clinical Lung Cancer.2024; 25(1): 1. CrossRef
Experimental investigation for the decisive role of vehicles in the air pollution of arak city in Iran and presenting the related solutions to reduce the air pollution
Seyyed Alireza MOSTAFAVI, Hamed SAFIKHANI, Hasan KÖTEN, Yasin KARAGOZ
Journal of Thermal Engineering.2023; 9(5): 1208. CrossRef
Review of Epidemiological Research and Perspectives for Future Environmental Health Progress in Korea
Kyoung-Mu Lee, Moon-Young Park
Journal of Environmental Health Sciences.2022; 48(3): 138. CrossRef
The association between outdoor air pollution and lung cancer risk in seven eastern metropolises of China: Trends in 2006-2014 and sex differences
Wei Wang, Liu Meng, Zheyu Hu, Xia Yuan, Weisi Zeng, Kunlun Li, Hanjia Luo, Min Tang, Xiao Zhou, Xiaoqiong Tian, Chenhui Luo, Yi He, Shuo Yang
Frontiers in Oncology.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
Experimental investigation for the decisive role of vehicles in the air pollution of arak city in Iran and presenting the related solutions to reduce the air pollution
Seyyed Alireza AHMADİ, Hamed SAFIKHANI, Hasan KÖTEN, Yasin KARAGÖZ
Journal of Thermal Engineering.2021; : 1208. CrossRef
Epidemiology of Lung Cancer in Korea: Recent Trends
Ji Young Park, Seung Hun Jang
Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases.2016; 79(2): 58. CrossRef
The Difference in Clinical Presentations between Healthcare-Associated and Community-Acquired Pneumonia in University-Affiliated Hospital in Korea
Eun Ju Jeon, Sung-Gun Cho, Jong Wook Shin, Jae Yeol Kim, In Won Park, Byoung Whui Choi, Jae Chol Choi
Yonsei Medical Journal.2011; 52(2): 282. CrossRef
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) linkage with residence near heavy roads—A case study from Haifa Bay, Israel
Shlomit Paz, Shai Linn, Boris A. Portnov, Amir Lazimi, Boris Futerman, Micha Barchana
Health & Place.2009; 15(2): 636. CrossRef
Histopathologic Effects of Sulfur Dioxide in Mouse Liver Following the Chronic and Acute Exposure
F. Rajaii, A.A. Khaki, A. Khaki, F. Khorshid, N. Borhani, H. Jfraii, H. Haghdust, N. Gheibi
Journal of Biological Sciences.2008; 8(7): 1241. CrossRef

Original Articles

Associations between Air Pollution and Asthma-related Hospital Admissions in Children in Seoul, Korea: A Case-crossover Study.: Jong Tae Lee; Korean J Prev Med. 2003;36(1):47-53.

3,320 View
57 Download

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
I used a case-crossover design to investigate the association between air pollution, and hospital admissions for asthmatic children under the age of 15 years in Seoul, Korea METHODS: I estimated the changes in the levels of hospitalization risk from theinterquartile (IQR) increase in each pollutant concentrations, using conditional logistic regression analyses, with controls for weather information. RESULTS: Using bidirectional control sampling, the results from a conditional logistic regression model, with controls for weather conditions, showed the estimated relative risk of hospitalization for asthma among children to be 1.04 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01-1.08) for particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 10m (IQR=40.4ug/m3) ; 1.05 (95% CI, 1.00-1.09) for nitrogen dioxide (IQR=14.6ppb) ; 1.02 (95% CI, 0.97-1.06) for sulfur dioxide (IQR=4.4ppb) ; 1.03 (95% CI, 0.99-1.08) for ozone (IQR=21.7ppb) ; and 1.03 (95% CI, 0.99-1.08) for carbon monoxide (IQR=1.0ppm). CONCLUSIONS: This empirical analysis indicates the bidirectional control sampling methods, by design, would successfully control the confounding factors due to the long-term time trends of air pollution. These findings also support the hypothesis that air pollution, at levels below the current ambient air quality standards of Korea, is harmful to sensitive subjects, such as asthmatic children.; Summary

Quantifying the Burden of Cardiovascular Disease Attributable to Total Suspended Particulate and Sulfur Dioxide Using Years Lived with Disability.: Seok Jun Yoon, Beom Man Ha, Jong Won Kang, Ho Jang Kwon; Korean J Prev Med. 2002;35(2):92-98.

2,825 View
31 Download

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVE
To estimate the burden of cardiovascular disease attributable to the total suspended particulates (TSP) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) in Korea using the YLD (years lived with disability) measurement. METHODS: Congestive heart failure(CHF) and myocardial infarction (MI) were chosen as the main cardiovascular diseases whose causes are attributable to the TSP and SO2 levels. In order to calculate the YLD (years lived with a disability), the following parameters in the formula were estimated. : the incidence rate, the case fatality rate, The expected duration of a disability and the average age of onset were estimated. The expected duration of a disability and the average age of onset were calculated using the DISMOD method, as developed by the GBD researchers. The burden of cardiovascular disease due to TSP and SO2 was estimated using the number of years that the patient lived with a disability. RESULTS: The YLD of the CHF due to the TSP and SO2 was attributed to the TSP (94.4 person-year) and SO2 levels (35.0 person-year). The YLD of the MI due to the TSP and SO2 was attributed to the TSP (148.4 person-year) and SO2 levels(27.6 person-year). CONCLUSION: The YLD method employed in this study was appropriate for quantifying the burden of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it would provide a rational basis for planning a national health policy regarding the disease burden of the risk factors in Korea.; Summary

Summertime Heat Waves and Ozone : an Interaction on Cardiopulmonary Mortality? - Based on the 1994 Heat Wave in Korea -.: Joohon Sung, Ho Kim, Soo Hun Cho; Korean J Prev Med. 2001;34(4):316-322.

2,616 View
23 Download

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
To explore the possible effect of an interaction between summertime heat waves and ozone on cardiopulmonary mortality during the 1994 heat wave in Korea. METHODS: The unusually hot summer of 1994 in Korea was defined as the heat wave in this study. We examined the associations of air pollutants with daily cardiopulmonary deaths between 1991-1995, considering the product term of the heat wave and each pollutant, weather and time trends. RESULTS: During the heat wave, while temperatures were uniformly higher than those of other summers, the within-heat-wave difference in mortality paralleled that in the regional ozone levels. In terms of the influence of the heat wave, the results of ozone were different to those of total suspended particles (TSP) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). The ozone association (relative risk (RR) =1.036; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.018-1.054) was observed only under heat wave conditions, while the TSP (RR =1.006, 95% CI = 0.999-1.012) and the SO2 (RR =1.018, 95% CI = 1.011-1.024) associations were found under normal weather conditions (per interquartile increase of each pollutant; results of three pollutants model). The ozone association under heat wave was attributable to the statistical interaction between the heat wave and ozone. CONCLUSIONS: These results support the possibility of a biological synergy between the heat wave and ozone, one that is not evident between the heat wave and other major pollutants like particles or SO2.; Summary

Case Report

Short-term Effect of Air Pollution on Respiratory Disease in Seoul : A Case-Crossover Study.: Young Ju Lee, Jong Tae Lee, Young Su Ju, Dong Chun Shin, Hyoung June Im, Soo Hun Cho; Korean J Prev Med. 2001;34(3):253-261.

2,889 View
41 Download

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the hypothesis that air pollution could increase emergency room visits for respiratory diseases, and if so, to quantify the strength of association between those. METHODS: We compiled daily records of hospital emergency room visits for respiratory diseases in Seoul, from November 1. 1995 to October 31. 1996, by using medical utilization data of unscheduled visits. In addition, air quality and weather data for the same period was collected. And a case-crossover design was applied by adopting conditional logistic regression analysis to determine the relationship between air pollutants and emergency room visits for respiratory diseases. In particular, the control periods were chosen by a bidirectional paired matching technique 7, 14, and 21days before and after the case periods. RESULTS: Only ozone was associated with the increased number of emergency room visits for respiratory diseases. The relative risk according to a 30ppb increase of ozone concentration (24hr mean, lagged 1day) was 1.91 (95% confidence interval = 1.78-2.05). CONCLUSION: There was a statistically significant association between the ambient ozone and daily emergency room visits for respiratory diseases.; Summary

Original Articles

Epidemiologic Methods and Study Designs for Investigating Adverse Health Effects of Ambient Air Pollution.: Jong Tae Lee, Ho Kim; Korean J Prev Med. 2001;34(2):119-126.

2,788 View
35 Download

Abstract PDF: Air pollution epidemiologic studies are intrinsically difficult because the expected effect size at general environmental levels is small, exposure and misclassification of exposure are common, and exposure is not selective to a specific pollutant. In this review paper, epidemiologic study designs and analytic methods are described, and two nationwide projects on air pollution epidemiology are introduced. This paper also demonstrates that possible confounding issues in time-series analysis can be resolved and the impact on the use of data from ambient monitoring stations may not be critical. In this paper we provide a basic understanding of the types of air pollution epidemiologic study designs that be subdivided by the mode of air pollution effects on human health (acute or chronic). With the improvements in the area of air pollution epidemiologic studies, we should emphasize that elaborate models and statistical techniques cannot compensate for inadequate study design or poor data collection.; Summary

Issues in Air Pollution Epidemiologic Studies.: Eun Hee Ha, Ho Jang Kwon; Korean J Prev Med. 2001;34(2):109-118.

2,644 View
26 Download

Abstract PDF: The purpose of this review is to discuss the debate concerning the interpretation of epidemiologic studies on particles and health effects. Study of the 1952 air pollution disaster in London established that very high levels of particulate-based smog can cause dramatic increases in daily mortality. However, recent epidemiologic studies have reported statistically significant health effects and mortality due to low levels of air pollution. The statistical significance does not prove causation in observational studies; therefore it is necessary to evaluate these associations. There are arguments for and against each of the numerous studies using Hill's criteria, however the body of accepted evidence supports the causal association. In particular, a high level of consistency in the estimated effect of PM10 has been observed across studies worldwide. The mechanism of the relationship between air pollution and health effects is not obvious. The mechanism of particle-induced injury may involve the production of an inflammatory response by the particulate. The harvesting and the threshold effect are also major concerns regarding the health effects of air pollution. However, current epidemiologic findings indicate that linear models lacking a threshold are appropriate for assessing the effect of particulate air pollution on daily mortality even at current levels.; Summary

Health Effects of Ambient Particulate Pollutants.: Yun Chul Hong, Soo Hun Cho; Korean J Prev Med. 2001;34(2):103-108.

2,887 View
27 Download

Abstract PDF: Recently, numerous studies have focused on the health effects of ambient particulate pollutants. Compared to earlier studies that focused on severe air pollution episodes, recent studies are more relevant to understanding the health effects of air pollution at levels common to contemporary cities. We reviewed recent epidemiologic studies that evaluated health effects of particulate air pollution and concluded that respirable particulate air pollution is an important contributing factor to acute mortality and morbidity. We observed increased respiratory and cardiovascular deaths, increased hospital admissions and visits, and decreased lung function. We also observed increased mortality and morbidity in a Korean population. Theses health effects were observed at levels below the current Ambient Air Quality Standard for particulate air pollution.; Summary

Effect of Air Pollution on Emergency Room Visits for Asthma: a Time Series Analysis.: Young Su Ju, Soo Hun Cho; Korean J Prev Med. 2001;34(1):61-72.

3,014 View
46 Download

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the hypothesis that increasing ambient levels of ozone or particulate matter are associated with increased emergency room visits for asthma and to quantify the strength of association, if any, between these. METHODS: Daily counts of emergency room visits for asthma, air quality, and weather data were collected from hospitals with over 200 beds and from monitoring stations in Seoul, Korea from 1994 through 1997. Daily counts of emergency room visits for asthma attack were analyzed using a general additive Poisson model, with adjustment for the effects of secular trend, seasonal variation, Sunday and holiday, temperature, and humidity, according to levels of ozone and particulate matter. RESULTS: The association between daily counts of emergency room visits for asthma attack and ozone levels was statistically significant in summer(from June to August), and the RR by unit increment of 100 ppb ozone was 1.30(95% CI = 1.11-1.52) without lag time. With restriction of the period from April to September in 1996, the RR was 1.37(95% CI = 1.06-1.76), and from June to August in 1995, the RR was 1.62(95% CI = 1.12-2.35). In the data for children(5?14 yr), the RR was 2.57(95% CI = 1.31-5.05) with restriction of the period from April to September in 1997. There was no significant association between TSP levels and asthma attacks, but a slight association was seen between PM10 levels and asthma attacks in a very restricted period. CONCLUSION: There was a statistically significant association between ambient levels of ozone and daily counts of emergency room visits for asthma attack. Therefore, we must make efforts to effectively minimize air pollution, in order to protect public health.; Summary

Urinary 1-Hydroxypyrene and 2-Naphthol as a Biological Exposure Markers of Total Suspended Particulate in the General Population .: Jong Won Kang, Soo Hun Cho, Heon Kim, Daehee Kang, Chul Ho Lee; Korean J Prev Med. 2000;33(3):306-312.

3,181 View
64 Download

Abstract PDF: BACKGROUND
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are well known environmental pollutants. The measurement of PAH in ambient air is not commonly used, because it is quite difficult to perform and is unreliable. Using biomarkers of PAH can be an alternative approach to this problem. The PAH in ambient air is absorbed in particulate matter. Total suspended particulate(TSP) or particulate matter of less than 10 micrometer in diameter (PM10) can be easily measured. Therefore, TSP or PM10 can be used as a surrogate measurements of ambient air PAH. CONCLUSIONS: We investigated whether the urinary concentration of two biomarkers of PAH, 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) and 2-naphthol, could reflect the total suspended particulate in the general population. METHODS: In order to exclude the effects of occupational exposure and smoking, first grade middle school students were included in this study. Four middle schools within a one kilometer boundary of ambient air monitoring stations were selected. Total suspended particulate was regarded as the marker of airborne PAH. Diet and smoking data were collected by self administered questionnaires, and spot urine samples were collected. Urinary 1-OHP and 2-naphthol were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: The correlation between urinary 1-OHP, 2-naphthol and passive smoking was not statistically significant. The correlation between urinary 1-OHP and TSP indices was not statistically significant. The correlations between urinary 2-naphthol and TSP of two lag days, one lag day, and zero lag days were statistically significant. The statistical significance of two lag days was the strongest (p=0.001), one lag day was the next (p=0.0275), and zero lag days was the weakest (p=0.0349). CONCLUSION: Our results imply that the urinary concentration of 2-naphthol can be applied as a PAH exposure marker for the general population with low PAH exposure.; Summary

Air Pollution and Daily Mortality in Seoul.: Ho Jang Kwon, Soo Hun Cho; Korean J Prev Med. 1999;32(2):191-199.

2,781 View
34 Download

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
To examine the relationship between air pollution exposure and mortality in Seoul for the years of 1991-1995. METHODS: Daily counts of death were analyzed by general additive Poisson model, with adjustment for effects of secular trend, seasonal factor, day of the week, heat wave, temperature, and humidity. Pollution variables were ozone, nitrogen dioxide, total suspended particles(TSP), and sulfur dioxide. RESULTS: Daily death counts were associated with ozone(1 day before), nitrogen dioxide(1 day before), TSP(2 days before), sulfur dioxide(2 days before). The association with ozone was most statistically significant and independent of other air pollutants. Increase of 100 ppb in ozone was associated with 6%(95% CI= 2%-10%) increase in the daily number of death. This effect was greater in persons aged 65 and older. The relative risks of death from respiratory disease and cardiovascular disease were greater than for all-cause mortality in each pollutant. After ozone level exceeds 25 ppb, the dose-response relationship between mortality and ozone was almost linear. However, the effect of TSP, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide on mortality might be confounded with each other. CONCLUSION: Daily variations in air pollution within the range currently occurring in Seoul might have an adverse effect on daily mortality.; Summary

A Meta-analysis of Ambient Air Pollution in Relation to Daily Mortality in Seoul, 1991~1995.: Jong Tae Lee, Douglas W Dockery, Chun Bae Kim, Sun Ha Jee, Yong Chung; Korean J Prev Med. 1999;32(2):177-182.

2,740 View
31 Download

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
To reexamine the association between air pollution and daily mortality in Seoul, Korea using a method of meta-analysis with the data filed for 1991 through 1995. METHODS: A separate Poisson regression analysis on each district within the metropolitan area of Seoul was conducted to regress daily death counts on levels of each ambient air pollutant, such as total suspended particulates (TSP), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3), controlling for variability in the weather condition. We calculated a weighted mean as a meta-analysis summary of the estimates and its standard error. RESULTS: We found that the p value from each pollutant model to test the homogeneity assumption was small (p<0.01) because of the large disparity among district-specific estimates. Therefore, all results reported here were estimated from the random effect model. Using the weighted mean that we calculated, the mortality at a 100 microgram/m3 increment in a 3-day moving average of TSP levels was 1.034 (95% CI 1.009-1.059). The mortality was estimated to increase 6% (95% CI 3-10%) and 3% (95% CI 0-6%) with each 50 ppb increase for 3-day moving average of SO2 and 1-hr maximum O3, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Like most of air pollution epidemiologic studies, this meta-analysis cannot avoid fleeing from measurement misclassification since no personal measurement was taken. However, we can expect that a measurement bias be reduced in a district-specific estimate since a monitoring station is better representative of air quality of the matched district. The similar results to those from the previous studies indicated existence of health effect of air pollution at current levels in many industrialized countries, including Korea.; Summary

Air particulate matters and daily mortality in Ulsan, Korea.: Jong Tae Lee, Seong Im Lee, Dongchun Shin, Yong Chung; Korean J Prev Med. 1998;31(1):82-90.

2,753 View
32 Download

Abstract PDF: A large number of studies have indicated associations between particulate air pollution and daily mortality. Daily measurements of total suspended particulates (TSP) by high volume air sampler were matched to daily death counts supplied by the National Statistics Office, Korea. All deaths, except deaths from accidents, occurred at Ulsan from 1 January 1991 to 31 December 1994 were considered in the poisson regression analysis. The multiple regression models were used to investigate a main effects of air particulate pollution controlling for SO2 levels, air temperature, relative humidity, seasonal variation, and calendar year. The results indicated that the effects of TSP, SO2, temperature, and relative humidity were not significantly associated with all cause mortality. It could, however, be emphasized that the size of the parameter estimate of TSP was very similar to that of previous studies. An increase in particulates of 100microgram/m4 was associated with a 3% increase in mortality. This relationship was observed at TSP levels well below the current National Ambient Air Quality Standard of 150microgram/m4 in Korea as well.; Summary

Development of Questionnaire for Evaluating Health Effect Associated with Air Pollution.: Yeong Su Ju, Dae Sung Kim, Jong Won Kang, Joo Heon Seong, Dae Hee Kang, Soo Hun Cho, Do Myung Paek; Korean J Prev Med. 1997;30(4):852-869.

2,874 View
64 Download

Abstract PDF: This study was conducted to develope and evaluate the reliability and the validity of a questionnaire in order to determine the applicability as a screening tool for estimating environmental exposure and health effects related to air pollution. The questionnaire was developed with adopting some items of others such as ISAAC or ATS-DLD. And then we performed test-retest to 89 middle school students and their mothers at interval of three months. Cohen's Kappa values, weighted Kappa values, Spearman's correlation coefficients, and Pearson's correlation coefficients for each item were computed as reliability coefficients. The validity coefficients and validity coefficient bounds were also obtained by simply using these reliability coefficients. As results, Kappa ranged broadly from 0.10 to 0.61 of the items 'diet', 0.52~0.79 of the environmental tobacco smoke, 0.39~0.44 of the functional categories of surrounding environment, and 0.54~0.63 of the using transportation systems; these items were regarded as confounding factors. For items related to health outcomes, Kappa ranged from -0.02 to 0.37 in the respiratory system of past medical history, and from 0.11 to 0.55 in the current health status. But Kappa of the others were over 0.60. In conclusion, if some items can be corrected or modified, the questionnaire developed in this study can be used as a tool for evaluating environmental exposure and health effects associated with air pollution.; Summary

Lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and air pollution.: Joo Hon Sung, Soo Hun Cho, Dae Hee Kang, Keun Young Yoo; Korean J Prev Med. 1997;30(3):585-598.

2,907 View
46 Download

Abstract PDF: BACKGROUND
Although there are growing concerns about the adverse health effect of air pollution, not much evidence on health effect of current air pollution level had been accumulated yet in Korea. This study was designed to evaluate the chronic health effect of air pollution using Korean Medical Insurance Corporation (KMIC) data and air quality data. Medical insurance data in Korea have some drawback in accuracy, but they do have some strength especially in their national coverage, in having unified ID system and individual information which enables various data linkage and chronic health effect study. METHOD: This study utilized the data of Korean Environmental Surveillance System Study (Surveillance Study), which consist of asthma, acute bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), cardiovascular diseases (congestive heart failure and ischemic heart disease), all cancers, accidents and congenital anomaly, i.e., mainly potential environmental diseases. We reconstructed a nested case-control study with Surveillance Study data and air pollution data in Korea. Among 1,037,210 insured who completed questionnaire and physical examination in 1992, disease free (for chronic respiratory disease and cancer) persons, between the age of 35-64 with smoking status information were selected to reconstruct cohort of 564,991 persons. The cohort was followed-up to 1995 (1992-5) and the subjects who had the diseases in Surveillance Study were selected. Finally, the patients, with address information and available air pollution data, left to be 'final subjects'. Cases were defined to all lung cancer cases (424) and COPD admission cases (89), while control groups are determined to all other patients than two case groups among 'final subjects'. That is, cases are probable chronic environmental diseases, while controls are mainly acute environmental diseases. For exposure, Air quality data in 73 monitoring sites between 1991 - 1993 were analyzed to surrogate air pollution exposure level of located areas (58 areas). Five major air pollutants data, TSP, O3, SO2, CO, NOx was available and the area means were applied to the residents of the local area. 3-year arithmetic mean value, the counts of days violating both long-term and shot-term standards during the period were used as indices of exposure. Multiple logistic regression model was applied. All analyses were performed adjusting for current and past smoking history, age, gender. Results: Plain arithmetic means of pollutants level did not succeed in revealing any relation to the risk of lung cancer or COPD, while the cumulative counts of non-attainment days did. All pollutants indices failed to show significant positive findings with COPD excess. Lung cancer risks were significantly and consistently associated with the increase of O3and CO exceedance counts(to corrected error level - 0.017) and less strongly and consistently with SO2 and TSP. SO2and TSP showed weaker and less consistent relationship. O3and CO were estimated to increase the risks of lung cancer by 2.04 and 1.46 respectively, the maximal probable risks, derived from comparing more polluted area (95%) with cleaner area (5%). CONCLUSIONS: Although not decisive due to potential misclassication of exposure, these results were drawn by relatively conservative interpretation, and could be used as an evidence of chronic health effect especially for lung cancer. O3might be a candidate for promoter of lung cancer, while CO should be considered as surrogated measure of motor vehicle emissions. The control selection in this study could have been less appropriate for COPD, and further evaluation with another setting might be necessary.; Summary

A Study on Air Pollution and Thermal Factors in Underground Shopping Center of Pusan Area.: Sung Yong Choi, Deog Hwan Moon, Jong Tae Lee, In Hyuk Song, Cha Eun Lee, Sung Min Lee; Korean J Prev Med. 1994;27(3):505-516.

2,476 View
24 Download

Abstract PDF: For the purpose of preparing the fundamental data on air pollution in underground shopping center and also contributing to the health improvement of resident, the authors measured the level of SO2, NO2, TSP, CO, CO2 and also some related factors as air temperature, air movement, relative humidity and mean radiation temperature at inside and outside of underground shopping center in Pusan from January to February and from July to August 1994. The results were as follows: 1. The mean concentration of CO within the underground shopping center was 3.1+/-1.3ppm in winter and 2.1+/-0.9 ppm in summer. There was a negative correlation (p<0.01) between inner CO concentration and temperature in summer and no correlation between inner CO concentration and outer CO concentration in underground shopping center 2. The mean concentration of C02 within the underground shopping center was 876+/-353 ppm in winter and 757+/-125 ppm in summer. There was a negative correlation (P<0.01) between inner CO2 concentration and air movement in summer and positive correlation (p<0.05) between inner CO2 oncentration and outer CO2 concentration in underground shopping center. 3. The mean concentration SO2 within a underground shopping center was 0.036+/-0.019ppm in winter and 0.040+/-0.013ppm in summer. There was a positive correlation(p<0.01) between inner SO2 concentration and positive correlation between inner SO2 concentration and outer SO2 concentration in summer and winter in Underground shopping center. 4. The mean concentration of NO2 within a underground shopping center was 0.052+/-0.038ppm in winter and 0.042+/-0.016ppm in summer. There was a no correlation between inner NO2 concentration and thermal factors in summer and winter and low correlation between inner NO2 concentration in underground shopping center. 5. The mean concentration of TSP within a underground shopping center was 430+/-214 microgram/m3 in winter, 366+/-73 microgram/m3 in summer, and very in excess of the atmospheric environmental quality standards of Korea(150 microgram/m3). There was low correlation between inner TSP concentration and temperature in summer and high correlation between inner TSP concentration and outer TSP concentration in underground shopping center.; Summary

Health Risk of Organic Pollutants in the Suspended Particulates in a Traffic Area of Seoul.: Dong Chun Shin, Yong Chung, Jong Man Kim, Seong Eun Park, Yong Wook Lim; Korean J Prev Med. 1994;27(2):326-336.

2,462 View
22 Download

Abstract PDF: Due to rapid industrialization and economic development since 1970's, Seoul has become known as one of the most heavily polluted cities in the world. This is especially because of its air pollution. This study was conducted to characterize the cancer risk from organic pollutants in the suspended particulates of Seoul. Extractable organic matter(EOM)and PAHs in Shinchon, a major traffic area, were measured monthly in two periods of Aug. 1987-Sep. 1988, and Sep. 1990-Aug. 1991. While the differences both of EOM and benzo(a)pyrene concentrations between these two periods were not significant(P>0.05), the differences between heating and non-heating seasons were significant(P<0.01). The estimated mean concentrations of EOM and benzo(a)pyrene in fine particles in non-heating season were 3.98 microgram/m3 and 0.51ng/m3 respectively, and in heating season were 6.75 microgram/m3 and 2.96 ng/m3 respectively, in these two periods combined. The calculated risk from EOM was compared with that from benzo(a)pyrene and also these values were compared with the level of acceptable risk.; Summary

Cross-sectional Study on Respiratory Symptoms due to Air Pollution Using a Questionnaire.: Ho Jang Kwon, Soo Hun Cho, Sun Min Kim, Mi Na Ha, Sang Hwan Han; Korean J Prev Med. 1994;27(2):313-325.

2,665 View
48 Download

Abstract PDF: A cross-sectional study was conducted in an effort to investigate the effect of air pollution on respiratory symptoms. Two groups of female aged more than 20 living in the unpolluted rural area of Taebul(n=159) and urban area of Taegu(n=140)were selected. The ATS-DAD-78 questionnaire was translated into Korean and administered with minor modification. The proportion of smoker was less than 1% in both area. Exposure to smoking and higher educational level were more frequent in Taegu. Age-adjusted prevalence rates of 'chronic cough', 'chronic sputum', 'wheezing', and 'dyspnea' were higher in Taegu than in Taebul. In particular, the prevalence rate of 'chronic sputum' in Taegu was found to be higher, which was statistically significant. Exposure to smoking and education level were not concerned with all respiratory symptom prevalence rates. In conclusion, this study indicates that an urban factor is related to the rates of respiratory symptoms in Korea.; Summary

A Study on the Level of Air Pollution and Noise in Pusan Area.: G L Cho, D H Moon, J Lee, H R Sin, Y W Kim, H J Park, K T Pae; Korean J Prev Med. 1990;23(4):391-403.

2,368 View
22 Download

Abstract PDF: In order to assess the degree of atomospheric pollution and noise and to contribute the health improvement of residents in Pusan, the author measured the levels of CO, SO2, NO2, TSP, HCHO and noise in 8 areas(industrial, residential and park areas) from January to March in 1990. The results were as follows: 1. Sasang industrial area was significantly higher (2.85 +/- 0.84ppm) in the average concentration of CO than other areas. However, there no areas to affect the human body in terms of CO concentration. 2. In general, industrial area was significantly higher (0.134 +/- 0.084ppm) in the average concentration of SO2, than other areas, and it was the lowest (0.009 +/- 0.005ppm) in the Namchon-dong area. 3. Industrial (0.033 +/- 0.009ppm) and residential area (0.029 +/- 0.004ppm) were significantly higher in the average concentration of NO2 than Park area (0.009 +/-0.001ppm). However, there were no areas to affect the human body in terms of NO2 concentration. 4. Sasang industrial area was the highest (580.4 +/- 415.26 microgram/m3) at the average concentration of TSP and Hae-Un Dae area was the lowest (97.22 +/- 37.86 microgram/m3). But TSP concentration showed the level to affect the human body in most areas. 5. Industrial area was significantly higher (2.25 +/-1.15ppb) in the average concentration of HCHO than residential (1.13 +/- 0.25ppb) and park area (1.33 +/- 0.20ppb). 6. Industrial area was significantly higher (77.28 +/- 6.92dB(A)) in the level of noise than residential (65.77 +/- 3.76dB(A)) and park area (64.65 +/- 5.25dB(A)). In comparison with regional Standard Noise Level, however, the average noise level of residential and park area was higher than that of the Standard. In general, the level of pollution of industrial complex areas was relatively higher than those of residential and park areas. Among the industrial areas, sasang area was worst in most items. Both SO2, and TSP showed the level to affect the human body in most of studied areas. It is necessary to install a new Air Quality Standard for HCHO to screen our environmental pollution.; Summary

English Abstracts

Effects of Air Pollution on Asthma in Seoul: Comparisons across Subject Characteristic.: Sun Young Kim, Ho Kim, Jaiyong Kim; J Prev Med Public Health. 2006;39(4):309-316.

2,997 View
64 Download

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
Korean epidemiological studies have used reduced samples according to the subject's characteristics, such as the health services provided, the historical note with asthma, and age, to examine the acute effect of air pollution on asthma using the Korean National Health Insurance records. However, there have been few studies on whether the effects shown in these reduced samples are different from those of all samples. This study compared the effects of air pollution on asthma attacks in three reduced samples with those of entire samples. METHODS: The air pollution data for PM10, CO, SO2, NO2, and O3 and weather conditions including temperature, relative humidity, and air pressure in Seoul, 2002, were obtained from outdoor monitoring stations in Seoul. The emergency hospital visits with an asthma attack in Seoul, 2002 were extracted from the Korean National Health Insurance records. From these, the reduced samples were created by health service, historical notes with asthma, and age. A case-crossover design was adopted and the acute effects of air pollution on asthma were estimated after adjusting for weather, time trend, and seasonality. The model was applied to each reduced sample and the entire sample. RESULTS: With respect to the health service, the effects on outpatients were similar to those for the total sample but were different for inpatients. These similar effect sizes were also observed in the reduced samples according to the historical note with asthma and age. The relative risks of PM10, CO, SO2, NO2, and O3 among the reduced and entire samples were 1.03, 1.04-1.05, 1.02-1.03, 1.04-1.06, and 1.10-1.17, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There was no clear evidence to show a difference between the reduced samples and the entire samples.; Summary

Air Pollution and Respiratory Symptoms of School Children in a Panel Study in Seoul.: Bo Eun Lee, Eun Hee Ha, Hye sook Park, Ho Kim, Hyun Jung Lee, Yeon Kyoung Lee, Seung Joo Lee, Yun Chul Hong; J Prev Med Public Health. 2005;38(4):465-472.

2,776 View
60 Download

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to assess the effect of air pollution on the daily respiratory symptoms of elementary school children in Seoul. METHODS: Using the panel study design, we collected diary data for the children's respiratory symptoms during the 1st day~15th day of April, July, October and December in 2003 among the 2nd and 3rd grade elementary school students. We merged the respiratory symptom data with the ambient air pollution data that was monitored by Ministry of Environment. Using a generalized estimate equation, we evaluated the relationship between the daily symptoms of the subjects and the exposure to air pollution after controlling for various potential confounders. RESULTS: The nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exposure of the current day significantly increased the upper respiratory symptoms (adjusted odds ratio=1.12, 95% CI=1.01-1.24) and the lower respiratory symptoms (adjusted odds ratio=1.18, 95% CI=1.06-1.31) in the elementary school children. The sulfur dioxide (SO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) exposure in the current day was associated with the lower respiratory symptoms (adjusted odds ratio=1.12, 95% CI=1.01-1.25 for SO2; adjusted odds ratio=1.16, 95% CI=1.02-1.32 for CO). CONCLUSIONS: We found that exposure to air pollution affects the daily respiratory symptoms in children. This study suggests that the effect on children's health? due to the short term changes in air pollution levels needs to be considered as an important public health problem.; Summary

First
Prev
Page of 1
Next
Last

Search