Climate Change and Urban Health in Developing Countries

 

Urban governance of climate change and health: A literature review(21 page pdf, Siri Bjerkreim Hellevik, Norwegian Institute for Urban and Regional Research, Jan. 2013)

 

Also discussed here: Addressing Urban Environmental Health and Maternal Mortality in Developing Countries(Maria Prebble, New Security Beat, Wilson Center, Apr. 24, 2013

 

Today we review a working paper from Norway that looks at the challenges facing urban centres in developing countries during after global climate change. While many of these cities have large slums which make the issue a matter of vulnerability and poverty, the link between climate change and health with specific impacts from heat and air pollution is the overriding challenge and what sort of governance is needed is the main question.

 

Urban heat island profile (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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Particulate Pollution Near Traffic and Hardening of the Arteries

Fine Particulate Air Pollution and the Progression of Carotid Intima-Medial Thickness: A Prospective Cohort Study from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis and Air Pollution(9 page pdf, Sara D. Adar mail,   Lianne Sheppard,  Sverre Vedal,   Joseph F. Polak,   Paul D. Sampson,   Ana V. Diez Roux,   Matthew Budoff,   David R. Jacobs Jr,   R. Graham Barr,  Karol Watson,   Joel D. Kaufman, PLoS Med, Apr. 23, 2013)

Also discussed here: Air Pollution and Hardening of Arteries(Science Daily, Apr. 23, 2013)

Today we review a paper that looks at the impact of PM2.5 levels in several cities across the USA on heart disease. Higher concentrations of PM often found during exposure to vehicle emissions near heavy traffic were found to have a significant link to atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries and give rise to a 2% greater risk of a heart attack for those who live in these areas.

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How Well do Heat Wave Warnings Work?

U.S. Heat Wave and Earth’s Energy Balance (Photo credit: NASA Goddard Photo and Video)

Are heat warning systems effective?(10 page pdf, Ghasem (Sam) Toloo, Gerard FitzGerald, Peter Aitken, Kenneth Verrall and Shilu Tong, Environmental Health, Apr. 5, 2013)

Today we review an analyses of a number of case studies or reports on the effectiveness and cost of “heat warning systems” (HWS) or “heat health warning systems” (HHWS). Those studies which had cost benefit estimates showed that having an effective warning system more than pays for itself. Further, the main factor that prompted the public to take action was the perceived threat of a heat wave which would encourage agencies responsible for public warnings (such as the national meteorological service) to improve how they communicate the warnings. Underlining the need to improve heat warning is the greater frequency of heat waves, as climate warming proceeds, especially in large cities where there may be twice or triple the number experienced now.

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How Does Urban Population Growth Affect Health in China and Elsewhere?

Urbanisation and health in China (10 page pdf, Peng Gong, Song Liang, Elizabeth J Carlton, Qingwu Jiang, Jianyong Wu, Lei Wang, Justin V Remais, The Lancet, Mar. 3, 2012)

Today we review the state of the environment and health in the most quickly growing (and largest) cities in the world that have come about because of a massive shift from rural  to urban areas where migrants make up 40% of  the population. A major health threat comes from the parallel increase in industry and increase in the use of vehicles which affect outdoor air quality and is the cause of 400,000 premature deaths each year which becomes even more critical in a society that is aging faster (and is older) than the global average (by 2050, median age expected to be 50 vs 38 years). The paper under review calls for more stringent regulation of industrial and vehicle emissions.

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What are the Health Costs of Driving a Car in the US and Canada?

Source Attribution of Health Benefits from Air Pollution Abatement in Canada and the United States: An Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis(32 page pdf, Amanda Joy Pappin and Amir Hakami, Environmental Health Perspectives, Feb. 22, 2013)

Today we review research aimed at estimating the health benefits/disbenefits as a result of subtracting/adding vehicle emissions from the state of urban air pollution (specifically NO2 and O3)  in cities in the USA and Canada. The cost ranges from $300 to $830 per vehicle per year. Part of the variability on cost is due to the interaction between NO2 and O3 and efforts to reduce one or the other pollutant in different cities with different policies, especially with regard to transportation emissions which is a major source. The highest costs/vehicle are in cities along the California coast, near Vancouver, in the Windsor-Toronto-Ottawa-Montreal corridor and in Virginia and northeast of Texas.

(Estimated yearly benefits attributed to elimination of one average vehicle in a given location)

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Exposure to Air Pollution after a Heart Attack

Long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with survival following acute coronary syndrome(6 page pdf, Cathryn Tonne and Paul Wilkinson, European Heart Journal, Jan. 19, 2013)

Also discussed here: Exposure to Air Pollution Is Associated With Increased Deaths After Heart Attacks(Science Daily, Feb. 20, 2013)

Today we review an extensive investigation of the impact of exposure to varying levels of PM 2.5 on the survival rate of patients who have had a heart attack. Results indicate that exposure for as little as a year to a 10mg/m3 increase was linked to a 20% higher death rate and the reverse was also true. Even more important to survival rates than air pollution were a number of socio-economic  factors such as smoking and income levels.

Serious air pollution (Photo credit: Andrew.T@NN)

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Health Impacts from Proximity to Traffic

Changes in Residential Proximity to Road Traffic and the Risk of Death From Coronary Heart Disease(8 page pdf, Wen Qi Gan, Lillian Tamburic, Hugh W. Davies, Paul A. Demers, Mieke Koehoorn, and Michael Brauer, Epidemiology, Sept.  2010)

Also discussed here: Traffic-related air pollution, community noise and coronary heart disease mortality(49 page pdf, Wenqi Gan, PHO Rounds, Toronto, Mar. 12, 2012)

Today we review research on traffic related air pollution in Vancouver that examines how proximity to that traffic is linked to deaths from heart disease (CHD). Results indicate that those who are within 50 m of highways have approximately 50% greater relative risk (RR) compared to those who are not exposed to traffic. This drops to 20 to 40 % greater risk for those more than 150 m from a highway or within 50 m of a major road. The author notes that proximity to roads is only a proxy for estimating traffic volume and air pollution concentration near roads and that traffic noise is another factor that affect CHDs as well as air pollution.

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Health Impacts of Nanoparticles (NPs)

Nanoparticles in the environment: assessment using the causal diagram approach(11 page pdf, Suchi Smita, Shailendra K Gupta, Alena Bartonova, Maria Dusinska, Arno C Gutleb, Qamar Rahman, Environmental Health, Jun. 28, 2012)

Today we review research into the impacts of naturally occuring (NNPs)and man-made nanoparticles (ENPs)which range from impacts on high level noctiluent clouds (and from this climate warming) to impacts on vegetation and human health. Their very small size (less than 100 nm) poses a potentially greater threat than the particulate matter that has been studied in depth because of their greater reactivity potential and a number of diverse health impacts have been identified ranging from heart and lung diseases to impacts on vital organs, including the brain, via NPs in the bloodstream.

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The Global Impact of Air Pollution on Health

A comparative risk assessment of burden of disease and injury attributable to 67 risk factors and risk factor clusters in 21 regions, 1990–2010: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2010 (37 page pdf, Stephen S Lim, Theo Vos, Abraham D Flaxman, Goodarz Danaei, Kenji Shibuya, Heather Adair-Rohani, Markus Amann, H Ross Anderson, Kathryn G Andrews, Martin Aryee, Charles Atkinson, Loraine J Bacchus, Adil N Bahalim, Kalpana Balakrishnan, John Balmes, Suzanne Barker-Collo, Amanda Baxter, Michelle L Bell, Jed D Blore, Fiona Blyth, Carissa Bonner, Guilherme Borges, Rupert Bourne, Michel Boussinesq, Michael Brauer, Peter Brooks, Nigel G Bruce, Bert Brunekreef, Claire Bryan-Hancock, Chiara Bucello, Rachelle Buchbinder, Fiona Bull, Richard T Burnett, Tim E Byers, Bianca Calabria, Jonathan Carapetis, Emily Carnahan, Zoe Chafe, Fiona Charlson, Honglei Chen, Jian Shen Chen, Andrew Tai-Ann Cheng, Jennifer Christine Child, Aaron Cohen, K Ellicott Colson, Benjamin C Cowie, Sarah Darby, Susan Darling, Adrian Davis, Louisa Degenhardt, Frank Dentener, Don C Des Jarlais, Karen Devries, Mukesh Dherani, Eric L Ding, E Ray Dorsey, Tim Driscoll, Karen Edmond, Suad Eltahir Ali, Rebecca E Engell, Patricia J Erwin, Saman Fahimi, Gail Falder, Farshad Farzadfar, Alize Ferrari, Mariel M Finucane, Seth Flaxman, Francis Gerry R Fowkes, Greg Freedman, Michael K Freeman, Emmanuela Gakidou, Santu Ghosh, Edward Giovannucci, Gerhard Gmel, Kathryn Graham, Rebecca Grainger, Bridget Grant, David Gunnell, Hialy R Gutierrez, Wayne Hall, Hans W Hoek, Anthony Hogan, H Dean Hosgood III, Damian Hoy, Howard Hu, Bryan J Hubbell, Sally J Hutchings, Sydney E Ibeanusi, Gemma L Jacklyn, Rashmi Jasrasaria, Jost B Jonas, Haidong Kan, John A Kanis, Nicholas Kassebaum, Norito Kawakami, Young-Ho Khang, Shahab Khatibzadeh, Jon-Paul Khoo, Cindy Kok, Francine Laden, Ratilal Lalloo, Qing Lan, Tim Lathlean, Janet L Leasher, James Leigh, Yang Li, John Kent Lin, Steven E Lipshultz, Stephanie London, Rafael Lozano, Yuan Lu, Joelle Mak, Reza Malekzadeh, Leslie Mallinger, Wagner Marcenes, Lyn March, Robin Marks, Randall Martin, Paul McGale, John McGrath, Sumi Mehta, George A Mensah, Tony R Merriman, Renata Micha, Catherine Michaud, Vinod Mishra, Khayriyyah Mohd Hanafi ah, Ali A Mokdad, Lidia Morawska, Dariush Mozaff arian, Tasha Murphy, Mohsen Naghavi, Bruce Neal, Paul K Nelson, Joan Miquel Nolla, Rosana Norman, Casey Olives, Saad B Omer, Jessica Orchard, Richard Osborne, Bart Ostro, Andrew Page, Kiran D Pandey, Charles D H Parry, Erin Passmore, Jayadeep Patra, Neil Pearce, Pamela M Pelizzari, Max Petzold, Michael R Phillips, Dan Pope, C Arden Pope III, John Powles, Mayuree Rao, Homie Razavi, Eva A Rehfuess, Jürgen T Rehm, Beate Ritz, Frederick P Rivara, Thomas Roberts, Carolyn Robinson, Jose A Rodriguez-Portales, Isabelle Romieu, Robin Room, Lisa C Rosenfeld, Ananya Roy, Lesley Rushton, Joshua A Salomon, Uchechukwu Sampson, Lidia Sanchez-Riera, Ella Sanman, Amir Sapkota, Soraya Seedat, Peilin Shi, Kevin Shield, Rupak Shivakoti, Gitanjali M Singh, David A Sleet, Emma Smith, Kirk R Smith, Nicolas J C Stapelberg, Kyle Steenland, Heidi Stöckl, Lars Jacob Stovner, Kurt Straif, Lahn Straney, George D Thurston, Jimmy H Tran, Rita Van Dingenen, Aaron van Donkelaar, J Lennert Veerman, Lakshmi Vijayakumar, Robert Weintraub, Myrna M Weissman, Richard A White, Harvey Whiteford, Steven T Wiersma, James D Wilkinson, Hywel C Williams, Warwick Williams, Nicholas Wilson, Anthony D Woolf, Paul Yip, Jan M Zielinski, Alan D Lopez†, Christopher J L Murray†, Majid Ezzati, Lancet, Dec. 2012)

Also discussed here: Beijing is not the only Asian city with lethal air pollution – The Chinese capital is just one of hundreds of cities where poisonous air is the fastest growing cause of death(Guardian, Jan. 17, 2013)

Today we review a massive global assessment of causes of death from a variety of factors or risks and how these have changed in time and by region or location. The impact of the population shifts toward cities and the increase in sheer numbers of cars in those cities highlighted the growth of air pollution and associated health impacts, especially in large Asian cities, such as Beijing. Overall, the number of deaths attributed to air pollution have quadrupled over the last decade from 800,000 (2000) to 3.2 million (2010) and air pollution, for the first time, is listed as one of the top ten killer diseases.

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Monitoring Roadside Air Pollution and Urban Health Impacts

Evolution of Air Pollution Monitoring in Ottawa (60 slide ppt, Natty Urquizo and Martha Robinson, Upwind Downwind Conference 2012, Hamilton, ON, Feb. 27, 2012)

Also discussed here: Ottawa Air Quality Information System(10 page pdf, Natividad Urquizo, Daniel Spitzer, William Pugsley and Martha Robinson, 44th Annual Congress of the Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society, Ottawa, ON, May 29-June 4, 2010)

And here: Mapping Small Scale Air Pollution Distribution using Satellite Observations an a Large Canadian City(6 page pdf, Natividad Urquizo; D. Spitzer; W. Pugsley and M. Robinson, 11th Conference on Atmospheric Chemistry of the annual conference of the American Meteorological Society at Phoenix AZ, Jan. 12, 2009)

And here: Is Air Quality Affecting Your Health?(John Lorinc, UofT Magazine, Jan. 11, 2013)

Today we review a paper presented at the biannual Upwind-Downwind Conference in Hamilton that describes the development of a fairly unique urban air quality program. The program was given a boost in 2007 by a project that combined satellite air quality data  from space with observations from a dozen ground stations to produce maps at 10 km resolution at 10 minute intervals for a year over the national capital area (which includes the twin cities of Ottawa and Gatineau). Further applications of these data with real-time traffic flow data allowed for mapping down to the street level in downtown Ottawa and assessments of health impacts near these roads which showed that over 50% of schools and old age homes are located within 50 m of heavy traffic, placing the most vulnerable residents at risk from vehicle emissions. A new program has just been announced by the University of Toronto to examine similar applications of roadside emissions and health impacts in Canada’s largest city.

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How does Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Benefit Air Quality and Health?

Ancillary human health benefits of improved air quality resulting from climate change mitigation(Michelle L Bell, Devra L Davis, Luis A Cifuentes, Alan J Krupnick, Richard D Morgenstern and George D Thurston, Environmental Health, Jul. 31, 2008)

Today we review a paper that looks at different climate change policies, their sensitivity to health and air quality and how to translate a specific policy into quantitative estimates of health benefits. The authors conclude that short-term health benefits has to be a major consideration in choosing among various approaches to mitigate climate change.

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Babies near Traffic and the Risk of Autism

Traffic-Related Air Pollution, Particulate Matter, and Autism(Abstract, Heather E. Volk, Fred Lurmann, Bryan Penfold; Irva Hertz-Picciotto, Rob McConnell, Arch Gen Psychiatry, Nov 2012)

Also discussed here: Autism and early exposure to traffic pollution linked(Melissa Healy, Los Angeles Times, Nov. 26, 2012)

And here: Autism Risk for Developing Children Exposed to Air Pollution: Infant Brain May Be Affected by Air Quality(Science Daily, Nov. 26, 2012)

And here: Older dads pass down more mutations: the implications(Rosie Mestel Los Angeles Times, Aug. 24, 2012)

And here: A direct characterization of human mutation based on microsatellites(Abstract,James X Sun, Agnar Helgason, Gisli Masson, Sigríður Sunna Ebenesersdóttir, Heng Li, Swapan Mallick, Sante Gnerre, Nick Patterson, Augustine Kong, David Reich & Kari Stefansson, Nature Genetics, Aug. 23, 2012)
New findings on the causes of autism were published recently with a focus on the environment and genetics as they affect the fetus and new-borns although uncertainty exists in the research community. One study in California found that exposure of babies to nitrogen dioxide and other pollutants found near roads with heavy traffic was linked to three times higher incidences of autism. Another study indicated that the mutations that occur in older fathers which double over a typical lifetime also lead to genetic changes associated with autism in their offspring. As people live longer, “old age diseases” such as autism become more a concern and more needs to be done to reduce the threats at the start of life, starting with keeping residences with mothers further away from traffic.

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Air Pollution in Mediterranean MegaCities

Megacities as hot spots of air pollution in the East Mediterranean(45 page pdf, Maria Kanakidou, Nikolaos Mihalopoulos, Tayfun Kindap, Ulas Im, Mihalis Vrekoussis, Evangelos Gerasopoulos, Eirini Dermitzaki, Alper Unal, Mustafa Koçak, Kostas Markakis, Dimitris Melas, Georgios Kouvarakis, Ahmed F. Youssef, Andreas Richter, Nikolaos Hatzianastassiou, Andreas Hilboll, Felix Ebojie, Folkard Wittrock, Christian von Savigny, John P. Burrows, Annette Ladstaetter-Weissenmayer, Hani Moubasher, Atmos. Environ., Nov. 30, 2010)

Also discussed here: Impacts of East Mediterranean megacity emissions on air quality( 21 page pdf, U. Im and M. Kanakidou, Atmos. Phy. July 23, 2012)

And here: Mediterranean capital pollution has far-reaching effects on air quality(Science for Environment Policy, Nov. 22, 2012)

Today we review research that examines the state of air pollution in several eastern Mediterranean magacities (Cairo, Istanbul, Athens – over 10M population) and the impact of some mitigation strategies on the cities as well as on the surrounding region. What is special about these urban areas is the combination of a large number of vehicles which often lack catalytic coverts or particulate filters and the year round impact of very warm temperatures which exacerbate the air pollution, especially ozone.

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How Does Air Pollution Affect Your Thinking Ability?

Bad Air Means Bad News for Seniors’ Brainpower(1 page pdf, Press Release, The Gerontological Society of America, (GSA) 65th AnnualScientific Meeting, Nov. 16, 2012)

Also discussed here: Bad Air Means Bad News for Seniors’ Brainpower(ScienceDaily, Nov. 16, 2012)

And here: Does Air Pollution Hurt Memory of Older Adults?(WebMD, Nov. 16, 2012)

And here: Air pollution in towns and cities ‘ages brains of over-50s by three years’(MailOnline, Nov. 16, 2012)

And here: Exposure to particulate air pollution and cognitive decline in older women(Abstract, Weuve J, Puett RC, Schwartz J, Yanosky JD, Laden F, Grodstein F. , Arch Intern Med, Feb. 13, 2012)

Today’s feature review article takes a new look at the impact of air pollution on how well people over 50 think after analyzing tests assessing word recall, knowledge, language, and orientation. The results indicate that an increase of 10 micrograms/cubic meter of fine particulate matter (roughly the difference between living in a typical built-up cities to living in rural areas) translates into an additional aging of 3 years.  This comes in addition to the other well documented effects of air pollution on health which shorten life expectancy (by 7-8 months in the UK for example). This prompts one to consider if the rise in dementia and Alzheimer’s might also be associated this in urban areas, along with the large increase in the population of seniors in many countries.

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How Do Trees in Cities Affect Mortality?

Urban nature: Human psychological and community health(22 page pdf, Matsuoka, R. & Sullivan, W.C., In Douglas, I. & Goode, D., Houck, M., & Wang, R. (Eds), The Routledge handbook of urban ecology, 2011)

Also discussed here: Trees Are a Matter of Life and Death(The Dirt, American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA),  Nov. 1, 2012)

Some people link the presence of trees in cities with improved health because they assume a positive link with reducing high air pollution levels- which others find questionable, citing research  that coniferous trees   near traffic emit hazardous pollutants. Today we review an article that points to more substantive evidence that urban forests and parks reduce mortality especially among lower income groups because of beneficial social impacts lowering stress and reducing crime.

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Where are the Worst Hazardous Waste Sites in the World?

The World’s Worst Pollution Problems: Assessing Health Risks at Hazardous Waste Sites(52 page pdf, Blacksmith Institute, Oct. 23, 2012)

Also discussed here: Pollution as harmful as malaria, TB in developing world – study(Jonathan Allen, AlertNet, Oct. 23, 2012)

Today we review a report that assesses the state of toxic waste sites around the world and how much waste from ten industries affect human health and mortality- excluding the contributions from urban emissions from traffic and poor sanitation but including the impact of landfills and such items as electronic waste. The results, in terms of years of healthy life lost, indicate that these sources of pollution have a similar impact (17M) as malaria (14M), tuberculosis(25M) or HIV (29M) in the 49 countries examined.

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Short Term Exposure to Air Pollution and Minor Strokes

Short-term effects of ambient particulates and gaseous pollutants on the incidence of transient ischaemic attack and minor stroke: a case- crossover study(20 page pdf, Getahun Bero Bedada, Craig J Smith, Pippa J Tyrrell, Adrian A Hirst and Raymond Agius, Environmental Health, Oct. 15, 2012)

English: Comparison of the amount of air pollutants produced by the three alternatives. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The research reviewed today is a first look at the relationship between short term exposure to six -common pollutants and the occurrence of minor strokes in the Manchester-Liverpool area of the UK. A marginal association was found with Nitrogen Oxide(NO) , produced by combustion from vehicles and a precursor for NO2, but not from the others. More research was recommended with larger samples to confirm this finding.

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Heart Attacks in Cold Cities

English: Pneumonia and influenza mortality for 122 US cities, 4 years through week ending October 31, 2009. This time series shows the seasonality of seasonal influenza, and that during the 2007-2008 season influenza exceeded the US epidemic threshold. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Influenza epidemics, seasonality, and the effects of cold weather on cardiac mortality(20 page pdf, Stephanie von Klot, Antonella Zanobetti and Joel Schwartz,  Environmental Health, Oct.1, 2012)

Today we review a study of a large sample of seniors in 78 cities across the USA to assess what impact cold weather has on heart attacks and how much influence influenza epidemics  has on the mortality rate – in the absence, unfortunately, of corresponding air pollution data which is known to have health impacts. Results indicate that there is a link between variations in mortality rates with the influenza. While these results are interesting, a similar study in colder countries with many more sub-zero winter days, such as Russia or Canada, along with associated air pollution data would be revealing.

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Teaching Children about Air Pollution

Wings and Thingamajigs E- Book(21 page pdf, Halton Region, September, 2012)

Also discussed here: Wings and Thingamajigs – Children’s Picture Book(Halton Region)

Today we review a rare and exceptionally well-illustrated picture book, aimed at teaching children from 4 to 8 years old about air quality and climate change. It comes from Public Health in Halton Region, one of the more advanced  in the province of Ontario, when it comes to improving air quality and its impacts on human health- one of the first in Canada to use roadside air quality monitors, for example.The e-book is available free in a number of languages including French, Spanish, Cantonese, Polish and Punjabi, to meet the needs of the diverse multicultural community in southwestern Ontario (and for some in the rest of the world). Highly recommended!

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Traffic, Noise and Health

Atlanta Downtown Connector at night (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Traffic noise has impact on sleep(Health24, Sep. 11, 2012)

Also discussed here: Real Noise from the Urban Environment: How Ambient Community Noise Affects Health and What Can Be Done About It(Abstract, Anne Vernez Moudon, Dr es Sc, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, August 2009)

Today we review some research that assessed the degree of sleep disturbance and high annoyance from traffic noise on the populations of three cities in and near Atlanta, Georgia. Results indicate that just under 10% are highly annoyed and 2.5% are sleep deprived. The article calls for the control and abatement of noise in order to improve the health of communities.

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Traffic Air Pollution and Heart Disease in Denmark

Traffic air pollution and mortality from cardiovascular disease and all causes: a Danish cohort study (29 page pdf, Ole Raaschou-Nielsen, Zorana Jovanovic Andersen, Steen Solvang Jensen, Matthias Ketzel, Mette Sørensen, Johnni Hansen, Steffen Loft, Anne Tjønneland and Kim Overvad, Environmental Health, Sep. 5, 2012)

Today’s review concerns the link between air pollution from traffic near residences of people in Denmark and heart disease, taking into account the other effects of noise, diet and other items. Results indicate a significant link with air pollution which is lessened in those with a higher diet of fruits and vegetables.

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Monitoring Air Pollution in Schools

Hand-held CO2 monitors could improve school air quality(Helen Albert, medwireNews, Aug. 23, 2012)
Also discussed here: Portable FID Model 115 (4 page pdf, Portable FID For Method 21 and Environmental Monitoring of VOC’s including methane, PID Analyzers)

As one of the most vulnerable to air pollution impacts, school children may be exposed to levels of pollution that present a health hazard. Today we review a new portable monitor that can be used to monitor these levels and if they are elevated, take measures to control or reduce them. The device provides for up to three weeks without recharging.

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Roadside Air Quality as a Priority Research Issue

Why are we concerned with near-road air quality?(11  page pdf, Rich Baldauf, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Apr. 27, 2010)

Also discussed here: Freeways Don’t Need to be a Housing Show-Stopper(The Greater Marin, Aug. 13, 2012)

Today we highlight a summary of the issues and research priorities and recent findings in the scientific literature for air pollution near major roads from the perspective of the Environmental Protection Agency in the USA. Among other points, the use of vegetation along roads to contain the pollution is seen as a promising approach for the future.

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How Much Do Pine Trees Pollute?

Aging of biogenic secondary organic aerosol via gas-phase OH radical reactions(Abstract, Neil M. Donahuea, Kaytlin M. Henry, Thomas F. Mentel, Astrid Kiendler-Scharr, Christian Spindler, Birger Bohn, Theo Brauers, Hans P. Dorn, Hendrik Fuchs, Ralf Tillmann, Andreas Wahner, Harald Saathoff, Karl-Heinz Naumann, Ottmar Möhler, Thomas Leisner, Lars Müller, Marc-Christopher Reinnig, Thorsten Hoffmann, Kent Salo, Mattias Hallquist, Mia Frosch, Merete Bilde, Torsten Tritscher, Peter Barmet, Arnaud P. Praplan, Peter F. DeCarlo, Josef Dommen, Andre S.H. Prévôt, and Urs Baltensperger, Jul. 4, 2012)

Also discussed here: Pine Trees One of Biggest Contributors to Air Pollution: Pine Gases Chemically Transformed by Free Radicals (ScienceDaily, Aug. 9, 2012)

Today we review research that established a link between the aerosols or tiny particles that are emitted by a  number of sources both natural and man-made and the chemical process with the pollutant, alpha-pinene, released by pine trees. The result is three times more particulates than what was originally emitted – and three times the health impact on humans.

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Estimating UK Deaths due to Local Particulate Air Pollution

Statement on Estimating the Mortality Burden of Particulate Air Pollution at the Local Level (13 page pdf, Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants (COMEAP), Aug. 2, 2012)

Also discussed here: Mortality burden of particulate air pollution

And here: The Mortality Effects of Long-Term Exposure to Particulate Air Pollution in the United Kingdom (108 page pdf, Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants (COMEAP), 2010) (Press Release, Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants (COMEAP), Aug. 2, 2012)

Today we review a statement from COMEAP calling for estimate of deaths attributable to air pollution at the local level across the UK. The statement assesses and analyses methods and uncertainties associated with this approach. Roadside emission sources were not included but only long term exposure to particulate pollution. Separating anthropogenic from natural sources of particulates is another uncertainty which must be considered in the estimate of the health burden.

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English: A graph of particulate pollution (PM 2.5 vs date) for sensors located in . The particulate pollution shows a seasonal variation. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

 

 

 

Health Impacts of Air Pollution in New Zealand

Updated Health and Air Pollution in New Zealand Study – Volume 2: Technical Reports (86 page pdf, Gerda Kuschel and Jayne Metcalfe, Emily Wilton, Jagadish Guria, Simon Hales, Kevin Rolfe, Alistair Woodward, HAPINZ, March 2012)

AIR POLLUTION CONTROL CENTER – NARA – 542766 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Also discussed here: Updated Health and Air Pollution in New Zealand Study (2012)

And here: Pollution harming Aucklanders’ health – report  (Trevor Quinn, Auckland Now, Jul. 31, 2012)

And here: Air Quality (Auckland Council)

From New Zealand comes an updated report on the health impacts of air pollution based on an expanded monitoring of air pollution sources both natural and man made. The impacts are consistent with those in other developed countries where, for example, the number of premature deaths for Canada’s capital region, (Ottawa and Gatineau), with a population of just over 1.3 million and 530 deaths per year (reference: Illness Costs of Air Pollution for Ontario, 2008) compared to New Zealand’s capital, Auckland, with population of 1.4 million and 436 deaths, with over half coming from motor vehicle emissions. The report also flags impacts on children, specifically during the neonatal period.

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Public Health as an Integrated Climate Change Index

A healthy turn in urban climate change policies; European city workshop proposes health indicators as policy integrators(15 page pdf, Hans Keune, David Ludlow, Peter van den Hazel, Scott Randall and Alena Bartonova^, Environmental Health, Jun. 28.2012)

Today we examine the results of a backcasting workshop in Europe that, after establishing targets for cities in 2030, assessed how to get there, based on the growing importance of public health as an integrator of impacts from climate change, urbanization and a graying society. It is noted that some health impacts are not presently associated with climate change in the public mind although there are and this will become more evident as climate change continues and impacts become more severe – an example being the spread of infectious or vector borne diseases such as West Nile Virus.

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Is There a Link between Depression and Air Pollution?

old age at Rotchild BLVD (Photo credit: shyb)

Air Pollution and Symptoms of Depression in Elderly Adults (6 page pdf, Youn-Hee Lim, Ho Kim, Jin Hee Kim, Sanghyuk Bae, Hye Yin Park, Yun-Chul Hong^,  Environ Health Perspect, April 18, 2012)

Also discussed here: Air Pollution and Emergency Department Visits for Suicide Attempts in Vancouver, Canada (8 page pdf, Mieczysław Szyszkowicz,  Jeff B. Willey, Eric Grafstein, Brian H. Rowe, and Ian Colman, Environmental Health Insights, Oct. 15, 2010)

The causes for depression leading to suicide have been studied for some time. In today’s review article, the focus is on the older population and an investigation of the links with air pollution. Results indicate a significant association for depression with NO2, O3 and PM 10 and highlights what could become a major health issue in the graying society, especially in urban areas where these three pollutants tend to be worse.

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Health Impacts from Short Term Exposures to Ozone

English: Ozone molecular electrical potential surface 3D-vdW (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Controlled Exposure of Healthy Young Volunteers to Ozone Causes Cardiovascular Effects (27 page pdf, Robert B. Devlin, Kelly E. Duncan, Melanie Jardim, Michael T. Schmitt, Ana G. Rappold, and David Diaz-Sanchez,  Circulation, Jun. 25, 2012)

Also discussed here: Ozone Exposure Linked to Potential Heart Attacks (ScienceDaily, Jun. 25, 2012)

And here: New evidence links ozone exposure to potential heart attacks (American Heart Association, Jun. 25, 2012)

Today we review research into the link between exposure to ozone for a few hours and the impacts on the cardiovascular system, as well as the pathway to explain these impacts. Results indicate a clear link that adds to the complexity of assessing impact on heart disease from air pollution, previously thought to be mainly from fine particulate matter.

To see Key Quotes and Links to key reports about this post, click HERE

Nanoparticles and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Citrullination of proteins: a common post-translational modification pathway induced by different nanoparticles in vitro and in vivo (15 page pdf, Bashir M Mohamed, Navin K Verma, Anthony M Davies, Aoife McGowan, Kieran Crosbie Staunton, Adriele Prina-Mello, Dermot Kelleher, Catherine H Botting, Corey P Causey, Paul R Thompson, Ger JM Pruijn, Elena R Kisin, Alexey V Tkach, Anna A Shvedova  & Yuri Volkov, Nanomedicine,  May 25, 2012)

Also discussed here: Nanoparticles in Polluted Air, Smoke & Nanotechnology Products Have Serious Impact On Health (ScienceDaily, Jun. 11, 2012)

Nanoparticles found in smoke, dust and in diesel  vehicle exhaust are known to have significant health impacts. Today we review research using animals that links the breakdown of the autoimmune system by nanoparticles which in turn may lead to rheumatoid arthritis .

To see Key Quotes and Links to key reports about this post, click HERE

Long time Exposure to Air Pollution and Heart Disease

Air Pollution Linked to Chronic Heart Disease (ScienceDaily, June 5, 2012)

Also discussed here: Air Pollution Linked to Chronic Heart Disease (Press Release, American Friends Tel Aviv University,  June 5, 2012)

And here: Cumulative exposure to air pollution and long term outcomes after first acute myocardial infarction: A population-based cohort study. Objectives and methodology (7 page pdf, Yariv Gerber, Vicki Myers, David M Broday, Silvia Koton, David M Steinberg, and Yaacov Drory, BMC Public Health, Jun. 24, 2010)

Research from Israel reveals that air pollution not only has a significant impact on mortality but also that those in the population that have undergone one heart attack are 43% more likely to have a repeat attack, compared to those who live in areas with better air quality. The authors point out that more population health assessment is needed and that more air pollution monitoring is needed to support that.

To see Key Quotes and Links to key reports about this post, click HERE

Traffic-related Air Pollution and Health – a Canadian Literature Review

Traffic-related air pollution and health : a Canadian perspective on scientific evidence and potential exposure-mitigation strategies (112 page pdf, Michael Brauer, Conor Reynolds, Perry Hystad, The University of British Columbia, School of Population and Public Health, Mar. 1, 2012)

Today we review a significant addition to the state of knowledge about the health risks to that part of the public located near the pollution from road traffic. A third of Canadians live within 100 m of a major road or 500 m of a highway. The report concludes citing evidence from Canada and abroad that traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) is a significant public health issue and makes recommendations on how to reduce this threat.

To see Key Quotes and Links to key reports about this post, click HERE

Residences Near Roads and Childhood Asthma

Residential Proximity to a Major Roadway Is Associated with Features of Asthma Control in Children (9 page pdf, Meredith S. Brown, Stefanie Ebelt Sarnat, Karen A. DeMuth1, Lou Ann S. Brown, Denise R. Whitlock1, Shanae W. Brown, Paige E. Tolbert, Anne M. Fitzpatrick, PLoS ONE, May 17,2012)

Today’s review focuses on research into the relationship between proximity of residences to major roads in Atlanta Georgia, USA ( a city known for high rates of asthma as well as for traffic related-pollution) and the occurrence of asthma in children. Results indicate significant impacts as measured by wheeziness and hospital ization when the residences are within 417m as well as gastroesophageal reflux.

To see Key Quotes and Links to key reports about this post, click HERE

Childhood Asthma and Ambient Air Pollution

Satellite-based Estimates of Ambient Air Pollution and Global Variations in Childhood Asthma Prevalence (32 page pdf, H Ross Anderson, Barbara K. Butland, Aaron van Donkelaar, Michael Brauer, David P. Strachan, Tadd Clayton, Rita van Dingenen, Markus Amann, Bert Brunekreef, Aaron Cohen, Frank Dentener, Christopher Lai, Lok N. Lamsal, Randall V. Martin, ISAAC Phase One and Phase Three study groups, Environ Health Perspect , May 1, 2012)

Today we review research aimed at testing the hypothesis that variations in asthma world-wide can be explained by variations in long term ambient pollution at the community level (O3, PM2.5 and NO2) which was in turn estimated using satellite-derived estimates. Although short term variations appear to be linked, the results indicate no such link over the long term.

To see Key Quotes and Links to key reports about this post, click HERE

Heart Disease in Polluted Urban Cores

Sternocostal surface of heart. (Right coronary artery visible at left.) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The relation between coronary artery calcification in asymptomatic subjects and both traditional risk factors and living in the city centre: a DanRisk substudy (Abstract, J. Lambrechtsen, O. Gerke, K. Egstrup, N. P. Sand, B. L. Nørgaard, H. Petersen, H. Mickley, A. C. P. Diederichsen, Journal of Internal Medicine, Dec. 20,2011)

Also discussed here: Heart Study Suggests City Center Pollution Doubles Risk of Calcium Build-Up in Arteries (Science Daily, Apr. 26, 2012)

Today, we review research that looked at the heart disease impacts for those living in city centres.  Results indicate a much greater chance of heart disease there than in the suburbs or rural areas, especially with men.

To see Key Quotes and Links to key reports abut this post, click HERE

 

Active Transportation Choices and Health in Toronto

Road to Health: Improving Walking and Cycling in Toronto (109 page pdf, Toronto Public Health, April 2012)

Today, we look at a report on Toronto that examines how walking and cycling as active transportation modes benefit health and how much more improvement could be achieved if both forms were optimized. Estimated benefits are over 129 fewer deaths/year and $475 M/year which could be doubled by choosing active transportation modes to only match the active transportation statistics in Vancouver which has both fewer collisions and deaths and higher modal statistics than Toronto. Many options could be pursued from the range of best practices presented, such as Traffic Demand Management to reduce traffic speed and collisions that make walking and cycling a safer choice.

To see Key Quotes and Links to key reports about  this post, click HERE

Lifetime Population Exposure to Air Pollution in Canada

Spatiotemporal air pollution exposure assessment for a Canadian population-based lung cancer case-control study (26 page pdf, Perry Hystad, Paul A Demers, Kenneth C Johnson, Jeff Brook, Aaron van Donkelaar, Lok Lamsal, Randall Martin and Michael Brauer, Environmental Health, Apr.4, 2012)

Today, we review a report that develops a method of assessing exposure to air pollution over several decades, based on the exposure of residents to air pollution from industrial and mobile sources, as deduced from the conventional national air pollution network and from vehicle emissions, updated using space based sensors on the OMI satellite. The approach used will likely be very useful for then assessing the lifetime risk of cancer from accumulated exposure to air pollution.

To see Key Quotes and Links to key reports about this post, click  HERE

Diesel Trucks, Oil-Heated Homes and Childhood Asthma

Domestic airborne black carbon and exhaled nitric oxide in children in NYC (Abstract, Alexandra G Cornell, Steven N Chillrud, Robert B Mellins, Luis M Acosta, Rachel L Miller, James W Quinn, Beizhan Yan, Adnan Divjan, Omar E Olmedo, Sara Lopez-Pintado, Patrick L Kinney, Frederica P Perera, Judith S Jacobson, Inge F Goldstein, Andrew G Rundle, Matthew S Perzanowski, Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology, Feb. 29, 2012)

Also discussed here:

Air Pollution from Trucks and Low-Quality Heating Oil May Explain Childhood Asthma Hot Spots (Science News, Mar. 27, 2012)

Today’s review deals with the health of children in New York City who live near diesel truck traffic. Results show up to three times greater risk for asthma and the need for further reductions in emissions from buildings burning low grade heating oil and from diesel trucks whose routes take them near homes.

To see Key Quotes and Links to key reports about this post, click  HERE

 

Characteristics and Components of Particulate Matter

Characterization of Fine Particulate Matter and Associations between Particulate Chemical Constituents and Mortality in Seoul, Korea (34 page pdf, Ji-Young Son, Jong-Tae Lee, Ki-Hyun Kim, Kweon Jung, Michelle L. Bell, Environ Health Perspect ,  Mar.22, 2012)

Today we review some leading edge research into the make-up of particulate pollution from the aspect of what associated chemicals are found with PM 2.5 and how do they affect their impact on human health. Results indicate higher concentrations of PM 2.5 in winter than summer when rain cleans the atmosphere and higher in late morning and evening because of vehicle emissions. Magnesium (Mg) was found to increase mortality rates at least in South Korea where the data were gathered.

To see Key Quotes and Links to key reports about this post, click  HERE

Respiratory Health Impacts from Exposure to Roadside Emissions

Association between proximity to major roads and sputum cell counts (6 page pdf, Julie Wallace, Liesel D’silva, John Brannan, Frederick E Hargreave, Pavlos Kanaroglou, and Parameswaran Nair, Can Respir J, January/February 2011)

Today we review some research into respiratory health impacts from exposure to nearby roadside emissions in the highly industrialized City of Hamilton. Results indicate increased bronchitis and asthma even for people located1 km away from major roads and highways.

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Secondary Organic Aerosols from Gasoline Powered Vehicles

Gasoline emissions dominate over diesel in formation of secondary organic aerosol mass (Roya Bahreini, Ann M. Middlebrook, Joost A de Gouw, Carsten Warneke, Michael K. Trainer, Charles A. Brock, Harald Stark, Steven S. S Brown, William P. P Dube, Jessica B. Gilman, katharine Hall, John S. S. Holloway, William C. Kuster, Anne E. Perring, Andre S.H. Prevot, Joshua Peter Schwarz, J. Ryan Spackman, Soenke Szidat, Nicolas L. Wagner, Rodney J. Weber, Peter Zotter, David D. D. Parrish, Abstract, Geophysical Research Letters, Feb. 26, 2012)

Also discussed here: Gasoline Worse Than Diesel When It Comes to Some Types of Air Pollution (Science Daily, Mar. 2, 2012)

Today, we review some research from Los Angeles that examines the contribution of diesel emissions to the formation of secondary organic aerosols (SOA), tiny particles that make up most of the aerosol component of urban air pollution and highly harmful to health. The authors concluded that diesels contribute next to nothing to the SOA.  The result is that even greater attention has to be paid to reducing gasoline emissions, previously thought to be less serious a health threat than diesel emissions.

To see Key Quotes and Links to key reports about this post, click HERE

Canadian Health Impacts to Long-Term Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter

Risk of Non-accidental and Cardiovascular Mortality in Relation to Long-term Exposure to Low Concentrations of Fine Particulate Matter: A Canadian National-level Cohort Study (29 page pdf, Dan L. Crouse, Paul A. Peters, Aaron van Donkelaar,Mark S. Goldberg, Paul J.Villeneuve, Orly Brion, Saeeda Khan, Dominic Odwa Atari, Michael Jerrett, C. Arden Pope III, Michael Brauer, Jeffrey R. Brook, Randall V. Martin, David Stieb, Richard T. Burnett, Environ Health Perspect, Feb.7,  2012)

Today, we review a study that assesses the mortality health risk for native born Canadians from long term exposure to fine particulate matter which is higher in the Montreal-Ottawa-Toronto-Windsor corridor than elsewhere in the country. The authors concluded that there is a 31% increased risk of ischemic heart disease with an increase of 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5, a higher increase in health risk than previously estimated (12-14%).

To see Key Quotes and Links to key reports about this post, click HERE

Vulnerability of Public to Heat Waves

Evaluation of a Heat Vulnerability Index on Abnormally Hot Days: an Environmental Public Health  (29 page pdf, Colleen E. Reid, Jennifer K. Mann, Ruth Alfasso, Paul B. English, Galatea C. King, Rebecca A. Lincoln, Helene G. Margolis, Dan J. Rubado, Joseph E. Sabato, Nancy L. West, Brian Woods, Kathleen M. Navarro, John R. Balmes, Environ Health Perspect .,  Jan.31, 2012)

Today we review some research that used of  the national (US)  Health Vulnerability Index to assess how the urban population reacts to heat stress, given that the number of hot spells each year is likely to double or triple over the next few decades, as a result of carbon fuel emissions and the forced climate change that they cause. The results indicate that the HVI is useful irrespective of heat stress to identify vulnerable parts of the population as well as to gauge in advance which parts are likely to increased heat stress in future.

To see Key Quotes and Links to key reports about this post, click HERE

Health Threats to Canadian School Children Near Heavy Traffic

Prince Philip Public Elementary School Nutana Park subdivision Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Proximity of public elementary schools to major roads in Canadian urban areas  (33 page pdf, Ofer Amram, Rebecca Abernethy, Michael Brauer, Hugh Davies and Ryan W Allen, International Journal of Health Geographics, Dec. 21, 2011)

Also discussed here: School location a factor in student health, performance (Public Affairs, Simon Fraser University, Jan. 4, 2012)

And here: School location may impact kids’ health (The Canadian Press, Jan 5, 2012)

Today, we focus on the proximity of schools are to major roads and why this constitutes a health risk to the school children. Nitrogen dioxide concentrations measured near schools  drop off significantly within 75 m and up to 200 m from the roads. . The research reviewed indicates that in the 10 cities analysed (making up 1/3 of Canada’s population), 16 % of schools are within 75 m and  36% within 200 m of traffic.  Provincial authorities in BC recommend keeping schools at least 150 m away from roads. Action may be taken with existing schools close to roads to reduce hazardous concentrations by as installing high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in ventilation systems and other measures.

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The Health Costs of Asthma caused by Traffic-Related Air Pollution

Asthma Obstruction of the lumen of the bronchiole by mucoid exudate, goblet cell metaplasia, epithelial basement membrane thickening and severe inflammation of bronchiole. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Costs of childhood asthma due to traffic-related pollution in two california communities (S. J. Brandt, L. Perez, N. Kunzli, F. Lurmann, R. McConnell. Abstract, European Respiratory Journal, Jan. 20, 2012)

Also discussed here: Asthma Rate and Costs from Traffic Pollution Higher: Much Higher Than Past Traditional Risk Assessments Have Indicated (Science Daily, Jan. 25, 2012)

The focus of today’s review is a research article from California which examines costs directly and indirectly related to traffic related pollution. The conclusion is that the costs are much higher than suggested by traditional studies and that this cost is borne more by urban communities that experience traffic more than those which do not.

To see Key Quotes and Links to key reports about this post, click  HERE

 

Sustainable Transportation and Mobility for Seniors

Great Ideas for Senior-Friendly Communities (US News, Jan. 12, 2012)

Also discussed here: Age friendliness — sounds good, where is it? (Laurie Orlov , Aging in Place Technology, Jan. 14, 2012)

And here: Aging in Place:A State Survey of Livability Policies and Practices (84 page pdf, Nicholas Farber, JD, and Douglas Shinkle,  National Conference of State Legislatures and the AARP Public Policy Institute, Dec. 2011)

And here: Forget the Sunbelt: Colder Areas Top New List of Best Cities for Seniors (US News, Sep. 29, 2011)

The fastest growing part of our population and for many cities the most vulnerable are our seniors- and many cities are not taking steps to ensure they are both safe and healthy and have access to municipal transportation systems. Today’s review of several articles on this topic points out some of the transportation challenges and solutions without getting into social housing and land use policies which also have large impacts on quality of life for seniors.

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Heat Waves and Mortality in Korean Cities

The Impact of Heat Waves on Mortality in 7 Major Cities in Korea (34 page pdf, Ji-Young Son, Jong-Tae Lee, G. Brooke Anderson, Michelle L. Bell, Environ Health Perspect, Jan. 20, 2012)

Today we review an analysis of the health impact of heat waves in Korea, the characteristics of these events and the most vulnerable people within the population. Results indicate a greater mortality during the first heat waves in the season and the greatest impact on the elderly.

To see Key Quotes and Links to key reports about this post, click HERE

Hamilton’s Air Pollution Hot Spots

Mobile Air Quality Monitoring to Determine Local Impacts  (39 page pdf, Denis Corr, Rotek Environmental Inc. July 2011)

Also discussed here: Unique study maps neighbourhood air pollution  (Hamilton Spectator, Jan. 20, 2012)

And here: A Public Health Assessment of Mortality and Hospital Admissions Attributable to Air Pollution in Hamilton  (3 page pdf, School of Geography and Geology and McMaster Institute of Environment and Health, 2011)

From the city of Hamilton, a leader among Canadian cities in the assessment of urban health, comes a report on a local neighbourhood air quality monitoring study. Results indicate almost 12% increased mortality risk as an average across the city for all pollutants, with the highest increased risk (+18%) near the 6 lane highway (403) that bisects the city. The breakdown of risk by pollutant may also be used to identify and reduce pollution sources.

To see Key Quotes and Links to key reports about this post, click HERE

Is Traffic Congestion the Main Cause of Car Accidents?

Go Figure: Are country roads more dangerous than city roads? (Michael Blastland, BBC News magazine, Jan. 19, 2012)

Also discussed here: Roads vs. Streets: Wherein the greater danger? (World Streets, Jan. 19, 2012)

A near fatal accident close to my home recently triggered the review of today’s post  which examines the links between  traffic accidents  and health consequences in and around London UK.  While more traffic volume and congestion seems to be related to more accidents, it is not as much more as one would expect . Also, it seems that non fatal accidents (involving only property damage) are greater with less traffic,  more fatal accidents occur with more traffic where speed may also be a factor. One conclusion is that traffic characteristics need to be considered when designing safer roads and intersections.

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Reducing Emissions from Wood Burning Stoves

Wood-burning stoves – harmful or safe? (Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Jan. 16, 2012)

Also discussed here: Wood-Burning Stoves: Harmful or Safe? (Science Daily, Jan. 16, 2012)

And here: Guidebook Effective and environmentally friendly firing of firewood  ( 8 page pdf, Edvard Karlsvik, SINTEF Energy Research, Norway and Heikki Oravainen, VTT, Finland, EU-project Quality Wood,  )

As we reach the depth of winter’s cold in northern climates, today’s focus is on some timely research from Norway that examines the combustion conditions of wood burning stoves that affect emissions and the resulting health impacts.  Recommendations include using dry (not wet) wood and modern stoves that ensure complete combustion.

To see Key Quotes and Links about this post, click HERE