Assessing air pollution emission from construction project activities

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Brain Fog: Does Air Pollution Make Us Less Productive?

Air pollutant emissions from the coking industry in China, the world’s largest coke producer, are a major societal concern. This study employed a bottom-up emission-factor methodology to estimate the country’s coking-industry air-pollutant emissions. Total suspended particulate matter (TSP), particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 2.5 µm (PM2.5), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), carbon monoxide (CO), and methane (CH4) were considered. The emissions in 2015 were estimated to be 368.36, 23.28, 402.54, 174.43, 1325.42, 28.24, 2036.43, and 71.68 kt for TSP, PM2.5, SO2, NOx, VOCs, PAHs, CO, and CH4, respectively, with an annual average growth rate of 1.1% during the 12th five-year-plan (2011–2015). A comparative analysis was performed on emission contributions from air pollutants produced by various types of coke ovens and using various coking procedures. The objectives of the 13th five-year-plan (2016–2020) were used to predict China’s production of coke and methods of control in 2020 and to analyze the potential reduction in typical air pollutants. The results show that emissions of TSP, SO2, and NOx will be reduced by 82.9%, 94.4%, and 6.9%, respectively. Moreover, this study proposes a series of feasible control measures for air-pollutant emissions from the coking industry in China.

BackgroundVarious factors can modify the health effects of outdoor air pollution. Prior findings about modifiers are inconsistent, and most of these studies were conducted in developed countries.ObjectivesWe conducted a time-series analysis to examine the modifying effect of season, sex, age, and education on the association between outdoor air pollutants [particulate matter < 10 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM10), sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone] and daily mortality in Shanghai, China, using 4 years of daily data (2001–2004).MethodsUsing a natural spline model to analyze the data, we examined effects of air pollution for the warm season (April–September) and cool season (October–March) separately. For total mortality, we examined the association stratified by sex and age. Stratified analysis by educational attainment was conducted for total, cardiovascular, and respiratory mortality.ResultsOutdoor air pollution was associated with mortality from all causes and from cardiorespiratory diseases in Shanghai. An increase of 10 μg/m3 in a 2-day average concentration of PM10, SO2, NO2, and O3 corresponds to increases in all-cause mortality of 0.25% [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.14–0.37), 0.95% (95% CI, 0.62–1.28), 0.97% (95% CI, 0.66–1.27), and 0.31% (95% CI, 0.04–0.58), respectively. The effects of air pollutants were more evident in the cool season than in the warm season, and females and the elderly were more vulnerable to outdoor air pollution. Effects of air pollution were generally greater in residents with low educational attainment (illiterate or primary school) compared with those with high educational attainment (middle school or above).ConclusionsSeason, sex, age, and education may modify the health effects of outdoor air pollution in Shanghai. These findings provide new information about the effects of modifiers on the relationship between daily mortality and air pollution in developing countries and may have implications for local environmental and social policies.

(Barely) living in smog: China and air pollution

This study was basically designed to assess the potential environmental air quality impacts arising from the existing two operational trains at the Oman Liquid Natural Gas (OLNG) plant. The results of the paper contain a baseline survey of the existing environment. The pollutants studied included methane (CH4), non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and suspended particulate matters (dust PM 10). Meteorological parameters monitored simultaneously include wind speed and direction, air temperature, and relative humidity. The air quality data were used to determine the diurnal and monthly variations in the pollutants. Description levels of the pollutants with respect to meteorological data were also used in analysis. Moreover, a statistical analysis of the collected data was presented. Generally, the results indicated that the mean concentrations of pollutants were low to cause any significant impact in air quality. The area had no problem in meeting the air quality standards for CO and NO2. It was also found that there was a random relationship between CO and NMHC, and between NO and NOx (no apparent correlation). The diurnal peaks of NOx, NO2, THC, and NMHC over a 24-h period were observed at around 9:00–10:00 AM (morning peak). For NO, NO2, and NOx, another peak was seen at around 5:00 PM (evening peak). Furthermore, the measured concentrations for NO2, NOx, and CO were found higher in winter than in summer. The study would help to gain a better understanding of local background levels of air pollutants at the area prior to the construction of new industrial projects, and to prepare action plans for controlling pollution in the area.

Abstract. Increases in surface ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter (≤2.5 μm aerodynamic diameter, PM2.5) are associated with excess premature human mortalities. We estimate changes in surface O3 and PM2.5 from pre-industrial (1860) to present (2000) and the global present-day (2000) premature human mortalities associated with these changes. We extend previous work to differentiate the contribution of changes in three factors: emissions of short-lived air pollutants, climate change, and increased methane (CH4) concentrations, to air pollution levels and associated premature mortalities. We use a coupled chemistry-climate model in conjunction with global population distributions in 2000 to estimate exposure attributable to concentration changes since 1860 from each factor. Attributable mortalities are estimated using health impact functions of long-term relative risk estimates for O3 and PM2.5 from the epidemiology literature. We find global mean surface PM2.5 and health-relevant O3 (defined as the maximum 6-month mean of 1-h daily maximum O3 in a year) have increased by 8 ± 0.16 μg m−3 and 30 ± 0.16 ppbv (results reported as annual average ±standard deviation of 10-yr model simulations), respectively, over this industrial period as a result of combined changes in emissions of air pollutants (EMIS), climate (CLIM) and CH4 concentrations (TCH4). EMIS, CLIM and TCH4 cause global population-weighted average PM2.5 (O3) to change by +7.5 ± 0.19 μg m−3 (+25 ± 0.30 ppbv), +0.4 ± 0.17 μg m−3 (+0.5 ± 0.28 ppbv), and 0.04 ± 0.24 μg m−3 (+4.3 ± 0.33 ppbv), respectively. Total global changes in PM2.5 are associated with 1.5 (95% confidence interval, CI, 1.2–1.8) million cardiopulmonary mortalities and 95 (95% CI, 44–144) thousand lung cancer mortalities annually and changes in O3 are associated with 375 (95% CI, 129–592) thousand respiratory mortalities annually. Most air pollution mortality is driven by changes in emissions of short-lived air pollutants and their precursors (95% and 85% of mortalities from PM2.5 and O3 respectively). However, changing climate and increasing CH4 concentrations also contribute to premature mortality associated with air pollution globally (by up to 5% and 15%, respectively). In some regions, the contribution of climate change and increased CH4 together are responsible for more than 20% of the respiratory mortality associated with O3 exposure. We find the interaction between climate change and atmospheric chemistry has influenced atmospheric composition and human mortality associated with industrial air pollution. Our study highlights the benefits to air quality and human health of CH4 mitigation as a component of future air pollution control policy.

Urban residential energy switching in China between 1980 and 2014 prevents 2.2 million premature deaths

Background: Air pollution is the major environmental pollution that contains different types of gases, dust particles, small molecules, etc. Air pollution is mainly caused by smoke or other harmful gases, such as oxides of carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen. Auto-rickshaw drivers are not only affected by air pollution, they are exposed to climatic changes, and. poor road conditions. They are exposed to air pollution, dust, infected droplets, job insecurity, noise pollution and vibration, business demands, damage to their vehicles, and, schedule-related pressure. Drivers also have the responsibility of their passengers and pedestrians- ‘lives and other vehicles. The objective of the study is to analyze knowledge among auto-rickshaw drivers regarding the health effects of air pollution and its prevention.&#x0D; Methods: An observational research methodology, a cross-sectional research design was used to perform this analysis. Probability purposive sampling technique was used to collect data from auto-rickshaw drivers based on the health effects of air pollution and its prevention utilizing structured questionnaires. The sample attributes have been defined by frequency, percentage, after data collection. The Chi-square test was also used to figure out the correlation between knowledge and specified demographic variables.&#x0D; Results: The findings show that 1.67% of auto-rickshaw drivers had an average level of knowledge score, 38.33% of them were having good and 60 % of them were having an excellent level of knowledge score and none of them were found to have a very poor level of knowledge. The minimum knowledge score was 7 and the maximum knowledge score was 14. Hence it indicates that auto-rickshaw drivers have good knowledge about the effect of air pollution and their prevention.&#x0D; Conclusions: The study shows that the auto-rickshaw drivers having good knowledge about air pollution to the management of respiratory diseases and along with their complications as well as to take the required measures to avoid respiratory complications.

This article focuses on enhancing the performance of supervisory consultants in construction projects through assessments conducted in the LKPP's SIKaP application. Supervision plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth execution of construction activities and addressing potential obstacles. The quality and safety of construction operations have become increasingly important, necessitating effective supervision. The article highlights the importance of conducting assessments to measure the success of supervisory consultants in meeting project objectives and adhering to established standards. It emphasizes the evaluation of various performance criteria, including human resources, equipment, materials, costs, time, and quality. The assessment process enables the identification of strengths and weaknesses, facilitating corrective measures and improving future performance. The article also emphasizes the interconnectedness of construction supervision and project management, with project management playing a pivotal role in achieving project goals. Communication management is highlighted as a crucial aspect for effective project execution. The regulatory framework governing technical supervision activities in construction projects is discussed, along with the roles and responsibilities of construction management and construction supervision service providers. The article emphasizes the importance of on-site inspections, project administration, progress monitoring, and quality management in construction supervision. Lastly, the article discusses the evaluation of providers' performance in goods/services procurement, emphasizing the importance of quality, cost efficiency, and adherence to standards. The implementation of the SIKaP application is seen as a means to enhance transparency, accountability, and project quality in the construction industry, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and industry benchmarking.

Introduction and Aim Air pollution is a major public health concern, adversely affecting both the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. The main pollutants include particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), nitrogen oxides (NO2), tropospheric ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and other toxic compounds. Numerous studies confirm an association between exposure to these pollutants and increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases, including ischemic heart disease, stroke, arrhythmias, and heart failure. This paper aims to summarise current knowledge on the effects of air pollution on the cardiovascular system and to discuss underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. State of Knowledge Air pollution is one of the leading environmental risk factors for premature mortality worldwide. The most harmful components include fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen oxides (NO2), ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), and sulfur dioxide (SO₂). In 2021, the World Health Organisation (WHO) revised its air quality guidelines, lowering the recommended annual PM2.5 limit to 5 µg/m3. Pollutants induce oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and autonomic imbalance, contributing to cardiovascular disease development and progression. Short-term exposure increases the risk of acute events such as myocardial infarction and arrhythmias, while long-term exposure promotes atherosclerosis and chronic heart failure. The elderly, children, and individuals with chronic diseases are particularly vulnerable. This issue remains a major public health challenge globally. Summary Air pollution is a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Reducing exposure through continuous air quality monitoring and effective preventive measures is essential for protecting public health.

Effect of Ambient Air Pollution on Hospitalization for Heart Failure in 26 of China's Largest Cities

The effect of air pollution on health is listed as a significant cause of death worldwide. Slightly over 3 million deaths per year are due to outdoor air pollution. Studies have shown that short term increases in exposure to particulate matter have increased the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure. However, less is known about the longer term effects of air pollution on various cardiovascular diseases. The American Heart Association formally recognized PM2.5 as a significant cardiovascular risk factor in 2010. Since then, more prolonged term exposure to air pollution has been suggested to cause chronic cardiometabolic and cardiovascular problems. The effects of long term (&gt;3 years) air pollution are significant, but not as much is known about how location affects this exposure. Associations with cardiovascular diseases and their risk factors are often increased in urban settings, which is attributed to a higher concentrations of outdoor air pollution, independent of ethnic groups and seasonal changes. Potential causes of long term air pollution concentrations in cities or metropolitan areas come from traffic exposure and traffic intensity. The Environmental Protection Agency and United Nations have suggested changes in air quality standards, implementation plans, and ways to reduce vehicle emissions specifically to improve human health and reduce the adverse effects of air pollution; however, more work still needs to be done. This review assesses the impact of the global long term (&gt;3 years) air pollution exposure, specifically in urban environments on cardiovascular health and disease.

The types and degree of anthropogenic impacts have an effect on the ecological state of the environment. There are two main sources of pollution on the territory of cities: industry and motor transport. Currently, with a significant reduction in industrial production, road transport is one of the main sources of environmental pollution. The largest amount (more than 200) of air pollutants is provided by gasoline carburetor engines: carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, unburned hydrocarbons. When 1 liter of gasoline is burned, 200 - 400 mg of lead is released, thus, one passenger car emits up to 1 kg of lead into the city atmosphere per year. Diesel engines pollute the atmosphere with soot, sulfur compounds, benzo pyrene. According to American geochemists, in cities more often than in rural areas, we observe cloudy weather, more rain and less snow. Atmospheric dust in cities is 100 times more, exhaust gases, 5-25 times more than in agricultural landscapes. All this affects the health of the population. The favorable factor is that the main streets with heavy traffic are located on the watersheds, in the upper part of the city, where conditions are better for dispersing impurities. However, on streets descending into depressions, where air stagnation and surface inversions are more likely, and where uphill vehicle emissions increase, air pollution is upraised.

Outdoor air pollution is a global problem with serious effects on human health, and children are considered to be highly susceptible to the effects of air pollution. To conduct a comprehensive and updated systematic review of the literature reporting the effects of outdoor air pollution on the respiratory health of children in Canada. Searches of four electronic databases between January 2004 and November 2014 were conducted to identify epidemiological studies evaluating the effect of exposure to outdoor air pollutants on respiratory symptoms, lung function measurements and the use of health services due to respiratory conditions in Canadian children. The selection process and quality assessment, using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, were conducted independently by two reviewers. Twenty-seven studies that were heterogeneous with regard to study design, population, respiratory outcome and air pollution exposure were identified. Overall, the included studies reported adverse effects of outdoor air pollution at concentrations that were below Canadian and United States standards. Heterogeneous effects of air pollutants were reported according to city, sex, socioeconomic status and seasonality. The present review also describes trends in research related to the effect of air pollution on Canadian children over the past 25 years. The present study reconfirms the adverse effects of outdoor air pollution on the respiratory health of children in Canada. It will help researchers, clinicians and environmental health authorities identify the available evidence of the adverse effect of outdoor air pollution, research gaps and the limitations for further research.