20 results on '"Douglas, Philippa"'
Search Results
2. Assessing the health risk of living near composting facilities on lung health, fungal and bacterial disease in cystic fibrosis: a UK CF Registry study
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Khan, Muhammad Saleem, Douglas, Philippa, Hansell, Anna L., Simmonds, Nicholas J., and Piel, Frédéric B.
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- 2022
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3. Bioaerosol emissions from open windrow composting facilities : emission characterisation and dispersion modelling improvements
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Douglas, Philippa, Drew, G. H., and Tyrrel, S.
- Abstract
Bioaerosol emissions from open windrow composting facilities are becoming of increasing concern due to the negative health effects associated with bioaerosols, and the fact that emissions from open windrow facilities are not contained. Current bioaerosol monitoring techniques provide only a snapshot of bioaerosol concentrations spatially and temporally, whereas dispersion models have the potential to offer a more continual overview of bioaerosol levels, alongside existing sampling methods. However, dispersion models have not been successful at accurately predicting bioaerosol concentrations from open windrow composting facilities, generally under predicting concentrations by at least one order of magnitude. This is predominantly due to a lack of knowledge and data surrounding the complex nature of bioaerosol release and transportation, particularly when the compost is agitated. This study aimed to improve the reliability in the outputs of the ADMS dispersion model, specifically in the open windrow composting scenario, by performing several model tests alongside selected input parameter quantification improvements. This involved completing a sensitivity analysis, and a model calibration and validation specific to this scenario for the first time. Results from the sensitivity analysis showed that the use of wet and dry deposition modules is significant, and the majority of model inputs associated with the representation of the source of the emission are sensitive. These findings helped select the model input parameters for quantification improvements. Novel preliminary measurements of bioaerosol temperature, velocity and concentration at the source of composting agitation activities were completed. These values provided more accurate model inputs. Collectively, these results allowed the model to be successfully calibrated, and consequently, validated for the first time for this specific scenario, resulting in model outputs corresponding to within one order of magnitude to measured data. This has helped to generate an initial set of modelling recommendations, allowing modellers to use the ADMS dispersion model in a reliable manner, when applied to the open windrow composting scenario. Eventually, these improved model outputs may be used to predict bioaerosol exposure levels at sensitive receptors, particularly in conditions where current monitoring methods are not feasible.
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- 2013
4. Characterising populations living close to intensive farming and composting facilities in England
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Douglas, Philippa, Fecht, Daniela, and Jarvis, Deborah
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- 2020
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5. Chapter Three - Compendium of analytical methods for sampling, characterization and quantification of bioaerosols
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Whitby, Corinne, Ferguson, Robert M.W., Colbeck, Ian, Dumbrell, Alex J., Nasir, Zaheer A., Marczylo, Emma, Kinnersley, Rob, Douglas, Philippa, Drew, Gill, Bhui, Kam, Lemon, Mark, Jackson, Simon, Tyrrel, Sean, and Coulon, Frederic
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- 2022
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6. Estimating Particulate Exposure from Modern Municipal Waste Incinerators in Great Britain
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Douglas, Philippa, Freni-Sterrantino, Anna, Leal Sanchez, Maria, Ashworth, Danielle C., Ghosh, Rebecca E., Fecht, Daniela, Font, Anna, Blangiardo, Marta, Gulliver, John, Toledano, Mireille B., Elliott, Paul, de Hoogh, Kees, Fuller, Gary W., and Hansell, Anna L.
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Air Pollutants ,Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins ,Humans ,Incineration ,Models, Theoretical ,Environmental Health ,Article ,United Kingdom ,Benzofurans ,Environmental Monitoring - Abstract
Municipal Waste Incineration (MWI) is regulated through the European Union Directive on Industrial Emissions (IED), but there is ongoing public concern regarding potential hazards to health. Using dispersion modeling, we estimated spatial variability in PM10 concentrations arising from MWIs at postcodes (average 12 households) within 10 km of MWIs in Great Britain (GB) in 2003–2010. We also investigated change points in PM10 emissions in relation to introduction of EU Waste Incineration Directive (EU-WID) (subsequently transposed into IED) and correlations of PM10 with SO2, NOx, heavy metals, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furan (PCDD/F), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) emissions. Yearly average modeled PM10 concentrations were 1.00 × 10–5 to 5.53 × 10–2 μg m–3, a small contribution to ambient background levels which were typically 6.59–2.68 × 101 μg m–3, 3–5 orders of magnitude higher. While low, concentration surfaces are likely to represent a spatial proxy of other relevant pollutants. There were statistically significant correlations between PM10 and heavy metal compounds (other heavy metals (r = 0.43, p =
- Published
- 2017
7. Estimating Aspergillus fumigatus exposure from outdoor composting activities in England between 2005 and 14
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Williams, Ben, Douglas, Philippa, Roca Barcelo, Aina, Hansell, Anna, and Hayes, Enda
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bioaerosols, composting, modelling, ADMS, population exposure, Aspergillus fumigatus ,Air Quality Management Resource Centre - Abstract
Bioaerosols, ubiquitous in ambient air, are released in elevated concentrations from composting facilities with open-air processing areas. However, spatial and temporal variability of bioaerosols, particularly in relation to meteorology, is not well understood. Here we model relative concentrations of Aspergillus fumigatus at each postcode-weighted centroid within 4 km of 217 composting facilities in England between 2005 and 2014. Facilities were geocoded with the aid of satellite imagery. Data from existing bioaerosol modelling literature were used to build emission profiles in ADMS. Variation in input parameters between each modelled facility was reduced to a minimum. Meteorological data for each composting facility was derived from the nearest SCAIL-Agriculture validated meteorological station. According to our results, modelled exposure risk was driven primarily by wind speed, direction and time-varying emissions factors incorporating seasonal fluctuations in compostable waste. Modelled A.fumigatus concentrations decreased rapidly from the facility boundary and plateaued beyond 1.5–2.0 km. Where multiple composting facilities were within 4 km of each other, complex exposure risk patterns were evident. More long-term bioaerosol monitoring near facilities is needed to help improve exposure estimation and therefore assessment of any health risks to local populations.
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- 2019
8. Characterising populations living close to intensive farming and composting facilities in England.
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Douglas, Philippa, Fecht, Daniela, and Jarvis, Deborah
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Bioaerosol exposure has been linked to adverse respiratory conditions. Intensive farming and composting facilities are important anthropogenic sources of bioaerosols. We aimed to characterise populations living close to intensive farming and composting facilities. We also infer whether the public are becoming more concerned about anthropogenic bioaerosol emissions, using reports of air pollution related incidents attributed to facilities. We mapped the location of 1,257 intensive farming and 310 composting facilities in England in relation to the resident population and its characteristics (sex and age), area characteristics (deprivation proxy and rural/urban classification) and school locations stratified by pre-defined distance bands from these bioaerosol sources. We also calculated the average number of air pollution related incidents per year per facility. We found that more than 16% of the population and 15% of schools are located within 4,828 m of an intensive farming facility or 4,000 m of a composting facility; few people (0.01 %) live very close to these sites and tend to be older people. Close to composting facilities, populations are more likely to be urban and more deprived. The number of incidents were attributed to a small proportion of facilities; population characteristics around these facilities were similar. Results indicate that populations living near composting facilities (particularly>250 to ⩽ 4,000 m) are mostly located in urban areas (80%–88% of the population), which supports the need for more community health studies to be conducted. Results could also be used to inform risk management strategies at facilities with higher numbers of incidents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
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9. Sensitivity of predicted bioaerosol exposure from open windrow composting facilities to ADMS dispersion model parameters
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Douglas, Philippa, Tyrrel, Sean, Kinnersley, Robert P., Whelan, M. J., Longhurst, Philip J., Walsh, K., Pollard, Simon J. T., and Drew, Gillian H.
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ADMS ,Compost ,Sensitivity analysis ,Dispersion modelling ,Bioaerosol - Abstract
Bioaerosols are released in elevated quantities from composting facilities and are associated with negative health effects, although dose-response relationships are not well understood, and require improved exposure classification. Dispersion modelling has great potential to improve exposure classification, but has not yet been extensively used or validated in this context. We present a sensitivity analysis of the ADMS dispersion model specific to input parameter ranges relevant to bioaerosol emissions from open windrow composting. This analysis provides an aid for model calibration by prioritising parameter adjustment and targeting independent parameter estimation. Results showed that predicted exposure was most sensitive to the wet and dry deposition modules and the majority of parameters relating to emission source characteristics, including pollutant emission velocity, source geometry and source height. This research improves understanding of the accuracy of model input data required to provide more reliable exposure predictions.
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- 2016
10. Bioaerosol exposure from composting facilities and health outcomes in workers and in the community: A systematic review update.
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Robertson, Sarah, Douglas, Philippa, Jarvis, Deborah, and Marczylo, Emma
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HEALTH facilities , *COMPOSTING , *ENVIRONMENTAL exposure prevention , *META-analysis , *ORGANIC wastes , *INDUSTRIAL hygiene , *POPULATION , *AEROSOLS , *AIR microbiology , *AIR pollution , *ANIMAL experimentation , *PUBLIC health , *SYSTEMATIC reviews , *ENVIRONMENTAL exposure - Abstract
Background: Rapid population growth and urbanisation around the world has led to increasing waste generation rates. Composting of organic waste in large-scale facilities is part of a growing trend in the UK, and elsewhere, to better manage and re-use the organic waste. However, composting inevitably generates bioaerosols, which have been associated with human health effects. In 2015, we reported that there was some, albeit limited, qualitative evidence linking bioaerosol emissions from composting facilities to poor respiratory health in nearby residents. However, the limited evidence precluded any quantitative assessment. Since then, the number of operational industrial-scale composting facilities in England has increased by 9% - nearly twice the growth from 2012 to 2014. At the same time, rapid urbanisation has led to expansion of city borders with more people living near large composting facilities and exposed to bioaerosol pollution. It is essential that regulatory authorities have access to the most up to date and accurate information.Objective: In this update of a systematic review published in 2015, we review and summarise the evidence from more recent studies that have assessed bioaerosol exposures within and near composting facilities and their associated health effects in both community and occupational health settings. Specifically, we wanted to find out if new evidence has emerged since the previous review to strengthen and confirm its conclusions.Material and Methods: Two electronic databases (Medline and Embase) and bibliographies were searched for studies reporting on health outcomes and/or exposure to bioaerosols from composting facilities published between 1 January 2014 and 15 June 2018. Identification of relevant articles and data extraction was undertaken and studies were assessed for risk of bias.Results: 23 studies met the inclusion criteria (15 exposure studies, 4 health studies, 4 health and exposure studies (one of which used an exposure proxy)). The majority of studies were conducted in occupational settings, and over short time periods. Some progress has been made in the characterisation of bioaerosol emissions from these composting facilities, with the application of molecular-based methods. Whilst the latest health studies do not rely solely on subjective self-reported measures of health status but include more objective health measures, these studies were almost exclusively carried out in compost workers and were characterised by profound methodological limitations. Only one community health study was identified and used a proxy measure of bioaerosol exposure.Conclusions: Although this review identified an additional 23 studies since the earlier review, the conclusions remain largely unchanged. Given the absence of any consistent evidence on the toxicity of bioaerosols from composting facilities, there is insufficient evidence to provide a quantitative comment on the risk to nearby residents from exposure to compost bioaerosols. To improve risk assessment and to best advise on risk management, it is important to ensure that the research recommendations outlined in this review are addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2019
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11. A systematic review of the public health risks of bioaerosols from intensive farming.
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Douglas, Philippa, Robertson, Sarah, Gay, Rebecca, Hansell, Anna L., and Gant, Timothy W.
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EMISSIONS (Air pollution) , *RESPIRATORY diseases , *MICROBIOLOGICAL aerosols , *MICROBIAL contamination , *ESCHERICHIA coli , *AEROSOLS , *AGRICULTURE , *PUBLIC health , *RISK assessment , *SYSTEMATIC reviews , *ENVIRONMENTAL exposure - Abstract
Background: Population growth, increasing food demands, and economic efficiency have been major driving forces behind farming intensification over recent decades. However, biological emissions (bioaerosols) from intensified livestock farming may have the potential to impact human health. Bioaerosols from intensive livestock farming have been reported to cause symptoms and/or illnesses in occupational-settings and there is concern about the potential health effects on people who live near the intensive farms. As well as adverse health effects, some potential beneficial effects have been attributed to farm exposures in early life. The aim of the study was to undertake a systematic review to evaluate potential for adverse health outcomes in populations living near intensive livestock farms.Material and Methods: Two electronic databases (PubMed and Scopus) and bibliographies were searched for studies reporting associations between health outcomes and bioaerosol emissions related to intensive farming published between January 1960 and April 2017, including both occupational and community studies. Two authors independently assessed studies for inclusion and extracted data. Risk of bias was assessed using a customized score.Results: 38 health studies met the inclusion criteria (21 occupational and 1 community study measured bioaerosol concentrations, 16 community studies using a proxy measure for exposure). The majority of occupational studies found a negative impact on respiratory health outcomes and increases in inflammatory biomarkers among farm workers exposed to bioaerosols. Studies investigating the health of communities living near intensive farms had mixed findings. All four studies of asthma in children found increased reported asthma prevalence among children living or attending schools near an intensive farm. Papers principally investigated respiratory and immune system outcomes.Conclusions: The review indicated a potential impact of intensive farming on childhood respiratory health, based on a small number of studies using self-reported outcomes, but supported by findings from occupational studies. Further research is needed to measure and monitor exposure in community settings and relate this to objectively measured health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2018
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12. Predicting Aspergillus fumigatus exposure from composting facilities using a dispersion model: A conditional calibration and validation.
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Douglas, Philippa, Tyrrel, Sean F., Kinnersley, Robert P., Whelan, Michael, Longhurst, Philip J., Hansell, Anna L., Walsh, Kerry, Pollard, Simon J.T, and Drew, Gillian H.
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ASPERGILLUS fumigatus , *ENVIRONMENTAL exposure , *COMPOSTING , *DISPERSION (Atmospheric chemistry) , *MICROBIOLOGICAL aerosols , *AEROSOLS , *AIR , *AIR microbiology , *AIR pollution , *ASPERGILLUS , *CALIBRATION , *ENVIRONMENTAL monitoring , *MATHEMATICAL models , *SOILS , *THEORY ,RESEARCH evaluation - Abstract
Bioaerosols are released in elevated quantities from composting facilities and are associated with negative health effects, although dose-response relationships are unclear. Exposure levels are difficult to quantify as established sampling methods are costly, time-consuming and current data provide limited temporal and spatial information. Confidence in dispersion model outputs in this context would be advantageous to provide a more detailed exposure assessment. We present the calibration and validation of a recognised atmospheric dispersion model (ADMS) for bioaerosol exposure assessments. The model was calibrated by a trial and error optimisation of observed Aspergillus fumigatus concentrations at different locations around a composting site. Validation was performed using a second dataset of measured concentrations for a different site. The best fit between modelled and measured data was achieved when emissions were represented as a single area source, with a temperature of 29°C. Predicted bioaerosol concentrations were within an order of magnitude of measured values (1000-10,000CFU/m3) at the validation site, once minor adjustments were made to reflect local differences between the sites (r2>0.7 at 150, 300, 500 and 600m downwind of source). Results suggest that calibrated dispersion modelling can be applied to make reasonable predictions of bioaerosol exposures at multiple sites and may be used to inform site regulation and operational management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
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13. Respiratory hospital admission risk near large composting facilities.
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Douglas, Philippa, Bakolis, Ioannis, Fecht, Daniela, Pearson, Clare, Leal Sanchez, Maria, Kinnersley, Rob, de Hoogh, Kees, and Hansell, Anna L.
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MICROBIOLOGICAL aerosols , *HOSPITAL admission & discharge , *RESPIRATORY infections , *DISEASE prevalence , *OBSTRUCTIVE lung diseases , *REGRESSION analysis , *HOSPITAL care , *WASTE management , *RESEARCH funding , *RESPIRATORY diseases , *SOILS , *ENVIRONMENTAL exposure - Abstract
Background: Large-scale composting can release bioaerosols in elevated quantities, but there are few studies of health effects on nearby communities.Methods: A cross-sectional ecological small area design was used to examine risk of respiratory hospital admissions within 2500m of all 148 English large-scale composting facilities in 2008-10. Statistical analyses used a random intercept Poisson regression model at Census Output Area (COA) level (mean population 310). Models were adjusted for age, sex, deprivation and tobacco sales.Results: Analysing 34,963 respiratory hospital admissions in 4656 COAs within 250-2500m of a site, there were no significant trends using pre-defined distance bands of >250-750m, >750-1500m and >1500-2500m. Using a continuous measure of distance, there was a small non-statistically significant (p=0.054) association with total respiratory admissions corresponding to a 1.5% (95% CI: 0.0-2.9%) decrease in risk if moving from 251m to 501m. There were no significant associations for subgroups of respiratory infections, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Conclusion: This national study does not provide evidence for increased risks of respiratory hospital admissions in those living beyond 250m of an outdoor composting area perimeter. Further work using better measures of exposure and exploring associations with symptoms and disease prevalence, especially in vulnerable groups, is recommended to support regulatory approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2016
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14. Exposures and Health Outcomes in Relation to Bioaerosol Emissions From Composting Facilities: A Systematic Review of Occupational and Community Studies.
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Pearson, Clare, Littlewood, Emma, Douglas, Philippa, Robertson, Sarah, Gant, Timothy W., and Hansell, Anna L.
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MICROBIOLOGICAL aerosols ,COMPOSTING -- Environmental aspects ,PUBLIC health ,RESPIRATORY diseases - Abstract
The number of composting sites in Europe is rapidly increasing, due to efforts to reduce the fraction of waste destined for landfill, but evidence on possible health impacts is limited. This article systematically reviews studies related to bioaerosol exposures within and near composting facilities and associated health effects in both community and occupational health settings. Six electronic databases and bibliographies from January 1960 to July 2014 were searched for studies reporting on health outcomes and/or bioaerosol emissions related to composting sites. Risk of bias was assessed using a customized score. Five hundred and thirty-six papers were identified and reviewed, and 66 articles met the inclusion criteria (48 exposure studies, 9 health studies, 9 health and exposure studies). Exposure information was limited, with most measurements taken in occupational settings and for limited time periods. Bioaerosol concentrations were highest on-site during agitation activities (turning, shredding, and screening). Six studies detected concentrations of eitherAspergillus fumigatusor total bacteria above the English Environment Agency’s recommended threshold levels beyond 250 m from the site. Occupational studies of compost workers suggested elevated risks of respiratory illnesses with higher bioaerosol exposures. Elevated airway irritation was reported in residents near composting sites, but this may have been affected by reporting bias. The evidence base on health effects of bioaerosol emissions from composting facilities is still limited, although there is sufficient evidence to support a precautionary approach for regulatory purposes. While data to date are suggestive of possible respiratory effects, further study is needed to confirm this and to explore other health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
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15. A systematic review of outdoor airborne fungal spore seasonality across Europe and the implications for health.
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Anees-Hill, Samuel, Douglas, Philippa, Pashley, Catherine H., Hansell, Anna, and Marczylo, Emma L.
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- 2022
- Full Text
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16. Risk of respiratory hospital admission associated with modelled concentrations of Aspergillus fumigatus from composting facilities in England.
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Roca-Barcelo, Aina, Douglas, Philippa, Fecht, Daniela, Sterrantino, Anna Freni, Williams, Ben, Blangiardo, Marta, Gulliver, John, Hayes, Enda T., and Hansell, Anna L.
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- *
ASPERGILLUS fumigatus , *HOSPITAL admission & discharge , *MICROBIOLOGICAL aerosols , *RESPIRATORY infections , *AIR pollution , *CYSTIC fibrosis , *COMPOSTING - Abstract
Bioaerosols have been associated with adverse respiratory-related health effects and are emitted in elevated concentrations from composting facilities. We used modelled Aspergillus fumigatus concentrations, a good indicator for bioaerosol emissions, to assess associations with respiratory-related hospital admissions. Mean daily Aspergillus fumigatus concentrations were estimated for each composting site for first full year of permit issue from 2005 onwards to 2014 for Census Output Areas (COAs) within 4 km of 76 composting facilities in England, as previously described (Williams et al., 2019). We fitted a hierarchical generalized mixed model to examine the risk of hospital admission with a primary diagnosis of (i) any respiratory condition, (ii) respiratory infections, (iii) asthma, (iv) COPD, (v) diseases due to organic dust, and (vi) Cystic Fibrosis, in relation to quartiles of Aspergillus fumigatus concentrations. Models included a random intercept for each COA to account for over-dispersion, nested within composting facility, on which a random intercept was fitted to account for clustering of the data, with adjustments for age, sex, ethnicity, deprivation, tobacco sales (smoking proxy) and traffic load (as a proxy for traffic-related air pollution). We included 249,748 respiratory-related and 3163 Cystic Fibrosis hospital admissions in 9606 COAs with a population-weighted centroid within 4 km of the 76 included composting facilities. After adjustment for confounders, no statistically significant effect was observed for any respiratory-related (Relative Risk (RR) = 0.99; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.96–1.01) or for Cystic Fibrosis (RR = 1.01; 95% CI 0.56–1.83) hospital admissions for COAs in the highest quartile of exposure. Similar results were observed across all respiratory disease sub-groups. This study does not provide evidence for increased risks of respiratory-related hospitalisations for those living near composting facilities. However, given the limitations in the dispersion modelling, risks cannot be completely ruled out. Hospital admissions represent severe respiratory episodes, so further study would be needed to investigate whether bioaerosols emitted from composting facilities have impacts on less severe episodes or respiratory symptoms. • One of the largest studies to date on community health effects of composting. • Used a newly available model of A. fumigatus emissions from composting facilities. • Examined respiratory hospital admissions near 76 facilities (population >17 million). • There was no excess in respiratory admissions in higher exposed areas. • Further study is required to investigate potential impacts on symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2020
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17. Emerging and legacy flame retardants in UK human milk and food suggest slow response to restrictions on use of PBDEs and HBCDD.
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Tao, Fang, Abou-Elwafa Abdallah, Mohamed, Ashworth, Danielle C., Douglas, Philippa, Toledano, Mireille B., and Harrad, Stuart
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FOOD consumption , *FIREPROOFING agents , *DIETARY supplements , *POLYBROMINATED diphenyl ethers , *HEXABROMOCYCLODODECANE - Abstract
The legacy flame retardants (LFRs) polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD), together with six emerging flame retardants (EFRs) were measured in United Kingdom (UK) human milk collected in 2010 (n = 25) and 2014–15 (n = 10). These data are the first report of the presence of EFRs in UK human milk. The most abundant EFR was β-tetrabromoethylcyclohexane (DBE-DBCH) (average = 2.5 ng/g lw; geometric mean = 1.5 ng/g lw), which is comparable to the concentrations of the most abundant LFRs i.e. BDE 47 and α-HBCDD at 2.8 and 2.1 ng/g lw, respectively (geometric mean = 2.1 and 1.7). The estimated median dietary intake of ΣEFRs by UK nursing infants was 18 ng/kg bw/day. EFRs were also measured in UK foodstuffs with β-DBE-DBCH again the predominant compound detected, accounting – on average – for 64.5 ± 23.4% of ΣEFRs. Average estimated dietary intakes of ∑ EFRs in the UK were 89 and 26 ng/day (1.3 and 2.6 ng/body weight/day) for adults and toddlers, respectively. Concentrations of Σtri-hexa BDEs in our UK food samples exceeded those reported in UK samples from the same food categories collected in 2003–04 and 2006. Despite this and our recent report elsewhere of significant temporal declines in concentrations of BDE 209 in UK indoor dust (p < 0.05) and HBCDDs in UK indoor dust and air (p < 0.001), no significant temporal differences (p > 0.05) were observed between concentrations of Σtri-hexa BDEs, BDE 209 and HBCDDs in human milk sampled in 2010 and those obtained in 2014–15. UK adult body burdens for EFRs were predicted via inhalation, diet and dust ingestion using a simple pharmacokinetic model. The predicted EFR body burdens compared well with observed concentrations in human milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
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18. Air quality and mental health: evidence, challenges and future directions.
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Bhui K, Newbury JB, Latham RM, Ucci M, Nasir ZA, Turner B, O'Leary C, Fisher HL, Marczylo E, Douglas P, Stansfeld S, Jackson SK, Tyrrel S, Rzhetsky A, Kinnersley R, Kumar P, Duchaine C, and Coulon F
- Abstract
Background: Poor air quality is associated with poor health. Little attention is given to the complex array of environmental exposures and air pollutants that affect mental health during the life course., Aims: We gather interdisciplinary expertise and knowledge across the air pollution and mental health fields. We seek to propose future research priorities and how to address them., Method: Through a rapid narrative review, we summarise the key scientific findings, knowledge gaps and methodological challenges., Results: There is emerging evidence of associations between poor air quality, both indoors and outdoors, and poor mental health more generally, as well as specific mental disorders. Furthermore, pre-existing long-term conditions appear to deteriorate, requiring more healthcare. Evidence of critical periods for exposure among children and adolescents highlights the need for more longitudinal data as the basis of early preventive actions and policies. Particulate matter, including bioaerosols, are implicated, but form part of a complex exposome influenced by geography, deprivation, socioeconomic conditions and biological and individual vulnerabilities. Critical knowledge gaps need to be addressed to design interventions for mitigation and prevention, reflecting ever-changing sources of air pollution. The evidence base can inform and motivate multi-sector and interdisciplinary efforts of researchers, practitioners, policy makers, industry, community groups and campaigners to take informed action., Conclusions: There are knowledge gaps and a need for more research, for example, around bioaerosols exposure, indoor and outdoor pollution, urban design and impact on mental health over the life course.
- Published
- 2023
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19. Risk of congenital anomalies near municipal waste incinerators in England and Scotland: Retrospective population-based cohort study.
- Author
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Parkes B, Hansell AL, Ghosh RE, Douglas P, Fecht D, Wellesley D, Kurinczuk JJ, Rankin J, de Hoogh K, Fuller GW, Elliott P, and Toledano MB
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- Cohort Studies, Congenital Abnormalities, England, Female, Humans, Pregnancy, Retrospective Studies, Scotland, Incineration
- Abstract
Background: Few studies have investigated congenital anomalies in relation to municipal waste incinerators (MWIs) and results are inconclusive., Objectives: To conduct a national investigation into the risk of congenital anomalies in babies born to mothers living within 10 km of an MWI associated with: i) modelled concentrations of PM
10 as a proxy for MWI emissions more generally and; ii) proximity of residential postcode to nearest MWI, in areas in England and Scotland that are covered by a congenital anomaly register., Methods: Retrospective population-based cohort study within 10 km of 10 MWIs in England and Scotland operating between 2003 and 2010. Exposure was proximity to MWI and log of daily mean modelled ground-level particulate matter ≤10 μm diameter (PM10 ) concentrations., Results: Analysis included 219,486 births, stillbirths and terminations of pregnancy for fetal anomaly of which 5154 were cases of congenital anomalies. Fully adjusted odds ratio (OR) per doubling in PM10 was: 1·00 (95% CI 0·98-1·02) for all congenital anomalies; 0·99 (0·97-1·01) for all congenital anomalies excluding chromosomal anomalies. For every 1 km closer to an MWI adjusted OR was: 1·02 (1·00-1·04) for all congenital anomalies combined; 1·02 (1·00-1·04) for all congenital anomalies excluding chromosomal anomalies; and, for specific anomaly groups, 1·04 (1·01-1·08) for congenital heart defect sand 1·07 (1·02-1·12) for genital anomalies., Discussion: We found no increased risk of congenital anomalies in relation to modelled PM10 emissions, but there were small excess risks associated with congenital heart defects and genital anomalies in proximity to MWIs. These latter findings may well reflect incomplete control for confounding, but a possible causal effect cannot be excluded., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)- Published
- 2020
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20. Fetal growth, stillbirth, infant mortality and other birth outcomes near UK municipal waste incinerators; retrospective population based cohort and case-control study.
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Ghosh RE, Freni-Sterrantino A, Douglas P, Parkes B, Fecht D, de Hoogh K, Fuller G, Gulliver J, Font A, Smith RB, Blangiardo M, Elliott P, Toledano MB, and Hansell AL
- Subjects
- Female, Humans, Infant, Infant, Newborn, Retrospective Studies, United Kingdom epidemiology, Environmental Exposure analysis, Environmental Exposure statistics & numerical data, Fetal Development physiology, Infant Mortality, Pregnancy statistics & numerical data, Solid Waste, Stillbirth epidemiology
- Abstract
Background: Some studies have reported associations between municipal waste incinerator (MWI) exposures and adverse birth outcomes but there are few studies of modern MWIs operating to current European Union (EU) Industrial Emissions Directive standards., Methods: Associations between modelled ground-level particulate matter ≤10 μm in diameter (PM
10 ) from MWI emissions (as a proxy for MWI emissions) within 10 km of each MWI, and selected birth and infant mortality outcomes were examined for all 22 MWIs operating in Great Britain 2003-10. We also investigated associations with proximity of residence to a MWI. Outcomes used were term birth weight, small for gestational age (SGA) at term, stillbirth, neonatal, post-neonatal and infant mortality, multiple births, sex ratio and preterm delivery sourced from national registration data from the Office for National Statistics. Analyses were adjusted for relevant confounders including year of birth, sex, season of birth, maternal age, deprivation, ethnicity and area characteristics and random effect terms were included in the models to allow for differences in baseline rates between areas and in incinerator feedstock., Results: Analyses included 1,025,064 births and 18,694 infant deaths. There was no excess risk in relation to any of the outcomes investigated during pregnancy or early life of either mean modelled MWI PM10 or proximity to an MWI., Conclusions: We found no evidence that exposure to PM10 from, or living near to, an MWI operating to current EU standards was associated with harm for any of the outcomes investigated. Results should be generalisable to other MWIs operating to similar standards., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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