scholarly journals Air Quality during Covid-19 Lockdown

Encyclopedia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 519-526
Author(s):  
Gabriele Donzelli ◽  
Lorenzo Cioni ◽  
Mariagrazia Cancellieri ◽  
Agustin Llopis-Morales ◽  
María Morales-Suárez-Varela
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Chronic Respiratory Diseases ◽  
Pollution Levels ◽  
The World ◽  
Containment Measures ◽  
The Impact

Air pollution exposure is one of the greatest risks to health worldwide. It is estimated to be responsible for about 4.2 million deaths around the world every year owing to many serious diseases such as heart disease, stroke, acute and chronic respiratory diseases, and lung cancer. The WHO guideline limits are exceeded in several areas around the world, and it is estimated that about 90% of the world’s population is exposed to high air pollution levels, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced governments to implement severe mobility restriction measures to limit the spread of the virus. This represented a unique opportunity to study the impact of mobility on urban air quality. Several studies which have investigated the relations between the quality of the air and such containment measures have shown the significant reduction of the main pollutants in the urban environment so to encourage the adoption of new approaches for the improvement of the quality of air in the cities. The aims of this entry are both a brief analysis and a discussion of the results presented in several papers to understand the relationships between COVID-19 containment measures and air quality in urban areas.

scholarly journals Contribution of Local and Transboundary Air Pollution to the Urban Air Quality of Fukuoka, Japan

Atmosphere ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 431
Author(s):  
Ayako Yoshino ◽  
Akinori Takami ◽  
Keiichiro Hara ◽  
Chiharu Nishita-Hara ◽  
Masahiko Hayashi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Air Pollutants ◽  
Regional Scale ◽  
Gaseous Species ◽  
Transboundary Air Pollution ◽  
Local Air Pollution ◽  
The City

Transboundary air pollution (TAP) and local air pollution (LAP) influence the air quality of urban areas. Fukuoka, located on the west side of Japan and affected by TAP from the Asian continent, is a unique example for understanding the contribution of LAP and TAP. Gaseous species and particulate matter (PM) were measured for approximately three weeks in Fukuoka in the winter of 2018. We classified two distinctive periods, LAP and TAP, based on wind speed. The classification was supported by variations in the concentration of gaseous species and by backward trajectories. Most air pollutants, including NOx and PM, were high in the LAP period and low in the TAP period. However, ozone was the exception. Therefore, our findings suggest that reducing local emissions is necessary. Ozone was higher in the TAP period, and the variation in ozone concentration was relatively small, indicating that ozone was produced outside of the city and transported to Fukuoka. Thus, air pollutants must also be reduced at a regional scale, including in China.

Quantifying the impact of traffic-related air pollution on the indoor air quality of a naturally ventilated building

2016 ◽  
Vol 89-90 ◽  
pp. 138-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zheming Tong ◽  
Yujiao Chen ◽  
Ali Malkawi ◽  
Gary Adamkiewicz ◽  
John D. Spengler
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals Impact on Air Quality of the COVID-19 Lockdown in the Urban Area of Palermo (Italy)

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (20) ◽  
pp. 7375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcello Vultaggio ◽  
Daniela Varrica ◽  
Maria Grazia Alaimo
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Urban Area ◽  
Human Mobility ◽  
Infected People ◽  
National Crisis ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Pm 10 ◽  
The Impact

At the end of 2019, the first cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) were reported in Wuhan, China. Thereafter, the number of infected people increased rapidly, and the outbreak turned into a national crisis, with infected individuals all over the country. The COVID-19 global pandemic produced extreme changes in human behavior that affected air quality. Human mobility and production activities decreased significantly, and many regions recorded significant reductions in air pollution. The goal of our investigation was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on the concentrations of the main air pollutants in the urban area of Palermo (Italy). In this study, the trends in the average concentrations of CO, NO2, O3, and PM10 in the air from 1 January 2020 to 31 July 2020 were compared with the corresponding average values detected at the same monitoring stations in Palermo during the previous five years (2015–2019). During the lockdown period (10 March–30 April), we observed a decrease in the concentrations of CO, NO2, and particulate matter (PM)10, calculated to be about 51%, 50%, and 45%, respectively. This confirms that air pollution in an urban area is predominantly linked to vehicular traffic.

Air Pollution and Seasonality Effects on Mode Choice in China

2017 ◽  
Vol 2634 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weibo Li ◽  
Maria Kamargianni
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Mode Choice ◽  
Urban Transport ◽  
Modal Shift ◽  
Pollution Levels ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Impact

A modal shift from motorized to nonmotorized vehicles is imperative to reduce air pollution in developing countries. Nevertheless, whether better air quality will improve the willingness to use nonmotorized transport remains unclear. If such a reciprocal effect could be identified, a sort of virtuous circle could be created (i.e., better air quality could result in higher nonmotorized transport demand, which in turn could further reduce air pollution). Developing countries may, therefore, be more incentivized to work on air pollution reduction from other sources to exploit the extra gains in urban transport. This study investigated the impact of air pollution on mode choices and whether nonmotorized transport was preferred when air quality was better. Revealed preference data about the mode choice behavior of the same individuals was collected during two seasons (summer and winter) with different air pollution levels. Two discrete mode choice models were developed (one for each season) to quantify and compare the impacts of different air pollution levels on mode choices. Trip and socioeconomic characteristics also were included in the model to identify changes in their impacts across seasons. Taiyuan, a Chinese city that operates a successful bikesharing scheme, was selected for a case study. The study results showed that air quality improvement had a significant, positive impact on nonmotorized transport use, which suggested that improvements in air quality and promotion of nonmotorized transport must be undertaken simultaneously because of their interdependence. The results of the study could act as a harbinger to policy makers and encourage them to design measures and policies that lead to sustainable travel behavior.

scholarly journals Legal aspects of the resolutions determining the acceptable types and quality of fuels under Polish legislation

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 23-28
Author(s):  
Kinga Makuch
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Legal Aspects ◽  
Local Authorities ◽  
Air Quality Improvement ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The article focuses on the selected aspects of introducing a resolution by a self-government of a province, which allows to determine the acceptable types and quality of fuels. The impact of polluted air on human health is significant. The actions carried out by the local authorities should be aimed on seeking effective air protection remedies; nonetheless, the scale of these activities seems to be still insignificant. One of the legal mechanisms is introducing resolutions determining the acceptable types and quality of fuels by a self-government of a province in order to protect the health of Polish residents and reduce the negative impact of air pollution on the environment. The question, however, is whether such resolutions could be audited with respect to the execution of such a resolution and whether they effectively lead to air quality improvement.

scholarly journals Status of Air Pollution in Botswana and Significance to Air Quality and Human Health

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (15) ◽  
pp. 8-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Modise Wiston
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Vehicular Emissions ◽  
Competing Interests ◽  
The World

Background. Air pollution is an important issue in developed and industrialized countries. The most common sources of air pollution are anthropogenic activities such as construction dust, vehicular emissions and mining. For low- and middle-income countries, biomass burning and indoor heating are the leading sources of air pollution. As more of the world undergoes development and human populations increase, industrialization is also increasing, along with the potential for air pollution. Objectives. This article reviews the status of air pollution to raise awareness of air quality and human health in Botswana. Discussion. Since independence, Botswana has experienced one of the highest economic development growth rates in the world. These changes have occurred as a result of economic growth and resource utilization associated with increased industrialization. However, there is growing worldwide concern about the effect and impact of pollution due to industrial growth. Botswana is ranked amongst the most polluted countries with serious air pollution, despite a population of just over 2 million. Conclusions. Rapid development and increased urbanization have had a major environmental impact around the world. This increased growth has the potential to lead to air quality degradation. Significant health threats are posed by industrial and vehicular emissions, especially in urban and peri-urban areas where the population is most concentrated. It is important that the linkage between air pollution and health effects is fully examined across all scales of life, especially in developing countries. In addition, programs should be devised to educate the public about the pollution impacts on health. Competing Interests: The authors declare no financial competing interests.

Success Measures for Transforming Into Car-Free Cities

2020 ◽  
pp. 231-267
Author(s):  
Rahma M. Doheim ◽  
Alshimaa Aboelmakarem Farag ◽  
Samaa Badawi
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Transformation Process ◽  
Global Level ◽  
Sustainable Mobility ◽  
Car Accidents ◽  
Global Trend ◽  
The World ◽  
Free Model

Private cars contribute heavily to air pollution and significantly lower air quality in cities. The number of deaths because of pollution and car accidents is increasing on a global level; therefore, achieving sustainable mobility in urban areas is essential. Hence, the transformation into a car-free model is not a marginal issue but rather a crucial need that should be a global trend. The biggest challenge in this transforming process is to minimize the dependency on private cars. This chapter reviews thoroughly some global practices of inspiring models of transforming into car-free cities around the world. This review aims to identify the success measures for the transformation of a car-free city through investigating the challenges that affected the adoption of the transformation process. This would potentially guide governments and policymakers to select the approach that copes effectively with the cultural, social, geographical, and economic characteristics of their countries.

scholarly journals A Forecasting tool for Air Quality Monitoring Built up on Cloud and IoT

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 3821-3832 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Quality Monitoring ◽  
Air Quality Monitoring ◽  
Wireless Sensor Node ◽  
Web Interface ◽  
Registered User ◽  
The World ◽  
Advance Information

Air pollution has turned to no less than a monster and is becoming notorious with every passing day. The human race has been solely responsible for taking the world to such a state. With ill effects of pollution becoming glaringly evident it has been instrumental in forcing the world to get up from the deep slumber and act out. Air quality monitoring is a process in which the quality of air is monitored and on the basis of recorded information, it is conveyed to general public about the quality of air they are breathing. Air pollution poses serious problems to persons suffering respiratory disorders and there is a necessity to provide such target group with a tool which helps them to be aware about the pollution scenario and also alarms them with the impending critical situation well in advance. It is elementary for them to avoid situations where in lies a chance of exposure to pollutants leading to attacks which could prove to be fatal at times. This advance information will go a long way in helping such target audience to minimize their exposure to pollutants and thereby helping them to mitigate their ordeal on exposure to pollutants. Apart from getting predictive alarm, it gives a fair idea of the existing pollution scenario to the targeted stakeholders. This work discusses the implementation of cloud based IoT system for air quality monitoring which is available as a web interface as well as in a form of an android application.The developed system uses Nitrogen Dioxide, Sulphur dioxide, Particulate Matter 10 micrometers or less in diameter (P.M.10) sensors along with the temperature and the humidity sensors to form a wireless sensor node. An android application has also been developed which can be installed by the user. Once registered the user can access the data from the application which allows the users to observe the data of sensors along with the air quality index (AQI) and also provide the registered user with an alarm notification one day in advance about the probable level of pollutants as well as the AQI.a

scholarly journals Air Quality Toxicity Index (AQTI): Quantifying Air Pollution Impact on Disease Onset

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Harold I Zeliger
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Respiratory Diseases ◽  
Disease Onset ◽  
Toxicity Index ◽  
Premature Deaths ◽  
The World ◽  
Air Pollution Impacts ◽  
Pollution Impacts

Air pollution impacts 90% of the world's population and is the number one cause of premature deaths worldwide, etiamted at 8-10 million pre year. Breathing polluted air is associated with the accelerated onset of numerous illnesses, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, several cancers and Alzheimer's disease. Fice major pollutants are typically monitored in cities around the world for air quality. These include ozone, particulate matter, dulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide. The Air Quality Toxicity Index (AQTI), that is first reported here, provides a quantitative indicator with which to monitor air quality, make air quality comparisons of different locations and compare air quality of the same locations as a function of time.

scholarly journals Preliminary Results of Air Pollution Status in Selected Roadsides in Jalingo, Taraba State Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 118-123
Author(s):  
Maxwell Obia Kanu ◽  
Terkaa Victor Targema ◽  
Gideon Maumee Abednego
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Traffic Congestion ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Acceptable Limit ◽  
Pollution Levels ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Co2 ◽  
Mean Concentration

The rapid increase in vehicular activities in the past two centuries contributes vastly to air pollution levels. In as much as Social interactions and economic growth are well enhanced by vehicular transportation in many developing countries, it is unfortunate that exhausts from vehicles contribute immensely to ambient air quality especially in the urban areas. The concentrations of carbon monoxides (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in selected roadsides in Jalingo have been assessed. Four roads were used as sample locations where the concentration of CO2 and CO were measured using an air quality meter for four weeks. The mean concentration of CO2 and CO obtained were respectively as follows: 542.25 ppm and 7.49 ppm for the roadblock, 540.05 ppm and 5.55 ppm for Hammaruwa way, 598.81 ppm and 17.42 ppm for market road, and 463.80 ppm and 1.08 ppm for Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) road (control). Based on the acceptable limit of CO2 (600 ppm), the Roadblock road, Hammaruwa way, and the NLC/control road are safe. Only the market road had value that exceeded the acceptable limit, and it may be attributed to high vehicular activities on the roadsides. Therefore, more alternative roads should be constructed in other to minimize traffic congestion and also, the use of nose masks should be encouraged. For the CO, all the sites are safe because they fall within the acceptable level of CO (1-70 ppm).

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