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| Beijing smog as seen from the China World Hotel, March 2003, during the SARS outbreak. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Today we review research based on
measurements of various pollutants in Beijing, largely from vehicle emissions,
and the extent to which these pollutants have an impact on lung function.
Results indicate a clear link and the authors recommend ways to reduce exposure
in this city as well as in other large cities with high pollution levels
world-wide.
Key
Quotes:
“In this study of truck drivers and
office workers in Beijing, China, we evaluated the effects of traffic-related
PM2.5 and elemental components, including elemental carbon (EC), potassium (K),
sulfur (S), Fe, Si, Al, Zn, Ca, and titanium (Ti) on lung function.”
“Average personal PM2.5 was 94.59
μg/m3 for office workers and 126.83 μg/m3 for truck drivers.”
“By measuring EC, a tracer of
traffic particles, as well as by evaluating a group, i.e., truck drivers with direct exposure to
traffic, we had the opportunity to distinguish the effects of traffic pollution
from those of the general levels of ambient PM2.5 in Beijing.”
“our investigation provides
evidence that exposure to elemental components of PM2.5, such as Si, Al, Ca,
and Ti, is associated with reduced lung function.”
“Our results further support the
urgent implementation of exposure reduction measures in the Beijing
metropolitan area as well as in areas with similarly high levels of potentially
toxic components worldwide.”
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