Tiny airborne particles within air pollution could be a silent killer – new study uncovers hidden risks and reveals who’s most at risk in New York state – The Conversation Indonesia

Long-term Exposure to Ultrafine Particles Linked to Increased Deaths in New York State Neighborhoods

Our research, published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, reveals a significant association between high levels of ultrafine particles in the atmosphere over extended periods and an increase in non-accidental deaths, particularly from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

Understanding Ultrafine Particles

Ultrafine particles are aerosols with a diameter of less than 0.1 micrometers, or 100 nanometers, making them about one-thousandth the width of a human hair. Their small size allows them to be easily inhaled into the deepest parts of the lungs, absorbed into the bloodstream, and even pass through organ barriers.

Disparities in Vulnerability

Our study also highlights that certain underserved populations, including Hispanics, non-Hispanic Black people, children under 5, older adults, and non-New York City residents, are more susceptible to the adverse effects of ultrafine particles. These disparities emphasize the need for public health agencies to prioritize and protect high-risk populations.

Quantifying Health Impacts

To assess the long-term health impacts of exposure to ultrafine particles, we combined mortality data from vital records in New York state with a model that tracks the movement and transformation of particles in the air.

Importance of the Study

Air pollution, including ultrafine particles, is now the second-leading risk factor for death globally. In 2021, it accounted for approximately 8.1 million deaths worldwide and around 600,000 deaths in the United States. While current air pollution standards primarily focus on larger particulate matter, such as PM2.5 and PM10, our research highlights the need for specific attention to ultrafine particles due to their unique characteristics and associated health risks.

Regulatory Gaps

Despite the known dangers of ultrafine particles, they remain largely unregulated, unlike larger particulates that are covered by the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. This regulatory gap necessitates tailored attention and the development of specific regulations for ultrafine particles.

Increasing Exposure and Trends

As cities expand and urban populations grow, people’s exposure to harmful ultrafine particles is likely to increase. While regulations have led to a decline in PM2.5 mass, recent research indicates that ultrafine particle numbers have been increasing since 2017.

Knowledge Gaps

Currently, there is a lack of large-scale monitoring sites in the U.S. dedicated to tracking ultrafine particles, limiting our understanding of their extent of exposure and impact on public health. Additionally, the exact biological mechanisms through which ultrafine particles cause harm are not yet fully understood. Further research is needed to comprehensively investigate these knowledge gaps.

Conclusion

Our study contributes to the understanding of the health risks associated with long-term exposure to ultrafine particles. By identifying vulnerable populations and highlighting the need for tailored interventions, we can work towards reducing risks and protecting those most affected. Addressing the regulatory gaps and conducting further research will be crucial in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals related to air quality and public health.

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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination
• Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status
• Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution
• Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and disability
• Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population-weighted)

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: theconversation.com