Assessment of Factors Influencing Personal Exposure to Air Pollution on Main Roads in Bogota: A Mixed-Method Study

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Particulate Matter (PM), particles of variable but small diameter can penetrate the respiratory system via inhalation, causing respiratory and/or cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to evaluate the association of environmental particulate matter (PM2.5) and black carbon (BC) with respiratory health in users of different transport modes in four roads in Bogotá. Materials and Methods: this was a mixed-method study (including a cross sectional study and a qualitative description of the air quality perception), in 300 healthy participants, based on an exploratory sequential design. The respiratory effect was measured comparing the changes between pre- and post-spirometry. The PM2.5 and black carbon (BC) concentrations were measured using portable devices. Inhaled doses were also calculated for each participant according to the mode and route. Perception was approached through semi-structured interviews. The analysis included multivariate models and concurrent triangulation. Results: The concentration of matter and black carbon were greater in bus users (median 50.67 µg m−3; interquartile range (–IR): 306.7). We found greater inhaled dosages of air pollutants among bike users (16.41 µg m−3). We did not find changes in the spirometry parameter associated with air pollutants or transport modes. The participants reported a major sensory influence at the visual and olfactory level as perception of bad air quality. Conclusions: We observed greater inhaled doses among active transport users. Nevertheless, no pathological changes were identified in the spirometry parameters. People’s perceptions are a preponderant element in the assessment of air quality.

Evaluación de la calidad del aire y observación de microfauna acuática en la ciclo ruta del humedal Juan Amarillo de Bogotá, 2022: un ejercicio de ciencia ciudadana

“…El estudio encontró que existen elementos en el entorno que son capaces de influir en las concentraciones de PM2.5, entre las que se destacan la ubicación cercana a parqueaderos y avenidas. Estos hallazgos son coincidentes con lo reportado en la literatura donde se sostiene que dentro de los principales determinantes de la exposición personal se encuentran el tipo de vehículos y la cercanía de las ciclorrutas a las fuentes emisoras móviles (15,21).…”

“…And Health Effects in Microenvironments in Bogotá) realizado por el Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS), la Universidad Manuela Beltrán y la Universidad de los Andes, se ha logrado llevar a cabo la caracterización de los factores que determinan la exposición a contaminantes en el aire en cinco rutas de la ciudad de Bogotá, así como evaluar el efecto en el corto plazo sobre la salud respiratoria de usuarios de transporte motorizado y no motorizado (14)(15)(16).…”

Assessing the Influence of Vehicular Traffic-Associated Atmospheric Pollutants on Pulmonary Function Using Spirometry and Impulse Oscillometry in Healthy Participants: Insights from Bogotá, 2020–2021

“…Nevertheless, there is limited evidence regarding the short-term effects of PM 2.5 and eBC exposure on healthy participants. Findings from the ITHACA study, conducted in four corridors of Bogota and involving three different transport modes, indicated that PM 2.5 and eBC concentrations were the highest in buses and minivans compared to bicycles (p < 0.05) [11]. However, the ITHACA study did not observe any effects on spirometry volumes among the participants, raising the question of whether spirometry is sensitive enough to evaluate the short-term effects of PM 2.5 and eBC on lung function [11][12][13].…”

The Public’s Perceptions of Air Pollution. What’s in a Name?

“…Many studies provide solid evidence of an association between high concentrations of air pollution and mortality 3 or other health outcomes, such as increased ischaemic heart disease, strokes, infections of the lower respiratory tract, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 4 and mental health indicators, such as psychological stress, symptoms of depression or suicide. [5][6][7][8][9] Brain damage caused by air pollution seems to be associated with dementia and with weakened cognitive functioning throughout the life course. 10,11 Exposure to air pollutants has potentially harmful effects from the earliest stages of life with negative effects on pregnancies as well as long-term effects that affect susceptibility to disease later in life.…”

“…Risk awareness is also crucial for citizens to engage in collective action (eg, through different forms or degrees of activism and to support/call for policy initiatives initiated by local, regional or national governments). 7,13 Therefore, understanding how individuals perceive air pollution, is crucial for combating it and to improve public health.…”