Noninvasive effects measurements for air pollution human studies: methods, analysis, and implications
Jaime Mirowsky1, Terry Gordon1
1Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, Nelson Institute of Environmental Medicine, Tuxedo, New York, USA.
Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology
|January 22, 2015
Summary
Human studies show air pollutant inhalation is linked to adverse health effects. This review guides researchers on noninvasive health endpoints for field studies, aiding epidemiological research.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Epidemiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Human exposure studies are crucial for understanding air pollutant health impacts.
- Studies vary in methodology (controlled vs. ambient) and health metrics measured.
- Noninvasive health endpoints are key for panel studies in air pollution research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review commonly used noninvasive health endpoints for human air pollution exposure studies.
- To assess methods for mobile data collection in field settings.
- To summarize clinical implications and modifying factors for each endpoint.
Main Methods:
- Compilation of mini-reviews on cardiovascular, respiratory, and biomarker endpoints.
- Assessment of mobile data collection methods for field studies.
- Review of research findings correlating health endpoints with air pollutant exposures.
Main Results:
- Most adverse health endpoints positively correlated with air pollutant levels.
- Study design, pollutants, and population influenced the magnitude of effects.
- Noninvasive endpoints are suitable for field-based human exposure studies.
Conclusions:
- This review serves as a guide for researchers conducting field studies on air pollutant health effects.
- The identified endpoints have broader applications in various epidemiological study designs.
- Understanding these endpoints is vital for public health research on air quality.
