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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

A Support Tool for Air Pollution Health Risk Management in Emerging Countries: A Case in Brazil

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Author(s):
Milla dos Santos, Ana Paula [1] ; Passuello, Ana [2, 3] ; Schuhmacher, Marta [2, 4] ; Nadal, Marti [4] ; Domingo, Jose L. [4] ; Martinez, Carlos Alberto [5] ; Segura-Munoz, Susana Ines [6] ; Magosso Takayanagui, Angela Maria [7]
Total Authors: 8
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Fed Triangulo Mineiro, Inst Technol & Exact Sci, Dept Environm Engn, Uberaba, MG - Brazil
[2] Univ Rovira & Virgili, Dept Engn Quim, Environm Anal & Management Grp, E-43007 Tarragona, Catalonia - Spain
[3] Univ Fed Rio Grande do Sul, Dept Civil Engn, Porto Alegre, RS - Brazil
[4] Univ Rovira & Virgili, IISPV, Lab Toxicol & Environm Hlth, E-43201 Reus, Catalonia - Spain
[5] Univ Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto Sch Philosophy Sci & Literature, Dept Biol, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[6] Univ Sao Paulo, Coll Nursing Ribeirao Preto, Lab Ecotoxicol & Environm Parasitol, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[7] Univ Sao Paulo, Coll Nursing Ribeirao Preto, Lab Environm Hlth, Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 7
Document type: Journal article
Source: HUMAN AND ECOLOGICAL RISK ASSESSMENT; v. 20, n. 5, p. 1406-1424, SEP 3 2014.
Web of Science Citations: 7
Abstract

This study evaluated the health risk due to air pollution in Sao Paulo State, Brazil, comparing Brazil's standards and the World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guidelines. New methodology was applied considering, as hazard parameters, the maximum average concentrations of SO2, NO2, O-3, CO, and PM10 from 2007 to 2011. As exposure parameters, population density and location sensitivity were considered. A health risk index based on fuzzy logic was performed to integrate the selected parameters, giving the likelihood of reaching different risk levels. Data gathering and spatial representation of parameters and risk scores were performed by means of geographic information system (GIS). Highest values of risk were observed in the Metropolitan Area of Sao Paulo and near the cities of Cubatao and Piracicaba, associated to vehicular and industrial emissions and sugar cane burning. Discussions about the need to revise national air quality standards have intensified over the past years. Generally, indices used for air quality do not consider the population exposed. This study showed the integration of GIS with fuzzy logic methodology to be a useful tool for health risk assessment. When evaluating the risk, exposure parameters must be intrinsically considered to enhance the importance of population vulnerability when assessing environmental problems, especially in emerging economies. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 09/09198-2 - Vegetal biomonitoring of the air quality in Ribeirão Preto - SP
Grantee:Angela Maria Magosso Takayanagui
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants