Ambient air pollution in China poses a multifaceted health threat to outdoor physical activity

Li, Fuzhong; Liu, Yu; Lü, Jiaojiao; Liang, Le; Harmer, Peter

doi:10.1136/jech-2014-203892

Cited by 91 publications

(69 citation statements)

References 33 publications

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“…The demolition of a type-cohort combination in a specific year is a function of the size of each type group (I i,c ) and its probability of reaching the end-of-service-life ( f i,c,t ) given its age. f i,c,t is derived from the probability density function of a normally distributed lifetime, as shown in Equation (6). c represents the year of the CPG into use:…”

Section: Legendmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The installed capacity of power generation increased to 1900 GW (109 watts) in 2018, in which 1144 GW is thermal power generation [4]. Although the power system sustained social and economic development, its impacts on climate change, atmospheric environment [5], and accompanying threats to public health [6,7] cannot be ignored [8][9][10]. In order to abate the environmental damage of the power sector, China not only implemented great investment in decontamination of coal-fired power generators (or CPGs), including dedusting, desulfuration, and denitration, but also strived to promote elimination of outdated CPGs and construction of new ones.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Environmental Benefits of Stock Evolution of Coal-Fired Power Generators in China

Xiao

et al. 2019

Sustainability

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The evolution of in-use coal-fired power generators (CPGs) in China has been impelled by a series of policies called Developing Large Units and Suppressing Small Ones in recent decades. However, it remains highly uncertain about the contribution of the evolution on air pollution reductions at different stages. Models used to assess the effects of CPGs’ evolution often do not account for the different boundary conditions related to units composition and age structure of the existing CPGs, and lifetime expectancy, which hinders effective strategy development and realistic target setting. This study employs a dynamic Type-Cohort-Time (TCT) stock-driven model and Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) technique, to investigate the structural evolution of China’s CPGs as well as its environmental effects from 1980 to 2050. We consider generator-specific characteristics, lifetime-related issues and alternative techniques in the historical and scenario analysis. The main results are as follows: the environmental benefits of structural evolution were limited, compared with the changes in emission coefficient due to technical renovation. However, scenario analysis indicates that structural adjustment by elimination of outdated CPGs and construction of new ones in future will undertake emission reduction commitments, since the potentials of other approaches decrease. Uncertainty analysis further demonstrates that promoting elimination of small CPGs and substituting them with renewable energy will bring more emission reductions. The key findings can support policy-making on elimination, construction, and emissions abatement of CPGs.

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Section: Legendmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Environmental Benefits of Stock Evolution of Coal-Fired Power Generators in China

Xiao

et al. 2019

Sustainability

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“…While there are several health bene ts to PA, performing PA under high levels of AP may accelerate the risks for adverse health effects such as asthma attacks and heart or lung pathologies [15][16][17]. Outdoor parks and playgrounds are common places to perform PA in China [18], and the presence of AP in China may further discourage young adults from engaging in regular PA and exercise [19].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Objectively Measured Association Between Air Pollution and Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Among College Students in Beijing

Cheng

et al. 2020

Preprint

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Background: Air pollution has become a major environmental health risk factor, notably in China. Air pollution potentially has the impact of human populations’ health behavior. Gaps in scientific literature remain regarding more accurately estimates the relationship between air pollution and sedentary behavior in China. The purpose of this study is to examine the association between hourly air pollution AP on hourly physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) among college students in Beijing, China. The secondary aim was to examine such associations varied at specific times. Methods: A total of 340 participants were recruited from the Tsinghua University, in Beijing, China. Accelerometers provided PA measures, including moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), walking steps, energy expenditure and sedentary time for 7 consecutive days. Corresponding AP data by the Beijing Municipal Ecological Environment Bureau in the closed site (Wan Liu site) at Tsinghua University were collected to include average hourly air quality index (AQI) and PM2.5 (µg/m³). Associations were estimated using linear individual fixed-effect regressions.Results: A one level increase in hourly air quality index (AQI) was associated with a reduction in one-hour MVPA by 0.083 minutes (95% CI =[-0.137, -0.029]), 8.8 walking steps (95% CI = [-15.0, -2.6]), and 0.65 kcals of energy expenditure (95% CI =-[1.03, -0.27]). A 10µg/m³ increase in AP concentration in hourly PM2.5 was associated with a reduction in one-hour MVPA by 0.021 minutes (95% CI = [-0.033, -0.010]), 2.2 walking steps (95% CI = [-3.5, -0.9]), 0.170 kcals of energy expenditure (95% CI = [-0.250, -0.089]), and an increase in one-hour SB by 0.045 (95% CI = [0.005, 0.0845]). At a specific time, there are stronger negative associations of AQI and PM2.5 to PA at 8 am, 4 pm, 5 pm and 7 pm. Similarly, stronger positive associations were found at one hour AQI and PM2.5 with SB at 8 am, 9 am, 11 am, and 7 pm. Conclusions: AP may discourage PA and increases SB among freshman students living in Beijing, China. The impact of AP on PA and sedentary behavior at a specific time may be different.

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“…While there are several health benefits to physical activity, performing physical activity under high levels of air pollution may accelerate the risks for adverse health effects such as asthma attacks and heart or lung pathologies [18][19][20] . Outdoor parks and playgrounds are common places to perform physical activity in China [21], and the presence of air pollution in China may further discourage young adults from engaging in regular physical activity and exercise [22].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Objectively measured the impact of air pollution on physical activity and sedentary behavior in freshmen student in Beijing, China

Wu²,

Cheng

et al. 2019

Preprint

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Background: Air pollution has become a major environmental health risk factor, notably in China. Air pollution potentially has the impact of human populations’ health behavior. Gaps in scientific literature remain regarding more accurately estimates the relationship between air pollution and sedentary behavior in China. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of hourly air pollution on hourly physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) among college students living in Beijing, China. The secondary aim was to examine such associations varied at specific time. Methods : Participants were recruited included 340 freshmen students from Tsinghua University. Accelerometers provided PA measures, including moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), walking steps, energy expenditure, and sedentary time for 7 consecutive days. Corresponding air pollution data collected by Beijing Municipal Ecological Environment Bureau in the closed site in Tsinghua University were measured to include average hourly air quality index (AQI) and PM 2.5 (µg/m³). Associations were estimated using linear individual fixed-effect regressions. Results: A one level increase in hourly air quality index (AQI) was associated with an reduction in one-hour physical activity by 0.083 (95% confidence interval [CI] =-0.137, -0.029) minutes of MVPA, 8.822 (95% CI = -15.028, -2.617) walking steps, 0.653 (95% CI =-1.033, -0.273) kcals of energy expenditure. A 10µg/m³ increase in air pollution concentration in hourly PM 2.5 was associated with a reduction in one-hour physical activity by 0.021 (95% confidence interval [CI] =-0.033, -0.010) minutes of MVPA, 2.232 (95% CI = -3.548, -0.916) walking steps, 0.170 (95% CI =-0.250, -0.089) kcals of energy expenditure and an increase in one-hour sedentary behavior 0.045 (0.005, 0.0845). At specific time, stronger negative associations of AQI and PM 2.5 air pollution with PA at 8 am, 4 pm, 5 pm and 7 pm. Similarly, stronger positive associations of one hour AQI and PM 2.5 air pollution with SB at 8 am, 9 am, 11 am, and 7 pm. Conclusions: Air pollution decrease physical activity and increases sedentary behavior among freshman students living in Beijing, China. The impact of air pollution on physical activity and sedentary behavior at a specific time was different.

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Ambient air pollution in China poses a multifaceted health threat to outdoor physical activity

Cited by 91 publications

References 33 publications

Environmental Benefits of Stock Evolution of Coal-Fired Power Generators in China

Environmental Benefits of Stock Evolution of Coal-Fired Power Generators in China

Objectively Measured Association Between Air Pollution and Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Among College Students in Beijing

Objectively measured the impact of air pollution on physical activity and sedentary behavior in freshmen student in Beijing, China

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