A novel framework for decomposing PM variation and demographic change effects on human exposure using satellite observations.

Human exposure to PM, represented by population-weighted mean PM concentration (c), declines under three conditions: (1) mean PM concentration declines, (2) PM concentration within urban areas goes through more of a decrease than within rural areas, or (3) city planning relocates people into cleaner areas. Decomposing these effects on human exposure is essential to guide future environmental policies. The lack of ground PM observations limits the assessment of human exposure to PM over China.

Association between air pollution and general outpatient clinic consultations for upper respiratory tract infections in Hong Kong.

Background And Objectives: Many studies have shown the adverse effects of air pollution on respiratory health, but few have examined the effects of air pollution on service utilisation in the primary care setting. The aim of this study was to examine the association between air pollution and the daily number of consultations due to upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in general outpatient clinics (GOPCs) in Hong Kong.

Methods: Daily data on the numbers of consultations due to URTIs in GOPCs, the concentrations of major air pollutants, and the mean values of metrological variables were retrospectively collected over a 3-year period (2008-2010, inclusive).

Levels of PCDDs, PCDFs, and dioxin-like PCBs in human milk among Hong Kong mothers.

Dioxins are a family of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) listed under the Stockholm Convention, and include PCDDs, PCDFs, and dioxin-like PCBs. These toxic chemicals are carcinogenic, widely dispersed, and have long half-lives. They have contaminated the food web and, being fat-soluble, accumulate in adipose tissues and milk in the human body.

Effect of dust storm events on daily emergency admissions for cardiovascular diseases.

Background: Dust storm is a meteorological phenomenon and dust particles have been suspected as harmful to heart and lungs. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between coarse particles and emergency hospital admissions for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in Hong Kong.

Methods And Results: Data on mean daily emergency admissions for CVD to major hospitals in Hong Kong, concentrations of air pollutants and meteorological variables from January 1998 to December 2002 were obtained from several government departments.

Effect of dust storm events on daily emergency admissions for respiratory diseases.

Background And Objective: The harmful effect of dust storm on lung health is controversial. This study aimed to assess any associations between dust storms and emergency hospital admissions due to respiratory disease in Hong Kong.

Methods: Data on daily emergency admissions for respiratory diseases to major hospitals in Hong Kong, and indices of air pollutants and meteorological variables from January 1998 to December 2002 were obtained from several government departments.

Environmental tobacco smoke exposure and Chinese schoolchildren's respiratory health: a prospective cohort study.

Background: Although China is the most coveted cigarette market worldwide, few studies have examined the longitudinal effects of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) on health.

Purpose: To examine the relationship between exposure to ETS and respiratory health in Chinese schoolchildren.

Methods: The study subjects included 1718 children, who were never-smokers, aged 10.

Respiratory health and lung function in Chinese restaurant kitchen workers.

Objectives: To measure air pollutant concentrations in Chinese restaurant kitchens using different stove types and assess their influence on workers' respiratory health.

Methods: 393 kitchen workers from 53 Chinese restaurants were surveyed over 16 months: 115 workers from 21 restaurants using only electric stoves and 278 workers from 32 restaurants using only gas stoves. Workers were interviewed about their respiratory symptoms and had their lung function tested.

A review of statutory medical examinations in Asian-Pacific countries.

Background: statutory medical examinations (SME) are practiced worldwide to promote workers' health. We reviewed SME legislation and enforcement in the rapidly industrializing Asia-Pacific, compared these with laws in Europe and America, and identified areas for further development.

Methods: information on SME in 13 Asian-Pacific countries was collected by a questionnaire survey of occupational health (OH) experts from each country, supplemented by a literature and Internet search.

Diurnal temperature range and daily cardiovascular mortalities among the elderly in Hong Kong.

The authors aimed to examine the association between diurnal temperature range (DTR) and daily mortalities due to cardiovascular disease among people aged 65 years and older in Hong Kong, China. The authors used a generalized additive model to regress daily mortalities of the elderly due to cardiovascular disease on DTR and daily concentrations of air pollutants from 1997 to 2002. They also tested the effects of different lag days of DTR on mortality.