In the global COVID-19 epidemic, humans are faced with a new challenge. The concept of quarantine as a preventive measure has changed human activities in all aspects of life. This challenge has led to changes in the environment as well. The air quality index is one of the immediate concrete parameters. In this study, the actual potential of quarantine effects on the air quality index and related variables in Tehran, the capital of Iran, is assessed, where, first, the data on the pollutant reference concentration for all measuring stations in Tehran, from February 19 to April 19, from 2017 to 2020, are monitored and evaluated. This study investigated the hourly concentrations of six particulate matters (PM), including PM2.5, PM10, and air contaminants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), and carbon monoxide (CO). Changes in pollution rate during the study period can be due to reduced urban traffic, small industrial activities, and dust mites of urban and industrial origins. Although pollution has declined in most regions during the COVID-19 quarantine period, the PM2.5 rate has not decreased significantly, which might be of natural origins such as dust. Next, the air quality index for the stations is calculated, and then, the interpolation is made by evaluating the root mean square (RMS) of different models. The local and global Moran index indicates that the changes and the air quality index in the study area are clustered and have a high spatial autocorrelation. The results indicate that although the bad air quality is reduced due to quarantine, major changes are needed in urban management to provide favorable conditions. Contaminants can play a role in transmitting COVID-19 as a carrier of the virus. It is suggested that due to the rise in COVID-19 and temperature in Iran, in future studies, the effect of increased temperature on COVID-19 can be assessed.

• Klíčová slova
• Air quality index, Coronavirus, GIS, Local and global Moran index, Pollution impact,
• MeSH
• COVID-19 * MeSH
• environmentální zdraví MeSH
• látky znečišťující vzduch * analýza   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí metody   MeSH
• oxid dusičitý analýza   MeSH
• oxid siřičitý analýza   MeSH
• ozon * analýza   MeSH
• pevné částice analýza   MeSH
• prach analýza   MeSH
• prostorová analýza MeSH
• znečištění ovzduší * analýza   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Írán MeSH
• Názvy látek
• látky znečišťující vzduch * MeSH
• oxid dusičitý MeSH
• oxid siřičitý MeSH
• ozon * MeSH
• pevné částice MeSH
• prach MeSH

OBJECTIVE: Epidemiological research has shown that air pollution is associated with cardiovascular events, but little is known about short-term effects on blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) in Serbian population. The present study assessed the short-term association between black smoke (BS) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) levels in urban air and the daily values of blood pressure and heart rate in 98 healthy nonsmoking female volunteers. METHODS: Generalized regression model was fitted controlling for temperature, relative humidity, air pressure, season, and the day of the week. RESULTS: There was no association between short-term air pollution exposure and BP and HR, the exposure showed a tendency toward a decrease of diastolic BP and HR, but with no statistical significance. CONCLUSION: The present findings did not support the conclusion that current levels of ambient BS and SO2 may have an effect on blood pressure and heart rate in women.

• Klíčová slova
• black smoke, blood pressure, heart rate, short-term exposure, sulphur dioxide,
• MeSH
• časové faktory MeSH
• kouř analýza   MeSH
• krevní tlak fyziologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• oxid siřičitý analýza   MeSH
• srdeční frekvence fyziologie   MeSH
• velkoměsta MeSH
• vystavení vlivu životního prostředí škodlivé účinky   statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• znečištění ovzduší škodlivé účinky   analýza   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Srbsko MeSH
• velkoměsta MeSH
• Názvy látek
• kouř MeSH
• oxid siřičitý MeSH

OBJECTIVE: The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (CHMI) estimated the transboundary transport of air pollution between the Czech Republic and Poland by assessing relationships between weather conditions and air pollution in the area as part of the "Air Quality Information System in the Polish-Czech border of the Silesian and Moravian-Silesian region" project (http://www.air-silesia.eu). Estimation of cross-border transport of pollutants is important for Czech-Polish negotiations and targeted measures for improving air quality. METHODS: Direct measurement of PM10 and sulphur dioxide (SO2) concentrations and the direction and wind speed from measuring stations in the vicinity of the Czech-Polish state border in 2006-2012. RESULTS: Taking into account all the inaccuracies, simplifications and uncertainties, by which all of the measurements are affected, it is possible to state that the PM10 transboundary transport was greater from the direction of Poland to the Czech Republic, rather than the other way around. Nevertheless, the highest share of the overall PM10 concentration load was recorded on days with a vaguely estimated airflow direction. This usually included days with changing wind direction or days with a distinct wind change throughout the given day. A changeable wind is most common during low wind speeds. It can be assumed that during such days with an ambiguous daily airflow, the polluted air saturated with sources on both sides of the border moves from one country to the other. Therefore, we could roughly ascribe an equal level of these concentrations to both the Czech and Polish side. CONCLUSIONS: PM10 transboundary transport was higher from Poland to the Czech Republic than from the opposite direction, despite the predominant air flow from the Czech Republic to Poland.

• Klíčová slova
• Czech-Polish border, Moravian-Silesian region, Silesian Voivodeship, air quality, relationship between meteorology and ambient concentrations, transboundary transport,
• MeSH
• látky znečišťující vzduch analýza   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí metody   MeSH
• oxid siřičitý analýza   MeSH
• pevné částice analýza   MeSH
• počasí * MeSH
• znečištění ovzduší analýza   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH
• Polsko MeSH
• Názvy látek
• látky znečišťující vzduch MeSH
• oxid siřičitý MeSH
• pevné částice MeSH

Silver fir is one of the most productive and ecologically valuable native European tree species, however, it has been experiencing decline which has periodically occurred over its natural range. This paper aims to investigate the recent climate-growth relationships of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) and its temporal change along the course of its life. Long-term tree-ring databases, as well as records on climate, atmospheric SO2, NO3 and acid concentrations from four different regions in the Western Carpathians were used. The results provide clear evidence of significant increase of silver fir's radial increment over the entire Western Carpathian area since 1970-1980. The results indicated that the most probable factors behind the rapid recovery of tree radial increment were reductions in emissions of NO3 and SO2, alongside a significant increase in mean June, July and April temperatures.

• Klíčová slova
• Climate change, Dieback, Growth recovery, SO(2) and NO(x) air pollution, Silver fir,
• MeSH
• dusičnany analýza   MeSH
• ekologie MeSH
• jedle růst a vývoj   MeSH
• klimatické změny MeSH
• látky znečišťující vzduch analýza   MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí MeSH
• oxid siřičitý analýza   MeSH
• podnebí MeSH
• teplota MeSH
• znečištění ovzduší statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• dusičnany MeSH
• látky znečišťující vzduch MeSH
• oxid siřičitý MeSH

Political and economical transition in the Central and Eastern Europe at the end of eighties significantly influenced all aspects of life as well as technological infrastructure. Collapse of outdated energy demanding industry and adoption of environmental legislation resulted in seeming improvements of urban environmental quality. Hand in hand with modernization the newly adopted regulations also helped to phase out low quality coal frequently used for domestic heating. However, at the same time, the number of vehicles registered in the city increased. The two processes interestingly acted as parallel but antagonistic forces. To interpret the trends in urban air quality of Prague, Czech capital, monthly averages of PM(10), SO(2), NO(2), NO, O(3) and CO concentrations from the national network of automated monitoring stations were analyzed together with long term trends in fuel consumption and number of vehicles registered in Prague within a period of 1992-2005. The results showed that concentrations of SO(2) (a pollutant strongly related to fossil fuel burning) dropped significantly during the period of concern. Similarly NO(X) and PM(10) concentrations decreased significantly in the first half of the nineties (as a result of solid fuel use drop), but remained rather stable or increased after 2000, presumably reflecting rapid increase of traffic density. In conclusion, infrastructural changes in early nineties had a strong positive effect on Prague air quality namely in the first half of the period studied, nevertheless, the current trend in concentrations of automotive exhaust related pollutants (such as PM(10), NO(X)) needs adoption of stricter measures.

• MeSH
• látky znečišťující vzduch analýza   MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí metody   MeSH
• oxid dusičitý analýza   MeSH
• oxid dusnatý analýza   MeSH
• oxid siřičitý analýza   MeSH
• oxid uhelnatý analýza   MeSH
• ozon analýza   MeSH
• pevné částice analýza   MeSH
• výfukové emise vozidel analýza   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH
• Názvy látek
• látky znečišťující vzduch MeSH
• oxid dusičitý MeSH
• oxid dusnatý MeSH
• oxid siřičitý MeSH
• oxid uhelnatý MeSH
• ozon MeSH
• pevné částice MeSH
• výfukové emise vozidel MeSH

The present study assesses the short-term association between black smoke (BS) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) levels in urban air and the daily number of emergency room admissions for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Nis, Serbia. Generalised linear models extending Poisson regression were fitted controlling for time trend, seasonal variations, days of the week, temperature, relative humidity, air pressure, precipitation, rainfall, snowfall, overcast, and wind velocity. The emergency room admissions for all ages for COPD were significantly associated with previous-day level of BS and lag 0-2 (1,60% and 2,26% increase per 10 microg/m3, respectively). After controlling for SO2, single lagged (lag 1 and lag 2) as well as mean lagged values of BS (up to lag 0-3) were significantly associated with COPD emergencies. No effect was found for SO2, even after controlling for black smoke. The present findings support the conclusion that current levels of ambient BS may have an effect on the respiratory health of susceptible persons.

• MeSH
• chronická obstrukční plicní nemoc * MeSH
• hospitalizace statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• kouř škodlivé účinky   analýza   MeSH
• látky znečišťující vzduch škodlivé účinky   analýza   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• oxid siřičitý škodlivé účinky   analýza   MeSH
• počasí MeSH
• Poissonovo rozdělení MeSH
• urgentní služby nemocnice MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Srbsko MeSH
• Názvy látek
• kouř MeSH
• látky znečišťující vzduch MeSH
• oxid siřičitý MeSH

The isotopic composition of air-borne sulphur was investigated in Saxony, Southeast Germany--a region with formerly very high atmospheric SO(2) concentrations. In addition, data from various authors were compiled for different Saxonian locations, spanning from 1992 to 2004, i.e., a time of decreasing SO(2) concentrations in the atmosphere. There were no obvious temporal changes in the mean delta(34)S value of bulk precipitation. However, the variability of monthly mean delta(34)S values decreased. The mean sulphur isotope composition of sulphate from bulk precipitation after the year 2000 converges in Saxony towards 4-5 per thousand, with similar values for different locations. Mean values of different forms of sulphur show the following enrichment order: delta(34)S of SO(2) < delta(34)S of weathering crusts < or =delta(34)S of sulphate from bulk precipitation < or =delta(34)S of dust. Judging from local differences on sulphate crusts and corresponding isotope values of sources, the delta(34)S value of SO(2) as well as for crusts mainly reflects local point sources. The mean delta(34)S value of bulk precipitation represents more regionally well-mixed SO(2) sources and is therefore an ideal tool for monitoring regional atmospheric change.

• MeSH
• geologické sedimenty analýza   MeSH
• izotopy síry MeSH
• látky znečišťující vzduch analýza   MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí metody   MeSH
• oxid siřičitý analýza   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH
• Německo MeSH
• Polsko MeSH
• Názvy látek
• izotopy síry MeSH
• látky znečišťující vzduch MeSH
• oxid siřičitý MeSH

The short-term effects of air pollution on cardiovascular mortality in elderly were investigated in Nis, during the 2001-2005. Daily measurements of black smoke (BS) and sulphur dioxide (SO2), as well as the daily number of cardiovascular death among person > or =65 yrs of age, were collected. Generalized linear model extending Poisson regression was applied. The effects of time trend, seasonal variations, day of week, temperature, relative humidity and barometric pressure were analysed. The results did not support findings from previous studies that had shown an increase in the number of cardiovascular death in elderly in association with air pollution.

• MeSH
• časové faktory MeSH
• epidemiologické monitorování MeSH
• kardiovaskulární nemoci chemicky indukované   mortalita   MeSH
• kouř škodlivé účinky   analýza   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí MeSH
• oxid siřičitý škodlivé účinky   analýza   MeSH
• počasí MeSH
• roční období MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• znečištění ovzduší MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Jugoslávie epidemiologie   MeSH
• Názvy látek
• kouř MeSH
• oxid siřičitý MeSH

Sulfur dioxide (SO(2)) is used as a preservative and stabilizer in wine production to prevent undesired biochemical processes in the must and the final product. The concentration of SO(2) is restricted by national regulations. There are two main forms of SO(2) in wine-free (inorganic forms) and bound (fixed to organic compounds, e.g. aldehydes). Iodometric titration is commonly employed for determination of SO(2) concentration (either by direct titration or after pre-separation by distillation); other techniques are also used. In this work inductively coupled plasma-optical-emission spectrometry with vapour generation was used for determination of free and total SO(2) in wine. Gaseous SO(2) is released from the sample by addition of acid and swept into the ICP by an argon stream. The intensity of the sulfur atomic emission lines is measured in the vacuum UV region. Determination of total SO(2) is performed after hydrolysis of bound forms with sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Concentrations of acid for vapour generation and NaOH for hydrolysis were optimised. The method was used for determination of free and total SO(2) in red and white wine samples and results were compared with those from iodometric titration.

• MeSH
• kalibrace MeSH
• oxid siřičitý analýza   MeSH
• senzitivita a specificita MeSH
• spektrofotometrie přístrojové vybavení   metody   MeSH
• víno analýza   MeSH
• volatilizace MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• oxid siřičitý MeSH

OBJECTIVES: Air pollution has been linked to respiratory outcomes but controversy persists about its long-term effects. We used a novel technique to estimate the outdoor concentrations of sulphur dioxide (SO2) at small-area level to study the long-term effects on respiratory symptoms and disease in children. METHODS: As part of the international SAVIAH study, parents of 8,013 children aged 7-10 studied in Prague (Czech Republic) and Poznan (Poland) completed a questionnaire covering respiratory health, demographic and socio-economic factors and health behaviours (response rate 91%). This report is based on 6,959 children with complete data. Outdoor SO2 was measured by passive samplers at 80 sites in Poznan and 50 sites in Prague during 2-week campaigns. Concentrations of SO2 at each point (location) in the study areas were estimated from these data by modelling in a geographical information system. The mean of the estimated SO2 concentrations at children's homes and schools was used as an indicator of exposure to outdoor SO2. RESULTS: The prevalence of respiratory outcomes was similar in both cities. In the pooled data, 12% of children had experienced wheezing/whistling in the past 12 months; 28% had a lifetime prevalence of wheezing/whistling; 14% had a dry cough at night; and 3% had had asthma diagnosed by a doctor. The estimated mean exposure to outdoor SO2 was 80 (range 44-140) microg/m3 in Poznan and 84 (66-97) microg/m3 in Prague. After socio-economic characteristics and other covariates were controlled for, SO2 was associated with wheezing/whistling in the past 12 months (adjusted OR per 50 microg/m3 1.32, 95% CI 1.10-1.57), lifetime prevalence of wheezing/whistling (OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.99-1.30), and lifetime prevalence of asthma diagnosed by a doctor (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.01-1.92). The association with dry cough at night did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: In these two Central European cities with relatively high levels of air pollution, small-area based indicators of long-term outdoor winter concentrations of SO2 were associated with wheezing/whistling and with asthma diagnosed by a doctor.

• MeSH
• analýza malých oblastí MeSH
• bronchiální astma epidemiologie   MeSH
• dítě MeSH
• kašel epidemiologie   MeSH
• látky znečišťující vzduch škodlivé účinky   analýza   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• oxid siřičitý škodlivé účinky   analýza   MeSH
• prevalence MeSH
• respirační zvuky * MeSH
• socioekonomické faktory MeSH
• zdravé chování MeSH
• Check Tag
• dítě MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• multicentrická studie MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika epidemiologie   MeSH
• Polsko epidemiologie   MeSH
• Názvy látek
• látky znečišťující vzduch MeSH
• oxid siřičitý MeSH