The relationship between exposure to pollution and the development of non-communicable diseases, like heart disease or asthma, is unfortunately quite clear. One lesser-known cause of these health issues is dangerous molecules known as environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs). These molecules linger in the particulate matter (PM) that's left over when organic material, like wood or coal, doesn't burn completely. These particles can then interact with other substances, initiating harmful chemical reactions.
Despite the well-documented risks of air pollution, particularly small particles like PM2.5 from vehicle emissions, there's been less focus on the role EPFRs play in impacting our health. Indoor pollution, from sources like old heaters or wood-burning stoves, is another significant yet often overlooked source of EPFR exposure. Some of this lack of awareness can be attributed to the differing terminologies used by chemists, epidemiologists, and public health experts. Plus, many studies don't investigate the nature of the material that's burned, even though this affects the type and quantity of EPFRs produced.
The objective of this Research Topic is to bridge the knowledge gap among chemists, public health experts, and disease researchers, providing a more intersectional understanding of this issue. It strives to highlight areas that require further research to fully understand and address the health impacts of indoor and outdoor pollutants rich in EPFRs.
We welcome articles related - but not limited - to the following subthemes:
• Explanations of what EPFRs are, how they form, and their potential health risks.
• The strength of the association between outdoor pollution caused by vehicles, coal power plants, factories, etc., and EPFR release.
• The impacts of indoor pollution caused by heating mechanisms, cooking appliances, and indoor smoking on the creation of EPFRs.
• Investigations into the impact of EPFRs on both chronic and acute health conditions, particularly respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
• Current public policy around pollution and analyzing whether it addresses the risks posed by EPFRs adequately.
• Gaps in the current understanding of EPFRs and proposing topics for future comprehensive research.
• Strategies for raising public awareness about the dangers of EPFRs, and methods for advocating for stronger regulations and cleaner environments.
This Research Topic aims to shed light on the understudied link between Environmentally Persistent Free Radicals (EPFRs), pollution, and public health.
Keywords:
Environmentally Persistent Free Radicals (EPFRs), Non-Communicable Disease, Exposure Assessment, Susceptibility to Respiratory Infections, Particulate Matter, Oxidative Stress, Antioxidant Therapy
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
The relationship between exposure to pollution and the development of non-communicable diseases, like heart disease or asthma, is unfortunately quite clear. One lesser-known cause of these health issues is dangerous molecules known as environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs). These molecules linger in the particulate matter (PM) that's left over when organic material, like wood or coal, doesn't burn completely. These particles can then interact with other substances, initiating harmful chemical reactions.
Despite the well-documented risks of air pollution, particularly small particles like PM2.5 from vehicle emissions, there's been less focus on the role EPFRs play in impacting our health. Indoor pollution, from sources like old heaters or wood-burning stoves, is another significant yet often overlooked source of EPFR exposure. Some of this lack of awareness can be attributed to the differing terminologies used by chemists, epidemiologists, and public health experts. Plus, many studies don't investigate the nature of the material that's burned, even though this affects the type and quantity of EPFRs produced.
The objective of this Research Topic is to bridge the knowledge gap among chemists, public health experts, and disease researchers, providing a more intersectional understanding of this issue. It strives to highlight areas that require further research to fully understand and address the health impacts of indoor and outdoor pollutants rich in EPFRs.
We welcome articles related - but not limited - to the following subthemes:
• Explanations of what EPFRs are, how they form, and their potential health risks.
• The strength of the association between outdoor pollution caused by vehicles, coal power plants, factories, etc., and EPFR release.
• The impacts of indoor pollution caused by heating mechanisms, cooking appliances, and indoor smoking on the creation of EPFRs.
• Investigations into the impact of EPFRs on both chronic and acute health conditions, particularly respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
• Current public policy around pollution and analyzing whether it addresses the risks posed by EPFRs adequately.
• Gaps in the current understanding of EPFRs and proposing topics for future comprehensive research.
• Strategies for raising public awareness about the dangers of EPFRs, and methods for advocating for stronger regulations and cleaner environments.
This Research Topic aims to shed light on the understudied link between Environmentally Persistent Free Radicals (EPFRs), pollution, and public health.
Keywords:
Environmentally Persistent Free Radicals (EPFRs), Non-Communicable Disease, Exposure Assessment, Susceptibility to Respiratory Infections, Particulate Matter, Oxidative Stress, Antioxidant Therapy
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.