Integrated monitoring for environmental health impact assessment related to the genotoxic effects of vehicular pollution in Uberlandia, Brazil
The development of parameters to explore the link between air related diseases and their significant driving forces is an important aim in terms of national economics and public health. In this study, we did an integrated analysis involving multiple environmental health indicators from Uberlandia, Brazil, registered before and during a period when the Brazilian government reduced taxes on new cars in a bid to bolster local manufacturing. In addition, the present study utilized Driving Force Pressure State Exposure Effect Action (DPSEEA) frameworks to evaluate correlations in environmental health indicators over 10 years (2004 2013) in which the Brazilian government reduced vehicle production taxes beginning in 2008. Significant correlations in all indicators selected were found from 2008 to 2013, corresponding to the tax reduction on new vehicles. The frequency of micronuclei (MN) was significantly higher in the city center compared to the reference site, with the highest MN levels observed during the period of reduced taxes. Results reinforced the need to adopt air quality monitoring programs in major cities.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research