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Mansor AA, Abdullah S, Ahmad AN, Ahmed AN, Zulkifli MFR, Jusoh SM, Ismail M. Indoor air quality and sick building syndrome symptoms in administrative office at public university. DIALOGUES IN HEALTH 2024; 4:100178. [PMID: 38665133 PMCID: PMC11043824 DOI: 10.1016/j.dialog.2024.100178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is an illness among workers linked to time spent in a building. This study aimed to investigate the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) among administrative office workers. The IAQ parameters consist of ventilation performance indicators, and physical and chemical parameters were measured using specified instruments for three days during weekdays. The SBS symptoms were assessed by a questionnaire adopted from the Industry Code of Practice of Indoor Air Quality (ICOP-IAQ) 2010 among 19 employees from the office in East Coast Malaysia. Relationship between past symptoms and present symptoms which are draught (past symptoms) with feeling heavy headed (present symptoms) (r = 0.559, p < 0.05), room temperature too high (past symptoms) was highly correlated with feeling heavy headed (present symptoms) (r = 0.598, p < 0.01) and cough (present symptoms) (r = 0.596, p < 0.01). Room temperature (past symptoms) has a positive medium relationship with cough (present symptoms) (r = 0.477, p < 0.05) and scaling itching scalp or ears (present symptoms) has a relationship between stuffy bad air (r = 0.475, p < 0.05) and dry air (r = 0.536, p < 0.05). There was a significant association between RH with drowsiness (χ2 = 7.090, p = 0.049) and dizziness (χ2 = 7.090, p = 0.049). The association was found between temperature and SBS symptoms between temperature with headache (χ2 = 7.574, p = 0.051), feeling heavy-headed (χ2 = 8.090, p = 0.046), and skin rash itchiness (χ2 = 7.451, p = 0.044). Air movement also showed a positive association with symptoms of feeling heavy-headed (x2 = 8.726, p = 0.021). PM10 has positive significance with SBSS which are feeling heavy-headed (χ2 = 7.980, p = 0.023), and eyer's irritation (χ2 = 7.419, p = 0.038). The conclusion of this study showed that there were positive significant between temperature and relative humidity toward SBSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amalina Abu Mansor
- Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, 21030, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Samsuri Abdullah
- Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, 21030, Terengganu, Malaysia
- Faculty of Ocean Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 20130, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Aimi Nursyahirah Ahmad
- Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, 21030, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Ali Najah Ahmed
- School of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | | | - Suriani Mat Jusoh
- Faculty of Ocean Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 20130, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Marzuki Ismail
- Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, 21030, Terengganu, Malaysia
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 20130, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
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Chen SW, Lin CY, Chen CY, Lin CL, Hsieh TL, Tsai FJ, Chang KH. Long-term exposure to air pollution and risk of Sarcopenia in adult residents of Taiwan: a nationwide retrospective cohort study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2172. [PMID: 37932727 PMCID: PMC10629182 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17091-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sarcopenia is an age-related, multifactorial syndrome. Previous studies have shown that air pollutants are associated with inflammation and oxidative stress. However, the association between long-term exposure to air pollution and sarcopenia is not completely understood. METHODS The Taiwan National Health Research Database (NHIRD) contains medical records of almost all Taiwanese residents. Daily air pollution data collected by the Taiwan Environmental Protection Agency was used to analyze concentrations of sulfur oxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen monoxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10). The databases were merged according to the insurants' living area and the location of the air quality monitoring station. We categorized the pollutants into quartiles (Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4). RESULTS Our study population consisted of 286,044 patients, among whom 54.9% were female and 45.1% were male. Compared to Q1 levels of pollutants, Q4 levels of SO2 (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 8.43; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 7.84, 9.07); CO (aHR = 3.03; 95%CI = 2.83, 3.25); NO (aHR = 3.47; 95%CI = 3.23, 3.73); NO2 (aHR = 3.72; 95%CI = 3.48, 3.98); PM2.5 (aHR = 21.9; 95% CI = 19.7, 24.5) and PM10 (aHR = 15.6; 95%CI = 14.1, 17.4) increased risk of sarcopenia. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicated a significantly increased risk of sarcopenia in both male and female residents exposed to high levels of air pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ssu-Wen Chen
- Department of Family Medicine, Tungs' Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, Taichung, 435, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Ying Lin
- Department of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Chiu-Ying Chen
- Department of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Li Lin
- Management Office for Health Data, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Ling Hsieh
- Department of Medical Research, Tungs' Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, Taichung, 435, Taiwan
- Department of Otolaryngology, Tungs' Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, Taichung, 435, Taiwan
| | - Fuu-Jen Tsai
- School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
- Division of Medical Genetics, China Medical University Children's Hospital, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Asia University, Taichung, 413, Taiwan
| | - Kuang-Hsi Chang
- Department of Medical Research, Tungs' Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, Taichung, 435, Taiwan.
- Center for General Education, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan.
- General Education Center, Nursing and Management, Jen-Teh Junior College of Medicine, Miaoli, 356, Taiwan.
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Zahed F, Pardakhti A, Motlagh MS, Mohammad Kari B, Tavakoli A. The effect of airtightness required in building energy conservation regulations on indoor and outdoor originated pollutants. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20378. [PMID: 37810804 PMCID: PMC10551552 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The contradiction of indoor air quality (IAQ) and energy conservation by isolating the indoor environment from the outdoor through airtightness is one of the challenges of the building sector. The key issue is, what are the optimum airtightness limits that can ensure IAQ in naturally ventilated buildings, taking into account the paradoxical effect of house leakages on the infiltration of outdoor pollutants and accumulation of indoor-generated pollutants? For this purpose, the effect of different levels of airtightness required in energy-compliant, low-energy, and very low-energy buildings on the concentration of two pollutants with outdoor and indoor origin, PM2.5 and formaldehyde, respectively, were studied. This study used a multizone model, CONTAM(W), which was validated using measured data to study the distribution of selected pollutants in a typical relatively old dwelling, to investigate the situation in Iran. Subsequently, we conducted simulations based on different combinations of scenarios for airtightness, user behavior, source strength, and meteorological parameters. The results showed that increasing the airtightness from the baseline scenario (ACH50 = 11.11/h) to 3, 1.5, and 0.75 in closed window conditions reduced the PM2.5 by 15%, 38%, and 58%, respectively, and elevated formaldehyde by 23%, 77%, and 169%, correspondingly. Under normal outdoor PM2.5 pollution, indoor formaldehyde levels exceeded the permissible limit only in closed window conditions, and IAQ remained acceptable in other scenarios. However, there is no indication that IAQ can be ensured by any degree of airtightness under severe outdoor air pollution, demanding specific solutions, such as those proposed in this work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Zahed
- School of Environment, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
- Energy Department, Road Housing and Urban Development Research Center (BHRC), Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Pardakhti
- School of Environment, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Behrouz Mohammad Kari
- Energy Department, Road Housing and Urban Development Research Center (BHRC), Tehran, Iran
| | - Azadeh Tavakoli
- Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran
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Alonso-Blanco E, Gómez-Moreno FJ, Díaz-Ramiro E, Fernández J, Coz E, Yagüe C, Román-Cascón C, Narros A, Borge R, Artíñano B. Real-Time Measurements of Indoor-Outdoor Exchange of Gaseous and Particulate Atmospheric Pollutants in an Urban Area. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6823. [PMID: 37835093 PMCID: PMC10572255 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20196823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution is one of the greatest environmental risks to health, causing millions of deaths and deleterious health effects worldwide, especially in urban areas where citizens are exposed to high ambient levels of pollutants, also influencing indoor air quality (IAQ). Many sources of indoor air are fairly obvious and well known, but the contribution of outside sources to indoor air still leads to significant uncertainties, in particular the influence that environmental variables have on outdoor/indoor pollutant exchange mechanisms. This is a critical aspect to consider in IAQ studies. In this respect, an experimental study was performed at a public site such as a university classroom during a non-academic period in Madrid city. This includes two field campaigns, in summer (2021) and winter (2020), where instruments for measuring gases and particle air pollutants simultaneously measured outdoor and indoor real-time concentrations. This study aimed to investigate the dynamic variations in the indoor/outdoor (I/O) ratios in terms of ambient outdoor conditions (meteorology, turbulence and air quality) and indoor features (human presence or natural ventilation). The results show that the I/O ratio is pollutant-dependent. In this sense, the infiltration capacity is higher for gaseous compounds, and in the case of particles, it depends on the particle size, with a higher infiltration capacity for smaller particles (
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Alonso-Blanco
- Department of Environment, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (F.J.G.-M.); (E.D.-R.); (J.F.); (E.C.); (B.A.)
| | - Francisco Javier Gómez-Moreno
- Department of Environment, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (F.J.G.-M.); (E.D.-R.); (J.F.); (E.C.); (B.A.)
| | - Elías Díaz-Ramiro
- Department of Environment, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (F.J.G.-M.); (E.D.-R.); (J.F.); (E.C.); (B.A.)
| | - Javier Fernández
- Department of Environment, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (F.J.G.-M.); (E.D.-R.); (J.F.); (E.C.); (B.A.)
| | - Esther Coz
- Department of Environment, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (F.J.G.-M.); (E.D.-R.); (J.F.); (E.C.); (B.A.)
| | - Carlos Yagüe
- Department of Earth Physics and Astrophysics, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Carlos Román-Cascón
- Department of Applied Physics, Marine and Environmental Sciences Faculty, INMAR, CEIMAR, University of Cadiz, 11519 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain;
| | - Adolfo Narros
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Madrid (UPM), 28006 Madrid, Spain; (A.N.); (R.B.)
| | - Rafael Borge
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Madrid (UPM), 28006 Madrid, Spain; (A.N.); (R.B.)
| | - Begoña Artíñano
- Department of Environment, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (F.J.G.-M.); (E.D.-R.); (J.F.); (E.C.); (B.A.)
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5
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López LR, Dessì P, Cabrera-Codony A, Rocha-Melogno L, Kraakman B, Naddeo V, Balaguer MD, Puig S. CO 2 in indoor environments: From environmental and health risk to potential renewable carbon source. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 856:159088. [PMID: 36181799 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In the developed world, individuals spend most of their time indoors. Poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) has a wide range of effects on human health. The burden of disease associated with indoor air accounts for millions of premature deaths related to exposure to Indoor Air Pollutants (IAPs). Among them, CO2 is the most common one, and is commonly used as a metric of IAQ. Indoor CO2 concentrations can be significantly higher than outdoors due to human metabolism and activities. Even in presence of ventilation, controlling the CO2 concentration below the Indoor Air Guideline Values (IAGVs) is a challenge, and many indoor environments including schools, offices and transportation exceed the recommended value of 1000 ppmv. This is often accompanied by high concentration of other pollutants, including bio-effluents such as viruses, and the importance of mitigating the transmission of airborne diseases has been highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. On the other hand, the relatively high CO2 concentration of indoor environments presents a thermodynamic advantage for direct air capture (DAC) in comparison to atmospheric CO2 concentration. This review aims to describe the issues associated with poor IAQ, and to demonstrate the potential of indoor CO2 DAC to purify indoor air while generating a renewable carbon stream that can replace conventional carbon sources as a building block for chemical production, contributing to the circular economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- L R López
- LEQUiA, Institute of Environment, University of Girona, Campus Montilivi, carrer Maria Aurelia Capmany 69, Girona, Spain.
| | - P Dessì
- LEQUiA, Institute of Environment, University of Girona, Campus Montilivi, carrer Maria Aurelia Capmany 69, Girona, Spain
| | - A Cabrera-Codony
- LEQUiA, Institute of Environment, University of Girona, Campus Montilivi, carrer Maria Aurelia Capmany 69, Girona, Spain
| | - L Rocha-Melogno
- ICF, 2635 Meridian Parkway Suite 200, Durham, NC 27713, United States
| | - B Kraakman
- Jacobs Engineering, Templey Quay 1, Bristol BAS1 6DG, UK; Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - V Naddeo
- Sanitary Environmental Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - M D Balaguer
- LEQUiA, Institute of Environment, University of Girona, Campus Montilivi, carrer Maria Aurelia Capmany 69, Girona, Spain
| | - S Puig
- LEQUiA, Institute of Environment, University of Girona, Campus Montilivi, carrer Maria Aurelia Capmany 69, Girona, Spain
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Elbayoumi M, Albelbeisi AH. Biomass use and its health effects among the vulnerable and marginalized refugee families in the Gaza Strip. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1129985. [PMID: 37089471 PMCID: PMC10117936 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1129985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Biomass fuel remains the most common type of fuel used in many developing countries, leading to indoor air pollution and serious health impacts. Objective The objective of this study was to compile evidence on the impact household fuel combustion has on child and adult health, with an emphasis on solid fuel use in Gaza. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 110 structured self-administered questionnaires were distributed in April 2019 among families living in the Al-Maghazi refugee camp. Results Participants reported that the main fuel used were wood, coal, cardboard, and a mix of wood, cardboard, and plastic, which were used for cooking, heating, baking, boiling water, and lighting. The most common symptoms were nasal irritation (71.8%), followed by headache (66.4%) and dizziness (65.4%). The results of logistic regression showed that the participants who used wood fuel had a higher chance of feeling eye irritation than those who used a mix of wood, cardboard, and dried grass (OR = 1.316; 95% CI = 1.54-8.99). The participants who opened windows during the burning process of biomass fuel were five times more likely to develop pneumonia than those who closed windows (OR = 5.53; 95%CI = 11.60-19.0). Conclusion there is an urgent need for community awareness campaigns designed to inform people about the risks of exposure to biomass fuel smoke and how to better implement household ventilation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maher Elbayoumi
- Energy and Sustainable Environment Center, School of Engineering, Israa University, Gaza Strip, Palestine
- *Correspondence: Maher Elbayoumi,
| | - Ahmed Hassan Albelbeisi
- Medical Services Directorate, Gaza Strip, Palestine
- College of Health Professions, Israa University, Gaza Strip, Palestine
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Park J, Yoo J, Jeong JW. Impact of ventilation methods on indoor particle concentrations in a daycare center. INDOOR AIR 2022; 32:e13150. [PMID: 36437660 DOI: 10.1111/ina.13150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to quantify the influence of ventilation methods on children's exposure to indoor particles in a daycare center located in an urban area. The ventilation methods applied to the center were monitored for 1 year. It appears that indoor PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations of the center were basically determined by outdoor conditions. The fluctuations in outdoor particle concentration also affected the ventilation behavior during class. The windows and doors of the classroom were frequently closed during both class hours and nights when the outdoor particle concentrations were at high levels. Statistically significant differences in the I/O ratios were found among the ventilation methods. The PM10 I/O ratio with the closed windows was significantly higher (p < 0.01) than that with the open windows, and when the mechanical fans were operated, the I/O ratio dramatically decreased (p < 0.01). The I/O ratio of PM2.5 showed a similar trend to that of PM10 except for the mechanical fan operation. The filters rated lower than MERV 11 appear to be insufficient to remove submicron particles from the mechanically supplied outdoor air when the PM2.5 concentrations are high, such as during the heating period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junseok Park
- Department of Architectural Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jihyun Yoo
- Department of Architectural Engineering, Graduate School of Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jae-Weon Jeong
- Department of Architectural Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
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Leite ADS, Rousse S, Léon J, Trindade RIF, Haoues‐Jouve S, Carvallo C, Dias‐Alves M, Proietti A, Nardin E, Macouin M. Barking up the Right Tree: Using Tree Bark to Track Airborne Particles in School Environment and Link Science to Society. GEOHEALTH 2022; 6:e2022GH000633. [PMID: 36089983 PMCID: PMC9432803 DOI: 10.1029/2022gh000633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Children's exposure to air pollution affects both their health and learning skills. Fine and ultrafine particulate matter (PM2.5, PM1), notably issued from traffic sources in urban centers, belong to the most potential harmful health hazards. However their monitoring and the society's awareness on their dangers need to be consolidated. In this study, raising teacher and pupil involvement for air quality improvement in their schools environment is reached through developing a passive monitoring technique (bio-sensors made of tree bark). The experiment was implemented in two urban elementary schools situated close to a main traffic road of the city of Toulouse (South of France). Magnetic properties, carbonaceous fraction measurements, and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM-EDX) investigations were realized both on passive bio-sensors and filters issued from active sampling. We find that traffic is the main PM1 source for both outdoors and indoors at schools. Higher levels of outdoor PM in the school's environments compared to urban background are reached especially in the cold period. The schools proximity to a main traffic source and lack of ventilation are the main causes for observed PM1 accumulation in classrooms. The co-working experiment with educational teams and pupils shows that the use of bio-sensors is a driver for children empowerment to air pollution and therefore represents a potential key tool for the teachers though limiting eco-anxiety. As PM accumulation is observed in many scholar environments across Europe, the proposed methodology is a step toward a better assessment of PM impact on pupil's health and learning skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. d. S. Leite
- Géosciences Environnement ToulouseCNRSIRDUniversité Toulouse 3CNESToulouseFrance
| | - S. Rousse
- Géosciences Environnement ToulouseCNRSIRDUniversité Toulouse 3CNESToulouseFrance
| | - J.‐F. Léon
- Laboratoire d’AérologieCNRSUniversité Toulouse 3ToulouseFrance
| | - R. I. F. Trindade
- Departamento de GeofísicaInstituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências AtmosféricasUniversidade de São PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | - S. Haoues‐Jouve
- Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire Solidarités Sociétés TerritoiresCNRSUniversité Toulouse 2EHESSENSFEAToulouseFrance
| | - C. Carvallo
- Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de CosmochimieUMR 7590Sorbonne UniversitéParisFrance
| | - M. Dias‐Alves
- Laboratoire d’AérologieCNRSUniversité Toulouse 3ToulouseFrance
| | - A. Proietti
- Centre de Microcaractérisation Raimond CastaingUniversité Toulouse 3ToulouseFrance
| | - E. Nardin
- Géosciences Environnement ToulouseCNRSIRDUniversité Toulouse 3CNESToulouseFrance
| | - M. Macouin
- Géosciences Environnement ToulouseCNRSIRDUniversité Toulouse 3CNESToulouseFrance
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Zhang F, Shi L, Liu S, Shi J, Cheng M. Indoor Air Quality in Tujia Dwellings in Hunan, China: Field Tests, Numerical Simulations, and Mitigation Strategies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19148396. [PMID: 35886247 PMCID: PMC9325221 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Air pollution is a major health hazard. The traditional habits and unique ethnic fire culture in Hunan Tujia region result in the long-term exposure of residents, especially elderly people, to pollutants. In this study, we conducted field monitoring and assessment of indoor pollutants in the residential houses of Hunan Tujia families and subsequently visualised and simulated fire pollutants in representative residential houses by using fire-dynamic-simulator software. Pollutant-control strategies, using passive smoke collectors and resizing windows, were proposed and simulated for validation. The results revealed that passive smoke collectors reduced the pollutant concentration in the hall house by 43.96%. Furthermore, the optimal window size was 1500 mm × 1500 mm, and the most reasonable windowsill height of the firepit was 1800 mm. The results of the study can be used to improve the indoor air quality of Tujia dwellings and mitigate the adverse health effects of exposure to indoor air pollution without restricting ethnic beliefs and traditional customs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fupeng Zhang
- School of Architecture and Art, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China; (F.Z.); (L.S.); (M.C.)
- Health Building Research Center, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China
| | - Lei Shi
- School of Architecture and Art, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China; (F.Z.); (L.S.); (M.C.)
- Health Building Research Center, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China
| | - Simian Liu
- School of Architecture and Art, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China; (F.Z.); (L.S.); (M.C.)
- Health Building Research Center, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China
- Correspondence: (S.L.); (J.S.)
| | - Jiaqi Shi
- School of Architecture and Art, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China; (F.Z.); (L.S.); (M.C.)
- Health Building Research Center, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China
- College of Architecture, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114, China
- Correspondence: (S.L.); (J.S.)
| | - Mengfei Cheng
- School of Architecture and Art, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China; (F.Z.); (L.S.); (M.C.)
- Health Building Research Center, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China
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Bhat MA, Eraslan FN, Awad A, Malkoç S, Üzmez ÖÖ, Döğeroğlu T, Gaga EO. Investigation of indoor and outdoor air quality in a university campus during COVID-19 lock down period. BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT 2022; 219:109176. [PMID: 35599669 PMCID: PMC9116033 DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.109176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The pandemic of COVID-19 currently shadows the world; the whole earth has been on an unprecedented lockdown. Social distancing among people interrupted domestic and international air traffic, suspended industrial productions and economic activities, and had various far-reaching and undetermined implications on air quality. Improvement in air quality has been reported in many cities during the lockdown. On March 22, 2020, the Turkish government enforced strict lockdown measures to reduce coronavirus disease transmission. This lockdown had a significant impact on the movement of people within the country, which resulted in a major drop in worldwide commercial activities. During this period, university campuses were emptied due to the transition to distance education. In this study, various air pollutants sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), total bacteria, and total fungi were measured in different indoor environments at Eskişehir Technical University Campus in Eskişehir, Turkey during COVID-19 lock down period. Also, to calculate the indoor and outdoor ratios (I/O) of the pollutants, simultaneous outdoor measurements were also carried out. The average indoor SO2, NO2, O3, and PM2.5 concentrations in different indoor environments ranged between 2.10 and 54.58, 1.36-30.89, 12.01-39.05, and 21-94 μg/m3, respectively. The total number of bacteria and fungi ranged between 21.83-514.15 and 13.10-83.36 CFU/m3, respectively. Our study intends to give a glimpse to quantify the impact of a pandemic on air quality in different indoor environments in a university campus in Eskişehir, Turkey and calls for follow-up studies. Indoor concentrations were evaluated together with outdoor concentrations. In general, it can be said that the calculated I/O ratios for SO2, NO2, O3, bacteria, and fungi were less than 1 in most indoor environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansoor Ahmad Bhat
- Eskişehir Technical University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, 26555, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Fatma Nur Eraslan
- Eskişehir Technical University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, 26555, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Alaa Awad
- Eskişehir Technical University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, 26555, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Semra Malkoç
- Eskişehir Technical University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, 26555, Eskişehir, Turkey
- Eskişehir Technical University, Environmental Research Center (ÇEVMER), 26555, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Özlem Özden Üzmez
- Eskişehir Technical University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, 26555, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Tuncay Döğeroğlu
- Eskişehir Technical University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, 26555, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Eftade O Gaga
- Eskişehir Technical University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, 26555, Eskişehir, Turkey
- Eskişehir Technical University, Environmental Research Center (ÇEVMER), 26555, Eskişehir, Turkey
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11
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Konstantinou C, Constantinou A, Kleovoulou EG, Kyriacou A, Kakoulli C, Milis G, Michaelides M, Makris KC. Assessment of indoor and outdoor air quality in primary schools of Cyprus during the COVID–19 pandemic measures in May–July 2021. Heliyon 2022; 8:e09354. [PMID: 35529701 PMCID: PMC9057936 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Combined pollutant effects from indoor and outdoor sources on children's health, while being at school have not been holistically tackled. The aim of the School Temperature and Environmental Pollutants Study (STEPS) was to perform a school population representative assessment of indoor air quality (IAQ) in primary schools of densely and intermediate populated areas of Cyprus (n = 42). The study took place during May–July 2021 when a school-specific COVID-19 protocol was in place. Questionnaire-based characteristics of schools/classrooms were collected along with 24/48-h long IAQ monitoring of air temperature, relative humidity (RH), particulate matter (PM), carbon dioxide (CO2) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), using low-cost sensors. Mixed effect models assessed the IAQ determinants during school hours. Indoor PM, temperature, RH and VOCs increased with progressing school periods in the day, while indoor CO2 decreased. Indoor RH and CO2 were negatively associated with % open windows, while indoor PM2.5 was positively associated. Most of school time (85%), indoor air temperature exceeded the recommended upper limit (27 °C), while a third of indoor PM2.5 (24-h) measurements exceeded 15 μg/m3. The interplay of clean indoor air with adequate ventilation and adaptation to heat stress in schools is important and its comprehensive characterization requires holistic methodological approaches and tools. A primary school population representative study of indoor air quality was conducted in Cyprus during May-July 2021. Natural ventilation measures, like open windows and doors during class hours, helped in maintaining adequate ventilation. The study took place during the summer period with indoor air temperature being above the recommended value most of school time. A third of the 24-hour indoor PM2.5 measurements exceeded the WHO recommended value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina Konstantinou
- Cyprus International Institute for Environmental and Public Health (CII), Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Andria Constantinou
- Cyprus International Institute for Environmental and Public Health (CII), Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Eleni G. Kleovoulou
- Cyprus International Institute for Environmental and Public Health (CII), Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | | | - Christina Kakoulli
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering and Informatics, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - George Milis
- PHOEBE Research & Innovation Ltd, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Michalis Michaelides
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering and Informatics, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Konstantinos C. Makris
- Cyprus International Institute for Environmental and Public Health (CII), Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
- Corresponding author.
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12
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Matthaios VN, Kang CM, Wolfson JM, Greco KF, Gaffin JM, Hauptman M, Cunningham A, Petty CR, Lawrence J, Phipatanakul W, Gold DR, Koutrakis P. Factors Influencing Classroom Exposures to Fine Particles, Black Carbon, and Nitrogen Dioxide in Inner-City Schools and Their Implications for Indoor Air Quality. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2022; 130:47005. [PMID: 35446676 PMCID: PMC9022782 DOI: 10.1289/ehp10007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND School classrooms, where students spend the majority of their time during the day, are the second most important indoor microenvironment for children. OBJECTIVE We investigated factors influencing classroom exposures to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), black carbon (BC), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in urban schools in the northeast United States. METHODS Over the period of 10 y (2008-2013; 2015-2019) measurements were conducted in 309 classrooms of 74 inner-city schools during fall, winter, and spring of the academic period. The data were analyzed using adaptive mixed-effects least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression models. The LASSO variables included meteorological-, school-, and classroom-based covariates. RESULTS LASSO identified 10, 10, and 11 significant factors (p<0.05) that were associated with indoor PM2.5, BC, and NO2 exposures, respectively. The overall variability explained by these models was R2=0.679, 0.687, and 0.621 for PM2.5, BC, and NO2, respectively. Of the model's explained variability, outdoor air pollution was the most important predictor, accounting for 53.9%, 63.4%, and 34.1% of the indoor PM2.5, BC, and NO2 concentrations. School-based predictors included furnace servicing, presence of a basement, annual income, building type, building year of construction, number of classrooms, number of students, and type of ventilation that, in combination, explained 18.6%, 26.1%, and 34.2% of PM2.5, BC, and NO2 levels, whereas classroom-based predictors included classroom floor level, classroom proximity to cafeteria, number of windows, frequency of cleaning, and windows facing the bus area and jointly explained 24.0%, 4.2%, and 29.3% of PM2.5, BC, and NO2 concentrations, respectively. DISCUSSION The adaptive LASSO technique identified significant regional-, school-, and classroom-based factors influencing classroom air pollutant levels and provided robust estimates that could potentially inform targeted interventions aiming at improving children's health and well-being during their early years of development. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP10007.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasileios N. Matthaios
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- School of Geography Earth and Environmental Science, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Choong-Min Kang
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jack M. Wolfson
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kimberly F. Greco
- Biostatistics and Research Design Center, Institutional Centers for Clinical and Translational Research, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jonathan M. Gaffin
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marissa Hauptman
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of General Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Amparito Cunningham
- Boston Children’s Hospital Division of Immunology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Carter R. Petty
- Biostatistics and Research Design Center, Institutional Centers for Clinical and Translational Research, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joy Lawrence
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Wanda Phipatanakul
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Boston Children’s Hospital Division of Immunology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Diane R. Gold
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Petros Koutrakis
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Kitagawa YKL, Kumar P, Galvão ES, Santos JM, Reis NC, Nascimento EGS, Moreira DM. Exposure and dose assessment of school children to air pollutants in a tropical coastal-urban area. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 803:149747. [PMID: 34487895 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study estimates exposure and inhaled dose to air pollutants of children residing in a tropical coastal-urban area in Southeast Brazil. For that, twenty-one children filled their time-activities diaries and wore the passive samplers to monitor NO2. The personal exposure was also estimated using data provided by the combination of WRF-Urban/GEOS-Chem/CMAQ models, and the nearby monitoring station. Indoor/outdoor ratios were used to consider the amount of time spent indoors by children in homes and schools. The model's performance was assessed by comparing the modelled data with concentrations measured by urban monitoring stations. A sensitivity analyses was also performed to evaluate the impact of the model's height on the air pollutant concentrations. The results showed that the mean children's personal exposure to NO2 predicted by the model (22.3 μg/m3) was nearly twice to those measured by the passive samplers (12.3 μg/m3). In contrast, the nearest urban monitoring station did not represent the personal exposure to NO2 (9.3 μg/m3), suggesting a bias in the quantification of previous epidemiological studies. The building effect parameterisation (BEP) together with the lowering of the model height enhanced the air pollutant concentrations and the exposure of children to air pollutants. With the use of the CMAQ model, exposure to O3, PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 was also estimated and revealed that the daily children's personal exposure was 13.4, 38.9, 32.9, and 9.6 μg/m3, respectively. Meanwhile, the potential inhalation daily dose was 570-667 μg for PM2.5, 684-789 μg for PM10, and 163-194 μg for PM1, showing to be favourable to cause adverse health effects. The exposure of children to air pollutants estimated by the numerical model in this work was comparable to other studies found in the literature, showing one of the advantages of using the modelling approach since some air pollutants are poorly spatially represented and/or are not routinely monitored by environmental agencies in many regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Kaore Lago Kitagawa
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil; Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, Surrey, United Kingdom; Centro Integrado de Manufatura e Tecnologia (SENAI CIMATEC), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Prashant Kumar
- Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Elson Silva Galvão
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Jane Meri Santos
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Neyval Costa Reis
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | | | - Davidson Martins Moreira
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil; Centro Integrado de Manufatura e Tecnologia (SENAI CIMATEC), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
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14
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Nazaroff WW, Weschler CJ. Indoor ozone: Concentrations and influencing factors. INDOOR AIR 2022; 32:e12942. [PMID: 34609012 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Because people spend most of their time indoors, much of their exposure to ozone occurs in buildings, which are partially protective against outdoor ozone. Measurements in approximately 2000 indoor environments (residences, schools, and offices) show a central tendency for average indoor ozone concentration of 4-6 ppb and an indoor to outdoor concentration ratio of about 25%. Considerable variability in this ratio exists among buildings, as influenced by seven building-associated factors: ozone removal in mechanical ventilation systems, ozone penetration through the building envelope, air-change rates, ozone loss rate on fixed indoor surfaces, ozone loss rate on human occupants, ozone loss by homogeneous reaction with nitrogen oxides, and ozone loss by reaction with gas-phase organics. Among these, the most important are air-change rates, ozone loss rate on fixed indoor surfaces, and, in densely occupied spaces, ozone loss rate on human occupants. Although most indoor ozone originates outdoors and enters with ventilation air, indoor emission sources can materially increase indoor ozone concentrations. Mitigation technologies to reduce indoor ozone concentrations are available or are being investigated. The most mature of these technologies, activated carbon filtration of mechanical ventilation supply air, shows a high modeled health-benefit to cost ratio when applied in densely occupied spaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- William W Nazaroff
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Charles J Weschler
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- International Centre for Indoor Environment and Energy, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
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15
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Gignac F, Barrera-Gómez J, Persavento C, Solé C, Tena È, López-Vicente M, Foraster M, Amato F, Alastuey A, Querol X, Llavador H, Apesteguia J, Júlvez J, Couso D, Sunyer J, Basagaña X. Short-term effect of air pollution on attention function in adolescents (ATENC!Ó): A randomized controlled trial in high schools in Barcelona, Spain. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 156:106614. [PMID: 34000503 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recent evidence of the short-term impact of air pollution on youth cognitive functions is based primarily on observational studies. OBJECTIVES We conducted a randomized controlled trial to assess whether purifying the air of the classrooms produced short-term changes in attention processes of adolescents. METHODS We recruited a total of 2,123 adolescents (13-16 years old) in 33 high schools in Barcelona metropolitan area (Spain). In each school, adolescents from each class were randomly split into two equal-sized groups and assigned to two different classrooms. A set of two air cleaner devices with the same appearance (one recirculating and filtrating the air and the other only recirculating the air) was used. Each one of the devices was placed at random at one of the two classrooms. Students were masked to intervention allocation and had to complete several computerized activities for 1.5 h, including an attention test (Flanker task) to be performed at baseline and at the end of the intervention. The response speed consistency, expressed as hit reaction time standard error (HRT-SE, in ms), was measured as the primary outcome. Analyses were conducted using conditional linear regressions with classroom as strata, adjusted for variables that may differ from one class to another such as temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide concentration. RESULTS Average levels of PM2.5 and black carbon throughout the 1.5 h of experiment were 89% and 87%, respectively, lower in the classrooms with air cleaner than in the control classrooms. No differences were found in the median of HRT-SE between classrooms with cleaned air and normal air (percent change: 1.37%, 95% confidence interval: -2.81%, 5.56%). Sensitivity analyses with secondary attention outcomes resulted in similar findings. CONCLUSIONS Cleaning the air of a classroom to reduce exposure to air pollutants for 1.5 h did not have an impact on the attention function of adolescents. Still, in light of previous evidence suggesting an association between air pollution and attention, further experimental studies should explore other short-term timescales of exposure and age ranges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Gignac
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose Barrera-Gómez
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cecilia Persavento
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Caterina Solé
- Centre de Recerca per a l'Educació Científica i Matemàtica (CRECIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Èlia Tena
- Centre de Recerca per a l'Educació Científica i Matemàtica (CRECIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mónica López-Vicente
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maria Foraster
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fulvio Amato
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Spanish Research Council (CSIC) Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrés Alastuey
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Spanish Research Council (CSIC) Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Querol
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Spanish Research Council (CSIC) Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Jordi Júlvez
- Pere Virgili Institute for Health Research (IISPV), Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus, Reus, Spain
| | - Digna Couso
- Centre de Recerca per a l'Educació Científica i Matemàtica (CRECIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Sunyer
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Xavier Basagaña
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain.
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Lyu X, Huo Y, Yang J, Yao D, Li K, Lu H, Zeren Y, Guo H. Real-time molecular characterization of air pollutants in a Hong Kong residence: Implication of indoor source emissions and heterogeneous chemistry. INDOOR AIR 2021; 31:1340-1352. [PMID: 33772878 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Due to the high health risks associated with indoor air pollutants and long-term exposure, indoor air quality has received increasing attention. In this study, we put emphasis on the molecular composition, source emissions, and chemical aging of air pollutants in a residence with designed activities mimicking ordinary Hong Kong homes. More than 150 air pollutants were detected at molecular level, 87 of which were quantified at a time resolution of not less than 1 hour. The indoor-to-outdoor ratios were higher than 1 for most of the primary air pollutants, due to emissions of indoor activities and indoor backgrounds (especially for aldehydes). In contrast, many secondary air pollutants exhibited higher concentrations in outdoor air. Painting ranked first in aldehyde emissions, which also caused great enhancement of aromatics. Incense burning had the highest emissions of particle-phase organics, with vanillic acid and syringic acid as markers. The other noteworthy fingerprints enabled by online measurements included linoleic acid, cholesterol, and oleic acid for cooking, 2,5-dimethylfuran, stigmasterol, iso-/anteiso-alkanes, and fructose isomers for smoking, C28 -C34 even n-alkanes for candle burning, and monoterpenes for the use of air freshener, cleaning agents, and camphor oil. We showed clear evidence of chemical aging of cooking emissions, giving a hint of indoor heterogeneous chemistry. This study highlights the value of organic molecules measured at high time resolutions in enhancing our knowledge on indoor air quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaopu Lyu
- Air Quality Studies, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yunxi Huo
- Air Quality Studies, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jin Yang
- Air Quality Studies, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Dawen Yao
- Air Quality Studies, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kaimin Li
- Air Quality Studies, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Haoxian Lu
- Air Quality Studies, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yangzong Zeren
- Air Quality Studies, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hai Guo
- Air Quality Studies, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
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Indoor Air Quality and Human Health Risk Assessment in the Open-Air Classroom. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13158302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Indoor air quality is associated with academic performance and harmful health effects on students and teachers who participate in the classroom. Outdoor sources always contribute to classroom air quality. This study aims to estimate the amounts of indoor and outdoor pollutants and the influence of outdoor sources on open-air classrooms in a school located in the city. A health risk assessment was applied to assess the non-carcinogenic risk to students and teachers from exposure to the pollutants in the classroom. The concentrations of indoor NO2 ranged between 46.40 and 77.83 µg/m3, which is about 0.8 times that of outdoor NO2. A strong correlation and a high indoor/outdoor (I/O) ratio (>0.5) without a source, indicated that indoor NO2 is significantly influenced by outdoor sources. The range of indoor PM2.5 concentrations was 1.66 to 31.52 µg/m3 which was influenced by meteorological conditions. The indoor PM2.5 concentrations were affected by both indoor and outdoor sources. Although the level of indoor air pollutants met the official standard, the young children were exposed to indoor air pollutants which were above the recommended limits to human health with regard to the hazard index (HI) of 1.12. Instant measures such as regularly cleaning the classrooms, zoning the students, and installation of solid and vegetation barriers are recommended to reduce the daily dose of pollutants affecting students in open-air classrooms.
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Performance Evaluation of Particulate Matter and Indoor Microclimate Monitors in University Classrooms under COVID-19 Restrictions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18147363. [PMID: 34299813 PMCID: PMC8305222 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Optical monitors have proven their versatility into the studies of air quality in the workplace and indoor environments. The current study aimed to perform a screening of the indoor environment regarding the presence of various fractions of particulate matter (PM) and the specific thermal microclimate in a classroom occupied with students in March 2019 (before COVID-19 pandemic) and in March 2021 (during pandemic) at Valahia University Campus, Targoviste, Romania. The objectives were to assess the potential exposure of students and academic personnel to PM and to observe the performances of various sensors and monitors (particle counter, PM monitors, and indoor microclimate sensors). PM1 ranged between 29 and 41 μg m−3 and PM10 ranged between 30 and 42 μg m−3. It was observed that the particles belonged mostly to fine and submicrometric fractions in acceptable thermal environments according to the PPD and PMV indices. The particle counter recorded preponderantly 0.3, 0.5, and 1.0 micron categories. The average acute dose rate was estimated as 6.58 × 10−4 mg/kg-day (CV = 14.3%) for the 20–40 years range. Wearing masks may influence the indoor microclimate and PM levels but additional experiments should be performed at a finer scale.
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Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases demonstration project: aerosol pollution and its seasonal peculiarities in primary schools of Vilnius. Chin Med J (Engl) 2021; 133:1516-1525. [PMID: 32568873 PMCID: PMC7386335 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000000913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The growing public health concern caused by non-communicable diseases in urban surroundings cannot be solved by health care alone; therefore a multidisciplinary approach is mandatory. This study aimed to evaluate the airborne aerosol pollution level in primary schools as possible factor influencing origin and course of the diseases in children. Methods Seasonal aerosol particle number concentration (PNC) and mass concentration (PMC) were studied in the randomly selected eleven primary schools in the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, as model of a middle-size Eastern European city. Total PNC in the size range from 0.01 to >1.0 μm in diameter was measured using a condensation particle counter. Using an optical particle sizer, PNC was measured and PMC estimated for particles from 0.3 to 10.0 μm. A descriptive statistics was used to estimate the aerosol pollution levels. Results During all seasons, local cafeterias in the absence of ventilation were the main sources of the elevated levels of indoor PMC and PNC (up to 97,500 particles/cm3). The other sources of airborne particulates were the children's activity during the lesson breaks with PMC up to 586 μg/m3. Soft furniture, carpets in the classrooms and corridors were responsible for PMC up to 200 μg/m3. Outdoor aerosol pollution (up to 18,170 particles/cm3) was higher for schools in city center. Elevated air pollution in classrooms also resulted from intermittent sources, such as construction work during classes (200–1000 μg/m3) and petrol-powered lawn trimmers (up to 66,400 particles/cm3). Conclusion The results of our survey show that even in a relatively low polluted region of Eastern Europe there are big differences in aerosol pollution within middle-sized city. Additional efforts are needed to improve air quality in schools: more frequent wet cleaning, monitoring the operation of ventilation systems, a ban on construction works during school year, on a use of sandblasting mechanisms in the neighborhood of schools.
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Tham KW, Parshetti GK, Anand P, Cheong DKW, Sekhar C. Performance characteristics of a fan filter unit (FFU) in mitigating particulate matter levels in a naturally ventilated classroom during haze conditions. INDOOR AIR 2021; 31:795-806. [PMID: 33215777 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The performance of a low-cost fan filter unit (FFU) in mitigating hazardous particulate matter (PM) levels in a naturally ventilated school classroom is presented. The FFU can be considered as a simplified mechanical ventilation and air-conditioning system without heating and cooling functions. The FFU improves indoor air quality through introduction of cleaned outdoor air to flush out internally generated heat and moisture and reducing infiltration by maintaining indoor pressurization. Indoor particle number concentrations were reduced between 85% and 95%. The particle removal performance (PRFFFU ) of the FFU is determined and incorporated into the augmented façade penetration factor (Paug ). A case-specific recursive dynamic mass balance model is used to characterize the infiltration factor (FINF ), deposition rate (K), and the penetration efficiency (Paug ) from continuously monitored indoor and outdoor mass concentration levels. Computed "Paug " (0.07, 0.09, and 0.13) and "FINF " (0.06, 0.08, and 0.11), respectively, for PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 suggest that exposure to PM was significantly reduced indoors. The effectiveness of the FFU for reduced "FINF " and "Paug " may be attributed to its superior filtration, dilution, and exfiltration mechanisms. In comparison with alternative PM mitigation solutions, the FFU is effective, affordable, and sustainable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwok Wai Tham
- Department of Building, Centre for Integrated Building Energy and Sustainability in the Tropics (CiBEST), School of Design and Environment, National University of Singapore, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Ganesh Kashinath Parshetti
- Department of Building, Centre for Integrated Building Energy and Sustainability in the Tropics (CiBEST), School of Design and Environment, National University of Singapore, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Prashant Anand
- Department of Building, Centre for Integrated Building Energy and Sustainability in the Tropics (CiBEST), School of Design and Environment, National University of Singapore, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - David Kok Wai Cheong
- Department of Building, Centre for Integrated Building Energy and Sustainability in the Tropics (CiBEST), School of Design and Environment, National University of Singapore, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Chandra Sekhar
- Department of Building, Centre for Integrated Building Energy and Sustainability in the Tropics (CiBEST), School of Design and Environment, National University of Singapore, Singapore City, Singapore
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Che W, Li ATY, Frey HC, Tang KTJ, Sun L, Wei P, Hossain MS, Hohenberger TL, Leung KW, Lau AKH. Factors affecting variability in gaseous and particle microenvironmental air pollutant concentrations in Hong Kong primary and secondary schools. INDOOR AIR 2021; 31:170-187. [PMID: 32731301 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
School-age children are particularly susceptible to exposure to air pollutants. To quantify factors affecting children's exposure at school, indoor and outdoor microenvironmental air pollutant concentrations were measured at 32 selected primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong. Real-time PM10 , PM2.5 , NO2, and O3 concentrations were measured in 76 classrooms and 23 non-classrooms. Potential explanatory factors related to building characteristics, ventilation practice, and occupant activities were measured or recorded. Their relationship with indoor measured concentrations was examined using mixed linear regression models. Ten factors were significantly associated with indoor microenvironmental concentrations, together accounting for 74%, 61%, 46%, and 38% of variations observed for PM2.5 , PM10 , O3, and NO2 microenvironmental concentrations, respectively. Outdoor concentration is the single largest predictor for indoor concentrations. Infiltrated outdoor air pollution contributes to 90%, 70%, 75%, and 50% of PM2.5 , PM10 , O3, and NO2 microenvironmental concentrations, respectively, in classrooms during school hours. Interventions to reduce indoor microenvironmental concentrations can be prioritized in reducing ambient air pollution and infiltration of outdoor pollution. Infiltration factors derived from linear regression models provide useful information on outdoor infiltration and help address the gap in generalizable parameter values that can be used to predict school microenvironmental concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwei Che
- Division of Environment and Sustainability, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Alison T Y Li
- Division of Environment and Sustainability, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Henry Christopher Frey
- Division of Environment and Sustainability, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Kimberly Tasha Jiayi Tang
- Division of Environment and Sustainability, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Li Sun
- Division of Environment and Sustainability, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Peng Wei
- Division of Environment and Sustainability, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Md Shakhaoat Hossain
- Division of Environment and Sustainability, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tilman Leo Hohenberger
- Division of Environment and Sustainability, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - King Wai Leung
- Division of Environment and Sustainability, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Alexis K H Lau
- Division of Environment and Sustainability, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
- Institute for the Environment, The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, Hong Kong, China
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Laguerre A, George LA, Gall ET. High-Efficiency Air Cleaning Reduces Indoor Traffic-Related Air Pollution and Alters Indoor Air Chemistry in a Near-Roadway School. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:11798-11808. [PMID: 32841011 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c02792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Schools in proximity to roadways expose students to traffic-related air pollution (TRAP). We investigate impacts of air-cleaning on indoor TRAP levels and indoor chemistry in a renovated school adjacent an interstate highway. We monitor air pollutants pre- and post-renovation and quantify efficiency of particle (MERV8 and 16 filters) and gas (functionalized activated carbon) air-cleaning. Time-resolved measurements show air-cleaning systems are effective, with in situ particle removal efficiency >94% across 10 nm to 10 μm. Activated carbon removed BTEX and NO2 with variability in removal efficiency. Over eight months of monitoring, NO2 removal efficiency was 96% initially and decreased to 61%; and BTEX removal efficiency was >80% or increased to >80%. Air-cleaning reduced indoor TRAP to below or near urban background. Air-cleaning systems suppressed indoor chemistry by reducing indoor levels of oxidants (NO2, O3) and reactive organics of indoor origin. When the air cleaning system was inactive, our data show that indoor SOA formation within the school was elevated. Loss rates of NO2 and O3 through the air-cleaning system were ∼1.5-2.4 h-1 and ∼2.3 h-1, respectively. Air-cleaning was 83% and 69% efficient, respectively, in removing monoterpenes and isoprene. By suppressing precursors, scaling calculations show air-cleaning prevented ∼3.4 mg/h of indoor SOA formation due to indoor ozone-monoterpene chemistry. For comparison, we estimate that filtration removed ∼130 mg/h of PM0.01-0.3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Laguerre
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Portland State University, 1930 SW 4th Avenue, Suite 400, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
| | - Linda A George
- Department of Environmental Science and Management, Portland State University, P.O. Box 751, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
| | - Elliott T Gall
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Portland State University, 1930 SW 4th Avenue, Suite 400, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
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Domínguez-Amarillo S, Fernández-Agüera J, Cesteros-García S, González-Lezcano RA. Bad Air Can Also Kill: Residential Indoor Air Quality and Pollutant Exposure Risk during the COVID-19 Crisis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E7183. [PMID: 33008116 PMCID: PMC7578999 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17197183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
During the first outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic the population, focusing primarily on the risk of infection, was generally inattentive to the quality of indoor air. Spain, and the city of Madrid in particular, were among the world's coronavirus hotspots. The country's entire population was subject to a 24/7 lockdown for 45 days. This paper describes a comparative longitudinal survey of air quality in four types of housing in the city of Madrid before and during lockdown. The paper analysed indoor temperatures and variations in CO2, 2.5 μm particulate matter (PM2.5) and total volatile organic compound (TVOC) concentrations before and during lockdown. The mean daily outdoor PM2.5 concentration declined from 11.04 µg/m3 before to 7.10 µg/m3 during lockdown. Before lockdown the NO2 concentration values scored as 'very good' 46% of the time, compared to 90.9% during that period. Although the city's outdoor air quality improved, during lockdown the population's exposure to indoor pollutants was generally more acute and prolonged. Due primarily to concern over domestic energy savings, the lack of suitable ventilation and more intensive use of cleaning products and disinfectants during the covid-19 crisis, indoor pollutant levels were typically higher than compatible with healthy environments. Mean daily PM2.5 concentration rose by approximately 12% and mean TVOC concentration by 37% to 559%. The paper also puts forward a series of recommendations to improve indoor domestic environments in future pandemics and spells out urgent action to be taken around indoor air quality (IAQ) in the event of total or partial quarantining to protect residents from respiratory ailments and concomitantly enhanced susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2, as identified by international medical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Domínguez-Amarillo
- Instituto Universitario de Arquitectura y Ciencias de la Construcción, Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura, Universidad de Sevilla, 41014 Sevilla, Spain;
| | - Jesica Fernández-Agüera
- Instituto Universitario de Arquitectura y Ciencias de la Construcción, Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura, Universidad de Sevilla, 41014 Sevilla, Spain;
| | - Sonia Cesteros-García
- Escuela Politécnica Superior, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, Montepríncipe Campus, Boadilla del Monte, 28668 Madrid, Spain; (S.C.-G.); (R.A.G.-L.)
| | - Roberto Alonso González-Lezcano
- Escuela Politécnica Superior, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, Montepríncipe Campus, Boadilla del Monte, 28668 Madrid, Spain; (S.C.-G.); (R.A.G.-L.)
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24
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Microbiological Air Quality in a Highschool Gym Located in an Urban Area of Southern Poland—Preliminary Research. ATMOSPHERE 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos11080797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The benefits of regular exercise include improved physical and mental health. The school gym is a particular micro-environment where students perform intensive physical training. The question is if there is an increased risk of microbiological contamination. This preliminary work studied the exposure of students to bacterial aerosol (BA) in a highschool gym located in an urban area of Southern Poland. A sampling of BA was undertaken with an Andersen six-stage impactor (ANDI). BA was identified using API (analytical profile index) tests. The BA concentrations were expressed as Colony Forming Units (CFU) per cubic metre of air. The results showed that before gym classes (BGC), the concentration of BA was 4.20 × 102 ± 49.19 CFU/m3, while during gym classes (DGC), the level of BA more than doubled (8.75 × 102 ± 121.39 CFU/m3). There was also an increase in the respirable fraction of BA (particles less than 3.3 µm). Before the start of the sports activities, respirable fraction accounted for 30% of the BA, while during physical education classes, this share increased to over 80%. Identification of BA species showed that the dominant group of bacteria in the indoor air of the gym BGC was Gram-positive rods (61%) and for DGC it was Gram-positive cocci (81%). We detected that one bacteria strain (Corynebacterium striatum) was classified into risk group 2 (RG2) according to Directive 2000/54/EC. Additionally, multi-antibiotic resistance (MAR) showed that among the isolated airborne bacteria, the highest antibiotic resistance was demonstrated by Staphylococcus epidermis (isolated DGC) and Pseudomonas sp. (isolated BGC). The quantitative and qualitative information on microbiological air quality (MIAQ) in the school gym indicates that the actions to improve indoor physical activity spaces are recommended.
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25
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Angulo Milhem S, Verriele M, Nicolas M, Thevenet F. Does the ubiquitous use of essential oil-based products promote indoor air quality? A critical literature review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:14365-14411. [PMID: 32162221 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08150-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Essential oils are frequently used as natural fragrances in housecleaning products and air fresheners marketed as green and healthy. However, these substances are volatile and reactive chemical species. This review focuses on the impact of essential oil-based household products on indoor air quality. First, housecleaning products containing essential oils are explored in terms of composition and existing regulations. Specific insight is provided regarding terpenes in fragranced housecleaning products, air fresheners, and pure essential oils. Second, experimental methodologies for terpene monitoring, from sampling to experimental chambers and analytical methods, are addressed, emphasizing the experimental issues in monitoring terpenes in indoor air. Third, the temporal dynamics of terpene emissions reported in the literature are discussed. Despite experimental discrepancies, essential oil-based products are significant sources of terpenes in indoor air, inducing a high exposure of occupants to terpenes. Finally, the fate of terpenes is explored from sorptive and reactive points of view. In addition to terpene deposition on surfaces, indoor oxidants may induce homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions, resulting in secondary pollutants, such as formaldehyde and secondary organic aerosols. Overall, essential oil-based products can negatively impact indoor air quality; therefore, standard protocols and real-scale approaches are needed to explore the indoor physics and chemistry of terpenes, from emissions to reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadia Angulo Milhem
- IMT Lille Douai, SAGE, Université de Lille, 59000, Lille, France
- Centre Scientifique et Technique du Bâtiment (CSTB), 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Marie Verriele
- IMT Lille Douai, SAGE, Université de Lille, 59000, Lille, France
| | - Melanie Nicolas
- Centre Scientifique et Technique du Bâtiment (CSTB), 38000, Grenoble, France
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Prokopciuk N, Franck U, Dudoitis V, Tarasiuk N, Juskiene I, Valiulis A, Cepuraite D, Staras K, Ulevicius V. On the seasonal aerosol pollution levels and its sources in some primary schools in Vilnius, Lithuania. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:15592-15606. [PMID: 32080817 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08093-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Aerosol particle number (PNC) and mass concentrations (PMC) were studied in 11 primary schools during the 2017-2018 school years (from September to May) in Vilnius, Lithuania, with the aim to evaluate the main aerosol pollution sources and its levels. Expeditious information on the total aerosol particle concentration over the full range of sizes (from 0.01 to > 1 μm) was estimated using a condensation particle counter (CPC). Particle number and mass concentrations in the size range of 0.3-10 μm were measured and estimated using an optical particle sizer (OPS). The use of aerosol particle size spectra (OPS) in school lodgements facilitated the identification of the main sources of indoor air pollution. The main sources responsible for the elevated levels of indoor PN and PM aerosol concentrations were determined: local canteens in the absence of ventilation (particle concentrations up to 97,500 part/cm3 (CPC)), the school-grader activity during the lesson breaks (275-586 μg/m3), soft furniture and carpets in the classrooms and corridors (~ 200 μg/m3), and in some cases (city center) elevated outdoor aerosol pollution levels (16800-18,170 part/cm3). Elevated aerosol pollution levels were also due to the occasional sources: construction works during lessons (200-1000 μg/m3), scraping the exterior walls of buildings near schools (up to 1600 μg/m3), and the use of petrol-powered trimmers during cutting of green plantings (22500-66,400 part/cm3 (CPC)).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Prokopciuk
- SRI Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Savanorių ave. 231, 02300, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Ulrich Franck
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Permoserstrasse 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Vadimas Dudoitis
- SRI Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Savanorių ave. 231, 02300, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Nikolaj Tarasiuk
- SRI Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Savanorių ave. 231, 02300, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Izabele Juskiene
- Vilnius University Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, M.K. Ciurlionio St. 21, /27, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Arunas Valiulis
- Vilnius University Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, M.K. Ciurlionio St. 21, /27, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Daiva Cepuraite
- Vilnius University Faculty of Medicine, Public Institution Vilnius Centro Outpatient Clinic, Pylimo St. 3, 01117, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Kestutis Staras
- Vilnius University Faculty of Medicine, Public Institution Vilnius Centro Outpatient Clinic, Pylimo St. 3, 01117, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Vidmantas Ulevicius
- SRI Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Savanorių ave. 231, 02300, Vilnius, Lithuania
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27
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Ramacher MOP, Karl M. Integrating Modes of Transport in a Dynamic Modelling Approach to Evaluate Population Exposure to Ambient NO 2 and PM 2.5 Pollution in Urban Areas. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17062099. [PMID: 32235712 PMCID: PMC7142857 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17062099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate the effectiveness of alternative policies and measures to reduce air pollution effects on urban citizen's health, population exposure assessments are needed. Due to road traffic emissions being a major source of emissions and exposure in European cities, it is necessary to account for differentiated transport environments in population dynamics for exposure studies. In this study, we applied a modelling system to evaluate population exposure in the urban area of Hamburg in 2016. The modeling system consists of an urban-scale chemistry transport model to account for ambient air pollutant concentrations and a dynamic time-microenvironment-activity (TMA) approach, which accounts for population dynamics in different environments as well as for infiltration of outdoor to indoor air pollution. We integrated different modes of transport in the TMA approach to improve population exposure assessments in transport environments. The newly developed approach reports 12% more total exposure to NO2 and 19% more to PM2.5 compared with exposure estimates based on residential addresses. During the time people spend in different transport environments, the in-car environment contributes with 40% and 33% to the annual sum of exposure to NO2 and PM2.5, in the walking environment with 26% and 30%, in the cycling environment with 15% and 17% and other environments (buses, subway, suburban, and regional trains) with less than 10% respectively. The relative contribution of road traffic emissions to population exposure is highest in the in-car environment (57% for NO2 and 15% for PM2.5). Results for population-weighted exposure revealed exposure to PM2.5 concentrations above the WHO AQG limit value in the cycling environment. Uncertainties for the exposure contributions arising from emissions and infiltration from outdoor to indoor pollutant concentrations range from -12% to +7% for NO2 and PM2.5. The developed "dynamic transport approach" is integrated in a computationally efficient exposure model, which is generally applicable in European urban areas. The presented methodology is promoted for use in urban mobility planning, e.g., to investigate on policy-driven changes in modal split and their combined effect on emissions, population activity and population exposure.
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Li Y, Ge Y, Wu C, Guan D, Liu J, Wang F. Assessment of culturable airborne bacteria of indoor environments in classrooms, dormitories and dining hall at university: a case study in China. AEROBIOLOGIA 2020; 36:313-324. [PMID: 32421086 PMCID: PMC7223800 DOI: 10.1007/s10453-020-09633-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
University students' health may be adversely affected by exposure to indoor bacterial contaminants on their campuses. This study aims (1) to quantify culturable bacterial concentrations in three indoor environments at a university, (2) to investigate the influence of meteorological factors and gender, to assess the relationship between indoor and outdoor, and (3) to estimate the bacterial dose for university students in different indoor environments. Airborne bacteria samples were collected in 12 classrooms, in 12 living rooms and four bathrooms in two dormitory buildings, and in a dining hall. The results showed that the microenvironment in the female dormitory had the highest mean bacterial concentration (2847 CFU/m3), whereas the lowest mean bacterial concentration was observed in classrooms (162 CFU/m3). Indoor bacterial concentrations in male dormitories were significantly lower than in female dormitories probably because of crowding and increased ventilation. Outdoor weather conditions were associated with the indoor concentrations with regard to insufficient ventilation and varying outdoor concentration. The occupants' activity level was also more closely related to the indoor bacteria concentration in the residential setting. Students experienced about four times higher dose of airborne bacteria in the dormitories than in the classrooms and dining hall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanju Li
- School of Energy and Safety Engineering, Tianjin Chengjian University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanhui Ge
- School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Chunbin Wu
- School of Energy and Safety Engineering, Tianjin Chengjian University, Tianjin, China
| | - Dexing Guan
- School of Energy and Safety Engineering, Tianjin Chengjian University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jinbao Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Fuyang Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin, China
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Park JH, Lee TJ, Park MJ, Oh HN, Jo YM. Effects of air cleaners and school characteristics on classroom concentrations of particulate matter in 34 elementary schools in Korea. BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT 2020; 167:106437. [PMID: 32419719 PMCID: PMC7226911 DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2019.106437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to particulate matter (PM) in school environments has been associated with respiratory illnesses among children. Although using air cleaners was reported to reduce PM exposure and improve residents' health in homes, their effects in classrooms are not well understood. We examined how the use of air cleaners in classrooms and school/classroom characteristics affect the levels of indoor PM. Our environmental study included 102 classrooms from 34 elementary schools located on the mainland peninsula and an island in Korea. Indoor and outdoor PM were monitored simultaneously with portable aerosol spectrometers, and indoor gravimetric PM levels were measured with low volume, size-selective samplers during the class hours. Correlations among PM measurements were computed and final multiple regression models for indoor PM were constructed with a model building procedure. Correlation between indoor and outdoor PM2.5 (PM < 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter) was higher (r = 0.78, p < 0.01) than that of PM10 (PM < 10 μm) (r = 0.49, p < 0.01). School location, classroom occupant density, and ambient PM levels significantly (p-values<0.05) affected classroom PM concentrations. The adjusted PM levels in classrooms using air cleaners were significantly (p-values<0.01) lower by approximately 35% than in classrooms not using them. However, air cleaners appeared to remove PM2.5 more effectively than PM10, perhaps because coarse particles settle more rapidly than fine particles on surfaces, or their resuspension and generation rate by occupants exceeds the removal rate by air cleaners. Our study suggests that routine cleaning to remove surface dust along with the use of air cleaners might be required to effectively reduce occupants' exposure in classrooms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Hyeong Park
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Department of Environmental Science and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Yong-In, Gyung-Gi Do, South Korea
- Corresponding author. Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 1095 Willowdale Road, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA. (J.-H. Park)
| | - Tae Jung Lee
- Department of Environmental Science and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Yong-In, Gyung-Gi Do, South Korea
| | - Mi Jeong Park
- Department of Environmental Science and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Yong-In, Gyung-Gi Do, South Korea
| | - Hyung Na Oh
- College of International Studies, Kyung Hee University, Yong-In, Gyung-Gi Do, South Korea
| | - Young Min Jo
- Department of Environmental Science and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Yong-In, Gyung-Gi Do, South Korea
- Corresponding author. Department of Environmental Science and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Kyung Hee University, 1732 Duk-Young Dae-Ro, Yong-In, Gyung-Gi Do, 17104, South Korea. (Y.M. Jo)
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30
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Indoor Environmental Quality Evaluation of Lecture Classrooms in an Institutional Building in a Cold Climate. SUSTAINABILITY 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/su11236591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, ventilation, indoor air quality (IAQ), thermal and acoustic conditions, and lighting were studied to evaluate the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in an institutional building at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada. This study examined IEQ parameters, including pressure, illuminance, acoustics, carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration, temperature, and humidity, with appropriate monitors allocated during a lecture (duration 50 min or 80 min) in four lecture classrooms repeatedly (N = 99) from October 2018 to March 2019 with the objectives of providing a comprehensive analysis of interactions between IEQ parameters. The classroom environments were maintained at 23 ± 1 °C and 33% ± 3% RH during two-season measurements. Indoor mean CO2 concentrations were 550–1055 ppm, and a mean sound level of 58 ± 3 dBA was observed. The air change rates were configured at 1.3–6.5 per hour based on continuous CO2 measurements and occupant loads in the lectures. A variance analysis indicated that the within-lecture classroom variations in most IEQ parameters exceeded between-lecture classrooms. A multilayer artificial neural network (ANN) model was developed on the basis of feedforward networks with a backpropagation algorithm. ANN results demonstrated the importance of the sequence of covariates on indoor conditions (temperature, RH, and CO2 level): Air change rate (ACR) > room operations (occupant number and light system) > outdoor conditions.
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Basińska M, Michałkiewicz M, Ratajczak K. Impact of physical and microbiological parameters on proper indoor air quality in nursery. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 132:105098. [PMID: 31434053 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Although the evaluation of air quality in the residential and office rooms has been significantly developed in recent decades, the issues associated with securing the air quality requirements in nurseries are still not well recognised. This study presents the results of tests regarding the physical and microbiological properties of air in selected rooms of a nursery, including the alternatively variable way of rooms ventilation. The experiment was conducted in four different rooms from the 20th of November 2017 to the 16th of April 2018. The constant measurements of basic parameters of physical air quality in rooms and outside as well as the measurements of microbiological and particulate matter contaminations were conducted in the chosen days of the analysis. The results have confirmed the unsatisfactory air quality in the rooms dedicated to small children. Modernisation of the ventilation system, from a natural one to the supply-exhaust ventilation, has lead to an improvement of physical property of the air, but it did not significantly improve its microbiological quality. Our research indicates that the controlled air flow, method of cleaning the premise and health condition of the children may have a great influence on the physical and microbiological quality of the air.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Basińska
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, Berdychowo 4, 61131 Poznan, Poland.
| | - Michał Michałkiewicz
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, Berdychowo 4, 61131 Poznan, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Ratajczak
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, Berdychowo 4, 61131 Poznan, Poland
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The relationship between indoor and outdoor levels of PM10 and its chemical composition at schools in a coastal region in Spain. Heliyon 2019; 5:e02270. [PMID: 31497669 PMCID: PMC6722263 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
PM10 levels and its chemical composition were studied inside and outdoor of seven primary schools (3 in urban environment, 3 in industrial environment, 1 in rural environment) located in the Mediterranean coast in an area with an important industrial nucleus dedicated to the treatment of raw mineral materials. The main objective of this work is a comparison between these levels obtained inside and outside schools and also asses the influence of various natural and anthropogenic emission sources on particles concentrations found inside. The indoor airborne samples were collected using RespiCon TM. In the three outdoor sampling stations was used a minivol air sampler type 3.1 LVS of Derenda. PM10 Chemical composition was obtained by ICP-MS (elements) and ion chromatography The ratio I/O (indoor/outdoor) has been calculated taking into account only the samples taken in the same conditions. In all schools the ratio I/O for PM10 was greater than unity (between 1.3 and 7.8), indicating that existed significant indoor sources of these particles. In the three schools located in the industrial environment were collected PM10 samples inside and outside in non-teaching periods. Comparing the values of I/O when the classrooms were unoccupied with respect to the average value of these same schools when the classrooms are occupied, the behaviour is different depending on the location. On the other hand, a sample in an industrial school was obtained when some infrastructure works were being carried out outside of school. This caused a significant increase in the concentration of particles in the interior (I/O = 19.9). From the levels of As, Ni, Cd, Pb, Al, B, Zn, Mg, Sb, F−, ClO2-, NO3- and SO42- in PM10 inside and outside of each school, also the ratios I/O were calculated. These chemical ratios I/O were higher than unity in all cases and generally higher than those recorded in the case of PM10. Finally, Pearson correlation coefficients (r) between the elements and anions and the PM10, and between the different elements and anions were calculated for the purpose of establishing the existence of common emission sources.
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Rivas I, Fussell JC, Kelly FJ, Querol X. Indoor Sources of Air Pollutants. INDOOR AIR POLLUTION 2019. [DOI: 10.1039/9781788016179-00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
People spend an average of 90% of their time in indoor environments. There is a long list of indoor sources that can contribute to increased pollutant concentrations, some of them related to human activities (e.g. people's movement, cooking, cleaning, smoking), but also to surface chemistry reactions with human skin and building and furniture surfaces. The result of all these emissions is a heterogeneous cocktail of pollutants with varying degrees of toxicity, which makes indoor air quality a complex system. Good characterization of the sources that affect indoor air pollution levels is of major importance for quantifying (and reducing) the associated health risks. This chapter reviews some of the more significant indoor sources that can be found in the most common non-occupational indoor environments.
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Kruza M, Carslaw N. How do breath and skin emissions impact indoor air chemistry? INDOOR AIR 2019; 29:369-379. [PMID: 30663813 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
People are an important source of pollution indoors, through activities such as cleaning, and also from "natural" emissions from breath and skin. This paper investigates natural emissions in high-occupancy environments. Model simulations are performed for a school classroom during a typical summer in a polluted urban area. The results show that classroom occupants have a significant impact on indoor ozone, which increases from ~9 to ~20 ppb when the pupils leave for lunch and decreases to ~14 ppb when they return. The concentrations of 4-OPA, formic acid, and acetic acid formed as oxidation products following skin emissions attained maximum concentrations of 0.8, 0.5, and 0.1 ppb, respectively, when pupils were present, increasing from near-zero concentrations in their absence. For acetone, methanol, and ethanol from breath emissions, maximum concentrations were ~22.3, 6.6, and 21.5 ppb, respectively, compared to 7.4, 2.1, and 16.9 ppb in their absence. A rate of production analysis showed that occupancy reduced oxidant concentrations, while enhancing formation of nitrated organic compounds, owing to the chemistry that follows from increased aldehyde production. Occupancy also changes the peroxy radical composition, with those formed through isoprene oxidation becoming relatively more important, which also has consequences for subsequent oxidant concentrations.
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Majd E, McCormack M, Davis M, Curriero F, Berman J, Connolly F, Leaf P, Rule A, Green T, Clemons-Erby D, Gummerson C, Koehler K. Indoor air quality in inner-city schools and its associations with building characteristics and environmental factors. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 170:83-91. [PMID: 30576993 PMCID: PMC6360122 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Indoor concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and carbon monoxide (CO) were measured across 16 urban public schools in three different seasons. Exceedance of the WHO guidelines for indoor air was observed, mainly for the hourly average NO2 concentrations. Seasonal variability was statistically significant for indoor NO2 and CO concentrations, with higher exposures in fall and winter. An extensive list of potential factors at the outdoor environment, school, and room level that may explain the variability in indoor exposure was examined. Factors with significant contributions to indoor exposure were mostly related to the outdoor pollution sources. This is evidenced by the strong associations between indoor concentration of CO and NO2 and factors including outdoor PM2.5 and NO2 concentrations, including length of the nearby roads and the number of nearby industrial facilities. Additionally, we found that poor conditions of the buildings (a prevalent phenomenon in the studied urban area), including physical defects and lack of proper ventilation, contributed to poor air quality in schools. The results suggest that improving building conditions and facilities as well as a consideration of the school surroundings may improve indoor air quality in schools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Majd
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Meredith McCormack
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, 1830 East Monument Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Meghan Davis
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Frank Curriero
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jesse Berman
- University of Minnesota, School of Public Health, 420 Delaware St SE, Mayo Mail Code #807, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Faith Connolly
- Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Education Research Consortium, 2701N. Charles Street, Suite 300, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Philip Leaf
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Center for Adolescent Health, 624N. Broadway, Hampton House 819, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ana Rule
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Timothy Green
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Dorothy Clemons-Erby
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Christine Gummerson
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, 1830 East Monument Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Kirsten Koehler
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Ruggieri S, Longo V, Perrino C, Canepari S, Drago G, L'Abbate L, Balzan M, Cuttitta G, Scaccianoce G, Minardi R, Viegi G, Cibella F. Indoor air quality in schools of a highly polluted south Mediterranean area. INDOOR AIR 2019; 29:276-290. [PMID: 30580463 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed at surveying lower secondary schools in southern Italy, in a highly polluted area. A community close to an industrial area and three villages in rural areas was investigated. Indoor temperature, relative humidity (RH), gaseous pollutants (CO2 and NO2 ), selected biological pollutants in indoor dust, and the indoor/outdoor mass concentration and elemental composition of PM2.5 were ascertained. Temperature and RH were within, or close to, the comfort range, while CO2 frequently exceeded the threshold of 1000 ppm, indicating inadequate air exchange rate. In all the classrooms, median NO2 levels were above the WHO threshold value. Dermatophagoides p. allergen concentration was below the sensitizing threshold, while high endotoxin levels were detected in the classrooms, suggesting schools may produce significant risks of endotoxin exposure. Concentration and solubility of PM2.5 elements were used to identify the sources of indoor particles. Indoor concentration of most elements was higher than outdoors. Resuspension was responsible for the indoor increase in soil components. For elements from industrial emission (Cd, Co, Ni, Pb, Sb, Tl, V), the indoor concentration depended on penetration from the outside. For these elements, differences in rural vs industrial concentrations were found, suggesting industrial sources may influence indoor air quality nearby schools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Ruggieri
- Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology, National Research Council of Italy, Palermo, Italy
| | - Valeria Longo
- Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology, National Research Council of Italy, Palermo, Italy
| | - Cinzia Perrino
- Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, National Research Council of Italy, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Canepari
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gaspare Drago
- Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology, National Research Council of Italy, Palermo, Italy
| | - Luca L'Abbate
- Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology, National Research Council of Italy, Palermo, Italy
| | - Martin Balzan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | - Giuseppina Cuttitta
- Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology, National Research Council of Italy, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gianluca Scaccianoce
- Department of Energy, Information Engineering and Mathematical Models, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Remo Minardi
- ASP Caltanissetta - Health District of Gela, Gela, Italy
| | - Giovanni Viegi
- Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology, National Research Council of Italy, Palermo, Italy
| | - Fabio Cibella
- Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology, National Research Council of Italy, Palermo, Italy
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Akther T, Ahmed M, Shohel M, Ferdousi FK, Salam A. Particulate matters and gaseous pollutants in indoor environment and Association of ultra-fine particulate matters (PM 1) with lung function. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:5475-5484. [PMID: 30610585 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-4043-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Real-time particulate matters (PM1, PM2.5, PM4, PM7, PM10, and TSP) with AEROCET 531S (USA), gaseous pollutants (NO2 and TVOC) with Aeroquel 500 gas sampler (NZ) were measured from the indoor air of houses at four residential locations in Dhaka, Bangladesh. PM10 samples were collected on quartz filters with a dual channel dust sampler (IPM-FDS 2510, India) for selected trace metal determination from five houses of Dhaka. Respiratory function of the occupants was assessed by using a peak expiratory flow meter (Rossmax PF 120). Mean PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 concentrations were 46.1 ± 13.4, 76.0 ± 16.2, and 203.9 ± 44.8 μg m-3, respectively. Higher enrichment factors of Pb, Zn, and Ni were found for traffic, industrial, and constructional activities. The correlation between indoor and outdoor PM2.5 (R2 = 0.42) and ratios (I/O < 1) suggesting indoor air was effected by outdoor air. The concentration of NO2 (0.076 ± 0.007 ppm) and TVOC (90.0 ± 46.0 ppm) was found above than other studies. The average total hazard ratio (THR) in Dhaka was 9.06 and has the highest exposure to air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, NO2) in Khilkhet (THR 10.1) residents. A negative association between ultra-fine particles (PM1) and peak flow rate measurements of the residents living in these houses indicates that inhalations of ultra-fine particles has great influence on the reduced lung efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanzina Akther
- Department of Chemistry, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Morshad Ahmed
- Department of Chemistry, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Shohel
- Department of Chemistry, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
- Department of Chemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | | | - Abdus Salam
- Department of Chemistry, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh.
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Exposure to Ambient Ultrafine Particles and Nitrogen Dioxide and Incident Hypertension and Diabetes. Epidemiology 2019; 29:323-332. [PMID: 29319630 DOI: 10.1097/ede.0000000000000798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies reported that long-term exposure to traffic-related air pollution may increase the incidence of hypertension and diabetes. However, little is known about the associations of ultrafine particles (≤0.1 μm in diameter) with these two conditions. METHODS We conducted a population-based cohort study to investigate the associations between exposures to ultrafine particles and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and the incidence of diabetes and hypertension. Our study population included all Canadian-born residents aged 30 to 100 years who lived in the City of Toronto, Canada, from 1996 to 2012. Outcomes were ascertained using validated province-wide databases. We estimated annual concentrations of ultrafine particles and NO2 using land-use regression models and assigned these estimates to participants' annual postal code addresses during the follow-up period. Using random-effects Cox proportional hazards models, we calculated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for ultrafine particles and NO2, adjusted for individual- and neighborhood-level covariates. We considered both single- and multipollutant models. RESULTS Each interquartile change in exposure to ultrafine particles was associated with increased risk of incident hypertension (HR = 1.03; 95% CI = 1.02, 1.04) and diabetes (HR = 1.06; 95% CI = 1.05, 1.08) after adjusting for all covariates. These results remained unaltered with further control for fine particulate matter (≤2.5 μm; PM2.5) and NO2. Similarly, NO2 was positively associated with incident diabetes (HR = 1.06; 95% CI = 1.05, 1.07) after controlling for ultrafine particles and PM2.5. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to traffic-related air pollution including ultrafine particles and NO2 may increase the risk for incident hypertension and diabetes. See video abstract at, http://links.lww.com/EDE/B337.
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Bai L, Weichenthal S, Kwong JC, Burnett RT, Hatzopoulou M, Jerrett M, van Donkelaar A, Martin RV, Van Ryswyk K, Lu H, Kopp A, Chen H. Associations of Long-Term Exposure to Ultrafine Particles and Nitrogen Dioxide With Increased Incidence of Congestive Heart Failure and Acute Myocardial Infarction. Am J Epidemiol 2019; 188:151-159. [PMID: 30165598 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwy194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Although long-term exposure to traffic-related air pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide has been linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, little is known about the association between ultrafine particles (UFPs), defined as particles less than or equal to 0.1 μm in diameter, and incidence of major CVD events. We conducted a population-based cohort study to assess the associations of chronic exposure to UFPs and nitrogen dioxide with incident congestive heart failure (CHF) and acute myocardial infarction. Our study population comprised all long-term Canadian residents aged 30-100 years who lived in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, during the years 1996-2012. We estimated annual concentrations of UFPs and nitrogen dioxide by means of land-use regression models and assigned these estimates to participants' postal-code addresses in each year during the follow-up period. We estimated hazard ratios for the associations of UFPs and nitrogen dioxide with incident CVD using random-effects Cox proportional hazards models. We controlled for smoking and obesity using an indirect adjustment method. Our cohorts comprised approximately 1.1 million individuals at baseline. In single-pollutant models, each interquartile-range increase in UFP exposure was associated with increased incidence of CHF (hazard ratio for an interquartile-range increase (HRIQR) = 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02, 1.05) and acute myocardial infarction (HRIQR = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.07). Adjustment for fine particles and nitrogen dioxide did not materially change these estimated associations. Exposure to nitrogen dioxide was also independently associated with higher CHF incidence (HRIQR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.06).
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Bai
- Primary Care and Population Health Research Program, Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Scott Weichenthal
- Air Health Science Division, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jeffrey C Kwong
- Primary Care and Population Health Research Program, Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Applied Immunization Research, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Divisions of Clinical Public Health and Epidemiology, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto and University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Marianne Hatzopoulou
- Department of Civil Engineering and Applied Mechanics, Faculty of Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Michael Jerrett
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Aaron van Donkelaar
- Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science, Faculty of Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Randall V Martin
- Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science, Faculty of Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Harvard-Smithsonian Centre for Astrophysics, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Keith Van Ryswyk
- Air Health Science Division, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hong Lu
- Primary Care and Population Health Research Program, Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexander Kopp
- Primary Care and Population Health Research Program, Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hong Chen
- Primary Care and Population Health Research Program, Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Health, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Abstract
This article on exposome and asthma focuses on the interaction of patients and their environments in various parts of their growth, development, and stages of life. Indoor and outdoor environments play a role in pathogenesis via levels and duration of exposure, with genetic susceptibility as a crucial factor that alters the initiation and trajectory of common conditions such as asthma. Knowledge of environmental exposures globally and changes that are occurring is necessary to function effectively as medical professionals and health advocates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahila Subramanian
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Respiratory Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, CWRU School of Medicine, 9500 Euclid Avenue/A90, Cleveland, OH 4419, USA
| | - Sumita B Khatri
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, CWRU School of Medicine, 9500 Euclid Avenue/A90, Cleveland, OH 4419, USA.
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Rivas I, Querol X, Wright J, Sunyer J. How to protect school children from the neurodevelopmental harms of air pollution by interventions in the school environment in the urban context. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 121:199-206. [PMID: 30216772 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.08.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Recently, there has been a flurry of publications assessing the effect of air pollution on neurodevelopment. Here we present a summary of the results obtained within the BRain dEvelopment and Air polluTion ultrafine particles in scHool childrEn (BREATHE) Project, which aimed to evaluate the effects of the exposure to traffic related air pollutants in schoolchildren in Barcelona. To this end, we comprehensively characterised air quality in 39 urban schools from Barcelona and identified the main determinants of children's increased exposure. We propose a series of measures to be implemented to improve air quality in schools within the urban context and, consequently, minimise the negative effects on children's neurodevelopment that we found to be associated with the exposure to air pollution. We also aimed to list some of the actions pushed by governments and the society (including school managers, parents, and children) that have been taking place around Europe for promoting better high quality in the school and its surroundings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioar Rivas
- ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), C/Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, C/Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, Environmental Research Group, King's College London, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, UK.
| | - Xavier Querol
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, C/Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - John Wright
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Duckworth Lane, Bradford, BD9 6RJ, UK
| | - Jordi Sunyer
- ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), C/Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, C/Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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Bai L, Burnett RT, Kwong JC, Hystad P, van Donkelaar A, Brook JR, Tu K, Copes R, Goldberg MS, Martin RV, Murray BJ, Kopp A, Chen H. Long-term exposure to air pollution and the incidence of multiple sclerosis: A population-based cohort study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 166:437-443. [PMID: 29940476 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence of the adverse neurological effects of exposure to ambient air pollution is emerging, but little is known about its effect on the development of multiple sclerosis (MS), the most common autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. OBJECTIVES To investigate the associations between MS incidence and long-term exposures to fine particles (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3) METHODS: We conducted a population-based cohort study to investigate the associations between long-term exposures to PM2.5, NO2, and O3 and the incidence of MS. Our study population included all Canadian-born residents aged 20-40 years who lived in the province of Ontario, Canada from 2001 to 2013. Incident MS was ascertained from a validated registry. We assigned estimates of annual concentrations of these pollutants to the residential postal codes of subjects for each year during the 13 years of follow-up. We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each pollutant separately using random-effects Cox proportional hazards models. We conducted various sensitivity analyses, such as lagging exposure up to 5 years and adjusting for access to neurological care, annual average temperature, and population density. RESULTS Between 2001 and 2013, we identified 6203 incident cases of MS. The adjusted HR of incident MS was 0.96 (95% CI: 0.86-1.07) for PM2.5, 0.91(95% CI: 0.81-1.02) for NO2, and 1.09 (95% CI: 0.98-1.23) for O3. These results were robust to various sensitivity analyses conducted. CONCLUSIONS In this large population-based cohort, we did not observe significant associations between MS incidence and long-term exposures to PM2.5, NO2, and O3 in adults in Ontario, 2001-2013.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Bai
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Jeffrey C Kwong
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada; Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Perry Hystad
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, USA
| | - Aaron van Donkelaar
- Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Jeffrey R Brook
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Air Quality Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Karen Tu
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Toronto Western Hospital Family Health Team, University Health Network, Canada
| | - Ray Copes
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mark S Goldberg
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Randall V Martin
- Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada; Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Brian J Murray
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Alexander Kopp
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hong Chen
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada; Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Salonen H, Salthammer T, Morawska L. Human exposure to ozone in school and office indoor environments. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 119:503-514. [PMID: 30053738 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although it is recognized that ozone causes acute and chronic health effects and that even trace amounts of ozone are potentially deleterious to human health, information about global and local exposures to ozone in different indoor environments is limited. To synthesize the existing knowledge, this review analyzes the magnitude of and the trends in global and local exposure to ozone in schools and offices and the factors controlling the exposures. METHODS In conducting the literature review, Web of Science, SCOPUS, Google Scholar, and PubMed were searched using 38 search terms and their combinations to identify manuscripts, reports, and directives published between 1973 and 2018. The search was then extended to the reference lists of relevant articles. RESULTS The calculated median concentration of ozone both in school (8.50 μg/m3) and office (9.04 μg/m3) settings was well below the WHO guideline value of 100 μg/m3 as a maximum 8 h mean concentration. However, a large range of average concentrations of ozone was reported, from 0.8-114 μg/m3 and from 0 to 96.8 μg/m3 for school and office environments, respectively, indicating situations where the WHO values are exceeded. Outdoor ozone penetrating into the indoor environment is the main source of indoor ozone, with median I/O ratios of 0.21 and 0.29 in school and office environments, respectively. The absence of major indoor ozone sources and ozone sinks, including gas-phase reactions and deposition, are the reasons for lower indoor than outdoor ozone concentrations. However, there are indoor sources of ozone that are of significance in certain indoor environments, including printers, photocopiers, and many other devices and appliances designed for indoor use (e.g., air cleaners), that release ozone either intentionally or unintentionally. Due to significantly elevated outdoor ozone concentrations during summer, summer indoor concentrations are typically elevated. In addition, the age of a building and various housing aspects (carpeting, air conditioning, window fans, and window openings) have been significantly associated with indoor ozone levels. CONCLUSIONS The existing means for reducing ozone and ozone reaction products in school and office settings are as follows: 1) reduce penetration of outdoor ozone indoors by filtering ozone from the supply air; 2) limit the use of printers, photocopiers, and other devices and appliances that emit ozone indoors; 3) limit gas-phase reactions by limiting the use of materials and products (e.g. cleaning chemicals) the emissions of which react with ozone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Salonen
- Aalto University, Department of Civil Engineering, PO Box 12100, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland; Queensland University of Technology, International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, 2 George Street, Brisbane Q 4001, Australia.
| | - Tunga Salthammer
- Queensland University of Technology, International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, 2 George Street, Brisbane Q 4001, Australia; Fraunhofer WKI, Department of Material Analysis and Indoor Chemistry, 38108 Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - Lidia Morawska
- Queensland University of Technology, International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, 2 George Street, Brisbane Q 4001, Australia
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44
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Assimakopoulos VD, Bekiari T, Pateraki S, Maggos T, Stamatis P, Nicolopoulou P, Assimakopoulos MN. Assessing personal exposure to PM using data from an integrated indoor-outdoor experiment in Athens-Greece. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 636:1303-1320. [PMID: 29913592 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.04.249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
An integrated indoor-outdoor 15-day PM sampling campaign in a general area close to the centre of Athens, targeted to examine personal exposure. All microenvironments (MEs) (second and fourth floor flats, cafes, cars, restaurants, underground metro, outdoor etc.) frequented by the residents were included in the study. The instrumentation used was both stationary (low volume samplers) and portable/wearable to be able to measure continuously PM10, PM2.5, PM1 and analyze chemically PM2.5 and PM1 samples. The study showed that the residences' air quality was determined by the type and intensity of outdoor sources and their vertical distance from the street. Indoor activities such as cooking, cleaning further increased PM levels and formulated the air quality, while particulate accumulation was evident. In general, PM2.5 concentrations were higher outdoors, 11-43 μg/m3, than in the second floor flat as well as on days within different MEs, 13-33 μg/m3 and 8-35 μg/m3, respectively and finally in the fourth floor 10-18 μg/m3. PM2.5 chemical composition was typical of a Mediterranean urban area predominantly composed on average of OC/EC (33%), sulfate (13%), ammonium (9%), nitrate (5%) and crustal material (Cl-, Na+, K+, Mg2+ and Ca2+) (5%). On days when other MEs were visited crustal material increased on average to 16%. The PM levels measured with the portable instrumentation at all mEs showed that the persons were exposed to higher PM10 concentrations in the subway (avg. 218 μg/m3) due to the resuspension of crustal material, while maximum PM2.5 and PM1 were experienced in cafes where smoking was allowed (avg. 126 and 108 μg/m3, respectively). Using the car resulted to the lowest PM10, PM2.5 and PM1 exposure (58, 10 and 6 μg/m3, respectively). Total exposure to particulates depended both on the time spent in each ME and on the mixture of MEs visited in 24 h.
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Affiliation(s)
- V D Assimakopoulos
- Institute for Environmental Research and Suitable Development, National Observatory of Athens, 15236 P. Penteli, Greece.
| | - T Bekiari
- Pathology Department, University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - S Pateraki
- Environmental Research Laboratory/INT-RP, National Center for Scientific Research "DEMOKRITOS", 153 10, Aghia Paraskevi Attikis, Athens, Greece
| | - Th Maggos
- Environmental Research Laboratory/INT-RP, National Center for Scientific Research "DEMOKRITOS", 153 10, Aghia Paraskevi Attikis, Athens, Greece
| | - P Stamatis
- Pathology Department, University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - P Nicolopoulou
- Pathology Department, University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - M N Assimakopoulos
- Department of Environmental Physics-Meteorology, Faculty of Physics, University of Athens, University Campus, 15784 Athens, Greece
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45
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Blocquet M, Guo F, Mendez M, Ward M, Coudert S, Batut S, Hecquet C, Blond N, Fittschen C, Schoemaecker C. Impact of the spectral and spatial properties of natural light on indoor gas-phase chemistry: Experimental and modeling study. INDOOR AIR 2018; 28:426-440. [PMID: 29377266 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The characteristics of indoor light (intensity, spectral, spatial distribution) originating from outdoors have been studied using experimental and modeling tools. They are influenced by many parameters such as building location, meteorological conditions, and the type of window. They have a direct impact on indoor air quality through a change in chemical processes by varying the photolysis rates of indoor pollutants. Transmittances of different windows have been measured and exhibit different wavelength cutoffs, thus influencing the potential of different species to be photolysed. The spectral distribution of light entering indoors through the windows was measured under different conditions and was found to be weakly dependent on the time of day for indirect cloudy, direct sunshine, partly cloudy conditions contrary to the light intensity, in agreement with calculations of the transmittance as a function of the zenithal angle and the calculated outdoor spectral distribution. The same conclusion can be drawn concerning the position within the room. The impact of these light characteristics on the indoor chemistry has been studied using the INCA-Indoor model by considering the variation in the photolysis rates of key indoor species. Depending on the conditions, photolysis processes can lead to a significant production of radicals and secondary species.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Blocquet
- PC2A, UMR 8522 CNRS/Université Lille 1, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | - F Guo
- CNRS, Laboratoire Image Ville Environnement (LIVE), UMR 7362, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - M Mendez
- Octopus Lab, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | - M Ward
- PC2A, UMR 8522 CNRS/Université Lille 1, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | - S Coudert
- PC2A, UMR 8522 CNRS/Université Lille 1, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | - S Batut
- PC2A, UMR 8522 CNRS/Université Lille 1, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | - C Hecquet
- PC2A, UMR 8522 CNRS/Université Lille 1, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | - N Blond
- CNRS, Laboratoire Image Ville Environnement (LIVE), UMR 7362, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - C Fittschen
- PC2A, UMR 8522 CNRS/Université Lille 1, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | - C Schoemaecker
- PC2A, UMR 8522 CNRS/Université Lille 1, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
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Pacitto A, Stabile L, Viana M, Scungio M, Reche C, Querol X, Alastuey A, Rivas I, Álvarez-Pedrerol M, Sunyer J, van Drooge BL, Grimalt JO, Sozzi R, Vigo P, Buonanno G. Particle-related exposure, dose and lung cancer risk of primary school children in two European countries. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 616-617:720-729. [PMID: 29089125 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.10.256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Schools represent a critical microenvironment in terms of air quality due to the proximity to outdoor particle sources and the frequent lack of proper ventilation and filtering systems. Moreover, the population exposed in schools (i.e. children) represents a susceptible population due to their age. Air quality-based studies involving students' exposure at schools are still scarce and often limited to mass-based particle metrics and may thus underestimate the possible effect of sub-micron particles and particle toxicity. To this purpose, the present paper aims to evaluate the exposure to different airborne particle metrics (including both sub- and super-micron particles) and attached carcinogenic compounds. Measurements in terms of particle number, lung-deposited surface area, and PM fraction concentrations were measured inside and outside schools in Barcelona (Spain) and Cassino (Italy). Simultaneously, PM samples were collected and chemically analysed to obtain mass fractions of carcinogenic compounds. School time airborne particle doses received by students in classrooms were evaluated as well as their excess lung cancer risk due to a five-year primary school period. Median surface area dose received by students during school time in Barcelona and Cassino resulted equal to 110mm2 and 303mm2, respectively. The risk related to the five-year primary school period was estimated as about 2.9×10-5 and 1.4×10-4 for students of Barcelona and Cassino, respectively. The risk in Barcelona is slightly higher with respect to the maximum tolerable value (10-5, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency), mainly due to toxic compounds on particles generated from anthropogenic emissions (mainly industry). On the other hand, the excess lung cancer risk in Cassino is cause of concern, being one order of magnitude higher than the above-mentioned threshold value due to the presence of biomass burning heating systems and winter thermal inversion that cause larger doses and great amount of toxic compounds on particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Pacitto
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, FR, Italy
| | - L Stabile
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, FR, Italy
| | - M Viana
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Scungio
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, FR, Italy
| | - C Reche
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - X Querol
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Alastuey
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - I Rivas
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - J Sunyer
- ISGlobal - Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | - B L van Drooge
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - J O Grimalt
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - R Sozzi
- ARPA Lazio, Via Garibaldi, 114, 02100 Rieti, Italy
| | - P Vigo
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, FR, Italy
| | - G Buonanno
- Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia; Department of Engineering, University "Parthenope", Naples, Italy; Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, FR, Italy.
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47
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Indoor Air Quality and Thermal Conditions in a Primary School with a Green Roof System. ATMOSPHERE 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos9020075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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48
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The Potential of Activated Carbon Made of Agro-Industrial Residues in NOx Immissions Abatement. ENERGIES 2017. [DOI: 10.3390/en10101508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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49
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Gaffin JM, Petty CR, Hauptman M, Kang CM, Wolfson JM, Awad YA, Di Q, Lai PS, Sheehan WJ, Baxi S, Coull BA, Schwartz JD, Gold DR, Koutrakis P, Phipatanakul W. Modeling indoor particulate exposures in inner-city school classrooms. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2017; 27:451-457. [PMID: 27599884 PMCID: PMC5340641 DOI: 10.1038/jes.2016.52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 04/09/2016] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Outdoor air pollution penetrates buildings and contributes to total indoor exposures. We investigated the relationship of indoor to outdoor particulate matter in inner-city school classrooms. The School Inner City Asthma Study investigates the effect of classroom-based environmental exposures on students with asthma in the northeast United States. Mixed effects linear models were used to determine the relationships between indoor PM2.5 (particulate matter) and black carbon (BC), and their corresponding outdoor concentrations, and to develop a model for predicting exposures to these pollutants. The indoor-outdoor sulfur ratio was used as an infiltration factor of outdoor fine particles. Weeklong concentrations of PM2.5 and BC in 199 samples from 136 classrooms (30 school buildings) were compared with those measured at a central monitoring site averaged over the same timeframe. Mixed effects regression models found significant random intercept and slope effects, which indicate that: (1) there are important PM2.5 sources in classrooms; (2) the penetration of outdoor PM2.5 particles varies by school and (3) the site-specific outside PM2.5 levels (inferred by the models) differ from those observed at the central monitor site. Similar results were found for BC except for lack of indoor sources. The fitted predictions from the sulfur-adjusted models were moderately predictive of observed indoor pollutant levels (out of sample correlations: PM2.5: r2=0.68, BC; r2=0.61). Our results suggest that PM2.5 has important classroom sources, which vary by school. Furthermore, using these mixed effects models, classroom exposures can be accurately predicted for dates when central site measures are available but indoor measures are not available.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marissa Hauptman
- Boston Children's Hospital
- Harvard Medical school
- Region 1 New England Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit
| | | | | | | | - Qian Di
- T.H. Chan Harvard School of Public Health
| | - Peggy S. Lai
- Harvard Medical school
- T.H. Chan Harvard School of Public Health
- Massachusetts General Hospital
| | | | - Sachin Baxi
- Boston Children's Hospital
- Harvard Medical school
| | | | | | - Diane R. Gold
- Harvard Medical school
- T.H. Chan Harvard School of Public Health
- Channing Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital
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50
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Oliveira M, Slezakova K, Delerue-Matos C, Pereira MDC, Morais S. Indoor air quality in preschools (3- to 5-year-old children) in the Northeast of Portugal during spring-summer season: pollutants and comfort parameters. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2017; 80:740-755. [PMID: 28569620 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2017.1286932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Indoor air quality at schools (elementary, primary) has been the subject of many studies; however, there are still relative few data regarding preschool (3- to 5-year-old children) environments. This investigation determined the concentrations of particulate matter (PM)2.5, total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), formaldehyde, carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O3) as well as the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), temperature, and relative humidity (RH) in the indoor and outdoor air of two preschools situated in different geographical regions of Portugal. The indoor concentrations of TVOC, CO, O3, and CO2 were predominantly higher at the end of school day compared to early morning periods. The TVOC and CO2 concentrations were higher indoors than outdoors suggesting predominantly an indoor origin. Outdoor air infiltrations were the major contributing source of CO and O3 to indoor air in both preschools. The concentrations of all pollutants were within the limits defined by national regulations and international organizations, except for TVOC that exceeded 8-12-fold higher than the recommendation of 0.2 mg/m3 proposed by European Commission. The levels of CO2 were below the protective guideline of 2250 mg/m3 (Portuguese legislation); however, the observed ranges exceeded the Portuguese margin of tolerance (2925 mg/m3) at the end of school days, indicating the impact of occupancy rates particularly at one of the preschools. Regarding comfort parameters, temperature exerted a significant influence on O3 concentrations, while RH values were significantly correlated with TVOC levels in indoor air of preschools, particularly during the late afternoon periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Oliveira
- a REQUIMTE-LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto , Porto , Portugal
| | - Klara Slezakova
- a REQUIMTE-LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto , Porto , Portugal
- b LEPABE, Departamento de Engenharia Química , Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto , Porto , Portugal
| | - Cristina Delerue-Matos
- a REQUIMTE-LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto , Porto , Portugal
| | - Maria do Carmo Pereira
- b LEPABE, Departamento de Engenharia Química , Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto , Porto , Portugal
| | - Simone Morais
- a REQUIMTE-LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto , Porto , Portugal
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