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Ebrahimifakhar A, Poursadegh M, Hu Y, Yuill DP, Luo Y. A systematic review and meta-analysis of field studies of portable air cleaners: Performance, user behavior, and by-product emissions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168786. [PMID: 38008326 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168786] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
Indoor air quality is important for the health of building occupants, and public interest in controlling indoor airborne pathogens increased dramatically with the COVID-19 pandemic. Pollutant concentrations can be controlled locally using portable air cleaners (sometimes called air purifiers), which allow occupants to apply air cleaning technology to meet their needs in the location and times that they find appropriate. This paper provides a systematic review of scientific literature that describes field studies of the effectiveness of portable air cleaners. Over 500 papers were considered, and 148 were reviewed in detail, to extract 35 specific research results (e.g., particulate removal performance) or characteristics (e.g., type of building). These were aggregated to provide an overview of results and approaches to this type of research, and to provide meta-analyses of the results. The review includes: descriptions of the geographical location of the research; rate of publications over time; types of buildings and occupants in the field study; types of air cleaner technology being tested; pollutants being measured; resulting pollutant removal effectiveness; patterns of usage and potential barriers to usage by occupants; and the potential for by-product emissions in some air cleaner technologies. An example result is that 83 of the 148 papers measured reductions in fine particulates (PM2.5) and found a mean reduction of 49 % with standard deviation of 20 %. The aggregated results were approximately normally distributed, ranging from finding no significant reduction up to a maximum above 90 % reduction. Sixteen of the 148 papers considered gaseous pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone; 36 papers considered biological pollutants, such as bacteria, viruses, pollen, fungi, etc. An important challenge, common to several studies, is that occupants run the air cleaners for shorter periods and on low airflow rate settings, because of concerns about noise, drafts, and electricity cost, which significantly reduces air cleaning effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Ebrahimifakhar
- Delos Labs, Delos, New York, NY 10014, USA; Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, 1110 S. 67th Street, Omaha, NE 68182, USA.
| | - Mehrdad Poursadegh
- Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, 1110 S. 67th Street, Omaha, NE 68182, USA.
| | - Yifeng Hu
- Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, 1110 S. 67th Street, Omaha, NE 68182, USA; Buildings and Transportation Science Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA.
| | - David P Yuill
- Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, 1110 S. 67th Street, Omaha, NE 68182, USA.
| | - Yu Luo
- Department of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics, Columbia University, 500 W. 120th Street, New York, NY 10027, USA.
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Brainard J, Jones NR, Swindells IC, Archer EJ, Kolyva A, Letley C, Pond K, Lake IR, Hunter PR. Effectiveness of filtering or decontaminating air to reduce or prevent respiratory infections: A systematic review. Prev Med 2023; 177:107774. [PMID: 37992976 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2023.107774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Installation of technologies to remove or deactivate respiratory pathogens from indoor air is a plausible non-pharmaceutical infectious disease control strategy. OBJECTIVE We undertook a systematic review of worldwide observational and experimental studies, published 1970-2022, to synthesise evidence about the effectiveness of suitable indoor air treatment technologies to prevent respiratory or gastrointestinal infections. METHODS We searched for data about infection and symptom outcomes for persons who spent minimum 20 h/week in shared indoor spaces subjected to air treatment strategies hypothesised to change risk of respiratory or gastrointestinal infections or symptoms. RESULTS Pooled data from 32 included studies suggested no net benefits of air treatment technologies for symptom severity or symptom presence, in absence of confirmed infection. Infection incidence was lower in three cohort studies for persons exposed to high efficiency particulate air filtration (RR 0.4, 95%CI 0.28-0.58, p < 0.001) and in one cohort study that combined ionisers with electrostatic nano filtration (RR 0.08, 95%CI 0.01-0.60, p = 0.01); other types of air treatment technologies and air treatment in other study designs were not strongly linked to fewer infections. The infection outcome data exhibited strong publication bias. CONCLUSIONS Although environmental and surface samples are reduced after air treatment by several air treatment strategies, especially germicidal lights and high efficiency particulate air filtration, robust evidence has yet to emerge that these technologies are effective at reducing respiratory or gastrointestinal infections in real world settings. Data from several randomised trials have yet to report and will be welcome to the evidence base.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julii Brainard
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
| | - Natalia R Jones
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
| | | | - Elizabeth J Archer
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK.
| | - Anastasia Kolyva
- Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital Trust, Norwich NR4 7UY, UK.
| | - Charlotte Letley
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
| | - Katharine Pond
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK.
| | - Iain R Lake
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
| | - Paul R Hunter
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
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Abstract
The world population is ageing, in particular in the developed world, with a significant increase in the percentage of people above 60 years old. They represent a segment of the population that is more vulnerable to adverse environmental conditions. Among them, indoor air quality is one of the most relevant, as elders spend comparatively more time indoors than younger generations. Furthermore, the recent COVID-19 pandemic contributed immensely to raising awareness of the importance of breathing air quality for human health and of the fact that indoor air is a vector for airborne infections and poisoning. Hence, this work reviews the state of the art regarding indoor air quality in elderly centers, considering the type of pollutants involved, their emission sources, and their health effects. Moreover, the influence of ventilation on air quality is also addressed. Notwithstanding the potential health problems with the corresponding costs and morbidity effects, only a few studies have considered explicitly indoor air quality and its impacts on elderly health. More studies are, therefore, necessary to objectively identify what are the impacts on the health of elderly people due to the quality of indoor air and how it can be improved, either by reducing the pollutants emission sources or by more adequate ventilation and thermal comfort strategies.
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Liu CY, Tseng CH, Wang KF. The Assessment of Indoor Formaldehyde and Bioaerosol Removal by Using Negative Discharge Electrostatic Air Cleaners. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127209. [PMID: 35742458 PMCID: PMC9223538 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the single-pass performance of a negative corona electrostatic precipitators (ESP) in removing suspended particulates (PM2.5 and PM10), formaldehyde (HCHO), and bioaerosols (bacteria and fungi) and measured the ozone (O3) concentration generated by ESP. The experimental results revealed that if the operational conditions for the ESP were set to high voltage (−10.5 kV) and low air flow rate (2.4 m3/min), ESP had optimal air pollutant removal efficiency. In the laboratory system, its PM2.5 and PM10 removal rates both reached 99% at optimal conditions, and its HCHO removal rate was 55%. In field tests, its PM2.5, PM10, HCHO, bacteria, and fungi removal rates reached 89%, 90%, 46%, 69%, and 85% respectively. The ESP in the laboratory system (−10.5 kV and 2.4 m3/min) generated 7.374 ppm of O3 under optimal conditions. Under the same operational conditions, O3 generated by ESP in the food waste storage room and the meeting room were 1.347 ppm and 1.749 ppm, respectively. The removal of HCHO and bioaerosols was primarily attributed to their destruction in the corona, as well as ozone oxidation, and collection on the dust collection plate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Yun Liu
- Institute of Environmental Engineering and Management, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei 106344, Taiwan;
| | - Chao-Heng Tseng
- Institute of Environmental Engineering and Management, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei 106344, Taiwan;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-2771-2171 (ext. 4184)
| | - Kai-Feng Wang
- Union Professional Group of Architecture, Taipei 110057, Taiwan;
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Kasparoglu S, Wright TP, Petters MD. Open-hardware design and characterization of an electrostatic aerosol precipitator. HARDWAREX 2022; 11:e00266. [PMID: 35509927 PMCID: PMC9058731 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2022.e00266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Electrostatic precipitators are devices that remove charged particles from an air stream. We present the design and characterization of an electrostatic precipitator that is intended to be incorporated into aerosol sampling equipment. Hardware and software components of the design are open, all components can be directly purchased from vendors, and the device can be assembled with standard tools. Generic components are used to allow the repurposing of parts for other uses. The computer-controlled high-voltage power supply box associated with the project can be used for other common high-voltage applications in Aerosol Science and Technology, such as data acquisition and control systems for scanning mobility particle sizers. Computational fluid dynamics simulations are used to quantify the 3D flow field. The transfer function associated with the partial transmission is characterized through modeling and experiments. The observed transfer function is unique but deviates from the ideal transfer function due to the distortion of the flow near the inlet and the outlet of the device. Singly charged particles up to 624 nm and 253 nm can be completely removed for 0.5 L min-1 and 1 L min-1, respectively. We anticipate that our device will increase the accessibility of the technique to a broader audience.
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Electrostatic Precipitators as an Indoor Air Cleaner—A Literature Review. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12218774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Many people spend most of their time in an indoor environment. A positive relationship exists between indoor environmental quality and the health, wellbeing, and productivity of occupants in buildings. The indoor environment is affected by pollutants, such as gases and particles. Pollutants can be removed from the indoor environment in various ways. Air-cleaning devices are commonly marketed as benefiting the removal of air pollutants and, consequently, improving indoor air quality. Depending on the type of cleaning technology, air cleaners may generate undesired and toxic byproducts. Different air filtration technologies, such as electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) have been introduced to the market. The ESP has been used in buildings because it can remove particles while only causing low pressure drops. Moreover, ESPs can be either in-duct or standalone units. This review aims to provide an overview of ESP use, methods for testing this product, the performance of existing ESPs concerning removing pollutants and their byproducts, and the existing market for ESPs.
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Effects of the Use of Air Purifier on Indoor Environment and Respiratory System among Healthy Adults. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17103687. [PMID: 32456250 PMCID: PMC7277583 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17103687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Air purifiers have become popular among ordinary families. However, it remains controversial whether indoor air purification improves the respiratory health of healthy adults. A randomized crossover intervention study was conducted with 32 healthy individuals. The subjects were categorized into two groups. One group continuously used true air purifiers, and the other followed with sham air purifiers for 4 weeks. Following this first intervention, all the subjects underwent a 4-week washout period and continued with the second 4-week intervention with the alternate air purifiers. We collected fine particulate matter (PM) ≤ 2.5 µm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5), coarse particulate matter between 2.5 and 10 µm in aerodynamic diameter (PM10–2.5) and ozone (O3). The subjects’ pulmonary function and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) were measured during the study period. The indoor PM2.5 concentrations decreased by 11% with the true air purifiers compared to those with sham air purifiers. However, this decrease was not significant (p = 0.08). The air purification did not significantly improve the pulmonary function of the study subjects. In contrast, an increase in the indoor PM10–2.5 and O3 concentration led to a significant decrease in the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1.0)/forced vital capacity (FVC) and maximal mid-expiratory flow (MMEF), respectively. In conclusion, air purification slightly improved the indoor PM2.5 concentrations in ordinary homes but had no demonstrable impact on improving health.
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Liu S, Huang Q, Wu Y, Song Y, Dong W, Chu M, Yang D, Zhang X, Zhang J, Chen C, Zhao B, Shen H, Guo X, Deng F. Metabolic linkages between indoor negative air ions, particulate matter and cardiorespiratory function: A randomized, double-blind crossover study among children. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 138:105663. [PMID: 32203810 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ionization air purifiers, which purify particulate matter (PM) by producing vast number of negative air ions (NAI), are widely used. Recent study implied that ionization air purification could bring respiratory benefits but deterioration of heart rate variability (HRV). However, its underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. OBJECTIVES To explore the molecular linkages between indoor NAI, decreased PM and the cardiorespiratory effect after purification. METHODS Urine samples were collected from 44 healthy children three times of each study period (real and sham purification) in an existing randomized, double-blind crossover study. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry was conducted in metabolomics analysis, the associations between indoor NAI, decreased PM and the cardiorespiratory function were investigated via the meet-in-metabolite approach (MIMA) based on statistical and metabolic pathway analysis. Mixed-effect models were used to establish associations between exposure, health parameters and metabolites. RESULTS Twenty-eight and fourteen metabolites were identified with significant correlations to NAI and PM, respectively. Besides, eight and eighteen metabolites were separately associated with respiratory function and HRV. The increased NAI and decreased PM improved respiratory function mainly with eight pathways, promoting energy production, anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation capacity. Decreased PM ameliorated HRV with six main pathways, increasing energy production and anti-inflammation capacity while increased NAI deteriorated HRV with five main pathways, lowering energy generation and anti-oxidation capacity. CONCLUSIONS Increased NAI and decreased PM ameliorated respiratory function by increasing energy production, improving anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation capacity. Decreased PM improved cardiac autonomic function by increasing energy production and anti-inflammation capacity, while these benefits were overcast by massive NAI via lowering energy generation and anti-oxidation capacity with different metabolic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Qingyu Huang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Yi Song
- Institute of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Wei Dong
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Mengtian Chu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Di Yang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Building Science, School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Bin Zhao
- Department of Building Science, School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Heqing Shen
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xinbiao Guo
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Furong Deng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
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Dong W, Liu S, Chu M, Zhao B, Yang D, Chen C, Miller MR, Loh M, Xu J, Chi R, Yang X, Guo X, Deng F. Different cardiorespiratory effects of indoor air pollution intervention with ionization air purifier: Findings from a randomized, double-blind crossover study among school children in Beijing. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 254:113054. [PMID: 31473392 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 08/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Indoor air pollution is associated with numerous adverse health outcomes. Air purifiers are widely used to reduce indoor air pollutants. Ionization air purifiers are becoming increasingly popular for their low power consumption and noise, yet its health effects remain unclear. This randomized, double-blind crossover study is conducted to explore the cardiorespiratory effects of ionization air purification among 44 children in Beijing. Real or sham purification was performed in classrooms for 5 weekdays. Size-fractionated particulate matter (PM), black carbon (BC), ozone (O3), and negative air ions (NAI) were monitored, and cardiorespiratory functions were measured. Mixed-effect models were used to establish associations between exposures and health parameters. Real purification significantly decreased PM and BC, e.g. PM0.5, PM2.5, PM10 and BC were decreased by 48%, 44%, 34% and 50%, respectively. O3 levels were unchanged, while NAI was increased from 12 cm-3 to 12,997 cm-3. Real purification was associated with a 4.4% increase in forced exhaled volume in 1 s (FEV1) and a 14.7% decrease in fractional exhaled nitrogen oxide (FeNO). However, heart rate variability (HRV) was altered negatively. Interaction effects of NAI and PM were observed only on HRV, and alterations in HRV were greater with high NAI. Ionization air purifier could bring substantial respiratory benefits, however, the potential negative effects on HRV need further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Dong
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Shan Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Mengtian Chu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Bin Zhao
- Department of Building Science, School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Di Yang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Building Science, School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Mark R Miller
- University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queens Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Miranda Loh
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Research Avenue North Riccarton, Edinburgh, EH14 4AP, UK
| | - Junhui Xu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Rui Chi
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xuan Yang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xinbiao Guo
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Furong Deng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
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Day DB, Xiang J, Mo J, Clyde MA, Weschler CJ, Li F, Gong J, Chung M, Zhang Y, Zhang J(J. Combined use of an electrostatic precipitator and a high-efficiency particulate air filter in building ventilation systems: Effects on cardiorespiratory health indicators in healthy adults. INDOOR AIR 2018; 28:360-372. [PMID: 29288500 PMCID: PMC5903943 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration in combination with an electrostatic precipitator (ESP) can be a cost-effective approach to reducing indoor particulate exposure, but ESPs produce ozone. The health effect of combined ESP-HEPA filtration has not been examined. We conducted an intervention study in 89 volunteers. At baseline, the air-handling units of offices and residences for all subjects were comprised of coarse, ESP, and HEPA filtration. During the 5-week long intervention, the subjects were split into 2 groups, 1 with just the ESP removed and the other with both the ESP and HEPA removed. Each subject was measured for cardiopulmonary risk indicators once at baseline, twice during the intervention, and once 2 weeks after baseline conditions were restored. Measured indoor and outdoor PM2.5 and ozone concentrations, coupled with time-activity data, were used to calculate exposures. Removal of HEPA filters increased 24-hour mean PM2.5 exposure by 38 (95% CI: 31, 45) μg/m3 . Removal of ESPs decreased 24-hour mean ozone exposure by 2.2 (2.0, 2.5) ppb. No biomarkers were significantly associated with HEPA filter removal. In contrast, ESP removal was associated with a -16.1% (-21.5%, -10.4%) change in plasma-soluble P-selectin and a -3.0% (-5.1%, -0.8%) change in systolic blood pressure, suggesting reduced cardiovascular risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drew B Day
- Global Health Institute and Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Box 90328, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Jianbang Xiang
- Department of Building Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Quality Evaluation and Control, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jinhan Mo
- Department of Building Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Quality Evaluation and Control, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Merlise A Clyde
- Department of Statistical Science, Duke University, 214A Old Chemistry Building, Box 90251, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Charles J Weschler
- Department of Building Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Quality Evaluation and Control, Beijing 100084, China
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Room N100, 675 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, China 200080
| | - Jicheng Gong
- Department of Environmental Science, Peking University, 116 Old Geosciences Building, Beijing, China 100871
| | - Mingkei Chung
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, 10 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yinping Zhang
- Department of Building Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Quality Evaluation and Control, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Junfeng (Jim) Zhang
- Global Health Institute and Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Box 90328, Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Department of Environmental Science, Peking University, 116 Old Geosciences Building, Beijing, China 100871
- Duke Kunshan University, No. 8 Duke Avenue, Kunshan, Jiangsu Province, China 215316
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Hamilton M, Rackes A, Gurian PL, Waring MS. Perceptions in the U.S. building industry of the benefits and costs of improving indoor air quality. INDOOR AIR 2016; 26:318-330. [PMID: 25660513 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Accepted: 01/31/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
How building stakeholders (e.g. owners, tenants, operators, and designers) understand impacts of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and associated energy costs is unknown. We surveyed 112 stakeholders across the United States to ascertain their perceptions of their current IAQ and estimates of benefits and costs of, as well as willingness to pay for, IAQ improvements. Respondents' perceived IAQ scores correlated with the use of high-efficiency filters but not with any other IAQ-improving technologies. We elicited their estimates of the impacts of a ventilation-filtration upgrade (VFU), that is, doubling the ventilation rate from 20 to 40 cfm/person (9.5 to 19 l/s/person) and upgrading from a minimum efficiency reporting value 6 to 11 filter, and compared responses to estimates derived from IAQ literature and energy modeling. Minorities of respondents thought the VFU would positively impact productivity (45%), absenteeism (23%), or health (39%). Respondents' annual VFU cost estimates (mean = $257, s.d. = $496, median = $75 per person) were much higher than ours (always <$32 per person), and the only yearly cost a plurality of respondents said they would pay for the VFU was $15 per person. Respondents holding green building credentials were not more likely to affirm the IAQ benefits of the VFU and were less likely to be willing to pay for it.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Hamilton
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - A Rackes
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - P L Gurian
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - M S Waring
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Jiang XQ, Mei XD, Feng D. Air pollution and chronic airway diseases: what should people know and do? J Thorac Dis 2016; 8:E31-40. [PMID: 26904251 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2072-1439.2015.11.50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The health effects of air pollution remain a public health concern worldwide. Exposure to air pollution has many substantial adverse effects on human health. Globally, seven million deaths were attributable to the joint effects of household and ambient air pollution. Subjects with chronic respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are especially vulnerable to the detrimental effects of air pollutants. Air pollution can induce the acute exacerbation of COPD and onset of asthma, increase the respiratory morbidity and mortality. The health effects of air pollution depend on the components and sources of pollutants, which varied with countries, seasons, and times. Combustion of solid fuels is a major source of air pollutants in developing countries. To reduce the detrimental effects of air pollution, people especially those with COPD or asthma should be aware of the air quality and take extra measures such as reducing the time outdoor and wearing masks when necessary. For reducing the air pollutants indoor, people should use clean fuels and improve the stoves so as to burn fuel more efficiently and vent emissions to the outside. Air cleaners that can improve the air quality efficiently are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Qin Jiang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Anhui Provincial Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Mei
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Anhui Provincial Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Di Feng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Anhui Provincial Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China
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Muhamad NA, Faizal Bakhtiar M, Mustapha N, Adon MY, Airaksinen L, Bakon SK, Mohamad ZA, Aris T. Workplace interventions for treating work-related rhinitis and rhinosinusitis. Hippokratia 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohamed Faizal Bakhtiar
- Institute for Medical Research; National institutes of Health, Ministry of Health; Shah Alam Malaysia
| | - Normi Mustapha
- Faculty Science and Technology; Open University Malaysia; Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
| | | | - Liisa Airaksinen
- Occupational Medicine; Finnish Institute of Occupational Health; Helsinki Finland
| | - Sophia K Bakon
- Institute for Medical Research; National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health; Shah Alam Malaysia
| | - Zuraifah Asrah Mohamad
- Institute for Medical Research; National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health; Shah Alam Malaysia
| | - Tahir Aris
- Institute for Medical Research; National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health; Shah Alam Malaysia
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Wheeler AJ, Gibson MD, MacNeill M, Ward TJ, Wallace LA, Kuchta J, Seaboyer M, Dabek-Zlotorzynska E, Guernsey JR, Stieb DM. Impacts of air cleaners on indoor air quality in residences impacted by wood smoke. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2014; 48:12157-12163. [PMID: 25247985 DOI: 10.1021/es503144h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Residential wood combustion is an important source of ambient air pollution, accounting for over 25% of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions in Canada. In addition to these ambient contributions, wood smoke pollutants can enter the indoor environment directly when loading or stoking stoves, resulting in a high potential for human exposure. A study of the effectiveness of air cleaners at reducing wood smoke-associated PM2.5 of indoor and outdoor origin was conducted in 31 homes during winter 2009-10. Day 1, the residents' wood burning appliance operated as usual with no air cleaner. Days 2 and 3, the wood burning appliance was not operational and the air cleaner was randomly chosen to operate in "filtration" or "placebo filtration" mode. When the air cleaner was operating, total indoor PM2.5 levels were significantly lower than on placebo filtration days (p = 0.0001) resulting in a median reduction of 52%. There was also a reduction in the median PM2.5 infiltration factor from 0.56 to 0.26 between these 2 days, suggesting the air cleaner was responsible for increased PM2.5 deposition on filtration days. Our findings suggest that the use of an air cleaner reduces exposure to indoor PM2.5 resulting from both indoor and ambient wood smoke sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J Wheeler
- Air Health Science Division, Health Canada , 269 Laurier Avenue West, AL 4903C, Ottawa, K1A 0K9, Canada
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Fisk WJ. Health benefits of particle filtration. INDOOR AIR 2013; 23:357-68. [PMID: 23397961 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2012] [Accepted: 02/02/2013] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The evidence of health benefits of particle filtration in homes and commercial buildings is reviewed. Prior reviews of papers published before 2000 are summarized. The results of 16 more recent intervention studies are compiled and analyzed. Also, reviewed are four studies that modeled health benefits of using filtration to reduce indoor exposures to particles from outdoors. Prior reviews generally concluded that particle filtration is, at best, a source of small improvements in allergy and asthma health effects; however, many early studies had weak designs. A majority of recent intervention studies employed strong designs and more of these studies report statistically significant improvements in health symptoms or objective health outcomes, particularly for subjects with allergies or asthma. The percentage improvement in health outcomes is typically modest, for example, 7% to 25%. Delivery of filtered air to the breathing zone of sleeping allergic or asthmatic persons may be more consistently effective in improving health than room air filtration. Notable are two studies that report statistically significant improvements, with filtration, in markers that predict future adverse coronary events. From modeling, the largest potential benefits of indoor particle filtration may be reductions in morbidity and mortality from reducing indoor exposures to particles from outdoor air.
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Affiliation(s)
- W J Fisk
- Indoor Environment Group, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
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Sheikh A, Hurwitz B, Nurmatov U, van Schayck CP. House dust mite avoidance measures for perennial allergic rhinitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2010; 2010:CD001563. [PMID: 20614426 PMCID: PMC7061254 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd001563.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in The Cochrane Library in Issue 4, 2001 and previously updated in 2003 and 2007.It is estimated that in developed countries approximately 30% of the general population suffer from one or more allergic disorders, of which allergic rhinitis is particularly common. Perennial rhinitis is most often due to allergy to the house dust mite. In such patients house dust mite avoidance is logical, but there is considerable uncertainty regarding the efficacy and effectiveness of interventions designed to reduce dust mite exposure. OBJECTIVES To assess the benefit (and harm) of measures designed to reduce house dust mite exposure in the management of house dust mite sensitive allergic rhinitis. SEARCH STRATEGY Our search included the Cochrane Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Group Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials Register (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library Issue 4, 2009), MEDLINE and EMBASE. The date of the last search was 31 December 2009. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials, with or without blinding, in which house dust mite control measures have been evaluated in comparison with placebo or other dust mite avoidance measures, in patients with clinician-diagnosed allergic rhinitis and confirmed allergy to dust mite. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently screened titles and abstracts, graded methodological quality using the Cochrane approach and extracted data. Meta-analysis was neither possible nor appropriate due to heterogeneity of the patient groups studied. MAIN RESULTS Nine trials involving 501 participants satisfied the inclusion criteria. Only two studies investigating the effectiveness of mite impermeable bedding covers were of good quality; the remaining seven studies were small and of poor quality. Two trials investigated the efficacy of acaricides, another two trials investigated the role of high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. One trial, using a factorial design, investigated the efficacy of both acaricide and house dust mite impermeable bedding covers in isolation and combination; the remaining four trials investigated the efficacy of bedroom environmental control programmes involving use of house dust mite impermeable bedding covers. Seven of the nine trials reported that, when compared with control, the interventions studied resulted in significant reductions in house dust mite load. Of the interventions studied to date, acaricides appear to be the most promising type of intervention, although the findings from these studies need to be interpreted with care because of their methodological limitations. House dust mite impermeable bedding as an isolated intervention is unlikely to offer clinical benefit. No serious adverse effects were reported from any of the interventions. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Trials to date have on the whole been small and of poor methodological quality, making it difficult to offer any definitive recommendations on the role, if any, of house dust mite avoidance measures in the management of house dust mite sensitive perennial allergic rhinitis. The results of these studies suggest that use of acaricides and extensive bedroom-based environmental control programmes may be of some benefit in reducing rhinitis symptoms and, if considered appropriate, these should be the interventions of choice. Isolated use of house dust mite impermeable bedding is unlikely to prove effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aziz Sheikh
- The University of EdinburghCentre for Population Health SciencesMedical SchoolDoorway 3, Teviot PlaceEdinburghUKEH8 9AG
| | - Brian Hurwitz
- King's College LondonDepartment of EnglishStrandLondonUKWC2R 2LS
| | - Ulugbek Nurmatov
- Centre for Population Health Sciences: GP Section, The University of EdinburghAllergy & Respiratory Research Group20 West Richmond StreetEdinburghUKEH8 9DX
| | - Constant Paul van Schayck
- Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI)Department of General PracticeMaastricht University Medical CenterP Debyeplein 1, PO Box 616MaastrichtNetherlands6200 MD
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Uzzaman A, Metcalfe DD, Komarow HD. Acoustic rhinometry in the practice of allergy. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2007; 97:745-51; quiz 751-2, 799. [PMID: 17201232 DOI: 10.1016/s1081-1206(10)60964-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide a comprehensive practical overview of the use of acoustic rhinometry in the practice of allergy. DATA SOURCES An all-inclusive PubMed search was conducted for articles on acoustic rhinometry that were published in peer-reviewed journals, between 1989 and 2006, using the keywords acoustic rhinometry, allergic rhinitis, and nasal provocation testing. STUDY SELECTION The expert opinion of the authors was used to select studies for inclusion in this review. RESULTS Acoustic rhinometry is a sound-based technique used to measure nasal cavity area and volume. It has been validated by comparison to measurements with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Acoustic rhinometry requires minimal patient cooperation and may be used in adults, children, and infants. It is used by medical practitioners to diagnose and evaluate therapeutic responses in conditions such as rhinitis and to measure nasal dimensions during allergen provocation testing. Acoustic rhinometry also provides a visual reflection of the nasal response to therapy, which may be useful in increasing compliance to prescribed medications. CONCLUSIONS Acoustic rhinometry is a safe, noninvasive, objective, and validated measure of nasal obstruction that appears to be of practical use in the diagnosis and management of inflammatory diseases of the upper airways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf Uzzaman
- Laboratory of Allergic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1894, USA
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