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Fransen M, Becker M, Hershman J, Lenart J, Simon T, McCausland K, Parfitt A, Weissfeld L. Effects of donation frequency on U.S. source plasma donor health. Transfusion 2023; 63:1885-1903. [PMID: 37622454 DOI: 10.1111/trf.17523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasma-derived medicinal products (PDMPs) are essential, life-saving medicines manufactured from plasma donated by healthy human volunteers. PDMPs are used to treat a range of rare, serious, and chronic conditions, often genetic in origin. Approximately 70% of the Source Plasma (SP) used for PDMP manufacturing comes from United States (US). The hypothesis of the study is that US donation frequency does not impair donor self-reported functional health and well-being. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 5608 SP donors from 14 US SP centers were enrolled in a cross-sectional study to assess self-reported health related quality of life (HRQoL) and well-being. By sex, donors were assigned to one of four groups, according to their frequency of SP donation in the 12 months before enrollment. The SF-36v2® Health Survey (SF-36v2) and a survey assessing the frequency of various health conditions that may be associated with impaired immune function over different time periods were used. RESULTS There were no statistically significant differences in SF-36v2 scores between any of the donor frequency groups, compared with new donors after controlling for potential confounding and accounting for multiple comparisons among males and females. Cough, cold, occasional fatigue, and sore throat were the most reported health conditions or symptoms, but there was no clear difference among sex or frequency groups. DISCUSSION The self-reported data in this study support the hypothesis that compensated donations at US FDA permitted frequencies and volumes are consistent with maintaining donor health. Compared with the general population, SP donors have comparable or better health than the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - James Lenart
- Takeda/BioLife Plasma Services LP, Bannockburn, IL, USA
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2
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Alves M, Asbell P, Dogru M, Giannaccare G, Grau A, Gregory D, Kim DH, Marini MC, Ngo W, Nowinska A, Saldanha IJ, Villani E, Wakamatsu TH, Yu M, Stapleton F. TFOS Lifestyle Report: Impact of environmental conditions on the ocular surface. Ocul Surf 2023; 29:1-52. [PMID: 37062427 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Environmental risk factors that have an impact on the ocular surface were reviewed and associations with age and sex, race/ethnicity, geographical area, seasonality, prevalence and possible interactions between risk factors are reviewed. Environmental factors can be (a) climate-related: temperature, humidity, wind speed, altitude, dew point, ultraviolet light, and allergen or (b) outdoor and indoor pollution: gases, particulate matter, and other sources of airborne pollutants. Temperature affects ocular surface homeostasis directly and indirectly, precipitating ocular surface diseases and/or symptoms, including trachoma. Humidity is negatively associated with dry eye disease. There is little data on wind speed and dewpoint. High altitude and ultraviolet light exposure are associated with pterygium, ocular surface degenerations and neoplastic disease. Pollution is associated with dry eye disease and conjunctivitis. Primary Sjögren syndrome is associated with exposure to chemical solvents. Living within a potential zone of active volcanic eruption is associated with eye irritation. Indoor pollution, "sick" building or house can also be associated with eye irritation. Most ocular surface conditions are multifactorial, and several environmental factors may contribute to specific diseases. A systematic review was conducted to answer the following research question: "What are the associations between outdoor environment pollution and signs or symptoms of dry eye disease in humans?" Dry eye disease is associated with air pollution (from NO2) and soil pollution (from chromium), but not from air pollution from CO or PM10. Future research should adequately account for confounders, follow up over time, and report results separately for ocular surface findings, including signs and symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Alves
- Department of Ophthalmology and Otorhinolaryngology, University of Campinas Campinas, Brazil.
| | - Penny Asbell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Memphis, Memphis, USA
| | - Murat Dogru
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Giuseppe Giannaccare
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Cantanzaro, Italy
| | - Arturo Grau
- Department of Ophthalmology, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Darren Gregory
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, USA
| | - Dong Hyun Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | - William Ngo
- School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Anna Nowinska
- Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Ian J Saldanha
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Edoardo Villani
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Eye Clinic, San Giuseppe Hospital, IRCCS Multimedica, Milan, Italy
| | - Tais Hitomi Wakamatsu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Paulista School of Medicine, São Paulo Hospital, Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mitasha Yu
- Sensory Functions, Disability and Rehabilitation Unit, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Fiona Stapleton
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Tsantaki E, Smyrnakis E, Constantinidis TC, Benos A. Indoor air quality and sick building syndrome in a university setting: a case study in Greece. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2022; 32:595-615. [PMID: 32633551 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2020.1789567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The perceived Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), the prevalence of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) symptoms and its contributing risk factors were assessed in a university during the period of the economic crisis in Greece. Data was collected from 613 employees via questionnaires. Hierarchical linear regression analysis was performed. The most prevalent perceived IAQ complaints were 'Dust and dirt' (63.2%), 'Room temperature too low' (24.9%) and 'Varying room temperature' (24.4%). The most frequently reported SBS symptom was 'Fatigue' (34.1%). The prevalence of General, Mucosal and Dermal symptoms was 40.8%, 19.8% and 8.1%, respectively. Several contributing risk factors were identified, such as IAQ Discomfort Scale, atopy, sleep problems, female, exposure to biological and chemical agents, PC-use, Psychosocial Work Scale and job satisfaction. Poor perceived IAQ and high prevalence of SBS symptoms were reported from the university staff in a temperate climate country. SBS seemed to be multifactorial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efthymia Tsantaki
- Laboratory of Primary Health Care, General Practice and Health Services Research, Department of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Emmanouil Smyrnakis
- Laboratory of Primary Health Care, General Practice and Health Services Research, Department of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Theodoros C Constantinidis
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Protection, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Alexis Benos
- Laboratory of Primary Health Care, General Practice and Health Services Research, Department of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Indirect Economic Effects of Vertical Indoor Green in the Context of Reduced Sick Leave in Offices. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13042256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Low indoor humidity has been shown to influence the transmission of respiratory diseases via air. A certain proportion of sick leave in offices is therefore attributable to dryness of air. An improvement in these conditions thus means a reduction in sick leave, which is accompanied by cost savings for companies. Vertical indoor greening has a verifiable positive effect on air humidity, especially in winter months. In this article, the correlation between improved air humidity in greened rooms and reduction of sick leave due to improved air humidity was described. The resulting indirect economic effect was determined by comparing the costs for construction, green care, and technical maintenance of indoor greenery with savings due to lower sick leave. Based on long-term measurement data on air humidity and temperature, and actual cost values for three buildings, located in Vienna, Austria, with 6 greened and 3 reference rooms without greenery, the correlation of the method was derived and finally formulated in a generalized way using dimensioning factors. Only considering the influence on air humidity, profitability of 6.6 m2 vertical greening installed in an example office with six workplaces equipped with technical ventilation and saving of two sick days already results after about 4.5 years.
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Investigation of Synthesis Mechanism, Optimal Hot-Pressing Conditions, and Curing Behavior of Sucrose and Ammonium Dihydrogen Phosphate Adhesive. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 12:polym12010216. [PMID: 31952357 PMCID: PMC7023516 DOI: 10.3390/polym12010216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, a further investigation was carried out on the synthesis mechanism, optimal manufacturing conditions, and curing behavior of a sucrose-ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (SADP) adhesive. The results of 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy confirmed that SADP was composed of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), deoxyfructosazine (DOF), amino compounds, Schiff base, monosaccharides, and oligosaccharide. The optimal hot-pressing conditions were a hot-pressing temperature of 170 °C, a hot-pressing time of 7 min, and a spread rate of 120 g/m2. The wet shear strength of plywood bonded at optimal manufacturing conditions met the requirements of China National Standard (GB/T 9846-2015). Thermal analysis and insoluble mass proportion measurements showed that the main curing behavior of the SADP adhesive occurred at curing temperatures higher than 145 °C, and more than 50% insoluble mass was formed when the heating time was longer than 5 min. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) indicated that cross-linking of the cured adhesive was promoted by prolonging the heating time. In addition, pyrolysis gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) confirmed that the cured SADP adhesive was composed of furan and nitrogen-containing compounds.
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Wolkoff P. The mystery of dry indoor air - An overview. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 121:1058-1065. [PMID: 30389384 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.10.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
"Dry air" is a major and abundant indoor air quality complaint in office-like environments. The causality of perceived "dry air" and associated respiratory effects continues to be debated, despite no clear definition of the complaint, yet, has been provided. The perception of "dry air" is semantically confusing without an associated receptor but mimics a proto-state of sensory irritation like a cooling sensation. "Dry air" may also be confused with another common indoor air quality complaint "stuffy air", which mimics the sense of no fresh air and of nasal congestion. Low indoor air humidity (IAH) was dismissed more than four decades ago as cause of "dry air" complaints, rather indoor pollutants was proposed as possible exacerbating causative agents during the cold season. Many studies, however, have shown adverse effects of low IAH and beneficial effects of elevated IAH. In this literature overview, we try to answer, "What is perceived "dry air" in indoor environments and its associated causalities. Many studies have shown that the perception is caused not only by extended exposure to low IAH, but also simultaneously with and possibly exacerbated by indoor air pollutants that aggravate the protective mucous layer in the airways and the eye tear film. Immanent diseases in the nose and airways in the general population may also contribute to the overall complaint rate and including other risk factors like age of the population, use of medication, and external factors like the local ambient humidity. Low IAH may be the single cause of perceived "dry air" in the elderly population, while certain indoor air pollutants may come into play among susceptible people, in addition to baseline contribution of nasal diseases. Thus, perceived "dry air" intercorrelates with dry eyes and throat, certain indoor air pollutants, ambient humidity, low IAH, and nasal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peder Wolkoff
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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7
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Carrer P, Wolkoff P. Assessment of Indoor Air Quality Problems in Office-Like Environments: Role of Occupational Health Services. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15040741. [PMID: 29649167 PMCID: PMC5923783 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15040741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 03/31/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
There is an increasing concern about indoor air quality (IAQ) and its impact on health, comfort, and work-performance in office-like environments and their workers, which account for most of the labor force. The Scientific Committee on Indoor Air Quality and Health of the ICOH (Int. Comm. Occup. Health) has discussed the assessment and management of IAQ problems and proposed a stepwise approach to be conducted by a multidisciplinary team. It is recommended to integrate the building assessment, inspection by walk-through of the office workplace, questionnaire survey, and environmental measurements, in that order. The survey should cover perceived IAQ, symptoms, and psychosocial working aspects. The outcome can be used for mapping the IAQ and to prioritize the order in which problems should be dealt with. Individual health surveillance in relation to IAQ is proposed only when periodical health surveillance is already performed for other risks (e.g., video display units) or when specific clinical examination of workers is required due to the occurrence of diseases that may be linked to IAQ (e.g., Legionnaire’s disease), recurrent inflammation, infections of eyes, respiratory airway effects, and sensorial disturbances. Environmental and personal risk factors should also be compiled and assessed. Workplace health promotion should include programs for smoking cessation and stress and IAQ management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Carrer
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "L. Sacco", University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy.
| | - Peder Wolkoff
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
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8
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Indoor air humidity, air quality, and health – An overview. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2018; 221:376-390. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2018.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 277] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Revised: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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9
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Ung-Lanki S, Lampi J, Pekkanen J. Analyzing symptom data in indoor air questionnaires for primary schools. INDOOR AIR 2017; 27:900-908. [PMID: 28267226 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Questionnaires on symptoms and perceived quality of indoor environment are used to assess indoor environment problems, but mainly among adults. The aim of this article was to explore best ways to analyze and report such symptom data, as part of a project to develop a parent-administered indoor air questionnaire for primary school pupils. Indoor air questionnaire with 25 questions on child's symptoms in the last 4 weeks was sent to parents in five primary schools with indoor air problems and in five control schools. About 83% of parents (N=1470) in case schools and 82% (N=805) in control schools returned the questionnaire. In two schools, 351 (52%) parents answered the questionnaire twice with a 2-week interval. Based on prevalence of symptoms, their test-retest repeatability (ICC), and on principal component analysis (PCA), the number of symptoms was reduced to 17 and six symptoms scores were developed. Six variants of these six symptom scores were then formed and their ability to rank schools compared. Four symptom scores (respiratory, lower respiratory, eye, and general symptoms) analyzed dichotomized maintained sufficiently well the diversity of symptom data and captured the between-school differences in symptom prevalence, when compared to more complex and numerous scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ung-Lanki
- Living Environment and Health Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
| | - J Lampi
- Living Environment and Health Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
- Social and Health, City of Kuopio, Kuopio, Finland
| | - J Pekkanen
- Living Environment and Health Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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10
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Magzamen S, Mayer AP, Barr S, Bohren L, Dunbar B, Manning D, Reynolds SJ, Schaeffer JW, Suter J, Cross JE. A Multidisciplinary Research Framework on Green Schools: Infrastructure, Social Environment, Occupant Health, and Performance. THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2017; 87:376-387. [PMID: 28382672 DOI: 10.1111/josh.12505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Revised: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sustainable school buildings hold much promise to reducing operating costs, improve occupant well-being and, ultimately, teacher and student performance. However, there is a scarcity of evidence on the effects of sustainable school buildings on health and performance indicators. We sought to create a framework for a multidisciplinary research agenda that links school facilities, health, and educational outcomes. METHODS We conducted a nonsystematic review of peer review publications, government documents, organizational documents, and school climate measurement instruments. RESULTS We found that studies on the impact of physical environmental factors (air, lighting, and thermal comfort) on health and occupant performance are largely independent of research on the social climate. The current literature precludes the formation of understanding the causal relation among school facilities, social climate, occupant health, and occupant performance. CONCLUSIONS Given the average age of current school facilities in the United States, construction of new school facilities or retrofits of older facilities will be a major infrastructure investment for many municipalities over the next several decades. Multidisciplinary research that seeks to understand the impact of sustainable design on the health and performance of occupants will need to include both an environmental science and social science perspective to inform best practices and quantification of benefits that go beyond general measures of costs savings from energy efficiencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheryl Magzamen
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, 1681 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1681
| | - Adam P Mayer
- Department of Sociology, Colorado State University, 1784 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1784
| | - Stephanie Barr
- Institute for the Built Environment, Colorado State University, 1501 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1501
| | - Lenora Bohren
- Institute for the Built Environment, Colorado State University, 1501 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1501
| | - Brian Dunbar
- Institute for the Built Environment, Colorado State University, 1501 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1501
| | - Dale Manning
- Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Colorado State University, 1172 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1172
| | - Stephen J Reynolds
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, 1681 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1681
| | - Joshua W Schaeffer
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, 1681 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1681
| | - Jordan Suter
- Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Colorado State University, 1172 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1172
| | - Jennifer E Cross
- Department of Sociology, Colorado State University, 1784 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1784
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Wang CM, Barratt B, Carslaw N, Doutsi A, Dunmore RE, Ward MW, Lewis AC. Unexpectedly high concentrations of monoterpenes in a study of UK homes. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2017; 19:528-537. [PMID: 28224154 DOI: 10.1039/c6em00569a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The abundance of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in homes depends on many factors such as emissions, ventilation and the oxidative environment and these are evolving over time, reflecting changes in chemical use, behaviour and building design/materials. The concentrations of VOCs in 25 UK homes of varying ages, design and occupancy were quantified using continuous indoor air sampling over five days. Air was collected through low flow (1 mL min-1) constant flow restrictors into evacuated 6 L internally silica-treated canisters until the canisters reached atmospheric pressure. This was followed by thermal desorption-gas chromatography and high mass accuracy time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TD-GC-TOF/MS). A fully quantitative analysis was performed on the eight most abundant hydrocarbon-based VOCs found. Despite differences in building characteristics and occupant numbers 94% of the homes had d-limonene or α-pinene as the most abundant VOCs. The variability seen across the 25 homes in concentrations of monoterpenes indoors was considerably greater than that of species such as isoprene, benzene, toluene and xylenes. The variance in VOCs indoors appeared to be strongly influenced by occupant activities such as cleaning with 5-day average concentrations of d-limonene ranging from 18 μg m-3 to over 1400 μg m-3, a peak domestic value that is possibly the highest yet reported in the literature.
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Azuma K, Ikeda K, Kagi N, Yanagi U, Osawa H. Evaluating prevalence and risk factors of building-related symptoms among office workers: Seasonal characteristics of symptoms and psychosocial and physical environmental factors. Environ Health Prev Med 2017; 22:38. [PMID: 29165170 PMCID: PMC5664800 DOI: 10.1186/s12199-017-0645-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Psychosocial and environmental factors at the workplace play a significant role in building-related symptoms (BRSs). Environmental factors change during summer cooling and winter heating using air-conditioning systems. Thus, significant risk factors in each season need to be clarified. Methods A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted during summer in Japan and seasonal differences between summer and winter were evaluated. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 489 offices. Possible risk factors for BRSs associated with the work environment, indoor air quality, and job stressors were examined by multiple regression analyses. Results Among people having at least one BRS, the prevalence of BRSs in summer (27.8%) was slightly higher than that in winter (24.9%). High prevalence was observed for eye and nasal symptoms related to dryness and general symptoms related to psychological distress in both seasons. Analyses revealed that dryness of air was an important and significant risk factor associated with BRSs, and job stressors were significantly associated with general symptoms in both seasons. Conversely, humidity was a significant risk factor of general symptoms in summer (odds ratio, 1.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.43). Carpeting, recently painted walls, and unpleasant chemical odors in summer and noise, dust and dirt, and unpleasant odors such as body or food odors in both seasons were significant risk factors for BRSs. Conclusions Improvements in the physical environmental qualities in an office throughout the year are important along with the reduction in psychological distress related to work. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12199-017-0645-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi Azuma
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Behavioral Science, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, 377-2 Ohnohigashi, Osakasayama, Osaka, 589-8511, Japan.
| | - Koichi Ikeda
- Department of Architecture, College of Science and Technology, Nihon University, 8-14 Kanda-Surugadai 1-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-8308, Japan
| | - Naoki Kagi
- Department of Mechanical and Environmental Informatics, Graduate School of Information Science and Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 152-8550, Japan
| | - U Yanagi
- Department of Architecture, School of Architecture, Kogakuin University, 1-24-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 163-8677, Japan
| | - Haruki Osawa
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Public Health, 2-3-6 Minami, Wako, Saitama, 351-0197, Japan
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Wolkoff P. External eye symptoms in indoor environments. INDOOR AIR 2017; 27:246-260. [PMID: 27444579 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Eye irritation, for example dry or irritated eyes, is generally among top three reported symptoms in office-like environments, in particular among workplaces with cognitive demanding visual display unit (VDU) work. The symptoms are especially among middle and advanced ages and particularly among women more than men. The symptoms are also among the most commonly reported complaints in the eye clinic. To be in a position to interpret the high prevalence of eye symptoms, a multidisciplinary and integrated approach is necessary that involves the external eye physiology (separate from internal eye effects), eye diseases (evaporative dry eye (DE), aqueous-deficient DE, and gland dysfunctions), and risk factors that aggravate the stability of precorneal tear film (PTF) resulting in hyperosmolarity and initiation of inflammatory reactions. Indoor environmental, occupational and personal risk factors may aggravate the PTF stability; factors such as age, contact lenses, cosmetics, diet, draft, gender, low humidity and high temperature, medication, outdoor and combustion pollutants, and VDU work. Psychological stressors may further influence the reporting behavior of eye symptoms. The impact of the risk factors may occur in a combined and exacerbating manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Wolkoff
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
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14
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Luo J, Li X, Shi R, Gao Q, Li J, Li L. Determination of formaldehyde and TVOC emission behavior from interior use plywood using various post heat treatment processes. J Appl Polym Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/app.44909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Luo
- MOE Key Laboratory of Wooden Material Science and Application; Beijing Key Laboratory of Wood Science and Engineering, College of Materials Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University; Beijing 100083 People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaona Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Wooden Material Science and Application; Beijing Key Laboratory of Wood Science and Engineering, College of Materials Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University; Beijing 100083 People's Republic of China
| | - Ruiqing Shi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Wooden Material Science and Application; Beijing Key Laboratory of Wood Science and Engineering, College of Materials Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University; Beijing 100083 People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Gao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Wooden Material Science and Application; Beijing Key Laboratory of Wood Science and Engineering, College of Materials Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University; Beijing 100083 People's Republic of China
| | - Jianzhang Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Wooden Material Science and Application; Beijing Key Laboratory of Wood Science and Engineering, College of Materials Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University; Beijing 100083 People's Republic of China
| | - Li Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Wooden Material Science and Application; Beijing Key Laboratory of Wood Science and Engineering, College of Materials Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University; Beijing 100083 People's Republic of China
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15
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Building-Related Symptoms, Energy, and Thermal Control in the Workplace: Personal and Open Plan Offices. SUSTAINABILITY 2016. [DOI: 10.3390/su8040331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Bluyssen PM, Roda C, Mandin C, Fossati S, Carrer P, de Kluizenaar Y, Mihucz VG, de Oliveira Fernandes E, Bartzis J. Self-reported health and comfort in 'modern' office buildings: first results from the European OFFICAIR study. INDOOR AIR 2016; 26:298-317. [PMID: 25727348 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2014] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In the European research project OFFICAIR, a procedure was developed to determine associations between characteristics of European offices and health and comfort of office workers, through a checklist and a self-administered questionnaire including environmental, physiological, psychological, and social aspects. This procedure was applied in 167 office buildings in eight European countries (Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, France, Hungary, the Netherlands, and Finland) during the winter of 2011-2012. About 26 735 survey invitation e-mails were sent, and 7441 office workers were included in the survey. Among respondents who rated an overall comfort less than 4 (23%), 'noise (other than from building systems)', air 'too dry', and temperature 'too variable' were the main complaints selected. An increase of perceived control over indoor climate was positively associated with the perceived indoor environment quality. Almost one-third of office workers suffered from dry eyes and headache in the last 4 weeks. Physical building characteristics were associated with occupants' overall satisfaction (acoustical solutions, mold growth, complaints procedure, cleaning activities) and health (number of occupants, lack of operable windows, presence of carpet and cleaning activities). OFFICAIR project provides a useful database to identify stressors related to indoor environmental quality and office worker's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- P M Bluyssen
- Section Climate Design, Department of Architectural Engineering & Technology, Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - C Roda
- Section Climate Design, Department of Architectural Engineering & Technology, Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - C Mandin
- CSTB (Scientific and Technical Centre for Building), Marne-la-Vallée, France
| | - S Fossati
- "L. Sacco" Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - P Carrer
- "L. Sacco" Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Y de Kluizenaar
- Department of Urban Environment and Safety, TNO (The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research), Delft, The Netherlands
| | - V G Mihucz
- Cooperative Research Centre of Environmental Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - J Bartzis
- University of Western Macedonia, Kozani, Greece
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Wolkoff P, Crump DR, Harrison PTC. Pollutant exposures and health symptoms in aircrew and office workers: Is there a link? ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2016; 87:74-84. [PMID: 26641522 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2015.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Revised: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Sensory effects in eyes and airways are common symptoms reported by aircraft crew and office workers. Neurological symptoms, such as headache, have also been reported. To assess the commonality and differences in exposures and health symptoms, a literature search of aircraft cabin and office air concentrations of non-reactive volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ozone-initiated terpene reaction products were compiled and assessed. Data for tricresyl phosphates, in particular tri-ortho-cresyl phosphate (ToCP), were also compiled, as well as information on other risk factors such as low relative humidity. A conservative health risk assessment for eye, airway and neurological effects was undertaken based on a "worst-case scenario" which assumed a simultaneous constant exposure for 8h to identified maximum concentrations in aircraft and offices. This used guidelines and reference values for sensory irritation for eyes and upper airways and airflow limitation; a tolerable daily intake value was used for ToCP. The assessment involved the use of hazard quotients or indexes, defined as the summed ratio(s) (%) of compound concentration(s) divided by their guideline value(s). The concentration data suggest that, under the assumption of a conservative "worst-case scenario", aircraft air and office concentrations of the compounds in question are not likely to be associated with sensory symptoms in eyes and airways. This is supported by the fact that maximum concentrations are, in general, associated with infrequent incidents and brief exposures. Sensory symptoms, in particular in eyes, appear to be exacerbated by environmental and occupational conditions that differ in aircraft and offices, e.g., ozone incidents, low relative humidity, low cabin pressure, and visual display unit work. The data do not support airflow limitation effects. For ToCP, in view of the conservative approach adopted here and the rareness of reported incidents, the health risk of exposure to this compound in aircraft is considered negligible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peder Wolkoff
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Denmark.
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Clinical and Molecular Inflammatory Response in Sjögren Syndrome-Associated Dry Eye Patients Under Desiccating Stress. Am J Ophthalmol 2016; 161:133-41.e1-2. [PMID: 26456254 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2015.09.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Revised: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the response of the lacrimal function unit in Sjögren syndrome (SS)-associated dry eye patients exposed to 2 simulated daily life environmental conditions. DESIGN Prospective crossover pilot study. METHODS Fourteen female SS dry eye patients were exposed for 2 hours to a controlled normal condition (23 C, 45% relative humidity, and air flow 0.10 m/s) and a controlled adverse condition that simulates desiccating stress (23 C, 5% relative humidity, and air flow 0.10 m/s). The following dry eye tests were performed before and after the exposure: tear osmolarity, phenol red thread test, conjunctival hyperemia, fluorescein tear break-up time, corneal fluorescein staining, conjunctival lissamine green staining, and Schirmer test. Levels of 16 molecules were analyzed in tears by multiplex immunobead analysis. RESULTS Clinical evaluation showed lacrimal functional unit impairment after the desiccating stress: significantly increased tear osmolarity (315.7 ± 3.0 vs 327.7 ± 5.1 mOsm/L, P = .03), conjunctival hyperemia (1.3 ± 0.1 vs 1.6 ± 0.1, P = .05), and corneal staining in temporal (3.5 ± 0.5 vs 4.7 ± 0.4, P = .01) and nasal (3.6 ± 0.5 vs 4.5 ± 0.5, P = .04) areas. Tear concentrations increased for interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (16 557.1 ± 4047.8 vs 31 895.3 ± 5916.5 pg/mL, P = .01), interleukin-6 (63.8 ± 20.2 vs 111.5 ± 29.6 pg/mL, P = .02), interleukin-8 (2196.1 ± 737.9 vs 3753.2 ± 1106.0 pg/mL, P = .03), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (101 515.6 ± 37 088.4 vs 145 867.1 ± 41 651.5 pg/mL, P = .03). After the simulated normal condition, only a significant increase in nasal corneal staining (2.9 ± 0.5 vs 3.6 ± 0.5, P = .03) was observed. CONCLUSIONS Even a short exposure to a desiccating environment can produce a significant deterioration of the lacrimal function unit in female SS dry eye patients. The often unnoticed exposure to these conditions during daily life may increase inflammatory activity rapidly, triggering an ocular surface deterioration.
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Colton MD, Laurent JGC, MacNaughton P, Kane J, Bennett-Fripp M, Spengler J, Adamkiewicz G. Health Benefits of Green Public Housing: Associations With Asthma Morbidity and Building-Related Symptoms. Am J Public Health 2015; 105:2482-9. [PMID: 26469661 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2015.302793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We examined associations of several health outcomes with green and conventional low-income housing, where the prevalence of morbidities and environmental pollutants is elevated. METHODS We used questionnaires and a visual inspection to compare sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms and asthma-related morbidity among residents in multifamily units in Boston, Massachusetts, between March 2012 and May 2013. Follow-up was approximately 1 year later. RESULTS Adults living in green units reported 1.35 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.66, 2.05) fewer SBS symptoms than those living in conventional (control) homes (P < .001). Furthermore, asthmatic children living in green homes experienced substantially lower risk of asthma symptoms (odds ratio [OR] = 0.34; 95% CI = 0.12, 1.00), asthma attacks (OR = 0.31; 95% CI = 0.11, 0.88), hospital visits (OR = 0.24; 95% CI = 0.06, 0.88), and asthma-related school absences (OR = 0.21; 95% CI = 0.06, 0.74) than children living in conventional public housing. CONCLUSIONS Participants living in green homes had improved health outcomes, which remained consistent over the study period. Green housing may provide a significant value in resource-poor settings where green construction or renovation could simultaneously reduce harmful indoor exposures, promote resident health, and reduce operational costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meryl D Colton
- Meryl D. Colton, Jose Guillermo Cedeno Laurent, Piers MacNaughton, John Spengler, and Gary Adamkiewicz are with the Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA. John Kane is with the Boston Housing Authority. Mae Bennett-Fripp is with the Committee for Boston Public Housing
| | - Jose Guillermo Cedeno Laurent
- Meryl D. Colton, Jose Guillermo Cedeno Laurent, Piers MacNaughton, John Spengler, and Gary Adamkiewicz are with the Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA. John Kane is with the Boston Housing Authority. Mae Bennett-Fripp is with the Committee for Boston Public Housing
| | - Piers MacNaughton
- Meryl D. Colton, Jose Guillermo Cedeno Laurent, Piers MacNaughton, John Spengler, and Gary Adamkiewicz are with the Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA. John Kane is with the Boston Housing Authority. Mae Bennett-Fripp is with the Committee for Boston Public Housing
| | - John Kane
- Meryl D. Colton, Jose Guillermo Cedeno Laurent, Piers MacNaughton, John Spengler, and Gary Adamkiewicz are with the Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA. John Kane is with the Boston Housing Authority. Mae Bennett-Fripp is with the Committee for Boston Public Housing
| | - Mae Bennett-Fripp
- Meryl D. Colton, Jose Guillermo Cedeno Laurent, Piers MacNaughton, John Spengler, and Gary Adamkiewicz are with the Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA. John Kane is with the Boston Housing Authority. Mae Bennett-Fripp is with the Committee for Boston Public Housing
| | - John Spengler
- Meryl D. Colton, Jose Guillermo Cedeno Laurent, Piers MacNaughton, John Spengler, and Gary Adamkiewicz are with the Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA. John Kane is with the Boston Housing Authority. Mae Bennett-Fripp is with the Committee for Boston Public Housing
| | - Gary Adamkiewicz
- Meryl D. Colton, Jose Guillermo Cedeno Laurent, Piers MacNaughton, John Spengler, and Gary Adamkiewicz are with the Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA. John Kane is with the Boston Housing Authority. Mae Bennett-Fripp is with the Committee for Boston Public Housing
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Azuma K, Ikeda K, Kagi N, Yanagi U, Osawa H. Prevalence and risk factors associated with nonspecific building-related symptoms in office employees in Japan: relationships between work environment, Indoor Air Quality, and occupational stress. INDOOR AIR 2015; 25:499-511. [PMID: 25244340 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
A nationwide cross-sectional study of 3335 employees was conducted in 320 offices in Japan to estimate the prevalence of building-related symptoms (BRSs) and determine the risk factors related to work environment, Indoor Air Quality, and occupational stress. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires. The prevalences of general symptoms, eye irritation, and upper respiratory symptoms were 14.4%, 12.1%, and 8.9%, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that eye irritation was significantly associated with carpeting [odds ratio (OR), 1.73; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.24-2.41], coldness perception (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.13-1.45), and air dryness perception (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.42-1.82). General symptoms were significantly associated with unpleasant odors (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.13-1.65), amount of work (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.06-1.45), and interpersonal conflicts (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.23-1.69). Upper respiratory symptoms were significantly associated with crowded workspaces (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.13-1.63), air dryness perception (OR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.79-2.38), and reported dustiness on the floor (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.16-1.67). Although psychosocial support is important to reduce and control BRSs, maintaining appropriate air-conditioning and a clean and uncrowded workspace is of equal importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Azuma
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Behavioral Science, Kinki University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - K Ikeda
- Department of Architecture, College of Science and Technology, Nihon University, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - N Kagi
- Department of Mechanical and Environmental Informatics, Graduate School of Information Science and Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - U Yanagi
- Department of Architecture, School of Architecture, Kogakuin University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - H Osawa
- National Institute of Public Health, Wako, Saitama, Japan
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21
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Colton MD, MacNaughton P, Vallarino J, Kane J, Bennett-Fripp M, Spengler JD, Adamkiewicz G. Indoor air quality in green vs conventional multifamily low-income housing. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2014; 48:7833-41. [PMID: 24941256 DOI: 10.1021/es501489u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Indoor air quality is an important predictor of health, especially in low-income populations. It is unclear how recent trends in "green" building affect the indoor exposure profile. In two successive years, we conducted environmental sampling, home inspections, and health questionnaires with families in green and conventional (control) apartments in two public housing developments. A subset of participants was followed as they moved from conventional to green or conventional to conventional housing. We measured particulate matter less than 2.5 μm aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5), formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nicotine, carbon dioxide (CO2), and air exchange rate (AER) over a seven-day sampling period coincident with survey administration. In multivariate models, we observed 57%, 65%, and 93% lower concentrations of PM2.5, NO2, and nicotine (respectively) in green vs control homes (p=0.032, p<0.001, p=0.003, respectively), as well as fewer reports of mold, pests, inadequate ventilation, and stuffiness. Differences in formaldehyde and CO2 were not statistically significant. AER was marginally lower in green buildings (p=0.109). Participants in green homes experienced 47% fewer sick building syndrome symptoms (p<0.010). We observed significant decreases in multiple indoor exposures and improved health outcomes among participants who moved into green housing, suggesting multilevel housing interventions have the potential to improve long-term resident health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meryl D Colton
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health , Boston 02215, Massachusetts, United States
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Rohr AC. The health significance of gas- and particle-phase terpene oxidation products: a review. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2013; 60:145-162. [PMID: 24036325 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2013.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2013] [Revised: 08/01/2013] [Accepted: 08/02/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The reactions between terpenes and ozone (or other oxidants) produce a wide variety of both gas- and particle-phase products. Terpenes are biogenic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are also contained in many consumer products. Ozone is present indoors since it infiltrates into the indoor environment and is emitted by some office and consumer equipment. Some of the gaseous products formed are irritating to biological tissues, while the condensed-phase products have received attention due to their contribution to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and its respective health significance. Despite common scientific questions, the indoor and ambient air research communities have tended to operate in isolation regarding this topic. This review critically evaluates the literature related to terpene oxidation products and attempts to synthesize results of indoor and ambient air studies to better understand the health significance of these materials and identify knowledge gaps. The review documents the results of a literature search covering terpene oxidation chemistry, epidemiological, toxicological, and controlled human exposure studies, as well as health studies focused more generically on secondary organic aerosol (SOA). The literature shows a clear role for gas-phase terpene oxidation products in adverse airway effects at high concentrations; however, whether these effects occur at more environmentally relevant levels is unclear. The evidence for toxicity of particle-phase products is less conclusive. Knowledge gaps and future research needs are outlined, and include the need for more consistency in study designs, incorporation of reaction product measurements into epidemiological studies conducted in both indoor and ambient settings, and more focused research on the toxicity of SOA, especially SOA of biogenic origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette C Rohr
- Electric Power Research Institute, Palo Alto, CA, United States.
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Wolkoff P. Indoor air pollutants in office environments: assessment of comfort, health, and performance. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2012; 216:371-94. [PMID: 22954455 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2012.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2012] [Revised: 07/28/2012] [Accepted: 08/05/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in office environments are generally too low to cause sensory irritation in the eyes and airways on the basis of estimated thresholds for sensory irritation. Furthermore, effects in the lungs, e.g. inflammatory effects, have not been substantiated at indoor relevant concentrations. Some VOCs, including formaldehyde, in combination may under certain environmental and occupational conditions result in reported sensory irritation. The odour thresholds of several VOCs are low enough to influence the perceived air quality that result in a number of acute effects from reported sensory irritation in eyes and airways and deterioration of performance. The odour perception (air quality) depends on a number of factors that may influence the odour impact. There is neither clear indication that office dust particles may cause sensory effects, even not particles spiked with glucans, aldehydes or phthalates, nor lung effects; some inflammatory effects may be observed among asthmatics. Ozone-initiated terpene reaction products may be of concern in ozone-enriched environments (≥0.1mg/m(3)) and elevated limonene concentrations, partly due to the production of formaldehyde. Ambient particles may cause cardio-pulmonary effects, especially in susceptible people (e.g. elderly and sick people); even, short-term effects, e.g. from traffic emission and candle smoke may possibly have modulating and delayed effects on the heart, but otherwise adverse effects in the airways and lung functions have not been observed. Secondary organic aerosols generated in indoor ozone-initiated terpene reactions appear not to cause adverse effects in the airways; rather the gaseous products are relevant. Combined exposure to particles and ozone may evoke effects in subgroups of asthmatics. Based on an analysis of thresholds for odour and sensory irritation selected compounds are recommended for measurements to assess the indoor air quality and to minimize reports of irritation symptoms, deteriorated performance, and cardiovascular and pulmonary effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peder Wolkoff
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Abstract
UNLABELLED This study estimates some of the benefits and costs of implementing scenarios that improve indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in the stock of U.S. office buildings. The scenarios include increasing ventilation rates when they are below 10 or 15 l/s per person, adding outdoor air economizers and controls when absent, eliminating winter indoor temperatures >23°C, and reducing dampness and mold problems. The estimated benefits of the scenarios analyzed are substantial in magnitude, including increased work performance, reduced Sick Building Syndrome symptoms, reduced absence, and improved thermal comfort for millions of office workers. The combined potential annual economic benefit of a set of nonoverlapping scenarios is approximately $20 billion. While the quantitative estimates have a high uncertainty, the opportunity for substantial benefits is clear. Some IEQ improvement measures will save energy while improving health or productivity, and implementing these measures should be the highest priority. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS Owners, designers, and operators of office buildings have an opportunity to improve IEQ, health, work performance, and comfort of building occupants and to obtain economic benefits by improving IEQ. These benefits can be achieved with simultaneous energy savings or with only small increases in energy costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- W J Fisk
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, CA, USA.
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26
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Wolkoff P. Ocular discomfort by environmental and personal risk factors altering the precorneal tear film. Toxicol Lett 2010; 199:203-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2010.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2010] [Revised: 09/01/2010] [Accepted: 09/03/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Harada K, Hasegawa A, Wei CN, Minamoto K, Noguchi Y, Hara K, Matsushita O, Noda K, Ueda A. A Review of Indoor Air Pollution and Health Problems from the Viewpoint of Environmental Hygiene: Focusing on the Studies of Indoor Air Environment in Japan Compared to Those of Foreign Countries. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1248/jhs.56.488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Koichi Harada
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University
| | - Asako Hasegawa
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto University
| | - Chan-Nian Wei
- Department of Prevention and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University
| | - Keiko Minamoto
- Department of Prevention and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University
| | - Yukari Noguchi
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University
| | - Kunio Hara
- Faculty of Regional Health Therapy, Teikyo Heisei University
| | - Osamu Matsushita
- Department of Public Policy, Graduate School of Law, Kumamoto University
| | - Kosuke Noda
- Innovation Promotion Office, Kumamoto Software Co. Ltd
| | - Atsushi Ueda
- Department of Prevention and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University
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