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Subri MSM, Arifin K, Sohaimin MFAM, Abas A. The parameter of the Sick Building Syndrome: A systematic literature review. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32431. [PMID: 38975158 PMCID: PMC11225762 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is a collection of symptoms assumed to be related to spending time in a certain building, most typically a workplace, but no specific cause has been identified. The need to measure and assess various types of parameters of SBS is crucial and it is important to explore what parameter has been used in the previous studies of SBS. Therefore, this study aims to systematically review the parameter that has been used to monitor the SBS. This study was conducted using the PRISMA Statement and the search was conducted using two scientific databases which were Scopus and Web of Science. After a thorough and tight process, a total of 55 articles have been finalized and selected for thematic analysis. Two themes have been identified which were a) Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) and b) Occupant. This study also found that the spatial distribution pattern revealed that the Sick Building Syndrome research was spread over 26 nations, with the majority of articles originating from the United States and China. In terms of context, the majority of the selected publications employed the survey approach to investigate SBS parameters. Aside from that, the most researched form of building is the business building. This study has found that it would be more impactful for the SBS study if researchers could incorporate both indoor environmental quality and occupant factors into a study, resulting in more holistic conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Sazif Mohamed Subri
- Centre for Research in Development, Social and Environment (SEEDS), Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
- Royal Malaysia Police, Jalan Bukit Aman, Tasik Perdana, 50560, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kadir Arifin
- Centre for Research in Development, Social and Environment (SEEDS), Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Muhamad Faiz Aiman Mohd Sohaimin
- Centre for Research in Development, Social and Environment (SEEDS), Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Azlan Abas
- Centre for Research in Development, Social and Environment (SEEDS), Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
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2
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Fan L, Han X, Li L, Liu H, Ge T, Wang X, Wang Q, Du H, Su L, Yao X, Wang X. Indoor air quality of urban public transportation stations in China: Based on air quality evaluation indexes. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 349:119440. [PMID: 37939468 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Indoor air quality (IAQ) of urban public transportation stations (UPTS) has adverse health impacts on the station employees and commuters. However, there is a lack of comprehensively evaluations of IAQ in waiting rooms of UPTS. Therefore, it is crucial to select appropriate air quality indexes (including fuzzy synthetic index (B), comprehensive index (P), I1 index, and indoor air quality index (IAQI)) to assess air quality and potential health risks. Our study is a subsample of the CPPEHS 2019 study, which included 224 UPTS in 126 cities of China. We found that P index showed an excellent air quality rate of 95.96% in the railway stations and 83.19% in the inter-city bus stations. The P index was correlated with UPTS usage years, useable area, and per passenger useable area. Furthermore, waiting rooms in UPTS with good (OR = 1.9187, 95% CI: 1.1204, 3.2859) and bad (OR = 2.0854, 95% CI: 1.2182, 3.5698) air quality evaluated by P index had a higher risk of rhinitis compared to those with excellent air quality. Similarly, UPTS with good (OR = 2.2202, 95% CI: 1.3427, 3.6711), bad (OR = 1.7897, 95% CI: 1.0807, 2.9637), and serious (OR = 1.7478, 95% CI: 1.0098, 3.0250) air quality evaluated by P index were associated with a higher risk of pharyngitis. These findings suggested that P index is the optimal index for assessing air quality in UPTS, while IAQI may exaggerate indoor air pollution and the B index may underestimate it. Overall, this study aims to identify and evaluate the more suitable air quality index (P) in nationwide UPTS, providing valuable insights for control of IAQ and guiding the air quality management and standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Fan
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Xu Han
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Li Li
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Hang Liu
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Tanxi Ge
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Xinqi Wang
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Qin Wang
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Hang Du
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Liqin Su
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Yao
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Xianliang Wang
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China.
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3
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Ekpanyaskul C, Padungtod C, Kleebbua C. Home as a new physical workplace: a causal model for understanding the inextricable link between home environment, work productivity, and well-being. INDUSTRIAL HEALTH 2023; 61:320-328. [PMID: 36058851 PMCID: PMC10542468 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.2022-0083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The home has become a new physical workplace, and can therefore influence the work, health, and life of workers. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the chronology of the effects of work hazards at home on factors such as workers' health, productivity, and well-being (WB). Information on novice working-from-home (WFH) workers was derived from the "Occupational health of WFH" project. The selected variables in the hypothesis model comprised problems such as perceived indoor environmental quality (IEQ), working conditions (WC), sick house syndrome (SHS), occupational stress (OS), work productivity (WP), and WB. The relationship between these variables was analyzed using a structural equation model. The group analysis results showed the following significant indirect path effects from work environment through WP: IEQ-> SHS->OS->WP. A non-significant direct effect was observed between IEQ and WP. While WC problems could also have a significant direct effect on WP, or be mediated by OS, WP is a significant consequence and a direct effect of WB. In conclusion, the WFH model's causal impact between home environment, WP, and WB is a physiopsychological pathway. Therefore, creating a healthy home environment and WC, along with OS management, comprise important issues for improving productivity and WB for this new work style.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chatchai Ekpanyaskul
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Thailand
| | - Chantana Padungtod
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Diseases, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand
| | - Chaiyut Kleebbua
- Division of Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Graduate School, Srinakharinwirot University, Thailand
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4
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Vilén L, Putus T. Hoarseness among nurses. J Voice 2023; 37:798.e15-798.e18. [PMID: 34016510 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2021.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
While many occupations are at risk for vocal health issues much of the current research has focused on teachers. The prevalence of hoarseness among nurses has not received much attention. The aim of this study was to determine the current prevalence of hoarseness among nurses and also to identify potential environmental risk factors from their working environment. The health data was collected from Finnish healthcare workers. Our findings are based on 13,560 health questionnaires which were statistically analyzed. Our results suggest that the one-year period prevalence of hoarseness was 30% and all the environmental problems which we evaluated (draft, room temperature too high, variable room temperature, room temperature too low, dry air, stuffy indoor air, moist air/ high humidity, inadequate ventilation, smell of mold or cellar, sewer odor, other unpleasant odors, tobacco smoke, noise and detectable dust or dirt) had an increasing effect on hoarseness. In conclusion, clear associations were found between environmental problems and hoarseness in nurses. Furthermore, efforts should be made to repair defective ventilation systems, remediate indoor air problems due to moisture damage and improve overall maintenance to protect the vocal health of nurses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liisa Vilén
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Environmental Medicine and Occupational Health, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
| | - Tuula Putus
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Environmental Medicine and Occupational Health, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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5
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Moura PC, Vassilenko V. Long-term in situ air quality assessment in closed environments: A gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry applicability study. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY (CHICHESTER, ENGLAND) 2023; 29:231-239. [PMID: 37441794 PMCID: PMC10466997 DOI: 10.1177/14690667231187502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Contemporary life is mostly spent in indoor spaces like private houses, workplaces, vehicles and public facilities. Nonetheless, the air quality in these closed environments is often poor which leads to people being exposed to a vast range of toxic and hazardous compounds. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are among the main factors responsible for the lack of air quality in closed spaces and, in addition, some of them are particularly hazardous to the human organism. Considering this fact, we conducted daily in situ air analyses over 1 year using a gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) device in an indoor location. The obtained results show that 10 VOCs were consistently present in the indoor air throughout the entire year, making them particularly important for controlling air quality. All of these compounds were successfully identified, namely acetic acid, acetone, benzene, butanol, ethanol, isobutanol, propanoic acid, propanol, 2-propanol and tert-butyl methyl ether. The behaviour of the total VOCs (tVOCs) intensity during the period of analysis and the relative variation between consecutive months were studied. It was observed that the overall trend of tVOCs closely mirrored the variation of air temperature throughout the year suggesting their strong correlation. The results obtained from this study demonstrate the high quality and relevance of the data, highlighting the suitability of GC-IMS for in situ long-term air quality assessment in indoor environments and, consequently, for identifying potential health risks for the human organism in both short-term and long-term exposure scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Catalão Moura
- Laboratory for Instrumentation, Biomedical Engineering and Radiation Physics (LibPhys-UNL), Department of Physics, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Valentina Vassilenko
- Laboratory for Instrumentation, Biomedical Engineering and Radiation Physics (LibPhys-UNL), Department of Physics, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon, Caparica, Portugal
- NMT, S.A., Edifício Madan Parque, Rua dos Inventores, Caparica, Portugal
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6
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Moura PC, Raposo M, Vassilenko V. Breath volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as biomarkers for the diagnosis of pathological conditions: A review. Biomed J 2023; 46:100623. [PMID: 37336362 PMCID: PMC10339195 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2023.100623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Normal and abnormal/pathological status of physiological processes in the human organism can be characterized through Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) emitted in breath. Recently, a wide range of volatile analytes has risen as biomarkers. These compounds have been addressed in the scientific and medical communities as an extremely valuable metabolic window. Once collected and analysed, VOCs can represent a tool for a rapid, accurate, non-invasive, and painless diagnosis of several diseases and health conditions. These biomarkers are released by exhaled breath, urine, faeces, skin, and several other ways, at trace concentration levels, usually in the ppbv (μg/L) range. For this reason, the analytical techniques applied for detecting and clinically exploiting the VOCs are extremely important. The present work reviews the most promising results in the field of breath biomarkers and the most common methods of detection of VOCs. A total of 16 pathologies and the respective database of compounds are addressed. An updated version of the VOCs biomarkers database can be consulted at: https://neomeditec.com/VOCdatabase/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Catalão Moura
- Laboratory for Instrumentation, Biomedical Engineering and Radiation Physics (LIBPhys-UNL), NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon, Campus FCT-UNL, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Maria Raposo
- Laboratory for Instrumentation, Biomedical Engineering and Radiation Physics (LIBPhys-UNL), NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon, Campus FCT-UNL, Caparica, Portugal.
| | - Valentina Vassilenko
- Laboratory for Instrumentation, Biomedical Engineering and Radiation Physics (LIBPhys-UNL), NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon, Campus FCT-UNL, Caparica, Portugal.
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Chen HK, Chang YH, Sun CW, Wu MT, Chen ML, Wang SL, Hsieh CJ. Associations of urinary phthalate metabolites with household environments among mothers and their preschool-age children. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 262:115162. [PMID: 37352583 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Phthalates have become a matter of public health concern due to their extensive use worldwide and negative health effects. The evaluation of potential sources of phthalate exposure is crucial to design prevention strategies, especially for vulnerable populations. This study included 528 mother-child pairs in the Taiwan Mother Infant Cohort Study who were followed up at ages 3-6 years between 2016 and 2020. Each mother was interviewed by using a structured questionnaire containing questions on demographic characteristics and household environment factors, such as the use of plastic food packaging, residential visible mold, insecticide sprays, and electric mosquito repellents. Eleven phthalate metabolites were analyzed in urine samples simultaneously collected from the mother-child pairs. The phthalate metabolite urinary concentrations were higher among the children than among their mothers, except those of mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP) and mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP). Multiple linear regression analyses showed that urine samples collected during the summer showed higher concentrations of phthalate metabolites than those collected during the winter. Family income levels had negative associations with the concentrations of MnBP and metabolites of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) in children. The use of plastic food packaging was positively associated with mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP) and metabolites of DEHP in mothers. Residential visible mold or mold stains were significantly associated with higher MnBP and DEHP metabolite concentrations in children. The use of insecticide sprays was positively associated with MnBP concentrations in children. Significant associations between household environmental factors and phthalate exposure were mostly found in children, potentially indicating different exposure pathways between mothers and their children. Findings from this study provide additional information for the design of prevention strategies to protect the health of children and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsing-Kang Chen
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Psychiatry, Yuli Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Hualien, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yu-Hsun Chang
- Department of Pediatrics, Hualien Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan, ROC; School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chien-Wen Sun
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ming-Tsang Wu
- Research Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Family Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Mei-Lien Chen
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Shu-Li Wang
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Safety, Health, and Environmental Engineering, National United University, Miaoli, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Chia-Jung Hsieh
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Public Health, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan, ROC.
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8
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Kureshi RR, Thakker D, Mishra BK, Barnes J. From Raising Awareness to a Behavioural Change: A Case Study of Indoor Air Quality Improvement Using IoT and COM-B Model. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:3613. [PMID: 37050669 PMCID: PMC10098860 DOI: 10.3390/s23073613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The topic of indoor air pollution has yet to receive the same level of attention as ambient pollution. We spend considerable time indoors, and poorer indoor air quality affects most of us, particularly people with respiratory and other health conditions. There is a pressing need for methodological case studies focusing on informing households about the causes and harms of indoor air pollution and supporting changes in behaviour around different indoor activities that cause it. The use of indoor air quality (IAQ) sensor data to support behaviour change is the focus of our research in this paper. We have conducted two studies-first, to evaluate the effectiveness of the IAQ data visualisation as a trigger for the natural reflection capability of human beings to raise awareness. This study was performed without the scaffolding of a formal behaviour change model. In the second study, we showcase how a behaviour psychology model, COM-B (Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation-Behaviour), can be operationalised as a means of digital intervention to support behaviour change. We have developed four digital interventions manifested through a digital platform. We have demonstrated that it is possible to change behaviour concerning indoor activities using the COM-B model. We have also observed a measurable change in indoor air quality. In addition, qualitative analysis has shown that the awareness level among occupants has improved due to our approach of utilising IoT sensor data with COM-B-based digital interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rameez Raja Kureshi
- School of Computer Science, University of Hull, Kingston upon Hull HU6 7RX, UK; (R.R.K.); (B.K.M.)
| | - Dhavalkumar Thakker
- School of Computer Science, University of Hull, Kingston upon Hull HU6 7RX, UK; (R.R.K.); (B.K.M.)
| | - Bhupesh Kumar Mishra
- School of Computer Science, University of Hull, Kingston upon Hull HU6 7RX, UK; (R.R.K.); (B.K.M.)
| | - Jo Barnes
- Air Quality Management Resource Centre, University of the West of England, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK;
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Zhang Y, Xu N, Liu Z, Bai Y, Wu C, Guo Z. A Knudsen diffusion model for predicting VOC emissions from porous wood-based panels based on porosimetry tests. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:34598-34611. [PMID: 36513898 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24456-w] [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: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from porous wood-based panels with fractal structure severely pollute indoor environment. Different from previous studies which the diffusion type of VOC in building materials is attributed to Fick diffusion, VOC emission from porous wood-based panels belongs to Knudsen diffusion is firstly determined by comparing the pore diameter of internal channel with VOC molecular free path in this paper. Therefore, a time fractional mass transfer model related to the fractal dimension has been proposed to analyze Knudsen diffusion characteristics firstly. This model considers areal porosity has an impact on surface emission. Analytical solution of the present model is obtained for the first time. Furthermore, it is proved that the finite difference scheme is solvable, unconditionally stable, and convergent, and numerical simulation result and experimental data match well. Moreover, the influences of the fractal dimension df, areal porosity ε, and delay time parameter λ on VOC emission are demonstrated and analyzed; results suggest that the higher ε and df, and lower λ promote VOC emission, which can provide guidance for improving indoor air quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- School of Science Beijing, University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing, 100044, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Functional Materials for Building Structure and Environment Remediation, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing, 100044, China.
| | - Ning Xu
- School of Science Beijing, University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing, 100044, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Functional Materials for Building Structure and Environment Remediation, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Ziyan Liu
- Overseas Chinese College, Capital University of Economics and Business, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Yu Bai
- School of Science Beijing, University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing, 100044, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Functional Materials for Building Structure and Environment Remediation, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Chuandong Wu
- Department of Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Zhongbao Guo
- China Building Material Test & Certification Group Co., Ltd, Beijing, 100024, China
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10
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Cantera S, López M, Muñoz R, Lebrero R. Comparative evaluation of bacterial and fungal removal of indoor and industrial polluted air using suspended and packed bed bioreactors. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 308:136412. [PMID: 36108761 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The abatement of indoor volatile organic compounds (VOCs) represents a major challenge due to their environmental risk, wide nature and concentration variability. Biotechnologies represent a cost-effective, robust and sustainable platform for the treatment of hazardous VOCs at low and fluctuating concentrations. However, they have been scarcely implemented for indoor air purification. Thus, little is known about the influence of the reactor configuration or the VOC nature and concentration variability on the removal, resilience and the microbial population of bioreactor configurations susceptible to be implemented, both in indoors and industrial environments. The present study aims at comparing the removal performance of four VOCs with different hydrophobicity and molecular structure -acetone, n-hexane, α-pinene and toluene-at two inlet concentrations (5 and 400 mg m-3), which mimics the concentrations of contaminated indoor and industrial air. To this aim a stirred tank, flat biofilm and latex-based biocoated flat bioreactor were comparatively evaluated. The results demonstrated the superior performance of the stirred tank reactor for the removal of hydrophilic VOCs at high inlet concentrations, which achieved removals >99% for acetone and toluene. At low concentrations, the removal efficiencies of acetone, toluene and α-pinene were >97% regardless of the bioreactor configuration tested. The most hydrophobic gas, n-hexane, was more efficiently removed in the flat biofilm reactor without latex. The microbial community analyses showed that the presence of VOCs as the only carbon and energy source didn't promote the growth of dominant bacterial members and the populations independently evolved in each reactor configuration and operation mode. The fungal population was more diverse in the biofilm-based bioreactors, although, it was mainly dominated by uncultured fungi from the phylum Cryptomycota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Cantera
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research Center, the Netherlands
| | - Martino López
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid, 47011, Spain; Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid, 47011, Spain
| | - Raúl Muñoz
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid, 47011, Spain; Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid, 47011, Spain
| | - Raquel Lebrero
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid, 47011, Spain; Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid, 47011, Spain.
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11
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Ibrahim F, Samsudin EZ, Ishak AR, Sathasivam J. Hospital indoor air quality and its relationships with building design, building operation, and occupant-related factors: A mini-review. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1067764. [PMID: 36424957 PMCID: PMC9679624 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1067764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Indoor air quality (IAQ) has recently gained substantial traction as the airborne transmission of infectious respiratory disease becomes an increasing public health concern. Hospital indoor environments are complex ecosystems and strategies to improve hospital IAQ require greater appreciation of its potentially modifiable determinants, evidence of which are currently limited. This mini-review updates and integrates findings of previous literature to outline the current scientific evidence on the relationship between hospital IAQ and building design, building operation, and occupant-related factors. Emerging evidence has linked aspects of building design (dimensional, ventilation, and building envelope designs, construction and finishing materials, furnishing), building operation (ventilation operation and maintenance, hygiene maintenance, access control for hospital users), and occupants' characteristics (occupant activities, medical activities, adaptive behavior) to hospital IAQ. Despite the growing pool of IAQ literature, some important areas within hospitals (outpatient departments) and several key IAQ elements (dimensional aspects, room configurations, building materials, ventilation practices, adaptive behavior) remain understudied. Ventilation for hospitals continues to be challenging, as elevated levels of carbon monoxide, bioaerosols, and chemical compounds persist in indoor air despite having mechanical ventilation systems in place. To curb this public health issue, policy makers should champion implementing hospital IAQ surveillance system for all areas of the hospital building, applying interdisciplinary knowledge during the hospital design, construction and operation phase, and training of hospital staff with regards to operation, maintenance, and building control manipulation. Multipronged strategies targeting these important determinants are believed to be a viable strategy for the future control and improvement of hospital IAQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farha Ibrahim
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
- Training Management Division, Ministry of Health, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
| | - Ely Zarina Samsudin
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Razali Ishak
- Centre for Environmental Health and Safety, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Jeyanthini Sathasivam
- Public Health Division, Johor Health State Department, Ministry of Health, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
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12
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Justo Alonso M, Moazami TN, Liu P, Jørgensen RB, Mathisen HM. Assessing the indoor air quality and their predictor variable in 21 home offices during the Covid-19 pandemic in Norway. BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT 2022; 225:109580. [PMID: 36097587 PMCID: PMC9452402 DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.109580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
In this study, concentrations of pollutants: formaldehyde, carbon dioxide (CO2), and total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) and parameters: indoor room temperature and relative humidity (RH) were measured in 21 home offices for at least one week in winter in Trondheim, Norway. Eleven of these were measured again for the same duration in summer. Potentially explanatory variables of these parameters were collected, including building and renovation year, house type, building location, trickle vent status, occupancy, wood stove, floor material, pets, RH, and air temperature. The association between indoor air pollutants and their potential predictor variables was analyzed using generalized estimation equations to determine the significant parameters to control pollutants. Significantly seasonal differences in concentrations were observed for CO2 and formaldehyde, while no significant seasonal difference was observed for TVOC. For TVOC and formaldehyde, trickle vent, RH, and air temperature were among the most important predictor variables. Although higher concentrations of CO2 were measured in cases where the trickle vent was closed, the most important predictor variables for CO2 were season, RH, and indoor air temperature. The formaldehyde concentrations were higher outside working hours but mostly below health thresholds recommendations; for CO2, 11 of the measured cases had indoor concentrations exceeding 1000 ppm in 10% of the measured time. For TVOC, the concentrations were above the recommended values by WHO in 73% of the cases. RH was generally low in winter. The temperature was generally kept over the recommended level of 22-24 °C during working hours.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Justo Alonso
- Department of Energy and Process Engineering, NTNU, Kolbjørn Hejes v 1B, Trondheim, Norway
| | - T N Moazami
- Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management, NTNU, Sem Sælands vei 5, Trondheim, Norway
| | - P Liu
- Department: Architecture, Materials and Structures SINTEF Community, Høgskoleringen 13, Trondheim, Norway
| | - R B Jørgensen
- Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management, NTNU, Sem Sælands vei 5, Trondheim, Norway
| | - H M Mathisen
- Department of Energy and Process Engineering, NTNU, Kolbjørn Hejes v 1B, Trondheim, Norway
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13
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Bhadauria V, Parmar D, Ganguly R, Rathi AK, Kumar P. Exposure assessment of PM 2.5 in temple premises and crematoriums in Kanpur, India. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:38374-38384. [PMID: 35075564 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-18739-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Regular use of incense and earthen lamps in temples leads to the release of particulate matter (PM), airborne flecks, and gaseous pollutants. Similarly, the cremation of dead bodies using timber and other accessories such as incense, organic chemicals containing carbon, and clothes generates air pollutants. It is currently unclear how much emissions and exposure these activities may lead. This work attempts to fill this gap in our understanding by assessing the associated emissions of PM2.5 and the corresponding exposure. Ten temples and two cremation grounds were considered for the sampling of PM2.5. The average PM2.5 concentration at the ten temples and the two crematoriums was found to be 658.30 ± 112.63 µg/m3 and 1043.50 ± 191.63 µg/m3, respectively. The range of real-time PM2.5 data obtained from the nearest twelve stations located in the vicinity was 113-191 µg/m3. The exposure assessment in terms of deposition dose was carried out using the ICRP model. The maximum and minimum total respiratory deposition dose rate for PM2.5 for temples was 175.75 µg/min and 101.15 µg/min, respectively. For crematoriums, the maximum and minimum value of same was 252.3 µg/min and 194.31 µg/min, respectively, for an exposure period of 10 min.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal Bhadauria
- Department of Civil Engineering, Harcourt Butler Technical University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, 208002, India
| | - Dipteek Parmar
- Department of Civil Engineering, Harcourt Butler Technical University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, 208002, India.
| | - Rajiv Ganguly
- Department of Civil Engineering, Harcourt Butler Technical University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, 208002, India
| | - Abhinav Kumar Rathi
- Department of Civil Engineering, Harcourt Butler Technical University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, 208002, India
| | - Prashant Kumar
- Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK
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14
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Zuliani A, Bandelli D, Chelazzi D, Giorgi R, Baglioni P. Environmentally friendly ZnO/Castor oil polyurethane composites for the gas-phase adsorption of acetic acid. J Colloid Interface Sci 2022; 614:451-459. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2022.01.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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15
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Natarajan N, Vasudevan M, Dineshkumar SK, Nandhini SS, Balaganesh P. Effects of air pollution on monumental buildings in India: An overview. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:29399-29408. [PMID: 33893583 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-14044-9] [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: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Recent advancements in environmental monitoring and analysis have created public and institutional awareness on the social and health impacts of air pollution at public places of tourists' attraction. Monuments stand as the celebrated remnants of bygone representations in the social and cultural tradition of any civilised state. India, being one of the oldest and live civilisations, owns numerous places of historical evidences in the form of both constructed museums and living monuments such as temples and palaces. Continuous exposure to the emission of gaseous and particulate pollutants has made remarkable evidences of damage to the artefacts and monumental structures located in major cities of the world. The aim of this study is to present an overview of the scientific attempts pertaining to the evaluation of impacts of air pollution and other meteorological changes on the historical monuments in India in the context of the global scenario. It is observed that seasonal fluctuations in the outdoor climate and increased human activities in the vicinity of the museums have plausible impacts on the immediate changes in the indoor air quality. The variations in the outdoor air quality are greatly affected by the traffic emissions and industrial emissions, while the indoor air quality is mostly affected by the improper ventilation and lack of proper control measures. The study provides strategies for developing air quality standards for museum environment and proposes a few technical and administrative solutions to improve the air quality for indoor museums as well as outdoor monuments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narayanan Natarajan
- Department of Civil Engineering, Dr. Mahalingam College of Engineering and Technology, Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, 642003, India.
| | - Mangottiri Vasudevan
- Department of Civil Engineering, Bannari Amman Institute of Technology, Sathyamangalam, Tamil Nadu, 638402, India
| | - Senthil Kumar Dineshkumar
- Department of Civil Engineering, Dr. Mahalingam College of Engineering and Technology, Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, 642003, India
| | - Sivakkumar Shiva Nandhini
- Department of Civil Engineering, Bannari Amman Institute of Technology, Sathyamangalam, Tamil Nadu, 638402, India
| | - Pandiyan Balaganesh
- Department of Civil Engineering, Bannari Amman Institute of Technology, Sathyamangalam, Tamil Nadu, 638402, India
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16
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Indoor Air Quality in Healthcare Units—A Systematic Literature Review Focusing Recent Research. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14020967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The adequate assessment and management of indoor air quality in healthcare facilities is of utmost importance for patient safety and occupational health purposes. This study aims to identify the recent trends of research on the topic through a systematic literature review following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) methodology. A total of 171 articles published in the period 2015–2020 were selected and analyzed. Results show that there is a worldwide growing research interest in this subject, dispersed in a wide variety of scientific journals. A textometric analysis using the IRaMuTeQ software revealed four clusters of topics in the sampled articles: physicochemical pollutants, design and management of infrastructures, environmental control measures, and microbiological contamination. The studies focus mainly on hospital facilities, but there is also research interest in primary care centers and dental clinics. The majority of the analyzed articles (85%) report experimental data, with the most frequently measured parameters being related to environmental quality (temperature and relative humidity), microbiological load, CO2 and particulate matter. Non-compliance with the WHO guidelines for indoor air quality is frequently reported. This study provides an overview of the recent literature on this topic, identifying promising lines of research to improve indoor air quality in healthcare facilities.
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17
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Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic forced the accessibility, social gathering, lifestyle, and working environment to be changed to reduce the infection. Coronavirus spreads between people in several different ways. Small liquid particles (aerosols, respiratory droplets) from an infected person are transmitted through air and surfaces that are in contact with humans. Reducing transmission through modified heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and building design are potential solutions. A comprehensive review of the engineering control preventive measures to mitigate COVID-19 spread, healthy building design, and material was carried out. The current state-of-the-art engineering control preventive measures presented include ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI), bipolar ionization, vertical gardening, and indoor plants. They have potential to improve the indoor air quality. In addition, this article presents building design with materials (e.g., copper alloys, anti-microbial paintings) and smart technologies (e.g., automation, voice control, and artificial intelligence-based facial recognition) to mitigate the infections of communicable diseases.
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18
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Yuan Y, Guo RT, Hong LF, Lin ZD, Ji XY, Pan WG. Fabrication of a dual S-scheme Bi 7O 9I 3/g-C 3N 4/Bi 3O 4Cl heterojunction with enhanced visible-light-driven performance for phenol degradation. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 287:132241. [PMID: 34826928 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
S-scheme heterostructure can facilitate the separation of carriers while maintain outstanding redox capacity. A series of ternary Bi7O9I3/g-C3N4/Bi3O4Cl photocatalytic system was triumphantly synthesized via oil bath method in this work and used in photocatalytic degradation of phenol. The optimal TOC removal rate reached up to 93.57% under illumination for 160 min, which was slightly lower than phenol photodegradation (about 100%, 100 min). Correspondingly, the apparent rate constants for the decay of phenol are determined to be 0.0211 min-1. The experiment of free radical capture indicated that ·OH and ·O2- were the major oxidizing substances to degrade phenol. The products of phenol photodegradation were identified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and a possible degradation pathway was proposed. The characterization analysis and density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrated that dual S-scheme charge migration was generated at the interface of Bi7O9I3, g-C3N4 and Bi3O4Cl, contributing to an efficient separation of light-excited carriers. In the field of environmental remediation, the discovery of this work could open up promising vistas for designing bismuth-based ternary heterostructures with application potentiality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Yuan
- College of Energy and Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui-Tang Guo
- College of Energy and Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Power Generation Environment Protection, Shanghai, China.
| | - Long-Fei Hong
- College of Energy and Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Dong Lin
- College of Energy and Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang-Yin Ji
- College of Energy and Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Guo Pan
- College of Energy and Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Power Generation Environment Protection, Shanghai, China.
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19
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Indoor Environmental Quality Evaluation Strategy as an Upgrade (Renovation) Measure in a Historic Building Located in the Mediterranean Zone (Athens, Greece). APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app112110133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The assessment of indoor environmental quality in historic buildings converted to museums is a significant tool in deep energy renovation processes, as it provides insights for the microclimatic conditions in the interiors of the building where vast numbers of visitors walk every year and where artifacts that are vulnerable to pollution are exhibited. In this work, aiming to contribute to the development of an energy retrofitting protocol applied in the Mediterranean region (HAPPEN MedZeb protocol) for museums hosted in historic buildings by providing useful data, an experimental campaign to evaluate the indoor environmental quality of a museum housed in a historic building located in Athens took place from February 2019 to April 2021 and was divided into two periods. The findings revealed high concentrations of volatile organic compounds as well as poor thermal comfort levels since the sensors recorded low acceptable percentages of T values within the limits from 7 to 33% for the entire experimental period. Based on the findings, recommendations for retrofitting interventions are made.
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20
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Puławska A, Manecki M, Flasza M, Styszko K. Origin, distribution, and perspective health benefits of particulate matter in the air of underground salt mine: a case study from Bochnia, Poland. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2021; 43:3533-3556. [PMID: 33575968 PMCID: PMC8405481 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-021-00832-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The composition and distribution of airborne particles in different locations in a salt mine were determined in terms of their origin, the distance from the air inlet, and the adaptation of post-mining chambers and corridors for tourists and general audience. The composition of aerosols in air was also evaluated from the perspective of human health. Air samples were collected on filters by using portable air pumps, in a historical underground salt mine in Bochnia (Poland), which is currently a touristic and recreation attraction and sanatorium. The particulate matter (PM) concentration was determined using the gravimetric method by weighing quartz filters. The content of carbon, water-soluble constituents, trace elements, and minerals was also determined. A genetic classification of the suspended matter was proposed and comprised three groups: geogenic (fragments of rock salt and associated minerals from the deposit), anthropogenic (carbon-bearing particles from tourist traffic and small amounts of fly ash, soot, and rust), and biogenic particles (occasional pollen). The total PM concentration in air varied between 21 and 79 μg/m3 (with PM4 constituting 4-24 μg/m3). The amount of atmospheric dust components coming from the surface was low and decreased with the distance from the intake shaft, thus indicating the self-cleaning process. NaCl dominated the water-soluble constituents, while Fe, Al, Ag, Mn, and Zn dominated the trace elements, with the concentration of majority of them below 30 ng/m3. These metals are released into air from both natural sources and the wear or/and corrosion of mining and tourists facilities in the underground functional space. No potentially toxic elements or constituents were detected. The presence of salt particles and salty spray in the atmosphere of salt mine, which may have anti-inflammatory and antiallergic properties, is beneficial to human health. This study will allow for a broader look at the potential of halotherapy in underground salt mines from a medical and regulatory point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Puławska
- Department of Mineralogy, Petrography and Geochemistry, Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environmental Protection, AGH University of Science and Technology, Al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059, Kraków, Poland.
- Bochnia Salt Mine, ul. Campi 15, 32-700, Bochnia, Poland.
| | - Maciej Manecki
- Department of Mineralogy, Petrography and Geochemistry, Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environmental Protection, AGH University of Science and Technology, Al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059, Kraków, Poland
| | - Michał Flasza
- KGHM CUPRUM Ltd. R&D Centre, ul. Sikorskiego 2-8, 53-659, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Styszko
- Department of Coal Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Energy and Fuels, AGH University of Science and Technology, Al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059, Kraków, Poland
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21
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Lee UN, van Neel TL, Lim FY, Khor JW, He J, Vaddi RS, Ong AQW, Tang A, Berthier J, Meschke JS, Novosselov IV, Theberge AB, Berthier E. Miniaturizing Wet Scrubbers for Aerosolized Droplet Capture. Anal Chem 2021; 93:11433-11441. [PMID: 34379402 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c01296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Aerosols dispersed and transmitted through the air (e.g., particulate matter pollution and bioaerosols) are ubiquitous and one of the leading causes of adverse health effects and disease transmission. A variety of sampling methods (e.g., filters, cyclones, and impactors) have been developed to assess personal exposures. However, a gap still remains in the accessibility and ease-of-use of these technologies for people without experience or training in collecting airborne samples. Additionally, wet scrubbers (large non-portable industrial systems) utilize liquid sprays to remove aerosols from the air; the goal is to "scrub" (i.e., clean) the exhaust of industrial smokestacks, not collect the aerosols for analysis. Inspired by wet scrubbers, we developed a device fundamentally different from existing portable air samplers by using aerosolized microdroplets to capture aerosols in personal spaces (e.g., homes, offices, and schools). Our aerosol-sampling device is the size of a small teapot, can be operated without specialized training, and features a winding flow path in a supersaturated relative humidity environment, enabling droplet growth. The integrated open mesofluidic channels shuttle coalesced droplets to a collection chamber for subsequent sample analysis. Here, we present the experimental demonstration of aerosol capture in water droplets. An iterative study optimized the non-linear flow manipulating baffles and enabled an 83% retention of the aerosolized microdroplets in the confined volume of our device. As a proof-of-concept for aerosol capture into a liquid medium, 0.5-3 μm model particles were used to evaluate aerosol capture efficiency. Finally, we demonstrate that the device can capture and keep a bioaerosol (bacteriophage MS2) viable for downstream analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulri N Lee
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Box 351700, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Tammi L van Neel
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Box 351700, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Fang Yun Lim
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Box 351700, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Jian Wei Khor
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Box 351700, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Jiayang He
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Ravi S Vaddi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Angelo Q W Ong
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, 4225 Roosevelt Way NE, Suite 100, Seattle, Washington 98105, United States
| | - Anthony Tang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Jean Berthier
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Box 351700, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - John S Meschke
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, 4225 Roosevelt Way NE, Suite 100, Seattle, Washington 98105, United States
| | - Igor V Novosselov
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States.,Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, 4225 Roosevelt Way NE, Suite 100, Seattle, Washington 98105, United States.,Institute of Nano-Engineering Sciences, University of Washington, Box 351654, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Ashleigh B Theberge
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Box 351700, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States.,Department of Urology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Erwin Berthier
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Box 351700, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
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22
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Xie R, Xu Y, Yang J, Zhang S. Indoor air quality investigation of a badminton hall in humid season through objective and subjective approaches. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 771:145390. [PMID: 33545480 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the indoor air quality (IAQ) during humid season in an old badminton hall, to explore the IAQ characteristics of natural ventilated sports buildings for public use. The indoor air parameters (temperature, relative humidity and air velocity) and indoor air pollutants (CO2, TVOC, PM2.5 and PM10) were measured. A subjective approach was carried out through questionnaire survey. 185 valid questionnaires were recovered, and 68.7% of the participants had exercised. Results show that the indoor air qualities obtained through objective and subjective approaches were obviously different. Indoor PM, TVOC and CO2 concentrations were normal, but 37.3% of the participants complained about the building materials' smell and 73.5% of the participants reported obvious sweaty odor. Physical activity might reduce a person's sensitivity to the environment. The participants generally felt warm and hot because of the high relative humidity. Post-exercise participants felt significantly hotter than those who did not exercise, and were generally more receptive to IAQ. The method of Fanger was employed to narrow the gap between subjective and objective approaches with a modified parameter, and to furtherly estimate the ventilation. The present study demonstrates the necessity to combine two approaches together to assess the IAQ in sports buildings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoyi Xie
- Institute of Refrigeration and Cryogenics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yiyang Xu
- Huadong Engineering Corporation Limited, Power Construction Corporation of China, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinhui Yang
- Institute of Refrigeration and Cryogenics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shaozhi Zhang
- Institute of Refrigeration and Cryogenics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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23
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Revealing time's secrets at the National Theatre of Costa Rica via innovative software for cultural heritage research. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8560. [PMID: 33879843 PMCID: PMC8058347 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88066-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Establishing affordable, efficient, accessible, innovative, and multidisciplinary methodologies to the diagnosis of the conservation state of an artwork is key to carry out appropriate strategies of conservation and consequently to the creation of modern public policies on cultural heritage. Limited access to large-format paintings is a challenge to restoration scientists seeking to obtain information quickly, in a non-destructive and non-invasive manner, and identify regions of interest. Therefore, we put forward two unique software tools based on multispectral imaging techniques, with the long-term aim to assess the artist’s intentions, creative process, and colour palette. This development paves the way for a comprehensive and multidisciplinary understanding of the mysteries encompassed in each pictorial layer, through the study of their physical and chemical characteristics. We conducted the first ever study on Musas I and Musas II, two large-format paintings by Italian artist Carlo Ferrario, located in the National Theatre of Costa Rica. In this study, we used our novel imaging techniques to choose regions of interest in order to study sample layers; while also assessing the works’ state of conservation and possible biodeterioration. We explored the applications of our two versatile software tools, RegionOfInterest and CrystalDistribution, and confirmed paint stratigraphies by means of microscopy and spectroscopy analyses (OM, SEM-EDX, Fluorescent microscopy, FTIR-ATR and micro-Raman). In a pilot study, we identified the artist’s main colour palette: zinc white, lead white, chrome yellow, lead read, viridian, along with artificial vermilion and ultramarine pigments. We were able to identify artificial vermilion and ultramarine and distinguish them from the natural pigments using CrystalDistribution to map the average size and diameter of the pigment crystals within the paint layers. This study demonstrated that software-based multidisciplinary imaging techniques are novel in establishing preventive and non-invasive methods for historical painting conservation studies, in addition, this study provides tools with great potential to be used in the future in applications such as virtual restoration.
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24
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Kalender-Smajlović S, Dovjak M, Kukec A. Sick building syndrome among healthcare workers and healthcare associates at observed general hospital in Slovenia. Cent Eur J Public Health 2021; 29:28-37. [PMID: 33831284 DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a6108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the possible associations between self-perceived sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms among healthcare workers and healthcare associates and self-perceived parameters of indoor work environment quality. METHODS The cross-sectional study was conducted from February to April 2019. Validated standardized evaluation tools (MM 040 NA Hospital 2007 and MM 040 NA Office 2007) were used for estimating the prevalence of SBS among observed populations. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests for assessing possible associations in SBS symptoms between healthcare workers and associates were used. RESULTS The response rate was 69.8%. The results showed a lower prevalence of six or more SBS symptoms in healthcare associates (6.4%) compared to healthcare workers (12.0%). Healthcare workers perceived the most frequent risk factors for SBS to be poor air quality, an inappropriate level of relative humidity, and inappropriate room temperature, while the least frequently self-perceived risk factors were inappropriate lighting and noise levels. CONCLUSIONS This study represents a platform for further analyses - the identification of health risk factors with environmental monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mateja Dovjak
- Faculty of Civil and Geodetic Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Andreja Kukec
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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25
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Current State of Indoor Air Phytoremediation Using Potted Plants and Green Walls. ATMOSPHERE 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos12040473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Urban civilization has a high impact on the environment and human health. The pollution level of indoor air can be 2–5 times higher than the outdoor air pollution, and sometimes it reaches up to 100 times or more in natural/mechanical ventilated buildings. Even though people spend about 90% of their time indoors, the importance of indoor air quality is less noticed. Indoor air pollution can be treated with techniques such as chemical purification, ventilation, isolation, and removing pollutions by plants (phytoremediation). Among these techniques, phytoremediation is not given proper attention and, therefore, is the focus of our review paper. Phytoremediation is an affordable and more environmentally friendly means to purify polluted indoor air. Furthermore, studies show that indoor plants can be used to regulate building temperature, decrease noise levels, and alleviate social stress. Sources of indoor air pollutants and their impact on human health are briefly discussed in this paper. The available literature on phytoremediation, including experimental works for removing volatile organic compound (VOC) and particulate matter from the indoor air and associated challenges and opportunities, are reviewed. Phytoremediation of indoor air depends on the physical properties of plants such as interfacial areas, the moisture content, and the type (hydrophobicity) as well as pollutant characteristics such as the size of particulate matter (PM). A comprehensive summary of plant species that can remove pollutants such as VOCs and PM is provided. Sources of indoor air pollutants, as well as their impact on human health, are described. Phytoremediation and its mechanism of cleaning indoor air are discussed. The potential role of green walls and potted-plants for improving indoor air quality is examined. A list of plant species suitable for indoor air phytoremediation is proposed. This review will help in making informed decisions about integrating plants into the interior building design.
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Secular trends of urinary phthalate metabolites in 7-year old children and association with building characteristics: Hokkaido study on environment and children's health. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2021; 234:113724. [PMID: 33761429 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The widespread commercial production and use of phthalates as plasticizers in consumer products have led to significant human exposure. Some phthalates are known to disrupt the endocrine system and result in adverse health outcomes. As such, they have been regulated in materials used for children's items and food packages. In this study, we examined the secular trend of urinary phthalate metabolites in children and the association between metabolites and building characteristics. In total, 400 first-morning spot urine samples of 7 years old children collected from 2012 to 2017 from an ongoing birth cohort study were examined. Parents provided information on demographics and building questionnaires. We analyzed 10 urinary phthalate metabolites from five phthalate diesters using ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS): MiBP, MnBP, MBzP, MEHP, MEOHP, MEHHP, MECPP, MiNP, OH-MiNP, and cx-MiNP. A multivariable regression model with creatinine-corrected metabolite levels was applied to assess secular trends during 2012-2017. The association between metabolite levels and building characteristics was investigated using a mutual-adjusted linear regression. The metabolites MnBP, MEHP, MEOHP, MEHHP, MECPP, and OH-MiNP were detected in all samples. The highest median concentration was for MECPP 37.4 ng/mL, followed by MnBP and MEHHP at concentrations of 36.8 and 25.8 ng/mL, respectively. Overall, DBP, BBzP, and DINP metabolite concentrations in this study were comparable to or lower than those in previous studies from Japan and other countries in a similar study period. Higher concentrations of DEHP metabolites were observed in this study than in children from the USA and Germany, as per previous reports. Despite updated phthalate regulations and reports of production volume change in Japan, all the measured metabolites showed a stable trend between 2012 and 2017. Higher phthalate metabolite levels were observed among children from households with low annual income, those who lived in old buildings, and those with window opening habits of ≥1 h than ≤1 h. In contrast, children in houses that vacuumed 4 or more days/week showed a lower level of MnBP than those in houses that vacuumed ≤3 days/week. This study demonstrates that the internal exposure level of phthalates in Japanese children was stable from 2012 to 2017. Our findings suggest that phthalate exposure in children is consistent. Thus, improvements in the indoor environment, such as frequent vacuuming, may reduce exposure. Biomonitoring of phthalates is critical for elucidating their possible health effects and developing mitigation strategies.
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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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Tesauro M, Bruschi M, Filippini T, D'Alfonso S, Mazzini L, Corrado L, Consonni M, Vinceti M, Fusi P, Urani C. Metal(loid)s role in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Environmental, epidemiological, and genetic data. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 192:110292. [PMID: 33027627 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the motor system. The etiology is still unknown and the pathogenesis remains unclear. ALS is familial in the 10% of cases with a Mendelian pattern of inheritance. In the remaining sporadic cases, a multifactorial origin is supposed in which several predisposing genes interact with environmental factors. The etiological role of environmental factors, such as pesticides, exposure to electromagnetic fields, and metals has been frequently investigated, with controversial findings. Studies in the past two decades have highlighted possible roles of metals, and ionic homeostasis dysregulation has been proposed as the main trigger to motor-neuron degeneration. This study aims at evaluating the possible role of environmental factors in etiopathogenesis of ALS, with a particular attention on metal contamination, focusing on the industrial Briga area in the province of Novara (Piedmont region, North Italy), characterized by: i) a higher incidence of sporadic ALS (sALS) in comparison with the entire province, and ii) the reported environmental pollution. Environmental data from surface, ground and discharge waters, and from soils were collected and specifically analyzed for metal content. Considering the significance of genetic mechanisms in ALS, a characterization for the main ALS genes has been performed to evaluate the genetic contribution for the sALS patients living in the area of study. The main findings of this study are the demonstration that in the Briga area the most common metal contaminants are Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni (widely used in tip-plating processes), that are above law limits in surface waters, discharge waters, and soil. In addition, other metals and metalloids, such as Cd, Pb, Mn, and As show a severe contamination in the same area. Results of genetic analyses show that sALS patients in the Briga area do not carry recurrent mutations or an excess of mutations in the four main ALS causative genes (SOD1, TARDBP, FUS, C9ORF72) and for ATXN2 CAG repeat locus. This study supports the hypothesis that the higher incidence of sALS in Briga area may be related to environmental metal(loid)s contamination, along with other environmental factors. Further studies, implementing analysis of genetic polymorphisms, as well as investigation with long term follow-up, may yield to key aspects into the etiology of ALS. The interplay between different approaches (environmental, chemical, epidemiological, genetic) of our work provides new insights and methodology to the comprehension of the disease etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Tesauro
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Via C. Pascal, 36, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Bruschi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano - Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza, 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Tommaso Filippini
- CREAGEN-Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi, 287, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Sandra D'Alfonso
- Department of Health Sciences, CAAD, UPO University, Via Solaroli, 17, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Letizia Mazzini
- ALS Centre Department of Neurology, Maggiore della Carità University Hospital, Corso Mazzini, 18, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Lucia Corrado
- Department of Health Sciences, CAAD, UPO University, Via Solaroli, 17, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Michela Consonni
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Via C. Pascal, 36, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Vinceti
- CREAGEN-Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi, 287, 41125, Modena, Italy; Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, 715 Albany Street, MA 02118, USA
| | - Paola Fusi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza, 2, 20126, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Urani
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano - Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza, 1, 20133, Milan, Italy.
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Assessment of Indoor Benzene and Its Alkyl Derivatives Concentrations in Offices Belonging to University of Technology (Poland). ATMOSPHERE 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos12010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Indoor air contamination in office rooms is regarded as one of the most important issues in the protection of workers’ health, because contaminants, even those occurring at low concentrations, can cause health problems for the office staff in view of the long exposure time. This paper presents the results of measurements of benzene and its alkyl derivatives (toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes, styrene, and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene)—known indicators of human exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air in newly renovated offices at University of Technology (Upper Silesia, Poland). Monthly samples of indoor and outdoor air were collected during the years 2018–2019 by passive methods and analyzed by thermal desorption-gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (TD-GC/FID). In the first month of measurements average concentrations of the sum of five VOCs under consideration was 127.7 µg/m3, then in subsequent months between 15.1 µg/m3 to 87.3 µg/m3. The average concentration of carcinogenic benzene was below 1.5 μg/m3. Toluene had the highest concentration among studied VOCs, accounting for as high as 60% and 84% of the total indoor and outdoor VOCs, respectively. High indoor-to-outdoor (I/O) ratios for ethylbenzene (7.1), m,p-xylene (9.8), and styrene (12.5) indicate the dominant role of indoor sources.
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Ault AP, Grassian VH, Carslaw N, Collins DB, Destaillats H, Donaldson DJ, Farmer DK, Jimenez JL, McNeill VF, Morrison GC, O'Brien RE, Shiraiwa M, Vance ME, Wells JR, Xiong W. Indoor Surface Chemistry: Developing a Molecular Picture of Reactions on Indoor Interfaces. Chem 2020; 6:3203-3218. [PMID: 32984643 PMCID: PMC7501779 DOI: 10.1016/j.chempr.2020.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chemical reactions on indoor surfaces play an important role in air quality in indoor environments, where humans spend 90% of their time. We focus on the challenges of understanding the complex chemistry that takes place on indoor surfaces and identify crucial steps necessary to gain a molecular-level understanding of environmental indoor surface chemistry: (1) elucidate key surface reaction mechanisms and kinetics important to indoor air chemistry, (2) define a range of relevant and representative surfaces to probe, and (3) define the drivers of surface reactivity, particularly with respect to the surface composition, light, and temperature. Within the drivers of surface composition are the roles of adsorbed/absorbed water associated with indoor surfaces and the prevalence, inhomogeneity, and properties of secondary organic films that can impact surface reactivity. By combining laboratory studies, field measurements, and modeling we can gain insights into the molecular processes necessary to further our understanding of the indoor environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Ault
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Vicki H Grassian
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.,Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.,Department of Nanoengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Nicola Carslaw
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York, North Yorkshire YO10 5NG, UK
| | - Douglas B Collins
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3H6, Canada.,Department of Chemistry, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA 17837, USA
| | - Hugo Destaillats
- Indoor Environment Group, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - D James Donaldson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3H6, Canada.,Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - Delphine K Farmer
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Jose L Jimenez
- Department of Chemistry and Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES), University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - V Faye McNeill
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Glenn C Morrison
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Rachel E O'Brien
- Department of Chemistry, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA 23185, USA
| | - Manabu Shiraiwa
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Marina E Vance
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - J R Wells
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - Wei Xiong
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.,Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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Gumashta R, Bijlwan A. Public Health Threat Assessment of Vehicular Load Index-Induced Urban Air Pollution Indices Near Traffic Intersections In Central India. Cureus 2020; 12:e11142. [PMID: 33251052 PMCID: PMC7685812 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.11142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess traffic vehicular load, levels of various air pollutants, their correlation at selected traffic intersections of Bhopal city and to suggest suitable public health measures. METHODS A transverse study was conducted by convenience sampling with equated distribution among vehicular load-based large (Group1:G1: 10 TI), medium (Group2:G2: 5 TI), and small (Group3:G3: 5 TI) traffic-intersections (TI) through a systematic stratified random selection of study sites to assess traffic vehicle load index (VLI). RESULTS VLI,G1 (cumulative mean: 16.31; day-time (DT): 19.03, DT range 11.68-51.49; night-time (NT): 13.59, NT range 11.7-18.0), VLI,G2 (cumulative mean: 0.965; DT:0.971, DT range 08.56-11.67; NT: 0.960, NT range 07.54-11.39), and VLI,G3 (cumulative mean: 06.17; DT:06.08, DT range 04.12-06.86; NT: 06.27, NT range 03.74-07.53). There is a significant intergroup difference of the mean (G1 vs G2: p=0.03); (G1 vs G3: p=0.002); (G2 vs G3: p=0.003). The range of VLI is found to be wide within G1 (DT; 11.68-51.49; NT 11.7-18.00) as compared to narrow range in G2 (DT; 8.56-11.67; NT7.54-11.39) and G3 (DT; 4.12-6.86; NT 3.74-7.53). CONCLUSION High air pollution noted at TIs and associated exposure to unprotected commuters pose public-health risks. It has long-term health consequences requiring focused multidisciplinary preventive interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghvendra Gumashta
- Community Medicine, People's College of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bhopal, IND
| | - Aanchal Bijlwan
- Community Medicine, People's College of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bhopal, IND
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Marcelli A, Sebastianelli M, Conte A, Lucci F, Della Ventura G. Micro-climatic investigation and particulate detection in indoor environments: the case of the historical museum of Bersaglieri in Rome. RENDICONTI LINCEI. SCIENZE FISICHE E NATURALI 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12210-020-00935-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Martellini T, Berlangieri C, Dei L, Carretti E, Santini S, Barone A, Cincinelli A. Indoor levels of volatile organic compounds at Florentine museum environments in Italy. INDOOR AIR 2020; 30:900-913. [PMID: 32090381 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Indoor Air Quality monitoring in cultural institutions is of particular concern to protect these places and the cultural heritage content. An indoor monitoring campaign was performed in three museums in Florence (Italy) to determine the occurrence and levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs of interest included BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes), terpenes, aldehydes, organic acids, and cyclic volatile methyl siloxanes (cVMS). The most abundant VOCs in all samples analyzed were BTEX, which were strictly related to the traffic source, followed by siloxanes and terpenes. Among BTEX, toluene was always the most abundant followed by xylenes, ethylbenzene, and benzene. cVMS in exhibition rooms with the presence of visitors showed higher values compared to samples collected when the museums were closed. Terpenes showed not only the influence of vegetation-biogenic sources surrounding a museum but could also be related to the wood used for the construction of showcases and furniture and the use of cleaning products. Data obtained also showed the presence of organic acids and aldehydes whose source can be traced back to exhibits themselves and wood-based furniture. Assessing the levels of organic acids in museums is important because, over time, it can cause deterioration of the artifacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Martellini
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Berlangieri
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Center for Colloid and Surface Science (CSGI), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Luigi Dei
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Center for Colloid and Surface Science (CSGI), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Emiliano Carretti
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Center for Colloid and Surface Science (CSGI), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Saul Santini
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Angelica Barone
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cincinelli
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Center for Colloid and Surface Science (CSGI), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Vornanen-Winqvist C, Järvi K, Andersson MA, Duchaine C, Létourneau V, Kedves O, Kredics L, Mikkola R, Kurnitski J, Salonen H. Exposure to indoor air contaminants in school buildings with and without reported indoor air quality problems. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 141:105781. [PMID: 32417615 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Reported indoor air quality (IAQ) complaints are common even in relatively new or renovated school buildings in Finland. However, detecting the causes for complaints with commonly used indoor air measurements is difficult. This study presents data on perceived and measured IAQ in six comprehensive school buildings in Finland. The aim of this study was to discover the possible differences of perceived and measured IAQ between schools with reported IAQ complaints and schools without reported IAQ complaints. The initial categorisation of schools with ('problematic schools') and without ('comparison schools') complaints was ensured via a validated indoor climate survey and a recently developed online questionnaire, which were completed by 186 teachers and 1268 students from the six schools. IAQ measurements of physical parameters, gaseous pollutants, particulate matter and bioaerosols were conducted in four problematic school buildings (26 classrooms) and two comparison school buildings (12 classrooms). Using air sampling as well as exhaust air filters and classroom settled dust to detect the presence of elevated concentrations of airborne cultivable microbes and pathogenic, toxigenic and mycoparasitic Trichoderma strains were the most indicative methods in distinguishing problematic schools from comparison schools. Other IAQ-related measurements did not detect clear differences between problematic and comparison schools, as the concentration levels were very low. The results indicate that the complaints reported by occupants could have been related to excess moisture or mould problems that had not been found or repaired. Ventilation pressure condition investigations and simultaneous exhaust and supply air filter dust culture should be addressed precisely in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kati Järvi
- Aalto University, Department of Civil Engineering, PO Box 12100, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland
| | - Maria A Andersson
- Aalto University, Department of Civil Engineering, PO Box 12100, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland
| | - Caroline Duchaine
- Université Laval, Département de Biochimie, de Microbiologie et de Bio-informatique, 2325, rue de l'Université, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada; Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, 2725, chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec G1V 4G5, Canada
| | - Valérie Létourneau
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, 2725, chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec G1V 4G5, Canada
| | - Orsolya Kedves
- University of Szeged, Faculty of Science and Informatics, Department of Microbiology, Közép fasor 52, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - László Kredics
- University of Szeged, Faculty of Science and Informatics, Department of Microbiology, Közép fasor 52, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Raimo Mikkola
- Aalto University, Department of Civil Engineering, PO Box 12100, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland
| | - Jarek Kurnitski
- Aalto University, Department of Civil Engineering, PO Box 12100, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland; Tallinn University of Technology, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Ehitajate tee 5, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Heidi Salonen
- Aalto University, Department of Civil Engineering, PO Box 12100, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland
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Gola M, Settimo G, Capolongo S. How Can Design Features and Other Factors Affect the Indoor Air Quality in Inpatient Rooms? Check-Lists for the Design Phase, Daily Procedures and Maintenance Activities for Reducing the Air Concentrations of Chemical Pollution. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E4280. [PMID: 32549333 PMCID: PMC7344858 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17124280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is one of main topics of Public Health on which international institutions and countries are taking action. With regards to healing architectures, several studies have reported data analysis and case studies to improve users' health (patients, and medical and administrative staffs), but there are not enough regarding volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Regarding chemical pollution of indoor air, the Scientific Community has highlighted that there are several factors that affect the IAQ, in particular the design and management, and energetic efficiency, of inpatient wards. Several stakeholders, from the designers to the managers, are responsible for the indoor air in healing environments. Supported by analysis of the State of the Art and the main factors that influence the heterogeneous scenario of inpatient wards, the paper presents three check-lists, designed for supporting the stakeholders during the design phase, or for the daily procedures and maintenance activities, for pre-assessment of factors that affect chemical pollution, and for the definition of strategies to be applied. In fact, in such environments IAQ assumes a particular meaning and importance, both for the vulnerability of the patients and for the long time spent by the sanitary staff. The multidisciplinary approach emphasizes the continuous need for interdisciplinary knowledge and skills aimed at finding solutions able to protect users' health status (including patients, workers and visitors), especially in the field of the indoor air issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Gola
- Architecture, Built environment and Construction engineering Dept, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Gaetano Settimo
- Environment and Health Dept, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Stefano Capolongo
- Architecture, Built environment and Construction engineering Dept, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy;
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Dey S, Nag S, Santra S, Ray SK, Guha PK. Voltage-controlled NiO/ZnO p-n heterojunction diode: a new approach towards selective VOC sensing. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2020; 6:35. [PMID: 34567649 PMCID: PMC8433462 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-020-0139-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Metal oxide resistive gas sensors suffer from poor selectivity that restricts their practical applicability. Conventional sensor arrays are used to improve selectivity which increased the system complexity. Here, we have proposed a novel NiO/ZnO-based p-n junction single-diode device for selective sensing of several volatile organic compounds (VOCs) simultaneously by tuning bias voltage. The operating voltage was varied between 3 and 5 volts to achieve selective sensing of 2-propanol (19.1 times for 95 ppm with response and recovery times of 70 s and 55 s respectively' at 3 volts), toluene (20.1 times for 95 ppm with response and recovery times of 100 s and 60 s respectively, at 4 volts), and formaldehyde (11.2 times for 95 ppm with response and recovery times of 88 s and 54 s respectively, at 5 volts). A probable mechanism of the tunable selectivity with operating bias voltage due to increase in surface carriers with increasing voltage was hence put forth. Thus, this device may play an important role to develop future selective multiple VOC sensor thereby replacing standard sensor arrays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayan Dey
- Department of Electronics & Electrical Communication Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, 721302 India
| | - Swati Nag
- Department of Electrical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Agartala, 99046 India
| | - Sumita Santra
- Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, 721302 India
- Department of Physics, Belda College, Belda, 721424 India
| | - Samit Kumar Ray
- Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, 721302 India
- S N Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Kolkata, 700106 India
| | - Prasanta Kumar Guha
- Department of Electronics & Electrical Communication Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, 721302 India
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Gawande S, Tiwari RR, Narayanan P, Bhadri A. Indoor Air Quality and Sick Building Syndrome: Are Green Buildings Better than Conventional Buildings? Indian J Occup Environ Med 2020; 24:30-32. [PMID: 32435112 PMCID: PMC7227732 DOI: 10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_148_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Indoor air quality (IAQ) influences human health, productivity and wellness. Green buildings are believed to have better IAQ. The 'sick building syndrome' (SBS) describes a set of nonspecific symptoms experienced by occupants due to time spent in a building with poor IAQ. Thus this study was undertaken to assess the IAQ in green buildings and compare it with that of conventional buildings. The prevalence of SBS in both types of buildings is also studied. In five pairs of green and conventional buildings measurements of comfort parameters (temperature & relative humidity) and indoor air pollutants using monitors was done. 148 employees which included 84 from green buildings and 64 from conventional buildings were surveyed for SBS using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The analysis was done using SPSS16 and included Mann Whitney for IAQ pollutant concentrations and Chi-square for the SBS prevalence. Similar indoor air quality was found in both types of buildings. The mean of temperature, CO2 and formaldehyde was statistically lower in green buildings. The SBS prevalence was found to be 38.1% in green buildings and 53.1% in conventional buildings. Thus to conclude the poorly maintained green building does not have any added advantage for occurrence of SBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonal Gawande
- Department of Public Health, Manipal University, Madhav Nagar, Near Tiger Circle, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Rajnarayan R Tiwari
- ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, KNH Building, GMC Campus, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Prakash Narayanan
- Department of Public Health, Manipal University, Madhav Nagar, Near Tiger Circle, Manipal, Karnatakaa, India
| | - Ashwin Bhadri
- Department of Research, Equinox Labs, ThaneBelapur Rd, Sector 8, MIDC Industrial Area, Rabale, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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The Relevance of Indoor Air Quality in Hospital Settings: From an Exclusively Biological Issue to a Global Approach in the Italian Context. ATMOSPHERE 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos11040361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In the context of the architectures for health, it is an utmost priority to operate a regular and continuous updating of quality, efficacy, and efficiency’s processes. In fact, health promotion and prevention take place through a proper management and design of healing spaces, in particular with regard to the most sensitive users. In recent decades, there has been increasing attention to indoor air quality in healthcare facilities. Nowadays, this issue must involve the implementation of a series of appropriate interventions, with a global approach of prevention and reduction of risk factors on users’ health, which allows, in addition to a correct management of hospital settings, the realization of concrete actions. To date, in Italy, despite the indoor air being taken in consideration in numerous activities and studies aimed at understanding both building hygiene and environmental aspects, the greatest difficulty is strongly related to the absence of an integrated national policy. The scope of the paper is to underline the relevance of indoor air quality in hospital settings, highlighting the need of procedures, protocols, and tools for strengthening and improving interventions for health prevention, protection, and promotion of users.
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Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Emissions from a Personal Care Polymer-Based Item: Simulation of the Inhalation Exposure Scenario Indoors under Actual Conditions of Use. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12072577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Polymer-based items may release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and odors indoors, contributing to the overall VOC inhalation exposure for end users and building occupants. The main objective of the present study is the evaluation of short-term inhalation exposure to VOCs due to the use of a personal care polymer-based item, namely, one of three electric heating bags, through a strategic methodological approach and the simulation of a ‘near-to-real’ exposure scenario. Seventy two-hour test chamber experiments were first performed to characterize VOC emissions with the items on ‘not-heating mode’ and to derive related emission rates. The polyester bag was revealed to be responsible for the highest emissions both in terms of total VOC and naphthalene emissions (437 and 360 µg/m3, respectively), compared with the other two bags under investigation. Complementary investigations on ‘heating mode’ and the simulation of the exposure scenario inside a 30 m3 reference room allowed us to highlight that the use of the polyester bag in the first life-cycle period could determine a naphthalene concentration (42 µg/m3) higher than the reference Lowest Concentration of Interest (LCI) value (10 µg/m3) reported in European evaluation schemes. The present study proposes a strategic methodological approach highlighting the need for the simulation of a realistic scenario when potential hazards for human health need to be assessed.
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Fahad Alomirah H, Moda HM. Assessment of Indoor Air Quality and Users Perception of a Renovated Office Building in Manchester. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17061972. [PMID: 32192148 PMCID: PMC7143121 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17061972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Building renovations can adversely affect building occupants through the release of biological contaminants, gases and particulates. In this study, the research aim was to monitor the air quality of a renovated building and assess the impact of sick building syndrome (SBS) on the occupants. Post occupancy monitoring of the building was carried out after two months occupancy for the following environmental parameters: airborne microflora using an air sampler (SAS super 180) and a hand-held monitoring device (Graywolf advance sense IQ-610) to measure total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), CO2, CO and temperature and relative humidity in each office environment. In addition, an online (Qualtrics) structured questionnaire was used to assess occupants’ perceptions of the indoor environment. Results of the airborne flora showed 833 cfu/m3 recovered on a Malt Extract Agar (MEA) plate in the morning and 1213 cfu/m3 in the afternoon. A similar result was noticed on a Plate Count Agar (PCA) plate during the morning period (731 cfu/m3) and afternoon (1358 cfu/m3). Results of TVOC monitored over one week showed that the first two days of monitoring had a high reading that peaked at 10,837 ppb and that the CO2 concentration during that period was 1163 ppm. Online questionnaire analysis indicates that a majority of the staff who took part in the survey experienced some form of health abnormality, including headache, shortness of breath, itchy eyes/ears, loss of concentration and so on, especially in the first few weeks of returning to the office. The results from the study indicate that a large proportion (41%) of the respondents experienced thermal discomfort as a result of varying room temperature during their working hours. A high number of female participants experienced some form of SBS as compared to their male counterparts. The study findings show a direct relationship between high airborne mold counts, TVOC and adverse staff health perception of the building. The study raised a number of opportunities for estate managers to improve building performance based on occupants’ preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haya Fahad Alomirah
- College of Health Sciences, Shawaik, P.O. Box 1983, Safat 13020, Kuwait;
- Department of Health Professions, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M15 6BG, UK
| | - Haruna Musa Moda
- Department of Health Professions, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M15 6BG, UK
- Correspondence:
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Atti Le giornate della ricerca scientificae delle esperienze professionali dei giovani: Società Italiana di Igiene, Medicina Preventiva e Sanità Pubblica (SItI) Roma 20-21 dicembre 2019. JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND HYGIENE 2020; 60:E1-E85. [PMID: 32258536 PMCID: PMC7105054 DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2019.60.4s3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Abstract
Human health is dependent on the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) of residential and public buildings, where people spend a substantial amount of time. Part of IAQ parameters, like temperature or humidity influence the thermal comfort of users, whereas too high carbon dioxide concentration (CO2) could cause various complaints or diseases. In buildings like offices and schools, where we have a brush with a high density of users, the main source of CO2 is simply people. The type of their activity brings higher or lower carbon dioxide gains, that must be taken into account to design and properly use room ventilation, allowing recommended CO2 levels not to be exceeded. This paper presents an approach to marking human CO2 generation off by using an experimental method. The method was verified based on measuring results of six test series conducted in different types of rooms at Bialystok University of Technology (Poland) during lectures, meetings, projects and laboratories. Carbon dioxide gains were comparable with an average value of 0.0045 L/s, which corresponds to theoretical CO2 generation rates that are symptomatic of males and females, between 16 and 30 years old, with low physical activity.
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Nanoparticle Behaviour in an Urban Street Canyon at Different Heights and Implications on Indoor Respiratory Doses. ATMOSPHERE 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos10120772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The amount of outdoor particles that indoor environments receive depends on the particle infiltration factors (Fin), peculiar of each environment, and on the outdoor aerosol concentrations and size distributions. The respiratory doses received, while residing indoor, will change accordingly. This study aims to ascertain to what extent such doses are affected by the vertical distance from the traffic sources. Particle number size distributions have been simultaneously measured at street level and at about 20 m height in a street canyon in downtown Rome. The same Fin have been adopted to estimate indoor aerosol concentrations, due to the infiltration of outdoor particles and then the relevant daily respiratory doses. Aerosol concentrations at ground floor were more than double than at 20 m height and richer in ultrafine particles. Thus, although aerosol infiltration efficiency was on average higher at 20 m height than at ground floor, particles more abundantly infiltrated at ground level. On a daily basis, this involved a 2.5-fold higher dose at ground level than at 20 m height. At both levels, such doses were greater than those estimated over the period of activity of some indoor aerosol sources; therefore, they represent an important contribution to the total daily dose.
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Suarez H, Ramirez A, Bueno-Alejo CJ, Hueso JL. Silver-Copper Oxide Heteronanostructures for the Plasmonic-Enhanced Photocatalytic Oxidation of N-Hexane in the Visible-NIR Range. MATERIALS 2019; 12:ma12233858. [PMID: 31766651 PMCID: PMC6926640 DOI: 10.3390/ma12233858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are recognized as hazardous contributors to air pollution, precursors of multiple secondary byproducts, troposphere aerosols, and recognized contributors to respiratory and cancer-related issues in highly populated areas. Moreover, VOCs present in indoor environments represent a challenging issue that need to be addressed due to its increasing presence in nowadays society. Catalytic oxidation by noble metals represents the most effective but costly solution. The use of photocatalytic oxidation has become one of the most explored alternatives given the green and sustainable advantages of using solar light or low-consumption light emitting devices. Herein, we have tried to address the shortcomings of the most studied photocatalytic systems based on titania (TiO2) with limited response in the UV-range or alternatively the high recombination rates detected in other transition metal-based oxide systems. We have developed a silver-copper oxide heteronanostructure able to combine the plasmonic-enhanced properties of Ag nanostructures with the visible-light driven photoresponse of CuO nanoarchitectures. The entangled Ag-CuO heteronanostructure exhibits a broad absorption towards the visible-near infrared (NIR) range and achieves total photo-oxidation of n-hexane under irradiation with different light-emitting diodes (LEDs) specific wavelengths at temperatures below 180 °C and outperforming its thermal catalytic response or its silver-free CuO illuminated counterpart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Suarez
- Institute of Nanoscience of Aragon (INA) and Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, C/Poeta Mariano Esquillor, s/n; Campus Rio Ebro, Edificio I+D, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Adrian Ramirez
- Institute of Nanoscience of Aragon (INA) and Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, C/Poeta Mariano Esquillor, s/n; Campus Rio Ebro, Edificio I+D, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
- KAUST Catalysis Center (KCC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), 23955 Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Carlos J. Bueno-Alejo
- Institute of Nanoscience of Aragon (INA) and Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, C/Poeta Mariano Esquillor, s/n; Campus Rio Ebro, Edificio I+D, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
- Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose L. Hueso
- Institute of Nanoscience of Aragon (INA) and Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, C/Poeta Mariano Esquillor, s/n; Campus Rio Ebro, Edificio I+D, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
- Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Aragon (ICMA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC-University of Zaragoza), 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
- Correspondence:
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Gola M, Settimo G, Capolongo S. Chemical Pollution in Healing Spaces: The Decalogue of the Best Practices for Adequate Indoor Air Quality in Inpatient Rooms. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E4388. [PMID: 31717633 PMCID: PMC6888153 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16224388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is one of the main topics in which governments are focusing. In healthcare facilities, several studies have reported data analysis and case studies to improve users' health. Nowadays, although many studies have been conducted related to the biological and physical risks, the chemical risks have been less investigated and only in some specific functional areas of the hospitals. Starting from some systematic reviews and research works, this paper aims to list the best healthy practices for an adequate IAQ in inpatient wards. In particular, the decalogue lists the strategies related to chemical pollution, starting from design and management, with a focus on (a) localization of hospitals and inpatient rooms, (b) hospital room, (c) microclimatic parameters, (d) ventilation systems, (e) materials and finishing, (f) furniture and equipment, (g) cleaning products and activities, (h) maintenance and (i) management activities, and (l) users and workers. The multidisciplinary approach emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary knowledge and skills aimed to find solutions able to protect users' health status. The design and management decision-making, ranging from the adequate choices of construction site and hospital exposure, finishing materials, cleaning and maintenance activities, etc., which can affect the IAQ must be carried out based on scientific research and data analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Gola
- Architecture, Built environment and Construction engineering Dept., Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Gaetano Settimo
- Environment and Health Dept., Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Stefano Capolongo
- Architecture, Built environment and Construction engineering Dept., Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy;
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Abstract
Purpose
Several countries have carried out air quality monitoring in professional workplaces where chemicals are used. Health-care spaces have been less investigated. This paper aims to define a protocol, as developed by a research group, for inpatient rooms to understand the state of the art and to suggest design and management strategies for improving process quality.
Design/methodology/approach
Starting from the ISO-16000 standard and guidelines for monitoring activities, a protocol is defined for a one year investigation, with passive samplers. Through data analysis of the investigations and analysis of the cleaning and finishing products, heating, ventilation and air conditioning and maintenance activities, etc., it is possible to highlight the potential influences of chemical pollution.
Findings
A methodology is defined for understanding the chemical pollution and the possible factors related to construction materials, cleaning products and maintenance activities.
Research limitations/implications
The paper analyzes only a limited number of case studies because the monitoring activity is still in progress.
Practical implications
The investigation offers a starting point for a wide tool for the definition of design, maintenance and management strategies in health-care facilities.
Social implications
The research project, aimed at improving the knowledge of indoor air quality (IAQ) in inpatient rooms, is a starting point for a supporting tool for future regulations concerning health-care facilities.
Originality/value
IAQ is an issue on which many governments are focusing. Several health-care researchers have reported studies that aim at improving users’ health. Most investigations are about biological and physical risks, but chemical risks have been less studied. The paper suggests some design and management strategies for inpatient room.
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Li YC, Tseng WC, Hsieh NH, Chen SC. Assessing the seasonality of occupancy number-associated CO 2 level in a Taiwan hospital. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:16422-16432. [PMID: 30980378 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-05084-3] [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: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This study enabled the assessment of indoor CO2 levels and evaluated the relationship between occupancy numbers with CO2 levels in a Taiwan hospital. The measurements were conducted over four seasons for five working days (Monday to Friday), with sampling conducted simultaneously from 09:00 am to 5:00 pm and across six locations (for spatial variability): hall (H), registration and cashier (RC), waiting area (WA), occupational therapy room (OT), physical therapy room (PT), and outdoors (O). Based on the analysis, three of the five indoor sampling sites showed significant differences in seasonal CO2 concentrations (p < 0.0001). Based on our result, the physical therapy room had the highest level of CO2 concentration that exceeded the IAQ standard in Taiwan Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in all seasons, in that the number of occupants contributing to nearly 40% of the variation in CO2 measured. Our results also showed that the indoor/outdoor (I/O) ratios of CO2 concentration for all locations and seasons exceeded 1 in ~ 100% of those locations. The median I/O ratio at sites WA and OT was 2.37 and 2.08 during four seasons, respectively. The highest median I/O ratio was found at site PT, with a calculated range of 2.69 in spring to 3.90 in fall. The highest correlation of occupancy number and CO2 concentration also occurred in PT which correlation coefficients were estimated at 0.47, 0.65, 0.63, and 0.40 in spring, summer, fall, and winter. The findings of the present study can be used to understand occupancy number and its effect on CO2 levels in a hospital environment, as well as the effect of time of day (Monday to Friday) on the number of patients admitted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chen Li
- Department of Public Health, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, 40201, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Department of Infection Control Center, Yuan Rung Hospital, Changhua, 51045, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Wen-Chang Tseng
- Department of Public Health, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, 40201, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Nan-Hung Hsieh
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77845, USA
| | - Szu-Chieh Chen
- Department of Public Health, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, 40201, Taiwan, Republic of China.
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 40201, Taiwan, Republic of China.
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Gola M, Settimo G, Capolongo S. Indoor Air Quality in Inpatient Environments: A Systematic Review on Factors that Influence Chemical Pollution in Inpatient Wards. JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE ENGINEERING 2019; 2019:8358306. [PMID: 30937154 PMCID: PMC6415317 DOI: 10.1155/2019/8358306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Indoor air quality is one the main issues in which governments are focusing. In healing spaces, several research studies are reporting a growing number of data analysis and research works in order to guarantee and prevent health of users and workers. Currently the main investigations are about biological and physical risks; otherwise chemical ones are less investigated. Several countries are carrying out indoor air quality monitoring in those professional workplaces in which chemicals are used but also in some typically indoor (generic) spaces for the building hygiene assessment. The indoor air is affected by several factors that currently are analyzed punctually, without a whole scenario of all the variable performances. The authors have done a systematic review on the current state of the art and knowledge related to chemical pollution in healing spaces and the emerging strategies, supported by scientific literature, for healthy inpatient rooms and their indoor air. Methodology The systematic review has been done through the analysis of papers from SCOPUS, DOAJ, and PubMed databases. The survey sample considered 483 scientific articles, between 1989 and 2017, and starting the systematic reading and analysis of the abstracts, only 187 scientific papers were selected, and only 96 were accessible. Discussion Since scientific literature reports very different outputs and results, the resulting work from the survey is divided into specific fields of interest related to construction and finishing materials, installations, components, ventilation systems, processes, etc. Starting from the systematic reading, the paper classifies the factors of indoor air in four macroareas: outdoor air and microclimatic factors (temperature, relative humidity, air velocity, air change, etc.); management activities (management and maintenance activities, ventilation systems, HVAC, cleaning and disinfectant activities, etc.); design factors (room dimensions, furniture, finishing materials, etc.); and human presence and medical activities (users' presence, their health status, and medical activities carried out in inpatient rooms). Conclusion The systematic review gives rise to a broad scenario on the existing knowledge regarding the indoor air pollution, design, and management strategies for healthy spaces and several emerging topics. Although the aim of the investigation is strictly related to chemical pollution, several considerations from the biological point of view have been listed. The systematic review, supported by the existing scientific literature, becomes a starting point for considering the importance of the topic and to stimulate the knowledge around this field of interest for improving studies, analysis, and simulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Gola
- Department of Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering (dept. ABC), Politecnico di Milano, Via G. Ponzio 31, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Gaetano Settimo
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Capolongo
- Department of Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering (dept. ABC), Politecnico di Milano, Via G. Ponzio 31, 20133 Milan, Italy
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Manigrasso M, Protano C, Astolfi ML, Massimi L, Avino P, Vitali M, Canepari S. Evidences of copper nanoparticle exposure in indoor environments: Long-term assessment, high-resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy evaluation, in silico respiratory dosimetry study and possible health implications. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 653:1192-1203. [PMID: 30759559 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.11.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
A variety of appliances operated by brush electric motors, widely used in indoor environments, emit nanoparticles (NPs). Due to electric arc discharge during the operation of such motors, some NPs contain copper (Cu). Their dimensions are the same of those found in brain tissue samples by other authors who speculated their possible translocation to brain through olfactory bulb. Cu has been reported to play an important role in the etiopathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Thus, the present study was performed to 1. estimate by means of Multiple-Path Particle Dosimetry model the doses of NPs released by electric appliances that can potentially deposit on the olfactory bulb; 2. investigate the morphology and the composition of particles emitted by some electric appliances daily used in indoor environments; 3. monitor for a long time period the Cu contamination of indoor environments due to this kind of appliances. About 106-107 NPs deposit on the olfactory bulb during the operation (1.5-6 min) of such appliances, with a major contribution due to 10-20 nm NPs. HR-FESEM characterization confirmed the presence of such NPs, that were observed both as individual particles (20-40 nm) and aggregated to form particles in the μm sizes range. XEDS microanalysis revealed the presence of Cu together with other elements. Relevant daily contamination of indoor environments due to these appliances has been confirmed by monitoring throughout a year the Cu content of PM10 samples collected both indoor and outdoor private dwellings. Cu was present in great part as an insoluble form. This means that, following protracted exposure, Cu NPs of such origin may undergo tissue accumulation. This is cause of concern because general population is chronically exposed to such Cu nanoparticles in indoor environments and in view of the role assigned to Cu in the development of neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Manigrasso
- Department of Technological Innovations, INAIL, Via IV Novembre 144, 00187 Rome, Italy.
| | - Carmela Protano
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Astolfi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University, P.le Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Massimi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University, P.le Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Pasquale Avino
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences (DiAAA), University of Molise, via De Sanctis, I-86100 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Matteo Vitali
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Canepari
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University, P.le Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
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