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Khalifa AA, Alalaiwat D, Khan E. Phytoremediation of formaldehyde by three selected non-native indoor plant species. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION 2024; 26:1802-1814. [PMID: 38825846 DOI: 10.1080/15226514.2024.2357635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Formaldehyde is an organic volatile compound and a commonly used chemical in various construction materials thus causing dwellers to be exposed to it inside a building. Its remediation from indoor air has been carried out through various techniques where potted plants and living walls are at the front foot. It is necessary to study plants under various conditions for their efficiency. We selected three plant species Epipremnum aureum, Chlorophytum comosum, and Spathiphyllum wallisii non-native of Bahrain. These plants were tested under normal conditions in a sealed fumigation box where formaldehyde concentration was kept ∼3 ppm, CO2 ∼ 450 ppm, light intensity 1000 Lx (equal to 13.5 µmol.m-2.s-1), irrigated with tap water. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) statistical method was performed to test the significant differences of purification efficiencies of the tested indoor plants against HCHO. In addition, the statistical method was used to test the significant difference, if any, of the plants to CO2 emission because of absorbing HCHO. The physical health of plants and their short-term remediation ability reveals that all plants exhibited up to 70% remediation potential and tolerance to remediate the target chemical. It is evident that the impact of local environmental factors on the plants is negligible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abeer Ahmed Khalifa
- Environment and Sustainable Development, College of Science, University of Bahrain, Main Campus Sakhir, Zallaq, Kingdom of Bahrain
- Department of Architecture and Interior Design, College of Engineering, University of Bahrain, Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain
| | - Dalal Alalaiwat
- Department of Math and Science, College of Engineering, University of Technology Bahrain, Salmabad, Kingdom of Bahrain
| | - Ezzat Khan
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Bahrain, Main Campus Sakhir, Zallaq, Kingdom of Bahrain
- Department of Chemistry, University of Malakand, Totakan, Pakistan
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Jiang J, Irga P, Coe R, Gibbons P. Effects of indoor plants on CO2 concentration, indoor air temperature and relative humidity in office buildings. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305956. [PMID: 39018258 PMCID: PMC11253968 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
This experimental study investigates the influence of indoor plants on three aspects of air quality in office spaces: relative humidity, indoor air temperature, and carbon dioxide concentration. Employing a Latin square design, we rotated three different treatments across three offices over six time periods. These treatments included a control (no plants), a low-volume treatment (five plants), and a high-volume treatment (eighteen plants) of Nephrolepis exaltata (Boston fern). Air quality parameters were continuously monitored at five-minute intervals using Trace Gas Analyzers. Generalised linear mixed modelling (GLMM) was employed to examine the effect of each treatment on relative humidity, indoor air temperature and CO2 concentration. We observed a significant positive correlation between the number of indoor plants and relative humidity levels. In offices without any plants, the median relative humidity was 29.1%. This increased to 38.9% in offices with 5 plants and further to 49.2% in offices with 18 plants. However, we did not find significant associations between the number of indoor plants and indoor air temperature or corrected CO2 concentration. Our research provides support for the use of indoor plants to increase relative humidity, which can have health benefits in dry climates, but does not provide support for using indoor plants to regulate indoor air temperatures or CO2 concentration in office environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junzhiwei Jiang
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Peter Irga
- Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Robert Coe
- Stacked Farm, Arundel, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Philip Gibbons
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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Chen Z, Orobio de Castro B, Liu G. Does daily nature exposure enhance children's self-worth and positive feelings? An experience sampling study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38972014 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2024.2376238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Previous studies suggest that nature exposure has positive effects on children's cognitive performance and well-being . However, inconsistent evidence was found for effects on children's self-worth and feelings. These inconsistencies may be resolved by studying children's actual exposure and experiences in detail. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the effect of daily nature exposure on children's self-worth and feelings with an experience sampling method. Sixty-six third graders (29 girls, mean age = 9.04 years) participated two to three times per day consecutively for 9 days. The resulting 1199 observations were analyzed and showed that when exposed to nature children reported significantly higher self-worth and positive feelings than when not exposed to nature, with baseline levels controlled. Positive feelings played mediating roles in relationships between nature exposure and children's self-worth. Our study strengthens the evidence on beneficial effects of nature on children's well-being. The mechanisms involved in this effect are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonqi Chen
- Institute of Moral Education, School of Psychology, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
- Research Institute Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bram Orobio de Castro
- Research Institute Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Guoxiong Liu
- Institute of Moral Education, School of Psychology, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
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Wu Y, Liu J, Quevedo JMD, Cheng H, Yu K, Kohsaka R. Critical factors influencing visitor emotions: analysis of "restorativeness" in urban park visits in Fuzhou, China. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1286518. [PMID: 38074738 PMCID: PMC10703382 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1286518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To date, a comprehensive analysis of urban green space (UGS) visitors' emotional remains largely unexplored. In this study, we focus on how UGS environmental preferences, restorativeness, other physical factors (sound, air, and thermal environments), and individual characteristics affecting visitor emotions. Such a comprehensive analysis would allow relevant practitioners to check the environmental quality of UGSs and improve certain conditions to promote visitor emotions. Methods A total of 904 questionnaire responses with concurrently monitored physical factors were analyzed by independent sample t-tests, one-way ANOVA and path analysis. Results The thermal evaluation had the largest impact on positive emotions (β = 0.474), followed by perceived restorativeness (β = 0.297), which had β values of -0.120 and -0.158, respectively, on negative emotions. Air evaluation was more effective for increasing positive emotions (β = 0.293) than reducing negative emotions (β = -0.115). Sound evaluation also had similar results (β = 0.330 vs. β = -0.080). Environmental preference significantly influenced only positive emotions (β = 0.181) but could still indirectly impact negative emotions. Moreover, objective physical factors can indirectly affect visitors' emotions by enhancing their evaluations.. Conclusion The influence of different UGS environmental factors on visitors' emotions vary, as does their impacts on positive versus negative emotions. Positive emotions were generally more affected than negative emotions by UGS. Visitor emotions were mainly influenced by physical and psychological factors. Corresponding suggestions are proposed for UGS design and management in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wu
- College of Landscape Architecture and Art, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jian Liu
- College of Landscape Architecture and Art, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jay Mar D. Quevedo
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Huishan Cheng
- College of Landscape Architecture and Art, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Kunyong Yu
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ryo Kohsaka
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Hammond J, Huang Q, Jordan R, Meekes E, Fox A, Vazquez-Iglesias I, Vaira AM, Copetta A, Delmiglio C. International Trade and Local Effects of Viral and Bacterial Diseases in Ornamental Plants. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2023; 61:73-95. [PMID: 37257057 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-phyto-021621-114618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Since the 1950s, there have been major changes in the scope, value, and organization of the ornamental plant industry. With fewer individual producers and a strong trend toward consolidation and globalization, increasing quantities of diverse plant genera and species are being shipped internationally. Many more ornamentals are propagated vegetatively instead of by seed, further contributing to disease spread. These factors have led to global movement of pathogens to countries where they were not formerly known. The emergence of some previously undescribed pathogens has been facilitated by high-throughput sequencing, but biological studies are often lacking, so their roles in economic diseases are not yet known. Case studies of diseases in selected ornamentals discuss the factors involved in their spread, control measures to reduce their economic impact, and some potential effects on agronomic crops. Advances in diagnostic techniques are discussed, and parallels are drawn to the international movement of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Hammond
- Floral and Nursery Plants Research Unit, US National Arboretum, USDA-ARS, Beltsville, Maryland, USA;
| | - Qi Huang
- Floral and Nursery Plants Research Unit, US National Arboretum, USDA-ARS, Beltsville, Maryland, USA;
| | - Ramon Jordan
- Floral and Nursery Plants Research Unit, US National Arboretum, USDA-ARS, Beltsville, Maryland, USA;
| | | | - Adrian Fox
- Fera Science Ltd., York Biotech Campus, York, United Kingdom
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Andrea Copetta
- CREA Research Centre for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops, Sanremo, Italy
| | - Catia Delmiglio
- Plant Health & Environment Laboratory, Biosecurity New Zealand, Ministry for Primary Industries, Auckland, New Zealand
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Rhee JH, Schermer B, Han G, Park SY, Lee KH. Effects of nature on restorative and cognitive benefits in indoor environment. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13199. [PMID: 37580348 PMCID: PMC10425438 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40408-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the effects of natural exposure in an indoor environment on restorative quality and cognitive ability. Thirty participants were shown nature at three different indoor sites: baseline, indoor (some vegetation), and semi-indoor (a large amount of vegetation and view to sky) for five minutes. After viewing, they completed an assessment of restoration and a cognitive task, and their electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded. Compared to the baseline, the sites with nature resulted in restorative (higher perceived restoration scores) and cognitive (higher working memory performance and lower delta-to-theta ratio (DTR), delta-to-alpha ratio (DAR), theta-to-beta ratio (TBR), and alpha-to-beta ratio (ABR) responses) benefits. These findings further our understanding of the effects of exposure to nature on restorative and cognitive benefits in an indoor environment, and help to build guidance for future research on the effects of nature indoors and designing restorative- and cognitive-enhancing indoor spaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jee Heon Rhee
- School of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Institute of Engineering Research, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Brian Schermer
- School of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Gisung Han
- Institute of Engineering Research, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - So Yeon Park
- Department of Urbanism, Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Kyung Hoon Lee
- Department of Architecture, Korea University, Seoul, Korea.
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Zhang X, Ma J, Wang J, Shi H, Guo J, Fan Y, Nie X, Guo T, Luo X. Modifying the Fiber Structure and Filtration Performance of Polyester Materials Based on Two Different Preparation Methods. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2023; 39:3502-3511. [PMID: 36802660 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c00095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
How to build a satisfactory indoor environment has become increasingly important. In this paper, the synthesis and improvement of the most widely used polyester materials in China were carried out based on two different preparation methods, and the structures and filtration performances were tested and analyzed. The results showed that a carbon black coating was wrapped on the surfaces of the new synthetic polyester filter fibers. Compared with the original materials, the filtration efficiencies of PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 were increased by 0.88-6.26, 1.68-8.78, and 0.42-4.84%, respectively. The best filtration velocity was 1.1 m/s, and the new synthetic polyester materials with direct impregnation demonstrated superior filtration performance. The filtration efficiency of the new synthetic polyester materials was improved on the particulates with sizes of 1.0-5.0 μm. The filtration performance of G4 was better than that of G3. The filtration efficiencies of PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 were improved by 4.89, 4.20, and 11.69%, respectively. The quality factor value can be used to assess the comprehensive filtration performance of air filters in practical applications. It could provide reference values for the selection of synthetic methods of new filter materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhang
- School of Resources Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710055, China
| | - Jingyao Ma
- School of Resources Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710055, China
| | - Jiahui Wang
- School of Resources Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710055, China
| | - Huixin Shi
- CSCEC Northwest Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd., Xi'an, Shaanxi 710018, China
| | - Jinping Guo
- School of Resources Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710055, China
| | - Yuesheng Fan
- School of Building Services Science and Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710055, China
| | - Xingxin Nie
- School of Resources Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710055, China
| | - Tong Guo
- Zhashui Qintong Construction Co., Ltd., Shangluo, Shaanxi 726000, China
| | - Xiaoxin Luo
- Shaanxi Metallurgical Design & Research Institute Co., Ltd., Xi'an, Shaanxi 710000, China
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Matheson S, Fleck R, Irga PJ, Torpy FR. Phytoremediation for the indoor environment: a state-of-the-art review. RE/VIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND BIO/TECHNOLOGY 2023; 22:249-280. [PMID: 36873270 PMCID: PMC9968648 DOI: 10.1007/s11157-023-09644-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Poor indoor air quality has become of particular concern within the built environment due to the time people spend indoors, and the associated health burden. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) off-gassing from synthetic materials, nitrogen dioxide and harmful outdoor VOCs such benzene, toluene, ethyl-benzene and xylene penetrate into the indoor environment through ventilation and are the main contributors to poor indoor air quality with health effects. A considerable body of literature over the last four decades has demonstrate the removal of gaseous contaminants through phytoremediation, a technology that relies on plant material and technologies to remediate contaminated air streams. In this review we present a state-of-the-art on indoor phytoremediation over the last decade. Here we present a review of 38 research articles on both active and passive phytoremediation, and describe the specific chemical removal efficiency of different systems. The literature clearly indicates the efficacy of these systems for the removal of gaseous contaminants in the indoor environment, however it is evident that the application of phytoremediation technologies for research purposes in-situ is currently significantly under studied. In addition, it is common for research studies to assess the removal of single chemical species under controlled conditions, with little relevancy to real-world settings easily concluded. The authors therefore recommend that future phytoremediation research be conducted both in-situ and on chemical sources of a mixed nature, such as those experienced in the urban environment like petroleum vapour, vehicle emissions, and mixed synthetic furnishings off-gassing. The assessment of these systems both in static chambers for their theoretical performance, and in-situ for these mixed chemical sources is essential for the progression of this research field and the widespread adoption of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Matheson
- Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, NSW 2007 Australia
| | - R. Fleck
- Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, NSW 2007 Australia
| | - P. J. Irga
- Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - F. R. Torpy
- Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, NSW 2007 Australia
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Zhao T, Markevych I, Buczyłowska D, Romanos M, Heinrich J. When green enters a room: A scoping review of epidemiological studies on indoor plants and mental health. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 216:114715. [PMID: 36334835 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing numbers of epidemiological studies are investigating the association between outdoor greenery and various health outcomes. However, in the case of indoor plants, although experimental studies seem relatively abundant, epidemiological studies remain scarce, and research considering the mental health effects is even more limited. Thus, we aim to identify and summarise the relevant epidemiological studies on indoor plant exposure and mental health via this scoping review, thereby presenting the current state of knowledge and research niches. METHODS PubMed and PsycINFO were systematically searched for epidemiological studies on indoor plant exposure and mental health, including mental and behavioural disorders, quality of life, and cognitive function. The publication period was from the inception of these two databases to 22nd June 2022. We extracted information on exposure to indoor plants and mental health-related outcomes from the relevant studies. RESULTS The systematic search yielded 1186 unique results. Six studies met the inclusion criteria and were finally included in this scoping review. All included studies were Europe-based cross-sectional studies on mental and behavioural disorders. One study was conducted in 2015 and investigated the office environment, whereas the other five were conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic and focused on the home environment. Despite considerable heterogeneity in outcome assessments and indoor plant exposure metrics, all six studies generally reported beneficial associations between having indoor plants and mental health, such as reducing stress, depressive symptoms, and negative emotions. CONCLUSIONS Epidemiological evidence on exposure to indoor plants and mental health is currently limited. In general, favourable effects of indoor plants are supported, although most relevant studies were conducted in the context of COVID-19. Before conducting more studies to explore the associations, data collection methods must be refined with more elaborate designs that allow for the measurement of more comprehensive metrics of indoor plants. REGISTRATION Open Science Framework, osf.io/5xr6b.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Zhao
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich (CPC-M), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany.
| | - Iana Markevych
- Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | | | - Marcel Romanos
- Centre of Mental Health, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Joachim Heinrich
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich (CPC-M), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany; Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Lu C, Yang W, Liu Z, Liao H, Li Q, Liu Q. Effect of preconceptional, prenatal and postnatal exposure to home environmental factors on childhood pneumonia: A key role in early life exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 214:114098. [PMID: 35981613 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing evidence have associated pneumonia with early exposure to ambient air pollution. However, the role of indoor environmental factors exposure in early life on childhood pneumonia remains unclear. OBJECTIVE To examine the association between indoor environmental factors exposure during different timing windows and childhood pneumonia, and to identify the key indoor factor(s) in different critical window(s). METHODS A retrospective cohort study of 8689 pre-schoolers was performed in Changsha, China during 2019-2020. Our questionnaire survey was designed to collect information on pre-schooler's outcome and residential environmental exposure containing indoor pollution and allergens during 1 year before pregnancy, pregnancy, first year, and past year. The associations were further estimated stratified by personal exposure level of outdoor NO2, CO, temperature (T) and different covariates. Associations were assessed by multiple logistic regression model in terms of odds ratio (OR) of 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS Pre-schooler's pneumonia was significantly related with exposure of new furniture, redecoration, mold/damp stains, and mold or damp clothing or bedding exposure during the four periods, with the strongest associations observed during 1 year before pregnancy based on multi-window model, with ORs (95% CI) of 1.27 (1.12-1.44), 1.26 (1.09-1.46), 1.34 (1.14-1.57), and 1.28 (1.05-1.56) respectively. Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) including both parental and grandparental smoking were significantly related with increased risk of pre-schooler's pneumonia, and ETS played a more important role in early life, with ORs (95% CI) of 1.17 (1.01-1.36) and 1.19 (1.02-1.39) in pregnancy and first year. Indoor plants particularly nonflowering plants significantly elevated pneumonia risk but only in past year, with ORs (95% CI) of 1.17 (1.05-1.30) and 1.14 (1.03-1.26). Higher pneumonia risk was observed for renovation exposure in pre-birth compared to post-birth, while mold/dampness exerted an accumulative effect with the highest risk for exposure during both pre- and post-birth. Living near traffic road and exposure to high level of traffic-related air pollution and high temperature significantly increased pneumonia risk. Sensitivity analysis found that some sub-groups were more susceptible to pneumonia risk of home environment exposure. CONCLUSION Early life exposure to indoor environmental factors plays an important role in pneumonia development, supporting the hypothesis of "Preconceptional and Fetal Origin of Childhood Pneumonia" and "Developmental Origins of Health and Pneumonia".
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Lu
- XiangYa School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Wenhui Yang
- XiangYa School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zijing Liu
- XiangYa School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hongsen Liao
- XiangYa School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qin Li
- XiangYa School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qin Liu
- XiangYa School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
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11
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Michels N, Debra G, Mattheeuws L, Hooyberg A. Indoor nature integration for stress recovery and healthy eating: A picture experiment with plants versus green color. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113643. [PMID: 35688224 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
AIM Urbanized environments may stimulate unhealthy food choices and stress. Several theories explain that exposure to green nature can counter these stress effects. Since we spend most time indoors, integrating nature in the interior could be a promising health promotion tool. Hence, we tested whether the beneficial effect of nature for stress recovery is also present in indoor settings via the use of plants or green colors, and whether it is applicable on eating behavior as a new outcome. METHODS The 92 participants (18-30y, 16% men) were divided into four groups. Each viewed a 6-min slideshow with room pictures containing either green plants, green objects, greyscale plants or greyscale objects to allow distinction between color- and plant-effects. Group differences were tested for the perceived restorativeness scale, psychological recovery and eating behavior. To allow psychological recovery testing, participants were exposed to a stressor before the picture slideshow via the Trier Social Stress Test. The change of self-reports (stress, positive and negative affect) and psychophysiology (heart rate and vagal-induced heart rate variability RMSSD) post-slideshow versus pre-slideshow was checked. Eating behavior outcomes included change in hunger, craving, and food choice (for fruits, vegetables and snacks). RESULTS From the four picture sets, the green plants pictures were reported as most mentally restorative and appeared most beneficial for post-stressor recovery of positive affect, but not for negative affect or stress recovery. The green plants group also had higher preference for vegetables and lower preference or craving for (unhealthy) snacks. Those significant group differences were mainly due to the presence of plants and only occasionally due to the green color. CONCLUSION Indoor green plant pictures were associated with higher mental restorativeness and healthier food choices. Integrating plants in the interior seems to be a relevant health promotion approach, while applying green colors seems less relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Michels
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Belgium; Department of Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology, Ghent University, Belgium.
| | - Gillian Debra
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Belgium; Department of Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Louise Mattheeuws
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Belgium
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Pereira GC, Francisco IDC, Mattos EBT, Novelli MMPC. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the occupational performance profile of older participants in a Brazilian workshop. WORLD FEDERATION OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS BULLETIN 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/14473828.2022.2094117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Christine Pereira
- Department of Biosciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Santos, Brazil
- Department of Health, Education and Society, Federal University of São Paulo, Santos, Brazil
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Han KT, Ruan LW, Liao LS. Effects of Indoor Plants on Human Functions: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analyses. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:7454. [PMID: 35742700 PMCID: PMC9224521 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The influences of indoor plants on people have been examined by only three systematic reviews and no meta-analyses. The objective of this study was therefore to investigate the effects of indoor plants on individuals' physiological, cognitive, health-related, and behavioral functions by conducting a systematic review with meta-analyses to fill the research gap. The eligibility criteria of this study were (1) any type of participants, (2) any type of indoor plants, (3) comparators without any plants or with other elements, (4) any type of objective human function outcomes, (5) any type of study design, and (6) publications in either English or Chinese. Records were extracted from the Web of Science (1990-), Scopus (1970-), WANFANG DATA (1980-), and Taiwan Periodical Literature (1970-). Therefore, at least two databases were searched in English and in Chinese-two of the most common languages in the world. The last search date of all four databases was on 18 February 2021. We used a quality appraisal system to evaluate the included records. A total of 42 records was included for the systematic review, which concluded that indoor plants affect participants' functions positively, particularly those of relaxed physiology and enhanced cognition. Separate meta-analyses were then conducted for the effects of the absence or presence of indoor plants on human functions. The meta-analyses comprised only 16 records. The evidence synthesis showed that indoor plants can significantly benefit participants' diastolic blood pressure (-2.526, 95% CI -4.142, -0.909) and academic achievement (0.534, 95% CI 0.167, 0.901), whereas indoor plants also affected participants' electroencephalography (EEG) α and β waves, attention, and response time, though not significantly. The major limitations of this study were that we did not include the grey literature and used only two or three records for the meta-analysis of each function. In brief, to achieve the healthy city for people's health and effective functioning, not only are green spaces needed in cities, but also plants are needed in buildings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Tsung Han
- Department of Landscape Architecture, National Chin-Yi University of Technology, Taichung 411030, Taiwan; (L.-W.R.); (L.-S.L.)
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Li L, Zheng Y, Ma S. Indoor Air Purification and Residents' Self-Rated Health: Evidence from the China Health and Nutrition Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:6316. [PMID: 35627853 PMCID: PMC9141498 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19106316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Indoor air pollution is injurious to human health, even worse than outdoor air pollution. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence using large samples in developing countries regarding whether indoor air purification can improve human health by reducing indoor air pollutants. Using the data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey in 2015, this study analyzes the relationship between indoor air purification and residents' self-rated health. We apply the generalized ordered logit model and find that indoor air purification has a significantly positive effect on residents' self-rated health. This positive effect is limited to improving the probability of residents' health level being rated "good", and there is no significant movement between the two levels of "bad" and "fair". The results also show that, as an important source of indoor air pollutants, solid fuels used in cooking significantly reduced residents' self-rated health level. Additional results show the heterogeneity of the relationship between indoor air purification and resident health among groups with different characteristics. This study provides empirical evidence for further optimizing the indoor air environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yilin Zheng
- College of Management and Economics, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; (L.L.); (S.M.)
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15
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Effects of Olfactory Stimulation with Aroma Oils on Psychophysiological Responses of Female Adults. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095196. [PMID: 35564590 PMCID: PMC9102723 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of olfactory stimulation with aroma oils on the psychophysiological responses in women. Ten aromatic oils (lavender, rosemary, rose, eucalyptus, jasmine, geranium, chamomile, clary sage, thyme, and peppermint) were used on 23 women aged between 20 and 60 years. They inhaled the scent for 90 s through a glass funnel attached to their lab apron, 10 cm below their nose, while the pump was activated. Electroencephalography, blood pressure, and pulse rate were measured before and during inhalation of the aroma oils. The relative alpha (RA) power spectrums indicating relaxation and resting state of the brain significantly increased when lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus, jasmine, chamomile, clary sage, and thyme oils were inhaled compared to those of before olfactory stimulation. The ratio of alpha to high beta (RAHB), an indicator of brain stability and relaxation, significantly increased when rosemary, jasmine, clary sage, and peppermint oils were inhaled. The relative low beta (RLB) power spectrum, an indicator of brain activity in the absence of stress, significantly increased when stimulated with lavender, rosemary, rose, and geranium scents. Further, systolic blood pressure significantly decreased after introduction of all 10 types of aromatic oils, which indicates stress reduction. Thus, olfactory stimulation with aroma oil had a stabilizing effect on the prefrontal cortex and brain activity and decreased systolic blood pressure.
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Healthy Dwelling: Design of Biophilic Interior Environments Fostering Self-Care Practices for People Living with Migraines, Chronic Pain, and Depression. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042248. [PMID: 35206441 PMCID: PMC8871637 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The benefits of biophilic interior design have been recognized by healthcare facilities, but residential environments receive relatively less attention with respect to improving the health of people living with chronic diseases. Recent “stay-at-home” restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic further emphasized the importance of creating interior spaces that directly and indirectly support physical and mental health. In this viewpoint article, we discuss opportunities for combining biophilic interventions with interior design, fostering disease-specific self-care. We provide examples of designing residential spaces integrating biophilic interventions, light therapy, relaxation opportunities, mindfulness meditation, listening to music, physical activities, aromatherapy, and quality sleep. These modalities can provide the clinical benefits of reducing migraine headaches and chronic pain, as well as improving depressive symptoms. The disease-specific interior environment can be incorporated into residential homes, workplaces, assisted-living residences, hospitals and hospital at home programs. This work aims to promote a cross-disciplinary dialogue towards combining biophilic design and advances in lifestyle medicine to create therapeutic interior environments and to improve healthcare outcomes.
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Asim F, Chani PS, Shree V. Impact of COVID-19 containment zone built-environments on students' mental health and their coping mechanisms. BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT 2021; 203:108107. [PMID: 36567701 PMCID: PMC9759457 DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2021.108107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The 2nd wave of COVID-19 in 2021 had put several higher educational institutions in India into complete lockdowns and some were converted into containment zones to prevent the further spread of infection. A study was conducted on a student population (N = 432) in one such institute campus across three different hostel complexes to understand the role of containment zone Built Environments in the prevalence of Anxiety and Depression. The results from the analysis revealed that students living in rooms which have access to qualitative Built Environment aspects such as quality window views overlooking greenery and sky in addition to presence of indoor plants and portrait/artworks, are at lower risk of depression and severity of anxiety. The linear regression results of Built Environment Variable (BEV) Score with CES-D and GAD-7 advocated for an inverted relationship. The multinomial logistic regression revealed that with each 1-unit increase in BEV Score there is a significant decrease of 1.3-unit of likelihood of Depression, 0.779, 0.712 and 0.614-unit decrease in the likelihood of mild, moderate and severe levels of anxiety respectively. For Adverse Effect on Productivity, a 1-unit increase in BEV Score increases the likelihood of No-effect on productivity by 1.277 units. In order to precisely predict the effect of individual aspects of University Campus Built environments on the mental health of students during such containment and quarantine situations, further multidisciplinary investigation is required on the spheres of Built Environment, Psychology, and Epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhan Asim
- Built Environment Laboratory, Department of Architecture & Planning, IIT Roorkee, Roorkee - 247667, India
| | - P S Chani
- Built Environment Laboratory, Department of Architecture & Planning, IIT Roorkee, India
| | - Venu Shree
- Department of Architecture, NIT Hamirpur, India
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Xie J, Liu B, Elsadek M. How Can Flowers and Their Colors Promote Individuals' Physiological and Psychological States during the COVID-19 Lockdown? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph181910258. [PMID: 34639557 PMCID: PMC8507779 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The global spread of COVID-19 has disrupted the normality of people’s daily lives, leading the population to social distancing and isolation. The closure of green areas also affected the well-being of the individual during the COVID-19 pandemic. Viewing flowers is expected to have similar positive effects to viewing natural scenery. Therefore, this study investigates how white, red, and yellow flower colors affect individuals’ psychological and physiological well-being. The experiment was conducted in an office-like setting with 50 participants. Participants looked at each flower color for 3 min. Electroencephalograms (EEGs), heart rate variability, and skin conductivity were measured to evaluate physiological responses along with both the semantic differential questionnaire (SD) and the Profile of Mood States (POMS) to assess psychological responses. EEGs showed that the mean values of alpha relative power in the prefrontal lobe were significantly higher when viewing yellow and red flowers vs. white flowers. Furthermore, heart rate variability revealed that viewing yellow and red flowers increased parasympathetic nerve activity significantly. After viewing the yellow and red flowers, the average results for each subscale of the POMS questionnaire improved. The vigor (V) subscale and overall mood status values were significantly improved. The results of the SD method revealed that viewing yellow and red flowers resulted in a significantly higher sense of relaxation, cheerfulness, and comfort than viewing white flowers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfang Xie
- Department of Landscape Architecture, College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; (J.X.); (B.L.)
| | - Binyi Liu
- Department of Landscape Architecture, College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; (J.X.); (B.L.)
| | - Mohamed Elsadek
- Department of Landscape Architecture, College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; (J.X.); (B.L.)
- Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-13052313023
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El-Tanbouly R, Hassan Z, El-Messeiry S. The Role of Indoor Plants in air Purification and Human Health in the Context of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Proposal for a Novel Line of Inquiry. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:709395. [PMID: 34277711 PMCID: PMC8279815 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.709395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The last two decades have seen the discovery of novel retroviruses that have resulted in severe negative consequences for human health. In late 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged with a high transmission rate and severe effects on human health, with 5% infected persons requiring hospitalisation and 3.81 million deaths to date globally. Aerosol particles containing virions are considered the main source of SARS CoV-2 transmission in this pandemic, with increased infection rates in confined spaces. Consequently, public and private institutions had to institute mitigation measures including the use of facial masks and social distancing to limit the spread of the virus. Moreover, the role of air purification and bio-decontamination is understood as being essential to mitigate viral spread. Various techniques can be applied to bio-decontaminate the air such as the use of filtration and radiation; however, these methods are expensive and not feasible for home use. Another method of air purification is where indoor plants can purify the air by the removal of air pollutants and habituated airborne microbes. The use of indoor plants could prove to be a cost-efficient way of indoor air-purification that could be adapted for a variety of environments with no need for special requirements and can also add an aesthetic value that can have an indirect impact on human health. In this review, we discuss the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the currently used air purification methods, and we propose the use of indoor plants as a new possible eco-friendly tool for indoor air purification and for reducing the spread of COVID-19 in confined places.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rania El-Tanbouly
- Department of Floriculture, Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Design, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ziad Hassan
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Sarah El-Messeiry
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Zaldo-Aubanell Q, Serra I, Sardanyés J, Alsedà L, Maneja R. Reviewing the reliability of Land Use and Land Cover data in studies relating human health to the environment. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 194:110578. [PMID: 33333037 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, research has been increasingly devoted to understanding the complex human health-environment relationship. Nevertheless, many different measurements have been applied to characterize the environment. Among them, the application of Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) data is becoming more noticeable over time. AIMS This research aims to analyse the reliability of Land Use and Land Cover data (LULC) data as a suitable describer of the environment in studies relating human health to the environment. With a specific focus on the methodologies using LULC data, we also examine the study designs and analytical methods that have been commonly performed so far. MATERIALS AND METHODS We gathered studies relating human health outcomes to Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) data. A Boolean search limited to reviews was conducted in February 2019 using Web of Science Core Collection search engines. Five reviews were selected as our preliminary starting set of literature and from those, two backward snowballing searches were conducted. The first backward snowballing search used the reference lists of the first 5 reviews and revealed 17 articles. From these, the second search gathered 24 new articles also fulfilling the inclusion criteria established. In total, 41 articles were examined. RESULTS Our main results reported that Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) data national level data was preferred over LULC international level data. However, this tendency seems to be strongly related to the specific aims of the articles. They essentially defined the living environment either through buffer zones, using the administrative boundaries wherein the individuals reside, or using the specific location of the individuals assessed. As for the characterization of the environment, authors performed 4 principal methodologies: extracting the percentage of green space, computing the "Land Use mix", recording the type of land cover, and using the percentage of tree canopy. Besides, all the articles included measurements in urban contexts and most of them evaluated the accessibility of individuals to their surroundings. Furthermore, it was clearly stated that the complexity of the topic and the challenging data leads authors to carry out advanced statistical methods and mostly cross-sectional designs with no causal relations. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) data has been demonstrated to be a versatile tool supporting both local-focused studies with few individuals involved and broad territorial-scoped studies with huge populations. Promising synergy has been highlighted between Electronic Health Records (EHR) and LULC data in studies dealing with massive information and broader scopes with regards to the assessment of territorial realities. As this emerging topic matures, investigators should (1) elucidate subjects of ongoing debate such as the measurement of the living environment and its characterization; (2) explore the whole potential of LULC data, using methodologies that encompass both their biophysical and socioeconomic information; (3) perform innovative designs that are able to establish causal relationships among the studied variables (for example, Cellular Automata models), and (4) expand the current set of studied health outcomes leveraging comprehensive and trustworthy health data sources such as EHR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quim Zaldo-Aubanell
- Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals (ICTA-UAB), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; Environment and Human Health Laboratory (EH(2) Lab), Forest Science and Technology Center of Catalonia, Ctra. de St. Llorenç de Morunys, km 2, 25280, Solsona, Spain.
| | - Isabel Serra
- Centre de Recerca Matemàtica, Edifici C, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; Barcelona Graduate School of Mathematics (BGSMath), Edici C, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Josep Sardanyés
- Centre de Recerca Matemàtica, Edifici C, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; Barcelona Graduate School of Mathematics (BGSMath), Edici C, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Lluís Alsedà
- Centre de Recerca Matemàtica, Edifici C, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; Barcelona Graduate School of Mathematics (BGSMath), Edici C, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Matemàtiques, Edifici C, Facultat de Ciències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Roser Maneja
- Environment and Human Health Laboratory (EH(2) Lab), Forest Science and Technology Center of Catalonia, Ctra. de St. Llorenç de Morunys, km 2, 25280, Solsona, Spain; Geography Department, Edifici B, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain; Forest Science and Technology Center of Catalonia, Ctra. de St. Llorenç de Morunys, km 2, 25280, Solsona, Spain.
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21
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Jiang S, Deng L, Luo H, Li X, Guo B, Jiang M, Jia Y, Ma J, Sun L, Huang Z. Effect of Fragrant Primula Flowers on Physiology and Psychology in Female College Students: An Empirical Study. Front Psychol 2021; 12:607876. [PMID: 33708159 PMCID: PMC7940201 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.607876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Indoor plants can positively impact physical and mental health in daily life. However, the benefits of viewing indoor plants may be enhanced if the plants emit a fragrant aroma. In this crossover-design study, we measured the physiological and psychological effects of fragrant and non-fragrant Primula plants on 50 female college students, and explored whether aroma stimulation had additive benefits for this group. Non-fragrant Primula malacoides Franch was used as a control stimulus, and Primula forbesii Franch, which has a floral fragrance, was used as an experimental stimulus. We measured blood pressure, pulse rate, and electroencephalogram (EEG) to evaluate physiological responses, and used a mood state profile and the semantic differential (SD) method to evaluate psychological responses. We found that mean blood pressure and pulse rate decreased significantly after the experiment in both conditions. EEGs showed that the mean values of high alpha waves, high beta waves, and relaxation scores were significantly higher in the experimental vs. control condition. The average scores on each subscale of the psychological questionnaire improved after the experiment in both conditions, and the vitality (V) subscale and total emotional state scores were significantly better in the experimental vs. control condition. The results of the SD method showed that the sense of relaxation and comfort were significantly higher in the experimental vs. control condition. Compared with the non-fragrant Primula, the fragrant Primula induced relatively better physiological and psychological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songlin Jiang
- College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Deng
- College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hao Luo
- College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xi Li
- College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Baimeng Guo
- College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mingyan Jiang
- College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yin Jia
- College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jun Ma
- College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lingxia Sun
- College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhuo Huang
- College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
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Gao S, Zhao H, Bai Z, Han B, Xu J, Zhao R, Zhang N, Chen L, Lei X, Shi W, Zhang L, Li P, Yu H. Combined use of principal component analysis and artificial neural network approach to improve estimates of PM 2.5 personal exposure: A case study on older adults. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 726:138533. [PMID: 32320881 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Revised: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Accurate exposure estimate of the air pollutant PM2.5 is required to evaluate its health impacts in epidemiological studies, due to its adverse effects on human's respiratory and cardiovascular systems. However, traditional personal sampling is time and cost consuming. Thus, modeling techniques are needed to accurately predict the personal exposure level to PM2.5. In this study, a total of 117 older adults over 60 were recruited in Tianjin, a heavily polluted city in northern China, for indoor, outdoor and personal PM2.5 sampling. Eighteen variables which may increase the exposure level of older adults were recorded for artificial neural network (ANN) simulation. Four modeling techniques, including time-integrated activity modeling, Monte Carlo simulation, ANN modeling, and combined use of principal component analysis (PCA) and ANN model, were used to evaluate their ability for predicting real exposure values of PM2.5. The results of traditional time-weighted activity modeling showed the lowest correlation with measured values with R2 of 0.57 and 0.42 in winter and summer, respectively. For Monte Carlo simulation, high correlation was obtained (R2 of 0.93 and 0.92 in winter and summer, respectively) between percentiles of the predicted and the real exposure values. Compared with the simple ANN models, the combined use of PCA and ANN produced the most accurate results with R2 of 0.99 and RMSE lower than 15. Since the information of the input variables for the PCA-ANN model can be obtained from the questionnaire and fixed air quality monitoring sites, this technique shows a great potential in predicting personal exposure level to the air pollutant because no additional concentration measurement is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Gao
- College of Computer Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, China; School of Geographic and Environmental Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Postdoctoral Innovation Practice Base, Huafa Industrial Share Co., Ltd, Zhuhai, China.
| | - Hong Zhao
- College of Computer Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Zhipeng Bai
- School of Geographic and Environmental Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Bin Han
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ruojie Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li Chen
- School of Geographic and Environmental Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiang Lei
- Postdoctoral Innovation Practice Base, Huafa Industrial Share Co., Ltd, Zhuhai, China
| | - Wendong Shi
- Postdoctoral Innovation Practice Base, Huafa Industrial Share Co., Ltd, Zhuhai, China
| | - Liwen Zhang
- Collage of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Penghui Li
- School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Hai Yu
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) Energy, North Ryde, Australia
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Zuo L, Wu D, Yuan Y, Li H, Yu L. Effect of arrangement and quantity of epipremnum aureum on work efficiency and subjective perceptions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:17804-17814. [PMID: 32162222 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08078-8] [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: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Plants can improve indoor air quality, and affect the work efficiency and subjective perceptions. However, the conclusions of existing experiments regarding how plants affect work efficiency are not uniform. To further explore this subject, this study designed five different working conditions, and selected a variety of "general tasks" and "tasks requiring concentration" as operational tasks. The effects of the plant arrangement and quantity on work efficiency were studied by analyzing the performance of subjects in different working conditions. The effects of the plants on the subjective perceptions were investigated using questionnaires. The experimental results show that the effects of plants on work efficiency were related to the nature of the work, the placement of the plants, and the number of plants. Plants had no effect on the efficiency of general tasks such as "symmetry breadth," but had a positive impact on the efficiency of general tasks such as "operational breadth." Moreover, by changing the arrangement and quantity of plants, the efficiency of general tasks could be increased by up to 19.1%. In contrast, plants placed within a coincident view had a negative impact on the efficiency of "tasks requiring concentration," and the work efficiency could be reduced by up to 12.4%. In addition, plants could increase enthusiasm and willingness to work by 12.5% and 11.8%, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Zuo
- School of mechanical engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Dan Wu
- School of architecture and design, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 611756, China
| | - Yanping Yuan
- School of mechanical engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China.
| | - Hanlin Li
- School of mechanical engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Le Yu
- School of mechanical engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
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24
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Gabriel MF, Felgueiras F, Fernandes M, Ribeiro C, Ramos E, Mourão Z, de Oliveira Fernandes E. Assessment of indoor air conditions in households of Portuguese families with newborn children. Implementation of the HEALS IAQ checklist. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 182:108966. [PMID: 31816588 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Conducting epidemiological and risk assessment research that considers the exposome concept, as in the case of HEALS project, requires the acquisition of higher dimension data sets of an increased complexity. In this context, new methods that provide accurate and interpretable data summary on relevant environmental factors are of major importance. In this work, a questionnaire was developed to collect harmonized data on potential pollutant sources to air in the indoor environment where children spend an important part of their early life. The questionnaire was designed in a user friendly checklist format to be filled out at the maternity in ten European cities. This paper presents and discusses the rationale for the selection of the questionnaire contents and the results obtained from its application in the households of 309 HEALS-enrolled families with babies recently born in Porto, Portugal. The tool was very effective in providing data on the putative air pollution sources in homes, with special focus on the bedroom of the newborns. The data collected is part of a wider effort to build the databases and risk assessment models of the HEALS project. The results of the analysis of the collected data suggest that, for the population under study, the main concerns on early life exposures at home can be related to emissions from the use of household solid fuels, indoor tobacco, household cleaning products, fragranced consumer products (e.g. air fresheners, incense and candles), moisture-related pathologies and traffic-related outdoor pollution. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the tool can be a valuable means to empower citizens to actively participate in the control of their own exposures at home. Within this context, the application of the checklist will also allow local stakeholders to identify buildings presenting most evident IAQ problems for sampling or intervention as well as to guide them in preparing evidence-based educational/awareness campaigns to promote public health through creating healthy households.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta F Gabriel
- INEGI, Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Fátima Felgueiras
- INEGI, Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Porto, Portugal
| | - Miguel Fernandes
- INEGI, Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Ribeiro
- EPIUnit Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, Portugal; Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Predictive Medicine and Public Health, University of Porto Medical School, Porto, Portugal
| | - Elisabete Ramos
- EPIUnit Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, Portugal; Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Predictive Medicine and Public Health, University of Porto Medical School, Porto, Portugal
| | - Zenaida Mourão
- INEGI, Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Porto, Portugal
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Yeager RA, Smith TR, Bhatnagar A. Green environments and cardiovascular health. Trends Cardiovasc Med 2019; 30:241-246. [PMID: 31248691 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcm.2019.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Several large epidemiological studies have found robust associations between greenness and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). These studies report that close residential proximity to greenness is associated with a decrease in cardiovascular mortality as well as major adverse cardiovascular events. Although mechanisms underlying this link are not well understood, the beneficial health effects of greenness have been linked to its ability to relieve stress, decrease air pollution, and encourage physical activity. Greenness in residential neighborhoods could also increase access to healthy goods and services, as well as social interactions. Research into the health effects of greenness could provide new insights into the environmental determinants of CVD risk and could inform the development of actionable greenness-based strategies to prevent CVD and its clinical manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ray A Yeager
- The Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health and information Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Theodore R Smith
- The Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Aruni Bhatnagar
- The Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.
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26
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Irga PJ, Pettit T, Irga RF, Paull NJ, Douglas ANJ, Torpy FR. Does plant species selection in functional active green walls influence VOC phytoremediation efficiency? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:12851-12858. [PMID: 30891698 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-04719-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are of public concern due to their adverse health effects. Botanical air filtration is a promising technology for reducing indoor air contaminants, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. This study assessed active botanical biofilters for their single-pass removal efficiency (SPRE) for benzene, ethyl acetate and ambient total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), at concentrations of in situ relevance. Biofilters containing four plant species (Chlorophytum orchidastrum, Nematanthus glabra, Nephrolepis cordifolia 'duffii' and Schefflera arboricola) were compared to discern whether plant selection influenced VOC SPRE. Amongst all tested plant species, benzene SPREs were between 45.54 and 59.50%, with N. glabra the most efficient. The botanical biofilters removed 32.36-91.19% of ethyl acetate, with C. orchidastrum and S. arboricola recording significantly higher ethyl acetate SPREs than N. glabra and N. cordifolia. These findings thus indicate that plant type influences botanical biofilter VOC removal. It is proposed that ethyl acetate SPREs were dependent on hydrophilic adsorbent sites, with increasing root surface area, root diameter and root mass all associated with increasing ethyl acetate SPRE. The high benzene SPRE of N. glabra is likely due to the high wax content in its leaf cuticles. The SPREs for the relatively low levels of ambient TVOCs were consistent amongst plant species, providing no evidence to suggest that in situ TVOC removal is influenced by plant choice. Nonetheless, as inter-species differences do exist for some VOCs, botanical biofilters using a mixture of plants is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Irga
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia.
- Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia.
| | - Thomas Pettit
- Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Robert F Irga
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
- Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Naomi J Paull
- Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Ashley N J Douglas
- Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Fraser R Torpy
- Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
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