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Essih S, Pardo L, Cecilia JA, Dos Santos-Gómez L, Colodrero RMP, Pozo M, Calero G, Franco F. Microwave-assisted acid treatment for the mineral transformation of chrysotile as an alternative for asbestos waste management. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2024; 46:332. [PMID: 39023801 PMCID: PMC11258100 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-01993-6] [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: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
In this work, the effect of microwave-assisted acid treatments on the morphological and crystallochemical characteristics of chrysotile fibers is investigated. A low concentration of nitric acid (0.2 N) is used to remove Mg2+-species located in the octahedral sheet of its structure, thereby causing a crystallo-chemical change forming a skeleton of non-crystalline amorphous silica. This skeleton maintains an elongated morphology but characterized by rounded -not sharp-edges and porous surfaces whose physical resistance under stress is reduced when compared with the initial fibers of chrysotile, favoring a lower pathogenicity of the fibers. Thus, microwave-assisted acid treatment rise as a low-cost, fast and effective option in avoiding the dangerousness associated with asbestos waste management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salima Essih
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Cristalografía y Mineralogía, Facultad de Ciencias, Campus de Teatinos, Universidad de Málaga, 29071, Málaga, Spain
| | - Laura Pardo
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Cristalografía y Mineralogía, Facultad de Ciencias, Campus de Teatinos, Universidad de Málaga, 29071, Málaga, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Cecilia
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Cristalografía y Mineralogía, Facultad de Ciencias, Campus de Teatinos, Universidad de Málaga, 29071, Málaga, Spain.
| | - Lucía Dos Santos-Gómez
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Cristalografía y Mineralogía, Facultad de Ciencias, Campus de Teatinos, Universidad de Málaga, 29071, Málaga, Spain.
| | - Rosario M P Colodrero
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Cristalografía y Mineralogía, Facultad de Ciencias, Campus de Teatinos, Universidad de Málaga, 29071, Málaga, Spain
| | - Manuel Pozo
- Departamento de Geología y Geoquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gustavo Calero
- Aguas de Torremolinos, CL. Periodista Federico Alba, 7, 29620, Torremolinos, Málaga, Spain
| | - Francisco Franco
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Cristalografía y Mineralogía, Facultad de Ciencias, Campus de Teatinos, Universidad de Málaga, 29071, Málaga, Spain
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Cheng CY, Tseng YL, Huang KC, Chiu IM, Pan HY, Cheng FJ. Association between Ambient Air Pollution and Emergency Room Visits for Pediatric Respiratory Diseases: The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10050247. [PMID: 35622660 PMCID: PMC9146083 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10050247] [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: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The level and composition of air pollution have changed during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, the association between air pollution and pediatric respiratory disease emergency department (ED) visits during the COVID-19 pandemic remains unclear. The study was retrospectively conducted between 2017 and 2020 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, from 1 January 2020 to 1 May 2020, defined as the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, and 1 January 2017 to 31 May 2019, defined as the pre-COVID-19 pandemic period. We enrolled patients under 17 years old who visited the ED in a medical center and were diagnosed with respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis, and acute pharyngitis. Measurements of particulate matter (PM) with aerodynamic diameters of <10 μm (PM10) and < 2.5 μm (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and Ozone (O3) were collected. During the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in the interquartile range of PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 levels was associated with increases of 72.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 50.5−97.7%), 98.0% (95% CI, 70.7−129.6%), and 54.7% (95% CI, 38.7−72.6%), respectively, in the risk of pediatric respiratory disease ED visits on lag 1, which were greater than those in the pre-COVID-19 pandemic period. After adjusting for temperature and humidity, the risk of pediatric respiratory diseases after exposure to PM2.5 (inter p = 0.001) and PM10 (inter p < 0.001) was higher during the COVID-19 pandemic. PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 may play important roles in pediatric respiratory events in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Compared with the pre-COVID-19 pandemic period, the levels of PM2.5 and PM10 were lower; however, the levels were related to a greater increase in ED during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Yung Cheng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (C.-Y.C.); (K.-C.H.); (I.-M.C.); (H.-Y.P.)
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, National Sun Yat-sen University, 70, Lian-Hai Road, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Lun Tseng
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Sun Yat-sen University, 70, Lian-Hai Road, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan;
| | - Kuo-Chen Huang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (C.-Y.C.); (K.-C.H.); (I.-M.C.); (H.-Y.P.)
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - I-Min Chiu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (C.-Y.C.); (K.-C.H.); (I.-M.C.); (H.-Y.P.)
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, National Sun Yat-sen University, 70, Lian-Hai Road, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Yung Pan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (C.-Y.C.); (K.-C.H.); (I.-M.C.); (H.-Y.P.)
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Jen Cheng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (C.-Y.C.); (K.-C.H.); (I.-M.C.); (H.-Y.P.)
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-975056646; Fax: +886-7-7317123
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Hernández-Gordillo A, Arriaga S. Mesoporous TiO 2 Monoliths Impregnated with CdS and CuO Nanoparticles for Airborne Bacteria Inactivation Under Visible Light. Catal Letters 2021; 152:629-640. [PMID: 34054251 PMCID: PMC8141277 DOI: 10.1007/s10562-021-03659-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In this work, macroscopic TiO2 monoliths are proposed to serve simultaneously as support and co-catalyst in a continuous flow photoreactor. The impregnation via one-pot of mesoporous TiO2 with CdS (m-TiO2/CdS) and CuO (m-TiO2/CuO) nanoparticles enabled the formation of photocatalytic heterojunctions retaining high specific surface area (~ 100 m2/g). The impregnated monoliths of 2-3 mm in size were employed as photocatalysts to inactivate airborne bacteria under blue light, reducing the emission of living airborne bacteria up to 0.1% and 37.7% when using m-TiO2/CdS and m-TiO2/CuO, respectively. Bacteria were characterized and quantified by flow cytometry and cell lysis was confirmed by SEM, detecting collapsed bacteria. Along 96 h of continuous photocatalysis at a flow rate of 2.2 L/min, the cell concentration presented maxima and minima due to the adsorption-desorption stages of bioaerosols over the catalysts, in concordance with thermal gravimetric analysis. The reactivation of catalysts was achieved by calcination at 400 °C, however, after a third re-cycle, the photocatalytic activity for all monoliths was practically negligible because the physicochemical surface changes hinder the adequate bioaerosol adsorption. These porous systems could emerge as promising gas-phase catalysts since the mass transport is facilitated by porosity and the release of catalyst nanoparticles is avoided by the active support, providing a safe and viable model for bioaerosols inactivation to improve indoor air quality with the use of interior lighting. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10562-021-03659-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin Hernández-Gordillo
- División de Ciencias Ambientales, Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica (IPICYT), Camino a la Presa San José 2055, 78216 San Luis Potosí, México
| | - Sonia Arriaga
- División de Ciencias Ambientales, Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica (IPICYT), Camino a la Presa San José 2055, 78216 San Luis Potosí, México
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González-Martín J, Kraakman NJR, Pérez C, Lebrero R, Muñoz R. A state-of-the-art review on indoor air pollution and strategies for indoor air pollution control. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 262:128376. [PMID: 33182138 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Indoor air pollution has traditionally received less attention than outdoors pollution despite indoors pollutant levels are typically twice higher, and people spend 80-90% of their life in increasing air-tight buildings. More than 5 million people die every year prematurely from illnesses attributable to poor indoor air quality, which also causes multi-millionaire losses due to reduced employee's productivity, material damages and increased health system expenses. Indoor air pollutants include particulate matter, biological pollutants and over 400 different chemical organic and inorganic compounds, whose concentrations are governed by several outdoor and indoor factors. Prevention of pollutant is not always technically feasible, so the implementation of cost-effective active abatement units is required. Up to date no single physical-chemical technology is capable of coping with all indoor air pollutants in a cost-effective manner. This problem requires the use of sequential technology configurations at the expenses of superior capital and operating costs. In addition, the performance of conventional physical-chemical technologies is still limited by the low concentrations, the diversity and the variability of pollutants in indoor environments. In this context, biotechnologies have emerged as a cost-effective and sustainable platform capable of coping with these limitations based on the biocatalytic action of plants, bacteria, fungi and microalgae. Indeed, biological-based purification systems can improve the energy efficiency of buildings, while providing additional aesthetic and psychological benefits. This review critically assessed the state-of-the-art of the indoor air pollution problem and prevention strategies, along with the recent advances in physical-chemical and biological technologies for indoor pollutants abatement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier González-Martín
- 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.
| | - Norbertus Johannes Richardus Kraakman
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina s/n., Valladolid, 47011, Spain; Jacobs Engineering, Bristol, United Kingdom.
| | - Cristina Pérez
- 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.
| | - 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.
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von Seidlein L, Wood H, Brittain OS, Tusting L, Bednarz A, Mshamu S, Kahabuka C, Deen J, Bell D, Lindsay SW, Knudsen J. Knowledge gaps in the construction of rural healthy homes: A research agenda for improved low-cost housing in hot-humid Africa. PLoS Med 2019; 16:e1002909. [PMID: 31600205 PMCID: PMC6786526 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1002909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Lorenz von Seidlein and colleagues discuss improving house designs in rural Africa to benefit health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenz von Seidlein
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah Wood
- Ingvartsen Architects, Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | | | - Lucy Tusting
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alexa Bednarz
- Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Salum Mshamu
- CSK Research Solutions Ltd., Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | - David Bell
- Independent Consultant, Issaquah, Washington, United States of America
| | - Steve W. Lindsay
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Jakob Knudsen
- Ingvartsen Architects, Copenhagen K, Denmark
- School of Architecture, The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Hoseinzadeh E, Taha P, Sepahvand A, Sousa S. Indoor air fungus bioaerosols and comfort index in day care child centers. TOXIN REV 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2016.1274329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Edris Hoseinzadeh
- Young Researchers & Elite Club, Hamedan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran,
| | - Parisa Taha
- Department of Nutrition, Health Center of Sabaroo, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,
| | - Asghar Sepahvand
- Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran, and
| | - Sofia Sousa
- LEPABE – Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, Porto, Portugal
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Navarrete-Rodríguez EM, Fernández-Soto JR, Del Rio-Navarro BE, Saucedo-Ramírez OJ, Sienra-Monge JJL. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus: Changes in sensitisation in the past 11 years and comparison with other centres in Mexico. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr) 2017; 45:11-17. [PMID: 27914830 DOI: 10.1016/j.aller.2016.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Revised: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND House dust mites are a ubiquitous air allergen in the human habitat. It has been shown that exposure to them is a fundamental factor in sensitisation and development of atopic disease. The objective of the study was to analyse changes in sensitisation to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p.) in children treated in a tertiary level care hospital in Mexico City for a period of 11 years and compare with other studies carried out in Mexico. METHODS A retrospective study was performed at the Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez (HIMFG). Information was gathered from skin tests for Der p. performed in the Allergy Laboratory from January 2004 to April 2015. Patients 2-18 years old who presented for examination of some type of allergic condition and who had immediate hypersensitivity tests to Der p. were included in the study. Results were compared with prior reports from other institutions. Descriptive analysis and χ2 statistics were used. RESULTS A total of 8794 patients were included in the study; 49.3% of the tests (95% CI 48-50) were positive for Der p. The percentage of monosensitised to mites was 2.7% for Der p. (95% CI 2-3). A significant difference was found between the results of older patients and those <6 years old. The frequency of sensitisation had a tendency to decrease during the 11 years analysed in all age groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The frequency of sensitisation to Der p. increased with age until reaching adolescence. In the last 11 years a decrease in sensitisation to this air allergen was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Navarrete-Rodríguez
- Servicio de Alergia e Inmunología Clínica Pediátrica, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, México, DF, Mexico
| | - J R Fernández-Soto
- Servicio de Alergia e Inmunología Clínica Pediátrica, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, México, DF, Mexico
| | - B E Del Rio-Navarro
- Servicio de Alergia e Inmunología Clínica Pediátrica, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, México, DF, Mexico.
| | - O J Saucedo-Ramírez
- Servicio de Alergia e Inmunología Clínica Pediátrica, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, México, DF, Mexico
| | - J J L Sienra-Monge
- Subdirección de Pediatria Ambulatoria, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, México, DF, Mexico
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8
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Barreiro E, Bustamante V, Curull V, Gea J, López-Campos JL, Muñoz X. Relationships between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer: biological insights. J Thorac Dis 2016; 8:E1122-E1135. [PMID: 27867578 DOI: 10.21037/jtd.2016.09.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer (LC) has become one of the leading causes of preventable death in the last few decades. Cigarette smoking (CS) stays as the main etiologic factor of LC despite that many other causes such as occupational exposures, air pollution, asbestos, or radiation have also been implicated. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which also represents a major cause of morbidity and mortality in developed countries, exhibit a significantly greater risk of LC. The study of the underlying biological mechanisms that may predispose patients with chronic respiratory diseases to a higher incidence of LC has also gained much attention in the last few years. The present review has been divided into three major sections in which different aspects have been addressed: (I) relevant etiologic agents of LC; (II) studies confirming the hypothesis that COPD patients are exposed to a greater risk of developing LC; and (III) evidence on the most relevant underlying biological mechanisms that support the links between COPD and LC. Several carcinogenic agents have been described in the last decades but CS remains to be the leading etiologic agent in most geographical regions in which the incidence of LC is very high. Growing evidence has put the line forward the implications of COPD and especially of emphysema in LC development. Hence, COPD represents a major risk factor of LC in patients. Different avenues of research have demonstrated the presence of relevant biological mechanisms that may predispose COPD patients to develop LC. Importantly, the so far identified biological mechanisms offer targets for the design of specific therapeutic strategies that will further the current treatment options for patients with LC. Prospective screening studies, in which patients with COPD should be followed up for several years will help identify biomarkers that may predict the risk of LC among these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Barreiro
- Pulmonology Department-Lung Cancer and Muscle Research Group, IMIM-Hospital del Mar, Parc de Salut Mar, Health and Experimental Sciences Department (CEXS), Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona Autonomous University (UAB), Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB), Barcelona, Spain; ; Network of Excellence in Lung Diseases (CIBERES), Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Víctor Bustamante
- Pneumology Department, Basurto University Hospital, Osakidetza, Department of Medicine, EHU-University of the Basque Country, Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Víctor Curull
- Pulmonology Department-Lung Cancer and Muscle Research Group, IMIM-Hospital del Mar, Parc de Salut Mar, Health and Experimental Sciences Department (CEXS), Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona Autonomous University (UAB), Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB), Barcelona, Spain; ; Network of Excellence in Lung Diseases (CIBERES), Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Joaquim Gea
- Pulmonology Department-Lung Cancer and Muscle Research Group, IMIM-Hospital del Mar, Parc de Salut Mar, Health and Experimental Sciences Department (CEXS), Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona Autonomous University (UAB), Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB), Barcelona, Spain; ; Network of Excellence in Lung Diseases (CIBERES), Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - José Luis López-Campos
- Network of Excellence in Lung Diseases (CIBERES), Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain; ; Medical-Surgery Unit of Respiratory Disease, Sevilla Biomedicine Institute (IBIS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Xavier Muñoz
- Network of Excellence in Lung Diseases (CIBERES), Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain; ; Pulmonology Service, Medicine Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona Autonomous University (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
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Lanthier-Veilleux M, Généreux M, Baron G. Prevalence of Residential Dampness and Mold Exposure in a University Student Population. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:194. [PMID: 26861364 PMCID: PMC4772214 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13020194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Revised: 01/17/2016] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The impact of residential dampness or mold on respiratory health is well established but few studies have focused on university students. This study aims to: (a) describe the prevalence of exposure to residential dampness or mold in university students according to socio-geographic factors and (b) identify associated housing characteristics. A web survey was conducted in 2014 among the 26,676 students registered at the Université de Sherbrooke (QC, Canada). Residential dampness and mold being closely intertwined, they were considered as a single exposure and assessed using a validated questionnaire. Exposure was compared according to socio-geographic and housing characteristics using chi-square tests and logistic regressions. Among the 2097 participants included in the study (response rate: 8.1%), over 80% were tenants. Residential exposure to dampness or mold was frequent (36.0%, 95% CI: 33.9-38.1). Marked differences for this exposure were noted according to home ownership (39.7% vs. 25.5% among tenants and owners respectively; OR = 1.92%, 95% CI: 1.54-2.38). Campus affiliation, household composition and the number of residents per building were associated with exposure to dampness or mold (p < 0.01), while sex and age were not. Exposure was also associated with older buildings, and buildings in need of renovations and lacking proper ventilation (p < 0.001). This study highlights the potential risk of university students suffering from mold-related health effects given their frequent exposure to this agent. Further research is needed to fully evaluate the mold-related health impact in this at risk group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Lanthier-Veilleux
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada.
| | - Mélissa Généreux
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada.
- Eastern Township's Public Health Department, 300, King Est street, Sherbrooke, QC J1G 1B1, Canada.
| | - Geneviève Baron
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada.
- Eastern Township's Public Health Department, 300, King Est street, Sherbrooke, QC J1G 1B1, Canada.
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10
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Gallego E, Perales JF, Roca FJ, Guardino X. Surface emission determination of volatile organic compounds (VOC) from a closed industrial waste landfill using a self-designed static flux chamber. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 470-471:587-599. [PMID: 24176707 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.09.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2013] [Revised: 09/16/2013] [Accepted: 09/30/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Closed landfills can be a source of VOC and odorous nuisances to their atmospheric surroundings. A self-designed cylindrical air flux chamber was used to measure VOC surface emissions in a closed industrial landfill located in Cerdanyola del Vallès, Catalonia, Spain. The two main objectives of the study were the evaluation of the performance of the chamber setup in typical measurement conditions and the determination of the emission rates of 60 different VOC from that industrial landfill, generating a valuable database that can be useful in future studies related to industrial landfill management. Triplicate samples were taken in five selected sampling points. VOC were sampled dynamically using multi-sorbent bed tubes (Carbotrap, Carbopack X, Carboxen 569) connected to SKC AirCheck 2000 pumps. The analysis was performed by automatic thermal desorption coupled with a capillary gas chromatograph/mass spectrometry detector. The emission rates of sixty VOC were calculated for each sampling point in an effort to characterize surface emissions. To calculate average, minimum and maximum emission values for each VOC, the results were analyzed by three different methods: Global, Kriging and Tributary area. Global and Tributary area methodologies presented similar values, with total VOC emissions of 237 ± 48 and 222 ± 46 g day(-1), respectively; however, Kriging values were lower, 77 ± 17 gd ay(-1). The main contributors to the total emission rate were aldehydes (nonanal and decanal), acetic acid, ketones (acetone), aromatic hydrocarbons and alcohols. Most aromatic hydrocarbon (except benzene, naphthalene and methylnaphthalenes) and aldehyde emission rates exhibited strong correlations with the rest of VOC of their family, indicating a possible common source of these compounds. B:T ratio obtained from the emission rates of the studied landfill suggested that the factors that regulate aromatic hydrocarbon distributions in the landfill emissions are different from the ones from urban areas. Environmental conditions (atmospheric pressure, temperature and relative humidity) did not alter the pollutant emission fluxes.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Gallego
- Laboratori del Centre de Medi Ambient, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (LCMA-UPC), Avda. Diagonal, 647, E 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - J F Perales
- Laboratori del Centre de Medi Ambient, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (LCMA-UPC), Avda. Diagonal, 647, E 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - F J Roca
- Laboratori del Centre de Medi Ambient, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (LCMA-UPC), Avda. Diagonal, 647, E 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - X Guardino
- Centro Nacional de Condiciones de Trabajo, INSHT, C/Dulcet, 2-10, E 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
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