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Beauchemin S, Avramescu ML, Levesque C, Rasmussen PE. Carcinogenic metal(loid)s in house dust compared to soil: Concentrations and gastric bioaccessibility. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 255:119175. [PMID: 38768886 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119175] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
As a sink and a source of chemicals, house dust represents a relevant medium to assess indoor exposure to metal(loid)s via incidental ingestion or inhalation. However, nationally representative indoor data are scarce. Results from the Canadian House Dust Study (CHDS, 2007-2010; n = 1025) provide nationally representative mean, median and 95th percentile concentrations for 38 elements in typical urban house dust, along with their gastric bioaccessibility. Total concentrations (median/95th percentile) of carcinogenic metal(loid)s in Canadian house dust (μg g-1) are as follows: As (9.0/40), Be (0.4/0.9), Cd (3.5/17), Co (5.6/19), Cr (99/214), Ni (62/322) and Pb (100/760). Total As and Pb concentrations in house dust exceed residential soil guidelines for the protection of human health in about one-third of Canadian homes. Percent bioaccessibilities (median) are: Cd (65%) > Pb (63%) > Be ∼ Ni (36%) > Co (35%) > As (20%) > Cr (15%). Lead, Cd and Co concentrations are significantly greater in older houses (< 1976). Data from two pilot studies (n = 66 + 51) further demonstrate the distinct geochemistry of house dust compared to soils, notably enrichment of carcinogenic metal(loid)s and their increased bioaccessibility. These results provide essential baseline values to refine risk assessment and inform on health risk at contaminated sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Beauchemin
- Environmental Health Research Science Bureau, Health Canada, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1A 0K9.
| | - Mary-Luyza Avramescu
- Environmental Health Research Science Bureau, Health Canada, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1A 0K9
| | - Christine Levesque
- Environmental Health Research Science Bureau, Health Canada, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1A 0K9
| | - Pat E Rasmussen
- Environmental Health Research Science Bureau, Health Canada, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1A 0K9; Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1N 6N5
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2
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Huang J, Fraser A, Jiang X. Efficacy of three EPA-registered antimicrobials and steam against two human norovirus surrogates on nylon carpets with two backing types. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0038424. [PMID: 38786363 PMCID: PMC11218654 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00384-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Carpet cleaning guidelines currently do not include the use of an antimicrobial, except after a bodily fluid event. To address this gap, we compared the efficacy of three antimicrobials-two hydrogen peroxide-based (H2O2) products (A and B) and one chlorine-based product (C)-and a steam treatment against two norovirus surrogates, specifically feline calicivirus (FCV) and Tulane virus (TuV). These tests were performed on nylon carpets with either water-permeable or waterproof backing types. The effect of repeated antimicrobial use on carpet properties was also evaluated. For a carpet with water-permeable backing, products A, B, and C achieved a 0.8, 3.1, and 0.9 log10 PFU/coupon reduction of FCV and 0.3, 2.5, and 0.4 log10 TCID50/coupon reduction of TuV, respectively, following a 30 min contact time. For carpet with waterproof backing, only product B achieved a 5.0 log10 PFU/coupon reduction of FCV and >3.0 log10 TCID50/coupon reduction of TuV, whereas products A and C achieved a 2.4 and 1.6 log10 PFU/coupon reduction of FCV and a 1.2 and 1.2 log10 TCID50/coupon reduction of TuV, respectively. Steam treatment achieved a ≥ 5.2 log10 PFU/coupon reduction of FCV and a > 3.2 log10 TCID50/coupon reduction of TuV in 15 seconds on the carpet with both backing types. The repeated use of products A and B decreased the tensile strength of the carpet backing, while use of product B resulted in cracks on carpet fibers. Overall, steam treatment for 15 seconds was efficacious on both carpet types, but only product B achieved efficacy after a 30-minute exposure on the carpet with waterproof backing.IMPORTANCECarpets are common in long-term care facilities, despite its potential as a vehicle for transmission of agents associated with healthcare-associated infections, including human norovirus (NoV). Presently, our understanding of carpet disinfection is limited; hence, there are no commercial antimicrobials against norovirus available for use on carpets. Our findings showed that steam treatment, which minimally affected the properties of carpet fibers and backing, was more efficacious against human norovirus surrogates on carpets compared to the three chemical antimicrobials tested. Additionally, the two surrogates were more sensitive to chemical antimicrobials on the carpet with waterproof backing compared to carpets with water-permeable backing. These findings can inform development of antimicrobials for use on carpets contaminated with human norovirus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinge Huang
- Department of Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Angela Fraser
- Department of Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Xiuping Jiang
- Department of Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
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Minucci JM, DeLuca NM, Durant JT, Goodwin B, Kowalski P, Scruton K, Thomas K, Cohen Hubal EA. Linking exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in house dust and biomonitoring data in eight impacted communities. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 188:108756. [PMID: 38795657 PMCID: PMC11323284 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108756] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used in industry and have been linked to various adverse health effects. Communities adjacent to sites where PFAS are manufactured, stored, or used may be at elevated risk. In these impacted communities, significant exposure often occurs through contaminated drinking water, yet less is known about the role of other pathways such as residential exposure through house dust. We analyzed a paired serum and house dust dataset from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry's PFAS Exposure Assessments, which sampled eight United States communities with a history of drinking water contamination due to aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) use at nearby military bases. We found that serum PFAS levels of residents were significantly positively associated with the dust PFAS levels in their homes, for three of seven PFAS analyzed, when accounting for site and participant age. We also found that increased dust PFAS levels were associated with a shift in the relative abundance of PFAS in serum towards those chemicals not strongly linked to AFFF contamination, which may suggest household sources. Additionally, we analyzed participant responses to exposure questionnaires to identify factors associated with dust PFAS levels. Dust PFAS levels for some analytes were significantly elevated in households where participants were older and had lived at the home longer, cleaned less frequently, used stain resistant products, and had carpeted living rooms. Our results suggest that residential exposure to PFAS via dust or other indoor pathways may contribute to overall exposure and body burden, even in communities impacted by AFFF contamination of drinking water, and the magnitude of this exposure may also be influenced by demographic, behavioral, and housing factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M Minucci
- U.S. EPA, Office of Research and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, United States.
| | - Nicole M DeLuca
- U.S. EPA, Office of Research and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, United States
| | - James T Durant
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Office of Community Health Hazard Assessment, United States
| | - Bradley Goodwin
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Office of Community Health Hazard Assessment, United States
| | - Peter Kowalski
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Office of Community Health Hazard Assessment, United States
| | - Karen Scruton
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Office of Community Health Hazard Assessment, United States
| | - Kent Thomas
- U.S. EPA, Office of Research and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, United States
| | - Elaine A Cohen Hubal
- U.S. EPA, Office of Research and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, United States
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Sun D, Sun W, Tang L, Huang W, Zhang Z. Bacterial Contamination in the Different Parts of Household Washing Machine: New Insights from Chengdu, Western China. Curr Microbiol 2024; 81:114. [PMID: 38478167 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-024-03630-y] [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: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
The moist and warm environment in the household washing machine provides ideal living conditions for the growth and survival of various microorganisms. However, the biodiversity of bacterial community in the different parts of washing machine from Chinese households has not been clarified. In this study, we assessed the bacterial communities in sealing strip, detergent drawer, inner drum, water filter and greywater of ten domestic washing machines quantitatively and qualitatively in Chengdu, southwestern China. The microbial cultivation results indicated that the washing machines from Chengdu had a severe microbial contamination reflected by large counts on bacteria, fungi and coliform. Furthermore, the sequencing data showed that the different parts displayed distinctive bacterial compositions. At the level of genus, the anaerobic bacteria of Caproiciproducens and Acidipropionibacterium were predominant in sealing strip. Barnesiella, Shinella and Sellimonas were detected as the characteristic bacteria in detergent drawer. The pathogens of Luteibacter and Corynebacterium at the genus level were the dominant bacteria in inner drum and water filter, respectively. The genera of Azospira, Roseococcus, Elstera and Aquicella, which belonged to the pathogenic phylum of Proteobacteria, were identified as bioindicators for the greywater. Gene function analysis on the sequencing data illustrated that the bacteria from washing machines were potentially associated with bacterial infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance. This study shows the bacterial diversity in the different parts of washing machines, providing new clues for bacterial contamination in washing machines from Chinese households.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donglei Sun
- Molecular Toxicology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Provincial Education office, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Weilian Sun
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, West China, School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Li Tang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, West China, School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, West China, School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zunzhen Zhang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, West China, School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Shinohara N, Oguri T, Takagi M, Ueyama J, Isobe T. Evaluating the risk of phthalate and non-phthalate plasticizers in dust samples from 100 Japanese houses. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 183:108399. [PMID: 38157606 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108399] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Phthalates are widely used as plasticizer and associated with various health issues. Recently, non-phthalate plasticizers are replacing phthalates; however, the exposure to these substances and the risk in Japan is unclear. In this study, we assessed the concentrations of phthalates, non-phthalate plasticizers, and phthalate degradation products in house dust and determined their respective exposure risks via oral and dermal routes. Twelve phthalates, seven non-phthalate plasticizers, and two degradation products were determined in the house dust obtained from 100 Japanese homes. The median concentration of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), accounting for 85 % of the total concentration of phthalates and non-phthalate plasticizers detected in this study, was 2.1 × 103 μg/g of dust. Apart from DEHP, diisononyl phthalate (DINP) and di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DEHT) were the most abundant in the house dust, accounting for 6.2 % (median: 1.7 × 102 μg/g of dust) and 6.1 % (median: 1.7 × 102 μg/g of dust) of the total concentrations, respectively. DEHP and DEHT concentrations in house dust were higher in apartment and small houses (floor area: ≤30 m2 or 31-60 m2 for DEHP and 31-60 m2 for DEHT) than in detached and large houses (floor area: ≥121 m2). Conversely, di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) concentrations were significantly higher in detached and large houses (floor area: ≥121 m2) than in apartment and small houses (floor area: ≤30 m2). The total hazard quotient (HQ), using the maximum concentration in house dust, revealed that oral and dermal exposure to house dust was 1.3 × 10-6-0.11 for adults (all substances) and 1.6 × 10-5-2.2 × 10-2 for preschool children (except for DnBP and DEHP), suggesting no risk. The HQs for DnBP and DEHP exposure via house dust for preschool children using the maximum values were 0.46 and 1.2, and 6.0 × 10-3 and 0.18 using the median values, indicating that risk of DEHP exposure should be exhaustively determined by considering other exposure routes that were not evaluated in this study, such as diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naohide Shinohara
- Research Institute of Science for Safety and Sustainability (RISS), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Japan.
| | - Tomoko Oguri
- Research Institute of Science for Safety and Sustainability (RISS), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Mai Takagi
- Health and Environmental Risk Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Jun Ueyama
- Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, 1-1-20 Daikominami, Higashi-ku, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Isobe
- Health and Environmental Risk Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Japan
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Cochran SJ, Acosta L, Divjan A, Lemons AR, Rundle AG, Miller RL, Sobek E, Green BJ, Perzanowski MS, Dannemiller KC. Fungal diversity in homes and asthma morbidity among school-age children in New York City. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 239:117296. [PMID: 37806477 PMCID: PMC10842248 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117296] [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: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma development has been inversely associated with exposure to fungal diversity. However, the influence of fungi on measures of asthma morbidity is not well understood. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to test the hypothesis that fungal diversity is inversely associated with neighborhood asthma prevalence and identify specific fungal species associated with asthma morbidity. METHODS Children aged 7-8 years (n = 347) living in higher (11-18%) and lower (3-9%) asthma prevalence neighborhoods were recruited within an asthma case-control study. Fungal communities were analyzed from floor dust using high-throughput DNA sequencing. A subset of asthmatic children (n = 140) was followed to age 10-11 to determine asthma persistence. RESULTS Neighborhood asthma prevalence was inversely associated with fungal species richness (P = 0.010) and Shannon diversity (P = 0.059). Associations between neighborhood asthma prevalence and diversity indices were driven by differences in building type and presence of bedroom carpet. Among children with asthma at age 7-8 years, Shannon fungal diversity was inversely associated with frequent asthma symptoms at that age (OR 0.57, P = 0.025) and with asthma persistence to age 10-11 (OR 0.48, P = 0.043). Analyses of individual fungal species did not show significant associations with asthma outcomes when adjusted for false discovery rates. DISCUSSION Lower fungal diversity was associated with asthma symptoms in this urban setting. Individual fungal species associated with asthma morbidity were not detected. Further research is warranted into building type, carpeting, and other environmental characteristics which influence fungal exposures in homes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel J Cochran
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Luis Acosta
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Adnan Divjan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Angela R Lemons
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
| | - Andrew G Rundle
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, 10032, NY, USA
| | - Rachel L Miller
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, 10029, NY, USA
| | - Edward Sobek
- Assured Bio Laboratories, Oak Ridge, TN, 37830, USA
| | - Brett J Green
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
| | - Matthew S Perzanowski
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Karen C Dannemiller
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geodetic Engineering, College of Engineering, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Sustainability Institute, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
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Overdahl KE, Kassotis CD, Hoffman K, Getzinger GJ, Phillips A, Hammel S, Stapleton HM, Ferguson PL. Characterizing azobenzene disperse dyes and related compounds in house dust and their correlations with other organic contaminant classes. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 337:122491. [PMID: 37709124 PMCID: PMC10655148 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122491] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Azobenzene disperse dyes are the fastest-growing category of commercial dyestuffs and are implicated in the literature as potentially allergenic. In the indoor environment, these dyes may be shed from various textiles, including clothing and upholstery and accumulate in dust particles potentially leading to exposure in young children who have higher exposure to chemicals associated with dust due to their crawling and mouthing behaviors. Children may be more vulnerable to dye exposure due to their developing immune systems, and therefore, it is critical to characterize azobenzene disperse dyes in children's home environments. Here, we investigate azobenzene disperse dyes and related compounds in house dust samples (n = 124) that were previously analyzed for flame retardants, phthalates, pesticides and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). High-resolution mass spectrometry was used to support both targeted and suspect screening of dyes in dust. Statistical analyses were conducted to determine if dye concentrations were related to demographic information. Detection frequencies for 12 target dyes ranged from 11% to 89%; of the dyes that were detected in at least 50% of the samples, geometric mean levels ranged from 32.4 to 360 ng/g. Suspect screening analysis identified eight additional high-abundance azobenzene compounds in dust. Some dyes were correlated to numerous flame retardants and several antimicrobials, and statistically higher levels of some dyes were observed in homes of non-Hispanic Black mothers than in homes of non-Hispanic white mothers. To our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive study of azobenzene disperse dyes in house dust to date. Future studies are needed to quantify additional dyes in dust and to examine exposure pathways of dyes in indoor environments where children are concerned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten E Overdahl
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708. United States
| | - Christopher D Kassotis
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708. United States; Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48202. United States
| | - Kate Hoffman
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708. United States
| | - Gordon J Getzinger
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708. United States
| | - Allison Phillips
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708. United States
| | - Stephanie Hammel
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708. United States
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708. United States.
| | - P Lee Ferguson
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708. United States; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708. United States.
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Tang X, Gambier C, López-Gálvez N, Padilla S, Rapp VH, Russell ML, Klivansky LM, Mayorga R, Perrino C, Gundel LA, Hoh E, Dodder NG, Hammond SK, Zhang H, Matt GE, Quintana PJE, Destaillats H. Remediation of Thirdhand Tobacco Smoke with Ozone: Probing Deep Reservoirs in Carpets. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 37366549 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c01628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
We assessed the efficacy of ozonation as an indoor remediation strategy by evaluating how a carpet serves as a sink and long-term source of thirdhand tobacco smoke (THS) while protecting contaminants absorbed in deep reservoirs by scavenging ozone. Specimens from unused carpet that was exposed to smoke in the lab ("fresh THS") and contaminated carpets retrieved from smokers' homes ("aged THS") were treated with 1000 ppb ozone in bench-scale tests. Nicotine was partially removed from fresh THS specimens by volatilization and oxidation, but it was not significantly eliminated from aged THS samples. By contrast, most of the 24 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons detected in both samples were partially removed by ozone. One of the home-aged carpets was installed in an 18 m3 room-sized chamber, where its nicotine emission rate was 950 ng day-1 m-2. In a typical home, such daily emissions could amount to a non-negligible fraction of the nicotine released by smoking one cigarette. The operation of a commercial ozone generator for a total duration of 156 min, reaching concentrations up to 10,000 ppb, did not significantly reduce the carpet nicotine loading (26-122 mg m-2). Ozone reacted primarily with carpet fibers, rather than with THS, leading to short-term emissions of aldehydes and aerosol particles. Hence, by being absorbed deeply into carpet fibers, THS constituents can be partially shielded from ozonation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Tang
- Indoor Environment Group, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Clément Gambier
- Indoor Environment Group, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Nicolás López-Gálvez
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, California 92182, United States
| | - Samuel Padilla
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, California 92182, United States
| | - Vi H Rapp
- Indoor Environment Group, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Marion L Russell
- Indoor Environment Group, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Liana M Klivansky
- Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Raphael Mayorga
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Charles Perrino
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Lara A Gundel
- Indoor Environment Group, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Eunha Hoh
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, California 92182, United States
| | - Nathan G Dodder
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, California 92182, United States
| | - S Katharine Hammond
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Haofei Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - George E Matt
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California 92182, United States
| | - Penelope J E Quintana
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, California 92182, United States
| | - Hugo Destaillats
- Indoor Environment Group, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
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Probabilistic human health risk assessment of 1,3-butadiene and styrene exposure using Monte Carlo simulation technique in the carpet production industry. Sci Rep 2022; 12:22103. [PMID: 36543865 PMCID: PMC9772311 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26537-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemicals containing Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are commonly used in the machine carpet production. 1,3-butadiene and styrene are main components of the carpenter's glue used in carpet factories. Exposition to these chemicals can lead to a number of adverse health effects. This is the first study of the human health risk assessment due to inhalational exposure to 1,3-butadiene (BD) and styrene (ST) performed among workers in the carpet factories in Kashan city, Iran. The importance of the study was related with the fact of high popularity of carpet production in the South Asia countries. Inhalation exposure to BD and ST were measured based on the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 1024 and 1501 methods, respectively. The cancerogenic risk (CR) and non-cancerogenic risk described as Hazard Quotient (HQ) values were calculated based on the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) method. The sensitivity and uncertainty analysis were performed by the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) technique. The average concentration measured of BD and ST during work shifts of employees were 0.039 mg m-3 (0.017 ppm) and 12.108 mg m-3 (2.84 ppm), respectively. The mean ± SD value of estimated cancerogenic risk in inhalation exposure to BD and ST were equal to 5.13 × 10-3 ± 3.85 × 10-4 and 1.44 × 10-3 ± 2.36 × 10-4, respectively exceeding the acceptable risk level of 10-6 defined by USEPA. The average non-carcinogenic risk (HQ) values of BD and ST were equal to 8.50 × 100 and 5.13 × 100, respectively exceeding the acceptable risk level of 1. As the results of our studies exceeded both cancerogenic and non-carcinogenic risk values it indicates that adverse health effects due to inhalational exposure to BD and ST for workers in the machine carpet industry are very likely. To avoid negative health effects protective measures for employees in the factories should be introduced immediately and furher detailed research are recommended.
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10
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Cochran SJ, Acosta L, Divjan A, Lemons AR, Rundle AG, Miller RL, Sobek E, Green BJ, Perzanowski MS, Dannemiller KC. Spring is associated with increased total and allergenic fungal concentrations in house dust from a pediatric asthma cohort in New York City. BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT 2022; 226:10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.109711. [PMID: 37215628 PMCID: PMC10193533 DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.109711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Asthma and allergy symptoms vary seasonally due to exposure to environmental sources of allergen, including fungi. However, we need an improved understanding of seasonal influence on fungal exposures in the indoor environment. We hypothesized that concentrations of total fungi and allergenic species in vacuumed dust vary significantly by season. Objective Assess seasonal variation of indoor fungi with greater implications related to seasonal asthma control. Methods We combined next-generation sequencing with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to measure concentrations of fungal DNA in indoor floor dust samples (n = 298) collected from homes participating in the New York City Neighborhood Asthma and Allergy Study (NAAS). Results Total fungal concentration in spring was significantly higher than the other three seasons (p ≤ 0.005). Mean concentrations for 78% of fungal species were elevated in the spring (26% were significantly highest in spring, p < 0.05). Concentrations of 8 allergenic fungal species were significantly (p < 0.5) higher in spring compared to at least two other seasons. Indoor relative humidity and temperature were significantly highest in spring (p < 0.05) and were associated with total fungal concentration (R2 = 0.049, R2 = 0.11, respectively). Conclusion There is significant seasonal variation in total fungal concentration and concentration of select allergenic species. Indoor relative humidity and temperature may underlie these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel J. Cochran
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geodetic Engineering, College of Engineering, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Environmental Science Graduate Program. Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Luis Acosta
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Adnan Divjan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Angela R. Lemons
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
| | - Andrew G. Rundle
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, 10032, NY, USA
| | - Rachel L. Miller
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Edward Sobek
- Assured Bio Laboratories, Oak Ridge, TN, 37830, USA
| | - Brett J. Green
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
| | - Matthew S. Perzanowski
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Karen C. Dannemiller
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geodetic Engineering, College of Engineering, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Sustainability Institute, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
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11
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Argyropoulos CD, Skoulou V, Efthimiou G, Michopoulos AK. Airborne transmission of biological agents within the indoor built environment: a multidisciplinary review. AIR QUALITY, ATMOSPHERE, & HEALTH 2022; 16:477-533. [PMID: 36467894 PMCID: PMC9703444 DOI: 10.1007/s11869-022-01286-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The nature and airborne dispersion of the underestimated biological agents, monitoring, analysis and transmission among the human occupants into building environment is a major challenge of today. Those agents play a crucial role in ensuring comfortable, healthy and risk-free conditions into indoor working and leaving spaces. It is known that ventilation systems influence strongly the transmission of indoor air pollutants, with scarce information although to have been reported for biological agents until 2019. The biological agents' source release and the trajectory of airborne transmission are both important in terms of optimising the design of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems of the future. In addition, modelling via computational fluid dynamics (CFD) will become a more valuable tool in foreseeing risks and tackle hazards when pollutants and biological agents released into closed spaces. Promising results on the prediction of their dispersion routes and concentration levels, as well as the selection of the appropriate ventilation strategy, provide crucial information on risk minimisation of the airborne transmission among humans. Under this context, the present multidisciplinary review considers four interrelated aspects of the dispersion of biological agents in closed spaces, (a) the nature and airborne transmission route of the examined agents, (b) the biological origin and health effects of the major microbial pathogens on the human respiratory system, (c) the role of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems in the airborne transmission and (d) the associated computer modelling approaches. This adopted methodology allows the discussion of the existing findings, on-going research, identification of the main research gaps and future directions from a multidisciplinary point of view which will be helpful for substantial innovations in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vasiliki Skoulou
- B3 Challenge Group, Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull, HU6 7RX UK
| | - Georgios Efthimiou
- Centre for Biomedicine, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull, HU6 7RX UK
| | - Apostolos K. Michopoulos
- Energy & Environmental Design of Buildings Research Laboratory, University of Cyprus, P.O. Box 20537, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus
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12
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Li J, Zuraimi S, Schiavon S, Wan MP, Xiong J, Tham KW. Diurnal trends of indoor and outdoor fluorescent biological aerosol particles in a tropical urban area. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 848:157811. [PMID: 35931158 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157811] [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: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated diurnal trends of size-resolved indoor and outdoor fluorescent biological airborne particles (FBAPs) and their contributions to particulate matter (PM) within 0.5-20 μm. After a ten-week continuous sampling via two identical wideband integrated bioaerosol sensors, we found that both indoor and outdoor diurnal trends of PM were driven by its bioaerosol component. Outdoors, the median [interquartile range] FBAP mass concentration peaked at 8.2 [5.8-9.9] μg/m3 around sunrise and showed a downtrend from 6:00 to 18:00 during the daytime and an uptrend during the night. The nighttime FBAP level was 1.8 [1.4-2.2] times higher than that during the daytime, and FBAPs accounted for 45 % and 56 % of PM during daytime and nighttime, respectively. Indoors, the rise in concentrations of FBAPs smaller than 1 μm coincided with the starting operation of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system at 6:00, and the concentration peaked at 8:00 and dropped to the daily average by noontime. This indicated that the starting operation of the HVAC system dislodged the overnight settled and accumulated fine bioaerosols into the indoor environment. For particles larger than 1 μm, the variation of mass concentration was driven by occupancy. Based on regression modeling, the contributions of indoor PM, non-FBAP, and FBAP sources to indoor mass concentrations were estimated to be 93 %, 67 %, and 97 % during the occupied period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Li
- Berkeley Education Alliance for Research in Singapore (BEARS), 1 Create Way, 138602, Singapore.
| | - Sultan Zuraimi
- Berkeley Education Alliance for Research in Singapore (BEARS), 1 Create Way, 138602, Singapore
| | - Stefano Schiavon
- Center for the Built Environment (CBE), UC Berkeley, 390 Wurster Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Man Pun Wan
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Ave, 639798, Singapore
| | - Jinwen Xiong
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Ave, 639798, Singapore
| | - Kwok Wai Tham
- Department of Building, National University of Singapore, 4 Architecture Drive, 117566, Singapore
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13
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Yang J, Hao Z, Zhang L, Fu Y, Liu H. Surface fungal diversity and several mycotoxin-related genes' expression profiles during the Lunar Palace 365 experiment. MICROBIOME 2022; 10:169. [PMID: 36224642 PMCID: PMC9555122 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-022-01350-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chinese Lunar Palace 1 (LP1) is a ground-based bio-regenerative life support system (BLSS) test bed integrating highly efficient plant cultivation, animal protein production, urine nitrogen recycling, and bioconversion of solid waste. To date, there has been no molecular method-based detailed investigation of the fungal community and mycotoxin potential in BLSS habitats. To ensure safe BLSS design for actual space missions, we analyzed the LP1 surface mycobiome and mycotoxin potential during the Lunar Palace 365 project through internal transcribed spacer region 1 (ITS1) amplicon sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) with primers specific for idh, ver1, nor1, tri5, and ITS1. RESULTS The LP1 system exhibited significant differences in fungal community diversity compared to other confined habitats, with higher fungal alpha diversity and different community structures. Significant differences existed in the surface fungal communities of the LP1 habitat due to the presence of different occupant groups. However, there was no significant difference between fungal communities in the plant cabin with various occupants. Source tracker analysis shows that most of the surface fungi in LP1 originated from plants. Regardless of differences in occupants or location, there were no significant differences in mycotoxin gene copy number. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals that plants are the most crucial source of the surface fungal microbiome; however, occupant turnover can induce significant perturbations in the surface fungal community in a BLSS. Growing plants reduced fungal fluctuations, maintaining a healthy balance in the surface fungal microbiome and mycotoxin potential. Moreover, our study provides data important to (i) future risk considerations in crewed space missions with long-term residency, (ii) an optimized design and planning of a space mission that incorporates crew shifts and plant growth, and (iii) the expansion of our knowledge of indoor fungal communities with plant growth, which is essential to maintain safe working and living environments. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianlou Yang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of the Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Zikai Hao
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of the Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Lantao Zhang
- China Academy of Space Technology, Beijing, 100094 China
| | - Yuming Fu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of the Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191 China
- International Joint Research Center of Aerospace Biotechnology & Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191 China
- State Key Laboratory of Virtual Reality Technology and Systems, School of Computer Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083 China
| | - Hong Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of the Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191 China
- International Joint Research Center of Aerospace Biotechnology & Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191 China
- State Key Laboratory of Virtual Reality Technology and Systems, School of Computer Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083 China
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14
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Rasmussen PE, Kubwabo C, Gardner HD, Levesque C, Beauchemin S. Relationships between House Characteristics and Exposures to Metal(loid)s and Synthetic Organic Contaminants Evaluated Using Settled Indoor Dust. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10329. [PMID: 36011971 PMCID: PMC9408639 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191610329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates associations between house characteristics and chemical contaminants in house dust, collected under the nationally representative Canadian House Dust Study (2007−2010). Vacuum samples (<80 µm fraction) were analysed for over 200 synthetic organic compounds and metal(loid)s. Spearman rank correlations between contaminant concentrations in dust and presence of children and pets, types of flooring, heating styles and other characteristics suggested a number of indoor sources, pointing to future research directions. Numerous synthetic organics were significantly associated with reported use of room deodorizers and with the presence of cats in the home. Hardwood flooring, which is a manufactured wood product, emerged as a source of metal(loid)s, phthalates, organophosphate flame retardants/plasticizers, and obsolete organochlorine pesticides such as ∑DDT (but not halogenated flame retardants). Many metal(loid)s were significantly correlated with flame-retardant compounds used in building materials and heating systems. Components of heating appliances and heat distribution systems appeared to contribute heat-resistant chemicals and alloys to settled dust. Carpets displayed a dual role as both a source and repository of dust-borne contaminants. Contaminant loadings (<80 µm fraction) were significantly elevated in heavily carpeted homes, particularly those located near industry. Depending on the chemical (and its source), the results show that increased dust mass loading may enrich or dilute chemical concentrations in dust. Research is needed to improve the characterisation of hidden indoor sources such as flame retardants used in building materials and heating systems, or undisclosed ingredients used in common household products, such as air fresheners and products used for companion animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pat E. Rasmussen
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, HECS Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 9A7, Canada
| | - Cariton Kubwabo
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, HECS Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - H. David Gardner
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, HECS Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 9A7, Canada
| | - Christine Levesque
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, HECS Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Suzanne Beauchemin
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, HECS Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada
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15
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Rodgers K, Swartz CH, Occhialini J, Bassignani P, McCurdy M, Schaider LA. How Well Do Product Labels Indicate the Presence of PFAS in Consumer Items Used by Children and Adolescents? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:6294-6304. [PMID: 35506608 PMCID: PMC9118540 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c05175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
PFAS are persistent and toxic chemicals used in many commercial and industrial applications that are often added to consumer products, including those used by children and adolescents, to impart water and stain resistance. Since product labels rarely list chemical additives, including PFAS, we evaluated whether other information on product labels can be used by consumers to select products without PFAS. We selected 93 items marketed to or often used by children and adolescents across three product types (furnishings, apparel, bedding) and five labeling groups representing different combinations of water and/or stain resistance and "green" (including "nontoxic") assurances. We screened all products for total fluorine (F) and analyzed solvent extracts from a subset (n = 61) for 36 targeted PFAS and from a smaller subset (n = 30) for perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) generated by precursor oxidation using the total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay. Products advertised as water- and/or stain-resistant had more frequent detections and higher concentrations of total F than those without such claims, and targeted PFAS were detected only in products labeled as water- and/or stain-resistant. Concentrations of PFAAs generated by precursor oxidation using the TOP assay often exceeded pre-oxidation concentrations, suggesting that PFAA precursors contribute to solvent-extractable PFAS from products. Among products advertised as water- and/or stain-resistant, detection frequencies and concentrations of targeted PFAS were similar regardless of green assurances. This study illustrates many nonessential uses of PFAS in products used by children and adolescents and suggests that while water- and stain-resistant assurances can identify products likely to contain PFAS, current green assurances do not consistently indicate the absence of PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn
M. Rodgers
- Silent
Spring Institute, 320 Nevada Street, Suite 302, Newton, Massachusetts 02460, United States
| | - Christopher H. Swartz
- Silent
Spring Institute, 320 Nevada Street, Suite 302, Newton, Massachusetts 02460, United States
| | - James Occhialini
- Alpha
Analytical Laboratories, 320 Forbes Blvd, Mansfield, Massachusetts 02048, United States
| | - Philip Bassignani
- Alpha
Analytical Laboratories, 320 Forbes Blvd, Mansfield, Massachusetts 02048, United States
| | - Michelle McCurdy
- Galbraith
Laboratories, Inc., 2323 Sycamore Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37921, United States
| | - Laurel A. Schaider
- Silent
Spring Institute, 320 Nevada Street, Suite 302, Newton, Massachusetts 02460, United States
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16
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Li X, Liu D, Yao J. Aerosolization of fungal spores in indoor environments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 820:153003. [PMID: 35031366 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Fungi in indoor environments can cause adverse health effects through inhalation and epidermal exposure. The risk of fungal exposure originates from the aerosolization of fungal spores. However, spore aerosolization is still not well understood. This paper provides a review of indoor fungal contamination, especially the aerosolization of fungal spores. We attempted to summarize what is known today and to identify what more information is needed to predict the aerosolization of fungal spores. This paper first reviews fungal contamination in indoor environments and HVAC systems. The detachment of fungal spores from colonies and the spore aerosolization principle are then summarized. Based on the above discussion, prediction methods for spore aerosolization are discussed. This review further clarifies the current situation and future efforts required to accurately predict spore aerosolization. This information is useful for forecasting and controlling the aerosolization of fungal spores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Li
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Linyi University, Linyi 276000, China.
| | - Dan Liu
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Linyi University, Linyi 276000, China
| | - Jian Yao
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Linyi University, Linyi 276000, China
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17
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Schildroth S, Rodgers KM, Strynar M, McCord J, Poma G, Covaci A, Dodson RE. Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and persistent chemical mixtures in dust from U.S. colleges. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 206:112530. [PMID: 34902383 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Indoor spaces contain several classes of persistent organic chemicals, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). However, concentrations of PFAS and persistent chemical mixtures and their associations with building characteristics on college campuses are understudied. We collected dust from 43 nonresidential spaces on four U.S. college campuses in 2016 and evaluated associations of room characteristics (carpeting, upholstered furniture, and years since last furnished) with dust concentrations of PFAS, PBDEs, PCBs, and OCPs. Nine PFAS, twelve PBDEs, two PCBs, and four OCPs were each detected in at least 75% of the spaces, including several chemicals (e.g., DDT) that have been banned for decades. Concentrations were correlated within and, in some cases, between chemical classes. Wall-to-wall carpeting (compared to rooms without wall-to-wall carpeting) was associated with higher concentrations of six individual PFAS and a mixture of PFAS, and the number of pieces of upholstered furniture was associated with increased concentrations of a mixture of PBDEs. These findings indicate that carpeting and furniture are current sources of PFAS and PBDEs, respectively. Building and finish materials should be carefully selected to avoid exposure to persistent chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Schildroth
- Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany St, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Kathryn M Rodgers
- Silent Spring Institute, 320 Nevada Street, Suite 302, Newton, MA, 02460, USA
| | - Mark Strynar
- US EPA, Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling Durham, NC, 27711, USA
| | - James McCord
- US EPA, Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling Durham, NC, 27711, USA
| | - Giulia Poma
- Toxicological Center, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Center, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Robin E Dodson
- Silent Spring Institute, 320 Nevada Street, Suite 302, Newton, MA, 02460, USA.
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18
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Kim T, Sohn S, Park H, Jang S, Lee C, Lee JI, Joo SW, Zoh KD. Surface-dependent gas equilibrium of semi-volatile organic compounds on glass, wood, and polyurethane foam using SPME-GC/MS. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 291:132869. [PMID: 34774608 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132869] [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: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The surface-dependent evaporation behavior of phthalates as semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) on glass, wood, and polyurethane foam (PUF) was investigated. Three phthalates of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) were studied to compare the amount of gases vaporized from their surfaces. A 10 mL silicate glass vial was used to compare the gas equilibrium of the phthalates after 2 h. The gases accumulated in the air were transferred to a solid-phase microextraction (SPME) column and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). As correlated with the physicochemical properties of the phthalates, including molecular weights and vapor pressure, the surface-air partition coefficients (Ksa) were found to be in the range of 101-105 m, 106-107 m, and 107-109 m on glass, wood, and PUF, respectively, implying that a significant amount of phthalates are retained on wood and PUF surfaces as compared to glass, and only a trace amount of phthalates can be volatilized into the air, especially the less volatile DEHP. The three-dimensional (3D) morphologies of glass and wood were also examined using a white-light interferometric surface profile microscope and an atomic force microscope (AFM). In contrast to smooth glass surfaces within the sub-micrometer vertical range, the wood surfaces exhibited uneven irregular structures at a height of 5-30 μm. The rough wood surfaces were found to adsorb substantial amounts of gases to prevent the effective volatilization of phthalates into the air, especially the low molecular DBP. Our results imply that wood and PUF surfaces may be superior to glass surfaces in storage and reduction of phthalates in the air, especially DBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taeyeon Kim
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Seungwoon Sohn
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Heungjoo Park
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Soonmin Jang
- Department of Chemistry, Sejong University, Seoul, 143-747, South Korea
| | - Cheolmin Lee
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Seokyeong University, Seoul, 02713, South Korea
| | - Jung Il Lee
- Korea Testing & Research Institute, Gwacheon, 13810, South Korea
| | - Sang-Woo Joo
- Department of Information Communication, Materials, Chemistry Convergence Technology, Soongsil University, Seoul, 06978, South Korea
| | - Kyung-Duk Zoh
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea.
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19
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Kovesi T, Mallach G, Schreiber Y, McKay M, Lawlor G, Barrowman N, Tsampalieros A, Kulka R, Root A, Kelly L, Kirlew M, Miller JD. Housing conditions and respiratory morbidity in Indigenous children in remote communities in Northwestern Ontario, Canada. CMAJ 2022; 194:E80-E88. [PMID: 35074834 PMCID: PMC8900755 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.202465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rates of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) among First Nations (FN) children living in Canada are elevated. We aimed to quantify indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in the homes of FN children in isolated communities and evaluate any associations with respiratory morbidity. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional evaluation of 98 FN children (81 with complete data) aged 3 years or younger, living in 4 FN communities in the Sioux Lookout region of Northern Ontario. We performed medical chart reviews and administered questionnaires. We performed a housing inspection, including quantifying the interior surface area of mould (SAM). We monitored air quality for 5 days in each home and quantified the contaminant loading of settled floor dust, including endotoxin. We analyzed associations between IEQ variables and respiratory conditions using univariable and multivariable analyses. RESULTS Participants had a mean age of 1.6 years and 21% had been admitted to hospital for respiratory infections before age 2 years. Houses were generally crowded (mean occupancy 6.6 [standard deviation 2.6, range 3-17] people per house). Serious housing concerns were frequent, including a lack of functioning controlled ventilation. The mean SAM in the occupied space was 0.2 m2. In multivariable modelling, there was evidence of an association of LRTI with log endotoxin (p = 0.07) and age (p = 0.02), and for upper respiratory tract infections, with SAM (p = 0.07) and age (p = 0.03). Wheeze with colds was associated with log endotoxin (p = 0.03) and age (p = 0.04). INTERPRETATION We observed poor housing conditions and an association between endotoxin and wheezing in young FN children living in Northern Ontario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Kovesi
- Department of Pediatrics (Kovesi), Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), University of Ottawa; Water and Air Quality Bureau (Mallach, Kulka), Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ont.; Northern Ontario School of Medicine (Schreiber), Sioux Lookout, Ont.; Nishnawbe Aski Nation (McKay), Thunder Bay, Ont.; Energy Matters (Lawlor), Pickering, Ont.; CHEO Research Institute (Barrowman, Tsampalieros), University of Ottawa; School of Public Policy and Administration (Root), Carleton University, Ottawa, Ont.; Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (Root); Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (Kelly), Sioux Lookout, Ont.; Northern Ontario School of Medicine (Kirlew), Sudbury, Ont.; Department of Chemistry (Miller), Carleton University, Ottawa, Ont.
| | - Gary Mallach
- Department of Pediatrics (Kovesi), Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), University of Ottawa; Water and Air Quality Bureau (Mallach, Kulka), Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ont.; Northern Ontario School of Medicine (Schreiber), Sioux Lookout, Ont.; Nishnawbe Aski Nation (McKay), Thunder Bay, Ont.; Energy Matters (Lawlor), Pickering, Ont.; CHEO Research Institute (Barrowman, Tsampalieros), University of Ottawa; School of Public Policy and Administration (Root), Carleton University, Ottawa, Ont.; Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (Root); Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (Kelly), Sioux Lookout, Ont.; Northern Ontario School of Medicine (Kirlew), Sudbury, Ont.; Department of Chemistry (Miller), Carleton University, Ottawa, Ont
| | - Yoko Schreiber
- Department of Pediatrics (Kovesi), Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), University of Ottawa; Water and Air Quality Bureau (Mallach, Kulka), Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ont.; Northern Ontario School of Medicine (Schreiber), Sioux Lookout, Ont.; Nishnawbe Aski Nation (McKay), Thunder Bay, Ont.; Energy Matters (Lawlor), Pickering, Ont.; CHEO Research Institute (Barrowman, Tsampalieros), University of Ottawa; School of Public Policy and Administration (Root), Carleton University, Ottawa, Ont.; Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (Root); Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (Kelly), Sioux Lookout, Ont.; Northern Ontario School of Medicine (Kirlew), Sudbury, Ont.; Department of Chemistry (Miller), Carleton University, Ottawa, Ont
| | - Michael McKay
- Department of Pediatrics (Kovesi), Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), University of Ottawa; Water and Air Quality Bureau (Mallach, Kulka), Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ont.; Northern Ontario School of Medicine (Schreiber), Sioux Lookout, Ont.; Nishnawbe Aski Nation (McKay), Thunder Bay, Ont.; Energy Matters (Lawlor), Pickering, Ont.; CHEO Research Institute (Barrowman, Tsampalieros), University of Ottawa; School of Public Policy and Administration (Root), Carleton University, Ottawa, Ont.; Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (Root); Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (Kelly), Sioux Lookout, Ont.; Northern Ontario School of Medicine (Kirlew), Sudbury, Ont.; Department of Chemistry (Miller), Carleton University, Ottawa, Ont
| | - Gail Lawlor
- Department of Pediatrics (Kovesi), Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), University of Ottawa; Water and Air Quality Bureau (Mallach, Kulka), Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ont.; Northern Ontario School of Medicine (Schreiber), Sioux Lookout, Ont.; Nishnawbe Aski Nation (McKay), Thunder Bay, Ont.; Energy Matters (Lawlor), Pickering, Ont.; CHEO Research Institute (Barrowman, Tsampalieros), University of Ottawa; School of Public Policy and Administration (Root), Carleton University, Ottawa, Ont.; Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (Root); Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (Kelly), Sioux Lookout, Ont.; Northern Ontario School of Medicine (Kirlew), Sudbury, Ont.; Department of Chemistry (Miller), Carleton University, Ottawa, Ont
| | - Nick Barrowman
- Department of Pediatrics (Kovesi), Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), University of Ottawa; Water and Air Quality Bureau (Mallach, Kulka), Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ont.; Northern Ontario School of Medicine (Schreiber), Sioux Lookout, Ont.; Nishnawbe Aski Nation (McKay), Thunder Bay, Ont.; Energy Matters (Lawlor), Pickering, Ont.; CHEO Research Institute (Barrowman, Tsampalieros), University of Ottawa; School of Public Policy and Administration (Root), Carleton University, Ottawa, Ont.; Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (Root); Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (Kelly), Sioux Lookout, Ont.; Northern Ontario School of Medicine (Kirlew), Sudbury, Ont.; Department of Chemistry (Miller), Carleton University, Ottawa, Ont
| | - Anne Tsampalieros
- Department of Pediatrics (Kovesi), Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), University of Ottawa; Water and Air Quality Bureau (Mallach, Kulka), Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ont.; Northern Ontario School of Medicine (Schreiber), Sioux Lookout, Ont.; Nishnawbe Aski Nation (McKay), Thunder Bay, Ont.; Energy Matters (Lawlor), Pickering, Ont.; CHEO Research Institute (Barrowman, Tsampalieros), University of Ottawa; School of Public Policy and Administration (Root), Carleton University, Ottawa, Ont.; Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (Root); Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (Kelly), Sioux Lookout, Ont.; Northern Ontario School of Medicine (Kirlew), Sudbury, Ont.; Department of Chemistry (Miller), Carleton University, Ottawa, Ont
| | - Ryan Kulka
- Department of Pediatrics (Kovesi), Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), University of Ottawa; Water and Air Quality Bureau (Mallach, Kulka), Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ont.; Northern Ontario School of Medicine (Schreiber), Sioux Lookout, Ont.; Nishnawbe Aski Nation (McKay), Thunder Bay, Ont.; Energy Matters (Lawlor), Pickering, Ont.; CHEO Research Institute (Barrowman, Tsampalieros), University of Ottawa; School of Public Policy and Administration (Root), Carleton University, Ottawa, Ont.; Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (Root); Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (Kelly), Sioux Lookout, Ont.; Northern Ontario School of Medicine (Kirlew), Sudbury, Ont.; Department of Chemistry (Miller), Carleton University, Ottawa, Ont
| | - Ariel Root
- Department of Pediatrics (Kovesi), Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), University of Ottawa; Water and Air Quality Bureau (Mallach, Kulka), Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ont.; Northern Ontario School of Medicine (Schreiber), Sioux Lookout, Ont.; Nishnawbe Aski Nation (McKay), Thunder Bay, Ont.; Energy Matters (Lawlor), Pickering, Ont.; CHEO Research Institute (Barrowman, Tsampalieros), University of Ottawa; School of Public Policy and Administration (Root), Carleton University, Ottawa, Ont.; Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (Root); Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (Kelly), Sioux Lookout, Ont.; Northern Ontario School of Medicine (Kirlew), Sudbury, Ont.; Department of Chemistry (Miller), Carleton University, Ottawa, Ont
| | - Len Kelly
- Department of Pediatrics (Kovesi), Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), University of Ottawa; Water and Air Quality Bureau (Mallach, Kulka), Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ont.; Northern Ontario School of Medicine (Schreiber), Sioux Lookout, Ont.; Nishnawbe Aski Nation (McKay), Thunder Bay, Ont.; Energy Matters (Lawlor), Pickering, Ont.; CHEO Research Institute (Barrowman, Tsampalieros), University of Ottawa; School of Public Policy and Administration (Root), Carleton University, Ottawa, Ont.; Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (Root); Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (Kelly), Sioux Lookout, Ont.; Northern Ontario School of Medicine (Kirlew), Sudbury, Ont.; Department of Chemistry (Miller), Carleton University, Ottawa, Ont
| | - Michael Kirlew
- Department of Pediatrics (Kovesi), Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), University of Ottawa; Water and Air Quality Bureau (Mallach, Kulka), Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ont.; Northern Ontario School of Medicine (Schreiber), Sioux Lookout, Ont.; Nishnawbe Aski Nation (McKay), Thunder Bay, Ont.; Energy Matters (Lawlor), Pickering, Ont.; CHEO Research Institute (Barrowman, Tsampalieros), University of Ottawa; School of Public Policy and Administration (Root), Carleton University, Ottawa, Ont.; Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (Root); Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (Kelly), Sioux Lookout, Ont.; Northern Ontario School of Medicine (Kirlew), Sudbury, Ont.; Department of Chemistry (Miller), Carleton University, Ottawa, Ont
| | - J David Miller
- Department of Pediatrics (Kovesi), Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), University of Ottawa; Water and Air Quality Bureau (Mallach, Kulka), Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ont.; Northern Ontario School of Medicine (Schreiber), Sioux Lookout, Ont.; Nishnawbe Aski Nation (McKay), Thunder Bay, Ont.; Energy Matters (Lawlor), Pickering, Ont.; CHEO Research Institute (Barrowman, Tsampalieros), University of Ottawa; School of Public Policy and Administration (Root), Carleton University, Ottawa, Ont.; Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (Root); Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (Kelly), Sioux Lookout, Ont.; Northern Ontario School of Medicine (Kirlew), Sudbury, Ont.; Department of Chemistry (Miller), Carleton University, Ottawa, Ont
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20
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Savvaides T, Koelmel JP, Zhou Y, Lin EZ, Stelben P, Aristizabal-Henao JJ, Bowden JA, Godri Pollitt KJ. Prevalence and Implications of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Settled Dust. Curr Environ Health Rep 2022; 8:323-335. [PMID: 34985714 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-021-00326-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a family of more than 7,000 fluorinated compounds. The carbon-fluorine bond of PFAS provides desirable hydrophobic and oleophobic properties and stability that has led to widespread usage in consumer products and industrial applications. The strength of the carbon-fluorine bond also prevents appreciable degradation once released into the environment. Consequently, various household products can release volatile and nonvolatile PFAS into the indoor environment that often concentrate in dust. We discuss the diversity of PFAS in settled dust, emission sources of these chemicals, changes in PFAS profiles in dust over the past century, and the implications for human health. RECENT FINDINGS Sources of PFAS found in dust include building materials and furnishings and consumer products used in typical indoor spaces. Daycares and workplaces are emphasized as locations with widespread exposure due to the presence of treated carpeting and industrial-strength cleaners. Comparison and interpretation of findings across studies are complicated by the different ways in which PFAS are screened across studies. We further discuss recent developments in non-targeted software for the comprehensive annotation of PFAS in indoor dust and emphasize the need for comprehensive and harmonized analytical workflows. We highlight the detection and diversity of PFAS in settled dust collected from various indoor spaces, including locations with vulnerable subpopulations. There are opportunities for future research to leverage settled dust as a sentinel environmental matrix to evaluate the link between inhalation and ingestion routes of PFAS exposure to adverse health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Savvaides
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, Room 510, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.,Department of Chemistry, Fordham University, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Jeremy P Koelmel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, Room 510, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Yakun Zhou
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, Room 510, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Elizabeth Z Lin
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, Room 510, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Paul Stelben
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, Room 510, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Juan J Aristizabal-Henao
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Center for Human and Environmental Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - John A Bowden
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Center for Human and Environmental Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Krystal J Godri Pollitt
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, Room 510, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
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21
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Wan Y, North ML, Navaranjan G, Ellis AK, Siegel JA, Diamond ML. Indoor exposure to phthalates and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to Canadian children: the Kingston allergy birth cohort. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2022; 32:69-81. [PMID: 33854194 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-021-00310-y] [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: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canadian children are widely exposed to phthalates and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from indoor sources. Both sets of compounds have been implicated in allergic symptoms in children. OBJECTIVE We characterize concentrations of eight phthalates and 12 PAHs in floor dust from the bedrooms of 79 children enrolled in the Kingston Allergy Birth Cohort (KABC). METHOD Floor dust was collected from the bedrooms of 79 children who underwent skin prick testing for common allergens after their first birthday. Data were collected on activities, household, and building characteristics via questionnaire. RESULTS Diisononyl phthalate (DiNP) and phenanthrene were the dominant phthalate and PAH with median concentrations of 561 µg/g and 341 ng/g, respectively. Benzyl butyl phthalate (BzBP) and chrysene had the highest variations among all tested homes, ranging from 1-95% to 1-99%, respectively. SIGNIFICANCE Some phthalates were significantly associated with product and material use such as diethyl phthalate (DEP) with fragranced products and DiNP and DiDP with vinyl materials. Some PAHs were significantly associated with household characteristics, such as benzo[a]pyrene with smoking, and phenanthrene and fluoranthene with the presence of an attached garage. Socioeconomic status (SES) had positive and negative relationships with some concentrations and some explanatory factors. No significant increases in risk of atopy (positive skin prick test) was found as a function of phthalate or PAH dust concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchao Wan
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michelle L North
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Science, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada, Dorval, QC, Canada
| | - Garthika Navaranjan
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anne K Ellis
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Science, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Allergy Research Unit, Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Jeffrey A Siegel
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Miriam L Diamond
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- School of Environment, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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22
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Bueno de Mesquita PJ, Delp WW, Chan WR, Bahnfleth WP, Singer BC. Control of airborne infectious disease in buildings: Evidence and research priorities. INDOOR AIR 2022; 32:e12965. [PMID: 34816493 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12965] [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: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The evolution of SARS-CoV-2 virus has resulted in variants likely to be more readily transmitted through respiratory aerosols, underscoring the increased potential for indoor environmental controls to mitigate risk. Use of tight-fitting face masks to trap infectious aerosol in exhaled breath and reduce inhalation exposure to contaminated air is of critical importance for disease control. Administrative controls including the regulation of occupancy and interpersonal spacing are also important, while presenting social and economic challenges. Indoor engineering controls including ventilation, exhaust, air flow control, filtration, and disinfection by germicidal ultraviolet irradiation can reduce reliance on stringent occupancy restrictions. However, the effects of controls-individually and in combination-on reducing infectious aerosol transfer indoors remain to be clearly characterized to the extent needed to support widespread implementation by building operators. We review aerobiologic and epidemiologic evidence of indoor environmental controls against transmission and present a quantitative aerosol transfer scenario illustrating relative differences in exposure at close-interactive, room, and building scales. We identify an overarching need for investment to implement building controls and evaluate their effectiveness on infection in well-characterized and real-world settings, supported by specific, methodological advances. Improved understanding of engineering control effectiveness guides implementation at scale while considering occupant comfort, operational challenges, and energy costs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - William W Delp
- Indoor Environment Group, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Wanyu R Chan
- Indoor Environment Group, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - William P Bahnfleth
- Department of Architectural Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Brett C Singer
- Indoor Environment Group, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
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23
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Haines SR, Hall EC, Marciniak K, Misztal PK, Goldstein AH, Adams RI, Dannemiller KC. Microbial growth and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from carpet and drywall under elevated relative humidity conditions. MICROBIOME 2021; 9:209. [PMID: 34666813 PMCID: PMC8524935 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-021-01158-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microbes can grow in indoor environments if moisture is available, and we need an improved understanding of how this growth contributes to emissions of microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs). The goal of this study was to measure how moisture levels, building material type, collection site, and microbial species composition impact microbial growth and emissions of mVOCs. We subjected two common building materials, drywall, and carpet, to treatments with varying moisture availability and measured microbial communities and mVOC emissions. RESULTS Fungal growth occurred in samples at >75% equilibrium relative humidity (ERH) for carpet with dust and >85% ERH for inoculated painted drywall. In addition to incubated relative humidity level, dust sample collection site (adonis p=0.001) and material type (drywall, carpet, adonis p=0.001) drove fungal and bacterial species composition. Increased relative humidity was associated with decreased microbial species diversity in samples of carpet with dust (adonis p= 0.005). Abundant volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that accounted for >1% emissions were likely released from building materials and the dust itself. However, certain mVOCs were associated with microbial growth from carpet with dust such as C10H16H+ (monoterpenes) and C2H6SH+ (dimethyl sulfide and ethanethiol). CO2 production from samples of carpet with dust at 95% ERH averaged 5.92 mg hr-1 kg-1, while the average for carpet without dust at 95% ERH was 2.55 mg hr-1 kg-1. CONCLUSION Microbial growth and mVOC emissions occur at lower relative humidity in carpet and floor dust compared to drywall, which has important implications for human exposure. Even under elevated relative humidity conditions, the VOC emissions profile is dominated by non-microbial VOCs, although potential mVOCs may dominate odor production. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R. Haines
- Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A4 Canada
| | - Emma C. Hall
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712 USA
| | | | - Pawel K. Misztal
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712 USA
| | - Allen H. Goldstein
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
| | - Rachel I. Adams
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
| | - Karen C. Dannemiller
- Department of Civil, Environmental & Geodetic Engineering, College of Engineering, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
- Sustainability Institute, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
- Department of Civil, Environmental & Geodetic Engineering, Environmental Health Sciences, Ohio State University, 470 Hitchcock Hall, 2070 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
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24
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Martin-Sanchez PM, Estensmo ELF, Morgado LN, Maurice S, Engh IB, Skrede I, Kauserud H. Analysing indoor mycobiomes through a large-scale citizen science study in Norway. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:2689-2705. [PMID: 33830574 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
In the built environment, fungi can cause important deterioration of building materials and have adverse health effects on occupants. Increased knowledge about indoor mycobiomes from different regions of the world, and their main environmental determinants, will enable improved indoor air quality management and identification of health risks. This is the first citizen science study of indoor mycobiomes at a large geographical scale in Europe, including 271 houses from Norway and 807 dust samples from three house compartments: outside of the building, living room and bathroom. The fungal community composition determined by DNA metabarcoding was clearly different between indoor and outdoor samples, but there were no significant differences between the two indoor compartments. The 32 selected variables, related to the outdoor environment, building features and occupant characteristics, accounted for 15% of the overall variation in community composition, with the house compartment as the key factor (7.6%). Next, climate was the main driver of the dust mycobiomes (4.2%), while building and occupant variables had significant but minor influences (1.4% and 1.1%, respectively). The house-dust mycobiomes were dominated by ascomycetes (⁓70%) with Capnodiales and Eurotiales as the most abundant orders. Compared to the outdoor samples, the indoor mycobiomes showed higher species richness, which is probably due to the mixture of fungi from outdoor and indoor sources. The main indoor indicator fungi belonged to two ecological groups with allergenic potential: xerophilic moulds and skin-associated yeasts. Our results suggest that citizen science is a successful approach for unravelling the built microbiome at large geographical scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro M Martin-Sanchez
- Section for Genetics and Evolutionary Biology (Evogene), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Eva-Lena F Estensmo
- Section for Genetics and Evolutionary Biology (Evogene), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Luis N Morgado
- Section for Genetics and Evolutionary Biology (Evogene), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sundy Maurice
- Section for Genetics and Evolutionary Biology (Evogene), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Inger Skrede
- Section for Genetics and Evolutionary Biology (Evogene), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Håvard Kauserud
- Section for Genetics and Evolutionary Biology (Evogene), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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25
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Haines SR, Siegel JA, Dannemiller KC. Modeling microbial growth in carpet dust exposed to diurnal variations in relative humidity using the "Time-of-Wetness" framework. INDOOR AIR 2020; 30:978-992. [PMID: 32403157 PMCID: PMC7496831 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Resuspension of microbes in floor dust and subsequent inhalation by human occupants is an important source of human microbial exposure. Microbes in carpet dust grow at elevated levels of relative humidity, but rates of this growth are not well established, especially under changing conditions. The goal of this study was to model fungal growth in carpet dust based on indoor diurnal variations in relative humidity utilizing the time-of-wetness framework. A chamber study was conducted on carpet and dust collected from 19 homes in Ohio, USA and exposed to varying moisture conditions of 50%, 85%, and 100% relative humidity. Fungal growth followed the two activation regime model, while bacterial growth could not be evaluated using the framework. Collection site was a stronger driver of species composition (P = 0.001, R2 = 0.461) than moisture conditions (P = 0.001, R2 = 0.021). Maximum moisture condition was associated with species composition within some individual sites (P = 0.001-0.02, R2 = 0.1-0.33). Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Wallemia were common fungal genera found among samples at elevated moisture conditions. These findings can inform future studies of associations between dampness/mold in homes and health outcomes and allow for prediction of microbial growth in the indoor environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R. Haines
- Environmental Science Graduate ProgramOhio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
- Department of Civil, Environmental & Geodetic EngineeringCollege of EngineeringOhio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
- Division of Environmental Health SciencesCollege of Public HealthOhio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Jeffrey A. Siegel
- Department of Civil and Mineral EngineeringUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
| | - Karen C. Dannemiller
- Department of Civil, Environmental & Geodetic EngineeringCollege of EngineeringOhio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
- Division of Environmental Health SciencesCollege of Public HealthOhio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
- Sustainability InstituteOhio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
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