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Grimmer C, Richter M, Neuhaus T, Prinz C, Strzelczyk RS, Colakoglu I, Horn W. Towards a multi-VOC emission reference material with temporally constant emission profile for QA/QC of materials emission testing procedures. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 366:143437. [PMID: 39353475 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2024] [Revised: 09/26/2024] [Accepted: 09/28/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024]
Abstract
Emission reference materials (ERMs) are sought after to further control and improve indoor air quality. The impregnation of porous materials with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is a promising approach to produce ERMs. Different VOCs were used to impregnate various porous materials (mainly zeolites, activated carbons and a metal organic framework). The influence of different methodological parameters and material properties were studied to optimize the impregnation procedure and to find the best material/VOC combination. The impregnation procedure remains quite irreproducible, nevertheless, very good ERM candidates were identified. Two materials (zeolite 4 and AC 1 impregnated with n-hexadecane) showed a very stable emission over 14 days (<10 % change). Another material (AC 1 impregnated with toluene) showed a declining emission profile but with a very good in-batch reproducibility and a storage stability of up to 12 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Grimmer
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Matthias Richter
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Thomas Neuhaus
- Eurofins Product Testing Denmark A/S, Smedeskovvej 38, 8464 Galten, Denmark.
| | - Carsten Prinz
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Rebecca Skadi Strzelczyk
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin, Germany; Brandenburgische Technische Universität Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU), Universitätsplatz 1, 01968 Senftenberg, Germany.
| | - Irem Colakoglu
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Wolfgang Horn
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin, Germany.
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2
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Verstraelen S, Maes F, Jacobs A, Remy S, Frijns E, Goelen E, Nelissen I. In vitro assessment of acute airway effects from real-life mixtures of ozone-initiated oxidation products of limonene and printer exhaust. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2024:1-17. [PMID: 39327753 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2024.2406113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 09/13/2024] [Accepted: 09/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
In indoor air the reaction of ozone (O3) with terpenes may lead to the formation of irritating gas-phase products which may induce acute airway effects (i.e. sudden, short-term changes or symptoms related to the respiratory system). We aimed to perform an in vitro study on possible health effects of products from the O3-initiated reaction of limonene with printer exhaust, representing real-life mixtures in offices. Human bronchial epithelial cells were exposed for 1 hour (h) to limonene and O3, combined with printer exhaust. The resulting concentrations represented 34% and 6% of the generated initial concentrations of limonene (400 µg/m³) and O3 (417 µg/cm³), respectively, which were in range of high end realistic indoor concentrations. We observed that the reaction of limonene with O3 generated an increase of ultrafine particles within 1 h, with a significant increase of secondary reaction products 4-oxopentanal and 3-isopropenyl-6-oxo-heptanal at high end indoor air levels. Simultaneous printing activity caused the additional release of micron-sized particles and a further increase in reaction products. Relevant cellular endpoints to evaluate the possible induction of acute airway effects were measured. However, none of the test atmospheres representing office air was observed to induce these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Verstraelen
- Environmental Intelligence Unit, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO nv), Mol, Belgium
| | - Frederick Maes
- Environmental Intelligence Unit, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO nv), Mol, Belgium
| | - An Jacobs
- Environmental Intelligence Unit, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO nv), Mol, Belgium
| | - Sylvie Remy
- Environmental Intelligence Unit, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO nv), Mol, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Evelien Frijns
- Environmental Intelligence Unit, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO nv), Mol, Belgium
| | - Eddy Goelen
- Environmental Intelligence Unit, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO nv), Mol, Belgium
| | - Inge Nelissen
- Environmental Intelligence Unit, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO nv), Mol, Belgium
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Wang N, Liu Z, Zhou Y, Zhao L, Kou X, Wang T, Wang Y, Sun P, Lu G. Imparting Chemiresistor with Humidity-Independent Sensitivity toward Trace-Level Formaldehyde via Substitutional Doping Platinum Single Atom. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2310465. [PMID: 38366001 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202310465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
The modification of metal oxides with noble metals is one of the most effective means of improving gas-sensing performance of chemiresistors, but it is often accompanied by unintended side effects such as sensor resistance increases up to unmeasurable levels. Herein, a carbonization-oxidation method is demonstrated using ultrasonic spray pyrolysis technique to realize platinum (Pt) single atom (SA) substitutional doping into SnO2 (named PtSA-SnO2). The substitutional doping strategy can obviously enhance gas-sensing properties, and meanwhile decrease sensor resistance by two orders of magnitude (decreased from ≈850 to ≈2 MΩ), which are attributed to the tuning of band gap and fermi-level position, efficient single atom catalysis, and the raising of adsorption capability of formaldehyde, as validated by the state-of-the-art characterizations, such as spherical aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (Cs-corrected STEM), in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transformed spectra (in situ DRIFT), CO temperature-programmed reduction (CO-TPR), and theoretical calculations. As a proof of concept, the developed PtSA-SnO2 sensor shows humidity-independent (30-70% relative humidity) gas-sensing performance in the selective detection of formaldehyde with high response, distinguishable selectivity (8< Sformaldehyde/Sinterferant <14), and ultra-low detection limit (10 ppb). This work presents a generalized and facile method to design high-performance metal oxides for chemical sensing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningyi Wang
- State Laboratory on Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Zihe Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Inorganic Synthesis and Preparative Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Yun Zhou
- State Laboratory on Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Liupeng Zhao
- State Laboratory on Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Xueying Kou
- School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Tianshuang Wang
- State Laboratory on Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, China
- International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Yanchao Wang
- International Center for Computational Methods and Software and State Key Lab of Superhard Materials, College of Physics, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Peng Sun
- State Laboratory on Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, China
- International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Geyu Lu
- State Laboratory on Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, China
- International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, China
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Kleinbeck S, Wolkoff P. Exposure limits for indoor volatile substances concerning the general population: The role of population-based differences in sensory irritation of the eyes and airways for assessment factors. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:617-662. [PMID: 38243103 PMCID: PMC10861400 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03642-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Assessment factors (AFs) are essential in the derivation of occupational exposure limits (OELs) and indoor air quality guidelines. The factors shall accommodate differences in sensitivity between subgroups, i.e., workers, healthy and sick people, and occupational exposure versus life-long exposure for the general population. Derivation of AFs itself is based on empirical knowledge from human and animal exposure studies with immanent uncertainty in the empirical evidence due to knowledge gaps and experimental reliability. Sensory irritation in the eyes and airways constitute about 30-40% of OELs and is an abundant symptom in non-industrial buildings characterizing the indoor air quality and general health. Intraspecies differences between subgroups of the general population should be quantified for the proposal of more 'empirical' based AFs. In this review, we focus on sensitivity differences in sensory irritation about gender, age, health status, and vulnerability in people, based solely on human exposure studies. Females are more sensitive to sensory irritation than males for few volatile substances. Older people appear less sensitive than younger ones. However, impaired defense mechanisms may increase vulnerability in the long term. Empirical evidence of sensory irritation in children is rare and limited to children down to the age of six years. Studies of the nervous system in children compared to adults suggest a higher sensitivity in children; however, some defense mechanisms are more efficient in children than in adults. Usually, exposure studies are performed with healthy subjects. Exposure studies with sick people are not representative due to the deselection of subjects with moderate or severe eye or airway diseases, which likely underestimates the sensitivity of the group of people with diseases. Psychological characterization like personality factors shows that concentrations of volatile substances far below their sensory irritation thresholds may influence the sensitivity, in part biased by odor perception. Thus, the protection of people with extreme personality traits is not feasible by an AF and other mitigation strategies are required. The available empirical evidence comprising age, lifestyle, and health supports an AF of not greater than up to 2 for sensory irritation. Further, general AFs are discouraged for derivation, rather substance-specific derivation of AFs is recommended based on the risk assessment of empirical data, deposition in the airways depending on the substance's water solubility and compensating for knowledge and experimental gaps. Modeling of sensory irritation would be a better 'empirical' starting point for derivation of AFs for children, older, and sick people, as human exposure studies are not possible (due to ethical reasons) or not generalizable (due to self-selection). Dedicated AFs may be derived for environments where dry air, high room temperature, and visually demanding tasks aggravate the eyes or airways than for places in which the workload is balanced, while indoor playgrounds might need other AFs due to physical workload and affected groups of the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Kleinbeck
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany.
| | - Peder Wolkoff
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
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5
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Wang Z, Yu T, Ye J, Tian L, Lin B, Leng W, Liu C. A novel low sampling rate and cost-efficient active sampler for medium/long-term monitoring of gaseous pollutants. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132583. [PMID: 37741205 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Active sampling is a dependable approach for gaseous pollutants monitoring, offering high accuracy and precision that is unaffected by environmental factors such as wind and temperature in comparison to passive sampling. To measure long-term average concentrations while minimizing the use of materials, a reduced sampling rate is necessary. Thus, this study aims to develop a novel low sampling rate (down to 1 mL/min) and cost-efficient active sampler (LASP) for medium/long-term monitoring of gaseous pollutants. The LASP mainly consisted of a syringe pump, a Y-shaped fitting with two one-way valves, and a control unit for intermittent operation. Results showed that LASP can obtain a sampling rate of less than 1 mL/min and sampling rate exhibited a high level of stability. Daily average concentrations measurements for nitrogen dioxide and formaldehyde by LASP had normalized mean biases of 2.8% and 5.2%, respectively. These numbers were - 5.8% and 6.1% for weekly-average samplings. This study demonstrated applications of LASP in real outdoor (daily-average) and indoor (weekly-average) air quality measurements. It worked well with low noise levels, and without interfering with occupants' daily activities. LASP can assist in improving our ability to monitor air quality and pollutants emissions, thereby supporting health research and policy development. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: Gaseous air pollution is an important hazardous factor threatening human health. Medium/long-term air quality monitoring is essential for outdoor and indoor air quality assessment and control. However, air sampler for medium/long-term sampling is lacking. This study developed a novel low sampling rate and cost-efficient active sampler and applied it to medium/long-term air sampling. The sampler can work at a sampling rate of less than 1 mL/min. This technology provides a feasible strategy for medium/long-term monitoring of gaseous air pollutants in both environments and emission hotspots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Wang
- School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Tao Yu
- Wuhan Second Ship Design and Research Institute, Wuhan 430205, China
| | - Jin Ye
- School of Energy and Power, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212100, China
| | - Lei Tian
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Bencheng Lin
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Wenjun Leng
- Wuhan Second Ship Design and Research Institute, Wuhan 430205, China
| | - Cong Liu
- School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
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6
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Uchiyama S, Noguchi M, Hishiki M, Shimizu M, Kunugita N, Isobe T, Nakayama SF. Long-term monitoring of indoor, outdoor, and personal exposure to gaseous chemical compounds. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167830. [PMID: 37838061 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Seasonal variations of chemical compounds in indoor air and outdoor air and personal exposure to these chemicals were continuously monitored for 6 years using four types of passive sampling devices: PSD-BPE/DNPH packed with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine and trans-1,2-bis(2-pyridyl)ethylene coated silica for ozone and carbonyls; PSD-VOC packed with Carboxen 572 or Active Carbon Beads particles for volatile organic compounds; PSD-TEA packed with triethanolamine impregnated silica for acid gases; and PSD-TEA packed with phosphoric acid impregnated silica for basic gases. Many chemical compounds except for nitrogen dioxide, formic acid, and benzene showed seasonal variations with high concentrations in summer and low concentrations in winter. In particular, formaldehyde, nonanal, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol monoisobutyrate, and ammonia concentrations showed remarkable seasonal variation. For example, the concentration of formaldehyde in February and August was 5.9 and 40 μg/m3, respectively, a difference of about 7 times. Although there were large differences in the concentrations in each house, the fluctuation pattern was almost the same every year in each house. By contrast, nitrogen dioxide, formic acid, and benzene concentrations were low in summer and high in winter. These compounds were generated by kerosine and gas stoves in winter. Long-term continuous monitoring revealed that annual mean concentrations could be estimated using data from February and August. Personal exposure concentrations could be classified into four patterns: chemicals affected by the indoor environment such as formaldehyde, chemicals affected by the outdoor environment such as ozone, chemicals affected by the occupational environment such as hexane, and background level chemicals such as benzene (without kerosine and gas stoves). Indoor and outdoor measurements are means to investigate the "health" of each environment. Personal exposure measurement using PSD-samplers is suitable for assessing the health risk of chemical compounds to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigehisa Uchiyama
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Public Health, 2-3-6, Minami, Wako-shi, Saitama 351-0197, Japan.
| | - Mayumi Noguchi
- Faculty and Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoicho, Inage-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
| | - Mayu Hishiki
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Environmental Science, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health, Hyakunincho, 3-24-1, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0073, Japan
| | - Moka Shimizu
- Faculty and Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoicho, Inage-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
| | - Naoki Kunugita
- School of Health Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1, Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka 807-8555, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Isobe
- Japan Environment and Children's Study Program Office, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan
| | - Shoji F Nakayama
- Japan Environment and Children's Study Program Office, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan
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7
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Matheson S, Fleck R, Irga PJ, Torpy FR. Phytoremediation for the indoor environment: a state-of-the-art review. RE/VIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND BIO/TECHNOLOGY 2023; 22:249-280. [PMID: 36873270 PMCID: PMC9968648 DOI: 10.1007/s11157-023-09644-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Poor indoor air quality has become of particular concern within the built environment due to the time people spend indoors, and the associated health burden. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) off-gassing from synthetic materials, nitrogen dioxide and harmful outdoor VOCs such benzene, toluene, ethyl-benzene and xylene penetrate into the indoor environment through ventilation and are the main contributors to poor indoor air quality with health effects. A considerable body of literature over the last four decades has demonstrate the removal of gaseous contaminants through phytoremediation, a technology that relies on plant material and technologies to remediate contaminated air streams. In this review we present a state-of-the-art on indoor phytoremediation over the last decade. Here we present a review of 38 research articles on both active and passive phytoremediation, and describe the specific chemical removal efficiency of different systems. The literature clearly indicates the efficacy of these systems for the removal of gaseous contaminants in the indoor environment, however it is evident that the application of phytoremediation technologies for research purposes in-situ is currently significantly under studied. In addition, it is common for research studies to assess the removal of single chemical species under controlled conditions, with little relevancy to real-world settings easily concluded. The authors therefore recommend that future phytoremediation research be conducted both in-situ and on chemical sources of a mixed nature, such as those experienced in the urban environment like petroleum vapour, vehicle emissions, and mixed synthetic furnishings off-gassing. The assessment of these systems both in static chambers for their theoretical performance, and in-situ for these mixed chemical sources is essential for the progression of this research field and the widespread adoption of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Matheson
- Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, NSW 2007 Australia
| | - R. Fleck
- Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, NSW 2007 Australia
| | - P. J. Irga
- Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - F. R. Torpy
- Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, NSW 2007 Australia
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Justo Alonso M, Moazami TN, Liu P, Jørgensen RB, Mathisen HM. Assessing the indoor air quality and their predictor variable in 21 home offices during the Covid-19 pandemic in Norway. BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT 2022; 225:109580. [PMID: 36097587 PMCID: PMC9452402 DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.109580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
In this study, concentrations of pollutants: formaldehyde, carbon dioxide (CO2), and total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) and parameters: indoor room temperature and relative humidity (RH) were measured in 21 home offices for at least one week in winter in Trondheim, Norway. Eleven of these were measured again for the same duration in summer. Potentially explanatory variables of these parameters were collected, including building and renovation year, house type, building location, trickle vent status, occupancy, wood stove, floor material, pets, RH, and air temperature. The association between indoor air pollutants and their potential predictor variables was analyzed using generalized estimation equations to determine the significant parameters to control pollutants. Significantly seasonal differences in concentrations were observed for CO2 and formaldehyde, while no significant seasonal difference was observed for TVOC. For TVOC and formaldehyde, trickle vent, RH, and air temperature were among the most important predictor variables. Although higher concentrations of CO2 were measured in cases where the trickle vent was closed, the most important predictor variables for CO2 were season, RH, and indoor air temperature. The formaldehyde concentrations were higher outside working hours but mostly below health thresholds recommendations; for CO2, 11 of the measured cases had indoor concentrations exceeding 1000 ppm in 10% of the measured time. For TVOC, the concentrations were above the recommended values by WHO in 73% of the cases. RH was generally low in winter. The temperature was generally kept over the recommended level of 22-24 °C during working hours.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Justo Alonso
- Department of Energy and Process Engineering, NTNU, Kolbjørn Hejes v 1B, Trondheim, Norway
| | - T N Moazami
- Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management, NTNU, Sem Sælands vei 5, Trondheim, Norway
| | - P Liu
- Department: Architecture, Materials and Structures SINTEF Community, Høgskoleringen 13, Trondheim, Norway
| | - R B Jørgensen
- Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management, NTNU, Sem Sælands vei 5, Trondheim, Norway
| | - H M Mathisen
- Department of Energy and Process Engineering, NTNU, Kolbjørn Hejes v 1B, Trondheim, Norway
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9
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Hu J, Liu Y, Ma Y, Gao M, Wan N, Li L, Liu B, Wen D. Sweet foods dietary pattern enhances negative associations of perceived indoor air quality during pregnancy with postpartum depression. INDOOR AIR 2022; 32:e13124. [PMID: 36437672 DOI: 10.1111/ina.13124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Postpartum depression (PPD) is possibly caused by indoor air pollution and may be modified by maternal diet during pregnancy. Using the data from a prospective cohort study, we examined the interaction between indoor air quality and maternal dietary patterns on PPD development. A perceived indoor air quality (PIAQ) score was used to assess indoor air pollution. A higher PIAQ score indicated a worse indoor air quality. Women with higher PIAQ scores were at increased risk for PPD (tertile 3 vs. tertile 1, odds ratio [OR] = 2.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.37-3.29). Compared with a lower adherence to a "sweet foods pattern" (OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 0.66-2.18), a higher adherence to a "sweet foods pattern" enhanced the hazardous associations of the PIAQ on PPD (OR = 3.09, 95% CI = 1.81-5.27, adjusted p for interaction = 0.044). Higher adherence to a "whole grain-seafood pattern" and lower adherence to a "traditional pattern" also increased the risk for PPD, although the p values for the interaction were not significant. Our findings provide further evidence of the link between diet during pregnancy, air pollution, and PPD, and it can be used to develop PPD prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajin Hu
- Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Research Center of China Medical University Birth Cohort, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yilin Liu
- Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Research Center of China Medical University Birth Cohort, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yanan Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ming Gao
- Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Research Center of China Medical University Birth Cohort, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ningyu Wan
- Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Research Center of China Medical University Birth Cohort, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lin Li
- Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Research Center of China Medical University Birth Cohort, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Borui Liu
- Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Research Center of China Medical University Birth Cohort, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Deliang Wen
- Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Research Center of China Medical University Birth Cohort, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Obesity and Glucose, Lipid Associated Metabolic Diseases, Shenyang, China
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10
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Qiao R, Lou X, Sun Y, Liu Y. Effects of occupant behaviors on perceived dormitory air quality and sick building syndrome symptoms among female college students. INDOOR AIR 2022; 32:e13153. [PMID: 36437662 DOI: 10.1111/ina.13153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
We performed a cross-sectional survey of 2143 female students in a university in Tianjin, China regarding perceived air quality (PAQ) and sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms in the student dormitory. The prevalence of general, mucosal, and skin symptoms was 22.1%, 21.9%, and 26.3%, respectively. The three most prevalent PAQ complaints were "dry air" (48.9% often), "stuffy odor" (18.2%), and "other unpleasant odors" (5.1%), and they were significant risk factors for 11-12 out of 12 SBS symptoms (adjusted odds ratios [AOR]: 1.6-5.8). Survey data of 1471 undergraduates, whose dorms were of uniform layout and furnishing, were used to further investigate the influences of occupancy level and occupant behaviors on PAQ and SBS symptoms. Frequent use of air freshener/perfume was a significant risk factor for "dry air," less frequent room cleaning and higher occupancy density were significant risk factors for "stuffy odor," and less natural ventilation was a significant risk factor for both "stuffy odor" and "pungent odor." These factors were also significantly associated with some SBS symptoms. In particular, the use of air freshener/perfume exhibited a significant dose-response pattern with "fatigue" (sometimes: AOR 1.3; often: AOR 2.0) and with "irritated, stuffy, or runny nose" (sometimes: AOR 1.6; often: AOR 2.2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruohong Qiao
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinyuan Lou
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuexia Sun
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yingjun Liu
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
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11
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Coffaro B, Weisel CP. Reactions and Products of Squalene and Ozone: A Review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:7396-7411. [PMID: 35648815 PMCID: PMC9231367 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c07611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
This critical review describes the squalene-ozone (SqOz) reaction, or squalene ozonolysis. Ambient ozone penetrates indoors and drives indoor air chemistry. Squalene, a component of human skin oil, contains six carbon-carbon double bonds and is very reactive with ozone. Bioeffluents from people contribute to indoor air chemistry and affect the indoor air quality, resulting in exposures because people spend the majority of their time indoors. The SqOz reaction proceeds through various formation pathways and produces compounds that include aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, and dicarbonyl species, which have a range of volatilities. In this critical review of SqOz chemistry, information on the mechanism of reaction, reaction probability, rate constants, and reaction kinetics are compiled. Characterizations of SqOz reaction products have been done in laboratory experiments and real-world settings. The effect of multiple environmental parameters (ozone concentration, air exchange rate (AER), temperature, and relative humidity (RH)) in indoor settings are summarized. This critical review concludes by identifying the paucity of available exposure, health, and toxicological data for known reaction products. Key knowledge gaps about SqOz reactions leading to indoor exposures and adverse health outcomes are provided as well as an outlook on where the field is headed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breann Coffaro
- Environmental
and Health Sciences Institute and Graduate Program in Exposure Science, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway Township, New
Jersey 08854, United
States
| | - Clifford P. Weisel
- Environmental
and Health Sciences Institute and School of Public Health, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway Township, New
Jersey 08854, United
States
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12
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Li X, Shao X, Wang Z, Ma J, He H. Regulating the chemical state of silver via surface hydroxyl groups to enhance ozone decomposition performance of Ag/Fe2O3 catalyst. Catal Today 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cattod.2022.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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13
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The Adverse Effects of Air Pollution on the Eye: A Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031186. [PMID: 35162209 PMCID: PMC8834466 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Air pollution is inevitably the result of human civilization, industrialization, and globalization. It is composed of a mixture of gases and particles at harmful levels. Particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and carbon dioxides (CO2) are mainly generated from vehicle emissions and fuel consumption and are the main materials causing outdoor air pollution. Exposure to polluted outdoor air has been proven to be harmful to human eyes. On the other hand, indoor air pollution from environmental tobacco smoking, heating, cooking, or poor indoor ventilation is also related to several eye diseases, including conjunctivitis, glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In the past 30 years, no updated review has provided an overview of the impact of air pollution on the eye. We reviewed reports on air pollution and eye diseases in the last three decades in the PubMed database, Medline databases, and Google Scholar and discussed the effect of various outdoor and indoor pollutants on human eyes.
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14
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Du B, Schwartz-Narbonne H, Tandoc M, Heffernan EM, Mack ML, Siegel JA. The impact of emissions from an essential oil diffuser on cognitive performance. INDOOR AIR 2022; 32:e12919. [PMID: 34709668 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Essential oil products are increasingly used in indoor environments and have been found to negatively contribute to indoor air quality. Moreover, the chemicals and fragrances emitted by those products may affect the central nervous system and cognitive function. This study uses a double-blind between-subject design to investigate the cognitive impact of exposure to the emissions from essential oil used in an ultrasonic diffuser. In a simulated office environment where other environmental parameters were maintained constant, 34 female and 25 male university students were randomly allocated into four essential oil exposure scenarios. The first two scenarios contrast lemon oil to pure deionized water, while the latter two focus on different levels of particulate matter differentiated by HEPA filters with non-scented grapeseed oil as the source. Cognitive function was assessed using a computer-based battery consisting of five objective tests that involve reasoning, response inhabitation, memory, risk-taking, and decision-making. Results show that exposure to essential oil emissions caused shortened reaction time at the cost of significantly worse response inhabitation control and memory sensitivity, indicating potentially more impulsive decision-making. The cognitive responses caused by scented lemon oil and non-scented grapeseed oil were similar, as was the perception of odor pleasantness and intensity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Du
- Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Marlie Tandoc
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Emily M Heffernan
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael L Mack
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jeffrey A Siegel
- Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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15
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Liang H, Wu G, Zhang H, Liu Q, Yang Q, Xiong S, Yue Y, Yuan P. Controllable synthesis of N-doped hollow mesoporous carbon with tunable structures for enhanced toluene adsorption. Sep Purif Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2021.120171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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16
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Indoor Air Quality and Health Outcomes in Employees Working from Home during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pilot Study. ATMOSPHERE 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos12121665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Indoor air quality (IAQ) has a substantial impact on public health. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, more employees have worked remotely from home to minimize in-person contacts. This pilot study aims to measure the difference in workplace IAQ before and during the pandemic and its impact on employees’ health. The levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and total volatile organic chemicals (tVOC) were measured in the employees’ offices before the COVID-19 pandemic and at homes while working from home during the pandemic using Foobot air monitors. The frequencies of six sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms were evaluated at each period of monitoring. The result showed PM2.5 levels in households while working from home were significantly higher than in offices while working at the office for all participants (p < 0.05). The PM2.5 levels in all households exceeded the health-based annual mean standard (12 µg/m3), whereas 90% of offices were in compliance. The tVOC levels were all below the standard (500 µg/m3). We also found a higher frequency of SBS symptoms were observed while working from home as the IAQ was worse at home. This study suggested that working from home might have a detrimental health impact due to poor IAQ and providing interventions to remote employees should be considered.
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17
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Byber K, Radtke T, Norbäck D, Hitzke C, Imo D, Schwenkglenks M, Puhan MA, Dressel H, Mutsch M. Humidification of indoor air for preventing or reducing dryness symptoms or upper respiratory infections in educational settings and at the workplace. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021; 12:CD012219. [PMID: 34891215 PMCID: PMC8664457 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012219.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Indoor exposure to dry air during heating periods has been associated with dryness and irritation symptoms of the upper respiratory airways and the skin. The irritated or damaged mucous membrane poses an important entry port for pathogens causing respiratory infections. OBJECTIVES To determine the effectiveness of interventions that increase indoor air humidity in order to reduce or prevent dryness symptoms of the eyes, the skin and the upper respiratory tract (URT) or URT infections, at work and in educational settings. SEARCH METHODS The last search for all databases was done in December 2020. We searched Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL (Cochrane Library), PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus and in the field of occupational safety and health: NIOSHTIC-2, HSELINE, CISDOC and the In-house database of the Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Zurich. We also contacted experts, screened reference lists of included trials, relevant reviews and consulted the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). SELECTION CRITERIA We included controlled studies with a parallel group or cross-over design, quasi-randomised studies, controlled before-and-after and interrupted time-series studies on the effects of indoor air humidification in reducing or preventing dryness symptoms and upper respiratory tract infections as primary outcomes at workplace and in the educational setting. As secondary outcomes we considered perceived air quality, other adverse events, sick leave, task performance, productivity and attendance and costs of the intervention. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently screened titles, abstracts and full texts for eligibility, extracted data and assessed the risks of bias of included studies. We synthesised the evidence for the primary outcomes 'dry eye', 'dry nose', 'dry skin', for the secondary outcome 'absenteeism', as well as for 'perception of stuffiness' as the harm-related measure. We assessed the certainty of evidence using the GRADE system. MAIN RESULTS We included 13 studies with at least 4551 participants, and extracted the data of 12 studies with at least 4447 participants. Seven studies targeted the occupational setting, with three studies comprising office workers and four hospital staff. Three of them were clustered cross-over studies with 846 participants (one cRCT), one parallel-group controlled trial (2395 participants) and three controlled before-and-after studies with 181 participants. Five studies, all CTs, with at least 1025 participants, addressing the educational setting, were reported between 1963 and 1975, and in 2018. In total, at least 3933 (88%) participants were included in the data analyses. Due to the lack of information, the results of the risk of bias assessment remained mainly unclear and the assessable risks of bias of included studies were considered as predominantly high. Primary outcomes in occupational setting: We found that indoor air humidification at the workplace may have little to no effect on dryness symptoms of the eye and nose (URT). The only cRCT showed a significant decrease in dry eye symptoms among working adults (odds ratio (OR) 0.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.37 to 0.79) with a low certainty of the evidence. The only cluster non-randomised cross-over study showed a non-significant positive effect of humidification on dryness nose symptoms (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.42) with a low certainty of evidence. We found that indoor air humidification at the workplace may have little and non-significant effect on dryness skin symptoms. The pooled results of two cluster non-RCTs showed a non-significant alleviation of skin dryness following indoor air humidification (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.33 to 1.32) with a low certainty of evidence. Similarly, the pooled results of two before-after studies yielded no statistically significant result (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.33 to 1.47) with very low certainty of evidence No studies reported on the outcome of upper respiratory tract infections. No studies conducted in educational settings investigated our primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes in occupational setting: Perceived stuffiness of the air was increased during the humidification in the two cross-over studies (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.47 to 3.23); (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.61) with low certainty of evidence. Secondary outcomes in educational setting: Based on different measures and settings of absenteeism, four of the six controlled studies found a reduction in absenteeism following indoor air humidification (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.65; OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.96; proportion 4.63% versus 5.08%). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Indoor air humidification at the workplace may have little to no effect on dryness symptoms of the eyes, the skin and the URT. Studies investigating illness-related absenteeism from work or school could only be summarised narratively, due to different outcome measures assessed. The evidence suggests that increasing humidification may reduce the absenteeism, but the evidence is very uncertain. Future RCTs involving larger sample sizes, assessing dryness symptoms more technically or rigorously defining absenteeism and controlling for potential confounders are therefore needed to determine whether increasing indoor air humidity can reduce or prevent dryness symptoms of the eyes, the skin, the URT or URT infections at work and in educational settings over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Byber
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Radtke
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dan Norbäck
- Department of Medical Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Christine Hitzke
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - David Imo
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Schwenkglenks
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Milo A Puhan
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Holger Dressel
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Margot Mutsch
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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18
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Zhang L, Ou C, Magana-Arachchi D, Vithanage M, Vanka KS, Palanisami T, Masakorala K, Wijesekara H, Yan Y, Bolan N, Kirkham MB. Indoor Particulate Matter in Urban Households: Sources, Pathways, Characteristics, Health Effects, and Exposure Mitigation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:11055. [PMID: 34769574 PMCID: PMC8582694 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Particulate matter (PM) is a complex mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air with varying size, shape, and chemical composition which intensifies significant concern due to severe health effects. Based on the well-established human health effects of outdoor PM, health-based standards for outdoor air have been promoted (e.g., the National Ambient Air Quality Standards formulated by the U.S.). Due to the exchange of indoor and outdoor air, the chemical composition of indoor particulate matter is related to the sources and components of outdoor PM. However, PM in the indoor environment has the potential to exceed outdoor PM levels. Indoor PM includes particles of outdoor origin that drift indoors and particles that originate from indoor activities, which include cooking, fireplaces, smoking, fuel combustion for heating, human activities, and burning incense. Indoor PM can be enriched with inorganic and organic contaminants, including toxic heavy metals and carcinogenic volatile organic compounds. As a potential health hazard, indoor exposure to PM has received increased attention in recent years because people spend most of their time indoors. In addition, as the quantity, quality, and scope of the research have expanded, it is necessary to conduct a systematic review of indoor PM. This review discusses the sources, pathways, characteristics, health effects, and exposure mitigation of indoor PM. Practical solutions and steps to reduce exposure to indoor PM are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zhang
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Intelligent and New Energy Materials, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China;
- School of Health, Jiangsu Food & Pharmaceutical Science College, Huai’an 223003, China
| | - Changjin Ou
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Intelligent and New Energy Materials, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China;
| | - Dhammika Magana-Arachchi
- Molecular Microbiology and Human Diseases Project, National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Hantana Road, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka; (D.M.-A.); (M.V.)
| | - Meththika Vithanage
- Molecular Microbiology and Human Diseases Project, National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Hantana Road, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka; (D.M.-A.); (M.V.)
- Ecosphere Resilience Research Center, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Kanth Swaroop Vanka
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;
| | - Thava Palanisami
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials (GICAN), Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;
| | - Kanaji Masakorala
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of Ruhuna, Matara 80000, Sri Lanka;
| | - Hasintha Wijesekara
- Department of Natural Resources, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya 70140, Sri Lanka;
| | - Yubo Yan
- Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory for Environment Functional Materials, Huaiyin Normal University, Huai’an 223300, China
| | - Nanthi Bolan
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia;
| | - M. B. Kirkham
- Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA;
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19
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Zannoni N, Li M, Wang N, Ernle L, Bekö G, Wargocki P, Langer S, Weschler CJ, Morrison G, Williams J. Effect of Ozone, Clothing, Temperature, and Humidity on the Total OH Reactivity Emitted from Humans. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:13614-13624. [PMID: 34591444 PMCID: PMC8529706 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c01831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
People influence indoor air chemistry through their chemical emissions via breath and skin. Previous studies showed that direct measurement of total OH reactivity of human emissions matched that calculated from parallel measurements of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from breath, skin, and the whole body. In this study, we determined, with direct measurements from two independent groups of four adult volunteers, the effect of indoor temperature and humidity, clothing coverage (amount of exposed skin), and indoor ozone concentration on the total OH reactivity of gaseous human emissions. The results show that the measured concentrations of VOCs and ammonia adequately account for the measured total OH reactivity. The total OH reactivity of human emissions was primarily affected by ozone reactions with organic skin-oil constituents and increased with exposed skin surface, higher temperature, and higher humidity. Humans emitted a comparable total mixing ratio of VOCs and ammonia at elevated temperature-low humidity and elevated temperature-high humidity, with relatively low diversity in chemical classes. In contrast, the total OH reactivity increased with higher temperature and higher humidity, with a larger diversity in chemical classes compared to the total mixing ratio. Ozone present, carbonyl compounds were the dominant reactive compounds in all of the reported conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Zannoni
- Atmospheric
Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute
for Chemistry, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Mengze Li
- Atmospheric
Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute
for Chemistry, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Nijing Wang
- Atmospheric
Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute
for Chemistry, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Lisa Ernle
- Atmospheric
Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute
for Chemistry, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Gabriel Bekö
- International
Centre for Indoor Environment and Energy, Department of Civil Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Pawel Wargocki
- International
Centre for Indoor Environment and Energy, Department of Civil Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sarka Langer
- IVL
Swedish Environmental Research Institute, 41133 Göteborg, Sweden
- Division
of Building Services Engineering, Department of Architecture and Civil
Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, 41296 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Charles J. Weschler
- International
Centre for Indoor Environment and Energy, Department of Civil Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark
- Environmental
and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - Glenn Morrison
- Department
of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global
Public Health, The University of North Carolina
at Chapel Hill, Chapel
Hill, North Carolina 27599-7431, United States
| | - Jonathan Williams
- Atmospheric
Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute
for Chemistry, 55128 Mainz, Germany
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20
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Li Z, Zhang R, Lu X, Hu L, Wang X, Liu W, Cui C, Liu X. Multiplexed Analysis of Photochemical Oxidants Using a Nanoparticle-Based Optoelectronic Nose. Anal Chem 2021; 93:13990-13997. [PMID: 34613714 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c03457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Photochemical pollutants pose a substantial threat to human health in both outdoor and indoor environments. Herein, we prepare a class of gold nanoparticle-based colorimetric sensor arrays on optimized hydrophobic substrates using a simple pin-printing method for accurate identification and quantification of various gas-phase oxidants, as these microdetectors are low cost, sensitive, and easy to fabricate. For an array of AuNP sensors modified with various thiol-terminated ligands, a unique and distinguishable change in color (i.e., red, green, and blue response patterns) was obtained for each specific pollutant for molecular fingerprinting. Remarkable discrimination among 15 gases at a fairly low vapor concentration (i.e., 500 ppb) was illustrated using standard chemometric methods. Using digital imaging, the AuNP colorimetric sensor array offers ultrasensitive dosimetric identification of gas-phase oxidants relevant to outdoor and indoor air pollution, with limits of detection generally at sub-ppb levels for 2 h measurement. As a practical application, the sensor array is able to predict the overall air quality in indoor office environments over 24 h. Such sensor array based on chemically induced sintering of nanoparticles has significant implications for the development of nanosensors used in continuous monitoring of potential airborne pollutants at low concentrations from a large number of locations in a cost-effective manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Li
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, 3688 Nanhai Road, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, P. R. China
| | - Ruohan Zhang
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, 3688 Nanhai Road, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, P. R. China
| | - Xiaohui Lu
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, 3688 Nanhai Road, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, P. R. China
| | - Luoyu Hu
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, 3688 Nanhai Road, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, P. R. China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, 3688 Nanhai Road, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, P. R. China
| | - Wei Liu
- Ecological Business Department-Automobile Materials Research Division, Automotive Data of China Co., Ltd., No. 68 East Xianfeng Road, Tianjin 300300, P. R. China
| | - Chen Cui
- Ecological Business Department-Automobile Materials Research Division, Automotive Data of China Co., Ltd., No. 68 East Xianfeng Road, Tianjin 300300, P. R. China
| | - Xuefeng Liu
- Ecological Business Department-Automobile Materials Research Division, Automotive Data of China Co., Ltd., No. 68 East Xianfeng Road, Tianjin 300300, P. R. China
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21
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Sahu V, Gurjar BR. Spatio-temporal variations of indoor air quality in a university library. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2021; 31:475-490. [PMID: 31547676 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2019.1668916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The present study aims to assess the air quality status in the central library of Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, India. Pollutants concentrations (i.e. PM10, PM2.5, PM1 and TVOC) and comfort parameters i.e. CO2, temperature and relative humidity were monitored across all floors of the library. Air quality was found to vary significantly (P < 0.05) among the different floors of the library. The average concentration of PM10, PM2.5 and PM1 was found to be highest at the first floor. On the other hand, the highest concentration of TVOC (51.7 ± 30 ppb) and CO2 (838.4 ± 99 ppm) was observed at the ground floor. Pollutant concentration was higher in the morning hours. The indoor pollutants were found positively correlated with each other except relative humidity. Indoor to outdoor ratio for PM1, TVOC and CO2 was found to be greater than 1, which indicate a substantial contribution from indoor sources. Exceedance of WHO guidelines was observed for the daily average PM2.5 concentration.Abbreviation: IAQ: indoor air quality; ASHRAE: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers; WHO: World Health Organization; PM: particulate matter; VOC: volatile organic carbon; CO2: carbon dioxide; TVOC: Total volatile organic compound; RH: relative humidity; HVAC: heating ventilation and air-conditioning; PID: Photo Ionization Detector; PTFE: Polytetrafluoroethylene; NDIR: Non-dispersive infra-red.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veerendra Sahu
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, India
| | - Bhola Ram Gurjar
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, India
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22
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Zaman SU, Yesmin M, Pavel MRS, Jeba F, Salam A. Indoor air quality indicators and toxicity potential at the hospitals' environment in Dhaka, Bangladesh. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:37727-37740. [PMID: 33723779 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13162-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a leading apprehension currently especially in the perilous atmosphere, like hospitals. Clean and fresh air is very crucial for the patients and healthcare professionals in the hospitals. Therefore, we examined IAQ indicators (PM1.0, PM2.5, PM10, NO2, CO2, and TVOC) at sixteen locations of three hospitals with an emphasis on seasonal variations, indoor/outdoor correlation, and concomitant toxicity potential (TP) of human exposure between October 2019 and January 2020. For the measurement of trace gases (NO2, CO2, and TVOC), Aeroqual 500 series (New Zealand) sampler was used; particulate matter (PM1.0, PM2.5, and PM10) concentrations and relative humidity (RH) were measured using the IGERESS air quality monitoring device (WP6930S, China). The total average concentration of IAQ indicators were 104.1 ± 67.6 (PM1.0), 137.4 ± 89.2 (PM2.5), and 159.0 ± 103.3 (PM10) μgm-3; 0.11 ± 0.02 (NO2), 1047.1 ± 234.2 (CO2), and 176.5 ± 117.7 (TVOC) ppm. Significant variations of IAQ indicators were observed between different locations of the hospitals. Winter IAQ indicators were much higher than post-monsoon season. Indoor particulate matter (PM) levels were lower than outdoor, but gaseous pollutants were higher in indoor than outdoor except NO2. Indoor TVOC was about two times higher than outdoor and also higher in post-monsoon than winter. A good positive correlation was observed between indoor and outdoor particulate matter during winter. A strong positive correlation was obtained between NO2 and RH with PM in winter. Very high (> 10) indoor toxicity potential (TP) values of PM2.5 and PM10 were determined during winter. Extremely high TP values indicated potential severe health consequences of the healthcare professionals and patients in indoor hospitals' environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahid Uz Zaman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
| | - Mahbuba Yesmin
- Enam Medical College and Hospital, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Farah Jeba
- Department of Chemistry, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
| | - Abdus Salam
- Department of Chemistry, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh.
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Xie R, Xu Y, Yang J, Zhang S. Indoor air quality investigation of a badminton hall in humid season through objective and subjective approaches. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 771:145390. [PMID: 33545480 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the indoor air quality (IAQ) during humid season in an old badminton hall, to explore the IAQ characteristics of natural ventilated sports buildings for public use. The indoor air parameters (temperature, relative humidity and air velocity) and indoor air pollutants (CO2, TVOC, PM2.5 and PM10) were measured. A subjective approach was carried out through questionnaire survey. 185 valid questionnaires were recovered, and 68.7% of the participants had exercised. Results show that the indoor air qualities obtained through objective and subjective approaches were obviously different. Indoor PM, TVOC and CO2 concentrations were normal, but 37.3% of the participants complained about the building materials' smell and 73.5% of the participants reported obvious sweaty odor. Physical activity might reduce a person's sensitivity to the environment. The participants generally felt warm and hot because of the high relative humidity. Post-exercise participants felt significantly hotter than those who did not exercise, and were generally more receptive to IAQ. The method of Fanger was employed to narrow the gap between subjective and objective approaches with a modified parameter, and to furtherly estimate the ventilation. The present study demonstrates the necessity to combine two approaches together to assess the IAQ in sports buildings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoyi Xie
- Institute of Refrigeration and Cryogenics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yiyang Xu
- Huadong Engineering Corporation Limited, Power Construction Corporation of China, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinhui Yang
- Institute of Refrigeration and Cryogenics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shaozhi Zhang
- Institute of Refrigeration and Cryogenics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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24
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Shao X, Li X, Ma J, Zhang R, He H. Terminal Hydroxyl Groups on Al 2O 3 Supports Influence the Valence State and Dispersity of Ag Nanoparticles: Implications for Ozone Decomposition. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:10715-10722. [PMID: 34056225 PMCID: PMC8153745 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c00220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Ozone is a poisonous gas, so it is necessary to remove excessive ozone in the environment. Catalytic decomposition is an effective way to remove ozone at room temperature. In this work, 10%Ag/nano-Al2O3 and 10%Ag/AlOOH-900 catalysts were synthesized by the impregnation method. The 10%Ag/nano-Al2O3 catalyst showed 89% ozone conversion for 40 ppm O3 for 6 h under a space velocity of 840 000 h-1 and a relative humidity of 65%, which is superior to 10%Ag/AlOOH-900 (45% conversion). The characterization results showed Ag nanoparticles to be the active sites for ozone decomposition, which were more highly dispersed on nano-Al2O3 as a result of the greater density of terminal hydroxyl groups. The understanding of the dispersion and valence of silver species gained in this study will be beneficial to the design of more efficient supported silver catalysts for ozone decomposition in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xufei Shao
- State
Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory
of Energy Environmental Catalysis, Beijing
University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- State
Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Xiaotong Li
- State
Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jinzhu Ma
- State
Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- Center
for Excellence in Regional Atmospheric Environment, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Runduo Zhang
- State
Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory
of Energy Environmental Catalysis, Beijing
University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Hong He
- State
Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- Center
for Excellence in Regional Atmospheric Environment, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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25
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Wu P, Jin X, Qiu Y, Ye D. Recent Progress of Thermocatalytic and Photo/Thermocatalytic Oxidation for VOCs Purification over Manganese-based Oxide Catalysts. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:4268-4286. [PMID: 33720707 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c08179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are one of the main sources of air pollution, which are of wide concern because of their toxicity and serious threat to the environment and human health. Catalytic oxidation has been proven to be a promising and effective technology for VOCs abatement in the presence of heat or light. As environmentally friendly and low-cost materials, manganese-based oxides are the most competitive and promising candidates for the catalytic degradation of VOCs in thermocatalysis or photo/thermocatalysis. This article summarizes the research and development on various manganese-based oxide catalysts, with emphasis on their thermocatalytic and photo/thermocatalytic purification of VOCs in recent years in detail. Single manganese oxides, manganese-based oxide composites, as well as improving strategies such as morphology regulation, heterojunction engineering, and surface decoration by metal doping or universal acid treatment are reviewed. Besides, manganese-based monoliths for practical VOCs abatementare also discussed. Meanwhile, relevant catalytic mechanisms are also summarized. Finally, the existing problems and prospect of manganese-based oxide catalysts for catalyzing combustion of VOCs are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment and Pollution Control, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xiaojing Jin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment and Pollution Control, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Nano-Micro Materials Research, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yongcai Qiu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment and Pollution Control, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
- State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Daiqi Ye
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment and Pollution Control, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
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26
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Saif NT, Janecki JM, Wanner A, Colin AA, Kumar N. Pediatric Asthma Attack and Home Paint Exposure. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:4118. [PMID: 33924688 PMCID: PMC8069823 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18084118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Although asthma mortality has been declining for the past several decades, asthma morbidity is on the rise, largely due to deteriorating indoor air quality and comorbidities, such as allergies. Consumer products and building materials including paints emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as propylene glycol (PG), which is shown to dehydrate respiratory tracts and can contributor to airway remodeling. We hypothesize that paint exposure increases the risk of asthma attacks among children because high levels of VOCs persist indoors for many weeks after painting. Children 1-15 years old visiting two of the University of Miami general pediatric clinics were screened for their history of asthma and paint exposure by interviewing their parents and/or guardians accompanying them to the clinic. They were also asked questions about asthma diagnosis, severity of asthma and allergies and their sociodemographics. The risk of asthma attack among asthmatic children was modeled with respect to paint exposure adjusting for potential confounders using multivariate logistic regressions. Of 163 children, 36 (22%) reported physician-diagnosed asthma and of these, 13 (33%) had an asthma attack during the last one year. Paint exposure was marginally significant in the univariate analysis (OR = 4.04; 95% CI = 0.90-18.87; p < 0.1). However, exposed asthmatic children were 10 times more likely to experience an asthma attack than unexposed asthmatic children (OR = 10.49; CI = 1.16-94.85, p < 0.05) when adjusted for other risk factors. Given paint is one of the sources of indoor VOCs, multiple strategies are warranted to manage the health effects of VOC exposure from paint, including the use of zero-VOC water-based paint, exposure avoidance and clinical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia T. Saif
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (N.T.S.); (J.M.J.)
| | - Julia M. Janecki
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (N.T.S.); (J.M.J.)
| | - Adam Wanner
- Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, University of Miami Health System, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Andrew A. Colin
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami Health System, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Naresh Kumar
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (N.T.S.); (J.M.J.)
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27
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Lai LWC, Chau KW, Davies SNG, Kwan LML. Open space office: A review of the literature and Hong Kong case studies. Work 2021; 68:749-758. [PMID: 33720866 DOI: 10.3233/wor-203408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Open plan or open space office has become increasingly popular but those who promote the concept seldom refer to health studies or workers' perceptions of a change in office layout towards an open space arrangement. OBJECTIVE To review the literature on open plan or open space office layouts in terms of facilities management (FM) with users' perceptions in mind and to obtain opinions of users of open space offices for a better appreciation of the FM issues. METHODS A literature search of research papers from 2007 in journals using the keywords "open plan office" and "open space office" plus "health", first in the titles then in the text, was carried out. Thirty-two of those papers, accessible by the authors' institutions, were consulted together with 5 other works in the Harvard Business Review. The review consulted but excluded papers and reports published or sponsored by commercial firms that were in favour of open space layouts. Case studies were conducted by face to face meetings in confidence with workers in the middle managements of twelve Hong Kong organisations known as friends to two of the authors. Problems as seen by staff are reported and discussed. RESULTS The literature review reveals that apart from writing that promotes the use of an open plan office layout, a host of scientific works point to the problems of perceived dissatisfaction with such a layout, the nature of the dissatisfaction tending to depend on the actual design. Most workers interviewed disliked the new style open plan layouts, which points to the necessity of consulting workers when such changes are contemplated, as well as monitoring the results of the change once it is in place whether against workers' wishes or with their support. There is a need for a number of facility arrangements in making a change to open plan that ensures that worker needs for proper lighting, privacy, and indoor health will be met. CONCLUSIONS If the aim of a change to an open plan arrangement is to promote collegial communications in office, the study sheds light on the extent to which such arrangements may not in practice be suitable for achieving the aim. It follows that further, more specifically sociological studies of workers' job satisfaction and emotional health in open plan office settings would be worth doing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence W C Lai
- Ronald Coase Centre for Property Rights Research, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - K W Chau
- Ronald Coase Centre for Property Rights Research, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Department of Real Estate and Construction, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Stephen N G Davies
- Department of Real Estate and Construction, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Locinda M L Kwan
- Department of Real Estate and Construction, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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28
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Caimmi D, Neukirch C, Demoly P. Essential oils: what is the clinical tolerance in asthmatic patients? J Asthma 2021; 59:934-936. [PMID: 33577354 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2021.1888975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Essential oils in air-spray form are being more and more used for several purposes, even by allergic and asthmatic patients. Available data on the potentially dangerous effects of volatile organic compounds and terpenes contained in essential oils are scarce, and sometimes difficult to compare. Through the present work, we evaluated the clinical tolerance of asthmatic patients exposed to compounds emitted by an essential oils spray, and compared previous and new data available in the scientific literature, focusing on the aspects that may influence clinical results.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Caimmi
- Allergy Unit, Department of Pulmonology, CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,IDESP, UMR Inserm, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - C Neukirch
- Service de Pneumologie A, Hôpital Bichat-Claude Bernard, Paris, France.,Inserm U 1152, Faculté de Médecine Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - P Demoly
- Allergy Unit, Department of Pulmonology, CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,IDESP, UMR Inserm, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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29
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Development of an Automatic Low-Cost Air Quality Control System: A Radon Application. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11052169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Air pollution is the fourth-largest overall risk factor for human health worldwide. Ambient air pollution (outdoors) and household air pollution (indoors) cause about 6.5 million premature deaths. The World Health Organization has established that between 3% and 14% of lung cancer cases are due to radon gas, making it the most important cause of lung cancer after smoking. This work presents a fully automated, low-cost indoor air quality control system that can monitor temperature, pressure, humidity, total volatile organic compounds (TOVC), and radon concentration. Using the radon concentration as an air quality measure, we created a prediction algorithm. The system uses those predictions to control a ventilation system automatically. We tested the algorithm for different prediction windows and compared the results with those without the ventilation system in a radon research room. In this room, the radon concentration is high 100% of the time, reaching a level eleven times higher than the recommended limit. The results show that the system can achieve an 86% reduction of the radon concentration, maintaining it low 90% of the time while having the ventilation system on during only 34% of the time. This work demonstrates that we can control air quality using low-cost resources, keeping a household or workplace safe but comfortable.
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30
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Sakellaris I, Saraga D, Mandin C, de Kluizenaar Y, Fossati S, Spinazzè A, Cattaneo A, Mihucz V, Szigeti T, de Oliveira Fernandes E, Kalimeri K, Mabilia R, Carrer P, Bartzis J. Association of subjective health symptoms with indoor air quality in European office buildings: The OFFICAIR project. INDOOR AIR 2021; 31:426-439. [PMID: 32966653 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the association between the building-related occupants' reported health symptoms and the indoor pollutant concentrations in a sample of 148 office rooms, within the framework of the European OFFICAIR research project. A large field campaign was performed in 37 office buildings among eight countries, which included (a) 5-day air sampling of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), aldehydes, ozone, and NO2 (b) collection of information from 1299 participants regarding their personal characteristics and health perception at workplace using online questionnaires. Stepwise and multilevel logistic regressions were applied to investigate associations between health symptoms and pollutant concentrations considering personal characteristics as confounders. Occupants of offices with higher pollutant concentrations were more likely to report health symptoms. Among the studied VOCs, xylenes were associated with general (such as headache and tiredness) and skin symptoms, ethylbenzene with eye irritation and respiratory symptoms, a-pinene with respiratory and heart symptoms, d-limonene with general symptoms, and styrene with skin symptoms. Among aldehydes, formaldehyde was associated with respiratory and general symptoms, acrolein with respiratory symptoms, propionaldehyde with respiratory, general, and heart symptoms, and hexanal with general SBS. Ozone was associated with almost all symptom groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Sakellaris
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Western Macedonia, Kozani, Greece
- Atmospheric Chemistry & Innovative Technologies Laboratory, INRASTES, National Center for Scientific Research "DEMOKRITOS", Athens, Greece
| | - Dikaia Saraga
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Western Macedonia, Kozani, Greece
- Atmospheric Chemistry & Innovative Technologies Laboratory, INRASTES, National Center for Scientific Research "DEMOKRITOS", Athens, Greece
| | - Corinne Mandin
- CSTB-Centre Scientifique et Technique du Bâtiment, Université Paris Est, Marne-la-Vallée Cedex 2, France
| | - Yvonne de Kluizenaar
- The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), The Hague, The Netherlands
| | | | - Andrea Spinazzè
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Como, Italy
| | - Andrea Cattaneo
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Como, Italy
| | - Victor Mihucz
- Cooperative Research Centre for Environmental Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | | | - Krystallia Kalimeri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Western Macedonia, Kozani, Greece
| | - Rosanna Mabilia
- Department of Biology, Agriculture and Food Science, National Research Council, Roma, Italy
| | - Paolo Carrer
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences-Hospital "L. Sacco", University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | - John Bartzis
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Western Macedonia, Kozani, Greece
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31
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Wolkoff P, Azuma K, Carrer P. Health, work performance, and risk of infection in office-like environments: The role of indoor temperature, air humidity, and ventilation. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2021; 233:113709. [PMID: 33601136 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological and experimental studies have revealed the effects of the room temperature, indoor air humidity, and ventilation on human health, work and cognitive performance, and risk of infection. In this overview, we integrate the influence of these important microclimatic parameters and assess their influence in offices based on literature searches. The dose-effect curves of the temperature describe a concave shape. Low temperature increases the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and elevated temperature increases the risk of acute non-specific symptoms, e.g., dry eyes, and respiratory symptoms. Cognitive and work performance is optimal between 22 °C and 24 °C for regions with temperate or cold climate, but both higher and lower temperatures may deteriorate the performances and learning efficiency. Low temperature may favor virus viability, however, depending on the status of the physiological tissue in the airways. Low indoor air humidity causes vulnerable eyes and airways from desiccation and less efficient mucociliary clearance. This causes elevation of the most common mucous membrane-related symptoms, like dry and tired eyes, which deteriorates the work performance. Epidemiological, experimental, and clinical studies support that intervention of dry indoor air conditions by humidification alleviates symptoms of dry eyes and airways, fatigue symptoms, less complaints about perceived dry air, and less compromised work performance. Intervention of dry air conditions by elevation of the indoor air humidity may be a non-pharmaceutical treatment of the risk of infection by reduced viability and transport of influenza virus. Relative humidity between 40 and 60% appears optimal for health, work performance, and lower risk of infection. Ventilation can reduce both acute and chronic health outcomes and improve work performance, because the exposure is reduced by the dilution of the indoor air pollutants (including pathogens, e.g., as virus droplets), and in addition to general emission source control strategies. Personal control of ventilation appears an important factor that influences the satisfaction of the thermal comfort due to its physical and positive psychological impact. However, natural ventilation or mechanical ventilation can become sources of air pollutants, allergens, and pathogens of outdoor or indoor origin and cause an increase in exposure. The "health-based ventilation rate" in a building should meet WHO's air quality guidelines and dilute human bio-effluent emissions to reach an acceptable perceived indoor air quality. Ventilation is a modifying factor that should be integrated with both the indoor air humidity and the room temperature in a strategic joint control to satisfy the perceived indoor air quality, health, working performance, and minimize the risk of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peder Wolkoff
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
| | - Kenichi Azuma
- Dept Environmental Medicine and Behavioral Science, Kindai University, Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Paolo Carrer
- Dept Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "L. Sacco", University of Milan, 20157, Milan, Italy.
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32
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Richter M, Horn W, Juritsch E, Klinge A, Radeljic L, Jann O. Natural Building Materials for Interior Fitting and Refurbishment-What about Indoor Emissions? MATERIALS 2021; 14:ma14010234. [PMID: 33466502 PMCID: PMC7796468 DOI: 10.3390/ma14010234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Indoor air quality can be adversely affected by emissions from building materials, consequently having a negative impact on human health and well-being. In this study, more than 30 natural building materials (earth dry boards and plasters, bio-based insulation materials, and boards made of wood, flax, reed, straw, etc.) used for interior works were investigated as to their emissions of (semi-)volatile organic compounds ((S)VOC), formaldehyde, and radon. The study focused on the emissions from complete wall build-ups as they can be used for internal partition walls and the internal insulation of external walls. Test chambers were designed, allowing the compounds to release only from the surface of the material facing indoors under testing parameters that were chosen to simulate model room conditions. The emission test results were evaluated using the AgBB evaluation scheme, a procedure for the health-related evaluation of construction products and currently applied for the approval of specific groups of building materials in Germany. Seventeen out of 19 sample build-ups tested in this study would have passed this scheme since they generally proved to be low-emitting and although the combined emissions of multiple materials were tested, 50% of the measurements could be terminated before half of the total testing time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Richter
- Materials and Air Pollutants Division, Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 44-46, 12203 Berlin, Germany; (W.H.); (E.J.); (O.J.)
- Correspondence: (M.R.); (A.K.)
| | - Wolfgang Horn
- Materials and Air Pollutants Division, Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 44-46, 12203 Berlin, Germany; (W.H.); (E.J.); (O.J.)
| | - Elevtheria Juritsch
- Materials and Air Pollutants Division, Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 44-46, 12203 Berlin, Germany; (W.H.); (E.J.); (O.J.)
| | - Andrea Klinge
- ZRS Architekten Ingenieure, Schlesische Straße 26, 10997 Berlin, Germany;
- Correspondence: (M.R.); (A.K.)
| | - Leon Radeljic
- ZRS Architekten Ingenieure, Schlesische Straße 26, 10997 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Oliver Jann
- Materials and Air Pollutants Division, Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 44-46, 12203 Berlin, Germany; (W.H.); (E.J.); (O.J.)
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33
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Lin N, Rosemberg MA, Li W, Meza-Wilson E, Godwin C, Batterman S. Occupational exposure and health risks of volatile organic compounds of hotel housekeepers: Field measurements of exposure and health risks. INDOOR AIR 2021; 31:26-39. [PMID: 32609907 PMCID: PMC8020495 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Hotel housekeepers represent a large, low-income, predominantly minority, and high-risk workforce. Little is known about their exposure to chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This study evaluates VOC exposures of housekeepers, sources and factors affecting VOC levels, and provides preliminary estimates of VOC-related health risks. We utilized indoor and personal sampling at two hotels, assessed ventilation, and characterized the VOC composition of cleaning agents. Personal sampling of hotel staff showed a total target VOC concentration of 57 ± 36 µg/m3 (mean ± SD), about twice that of indoor samples. VOCs of greatest health significance included chloroform and formaldehyde. Several workers had exposure to alkanes that could cause non-cancer effects. VOC levels were negatively correlated with estimated air change rates. The composition and concentrations of the tested products and air samples helped identify possible emission sources, which included building sources (for formaldehyde), disinfection by-products in the laundry room, and cleaning products. VOC levels and the derived health risks in this study were at the lower range found in the US buildings. The excess lifetime cancer risk (average of 4.1 × 10-5 ) still indicates a need to lower exposure by reducing or removing toxic constituents, especially formaldehyde, or by increasing ventilation rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Lin
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA 48109
| | - Marie-Anne Rosemberg
- Department of Systems, Populations and Leadership, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA 48109
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Systems, Populations and Leadership, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA 48109
| | - Emily Meza-Wilson
- College of Literature, Science and the Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA 48109
| | - Christopher Godwin
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA 48109
| | - Stuart Batterman
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA 48109
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34
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Stabile L, De Luca G, Pacitto A, Morawska L, Avino P, Buonanno G. Ultrafine particle emission from floor cleaning products. INDOOR AIR 2021; 31:63-73. [PMID: 32638396 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The new particle formation due to the use of cleaning products containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in indoor environments is well documented in the scientific literature. Indeed, the physical-chemical process occurring in particle nucleation due to VOC-ozone reactions was deepened as well as the effect of the main influencing parameters (ie, temperature, ozone). Nonetheless, proper quantification of the emission under actual meteo-climatic conditions and ozone concentrations is not available. To this end, in the present paper the emission factors of newly generated ultrafine particles due to the use of different floor cleaning products under actual temperature and relative humidity conditions and ozone concentrations typical of the summer periods were evaluated. Tests in a chamber and in an actual indoor environment were performed measuring continuously particle number concentrations and size distributions during cleaning activities. The tests revealed that a significant particle emission in the nucleation mode was present for half of the products under investigation with emission factors up to 1.1 × 1011 part./m2 (8.8 × 1010 part./mLproduct ), then leading to an overall particle emission comparable to other well-known indoor sources when cleaning wide surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Stabile
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, FR, Italy
| | - Gianmarco De Luca
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, FR, Italy
| | - Antonio Pacitto
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, FR, Italy
| | - Lidia Morawska
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | | | - Giorgio Buonanno
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, FR, Italy
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
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Nagoor Meeran M, Seenipandi A, Javed H, Sharma C, Hashiesh HM, Goyal SN, Jha NK, Ojha S. Can limonene be a possible candidate for evaluation as an agent or adjuvant against infection, immunity, and inflammation in COVID-19? Heliyon 2021; 7:e05703. [PMID: 33490659 PMCID: PMC7810623 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an ongoing pandemic and presents a public health emergency. It has affected millions of people and continues to affect more, despite the tremendous social preventive measures. The therapeutic strategy relies on suppressing infectivity and inflammation, along with immune modulation. The identification of candidate drugs effective for COVID-19 is crucial, thus many natural products including phytochemicals are also being proposed for repurposing and evaluated for their potential in COVID-19. Among numerous phytochemicals, limonene (LMN), a dietary terpene of natural origin has been recently showed to target viral proteins in the in-silico studies. LMN is one of the main compounds identified in many citrus plants, available and accessible in diets and well-studied for its therapeutic benefits. Due to dietary nature, relative safety and efficacy along with favorable physicochemical properties, LMN has been suggested to be a fascinating candidate for further investigation in COVID-19. LMN showed to modulate numerous signaling pathways and inhibits inflammatory mediators, including cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules, prostanoids, and eicosanoids. We hypothesized that given the pathogenesis of COVID-19 involving infection, inflammation, and immunity, LMN may have potential to limit the severity and progression of the disease owing to its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. The present article discusses the possibilities of LMN in SARS-CoV-2 infections based on its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. Though, the suggestion on the possible use of LMN in COVID-19 remains inconclusive until the in-silico effects confirmed in the experimental studies and further proof of the concept studies. The candidature of LMN in COVID-19 treatment somewhat appear speculative but cannot be overlooked provided favorable physiochemical and druggable properties. The safety and efficacy of LMN are necessary to be established in preclinical and clinical studies before making suggestions for use in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- M.F. Nagoor Meeran
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, PO Box - 17666, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - A. Seenipandi
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, PO Box - 17666, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hayate Javed
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, PO Box - 17666, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Charu Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, PO Box - 17666, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hebaallah Mamdouh Hashiesh
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, PO Box - 17666, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sameer N. Goyal
- Shri Vile Parle Kelvani Mandal's Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule 424001, Maharashtra, India
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology, Sharda University, Knowledge Park III, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201310, India
| | - Shreesh Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, PO Box - 17666, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Zhou S, Liu Z, Wang Z, Young CJ, VandenBoer TC, Guo BB, Zhang J, Carslaw N, Kahan TF. Hydrogen Peroxide Emission and Fate Indoors during Non-bleach Cleaning: A Chamber and Modeling Study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:15643-15651. [PMID: 33258369 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c04702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Activities such as household cleaning can greatly alter the composition of air in indoor environments. We continuously monitored hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) from household non-bleach surface cleaning in a chamber designed to simulate a residential room. Mixing ratios of up to 610 ppbv gaseous H2O2 were observed following cleaning, orders of magnitude higher than background levels (sub-ppbv). Gaseous H2O2 levels decreased rapidly and irreversibly, with removal rate constants (kH2O2) 17-73 times larger than air change rate (ACR). Increasing the surface-area-to-volume ratio within the room caused peak H2O2 mixing ratios to decrease and kH2O2 to increase, suggesting that surface uptake dominated H2O2 loss. Volatile organic compound (VOC) levels increased rapidly after cleaning and then decreased with removal rate constants 1.2-7.2 times larger than ACR, indicating loss due to surface partitioning and/or chemical reactions. We predicted photochemical radical production rates and steady-state concentrations in the simulated room using a detailed chemical model for indoor air (the INDCM). Model results suggest that, following cleaning, H2O2 photolysis increased OH concentrations by 10-40% to 9.7 × 105 molec cm-3 and hydroperoxy radical (HO2) concentrations by 50-70% to 2.3 × 107 molec cm-3 depending on the cleaning method and lighting conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244, United States
| | - Zhenlei Liu
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244, United States
| | - Zixu Wang
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York YO10 5DD, U.K
| | - Cora J Young
- Department of Chemistry, York University, Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3, Canada
| | | | - B Beverly Guo
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244, United States
| | - Jianshun Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244, United States
| | - Nicola Carslaw
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York YO10 5DD, U.K
| | - Tara F Kahan
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5C9, Canada
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Wu P, Zhao S, Yu J, Jin X, Ye D, Yang S, Qiu Y. Effect of Absorbed Sulfate Poisoning on the Performance of Catalytic Oxidation of VOCs over MnO 2. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:50566-50572. [PMID: 33125220 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c17042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Manganese oxides have displayed vast potential for future development in the field of catalytic abatement of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) because of their low cost, high stability, and enhanced catalytic activity. Manganese sulfate and manganese chloride are widely used as reaction sources to prepare manganese oxides. As reported, absorbed chloride usually affects the performance of catalysts. However, the effect of absorbed sulfate on catalysts has been overlooked at present. Herein, the poisoning effect of absorbed sulfate on MnO2 catalyst in the catalytic oxidation of VOCs has been uncovered. Manganese sulfate-derived MnO2 catalyst exhibits a significantly enhanced performance after repeated washing by water, which indicates that absorbed sulfate has an adverse effect on MnO2 catalyst for removal of VOCs. The blocking of the surface oxygen species and active sites is considered as the reason for sulfate poisoning. Hence, elimination of absorbed sulfate by thorough washing or other effective method is essential for preparing high-performance manganese sulfate-derived manganese oxide catalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment and Pollution Control, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Shuaiqi Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment and Pollution Control, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jiawen Yu
- Guangzhou International Economics College, No.28 Dayuanbei, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510540, China
| | - Xiaojing Jin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment and Pollution Control, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
- State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Daiqi Ye
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment and Pollution Control, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Shihe Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Nano-Micro Materials Research, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yongcai Qiu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment and Pollution Control, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
- State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
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Plaisance H, Mocho P, Desauziers V. Comparative analysis of formaldehyde and toluene sorption on indoor floorings and consequence on Indoor Air Quality. INDOOR AIR 2020; 30:1256-1267. [PMID: 32506531 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Indoor surfaces may be adsorptive sinks with the potential to change Indoor Air Quality. To estimate this effect, the sorption parameters of formaldehyde and toluene were assessed on five floorings by an experimental method using solid-phase microextraction in an airtight emission cell. Adsorption rate constants ranged from 0.003 to 0.075 m·h-1 , desorption rate constants from 0.019 to 0.51 h-1 , and the partition coefficient from 0.005 to 3.9 m, and these parameters vary greatly from one volatile organic compound/material couple to another indicating contrasted sorption behaviors. A rubber was identified as a sink of formaldehyde characterized by a very low desorption constant close to 0. For these sorbent floorings identified, the adsorption rates of formaldehyde are from 2 to 4 times higher than those of toluene. Two models were used to evaluate the sink effects of floorings on indoor pollutant concentrations in one room from different realistic conditions. The scenarios tested came to the conclusion that the formaldehyde sorption on one rubber (identified as a sink) has a maximum contribution from 15% to 21% for the conditions of low air exchange rate. For other floorings, the sorption has a minor contribution less than or equal to 5%, regardless of the air exchange rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herve Plaisance
- IPREM, IMT Mines Ales, Universite de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, Pau, France
| | - Pierre Mocho
- Universite de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, Pau, France
| | - Valerie Desauziers
- IPREM, IMT Mines Ales, Universite de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, Pau, France
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Lin N, Ding N, Meza-Wilson E, Manuradha Devasurendra A, Godwin C, Kyun Park S, Batterman S. Volatile organic compounds in feminine hygiene products sold in the US market: A survey of products and health risks. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 144:105740. [PMID: 32866732 PMCID: PMC7958867 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Feminine hygiene products (FHPs) are used on highly permeable and sensitive vaginal and vulvar tissues by many women. These products contain a variety of chemicals, and few regulations require disclosure of their ingredients. The objectives of this study are to identify volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may be present in these products and to evaluate the potential for exposure and health risk associated with product use. We collected 79 commercially available FHPs, including washes, tampons, menstrual pads, wipes, sprays, powders and moisturizers, and analyzed their composition using purge and trap sampling, thermal desorption, gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy. Exposures and risks were modeled using reasonable upper bound exposure scenarios. The highest VOC concentrations (as total target VOCs) were found in washes, sprays and powders, with median concentrations from 25,000 to 34,000 ng/g. Benzene (maximum: 3,604 ng/g) was detected in 83% of the collected products, and 1,4-dioxane (maximum: 24,354 ng/g) in 50% of the products. VOC composition depended on the FHP type, manufacturer and brand. Products labeled as "organic," "natural," or "for sensitive skin" did not necessarily have lower VOC concentrations. For most FHPs, calculated risks were low; however, menstrual pads had hazard ratios of up to 11, sprays and powders had hazard ratios of up to 2.2 and excess cancer risks of up to 2.1 × 10-6, and washes had excess cancer risks of up to 3.3 × 10-6. Our data suggest that all tested FHPs contained some toxic VOCs, and that risks of using some products should be addressed. We recommend the elimination of toxic ingredients and the disclosure of all chemicals that are used in these products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Lin
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Ning Ding
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Emily Meza-Wilson
- College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Amila Manuradha Devasurendra
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Christopher Godwin
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Sung Kyun Park
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Stuart Batterman
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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Talens-Estarelles C, García-Marqués JV, Cervino A, García-Lázaro S. Use of digital displays and ocular surface alterations: A review. Ocul Surf 2020; 19:252-265. [PMID: 33053438 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Digital display use has been accepted to be implicated as a contributing factor for dry eye disease (DED). Abnormal blinking during computer operation, including a reduced blink rate and an incomplete eyelid closure, increased palpebral fissure as consequence of high visualization angles, and meibomian gland dysfunction associated to long-term display use, are behind the increased prevalence of dry eye signs and symptoms found in digital display users. Previous research reveals significant reductions in tear volume and stability, alterations in tear film composition, including increased osmolarity, inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress markers and reduced mucin secretion, eyelid abnormalities and ocular surface damage, encompassing corneal and conjunctival staining and bulbar redness, as a direct consequence of digital display use. In this regard, individual differences in the way that the various digital displays are typically set up and used may account for differences in their effects on induced dryness signs and symptoms. Furthermore, factors such as the use of contact lenses or inappropriate working environments, usually accompanying the use of displays, may significantly increase the prevalence and the severity of induced dry eye. Other factors, such as old age and female gender are also relevant in the appearance of associated alterations. Finally, clinicians should adopt a treatment strategy based on a multidirectional approach, with various treatments being applied in conjunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Talens-Estarelles
- Department of Optics & Optometry & Vision Sciences. University of Valencia. Dr. Moliner, 50 46100, Burjassot (Valencia), Spain
| | - José Vicente García-Marqués
- Department of Optics & Optometry & Vision Sciences. University of Valencia. Dr. Moliner, 50 46100, Burjassot (Valencia), Spain
| | - Alejandro Cervino
- Department of Optics & Optometry & Vision Sciences. University of Valencia. Dr. Moliner, 50 46100, Burjassot (Valencia), Spain
| | - Santiago García-Lázaro
- Department of Optics & Optometry & Vision Sciences. University of Valencia. Dr. Moliner, 50 46100, Burjassot (Valencia), Spain.
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Byrley P, Geer Wallace MA, Boyes WK, Rogers K. Particle and volatile organic compound emissions from a 3D printer filament extruder. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 736:139604. [PMID: 32502783 PMCID: PMC8202132 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM®), also known as Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), 3D printers have been shown in numerous studies to emit ultrafine particles and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Filament extruders, designed to create feedstocks for 3D printers, have recently come onto the consumer market for at-home hobbyists as an alternative to buying 3D printer filaments. These instruments allow for the creation of 3D printer filaments from raw plastic pellets. Given the similarity in processes and materials used by 3D printers and filament extruders, we hypothesized that filament extruders may also release ultrafine particle emissions and VOCs. An off-the-shelf filament extruder was operated in a 2 m3 chamber using three separate feedstocks: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) pellets, pulverized poly-lactic acid (PLA), and PLA pellets. Ultrafine particle emissions were measured in real-time using a scanning mobility particle sizer and thermal desorption tubes were used for both non-targeted and targeted analysis of VOCs present in emissions. Ultrafine particle number emission rates were comparable to those found in 3D printer studies with the greatest to least emission rates from ABS pellets, pulverized PLA, and PLA pellets, respectively. In addition, the majority of particles released were found to be ultrafine (1-100 nm), similar to 3D printer studies. A variety of VOCs were identified using the ABS feedstock, including styrene and ethylbenzene, and PLA feedstock. Styrene average mass concentration amounts were found to be near the EPA Integrated Risk Information System Reference Concentration for Inhalation Exposure for 3 min and 5 min samples. Further studies will be needed to determine the impact on emissions of environmental volume, air exchange rate, and extruder settings such as extrusion speed and temperature. The results support the hypothesis that use of a filament extruder may present an additional exposure risk to 3D printer hobbyists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Byrley
- Health and Environmental Effects Assessment Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, USEPA, RTP, NC 27711, United States.
| | - M Ariel Geer Wallace
- Air Methods and Characterization Division, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, USEPA, RTP, NC 27711, United States.
| | - William K Boyes
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, USEPA, RTP, NC 27711, United States.
| | - Kim Rogers
- Watershed and Ecosystem Characterization Division, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, USEPA, RTP, NC 27711, United States.
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42
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Richter M, Juritsch E, Jann O. Determination of recovery rates of adsorbents for sampling very volatile organic compounds (C 1C 6) in dry and humid air in the sub-ppb range by use of thermal desorption gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr A 2020; 1626:461389. [PMID: 32797860 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2020.461389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The reliable measurement of very volatile organic compounds (VVOC) in indoor air by use of thermal desorption gas chromatography (TD-GC) in order to include them into evaluation schemes for building products even nowadays is a great challenge. For capturing these small molecules with carbon numbers ranging from C1C6, strong adsorbents are needed. In the present study, recovery rates of nine suitable adsorbents of the groups of porous polymers, graphitised carbon blacks (GCB) and carbon molecular sieves (CMS) are tested against a complex test gas standard containing 29 VVOC. By consideration of the recovery and the relative humidity (50% RH), combinations of the GCB Carbograph 5TD, the two CMS Carboxen 1003 and Carbosieve SII as well as the porous polymer Tenax® GR were identified to be potentially suitable for sampling the majority of the VVOC out of the gas mix. The results reveal a better performance of the adsorbents in combination than being used alone, particularly under humid sampling conditions. The recovery rates of the chosen compounds on each adsorbent should be in the range of 80-120%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Richter
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Elevtheria Juritsch
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Jann
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin, Germany
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Chemicals inhaled from spray cleaning and disinfection products and their respiratory effects. A comprehensive review. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2020; 229:113592. [PMID: 32810683 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2020.113592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Spray cleaning and disinfection products have been associated with adverse respiratory effects in professional cleaners and among residents doing domestic cleaning. This review combines information about use of spray products from epidemiological and clinical studies, in vivo and in vitro toxicological studies of cleaning chemicals, as well as human and field exposure studies. The most frequent chemicals in spray cleaning and disinfection products were compiled, based on registrations in the Danish Product Registry. The chemicals were divided into acids, bases, disinfectants, fragrances, organic solvents, propellants, and tensides. In addition, an assessment of selected cleaning and disinfectant chemicals in spray products was carried out. Chemicals of concern regarding respiratory effects (e.g. asthma) are corrosive chemicals such as strong acids and bases (including ammonia and hypochlorite) and quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs). However, the evidence for respiratory effects after inhalation of QACs is ambiguous. Common fragrances are generally not considered to be of concern following inhalation. Solvents including glycols and glycol ethers as well as propellants are generally weak airway irritants and not expected to induce sensitization in the airways. Mixing of certain cleaning products can produce corrosive airborne chemicals. We discuss different hypotheses for the mechanisms behind the development of respiratory effects of inhalation of chemicals in cleaning agents. An integrative assessment is needed to understand how these chemicals can cause the various respiratory effects.
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Li X, Ma J, He H. Recent advances in catalytic decomposition of ozone. J Environ Sci (China) 2020; 94:14-31. [PMID: 32563478 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2020.03.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Ozone (O3), as a harmful air pollutant, has been of wide concern. Safe, efficient, and economical O3 removal methods urgently need to be developed. Catalytic decomposition is the most promising method for O3 removal, especially at room temperature or even subzero temperatures. Great efforts have been made to develop high-efficiency catalysts for O3 decomposition that can operate at low temperatures, high space velocity and high humidity. First, this review describes the general reaction mechanism of O3 decomposition on noble metal and transition metal oxide catalysts. Then, progress on the O3 decomposition performance of various catalysts in the past 30 years is summarized in detail. The main focus is the O3 decomposition performance of manganese oxides, which are divided into supported manganese oxides and non-supported manganese oxides. Methods to improve the activity, stability, and humidity resistance of manganese oxide catalysts for O3 decomposition are also summarized. The deactivation mechanisms of manganese oxides under dry and humid conditions are discussed. The O3 decomposition performance of monolithic catalysts is also summarized from the perspective of industrial applications. Finally, the future development directions and prospects of O3 catalytic decomposition technology are put forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Li
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jinzhu Ma
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; Center for Excellence in Regional Atmospheric Environment, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Hong He
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; Center for Excellence in Regional Atmospheric Environment, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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45
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Gu J, Karrasch S, Salthammer T. Review of the characteristics and possible health effects of particles emitted from laser printing devices. INDOOR AIR 2020; 30:396-421. [PMID: 31944398 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Many studies have shown that the use of laser printing devices (LPDs) contributes to the release of particles into the indoor environment. However, after more than two decades of research, the physicochemical properties of LPD-emitted particles and the possible health effects from exposure to particles are still heavily debated. We therefore carried out a critical review of the published studies around emissions and health effects of LPD-emitted particles, aiming at elucidating the nature of these particles and their potential health risks. Realizing the varying methodologies of the studies, a classification of the reviewed studies is adopted, resulting in three categories of emission studies (chamber experiment, office/room measurement, and photocopy shop measurement), and three types of health studies (in vitro/animal studies, human studies in the real world, and human studies in controlled settings). The strengths and limitations of each type of study are discussed in-depth, which in turn helps to understand the cause of divergent results. Overall, LPD-emitted particles are mainly condensed or secondary-formed semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), while solid toner particles account for a very small fraction. The health risk from exposure to LPD-emitted particles is small compared with the health risk from exposure to ambient particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianwei Gu
- Department of Material Analysis and Indoor Chemistry, Fraunhofer WKI, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Stefan Karrasch
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Inner City Clinic, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Tunga Salthammer
- Department of Material Analysis and Indoor Chemistry, Fraunhofer WKI, Braunschweig, Germany
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Othman M, Latif MT, Yee CZ, Norshariffudin LK, Azhari A, Halim NDA, Alias A, Sofwan NM, Hamid HHA, Matsumi Y. PM 2.5 and ozone in office environments and their potential impact on human health. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 194:110432. [PMID: 32169727 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
It is important to have good indoor air quality, especially in indoor office environments, in order to enhance productivity and maintain good work performance. This study investigated the effects of indoor office activities on particulate matter of less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) concentrations, assessing their potential impact on human health. Measurements of indoor PM2.5 and O3 concentrations were taken every 24 h during the working days in five office environments located in a semi-urban area. As a comparison, the outdoor concentrations were derived from the nearest Continuous Air Quality Monitoring Station. The results showed that the average 24 h of indoor and outdoor PM2.5 concentrations were 3.24 ± 0.82 μg m-3 and 17.4 ± 3.58 μg m-3 respectively, while for O3 they were 4.75 ± 4.52 ppb and 21.5 ± 5.22 ppb respectively. During working hours, the range of PM2.5 concentrations were 1.00 μg m-3 to 6.10 μg m-3 while for O3 they were 0.10 ppb to 38.0 ppb. The indoor to outdoor ratio (I/O) for PM2.5 and O3 was <1, thus indicating a low infiltration of outdoor sources. The value of the hazard quotient (HQ) for all sampling buildings was <1 for both chronic and acute exposures, indicating that the non-carcinogenic risks are negligible. Higher total cancer risk (CR) value for outdoors (2.67E-03) was observed compared to indoors (4.95E-04) under chronic exposure while the CR value for acute exposure exceeded 1.0E-04, thus suggesting a carcinogenic PM2.5 risk for both the indoor and outdoor environments. The results of this study suggest that office activities, such as printing and photocopying, affect indoor O3 concentrations while PM2.5 concentrations are impacted by indoor-related contributions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murnira Othman
- Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Mohd Talib Latif
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chong Zin Yee
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Lina Khalida Norshariffudin
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Azliyana Azhari
- UKMPakarunding Sdn. Bhd, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nor Diana Abdul Halim
- Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Azwani Alias
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nurzawani Md Sofwan
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia; Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sarawak Branch, Samarahan Campus, 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Haris Hafizal Abd Hamid
- Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia; Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yutaka Matsumi
- Institute for Space-Earth Environment Research, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
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Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Emissions from a Personal Care Polymer-Based Item: Simulation of the Inhalation Exposure Scenario Indoors under Actual Conditions of Use. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12072577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Polymer-based items may release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and odors indoors, contributing to the overall VOC inhalation exposure for end users and building occupants. The main objective of the present study is the evaluation of short-term inhalation exposure to VOCs due to the use of a personal care polymer-based item, namely, one of three electric heating bags, through a strategic methodological approach and the simulation of a ‘near-to-real’ exposure scenario. Seventy two-hour test chamber experiments were first performed to characterize VOC emissions with the items on ‘not-heating mode’ and to derive related emission rates. The polyester bag was revealed to be responsible for the highest emissions both in terms of total VOC and naphthalene emissions (437 and 360 µg/m3, respectively), compared with the other two bags under investigation. Complementary investigations on ‘heating mode’ and the simulation of the exposure scenario inside a 30 m3 reference room allowed us to highlight that the use of the polyester bag in the first life-cycle period could determine a naphthalene concentration (42 µg/m3) higher than the reference Lowest Concentration of Interest (LCI) value (10 µg/m3) reported in European evaluation schemes. The present study proposes a strategic methodological approach highlighting the need for the simulation of a realistic scenario when potential hazards for human health need to be assessed.
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Fahad Alomirah H, Moda HM. Assessment of Indoor Air Quality and Users Perception of a Renovated Office Building in Manchester. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17061972. [PMID: 32192148 PMCID: PMC7143121 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17061972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Building renovations can adversely affect building occupants through the release of biological contaminants, gases and particulates. In this study, the research aim was to monitor the air quality of a renovated building and assess the impact of sick building syndrome (SBS) on the occupants. Post occupancy monitoring of the building was carried out after two months occupancy for the following environmental parameters: airborne microflora using an air sampler (SAS super 180) and a hand-held monitoring device (Graywolf advance sense IQ-610) to measure total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), CO2, CO and temperature and relative humidity in each office environment. In addition, an online (Qualtrics) structured questionnaire was used to assess occupants’ perceptions of the indoor environment. Results of the airborne flora showed 833 cfu/m3 recovered on a Malt Extract Agar (MEA) plate in the morning and 1213 cfu/m3 in the afternoon. A similar result was noticed on a Plate Count Agar (PCA) plate during the morning period (731 cfu/m3) and afternoon (1358 cfu/m3). Results of TVOC monitored over one week showed that the first two days of monitoring had a high reading that peaked at 10,837 ppb and that the CO2 concentration during that period was 1163 ppm. Online questionnaire analysis indicates that a majority of the staff who took part in the survey experienced some form of health abnormality, including headache, shortness of breath, itchy eyes/ears, loss of concentration and so on, especially in the first few weeks of returning to the office. The results from the study indicate that a large proportion (41%) of the respondents experienced thermal discomfort as a result of varying room temperature during their working hours. A high number of female participants experienced some form of SBS as compared to their male counterparts. The study findings show a direct relationship between high airborne mold counts, TVOC and adverse staff health perception of the building. The study raised a number of opportunities for estate managers to improve building performance based on occupants’ preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haya Fahad Alomirah
- College of Health Sciences, Shawaik, P.O. Box 1983, Safat 13020, Kuwait;
- Department of Health Professions, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M15 6BG, UK
| | - Haruna Musa Moda
- Department of Health Professions, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M15 6BG, UK
- Correspondence:
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Concentrations of Formic Acid, Acetic Acid, and Ammonia in Newly Constructed Houses. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17061940. [PMID: 32188069 PMCID: PMC7143630 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17061940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Herein, the concentrations of formic acid, acetic acid, and ammonia in samples of indoor air for 47 new houses were measured two weeks after completion. The houses were fabricated with light-gauge steel structures. The measurements were performed in living rooms and bedrooms without furniture and outdoors. Air samples were analyzed using ion chromatography. The mean values were 28 (living room), 30 (bedroom), and 20 μg m−3 (outdoor air) for formic acid; 166 (living room), 151 (bedroom), and 51 μg m−3 (outdoor air) for acetic acid; and 73 (living room), 76 (bedroom), and 21 μg m−3 (outdoor air) for ammonia. The total values of the three substances accounted for 39.4–40.7% of the sum of chemical compound values. The analyzed compounds were indicated by two principal components (PC), PC1 (30.1%) and PC2 (9%), with 39.1% total variance. Formic acid, acetic acid, and ammonia were positively aligned with PC1 and negatively aligned with PC2. Factors such as room temperature, aldehydes, and phthalates were positively aligned with PC1 and negatively aligned with PC2. Furthermore, concentrations of formic acid, acetic acid, and ammonia were significantly and positively correlated with room temperature (p < 0.05).
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Wolkoff P. Indoor air chemistry: Terpene reaction products and airway effects. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2020; 225:113439. [PMID: 32044535 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2019.113439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Reactive chemistry is ubiquitous indoors with a wealth of complex oxidation reactions; some of these are initiated by both homogeneous and heterogeneous reaction of ozone with unsaturated organic compounds and subsequent the hydroxyl radical, either in the gas-phase or on reactive surfaces. One major focus has been the reaction of common and abundant terpene-based fragrances in indoor air emitted from many wood-based materials, a variety of consumer products, and citrus fruits and flowers. Inhalation of the terpenes themselves are generally not considered a health concern (both acute and long-term) due to their low indoor air concentrations; however, their gas- and surface reactions with ozone and the hydroxyl radical produce a host of products, both gaseous, i. a. formaldehyde, and ultrafine particles formed by condensation/nucleation processes. These reaction products may be of health concern. Human cell bioassays with key reaction products from ozone-initiated terpene reactions have shown some inflammatory reactions, but results are difficult to interpret for human exposure and risk assessment. Acute effects like sensory irritation in eyes and airways are unlikely or present at very low intensity in real life conditions based on rodent and human exposure studies and known thresholds for sensory irritation in eyes and airways and derived human reference values for airflow limitation and pulmonary irritation. Some fragrances and their ozone-initiated reaction products may possess anti-inflammatory properties. However, long-term effects of the reaction products as ultrafine particles are poorly explored. Material and product surfaces with high ozone deposition velocities may significantly impact the perceived air quality by altered emissions from both homogeneous and heterogeneous surface reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peder Wolkoff
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, NRCWE, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2920, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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