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Wang X, Lv Y, Luo W, Duan X, Guo D, Hui H. Pedestrian flow-environmental pollutants interactions and health risks to residents in high-occupancy public areas of apartment buildings. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 284:116953. [PMID: 39208584 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116953] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The current interaction of pedestrian flow and environmental pollutants in high-occupancy public areas of apartment and the risks of residents being exposed to environmental pollutants are issues that are often overlooked but urgently need to be addressed. In this study, we provide a comprehensive of pedestrian flow-environmental pollutants interactions and health risks to residents in first-floor public areas of apartment with high-occupancy. The main findings indicate that under closed management conditions, there is a significant increase in TVOC and noise levels during the peak periods of nighttime pedestrian flow. In the correlation analysis, the significant impact of time granularity selection in clarifying the correlation between pedestrian flow and environmental pollutants has been highlighted, with larger time granularities generally showing stronger correlations, while finer time granularities may help identify specific risks in areas directly connected to the external environment. There is a significant correlation exists between pedestrian flow and environmental pollutants (TVOC, ozone, and noise), with higher concentrations of these pollutants observed during peak pedestrian flow periods, thereby increasing the risk of residents being exposed to adverse environmental conditions. To mitigate the risks associated with TVOC pollution and noise exposure, it is crucial to maintain proper ventilation, avoid conducting cleaning or maintenance activities during peak hours, and implement noise-reducing measures, such as distancing noise sources from residential areas or installing soundproofing barriers. Additionally, the study identifies total volatile organic compounds originating from property maintenance activities and clarifies their dispersion patterns, emphasizing the importance of developing robust, standardized maintenance protocols for indoor environmental quality assurance. This research can improve the environmental sustainability of apartment buildings and provide a theoretical basis for the development of environmental health strategies for high-occupancy public areas of apartment buildings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Wang
- School of Infrastructure Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Yang Lv
- Central Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116033, China; School of Infrastructure Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Wenjian Luo
- School of Infrastructure Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Xianghao Duan
- School of Infrastructure Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Danyang Guo
- School of Infrastructure Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Hui Hui
- Central Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116033, China
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Li S, Liu Y, Li R, Xiao W, Ou J, Tao F, Wan Y. Association between green space and multiple ambient air pollutants with depressive and anxiety symptoms among Chinese adolescents: The role of physical activity. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 189:108796. [PMID: 38838489 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the association between green space, multiple ambient air pollutants and depressive/anxiety symptoms and the mediating role of physical activity (PA) in Chinese adolescents. METHOD A school-based health survey was conducted in eight provinces in China in 2021. 22,868 students aged 14.64 (±1.77) years completed standard questionnaires to record details of depressive, anxiety symptoms and PA. We calculated the average normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) in circular buffers of 200 m, 500 m and 1000 m and estimated the concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, CO, NO2, O3, SO2 around the adolescents' school addresses. RESULTS The exposure-response curves showed that the lower the NDVI value, the higher the risk of depressive and anxiety symptoms. CO, PM2.5 and SO2 and air pollution score were associated with increased risk of depressive and anxiety symptoms. NDVI in all circular buffers decreased the risk of depressive and anxiety symptoms at low levels of PA, but the associations were not significant at high levels of PA. In the subgroup analysis, PM10, PM2.5, CO, NO2, SO2, AQI and air pollution score increased the risk of depressive and anxiety symptoms at low PA levels, but the associations were not significant at high levels of PA. Mediation analysis indicated that the mediating effect of PA on the association between NDVI, NDVI-200 m NDVI-500 m, CO, PM10, PM2.5, SO2, AQI and depressive/anxiety symptoms was statistically significant(p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Middle-high level PA could reduce the strength of association between air pollution and depressive and anxiety symptoms. Meanwhile, the association between green space/air pollution and depressive/anxiety symptoms was partly mediated by PA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuqin Li
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yu Liu
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Ruoyu Li
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Wan Xiao
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Jinping Ou
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China.
| | - Fangbiao Tao
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China.
| | - Yuhui Wan
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China.
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Zheng H, Csemezová J, Loomans M, Walker S, Gauvin F, Zeiler W. Species profile of volatile organic compounds emission and health risk assessment from typical indoor events in daycare centers. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 918:170734. [PMID: 38325455 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170734] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Daycare centers (DCCs) play an instrumental role in early childhood development, making them a significant indoor environment for a large number of children globally. Amidst routine DCC activities, young children are exposed to a myriad of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), potentially impacting their health. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the VOC emissions during typical DCCs activities and evaluate respective health risk assessments. Employing a full-scale experimental setup within a well-controlled climate chamber, research was conducted into VOC emissions during three typical DCC events: arts-and-crafts (painting, gluing, modeling), cleaning, and sleeping activities tied to mattresses. The research identified 96 distinct VOCs, grouped into twelve categories, from 20 different events examined. Each event exhibited a unique VOC fingerprint, pinpointing potential source tracers. Also, significant variations in VOC emissions from different events were demonstrated. For instance, under cool & dry conditions, acrylic painting recorded high total VOC concentrations of 808 μg/m3, whereas poster painting showed only 58 μg/m3. Given these disparities, the study emphasizes the critical need for carefully selecting arts-and-crafts materials and cleaning agents in DCCs to effectively reduce VOC exposure. It suggests ventilating new mattresses before use and regular mattress check-ups to mitigate VOCs exposure during naps. Importantly, it revealed that certain events resulted in VOC levels exceeding the 10-5 cancer risk thresholds for younger children. Specifically, tetrachloroethylene and styrene from used mattresses in cool & dry conditions, ethylene oxide from new mattresses in warm & humid conditions, and styrene, during sand modeling in both conditions, were the key compounds contributing to this risk. These findings highlight the critical need for age-specific health risk assessments in DCCs. This study highlights the significance of understanding the profiles of VOC emissions from indoor events in DCCs, emphasizing potential health implications and laying a solid foundation for future investigations in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailin Zheng
- Department of the Built Environment, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
| | - Júlia Csemezová
- Department of the Built Environment, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Marcel Loomans
- Department of the Built Environment, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Shalika Walker
- Department of the Built Environment, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Florent Gauvin
- Department of the Built Environment, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Wim Zeiler
- Department of the Built Environment, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
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Alam F, Silveyra P. Sex Differences in E-Cigarette Use and Related Health Effects. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:7079. [PMID: 37998310 PMCID: PMC10671806 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20227079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) comprise a variety of products designed to deliver nicotine, flavorings, and other substances. To date, multiple epidemiological and experimental studies have reported a variety of health issues associated with their use, including respiratory toxicity, exacerbation of respiratory conditions, and behavioral and physiological effects. While some of these effects appear to be sex- and/or gender-related, only a portion of the research has been conducted considering these variables. In this review, we sought to summarize the available literature on sex-specific effects and sex and gender differences, including predictors and risk factors, effects on organ systems, and behavioral effects. METHODS We searched and selected articles from 2018-2023 that included sex as a variable or reported sex differences on e-cigarette-associated effects. RESULTS We found 115 relevant studies published since 2018 that reported sex differences in a variety of outcomes. The main differences reported were related to reasons for initiation, including smoking history, types of devices and flavoring, polysubstance use, physiological responses to nicotine and toxicants in e-liquids, exacerbation of lung disease, and behavioral factors such as anxiety, depression, sexuality, and bullying. CONCLUSIONS The available literature supports the notion that both sex and gender influence the susceptibility to the negative effects of e-cigarette use. Future research needs to consider sex and gender variables when addressing e-cigarette toxicity and other health-related consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Alam
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Indiana University School of Public Health Bloomington, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA;
| | - Patricia Silveyra
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Indiana University School of Public Health Bloomington, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA;
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 47405, USA
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Huang HC, Zou ML, Chen YH, Jiang CB, Wu CD, Lung SCC, Chien LC, Lo YC, Chao HJ. Effects of indoor air quality and home environmental characteristics on allergic diseases among preschool children in the Greater Taipei Area. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 897:165392. [PMID: 37423284 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Indoor air quality and home environmental characteristics are potential factors associated with the onset and exacerbation of allergic diseases. Our study examined the effects of these factors on allergic diseases (i.e., asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and atopic dermatitis) among preschool children. We recruited a total of 120 preschool children from an ongoing birth cohort study in the Greater Taipei Area. A comprehensive environmental evaluation was conducted at each participant's residence and included measurements of indoor and outdoor air pollutants, fungal spores, endotoxins, and house dust mite allergens. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on the allergic diseases and home environments of participants. Land-use characteristics and points of interest in the surrounding area of each home were analyzed. Other covariates were obtained from the cohort data. Multiple logistic regressions were used to examine the relationships between allergic diseases and covariates. We observed that all mean indoor air pollutant levels were below Taiwan's indoor air quality standards. After adjustment for covariates, the total number of fungal spores and the ozone, Der f 1, and endotoxin levels were significantly associated with increased risks of allergic diseases. Biological contaminants more significantly affected allergic diseases than other pollutants. Moreover, home environmental characteristics (e.g., living near power facilities and gas stations) were associated with an increased risk of allergic diseases. Regular and proper home sanitation is recommended to prevent the accumulation of indoor pollutants, especially biological contaminants. Living away from potential sources of pollution is also crucial for protecting the health of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao-Chun Huang
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lun Zou
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hua Chen
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chuen-Bin Jiang
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, MacKay Children's Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Da Wu
- Department of Geomatics, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan; Innovation and Development Center of Sustainable Agriculture, National Chung Hsing University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | | | - Ling-Chu Chien
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chun Lo
- Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Program in Medical Neuroscience, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsing Jasmine Chao
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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