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Boniardi L, Campo L, Olgiati L, Longhi F, Scuffi C, Fustinoni S. Biological monitoring and personal exposure to traffic-related air pollutants of elementary school-age children living in a metropolitan area. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 857:159654. [PMID: 36280056 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159654] [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: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
An ever-growing burden of scientific evidence links air pollution to different aspects of human health even at very low concentrations; the impact increases for those living in urban environments, especially the youngest and the elderly. This study investigated the exposure to air pollution of urban school children of Milan, Italy, by personal and biological monitoring, in the frame of the MAPS-MI project. A total of 128 primary school children (7-11 years) were involved in a two-season monitoring campaign during spring 2018 and winter 2019. Personal exposure to airborne VOCs and eBC, and biological monitoring of urinary benzene (BEN-U) and methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE-U) were performed. Time-activity patterns, environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), spatial, and meteorological information were evaluated as determinants in mixed effects regression analysis. Children personal exposure was mostly quantifiable with median (5th-95th percentile) levels 1.9 (0.8-7.5) μg/m3 for eBC, and 1.1 (<0.6-3.4) and 0.8 (0.3-1.8) μg/m3 for benzene and MTBE, respectively; with values 2-3-fold higher in winter than in spring. In urine, median (5th-95th) BEN-U and MTBE-U levels were 44.9 (25.7-98.6) and 11.5 (5.0-35.5) ng/L, respectively. Mixed effect regression models explained from 72 to 93 % of the total variability for air pollutants, and from 58 to 61 % for biomarkers. Major contributors of personal exposure were season, wind speed, mobility- or traffic-related variables; biomarkers were mostly predicted by airborne exposure and ETS. Our results suggest that traffic-mitigation actions, together with parents' educational interventions on ETS and commuting mode, should be undertaken to lower children exposure to air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Boniardi
- EPIGET - Epidemiology, Epigenetics, and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Campo
- EPIGET - Epidemiology, Epigenetics, and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Italy.
| | - Luca Olgiati
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Environmental and Industrial Toxicology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Longhi
- EPIGET - Epidemiology, Epigenetics, and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Scuffi
- EPIGET - Epidemiology, Epigenetics, and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Fustinoni
- EPIGET - Epidemiology, Epigenetics, and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Italy; Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Environmental and Industrial Toxicology Unit, Milan, Italy
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Maung TZ, Bishop JE, Holt E, Turner AM, Pfrang C. Indoor Air Pollution and the Health of Vulnerable Groups: A Systematic Review Focused on Particulate Matter (PM), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Their Effects on Children and People with Pre-Existing Lung Disease. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19148752. [PMID: 35886604 PMCID: PMC9316830 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Air pollution affects health, but much of the focus to this point has been on outdoor air. Higher indoor pollution is anticipated due to increasingly energy-efficient and less leaky buildings together with more indoor activities. Studies of indoor air pollution focusing on children and people with respiratory disease from the database Web of Science (1991–2021) were systemically reviewed according to the PRISMA guidelines, with 69 studies included in the final selection. Emissions from building materials affected indoor air quality, and ventilation also had an influence. The main indoor air pollutants are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Particulate Matter (PM). PM sources included smoking, cooking, heating, candles, and insecticides, whereas sources of coarse particles were pets, housework and human movements. VOC sources included household products, cleaning agents, glue, personal care products, building materials and vehicle emissions. Formaldehyde levels were particularly high in new houses. Personal exposure related to both indoor and outdoor pollutant levels, highlighting home characteristics and air exchange rates as important factors. Temperature, humidity, educational level, air purifiers and time near sources were also related to personal exposure. There was an association between PM and Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO), lung function, oxygen saturation, childhood asthma and symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. High VOCs were associated with upper airways and asthma symptoms and cancer. Effective interventional studies for PM in the future might focus on human behavior together with air purifiers and increased ventilation, whereas VOC interventions might center more on building materials and household products, alongside purification and ventilation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tun Z. Maung
- UHB NHS Foundation Trust, Inflammation and Aging, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK;
| | - Jack E. Bishop
- School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; (J.E.B.); (E.H.)
| | - Eleanor Holt
- School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; (J.E.B.); (E.H.)
| | - Alice M. Turner
- UHB NHS Foundation Trust, Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK;
| | - Christian Pfrang
- School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; (J.E.B.); (E.H.)
- Correspondence:
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Volatile Organic Compounds in Primary Schools in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Characterization and Health Risk Assessment. ATMOSPHERE 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos12111421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Limited information about exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in primary schools in Vietnam is available. In this study, we aimed to characterize indoor VOCs in four primary schools situated in Ho Chi Minh City, a metropolis in the south of Vietnam and assess health risks linked to the students’ exposure to VOCs. Indoor and outdoor air samples were collected in the schools and analyzed for volatile composition using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Different classes of VOCs, including aromatic hydrocarbons, alkanes, aldehydes, esters, cyclic terpenes, and chlorinated hydrocarbons, were identified and quantified in classrooms of the schools. The results showed that the concentrations of the VOCs differed significantly among the schools and between ground-floor and first floor classrooms. In addition, VOC profiles differed considerably between air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned classrooms. Limonene, a compound associated with fragrance products, was the most abundant VOC, with the median (range) concentration of 26.12 (10.29, 50.08) μg/m3. The concentrations of the compounds examined in the study were in general found to be higher indoors compared with outdoors, signifying indoor emission sources. Potential harmful effects are expected as a result of exposure to benzene, ethylbenzene, naphthalene, 1,4-dichlorobenzene and tetrachloroethylene in the investigated schools. Further research is needed to fully assess the health risks to students, teachers, and staff in these educational environments.
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Brown T, Dassonville C, Derbez M, Ramalho O, Kirchner S, Crump D, Mandin C. Relationships between socioeconomic and lifestyle factors and indoor air quality in French dwellings. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 140:385-396. [PMID: 25935319 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2015.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Revised: 04/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To date, few studies have analyzed the relationships between socioeconomic status (SES) and indoor air quality (IAQ). OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between socioeconomic and other factors and indoor air pollutant levels in French homes. METHODS The indoor air concentrations of thirty chemical, biological and physical parameters were measured over one week in a sample of 567 dwellings representative of the French housing stock between September 2003 and December 2005. Information on SES (household structure, educational attainment, income, and occupation), building characteristics, and occupants' habits and activities (smoking, cooking, cleaning, etc.) were collected through administered questionnaires. Separate stepwise linear regression models were fitted to log-transformed concentrations on SES and other factors. Logistic regression was performed on fungal contamination data. RESULTS Households with lower income were more likely to have higher indoor concentrations of formaldehyde, but lower perchloroethylene indoor concentrations. Formaldehyde indoor concentrations were also associated with newly built buildings. Smoking was associated with increasing acetaldehyde and PM2.5 levels and the risk of a positive fungal contamination index. BTEX levels were also associated with occupant density and having an attached garage. The major predictors for fungal contamination were dampness and absolute humidity. CONCLUSION These results, obtained from a large sample of dwellings, show for the first time in France the relationships between SES factors and indoor air pollutants, and believe they should be considered alongside occupant activities and building characteristics when study IAQ in homes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry Brown
- Institute of Environment, Health, Risks and Futures, School of Environment, Energy & Agrifoods, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire MK43 0AL, UK.
| | - Claire Dassonville
- Paris-East University/Scientific and Technical Centre for Building (CSTB), Observatory on Indoor Air Quality, 84 Avenue Jean Jaurès, Champs-sur-Marne, F-77447 Marne-la-Vallée Cedex 2, France
| | - Mickael Derbez
- Paris-East University/Scientific and Technical Centre for Building (CSTB), Observatory on Indoor Air Quality, 84 Avenue Jean Jaurès, Champs-sur-Marne, F-77447 Marne-la-Vallée Cedex 2, France
| | - Olivier Ramalho
- Paris-East University/Scientific and Technical Centre for Building (CSTB), Observatory on Indoor Air Quality, 84 Avenue Jean Jaurès, Champs-sur-Marne, F-77447 Marne-la-Vallée Cedex 2, France
| | - Severine Kirchner
- Paris-East University/Scientific and Technical Centre for Building (CSTB), Observatory on Indoor Air Quality, 84 Avenue Jean Jaurès, Champs-sur-Marne, F-77447 Marne-la-Vallée Cedex 2, France
| | - Derrick Crump
- Institute of Environment, Health, Risks and Futures, School of Environment, Energy & Agrifoods, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire MK43 0AL, UK
| | - Corinne Mandin
- Paris-East University/Scientific and Technical Centre for Building (CSTB), Observatory on Indoor Air Quality, 84 Avenue Jean Jaurès, Champs-sur-Marne, F-77447 Marne-la-Vallée Cedex 2, France
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Gao Y, Zhang Y, Kamijima M, Sakai K, Khalequzzaman M, Nakajima T, Shi R, Wang X, Chen D, Ji X, Han K, Tian Y. Quantitative assessments of indoor air pollution and the risk of childhood acute leukemia in Shanghai. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2014; 187:81-89. [PMID: 24463471 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2013.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2013] [Revised: 12/24/2013] [Accepted: 12/27/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the association between indoor air pollutants and childhood acute leukemia (AL). A total of 105 newly diagnosed cases and 105 1:1 gender-, age-, and hospital-matched controls were included. Measurements of indoor pollutants (including nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and 17 types of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)) were taken with diffusive samplers for 64 pairs of cases and controls. Higher concentrations of NO2 and almost half of VOCs were observed in the cases than in the controls and were associated with the increased risk of childhood AL. The use of synthetic materials for wall decoration and furniture in bedroom was related to the risk of childhood AL. Renovating the house in the last 5 years, changing furniture in the last 5 years, closing the doors and windows overnight in the winter and/or summer, paternal smoking history and outdoor pollutants affected VOC concentrations. Our results support the association between childhood AL and indoor air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Gao
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Michihiro Kamijima
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Sakai
- Department of Environmental Health, Nagoya City Public Health Research Institute, Nagoya 467-8615, Japan
| | - Md Khalequzzaman
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
| | - Tamie Nakajima
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
| | - Rong Shi
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xiaojin Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Didi Chen
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xiaofan Ji
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Kaiyi Han
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Ying Tian
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China; MOE and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China.
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Abstract
Low-voltage-activated T-type Ca(2+) channels are widely expressed in various types of neurons. Once deinactivated by hyperpolarization, T-type channels are ready to be activated by a small depolarization near the resting membrane potential and, therefore, are optimal for regulating the excitability and electroresponsiveness of neurons under physiological conditions near resting states. Ca(2+) influx through T-type channels engenders low-threshold Ca(2+) spikes, which in turn trigger a burst of action potentials. Low-threshold burst firing has been implicated in the synchronization of the thalamocortical circuit during sleep and in absence seizures. It also has been suggested that T-type channels play an important role in pain signal transmission, based on their abundant expression in pain-processing pathways in peripheral and central neurons. In this review, we will describe studies on the role of T-type Ca(2+) channels in the physiological as well as pathological generation of brain rhythms in sleep, absence epilepsy, and pain signal transmission. Recent advances in studies of T-type channels in the control of cognition will also be briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunji Cheong
- Department of Biotechnology, Translational Research Center for Protein Function Control, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Su FC, Mukherjee B, Batterman S. Determinants of personal, indoor and outdoor VOC concentrations: an analysis of the RIOPA data. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2013; 126:192-203. [PMID: 24034784 PMCID: PMC4243524 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2013.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2013] [Revised: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 08/16/2013] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Community and environmental exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has been associated with a number of emission sources and activities, e.g., environmental tobacco smoke and pumping gasoline. Such factors have been identified from mostly small studies with relatively limited information regarding influences on VOC levels. This study uses data from the Relationship of Indoor Outdoor and Personal Air (RIOPA) study to investigate environmental, individual and social determinants of VOC concentrations. RIOPA included outdoor, indoor and personal measurements of 18 VOCs from 310 non-smoking households and adults in three cities and two seasons, and collected a wide range of information pertaining to participants, family members, households, and neighborhoods. Exposure determinants were identified using stepwise regressions and linear mixed-effect models. Most VOC exposure (66 to 78% of the total exposure, depending on VOC) occurred indoors, and outdoor VOC sources accounted for 5 (d-limonene) to 81% (carbon tetrachloride) of the total exposure. Personal exposure and indoor measurements had similar determinants, which depended on the VOC. Gasoline-related VOCs (e.g., benzene, methyl tertiary butyl ether) were associated with city, residences with attached garages, self-pumping of gas, wind speed, and house air exchange rate (AER). Odorant and cleaning-related VOCs (e.g., 1,4-dichlorobenzene and chloroform) also were associated with city and AER, and with house size and family members showering. Dry-cleaning and industry-related VOCs (e.g., tetrachloroethylene and trichloroethylene) were associated with city, residence water supply type, and dry-cleaner visits. These and other relationships were significant, explained from 10 to 40% of the variation, and are consistent with known emission sources and the literature. Outdoor concentrations had only two common determinants: city and wind speed. Overall, personal exposure was dominated by the home setting, although a large fraction of VOC concentrations were due to outdoor sources. City, personal activities, household characteristics and meteorology were significant determinants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Chiao Su
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, M6075 SPH II, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA
| | - Bhramar Mukherjee
- Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, M6075 SPH II, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA
| | - Stuart Batterman
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, M6075 SPH II, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA
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