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Yu S, Zhu Q, Yu M, Zhou C, Meng R, Bai G, Huang B, Xiao Y, Wu W, Guo Y, Zhang J, Tang W, Xu J, Liang S, Chen Z, He G, Ma W, Liu T. The association between long-term exposure to ambient formaldehyde and respiratory mortality risk: A national study in China. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 283:116860. [PMID: 39126815 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While ambient formaldehyde (HCHO) concentrations are increasing worldwide, there was limited research on its health effects. OBJECTIVES To assess the association of long-term exposure to ambient HCHO with the risk of respiratory (RESP) mortality and the associated mortality burden in China. METHODS Annual and seasonal RESP death and tropospheric HCHO vertical columns data were collected in 466 counties/districts across China during 2013-2016. A difference-in-differences approach combined with a generalized linear mixed-effects regression model was employed to assess the exposure-response association between long-term ambient HCHO exposure and RESP mortality risk. Additionally, we computed the attributable fraction (AF) to gauge the proportion of RESP mortality attributable to HCHO exposure. RESULTS This analysis encompassed 560,929 RESP deaths. The annual mean ambient HCHO concentration across selected counties/districts was 8.02×1015 ± 2.22×1015 molec.cm-2 during 2013-2016. Each 1.00×1015 molec.cm-2 increase in ambient HCHO was associated with a 1.61 % increase [excess risk (ER), 95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.20 %, 2.03 %] in the RESP mortality risk. The AF of RESP mortality attributable to HCHO was 12.16 % (95 %CI:9.33 %, 14.88 %), resulting in an annual average of 125,422 (95 %CI:96,404, 153,410) attributable deaths in China. Stratified analyses suggested stronger associations in individuals aged ≥65 years old (ER=1.87 %, 95 %CI:1.43 %, 2.32 %), in cold seasons (ER=1.00 %, 95 %CI:0.56 %, 1.44 %), in urban areas (ER=1.65 %, 95 %CI:1.15 %, 2.16 %), and in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients (ER=1.95 %, 95 %CI:1.42 %, 2.48 %). CONCLUSIONS This study suggested that long-term HCHO exposure may significantly increase the risk of RESP mortality, leading to a substantial mortality burden. Targeted measures should be implemented to control ambient HCHO pollution promptly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwen Yu
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; China Greater Bay Area Research Center of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, Jinan University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Qijiong Zhu
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; China Greater Bay Area Research Center of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, Jinan University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Min Yu
- Zhejiang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310051, China
| | - Chunliang Zhou
- Department of Environment and Health, Hunan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changsha 450001, China
| | - Ruilin Meng
- Guangdong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 511430, China
| | - Guoxia Bai
- Institute of Non-communicable Diseases Prevention and Control, Tibet Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lhasa 850000, China
| | - Biao Huang
- Health Hazard Factors Control Department, Jilin Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Yize Xiao
- Yunnan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming 650022, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, Guangdong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 511430, China
| | - Yanfang Guo
- Bao'an District Hospital for Chronic Diseases Prevention and Cure, Shenzhen 518101, China
| | - Juanjuan Zhang
- Bao'an Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen 518101, China
| | - Weiling Tang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; China Greater Bay Area Research Center of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jiahong Xu
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; China Greater Bay Area Research Center of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Shuru Liang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; China Greater Bay Area Research Center of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zhiqing Chen
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; China Greater Bay Area Research Center of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Guanhao He
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; China Greater Bay Area Research Center of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Wenjun Ma
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Tao Liu
- China Greater Bay Area Research Center of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, Jinan University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510632, 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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Boissiere-O'Neill T, Lee WR, Blake TL, Sly PD, Vilcins D. Exposure to endocrine-disrupting plasticisers and lung function in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 243:117751. [PMID: 38061586 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117751] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to endocrine-disrupting plasticisers (EDPs), such as phthalates and bisphenols, has been associated with reduced lung function in children and adolescents. However, the existing literature yields conflicting results. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the epidemiologic evidence investigating the association between EDP exposure and lung function in children and adolescents. A comprehensive search of five databases identified 25 relevant studies. We employed a random-effects meta-analysis on spirometry measures. The effect size of interest was the change in lung function in standard deviation (SD) units resulting from a two-fold increase in exposure levels. We found that certain phthalates marginally reduced lung function in children. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) was reduced by a two-fold increase in mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP) (β = -0.025 SD, 95%CI: 0.042, -0.008), mono-ethyl-oxo-hexyl phthalate (MEOHP) (β = -0.035 SD, 95%CI: 0.057, -0.014) and mono-carboxy-nonyl phthalate (MCNP) (β = -0.024 SD, 95%CI: 0.05, -0.003). Forced vital capacity (FVC) was decreased by a two-fold increase in MBzP (β = -0.022 SD, 95%CI: 0.036, -0.008) and MEOHP (β = -0.035 SD, 95%CI: 0.057, -0.014) levels. A two-fold increase in MCNP levels was associated with lower FEV1/FVC (β = -0.023 SD, 95%CI: 0.045, -0.001). Furthermore, a two-fold increase in MEOHP levels reduced forced mid-expiratory flow (FEF25-75) (β = -0.030 SD, 95%CI: 0.055, -0.005) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) (β = -0.056 SD, 95%CI: 0.098, -0.014). Notably, associations were more pronounced in males. Given the potential for reverse causation bias, the association between childhood exposure to EDPs and lung function remains uncertain. Overall, our meta-analysis showed small reductions in lung function with higher phthalate exposure. However, future studies are warranted in younger age groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Boissiere-O'Neill
- Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Centre for Children's Health Research, South Brisbane, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Wen R Lee
- Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Centre for Children's Health Research, South Brisbane, Australia
| | - Tamara L Blake
- Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Centre for Children's Health Research, South Brisbane, Australia
| | - Peter D Sly
- Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Centre for Children's Health Research, South Brisbane, Australia
| | - Dwan Vilcins
- Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Centre for Children's Health Research, South Brisbane, Australia
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Schrenk D, Bignami M, Bodin L, Chipman JK, del Mazo J, Grasl‐Kraupp B, Hogstrand C, (Ron) Hoogenboom L, Leblanc J, Nebbia CS, Nielsen E, Ntzani E, Petersen A, Sand S, Schwerdtle T, Wallace H, Benford D, Fürst P, Hart A, Rose M, Schroeder H, Vrijheid M, Ioannidou S, Nikolič M, Bordajandi LR, Vleminckx C. Update of the risk assessment of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in food. EFSA J 2024; 22:e8497. [PMID: 38269035 PMCID: PMC10807361 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The European Commission asked EFSA to update its 2011 risk assessment on polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in food, focusing on 10 congeners: BDE-28, -47, -49, -99, -100, -138, -153, -154, -183 and ‑209. The CONTAM Panel concluded that the neurodevelopmental effects on behaviour and reproductive/developmental effects are the critical effects in rodent studies. For four congeners (BDE-47, -99, -153, -209) the Panel derived Reference Points, i.e. benchmark doses and corresponding lower 95% confidence limits (BMDLs), for endpoint-specific benchmark responses. Since repeated exposure to PBDEs results in accumulation of these chemicals in the body, the Panel estimated the body burden at the BMDL in rodents, and the chronic intake that would lead to the same body burden in humans. For the remaining six congeners no studies were available to identify Reference Points. The Panel concluded that there is scientific basis for inclusion of all 10 congeners in a common assessment group and performed a combined risk assessment. The Panel concluded that the combined margin of exposure (MOET) approach was the most appropriate risk metric and applied a tiered approach to the risk characterisation. Over 84,000 analytical results for the 10 congeners in food were used to estimate the exposure across dietary surveys and age groups of the European population. The most important contributors to the chronic dietary Lower Bound exposure to PBDEs were meat and meat products and fish and seafood. Taking into account the uncertainties affecting the assessment, the Panel concluded that it is likely that current dietary exposure to PBDEs in the European population raises a health concern.
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Norbäck D, Hashim Z, Ali F, Hashim JH. Asthma symptoms and respiratory infections in Malaysian students-associations with ethnicity and chemical exposure at home and school. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 197:111061. [PMID: 33785322 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Little is known on respiratory effects of indoor chemicals in the tropics. We investigated associations between asthma and respiratory infections in Malaysian students and chemical exposure at home and at school. Moreover, we investigated differences in home environment between the three main ethnic groups in Malaysia (Malay, Chinese, Indian). Totally, 462 students from 8 junior high schools in Johor Bahru participated (96% participation rate). The students answered a questionnaire on health and home environment. Climate, carbon dioxide (CO2), volatile organic compounds (VOC), formaldehyde and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were measured inside and outside the schools. Multilevel logistic regression was applied to study associations between exposure and health. Totally 4.8% were smokers, 10.3% had wheeze, 9.3% current asthma, and had 18.8% any respiratory infection in the past 3 months. Malay students had more dampness or mould (p < 0.001), more environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) (p < 0.001) and more cats (p < 0.001) at home as compared to Chinese or Indian students. Wheeze was associated with ethnicity (p = 0.02; lower in Indian), atopy (p = 0.002), current smoking (p = 0.02) and recent indoor painting at home (p = 0.03). Current asthma was associated with ethnicity (p = 0.001; lower in Chinese) and para-dichlorobenzene in classroom air (p = 0.008). Respiratory infections were related to atopy (p = 0.002), ethylbenzene (p = 0.02) and para-dichlorobenzene (p = 0.01) in classroom air. Para-dichlorobenzene is used in Asia against insects. In conclusion, chemical emissions from recent indoor painting at home can increase the risk of wheeze. In schools, para-dichlorobenzene can increase the risk of current asthma and respiratory infections while ethylbenzene can increase the risk of respiratory infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Norbäck
- Uppsala University, Department of Medical Science, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, 75185, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Zailina Hashim
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Faridah Ali
- Primary Care Unit, Johor State Health Department, 80100, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
| | - Jamal Hisham Hashim
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Selangor, 40000, Shah Alam, Malaysia; Department of Community Health, National University of Malaysia, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Urban-level environmental factors related to pediatric asthma. Porto Biomed J 2020; 5:e57. [PMID: 33299939 PMCID: PMC7722407 DOI: 10.1097/j.pbj.0000000000000057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
During the 20th century, urbanization has increasing and represented a major demographic and environmental change in developed countries. This ever-changing urban environment has an impact on disease patterns and prevalence, namely on noncommunicable diseases, such as asthma and allergy, and poses many challenges to understand the relationship between the changing urban environment and the children health. The complex interaction between human beings and urbanization is dependent not only on individual determinants such as sex, age, social or economic resources, and lifestyles and behaviors, but also on environment, including air pollution, indoors and outdoors, land use, biodiversity, and handiness of green areas. Therefore, the assessment and identification of the impact of urban environment on children's health have become a priority and many recent studies have been conducted with the goal of better understanding the impacts related to urbanization, characterizing indoor air exposure, identifying types of neighborhoods, or characteristics of neighborhoods that promote health benefits. Thus, this review focuses on the role of urban environmental factors on pediatric asthma.
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Trace elements analysis in hair strand of cooks chronically exposed to indoor air pollution in restaurants of Lhasa, Tibet: preliminary results. SN APPLIED SCIENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s42452-019-0890-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
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Erlandson G, Magzamen S, Carter E, Sharp JL, Reynolds SJ, Schaeffer JW. Characterization of Indoor Air Quality on a College Campus: A Pilot Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16152721. [PMID: 31366132 PMCID: PMC6695958 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16152721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Recent construction trends on college campuses have demonstrated a shift to designing buildings with features focused on sustainability. However, few studies have investigated indoor air quality in institutions of higher education, particularly in sustainably designed buildings. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of building and occupancy on indoor air quality within and between higher education buildings. We measured particulate matter, formaldehyde, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxides in LEED certified, retrofitted, and conventional building types on a college campus. Three size fractions of particulate matter were measured in each building. We conducted multi-zonal, 48-h measurements when the buildings were occupied and unoccupied. Outdoor particulate matter was significantly higher (PM2.5 = 4.76, PM4 = 17.1, and PM100 = 21.6 µg/m3) than in classrooms (PM2.5 = 1.7, PM4 = 4.2, and PM100 = 6.7 µg/m3) and common areas (PM2.5 = 1.3, PM4 = 4.2, and PM100 = 4.8 µg/m3; all p < 0.001). Additionally, concentrations of carbon dioxide and particulate matter were significantly higher (p < 0.05) during occupied sampling. The results suggest that occupancy status and building zone are major predictors of indoor air quality in campus buildings, which can, in turn, increase the concentration of contaminants, potentially impacting occupant health and performance. More research is warranted to reveal building features and human behaviors contributing to indoor exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant Erlandson
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Sheryl Magzamen
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Ellison Carter
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Julia L Sharp
- Department of Statistics, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Stephen J Reynolds
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Joshua W Schaeffer
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
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Majd E, McCormack M, Davis M, Curriero F, Berman J, Connolly F, Leaf P, Rule A, Green T, Clemons-Erby D, Gummerson C, Koehler K. Indoor air quality in inner-city schools and its associations with building characteristics and environmental factors. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 170:83-91. [PMID: 30576993 PMCID: PMC6360122 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Indoor concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and carbon monoxide (CO) were measured across 16 urban public schools in three different seasons. Exceedance of the WHO guidelines for indoor air was observed, mainly for the hourly average NO2 concentrations. Seasonal variability was statistically significant for indoor NO2 and CO concentrations, with higher exposures in fall and winter. An extensive list of potential factors at the outdoor environment, school, and room level that may explain the variability in indoor exposure was examined. Factors with significant contributions to indoor exposure were mostly related to the outdoor pollution sources. This is evidenced by the strong associations between indoor concentration of CO and NO2 and factors including outdoor PM2.5 and NO2 concentrations, including length of the nearby roads and the number of nearby industrial facilities. Additionally, we found that poor conditions of the buildings (a prevalent phenomenon in the studied urban area), including physical defects and lack of proper ventilation, contributed to poor air quality in schools. The results suggest that improving building conditions and facilities as well as a consideration of the school surroundings may improve indoor air quality in schools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Majd
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Meredith McCormack
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, 1830 East Monument Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Meghan Davis
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Frank Curriero
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jesse Berman
- University of Minnesota, School of Public Health, 420 Delaware St SE, Mayo Mail Code #807, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Faith Connolly
- Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Education Research Consortium, 2701N. Charles Street, Suite 300, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Philip Leaf
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Center for Adolescent Health, 624N. Broadway, Hampton House 819, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ana Rule
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Timothy Green
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Dorothy Clemons-Erby
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Christine Gummerson
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, 1830 East Monument Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Kirsten Koehler
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Oliveira M, Slezakova K, Delerue-Matos C, Pereira MC, Morais S. Children environmental exposure to particulate matter and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and biomonitoring in school environments: A review on indoor and outdoor exposure levels, major sources and health impacts. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 124:180-204. [PMID: 30654326 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.12.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Children, an important vulnerable group, spend most of their time at schools (up to 10 h per day, mostly indoors) and the respective air quality may significantly impact on children health. Thus, this work reviews the published studies on children biomonitoring and environmental exposure to particulate matter (PM) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) at school microenvironments (indoors and outdoors), major sources and potential health risks. A total of 28, 35, and 31% of the studies reported levels that exceeded the international outdoor ambient air guidelines for PM10, PM2.5, and benzo(a)pyrene, respectively. Indoor and outdoor concentrations of PM10 at European schools, the most characterized continent, ranged between 7.5 and 229 μg/m3 and 21-166 μg/m3, respectively; levels of PM2.5 varied between 4 and 100 μg/m3 indoors and 6.1-115 μg/m3 outdoors. Despite scarce information in some geographical regions (America, Oceania and Africa), the collected data clearly show that Asian children are exposed to the highest concentrations of PM and PAHs at school environments, which were associated with increased carcinogenic risks and with the highest values of urinary total monohydroxyl PAH metabolites (PAH biomarkers of exposure). Additionally, children attending schools in polluted urban and industrial areas are exposed to higher levels of PM and PAHs with increased concentrations of urinary PAH metabolites in comparison with children from rural areas. Strong evidences demonstrated associations between environmental exposure to PM and PAHs with several health outcomes, including increased risk of asthma, pulmonary infections, skin diseases, and allergies. Nevertheless, there is a scientific gap on studies that include the characterization of PM fine fraction and the levels of PAHs in the total air (particulate and gas phases) of indoor and outdoor air of school environments and the associated risks for the health of children. There is a clear need to improve indoor air quality in schools and to establish international guidelines for exposure limits in these environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Oliveira
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Porto, Portugal; LEPABE, Departamento de Engenharia Química, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Klara Slezakova
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Porto, Portugal; LEPABE, Departamento de Engenharia Química, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Delerue-Matos
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Carmo Pereira
- LEPABE, Departamento de Engenharia Química, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Simone Morais
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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11
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Moshammer H, Hutter HP. Breast-Feeding Protects Children from Adverse Effects of Environmental Tobacco Smoke. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E304. [PMID: 30678089 PMCID: PMC6388144 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16030304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
In a cross-sectional study on 433 schoolchildren (aged 6⁻9 years) from 9 schools in Austria, we observed associations between housing factors like passive smoking and lung function as well as improved lung function in children who had been breast-fed. The latter findings urged the question of whether the protective effects of breast-feeding act on environmental stressors or if they act independently. Therefore, the effect of passive smoking on lung function was stratified by breast-feeding. The detrimental effects of passive smoking were significant but restricted to the group of 53 children without breast-feeding. Breast-feeding counteracts the effect of environmental stressors on the growing respiratory organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanns Moshammer
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Wien, Austria.
| | - Hans-Peter Hutter
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Wien, Austria.
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Milazzo MJ, Gohlke JM, Gallagher DL, Scott AA, Zaitchik BF, Marr LC. Potential for city parks to reduce exposure to BTEX in air. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2019; 21:40-50. [PMID: 30426129 PMCID: PMC6643974 DOI: 10.1039/c8em00252e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) are hazardous air pollutants commonly found in outdoor air. Several studies have explored the potential of vegetation to mitigate BTEX in outdoor air, but they are limited to a northern temperate climate and their results lack consensus. To investigate this subject in a subtropical climate, we deployed passive air samplers for two weeks in parks and outside nearby residences at four locations: three in an urban area and one in a rural area in Alabama, USA. All BTEX concentrations were below health-based guidelines and were comparable to those found in several other studies in populated settings. Concentrations of TEX, but not benzene, were 3-39% lower in parks than at nearby residences, and the differences were significant. Site type (park vs. residential) was a significant predictor of TEX concentrations, while distance to the nearest major road was a significant predictor of BTX concentrations. In and around two of the parks, toluene : benzene ratios fell outside the range expected for vehicular emissions (p < 0.01), suggesting that there were additional, industrial sources of benzene near these two locations. The ratio of m-,p-xylene : ethylbenzene was high at all locations except one residential area, indicating that BTEX were freshly emitted. Concentrations of individual BTEX compounds were highly correlated with each other in most cases, except for locations that may have been impacted by nearby industrial sources of benzene. Results of this study suggest that parks can help reduce exposure to TEX by a modest amount in some situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Milazzo
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA.
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Lung Function of Children at Three Sites of Varying Ambient Air Pollution Levels in Uganda: A Cross Sectional Comparative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15122653. [PMID: 30486291 PMCID: PMC6313711 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15122653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Air pollution is a major cause of sub-optimal lung function and lung diseases in childhood and adulthood. In this study we compared the lung function (measured by spirometry) of 537 Ugandan children, mean age 11.1 years in sites with high (Kampala and Jinja) and low (Buwenge) ambient air pollution levels, based on the concentrations of particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometres in diameter (PM2.5). Factors associated with lung function were explored in a multiple linear regression model. PM2.5 level in Kampala, Jinja and Buwenge were 177.5 µg/m³, 96.3 µg/m³ and 31.4 µg/m³ respectively (p = 0.0000). Respectively mean forced vital capacity as % of predicted (FVC%), forced expiratory volume in one second as % of predicted (FEV₁%) and forced expiratory flow 25⁻75% as % of predicted (FEF25⁻75%) of children in high ambient air pollution sites (Kampala and Jinja) vs. those in the low ambient air pollution site (Buwenge subcounty) were: FVC% (101.4%, vs. 104.0%, p = 0.043), FEV₁% (93.9% vs. 98.0, p = 0.001) and FEF25⁻75% (87.8 vs. 94.0, p = 0.002). The proportions of children whose %predicted parameters were less than 80% predicted (abnormal) were higher among children living in high ambient air pollution than those living in lower low ambient air pollutions areas with the exception of FVC%; high vs. low: FEV1 < 80%, %predicted (12.0% vs. 5.3%, p = 0.021) and FEF25⁻75 < 80%, %predicted (37.7% vs. 29.3%, p = 0.052) Factors associated with lung function were (coefficient, p-value): FVC% urban residence (-3.87, p = 0.004), current cough (-2.65, p = 0.048), underweight (-6.62, p = 0.000), and overweight (11.15, p = 0.000); FEV₁% underweight (-6.54, p = 0.000) and FEF25⁻75% urban residence (-8.67, p = 0.030) and exposure to biomass smoke (-7.48, p = 0.027). Children in study sites with high ambient air pollution had lower lung function than those in sites with low ambient air pollution. Urban residence, underweight, exposure to biomass smoke and cough were associated with lower lung function.
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Montero-Montoya R, López-Vargas R, Arellano-Aguilar O. Volatile Organic Compounds in Air: Sources, Distribution, Exposure and Associated Illnesses in Children. Ann Glob Health 2018; 84:225-238. [PMID: 30873816 PMCID: PMC6748254 DOI: 10.29024/aogh.910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxic volatile organic compounds (VOC), like benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX), are atmospheric pollutants representing a threat to human health. They are released into the environment from mobile sources in urban settings, but newly polluted areas are gaining importance in countries where accelerated industrialization is taking place in suburban or rural settings. METHODS The review includes studies done in Mexico and Latin-America and countries considered to have emerging economies and are compared with similar studies in developed countries. Data about environmental VOC levels and exposure of children have been included. Also, information about health effects was reviewed. Articles were searched in PubMed and Scopus, and information was also obtained from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the EPAs Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS-EPA) and state reports on air quality of Mexican cities. RESULTS VOC or BTEX levels reported in industrial and suburban areas were found to be higher due to the burning of fossil fuels and waste emission; whereas, in big cities, VOC emissions were mainly due to mobile sources. Even though TEX levels were under reference values, benzene was found at levels several times over this value in cities and even higher in industrial zones. Elevated VOC emissions were also reported in cities with industrial development in their peripheral rural areas.Public health relevance: Industrial activities have changed the way of life of small towns, which previously had no concern about environmental pollution and chemicals. No air monitoring is done in these places where toxic chemicals are released into rivers and the atmosphere. This work demonstrates the need for environmental monitors to protect human life in suburban and rural areas where industrial growth occurs without planning and ecological or health protection, compromising the health of new generations beginning in fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rocío López-Vargas
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, MX
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Magzamen S, Mayer AP, Barr S, Bohren L, Dunbar B, Manning D, Reynolds SJ, Schaeffer JW, Suter J, Cross JE. A Multidisciplinary Research Framework on Green Schools: Infrastructure, Social Environment, Occupant Health, and Performance. THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2017; 87:376-387. [PMID: 28382672 DOI: 10.1111/josh.12505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Revised: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sustainable school buildings hold much promise to reducing operating costs, improve occupant well-being and, ultimately, teacher and student performance. However, there is a scarcity of evidence on the effects of sustainable school buildings on health and performance indicators. We sought to create a framework for a multidisciplinary research agenda that links school facilities, health, and educational outcomes. METHODS We conducted a nonsystematic review of peer review publications, government documents, organizational documents, and school climate measurement instruments. RESULTS We found that studies on the impact of physical environmental factors (air, lighting, and thermal comfort) on health and occupant performance are largely independent of research on the social climate. The current literature precludes the formation of understanding the causal relation among school facilities, social climate, occupant health, and occupant performance. CONCLUSIONS Given the average age of current school facilities in the United States, construction of new school facilities or retrofits of older facilities will be a major infrastructure investment for many municipalities over the next several decades. Multidisciplinary research that seeks to understand the impact of sustainable design on the health and performance of occupants will need to include both an environmental science and social science perspective to inform best practices and quantification of benefits that go beyond general measures of costs savings from energy efficiencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheryl Magzamen
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, 1681 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1681
| | - Adam P Mayer
- Department of Sociology, Colorado State University, 1784 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1784
| | - Stephanie Barr
- Institute for the Built Environment, Colorado State University, 1501 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1501
| | - Lenora Bohren
- Institute for the Built Environment, Colorado State University, 1501 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1501
| | - Brian Dunbar
- Institute for the Built Environment, Colorado State University, 1501 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1501
| | - Dale Manning
- Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Colorado State University, 1172 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1172
| | - Stephen J Reynolds
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, 1681 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1681
| | - Joshua W Schaeffer
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, 1681 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1681
| | - Jordan Suter
- Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Colorado State University, 1172 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1172
| | - Jennifer E Cross
- Department of Sociology, Colorado State University, 1784 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1784
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Raffy G, Mercier F, Blanchard O, Derbez M, Dassonville C, Bonvallot N, Glorennec P, Le Bot B. Semi-volatile organic compounds in the air and dust of 30 French schools: a pilot study. INDOOR AIR 2017; 27:114-127. [PMID: 26880519 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Revised: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The contamination of indoor environments with chemical compounds released by materials and furniture, such as semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), is less documented in schools than in dwellings-yet children spend 16% of their time in schools, where they can also be exposed. This study is one of the first to describe the contamination of the air and dust of 90 classrooms from 30 nursery and primary schools by 55 SVOCs, including pesticides, phosphoric esters, musks, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs), phthalates, and polybromodiphenylethers (PBDEs). Air samples were collected using an active sampling method, and dust samples were collected via two sampling methods (wiping and vacuum cleaning). In air, the highest concentrations (median >100 ng/m3 ) were measured for diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and galaxolide. In dust, the highest concentrations (median >30 μg/g) were found for DEHP, diisononyl phthalate (DiNP), DiBP, and DBP. An attempt to compare two floor dust sampling methods using a single unit (ng/m²) was carried out. SVOC concentrations were higher in wiped dust, but frequencies of quantification were greater in vacuumed dust.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Raffy
- EHESP - School of Public Health Sorbonne Paris Cité, Rennes, France
- Irset-Inserm UMR 1085 - Research Institute for Environmental and Occupational Health, Rennes, France
- LERES - Environment and Health Research Laboratory, Rennes, France
| | - F Mercier
- EHESP - School of Public Health Sorbonne Paris Cité, Rennes, France
- Irset-Inserm UMR 1085 - Research Institute for Environmental and Occupational Health, Rennes, France
- LERES - Environment and Health Research Laboratory, Rennes, France
| | - O Blanchard
- EHESP - School of Public Health Sorbonne Paris Cité, Rennes, France
- Irset-Inserm UMR 1085 - Research Institute for Environmental and Occupational Health, Rennes, France
| | - M Derbez
- CSTB - Scientific and Technical Centre for Building, OQAI - French Indoor Air Quality Observatory, Université Paris Est, Marne-la-Vallée, France
| | - C Dassonville
- CSTB - Scientific and Technical Centre for Building, OQAI - French Indoor Air Quality Observatory, Université Paris Est, Marne-la-Vallée, France
| | - N Bonvallot
- EHESP - School of Public Health Sorbonne Paris Cité, Rennes, France
- Irset-Inserm UMR 1085 - Research Institute for Environmental and Occupational Health, Rennes, France
| | - P Glorennec
- EHESP - School of Public Health Sorbonne Paris Cité, Rennes, France
- Irset-Inserm UMR 1085 - Research Institute for Environmental and Occupational Health, Rennes, France
| | - B Le Bot
- EHESP - School of Public Health Sorbonne Paris Cité, Rennes, France
- Irset-Inserm UMR 1085 - Research Institute for Environmental and Occupational Health, Rennes, France
- LERES - Environment and Health Research Laboratory, Rennes, France
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Deng WJ, Zheng HL, Tsui AKY, Chen XW. Measurement and health risk assessment of PM 2.5, flame retardants, carbonyls and black carbon in indoor and outdoor air in kindergartens in Hong Kong. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2016; 96:65-74. [PMID: 27608428 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Revised: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Indoor air pollution is closely related to children's health. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and dechlorane plus (DP) transmitted through indoor PM2.5 and dust, along with carbonyl compounds and black carbon (BC) aerosol were analysed in five Hong Kong kindergartens. The results showed that 60% of the median PM2.5 levels (1.3×101 to 2.9×101μg/m3 for indoor; 9.5 to 8.8×101μg/m3 for outdoor) in the five kindergartens were higher than the guidelines set by the World Health Organization (2.5×101μg/m3). Indoor PM2.5 mass concentrations were correlated with outdoor PM2.5 in four of the kindergartens. The PBDEs (0.10-0.64ng/m3 in PM2.5; 0.30-2.0×102ng/g in dust) and DP (0.05-0.10ng/m3 in PM2.5; 1.3-8.7ng/g in dust) were detected in 100% of the PM2.5 and dust samples. Fire retardant levels in the air were not correlated with the levels of dust in this study. The median BC concentrations varied by >7-fold from 8.8×102ng/m-3 to 6.7×103ng/m-3 and cooking events might have caused BC concentrations to rise both indoors and outdoors. The total concentrations of 16 carbonyls ranged from 4.7×101μg/m3 to 9.3×101μg/m3 indoors and from 1.9×101μg/m3 to 4.3×101μg/m3 outdoors, whilst formaldehyde was the most abundant air carbonyl. Indoor carbonyl concentrations were correlated with outdoor carbonyls in three kindergartens. The health risk assessment showed that hazard indexes (HIs) HIs of non-cancer risks from PBDEs and DPs were all lower than 0.08, whilst non-cancer HIs of carbonyl compounds ranged from 0.77 to 1.85 indoors and from 0.50 to 0.97 outdoors. The human intake of PBDEs and DP through inhalation of PM2.5 accounted for 78% to 92% of the total intake. The cancer hazard quotients (HQs) of formaldehyde ranged from 4.5E-05 to 2.1E-04 indoors and from 1.9E-05 to 6.2E-05 outdoors. In general, the indoor air pollution in the five Hong Kong kindergartens might present adverse effects to children, although different schools showed distinct pollution levels, so indoor air quality might be improved through artificial measures. The data will be useful to developing a feasible management protocol for indoor environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jing Deng
- Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, N.T., Hong Kong, China.
| | - Hai-Long Zheng
- Department of Geography and Resource Management, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Anita K Y Tsui
- Department of Early Childhood Education, The Hong Kong Institute of Education, Tai Po, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Xun-Wen Chen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
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Phthalate Metabolites, Consumer Habits and Health Effects. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:ijerph13070717. [PMID: 27428989 PMCID: PMC4962258 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13070717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Phthalates are multifunctional chemicals used in a wide variety of consumer products. The aim of this study was to investigate whether levels of urinary phthalate metabolites in urine samples of Austrian mothers and their children were associated with consumer habits and health indicators. Within an Austrian biomonitoring survey, urine samples from 50 mother-child pairs of five communities (two-stage random stratified sampling) were analysed. The concentrations of 14 phthalate metabolites were determined, and a questionnaire was administered. Monoethyl phthalate (MEP), mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP), mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP), monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP), mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (5OH-MEHP), mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (5oxo-MEHP), mono-(5-carboxy-2-ethylpentyl) phthalate (5cx-MEPP), and 3-carboxy-mono-propyl phthalate (3cx-MPP) could be quantified in the majority of samples. Significant correlations were found between the use of hair mousse, hair dye, makeup, chewing gum, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and the diethyl phthalate (DEP) metabolite MEP. With regard to health effects, significant associations of MEP in urine with headache, repeated coughing, diarrhoea, and hormonal problems were observed. MBzP was associated with repeated coughing and MEHP was associated with itching.
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Fisk WJ, Paulson JA, Kolbe LJ, Barnett CL. Significance of the School Physical Environment - A Commentary. THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2016; 86:483-487. [PMID: 27246672 DOI: 10.1111/josh.12400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Revised: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/26/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- William J Fisk
- Indoor Environment Group, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720.
| | - Jerome A Paulson
- Pediatrics and Environmental and Occupational Health, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences and George Washington, University Milken Institute School of Public Health, 1113 N Howard Street, Alexandria, VA 2203-1627.
| | - Lloyd J Kolbe
- Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Bloomington, 1205 Street, Georges Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32967.
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Rovira J, Roig N, Nadal M, Schuhmacher M, Domingo JL. Human health risks of formaldehyde indoor levels: An issue of concern. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2016; 51:357-363. [PMID: 26785855 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2015.1109411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Formaldehyde is a carcinogenic substance for humans. Exposure to formaldehyde may also cause eye and respiratory tract irritation, as well as skin sensitization. The main indoor sources of formaldehyde are wood-pressed products, insulation materials, paints, varnishes, household cleaning products and cigarettes, among others. Although this chemical is a well-known indoor pollutant, data on indoor concentrations of formaldehyde are still scarce in some countries. In February 2014, 10 homes in Catalonia, Spain, were randomly selected to collect indoor (bedroom and living room) and outdoor air samples. Ten additional samples were also collected at different workplaces (e.g., offices, shops, classrooms, etc.). Formaldehyde air levels found in homes ranged from 10.7 to 47.7 μg m(-3), from 9.65 to 37.2 μg m(-3), and from 0.96 to 3.37 μg m(-3) in bedrooms, living rooms, and outdoors, respectively. Meanwhile, at workplaces, indoor air levels ranged from 5.86 to 40.4 μg m(-3). These levels are in agreement with data found in the scientific literature. Non-carcinogenic risks were above the threshold limit (HQ > 1), and carcinogenic risks were not acceptable either (>10(-4)). Despite the current study limitations, the results confirm that formaldehyde indoor levels are a matter of health concern, which must be taken into account by policymakers and regulatory bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquim Rovira
- a Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili , Reus , Catalonia , Spain
- b Environmental Engineering Laboratory , Department of Chemical Engineering, Universitat Rovira i Virgili , Tarragona , Catalonia , Spain
| | - Neus Roig
- a Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili , Reus , Catalonia , Spain
- b Environmental Engineering Laboratory , Department of Chemical Engineering, Universitat Rovira i Virgili , Tarragona , Catalonia , Spain
| | - Martí Nadal
- a Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili , Reus , Catalonia , Spain
| | - Marta Schuhmacher
- a Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili , Reus , Catalonia , Spain
- b Environmental Engineering Laboratory , Department of Chemical Engineering, Universitat Rovira i Virgili , Tarragona , Catalonia , Spain
| | - José L Domingo
- a Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili , Reus , Catalonia , Spain
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Bolden AL, Kwiatkowski CF, Colborn T. New Look at BTEX: Are Ambient Levels a Problem? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:5261-76. [PMID: 25873211 DOI: 10.1021/es505316f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) are retrieved during fossil fuel extraction and used as solvents in consumer and industrial products, as gasoline additives, and as intermediates in the synthesis of organic compounds for many consumer products. Emissions from the combustion of gasoline and diesel fuels are the largest contributors to atmospheric BTEX concentrations. However, levels indoors (where people spend greater than 83% of their time) can be many times greater than outdoors. In this review we identified epidemiological studies assessing the noncancer health impacts of ambient level BTEX exposure (i.e., nonoccupational) and discussed how the health conditions may be hormonally mediated. Health effects significantly associated with ambient level exposure included sperm abnormalities, reduced fetal growth, cardiovascular disease, respiratory dysfunction, asthma, sensitization to common antigens, and more. Several hormones including estrogens, androgens, glucocorticoids, insulin, and serotonin may be involved in these health outcomes. This analysis suggests that all four chemicals may have endocrine disrupting properties at exposure levels below reference concentrations (i.e., safe levels) issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These data should be considered when evaluating the use of BTEX in consumer and industrial products and indicates a need to change how chemicals present at low concentrations are assessed and regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L Bolden
- †The Endocrine Disruption Exchange (TEDX), Paonia, Colorado 81428, United States
| | - Carol F Kwiatkowski
- †The Endocrine Disruption Exchange (TEDX), Paonia, Colorado 81428, United States
- ‡Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
| | - Theo Colborn
- †The Endocrine Disruption Exchange (TEDX), Paonia, Colorado 81428, United States
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Fromme H, Bischof W, Dietrich S, Lahrz T, Schierl R, Schwegler U. Airborne allergens, endotoxins, and particulate matter in elementary schools, results from Germany (LUPE 2). JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2013; 10:573-582. [PMID: 24011229 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2013.818223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Allergic disorders are the most common childhood-related chronic diseases in developed countries. It is essential to assess the exposure, especially in schools, where children spend a large portion of their time. We aimed to investigate allergen and endotoxin levels in the air of schools and to observe seasonal variations of these factors. We evaluated airborne concentrations of house dust mites allergens (Der p 1, Der f 1), cat allergen (Fel d 1), and endotoxin in PM10 in 14 classrooms during the school days in the region of Munich, each over 20 consecutive days and in 1 classroom over the course of a year (at 83 days); we also tested outdoor air close to the schools. Endotoxin levels were quantified using two different analytical methods. In addition, indoor air climate parameters were measured. The median daily indoor CO2 and PM10 concentrations in the classrooms ranged from 423 to 3,135 ppm (median: 1,211 ppm) and 9 to 390 μg/m(3) (median: 127 μg/m(3)), respectively. Fel d 1 in the PM10 samples was the most frequently detected allergen, with levels from 0.02 to 1.15 ng/m(3) in a total of 301 samples (median: 0.19 ng/m(3), 95th percentile: 0.57 ng/m(3)). Der p 1 and Der f 1 were detected in only 51% and 19% of the samples, with 95th percentiles at 0.5 and 0.3 ng/m(3). Endotoxin levels in the PM10 and inhalable dust samples ranged from 0.5 to 84.1 EU/m(3) (median: 15.3 EU/m(3); 95th percentile: 58.2 EU/m(3)) and from 0.03 to 115 EU/m(3) (median: 8.4 EU/m(3); 95th percentile: 27.9 EU/m(3)). Fel d 1 and endotoxin were found in higher levels in the winter months. The results of the two different indoor sampling techniques for endotoxin were statistically significantly correlated. The results of airborne allergens indicate a generally low exposure level in classrooms. With regard to endotoxin, our study showed higher levels in schools compared with residences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hermann Fromme
- a Department of Chemical Safety and Toxicology , Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority , Munich , Germany
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