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Kamurasi I, Bartlett K, Holyk T, Rathburn B, Moecke DP, Winter A, Camp PG. Prevalence of indoor air pollutants from First Nation homes in North Central British Columbia, Canada. Int J Circumpolar Health 2024; 83:2389612. [PMID: 39175151 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2024.2389612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Poor indoor air quality poses significant health risks. This study addresses the gap in knowledge regarding the prevalence of indoor air pollutants in remote and rural First Nation communities in north-central British Columbia, Canada. Dust samples from 75 homes were collected and analysed for house dust mites, pet allergens, mould antigens, and bacterial endotoxins. Indoor air quality parameters, including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, particulate matter, temperature, and humidity, were measured. A detailed questionnaire on household characteristics and potential pollutant sources was administered. Homes exhibited exposure to multiple pollutants, with wood stove smoke identified as a primary source. Felis domesticus (cat allergen) and Canis familiaris (dog allergen) were prevalent, with detectable levels in 64% and 60% of homes, respectively. Bacterial endotoxins were present in all households. One-third of homes exceeded recommended thresholds for 3 or more pollutants. This study provides critical insights into the prevalence and magnitude of indoor air pollutants, contributing to a broader initiative to characterise respiratory health in First Nations communities. While many homes in First Nations communities had acceptable air quality, one-third of homes exceeded thresholds for 3 or more pollutants. The results can guide ongoing community efforts to address housing concerns and advocate for increased federal funding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Kamurasi
- Experimental Medicine Graduate Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Karen Bartlett
- School of Population & Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Travis Holyk
- Health Services, Carrier Sekani Family Services, Prince George, Canada
| | - Benna Rathburn
- Health Services, Carrier Sekani Family Services, Prince George, Canada
| | - Débora Petry Moecke
- Rehabilitation Sciences Graduate Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Ashley Winter
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Pat G Camp
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Short M, Dobson J, Day G, Lefferts B, Singleton R, Keck J. "You can feel the fresh air … " Rural Alaska Native household perceptions of home air purifiers and health. Int J Circumpolar Health 2024; 83:2335702. [PMID: 38546171 PMCID: PMC10984226 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2024.2335702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Alaska Native and American Indian children experience frequent respiratory illness. Indoor air quality is associated with the severity and frequency of respiratory infections in children. High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifiers effectively improve indoor air quality and may protect respiratory health. In 2019, the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation implemented a pilot programme that provided education and HEPA purifiers to households of children with chronic lung conditions. The team evaluated HEPA purifier acceptability and use by interviewing representatives from 11 households that participated in the pilot programme. All interviewees reported improvement in their child's health, and some believed that the health of other household members was also improved because of the HEPA purifier. Interviewees reported that the HEPA purifiers were easy to use, quiet, and not expensive to run. Five of 11 households were still using the HEPA purifier at the time of the interview, which was about three years after receipt of the unit. The most common reasons for discontinuing use were equipment failure and lack of replacement filter, suggesting that programme support could increase sustainability. Our evaluation suggests that HEPA purifiers are acceptable and feasible for use in rural Alaska Native households.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madilyn Short
- WWAMI School of Medical Education, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA
- Department of Research Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Jennifer Dobson
- Department of Research Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
- Office of Environmental Health and Engineering, Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, Bethel, AK, USA
| | - Gretchen Day
- Department of Research Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Brian Lefferts
- Office of Environmental Health and Engineering, Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, Bethel, AK, USA
| | - Rosalyn Singleton
- Department of Research Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - James Keck
- WWAMI School of Medical Education, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA
- Department of Research Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
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Lee M, Oh G, Kwon T, Park J, Lee K, Zoh KD, Yoon C. Emission characteristics of volatile organic compounds from consumer spray products based on product type, spray method, and distance. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17041. [PMID: 39048612 PMCID: PMC11269654 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67963-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Consumer spray products (CSPs) are widely used in daily life, yet it is challenging to find products that fully disclose all components posing health risks. Existing studies primarily focus on product components or VOC quantities emitted during use. Therefore, this study aimed to measure the VOC concentrations emitted by CSPs at varying distances. 47 CSPs available in the Korean market were selected, spanning three spray groups: antiseptics/insecticides (11), aromatic deodorants (16), and coating/polishing agents (20). VOC in air samples were collected using Tenax TA tube at a distance of 1 and 3 m from the sprayed CSPs and then analyzed by thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry system. Discrepancies were found between labeled and actual product components. Aromatic deodorants exhibited the highest total VOCs (TVOCs), while antiseptic/insecticide sprays exhibited the lowest. In the antiseptic/insecticide group and coating/polishing agent group, benzene as a propellant had a maximum concentration (30.9 ± 25.6 ppb), and as trigger, its concentration was 33.7 ± 30.7 ppb. Quantitative analysis using advanced analytical instruments only explained 26.1 ± 20.4% of toluene-equivalent TVOCs, suggesting the presence of additional substances. Concentrations varied by distance due to substance volatility and usage. Maintaining a distance of at least 1 m from CSPs is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myoungho Lee
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Gitaek Oh
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Taehong Kwon
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongmin Park
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Kiyoung Lee
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Duk Zoh
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Chungsik Yoon
- Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
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Sun Y, Ayoma Marasinghe S, Hou J, Wang P, Zhang Q, Sundell J. Household indoor air quality in northeast China: On-site inspection and measurement in 399 Tianjin area residences. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 190:108825. [PMID: 38908271 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
There has been an increased concern on indoor air quality (IAQ) in residences since the majority of individuals' time is mainly spent indoors. We inspected and measured indoor environmental parameters in 399 homes in northeast China in order to study IAQ. We systematically measured multilevel environmental parameters (physical, chemical, and biological) in children's bedrooms during all seasons. The results indicated that the median values for indoor temperature, relative humidity, total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), and formaldehyde concentrations throughout the year were within the Chinese national standards. However, the median carbon dioxide concentrations exceeded 1000 ppm during spring, autumn, and winter. In the same seasons, the air change rate (ACR) was below the minimum required level of 0.5 h-1. Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), and di-isobutyl phthalate (DiBP) were predominantly detected in settled dust, displaying median concentrations of 126.9, 41.5, and 16.3 μg/g, respectively. Notably, phthalate concentrations were significantly higher in urban houses as compared to rural houses. Furthermore, median concentrations of Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f) and endotoxin were 689.4 ng/g and 3689.1 EU/g, respectively, trending higher in winter than summer. There was a negative correlation between ACR and chemical pollutants (TVOC, formaldehyde, and DiBP). In conclusion, northeast Chinese homes had poor indoor air quality with ubiquitous exposure to modern chemical compounds and insufficient ventilation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuexia Sun
- Tianjin Key Lab. of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Samali Ayoma Marasinghe
- Tianjin Key Lab. of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China; Department of Environmental Management, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka
| | - Jing Hou
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University of Commerce, Tianjin, China.
| | - Pan Wang
- Tianjin Key Lab. of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Qingnan Zhang
- Tianjin Key Lab. of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jan Sundell
- Tianjin Key Lab. of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
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Bush A, Byrnes CA, Chan KC, Chang AB, Ferreira JC, Holden KA, Lovinsky-Desir S, Redding G, Singh V, Sinha IP, Zar HJ. Social determinants of respiratory health from birth: still of concern in the 21st century? Eur Respir Rev 2024; 33:230222. [PMID: 38599675 PMCID: PMC11004769 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0222-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Respiratory symptoms are ubiquitous in children and, even though they may be the harbinger of poor long-term outcomes, are often trivialised. Adverse exposures pre-conception, antenatally and in early childhood have lifetime impacts on respiratory health. For the most part, lung function tracks from the pre-school years at least into late middle age, and airflow obstruction is associated not merely with poor respiratory outcomes but also early all-cause morbidity and mortality. Much would be preventable if social determinants of adverse outcomes were to be addressed. This review presents the perspectives of paediatricians from many different contexts, both high and low income, including Europe, the Americas, Australasia, India, Africa and China. It should be noted that there are islands of poverty within even the highest income settings and, conversely, opulent areas in even the most deprived countries. The heaviest burden of any adverse effects falls on those of the lowest socioeconomic status. Themes include passive exposure to tobacco smoke and indoor and outdoor pollution, across the entire developmental course, and lack of access even to simple affordable medications, let alone the new biologicals. Commonly, disease outcomes are worse in resource-poor areas. Both within and between countries there are avoidable gross disparities in outcomes. Climate change is also bearing down hardest on the poorest children. This review highlights the need for vigorous advocacy for children to improve lifelong health. It also highlights that there are ongoing culturally sensitive interventions to address social determinants of disease which are already benefiting children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Bush
- Faculty of Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London and Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK
| | - Catherine A Byrnes
- Department of Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Starship Children's Health and Kidz First Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kate C Chan
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Anne B Chang
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane and Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Australia
| | - Juliana C Ferreira
- Instituto do Coracao (InCor), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Karl A Holden
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Stephanie Lovinsky-Desir
- Department of Pediatrics and Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gregory Redding
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Varinder Singh
- Department of Pediatrics, Lady Hardinge Medical College and Kalawati Saran Children's Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Ian P Sinha
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Heather J Zar
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital and SA-MRC Unit on Child and Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Murphy J, Tharumakunarajah R, Holden KA, King C, Lee AR, Rose K, Hawcutt DB, Sinha IP. Impact of indoor environment on children's pulmonary health. Expert Rev Respir Med 2023; 17:1249-1259. [PMID: 38240133 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2024.2307561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A child's living environment has a significant impact on their respiratory health, with exposure to poor indoor air quality (IAQ) contributing to potentially lifelong respiratory morbidity. These effects occur throughout childhood, from the antenatal period through to adolescence. Children are particularly susceptible to the effects of environmental insults, and children living in socioeconomic deprivation globally are more likely to breathe air both indoors and outdoors, which poses an acute and long-term risk to their health. Adult respiratory health is, at least in part, determined by exposures and respiratory system development in childhood, starting in utero. AREAS COVERED This narrative review will discuss, from a global perspective, what contributes to poor IAQ in the child's home and school environment and the impact that indoor air pollution exposure has on respiratory health throughout the different stages of childhood. EXPERT OPINION All children have the right to a living and educational environment without the threat of pollution affecting their health. Action is needed at multiple levels to address this pressing issue to improve lifelong respiratory health. Such action should incorporate a child's rights-based approach, empowering children, and their families, to have access to clean air to breathe in their living environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared Murphy
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Karl A Holden
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Lab to Life Child Health Data Centre, Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Charlotte King
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Alice R Lee
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Lab to Life Child Health Data Centre, Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Katie Rose
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Daniel B Hawcutt
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- NIHR Alder Hey Clinical Research Facility, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ian P Sinha
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
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Lee NR, King A, Vigil D, Mullaney D, Sanderson PR, Ametepee T, Hammitt LL. Infectious diseases in Indigenous populations in North America: learning from the past to create a more equitable future. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023; 23:e431-e444. [PMID: 37148904 PMCID: PMC10156139 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(23)00190-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, although a profound reminder of endured injustices by and the disparate impact of infectious diseases on Indigenous populations, has also served as an example of Indigenous strength and the ability to thrive anew. Many infectious diseases share common risk factors that are directly tied to the ongoing effects of colonisation. We provide historical context and case studies that illustrate both challenges and successes related to infectious disease mitigation in Indigenous populations in the USA and Canada. Infectious disease disparities, driven by persistent inequities in socioeconomic determinants of health, underscore the urgent need for action. We call on governments, public health leaders, industry representatives, and researchers to reject harmful research practices and to adopt a framework for achieving sustainable improvements in the health of Indigenous people that is both adequately resourced and grounded in respect for tribal sovereignty and Indigenous knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi R Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Alexandra King
- College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Deionna Vigil
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dustin Mullaney
- Department of Biology, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Priscilla R Sanderson
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Health and Human Services, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Taiwo Ametepee
- College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Laura L Hammitt
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Smith BM, Smith TK, Holve S, Connor KA, Coleman C, Tschudy MM. Defining and Promoting Pediatric Pulmonary Health: Equitable Family and Community Partnerships. Pediatrics 2023; 152:e2023062292G. [PMID: 37656028 PMCID: PMC10484323 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-062292g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Optimizing pulmonary health across the lifespan begins from the earliest stages of childhood and requires a partnership between the family, pulmonologist, and pediatrician to achieve equitable outcomes. The Community Pediatrics session of the Defining and Promoting Pediatric Pulmonary Health workshop weaved together 4 community-based pillars with 4 research principles to set an agenda for future pediatric pulmonary research in optimizing lung and sleep health for children and adolescents. To address diversity, equity, and inclusion, both research proposals and workforce must purposefully include a diverse set of participants that reflects the community served, in addition to embracing nontraditional, community-based sites of care and social determinants of health. To foster inclusive, exploratory, and innovative research, studies must be centered on community priorities, with findings applied to all members of the community, particularly those in historically marginalized and minoritized groups. Research teams should also foster meaningful partnerships with community primary care and family members from study conceptualization. To achieve these goals, implementation and dissemination science should be expanded in pediatric pulmonary research, along with the development of rapid mechanisms to disseminate best practices to community-based clinicians. To build cross-disciplinary collaboration and training, community-academic partnerships, family research partnerships, and integrated research networks are necessary. With research supported by community pillars built on authentic partnerships and guided by inclusive principles, pediatric lung and sleep health can be optimized for all children and adolescents across the full lifespan in the community in which they live and thrive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon M. Smith
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Tyler K. Smith
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine and Children’s Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Steve Holve
- Tuba City Regional Health Care, Indian Health Service, Tuba City, Arizona
| | - Katherine A. Connor
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Megan M. Tschudy
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Zhang Y, Yin X, Zheng X. The relationship between PM2.5 and the onset and exacerbation of childhood asthma: a short communication. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1191852. [PMID: 37593445 PMCID: PMC10429171 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1191852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Much is known about the link between air pollution and asthma in adults, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Studies have found that certain levels of fine PM2.5 can increase airway responsiveness and worsen asthma. PM2.5 may play a role in the onset and exacerbation of childhood asthma. However, there is little in the literature on how PM2.5 affects asthma attacks and exacerbations in children. Asthma is a common chronic disease in children, and air pollution can aggravate it. The effect of PM2.5 on childhood asthma needs further research. By evaluating, reviewing, and collating existing results in this area, this paper aims to explore the relationship between PM2.5 and asthma onset and exacerbation in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- The Center of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xixi Yin
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- The Center of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiangrong Zheng
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- The Center of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Kang I, McCreery A, Azimi P, Gramigna A, Baca G, Hayes W, Crowder T, Scheu R, Evens A, Stephens B. Impacts of residential indoor air quality and environmental risk factors on adult asthma-related health outcomes in Chicago, IL. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 33:358-367. [PMID: 36450925 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-022-00503-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Residential environments are known to contribute to asthma. OBJECTIVE To examine the joint impacts of exposures to residential indoor and outdoor air pollutants and housing risk factors on adult asthma-related health outcomes. METHODS We analyzed >1-year of data from 53 participants from 41 homes in the pre-intervention period of the Breathe Easy Project prior to ventilation and filtration retrofits. Health outcomes included surveys of asthma control, health-related quality of life, stress, and healthcare utilizations. Environmental assessments included quarterly measurements of indoor and outdoor pollutants (e.g., HCHO, CO, CO2, NO2, O3, and PM), home walk-throughs, and surveys of environmental risk factors. Indoor pollutant concentrations were also matched with surveys of time spent at home to estimate indoor pollutant exposures. RESULTS Cross-sectional analyses using mixed-effects models indicated that lower annual average asthma control test (ACT) scores were associated (p < 0.05) with higher indoor NO2 (concentration/exposure: β = -2.42/-1.57), indoor temperature (β = -1.03 to -0.94), and mold/dampness (β = -3.09 to -2.41). In longitudinal analysis, lower ACT scores were also associated (p < 0.05) with higher indoor NO2 concentrations (β = -0.29), PM1 (concentration/exposure: β = -0.12/-0.24), PM2.5 (concentration/exposure: β = -0.12/-0.26), and PM10 (concentration/exposure: β = 10.14/-0.28). Emergency department visits were associated with poorer asthma control [incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 0.84; p < 0.001], physical health (IRR = 0.95; p < 0.05), mental health (IRR = 0.95; p < 0.05), higher I/O NO2 ratios (IRR = 1.30; p < 0.05), and higher indoor temperatures (IRR = 1.41; p < 0.05). SIGNIFICANCE Findings suggest that residential risk factors, including indoor air pollution (especially NO2 and particulate matter), higher indoor temperature, and mold/dampness, may contribute to poorer asthma control. IMPACT This study highlights the importance of residential indoor air quality and environmental risk factors for asthma control, health-related quality of life, and emergency department visits for asthma. Two timescales of mixed models suggest that exposure to indoor NO2 and particulate matter, higher indoor temperature, and mold/dampness was associated with poorer asthma control. Additionally, emergency department visits were associated with poorer asthma control and health-related quality of life, as well as higher I/O NO2 ratios and indoor temperatures. These findings deepen our understanding of the interrelationships between housing, air quality, and health, and have important implications for programs and policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Insung Kang
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Parham Azimi
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Brent Stephens
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Zsichla L, Müller V. Risk Factors of Severe COVID-19: A Review of Host, Viral and Environmental Factors. Viruses 2023; 15:175. [PMID: 36680215 PMCID: PMC9863423 DOI: 10.3390/v15010175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical course and outcome of COVID-19 are highly variable, ranging from asymptomatic infections to severe disease and death. Understanding the risk factors of severe COVID-19 is relevant both in the clinical setting and at the epidemiological level. Here, we provide an overview of host, viral and environmental factors that have been shown or (in some cases) hypothesized to be associated with severe clinical outcomes. The factors considered in detail include the age and frailty, genetic polymorphisms, biological sex (and pregnancy), co- and superinfections, non-communicable comorbidities, immunological history, microbiota, and lifestyle of the patient; viral genetic variation and infecting dose; socioeconomic factors; and air pollution. For each category, we compile (sometimes conflicting) evidence for the association of the factor with COVID-19 outcomes (including the strength of the effect) and outline possible action mechanisms. We also discuss the complex interactions between the various risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levente Zsichla
- Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
- National Laboratory for Health Security, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Viktor Müller
- Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
- National Laboratory for Health Security, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
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Baeza_Romero MT, Dudzinska MR, Amouei Torkmahalleh M, Barros N, Coggins AM, Ruzgar DG, Kildsgaard I, Naseri M, Rong L, Saffell J, Scutaru AM, Staszowska A. A review of critical residential buildings parameters and activities when investigating indoor air quality and pollutants. INDOOR AIR 2022; 32:e13144. [PMID: 36437669 PMCID: PMC9828800 DOI: 10.1111/ina.13144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Indoor air in residential dwellings can contain a variety of chemicals, sometimes present at concentrations or in combinations which can have a negative impact on human health. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) surveys are often required to characterize human exposure or to investigate IAQ concerns and complaints. Such surveys should include sufficient contextual information to elucidate sources, pathways, and the magnitude of exposures. The aim of this review was to investigate and describe the parameters that affect IAQ in residential dwellings: building location, layout, and ventilation, finishing materials, occupant activities, and occupant demography. About 180 peer-reviewed articles, published from 01/2013 to 09/2021 (plus some important earlier publications), were reviewed. The importance of the building parameters largely depends on the study objectives and whether the focus is on a specific pollutant or to assess health risk. When considering classical pollutants such as particulate matter (PM) or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the building parameters can have a significant impact on IAQ, and detailed information of these parameters needs to be reported in each study. Research gaps and suggestions for the future studies together with recommendation of where measurements should be done are also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Teresa Baeza_Romero
- Universidad de Castilla‐La Mancha. Dpto. Química‐Física, Escuela de Ingeniería Industrial y AeroespacialToledoSpain
| | | | - Mehdi Amouei Torkmahalleh
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public HealthUniversity of Illinois ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, School of Engineering and Digital SciencesNazarbayev UniversityAstanaKazakhstan
| | - Nelson Barros
- UFP Energy, Environment and Health Research Unit (FP‐ENAS)University Fernando PessoaPortoPortugal
| | - Ann Marie Coggins
- School of Natural Sciences & Ryan InstituteNational University of IrelandGalwayIreland
| | - Duygu Gazioglu Ruzgar
- School of Mechanical EngineeringPurdue UniversityWest LafayetteIndianaUSA
- Metallurgical and Materials Engineering DepartmentBursa Technical UniversityBursaTurkey
| | | | - Motahareh Naseri
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, School of Engineering and Digital SciencesNazarbayev UniversityAstanaKazakhstan
| | - Li Rong
- Department of Civil and Architectural EngineeringAarhus UniversityAarhus CDenmark
| | | | | | - Amelia Staszowska
- Faculty of Environmental EngineeringLublin University of TechnologyLublinPoland
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Walker ES, Noonan CW, Belcourt A, Boulafentis J, Garcia C, Graham J, Hoskie N, Quintana E, Semmens EO, Simpson J, Smith P, Teasley H, Ware D, Weiler E, Ward TJ. Efficacy of air filtration and education interventions on fine particulate matter among rural Native American homes heated with wood stoves: Results from the EldersAIR randomized trial. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 843:157029. [PMID: 35777562 PMCID: PMC9829403 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Native Americans living in rural areas often rely upon wood stoves for home heating that can lead to elevated indoor concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Wood stove use is associated with adverse health outcomes, which can be a particular risk in vulnerable populations including older adults. OBJECTIVES We assessed the impact of portable air filtration units and educational approaches that incorporated elements of traditional knowledge on indoor and personal PM2.5 concentrations among rural, Native American elder households with wood stoves. METHODS EldersAIR was a three-arm, pre-post randomized trial among rural households from the Navajo Nation and Nez Perce Tribe in the United States. We measured personal and indoor PM2.5 concentrations over 2-day sampling periods on up to four occasions across two consecutive winter seasons in elder participant homes. We assessed education and air filtration intervention efficacy using linear mixed models. RESULTS Geometric mean indoor PM2.5 concentrations were 50.5 % lower (95 % confidence interval: -66.1, -27.8) in the air filtration arm versus placebo, with similar results for personal PM2.5. Indoor PM2.5 concentrations among education arm households were similar to placebo, although personal PM2.5 concentrations were 33.3 % lower for the education arm versus placebo (95 % confidence interval: -63.2, 21.1). SIGNIFICANCE The strong partnership between academic and community partners helped facilitate a culturally acceptable approach to a clinical trial intervention within the study communities. Portable air filtration units can reduce indoor PM2.5 that originates from indoor wood stoves, and this finding was supported in this study. The educational intervention component was meaningful to the communities, but did not substantially impact indoor PM2.5 relative to placebo. However, there is evidence that the educational interventions reduced indoor PM2.5 in some subsets of the study households. More study is required to determine ways to optimize educational interventions within Native American communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan S Walker
- Center for Population Health Research, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA; School of Public and Community Health Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA.
| | - Curtis W Noonan
- Center for Population Health Research, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA; School of Public and Community Health Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - Annie Belcourt
- School of Public and Community Health Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | | | | | - Jon Graham
- Center for Population Health Research, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - Nolan Hoskie
- Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency, Window Rock, AZ, USA
| | - Eugenia Quintana
- Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency, Window Rock, AZ, USA
| | - Erin O Semmens
- Center for Population Health Research, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA; School of Public and Community Health Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - Julie Simpson
- Nez Perce Tribe Air Quality Program, Lapwai, ID, USA
| | - Paul Smith
- Center for Population Health Research, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA; School of Public and Community Health Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - Howard Teasley
- Nez Perce Tribe Forestry and Fire Management Division, Lapwai, ID, USA
| | - Desirae Ware
- Center for Population Health Research, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA; School of Public and Community Health Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - Emily Weiler
- Center for Population Health Research, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA; School of Public and Community Health Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - Tony J Ward
- Center for Population Health Research, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA; School of Public and Community Health Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
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14
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A systematic literature review on indoor PM2.5 concentrations and personal exposure in urban residential buildings. Heliyon 2022; 8:e10174. [PMID: 36061003 PMCID: PMC9434053 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5μm (PM2.5) is currently a major air pollutant that has been raising public attention. Studies have found that short/long-term exposure to PM2.5 lead detrimental health effects. Since people in most region of the world spend a large proportion of time in dwellings, personal exposure to PM2.5 in home microenvironment should be carefully investigated. The objective of this review is to investigate and summary studies in terms of personal exposure to indoor PM2.5 pollutants from the literature between 2000 and 2021. Factors from both outdoor and indoor environment that have impact on indoor PM2.5 levels were explicated. Exposure studies were verified relating to individual activity pattern and exposure models. It was found that abundant investigations in terms of personal exposure to indoor PM2.5 is affected by factors including concentration level, exposure duration and personal diversity. Personal exposure models, including microenvironment model, mathematical model, stochastic model and other simulation models of particle deposition in different regions of human airway are reviewed. Further studies joining indoor measurement and simulation of PM2.5 concentration and estimation of deposition in human respiratory tract are necessary for individual health protection.
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15
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Ji N, Rule AM, Weatherholtz R, Crosby L, Bunnell JE, Orem B, Reid R, Santosham M, Hammitt LL, O'Brien KL. Evaluation of indoor PM 2.5 concentrations in a Native American Community: a pilot study. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2022; 32:554-562. [PMID: 34349228 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-021-00373-x] [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: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Indoor air pollution is associated with adverse health effects; however, few studies exist studying indoor air pollution on the Navajo Nation in the southwest U.S., a community with high rates of respiratory disease. METHODS Indoor PM2.5 concentration was evaluated in 26 homes on the Navajo Nation using real-time PM2.5 monitors. Household risk factors and daily activities were evaluated with three metrics of indoor PM2.5: time-weighted average (TWA), 90th percentile of concentration, and daily minutes exceeding 100 μg/m3. A questionnaire and recall sheet were used to record baseline household characteristics and daily activities. RESULTS The median TWA, 90th percentile, and daily minutes exceeding 100 μg/m3 were 7.9 μg/m3, 14.0 μg/m3, and 17 min, respectively. TWAs tended to be higher in autumn and in houses that used fuel the previous day. Other characteristics associated with elevated PM exposure in all metrics included overcrowded houses, nonmobile houses, and houses with current smokers, pets, and longer cooking time. CONCLUSIONS Some residents of the Navajo Nation have higher risk of exposure to indoor air pollution by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. Efforts to identify the causes and associations with adverse health effects are needed to ensure that exposure to risks and possible health impacts are mitigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Ji
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Rutgers University School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Ana M Rule
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Robert Weatherholtz
- Center for American Indian Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Lynn Crosby
- United States Geological Survey, Reston, VA, USA
| | | | - Bill Orem
- United States Geological Survey, Reston, VA, USA
| | - Raymond Reid
- Center for American Indian Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mathuram Santosham
- Center for American Indian Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Laura L Hammitt
- Center for American Indian Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Katherine L O'Brien
- Center for American Indian Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Nolen LD, Topaz N, Miernyk K, Bressler S, Massay SC, Geist M, Zulz T, Singleton R. Evaluating a Cluster and the Overall Trend of Invasive Haemophilus influenzae Serotype b in Alaska 2005-2019. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2022; 41:e120-e125. [PMID: 35067639 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000003470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2019, 5 cases of invasive Haemophilus influenzae serotype b (Hib) occurred in the Anchorage region of Alaska over a period of 16 days. No cases had occurred in Alaska in the preceding 26 months. METHODS Alaska Hib isolates from 2005 through 2019 were analyzed using whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Rates were compared with the CDC's Active Bacterial Core surveillance (ABCs) data. RESULTS A total of 33 cases of invasive Hib occurred in Alaska from 2005 through 2019. Of the 5 cases associated with the cluster, 2 (40%) occurred in adults and all occurred in the Anchorage region. In contrast, only 14% (4/28) of the noncluster cases occurred in this region (P < 0.01). Two cluster cases were linked epidemiologically and the bacteria were nearly identical. The other 3 cluster cases were caused by 3 genetically distinct bacteria. When the full period was evaluated, the unadjusted rate of invasive Hib disease in Alaska was 15.5 times higher in Alaska Native (AN) people than non-AN people [1.3/100,000 vs. 0.07/100,000, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 10.2-22.5). The age-adjusted rate of invasive Hib disease in Alaska was 9.4 times higher than the ABCs rate (95% CI: 6.3-14.1). CONCLUSIONS While clustered in time and space, the 5 cases in 2019 were not due to a single bacterial strain. AN people continue to have elevated rates of invasive Hib infection compared with both non-AN people in Alaska and the ABCs population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leisha D Nolen
- From the Arctic Investigations Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska
| | - Nadav Topaz
- Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Disease Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Karen Miernyk
- From the Arctic Investigations Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska
| | - Sara Bressler
- From the Arctic Investigations Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska
| | - Stephanie C Massay
- Section of Epidemiology, Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, Anchorage, Alaska
| | - Mary Geist
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Tammy Zulz
- From the Arctic Investigations Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska
| | - Rosalyn Singleton
- From the Arctic Investigations Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska
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Walker ES, Semmens EO, Belcourt A, Boyer BB, Erdei E, Graham J, Hopkins SE, Lewis JL, Smith PG, Ware D, Weiler E, Ward TJ, Noonan CW. Efficacy of Air Filtration and Education Interventions on Indoor Fine Particulate Matter and Child Lower Respiratory Tract Infections among Rural U.S. Homes Heated with Wood Stoves: Results from the KidsAIR Randomized Trial. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2022; 130:47002. [PMID: 35394807 PMCID: PMC8992966 DOI: 10.1289/ehp9932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Millions of rural U.S. households are heated with wood stoves. Wood stove use can lead to high indoor concentrations of fine particulate matter [airborne particles ≤2.5μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5)] and is associated with lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in children. OBJECTIVES We assessed the impact of low-cost educational and air filtration interventions on childhood LRTI and indoor PM2.5 in rural U.S. homes with wood stoves. METHODS The Kids Air Quality Interventions for Reducing Respiratory Infections (KidsAIR) study was a parallel three-arm (education, portable air filtration unit, control), post-only randomized trial in households from Alaska, Montana, and Navajo Nation (Arizona and New Mexico) with a wood stove and one or more children <5 years of age. We tracked LRTI cases for two consecutive winter seasons and measured indoor PM2.5 over a 6-d period during the first winter. We assessed results using two analytical frameworks: a) intervention efficacy on LRTI and PM2.5 (intent-to-treat), and b) association between PM2.5 and LRTI (exposure-response). RESULTS There were 61 LRTI cases from 14,636 child-weeks of follow-up among 461 children. In the intent-to-treat analysis, children in the education arm [odds ratio (OR)=0.98; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.35, 2.72] and the filtration arm (OR=1.23; 95% CI: 0.46, 3.32) had similar odds of LRTI vs. control. Geometric mean PM2.5 concentrations were similar to control in the education arm (11.77% higher; 95% CI: -16.57, 49.72) and air filtration arm (6.96% lower; 95% CI: -30.50, 24.55). In the exposure-response analysis, odds of LRTI were 1.45 times higher (95% CI: 1.02, 2.05) per interquartile range (25 μg/m3) increase in mean indoor PM2.5. DISCUSSION We did not observe meaningful differences in LRTI or indoor PM2.5 in the air filtration or education arms compared with the control arm. Results from the exposure-response analysis provide further evidence that biomass air pollution adversely impacts childhood LRTI. Our results highlight the need for novel, effective intervention strategies in households heated with wood stoves. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP9932.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan S. Walker
- Center for Population Health Research, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
- School of Public and Community Health Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Erin O. Semmens
- Center for Population Health Research, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
- School of Public and Community Health Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Annie Belcourt
- School of Public and Community Health Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Bert B. Boyer
- Center for Alaska Native Health Research, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Esther Erdei
- Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Jon Graham
- Center for Population Health Research, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Scarlett E. Hopkins
- Center for Alaska Native Health Research, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Johnnye L. Lewis
- Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Paul G. Smith
- Center for Population Health Research, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
- School of Public and Community Health Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Desirae Ware
- Center for Population Health Research, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
- School of Public and Community Health Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Emily Weiler
- School of Public and Community Health Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Tony J. Ward
- Center for Population Health Research, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
- School of Public and Community Health Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Curtis W. Noonan
- Center for Population Health Research, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
- School of Public and Community Health Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
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Zhang W, Xue M, Fan J, Qiu L, Zheng W, Liu Y, Meng Z. Flory-Huggins VOC Photonics Sensor Made of Cellulose Derivatives. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:10701-10711. [PMID: 35167261 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c22137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
As a widespread air pollutant, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are harmful to the human body's skin, nervous system, and respiratory system. Low-cost, extensive, and continuous detection of VOCs is of great significance to human health. We infiltrated and coated cellulose acetate on the inverse opal photonic crystal skeleton of methylcellulose-polyvinyl alcohol-graphene oxide to construct a degradable, high-toughness cellulose VOC sensor. Cellulose acetate enhances the response to VOCs and achieves a highly selective response to acetone vapor due to the smaller Flory-Huggins parameter with acetone. This work proposes a general, simple, easy-to-use, and highly selective photonic crystal VOC sensor development strategy. Calculated from the Flory-Huggins solution theory, a suitable polymer was selected to modify the inverse opal photonic crystal framework and achieve high selectivity detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxin Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 10081, China
| | - Min Xue
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 10081, China
| | - Jing Fan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 10081, China
| | - Lili Qiu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 10081, China
| | - Wenxiang Zheng
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 10081, China
| | - Yangyang Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 10081, China
| | - Zihui Meng
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 10081, China
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Ríos V, Denova-Gutiérrez E, Barquera S. Association between living in municipalities with high crowding conditions and poverty and mortality from COVID-19 in Mexico. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264137. [PMID: 35192660 PMCID: PMC8863291 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The World Health Organization stated a pandemic by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus SARS-Cov2 (COVID-19) on March, 2020 with devastating implications for populations, healthcare systems, and economies globally. Objective The present study explores the association between patients living in municipalities with crowding conditions and poverty and mortality from COVID-19 in Mexico; specifically evaluating the socioeconomic characteristics of the municipality in which the patients reside and some individual characteristics. Methods In the present study, we examined public information collected from the National Epidemiological Surveillance System informing all persons tested for SARS-CoV-2 and published by the Ministry of Health. The present analysis was restricted to those with the date of registration to October 12, 2021. The association between the main exposures (overcrowded conditions and poverty) and the outcomes of interest (death by COVID-19) was explored using Cox proportional hazard regression models, including frailty penalties to accommodate multilevel data and random effects for the municipality of case occurrence. Results A total of 9619917 subjects were included in the Epidemiological Surveillance System for viral respiratory disease platform. Of those for which results were available, 6141403 were negative for COVID-19 and 3478514 were positive for COVID-19; with a total of 273216 deaths in those who tested positive. Among those positive to COVID-19 mean age was 46.9. Patients living in municipalities with high rates of crowding conditions increased the risk of dying from COVID-19 by 8% (95% CI: 1.03, 1.14). Individuals living in municipalities with indigenous background was associated with an increased risk of dying from COVID-19 (HR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.17). Individuals living in municipalities with illiteracy (HR = 1.09; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.11), poverty (HR = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.14, 1.19), food insecurity (HR = 1.094; 95% CI 1.02, 1.06), limited access to social security (HR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.08, 1.13) and health services (HR = 1.06; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.08) had a higher risk of mortality from COVID-19. Conclusion Our data suggest that patients living in municipalities with higher rates of crowding conditions and higher rates of poverty had elevated risk of mortality from COVID-19. In Mexico, the COVID-19 pandemic is a systemic crisis linked to human development since we have seen that it affects less developed and more vulnerable municipalities. Policies to reduce vulnerabilities and develop strategies to deal with health crises like the current one needs to be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Edgar Denova-Gutiérrez
- Centro de Investigación en Nutrición y Salud, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Simón Barquera
- Centro de Investigación en Nutrición y Salud, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
- * E-mail:
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20
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Poulin P, Marchand A, Lévesque B, Dubé M, Aubin D, Ouazia B, Duchaine C, Brisson M. Impact of improved indoor air quality in Nunavik homes on children's respiratory health. INDOOR AIR 2022; 32:e13009. [PMID: 35225380 DOI: 10.1111/ina.13009] [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: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Between 2007 and 2012, hospitalization rate related to respiratory system diseases in children ≤1-year-old was near 7 times higher in Nunavik compared with the whole province of Quebec. To assess the impact of poor indoor air quality (IAQ) in residential environments on children's respiratory health, the Nunavik's intervention study investigated the impact of the optimization of ventilation systems on the incidence rates of respiratory infections in children in Nunavik. Children under 10 years were recruited and categorized according to the type of ventilation system in their home: energy recovery ventilator (ERV), heat recovery ventilator (HRV), no HRV or ERV, and control groups. Children's' medical records were analyzed over a period of 50 weeks pre- and post-intervention. Clinical diagnoses were classified into 4 categories: upper respiratory infections, lower respiratory infections, otitis media, and asthma. A decrease in respiratory infections episodes was observed in all groups following intervention with the highest impact observed for HRV systems (-53.0%). Decreases in the ERV group were not significant (-21,7%) possibly due to the presence of some volatile organic compound (such as propylene glycol) and inerrant experimental bias. Nevertheless, no significant association was found between health episodes incidence and household's behaviors or IAQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Poulin
- Institut National de santé Publique du Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Axelle Marchand
- Institut National de santé Publique du Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Benoît Lévesque
- Institut National de santé Publique du Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Marjolaine Dubé
- Institut National de santé Publique du Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Daniel Aubin
- National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | | | - Caroline Duchaine
- Chaire de Recherche du Canada sur les Bioaérosols, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Mario Brisson
- Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services, Québec, Canada
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Abebe Y, Ali A, Kumie A, Haile T, Tamire M, Addissie A. Determinants of asthma in Ethiopia: age and sex matched case control study with special reference to household fuel exposure and housing characteristics. Asthma Res Pract 2021; 7:14. [PMID: 34823608 PMCID: PMC8613982 DOI: 10.1186/s40733-021-00080-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by airway obstruction and hyper-responsiveness. Studies suggest that household fuel exposure and housing characteristics are associated with air way related allergy. But there remains to be a considerable uncertainty about whether that reflects an association with asthma. This study endeavored to bridge the gap by identifying factors associated with asthma, with special reference to household fuel exposure and housing characteristics in selected public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHODS We conducted a hospital-based matched case-control study. A total of 483 study participants were selected from two Ethiopian referral hospitals using a sequential sampling technique, with 161 cases and 322 controls. Standard questionnaire from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey II (ECRHS II) and the American Thoracic Society Division of Lung Disease (ATS-DLD-78) were used to collect household related data. Conditional logistic regression model was applied to identify the determinants of asthma. Both crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to identify predictors of asthma. RESULTS The response rate for both cases and controls was 99.17%. The odds of developing asthma was about four times higher among those who used agricultural residues for cooking (AOR: 3.81, 95% CI: 1.05, 13.79)., about five times higher among those who used wood for cooking (AOR: 4.95, 95% CI: 2.1, 11.69), nearly five times higher among those who had family history of asthma (AOR: 4.72, 95% CI: 1.54, 14.45), just over six times higher among those who smoke tobacco (AOR: 6.16, 95% CI: 1.31, 29.09) and over ten times higher among those who do not practice door opening, while cooking (AOR: 10.25, 95% CI: 3.97, 26.49). CONCLUSION Family history of asthma, tobacco smoking, use of solid fuels including, woods and agricultural residues were associated with development of asthma. To reduce the risk of asthma, people should practice door opening, while cooking, and must avoid using wood and agricultural residues for cooking and should also refrain from tobacco smoking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonas Abebe
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Ahmed Ali
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abera Kumie
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tewodros Haile
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Mulugeta Tamire
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Adamu Addissie
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Walker ES, Noonan CW, Semmens EO, Ware D, Smith P, Boyer BB, Erdei E, Hopkins SE, Lewis J, Belcourt A, Ward TJ. Indoor fine particulate matter and demographic, household, and wood stove characteristics among rural US homes heated with wood fuel. INDOOR AIR 2021; 31:1109-1124. [PMID: 33620109 PMCID: PMC8217112 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Household heating using wood stoves is common practice in many rural areas of the United States (US) and can lead to elevated concentrations of indoor fine particulate matter (PM2.5 ). We collected 6-day measures of indoor PM2.5 during the winter and evaluated household and stove-use characteristics in homes at three rural and diverse study sites. The median indoor PM2.5 concentration across all homes was 19 µg/m3 , with higher concentrations in Alaska (median = 30, minimum = 4, maximum = 200, n = 10) and Navajo Nation homes (median = 29, minimum = 3, maximum = 105, n = 23) compared with Montana homes (median = 16, minimum = 2, maximum = 139, n = 59). Households that had not cleaned the chimney within the past year had 65% higher geometric mean PM2.5 compared to those with chimney cleaned within 6 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: -1, 170). Based on a novel wood stove grading method, homes with low-quality and medium-quality stoves had substantially higher PM2.5 compared to homes with higher-quality stoves (186% higher [95% CI: 32, 519] and 161% higher; [95% CI:27, 434], respectively). Our findings highlight the need for, and complex nature of, regionally appropriate interventions to reduce indoor air pollution in rural wood-burning regions. Higher-quality stoves and behavioral practices such as regular chimney cleaning may help improve indoor air quality in such homes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan S. Walker
- Center for Population Health Research, School of Public and Community Health Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - Curtis W. Noonan
- Center for Population Health Research, School of Public and Community Health Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - Erin O. Semmens
- Center for Population Health Research, School of Public and Community Health Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - Desirae Ware
- Center for Population Health Research, School of Public and Community Health Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - Paul Smith
- Center for Population Health Research, School of Public and Community Health Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - Bert B. Boyer
- Center for Alaska Native Health Research, University of Alaska Fairbanks, AK, USA
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Esther Erdei
- Community Environmental Health Program, University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Scarlett E. Hopkins
- Center for Alaska Native Health Research, University of Alaska Fairbanks, AK, USA
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Johnnye Lewis
- Community Environmental Health Program, University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Annie Belcourt
- Center for Population Health Research, School of Public and Community Health Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - Tony J. Ward
- Center for Population Health Research, School of Public and Community Health Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
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Mattos KJ, Eichelberger L, Warren J, Dotson A, Hawley M, Linden KG. Household Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Practices Impact Pathogen Exposure in Remote, Rural, Unpiped Communities. ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE 2021; 38:355-366. [PMID: 34079208 PMCID: PMC8165469 DOI: 10.1089/ees.2020.0283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Household water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) practices in remote, rural, and unpiped communities are likely to impact exposure to pathogens beyond the fecal-oral transmission routes that are typically prioritized in WASH interventions. We studied 43 homes in two remote, rural, unpiped communities in Alaska to evaluate seasonal water haul, water sources, water quality, and water reuse, as well as greywater and human waste disposal over 1 year. Hauled quantities of water reportedly ranged from 3.0 to 5.4 gallons per capita per day (gpcd) depending on the community and season. Natural, untreated water sources contributed 0.5-1.1 gpcd to household water availability. Reported quantities of water hauled were significantly correlated with total water storage capacity in the home. Total coliforms were detected in 30-60% of stored household water samples from treated and untreated sources, and total coliform counts were significantly higher in specific sources and during specific seasons. Exposure to pathogens during periods of low water access, from untreated water reuse, from greywater disposal and from human waste disposal are important pathways of disease transmission in these remote, rural, unpiped communities. We discuss intermediate steps that can be taken at the household and community levels to interrupt exposure pathways before piped infrastructure is installed. This model of examining specific household practices to determine transmission routes can be applied to other remote communities or unique conditions to aid in the recommendation of targeted WASH interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin J. Mattos
- Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering Department, the Mortenson Center in Global Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, USA
- Division of Environmental Health and Engineering, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Laura Eichelberger
- Division of Environmental Health and Engineering, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - John Warren
- Division of Environmental Health and Engineering, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Aaron Dotson
- Civil Engineering Department, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | | | - Karl G. Linden
- Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering Department, the Mortenson Center in Global Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, USA
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Li Z, Tong X, Ho JMW, Kwok TCY, Dong G, Ho KF, Yim SHL. A practical framework for predicting residential indoor PM 2.5 concentration using land-use regression and machine learning methods. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 265:129140. [PMID: 33310317 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.129140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
People typically spend most of their time indoors. It is of importance to establish prediction models to estimate PM2.5 concentration in indoor environments (e.g., residential households) to allow accurate assessments of exposure in epidemiological studies. This study aimed to develop models to predict PM2.5 concentration in residential households. PM2.5 concentration and related parameters (e.g., basic information about the households and ventilation settings) were collected in 116 households during the winter and summer seasons in Hong Kong. Outdoor PM2.5 concentration at households was estimated using a land-use regression model. The random forest machine learning algorithm was then applied to develop indoor PM2.5 prediction models. The results show that the random forest model achieved a promising predictive accuracy, with R2 and cross-validation R2 values of 0.93 and 0.65, respectively. Outdoor PM2.5 concentration was the most important predictor variable, followed in descending order by the household marked number, outdoor temperature, outdoor relative humidity, average household area and air conditioning. The external validation result using an independent dataset confirmed the potential application of the random forest model, with an R2 value of 0.47. Overall, this study shows the value of a combined land-use regression and machine learning approach in establishing indoor PM2.5 prediction models that provide a relatively accurate assessment of exposure for use in epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Li
- Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Xinning Tong
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Jason Man Wai Ho
- Stanley Ho Big Data Decision Analytics Research Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Timothy C Y Kwok
- Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Guanghui Dong
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Kin-Fai Ho
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China; Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Steve Hung Lam Yim
- Department of Geography and Resource Management, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China; Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China; Stanley Ho Big Data Decision Analytics Research Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China.
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Indoor Exposure to Selected Air Pollutants in the Home Environment: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17238972. [PMID: 33276576 PMCID: PMC7729884 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17238972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: There is increasing awareness that the quality of the indoor environment affects our health and well-being. Indoor air quality (IAQ) in particular has an impact on multiple health outcomes, including respiratory and cardiovascular illness, allergic symptoms, cancers, and premature mortality. (2) Methods: We carried out a global systematic literature review on indoor exposure to selected air pollutants associated with adverse health effects, and related household characteristics, seasonal influences and occupancy patterns. We screened records from six bibliographic databases: ABI/INFORM, Environment Abstracts, Pollution Abstracts, PubMed, ProQuest Biological and Health Professional, and Scopus. (3) Results: Information on indoor exposure levels and determinants, emission sources, and associated health effects was extracted from 141 studies from 29 countries. The most-studied pollutants were particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10); nitrogen dioxide (NO2); volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including benzene, toluene, xylenes and formaldehyde; and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) including naphthalene. Identified indoor PM2.5 sources include smoking, cooking, heating, use of incense, candles, and insecticides, while cleaning, housework, presence of pets and movement of people were the main sources of coarse particles. Outdoor air is a major PM2.5 source in rooms with natural ventilation in roadside households. Major sources of NO2 indoors are unvented gas heaters and cookers. Predictors of indoor NO2 are ventilation, season, and outdoor NO2 levels. VOCs are emitted from a wide range of indoor and outdoor sources, including smoking, solvent use, renovations, and household products. Formaldehyde levels are higher in newer houses and in the presence of new furniture, while PAH levels are higher in smoking households. High indoor particulate matter, NO2 and VOC levels were typically associated with respiratory symptoms, particularly asthma symptoms in children. (4) Conclusions: Household characteristics and occupant activities play a large role in indoor exposure, particularly cigarette smoking for PM2.5, gas appliances for NO2, and household products for VOCs and PAHs. Home location near high-traffic-density roads, redecoration, and small house size contribute to high indoor air pollution. In most studies, air exchange rates are negatively associated with indoor air pollution. These findings can inform interventions aiming to improve IAQ in residential properties in a variety of settings.
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Sibanda D, Singleton R, Clark J, Desnoyers C, Hodges E, Day G, Redding G. Adult outcomes of childhood bronchiectasis. Int J Circumpolar Health 2020; 79:1731059. [PMID: 32090714 PMCID: PMC7048197 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2020.1731059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent literature has highlighted the importance of transition from paediatric to adult care for children with chronic conditions. Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis is an important cause of respiratory morbidity in low-income countries and in indigenous children from affluent countries; however, there is little information about adult outcomes of childhood bronchiectasis. We reviewed the clinical course of 31 Alaska Native adults 20-40 years of age from Alaska's Yukon Kuskokwim Delta with childhood bronchiectasis. In patients with chronic suppurative lung disease, a diagnosis of bronchiectasis was made at a median age of 4.5 years by computerised tomography (68%), bronchogram (26%), and radiographs (6%). The patients had a median of 75 lifetime respiratory ambulatory visits and 4.5 hospitalisations. As children, 6 (19%) experienced developmental delay; as adults 9 (29%) experienced mental illness or handicap. Four (13%) patients were deceased, four (13%) had severe pulmonary impairment in adulthood, 17 (54%) had persistent or intermittent respiratory symptoms, and seven (23%) were asymptomatic. In adulthood, only five were seen by adult pulmonologists and most had no documentation of a bronchiectasis diagnosis. Lack of provider continuity, remote location and co-morbidities can contribute to increased adult morbidity. Improving the transition to adult care starting in adolescence and educating adult providers may improve care of adults with childhood bronchiectasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn Sibanda
- Research Department, Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation, Bethel, AK, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rosalyn Singleton
- Research Department, Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation, Bethel, AK, USA
| | - John Clark
- Clinical & Research Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | | | - Ellen Hodges
- Research Department, Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation, Bethel, AK, USA
| | - Gretchen Day
- Clinical & Research Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Gregory Redding
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from Wood and Wood-Based Panels: Methods for Evaluation, Potential Health Risks, and Mitigation. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 12:polym12102289. [PMID: 33036167 PMCID: PMC7599736 DOI: 10.3390/polym12102289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are contained in various construction materials and interior equipment. Their higher concentrations in the indoor air are associated with negative effects on human health and are disputed in terms of health risk, since people spend a considerable part of their lifetime indoors. Therefore, the presence of VOCs in indoor air is a case of concern regarding sick building syndrome (SBS). From a historical point of view, wood and wood-based panels represent a widely used material. Nevertheless, wood appears to be nowadays a product and a material of a sustainable future. Depending on wood extractives’ composition and an abundance of diverse wood species, different profiles of volatiles are emitted. In case of wood-based panels, the impact of adhesives and additives that are essentially applied aiming to adjust the panels’ properties is even enriching this cocktail of chemicals. This paper comprises the issue of VOCs emitted from wood and wood-based panels. The most abundant VOCs were summarized. The options of VOCs for analytical determination from these matrixes are described with their benefits and limitations.
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Environmental Health Consults in Children Hospitalized with Respiratory Infections. J Community Health 2020; 46:324-333. [PMID: 32785871 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-020-00886-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Indoor air pollutants contribute to respiratory infections and asthma exacerbations in children. Rural Alaska Native children experience some of the highest U.S. rates of respiratory hospitalizations, which are associated with lack of in-home running water, household crowding, and woodstove use. In our previous study, in-home education and modifications reduced respiratory symptoms, and medical visits. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of providing in-hospital environmental health consults for parents/guardians of children < 5 years old hospitalized at the Alaska Native Medical Center with respiratory infections or asthma. Environmental health specialists conducted 92 in-hospital consults and mailed Healthy Homes Toolkits to households. Local housing authorities completed low-cost home modifications in 47 eligible households. Participants reported changes in household behaviors that were specifically addressed in the consult or included in the Toolkit (e.g. allergen-impermeable pillow covers). Reported respiratory symptoms were decreased at the 6-month follow-up. Over a 2 year period the median overall medical costs for respiratory illness in study children were $70,500. Children with in-home piped water had half the daily overall medical costs than children without in-home piped water ($74 compared to $144). In this study, we demonstrate that it is feasible to provide environmental consults, mail Toolkits, and arrange home modifications to the homes of children hospitalized with respiratory illness. These findings, along with the high costs of medical care for these children, suggest in-hospital environmental health consults are a cost-effective intervention.
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Noonan CW, Semmens EO, Ware D, Smith P, Boyer BB, Erdei E, Hopkins SE, Lewis J, Ward TJ. Wood stove interventions and child respiratory infections in rural communities: KidsAir rationale and methods. Contemp Clin Trials 2020; 89:105909. [PMID: 31838259 PMCID: PMC7242120 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2019.105909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) account for >27% of all hospitalizations among US children under five years of age. Residential burning of biomass for heat leads to elevated indoor levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that often exceed current health based air quality standards. This is concerning as PM2.5 exposure is associated with many adverse health outcomes, including a greater than three-fold increased risk of LRTIs. Evidence-based efforts are warranted in rural and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities in the US that suffer from elevated rates of childhood LRTI and commonly use wood for residential heating. DESIGN In three rural and underserved settings, we conducted a three-arm randomized controlled, post-only intervention trial in wood stove homes with children less than five years old. Education and household training on best-burn practices were introduced as one intervention arm (Tx1). This intervention was evaluated against an indoor air filtration unit arm (Tx2), as well as a control arm (Tx3). The primary outcome was LRTI incidence among children under five years of age. DISCUSSION To date, exposure reduction strategies in wood stove homes have been either inconsistently effective or include factors that limit widespread dissemination and continued compliance in rural and economically disadvantaged populations. As part of the "KidsAIR" study described herein, the overall hypothesis was that a low-cost, educational intervention targeting indoor wood smoke PM2.5 exposures would be a sustainable approach for reducing children's risk of LRTI in rural and AI/AN communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Curtis W Noonan
- Center for Population Health Research, School of Public and Community Health Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA.
| | - Erin O Semmens
- Center for Population Health Research, School of Public and Community Health Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - Desirae Ware
- Center for Population Health Research, School of Public and Community Health Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - Paul Smith
- Center for Population Health Research, School of Public and Community Health Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - Bert B Boyer
- Center for Alaska Native Health Research, University of Alaska Fairbanks, AK, USA; Oregon Health Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Esther Erdei
- Community Environmental Health Program, University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Scarlett E Hopkins
- Center for Alaska Native Health Research, University of Alaska Fairbanks, AK, USA; Oregon Health Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Johnnye Lewis
- Community Environmental Health Program, University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Tony J Ward
- Center for Population Health Research, School of Public and Community Health Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
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Qi Y, Shen L, Zhang J, Yao J, Lu R, Miyakoshi T. Species and release characteristics of VOCs in furniture coating process. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 245:810-819. [PMID: 30502710 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.11.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are an important factor affecting ambient air quality, and furniture production is one of the important sources of VOC pollution. High VOC concentrations have adverse effects on the environment and worker welfare in furniture factories. In order to control VOC emissions in a furniture workshop, the VOC species and concentration distributions were examined. Qualitative analysis of VOC species was carried out by headspace gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The results showed that VOCs from a furniture workshop were mainly 12 substances including acetate, toluene, and xylene compounds. The heights and representative positions of VOCs released during the coating process were determined, and the results showed that VOC concentrations depended on environmental and height factors. The concentration of VOCs decreased with increasing altitude and reached a maximum concentration at 0.4 m above the ground. Because the concentration of VOCs varied with temperature, humidity, air pressure, and amount of spray paint, this paper established functional relationships between VOC concentrations and temperature, humidity, air pressure, and amount of spray paint. These results provide a theoretical basis for furniture workshops to automatically monitor and control VOCs. MAIN FINDING OF THIS WORK: VOCs from the furniture workshop were mainly composed of 10 substances including acetate, toluene, and xylene compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqing Qi
- College of Furnishings and Industrial Design, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Liming Shen
- College of Furnishings and Industrial Design, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Jilei Zhang
- Department of Sustainable Bioproducts, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, 39762-9820, USA
| | - Jia Yao
- College of Furnishings and Industrial Design, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Rong Lu
- Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, Meiji University, 1-1-1 Higashi-Mita, Tama-ku, Kawasaki-shi, 214-8571, Japan.
| | - Tetsuo Miyakoshi
- Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, Meiji University, 1-1-1 Higashi-Mita, Tama-ku, Kawasaki-shi, 214-8571, Japan
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Barros N, Tulve NS, Bailey K, Heggem DT. Outdoor Air Emissions, Land Use, and Land Cover around Schools on Tribal Lands. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 16:E36. [PMID: 30586886 PMCID: PMC6339187 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16010036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Children from tribes are more burdened with adverse respiratory well-being outcomes versus other U.S. children. The objectives of this study were to identify stressors from the built and natural environments for tribal school-aged children. Outdoor air concentrations around U.S. tribal schools were linked to National Emission Inventories; ecoregions and National Land Cover Database; and American Community Survey and school map layers. Nine school sites (seven tribes, five U.S. states) were in three ecoregions: North American Deserts, Northern Forests, and Mediterranean California. Closest emission sources were oil, gas, airport, and manufacturing facilities. Maximum annual outdoor air concentrations were measured for toluene at two schools (29 ppb and 15 ppb, 2011), located four miles from a solid waste landfill and eight miles from paperboard/saw mills. Maximum annual concentrations of metals in particulate matter 10 micrometers and smaller were highest for manganese (68 ng/m³, 2011). Schools were in mainly arid and heavily forested lands. Closest emission sources were predominantly off tribal lands. Measurements were limited (<30/year). Compared to schools off tribal lands, schools on tribal lands were further away from roadway sources. Future research may examine outdoor air quality around schools with more developed land and indoor air for tribal children's total exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirmalla Barros
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Mail Code: E205-04, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - Nicolle S Tulve
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Mail Code: E205-04, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - Ken Bailey
- Office of Science Policy, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 3355 Blue Rock Road, Cincinnati, OH 45239, USA.
| | - Daniel T Heggem
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, 944 East Harmon Avenue, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA.
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Barros N, Tulve NS, Heggem D, Bailey K. Review of built and natural environment stressors impacting American-Indian/Alaska-Native children. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2018; 33:349-381. [PMID: 30205649 PMCID: PMC6350512 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2018-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Children's exposures to chemical and non-chemical stressors from their everyday environment affects their overall health and well-being. American-Indian/Alaska-Native (AI/AN) children may have a disproportionate burden of stressors from their built and natural environments when compared to children from other races/ethnicities. Our objectives were to identify chemical and non-chemical stressors from AI/AN children's built and natural environments and evaluate their linkages with health and well-being outcomes from the peer reviewed literature. Library databases (e.g. PubMed) were searched to identify studies focused on these stressors. References were excluded if they: did not discuss AI/AN children or they were not the primary cohort; discussed tribes outside the United States (U.S.); were reviews or intervention studies; or did not discuss stressors from the built/natural environments. Out of 2539 references, 35 remained. Sample populations were predominantly (70%) in New York (NY) and Alaska (AK); 14 studies reported on the same cohort. Studies with matching stressors and outcomes were few, ruling out a quantitative review. Respiratory and developmental outcomes were the main outcomes evaluated. Primary non-chemical stressors were residential proximity to polluted landscapes, lack of indoor plumbing, and indoor use of wood for heating or cooking. The main chemical stressors were volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM2.5), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), p,p'-DDE, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), lead, and mercury. Our qualitative review was suggestive of a potential increase in respiratory illness from indoor wood use or no plumbing, which can be used as a guide to promote healthy environments for AI/AN children. We identified limited studies (<40), demonstrating this population as understudied. Future studies need to consider: sample populations from other tribes in the U.S., stressors outside the household, other elements of the natural environment, and an evaluation of stressors from AI/AN children's total environment (built, natural, and social).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirmalla Barros
- ORISE, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Nicolle S. Tulve
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Daniel Heggem
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Ken Bailey
- Office of Research and Development, Office of Science Policy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
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Singleton R, Salkoski AJ, Bulkow L, Fish C, Dobson J, Albertson L, Skarada J, Ritter T, Kovesi T, Hennessy TW. Impact of home remediation and household education on indoor air quality, respiratory visits and symptoms in Alaska Native children. Int J Circumpolar Health 2018; 77:1422669. [PMID: 29393004 PMCID: PMC5804775 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2017.1422669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alaska Native children experience high rates of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) and lung conditions, which are associated with substandard indoor air quality (IAQ). We conducted an intervention of home remediation and education to assess the impact on IAQ, respiratory symptoms and LRTI visits. We enrolled households of children 1-12 years of age with lung conditions. Home remediation included improving ventilation and replacing leaky woodstoves. We provided education about IAQ and respiratory health. We monitored indoor airborne particles (PM2.5), CO2, relative humidity and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and interviewed caregivers about children's symptoms before, and for 1 year after intervention. We evaluated the association between children's respiratory visits, symptoms and IAQ indicators using multiple logistic regression. A total of 60 of 63 homes completed the study. VOCs decreased (coefficient = -0.20; p < 0.001); however, PM2.5 (coeff. = -0.010; p = 0.89) did not decrease. Burning wood for heat, VOCs and PM2.5 were associated with respiratory symptoms. After remediation, parents reported decreases in runny nose, cough between colds, wet cough, wheezing with colds, wheezing between colds and school absences. Children had an age-adjusted decrease in LRTI visits (coefficient = -0.33; p = 0.028). Home remediation and education reduced respiratory symptoms, LRTI visits and school absenteeism in children with lung conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalyn Singleton
- Division of Community Health Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC), Anchorage, AK, USA
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (AIP-CDC), Anchorage, AK, USA
| | | | | | - Chris Fish
- Division of Environmental Health and Engineering, ANTHC, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Jennifer Dobson
- Office of Environmental Health, Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation, Bethel, AK, USA
| | - Leif Albertson
- School of Natural Resources and Extension, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Bethel, AK, USA
| | | | - Troy Ritter
- Division of Environmental Health and Engineering, ANTHC, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Thomas Kovesi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Fisk WJ. How home ventilation rates affect health: A literature review. INDOOR AIR 2018; 28:473-487. [PMID: 29705988 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This paper reviews studies of the relationships between ventilation rates (VRs) in homes and occupant health, primarily respiratory health. Five cross-sectional studies, seven case-control studies, and eight intervention studies met inclusion criteria. Nearly all studies controlled for a range of potential confounders and most intervention studies included placebo conditions. Just over half of studies reported one or more statistically significant (SS) health benefits of increased VRs. Wheeze was most clearly associated with VR. No health outcomes had SS associations with VRs in the majority of statistical tests. Most studies that reported SS health benefits from increased VRs also had additional health outcomes that did not improve with increased VRs. Overall, the number of SS improvements in health with increased VRs exceeded the anticipated chance improvements by approximately a factor of seven. The magnitude of the improvements in health outcomes with increased VRs ranged from 20% to several-fold improvements. In summary, the available research indicates a tendency for improvements in respiratory health with increased home VRs; however, health benefits do not occur consistently and other exposure control measures should be used together with ventilation. The research did not enable identification of a threshold VR below which adverse health effects occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- W J Fisk
- Indoor Environment Group, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
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Mendell MJ, Macher JM, Kumagai K. Measured moisture in buildings and adverse health effects: A review. INDOOR AIR 2018; 28:488-499. [PMID: 29683210 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
It has not yet been possible to quantify dose-related health risks attributable to indoor dampness or mold (D/M), to support setting specific health-related limits for D/M. An overlooked target for assessing D/M is moisture in building materials, the critical factor allowing microbial growth. A search for studies of quantified building moisture and occupant health effects identified 3 eligible studies. Two studies assessed associations between measured wall moisture content and respiratory health in the UK. Both reported dose-related increases in asthma exacerbation with higher measured moisture, with 1 study reporting an adjusted odds ratio of 7.0 for night-time asthma symptoms with higher bedroom moisture. The third study assessed relationships between infrared camera-determined wall moisture and atopic dermatitis in South Korea, reporting an adjusted odds ratio of 14.5 for water-damaged homes and moderate or severe atopic dermatitis. Measuring building moisture has, despite extremely limited available findings, potential promise for detecting unhealthy D/M in homes and merits more research attention. Further research to validate these findings should include measured "water activity," which directly assesses moisture availability for microbial growth. Ultimately, evidence-based, health-related thresholds for building moisture, across specific materials and measurement devices, could better guide assessment and remediation of D/M in buildings.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Mendell
- Indoor Air Quality Section, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | - J M Macher
- Indoor Air Quality Section, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | - K Kumagai
- Indoor Air Quality Section, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
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