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Claeson AS, Rosa E, Nordin S. Time dependency and individual variation in human sensory irritation from acrolein - a controlled exposure study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024:1-10. [PMID: 39196364 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2024.2395436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Acrolein is considered a risk factor for indoor air health problems due to its reactivity. An objective of the study was to investigate prevalence of sensory irritation in terms of time-dependent detection and perceived intensity of symptoms in human volunteers. Another objective was to investigate individual variation in sensory irritation. Participants (n=40) were exposed twice in an exposure chamber (15 min), once to heptane and once to acrolein and heptane. Symptoms and sensory irritation thresholds were rated continuously and 70% of the participants detected eye irritation from the acrolein exposure. A significant interaction between time and exposure (ƞp2=0.19) was identified, indicating time-dependent activation. This group also reported a higher level of stress and lower self-reported health (p<0.05). The results suggest that the eye is the primary system affected by exposure to acrolein, and that duration of exposure and perceived stress play important roles in symptom reactions due to acrolein exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eduardo Rosa
- Department of Psychology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Steven Nordin
- Department of Psychology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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2
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Singh-Smith K, Sprague Martinez L, Eliasziw M, Lerman Ginzburg S, Hudda N, Betz GM, Gurcan A, Vazquez-Dodero T, Mertl A, Goldstein-Gelb W, Zamore W, Brugge D. Reaction to at-home air purifiers installed to reduce traffic-related air pollution in near-highway residences. Trials 2024; 25:551. [PMID: 39160612 PMCID: PMC11331753 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-08388-z] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Traffic-related ultrafine particle pollution near highways is associated with adverse health. Reducing exposure by use of portable air purifiers in homes is one approach to reducing this risk. However, the reaction of residents to having air purifiers in homes is not well studied. METHODS Within the framework of our randomized crossover trial of air purifiers in homes near a major highway, we collected data about participants' use and reactions to air purifiers using questionnaires at their 30-day and 90-day home visits, recorded electricity consumption using HOBO monitors, and conducted structured interviews with participants. RESULTS Nearly all 150 participants reported running the air purifiers virtually 24 h every day in both their living room and their bedroom in the prior month. The units' HOBO electricity use, from a subset of 45 participants, supported the participants' responses from the questionnaire. Approximately 80% of participants reported setting their air purifier on the medium setting. Tolerance to air purifier noise increased significantly between the 30-day and 90-day home visits, with approximately two thirds reporting not being bothered at all by the noise. The qualitative interviews in a subset of 26 participants yielded consistent responses to those from the questionnaires. Size of unit, airflow, and energy consumption were additional concerns that emerged during the interviews. CONCLUSIONS Results from the questionnaires, HOBO data, and structured interviews all suggest participants had positive reactions towards the presence of in-home APs, and therefore may be receptive to using air purifiers in their homes on a regular basis. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04279249 . Registered 09 October 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Singh-Smith
- University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA.
| | - L Sprague Martinez
- Health Disparities Institute UConn Health, 241 Main Street, Hartford, CT, 06106, USA
| | - M Eliasziw
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - S Lerman Ginzburg
- University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
- Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 179 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - N Hudda
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University, 200 College Avenue, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - G M Betz
- Health Disparities Institute UConn Health, 241 Main Street, Hartford, CT, 06106, USA
| | - A Gurcan
- University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - T Vazquez-Dodero
- University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - A Mertl
- University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | | | - W Zamore
- Somerville Transportation Equity Partnership, 51 Mount Vernon St, Somerville, MA, 02145, USA
| | - D Brugge
- University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
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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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4
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Hu J, Liu Y, Ma Y, Gao M, Wan N, Li L, Liu B, Wen D. Sweet foods dietary pattern enhances negative associations of perceived indoor air quality during pregnancy with postpartum depression. INDOOR AIR 2022; 32:e13124. [PMID: 36437672 DOI: 10.1111/ina.13124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Postpartum depression (PPD) is possibly caused by indoor air pollution and may be modified by maternal diet during pregnancy. Using the data from a prospective cohort study, we examined the interaction between indoor air quality and maternal dietary patterns on PPD development. A perceived indoor air quality (PIAQ) score was used to assess indoor air pollution. A higher PIAQ score indicated a worse indoor air quality. Women with higher PIAQ scores were at increased risk for PPD (tertile 3 vs. tertile 1, odds ratio [OR] = 2.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.37-3.29). Compared with a lower adherence to a "sweet foods pattern" (OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 0.66-2.18), a higher adherence to a "sweet foods pattern" enhanced the hazardous associations of the PIAQ on PPD (OR = 3.09, 95% CI = 1.81-5.27, adjusted p for interaction = 0.044). Higher adherence to a "whole grain-seafood pattern" and lower adherence to a "traditional pattern" also increased the risk for PPD, although the p values for the interaction were not significant. Our findings provide further evidence of the link between diet during pregnancy, air pollution, and PPD, and it can be used to develop PPD prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajin Hu
- Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Research Center of China Medical University Birth Cohort, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yilin Liu
- Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Research Center of China Medical University Birth Cohort, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yanan Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ming Gao
- Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Research Center of China Medical University Birth Cohort, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ningyu Wan
- Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Research Center of China Medical University Birth Cohort, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lin Li
- Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Research Center of China Medical University Birth Cohort, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Borui Liu
- Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Research Center of China Medical University Birth Cohort, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Deliang Wen
- Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Research Center of China Medical University Birth Cohort, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Obesity and Glucose, Lipid Associated Metabolic Diseases, Shenyang, China
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5
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Hu J, Wan N, Ma Y, Liu Y, Liu B, Li L, Liu C, Qiao C, Wen D. Trimester-specific association of perceived indoor air quality with antenatal depression: China Medical University Birth Cohort Study. INDOOR AIR 2022; 32:e13167. [PMID: 36437675 DOI: 10.1111/ina.13167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Antenatal depression is associated with adverse birth and long-term outcomes for mothers and children. Pregnant women spend 90% of time indoors; however, the association between indoor air quality and risk of antenatal depression has not been established. In this study, we aim to determine the total and trimester-specific association of perceived indoor air quality (PIAQ) with antenatal depression. A total of 2166 pregnant women were enrolled during the first trimester and evaluated during the second and third trimesters in the China Medical University Birth Cohort Study, a prospective pre-birth cohort study in northeastern China. PIAQ scores were obtained during each of three trimesters, which a higher score indicated a worse indoor air quality. Antenatal depression was screened using an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and defined as an EPDS score ≥ 9. Prevalence of antenatal depression was 26.7%, 20.6%, and 20.9% during the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively. A higher PIAQ score was positively associated with a depression score throughout pregnancy (β = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.15-0.39). Trimester-specific adverse PIAQ exposure was associated with a higher depression score in the same trimester, but not with a higher score in a subsequent trimester. A dose-response pattern and incremental increases in risk of depression were observed with calculated adverse PIAQ exposures across all three trimesters, with the highest risk (OR = 3.24; 95% CI = 2.28-4.78) among women with adverse PIAQ across all three trimesters. The hazardous association between adverse PIAQ exposure and risk of depression were less pronounced among women with higher physical activity levels (P for interaction < 0.001). The results of present study provided important evidence that pregnant women's mental health was linked to indoor air quality during pregnancy. These findings could be helpful in the development of guidelines to prevent antenatal depression by improving indoor air quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajin Hu
- Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Research Center of China Medical University Birth Cohort, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Division of Chronic Disease Research across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ningyu Wan
- Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Research Center of China Medical University Birth Cohort, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yanan Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yilin Liu
- Research Center of China Medical University Birth Cohort, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Borui Liu
- Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Research Center of China Medical University Birth Cohort, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lin Li
- Research Center of China Medical University Birth Cohort, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Developmental Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Caixia Liu
- Research Center of China Medical University Birth Cohort, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Chong Qiao
- Research Center of China Medical University Birth Cohort, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Deliang Wen
- Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Research Center of China Medical University Birth Cohort, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Obesity and Glucose/Lipid Associated Metabolic Diseases, Shenyang, China
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6
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Fernández-Agüera J, Domínguez-Amarillo S, Campano MÁ, Al-Khatri H. Effects of covid-induced lockdown on inhabitants' perception of indoor air quality in naturally ventilated homes. AIR QUALITY, ATMOSPHERE, & HEALTH 2022; 16:193-212. [PMID: 36212165 PMCID: PMC9527135 DOI: 10.1007/s11869-022-01239-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The intensified indoor living during the spring 2020 lockdown, with enhanced user awareness of the prevailing conditions in their homes, constituted a natural stress test for the housing design in place today. Surveys conducted during this period have yielded lessons for designing better intervention strategies for the residential sector, taking into account the systematic morphological and economic limitations of the buildings concerned. These considerations should inform the development of policies and strategies for improving environmental quality compatible with lower residential energy consumption and higher quality of life. This study explores the effect of occupant behaviour on home ventilation and the perception of the impact of indoor air quality on user health before and during lockdown. The method deployed consisted in monitoring environmental variables and conducting user surveys before and after restrictions came into force. The findings showed that prior to lockdown, occupants were unaware of or paid little heed to changes in indoor air quality, failed to perceive stuffiness, and, as a rule, reported symptoms or discomfort only at night during the summer months. During lockdown, however, users came to attach greater importance to air quality, and a greater sensitivity to odours and a heightened awareness of CO2 concentration prompted them to ventilate their homes more frequently. In the spring of 2020, occupants also indicated a wider spectrum of indisposition, in particular in connection with sleep patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesica Fernández-Agüera
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura, Instituto Universitario de Arquitectura y Ciencias de La Construcción, Universidad de Sevilla, Avenida de Reina Mercedes, no. 2, 41014 Seville, Spain
| | - Samuel Domínguez-Amarillo
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura, Instituto Universitario de Arquitectura y Ciencias de La Construcción, Universidad de Sevilla, Avenida de Reina Mercedes, no. 2, 41014 Seville, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Campano
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura, Instituto Universitario de Arquitectura y Ciencias de La Construcción, Universidad de Sevilla, Avenida de Reina Mercedes, no. 2, 41014 Seville, Spain
| | - Hanan Al-Khatri
- Department of Civil & Architectural Engineering, College of Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University, Seeb, Oman
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7
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Wang J, Norbäck D. Subjective indoor air quality and thermal comfort among adults in relation to inspected and measured indoor environment factors in single-family houses in Sweden-the BETSI study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 802:149804. [PMID: 34455269 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Totally 1160 adults living in single-family houses in Sweden participated in a questionnaire survey on subjective indoor air quality (SIAQ). Inspectors investigated the dwellings and performed home measurements (mean indoor temperature 21.4 °C, mean indoor air humidity 34.2%, mean indoor air exchange rate 0.36 ac/h and mean moisture load indoor 1.7 g/m3). Totally 15.5% perceived draught, 28.0% perceived too high room temperature, 42.4% unstable room temperature, 36.8% too low room temperature, 19.6% stuffy air, 19.8% dry air and 29.9% dust or dirt. Measured room temperature was related to perception of room temperature. Higher relative air humidity was related to perceived unstable room temperature (OR = 1.70) and too low room temperature (OR = 1.96). Higher absolute air humidity was related to too high room temperature (OR = 1.21), unstable room temperature (OR = 1.34) and too low room temperature (OR = 1.35). Higher measured relative humidity, absolute air humidity and moisture load were all associated with stuffy air and unpleasant odor (OR = 1.45-1.97). Higher air exchange rate was related to less perceived unstable room temperature (OR = 0.93). Higher U value was related to draught (OR = 1.17), too low room temperature (OR = 1.09), unpleasant odor (OR = 1.12) and dust and dirt (OR = 1.07). New concrete slab foundation was related to less stuffy air (OR = 0.39) (vs. basement). Damp foundation was associated with more stuffy air (OR = 1.44) and unpleasant odor (OR = 1.61). Window pane condensation was related to stuffy air (OR = 1.88). Moldy odor reported by inspector was related to stuffy air (OR = 1.73). Observed mold in the attic was associated with more stuffy air and unpleasant odor. In conclusion, complaints of room temperature can indicate poor thermal environment. Higher air exchange rate can create a more stable thermal sensation. Excess indoor humidity, lower degree of thermal insulation, presence of window pane condensation and indoor dampness/mold can impair SIAQ. Higher ventilation and concrete slab foundation with underlying thermal insulation can improve SIAQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Wang
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, SE-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Dan Norbäck
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, SE-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
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Mannan M, Al-Ghamdi SG. Indoor Air Quality in Buildings: A Comprehensive Review on the Factors Influencing Air Pollution in Residential and Commercial Structure. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:3276. [PMID: 33810001 PMCID: PMC8004912 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18063276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide people tend to spend approximately 90% of their time in different indoor environments. Along with the penetration of outside air pollutants, contaminants are produced in indoor environments due to different activities such as heating, cooling, cooking, and emissions from building products and the materials used. As people spend most of their lives in indoor environments, this has a significant influence on human health and productivity. Despite the two decades of indoor air quality (IAQ) research from different perspectives, there is still a lack of comprehensive evaluation of peer-reviewed IAQ studies that specifically covers the relationship between the internal characteristics of different types of building environments with IAQ to help understand the progress and limitations of IAQ research worldwide. Therefore, this review of scientific studies presents a broad spectrum of pollutants identified in both residential and commercial indoor environments, highlighting the trends and gaps in IAQ research. Moreover, analysis of literature data enabled us to assess the different IAQs in buildings located in different countries/regions, thus reflecting the current global scientific understanding of IAQ. This review has the potential to benefit building professionals by establishing indoor air regulations that account for all indoor contaminant sources to create healthy and sustainable building environments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sami G. Al-Ghamdi
- Division of Sustainable Development, College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar;
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The Grass Is Always Greener on My Side: A Field Experiment Examining the Home Halo Effect. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12166335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Wood-burning pollution is a severe problem in southern Chile, where every winter, people are exposed to unhealthy ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations. Urban air quality is a major concern for health officials, but public awareness campaigns tend to focus on outdoor hazards. Our understanding of how residents are exposed and perceive air pollution risks in their homes remains incomplete. This study explores the ability of participants to perceive indoor air quality. We collected data on 81 households, combining perceptions of air quality with objective measurements of PM2.5. Residents’ evaluations of air quality were systematically compared to inspectors’ evaluations in order to examine the home halo effect. We found that residents tended to overestimate air quality in their homes. We discuss how our data supported the existence of a home halo effect, but also point out the possibility that individuals’ ability to perceive air quality in indoor spaces is limited by other factors.
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10
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Veenaas C, Ripszam M, Glas B, Liljelind I, Claeson AS, Haglund P. Differences in chemical composition of indoor air in rooms associated/not associated with building related symptoms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 720:137444. [PMID: 32325564 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Building related health effects or symptoms (BRS), known also as sick-building syndrome (SBS), are a phenomenon that is not well understood. In this study, air samples from 51 rooms associated with BRS and 34 control rooms were collected on multi-sorbent tubes and analyzed by a non-target approach using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry techniques. The large amount of data gathered was analyzed using multivariate statistics (principle component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares (PLS)). This new analysis approach revealed that in rooms where people experienced BRS, petrochemicals and chemicals emitted from plastics were abundant, whereas in rooms where people did not experience BRS, flavor and fragrance compounds were abundant. Among the petrochemicals benzene and 2-butoxyethanol were found in higher levels in rooms where people experienced BRS. The levels of limonene were sometimes in the range of reported odor thresholds, and similarly 3-carene and beta-myrcene were found in higher concentrations in indoor air of rooms where people did not experience BRS. It cannot be ruled out that these compounds may have influenced the perceived air quality. However, the overall variability in air concentrations was large and it was not possible to accurately predict if the air in a particular room could cause BRS or not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathrin Veenaas
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Matyas Ripszam
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Bo Glas
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Ingrid Liljelind
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Peter Haglund
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
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Tong X, Ho JMW, Li Z, Lui KH, Kwok TCY, Tsoi KKF, Ho KF. Prediction model for air particulate matter levels in the households of elderly individuals in Hong Kong. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 717:135323. [PMID: 31839290 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution has shown to cause adverse health effects on mankind. Aging causes functional decline and leaves elderly people more susceptible to health threats associated with air pollution exposure. Elderly spend approximately 80% of their lifetime at home every day. To understand air pollution exposure, indoor air pollutants are the targets for consideration especially for the elderly population. However, indoor air monitoring for epidemiological studies requires a large population, is labor intensive and time consuming. As a result, a prediction model is necessary. For 3 consecutive days in summer and winter, 24-h average of mass concentrations of fine particulate matter (aerodynamic diameter <2.5 μm: PM2.5) were measured in indoors for 116 households. A PM2.5 prediction model for elderly households in Hong Kong has been developed by combining ambient PM2.5 concentrations obtained from land use regression model and questionnaire-elicited information related to the indoor PM2.5 sources. The fitted linear mixed-effects model is moderately predictive for the observed indoor PM2.5, with R2 = 0.67 (or R2 = 0.61 by cross-validation). The model shows indoor PM2.5 was positively influenced by outdoor PM2.5 levels. Meteorological factors (e.g. temperature and relative humidity) were related to the indoor PM2.5 in a relatively complex manner. Congested living areas, opening windows for extended periods for ventilation and use of liquefied petroleum gas for cooking were the factors determining the ultimate indoor air quality. This study aims to provide information about controlling household air quality and can be used for future epidemiological studies associated with indoor air pollution in large population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinning Tong
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jason Man Wai Ho
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhiyuan Li
- Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ka-Hei Lui
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Timothy C Y Kwok
- CUHK Jockey Club Institute of Ageing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Jockey Club Centre for Osteoporosis Care and Control, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kelvin K F Tsoi
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Stanley Ho Big Data Decision Analytics Research Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - K F Ho
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Mugherli L, Lety-Stefanska A, Landreau N, Tomasi RFX, Baroud CN. Quantifying the sol-gel process and detecting toxic gas in an array of anchored microfluidic droplets. LAB ON A CHIP 2020; 20:236-243. [PMID: 31746881 DOI: 10.1039/c9lc00750d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The detection of toxic gases is becoming an important element in tackling increased air pollution. This has led to the development of gas sensors based on porous solid materials, which are produced using sol-gel chemistry and functionalized to change their optical qualities when in contact with the gas. In this context it is interesting to explore how microfluidics can be used to miniaturize these sensors, to improve their sensitivity and dynamic range, or to multiplex many gas measurements on a single chip. In this article we show how the sol-gel process can be implemented using anchored droplet microfluidics. The sensor material is partitioned into droplets while in the sol phase and maintained using capillary anchors. The ability to hold the droplets in place first allows us to study the sol-gel process. We use an original rheology method, which consists of observing the flows within stationary droplets that are submitted to an external flow, to measure the gelation time of the droplets. These measurements show a gelation time that decreases from 50 minutes to below 10 minutes as the temperature increases from 20 to 50 °C. We also measure the shrinkage of individual gel beads after gelation and find that this syneresis process is nearly finished after about 12 hours, leading to a final bead size that is 50% smaller than the initial droplet. Finally, we show that the beads can be functionalized and used to detect the presence of formaldehyde. These results first provide a new way to observe the physics of the sol-gel process in a well-controlled and quantitative fashion. Moreover they highlight how the coupling of microfluidics and sol-gel chemistry can be used to detect toxic gases, in view of answering the challenges surrounding gas detection in real-world settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Mugherli
- NIMBE, CEA, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA Saclay, 91191 Gif sur Yvette Cedex, France.
| | | | - Nina Landreau
- NIMBE, CEA, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA Saclay, 91191 Gif sur Yvette Cedex, France.
| | - Raphael F-X Tomasi
- LadHyX and Department of Mechanics, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, 91128 Palaiseau, France.
| | - Charles N Baroud
- LadHyX and Department of Mechanics, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, 91128 Palaiseau, France. and Physical Microfluidics and Bioengineerng, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
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Plaisance H, Blondel A, Desauziers V, Mocho P. Evidence of indoor sinks for formaldehyde through the field measurements using passive flux sampler and mass balance. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:29679-29686. [PMID: 31407265 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06057-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A measurement campaign was conducted in 24 student rooms where formaldehyde emissions from all the indoor surfaces were measured using a passive flux sampler (PFS) parallel to monitoring of indoor and outdoor concentrations as well as the assessment of air exchange rate. Two mass balance models were used to predict indoor concentrations basing on input data recorded during this measurement campaign. The first model only takes into account the total emission from the indoor sources and the incoming and outgoing flows of compound brought by the air exchange rate. The second model added to these terms a further component related to the overall rate of removal processes (or "indoor sinks") which was assessed in these same rooms during a previous field test campaign. A good agreement was found between the concentrations calculated by the model with the component relative to indoor removal processes and the measured concentrations. On the other hand, the predicted concentrations with a first model tend to highly overestimate the measured concentrations by a factor 1.9 on average. Apportionment of formaldehyde inputs and losses in the rooms was estimated and discussed. The results highlighted that indoor removal processes are a component to consider for formaldehyde budget indoors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herve Plaisance
- IMT Mines Ales, C2MA, Hélioparc, 2 av. P. Angot, 64000, Pau, France.
| | - Alodie Blondel
- IMT Lille Douai, 941 rue Charles Bourseul, BP 10838, 59508, Douai cedex, France
| | | | - Pierre Mocho
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, BP 7511, 64000, Pau, France
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