1
|
Kloster S, Kirkegaard AM, Davidsen M, Christensen AI, Nielsen NS, Gunnarsen L, Vestbo J, Ersbøll AK. Housing conditions and risk of incident COPD: a Danish cohort study, 2000-2018. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1714. [PMID: 38937765 PMCID: PMC11210200 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19131-3] [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: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND More knowledge is needed on the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) associated with housing conditions and indoor environment based on cohort studies with a long follow-up time. OBJECTIVE To examine the association between housing conditions and indoor environment and the risk of developing COPD. METHODS In this cohort study, we followed 11,590 individuals aged ≥ 30 years free of COPD at baseline. Information on incident COPD and housing conditions and indoor environment was obtained from the Danish national registers and the Danish Health and Morbidity Survey year 2000. Poisson regression of incidence rates (IRs) were used to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of COPD. RESULTS The overall IR of COPD was 8.6 per 1,000 person-years. Individuals living outside the biggest cities vs. living in the biggest cities (≥ 50,000) had a lower risk of COPD (200-4,999; IRR 0.77 (95% CI 0.65-0.90). Individuals living in semi-detached houses had a higher risk compared to individuals living in detached houses (IRR 1.29 (95% CI 1.07-1.55)). Likewise, individuals living in rented homes had a higher risk (IRR 1.47 (95% CI 1.27-1.70)) compared to individuals living in owned homes. The IR of COPD was 17% higher among individuals living in dwellings build > 1982 compared with individuals living in older dwellings (< 1962), not statistically significant though (IRR 0.83 (95% CI 0.68-1.03)). Likewise, the IR of COPD was 15% higher among individuals living in the densest households compared with individuals living in the least dense households, not statistically significant though (IRR 1.15 (95% CI 0.92-1.45)). This was primary seen among smokers. There was no difference in risk among individuals with different perceived indoor environments. Overall, similar patterns were seen when stratified by smoking status with exception of perceived indoor environment, where opposite patterns were seen for smokers and never smokers. CONCLUSION Individuals living in semi-detached houses or rented homes had a higher risk of developing COPD compared to individuals living in detached or owned homes. Individuals living in cities with < 50.000 residents had a lower risk of COPD compared to individuals living in cities with ≥ 50.000 residents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stine Kloster
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Studiestraede 6, 1455, Copenhagen K, Denmark.
| | - Anne Marie Kirkegaard
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Studiestraede 6, 1455, Copenhagen K, Denmark
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, A.C. Meyers Vaenge 15, 2450, Copenhagen, SV, Denmark
| | - Michael Davidsen
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Studiestraede 6, 1455, Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Anne Illemann Christensen
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Studiestraede 6, 1455, Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Niss Skov Nielsen
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, A.C. Meyers Vaenge 15, 2450, Copenhagen, SV, Denmark
| | - Lars Gunnarsen
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, A.C. Meyers Vaenge 15, 2450, Copenhagen, SV, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Vestbo
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9 PL, UK
| | - Annette Kjær Ersbøll
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Studiestraede 6, 1455, Copenhagen K, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Vesper SJ. The development and application of the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI). Crit Rev Microbiol 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38651788 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2024.2344112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence of asthma in the United States (U.S.) has doubled since 1970, coinciding with the increased use of gypsum-drywall in home construction. Mold growth is promoted when gypsum-drywall gets wet. Since asthma is linked to mold exposures, accurate quantification of mold contamination in homes is critical. Therefore, qPCR assays were created and then used to quantify 36 common molds in dust collected in representative U.S. homes during the first American Health Homes Survey (AHHS). The concentrations of the 36 molds, i.e. 26 water-damage molds (Group 1) and 10 outside molds (Group 2), were used in the formulation of a home's Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) value. The ERMI values for each of the AHHS homes were assembled from lowest to highest to create the ERMI scale, which ranges from -10 to 20. Subsequent epidemiological studies consistently demonstrated that higher ERMI values were linked to asthma development, reduced lung capacity or occupant asthma. Reducing mold exposures by remediation or with HEPA filtration resulted in a reduced prevalence of asthma and improvements in respiratory health. The ERMI scale has also been successfully applied in evaluating mold concentrations in schools and large buildings and appears to have applications outside the U.S.
Collapse
|
3
|
Sharma S, Jahanzaib M, Bakht A, Kim MK, Lee H, Park D. The composition of the bacterial communities collected from the PM 10 samples inside the Seoul subway and railway station. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6478. [PMID: 38499557 PMCID: PMC10948816 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49848-x] [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: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Health implications of indoor air quality (IAQ) have drawn more attention since the COVID epidemic. There are many different kinds of studies done on how IAQ affects people's well-being. There hasn't been much research that looks at the microbiological composition of the aerosol in subway transit systems. In this work, for the first time, we examined the aerosol bacterial abundance, diversity, and composition in the microbiome of the Seoul subway and train stations using DNA isolated from the PM10 samples from each station (three subway and two KTX stations). The average PM10 mass concentration collected on the respective platform was 41.862 µg/m3, with the highest average value of 45.95 µg/m3 and the lowest of 39.25 µg/m3. The bacterial microbiomes mainly constituted bacterial species of soil and environmental origin (e.g., Acinetobacter, Brevundimonas, Lysinibacillus, Clostridiodes) with fewer from human sources (Flaviflexus, Staphylococcus). This study highlights the relationship between microbiome diversity and PM10 mass concentration contributed by outdoor air and commuters in South Korea's subway and train stations. This study gives insights into the microbiome diversity, the source, and the susceptibility of public transports in disease spreading.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shambhavi Sharma
- Department of Transportation Environmental Research, Korea Railroad Research Institute (KRRI), Uiwang, 16105, Republic of Korea
- Transportation System Engineering, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Muhammad Jahanzaib
- Department of Transportation Environmental Research, Korea Railroad Research Institute (KRRI), Uiwang, 16105, Republic of Korea
- Transportation System Engineering, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Ahtesham Bakht
- Kumoh National Institute of Technology (KIT), 61 Daehak-ro, Gumi-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 39177, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Kyung Kim
- Department of Transportation Environmental Research, Korea Railroad Research Institute (KRRI), Uiwang, 16105, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunsoo Lee
- Kumoh National Institute of Technology (KIT), 61 Daehak-ro, Gumi-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 39177, Republic of Korea
| | - Duckshin Park
- Department of Transportation Environmental Research, Korea Railroad Research Institute (KRRI), Uiwang, 16105, Republic of Korea.
- Transportation System Engineering, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Loukou E, Jensen NF, Rohde L, Andersen B. Damp Buildings: Associated Fungi and How to Find Them. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:108. [PMID: 38392780 PMCID: PMC10890273 DOI: 10.3390/jof10020108] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The number of buildings experiencing humidity problems and fungal growth appears to be increasing as energy-saving measures and changes in construction practices and climate become more common. Determining the cause of the problem and documenting the type and extent of fungal growth are complex processes involving both building physics and indoor mycology. New detection and identification methods have been introduced, and new fungal species have been added to the list of building-related fungi. However, the lack of standardised procedures and general knowledge hampers the effort to resolve the problems and advocate for an effective renovation plan. This review provides a framework for building inspections on current sampling methods and detection techniques for building-related fungi. The review also contains tables with fungal species that have been identified on commonly used building materials in Europe and North America (e.g., gypsum wallboard, oriented strand board (OSB), concrete and mineral wool). The most reported building-associated fungi across all materials are Penicillium chrysogenum and Aspergillus versicolor. Chaetomium globosum is common on all organic materials, whereas Aspergillus niger is common on all inorganic materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evangelia Loukou
- Division of Building Technology, Management and Indoor Environment, Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, A.C. Meyers Vænge 15, DK-2450 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nickolaj Feldt Jensen
- Division of Building Technology, Management and Indoor Environment, Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, A.C. Meyers Vænge 15, DK-2450 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lasse Rohde
- Division of Energy and Sustainability in Buildings, Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Thomas Manns Vej 23, DK-9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Birgitte Andersen
- Division of Building Technology, Management and Indoor Environment, Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, A.C. Meyers Vænge 15, DK-2450 Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Keller A, Groot J, Clippet-Jensen C, Pinot de Moira A, Pedersen M, Sigsgaard T, Loft S, Budtz-Jørgensen E, Nybo Andersen AM. Exposure to different residential indoor characteristics during childhood and asthma in adolescence: a latent class analysis of the Danish National Birth Cohort. Eur J Epidemiol 2024; 39:51-65. [PMID: 37865616 PMCID: PMC10811114 DOI: 10.1007/s10654-023-01051-y] [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: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many residential indoor environments may have an impact on children's respiratory health. OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were to identify latent classes of children from the Danish National Birth Cohort (DNBC) who share similar patterns of exposure to indoor home characteristics, and to examine the association between membership in the latent classes and asthma in adolescence. METHODS We included data on residential indoor characteristics of offspring from the DNBC whose mothers had responded to the child's 11-year follow-up and who had data on asthma from the 18-year follow-up. Number of classes and associations were estimated using latent class analysis. To account for sample selection, we applied inverse probability weighting. RESULTS Our final model included five latent classes. The probability of current asthma at 18 years was highest among individuals in class one with higher clustering on household dampness (9, 95%CI 0.06-0.13). Individuals in class four (with higher clustering on pets ownership and living in a farm) had a lower risk of current asthma at age 18 compared to individuals in class one (with higher clustering on household dampness) (OR 0.53 (95%CI 0.32-0.88), p = .01). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that, in a high-income country such as Denmark, groups of adolescents growing up in homes with mold and moisture during mid-childhood might be at increased risk of current asthma at age 18. Adolescents who grew-up in a farmhouse and who were exposed to pets seem less likely to suffer from asthma by age 18.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amélie Keller
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Jonathan Groot
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Clara Clippet-Jensen
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Angela Pinot de Moira
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marie Pedersen
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Torben Sigsgaard
- Environment, Work and Health, Department of Public Health, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Steffen Loft
- Section of Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Esben Budtz-Jørgensen
- Section of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne-Marie Nybo Andersen
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Claeson AS, Edvardsson B, Liljelind I. Stress and Sleep in Relation to Severity of Building Related Symptoms. J Occup Environ Med 2023; 65:541-545. [PMID: 36952319 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigates different aspects of stress and sleep in medically examined individuals with varying severity of building-related symptoms (BRS). METHODS Three questionnaires were used to assess acute and long-term stress and sleep (Perceived Stress Scale; Shirom Melamed Burnout Questionnaire, and Karolinska Sleep Questionnaire). RESULTS Individuals with BRS, regardless of severity, did not differ in level of perceived stress (indicator of short-term stress). The indicators of long-term stress differed between the groups where an increased severity was associated with higher levels of burnout and sleep problems. CONCLUSIONS The study suggests an association between symptom severity and measures of long-term stress and sleep quality. This has implications for the treatment of persons affected by BRS, because not only the environment needs to be treated, but also the concurrent signs of distress, such as burnout or sleep problems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Sara Claeson
- From the Department of Psychology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden (A.C); and Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden (B.E., I.L.)
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Vesper S, Carter E, Oke O, Rehder T, Eriksen S, Wymer L, Nye M. Higher mold levels found in in the deteriorated housing in the Sun Valley neighborhood of Denver, Colorado compared to other Denver housing and higher rates of health insurance claims for some diseases documented for the Sun Valley residents compared to other Denver residents. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2023; 249:114141. [PMID: 36812733 PMCID: PMC10023461 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114141] [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: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
The Sun Valley Homes public housing in Denver, Colorado (CO) will be replaced because of its deteriorated condition. Our goal was to document the mold contamination and particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations in Sun Valley homes and the circulatory and respiratory health of Sun Valley compared to all Denver residents (total 2761 and 1,049,046, respectively) based on insurance claims data for 2015 to 2019. Mold contamination in Sun Valley homes (n = 49) was quantified using the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) scale. Indoor PM2.5 concentrations were measured in Sun Valley homes (n = 11) using time-integrated, filter-based samples and quantified using gravimetric analysis. Outdoor PM2.5 concentrations data were obtained from a near-by United States Environmental Protection Agency monitoring station. In Sun Valley homes, the average ERMI value was 5.25 compared to -1.25 for other Denver homes. The PM2.5 median concentration inside Sun Valley homes was 7.6 μg/m3 (interquartile range - 6.4 μg/m3). The ratio of indoor to outdoor concentrations of PM2.5 was 2.3 (interquartile range - 1.5). In the last five years, ischemic heart disease was significantly more likely for Denver compared to Sun Valley residents. However, acute upper respiratory infections, chronic lower respiratory diseases and asthma were all significantly more likely for Sun Valley than Denver residents. Since the process of replacing and occupying the new housing will take several years, the next phase of the study will not occur until that process is complete.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Vesper
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Ellison Carter
- Colorado State University, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Oluwatobi Oke
- Colorado State University, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Tim Rehder
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 8, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Stacey Eriksen
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 8, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Larry Wymer
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Michael Nye
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Denver, CO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Paavanen-Huhtala S, Kalichamy K, Pessi AM, Häkkilä S, Saarto A, Tuomela M, Andersson MA, Koskinen PJ. Biomonitoring of Indoor Air Fungal or Chemical Toxins with Caenorhabditis elegans nematodes. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020161. [PMID: 36839433 PMCID: PMC9964051 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Bad indoor air quality due to toxins and other impurities can have a negative impact on human well-being, working capacity and health. Therefore, reliable methods to monitor the health risks associated with exposure to hazardous indoor air agents are needed. Here, we have used transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans nematode strains carrying stress-responsive fluorescent reporters and evaluated their ability to sense fungal or chemical toxins, especially those that are present in moisture-damaged buildings. Liquid-based or airborne exposure of nematodes to mycotoxins, chemical agents or damaged building materials reproducibly resulted in time- and dose-dependent fluorescent responses, which could be quantitated by either microscopy or spectrometry. Thus, the C. elegans nematodes present an easy, ethically acceptable and comprehensive in vivo model system to monitor the response of multicellular organisms to indoor air toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anna-Mari Pessi
- Aerobiology Unit, Biodiversity Unit of the University of Turku, FI-20500 Turku, Finland
| | - Sirkku Häkkilä
- Aerobiology Unit, Biodiversity Unit of the University of Turku, FI-20500 Turku, Finland
| | - Annika Saarto
- Aerobiology Unit, Biodiversity Unit of the University of Turku, FI-20500 Turku, Finland
| | - Marja Tuomela
- Co-op Bionautit, Helsinki, FI-00790 Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Microbiology, University of Helsinki, FI-00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maria A. Andersson
- Department of Microbiology, University of Helsinki, FI-00790 Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Aalto University, FI-02150 Espoo, Finland
| | - Päivi J. Koskinen
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, FI-20500 Turku, Finland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +358-29-450-4218
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Jiao D, Tang J, Guo R. Proactive health interventions in the workplace: The role of spatial playfulness in promoting mental health. Work 2023; 76:1203-1217. [PMID: 37212083 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220486] [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] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high prevalence of mental illnesses has a serious impact on productive life and there is an urgent need to intervene using a variety of active and effective measures. OBJECTIVE The concept of playfulness in space is introduced into the design of work spaces oriented towards active health interventions, creating a close interaction between the body and the space through play, thus developing a positive effect on the promotion of the physical and mental health of the staff. METHODS With the help of the spatial order theory, the analysis of the interaction between body and space is attempted to explore the form, structure and scene of space in order to optimize the body's perception, cognition and behavior in the space, thus creating an indoor workspace model with positive intervention effects on human health. RESULTS Based on the idea of spatial playful participation in active health interventions, this study explores the interaction between the body and the architectural space to enhance the perception and cognitive guidance of the space for the individual and to have a pleasant spiritual experience in the interaction to relieve work stress and enhance mental health. CONCLUSION This series of discussions on the relationship between architectural space and the human body is of great relevance in improving the public health of occupational groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dian Jiao
- School of Architecture and Fine Arts, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Jian Tang
- School of Architecture and Fine Arts, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Rui Guo
- School of Architecture and Fine Arts, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Argyropoulos CD, Skoulou V, Efthimiou G, Michopoulos AK. Airborne transmission of biological agents within the indoor built environment: a multidisciplinary review. AIR QUALITY, ATMOSPHERE, & HEALTH 2022; 16:477-533. [PMID: 36467894 PMCID: PMC9703444 DOI: 10.1007/s11869-022-01286-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The nature and airborne dispersion of the underestimated biological agents, monitoring, analysis and transmission among the human occupants into building environment is a major challenge of today. Those agents play a crucial role in ensuring comfortable, healthy and risk-free conditions into indoor working and leaving spaces. It is known that ventilation systems influence strongly the transmission of indoor air pollutants, with scarce information although to have been reported for biological agents until 2019. The biological agents' source release and the trajectory of airborne transmission are both important in terms of optimising the design of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems of the future. In addition, modelling via computational fluid dynamics (CFD) will become a more valuable tool in foreseeing risks and tackle hazards when pollutants and biological agents released into closed spaces. Promising results on the prediction of their dispersion routes and concentration levels, as well as the selection of the appropriate ventilation strategy, provide crucial information on risk minimisation of the airborne transmission among humans. Under this context, the present multidisciplinary review considers four interrelated aspects of the dispersion of biological agents in closed spaces, (a) the nature and airborne transmission route of the examined agents, (b) the biological origin and health effects of the major microbial pathogens on the human respiratory system, (c) the role of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems in the airborne transmission and (d) the associated computer modelling approaches. This adopted methodology allows the discussion of the existing findings, on-going research, identification of the main research gaps and future directions from a multidisciplinary point of view which will be helpful for substantial innovations in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Vasiliki Skoulou
- B3 Challenge Group, Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull, HU6 7RX UK
| | - Georgios Efthimiou
- Centre for Biomedicine, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull, HU6 7RX UK
| | - Apostolos K. Michopoulos
- Energy & Environmental Design of Buildings Research Laboratory, University of Cyprus, P.O. Box 20537, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Gangneux JP, Godet C, Denning DW. Allergic diseases and fungal exposome: Prevention is better than cure. Allergy 2022; 77:3182-3184. [PMID: 35822920 DOI: 10.1111/all.15436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Pierre Gangneux
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, IRSET (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
| | - Cendrine Godet
- Service de Pneumologie, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Bichat, Paris, France
| | - David W Denning
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Core Technology Facility, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Tokarski D, Ickiewicz I, Żukiewicz-Sobczak W, Woliński P. The Impact of Biochar Used in Repairs to Historical Buildings on Public Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12996. [PMID: 36293577 PMCID: PMC9601903 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192012996] [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: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The subject matter of this manuscript concerns the analysis and identification of microorganisms that pose a threat to human health and, in particular, mold fungi occurring in historical buildings. Surfaces infected by fungal spores pose a threat to the structure and the health of both visitors to historical buildings and professionals working in them. Research was undertaken to fill in the defects in building partitions with a supplementary layer of biochar in order to eliminate, or partially reduce, the possibility of contamination with and development of harmful mold fungi. In the designed cement mixture, biochar was used as a filler, the task of which was to eliminate the causes that lead to the development of harmful mold fungi. Microbiological analyses of the surface of walls and air in selected buildings were carried out before and after the application of supplementary biochar layers. The inhibitory properties of the material used against the presence and growth of mold fungi were observed. The average number of microorganisms isolated on the tested partitions decreased by between 70 and 100%. As a consequence, the use of this material significantly influenced the air quality of the rooms, which is important for protecting the health of people at work, as well as those visiting historical buildings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Tokarski
- Faculty of Economics and Sociology, University of Lodz, 90-419 Lodz, Poland
| | - Irena Ickiewicz
- Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences, Bialystok University of Technology, 15-351 Bialystok, Poland
| | | | - Paweł Woliński
- Faculty of Technical Sciences, Collegium Mazovia Innovative School, University in Siedlce, 08-110 Siedlce, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Prevalence, Risk Factors and Impacts Related to Mould-Affected Housing: An Australian Integrative Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031854. [PMID: 35162876 PMCID: PMC8835129 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In response to an Australian governmental inquiry into biotoxin-related illness, the purpose of this integrative review is to bring together the current state of evidence on the prevalence, risk factors and impacts related to mould-affected housing in an Australian context, in order to inform building, housing and health research, practice and policy. The robust integrative review methodology simultaneously sought quantitative and qualitative studies and grey literature from multiple disciplines, identifying only 45 studies directly relating to Australian housing and indoor mould. Twenty-one studies highlight negative health impacts relating to indoor residential mould, with asthma, respiratory, allergy conditions and emerging health concerns for chronic multiple-symptom presentation. The majority of studies reported risk factors for indoor mould including poor housing conditions, poor-quality rental accommodation, socioeconomic circumstance, age-related housing issues and concerns for surface/interstitial condensation and building defects in newer housing. Risks for indoor mould in both older and newer housing raise concerns for the extent of the problem of indoor mould in Australia. Understanding the national prevalence of housing risks and “root cause” associated with indoor mould is not conclusive from the limited existing evidence. Synthesis of this evidence reveals a lack of coverage on: (1) national and geographical representation, (2) climatical coverage, (3) housing typologies, (4) housing defects, (5) maintenance, (6) impact from urbanisation, and (7) occupant’s behaviour. This integrative review was key in identifying emerging housing and health concerns, highlighting gaps in data and implications to be addressed by researchers, practice and policy and acts as a comprehensive holistic review process that can be applied to other countries.
Collapse
|
14
|
Groot J, Keller A, Pedersen M, Sigsgaard T, Loft S, Nybo Andersen AM. Indoor home environments of Danish children and the socioeconomic position and health of their parents: A descriptive study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 160:107059. [PMID: 34959195 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.107059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Housing and indoor home environments are associated with the risk of infections and asthma in children. To better understand the determinants and characteristics of these environments, we aimed to describe the associations between parental health and socioeconomic position and housing and indoor home environments of children in Denmark, and the clustering of the factors within these environments. METHODS Offspring in the Danish National Birth Cohort (DNBC) whose parents responded to the 11-year follow-up were eligible for inclusion. We included complete cases only. Data on the indoor and housing environments (i.e. variables on housing, sources of gaseous and particle pollution, mould and moisture, and pets) were collected through an online questionnaire responded to by a parent. Data on socioeconomic position were obtained through linkage with registry data on maternal education at offspring birth and household equivalized income at offspring birth. Data on parental health were obtained by linking self-reported data from the 11-year follow-up for mother and father with administrative registry data for the mother. We present descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analyses. RESULTS A total of 42 723 offspring were included for analyses. The distributions of nearly all indoor and housing environments differed according to educational and income strata, with patterns similar for both education and income. Generally, higher parental educational and income strata had more favorable indoor and housing environments (less secondhand smoking, gas stove use, mould and condensation and higher house ownership, detached house dwellings and newer building age). However, candle use was approximately similar between strata, fireplace use among lower educational and income strata tended towards the extremes (none or daily), and water damage was more common among higher educational and income strata. Parental health was strongly associated with housing and indoor home environment factors - especially parental affective disorders was strongly associated with mould. Four factors were extracted from the exploratory factor analyses, relating primarily in order of extraction to: housing ownership, mould and moisture, candle use and household density. CONCLUSION Parental health and socioeconomic position are strongly related to housing and indoor home environments. Additionally, several factors in these environments correlate strongly and cluster together. Observational studies on associations and causal effects of factors in the indoor and housing environments of children on their morbidity, must consider both of these conclusions to arrive at valid estimates and effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Groot
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Amélie Keller
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marie Pedersen
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Torben Sigsgaard
- Environment, Work and Health, Department of Public Health, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Steffen Loft
- Section of Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne-Marie Nybo Andersen
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Keratinophilic and Keratinolytic Fungi in Cave Ecosystems: A Culture-Based Study of Brestovská Cave and Demänovská Ľadová and Slobody Caves (Slovakia). APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12031455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite speleomycological research going back to the 1960s, the biodiversity of many specific groups of micromycetes in underground sites still remains unknown, including keratinolytic and keratinophilic fungi. These fungi are a frequent cause of infections in humans and animals. Since subterranean ecosystems are inhabited by various animals and are a great tourist attraction, the goal of our research was to provide the first report of keratinophilic and keratinolytic fungal species isolated from three caves in Tatra Mts., Slovakia (Brestovská, Demänovská Ľadová and Demänovská Slobody). Speleomycological investigation was carried out inside and outside the explored caves by combining culture-based techniques with genetic and phenotypic identifications. A total of 67 fungal isolates were isolated from 24 samples of soil and sediment using Vanbreuseghem hair bait and identified as 18 different fungal species. The study sites located inside the studied caves displayed much more fungal species (17 species) than outside the underground (3 species), and the highest values of the Shannon diversity index of keratinophilic and keratinolytic fungi were noted for the study sites inside the Demänovská Slobody Cave. Overall, Arthroderma quadrifidum was the most common fungal species in all soil and/or sediment samples. To the best of our knowledge, our research has allowed for the first detection of fungal species such as Arthroderma eboreum, Arthrodermainsingulare, Chrysosporiumeuropae, Chrysosporiumsiglerae, Keratinophytonwagneri, and Penicillium charlesii in underground sites. We also showed that the temperature of soil and sediments was negatively correlated with the number of isolated keratinophilic and keratinolytic fungal species in the investigated caves.
Collapse
|
16
|
Vesper S, Wymer L, Cox D, Dewalt G, Pinzer E, Friedman W, Ashley PJ. Comparison of ERMI results for dust collected from homes by an electrostatic cloth and by the standard vacuum method. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2021; 18:423-429. [PMID: 34170214 PMCID: PMC8543091 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2021.1946254] [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] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) is a scale used to compare mold contamination levels in U.S. homes. To create the ERMI scale, a nationally representative set of U.S. homes was selected (n = 1,096). From each of these homes, a standard vacuum-dust sample was collected and then 36 common molds, the 26 Group 1 and 10 Group 2 molds, as grouped for forming the ERMI metric, were quantified using quantitative PCR assays. However, in investigations of mold in homes, it is not always practical or even possible to collect dust using the standard vacuum method. Therefore, we performed a comparative study of dust samples collected in the same homes (n = 151) by the standard vacuum method and by an electrostatic cloth (EC) method. First, floor dust was collected by vacuuming a 2 m2 area in the living room and a 2 m2 area in a bedroom, directly adjacent to the sofa or bed, for 5 min each with a Mitest sampler-fitted vacuum. Second, immediately after the collection of the vacuum dust sample, an EC dust sample was collected by wiping above-floor horizontal surfaces in the living room and bedroom. Then, the ERMI analysis of each sample was performed by a commercial laboratory. The results showed the average concentrations of 33 of the 36 ERMI molds were not significantly different in the vacuum and EC samples. Also, the average summed logs of the Group 1 molds, Group 2, or ERMI values were significantly (p < 0.001) correlated between the vacuum and EC samples. Logistic regression indicated that an EC sample could identify homes in the highest ERMI quartile 96% of the time by using the same ERMI value cutoff as vacuum sample ERMI value cutoff and 35% of samples proved to be false positives. When it is not practical to obtain the standard vacuum-dust sample, an EC sample can provide a useful practical alternative for ERMI analyses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Vesper
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Larry Wymer
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | | | | | - Eugene Pinzer
- United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Warren Friedman
- United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Peter J. Ashley
- United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes, Washington, District of Columbia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Fořt J, Doleželová M, Kočí V, Černý R. Functional Properties of SAP-Based Humidity Control Plasters. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13142279. [PMID: 34301036 PMCID: PMC8309257 DOI: 10.3390/polym13142279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The application of materials with high moisture storage capacity close to the interior surface presents a prospective passive method for improving indoor relative humidity conditions. In this paper, lime-cement plasters containing three different types of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) in varying dosages are introduced and their mechanical, hygric, and thermal characteristics are analyzed in a relation to microstructure. The experimental results show a significant effect of both SAP amount and chemical composition on all functional properties of studied plasters. The incorporation of 1.5% of SAP may induce up to 2.5 better moisture buffering, thus significantly improving the passive humidity control capability. Considering overall functional parameters of SAP-modified plasters, the dosage of 1 wt.% can thus be viewed as a rational compromise between the moisture storage capability and mechanical properties. The obtained wide sets of parameters can be utilized directly as input data of computational models suitable for the assessment of the interior microclimate of residential and administrative buildings.
Collapse
|
18
|
Du C, Li B, Yu W, Cai J, Wang L, Li X, Yao Y, Li B. Evaluating the effect of building construction periods on household dampness/mold and childhood diseases corresponding to different energy efficiency design requirements. INDOOR AIR 2021; 31:541-556. [PMID: 32731305 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Despite concerns about building dampness and children' health, few studies have examined the effects of building energy efficiency standards. This study explored the connections between self-reported household dampness and children' adverse health outcomes across buildings corresponding to construction periods (pre-2001, 2001-2010, post-2010). Significant differences of dampness-related indicators were found between buildings; the prevalence was remarkable in pre-2001 buildings. The prevalence of lifetime-ever doctor-diagnosed diseases for children was significantly associated with building dampness (adjust odd ratios > 1), but was not affected by construction periods. The hygrothermal performance for a typical residence was simulated, varying in U-values of envelopes and air change rates. The simulated performance improvement increased indoor temperatures in 2001-2010 and post-2010 buildings. The frequency with higher indoor relative humidity was higher in pre-2001 buildings, leading to the highest values for maximum mold index (Mmax ) on wall surface, especially in winter. Compared to buildings in 2001-2010, increased insulation and lower air change rate led to a relatively higher relative humidity in post-2010 buildings, adversely increasing the Mmax values. The findings addressed the positive and negative role of building standard development, which help suggesting appropriate environmental and design solutions to trade-off energy savings and dampness/mold risk in residences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenqiu Du
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings, Ministry of Science and Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Baizhan Li
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings, Ministry of Science and Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Yu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings, Ministry of Science and Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiao Cai
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings, Ministry of Science and Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lexiang Wang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings, Ministry of Science and Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinyi Li
- Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, Sheffield University, Sheffield, UK
| | - Yinghui Yao
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings, Ministry of Science and Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bicheng Li
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings, Ministry of Science and Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Vesper S, Wymer L, Cox D, Dewalt G, Pinzer E, Friedman W, Ashley PJ. The Environmental Relative Moldiness Index reveals changes in mold contamination in United States homes over time. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2021; 18:35-41. [PMID: 33314963 PMCID: PMC7853420 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2020.1844892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) is a scale created to compare mold contamination levels in U.S. homes. The ERMI was developed as a result of the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) first American Healthy Homes Survey (AHHS I), which sampled 1,096 homes selected to be representative of the U.S. housing stock. In AHHS I, a dust sample from each home was analyzed using quantitative PCR assays (qPCR) for 36 common indoor molds: 26 Group 1 molds, which were associated with water damage in homes and 10 Group 2 molds, which primarily enter the home from the outside environment. In 2019, HUD completed AHHS II by sampling 695 homes. Because lead was banned from paint in 1978, a larger proportion of homes selected for AHHS II had been built before 1978 compared to AHHS I. The 36 ERMI molds were analyzed in AHHS II exactly as in AHHS I. For the 36-ERMI molds, the rates of detection, average concentrations, and geometric means were in significant concordance (p < 0.001) between AHHS I and II, indicating that the ERMI methodology was stable over time. However, the average ERMI value in AHHS II homes was greater than in AHHS I. The reason for the difference was investigated by examining the Group 1 and 2 mold populations. The average summed logs of Group 1 molds were significantly greater in homes built before 1978 than the average for homes built later. Conversely, the average summed logs of Group 2 mold populations were the same in homes built before 1978 and homes built later. Since the summed logs of Group 2 mold is subtracted from the summed logs of Group 1 molds in the ERMI calculation, the average ERMI value was higher in AHHS II homes than AHHS I. In conclusion, by using the ERMI metric, we were able to demonstrate that water damage and mold growth were more likely to occur as homes get older.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Vesper
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, United States Environmental Protection Agency , Cincinnati , Ohio
| | - Larry Wymer
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, United States Environmental Protection Agency , Cincinnati , Ohio
| | | | | | - Eugene Pinzer
- Department of Housing and Urban Development , Washington, DC
| | - Warren Friedman
- Department of Housing and Urban Development , Washington, DC
| | - Peter J Ashley
- Department of Housing and Urban Development , Washington, DC
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Cai J, Li B, Yu W, Yao Y, Wang L, Li B, Wang Y, Du C, Xiong J. Associations of household dampness with asthma, allergies, and airway diseases among preschoolers in two cross-sectional studies in Chongqing, China: Repeated surveys in 2010 and 2019. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 140:105752. [PMID: 32371306 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Many studies have investigated the associations between household damp indicators, and allergies and respiratory diseases in childhood. However, the findings are rather inconsistent. In 2010, we conducted a cross-sectional study of preschoolers aged three-six years in three urban districts of Chongqing, China. In 2019, we repeated this cross-sectional study with preschoolers of the same ages and districts. Here, we selected data for 2935 and 2717 preschoolers who did not change residences since birth in the 2010 and 2019 studies, respectively. We investigated associations of household damp indicators with asthma, allergic rhinitis, pneumonia, eczema, wheeze, and rhinitis in childhood in the two studies. The proportions of residences with household damp indicators and the prevalence of the studied diseases (except for allergic rhinitis) were significantly lower in 2019 than in 2010. In the two-level (district-child) logistic regression analyses, household damp exposures that showed by different indicators were significantly associated with the increased odds of lifetime-ever asthma (range of adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.69-3.50 in 2019; 1.13-1.90 in 2010), allergic rhinitis (1.14-2.39; 0.67-1.61), pneumonia (1.09-1.64; 1.21-1.59), eczema (0.96-1.83; 0.99-1.56), wheeze (1.64-2.79; 1.18-1.91), rhinitis (1.43-2.71; 1.08-1.58), and current (in the past 12 months before the survey) eczema (0.46-2.08; 0.99-1.48), wheeze (0.97-2.86; 1.26-2.07) and rhinitis (1.34-2.25; 1.09-1.56) in most cases. The increased odds ratios (ORs) of most diseases had exposure-response relationships with the cumulative number (n) of household damp indicators in the current and early residences. Our results indicated household damp exposure could be a risk factor for childhood allergic and respiratory diseases, although the magnitudes of these effects could be different in different studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Cai
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings (Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Baizhan Li
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings (Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Wei Yu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings (Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yinghui Yao
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings (Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lexiang Wang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings (Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bicheng Li
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings (Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yujue Wang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings (Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chenqiu Du
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings (Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Xiong
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings (Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Nazaroff WW, Weschler CJ. Indoor acids and bases. INDOOR AIR 2020; 30:559-644. [PMID: 32233033 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Numerous acids and bases influence indoor air quality. The most abundant of these species are CO2 (acidic) and NH3 (basic), both emitted by building occupants. Other prominent inorganic acids are HNO3 , HONO, SO2 , H2 SO4 , HCl, and HOCl. Prominent organic acids include formic, acetic, and lactic; nicotine is a noteworthy organic base. Sources of N-, S-, and Cl-containing acids can include ventilation from outdoors, indoor combustion, consumer product use, and chemical reactions. Organic acids are commonly more abundant indoors than outdoors, with indoor sources including occupants, wood, and cooking. Beyond NH3 and nicotine, other noteworthy bases include inorganic and organic amines. Acids and bases partition indoors among the gas-phase, airborne particles, bulk water, and surfaces; relevant thermodynamic parameters governing the partitioning are the acid-dissociation constant (Ka ), Henry's law constant (KH ), and the octanol-air partition coefficient (Koa ). Condensed-phase water strongly influences the fate of indoor acids and bases and is also a medium for chemical interactions. Indoor surfaces can be large reservoirs of acids and bases. This extensive review of the state of knowledge establishes a foundation for future inquiry to better understand how acids and bases influence the suitability of indoor environments for occupants, cultural artifacts, and sensitive equipment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William W Nazaroff
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Charles J Weschler
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- International Centre for Indoor Environment and Energy, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Nastasi N, Haines SR, Xu L, da Silva H, Divjan A, Barnes MA, Rappleye CA, Perzanowski MS, Green BJ, Dannemiller KC. Morphology and quantification of fungal growth in residential dust and carpets. BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT 2020; 174:10.1016/j.buildenv.2020.106774. [PMID: 33897093 PMCID: PMC8064739 DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2020.106774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Mold growth indoors is associated with negative human health effects, and this growth is limited by moisture availability. Dust deposited in carpet is an important source of human exposure due to potential elevated resuspension compared to hard floors. However, we need an improved understanding of fungal growth in dust and carpet to better estimate human exposure. The goal of this study was to compare fungal growth quantity and morphology in residential carpet under different environmental conditions, including equilibrium relative humidity (ERH) (50%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%), carpet fiber material (nylon, olefin, wool) and presence/absence of dust. We analyzed incubated carpet and dust samples from three Ohio homes for total fungal DNA, fungal allergen Alt a 1, and fungal morphology. Dust presence and elevated ERH (≥85%) were the most important variables that increased fungal growth. Elevated ERH increased mean fungal DNA concentration (P < 0.0001), for instance by approximately 1000 times at 100% compared to 50% ERH after two weeks. Microscopy also revealed more fungal growth at higher ERH. Fungal concentrations were up to 100 times higher in samples containing house dust compared to no dust. For fiber type, olefin had the least total fungal growth, and nylon had the most total fungi and A. alternata growth in unaltered dust. Increased ERH conditions were associated with increased Alt a 1 allergen concentration. The results of this study demonstrate that ERH, presence/absence of house dust, and carpet fiber type influence fungal growth and allergen production in residential carpet, which has implications for human exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Nastasi
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geodetic Engineering, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sarah R. Haines
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geodetic Engineering, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Lingyi Xu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Hadler da Silva
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adnan Divjan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mark A. Barnes
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Chad A. Rappleye
- Department of Microbiology, College of Arts and Sciences, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Matthew S. Perzanowski
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brett J. Green
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Karen C. Dannemiller
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geodetic Engineering, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Influence of Superabsorbent Polymers on Moisture Control in Building Interiors. ENERGIES 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/en13082009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Moisture loads in building interiors are accompanied by a deterioration of the indoor air quality. Such a phenomenon may induce serious health risks for building inhabitants as well as degradation of furnishing. Unfortunately, the employment of additional heat, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) devices does not comply with the sustainability principle due to increased energy consumption, thus cannot be viewed as an efficient solution. This study deals with the use of superabsorbent polymers (SAP) in cement-lime plasters, thus extends the current state of knowledge and outlines further possible development of novel moisture responsive plasters since lightweight aggregates do not provide the desired performance. To be specific, this paper contemplates the experimental analysis of novel plasters modified by 0.5, 1 and 1.5 wt. % of SAP to obtain input parameters for computational modeling. Based on the obtained outputs, the incorporation of SAP admixture resulted in a substantial increase in moisture transport properties including the water absorption coefficient and water vapor diffusion properties. The performed computational modeling revealed a considerable reduction of relative humidity fluctuations, thus mitigation of potential health issues associated with undesired moisture content in building interiors. Achieved results indicate that the SAP enhanced plasters have substantial passive moisture buffering performance and thus may contribute to the improvement of indoor air quality.
Collapse
|
24
|
Dong J, Ma Y, Leng K, Wei L, Wang Y, Su C, Liu M, Chen J. Associations of urinary di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate metabolites with the residential characteristics of pregnant women. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 707:135671. [PMID: 31780177 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological evidence on the associations between urinary di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) metabolites and residential characteristics is limited. Therefore, we investigated the associations of urinary DEHP metabolites with the residential characteristics of pregnant women. We collected completed questionnaires and maternal spot urine samples from 616 random pregnant women in Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University in Shenyang. Urinary DEHP metabolites concentrations, including mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) and mono (2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP), were measured and analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Multivariable linear regression models were performed to obtain regression estimates (β) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) after adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics. In all participants, the geometric mean of MEHP and MEHHP concentrations were 4.25 ± 4.34 and 5.72 ± 2.65 μg/L, respectively. In multivariable analyses after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, distance from residence to motor vehicle traffic (≥150 m versus <20 m) was negatively associated with MEHP (β = -0.241, 95% CI: -0.448, -0.033) and MEHHP (β = -0.279, 95% CI: -0.418, -0.140) concentrations. Compared with the one that had not recently been renovated, a renovated home was associated with higher MEHP (β = 0.194, 95% CI: 0.064, 0.324) and MEHHP (β = 0.111, 95% CI: 0.024, 0.197) concentrations. Air freshener use was associated with higher MEHP (β = 0.322, 95% CI: 0.007, 0.636) concentrations. Moldy walls were positively associated with MEHP (β = 0.299, 95% CI: 0.115, 0.482) and MEHHP (β = 0.172, 95% CI: 0.050, 0.294) concentrations. In contrast, humidifier use was associated with a lower MEHP concentration (β = -0.167, 95% CI: -0.302, -0.032). Residential characteristics were probably associated with the DEHP exposure of pregnant women in Shenyang. Living near the motor vehicle traffic, residential renovation, air freshener use, and moldy walls are likely risk factors for increased DEHP exposure, whereas using household humidifier could be considered a protective measure to reduce DEHP exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Dong
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang 110122, PR China
| | - Yanan Ma
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang 110122, PR China
| | - Kunkun Leng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang 110122, PR China
| | - Lingling Wei
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang 110122, PR China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Chang Su
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ming Liu
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Program, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang 110122, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Horve PF, Lloyd S, Mhuireach GA, Dietz L, Fretz M, MacCrone G, Van Den Wymelenberg K, Ishaq SL. Building upon current knowledge and techniques of indoor microbiology to construct the next era of theory into microorganisms, health, and the built environment. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2020; 30:219-235. [PMID: 31308484 PMCID: PMC7100162 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-019-0157-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
In the constructed habitat in which we spend up to 90% of our time, architectural design influences occupants' behavioral patterns, interactions with objects, surfaces, rituals, the outside environment, and each other. Within this built environment, human behavior and building design contribute to the accrual and dispersal of microorganisms; it is a collection of fomites that transfer microorganisms; reservoirs that collect biomass; structures that induce human or air movement patterns; and space types that encourage proximity or isolation between humans whose personal microbial clouds disperse cells into buildings. There have been recent calls to incorporate building microbiology into occupant health and exposure research and standards, yet the built environment is largely viewed as a repository for microorganisms which are to be eliminated, instead of a habitat which is inexorably linked to the microbial influences of building inhabitants. Health sectors have re-evaluated the role of microorganisms in health, incorporating microorganisms into prevention and treatment protocols, yet no paradigm shift has occurred with respect to microbiology of the built environment, despite calls to do so. Technological and logistical constraints often preclude our ability to link health outcomes to indoor microbiology, yet sufficient study exists to inform the theory and implementation of the next era of research and intervention in the built environment. This review presents built environment characteristics in relation to human health and disease, explores some of the current experimental strategies and interventions which explore health in the built environment, and discusses an emerging model for fostering indoor microbiology rather than fearing it.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick F Horve
- Biology and the Built Environment Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA
| | - Savanna Lloyd
- Biology and the Built Environment Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA
| | - Gwynne A Mhuireach
- Biology and the Built Environment Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA
| | - Leslie Dietz
- Biology and the Built Environment Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA
| | - Mark Fretz
- Institute for Health and the Built Environment, University of Oregon, Portland, OR, 97209, USA
| | - Georgia MacCrone
- Biology and the Built Environment Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA
| | - Kevin Van Den Wymelenberg
- Biology and the Built Environment Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA
- Institute for Health and the Built Environment, University of Oregon, Portland, OR, 97209, USA
| | - Suzanne L Ishaq
- Biology and the Built Environment Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Velazquez S, Griffiths W, Dietz L, Horve P, Nunez S, Hu J, Shen J, Fretz M, Bi C, Xu Y, Van Den Wymelenberg KG, Hartmann EM, Ishaq SL. From one species to another: A review on the interaction between chemistry and microbiology in relation to cleaning in the built environment. INDOOR AIR 2019; 29:880-894. [PMID: 31429989 PMCID: PMC6852270 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Since the advent of soap, personal hygiene practices have revolved around removal, sterilization, and disinfection-both of visible soil and microscopic organisms-for a myriad of cultural, aesthetic, or health-related reasons. Cleaning methods and products vary widely in their recommended use, effectiveness, risk to users or building occupants, environmental sustainability, and ecological impact. Advancements in science and technology have facilitated in-depth analyses of the indoor microbiome, and studies in this field suggest that the traditional "scorched-earth cleaning" mentality-that surfaces must be completely sterilized and prevent microbial establishment-may contribute to long-term human health consequences. Moreover, the materials, products, activities, and microbial communities indoors all contribute to, or remove, chemical species to the indoor environment. This review examines the effects of cleaning with respect to the interaction of chemistry, indoor microbiology, and human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Willem Griffiths
- Biology and the Built Environment CenterUniversity of OregonEugeneOR
| | - Leslie Dietz
- Biology and the Built Environment CenterUniversity of OregonEugeneOR
| | - Patrick Horve
- Biology and the Built Environment CenterUniversity of OregonEugeneOR
| | - Susie Nunez
- Biology and the Built Environment CenterUniversity of OregonEugeneOR
| | - Jinglin Hu
- Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringNorthwestern UniversityEvanstonIL
| | - Jiaxian Shen
- Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringNorthwestern UniversityEvanstonIL
| | - Mark Fretz
- Institute for Health and the Built EnvironmentUniversity of OregonPortlandOR
| | - Chenyang Bi
- Department of Civil Environmental EngineeringVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBlacksburgVA
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Building ScienceTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Kevin G. Van Den Wymelenberg
- Biology and the Built Environment CenterUniversity of OregonEugeneOR
- Institute for Health and the Built EnvironmentUniversity of OregonPortlandOR
| | - Erica M. Hartmann
- Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringNorthwestern UniversityEvanstonIL
| | - Suzanne L. Ishaq
- Biology and the Built Environment CenterUniversity of OregonEugeneOR
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Elizondo-Zertuche M, Martínez-Carranza K, Orue N, de Jesús Treviño-Rangel R, Robledo-Leal E. Managing raw materials of vegetable origin increases fungal indoor concentration in food companies. Journal of Food Science and Technology 2019; 57:794-798. [PMID: 32116388 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-019-04111-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Fungi in indoor environments is a known cause of disease and food spoilage. However, there is currently no legislation or normativity stablishing limits for fungal densities in correlation with these. Moreover, there is little knowledge of the diversity of fungi in indoor environments for industrial areas and in food-related companies in particular, a study has never been performed to evaluate the concentration and diversity of fungi in this type of places. We evaluated the fungal density of 20 food companies. We sampled 100 L of air onto rose bengal-malt extract-agar plates, using an Air Test Omega® sampler. After incubation, CFUs were counted and identified. Penicillium, Cladosporium and Aspergillus were the most commonly isolated genus, with Penicillium being the only genus to be present in every area sampled. Neither the companies' location nor their room temperature influenced the fungal densities significantly, however, companies using vegetable raw materials had a significantly greater concentration of fungi than the rest of the companies. While all concentrations were within previously suggested levels from a health-related point of view, more information is needed that correlates fungal concentration with food spoilage in order to suggest a range of concentrations focused for food companies' product preservation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Elizondo-Zertuche
- 1Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Nuevo León Mexico
| | - Karen Martínez-Carranza
- 2Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biological Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León Mexico
| | - Nydia Orue
- 2Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biological Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León Mexico
| | | | - Efrén Robledo-Leal
- 2Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biological Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Nissilä JJ, Savelieva K, Lampi J, Ung-Lanki S, Elovainio M, Pekkanen J. Parental worry about indoor air quality and student symptom reporting in primary schools with or without indoor air quality problems. INDOOR AIR 2019; 29:865-873. [PMID: 31132176 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) in schools is related to increased symptom reporting in students. We investigated whether parental worry about school IAQ influences this association. Data came from survey collected from five Finnish primary schools with observed IAQ problems and five control schools. Parents (n = 1868) of primary school students reported worry about IAQ in schools and symptoms of their children. Associations between observed IAQ problems, worry, and five symptom scores (ie, respiratory, lower respiratory, eye, skin, and general symptoms) were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression and mediation analysis. Parents were on average more worried in schools with observed IAQ problems. Observed IAQ problems were strongly associated with increased worry and all symptoms under study (unadjusted ORs ranged between 1.48 [95% CI 1.48-2.16] and 2.70 [95% CI 1.52-5.17]). Parental worry was associated with all symptoms (unadjusted ORs ranged between 2.49 [95% CI 1.75-3.60] and 4.92 [95% CI 2.77-9.40]). Mediation analyses suggested that parental worry might partially explain the association between observed IAQ problems and symptom reporting (proportion mediated ranged between 67% and 84% for the different symptoms). However, prospective studies are needed to assess causal relationships between observed IAQ problems, worry, and symptom reporting in schools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jussi Lampi
- Department of Health Security, Environmental Health, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sari Ung-Lanki
- Department of Health Security, Environmental Health, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Marko Elovainio
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Juha Pekkanen
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Health Security, Environmental Health, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Mendell MJ, Adams RI. The challenge for microbial measurements in buildings. INDOOR AIR 2019; 29:523-526. [PMID: 31190428 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mark J Mendell
- IAQS/EHLB, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, California
| | - Rachel I Adams
- Plant & Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Cai J, Li B, Yu W, Wang H, Du C, Zhang Y, Huang C, Zhao Z, Deng Q, Yang X, Zhang X, Qian H, Sun Y, Liu W, Wang J, Yang Q, Zeng F, Norbäck D, Sundell J. Household dampness-related exposures in relation to childhood asthma and rhinitis in China: A multicentre observational study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 126:735-746. [PMID: 30878869 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
During 2010-2012, we conducted an observational study on household environment and health outcomes among 40,010 preschool children from seven cities of China. Here we examined associations of six dampness-related indicators (visible mold spots, visible damp stains, damp clothing and/or bedding, water damage, condensation on windowpane, moldy odor) in the current residence and three dampness-related indicators (visible mold spots, condensation on windowpane, moldy odor) in the early residence with childhood asthma and rhinitis. In the multi-level logistic regression analyses, visible mold spots and visible damp stains in the current residence were significantly associated with the increased odds of doctor-diagnosed asthma and allergic rhinitis during lifetime-ever (adjusted odd ratios (AORs) range: 1.18-1.35). All dampness-related indicators were significantly associated with increased odds of wheeze and rhinitis during lifetime-ever and in the past 12 months (AORs range: 1.16-2.64). The cumulative numbers of damp indicators had positively dose-response relationships with the increased odds of the studied diseases. These associations for wheeze and rhinitis were similar between northern children and southern children. Similar results were found in the sensitive analyses among children without a family history of allergies and among children without asthma and allergic rhinitis. For 3-6 years-old children in mainland of China in 2011, we speculated that about 90,000 (2.02%) children with asthma and about 59,000 (1.09%) children with allergic rhinitis could be attributable to exposing to visible mold spots in the current residence. Our results suggested that early and lifetime exposures to household dampness indicators are risk factors for childhood asthma and rhinitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Cai
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings (Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Baizhan Li
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings (Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Wei Yu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings (Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Han Wang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings (Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chenqiu Du
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings (Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yinping Zhang
- School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Huang
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhuohui Zhao
- School of Public Health, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education, Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qihong Deng
- School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xu Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Research Center for Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Hua Qian
- School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuexia Sun
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wei Liu
- School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751, Sweden
| | - Qin Yang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings (Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fanbin Zeng
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings (Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dan Norbäck
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751, Sweden
| | - Jan Sundell
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Thaler DS, Head MG, Horsley A. Precision public health to inhibit the contagion of disease and move toward a future in which microbes spread health. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:120. [PMID: 30727964 PMCID: PMC6364421 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-3715-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance continues to outpace the development of new chemotherapeutics. Novel pathogens continue to evolve and emerge. Public health innovation has the potential to open a new front in the war of "our wits against their genes" (Joshua Lederberg). Dense sampling coupled to next generation sequencing can increase the spatial and temporal resolution of microbial characterization while sensor technologies precisely map physical parameters relevant to microbial survival and spread. Microbial, physical, and epidemiological big data could be combined to improve prospective risk identification. However, applied in the wrong way, these approaches may not realize their maximum potential benefits and could even do harm. Minimizing microbial-human interactions would be a mistake. There is evidence that microbes previously thought of at best "benign" may actually enhance human health. Benign and health-promoting microbiomes may, or may not, spread via mechanisms similar to pathogens. Infectious vaccines are approaching readiness to make enhanced contributions to herd immunity. The rigorously defined nature of infectious vaccines contrasts with indigenous "benign or health-promoting microbiomes" but they may converge. A "microbial Neolithic revolution" is a possible future in which human microbial-associations are understood and managed analogously to the macro-agriculture of plants and animals. Tradeoffs need to be framed in order to understand health-promoting potentials of benign, and/or health-promoting microbiomes and infectious vaccines while also discouraging pathogens. Super-spreaders are currently defined as individuals who play an outsized role in the contagion of infectious disease. A key unanswered question is whether the super-spreader concept may apply similarly to health-promoting microbes. The complex interactions of individual rights, community health, pathogen contagion, the spread of benign, and of health-promoting microbiomes including infectious vaccines require study. Advancing the detailed understanding of heterogeneity in microbial spread is very likely to yield important insights relevant to public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David S. Thaler
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50/70, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael G. Head
- Clinical Informatics Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, University Hospital Southampton, Coxford Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD UK
| | - Andrew Horsley
- Research School of Physics and Engineering, The Australian National University, Mills Rd., Canberra, ACT 2601 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Mørkve Knudsen T, Rezwan FI, Jiang Y, Karmaus W, Svanes C, Holloway JW. Transgenerational and intergenerational epigenetic inheritance in allergic diseases. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2018; 142:765-772. [PMID: 30040975 PMCID: PMC6167012 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2018.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
It has become clear that early life (including in utero exposures) is a key window of vulnerability during which environmental exposures can alter developmental trajectories and initiate allergic disease development. However, recent evidence suggests that there might be additional windows of vulnerability to environmental exposures in the parental generation before conception or even in previous generations. There is evidence suggesting that information of prior exposures can be transferred across generations, and experimental animal models suggest that such transmission can be conveyed through epigenetic mechanisms. Although the molecular mechanisms of intergenerational and transgenerationational epigenetic transmission have yet to be determined, the realization that environment before conception can alter the risks of allergic diseases has profound implications for the development of public health interventions to prevent disease. Future research in both experimental models and in multigenerational human cohorts is needed to better understand the role of intergenerational and transgenerational effects in patients with asthma and allergic disease. This will provide the knowledge basis for a new approach to efficient intervention strategies aimed at reducing the major public health challenge of these conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Faisal I Rezwan
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Yu Jiang
- Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Memphis, Memphis, Tenn
| | - Wilfried Karmaus
- Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Memphis, Memphis, Tenn
| | - Cecilie Svanes
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - John W Holloway
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|