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Zhang TT, Xu X, Lv M. Measurement and prediction of the Aspergillus niger spore detachment from a vesicle unit subjected to air-blowing. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168714. [PMID: 38007138 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168714] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Detachment of fungal spores from growing colonies results in human exposure. Thus far, the distribution of the binding forces of the spores in a fungal unit is unknown, so that precise prediction of the spores detachment is quite challenging. This investigation used centrifugal separation to measure the binding forces of the spores. Aspergillus niger (A. niger) colonies on a culture plate were placed in a centrifuge, the detached spores were counted, and this number was used to obtain the distribution of binding forces. Next, the air-blowing of an A. niger unit was modeled by computational fluid dynamics (CFD). A spore was judged to be detached if the air-imposed drag force was greater than the binding force. For model validation, the predicted spore detachment ratios were compared with the ratios measured in a wind tunnel test. The results revealed that the binding forces of the spores obeyed the log-normal distribution. The binding forces of the distal spores from colonies with a growth age of 66 h ranged from 0 nN to 4.0 nN and had a mean of 0.65 nN. The CFD modeling predicted the detachment ratios of the distal spores with good accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengfei Tim Zhang
- Tianjin Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China; School of Civil Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China.
| | - Xinzi Xu
- Tianjin Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Mengqiang Lv
- Tianjin Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.
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Lee S, Ryu SH, Sul WJ, Kim S, Kim D, Seo S. Association of exposure to indoor molds and dampness with allergic diseases at water-damaged dwellings in Korea. Sci Rep 2024; 14:135. [PMID: 38167981 PMCID: PMC10762174 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50226-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aims to characterize levels of molds, bacteria, and environmental pollutants, identify the associations between indoor mold and dampness exposures and childhood allergic diseases, including asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, using three different exposure assessment tools. A total of 50 children with their parents who registered in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do in Korea participated in this study. We collated the information on demographic and housing characteristics, environmental conditions, and lifestyle factors using the Korean version of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. We also collected environmental monitoring samples of airborne molds and bacteria, total volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde, and particulate matter less than 10 µm. We evaluated and determined water damage, hidden dampness, and mold growth in dwellings using an infrared (IR) thermal camera and field inspection. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to evaluate the associations between prevalent allergic diseases and exposure to indoor mold and dampness. Indoor mold and bacterial levels were related to the presence of water damage in dwellings, and the mean levels of indoor molds (93.4 ± 73.5 CFU/m3) and bacteria (221.5 ± 124.2 CFU/m3) in water-damaged homes were significantly higher than those for molds (82.0 ± 58.7 CFU/m3) and for bacteria (152.7 ± 82.1 CFU/m3) in non-damaged dwellings (p < 0.05). The crude odds ratios (ORs) of atopic dermatitis were associated with < 6th floor (OR = 3.80), and higher indoor mold (OR = 6.42) and bacterial levels (OR = 6.00). The crude ORs of allergic diseases, defined as a group of cases who ever suffered from two out of three allergic diseases, e.g., asthma and allergic rhinitis, and allergic rhinitis were also increased by 3.8 and 9.3 times as large, respectively, with water damage (+) determined by IR camera (p < 0.05). The adjusted OR of allergic rhinitis was significantly elevated by 10.4 times in the water-damaged dwellings after adjusting age, sex, and secondhand smoke. Therefore, a longitudinal study is needed to characterize dominant mold species using DNA/RNA-based sequencing techniques and identify a causal relationship between mold exposure and allergic diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seokwon Lee
- Environmental Health Research Department, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon, 22689, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Hun Ryu
- Environmental Health Research Department, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon, 22689, Republic of Korea
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo Jun Sul
- Department of Systems Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Natural Resources, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghyun Kim
- Allergy Immunology Center, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Dohyeong Kim
- School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA
| | - SungChul Seo
- Department of Nano, Chemical and Biological Engineering, College of Engineering, Seokyeong University, Seoul, 02173, Republic of Korea.
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Dobarrio-Sanz I, Chica-Pérez A, Martínez-Linares JM, López-Entrambasaguas OM, Fernández-Sola C, Hernández-Padilla JM. Experiences of poverty amongst low-income older adults living in a high-income country: A qualitative study. J Adv Nurs 2023; 79:4304-4317. [PMID: 37357429 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15750] [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: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
AIM To understand the experience of low-income older adults living in poverty in a high-income country. DESIGN A qualitative study based on Gadamer's hermeneutic phenomenology. METHODS A convenience sample of twenty-seven low-income older adults were interviewed in-depth between September 2021 and January 2022. Fleming's method for conducting phenomenological qualitative studies was followed and ATLAS.ti software was used for data analysis. RESULTS Three main themes were extracted from the analysis: (i) 'living in the shadow of poverty', (ii) 'unprotected by the 'social shield' of the welfare state' (iii) 'the struggle to attain good health'. CONCLUSION Living in poverty affects all spheres of life. Older adults living in poverty feel excluded from social support policies and laws. This has a negative impact on the older adults' mental health and can lead to social isolation. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE Nursing interventions to promote health amongst older adults living in poverty should include an assessment of the patient's social determinants and a focus on increasing social participation. Older people living in poverty experience difficulties accessing formal social support so nurses should implement patient navigation interventions that aim to help them overcome the complexities of the system. Nursing interventions to improve mental health amongst older adults living in poverty are much needed. IMPACT Living in poverty increases older adults' vulnerability. Older adults living in poverty suffer from mental health issues as they live under constant pressure to meet their basic needs and lack formal social support. These findings are important for nurses, who play a pivotal role in the design, implementation and evaluation of policies and interventions that promote health equity. REPORTING METHOD The study has been conducted following the COREQ guidelines. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION There has been no public or patient involvement in the design or development of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iria Dobarrio-Sanz
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almeria, Almeria, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Cayetano Fernández-Sola
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almeria, Almeria, Spain
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Alves M, Asbell P, Dogru M, Giannaccare G, Grau A, Gregory D, Kim DH, Marini MC, Ngo W, Nowinska A, Saldanha IJ, Villani E, Wakamatsu TH, Yu M, Stapleton F. TFOS Lifestyle Report: Impact of environmental conditions on the ocular surface. Ocul Surf 2023; 29:1-52. [PMID: 37062427 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Environmental risk factors that have an impact on the ocular surface were reviewed and associations with age and sex, race/ethnicity, geographical area, seasonality, prevalence and possible interactions between risk factors are reviewed. Environmental factors can be (a) climate-related: temperature, humidity, wind speed, altitude, dew point, ultraviolet light, and allergen or (b) outdoor and indoor pollution: gases, particulate matter, and other sources of airborne pollutants. Temperature affects ocular surface homeostasis directly and indirectly, precipitating ocular surface diseases and/or symptoms, including trachoma. Humidity is negatively associated with dry eye disease. There is little data on wind speed and dewpoint. High altitude and ultraviolet light exposure are associated with pterygium, ocular surface degenerations and neoplastic disease. Pollution is associated with dry eye disease and conjunctivitis. Primary Sjögren syndrome is associated with exposure to chemical solvents. Living within a potential zone of active volcanic eruption is associated with eye irritation. Indoor pollution, "sick" building or house can also be associated with eye irritation. Most ocular surface conditions are multifactorial, and several environmental factors may contribute to specific diseases. A systematic review was conducted to answer the following research question: "What are the associations between outdoor environment pollution and signs or symptoms of dry eye disease in humans?" Dry eye disease is associated with air pollution (from NO2) and soil pollution (from chromium), but not from air pollution from CO or PM10. Future research should adequately account for confounders, follow up over time, and report results separately for ocular surface findings, including signs and symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Alves
- Department of Ophthalmology and Otorhinolaryngology, University of Campinas Campinas, Brazil.
| | - Penny Asbell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Memphis, Memphis, USA
| | - Murat Dogru
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Giuseppe Giannaccare
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Cantanzaro, Italy
| | - Arturo Grau
- Department of Ophthalmology, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Darren Gregory
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, USA
| | - Dong Hyun Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | - William Ngo
- School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Anna Nowinska
- Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Ian J Saldanha
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Edoardo Villani
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Eye Clinic, San Giuseppe Hospital, IRCCS Multimedica, Milan, Italy
| | - Tais Hitomi Wakamatsu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Paulista School of Medicine, São Paulo Hospital, Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mitasha Yu
- Sensory Functions, Disability and Rehabilitation Unit, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Fiona Stapleton
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Seppälä T, Finell E, Kaikkonen S. Making sense of the delegitimation experiences of people suffering from indoor air problems in their homes. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2022; 17:2075533. [PMID: 35545878 PMCID: PMC9116269 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2022.2075533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Little is known about the delegitimation experiences of people who associate their health problems with the indoor air quality of their homes (i.e., indoor air sufferers). From other contexts, it is known that people suffering from contested illnesses frequently report delegitimation from authorities and laypersons. Therefore, we analysed delegitimation experiences among indoor air sufferers, focusing on how they explain why others delegitimize them. Method Two types of qualitative data—semi-structured interviews with eight people and essays written by 28 people—were subjected to a thematic analysis. Results Thematic analysis revealed three themes: 1) lack of understanding; 2) others’ lack of morality; and 3) social discrimination and inequality. Conclusion This study demonstrates that indoor air sufferers are vulnerable as individuals and as a group, and suggests that authorities working with people suffering from indoor air problems in homes must pay more attention to sufferers’ ability/willingness to trust people and the system responsible for their care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuija Seppälä
- Department of Social Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Eerika Finell
- Department of Social Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Suvi Kaikkonen
- Department of Finnish, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Qiao R, Lou X, Sun Y, Liu Y. Effects of occupant behaviors on perceived dormitory air quality and sick building syndrome symptoms among female college students. INDOOR AIR 2022; 32:e13153. [PMID: 36437662 DOI: 10.1111/ina.13153] [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: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
We performed a cross-sectional survey of 2143 female students in a university in Tianjin, China regarding perceived air quality (PAQ) and sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms in the student dormitory. The prevalence of general, mucosal, and skin symptoms was 22.1%, 21.9%, and 26.3%, respectively. The three most prevalent PAQ complaints were "dry air" (48.9% often), "stuffy odor" (18.2%), and "other unpleasant odors" (5.1%), and they were significant risk factors for 11-12 out of 12 SBS symptoms (adjusted odds ratios [AOR]: 1.6-5.8). Survey data of 1471 undergraduates, whose dorms were of uniform layout and furnishing, were used to further investigate the influences of occupancy level and occupant behaviors on PAQ and SBS symptoms. Frequent use of air freshener/perfume was a significant risk factor for "dry air," less frequent room cleaning and higher occupancy density were significant risk factors for "stuffy odor," and less natural ventilation was a significant risk factor for both "stuffy odor" and "pungent odor." These factors were also significantly associated with some SBS symptoms. In particular, the use of air freshener/perfume exhibited a significant dose-response pattern with "fatigue" (sometimes: AOR 1.3; often: AOR 2.0) and with "irritated, stuffy, or runny nose" (sometimes: AOR 1.6; often: AOR 2.2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruohong Qiao
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinyuan Lou
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuexia Sun
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yingjun Liu
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
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7
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Yang J, Hao Z, Zhang L, Fu Y, Liu H. Surface fungal diversity and several mycotoxin-related genes' expression profiles during the Lunar Palace 365 experiment. MICROBIOME 2022; 10:169. [PMID: 36224642 PMCID: PMC9555122 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-022-01350-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chinese Lunar Palace 1 (LP1) is a ground-based bio-regenerative life support system (BLSS) test bed integrating highly efficient plant cultivation, animal protein production, urine nitrogen recycling, and bioconversion of solid waste. To date, there has been no molecular method-based detailed investigation of the fungal community and mycotoxin potential in BLSS habitats. To ensure safe BLSS design for actual space missions, we analyzed the LP1 surface mycobiome and mycotoxin potential during the Lunar Palace 365 project through internal transcribed spacer region 1 (ITS1) amplicon sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) with primers specific for idh, ver1, nor1, tri5, and ITS1. RESULTS The LP1 system exhibited significant differences in fungal community diversity compared to other confined habitats, with higher fungal alpha diversity and different community structures. Significant differences existed in the surface fungal communities of the LP1 habitat due to the presence of different occupant groups. However, there was no significant difference between fungal communities in the plant cabin with various occupants. Source tracker analysis shows that most of the surface fungi in LP1 originated from plants. Regardless of differences in occupants or location, there were no significant differences in mycotoxin gene copy number. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals that plants are the most crucial source of the surface fungal microbiome; however, occupant turnover can induce significant perturbations in the surface fungal community in a BLSS. Growing plants reduced fungal fluctuations, maintaining a healthy balance in the surface fungal microbiome and mycotoxin potential. Moreover, our study provides data important to (i) future risk considerations in crewed space missions with long-term residency, (ii) an optimized design and planning of a space mission that incorporates crew shifts and plant growth, and (iii) the expansion of our knowledge of indoor fungal communities with plant growth, which is essential to maintain safe working and living environments. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianlou Yang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of the Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Zikai Hao
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of the Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Lantao Zhang
- China Academy of Space Technology, Beijing, 100094 China
| | - Yuming Fu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of the Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191 China
- International Joint Research Center of Aerospace Biotechnology & Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191 China
- State Key Laboratory of Virtual Reality Technology and Systems, School of Computer Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083 China
| | - Hong Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of the Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191 China
- International Joint Research Center of Aerospace Biotechnology & Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191 China
- State Key Laboratory of Virtual Reality Technology and Systems, School of Computer Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083 China
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Ren X, Liu Y, Hu L, Zhang Y, Xu H, Shi Y, Quan C, Zhao Z, Tan Z, Tong Y, Norbäck D, Zhang L. Associations between home renovation and asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema among preschool children in Wuhan, China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2022; 32:2298-2308. [PMID: 34323624 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2021.1955832] [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: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the potential associations between household renovation and allergic diseases among preschool children in Wuhan, we conducted a large cross-sectional questionnaire survey among 9455 preschool children aged 3-6 years in Wuhan during November to December 2019. Data on demographics, health status, and home decoration conditions were analysed based on a questionnaire. Compared with tiles/stone/cement floor covering, the use of composite floor significantly increased the risk of diagnosed rhinitis and eczema among children (rhinitis: AOR, 95% CI: 1.36, 1.06-1.73; eczema: AOR, 95% CI: 1.47, 1.17-1.85). Household renovation had significant associations with diagnosed eczema (within 1 year before pregnancy: AOR, 95% CI: 1.34, 1.20-1.50; during pregnancy: AOR, 95% CI: 1.25, 1.08-1.44). This study suggests that use of artificial synthetic materials in home renovation during early childhood and pregnancy may be potential risk factors for childhood asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Ren
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- School of Public Health, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Medical College, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yunhao Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- School of Public Health, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Medical College, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lian Hu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- School of Public Health, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Medical College, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yunquan Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hui Xu
- School of Foreign Language, Wuhan University of Science and Technology
| | - Yuqin Shi
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- School of Public Health, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Medical College, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chao Quan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- School of Public Health, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Medical College, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhuohui Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment, National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Meteorology and Health, Shanghai, China
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai China
| | - Zeqin Tan
- The First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University & Yichang Central People's Hospital, Yichang, China
| | - Yeqing Tong
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Hubei Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, China
| | - Dan Norbäck
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- School of Public Health, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Medical College, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Influence of Home Indoor Dampness Exposure on Volatile Organic Compounds in Exhaled Breath of Mothers and Their Infants: The NELA Birth Cohort. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12146864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Currently, the effect of exposure to indoor air contaminants and the presence of dampness at home on respiratory/atopic health is of particular concern to physicians. The measurement of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath is a useful approach for monitoring environmental exposures. A great advantage of this strategy is that it allows the study of the impact of pollutants on the metabolism through a non-invasive method. In this paper, the levels of nine VOCs (acetone, isoprene, toluene, p/m-xylene, o-xylene, styrene, benzaldehyde, naphthalene, and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol) in the exhaled breath of subjects exposed and not exposed to home dampness were assessed. Exhaled breath samples were collected from 337 mother–child pairs of a birth cohort and analysed by gas-chromatography–mass-spectrometry. It was observed that the levels of 2-ethyl-1-hexanol in the exhaled breath of the mothers were significantly influenced by exposure to household humidity. In the case of the infants, differences in some of the VOC levels related to home dampness exposure; however, they did not reach statistical significance. In addition, it was also found that the eosinophil counts of the mothers exposed to home dampness were significantly elevated compared to those of the non-exposed mothers. To our knowledge, these findings show, for the first time, that exposure to home dampness may influence VOC patterns in exhaled breath.
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10
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Fu P, Zhao Z, Norback D, Zhang X, Yung KKL. Associations between indoor environment and lifestyles and sick building syndrome symptoms among adults in Taiyuan and Urumqi of China. INDOOR AIR 2022; 32:e13081. [PMID: 35904392 DOI: 10.1111/ina.13081] [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: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The complex and uncertain causes of sick building syndrome (SBS) have become one of the most challenging and hot issues worldwide. Studies on the correlation between indoor environment and SBS based on local characteristics are relatively limited in China. We studied typical SBS risk factors related to the indoor environment and lifestyle in two northern Chinese cities. The study population was drawn from parents of pre-school children in randomized daycare centers in Taiyuan, Shanxi, and Urumqi, Xinjiang, China (N = 6838). Data on SBS and indoor environment were obtained from cross-sectional questionnaires. Odds ratios (OR) were estimated by multilevel logistic regression and adjusted using gender, atopy, own smoking, home size, and dampness index. Results showed that location, homeownership, year of construction completion, changes in the indoor environment (new furniture and decorations), and changes in indoor air (smoking, burning mosquito repellent and incense, cooking fuels including electricity, natural gas, coal, and wood) might contribute to different levels of SBS in Chinese adults, including eye, nasal, throat, dermal symptoms, and headache and tiredness. The results of the subgroup analysis suggest city and gender differences in susceptibility. Daily cleaning, window opening, and improved ventilation effectively improved SBS. People should improve their indoor environment and lifestyles based on sensitivity factors, gender, and geographic characteristics to reduce SBS risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Fu
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, SAR, China
- Golden Meditech Center for NeuroRegeneration Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Zhuohui Zhao
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment (Fudan University), Typhoon Institute/CMA, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Meteorology and Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan Norback
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Xin Zhang
- Institute of Environmental Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Ken Kin Lam Yung
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, SAR, China
- Golden Meditech Center for NeuroRegeneration Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, SAR, China
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11
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He Y, Zhang S, Wei X, Shang S, Wang Y, Zhang R, Guo J, Sun M, Li Y, Ma Y. A high environmental composite quality factor score was associated with the risk of sick building syndrome among adults in northeast China. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 306:114458. [PMID: 35045379 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.114458] [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: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Epidemiological evidence regarding the association between the combination of indoor and outdoor neighborhood pollution and sick building syndrome (SBS) among adults is limited and inconsistent. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the association between the environmental composite quality factor score and SBS among adults. METHODS This study included 2594 females and 666 males aged 18-77 years enrolled from the Northeast China. The environmental composite quality factor score was computed based on factors potentially associated with SBS risk, including the outdoor neighborhood pollution sources (the housing on the street, the presence of pollutants within 100 m of the house (gutters, garbage stations, noise, chemical pollution, and dust pollution), and the presence of arterial roads, factories, and chimneys) and indoor pollution sources (redecoration, clean fuel used for heating/cooking, cooking oil fume (COF) outside kitchen, using of mosquito coil or repellent, and using of incense). We performed multivariate logistic regression analysis to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) between environmental composite quality factor score, indoor pollution composite factor score, outdoor neighborhood pollution composite factor score, and SBS adjustment for covariates. Further, we also did the stratified analysis and constructed a weighted score to verify the results. RESULTS Compared with the lowest environmental composite quality factor score, the ORs of the highest scores were: 1.58 (95% CI, 1.20-2.27, Ptrend = 0.001) for general symptoms; 1.73 (95% CI, 1.35-2.23, Ptrend < 0.001) for mucosal symptoms and 1.75 (95% CI, 1.34-2.29, Ptrend < 0.001) for dermal symptoms and 1.81 (95% CI, 1.36-2.42, Ptrend < 0.001) for all of the three symptoms. We also observed similar patterns with the using of weighted scores and stratified analysis. CONCLUSION Higher exposure to indoor pollution sources and outdoor pollution sources near the residence may be associated with a higher risk of SBS in adults in northeast China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu He
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Shen Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xinzhe Wei
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Shufei Shang
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yewei Wang
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, USA
| | - Ruochen Zhang
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, USA
| | - Jia Guo
- Clinical Medicine Science, Second Clinical College of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Mingli Sun
- General Party Branch of the Second Clinical Department, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Ye Li
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Health Management, Harbin Medical University, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Yanan Ma
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
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Prapamontol T, Norbäck D, Thongjan N, Suwannarin N, Somsunun K, Ponsawansong P, Radarit K, Kawichai S, Naksen W. Asthma and rhinitis in wet and dry season among students in upper Northern Thailand: the role of building dampness and household air pollution. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2022:1-13. [PMID: 35253533 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2022.2047902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
We investigated associations between domestic exposure and respiratory health in students inNorthern Thailand in wet and dry season (1159 participants), calculating odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) by multilevel logistic regression. Totally 6.0% had wheeze, 23.0% dyspnoea, 4.0% current asthma, 54.6% rhinitis and 31.5% rhinoconjunctivitis. Girls had less wheeze (OR 0.66; 95% CI 0.43-1.00) and current asthma (OR 0.32; 95% CI 0.19-0.54). Water leakage was associated with wheeze (OR 2.35; 95% CI 1.09-5.06), dyspnea (OR 2.00; 95% CI 1.24-3.23) and rhinoconjunctivitis (OR 1.62; 95% CI 1.11-2.38). Mould was associated with rhinitis (OR 1.89; 95% CI 1.06-3.38). Window pane condensation was associated with wheeze (OR 2.60; 95% CI 1.13-5.98) and rhinoconjunctivitis (OR 1.70; 95% CI 1.08-2.67). Biomass burning was associated with wheeze, dyspnoea, rhinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis. In conclusion, household dampness and pollution from domestic biomass burning can increase asthma symptoms and rhinitis symptoms in students in northern Thailand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tippawan Prapamontol
- Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Dan Norbäck
- Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Nathaporn Thongjan
- Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Neeranuch Suwannarin
- Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Kawinwut Somsunun
- Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | | | - Kesseya Radarit
- Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Sawaeng Kawichai
- Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Warangkana Naksen
- Faculty of Public Health, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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Fu X, Ou Z, Zhang M, Meng Y, Li Y, Chen Q, Jiang J, Zhang X, Norbäck D, Zhao Z, Sun Y. Classroom microbiome, functional pathways and sick-building syndrome (SBS) in urban and rural schools - Potential roles of indoor microbial amino acids and vitamin metabolites. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 795:148879. [PMID: 34328924 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Sick building symptoms (SBS) are defined as non-specific symptoms related to indoor exposures, including mucosal symptoms in eye, nose, throat, and skin, and general symptoms as headache and tiredness. Indoor microbial composition is associated with SBS symptoms, but the impact of microbial functional genes and potential metabolic products has not been characterized. We conducted a shotgun microbial metagenomic sequencing for vacuum dust collected in urban and rural schools in Shanxi province, China. SBS symptoms in students were surveyed, and microbial taxa and functional pathways related to the symptoms were identified using a multi-level linear regression model. SBS symptoms were common in students, and the prevalence of ocular and throat symptoms, headache, and tiredness was higher in urban than in rural areas (p < 0.05). A significant higher microbial α-diversity was found in rural areas than in urban areas (Chao1, p = 0.001; ACE, p = 0.002). Also, significant variation in microbial taxonomic and functional composition (β-diversity) was observed between urban and rural areas (p < 0.005). Five potential risk Actinobacteria species were associated with SBS symptoms (p < 0.01); students in the classrooms with a higher abundance of an unclassified Geodermatophilaceae, Geodermatophilus, Fridmanniella luteola, Microlunatus phosphovorus and Mycetocola reported more nasal and throat symptoms and tiredness. Students with a higher abundance of an unclassified flavobacteriaceae reported fewer throat symptoms and tiredness. The abundance of microbial metabolic pathways related to the synthesis of B vitamins (biotin and folate), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and peptidoglycan and were protectively (negatively) associated with SBS symptoms (FDR < 0.05). The result is consistent with human microbiota studies, which reported that these microbial products are extensively involved in immunological processes and anti-inflammatory effects. This is the first study to report the functional potential of the indoor microbiome and the occurrence of SBS, providing new insights into the potential etiologic mechanisms in chronic inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Fu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China
| | - Zheyuan Ou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China
| | - Mei Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China
| | - Yi Meng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China
| | - Yanling Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China
| | - Qingmei Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China
| | - Jun Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Institute of Environmental Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, PR China
| | - Dan Norbäck
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dept. of Medical Science, University Hospital, Uppsala University, 75237 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Zhuohui Zhao
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, China; Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment (Fudan University), Shanghai Typhoon Institute/CMA, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Meteorology and Health, Shanghai 200030, China.
| | - Yu Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China.
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Prapamontol T, Norbäck D, Thongjan N, Suwannarin N, Somsunun K, Ponsawansong P, Khuanpan T, Kawichai S, Naksen W. Associations between indoor environment in residential buildings in wet and dry seasons and health of students in upper northern Thailand. INDOOR AIR 2021; 31:2252-2265. [PMID: 34121228 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12873] [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: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We performed a repeated questionnaire study on home environment and health (six medical symptoms) in 1159 junior high school students (age 12.8 ± 0.7 years) in upper northern Thailand in wet and dry seasons. Data on outdoor temperature, relative humidity (RH), and air pollution were collected from nearest monitoring station. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated by multi-level logistic regression. Most common symptoms were rhinitis (62.5%), headache (49.8%), throat (42.8%), and ocular symptoms (42.5%). Ocular symptoms were more common at lower RH and rhinitis more common in dry season. Water leakage (28.2%), indoor mold (7.1%), mold odor (4.1%), and windowpane condensation (13.6%) were associated with all six symptoms (ORs: 1.3-3.5). Other risk factors included cat keeping, environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), other odor than mold odor, gas cooking, and cooking with biomass fire. Biomass burning inside and outside the home for other reasons than cooking was associated with all six symptoms (ORs: 1.5-2.6). Associations between home environment exposure and rhinitis were stronger in wet season. In conclusion, dampness-related exposure, windowpane condensation, cat keeping, ETS, gas cooking, and biomass burning can impair adolescent health in upper northern Thailand. In subtropical areas, environmental health effects should be investigated in wet and dry seasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tippawan Prapamontol
- Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Dan Norbäck
- Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Nathaporn Thongjan
- Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Neeranuch Suwannarin
- Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Kawinwut Somsunun
- Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | | | - Tosabhorn Khuanpan
- Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Sawaeng Kawichai
- Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Warangkana Naksen
- Faculty of Public Health, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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15
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Yang Q, Wang J, Norbäck D. The home environment in a nationwide sample of multi-family buildings in Sweden: associations with ocular, nasal, throat and dermal symptoms, headache, and fatigue among adults. INDOOR AIR 2021; 31:1402-1416. [PMID: 33682978 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12787] [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: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Risk factors at home for ocular, nasal, throat and dermal symptoms, headache, and fatigue were studied in a nationwide questionnaire survey in Sweden, the BETSI study in 2006. Totally, 5775 adults from a stratified random sample of multi-family buildings participated. Associations between home environment factors and weekly symptoms were analyzed by multi-level logistic regression. In total, 8.3% had ocular symptoms; 11.9% nasal symptoms; 7.1% throat symptoms; 11.9% dermal symptoms; 8.5% headache and 23.1% fatigue. Subjects in colder climate zones had more mucosal and throat symptoms but less fatigue and ocular symptoms. Rented apartments had poorer indoor environment than self-owned apartments. Those living in buildings constructed from 1961 to 1985 had most symptoms. Building dampness, mold and mold odor were risk factors, especially headache and ocular symptoms. Lack of mechanical ventilation system was another risk factor, especially for headache. Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), electric radiators, and crowdedness were other risk factors. Oiled wooden floors, recent indoor painting, and new floor materials were negatively associated with symptoms. In conclusion, building dampness, mold, poor ventilation conditions, crowdedness, ETS, and emissions from electric radiators in apartments in Sweden can increase the risk of ocular, nasal, throat and dermal symptoms, headache, and fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Yang
- College of Civil Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University and University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University and University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Dan Norbäck
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University and University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
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Silverforsen D, Theorell-Haglöw J, Ljunggren M, Middelveld R, Wang J, Franklin K, Norbäck D, Lundbäck B, Forsberg B, Lindberg E, Janson C. Snoring and environmental exposure: results from the Swedish GA2LEN study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e044911. [PMID: 34108162 PMCID: PMC8191604 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-044911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Habitual snoring is associated with fatigue, headaches and low work performance. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate if snoring is affected by environmental factors such as home dampness and exposure to air pollution. SETTING General population sample from four Swedish cities. PARTICIPANTS 25 848 participants from the Swedish part of the epidemiological Global Asthma and Allergy and European network of excellence study carried out in 2008. The participants completed a postal questionnaire on snoring and, indoor and outdoor environmental exposure as well as potential confounders including smoking, weight, height and educational level. RESULTS Of the participants, 4211 (16.3%) were habitual snorers. Habitual snorers reported water damage (8.3% vs 7.0% p<0.0001), floor dampness (4.6% vs 3.8% % p<0.0001) and visible mould (5.2% vs 3.8% p<0.0001) in their homes more often than non-snorers. Habitual snorers stated being annoyed by air pollution more often than non-snorers with habitual snorers reporting being irritated with the air in their residential area to a higher extent (sometimes 16.2% vs 13.9%, and daily 4.6% vs 3.1%) as well as annoyance from traffic fumes (somewhat 19% vs 18.5% and very 5% vs 3.6%) (p<0.0001). These results remained significant after adjustment for age, body mass index, smoking history and educational level. CONCLUSION Snoring is more prevalent in subjects reporting home dampness and air pollution. These association should be confirmed in further research using objective measurements and a longitudinal approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Silverforsen
- Department of Medical Sciences, Respiratory, Allergy and Sleep Research, Uppsala Universitet, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jenny Theorell-Haglöw
- Department of Medical Sciences, Respiratory, Allergy and Sleep Research, Uppsala Universitet, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mirjam Ljunggren
- Department of Medical Sciences, Respiratory, Allergy and Sleep Research, Uppsala Universitet, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Roelinde Middelveld
- The Centre for Allergy Research and Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Medical Sciences, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Uppsala Universitet, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karl Franklin
- Department of Surgery, Umea Universitet, Umea, Sweden
| | - Dan Norbäck
- Department of Medical Sciences, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Uppsala Universitet, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Bo Lundbäck
- Krefting Research Centre, Goteborgs Universitet, Goteborg, Sweden
| | - Bertil Forsberg
- Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umea Universitet, Umea, Sweden
| | - Eva Lindberg
- Department of Medical Sciences, Respiratory, Allergy and Sleep Research, Uppsala Universitet, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Christer Janson
- Department of Medical Sciences, Respiratory, Allergy and Sleep Research, Uppsala Universitet, Uppsala, Sweden
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Fu X, Norbäck D, Yuan Q, Li Y, Zhu X, Hashim JH, Hashim Z, Ali F, Hu Q, Deng Y, Sun Y. Association between indoor microbiome exposure and sick building syndrome (SBS) in junior high schools of Johor Bahru, Malaysia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 753:141904. [PMID: 32890872 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a collection of nonspecific syndromes linked with the built environment. The occurrence of SBS is associated with humidity, ventilation, moulds and microbial compounds exposure. However, no study has reported the association between indoor microbiome and SBS. In this study, 308 students were surveyed for SBS symptoms from 21 classrooms of 7 junior high schools from Johor Bahru, Malaysia, and vacuum dust from floor, desks and chairs was collected. High throughput amplicon sequencing (16S rRNA gene and ITS region) and quantitative PCR were conducted to characterize the absolute concentration of bacteria and fungi taxa. In total, 326 bacterial and 255 fungal genera were detected in dust with large compositional variation among classrooms. Also, half of these samples showed low compositional similarity to microbiome data deposited in the public database. The number of observed OTUs in Gammaproteobacteria was positively associated with SBS (p = 0.004). Eight microbial genera were associated with SBS (p < 0.01). Bacterial genera, Rhodomicrobium, Scytonema and Microcoleus, were protectively (negatively) associated with ocular and throat symptoms and tiredness, and Izhakiella and an unclassified genus from Euzebyaceae were positively associated with the throat and ocular symptoms. Three fungal genera, Polychaeton, Gympopus and an unclassified genus from Microbotryaceae, were mainly positively associated with tiredness. The associations differed with our previous study in microbial compounds (endotoxin and ergosterol) and SBS in the same population, in which nasal and dermal symptoms were affected. A higher indoor relative humidity and visible dampness or mould in classrooms were associated with a higher concentration of potential risk bacteria and a lower concentration of potential protective bacteria (p < 0.01). This is the first study to characterize the SBS-associated microorganisms in the indoor environment, revealing complex interactions between microbiome, SBS symptoms and environmental characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Fu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510642, PR China; Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Dan Norbäck
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dept. of Medical Science, University Hospital, Uppsala University, 75237 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Qianqian Yuan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510642, PR China; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Yanling Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510642, PR China; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Xunhua Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510642, PR China; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | | | - Zailina Hashim
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Faridah Ali
- Primary Care Unit, Johor State Health Department, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
| | - Qiansheng Hu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Yiqun Deng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510642, PR China; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Yu Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510642, PR China; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China.
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Sun Y, Fu X, Li Y, Yuan Q, Ou Z, Lindgren T, Deng Y, Norbäck D. Shotgun metagenomics of dust microbiome from flight deck and cabin in civil aviation aircraft. INDOOR AIR 2020; 30:1199-1212. [PMID: 32578244 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Microbial exposure is related to the health of passengers on commercial aircraft, but no studies characterized the microbial composition at the species level and identified their ecological determinants. We collected vacuum dust from floor and seat surfaces in flight decks and cabins of 18 aircraft, and amplification-free shotgun metagenomics was conducted to characterize the microbial composition. In total, 7437 microbial taxa were identified. The relative abundance for bacteria, eukaryote, viruses, and archaea was 96.9%, 1.8%, 0.3%, and 0.03%, respectively. The top bacterial species mainly derived from outdoor air and human skin included Sphingomonas, Corynebacterium, Micrococcus luteus, Variovorax paradoxus, Paracoccus dentrificans, and Propionibacterium acnes. The abundance of NIAID-defined pathogens was low, accounted for only 0.23% of total microbes. The microbial species and functional composition were structured by the indoor surface type (R2 = 0.38, Adonis), followed by the manufacturer of the aircraft (R2 = 0.12) and flight duration (R2 = 0.07). Indoor surfaces affected species derived from different habitats; the abundance of dry skin and desiccated species was higher on textile surfaces, whereas the abundance of moist and oily skin species was higher on leather surfaces. The growth rates for most microbes were stopped and almost stopped.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xi Fu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanling Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qianqian Yuan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zheyuan Ou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Torsten Lindgren
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Medical Science, University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Yiqun Deng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dan Norbäck
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Medical Science, University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Zhang N, Jia W, Wang P, King MF, Chan PT, Li Y. Most self-touches are with the nondominant hand. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10457. [PMID: 32591572 PMCID: PMC7320184 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67521-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-touch may promote the transfer of microorganisms between body parts or surfaces to mucosa. In overt videography of a post-graduate office, students spent 9% of their time touching their own hair, face, neck, and shoulders (HFNS). These data were collected from 274,000 s of surveillance video in a Chinese graduate student office. The non-dominant hand contributed to 66.1% of HFNS-touches. Most importantly, mucous membranes were touched, on average, 34.3 (SE = 2.4) times per hour, which the non-dominant hand contributed to 240% more than the dominant hand. Gender had no significant effect on touch frequency, but a significant effect on duration per touch. The duration per touch on the HFNS was fitted with a log–log linear distribution. Touch behaviour analysis included surface combinations and a probability matrix for sequential touches of 20 sub-surfaces. These findings may partly explain the observed variation in the literature regarding the microbiome community distribution on human skin, supporting the importance of indirect contact transmission route in some respiratory disease transmission and providing data for risk analysis of infection spread and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Jia
- Zhejiang Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong, Lin An, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Peihua Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | | | - Pak-To Chan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuguo Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China. .,School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, 7 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.
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20
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Hyvönen S, Poussa T, Lohi J, Tuuminen T. High prevalence of neurological sequelae and multiple chemical sensitivity among occupants of a Finnish police station damaged by dampness microbiota. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2020; 76:145-151. [PMID: 32544007 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2020.1781034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of the study was to estimate the risks of different symptoms after the exposure to indoor air dampness microbiota (DM).Methods: This cross-sectional retrospective cohort-based study compared morbidity risks in DM exposed (n = 116) vs. unexposed cohort (n = 45). Gender-adjusted log-binomial regression models were used to calculate risk ratios (RR). The analysis of indoor dust toxicity was based on the inhibition of the motion of boar spermatozoa in vitro. Conventional microbiological work-up was performed in an accredited laboratory.Results: Compared to the unexposed cohort, the study cohort had statistically significant (p < 0.05) risks to develop symptoms of the central nervous system RR = 2.85 (95% CI 1.19-6.85), fatigue RR = 2.82 (1.55-5.11), Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) RR = 2.81 (1.06-7.46), cardiac arrhythmia RR = 9.58 (1.33-68.81) and respiratory symptoms RR = 2.66 (1.58-4.48).Conclusions: The results of this study corroborate our earlier findings that toxic indoor air may cause a plethora of neurological symptoms. Higher than in the control group the prevalence of MCS associated with the exposure to DM. Bad indoor air is therefore not only a risk for respiratory problems and asthma but should be viewed broader as a systemic biotoxicosis. Therefore, psychologization of this disorder without mentioning the underlying insulting mechanisms should be discouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jouni Lohi
- Department of Pathology, Lapland Central Hospital, Rovaniemi, Finland
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21
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Moist and Mold Exposure is Associated With High Prevalence of Neurological Symptoms and MCS in a Finnish Hospital Workers Cohort. Saf Health Work 2020; 11:173-177. [PMID: 32596012 PMCID: PMC7303478 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2020.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Indoor air dampness microbiota (DM) is a big health hazard. Sufficient evidence exists that exposure to DM causes new asthma or exacerbation, dyspnea, infections of upper airways and allergic alveolitis. Less convincing evidence has yet been published for extrapulmonary manifestations of dampness and mold hypersensitivity syndrome ). Methods We investigated the prevalence of extrapulmonary in addition to respiratory symptoms with a questionnaire in a cohort of nurses and midwives (n = 90) exposed to DM in a Helsinki Obstetric Hospital. The corresponding prevalence was compared with an unexposed cohort (n = 45). Particular interest was put on neurological symptoms and multiple chemical sensitivity. Results The results show that respiratory symptoms were more common among participants of the study vs. control cohort, that is, 80 vs 29%, respectively (risk ratio [RR]: 2.56, p < 0.001). Symptoms of the central or peripheral nervous system were also more common in study vs. control cohort: 81 vs 11% (RR: 6.63, p < 0.001). Fatigue was reported in 77 vs. 24%, (RR: 3.05, p < 0.001) and multiple chemical sensitivity in 40 vs. 9%, (RR: 3.44, p = 0.01), the so-called “brain fog”, was prevalent in 62 vs 11% (RR: 4.94, p < 0.001), arrhythmias were reported in 57 vs. 2.4% (RR: 19.75, p < 0.001) and musculoskeletal pain in 51 vs 22% (RR: 2.02, p = 0.02) among participants of the study vs. control cohort, respectively. Conclusion The results indicate that the exposure to DM is associated with a plethora of extrapulmonary symptoms. Presented data corroborate our recent reports on the health effects of moist and mold exposure in a workplace.
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22
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Norbäck D, Zhang X, Fan Q, Zhang Z, Zhang Y, Li B, Zhao Z, Huang C, Deng Q, Lu C, Qian H, Yang X, Sun Y, Sundell J, Wang J. Home environment and health: Domestic risk factors for rhinitis, throat symptoms and non-respiratory symptoms among adults across China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 681:320-330. [PMID: 31121396 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.05.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Few studies exist from China on associations between home environment and adult health. We studied associations between home environment factors (other than dampness and mould) and rhinitis, throat and dermal symptoms and headache and fatigue among young parents in six cities across China (N = 36,541). They were recruited as parents from day care centers selected randomly and answered a questionnaire on medical symptoms and the home environment. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated by multilevel logistic regression adjusting for gender, atopy, smoking, home size and dampness/mould. Overall, 4.8% had skin symptoms 3.1% rhinitis, 2.8% eye, 4.1% throat symptoms, 3.0% headache and 13.9% had fatigue (all as weekly symptoms). Redecoration was associated with rhinitis, eye and skin symptoms, headache and fatigue. New furniture was associated with eye, throat and skin symptoms and fatigue. Gas cooking was associated with eye and throat symptoms, headache and fatigue. Biomass cooking was associated with eye and throat symptoms and headache. Burning incense was associated with eye, throat and skin symptoms, headache and fatigue. Presence of cockroaches and mosquitos or flies was associated with all six symptoms. Rats or mice were associated with eye and dermal symptoms. Cat keeping was associated with eye symptoms while dog keepers had less fatigue. Living near major roads was associated with rhinitis, eye, throat and skin symptoms and fatigue. Daily cleaning, a mechanical ventilation system in the kitchen or in the bathroom, living in older buildings and living in less urbanized areas were protective factors. In conclusion, urbanization, traffic exhaust, indoor emissions from redecoration and new furniture, gas cooking and air pollution from burning incense and biomass may cause dermal and mucosal symptoms, headache and fatigue among adults in China. Indoor animals (cats, mice/rats, cockroaches) were other risk factors. Daily cleaning, mechanical ventilation and living in older buildings can be protective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Norbäck
- Institute of Environmental Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China; Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Xin Zhang
- Institute of Environmental Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China.
| | - Qiannan Fan
- Institute of Environmental Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Zefei Zhang
- Institute of Environmental Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yinping Zhang
- School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Baizhan Li
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhuohui Zhao
- Department of Environmental Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Huang
- Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Qihong Deng
- XiangYa School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China; School of Energy Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chan Lu
- XiangYa School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China; School of Energy Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hua Qian
- School of Energy & Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xu Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuexia Sun
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jan Sundell
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Wang J, Zhao Z, Zhang Y, Li B, Huang C, Zhang X, Deng Q, Lu C, Qian H, Yang X, Sun Y, Sundell J, Norbäck D. Asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema among parents of preschool children in relation to climate, and dampness and mold in dwellings in China. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 130:104910. [PMID: 31226554 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.104910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The main aim was to study associations between asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema among adults across China and dampness and mold at home. Young adults (N = 40,279) in eight cities in China answered a questionnaire in 2010-2012 (response rate 75.0%). Data on asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema and the home environment was assessed by the questionnaire. Climate data was obtained from China Meteorological Administration and the website of Weather Underground. Health associations were analyzed by two-level logistic regression models, adjusting for covariates. Totally 1.6% had asthma, 6.6% allergic rhinitis and 2.2% eczema. Mold odor was associated with asthma (OR = 1.90) and allergic rhinitis (OR = 1.25-1.44). Window pane condensation in winter was associated with asthma (OR = 1.39), allergic rhinitis (OR = 1.26-1.58) and eczema (OR = 1.36-1.77). Presence of mold spots or damp stains was related to asthma (OR = 1.58-2.49), allergic rhinitis (OR = 1.35-1.76) and eczema (OR = 1.47-1.70). Water damage was related to asthma (OR = 1.69-1.82), allergic rhinitis (OR = 1.40-1.45) and eczema (OR = 1.44-1.96). Damp bed clothing was related to asthma (OR = 1.23), allergic rhinitis (OR = 1.23) and eczema (OR = 1.35). A higher dampness score was associated with increased odds ratios for diseases. Those living in older buildings had more asthma (OR = 1.39-1.76) and allergic rhinitis (OR = 1.16-1.21). Those living in suburban or rural areas had less asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema as compared to those living in urban areas (OR values from 0.24 to 0.66). Stronger health associations with dampness and mold were found in southern China and in newer buildings (constructed after 2005). In conclusion, dampness and mold at home can be risk factors for asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema among adults in China. Living in older buildings can be risk factors for asthma or allergic rhinitis while living in less urbanized areas can be protective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Wang
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Zhuohui Zhao
- Department of Environmental Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinping Zhang
- School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 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
| | - Chen Huang
- Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, School of environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Research Centre for Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Qihong Deng
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China; School of Energy Science and engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chan Lu
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China; School of Energy Science and engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hua Qian
- School of Energy Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xu Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuexia Sun
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jan Sundell
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Dan Norbäck
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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24
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Tang JW, Li Y. Editorial: the airborne microbiome - implications for aerosol transmission and infection control - special issue. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:755. [PMID: 31464601 PMCID: PMC6716862 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4399-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the title of the Special Issue is 'Airborne Microbiome' the manuscripts received have highlighted a variety of peripheral, yet related aspects of this. The contributions are a mixture of primary research, reviews and commentaries, including: new methods to explore environmental niches where such microbes may grow, their detection and characterisation in the human host, which pathogens are present in the respiratory tract and can be exhaled in human breath to potentially spread via the airborne route, and some strategies for their control. Finally, a historical-to-current overview explores human-microbial interactions, including problems with sampling and detection methods, drug resistance, the role of super-spreaders and issues around research funding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian W Tang
- Clinical Microbiology, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Infirmary Square, Leicester, LE1 5WW, UK.
| | - Yuguo Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Haking Wong Building 7/F, Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
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