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Durán Del Amor MDM, Baeza Caracena A, Esquembre F, Llorens Pascual Del Riquelme M. New Methodology to Evaluate and Optimize Indoor Ventilation Based on Rapid Response Sensors. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:1657. [PMID: 38475193 DOI: 10.3390/s24051657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
The recent pandemic increased attention to the need for appropriated ventilation and good air quality as efficient measures to achieve safe and healthy indoor air. This work provides a novel methodology for continuously evaluating ventilation in public areas using modern rapid response sensors (RRS). This methodology innovatively assesses the ventilation of a space by combining a quantitative estimation of the real air exchange in the space-obtained from CO2 experimental RRS measurements and the characteristics of and activity in the space-and indoor and outdoor RRS measurements of other pollutants, with healthy recommendations from different organisations. The methodology allows space managers to easily evaluate, in a continuous form, the appropriateness of their ventilation strategy, thanks to modern RRS measurements and direct calculations (implemented here in a web app), even in situations of full activity. The methodology improves on the existing standards, which imply the release of tracer gases and expert intervention, and could also be used to set a control system that measures continuously and adapts the ventilation to changes in indoor occupancy and activity, guaranteeing safe and healthy air in an energy-efficient way. Sample public concurrence spaces with different conditions are used to illustrate the methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Del Mar Durán Del Amor
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Chemistry, Campus de Espinardo, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Antonia Baeza Caracena
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Chemistry, Campus de Espinardo, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco Esquembre
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics, Campus de Espinardo, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
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2
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Canepari S, Astolfi ML, Drago G, Ruggieri S, Tavormina EE, Cibella F, Perrino C. PM 2.5 elemental composition in indoor residential environments and co-exposure effects on respiratory health in an industrial area. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 216:114630. [PMID: 36279913 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to identify and characterise indoor sources of particulate matter (PM) in domestic environments. 74 inhabited apartments located in the urban area of Gela (Sicily, Italy), close to a refinery, and in three villages of the hinterland were evaluated, in real-world conditions, for the elemental composition of PM2.5. The samples were collected simultaneously inside and outside each apartment for 48 h. In addition, two of the apartments were simultaneously studied for four weeks. The elemental composition of PM2.5 was determined by applying a chemical fractionation procedure followed by inductively-coupled plasma spectrometry analysis, with both optical emission and mass detection. The extractable, more bio-accessible fraction (ext), and the mineralised residual fraction (res) of each element were determined, thus increasing the selectivity of elements as source tracers. Indoor air in the considered apartments was affected by both outdoor pollution and specific indoor emission sources. The behaviour of each source was studied in detail, identifying a reliable tracer: Tires for soil, Asext for industrial sources, Vext for heavy oil combustion, Ce for cigarette smoking and Mo for the use of vacuum dust cleaners. Asext and Vext showed an excellent infiltration capacity, while the concentration of Tires was affected by a low infiltration capacity and by the contribution of particles re-suspension caused by the residents' movements. In the case of Ce and Mo, indoor concentrations were much higher than outdoor with a high variability among the apartments, due to the inhabitants' habits concerning cigarette smoke and use of electric appliances. To test the overall effect of the concomitant exposure to the identified sources on Wh12 M and on DDA, a WQS analysis was conducted. Cigarette smoking and heavily oil combustion driven the Wh12 M odds increase, while the DDA odds increase was mainly driven by heavily oil combustion and the use of vacuum dust cleaners.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Canepari
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, 00185, Italy; C.N.R. Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, Monterotondo St. (Rome), 00015, Italy.
| | - M L Astolfi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, 00185, Italy.
| | - G Drago
- C.N.R. Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, Palermo, 90146, Italy.
| | - S Ruggieri
- C.N.R. Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, Palermo, 90146, Italy.
| | - E E Tavormina
- C.N.R. Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, Palermo, 90146, Italy.
| | - F Cibella
- C.N.R. Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, Palermo, 90146, Italy.
| | - C Perrino
- C.N.R. Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, Monterotondo St. (Rome), 00015, Italy.
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3
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Konstantinou C, Constantinou A, Kleovoulou EG, Kyriacou A, Kakoulli C, Milis G, Michaelides M, Makris KC. Assessment of indoor and outdoor air quality in primary schools of Cyprus during the COVID–19 pandemic measures in May–July 2021. Heliyon 2022; 8:e09354. [PMID: 35529701 PMCID: PMC9057936 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Combined pollutant effects from indoor and outdoor sources on children's health, while being at school have not been holistically tackled. The aim of the School Temperature and Environmental Pollutants Study (STEPS) was to perform a school population representative assessment of indoor air quality (IAQ) in primary schools of densely and intermediate populated areas of Cyprus (n = 42). The study took place during May–July 2021 when a school-specific COVID-19 protocol was in place. Questionnaire-based characteristics of schools/classrooms were collected along with 24/48-h long IAQ monitoring of air temperature, relative humidity (RH), particulate matter (PM), carbon dioxide (CO2) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), using low-cost sensors. Mixed effect models assessed the IAQ determinants during school hours. Indoor PM, temperature, RH and VOCs increased with progressing school periods in the day, while indoor CO2 decreased. Indoor RH and CO2 were negatively associated with % open windows, while indoor PM2.5 was positively associated. Most of school time (85%), indoor air temperature exceeded the recommended upper limit (27 °C), while a third of indoor PM2.5 (24-h) measurements exceeded 15 μg/m3. The interplay of clean indoor air with adequate ventilation and adaptation to heat stress in schools is important and its comprehensive characterization requires holistic methodological approaches and tools. A primary school population representative study of indoor air quality was conducted in Cyprus during May-July 2021. Natural ventilation measures, like open windows and doors during class hours, helped in maintaining adequate ventilation. The study took place during the summer period with indoor air temperature being above the recommended value most of school time. A third of the 24-hour indoor PM2.5 measurements exceeded the WHO recommended value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina Konstantinou
- Cyprus International Institute for Environmental and Public Health (CII), Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Andria Constantinou
- Cyprus International Institute for Environmental and Public Health (CII), Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Eleni G. Kleovoulou
- Cyprus International Institute for Environmental and Public Health (CII), Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | | | - Christina Kakoulli
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering and Informatics, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - George Milis
- PHOEBE Research & Innovation Ltd, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Michalis Michaelides
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering and Informatics, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Konstantinos C. Makris
- Cyprus International Institute for Environmental and Public Health (CII), Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
- Corresponding author.
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4
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The Landfilling of Municipal Solid Waste and the Sustainability of the Related Transportation Activities. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14095272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The management of municipal solid waste is a crucial issue to address as we move toward the decarbonization of urban contexts. Not by chance, this sector plays a relevant role in the Covenant of Mayors program, whereby municipalities are called to design their own Sustainable Energy Action Plans (SECAPs). However, despite new regulations strongly pushing the recycling and reuse of materials contained in municipal waste, many cities still use large landfills. As part of the overall environmental pressure exerted by these urban systems, the transport of waste from collection points to landfills or treatment facilities must be considered in order to correctly assess the full environmental burden of waste management. To this aim, in this paper, the Ecological Footprint method is applied to the municipal solid waste management system of the city of Palermo (Sicily). The results show that the impacts produced by the means of transport used, both in the status quo and in the assumed enhanced scenario (with less municipal waste disposed to landfills in favor of recycling), are significant compared to those caused by the other segments of the waste management system. The concept of a “saved footprint” is also introduced here, in order to properly compare the two scenarios.
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Zhu YD, Li X, Fan L, Li L, Wang J, Yang WJ, Wang L, Yao XY, Wang XL. Indoor air quality in the primary school of China-results from CIEHS 2018 study. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 291:118094. [PMID: 34517175 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Indoor air quality ((IAQ) in classrooms was associated with the daily exposure of school-age children who are particularly vulnerable to air pollutants exposure, while few data exist to evaluate classroom indoor air quality nationwide in China. The subsample of the CIEHS 2018 study was performed in 66 classrooms of 22 primary schools nationwide in China. Temperature, relative humidity, PM2.5, PM10, CO2, CO, formaldehyde concentrations, bacteria and fungi were detected in all classrooms by using the instruments that meet the specified accuracy. The ratios of indoor to outdoor (I/O) of PM2.5 were calculated in each classroom to identify whether the indoor environment the pollutants comes from outdoors. The indoor PM2.5, PM10, CO, HCHO, bacteria and fungi GM concentration are 47.40 μg/m3, 72.91 μg/m3, 0.37 mg/m3, 0.02 mg/m3, 347.51 CFU/m3 and 362.76 CFU/m3, respectively. We observed that there were 66.5%, 52.6%, 22.4%, 1.8%, and 9.6% of the classrooms that exceeded the guideline values of PM2.5, PM10, CO2, HCHO, and bacteria, respectively. It should be attention that all of the classroom's PM2.5 concentrations in Shijiazhuang and Nanning, PM10 concentrations in Nanning, CO2 concentration in Lanzhou were exceeded the suggested values. Bacteria contamination in Shijiazhuang's classrooms is also serious. All classroom CO concentrations meet the requirement. The results indicated that classroom indoor PM2.5 was significantly positively correlated with indoor PM10 and CO2, while was negative correlated with temperature, CO, and fungi. Our results suggest that indoor air pollution in classrooms was a severe problem in Chinese primary schools. It is necessary to strengthen ventilation in the classroom to improve indoor air quality. What's more, a healthy learning environment should be created for primary school students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Duo Zhu
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Xu Li
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Lin Fan
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Li Li
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Jiao Wang
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Wen-Jing Yang
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Lin Wang
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Xiao-Yuan Yao
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Xian-Liang Wang
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China.
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Wu AC, Dahlin A, Wang AL. The Role of Environmental Risk Factors on the Development of Childhood Allergic Rhinitis. CHILDREN 2021; 8:children8080708. [PMID: 34438599 PMCID: PMC8391414 DOI: 10.3390/children8080708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Environmental factors play an important role in the development and exacerbation of allergic rhinitis (AR) in childhood. Indoor air pollution, such as house dust mites and secondhand smoke, can significantly increase the onset of AR, while pet dander may affect the exacerbation of AR symptoms in children. Furthermore, traffic related air pollution and pollen are outdoor air pollutants that can affect immune competency and airway responsiveness, increasing the risk of AR in children. Climate change has increased AR in children, as growth patterns of allergenic species have changed, resulting in longer pollen seasons. More extreme and frequent weather events also contribute to the deterioration of indoor air quality due to climate change. Additionally, viruses provoke respiratory tract infections, worsening the symptoms of AR, while viral infections alter the immune system. Although viruses and pollution influence development and exacerbation of AR, a variety of treatment and prevention options are available for AR patients. The protective influence of vegetation (greenness) is heavily associated with air pollution mitigation, relieving AR exacerbations, while the use of air filters can reduce allergic triggers. Oral antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids are common pharmacotherapy for AR symptoms. In this review, we discuss the environmental risk factors for AR and summarize treatment strategies for preventing and managing AR in children.
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Indoor Air Quality in Domestic Environments during Periods Close to Italian COVID-19 Lockdown. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18084060. [PMID: 33921463 PMCID: PMC8070062 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18084060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This paper describes the in situ monitoring of indoor air quality (IAQ) in two dwellings, using low-cost IAQ sensors to provide high-density temporal and spatial data. IAQ measurements were conducted over 2-week periods in the kitchen and bedroom of each home during the winter, spring, and summer seasons, characterized by different outside parameters, that were simultaneously measured. The mean indoor PM2.5 concentrations were about 15 μg m−3 in winter, they dropped to values close to 10 μg m−3 in spring and increased to levels of about 13 μg m−3 in summer. During the winter campaign, indoor PM2.5 was found mainly associated with particle penetration inside the rooms from outdoors, because of the high outdoor PM2.5 levels in the season. Such pollution winter episodes occur frequently in the study region, due to the combined contributions of strong anthropogenic emissions and stable atmospheric conditions. The concentrations of indoor volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and CO2 increased with the number of occupants (humans and pets), as likely associated with consequent higher emissions through breathing and metabolic processes. They also varied with occupants’ daily activities, like cooking and cleaning. Critic CO2 levels above the limit of 1000 ppm were observed in spring campaign, in the weeks close to the end of the COVID-19 quarantine, likely associated with the increased time that the occupants spent at home.
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Mannan M, Al-Ghamdi SG. Indoor Air Quality in Buildings: A Comprehensive Review on the Factors Influencing Air Pollution in Residential and Commercial Structure. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:3276. [PMID: 33810001 PMCID: PMC8004912 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18063276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide people tend to spend approximately 90% of their time in different indoor environments. Along with the penetration of outside air pollutants, contaminants are produced in indoor environments due to different activities such as heating, cooling, cooking, and emissions from building products and the materials used. As people spend most of their lives in indoor environments, this has a significant influence on human health and productivity. Despite the two decades of indoor air quality (IAQ) research from different perspectives, there is still a lack of comprehensive evaluation of peer-reviewed IAQ studies that specifically covers the relationship between the internal characteristics of different types of building environments with IAQ to help understand the progress and limitations of IAQ research worldwide. Therefore, this review of scientific studies presents a broad spectrum of pollutants identified in both residential and commercial indoor environments, highlighting the trends and gaps in IAQ research. Moreover, analysis of literature data enabled us to assess the different IAQs in buildings located in different countries/regions, thus reflecting the current global scientific understanding of IAQ. This review has the potential to benefit building professionals by establishing indoor air regulations that account for all indoor contaminant sources to create healthy and sustainable building environments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sami G. Al-Ghamdi
- Division of Sustainable Development, College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar;
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9
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Shi T, Wang Y. Heavy metals in indoor dust: Spatial distribution, influencing factors, and potential health risks. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 755:142367. [PMID: 33032138 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Given the large proportion of time that people spend indoors, the potential health risks posed by heavy metals in the indoor environment deserve greater attention. A global-scale assessment of heavy metal contamination in indoor dust was conducted in this study based on >127 articles published between 1985 and 2019. The pollution levels, spatio-temporal variations, sources, bioaccessibilities, influencing factors, and health risks of heavy metals associated with indoor dust were analyzed. Children's blood lead levels (BLLs) were also estimated using the integrated exposure uptake biokinetic model. The results indicated that the median concentrations of Cu and Zn in 71.9% and 71.0% of the study sites surpassed the corresponding permissible limits, 100 and 300 mg/kg, respectively; thus, their control should be given priority. Heavy metal concentrations in indoor dust from different areas of the world varied greatly, which was closely associated with the type of local human activities, such as mining, melting, e-waste recycling and Pb-related industries. The bioaccessibilities of some key elements, e.g., Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn, in household dust were high. The levels of heavy metals in indoor dust were mainly affected by a combination of outdoor and indoor sources and related critical factors, and future studies should focus on quantifying the contributions of different sources. Based on the health risk assessment, dust Pb exposure is a major health concern in e-waste recycling areas, which warrants greater attention. 49.8%, 36.8% and 14.4% of study sites showed BLLs exceeding 35 μg/L (threshold limit in Germany), 50 μg/L (threshold limit in the USA), or 100 μg/L (threshold limit in China), respectively. Finally, Pb exposure from indoor dust represents a major contributor to children's blood Pb poisoning in many developing countries. This study details the overall heavy metal contamination status of indoor dust and provides insights for policymakers with respect to pollution prevention measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taoran Shi
- Northwestern Polytechnical University, School of Ecology and Environment, Xi'an 710129, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuheng Wang
- Northwestern Polytechnical University, School of Ecology and Environment, Xi'an 710129, Shaanxi, China.
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10
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Bioaerosol Contribution to Atmospheric Particulate Matter in Indoor University Environments. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13031149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Within the framework of the project “Integrated Evaluation of Indoor Particulate Exposure”, we carried out a 4-week field study to determine indoor bioaerosol, and its contribution to particulate matter (PM)10 and organic matter. The study was carried out in university classrooms, where most of the common indoor sources of atmospheric particles are missing. Bioaerosol was determined by a method based on propidium iodide staining, observation by fluorescence microscopy, and image analysis. Indoor bioaerosol concentrations were compared with outdoor values, which were determined simultaneously. The samplings periods were scheduled to divide weekday hours, when the students were inside, from night-time hours and weekends. Very high bioaerosol concentrations were detected inside the classrooms with respect to outdoor values. The mean difference was 49 μg/m3 when the students were inside, 5.4 μg/m3 during the night, and it became negative during the weekends. Indoor-to-outdoor ratios were 6.0, 4.2, and 0.7, respectively. Bioaerosol contributed 26% to organics and 10% to PM10. In indoor samples collected during the day, the microscope images showed numerous skin fragments, which were mostly responsible for the increase in the bioaerosol mass. People’s presence proved to be responsible for a significant increase in bioaerosol concentration in crowded indoor environments.
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11
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Traina G, Barbalace A, Betti F, Bolzacchini E, Bonini M, Contini D, Felice G, Foti T, Mantecca P. What impact of air pollution in pediatric respiratory allergic diseases. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2020; 31 Suppl 26:26-28. [PMID: 33236436 DOI: 10.1111/pai.13362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory allergies are known to affect people all over the world. Environmental factors related to pollution play a significant etiopathogenic role in this regard. Polluting sources are industrial activities and urban traffic, capable of generating various types of pollutants that trigger inflammatory, direct, and indirect damage to tissues, promoting allergic symptoms, even serious ones, and interfering with the pharmacologic response. They are also able to modify pollen, promoting allergic sensitization. Pollution could have played a significant predisposing role in the ongoing morbidity and mortality of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Traina
- Department of Pediatric and Neonatology, Cernusco sul Naviglio and Melzo-ASST Melegnano-Martesana, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Federica Betti
- Department of Pediatric and Neonatology, Cernusco sul Naviglio and Melzo-ASST Melegnano-Martesana, Milan, Italy
| | - Ezio Bolzacchini
- Department of Earth and Enviromental POLARIS, University of Milan Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Maira Bonini
- Agency for health protection of metropolitan area of Milan-Hygiene and public health service, Milan west, Italy
| | - Daniele Contini
- Istituto di Scienze dell'Atmosfera e del Clima, ISAC-CNR, Lecce, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Felice
- Family Pediatrician, Metropolitan area of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana Foti
- Department of Pediatrics, Grande Ospedale Mettopolitano Bianchi Melacrino Morelli, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Paride Mantecca
- Department of Earth and Enviromental POLARIS, University of Milan Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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12
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Eguiluz‐Gracia I, Mathioudakis AG, Bartel S, Vijverberg SJH, Fuertes E, Comberiati P, Cai YS, Tomazic PV, Diamant Z, Vestbo J, Galan C, Hoffmann B. The need for clean air: The way air pollution and climate change affect allergic rhinitis and asthma. Allergy 2020; 75:2170-2184. [PMID: 31916265 DOI: 10.1111/all.14177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution and climate change have a significant impact on human health and well-being and contribute to the onset and aggravation of allergic rhinitis and asthma among other chronic respiratory diseases. In Westernized countries, households have experienced a process of increasing insulation and individuals tend to spend most of their time indoors. These sequelae implicate a high exposure to indoor allergens (house dust mites, pets, molds, etc), tobacco smoke, and other pollutants, which have an impact on respiratory health. Outdoor air pollution derived from traffic and other human activities not only has a direct negative effect on human health but also enhances the allergenicity of some plants and contributes to global warming. Climate change modifies the availability and distribution of plant- and fungal-derived allergens and increases the frequency of extreme climate events. This review summarizes the effects of indoor air pollution, outdoor air pollution, and subsequent climate change on asthma and allergic rhinitis in children and adults and addresses the policy adjustments and lifestyle changes required to mitigate their deleterious effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibon Eguiluz‐Gracia
- Allergy Unit IBIMA‐Hospital Regional Universitario de Malaga‐UMA Malaga Spain
| | - Alexander G. Mathioudakis
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine School of Biological Sciences The University of Manchester Manchester Academic Health Science Centre UK
- North West Lung Centre Wythenshawe Hospital Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust Southmoor Road Manchester UK
| | - Sabine Bartel
- Early Life Origins of Chronic Lung Disease, Research Center Borstel Leibniz Lung Center Member of the German Research Center for Lung Research (DZL) Borstel Germany
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology University Medical Center Groningen GRIAC Research Institute University of Groningen Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Susanne J. H. Vijverberg
- Department of Respiratory Medicine Amsterdam UMC University of Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Elaine Fuertes
- National Heart and Lung Institute Imperial College London London UK
| | - Pasquale Comberiati
- Section of Paediatrics Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine University of Pisa Pisa Italy
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergology Sechenov University Moscow Russia
| | - Yutong Samuel Cai
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics MRC Centre for Environment and Health School of Public Health Imperial College London London UK
- The George Institute for Global Health University of Oxford Oxford UK
| | - Peter Valentin Tomazic
- Department of General ORL, Head and Neck Surgery Medical University of Graz Graz Austria
| | - Zuzana Diamant
- Department of Respiratory Medicine & Allergology Institute for Clinical Science Skane University Hospital Lund University Lund Sweden
- Department of Respiratory Medicine First Faculty of Medicine Charles University and Thomayer Hospital Prague Czech Republic
| | - Jørgen Vestbo
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine School of Biological Sciences The University of Manchester Manchester Academic Health Science Centre UK
- North West Lung Centre Wythenshawe Hospital Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust Southmoor Road Manchester UK
| | - Carmen Galan
- Department of Botany, Ecology and Plant Physiology International Campus of Excellence on Agrifood (ceiA3) University of Córdoba Córdoba Spain
| | - Barbara Hoffmann
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine Medical Faculty University of Düsseldorf Düsseldorf Germany
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13
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Vornanen-Winqvist C, Järvi K, Andersson MA, Duchaine C, Létourneau V, Kedves O, Kredics L, Mikkola R, Kurnitski J, Salonen H. Exposure to indoor air contaminants in school buildings with and without reported indoor air quality problems. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 141:105781. [PMID: 32417615 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Reported indoor air quality (IAQ) complaints are common even in relatively new or renovated school buildings in Finland. However, detecting the causes for complaints with commonly used indoor air measurements is difficult. This study presents data on perceived and measured IAQ in six comprehensive school buildings in Finland. The aim of this study was to discover the possible differences of perceived and measured IAQ between schools with reported IAQ complaints and schools without reported IAQ complaints. The initial categorisation of schools with ('problematic schools') and without ('comparison schools') complaints was ensured via a validated indoor climate survey and a recently developed online questionnaire, which were completed by 186 teachers and 1268 students from the six schools. IAQ measurements of physical parameters, gaseous pollutants, particulate matter and bioaerosols were conducted in four problematic school buildings (26 classrooms) and two comparison school buildings (12 classrooms). Using air sampling as well as exhaust air filters and classroom settled dust to detect the presence of elevated concentrations of airborne cultivable microbes and pathogenic, toxigenic and mycoparasitic Trichoderma strains were the most indicative methods in distinguishing problematic schools from comparison schools. Other IAQ-related measurements did not detect clear differences between problematic and comparison schools, as the concentration levels were very low. The results indicate that the complaints reported by occupants could have been related to excess moisture or mould problems that had not been found or repaired. Ventilation pressure condition investigations and simultaneous exhaust and supply air filter dust culture should be addressed precisely in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kati Järvi
- Aalto University, Department of Civil Engineering, PO Box 12100, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland
| | - Maria A Andersson
- Aalto University, Department of Civil Engineering, PO Box 12100, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland
| | - Caroline Duchaine
- Université Laval, Département de Biochimie, de Microbiologie et de Bio-informatique, 2325, rue de l'Université, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada; Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, 2725, chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec G1V 4G5, Canada
| | - Valérie Létourneau
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, 2725, chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec G1V 4G5, Canada
| | - Orsolya Kedves
- University of Szeged, Faculty of Science and Informatics, Department of Microbiology, Közép fasor 52, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - László Kredics
- University of Szeged, Faculty of Science and Informatics, Department of Microbiology, Közép fasor 52, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Raimo Mikkola
- Aalto University, Department of Civil Engineering, PO Box 12100, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland
| | - Jarek Kurnitski
- Aalto University, Department of Civil Engineering, PO Box 12100, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland; Tallinn University of Technology, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Ehitajate tee 5, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Heidi Salonen
- Aalto University, Department of Civil Engineering, PO Box 12100, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland
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14
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Biagioni B, Annesi-Maesano I, D'Amato G, Cecchi L. The rising of allergic respiratory diseases in a changing world: from climate change to migration. Expert Rev Respir Med 2020; 14:973-986. [PMID: 32662693 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2020.1794829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The rising of allergic respiratory diseases (ARDs) suggests a decisive role of environmental factors, that have dramatically changed in the last decades. AREAS COVERED This review addresses various aspects of the external exposome acting on the development, progression, clinical presentation and severity of ARDs. Climate change, air pollution and biodiversity loss act directly and through their complex interactions on atopic risk: reacent foundings on these aspects are discussed herein. The review also focuses on migration studies, underling the possible role of migrant status as an experimental model to study environment effects on atopy onset and progression. EXPERT OPINION Future perspective on this topic include prevention and mitigation strategies in regard to pollution and climate change, improvement of environmental monitoring methods, implementation of public health policies, further advances in 'omics' research and knowledge, prospective and immunological research on migrant populations and new policies to face human mobility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Biagioni
- Allergy Unit, Department of Pediatric Medicine, Anna Meyer Childrens University Hospital , Florence, Italy
| | - Isabella Annesi-Maesano
- Epidemiology of Allergic and Respiratory Diseases Department, Institute Pierre Louis of Epidemiology and Public Health, INSERM and Sorbonne Université , Paris, France
| | - Gennaro D'Amato
- Division of Respiratory and Allergic Diseases, Department of Chest Diseases, High Speciality A. Cardarelli Hospital , Napoli, Italy.,Medical School of Specialization in Respiratory Diseases, University on Naples Federico II , Naples, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Cecchi
- SOS Allergy and Clinical Immunology - Prato, USL Toscana Centro , Florence, Italy.,Centre of Bioclimatology, University of Florence , Florence, Italy
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15
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Assessment of Air Quality in School Environments in Hanoi, Vietnam: A Focus on Mass-Size Distribution and Elemental Composition of Indoor-Outdoor Ultrafine/Fine/Coarse Particles. ATMOSPHERE 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos11050519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Indoor and outdoor ultrafine, accumulation mode, and coarse fractions collected at two preschools (S1 and S2) in Hanoi capital, Vietnam were characterized in terms of mass-size distribution and elemental composition to identify major emission sources. The sampling campaigns were performed simultaneously indoors and outdoors over four consecutive weeks at each school. Indoor average concentrations of CO2 and CO at both schools were below the limit values recommended by American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (1000 ppm for CO2) and World Health Organization (7 mg/m3 for CO). Indoor concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 at S1 and S2 were strongly influenced by the presence of children and their activities indoors. The indoor average concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 were 49.4 µg/m3 and 59.7 µg/m3 at S1, while those values at S2 were 7.9 and 10.8 µg/m3, respectively. Mass-size distribution of indoor and outdoor particles presented similar patterns, in which ultrafine particles accounted for around 15–20% wt/wt while fine particles (PM2.5) made up almost 80% wt/wt of PM10. PM2.5–10 did not display regular shapes while smaller factions tended to aggregate to form clusters with fine structures. Oxygen (O) was the most abundant element in all fractions, followed by carbon (C) for indoor and outdoor particles. O accounted for 36.2% (PM0.5–1) to 42.4% wt/wt (PM0.1) of indoor particles, while those figures for C were in the range of 14.5% (for PM0.1) to 18.1% (for PM1–2.5). Apart from O and C, mass proportion of other major and minor elements (Al, Ca, Cr, Fe , K, Mg, Si, Ti) could make up to 50%, whereas trace elements (As, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, La, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se, Sn, Sr, and Zn) accounted for less than 0.5% of indoor and outdoor airborne particles. There were no significant indoor emission sources of trace and minor elements. Traffic significantly contributed to major and trace elements at S1 and S2.
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16
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Han X, Sun T, Cao T. Study on environmental pollution loss measurement method of waste gas emits in Nanjing MV Industrial Park. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:16539-16553. [PMID: 32125640 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08066-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In order to realize the effective measurement of environmental pollution loss (EPL) caused by waste gas emits from energy consumption in industrial parks, it is built a shadow price model of waste gas emits in this study on the basis of literature review and status analysis. The measurement model is applied to Nanjing MV Industrial Park by using relevant statistical data. It is found that the total environmental pollution loss of waste gas emits from energy consumption in Nanjing MV Industrial Park presents a "U" change trend, which first decreases and then increases. In terms of the composition of environmental pollution loss of waste gas emits, environmental pollution loss caused by SO2 and NO2 stays high, which are the main components of environmental pollution loss and would be the focus of energy conservation and emission reduction in Nanjing MV Industrial Park in the future. The research results provide an effective quantitative analysis method for local government to measure the environmental pollution loss of waste gas emits from energy consumption in industrial parks and to formulate policies for environmental pollution treatment. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuyan Han
- School of Management, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing, 210003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tao Sun
- College of Economics and Management, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, 211106, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Tianyi Cao
- School of Economics and Management, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, Liaoning, China
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17
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Pacitto A, Amato F, Moreno T, Pandolfi M, Fonseca A, Mazaheri M, Stabile L, Buonanno G, Querol X. Effect of ventilation strategies and air purifiers on the children's exposure to airborne particles and gaseous pollutants in school gyms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 712:135673. [PMID: 31810696 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Indoor school gyms are environments characterized by high concentrations of different airborne particulate and gaseous pollutants. In particular, like other naturally-ventilated school environments, in addition to indoor pollutants children can be exposed to sub-micron particles and gaseous pollutants emitted by outdoor sources and penetrating the building envelope; moreover, high concentrations of super-micron particles can be reached due to the resuspension phenomena related to the physical activity performed therein. The present paper aims to evaluate the effect of different ventilation methods (natural ventilation, manual airing) and the use of air purifiers in reducing the indoor concentrations of different airborne particles and gaseous pollutants in school gyms. To this end, an experimental campaign was performed in two naturally-ventilated school gyms in Barcelona (Spain) of different volumes and different distance to major urban roads. Indoor and outdoor measurements of particle number, black carbon and PM1-10 concentrations were performed as well as indoor measurements of CO2 and NO2 concentrations. The study revealed that the use of air purifiers with windows kept closed (natural ventilation) can lead to a significant reduction in terms of indoor-to-outdoor concentration ratios. In the smaller gym (air changes per hour of the purifiers, ACH, equal to 9.2 h-1) the I/O ratios were reduced by 93% and 95% in terms of particle number and PM1-10, respectively; whereas in the larger school gym (ACH = 1.7 h-1) the corresponding reductions were 70% and 84%. For manual airing scenarios, the effect of the air purifiers on outdoor-generated sub-micron particles is reduced; in particular, for low ACH values (i.e. ACH = 1.7 h-1), the reduction is quite negligible (6%).
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Affiliation(s)
- A Pacitto
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDÆA), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, FR, Italy
| | - F Amato
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDÆA), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - T Moreno
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDÆA), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Pandolfi
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDÆA), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Fonseca
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDÆA), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Mazaheri
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDÆA), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain; International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - L Stabile
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, FR, Italy
| | - G Buonanno
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, FR, Italy; International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - X Querol
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDÆA), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
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18
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Zhou L, Liu G, Shen M, Hu R, Liu Y. Source identification of heavy metals and stable carbon isotope in indoor dust from different functional areas in Hefei, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 710:135599. [PMID: 31784146 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Dust on air conditioning filters can represent the re-suspended particulate matter in indoor air, which may pose potential health risks to humans. However, source identification and influence factors of indoor dust are controversial. The present study investigated the distribution of Cd, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, V, and Zn, as well as stable carbon isotope, in indoor dust from three different functional zones in Hefei to discuss the sources and influence factors of indoor dust. PCA analysis of heavy metals showed that indoor sources (such as cooking and smoking) were the main sources. Negative correlation appeared between family size and heavy metal concentrations. This was because people acted as a sink of pollutants. Concentration analysis of heavy metals revealed that smoking and cooking had weak relevance with heavy metal concentrations. While through the δ13C analysis, cooking had a significant correlation with δ13C of indoor dust, instructing that cooking was a significant source of indoor dust. Besides, smoking also had a certain correlation with δ13C of indoor dust, instructing that smoking was one of the sources of indoor dust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Crust-Mantle Materials and Environment, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China; State Key Laboratory of Loess and Quaternary Geology, Institute of Earth Environment, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710075, China
| | - Guijian Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Crust-Mantle Materials and Environment, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China; State Key Laboratory of Loess and Quaternary Geology, Institute of Earth Environment, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710075, China.
| | - Mengchen Shen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Crust-Mantle Materials and Environment, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Ruoyu Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Crust-Mantle Materials and Environment, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Crust-Mantle Materials and Environment, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
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19
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Abstract
Human health is dependent on the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) of residential and public buildings, where people spend a substantial amount of time. Part of IAQ parameters, like temperature or humidity influence the thermal comfort of users, whereas too high carbon dioxide concentration (CO2) could cause various complaints or diseases. In buildings like offices and schools, where we have a brush with a high density of users, the main source of CO2 is simply people. The type of their activity brings higher or lower carbon dioxide gains, that must be taken into account to design and properly use room ventilation, allowing recommended CO2 levels not to be exceeded. This paper presents an approach to marking human CO2 generation off by using an experimental method. The method was verified based on measuring results of six test series conducted in different types of rooms at Bialystok University of Technology (Poland) during lectures, meetings, projects and laboratories. Carbon dioxide gains were comparable with an average value of 0.0045 L/s, which corresponds to theoretical CO2 generation rates that are symptomatic of males and females, between 16 and 30 years old, with low physical activity.
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20
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Zhou L, Liu G, Shen M, Hu R, Sun M, Liu Y. Characteristics and health risk assessment of heavy metals in indoor dust from different functional areas in Hefei, China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 251:839-849. [PMID: 31125814 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.05.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Metals in indoor dust pose potential health risks to humans. Dust deposition on air conditioner filters can represent the resuspended particulate matter in indoor air. However, few studies have examined this until now. This study investigated the total concentrations and different chemical fractionations of Cd, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, V, and Zn in indoor dust from three different functional zones (the Chief District, Commercial District (CmD), and Industrial District) in Hefei. The mean metal concentrations in indoor dust decreased in the following order: Zn > Mn > Pb > Cr > Ni > V > Cd > Sb. Cd, Pb, and Zn mainly existed in the mobile fraction. Cr and V mainly existed in the residual fraction. The enrichment factor and geo-accumulation index values of heavy metals were all ranked in the order of Cd > Zn > Pb > Sb > Ni > Cr > V, and these values in indoor dust were larger than those in outdoor dust. In addition, the enrichment patterns of these elements were similar in the three functional areas. The orders of non-carcinogenic risk (hazard index; HI) for the different functional areas for children were roughly the same, but there were clear differences for adults. In general, all the HIs were less than 1, which were within the internationally recognized safe range. The total carcinogenic risk (TR) was in the order of Cr > Pb > Cd for both children and adults in the three functional zones. The TRs from Cr exposure were not negligible. The TRs were significantly higher in the CmD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Crust-Mantle Materials and Environment, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China; State Key Laboratory of Loess and Quaternary Geology, Institute of Earth Environment, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710075, China
| | - Guijian Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Crust-Mantle Materials and Environment, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China; State Key Laboratory of Loess and Quaternary Geology, Institute of Earth Environment, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710075, China.
| | - Mengchen Shen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Crust-Mantle Materials and Environment, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Ruoyu Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Crust-Mantle Materials and Environment, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Mei Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Crust-Mantle Materials and Environment, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Crust-Mantle Materials and Environment, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
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21
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The Effect of Ventilation Strategies on Indoor Air Quality and Energy Consumptions in Classrooms. BUILDINGS 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/buildings9050110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Most of the school buildings in Italy are high energy-demanding buildings with no ad-hoc ventilation systems (i.e., naturally-ventilated buildings). Therefore, reducing the heat losses of schools represent the main aspect to be dealt with. Nonetheless, the indoor air quality of the building should be simultaneously considered. Indeed, to date, energy consumptions and air quality are considered as incompatible aspects especially in naturally-ventilated buildings. The aim of the present paper is to evaluate the effect of different ventilation and airing strategies on both indoor air quality and energy consumptions in high energy-demanding naturally-ventilated classrooms. To this purpose, an Italian test-classroom, characterized in terms of air permeability and thermophysical parameters of the envelope, was investigated by means of experimental analyses and simulations through CO2 mass balance equation during the heating season. The air quality was assessed in terms of indoor CO2 concentrations whereas the energy consumptions were evaluated through the asset rating approach. Results clearly report that not adequate indoor CO2 concentrations are measured in the classroom for free-running ventilation scenarios even in low densely populated conditions (2.2 m2 person−1), whereas scheduled airing procedures can reduce the indoor CO2 levels at the cost of higher energy need for ventilation. In particular, when airing periods leading to the air exchange rate required by standards are adopted, the CO2 concentration can decrease to values lower than 1000 ppm, but the ventilation losses increase up to 36% of the overall energy need for space heating of the classroom. On the contrary, when the same air exchange rate is applied through mechanical ventilation systems equipped with heat recovery units, the ventilation energy loss contribution decreases to 5% and the overall energy saving results higher than 30%. Such energy-saving was found even higher for occupancy scenarios characterized by more densely populated conditions of the classroom typically occurring in Italian classrooms.
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