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Hou J, Sun Y, Dai X, Liu J, Shen X, Tan H, Yin H, Huang K, Gao Y, Lai D, Hong W, Zhai X, Norbäck D, Chen Q. Associations of indoor carbon dioxide concentrations, air temperature, and humidity with perceived air quality and sick building syndrome symptoms in Chinese homes. INDOOR AIR 2021; 31:1018-1028. [PMID: 33620091 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The indoor environment influences occupants' health. From March 1, 2018, to February 28, 2019, we continuously monitored indoor temperature (T), relative humidity (RH), and CO2 concentration in bedrooms via an online system in 165 residences that covered all five climate zones of China. Meanwhile, we asked one specific occupant in each home to complete questionnaires about perceived air quality and sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms at the end of each month. Higher CO2 concentration was significantly associated with a higher percentage of perceived stuffy odor and skin SBS symptoms. Higher relative humidity was associated with higher percentage of perceived moldy odor and humid air, while lower RH was associated with a higher percentage of perceived dry air. Occupants who lived in residences with high RH were less likely to have mucosal and skin SBS symptoms (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.73-0.78). However, the benefit of high humidity for perceived dry air and skin dryness symptoms is weaker if there is a high CO2 concentration level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Hou
- Tianjin Key Lab. of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuexia Sun
- Tianjin Key Lab. of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xilei Dai
- Tianjin Key Lab. of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Junjie Liu
- Tianjin Key Lab. of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiong Shen
- Tianjin Key Lab. of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongwei Tan
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haiguo Yin
- School of Building Services Science and Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Kailiang Huang
- Department of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shenyang Jianzhu University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yao Gao
- Shenzhen Institute of Building Research Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, China
| | - Dayi Lai
- Tianjin Key Lab. of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Architecture, School of Design, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiping Hong
- Tianjin Key Lab. of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinping Zhai
- School of Building Services Science and Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Dan Norbäck
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University and University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Qingyan Chen
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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Gibson PR, Lockaby SD, Bryant JM. Experiences of persons with multiple chemical sensitivity with mental health providers. J Multidiscip Healthc 2016; 9:163-72. [PMID: 27103817 PMCID: PMC4827900 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s100688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we summarize the results of an online survey of persons in the United States with chemical intolerance/multiple chemical sensitivity who sought help from mental health providers, including counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, and others. Respondents reported on their most recent contact with a provider, describing reasons for the contact, accommodations requested and received, and suggestions for how the experience could be more helpful. Overall, though clients were accommodated in small ways, some received no accommodation, and many felt that the providers needed to be more knowledgeable regarding chemical intolerance. Results are discussed in terms of the importance of providers becoming more aware of multiple chemical sensitivity and more willing to make their services accessible to these clients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Reed Gibson
- Department of Psychology, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, USA
| | - Sharon D Lockaby
- Department of Psychology, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, USA
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Takaoka M, Suzuki K, Norbäck D. Sick Building Syndrome Among Junior High School Students in Japan in Relation to the Home and School Environment. Glob J Health Sci 2015; 8:165-77. [PMID: 26383200 PMCID: PMC4803974 DOI: 10.5539/gjhs.v8n2p165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: There is an increasing concern about sick building syndrome (SBS), especially in Asia. The aim of this study is to investigate associations between SBS and the home, school environment and personal factors among Japanese junior high school students. Methods: We investigated students in four junior high schools in Hyogo in Kansai area, Japan. A questionnaire study was performed among students (n=1056), 12-15 years old. Temperature and relative air humidity was measured in the classrooms and dust was collected from the classroom floors and air and was analysed for cat and dog allergens. Associations were analysed by multi-level logistic regression. Results: Mucosal symptoms (45.4%), general symptoms (38.9%) and skin symptoms (22.6%) were common. Totally 8.8% reported cat allergy, 6.1% dog allergy, 6.0% mold allergy and 25.7% pollen allergy. Atopy, window pane condensation, floor dampness and odor at home and high relative air humidity in the classrooms were associated with SBS. Conclusion: The prevalence of SBS symptoms was high and associated with both home and school environment. Window pane condensation and floor dampness at home can increase the risk for SBS symptoms in students. Moreover high relative air humidity at school may increase the risk for SBS.
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Gibson PR, Kovach S, Lupfer A. Unmet health care needs for persons with environmental sensitivity. J Multidiscip Healthc 2015; 8:59-66. [PMID: 25670904 PMCID: PMC4315542 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s61723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies of unmet health care needs have shown that women, people with poor health, and people with lower socioeconomic status are more likely to report having unmet health care needs. In this study, we examined the types of and reasons for unmet health care needs in 465 people with environmental sensitivities. A second area of inquiry involved negative reactions to general anesthesia. Results showed that the most common barriers to receiving care were the inability to find a provider who understands environmental sensitivities and a lack of accessibility due to chemical and electromagnetic exposures in health care environments. Lower income and poorer health (longer illness, a worsening or fluctuating course of illness, and a higher level of disability) were significantly correlated with the total number of reported unmet health care needs. Some people with environmental sensitivities reported having negative reactions to anesthesia of long duration; most common were nausea and vomiting, fatigue, and reduced cognitive ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Reed Gibson
- Department of Psychology, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, USA
| | - Shannon Kovach
- Department of Psychology, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, USA
| | - Alexis Lupfer
- Department of Psychology, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, USA
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Runeson-Broberg R, Norbäck D. Sick building syndrome (SBS) and sick house syndrome (SHS) in relation to psychosocial stress at work in the Swedish workforce. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2012; 86:915-22. [PMID: 23143072 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-012-0827-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2012] [Accepted: 10/26/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Medical symptoms called sick building syndrome (SBS) and sick house syndrome (SHS) are usually investigated separately: in this study, SBS and SHS were explored simultaneously. The significance of personal factors, perceptions of air quality, and psychosocial work situation in explaining SBS and SHS were investigated. METHODS A random sample of 1,000 subjects (20-65 year) received a postal questionnaire including questions on personal factors, medical symptoms, and the psychosocial demand-control-support model. The response rate was 70 % (n = 695), of which 532 were occupationally active. RESULTS In logistic regression models, atopy, poor air quality at work, and low social support, especially low supervisor support, were associated with both SBS and SHS when age, gender, smoking, and BMI were introduced. The general work-related symptoms (headache, tiredness, nausea, and sensation of a cold) were also related to low control over work. CONCLUSIONS The perception of poor physical environmental conditions is associated with common medical symptoms that are both work and home related. The associations between medical symptoms and poor air quality are still present, even when controlling for the psychosocial environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roma Runeson-Broberg
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden,
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Scammell MK. Qualitative environmental health research: an analysis of the literature, 1991-2008. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2012; 16:4239-55. [PMID: 22031153 DOI: 10.1590/s1413-81232011001100030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Qualitative research uses nonnumeric data to understand people's opinions, motives, understanding, and beliefs about events or phenomena. In this analysis, I report the use of qualitative methods and data in the study of the relationship between environmental exposures and human health. A primary search for peer-reviewed journal articles dated from 1991 through 2008 included the following three terms: qualitative, environ*, and health. Searches resulted in 3,155 records. Data were extracted and findings of articles analyzed to determine where and by whom qualitative environmental health research is conducted and published, the types of methods and analyses used in qualitative studies of environmental health, and the types of information qualitative data contribute to environmental health. The results highlight a diversity of disciplines and techniques among researchers who used qualitative methods to study environmental health. Nearly all of the studies identified increased scientific understanding of lay perceptions of environmental health exposures. This analysis demonstrates the potential of qualitative data to improve understanding of complex exposure pathways, including the influence of social factors on environmental health, and health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Kangsen Scammell
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, Boston, MA, USA.
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Takigawa T, Saijo Y, Morimoto K, Nakayama K, Shibata E, Tanaka M, Yoshimura T, Chikara H, Kishi R. A longitudinal study of aldehydes and volatile organic compounds associated with subjective symptoms related to sick building syndrome in new dwellings in Japan. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2012; 417-418:61-67. [PMID: 22265600 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2011.12.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2011] [Revised: 12/22/2011] [Accepted: 12/22/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
To determine whether indoor chemicals act as possible environmental risk factors responsible for sick building syndrome (SBS)-related symptoms in new houses (<6 years old) in Japan, we studied 871 people living in 260 single-family houses in 2004 and 2005. We measured the indoor concentrations of aldehydes and volatile organic compounds and longitudinal changes in the living rooms over two consecutive years. Participants answered standardized questionnaires on SBS symptoms and lifestyle habits. Approximately 14% and 12% of subjects were identified as having SBS in the first and second year, respectively. According to analysis adjusted for sex, age, smoking, and allergic diseases, increases in aldehydes and aliphatic hydrocarbons contributed to the occurrence of SBS. Elevated levels of indoor aldehydes and aliphatic hydrocarbons increased the possible risk of SBS in residents living in new houses, indicating that source controls against indoor chemicals are needed to counter SBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Takigawa
- Department of Public Health, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
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Gibson PR, Lindberg A. Physicians' perceptions and practices regarding patient reports of multiple chemical sensitivity. ISRN NURSING 2011; 2011:838930. [PMID: 22007328 PMCID: PMC3168894 DOI: 10.5402/2011/838930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2011] [Accepted: 07/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Ninety physicians practicing in the state of Virginia USA completed a mail survey regarding Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). Survey questions addressed demographics; familiarity with MCS; etiology; overlapping conditions; accommodations made for patients and practices regarding evaluation, treatment, and referral. A little over half of respondents were familiar with MCS. Under a third had received any medical training regarding chemical sensitivity, only 7% were "very satisfied" with their knowledge, and 6% had a treatment protocol for the condition. Participants cited a range of etiologies and overlapping conditions including asthma, Reactive Airway Dysfunction Syndrome (RADS), Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), Chronic Fatigues Syndrome (CFS), and Fibromyalgia. Physicians infrequently considered chemicals as a cause of illness when seeing new patients. Evaluation techniques included interviews, blood work, immune profiles, and allergy testing. Interventions recommended included chemical avoidance, alterations in the home environment, diet restrictions, the use of air filters, and referrals to outside specialists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Reed Gibson
- Department of Psychology, James Madison University, MSC 7704, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA
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Gibson PR, Sledd LG, McEnroe WH, Vos AP. Isolation and lack of access in multiple chemical sensitivity: A qualitative study. Nurs Health Sci 2011; 13:232-7. [PMID: 21595819 DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-2018.2011.00606.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This paper describes a qualitative interview study of 26 persons with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), also referred to as chemical intolerance. We used a phenomenological perspective and planned to focus on the impact of MCS on relationships, but found that difficulty with accessing safe spaces at times prevented relationships by limiting access to personal interactions. Thus, persons with MCS either lost or were unable to cultivate new relationships as a result of lack of spatial access. Others' lack of understanding and refusal to make accommodations at times denied spatial access to those with MCS. In this way, relationships (relationality) and spatial access (spatiality) interacted with one another to keep persons isolated. In this paper, we describe informants' detailed experience of living with chemical intolerance in a culture where chemical exposures are commonplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Reed Gibson
- Department of Psychology, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia, USA.
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Scammell MK. Qualitative environmental health research: an analysis of the literature, 1991-2008. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2010; 118:1146-54. [PMID: 20421191 PMCID: PMC2920087 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.0901762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2009] [Accepted: 04/26/2010] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent articles have advocated for the use of qualitative methods in environmental health research. Qualitative research uses nonnumeric data to understand people's opinions, motives, understanding, and beliefs about events or phenomena. OBJECTIVE In this analysis of the literature, I report the use of qualitative methods and data in the study of the relationship between environmental exposures and human health. DATA SOURCES A primary search on ISI Web of Knowledge/Web of Science for peer-reviewed journal articles dated from 1991 through 2008 included the following three terms: qualitative, environ*, and health. Inclusion and exclusion criteria are described. DATA EXTRACTION Searches resulted in 3,155 records. Data were extracted and findings of articles analyzed to determine where and by whom qualitative environmental health research is conducted and published, the types of methods and analyses used in qualitative studies of environmental health, and the types of information qualitative data contribute to environmental health. DATA SYNTHESIS Ninety-one articles met inclusion criteria. These articles were published in 58 different journals, with a maximum of eight for a single journal. The results highlight a diversity of disciplines and techniques among researchers who used qualitative methods to study environmental health, with most studies relying on one-on-one interviews. Details of the analyses were absent from a large number of studies. Nearly all of the studies identified increased scientific understanding of lay perceptions of environmental health exposures. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Qualitative data are published in traditionally quantitative environmental health studies to a limited extent. However, this analysis demonstrates the potential of qualitative data to improve understanding of complex exposure pathways, including the influence of social factors on environmental health, and health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Kangsen Scammell
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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Harada K, Hasegawa A, Wei CN, Minamoto K, Noguchi Y, Hara K, Matsushita O, Noda K, Ueda A. A Review of Indoor Air Pollution and Health Problems from the Viewpoint of Environmental Hygiene: Focusing on the Studies of Indoor Air Environment in Japan Compared to Those of Foreign Countries. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1248/jhs.56.488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Koichi Harada
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University
| | - Asako Hasegawa
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto University
| | - Chan-Nian Wei
- Department of Prevention and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University
| | - Keiko Minamoto
- Department of Prevention and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University
| | - Yukari Noguchi
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University
| | - Kunio Hara
- Faculty of Regional Health Therapy, Teikyo Heisei University
| | - Osamu Matsushita
- Department of Public Policy, Graduate School of Law, Kumamoto University
| | - Kosuke Noda
- Innovation Promotion Office, Kumamoto Software Co. Ltd
| | - Atsushi Ueda
- Department of Prevention and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University
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Flueckiger J, Ko FK, Cheung KC. Microfabricated formaldehyde gas sensors. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2009; 9:9196-215. [PMID: 22291561 PMCID: PMC3260638 DOI: 10.3390/s91109196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2009] [Revised: 11/06/2009] [Accepted: 11/07/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Formaldehyde is a volatile organic compound that is widely used in textiles, paper, wood composites, and household materials. Formaldehyde will continuously outgas from manufactured wood products such as furniture, with adverse health effects resulting from prolonged low-level exposure. New, microfabricated sensors for formaldehyde have been developed to meet the need for portable, low-power gas detection. This paper reviews recent work including silicon microhotplates for metal oxide-based detection, enzyme-based electrochemical sensors, and nanowire-based sensors. This paper also investigates the promise of polymer-based sensors for low-temperature, low-power operation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Flueckiger
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada; E-Mail:
| | - Frank K. Ko
- Department of Materials Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada; E-Mail:
| | - Karen C. Cheung
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada; E-Mail:
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