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Lu C, Norbäck D, Zhang Y, Li B, Zhao Z, Huang C, Zhang X, Qian H, Wang J, Liu W, Yang X, Sun Y, Sundell J, Deng Q. Common cold among young adults in China without a history of asthma or allergic rhinitis - associations with warmer climate zone, dampness and mould at home, and outdoor PM 10 and PM 2.5. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 749:141580. [PMID: 32841860 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
This paper studied associations between reported common cold and home dampness and mould, cleaning habits and ventilation, climate and outdoor air pollution in China among young adults without asthma or allergic rhinitis. Parents of children attending day care in eight Chinese cities answered a questionnaire on their health and home environment (75% response rate). We restricted the population to subject without asthma or allergic rhinitis (N = 37,275). Temperature and air pollution data was obtained from monitoring stations. Associations were estimated by multilevel logistic regression. Totally 12.5% reported common cold (≥3 colds) and 1.6% frequent common cold (≥5 colds) in the past 12 months. Female gender (OR = 1.53; 95% CI 1.37-1.71), residents in southern China (OR = 1.89; 95% CI 1.16-3.07) and living in homes with water leakage (OR = 1.32; 95% CI 1.16-1.50), mould odour (OR = 1.48; 95% CI 1.28-1.72), indoor mould (OR = 1.47; 95% CI 1.28-1.70), condensation on window panes (OR = 1.42; 95% CI 1.32-1.52) and damp bed clothing (OR = 1.19; 95% CI 1.11-1.28) were associated with common cold. Having many signs of dampness increased ORs. Daily cleaning (OR = 0.91; 95% CI 0.85-0.97) and mechanical ventilation in kitchen or bathroom (OR = 0.75; 95% CI 0.64-0.89) were protective. Higher mean ambient temperature (OR = 1.11 per °C; 95% CI 1.02-1.21), PM10 (OR = 1.17 per 10 μg/m3; 95% CI 1.14-1.21) and PM2.5 (OR = 1.28 per 10 μg/m3; 95% CI 1.20-1.37) were associated with common cold. The association with particulate air pollution was stronger in southern China. Similar associations were found for frequent common cold. In conclusion, indoor dampness and mould, a warmer climate and PM10 and PM2.5 can be associated with reported common cold. Further intervention and prospective studies are needed to verify causality of observed association in this cross-sectional study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Lu
- XiangYa School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Dan Norbäck
- XiangYa School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; School of Energy Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - 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
| | - Xin Zhang
- Research Center for Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Hua Qian
- School of Energy & Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Wei Liu
- School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 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
| | - Qihong Deng
- XiangYa School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; School of Energy Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Wu H, Wong JWC. Current challenges for shaping the sustainable and mold-free hygienic indoor environment in humid regions. Lett Appl Microbiol 2020; 70:396-406. [PMID: 32180231 DOI: 10.1111/lam.13291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Indoor mold grows ubiquitously in humid areas and can affect occupants' health. To prevent indoor mold contamination, one of the key measures suggested by the World Health Organisation and United States Environmental Protection Agency is to maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) level below 75% or at 30-60%, respectively. However, in tropical and subtropical areas, maintaining these suggested RH levels is equivalent to operating a 24-h air-conditioner (AC) or dehumidifier, which is energy-consuming. As a large part of building expense, the operation time of ACs has been regularly proposed to be cut down because of the requirement of building sustainability. This leads to a trade-off between sustainable building performance and indoor mold hygiene. To balance this trade-off, more sustainable alternatives, such as those that target physical environments (e.g. nutrient and temperature level) or apply new surface coating technologies to inhibit mold growth, have been launched. Despite these initiatives, indoor mold contamination remains an unresolved issue, mainly because these alternative measures only exhibit limited effectiveness or require extra effort. This review aims to summarize the currently adopted mold control measures and discuss their limitations as well as the direction for the future development of sustainable mold control strategies. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: People spend most of their time indoors and hence the presence of indoor mold contamination can compromise the occupants' health. With the wake of climate change which is expected to see an increase in RH and temperature, tropical and subtropical areas are even more prone to mold contamination than they used to be. This study may help facilitate the development of sustainable and effective mold control strategies in the indoor environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Wu
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.,Institute of Bioresource and Agriculture, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - J W C Wong
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.,Institute of Bioresource and Agriculture, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
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Norbäck D, Lu C, Zhang Y, Li B, Zhao Z, Huang C, Zhang X, Qian H, Sundell J, Deng Q. Common cold among pre-school children in China - associations with ambient PM 10 and dampness, mould, cats, dogs, rats and cockroaches in the home environment. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2017; 103:13-22. [PMID: 28351766 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2017.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Revised: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is some evidence that dampness, mould and cockroaches can increase the risk of respiratory infections in children but few studies exist from China on this topic. Aim To study associations between domestic early life exposure to biological indoor factors (dampness, mould, cats, dogs, rats, cockroaches), cleaning habits and common cold among pre-school children across China. METHODS Children aged 3-6years (n=39,782) were recruited from randomly selected day care centres in seven cities in China. Data on common cold and prenatal and postnatal exposure to dampness, mould, windowpane condensation in wintertime (WPC), cats, dogs, cockroaches and rats were assessed by a parentally administered questionnaire. Data on annual ambient temperature and PM10 was assessed on city level. Associations between high frequency (>5 colds per year) and long duration (≥2weeks) of common colds in the past year and exposure were calculated by multilevel logistic regression. RESULTS A total of 9.2% had a high frequency and 11.9% had long duration of common cold. Exposure to mould (OR=1.38, 95% CI 1.24-1.53) and WPC (OR 1.23, 95%CI 1.13-1.33) at birth was associated with frequent common cold. Exposure to dogs at birth was associated with long duration of common cold. (OR=1.22, 95% CI 1.06-1.41). Exposure to mould (OR=1.36, 95% CI 1.22-1.54), WPC (OR=1.27, 95%CI 1.17-1.39) and water leakage (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.20-1.49) in the current home was associated with frequent common cold. Presence of cockroaches were positively (OR=1.12, 95% CI 1.02-1.24) and presence of rats (OR=0.86, 95% CI 0.77-0.96) negatively associated with high frequency of common cold. Daily cleaning was negatively associated with frequent common cold (OR=0.89, 95% CI 0.81-0.97). Similar associations for mould, WPC, cockroaches and rats were found for long duration. Ambient PM10 (OR=1.21, 95% CI 1.21-1.35 per 10μg/m3) and temperature (OR=1.13, 95% CI 1.06-1.35 °C) on city level were associated with high frequency of common cold. Associations between cat keeping and high frequency of common cold were found only in southern China. Associations with cockroaches were stronger in northern China. Associations with dampness and mould were the same in the north and south. CONCLUSIONS Indoor mould, water damage, windowpane condensation, cockroaches and keeping cats or dogs as pets can be risk factors for common cold while daily cleaning can be protective factor. PM10 and a warmer climate zone can be other risk factors for common cold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Norbäck
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Chan Lu
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 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
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Research Center for Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Hua Qian
- School of Energy & Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jan Sundell
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Qihong Deng
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; XiangYa School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Fungal DNA in dust in Swedish day care centres: associations with respiratory symptoms, fractional exhaled nitrogen oxide (FeNO) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in serum among day care centre staff. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2015; 89:331-40. [DOI: 10.1007/s00420-015-1076-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Ernstgård L, Norbäck D, Nordquist T, Wieslander G, Wålinder R, Johanson G. Acute effects of exposure to vapors of 3-methyl-1-butanol in humans. INDOOR AIR 2013; 23:227-235. [PMID: 22882493 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2012] [Accepted: 07/28/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The secondary alcohol 3-methyl-1-butanol (3MB, isoamyl alcohol) is used, for example, as a solvent in a variety of applications and as a fragrance ingredient. It is also one of the microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) found in indoor air. There are little data on acute effects. The aim of the study was to assess the acute effects of 3MB in humans. Thirty healthy volunteers (16 men and 14 women) were exposed in random order to 1 mg/m(3) 3MB or clean air for 2 h at controlled conditions. Ratings with visual analogue scales revealed slightly increased perceptions of eye irritation (P = 0.048, Wilcoxon) and smell (P < 0.0001) compared with control exposure. The other ratings were not significantly affected (irritation in nose and throat, dyspnea, headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and intoxication). No significant exposure-related effects were found in blinking frequency, tear film break-up time, vital staining of the eye, nasal lavage biomarkers, lung function, and nasal swelling. In conclusion, this study suggests that 3MB is not a causative factor for health effects in damp and moldy buildings. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS 3-Methyl-1-butanol (3MB) is one of the most commonly reported MVOCs in damp and moldy buildings and in occupational settings related to agriculture and composting. Our study revealed no irritation effects at 1 mg/m3, a concentration higher than typically found in damp and moldy buildings. Our study thus suggests that 3MB is not a causative factor for health effects in damp and moldy buildings.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Ernstgård
- Work Environment Toxicology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Wang J, Li B, Yang Q, Wang H, Norback D, Sundell J. Sick building syndrome among parents of preschool children in relation to home environment in Chongqing, China. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s11434-013-5814-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Guo P, Yokoyama K, Piao F, Sakai K, Khalequzzaman M, Kamijima M, Nakajima T, Kitamura F. Sick building syndrome by indoor air pollution in Dalian, China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2013; 10:1489-504. [PMID: 23579877 PMCID: PMC3709330 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph10041489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2013] [Revised: 03/28/2013] [Accepted: 04/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This study assessed subjective symptoms related to indoor concentrations of chemicals among residents in a housing estate in Dalian, China, where indoor air pollution by interior decoration materials has recently become a major health problem. Fifty-nine males and 50 females were surveyed for their symptoms related to sick building syndrome. Formaldehyde (HCHO), NO2, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in their dwellings were collected using a diffusion sampler and measured by GC/MS. For residents with one or more symptoms in the past, HCHO, butanol or 1,2-dichloroethane concentrations were significantly greater in their bedrooms or kitchens compared with those of subjects without previous symptoms. For residents with one or more symptoms at the time of the study, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, xylene, butanol, methyl isobutyl ketone, and styrene concentrations in their bedrooms or kitchens were significantly greater compared with those of residents without symptoms. HCHO, NO2, and VOCs were detected in all rooms, but their levels were lower than the guideline values except for HCHO in two rooms. Chemical substances from interior decoration materials at indoor air levels lower than their guideline values might have affected the health status of residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Guo
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; E-Mails: (P.G.); (F.K.)
- Faculty of Environmental and Information Science, Yokkaichi University, 1200 Kayouchyou, Yokkaichi, Mie 512-8512, Japan
- Department of Public Health and Occupational Medicine, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Kazuhito Yokoyama
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; E-Mails: (P.G.); (F.K.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. E-Mail: ; Tel.: +81-03-5802-1046; Fax: +81-03-3812-1026
| | - Fengyuan Piao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, LiaoNing 116044, China; E-Mail:
| | - Kiyoshi Sakai
- Nagoya City Public Health Research Institute, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 467-8615, Japan; E-Mail:
| | - Md Khalequzzaman
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan; E-Mails: (M.K.); (T.N.)
| | - Michihiro Kamijima
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 467-8601, Japan; E-Mail:
| | - Tamie Nakajima
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan; E-Mails: (M.K.); (T.N.)
| | - Fumihiko Kitamura
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; E-Mails: (P.G.); (F.K.)
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Sahlberg B, Norbäck D, Wieslander G, Gislason T, Janson C. Onset of mucosal, dermal, and general symptoms in relation to biomarkers and exposures in the dwelling: a cohort study from 1992 to 2002. INDOOR AIR 2012; 22:331-338. [PMID: 22257085 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0668.2012.00766.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED We examined the associations between biomarkers of allergy and inflammation, indoor environment in dwellings, and incidence and remission of symptoms included in the sick building syndrome (SBS) and changes in the home environment of 452 adults who were followed from 1992 to 2002 within the Uppsala part of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS). The 10-year incidence (onset) of general, mucosal, and dermal symptoms was 8.5%, 12.7%, and 6.8%, respectively. Dampness or indoor molds at baseline was a predictor of incidence of general (relative risk [RR] = 1.98), mucosal (RR = 2.28), and dermal symptoms (RR = 1.91). Women had higher incidence of general (RR = 1.74) and mucosal symptoms (RR = 1.71). Indoor painting increased the incidence of general symptoms (RR = 1.62). Bronchial responsiveness (BR), eosinophil counts in blood, total IgE and eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) in serum at baseline were predictors of incidence of SBS. At follow-up, BR, total IgE, and C-reactive protein (CRP ) were associated with increased incidence of SBS. Moreover, subjects with doctor-diagnosed asthma at baseline had a higher incidence of general (RR = 1.65) and mucosal symptoms (RR = 1.97). In conclusion, female gender, dampness or indoor molds, indoor painting, and biomarkers of allergy and inflammation were associated with a higher incidence of SBS symptoms, in particular mucosal symptoms. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS The focus in Sweden on indoor environment issues over the last few decades has resulted in improvements in dwellings, and reduced tobacco smoking, which could be beneficial for public health. Reducing dampness and molds in the dwelling place is another important way of reducing occurrence of SBS symptoms in the general adult population. The association between the incidence of SBS symptoms and clinical biomarkers of allergy and inflammation suggests a common etiology between inflammatory diseases, including asthma, rhinitis, and SBS. Lastly, good agreement between self-reported and clinically diagnosed atopy indicates that questionnaire data on atopy can be used in epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Sahlberg
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital and Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Fisk WJ, Eliseeva EA, Mendell MJ. Association of residential dampness and mold with respiratory tract infections and bronchitis: a meta-analysis. Environ Health 2010; 9:72. [PMID: 21078183 PMCID: PMC3000394 DOI: 10.1186/1476-069x-9-72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2010] [Accepted: 11/15/2010] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dampness and mold have been shown in qualitative reviews to be associated with a variety of adverse respiratory health effects, including respiratory tract infections. Several published meta-analyses have provided quantitative summaries for some of these associations, but not for respiratory infections. Demonstrating a causal relationship between dampness-related agents, which are preventable exposures, and respiratory tract infections would suggest important new public health strategies. We report the results of quantitative meta-analyses of published studies that examined the association of dampness or mold in homes with respiratory infections and bronchitis. METHODS For primary studies meeting eligibility criteria, we transformed reported odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) to the log scale. Both fixed and random effects models were applied to the log ORs and their variances. Most studies contained multiple estimated ORs. Models accounted for the correlation between multiple results within the studies analyzed. One set of analyses was performed with all eligible studies, and another set restricted to studies that controlled for age, gender, smoking, and socioeconomic status. Subgroups of studies were assessed to explore heterogeneity. Funnel plots were used to assess publication bias. RESULTS The resulting summary estimates of ORs from random effects models based on all studies ranged from 1.38 to 1.50, with 95% CIs excluding the null in all cases. Use of different analysis models and restricting analyses based on control of multiple confounding variables changed findings only slightly. ORs (95% CIs) from random effects models using studies adjusting for major confounding variables were, for bronchitis, 1.45 (1.32-1.59); for respiratory infections, 1.44 (1.31-1.59); for respiratory infections excluding nonspecific upper respiratory infections, 1.50 (1.32-1.70), and for respiratory infections in children or infants, 1.48 (1.33-1.65). Little effect of publication bias was evident. Estimated attributable risk proportions ranged from 8% to 20%. CONCLUSIONS Residential dampness and mold are associated with substantial and statistically significant increases in both respiratory infections and bronchitis. If these associations were confirmed as causal, effective control of dampness and mold in buildings would prevent a substantial proportion of respiratory infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J Fisk
- Indoor Environment Department, Environmental Energy Technologies Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road 90R3058, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Ekaterina A Eliseeva
- Indoor Environment Department, Environmental Energy Technologies Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road 90R3058, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Mark J Mendell
- Indoor Environment Department, Environmental Energy Technologies Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road 90R3058, Berkeley, CA, USA
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Wieslander G, Norbäck D. Ocular symptoms, tear film stability, nasal patency, and biomarkers in nasal lavage in indoor painters in relation to emissions from water-based paint. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2010; 83:733-41. [DOI: 10.1007/s00420-010-0552-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2009] [Accepted: 05/18/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Takeda M, Saijo Y, Yuasa M, Kanazawa A, Araki A, Kishi R. Relationship between sick building syndrome and indoor environmental factors in newly built Japanese dwellings. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2009; 82:583-93. [PMID: 19205722 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-009-0395-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2007] [Accepted: 01/18/2009] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Indoor air contaminants and dampness in dwellings have become important environmental health issues. The aim of this study is to clarify which factors are related to sick building syndrome (SBS) in newly built dwellings at Hokkaido, Japan, through a comprehensive evaluation of the indoor environment and validated sick building symptom questionnaires. METHODS The symptoms of 343 residents in 104 detached houses were surveyed by standardized questionnaires, and the concentrations of formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), airborne fungi, and dust mite allergen in their living rooms were measured. By summing the presence or absence of the five dampness indicators (condensations, mold growth, moldy odor, high air humidity of the bathroom, water leakage), a dampness index was calculated. RESULTS SBS symptoms were found in 21.6% of surveyed individuals. In a fully adjusted multivariate logistic regression analysis, the dampness index [odds ratio (OR) = 1.50; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06-1.11], log formaldehyde (OR = 23.79, 95% CI: 2.49-277.65), and log alpha-pinene (OR = 2.87, 95% CI: 1.36-6.03) had significantly higher ORs for SBS symptoms. However, other VOCs, airborne fungi, and dust mite allergen did not have significantly higher ORs. CONCLUSION Dampness, formaldehyde, and alpha-pinene were significantly related to SBS symptoms in newly built dwellings. We should, therefore, take measures to reduce the chemicals and dampness in dwellings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Takeda
- Department of Public Health Science, Graduated School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, N15, W7, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-8638, Japan
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Bakke JV, Norbäck D, Wieslander G, Hollund BE, Florvaag E, Haugen EN, Moen BE. Symptoms, complaints, ocular and nasal physiological signs in university staff in relation to indoor environment - temperature and gender interactions. INDOOR AIR 2008; 18:131-143. [PMID: 18312335 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0668.2007.00515.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Symptoms, signs, perceptions, and objective measures were studied in university buildings. Two problem buildings with a history of dampness and complaints were compared with two control buildings. Health investigations among university staff were performed at the workplace (n = 173) including tear film stability [non-invasive break-up time (NIBUT) and self-reported break-up time (SBUT)], nasal patency (acoustic rhinometry), nasal lavage fluid analysis [NAL: eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), myeloperoxidase (MPO), lysozyme and albumin] and atopy by total serum IgE and IgE antibodies (Phadiatop). Exposure assessment included inspections, thermal and atmospheric climate at 56 points modelled for all work sites. Multiple regressions were applied, controlling for age and gender. Exposure differences between problem buildings and controls were small, and variations between rooms were greater. Workers in the problem buildings had more general and dermal symptoms, but not more objective signs than the others. Adjusted day NIBUT and SBUT increased at higher night air temperatures, with B (95% CI) 0.6 (0.04-1.2) and 1.3 (-0.02 to 2.5), respectively. Higher relative humidity at mean day air temperature <22.1 degrees C was associated with adjusted NIBUT and SBUT, with B (95% CI) 0.16 (0.03-0.29) and 0.37 (-0.01 to 0.75), respectively. Air velocity below recommended winter values and reduced relative humidity in the range of 15-30% were associated with dry air and too low temperature. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS Thermal climate in university buildings may be associated with both perceptions and physiological signs. Reduced night time air temperature, increased difference in air temperature between day and night, and fast changes in air temperature might impair indoor environment. This may have implication for energy-saving policies. It might be difficult to identify the exposure behind, and find the reason why, some buildings are defined as 'problem buildings'.
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Affiliation(s)
- J V Bakke
- Section for Occupational Medicine, Department of Public Health and Primary Health Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
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Bakke JV, Wieslander G, Norbäck D, Moen BE. Atopy, symptoms and indoor environmental perceptions, tear film stability, nasal patency and lavage biomarkers in university staff. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2007; 81:861-72. [PMID: 18066577 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-007-0280-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2007] [Accepted: 11/14/2007] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Study associations between airway symptoms, complaints on environmental perceptions, atopy definitions and biomarkers including tear film stability (BUT), nasal patency and nasal lavage (NAL). Personal predictors (gender, age, smoking, infections) for the biomarkers as well as associations between the biomarkers were also assessed. METHODS A cross-sectional study of 173 employees in four university buildings, response rate 86%. Tear film break up time (BUT) was measured by a non-invasive method (NIBUT) and self-reported (SBUT). NAL-analysis included eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP), myeloperoxidase (MPO), lysozyme and albumin. Total serum IgE, and specific IgE using Phadiatop was measured. Data on subjective symptoms, environmental perceptions and background data were collected by use of a questionnaire. Multiple regression analyses were applied. RESULTS Mean age was 43 years, 21% had weekly ocular, 21% nasal, and 17% laryngeal symptoms. Women had more complaints on environmental perceptions, shorter BUT and less nasal patency. Neither atopy (Phadiatop) nor Total IgE or allergy in the family, but asthma and hay fever was associated with mucosal symptoms or perceptions. Subjects with positive Phadiatop had higher levels of all NAL-biomarkers. Those with ocular symptoms had shorter BUT. Nasal symptoms were related to respiratory infections and laryngeal symptoms to NAL-lysozyme. Perceiving dry air was associated with lower BUT and reduced nasal volume difference before and after decongestion. Older subjects had greater nasal patency, and less atopy. All NAL-biomarkers were positively correlated. Higher lysozyme level was associated with less nasal patency and greater nasal decongestion. CONCLUSIONS BUT and NAL-lysozyme was associated with ocular, nasal, laryngeal symptoms and indoor environmental perceptions. Ever having had asthma and ever having had hay fever were predictors for symptoms and perceived air quality, respectively. Phadiatop, Total IgE, familiar allergy and ever eczema were not associated to symptoms or perceived environments. Age, gender and Phadiatop were main predictors for ocular and nasal biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Vilhelm Bakke
- Section for Occupational Medicine, Department of Public Health and Primary Health Care, University of Bergen, Kalfarveien 31, 5018 Bergen, Norway.
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