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Alves M, Asbell P, Dogru M, Giannaccare G, Grau A, Gregory D, Kim DH, Marini MC, Ngo W, Nowinska A, Saldanha IJ, Villani E, Wakamatsu TH, Yu M, Stapleton F. TFOS Lifestyle Report: Impact of environmental conditions on the ocular surface. Ocul Surf 2023; 29:1-52. [PMID: 37062427 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Environmental risk factors that have an impact on the ocular surface were reviewed and associations with age and sex, race/ethnicity, geographical area, seasonality, prevalence and possible interactions between risk factors are reviewed. Environmental factors can be (a) climate-related: temperature, humidity, wind speed, altitude, dew point, ultraviolet light, and allergen or (b) outdoor and indoor pollution: gases, particulate matter, and other sources of airborne pollutants. Temperature affects ocular surface homeostasis directly and indirectly, precipitating ocular surface diseases and/or symptoms, including trachoma. Humidity is negatively associated with dry eye disease. There is little data on wind speed and dewpoint. High altitude and ultraviolet light exposure are associated with pterygium, ocular surface degenerations and neoplastic disease. Pollution is associated with dry eye disease and conjunctivitis. Primary Sjögren syndrome is associated with exposure to chemical solvents. Living within a potential zone of active volcanic eruption is associated with eye irritation. Indoor pollution, "sick" building or house can also be associated with eye irritation. Most ocular surface conditions are multifactorial, and several environmental factors may contribute to specific diseases. A systematic review was conducted to answer the following research question: "What are the associations between outdoor environment pollution and signs or symptoms of dry eye disease in humans?" Dry eye disease is associated with air pollution (from NO2) and soil pollution (from chromium), but not from air pollution from CO or PM10. Future research should adequately account for confounders, follow up over time, and report results separately for ocular surface findings, including signs and symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Alves
- Department of Ophthalmology and Otorhinolaryngology, University of Campinas Campinas, Brazil.
| | - Penny Asbell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Memphis, Memphis, USA
| | - Murat Dogru
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Giuseppe Giannaccare
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Cantanzaro, Italy
| | - Arturo Grau
- Department of Ophthalmology, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Darren Gregory
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, USA
| | - Dong Hyun Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | - William Ngo
- School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Anna Nowinska
- Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Ian J Saldanha
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Edoardo Villani
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Eye Clinic, San Giuseppe Hospital, IRCCS Multimedica, Milan, Italy
| | - Tais Hitomi Wakamatsu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Paulista School of Medicine, São Paulo Hospital, Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mitasha Yu
- Sensory Functions, Disability and Rehabilitation Unit, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Fiona Stapleton
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Determining ventilation strategies to relieve health symptoms among school occupants. FACILITIES 2023. [DOI: 10.1108/f-10-2021-0101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Purpose
Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) contributing to occupants’ health symptoms is a universal, typically ventilation-related, problem in schools. In cold climates, low-cost strategies to improve IAQ in a naturally ventilated school are rare since conventional methods, such as window opening, are often inappropriate. This paper aims to present an investigation of strategies to relieve health symptoms among school occupants in naturally ventilated school in Finland.
Design/methodology/approach
A case study approach is adopted to thoroughly investigate the process of generating the alternatives of ventilation redesign in a naturally ventilated school where there have been complaints of health symptoms. First, the potential sources of the occupants’ symptoms are identified. Then, the strategies aiming to reduce the symptoms are compared and evaluated.
Findings
In a naturally ventilated school, health symptoms that are significantly caused by insufficient ventilation can be potentially reduced by implementing a supply and exhaust ventilation system. Alternatively, it is possible to retain the natural ventilation with reduced number of occupants. The selected strategy would depend considerably on the desired number of users, the budget and the possibilities to combine the redesign of ventilation with other refurbishment actions. Furthermore, the risk of poorer indoor air caused by the refurbishment actions must also be addressed and considered.
Practical implications
This study may assist municipal authorities and school directors in decisions concerning improvement of classroom IAQ and elimination of building-related symptoms. This research provides economic aspects of alternative strategies and points out the risks related to major refurbishment actions.
Originality/value
Since this study presents a set of features related to indoor air that contribute to occupants’ health as well as matters to be considered when aiming to decrease occupants’ symptoms, it may be of assistance to municipal authorities and practitioners in providing a healthier indoor environment for pupils and teachers.
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Qiao R, Lou X, Sun Y, Liu Y. Effects of occupant behaviors on perceived dormitory air quality and sick building syndrome symptoms among female college students. INDOOR AIR 2022; 32:e13153. [PMID: 36437662 DOI: 10.1111/ina.13153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
We performed a cross-sectional survey of 2143 female students in a university in Tianjin, China regarding perceived air quality (PAQ) and sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms in the student dormitory. The prevalence of general, mucosal, and skin symptoms was 22.1%, 21.9%, and 26.3%, respectively. The three most prevalent PAQ complaints were "dry air" (48.9% often), "stuffy odor" (18.2%), and "other unpleasant odors" (5.1%), and they were significant risk factors for 11-12 out of 12 SBS symptoms (adjusted odds ratios [AOR]: 1.6-5.8). Survey data of 1471 undergraduates, whose dorms were of uniform layout and furnishing, were used to further investigate the influences of occupancy level and occupant behaviors on PAQ and SBS symptoms. Frequent use of air freshener/perfume was a significant risk factor for "dry air," less frequent room cleaning and higher occupancy density were significant risk factors for "stuffy odor," and less natural ventilation was a significant risk factor for both "stuffy odor" and "pungent odor." These factors were also significantly associated with some SBS symptoms. In particular, the use of air freshener/perfume exhibited a significant dose-response pattern with "fatigue" (sometimes: AOR 1.3; often: AOR 2.0) and with "irritated, stuffy, or runny nose" (sometimes: AOR 1.6; often: AOR 2.2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruohong Qiao
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinyuan Lou
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuexia Sun
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yingjun Liu
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Dutheil F, Vilmant A, Boudet G, Mermillod M, Lesage FX, Jalenques I, Valet G, Schmidt J, Bouillon-Minois JB, Pereira B. Assessment of sick building syndrome using visual analog scales. INDOOR AIR 2022; 32:e13024. [PMID: 35347792 DOI: 10.1111/ina.13024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite there is no recommendations for assessing symptoms of sick building syndrome, the use of visual analog scales (VAS) seems attractive and appropriate. We aimed to demonstrate the benefits of using VAS for evaluating subjective symptoms of sick building syndrome. METHOD We compared an exposed group to a control group with a one-year follow-up. To assess chronology of symptoms, employees were asked to complete four VAS at different times: after vacations (time 1), beginning of the week-beginning of the day (time 2), beginning of the week-end of the day (time 3), and end of the week-end of the day (time 4). Measurements were repeated before and after ventilation work for the exposed group and at the same time in the control group without intervention. Confounding factors were assessed. RESULTS We included 36 employees (21 in the exposed group and 15 in the control group). Both groups were comparable. Prior to ventilation work, the exposed group had more subjective symptoms than the control group with a chronology of symptoms. After ventilation work, symptoms did not differ between groups, and most symptoms decreased within the exposed group. PRACTICAL IMPLICATION The use of VAS provided reliable data for assessing sick building syndrome and showed a dose-response relationship between occupational exposure and symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Dutheil
- LaPSCo, Physiological and Psychosocial Stress, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Occupational and Preventive Medicine, WittyFit, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Audrey Vilmant
- Association Interentreprises en Santé au Travail La Prévention Active, RIOM, France
| | - Gil Boudet
- LaPSCo, Physiological and Psychosocial Stress, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Occupational and Preventive Medicine, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Martial Mermillod
- LPNC, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Grenoble, France
- Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
| | - François-Xavier Lesage
- Laboratory Epsylon EA 4556, Dynamic of Human Abilities & Health Behaviors, CHU Montpellier, Occupational Medicine, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Isabelle Jalenques
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Addictology, Université Clermont Auvergne, NPsy-Sydo, University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Guillaume Valet
- LaPSCo, Physiological and Psychosocial Stress, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, , Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jeannot Schmidt
- LaPSCo, Physiological and Psychosocial Stress, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Emergency, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jean-Baptiste Bouillon-Minois
- LaPSCo, Physiological and Psychosocial Stress, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Emergency, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Bruno Pereira
- Biostatistics Unit, Clinical Research and Innovation Direction, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Byber K, Radtke T, Norbäck D, Hitzke C, Imo D, Schwenkglenks M, Puhan MA, Dressel H, Mutsch M. Humidification of indoor air for preventing or reducing dryness symptoms or upper respiratory infections in educational settings and at the workplace. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021; 12:CD012219. [PMID: 34891215 PMCID: PMC8664457 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012219.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Indoor exposure to dry air during heating periods has been associated with dryness and irritation symptoms of the upper respiratory airways and the skin. The irritated or damaged mucous membrane poses an important entry port for pathogens causing respiratory infections. OBJECTIVES To determine the effectiveness of interventions that increase indoor air humidity in order to reduce or prevent dryness symptoms of the eyes, the skin and the upper respiratory tract (URT) or URT infections, at work and in educational settings. SEARCH METHODS The last search for all databases was done in December 2020. We searched Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL (Cochrane Library), PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus and in the field of occupational safety and health: NIOSHTIC-2, HSELINE, CISDOC and the In-house database of the Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Zurich. We also contacted experts, screened reference lists of included trials, relevant reviews and consulted the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). SELECTION CRITERIA We included controlled studies with a parallel group or cross-over design, quasi-randomised studies, controlled before-and-after and interrupted time-series studies on the effects of indoor air humidification in reducing or preventing dryness symptoms and upper respiratory tract infections as primary outcomes at workplace and in the educational setting. As secondary outcomes we considered perceived air quality, other adverse events, sick leave, task performance, productivity and attendance and costs of the intervention. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently screened titles, abstracts and full texts for eligibility, extracted data and assessed the risks of bias of included studies. We synthesised the evidence for the primary outcomes 'dry eye', 'dry nose', 'dry skin', for the secondary outcome 'absenteeism', as well as for 'perception of stuffiness' as the harm-related measure. We assessed the certainty of evidence using the GRADE system. MAIN RESULTS We included 13 studies with at least 4551 participants, and extracted the data of 12 studies with at least 4447 participants. Seven studies targeted the occupational setting, with three studies comprising office workers and four hospital staff. Three of them were clustered cross-over studies with 846 participants (one cRCT), one parallel-group controlled trial (2395 participants) and three controlled before-and-after studies with 181 participants. Five studies, all CTs, with at least 1025 participants, addressing the educational setting, were reported between 1963 and 1975, and in 2018. In total, at least 3933 (88%) participants were included in the data analyses. Due to the lack of information, the results of the risk of bias assessment remained mainly unclear and the assessable risks of bias of included studies were considered as predominantly high. Primary outcomes in occupational setting: We found that indoor air humidification at the workplace may have little to no effect on dryness symptoms of the eye and nose (URT). The only cRCT showed a significant decrease in dry eye symptoms among working adults (odds ratio (OR) 0.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.37 to 0.79) with a low certainty of the evidence. The only cluster non-randomised cross-over study showed a non-significant positive effect of humidification on dryness nose symptoms (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.42) with a low certainty of evidence. We found that indoor air humidification at the workplace may have little and non-significant effect on dryness skin symptoms. The pooled results of two cluster non-RCTs showed a non-significant alleviation of skin dryness following indoor air humidification (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.33 to 1.32) with a low certainty of evidence. Similarly, the pooled results of two before-after studies yielded no statistically significant result (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.33 to 1.47) with very low certainty of evidence No studies reported on the outcome of upper respiratory tract infections. No studies conducted in educational settings investigated our primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes in occupational setting: Perceived stuffiness of the air was increased during the humidification in the two cross-over studies (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.47 to 3.23); (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.61) with low certainty of evidence. Secondary outcomes in educational setting: Based on different measures and settings of absenteeism, four of the six controlled studies found a reduction in absenteeism following indoor air humidification (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.65; OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.96; proportion 4.63% versus 5.08%). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Indoor air humidification at the workplace may have little to no effect on dryness symptoms of the eyes, the skin and the URT. Studies investigating illness-related absenteeism from work or school could only be summarised narratively, due to different outcome measures assessed. The evidence suggests that increasing humidification may reduce the absenteeism, but the evidence is very uncertain. Future RCTs involving larger sample sizes, assessing dryness symptoms more technically or rigorously defining absenteeism and controlling for potential confounders are therefore needed to determine whether increasing indoor air humidity can reduce or prevent dryness symptoms of the eyes, the skin, the URT or URT infections at work and in educational settings over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Byber
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Radtke
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dan Norbäck
- Department of Medical Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Christine Hitzke
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - David Imo
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Schwenkglenks
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Milo A Puhan
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Holger Dressel
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Margot Mutsch
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Novak R, Petridis I, Kocman D, Robinson JA, Kanduč T, Chapizanis D, Karakitsios S, Flückiger B, Vienneau D, Mikeš O, Degrendele C, Sáňka O, García Dos Santos-Alves S, Maggos T, Pardali D, Stamatelopoulou A, Saraga D, Persico MG, Visave J, Gotti A, Sarigiannis D. Harmonization and Visualization of Data from a Transnational Multi-Sensor Personal Exposure Campaign. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:11614. [PMID: 34770131 PMCID: PMC8583633 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Use of a multi-sensor approach can provide citizens with holistic insights into the air quality of their immediate surroundings and their personal exposure to urban stressors. Our work, as part of the ICARUS H2020 project, which included over 600 participants from seven European cities, discusses the data fusion and harmonization of a diverse set of multi-sensor data streams to provide a comprehensive and understandable report for participants. Harmonizing the data streams identified issues with the sensor devices and protocols, such as non-uniform timestamps, data gaps, difficult data retrieval from commercial devices, and coarse activity data logging. Our process of data fusion and harmonization allowed us to automate visualizations and reports, and consequently provide each participant with a detailed individualized report. Results showed that a key solution was to streamline the code and speed up the process, which necessitated certain compromises in visualizing the data. A thought-out process of data fusion and harmonization of a diverse set of multi-sensor data streams considerably improved the quality and quantity of distilled data that a research participant received. Though automation considerably accelerated the production of the reports, manual and structured double checks are strongly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rok Novak
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (D.K.); (J.A.R.); (T.K.)
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ioannis Petridis
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.P.); (D.C.); (S.K.); (D.S.)
| | - David Kocman
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (D.K.); (J.A.R.); (T.K.)
| | - Johanna Amalia Robinson
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (D.K.); (J.A.R.); (T.K.)
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tjaša Kanduč
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (D.K.); (J.A.R.); (T.K.)
| | - Dimitris Chapizanis
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.P.); (D.C.); (S.K.); (D.S.)
| | - Spyros Karakitsios
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.P.); (D.C.); (S.K.); (D.S.)
- HERACLES Research Centre on the Exposome and Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Benjamin Flückiger
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland; (B.F.); (D.V.)
- University of Basel, CH-4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Danielle Vienneau
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland; (B.F.); (D.V.)
- University of Basel, CH-4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ondřej Mikeš
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic; (O.M.); (C.D.); (O.S.)
| | - Céline Degrendele
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic; (O.M.); (C.D.); (O.S.)
- LCE, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, 13003 Marseille, France
| | - Ondřej Sáňka
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic; (O.M.); (C.D.); (O.S.)
| | - Saul García Dos Santos-Alves
- Department of Atmospheric Pollution, National Environmental Health Centre, Institute of Health Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Thomas Maggos
- Atmospheric Chemistry and Innovative Technologies Laboratory, INRASTES, NCSR “Demokritos”, Aghia Paraskevi, 15310 Athens, Greece; (T.M.); (D.P.); (A.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Demetra Pardali
- Atmospheric Chemistry and Innovative Technologies Laboratory, INRASTES, NCSR “Demokritos”, Aghia Paraskevi, 15310 Athens, Greece; (T.M.); (D.P.); (A.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Asimina Stamatelopoulou
- Atmospheric Chemistry and Innovative Technologies Laboratory, INRASTES, NCSR “Demokritos”, Aghia Paraskevi, 15310 Athens, Greece; (T.M.); (D.P.); (A.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Dikaia Saraga
- Atmospheric Chemistry and Innovative Technologies Laboratory, INRASTES, NCSR “Demokritos”, Aghia Paraskevi, 15310 Athens, Greece; (T.M.); (D.P.); (A.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Marco Giovanni Persico
- Department of Science, Technology and Society, University School of Advanced Study IUSS, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.G.P.); (J.V.)
- Eucentre Foundation, Via A. Ferrata, 1, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Jaideep Visave
- Department of Science, Technology and Society, University School of Advanced Study IUSS, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.G.P.); (J.V.)
- Eucentre Foundation, Via A. Ferrata, 1, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Alberto Gotti
- Eucentre Foundation, Via A. Ferrata, 1, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Dimosthenis Sarigiannis
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.P.); (D.C.); (S.K.); (D.S.)
- HERACLES Research Centre on the Exposome and Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Science, Technology and Society, University School of Advanced Study IUSS, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.G.P.); (J.V.)
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7
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Improving the IAQ for Learning Efficiency with Indoor Plants in University Classrooms in Ajman, United Arab Emirates. BUILDINGS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/buildings11070289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this paper is to investigate the effect of improving indoor air quality with indoor plants. As a methodology, two target classrooms with the same size (120.64 m2) and 32 students per room were selected. Then, 48 areca palm pots (average leaf area of 300 cm2/pot) were placed, and the plant density was 14.68% of the floor area. Subjective assessment for general questions, learning motivation, perceived air quality, and SBS symptoms was conducted at 5 min after the class started and 5 min before the class ended. The results showed that the CO2 concentration by respiration of the students (average of 1873 ppm) exceeded the regulatory standard (1000 ppm), but the students did not recognize the indoor CO2 concentration. The increase in CO2 concentration in the classroom was lower in the case with plant placement (624 ppm) compared with the case without plant placement (about 1205 ppm). It was statistically proven that the CO2 concentration by respiration could be reduced by 50% if the indoor plant leaf area density were maintained at about 14.68% of the floor area. In the case with plant placement, the students perceived the indoor air quality to be 40% fresher and showed a 140% higher acceptability. Moreover, the complaining of SBS symptoms was improved by 108%, and the students’ perception that it was better to focus on learning increased by about 120%. As the awareness of sustainability increases, indoor plants will be more actively placed in the United Arab Emirates. Indoor plants not only provide a visual green effect to improve human comfort but also purify indoor air pollutants.
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Sakellaris I, Saraga D, Mandin C, de Kluizenaar Y, Fossati S, Spinazzè A, Cattaneo A, Mihucz V, Szigeti T, de Oliveira Fernandes E, Kalimeri K, Mabilia R, Carrer P, Bartzis J. Association of subjective health symptoms with indoor air quality in European office buildings: The OFFICAIR project. INDOOR AIR 2021; 31:426-439. [PMID: 32966653 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the association between the building-related occupants' reported health symptoms and the indoor pollutant concentrations in a sample of 148 office rooms, within the framework of the European OFFICAIR research project. A large field campaign was performed in 37 office buildings among eight countries, which included (a) 5-day air sampling of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), aldehydes, ozone, and NO2 (b) collection of information from 1299 participants regarding their personal characteristics and health perception at workplace using online questionnaires. Stepwise and multilevel logistic regressions were applied to investigate associations between health symptoms and pollutant concentrations considering personal characteristics as confounders. Occupants of offices with higher pollutant concentrations were more likely to report health symptoms. Among the studied VOCs, xylenes were associated with general (such as headache and tiredness) and skin symptoms, ethylbenzene with eye irritation and respiratory symptoms, a-pinene with respiratory and heart symptoms, d-limonene with general symptoms, and styrene with skin symptoms. Among aldehydes, formaldehyde was associated with respiratory and general symptoms, acrolein with respiratory symptoms, propionaldehyde with respiratory, general, and heart symptoms, and hexanal with general SBS. Ozone was associated with almost all symptom groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Sakellaris
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Western Macedonia, Kozani, Greece
- Atmospheric Chemistry & Innovative Technologies Laboratory, INRASTES, National Center for Scientific Research "DEMOKRITOS", Athens, Greece
| | - Dikaia Saraga
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Western Macedonia, Kozani, Greece
- Atmospheric Chemistry & Innovative Technologies Laboratory, INRASTES, National Center for Scientific Research "DEMOKRITOS", Athens, Greece
| | - Corinne Mandin
- CSTB-Centre Scientifique et Technique du Bâtiment, Université Paris Est, Marne-la-Vallée Cedex 2, France
| | - Yvonne de Kluizenaar
- The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), The Hague, The Netherlands
| | | | - Andrea Spinazzè
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Como, Italy
| | - Andrea Cattaneo
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Como, Italy
| | - Victor Mihucz
- Cooperative Research Centre for Environmental Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | | | - Krystallia Kalimeri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Western Macedonia, Kozani, Greece
| | - Rosanna Mabilia
- Department of Biology, Agriculture and Food Science, National Research Council, Roma, Italy
| | - Paolo Carrer
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences-Hospital "L. Sacco", University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | - John Bartzis
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Western Macedonia, Kozani, Greece
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9
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Ketema RM, Araki A, Ait Bamai Y, Saito T, Kishi R. Lifestyle behaviors and home and school environment in association with sick building syndrome among elementary school children: a cross-sectional study. Environ Health Prev Med 2020; 25:28. [PMID: 32652952 PMCID: PMC7354679 DOI: 10.1186/s12199-020-00869-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sick building syndrome (SBS) refers to the combination of symptoms experienced by occupants of specific building characteristics. This study investigated the associations of children’s lifestyle behaviors, allergies, home, and school environment with SBS symptoms. Methods A total of 4408 elementary school children living in Sapporo City, Japan participated in this study. SBS was determined on parental answers to MM080 standardized school questionnaires on symptoms that were weekly experienced by these children, and if the symptom is attributed to their home or school environment. The Japanese version of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire was used to assess wheeze, rhino-conjunctivitis, and eczema. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the associations between SBS symptoms and variables by controlling the potential confounders (gender, grade, school, and parental history of allergies). A stepwise backward elimination was conducted to assess independent variables related to SBS. Results Participants revealed mucosal (6.9%), skin (2.0%), and general (0.8%) symptoms. The presence of one or more allergy was associated with increased mucosal and skin symptoms. Children who skipped breakfast, displayed faddiness (like/dislike of food), had constipation, have insufficient sleep, did not feel refreshed after sleep, and lacked deep sleep showed significantly high odds ratios with SBS symptoms. The stepwise analysis showed faddiness for mucosal symptoms and not feeling refreshed after sleep for mucosal and skin symptoms, whereas constipation and lacking deep sleep for general symptoms were independent variables in increasing the symptoms. We found no significant relationship between SBS in children and schools. Considering children’s home, old building, no ventilation, wall-to-wall carpet, and heavy nearby traffic were associated with elevated mucosal symptom, while living in a multifamily home increased general symptoms. Home dampness was an independent variable in increasing all SBS symptoms. Conclusions Allergies and lifestyle behaviors were associated with increased SBS in children, including skipping breakfast, displaying faddiness, constipation, insufficient sleep, not feeling refreshed after sleep, and the lack of deep sleep. Further, dampness at home was associated with increase in all SBS symptoms. Lifestyle (e.g., eating and sleeping habits) and home (i.e., dampness) improvements might alleviate SBS symptoms in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahel Mesfin Ketema
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.,Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Atsuko Araki
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yu Ait Bamai
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Saito
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Reiko Kishi
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
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Gao X, Xu Y, Cai Y, Shi J, Chen F, Lin Z, Chen T, Xia Y, Shi W, Zhao Z. Effects of filtered fresh air ventilation on classroom indoor air and biomarkers in saliva and nasal samples: A randomized crossover intervention study in preschool children. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 179:108749. [PMID: 31557603 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate the short-term effects of filtered fresh air ventilation system on classroom indoor air and biomarkers in saliva and nasal samples in preschool children, a randomized crossover study was conducted in a kindergarten in Shanghai, China in 2016. Two classrooms at the same grade (n = 43) were selected and fresh air ventilation systems (FAVS) with high efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) were installed. In the first week, FAVS-HEPA was run in one classroom for 2 continuous school days and the other classroom was remained as usual with no use of FAVS-HEPA. After one week of wash-out, the ventilation modes exchanged between two classrooms and another 2 days of intervention were repeated. Real-time indoor and outdoor air pollution and climate factors (PM2.5, Temp and relative humidity (R.H.)) were measured. Saliva and nasal internal mucosa samples were collected immediately at the end of each intervention scenario. Linear mixed-effect regression model was applied to evaluate the effects of intervention on children's health indicators controlling for age, gender, height, BMI and temperature. The results showed, with FAVS-HEPA, the classroom indoor fine particulate matter (PM2.5)(29.1 ± 17.9 μg/m3) was on average significantly lower than that without FAVS-HEPA (85.7 ± 43.2 μg/m3). By regression analysis, each 10 μg/m3 decrease of indoor PM2.5 during the 8 school hours in the first intervention day was associated with an average of 1.76% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.43-3.08%) increase in saliva lysozyme. This percentage increased to 2.41% (95%CI 0.52-4.26%) if related to the PM2.5 level in 16 school hours over 2 days of intervention. A total of 19 nasal bacterial taxa were lower in subjects exposed to FAVS-HEPA, compared to that with no use of FAVS-HEPA, despite the general bacteria diversity levels in nasal samples were not statistically different. Among others, Providencia species showed significant effects in mediating the associations between higher PM2.5 and lower lysozyme. In conclusion, using FAVS-HEPA was effective in decreasing the classroom indoor PM2.5. Saliva lysozyme, as a non-specific immune biomarker, was significantly inversely associated with indoor PM2.5. Certain nasal bacteria might play key roles in mediating PM2.5 exposure and children's lysozyme levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuehuan Gao
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yanyi Xu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yunfei Cai
- Shanghai Environmental Monitoring Center, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jingjin Shi
- The International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital of China Welfare Institute (IPMCH), Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Feier Chen
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control & Prevention, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhijing Lin
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Tianyi Chen
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yongjie Xia
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wenming Shi
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhuohui Zhao
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment (Fudan University), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Meteorology and Health, Shanghai 200032, China.
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11
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Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to present property management challenges that municipalities have encountered regarding a public building with noted building-related symptoms. The study goes on to provide reasons for the failure of attempts to manage the symptoms and discusses the current challenges concerning the process.
Design/methodology/approach
A participatory case study was used as the research methodology to identify the current challenges concerning a municipal approach to managing the building-related symptoms in a case-study building. The researchers scrutinised the history of the health symptom management process and attended the project planning meetings focused on the investigation of the condition of the building.
Findings
Multiple challenges concerning maintenance and omitted or postponed repair actions, as well as vagueness in the management process were found. In addition to this, it was noted that the complexity of the initial design of the building and vandalism have resulted in challenges for the maintenance and moisture performance of the building structures. According to the study, more orderliness and a more systematic process is needed when managing a municipal property.
Practical implications
The identified property management challenges may be of practical value for the facility managers and the property owners, especially when managing the building-related symptoms and a damaged building.
Originality/value
This study highlights the importance of having an in-depth understanding of condition assessments as well as proper maintenance and timely repairs for the successful management of the building-related symptoms in a municipal building. This is a pilot project in a larger project of management of building refurbishment.
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12
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Salonen H, Salthammer T, Morawska L. Human exposure to NO 2 in school and office indoor environments. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 130:104887. [PMID: 31195224 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.05.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is one of the most common air pollutants encountered indoors, and extensive literature has examined the link between NO2 exposure and duration causing adverse respiratory effects in susceptible populations, information about global and local exposure to NO2 in different indoor environments is limited. To synthesize the existing knowledge, this review analyzes the magnitude of and the trends in global and local exposure to NO2 in schools and offices, and the factors that control exposure. METHODS For the literature review, Web of Science, SCOPUS, Google Scholar, and PubMed were searched using 42 search terms and their combinations to identify manuscripts, reports, and directives published between 1971 and 2019. The search was then extended to the reference lists of relevant articles. RESULTS The calculated median, as well as the mean, concentration of NO2 in school (median 21.1 μg/m3; mean 29.4 μg/m3) and office settings (median 22.7 μg/m3; mean 25.1 μg/m3) was well below the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline of 40 μg/m3 for the annual mean NO2 concentration. However, a large range of average concentrations of NO2 were reported, from 6.00 to 68.5 μg/m3 and from 3.40 to 56.5 μg/m3 for school and office environments, respectively, indicating situations where the WHO guidelines are exceeded. Outdoor levels of NO2 are a reliable predictor of indoor NO2 levels across seasons, with mean and median Indoor/Outdoor (I/O) ratios of 0.9 and 0.7 in school and 0.9 and 0.8 in office environments, respectively. The absence of major indoor NO2 emission sources and NO2 sinks, including chemical reactions and deposition, are the reasons for lower indoor NO2 concentrations. During the winter, outdoor NO2 concentrations are generally higher than during the summer. In addition, various building and indoor environment characteristics, such as type of ventilation, air exchange rates, airtightness of the envelope, furnishing and surface characteristics of the building, location of the building (urban versus suburban and proximity to traffic routes), as well as occupants' behavior (such as opening windows), have been statistically significantly associated with indoor NO2 levels in school and office environments. CONCLUSIONS Indoor exposure to NO2 from the infiltration of ambient air can be significant in urban areas, and in the case of high traffic volume. Although reducing transportation emissions is challenging, there are several easier means to reduce indoor NO2 concentrations, including a ventilation strategy with suitable filters; location planning of new schools, classrooms, and ventilating windows or intakes; traffic planning (location and density); and reducing the use of NO2-releasing indoor sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Salonen
- Aalto University, Department of Civil Engineering, PO Box 12100, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland; Queensland University of Technology, International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, 2 George Street, Brisbane Q 4001, Australia.
| | - Tunga Salthammer
- Queensland University of Technology, International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, 2 George Street, Brisbane Q 4001, Australia; Fraunhofer WKI, Department of Material Analysis and Indoor Chemistry, 38108 Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - Lidia Morawska
- Queensland University of Technology, International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, 2 George Street, Brisbane Q 4001, Australia
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13
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Li T, Zhang X, Li C, Bai X, Zhao Z, Norback D. Onset of respiratory symptoms among Chinese students: associations with dampness and redecoration, PM 10, NO 2, SO 2 and inadequate ventilation in the school. J Asthma 2019; 57:495-504. [PMID: 30907194 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2019.1590591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To study onset of respiratory symptoms among students in China in relation to the school and the home environment. Methods: A two-year prospective cohort study among 1325 students in eight schools. Air pollution was measured at baseline in the schools. Respiratory symptoms and the home environment were assessed by a questionnaire. Results: The 2-year onset was 14.3%, 23.2%, 15.4%, 4.7% and 37.3% for wheeze, daytime attacks of breathlessness, nocturnal cough, nocturnal wheeze/breathlessness and respiratory infections, respectively. The mean concentrations of PM10, SO2, NO2, ozone and CO2 in the classrooms were 129 µg/m3, 68.0 µg/m3, 43.2 µg/m3, 8.6 µg/m3 and 1208 ppm, respectively. Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), dampness/mold at home and ozone in the classroom were associated with onset of wheeze. Onset of daytime breathlessness was associated with redecoration and dampness/mold at home and CO2 and relative air humidity (RH) in the classrooms. Dampness/mold at home, PM10, CO2 and RH in the classrooms and outdoor PM10, SO2 and NO2 were associated with onset of nocturnal cough. Onset of nocturnal wheeze/breathlessness was associated with dampness/mold at home and RH and PM10 in the classrooms. Respiratory infections were more common at higher levels of outdoor PM10. Conclusions: Air pollution (PM10, ozone, SO2 and NO2) and inadequate ventilation flow in the classrooms (indicated by CO2 > 1000 ppm) and ETS, dampness or mold and chemical emissions from redecoration at home can increase onset of respiratory symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Li
- Institute of Environmental Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Institute of Environmental Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Chenghuan Li
- Institute of Environmental Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xu Bai
- Institute of Environmental Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Zhuohui Zhao
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan Norback
- Institute of Environmental Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.,Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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14
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Zhang YY, Jia Y, Li M, Hou LA. Spatiotemporal variations and relationship of PM and gaseous pollutants based on gray correlation analysis. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2018; 53:139-145. [PMID: 29148928 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2017.1383122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The present work characterizes the spatiotemporal variations of air pollution at four sites in Xi'an city. The investigations lasted for 1 year: January 1 through December 31, 2015. The concentrations of CO, NO2, O3, PM and SO2 were systematically monitored. The gray correlation analysis was used to correlate PM2.5 and gaseous pollutants. The formation mechanisms of sulfate and nitrate aerosols were discussed. Results clearly revealed severe air pollution by PM2.5, PM10 and NO2 at all four sites. Significant monthly variations were observed for PM2.5, PM10, SO2 and CO with the maximum values in December/January and minimum values in June/July. The O3 level showed an opposite trend. Spatially, high variations were observed for PM and some gaseous pollutants at individual sites. Gray correlation analysis revealed the significance of various major influencing factors on seasonal PM2.5 values at each site. In general, PM10, SO2 and NO2 affect the PM2.5 more than other pollutants. For a more efficient control of air pollution, a systematic spatial characterization of the seasonal variability of individual influencing factors is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Y Zhang
- a School of Environmental Technology , Xi'an High Technology Institute , Xi'an , China
| | - Ying Jia
- a School of Environmental Technology , Xi'an High Technology Institute , Xi'an , China
| | - Ming Li
- a School of Environmental Technology , Xi'an High Technology Institute , Xi'an , China
| | - Li A Hou
- a School of Environmental Technology , Xi'an High Technology Institute , Xi'an , China
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15
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Zhang Y, Jia Y, Hou L. Synthesis of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 on polyester fiber for PM2.5 removal. RSC Adv 2018; 8:31471-31477. [PMID: 35548212 PMCID: PMC9085616 DOI: 10.1039/c8ra06414h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) was introduced on the surface of fibers of a non-woven fabric made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The phase structure, morphology, textural properties and chemical structure were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nitrogen (N2) adsorption analyzer and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The XRD, SEM and FTIR results indicated that ZIF-8 had been successfully coated on the PET fibers. N2 adsorption analyses suggested that addition of ZIF-8 significantly increased the specific surface and micropore volume of composites. The PM2.5 removal experiment showed the filtration efficiency of ZIF-8/PET was twice as high as that of pure PET. Meanwhile, ZIF-8/PET also displayed a low pressure drop and good recycling performance. This research provided a facile method to deposit active ZIF-8 onto polymers with low air resistance, and that ZIF-8/PET was a good candidate as an air filter for PM2.5 removal. Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) was introduced on the surface of fibers of a non-woven fabric made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET).![]()
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ying Jia
- Xi'an High Technology Institute
- Xi'an 710025
- China
| | - Li'an Hou
- Xi'an High Technology Institute
- Xi'an 710025
- China
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16
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Investigation on Indoor Air Pollution and Childhood Allergies in Households in Six Chinese Cities by Subjective Survey and Field Measurements. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14090979. [PMID: 28850091 PMCID: PMC5615516 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14090979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Greater attention is currently being paid to the relationship between indoor environment and childhood allergies, however, the lack of reliable data and the disparity among different areas hinders reliable assessment of the relationship. This study focuses on the effect of indoor pollution on Chinese schoolchildren and the relationship between specific household and health problems suffered. The epidemiological questionnaire survey and the field measurement of the indoor thermal environment and primary air pollutants including CO₂, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), chemical pollutants and fungi were performed in six Chinese cities. A total of 912 questionnaires were eligible for statistical analyses and sixty houses with schoolchildren aged 9-12 were selected for field investigation. Compared with Chinese national standards, inappropriate indoor relative humidity (<30% or >70%), CO₂ concentration exceeding 1000 ppm and high PM2.5 levels were found in some monitored houses. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) were the most frequently detected semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in house dust. Cladosporium, Aspergillus and Penicillium were detected in both indoor air and house dust. This study indicates that a thermal environment with CO₂ exceeding 1000 ppm, DEHP and DBP exceeding 1000 μg/g, and high level of PM2.5, Cladosporium, Aspergillus and Penicillium increases the risk of children's allergies.
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17
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Norbäck D, Hashim JH, Hashim Z, Ali F. Volatile organic compounds (VOC), formaldehyde and nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) in schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia: Associations with rhinitis, ocular, throat and dermal symptoms, headache and fatigue. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 592:153-160. [PMID: 28319702 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.02.215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This paper studied associations between volatile organic compounds (VOC), formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) in schools in Malaysia and rhinitis, ocular, nasal and dermal symptoms, headache and fatigue among students. Pupils from eight randomly selected junior high schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia (N=462), participated (96%). VOC, formaldehyde and NO2 were measured by diffusion sampling (one week) and VOC also by pumped air sampling during class. Associations were calculated by multi-level logistic regression adjusting for personal factors, the home environment and microbial compounds in the school dust. The prevalence of weekly rhinitis, ocular, throat and dermal symptoms were 18.8%, 11.6%, 15.6%, and 11.1%, respectively. Totally 20.6% had weekly headache and 22.1% fatigue. Indoor CO2 were low (range 380-690 ppm). Indoor median NO2 and formaldehyde concentrations over one week were 23μg/m3 and 2.0μg/m3, respectively. Median indoor concentration of toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, and limonene over one week were 12.3, 1.6, 78.4 and 3.4μg/m3, respectively. For benzaldehyde, the mean indoor concentration was 2.0μg/m3 (median<1μg/m3). Median indoor levels during class of benzene and cyclohexane were 4.6 and 3.7μg/m3, respectively. NO2 was associated with ocular symptoms (p<0.001) and fatigue (p=0.01). Formaldehyde was associated with ocular (p=0.004), throat symptoms (p=0.006) and fatigue (p=0.001). Xylene was associated with fatigue (p<0.001) and benzaldehyde was associated with headache (p=0.03). In conclusion, xylene, benzaldehyde, formaldehyde and NO2 in schools can be risk factors for ocular and throat symptoms and fatigue among students in Malaysia. The indoor and outdoor levels of benzene were often higher than the EU standard of 5μg/m3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Norbäck
- Uppsala University, Dept. of Medical Science, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Jamal Hisham Hashim
- United Nations University-International Institute for Global Health, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Department of Community Health, National University of Malaysia, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Zailina Hashim
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra Malaysia (UPM), 43400 Serdang, Selagor, Malaysia
| | - Faridah Ali
- Johor State Health Department, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
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18
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Norbäck D, Hashim JH, Markowicz P, Cai GH, Hashim Z, Ali F, Larsson L. Endotoxin, ergosterol, muramic acid and fungal DNA in dust from schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia--Associations with rhinitis and sick building syndrome (SBS) in junior high school students. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 545-546:95-103. [PMID: 26745297 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.12.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Revised: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This paper studied associations between ocular symptoms, rhinitis, throat and dermal symptoms, headache and fatigue in students by ethnicity and in relation to exposure to chemical microbial markers and fungal DNA in vacuumed dust in schools in Malaysia. A total of 462 students from 8 randomly selected secondary schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, participated (96% response rate). Dust was vacuumed from 32 classrooms and analysed for levels of five types of endotoxin as 3-hydroxy fatty acids (C10, C12, C14, C16 and C18 3-OH), muramic acid, ergosterol and five sequences of fungal DNA. Multiple logistic regression was applied. Totally 11.9% reported weekly ocular symptoms, 18.8% rhinitis, 15.6% throat and 11.1% dermal symptoms, 20.6% headache and 22.1% tiredness. Totally 21.1% reported pollen or furry pet allergy (atopy) and 22.0% parental asthma or allergy. Chinese students had less headache than Malay and Indian had less rhinitis and less tiredness than Malay. Parental asthma/allergy was a risk factor for ocular (odds ratio=3.79) and rhinitis symptoms (OR=3.48). Atopy was a risk factor for throat symptoms (OR=2.66), headache (OR=2.13) and tiredness (OR=2.02). There were positive associations between amount of fine dust in the dust samples and ocular symptoms (p<0.001) and rhinitis (p=0.006). There were positive associations between C14 3-OH and rhinitis (p<0.001) and between C18 3-OH and dermal symptoms (p=0.007). There were negative (protective) associations between levels of total endotoxin (LPS) (p=0.004) and levels of ergosterol (p=0.03) and rhinitis and between C12 3-OH and throat symptoms (p=0.004). In conclusion, the amount of fine dust in the classroom was associated with rhinitis and other SBS symptoms and improved cleaning of the schools is important. Endotoxin in the school dust seems to be mainly protective for rhinitis and throat symptoms but different types of endotoxin could have different effects. The ethnic differences in symptoms among the students deserve further attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Norbäck
- Department of Medical Science, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Jamal Hisham Hashim
- United Nations University-International Institute for Global Health, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Department of Community Health, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Pawel Markowicz
- Division of Medical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden
| | - Gui-Hong Cai
- Department of Medical Science, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Zailina Hashim
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Faridah Ali
- Primary Care Unit, Johor State Health Department, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
| | - Lennart Larsson
- Division of Medical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden
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Rhinitis, Ocular, Throat and Dermal Symptoms, Headache and Tiredness among Students in Schools from Johor Bahru, Malaysia: Associations with Fungal DNA and Mycotoxins in Classroom Dust. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0147996. [PMID: 26829324 PMCID: PMC4734676 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
There are few studies on rhinitis and sick building syndrome (SBS) among students in tropical countries. We studied associations between levels of five fungal DNA sequences, two mycotoxins (sterigmatocystin and verrucarol) and cat allergen (Fel d 1) levels in schools and rhinitis and other weekly SBS symptoms in the students. Fungal DNA was measured by quantitative PCR and cat allergen by ELISA. Pupils (N = 462) from eight randomly selected schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia participated (96%). Dust samples were collected by cotton swabs and Petri dishes exposed for one week. None of the schools had a mechanical ventilation system, but all classrooms had openable windows that were kept open during lectures and indoor CO2 levels were low (mean 492 ppm; range 380-690 ppm). Weekly nasal symptoms (rhinitis) (18.8%), ocular (11.6%), throat (11.1%), dermal symptoms, headache (20.6%) and tiredness (22.1%) were common. Total fungal DNA in swab samples was associated with rhinitis (p = 0.02), ocular symptoms (p = 0.009) and tiredness (p = 0.001). There were positive associations between Aspergillus versicolor DNA in Petri dish samples, ocular symptoms (p = 0.02) and tiredness (p = 0.001). The level of the mycotoxin verrucarol (produced by Stachybotrys chartarum) in swab samples was positively associated with tiredness (p = 0.04). Streptomyces DNA in swab samples (p = 0.03) and Petri dish samples (p = 0.03) were negatively associated with tiredness. In conclusion, total fungal contamination, measured as total fungal DNA) in the classrooms, Aspergillus versicolor and verrucarol can be risk factors for rhinitis and SBS symptoms among students in the tropical country Malaysia.
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Niu X, Guinot B, Cao J, Xu H, Sun J. Particle size distribution and air pollution patterns in three urban environments in Xi'an, China. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2015; 37:801-812. [PMID: 25503684 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-014-9661-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Three urban environments, office, apartment and restaurant, were selected to investigate the indoor and outdoor air quality as an inter-comparison in which CO2, particulate matter (PM) concentration and particle size ranging were concerned. In this investigation, CO2 level in the apartment (623 ppm) was the highest among the indoor environments and indoor levels were always higher than outdoor levels. The PM10 (333 µg/m(3)), PM2.5 (213 µg/m(3)), PM1 (148 µg/m(3)) concentrations in the office were 10-50% higher than in the restaurant and apartment, and the three indoor PM10 levels all exceeded the China standard of 150 µg/m(3). Particles ranging from 0.3 to 0.4 µm, 0.4 to 0.5 µm and 0.5 to 0.65 µm make largest contribution to particle mass in indoor air, and fine particles number concentrations were much higher than outdoor levels. Outdoor air pollution is mainly affected by heavy traffic, while indoor air pollution has various sources. Particularly, office environment was mainly affected by outdoor sources like soil dust and traffic emission; apartment particles were mainly caused by human activities; restaurant indoor air quality was affected by multiple sources among which cooking-generated fine particles and the human steam are main factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Niu
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
- School of Key Lab of Aerosol Science and Technology, SKLLQG, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an, 710075, P.R China.
| | - Benjamin Guinot
- Observatory Midi-Pyrenees, National Center for Scientific Research, Toulouse, France.
- School of Key Lab of Aerosol Science and Technology, SKLLQG, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an, 710075, P.R China.
| | - Junji Cao
- School of Key Lab of Aerosol Science and Technology, SKLLQG, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an, 710075, P.R China.
- Institute of Global Environmental Change, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Hongmei Xu
- School of Key Lab of Aerosol Science and Technology, SKLLQG, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an, 710075, P.R China.
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Jian Sun
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
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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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Wang J, Smedje G, Nordquist T, Norbäck D. Personal and demographic factors and change of subjective indoor air quality reported by school children in relation to exposure at Swedish schools: a 2-year longitudinal study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 508:288-296. [PMID: 25486639 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2014] [Revised: 11/21/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
This paper studies changes in subjective indoor air quality (SIAQ) among school children and relates these data to repeated exposure measurements during a two-year follow-up period. Data on SIAQ and demographic information were gathered by a questionnaire sent to 1476 primary and secondary school pupils in 39 randomly selected schools at baseline and after two years (follow-up). Exposure measurements were applied after questionnaire data were collected at baseline and follow-up in approximately 100 classrooms. The arithmetic mean values for baseline and follow-up were: for indoor air temperature 23.6°C and 21.8°C and for outdoor air flow rate 5.4 L/s and 7.9L/s. Older children, those with atopy at baseline, and those in larger schools reported impaired SIAQ during follow-up. Installation of new ventilation systems, higher personal air flow rate and air exchange rate, and better illumination were associated with improved SIAQ. Higher CO2 levels were associated with impaired SIAQ. In conclusion, sufficient ventilation and illumination in classrooms are essential for the perception of good indoor air quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Wang
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden; University Hospital, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Greta Smedje
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden; University Hospital, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tobias Nordquist
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden; University Hospital, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Dan Norbäck
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden; University Hospital, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden
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Maciejewska M, Szczurek A. Representativeness of shorter measurement sessions in long-term indoor air monitoring. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2015; 17:381-388. [PMID: 25520043 DOI: 10.1039/c4em00409d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Indoor air quality (IAQ) considerably influences health, comfort and the overall performance of people who spend most of their lives in confined spaces. For this reason, there is a strong need to develop methods for IAQ assessment. The fundamental issue in the quantitative determination of IAQ is the duration of measurements. Its inadequate choice may result in providing incorrect information and this potentially leads to wrong conclusions. The most complete information may be acquired through long-term monitoring. However it is typically perceived as impractical due to time and cost load. The aim of this study was to determine whether long-term monitoring can be adequately represented by a shorter measurement session. There were considered three measurable quantities: temperature, relative humidity and carbon dioxide concentration. They are commonly recognized as indicatives for IAQ and may be readily monitored. Scaled Kullback-Leibler divergence, also called relative entropy, was applied as a measure of data representativeness. We considered long-term monitoring in a range from 1 to 9 months. Based on our work, the representative data on CO2 concentration may be acquired while performing measurements during 20% of time dedicated to long-term monitoring. In the case of temperature and relative humidity the respective time demand was 50% of long-term monitoring. From our results, in indoor air monitoring strategies, there could be considered shorter measurement sessions, while still collecting data which are representative for long-term monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Maciejewska
- Wroclaw University of Technology, Wybrzeze Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland.
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Scheepers PTJ, de Hartog JJ, Reijnaerts J, Beckmann G, Anzion R, Poels K, Godderis L. Influence of combined dust reducing carpet and compact air filtration unit on the indoor air quality of a classroom. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2015; 17:316-325. [PMID: 25380291 DOI: 10.1039/c4em00506f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Primary schools mostly rely on natural ventilation but also have an interest in affordable technology to improve indoor air quality (IAQ). Laboratory tests show promising results for dust reducing carpets and compact air filtration systems but there is no information available on the performance of these interventions in actual operating classrooms. An exploratory study was performed to evaluate a combination of the two systems in a primary school. Measurements of PM-10 and PM-2.5 were performed by filter sampling and aerosol spectrometry. Other IAQ parameters included black smoke (BS), volatile organic compounds (VOC), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and formaldehyde. Both interventions were introduced in one classroom during one week, using another classroom as a reference. In a second week the interventions were moved to the other classroom, using the first as a reference (cross-over design). In three remaining weeks the classrooms were compared without interventions. Indoor IAQ parameters were compared to the corresponding outdoor parameters using the indoor/outdoor (I/O) ratio. When the classrooms were occupied (teaching hours) interventions resulted in 27-43% reductions of PM-10, PM-2.5 and BS values. During the weekends the systems reduced these levels by 51-87%. Evaluations using the change in I/O ratios gave comparable results. Levels of VOC, NO2 and formaldehyde were rather low and a contribution of the interventions to the improvement of these gas phase IAQ parameters was inconclusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul T J Scheepers
- Dept. for Health Evidence, Radboudumc, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Zhang X, Li F, Zhang L, Zhao Z, Norback D. A longitudinal study of sick building syndrome (SBS) among pupils in relation to SO2, NO2, O3 and PM10 in schools in China. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112933. [PMID: 25398002 PMCID: PMC4232599 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There are fewer longitudinal studies from China on symptoms as described for the sick building syndrome (SBS). Here, we performed a two-year prospective study and investigated associations between environmental parameters such as room temperature, relative air humidity (RH), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), particulate matter (PM10), and health outcomes including prevalence, incidence and remission of SBS symptoms in junior high schools in Taiyuan, China. Totally 2134 pupils participated at baseline, and 1325 stayed in the same classrooms during the study period (2010-2012). The prevalence of mucosal symptoms, general symptoms and symptoms improved when away from school (school-related symptoms) was 22.7%, 20.4% and 39.2%, respectively, at baseline, and the prevalence increased during follow-up (P<0.001). At baseline, both indoor and outdoor SO2 were found positively associated with prevalence of school-related symptoms. Indoor O3 was shown to be positively associated with prevalence of skin symptoms. At follow-up, indoor PM10 was found to be positively associated with new onset of skin, mucosal and general symptoms. CO2 and RH were positively associated with new onset of mucosal, general and school-related symptoms. Outdoor SO2 was positively associated with new onset of skin symptoms, while outdoor NO2 was positively associated with new onset of skin, general and mucosal symptoms. Outdoor PM10 was found to be positively associated with new onset of skin, general and mucosal symptoms as well as school-related symptoms. In conclusion, symptoms as described for SBS were commonly found in school children in Taiyuan City, China, and increased during the two-year follow-up period. Environmental pollution, including PM10, SO2 and NO2, could increase the prevalence and incidence of SBS and decrease the remission rate. Moreover, parental asthma and allergy (heredity) and pollen or pet allergy (atopy) can be risk factors for SBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhang
- Institute of Environmental Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Fan Li
- Institute of Environmental Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Institute of Environmental Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Zhuohui Zhao
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Dan Norback
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Lin Z, Wang T, Norback D, Kan H, Sundell J, Zhao Z. Sick building syndrome, perceived odors, sensation of air dryness and indoor environment in Urumqi, China. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s11434-014-0647-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Mayer S. Die gesundheitliche Relevanz von Innenraumbelastungen — Die Bedeutung von Gerüchen. ZENTRALBLATT FÜR ARBEITSMEDIZIN, ARBEITSSCHUTZ UND ERGONOMIE 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/bf03350877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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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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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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30
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Zhang X, Sahlberg B, Wieslander G, Janson C, Gislason T, Norback D. Dampness and moulds in workplace buildings: associations with incidence and remission of sick building syndrome (SBS) and biomarkers of inflammation in a 10 year follow-up study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2012; 430:75-81. [PMID: 22634552 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.04.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2012] [Revised: 04/16/2012] [Accepted: 04/16/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
There are few longitudinal studies on health effects of dampness and moulds in workplace buildings. We studied associations between dampness and indoor moulds in workplace buildings and selected biomarkers as well as incidence and remission of sick building syndrome (SBS). The study was based on a ten-year prospective study (1992-2002) in a random sample of adults (N=429) from the Uppsala part of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS). The 10-year incidence (onset) of general, mucosal, dermal symptoms and any symptom improved when away from the workplace (work-related symptoms) was 7.2%, 11.6%, 6.4% and 9.4% respectively. The 10-year remission of general, mucosal, dermal symptoms and work-related symptoms was 71.4%, 57.1%, 70.4% and 72.2% respectively. Signs of dampness in the floor construction in any workplace building during follow up (cumulative exposure) was associated with incidence of mucosal symptoms (OR=2.43). Cumulative exposure to moldy odor was associated with incidence of work-related symptoms (OR=2.69). Cumulative exposure to dampness or moulds was associated with decreased remission of work-related symptoms (OR=0.20 for water leakage, OR=0.17 for floor dampness, and OR=0.17 for visible indoor mould growth). Working in a building repaired because of dampness (repaired building) or mould was associated with decreased remission of work-related symptoms (OR=0.32). Any dampness or moulds at baseline in the workplace building was associated with increased bronchial responsiveness (BR) and higher levels of Eosinphilic Cationic Protein (ECP) in serum and Eosinophilic counts in blood at baseline. Cumulative exposure to dampness and moulds, and work in a repaired building, was associated with increased BR at follow-up. In general, dampness and moulds in the workplace building is associated with increased incidence and decreased remission of SBS, as well as increased bronchial responsiveness and eosinophilic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhang
- Research Center for Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanxi University, 030006, Taiyuan, China.
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Zhang X, Zhao Z, Nordquist T, Larsson L, Sebastian A, Norback D. A longitudinal study of sick building syndrome among pupils in relation to microbial components in dust in schools in China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2011; 409:5253-5259. [PMID: 21943723 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2011.08.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2011] [Revised: 08/23/2011] [Accepted: 08/25/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
There are few longitudinal studies on sick building syndrome (SBS), which include ocular, nasal, throat, and dermal symptoms, headache, and fatigue. We studied the associations between selected microbial components, fungal DNA, furry pet allergens, and incidence and remission of SBS symptoms in schools in Taiyuan, China. The study was based on a two-year prospective analysis in pupils (N=1143) in a random sample of schools in China. Settled dust in the classrooms was collected by vacuum cleaning and analyzed for lipopolysaccharide (LPS), muramic acid (MuA), and ergosterol (Erg). Airborne dust was collected in Petri dishes and analyzed for cat and dog allergens and fungal DNA. The relationship between the concentration of allergens and microbial compounds and new onset of SBS was analyzed by multi-level logistic regression. The prevalence of mucosal and general symptoms was 33% and 28%, respectively, at baseline, and increased during follow-up. At baseline, 27% reported at least one symptom that improved when away from school (school-related symptoms). New onset of mucosal symptoms was negatively associated with concentration of MuA, total LPS, and shorter lengths of 3-hydroxy fatty acids from LPS, C14, C16, and C18. Onset of general symptoms was negatively associated with C18 LPS. Onset of school-related symptoms was negatively associated with C16 LPS, but positively associated with total fungal DNA. In general, bacterial compounds (LPS and MuA) seem to protect against the development of mucosal and general symptoms, but fungal exposure measured as fungal DNA could increase the incidence of school-related symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhang
- Research Center for Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanxi University, 030006 Taiyuan, China.
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