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Zheng H, Csemezová J, Loomans M, Walker S, Gauvin F, Zeiler W. Species profile of volatile organic compounds emission and health risk assessment from typical indoor events in daycare centers. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 918:170734. [PMID: 38325455 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170734] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Daycare centers (DCCs) play an instrumental role in early childhood development, making them a significant indoor environment for a large number of children globally. Amidst routine DCC activities, young children are exposed to a myriad of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), potentially impacting their health. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the VOC emissions during typical DCCs activities and evaluate respective health risk assessments. Employing a full-scale experimental setup within a well-controlled climate chamber, research was conducted into VOC emissions during three typical DCC events: arts-and-crafts (painting, gluing, modeling), cleaning, and sleeping activities tied to mattresses. The research identified 96 distinct VOCs, grouped into twelve categories, from 20 different events examined. Each event exhibited a unique VOC fingerprint, pinpointing potential source tracers. Also, significant variations in VOC emissions from different events were demonstrated. For instance, under cool & dry conditions, acrylic painting recorded high total VOC concentrations of 808 μg/m3, whereas poster painting showed only 58 μg/m3. Given these disparities, the study emphasizes the critical need for carefully selecting arts-and-crafts materials and cleaning agents in DCCs to effectively reduce VOC exposure. It suggests ventilating new mattresses before use and regular mattress check-ups to mitigate VOCs exposure during naps. Importantly, it revealed that certain events resulted in VOC levels exceeding the 10-5 cancer risk thresholds for younger children. Specifically, tetrachloroethylene and styrene from used mattresses in cool & dry conditions, ethylene oxide from new mattresses in warm & humid conditions, and styrene, during sand modeling in both conditions, were the key compounds contributing to this risk. These findings highlight the critical need for age-specific health risk assessments in DCCs. This study highlights the significance of understanding the profiles of VOC emissions from indoor events in DCCs, emphasizing potential health implications and laying a solid foundation for future investigations in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailin Zheng
- Department of the Built Environment, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
| | - Júlia Csemezová
- Department of the Built Environment, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Marcel Loomans
- Department of the Built Environment, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Shalika Walker
- Department of the Built Environment, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Florent Gauvin
- Department of the Built Environment, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Wim Zeiler
- Department of the Built Environment, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
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2
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Maung TZ, Bishop JE, Holt E, Turner AM, Pfrang C. Indoor Air Pollution and the Health of Vulnerable Groups: A Systematic Review Focused on Particulate Matter (PM), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Their Effects on Children and People with Pre-Existing Lung Disease. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19148752. [PMID: 35886604 PMCID: PMC9316830 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Air pollution affects health, but much of the focus to this point has been on outdoor air. Higher indoor pollution is anticipated due to increasingly energy-efficient and less leaky buildings together with more indoor activities. Studies of indoor air pollution focusing on children and people with respiratory disease from the database Web of Science (1991–2021) were systemically reviewed according to the PRISMA guidelines, with 69 studies included in the final selection. Emissions from building materials affected indoor air quality, and ventilation also had an influence. The main indoor air pollutants are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Particulate Matter (PM). PM sources included smoking, cooking, heating, candles, and insecticides, whereas sources of coarse particles were pets, housework and human movements. VOC sources included household products, cleaning agents, glue, personal care products, building materials and vehicle emissions. Formaldehyde levels were particularly high in new houses. Personal exposure related to both indoor and outdoor pollutant levels, highlighting home characteristics and air exchange rates as important factors. Temperature, humidity, educational level, air purifiers and time near sources were also related to personal exposure. There was an association between PM and Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO), lung function, oxygen saturation, childhood asthma and symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. High VOCs were associated with upper airways and asthma symptoms and cancer. Effective interventional studies for PM in the future might focus on human behavior together with air purifiers and increased ventilation, whereas VOC interventions might center more on building materials and household products, alongside purification and ventilation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tun Z. Maung
- UHB NHS Foundation Trust, Inflammation and Aging, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK;
| | - Jack E. Bishop
- School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; (J.E.B.); (E.H.)
| | - Eleanor Holt
- School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; (J.E.B.); (E.H.)
| | - Alice M. Turner
- UHB NHS Foundation Trust, Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK;
| | - Christian Pfrang
- School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; (J.E.B.); (E.H.)
- Correspondence:
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3
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Krajnak K, Russ KA, McKinney W, Waugh S, Zheng W, Kan H, Kashon ML, Cumpston J, Fedan JS. Biological effects of crude oil vapor. IV. Cardiovascular effects. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 447:116071. [PMID: 35598716 PMCID: PMC9904414 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.116071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Workers in the oil and gas extraction industry are at risk of inhaling volatile organic compounds. Epidemiological studies suggest oil vapor inhalation may affect cardiovascular health. Thus, in this hazard identification study we investigated the effects of inhalation of crude oil vapor (COV) on cardiovascular function. Male rats were exposed to air or COV (300 ppm) for 6 h (acute), or 6 h/day × 4 d/wk. × 4 wk. (sub-chronic). The effects of COV inhalation were assessed 1, 28, and 90 d post-exposure. Acute exposure to COV resulted in reductions in mean arterial and diastolic blood pressures 1 and 28 d after exposure, changes in nitrate-nitrite and H2O2 levels, and in the expression of transcripts and proteins that regulate inflammation, vascular remodeling, and the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) in the heart and kidneys. The sub-chronic exposure resulted in a reduced sensitivity to α1-adrenoreceptor-mediated vasoconstriction in vitro 28 d post-exposure, and a reduction in oxidative stress in the heart. Sub-chronic COV exposure led to alterations in the expression of NO synthases and anti-oxidant enzymes, which regulate inflammation and oxidative stress in the heart and kidneys. There seems to be a balance between changes in the expression of transcripts associated with the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant enzymes. The ability of antioxidant enzymes to reduce or inhibit the effects of ROS may allow the cardiovascular system to adapt to acute COV exposures. However, sub-chronic exposures may result in longer-lasting negative health consequences on the cardiovascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Krajnak
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV 26505, United States of America.
| | - Kristen A Russ
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV 26505, United States of America
| | - Walter McKinney
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV 26505, United States of America
| | - Stacey Waugh
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV 26505, United States of America
| | - Wen Zheng
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV 26505, United States of America
| | - Hong Kan
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV 26505, United States of America
| | - Michael L Kashon
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV 26505, United States of America
| | - Jared Cumpston
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV 26505, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey S Fedan
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV 26505, United States of America
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Väisänen A, Alonen L, Ylönen S, Hyttinen M. Organic compound and particle emissions of additive manufacturing with photopolymer resins and chemical outgassing of manufactured resin products. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2022; 85:198-216. [PMID: 34763622 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2021.1998814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Photopolymer resins are applied at an increasing rate in additive manufacturing (AM) industry as vat photopolymerization (VP) and material jetting (MJ) methods gain more popularity. The aim of this study was to measure volatile organic compound (VOC), carbonyl compound, ultrafine particle (UFP), and particulate matter (PM10) air concentrations emitted in 3D printer operations. Individual chemicals were identified when multiple photopolymer resin feedstocks were used in various VP and MJ printers. The size distributions of UFPs, and indoor air parameters were also monitored. Finally, the VOC outgassing of the cured resin materials was determined over 84 days. The data demonstrated that 3D printer operators were exposed to low concentrations of airborne exposure agents as follows: average concentrations of VOCs were between 41 and 87 µg/m3, UFP number levels ranged between 0.19 and 3.62 × 103 number/cm3; however, no impact was detected on air parameters or PM10 concentrations. A majority of the UFPs existed in the 10-45 nm size range. The identified compounds included hazardous species included sensitizing acrylates and carcinogenic formaldehyde. The outgassed products included similar compounds that were encountered during the AM processes, and post-processing solvents. Products heated to 37°C emitted 1.4‒2.9-fold more VOCs than at room temperature. Total emissions were reduced by 84‒96% after 28 days roughly from 3000-14000 to 100-1000 µg/m2/hr. In conclusion, resin printer operators are exposed to low concentrations of hazardous emissions, which might result in adverse health outcomes during prolonged exposure. Manufactured resin products are suggested to be stored for 4 weeks after their production to reduce potential consumer VOC hazards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antti Väisänen
- Faculty of Science and Forestry, Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Lauri Alonen
- School of Engineering and Technology, Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sampsa Ylönen
- School of Engineering and Technology, Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Marko Hyttinen
- Faculty of Science and Forestry, Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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Ghazi M, Janfaza S, Tahmooressi H, Tasnim N, Hoorfar M. Selective detection of VOCs using microfluidic gas sensor with embedded cylindrical microfeatures coated with graphene oxide. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127566. [PMID: 34736204 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are major environmental pollutants. Exposure to VOCs has been associated with adverse health outcomes. The monitoring of hazardous VOCs is a vital step towards identifying their presence and preventing the risk of acute or chronic exposure and polluting the environment. One of the challenges associated with monitoring VOCs is selectivity of the sensor. Microfluidic gas sensors offer selective and sensitive detection capabilities that have been recently applied for detection of VOCs. In this study, we achieve improved selectivity for detection of a range of VOCs by adding micro- and nanofeatures to the microchannel of microfluidic gas sensors. First, microfeatures are embedded into the microchannel and their geometries are optimized using Taguchi design of experiment method. In the next step the microfeatures embedded microchannel is coated with graphene oxide, to increase the surface to volume ratio by introducing nanofeatures to the surfaces. The nano- and microfeatures are characterized by SEM, XPS, and water contact angle measurement. Finally, the changes in the sensor response are compared to plain microfluidic gas sensor, the results show an average of 64.4% and 120.9% improvement in the selectivity of the sensor with microfeatures and both nano- and microfeatures, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahan Ghazi
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Sajjad Janfaza
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Hamed Tahmooressi
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Nishat Tasnim
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada; School of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Mina Hoorfar
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada; School of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.
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6
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Li N, Lewandowski RP, Sidhu D, Holz C, Jackson-Humbles D, Eiguren-Fernandez A, Akbari P, Cho AK, Harkema JR, Froines JR, Wagner JG. Combined adjuvant effects of ambient vapor-phase organic components and particulate matter potently promote allergic sensitization and Th2-skewing cytokine and chemokine milieux in mice: The importance of mechanistic multi-pollutant research. Toxicol Lett 2021; 356:21-32. [PMID: 34863859 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2021.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Although exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM) is linked to asthma, the health effects of co-existing vapor-phase organic pollutants (vapor) and their combined effects with PM on this disease are poorly understood. We used a murine asthma model to test the hypothesis that exposure to vapor would enhance allergic sensitization and this effect would be further strengthened by co-existing PM. We found that vapor and PM each individually exerted adjuvant effects on OVA sensitization. Co-exposure to vapor and PM during sensitization further enhanced allergic lung inflammation and OVA-specific antibody production which was accompanied by pulmonary cytokine/chemokine milieu that favored T-helper 2 immunity (i.e. increased IL-4, downregulation of Il12a and Ifng, and upregulation of Ccl11 and Ccl8). TNFα, IL-6, Ccl12, Cxcl1 and detoxification/antioxidant enzyme responses in the lung were pollutant-dependent. Inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-induced IL-12 secretion from primary antigen-presenting dendritic cells correlated positively with vapor's oxidant potential. In conclusion, concurrent exposure to vapor and PM led to significantly exaggerated adjuvant effects on allergic lung inflammation which were more potent than that of each pollutant type alone. These findings suggest that the effects of multi-component air pollution on asthma may be significantly underestimated if research only focuses on a single air pollutant (e.g., PM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Li
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
| | - Ryan P Lewandowski
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Damansher Sidhu
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Carine Holz
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Daven Jackson-Humbles
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Arantzazu Eiguren-Fernandez
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Peyman Akbari
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Arthur K Cho
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jack R Harkema
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - John R Froines
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - James G Wagner
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
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Lebbie TS, Moyebi OD, Asante KA, Fobil J, Brune-Drisse MN, Suk WA, Sly PD, Gorman J, Carpenter DO. E-Waste in Africa: A Serious Threat to the Health of Children. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:8488. [PMID: 34444234 PMCID: PMC8392572 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Waste electronic and electrical equipment (e-waste) consists of used and discarded electrical and electronic items ranging from refrigerators to cell phones and printed circuit boards. It is frequently moved from developed countries to developing countries where it is dismantled for valuable metals in informal settings, resulting in significant human exposure to toxic substances. E-waste is a major concern in Africa, with large sites in Ghana and Nigeria where imported e-waste is dismantled under unsafe conditions. However, as in many developing countries, used electronic and electrical devices are imported in large quantities because they are in great demand and are less expensive than new ones. Many of these used products are irreparable and are discarded with other solid waste to local landfills. These items are then often scavenged for the purpose of extracting valuable metals by heating and burning, incubating in acids and other methods. These activities pose significant health risks to workers and residents in communities near recycling sites. E-waste burning and dismantling activities are frequently undertaken at e-waste sites, often in or near homes. As a result, children and people living in the surrounding areas are exposed, even if they are not directly involved in the recycling. While toxic substances are dangerous to individuals at any age, children are more vulnerable as they are going through important developmental processes, and some adverse health impacts may have long-term impacts. We review the e-waste situation in Africa with a focus on threats to children's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamba S. Lebbie
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA; (T.S.L.); (O.D.M.)
| | - Omosehin D. Moyebi
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA; (T.S.L.); (O.D.M.)
| | | | - Julius Fobil
- Department of Biological, Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana;
| | - Marie Noel Brune-Drisse
- Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, World Organization, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland;
| | - William A. Suk
- A World Health Organization Collaborating Center on Children’s Environmental Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA;
| | - Peter D. Sly
- A World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Children’s Health and the Environment, Child Health Research Center, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane 4101, Australia;
| | - Julia Gorman
- Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia;
| | - David O. Carpenter
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA; (T.S.L.); (O.D.M.)
- A World Health Organization Collaborating Center on Environmental Health, Institute for Health and the Environment, University at Albany, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA
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Wimalasena NN, Chang-Richards A, Wang KIK, Dirks KN. Housing Risk Factors Associated with Respiratory Disease: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18062815. [PMID: 33802036 PMCID: PMC7998657 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18062815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Cold, damp and mouldy housing arises from the degradation of the housing stock over time due to weathering and a lack of maintenance. Living in such houses is associated with many adverse impacts on human health, especially for those with existing health issues. This paper presents a systematic review, using the PRISMA protocol, consisting of an exploratory analysis of housing-related risk factors associated with respiratory disease. The review consisted of 360 studies investigating 19 risk factors associated with respiratory conditions. Each fall into one of four categories, namely, (1) outdoor environment-related factors; (2) indoor air pollution-related factors; (3) housing non-structure-related factors; or (4) housing structure-related factors. The results show that effects of poor housing conditions on occupants’ respiratory health is a growing research field, where poor indoor air quality, mainly due to a lack of adequate ventilation, was found to be the most influential risk factor. Usage of solid fuel and living in an urban area without a pollutant-free air filtration system are the main risk factors related to inadequate ventilation. Therefore, an adequate and reliable ventilation system with air-infiltration was considered to be the main mitigation solution to improve indoor air quality. It is suggested that government organisations and health practitioners could use the identified risk factors to measure the healthiness of existing dwellings and take measures to improve existing conditions and develop regulations for new housing construction to promote the healthy home concept. Further research is needed for risk mitigation strategies to reduce the respiratory health burden attributed to housing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nipuni Nilakshini Wimalasena
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Auckland, 0600 Auckland, New Zealand; (A.C.-R.); (K.N.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +64-225-311-863
| | - Alice Chang-Richards
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Auckland, 0600 Auckland, New Zealand; (A.C.-R.); (K.N.D.)
| | - Kevin I-Kai Wang
- Department of Electrical, Computer and Software Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Auckland, 0600 Auckland, New Zealand;
| | - Kim N. Dirks
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Auckland, 0600 Auckland, New Zealand; (A.C.-R.); (K.N.D.)
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Ibrahim MF, Hod R, Toha HR, Mohammed Nawi A, Idris IB, Mohd Yusoff H, Sahani M. The Impacts of Illegal Toxic Waste Dumping on Children's Health: A Review and Case Study from Pasir Gudang, Malaysia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:2221. [PMID: 33668186 PMCID: PMC7956593 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Poor management of hazardous waste can lead to environmental pollution, injuries, and adverse health risks. Children's exposure to hazardous waste may cause serious acute and chronic health problems due to their higher vulnerability to the toxic effects of chemicals. This study examines an incident of illegal chemical dumping in Pasir Gudang, Malaysia and its potential health impacts on children. The study introduced a risk assessment of possible health-related effects due to chemical contamination based on a real case scenario where quantification of the contamination was not feasible. A literature review and spatial analysis were used as research methods. On 6th March 2019, tons of hazardous waste were illegally disposed into Kim Kim River, Pasir Gudang, Malaysia. They were identified as benzene, acrolein, acrylonitrile, hydrogen chloride, methane, toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene, and d-limonene. As a result, 975 students in the vicinity developed signs and symptoms of respiratory disease due to the chemical poisoning. The findings of this study indicate that more effective policies and preventive actions are urgently needed to protect human health, especially children from improper hazardous waste management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Faiz Ibrahim
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (M.F.I.); (A.M.N.); (I.B.I.); (H.M.Y.)
- Malaysian Society for Environmental Epidemiology (MySEE), No. 41, Jalan Persiaran Taman Melati, Taman Melati, Setapak, Kuala Lumpur 53100, Malaysia; (H.R.T.); (M.S.)
| | - Rozita Hod
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (M.F.I.); (A.M.N.); (I.B.I.); (H.M.Y.)
- Malaysian Society for Environmental Epidemiology (MySEE), No. 41, Jalan Persiaran Taman Melati, Taman Melati, Setapak, Kuala Lumpur 53100, Malaysia; (H.R.T.); (M.S.)
| | - Haidar Rizal Toha
- Malaysian Society for Environmental Epidemiology (MySEE), No. 41, Jalan Persiaran Taman Melati, Taman Melati, Setapak, Kuala Lumpur 53100, Malaysia; (H.R.T.); (M.S.)
- Public Health Division, Johor State Health Department, Jalan Persiaran Permai, Johor Bahru 81200, Malaysia
| | - Azmawati Mohammed Nawi
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (M.F.I.); (A.M.N.); (I.B.I.); (H.M.Y.)
| | - Idayu Badilla Idris
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (M.F.I.); (A.M.N.); (I.B.I.); (H.M.Y.)
| | - Hanizah Mohd Yusoff
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (M.F.I.); (A.M.N.); (I.B.I.); (H.M.Y.)
| | - Mazrura Sahani
- Malaysian Society for Environmental Epidemiology (MySEE), No. 41, Jalan Persiaran Taman Melati, Taman Melati, Setapak, Kuala Lumpur 53100, Malaysia; (H.R.T.); (M.S.)
- Center for Toxicology and Health Risk Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
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10
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Montero-Montoya R, López-Vargas R, Arellano-Aguilar O. Volatile Organic Compounds in Air: Sources, Distribution, Exposure and Associated Illnesses in Children. Ann Glob Health 2018; 84:225-238. [PMID: 30873816 PMCID: PMC6748254 DOI: 10.29024/aogh.910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxic volatile organic compounds (VOC), like benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX), are atmospheric pollutants representing a threat to human health. They are released into the environment from mobile sources in urban settings, but newly polluted areas are gaining importance in countries where accelerated industrialization is taking place in suburban or rural settings. METHODS The review includes studies done in Mexico and Latin-America and countries considered to have emerging economies and are compared with similar studies in developed countries. Data about environmental VOC levels and exposure of children have been included. Also, information about health effects was reviewed. Articles were searched in PubMed and Scopus, and information was also obtained from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the EPAs Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS-EPA) and state reports on air quality of Mexican cities. RESULTS VOC or BTEX levels reported in industrial and suburban areas were found to be higher due to the burning of fossil fuels and waste emission; whereas, in big cities, VOC emissions were mainly due to mobile sources. Even though TEX levels were under reference values, benzene was found at levels several times over this value in cities and even higher in industrial zones. Elevated VOC emissions were also reported in cities with industrial development in their peripheral rural areas.Public health relevance: Industrial activities have changed the way of life of small towns, which previously had no concern about environmental pollution and chemicals. No air monitoring is done in these places where toxic chemicals are released into rivers and the atmosphere. This work demonstrates the need for environmental monitors to protect human life in suburban and rural areas where industrial growth occurs without planning and ecological or health protection, compromising the health of new generations beginning in fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rocío López-Vargas
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, MX
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