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Sheikh HA, Maher BA, Woods AW, Tung PY, Harrison RJ. Efficacy of green infrastructure in reducing exposure to local, traffic-related sources of airborne particulate matter (PM). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:166598. [PMID: 37634712 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
One aim of roadside green infrastructure (GI) is to mitigate exposure to local, traffic-generated pollutants. Here, we determine the efficacy of roadside GI in improving local air quality through the deposition and/or dispersion of airborne particulate matter (PM). PM was collected on both pumped air filters and on the leaves of a recently installed 'tredge' (trees managed as a head-high hedge) at an open road environment next to a primary school in Manchester, U.K. The magnetic properties of PM deposited on leaves and filters (size fractions PM10 and PM2.5) were deduced from hysteresis loops, first-order reversal curves (FORCs), and low-temperature remanence measurements. These were complemented with electron microscopy to identify changes in magnetic PM concentration downwind of the tredge/GI. We show that the tredge is permeable to airflow using a simple CO2 tracer experiment; hence, it allows interception and subsequent deposition of PM on its leaves. Magnetic loadings per m3 of air from filters (PM10 saturation magnetisation, Ms, at 5 K) were reduced by 40 % behind the tredge and a further 63 % in the playground; a total reduction of 78 % compared to roadside air. For the PM2.5 fraction, the reduction in magnetic loading behind the tredge was remarkable (82 %), reflecting efficient diffusional capture of sub-5 nm Fe-oxide particles by the tredge. Some direct mixing of roadside and playground air occurs at the back of the playground, caused by air flow over, and/or through gaps in, the slowly-permeable tredge. The magnetic loading on tredge leaves increased over successive days, capturing ~23 % of local, traffic-derived PM10. Using a heuristic two-dimensional turbulent mixing model, we assess the limited dispersion of PM < 22.5 μm induced by eddies in the tredge wake. This study demonstrates that PM deposition on leaves reduces exposure significantly in this school playground setting; hence, providing a cost-effective mitigation strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- H A Sheikh
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, CB2 3EQ, UK.
| | - B A Maher
- Center for Environmental Magnetism and Palaeomagnetism, University of Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - A W Woods
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, CB2 3EQ, UK
| | - P Y Tung
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, CB2 3EQ, UK; Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge, CB3 0FS, UK
| | - R J Harrison
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, CB2 3EQ, UK
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2
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Rawat N, Kumar P. Interventions for improving indoor and outdoor air quality in and around schools. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159813. [PMID: 36411671 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159813] [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: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Students spend nearly one third of their typical day in the school environment, where they may be exposed to harmful air pollutants. A consolidated knowledge base of interventions to reduce this exposure is required for making informed decisions on their implementation and wider uptake. We attempt to fill this knowledge gap by synthesising the existing scientific literature on different school-based air pollution exposure interventions, their efficiency, suitability, and limitations. We assessed technological (air purifiers, HVAC - Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning etc.), behavioural, physical barriers, structural, school-commute and policy and regulatory interventions. Studies suggest that the removal efficiency of air purifiers for PM2.5, PM10, PM1 and BC can be up to 57 %, 34 %, 70 % and 58 %, respectively, depending on the air purification technology compared with control levels in classroom. The HVAC system combined with high efficiency filters has BC, PM10 and PM2.5 removal efficiency up to 97 %, 34 % and 30 %, respectively. Citizen science campaigns are effective in reducing the indoor air pollutants' exposure up to 94 %. The concentration of PM10, NO2, O3, BC and PNC can be reduced by up to 60 %, 59 %, 16 %, 63 % and 77 %, respectively as compared to control conditions, by installing green infrastructure (GI) as a physical barrier. School commute interventions can reduce NO2 concentration by up to 23 %. The in-cabin concentration reduction of up to 77 % for PM2.5, 43 % for PNC, 89 % for BC, 74 % for PM10 and 75 % for NO2, along with 94 % reduction in tailpipe emission of total particles, can be achieved using clean fuels and retrofits. No stand-alone method is found as the absolute solution for controlling pollutants exposure, their combined application can be effective in most of the scenarios. More research is needed on assessing combined interventions, and their operational synchronisation for getting the optimum results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi Rawat
- Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE), School of Sustainability, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
| | - Prashant Kumar
- Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE), School of Sustainability, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, United Kingdom.
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3
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Rodríguez D, Urbieta IR, Velasco Á, Campano-Laborda MÁ, Jiménez E. Assessment of indoor air quality and risk of COVID-19 infection in Spanish secondary school and university classrooms. BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT 2022; 226:109717. [PMID: 36313012 PMCID: PMC9595429 DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.109717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Despite the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2, Spanish educational centers were reopened after six months of lockdown. Ventilation was mostly adopted as a preventive measure to reduce the transmission risk of the virus. However, it could also affect indoor air quality (IAQ). Therefore, here we evaluate the ventilation conditions, COVID-19 risk, and IAQ in secondary school and university classrooms in Toledo (central Spain) from November 2020 to June 2021. Ventilation was examined by monitoring outdoor and indoor CO2 levels. CO2, occupancy and hygrothermal parameters, allowed estimating the relative transmission risk of SARS-CoV-2 (Alpha and Omicron BA.1), H r, under different scenarios, using the web app COVID Risk airborne . Additionally, the effect of ventilation on IAQ was evaluated by measuring indoor/outdoor (I/O) concentration ratios of O3, NO2, and suspended particulate matter (PM). University classrooms, particularly the mechanically ventilated one, presented better ventilation conditions than the secondary school classrooms, as well as better thermal comfort conditions. The estimated H r for COVID-19 ranged from intermediate (with surgical masks) to high (no masks, teacher infected). IAQ was generally good in all classrooms, particularly at the university ones, with I/O below unity, implying an outdoor origin of gaseous pollutants, while the source of PM was heterogeneous. Consequently, controlled mechanical ventilation systems are essential in educational spaces, as well as wearing well-fitting FFP2-N95 masks indoors is also highly recommended to minimize the transmission risk of COVID-19 and other airborne infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Rodríguez
- Departamento de Química Física, Facultad de Ciencias Ambientales y Bioquímica, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), Avenida Carlos III s/n, 45071, Toledo, Spain
| | - Itziar R Urbieta
- Departamento de Ciencias Ambientales, Facultad de Ciencias Ambientales y Bioquímica, UCLM, Avenida Carlos III s/n, 45071, Toledo, Spain
| | - Ángel Velasco
- Departamento de Ciencias Ambientales, Facultad de Ciencias Ambientales y Bioquímica, UCLM, Avenida Carlos III s/n, 45071, Toledo, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Campano-Laborda
- Instituto Universitario de Arquitectura y Ciencias de la Construcción, Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Elena Jiménez
- Departamento de Química Física, Facultad de Ciencias y Tecnologías Químicas, UCLM, Avda. Camilo José Cela 1B, 13071, Ciudad Real, Spain
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Ryan I, Deng X, Thurston G, Khwaja H, Romeiko X, Zhang W, Marks T, Ye B, Lin S. Measuring students' exposure to particulate matter (PM) pollution across microenvironments and seasons using personal air monitors. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2022; 195:103. [PMID: 36374344 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-022-10624-5] [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: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Particulate matter (PM) pollution is a significant concern in public health, yet children's exposure is not adequately characterized. This study evaluated PM exposures among primary school-aged children in NYS across different microenvironments. This study helps fill existing knowledge gaps by characterizing PM exposure among this population across seasons and microenvironments. Sixty students were recruited from randomly selected public primary schools representing various socioeconomic statuses. Individual real-time exposure to PM2.5 was measured continuously using AirBeam personal monitors for 48 h. Children were consistently exposed to higher PM2.5 concentrations in the fall (median: fall = 2.84, spring = 2.31, winter = 0.90 µg/m3). At school, 2.19% of PM2.5 measurements exceeded the EPA annual fine particle standard, 12 µg/m3 (winter = 7.38%, fall = 2.39%, spring = 1.38%). In classrooms, PM1-4 concentrations were higher in spring and overnight, while PM7-10 concentrations were higher in fall and school hours. At home, 37.2% of fall measurements exceeded EPA standards (spring = 10.39%, winter = 4.37%). Overall, PM2.5 levels in classrooms and during transportation never rose above the EPA standard for any significant length of time. However, PM2.5 levels routinely exceeded these standards at home, in the fall, and the evening. More extensive studies are needed to confirm these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Ryan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, USA
| | - Xinlei Deng
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, USA
| | - George Thurston
- Department of Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Haider Khwaja
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, USA
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Xiaobo Romeiko
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, USA
| | - Wangjian Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, USA
| | - Tia Marks
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, USA
| | - Bo Ye
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, USA
| | - Shao Lin
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, USA.
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Wang X, Liu X, Wang L, Dong Z, Han X. Analysis of the Temporal Distribution Characteristics of PM2.5 Concentration and Risk Evaluation of Its Inhalation Exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:71460-71473. [PMID: 35595906 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-20511-8] [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: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
PM2.5 poses a threat to human health. It is important to evaluate the potential risk of PM2.5 inhalation exposure when people are located in different spatiotemporal activity locations. In this study, the PM2.5 concentration was detected by the atmospheric cruise monitoring system (ACMS), a new detection technology used for city-wide PM2.5 concentration monitoring. People were divided into eight categories of five typical activity patterns, including rest (R), sedentary behavior (SB), light physical activity (LPA), moderate physical activity (MPA), and vigorous physical activity (VPA). The PM2.5 inhalation exposure risk was then estimated for these typical activities. The research results showed that the time sequence data of the ACMS had a similar tendency to change as those of the traditional air quality monitoring stations (AQMS). Although both passed the stationarity test, the relative error (RE) of the monthly average PM2.5 concentration between the ACMS and AQMS was 7.5-14%. RE was usually lower when the individual air quality index (IAQI) of PM2.5 was higher. Otherwise, RE was higher. The research results also showed that PM2.5 exposure was positively correlated with PM2.5 concentration, respiration rate, and human activity patterns. Because adults had a higher monthly average potential exposure (MAPE) than minors and that males had a higher MAPE than females. The potential exposure generated by LPA and MPA reached 50.76% of the total potential exposure (TPE). VPA brought about a 14.7% increase in the TPE. The research findings are helpful to understand the temporal distribution characteristics of PM2.5 concentrations and guide the potential risk evaluation of PM2.5 inhalation exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Wang
- School of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuezhen Liu
- Cangzhou Air Pollution Control Center, Cangzhou, 061000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Luqi Wang
- School of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhongzhen Dong
- Rizhao City Ecological Environmental Protection Service Center, Rizhao, 276800, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaowei Han
- School of basic medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
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Zauli-Sajani S, Marchesi S, Boselli G, Broglia E, Angella A, Maestri E, Marmiroli N, Colacci A. Effectiveness of a Protocol to Reduce Children's Exposure to Particulate Matter and NO 2 in Schools during Alert Days. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11019. [PMID: 36078735 PMCID: PMC9517784 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191711019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Reducing children's exposure to air pollutants should be considered a primary goal, especially for the most vulnerable subjects. The goal of this study was to test the effectiveness of applying a protocol in the event of alert days, i.e., days with forecasted PM10 levels above the EU limit value (50 µg/m3). The test was conducted, before the onset of SARS-CoV-2 restrictions, in a classroom of a primary school in Parma (Italy)-a highly polluted area in Northern Italy. The protocol included indications for the frequency of opening windows and doors, as well as the activation of an air purifier. Teachers and students were asked to apply the protocol only in the event of alert days, while no indications were provided for non-alert days. A monitoring system measuring PM1, PM2.5, PM10, CO2, and NO2 was deployed in the classroom. Measurements of the same parameters were also performed outdoors near the school. The application of the protocol reduced the indoor/outdoor (I/O) ratio for all toxic pollutants. The reduction was also remarkable for PM10-the most critical air quality parameter in the study area (1.5 and 1.1 for non-alert and alert days, respectively). Indoor concentrations of PM10-especially during non-alert days-were often higher than outdoors, showing a major contribution from resuspension due to the movement of people and personal cloud. The protocol did not cause any increase in indoor CO2 levels. Our findings showed that the application of a ventilation protocol together with the contribution of an air purifier may represent an effective way to reduce children's exposure to air pollution during severe air pollution episodes. Considering the onset of COVID-19 and the airborne transmission of pathogens, this protocol now has more meaningful implications for children's welfare, and can be integrated with protocols designed as measures against the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Zauli-Sajani
- Regional Agency for Prevention Environment and Energy of Emilia-Romagna (Arpae), 40139 Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Marchesi
- Regional Agency for Prevention Environment and Energy of Emilia-Romagna (Arpae), 40139 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Boselli
- Regional Agency for Prevention Environment and Energy of Emilia-Romagna (Arpae), 40139 Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | - Elena Maestri
- Consorzio Interuniversitario Nazionale per le Scienze Ambientali (CINSA), Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Nelson Marmiroli
- Consorzio Interuniversitario Nazionale per le Scienze Ambientali (CINSA), Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Annamaria Colacci
- Regional Agency for Prevention Environment and Energy of Emilia-Romagna (Arpae), 40139 Bologna, Italy
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Leite ADS, Rousse S, Léon J, Trindade RIF, Haoues‐Jouve S, Carvallo C, Dias‐Alves M, Proietti A, Nardin E, Macouin M. Barking up the Right Tree: Using Tree Bark to Track Airborne Particles in School Environment and Link Science to Society. GEOHEALTH 2022; 6:e2022GH000633. [PMID: 36089983 PMCID: PMC9432803 DOI: 10.1029/2022gh000633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Children's exposure to air pollution affects both their health and learning skills. Fine and ultrafine particulate matter (PM2.5, PM1), notably issued from traffic sources in urban centers, belong to the most potential harmful health hazards. However their monitoring and the society's awareness on their dangers need to be consolidated. In this study, raising teacher and pupil involvement for air quality improvement in their schools environment is reached through developing a passive monitoring technique (bio-sensors made of tree bark). The experiment was implemented in two urban elementary schools situated close to a main traffic road of the city of Toulouse (South of France). Magnetic properties, carbonaceous fraction measurements, and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM-EDX) investigations were realized both on passive bio-sensors and filters issued from active sampling. We find that traffic is the main PM1 source for both outdoors and indoors at schools. Higher levels of outdoor PM in the school's environments compared to urban background are reached especially in the cold period. The schools proximity to a main traffic source and lack of ventilation are the main causes for observed PM1 accumulation in classrooms. The co-working experiment with educational teams and pupils shows that the use of bio-sensors is a driver for children empowerment to air pollution and therefore represents a potential key tool for the teachers though limiting eco-anxiety. As PM accumulation is observed in many scholar environments across Europe, the proposed methodology is a step toward a better assessment of PM impact on pupil's health and learning skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. d. S. Leite
- Géosciences Environnement ToulouseCNRSIRDUniversité Toulouse 3CNESToulouseFrance
| | - S. Rousse
- Géosciences Environnement ToulouseCNRSIRDUniversité Toulouse 3CNESToulouseFrance
| | - J.‐F. Léon
- Laboratoire d’AérologieCNRSUniversité Toulouse 3ToulouseFrance
| | - R. I. F. Trindade
- Departamento de GeofísicaInstituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências AtmosféricasUniversidade de São PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | - S. Haoues‐Jouve
- Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire Solidarités Sociétés TerritoiresCNRSUniversité Toulouse 2EHESSENSFEAToulouseFrance
| | - C. Carvallo
- Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de CosmochimieUMR 7590Sorbonne UniversitéParisFrance
| | - M. Dias‐Alves
- Laboratoire d’AérologieCNRSUniversité Toulouse 3ToulouseFrance
| | - A. Proietti
- Centre de Microcaractérisation Raimond CastaingUniversité Toulouse 3ToulouseFrance
| | - E. Nardin
- Géosciences Environnement ToulouseCNRSIRDUniversité Toulouse 3CNESToulouseFrance
| | - M. Macouin
- Géosciences Environnement ToulouseCNRSIRDUniversité Toulouse 3CNESToulouseFrance
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Faria T, Martins V, Canha N, Diapouli E, Manousakas M, Fetfatzis P, Gini MI, Almeida SM. Assessment of children's exposure to carbonaceous matter and to PM major and trace elements. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 807:151021. [PMID: 34662608 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151021] [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: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Particulate matter (PM) pollution is one of the major environmental concerns due to its harmful effects on human health. As children are particularly vulnerable to particle exposure, this study integrates the concentration of PM chemical compounds measured in the micro-environments (MEs) where children spend most of their time to assess the daily exposure and inhaled dose. PM samples were analysed for organic and elemental carbon and for major and trace elements. Results showed that the MEs that contribute most to the children's daily exposure (80%) and inhaled dose (65%) were homes and schools. Results indicated that the high contribution of particulate organic matter (POM) indoors indicate high contributions of indoor sources to the organic fraction of the particles. The highest concentrations of PM chemical compounds and the highest Indoor/Outdoor ratios were measured in schools, where the contribution of mineral elements stands out due to the resuspension of dust caused by the students and to the chalk used in blackboards. The contribution of the outdoor particles to inhaled dose (24%) was higher than to the exposure (12%), due to the highest inhalation rates associated with the activities performed outdoor. This study indicates the importance of indoor air quality for the children's exposure and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Faria
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares (C2TN), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal.
| | - V Martins
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares (C2TN), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - N Canha
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares (C2TN), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - E Diapouli
- Institute of Nuclear and Radiological Sciences and Technology, Energy and Safety, N.C.S.R. Demokritos, Agia Paraskevi, Attiki, Greece
| | - M Manousakas
- Institute of Nuclear and Radiological Sciences and Technology, Energy and Safety, N.C.S.R. Demokritos, Agia Paraskevi, Attiki, Greece
| | - P Fetfatzis
- Institute of Nuclear and Radiological Sciences and Technology, Energy and Safety, N.C.S.R. Demokritos, Agia Paraskevi, Attiki, Greece
| | - M I Gini
- Institute of Nuclear and Radiological Sciences and Technology, Energy and Safety, N.C.S.R. Demokritos, Agia Paraskevi, Attiki, Greece
| | - S M Almeida
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares (C2TN), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
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9
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Zhu YD, Li X, Fan L, Li L, Wang J, Yang WJ, Wang L, Yao XY, Wang XL. Indoor air quality in the primary school of China-results from CIEHS 2018 study. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 291:118094. [PMID: 34517175 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Indoor air quality ((IAQ) in classrooms was associated with the daily exposure of school-age children who are particularly vulnerable to air pollutants exposure, while few data exist to evaluate classroom indoor air quality nationwide in China. The subsample of the CIEHS 2018 study was performed in 66 classrooms of 22 primary schools nationwide in China. Temperature, relative humidity, PM2.5, PM10, CO2, CO, formaldehyde concentrations, bacteria and fungi were detected in all classrooms by using the instruments that meet the specified accuracy. The ratios of indoor to outdoor (I/O) of PM2.5 were calculated in each classroom to identify whether the indoor environment the pollutants comes from outdoors. The indoor PM2.5, PM10, CO, HCHO, bacteria and fungi GM concentration are 47.40 μg/m3, 72.91 μg/m3, 0.37 mg/m3, 0.02 mg/m3, 347.51 CFU/m3 and 362.76 CFU/m3, respectively. We observed that there were 66.5%, 52.6%, 22.4%, 1.8%, and 9.6% of the classrooms that exceeded the guideline values of PM2.5, PM10, CO2, HCHO, and bacteria, respectively. It should be attention that all of the classroom's PM2.5 concentrations in Shijiazhuang and Nanning, PM10 concentrations in Nanning, CO2 concentration in Lanzhou were exceeded the suggested values. Bacteria contamination in Shijiazhuang's classrooms is also serious. All classroom CO concentrations meet the requirement. The results indicated that classroom indoor PM2.5 was significantly positively correlated with indoor PM10 and CO2, while was negative correlated with temperature, CO, and fungi. Our results suggest that indoor air pollution in classrooms was a severe problem in Chinese primary schools. It is necessary to strengthen ventilation in the classroom to improve indoor air quality. What's more, a healthy learning environment should be created for primary school students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Duo Zhu
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Xu Li
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Lin Fan
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Li Li
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Jiao Wang
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Wen-Jing Yang
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Lin Wang
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Xiao-Yuan Yao
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Xian-Liang Wang
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China.
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10
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From spontaneous to strategic natural window ventilation: Improving indoor air quality in Swiss schools. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2021; 234:113746. [PMID: 33819800 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Natural window ventilation is frequently employed in schools in Europe and often leads to inadequate levels of human bioeffluents. However, intervention studies that verify whether recommended ventilation targets can be achieved in practice with reasonable ventilation regimes and that are also suitable for countries with cold winters are practically non-existent. To explore the initial situation in Switzerland we carried out carbon dioxide (CO2) measurements during the winter in 100 classrooms, most of which (94%) had natural window ventilation. In more than two thirds of those, the hygienic limit value of 2000 ppm specified for CO2 in the Swiss Standard SN 520180 (2014) was exceeded. To improve ventilation behavior, an intervention was implemented in 23 classrooms during the heating season. Ventilation was performed exclusively during breaks (to avoid discomfort from cold and drafts), efficiently, and only for as long as was necessary to achieve the ventilation objective of compliance with the hygienic limit value (strategic ventilation). The intervention included verbal and written instructions, awareness-raising via a school lesson and an interactive tool for students, which was also used to estimate the required duration of ventilation. CO2 exposure was significantly reduced in pilot classes (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, p = 3.815e-06). Median CO2 levels decreased from 1600 ppm (control group) to 1097 ppm (intervention group), and the average proportion of teaching time at 400-1400 ppm CO2 increased from 40% to 70%. The duration of ventilation was similar to spontaneous natural window ventilation (+5.8%). Stricter ventilation targets are possible. The concept of the intervention is suitable for immediate adoption in schools with natural window ventilation for a limited period, pending the installation of a mechanical ventilation system. The easy integration of this intervention into everyday school life promotes compliance, which is particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Chemical Composition and Source Apportionment of PM10 in a Green-Roof Primary School Building. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10238464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Research on air quality issues in recently refurbished educational buildings is relatively limited. However, it is an important topic as students are often exposed to high concentrations of air pollutants, especially in urban environments. This study presents the results of a 25-day experimental campaign that took place in a primary school located in a densely built-up area, which retains a green roof system (GRS). All measurements refer to mass concentrations and chemical analysis of PM10 (particulate matter less than 10 micrometers), and they were implemented simultaneously on the GRS and within the classroom (C3) below during different periods of the year. The results demonstrated relatively low levels of PM10 in both experimental points, with the highest mean value of 72.02 μg m−3 observed outdoors during the cold period. Elemental carbon (EC) was also found be higher in the ambient environment (with a mean value of 2.78 μg m−3), while organic carbon (OC) was relatively balanced between the two monitoring sites. Moreover, sulfate was found to be the most abundant water soluble anion (2.57 μg m−3), mainly originating from ambient primary SO2 and penetrating into the classroom from windows. Additionally, the crustal origin of particles was shown in trace metals, where Al and Fe prevailed (9.55% and 8.68%, respectively, of the total PM10). Nevertheless, infiltration of outdoor particles within the classroom was found to affect indoor sources of metals. Finally, source apportionment using a positive matrix factorization (PMF) receptor model demonstrated six main factors of emissions, the most important of which were vehicles and biomass burning (30.30% contribution), along with resuspension of PM10 within the classroom from human activities (29.89% contribution). Seasonal variations seem to play a key role in the results.
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12
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Assessment of Children’s Potential Exposure to Bioburden in Indoor Environments. ATMOSPHERE 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos11090993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The exposure to particles and bioaerosols has been associated with the increase in health effects in children. The objective of this study was to assess the indoor exposure to bioburden in the indoor microenvironments more frequented by children. Air particulate matter (PM) and settled dust were sampled in 33 dwellings and four schools with a medium volume sampler and with a passive method using electrostatic dust collectors (EDC), respectively. Settled dust collected by EDC was analyzed by culture-based methods (including azole resistance profile) and using qPCR. Results showed that the PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations in classrooms (31.15 μg/m3 and 57.83 μg/m3, respectively) were higher than in homes (15.26 μg/m3 and 18.95 μg/m3, respectively) and highly exceeded the limit values established by the Portuguese legislation for indoor air quality. The fungal species most commonly found in bedrooms was Penicillium sp. (91.79%), whereas, in living rooms, it was Rhizopus sp. (37.95%). Aspergillus sections with toxigenic potential were found in bedrooms and living rooms and were able to grow on VOR. Although not correlated with PM, EDC provided information regarding the bioburden. Future studies, applying EDC coupled with PM assessment, should be implemented to allow for a long-term integrated sample of organic dust.
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Were FH, Wafula GA, Lukorito CB, Kamanu TK. Levels of PM 10 and PM 2.5 and Respiratory Health Impacts on School-Going Children in Kenya. J Health Pollut 2020; 10:200912. [PMID: 32874768 PMCID: PMC7453813 DOI: 10.5696/2156-9614-10.27.200912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The respiratory system of children is vulnerable to exposure to particulate matter (PM) with a diameter of less than 2.5 and 10 μm (PM2.5 and PM10) or even lower. OBJECTIVE This study assessed PM10 and PM2.5 levels and respiratory health impacts on children in schools located in an industrialized suburb in Kenya. METHOD The PM10 and PM2.5 levels were sampled from five public primary schools in Athi River Township and a control school during the wet and dry seasons. Outdoor and classroom samples were collected concurrently on an 8-hour mean during school hours on two consecutive days in each school and analyzed using gravimetric techniques. Five hundred and seventy-eight (n = 578) pupils aged 9-14 years from these schools were also evaluated for symptoms of respiratory illnesses and lung function using a questionnaire and spirometric method, respectively, during the same periods. RESULTS Indoor median PM10 levels (μg/m3) ranged from 60.8-269.1 and 52.8-232.3 and PM2.5 values (μg/m3) of 17.7-52.4 and 28.5-75.5 during the dry and wet seasons, respectively. The control classrooms had significantly (p <0.05) lower median PM10 levels (μg/m3) of 5.2 and 4.2, and PM2.5 levels (μg/m3) of 3.5 and 3.0 during the respective seasons. Nearly all the classrooms in Athi River schools had PM2.5 and PM10 median levels that exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended levels. The indoor-to-outdoor ratios varied from 0.35-1.40 and 0.80-2.40 for PM10 and 0.30-0.80 and 0.80-1.40 for PM2.5 during the dry and wet seasons, respectively, suggesting higher levels in the classrooms during the wet season. The relative risk (RR) and odds ratio (OR) presented higher prevalence of respiratory diseases following PM exposure in all the Athi River schools than the control during the dry and wet seasons. At 95% CI, the RR and OR showed strong associations between high PM10 and PM2.5 levels and lung function deficits and vice versa. The association was more prevalent during the wet season. CONCLUSIONS The study calls for effective indoor air management programs in school environments to reduce PM exposure and respiratory health impacts. PARTICIPANT CONSENT Obtained. ETHICS APPROVAL The research permit and approvals were obtained from the University of Nairobi/Kenyatta National Hospital Ethics and Research Committee (KNH-UoN ERC Reference: P599/08/2016) and the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (Reference: NACOSTI/P/18/4268/25724). COMPETING INTERESTS The authors declare no competing financial interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faridah Hussein Were
- Department of Chemistry, College of Biological and Physical Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Godfrey Angoe Wafula
- Department of Chemistry, College of Biological and Physical Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Cromwel Busolo Lukorito
- Department of Meteorology, College of Biological and Physical Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Timothy K.K. Kamanu
- School of Mathematics, College of Biological and Physical Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
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Drago G, Ruggieri S, Cuttitta G, La Grutta S, Ferrante G, Cibella F. Determinants of Allergic Sensitization, Asthma and Lung Function: Results from a Cross-Sectional Study in Italian Schoolchildren. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17145087. [PMID: 32674528 PMCID: PMC7400051 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17145087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal smoking exposure and early-life respiratory infections are major determinants of asthma during childhood. We investigate the factors influencing allergic sensitization (AS), asthma, and lung function in children and the balance between individual and environmental characteristics at different life stages. 1714 children aged 7–16 years and living in southern Italy were investigated using a parental questionnaire, skin prick tests, and spirometry. We found 41.0% AS prevalence: among children without parental history of asthma, male sex, maternal smoking during pregnancy (MatSmoke), and acute respiratory diseases in the first two years of life (ARD2Y) were significant risk factors for AS. MatSmoke was associated (OR = 1.79) with ARD2Y, and this association was influenced by sex. ARD2Y was, in turn, a significant risk factor (OR = 8.53) for childhood current asthma, along with AS (OR up to 3.03) and rhinoconjuctivitis (OR = 3.59). Forced mid-expiratory flow (FEF25–75%) was negatively affected by ARD2Y, with a sex-related effect. Thus, males exposed to MatSmoke had significantly lower FEF25–75% than unexposed males. Despite the difficulty of discriminating among the complex interactions underlying the development of allergic respiratory diseases, ARD2Y appears to strongly influence both asthma and lung function during childhood. In turn, ARD2Y is influenced by prenatal exposure to tobacco smoke with a sex-dependent effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaspare Drago
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (G.D.); (S.R.); (G.C.); (S.L.G.)
| | - Silvia Ruggieri
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (G.D.); (S.R.); (G.C.); (S.L.G.)
| | - Giuseppina Cuttitta
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (G.D.); (S.R.); (G.C.); (S.L.G.)
| | - Stefania La Grutta
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (G.D.); (S.R.); (G.C.); (S.L.G.)
| | - Giuliana Ferrante
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, 90100 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Fabio Cibella
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (G.D.); (S.R.); (G.C.); (S.L.G.)
- Correspondence:
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Assessment of Air Quality in School Environments in Hanoi, Vietnam: A Focus on Mass-Size Distribution and Elemental Composition of Indoor-Outdoor Ultrafine/Fine/Coarse Particles. ATMOSPHERE 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos11050519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Indoor and outdoor ultrafine, accumulation mode, and coarse fractions collected at two preschools (S1 and S2) in Hanoi capital, Vietnam were characterized in terms of mass-size distribution and elemental composition to identify major emission sources. The sampling campaigns were performed simultaneously indoors and outdoors over four consecutive weeks at each school. Indoor average concentrations of CO2 and CO at both schools were below the limit values recommended by American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (1000 ppm for CO2) and World Health Organization (7 mg/m3 for CO). Indoor concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 at S1 and S2 were strongly influenced by the presence of children and their activities indoors. The indoor average concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 were 49.4 µg/m3 and 59.7 µg/m3 at S1, while those values at S2 were 7.9 and 10.8 µg/m3, respectively. Mass-size distribution of indoor and outdoor particles presented similar patterns, in which ultrafine particles accounted for around 15–20% wt/wt while fine particles (PM2.5) made up almost 80% wt/wt of PM10. PM2.5–10 did not display regular shapes while smaller factions tended to aggregate to form clusters with fine structures. Oxygen (O) was the most abundant element in all fractions, followed by carbon (C) for indoor and outdoor particles. O accounted for 36.2% (PM0.5–1) to 42.4% wt/wt (PM0.1) of indoor particles, while those figures for C were in the range of 14.5% (for PM0.1) to 18.1% (for PM1–2.5). Apart from O and C, mass proportion of other major and minor elements (Al, Ca, Cr, Fe , K, Mg, Si, Ti) could make up to 50%, whereas trace elements (As, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, La, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se, Sn, Sr, and Zn) accounted for less than 0.5% of indoor and outdoor airborne particles. There were no significant indoor emission sources of trace and minor elements. Traffic significantly contributed to major and trace elements at S1 and S2.
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Pacitto A, Amato F, Moreno T, Pandolfi M, Fonseca A, Mazaheri M, Stabile L, Buonanno G, Querol X. Effect of ventilation strategies and air purifiers on the children's exposure to airborne particles and gaseous pollutants in school gyms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 712:135673. [PMID: 31810696 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Indoor school gyms are environments characterized by high concentrations of different airborne particulate and gaseous pollutants. In particular, like other naturally-ventilated school environments, in addition to indoor pollutants children can be exposed to sub-micron particles and gaseous pollutants emitted by outdoor sources and penetrating the building envelope; moreover, high concentrations of super-micron particles can be reached due to the resuspension phenomena related to the physical activity performed therein. The present paper aims to evaluate the effect of different ventilation methods (natural ventilation, manual airing) and the use of air purifiers in reducing the indoor concentrations of different airborne particles and gaseous pollutants in school gyms. To this end, an experimental campaign was performed in two naturally-ventilated school gyms in Barcelona (Spain) of different volumes and different distance to major urban roads. Indoor and outdoor measurements of particle number, black carbon and PM1-10 concentrations were performed as well as indoor measurements of CO2 and NO2 concentrations. The study revealed that the use of air purifiers with windows kept closed (natural ventilation) can lead to a significant reduction in terms of indoor-to-outdoor concentration ratios. In the smaller gym (air changes per hour of the purifiers, ACH, equal to 9.2 h-1) the I/O ratios were reduced by 93% and 95% in terms of particle number and PM1-10, respectively; whereas in the larger school gym (ACH = 1.7 h-1) the corresponding reductions were 70% and 84%. For manual airing scenarios, the effect of the air purifiers on outdoor-generated sub-micron particles is reduced; in particular, for low ACH values (i.e. ACH = 1.7 h-1), the reduction is quite negligible (6%).
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Affiliation(s)
- A Pacitto
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDÆA), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, FR, Italy
| | - F Amato
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDÆA), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - T Moreno
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDÆA), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Pandolfi
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDÆA), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Fonseca
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDÆA), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Mazaheri
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDÆA), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain; International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - L Stabile
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, FR, Italy
| | - G Buonanno
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, FR, Italy; International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - X Querol
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDÆA), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
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The Effect of Ventilation Strategies on Indoor Air Quality and Energy Consumptions in Classrooms. BUILDINGS 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/buildings9050110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Most of the school buildings in Italy are high energy-demanding buildings with no ad-hoc ventilation systems (i.e., naturally-ventilated buildings). Therefore, reducing the heat losses of schools represent the main aspect to be dealt with. Nonetheless, the indoor air quality of the building should be simultaneously considered. Indeed, to date, energy consumptions and air quality are considered as incompatible aspects especially in naturally-ventilated buildings. The aim of the present paper is to evaluate the effect of different ventilation and airing strategies on both indoor air quality and energy consumptions in high energy-demanding naturally-ventilated classrooms. To this purpose, an Italian test-classroom, characterized in terms of air permeability and thermophysical parameters of the envelope, was investigated by means of experimental analyses and simulations through CO2 mass balance equation during the heating season. The air quality was assessed in terms of indoor CO2 concentrations whereas the energy consumptions were evaluated through the asset rating approach. Results clearly report that not adequate indoor CO2 concentrations are measured in the classroom for free-running ventilation scenarios even in low densely populated conditions (2.2 m2 person−1), whereas scheduled airing procedures can reduce the indoor CO2 levels at the cost of higher energy need for ventilation. In particular, when airing periods leading to the air exchange rate required by standards are adopted, the CO2 concentration can decrease to values lower than 1000 ppm, but the ventilation losses increase up to 36% of the overall energy need for space heating of the classroom. On the contrary, when the same air exchange rate is applied through mechanical ventilation systems equipped with heat recovery units, the ventilation energy loss contribution decreases to 5% and the overall energy saving results higher than 30%. Such energy-saving was found even higher for occupancy scenarios characterized by more densely populated conditions of the classroom typically occurring in Italian classrooms.
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Toyinbo O, Phipatanakul W, Shaughnessy R, Haverinen-Shaughnessy U. Building and indoor environmental quality assessment of Nigerian primary schools: A pilot study. INDOOR AIR 2019; 29:510-520. [PMID: 30807666 PMCID: PMC6486416 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 01/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
A total of 15 classrooms went through on-site assessments/inspections, including measurements of temperature (T), and concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2 ). In addition, the level of surface biocontamination/cleaning effectiveness was assessed by measuring adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels on students' desks. Based on the data, the quality of facilities in the buildings was low. Classroom occupancy exceeded ASHRAE 50 person/100 m2 standard in all cases indicating overcrowding. However, concentrations of CO2 remained below 1000 ppm in most classrooms. On the other hand, indoor T was above the recommended levels for thermal comfort in all classrooms. Maximum indoor CO was 6 ppm. Median ATP concentrations on the desk tops were moderately high in all schools. The use of open incinerators and power generator sets near classrooms, which was suspected to be the main source of CO, should be discouraged. Improved hygiene could be achieved by providing the students access to functioning bathroom facilities and cafeteria, and by effective cleaning of high contact surfaces such as desks. Although ventilation seems adequate based on CO2 concentrations, thermal comfort was not attained especially in the afternoon during extreme sunlight. Therefore, installing passive and/or mechanical cooling systems should be considered in this regard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluyemi Toyinbo
- National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio FI-70701, Finland
- University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, Kuopio 70211, Finland
| | - Wanda Phipatanakul
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School
| | | | - Ulla Haverinen-Shaughnessy
- National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio FI-70701, Finland
- Indoor Air Program, the University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74104, USA
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Ruggieri S, Longo V, Perrino C, Canepari S, Drago G, L'Abbate L, Balzan M, Cuttitta G, Scaccianoce G, Minardi R, Viegi G, Cibella F. Indoor air quality in schools of a highly polluted south Mediterranean area. INDOOR AIR 2019; 29:276-290. [PMID: 30580463 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed at surveying lower secondary schools in southern Italy, in a highly polluted area. A community close to an industrial area and three villages in rural areas was investigated. Indoor temperature, relative humidity (RH), gaseous pollutants (CO2 and NO2 ), selected biological pollutants in indoor dust, and the indoor/outdoor mass concentration and elemental composition of PM2.5 were ascertained. Temperature and RH were within, or close to, the comfort range, while CO2 frequently exceeded the threshold of 1000 ppm, indicating inadequate air exchange rate. In all the classrooms, median NO2 levels were above the WHO threshold value. Dermatophagoides p. allergen concentration was below the sensitizing threshold, while high endotoxin levels were detected in the classrooms, suggesting schools may produce significant risks of endotoxin exposure. Concentration and solubility of PM2.5 elements were used to identify the sources of indoor particles. Indoor concentration of most elements was higher than outdoors. Resuspension was responsible for the indoor increase in soil components. For elements from industrial emission (Cd, Co, Ni, Pb, Sb, Tl, V), the indoor concentration depended on penetration from the outside. For these elements, differences in rural vs industrial concentrations were found, suggesting industrial sources may influence indoor air quality nearby schools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Ruggieri
- Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology, National Research Council of Italy, Palermo, Italy
| | - Valeria Longo
- Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology, National Research Council of Italy, Palermo, Italy
| | - Cinzia Perrino
- Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, National Research Council of Italy, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Canepari
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gaspare Drago
- Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology, National Research Council of Italy, Palermo, Italy
| | - Luca L'Abbate
- Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology, National Research Council of Italy, Palermo, Italy
| | - Martin Balzan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | - Giuseppina Cuttitta
- Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology, National Research Council of Italy, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gianluca Scaccianoce
- Department of Energy, Information Engineering and Mathematical Models, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Remo Minardi
- ASP Caltanissetta - Health District of Gela, Gela, Italy
| | - Giovanni Viegi
- Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology, National Research Council of Italy, Palermo, Italy
| | - Fabio Cibella
- Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology, National Research Council of Italy, Palermo, Italy
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Oliveira M, Slezakova K, Delerue-Matos C, Pereira MC, Morais S. Children environmental exposure to particulate matter and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and biomonitoring in school environments: A review on indoor and outdoor exposure levels, major sources and health impacts. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 124:180-204. [PMID: 30654326 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.12.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Children, an important vulnerable group, spend most of their time at schools (up to 10 h per day, mostly indoors) and the respective air quality may significantly impact on children health. Thus, this work reviews the published studies on children biomonitoring and environmental exposure to particulate matter (PM) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) at school microenvironments (indoors and outdoors), major sources and potential health risks. A total of 28, 35, and 31% of the studies reported levels that exceeded the international outdoor ambient air guidelines for PM10, PM2.5, and benzo(a)pyrene, respectively. Indoor and outdoor concentrations of PM10 at European schools, the most characterized continent, ranged between 7.5 and 229 μg/m3 and 21-166 μg/m3, respectively; levels of PM2.5 varied between 4 and 100 μg/m3 indoors and 6.1-115 μg/m3 outdoors. Despite scarce information in some geographical regions (America, Oceania and Africa), the collected data clearly show that Asian children are exposed to the highest concentrations of PM and PAHs at school environments, which were associated with increased carcinogenic risks and with the highest values of urinary total monohydroxyl PAH metabolites (PAH biomarkers of exposure). Additionally, children attending schools in polluted urban and industrial areas are exposed to higher levels of PM and PAHs with increased concentrations of urinary PAH metabolites in comparison with children from rural areas. Strong evidences demonstrated associations between environmental exposure to PM and PAHs with several health outcomes, including increased risk of asthma, pulmonary infections, skin diseases, and allergies. Nevertheless, there is a scientific gap on studies that include the characterization of PM fine fraction and the levels of PAHs in the total air (particulate and gas phases) of indoor and outdoor air of school environments and the associated risks for the health of children. There is a clear need to improve indoor air quality in schools and to establish international guidelines for exposure limits in these environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Oliveira
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Porto, Portugal; LEPABE, Departamento de Engenharia Química, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Klara Slezakova
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Porto, Portugal; LEPABE, Departamento de Engenharia Química, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Delerue-Matos
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Carmo Pereira
- LEPABE, Departamento de Engenharia Química, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Simone Morais
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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Characteristics of Indoor PM 2.5 Concentration in Gers Using Coal Stoves in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15112524. [PMID: 30424478 PMCID: PMC6267369 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15112524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Coal combustion in ger areas is the main source of ambient air pollution in Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia). This study determined the characteristics of indoor PM2.5 concentrations in gers using coal stoves during winter. The study population consisted of 60 gers in the Chingeltei district of Ulaanbaatar. The indoor particle number concentration (PNC) in each ger was measured using a Dylos DC1700 particle counter for 24 h in January and February 2016. The PNC by Dylos was converted into the mass concentration using a calibration equation developed using a collocated real-time light scattering monitor adjusted by gravimetric measurement. The average 24 h PM2.5 concentration was 203.9 ± 195.1 μg/m3 in gers with traditional stoves (n = 29) and 257.5 ± 204.4 μg/m3 in those with improved stoves (n = 31). In the daily profile, concentrations were lower at night, increased in the early morning, and peaked up to noon. The temperature in gers was slightly higher than that recommended in winter. Many development-assistance programs have supported the installation of improved energy-efficient stoves. Better control measures are needed to improve the indoor air quality of gers.
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Afolaranmi SO, Ramis Ferrer B, Martinez Lastra JL. Technology review: prototyping platforms for monitoring ambient conditions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2018; 28:253-279. [PMID: 29737193 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2018.1468423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The monitoring of ambient conditions in indoor spaces is very essential owing to the amount of time spent indoors. Specifically, the monitoring of air quality is significant because contaminated air affects the health, comfort and productivity of occupants. This research work presents a technology review of prototyping platforms for monitoring ambient conditions in indoor spaces. It involves the research on sensors (for CO2, air quality and ambient conditions), IoT platforms, and novel and commercial prototyping platforms. The ultimate objective of this review is to enable the easy identification, selection and utilisation of the technologies best suited for monitoring ambient conditions in indoor spaces. Following the review, it is recommended to use metal oxide sensors, optical sensors and electrochemical sensors for IAQ monitoring (including NDIR sensors for CO2 monitoring), Raspberry Pi for data processing, ZigBee and Wi-Fi for data communication, and ThingSpeak IoT platform for data storage, analysis and visualisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Olaiya Afolaranmi
- a Factory Automation Systems and Technologies Laboratory , Tampere University of Technology , Tampere , Finland
| | - Borja Ramis Ferrer
- a Factory Automation Systems and Technologies Laboratory , Tampere University of Technology , Tampere , Finland
| | - Jose Luis Martinez Lastra
- a Factory Automation Systems and Technologies Laboratory , Tampere University of Technology , Tampere , Finland
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Zhang L, Guo C, Jia X, Xu H, Pan M, Xu D, Shen X, Zhang J, Tan J, Qian H, Dong C, Shi Y, Zhou X, Wu C. Personal exposure measurements of school-children to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in winter of 2013, Shanghai, China. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0193586. [PMID: 29608594 PMCID: PMC5880346 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to perform an exposure assessment of PM2.5 (particulate matter less than 2.5μm in aerodynamic diameter) among children and to explore the potential sources of exposure from both indoor and outdoor environments. Methods In terms of real-time exposure measurements of PM2.5, we collected data from 57 children aged 8–12 years (9.64 ± 0.93 years) in two schools in Shanghai, China. Simultaneously, questionnaire surveys and time-activity diaries were used to estimate the environment at home and daily time-activity patterns in order to estimate the exposure dose of PM2.5 in these children. Principle component regression analysis was used to explore the influence of potential sources of PM2.5 exposure. Results All the median personal exposure and microenvironment PM2.5 concentrations greatly exceeded the daily 24-h PM2.5 Ambient Air Quality Standards of China, the USA, and the World Health Organization (WHO). The median Etotal (the sum of the PM2.5 exposure levels in different microenvironment and fractional time) of all students was 3014.13 (μg.h)/m3. The concentration of time-weighted average (TWA) exposure of all students was 137.01 μg/m3. The median TWA exposure level during the on-campus period (135.81 μg/m3) was significantly higher than the off-campus period (115.50 μg/m3, P = 0.013 < 0.05). Besides ambient air pollution and meteorological conditions, storey height of the classroom and mode of transportation to school were significantly correlated with children’s daily PM2.5 exposure. Conclusions Children in the two selected schools were exposed to high concentrations of PM2.5 in winter of 2013 in Shanghai. Their personal PM2.5 exposure was mainly associated with ambient air conditions, storey height of the classroom, and children’s transportation mode to school.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Zhang
- Environmental Health Department, Division of Heath Risk Factors Monitoring and Control, Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention/Shanghai Institutes of Preventive Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Changyi Guo
- General Office, Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention/Shanghai Institute for Prevention Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaodong Jia
- Division of Heath Risk Factors Monitoring and Control, Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention/Shanghai Institutes of Preventive Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huihui Xu
- Environmental Health Department, Division of Heath Risk Factors Monitoring and Control, Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention/Shanghai Institutes of Preventive Medicine, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Meizhu Pan
- Environmental Health Department, Division of Heath Risk Factors Monitoring and Control, Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention/Shanghai Institutes of Preventive Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong Xu
- Environmental Health Department, Shanghai Xuhui Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianbiao Shen
- Environmental Health Department, Shanghai Baoshan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianghua Zhang
- Environmental Health Department, Division of Heath Risk Factors Monitoring and Control, Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention/Shanghai Institutes of Preventive Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianguo Tan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Meteorology and Health, Shanghai Meteorological Service, Shanghai, China
| | - Hailei Qian
- Environmental Health Department, Division of Heath Risk Factors Monitoring and Control, Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention/Shanghai Institutes of Preventive Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunyang Dong
- Environmental Health Department, Division of Heath Risk Factors Monitoring and Control, Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention/Shanghai Institutes of Preventive Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yewen Shi
- Environmental Health Department, Division of Heath Risk Factors Monitoring and Control, Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention/Shanghai Institutes of Preventive Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaodan Zhou
- Environmental Health Department, Division of Heath Risk Factors Monitoring and Control, Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention/Shanghai Institutes of Preventive Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Wu
- Environmental Health Department, Division of Heath Risk Factors Monitoring and Control, Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention/Shanghai Institutes of Preventive Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Fisk WJ. The ventilation problem in schools: literature review. INDOOR AIR 2017; 27:1039-1051. [PMID: 28683161 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Based on a review of literature published in refereed archival journals, ventilation rates in classrooms often fall far short of the minimum ventilation rates specified in standards. There is compelling evidence, from both cross-sectional and intervention studies, of an association of increased student performance with increased ventilation rates. There is evidence that reduced respiratory health effects and reduced student absence are associated with increased ventilation rates. Increasing ventilation rates in schools imposes energy costs and can increase heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning system capital costs. The net annual costs, ranging from a few dollars to about 10 dollars per person, are less than 0.1% of typical public spending on elementary and secondary education in the United States. Such expenditures seem like a small price to pay given the evidence of health and performance benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- W J Fisk
- Indoor Environment Group, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
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Matic B, Rakic U, Jovanovic V, Dejanovic S, Djonovic N. Key Factors Determining Indoor Air PM 10 Concentrations in Naturally Ventilated Primary Schools in Belgrade, Serbia. Zdr Varst 2017; 56:227-235. [PMID: 29062397 PMCID: PMC5639812 DOI: 10.1515/sjph-2017-0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Indoor air quality (IAQ) is rated as a serious public health issue. Knowing children are accounted as more vulnerable to environmental health hazards, data are needed on air quality in schools. Methods A project was conducted from 2007 until 2009 (SEARCH, School Environment and Respiratory Health of Children), aiming to verify links between IAQ and children’s respiratory health. Study was conducted in ten primary schools on 735 children, in 44 classrooms. Children were randomly selected. Research tools and indicators used for children’s exposure to school environment were indoor and outdoor pollutants, two standardized questionnaires for school and classroom characteristics. In both classroom air and ambient air in front of them we measured, during a 5-day exposure period for continuous 24h measuring: carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, indoor air temperature, relative humidity, and PM10 during classes. Results PM10 concentrations were significantly most frequent in an interval of ≥80.1μg/m3, that is, in the interval above 50μg/m3. Mean PM10 value was 82.24±42.43 μg/m3, ranging from 32.00μg/m3 to of 197.00μg/m3. Conclusion The increase of outdoor PM10 concentration significantly affects the increase of indoor PM10. A statistically significant difference exists for average IAQ PM10 concentrations vs. indicators of indoor thermal comfort zone (p<0.0001); they are lower in the classrooms with indicators within the comfort zone. Moreover, dominant factors for the increase of PM10 are: high occupancy rate in the classroom (<2m2 of space per child), high relative humidity (>75%), and indoor temperature beyond 23°C, as well as bad ventilation habits (keeping windows shut most of the time).
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Affiliation(s)
- Branislava Matic
- Institute of Public Health of Serbia "Dr Milan Jovanovic Batut", Environmental Health and School Hygiene Department, Dr Subotica 5, 11000Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Uros Rakic
- Institute of Public Health of Serbia "Dr Milan Jovanovic Batut", Environmental Health and School Hygiene Department, Dr Subotica 5, 11000Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Verica Jovanovic
- Institute of Public Health of Serbia "Dr Milan Jovanovic Batut", Environmental Health and School Hygiene Department, Dr Subotica 5, 11000Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Snezana Dejanovic
- Institute of Public Health of Serbia "Dr Milan Jovanovic Batut", Environmental Health and School Hygiene Department, Dr Subotica 5, 11000Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nela Djonovic
- University of Kragujevac, School of Medicine, Institute of Public Health of Kragujevac, KragujevacSerbia
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Gaffin JM, Petty CR, Hauptman M, Kang CM, Wolfson JM, Awad YA, Di Q, Lai PS, Sheehan WJ, Baxi S, Coull BA, Schwartz JD, Gold DR, Koutrakis P, Phipatanakul W. Modeling indoor particulate exposures in inner-city school classrooms. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2017; 27:451-457. [PMID: 27599884 PMCID: PMC5340641 DOI: 10.1038/jes.2016.52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 04/09/2016] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Outdoor air pollution penetrates buildings and contributes to total indoor exposures. We investigated the relationship of indoor to outdoor particulate matter in inner-city school classrooms. The School Inner City Asthma Study investigates the effect of classroom-based environmental exposures on students with asthma in the northeast United States. Mixed effects linear models were used to determine the relationships between indoor PM2.5 (particulate matter) and black carbon (BC), and their corresponding outdoor concentrations, and to develop a model for predicting exposures to these pollutants. The indoor-outdoor sulfur ratio was used as an infiltration factor of outdoor fine particles. Weeklong concentrations of PM2.5 and BC in 199 samples from 136 classrooms (30 school buildings) were compared with those measured at a central monitoring site averaged over the same timeframe. Mixed effects regression models found significant random intercept and slope effects, which indicate that: (1) there are important PM2.5 sources in classrooms; (2) the penetration of outdoor PM2.5 particles varies by school and (3) the site-specific outside PM2.5 levels (inferred by the models) differ from those observed at the central monitor site. Similar results were found for BC except for lack of indoor sources. The fitted predictions from the sulfur-adjusted models were moderately predictive of observed indoor pollutant levels (out of sample correlations: PM2.5: r2=0.68, BC; r2=0.61). Our results suggest that PM2.5 has important classroom sources, which vary by school. Furthermore, using these mixed effects models, classroom exposures can be accurately predicted for dates when central site measures are available but indoor measures are not available.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marissa Hauptman
- Boston Children's Hospital
- Harvard Medical school
- Region 1 New England Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit
| | | | | | | | - Qian Di
- T.H. Chan Harvard School of Public Health
| | - Peggy S. Lai
- Harvard Medical school
- T.H. Chan Harvard School of Public Health
- Massachusetts General Hospital
| | | | - Sachin Baxi
- Boston Children's Hospital
- Harvard Medical school
| | | | | | - Diane R. Gold
- Harvard Medical school
- T.H. Chan Harvard School of Public Health
- Channing Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital
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Li Z, Wen Q, Zhang R. Sources, health effects and control strategies of indoor fine particulate matter (PM 2.5): A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 586:610-622. [PMID: 28216030 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.02.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 02/04/2017] [Accepted: 02/04/2017] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Indoor air quality is directly influenced by indoor PM2.5. Short-term and long-term exposure of PM2.5 in the micro environment would severely detriment the health of both humans and animals. The researches both at home and abroad dating from 2000 were analyzed and summarized mainly in the following 3 sections: source apportionment, health effects and control methods. Health effects were illustrated in both epidemiology and toxicology. The epidemiology was explicated in morbidity and mortality, the toxicology was illuminated in inflammatory reaction, oxidative stress, genotoxicity, mutagenicity and carcinogenicity. Control methods were showed in two aspects (sources and means of transmission), of which each was resolved by corresponding control strategy. Abundant investigations indicated that comprehensive control strategies were needed for sources decrement and health burden mitigation of indoor PM2.5. Based on the increasingly wide research of indoor PM2.5, the concept of indoors was essentially expanded, and on the basis of the summary of all the aspects mentioned above, both the scope and depth of indoor PM2.5 research were found insufficiently. Meantime, the potential direction of development in indoor PM2.5 research were projected, in hope of contributing to further relevant study of engineers in ambient environment and building environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhisheng Li
- School of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, NO. 100 Outer ring Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qingmei Wen
- School of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, NO. 100 Outer ring Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Ruilin Zhang
- School of Electro-mechanical Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, NO. 100 Outer ring Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Mohammadyan M, Ghoochani M, Kloog I, Abdul-Wahab SA, Yetilmezsoy K, Heibati B, Godri Pollitt KJ. Assessment of indoor and outdoor particulate air pollution at an urban background site in Iran. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2017; 189:235. [PMID: 28451957 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-017-5951-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between indoor and outdoor particulate air pollution was investigated at an urban background site on the Payambar Azam Campus of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences in Sari, Northern Iran. The concentration of particulate matter sized with a diameter less than 1 μm (PM1.0), 2.5 μm (PM2.5), and 10 μm (PM10) was evaluated at 5 outdoor and 12 indoor locations. Indoor sites included classrooms, corridors, and office sites in four university buildings. Outdoor PM concentrations were characterized at five locations around the university campus. Indoor and outdoor PM measurements (1-min resolution) were conducted in parallel during weekday mornings and afternoons. No difference found between indoor PM10 (50.1 ± 32.1 μg/m3) and outdoor PM10 concentrations (46.5 ± 26.0 μg/m3), indoor PM2.5 (22.6 ± 17.4 μg/m3) and outdoor PM2.5 concentration (22.2 ± 15.4 μg/m3), or indoor PM1.0 (14.5 ± 13.4 μg/m3) and outdoor mean PM1.0 concentrations (14.2 ± 12.3 μg/m3). Despite these similar concentrations, no correlations were found between outdoor and indoor PM levels. The present findings are not only of importance for the potential health effects of particulate air pollution on people who spend their daytime over a period of several hours in closed and confined spaces located at a university campus but also can inform regulatory about the improvement of indoor air quality, especially in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Mohammadyan
- Health Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Health, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran
| | - Mahboobeh Ghoochani
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Itai Kloog
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard University, 665 Huntington Avenue, Landmark Center Room 415, Boston, MA, 0211, USA
| | - Sabah Ahmed Abdul-Wahab
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 33, Al-Khod, 123, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Kaan Yetilmezsoy
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, Davutpasa, Esenler, 34200, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Behzad Heibati
- Health Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Health, Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran.
| | - Krystal J Godri Pollitt
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA.
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Vinceti M, Malagoli C, Malavolti M, Cherubini A, Maffeis G, Rodolfi R, Heck JE, Astolfi G, Calzolari E, Nicolini F. Does maternal exposure to benzene and PM10 during pregnancy increase the risk of congenital anomalies? A population-based case-control study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 541:444-450. [PMID: 26410719 PMCID: PMC4656073 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.09.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Revised: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
A few studies have suggested an association between maternal exposure to ambient air pollution from vehicular traffic and risk of congenital anomalies in the offspring, but epidemiologic evidence is neither strong nor entirely consistent. In a population-based case-control study in a Northern Italy community encompassing 228 cases of birth defects and 228 referent newborns, we investigated if maternal exposure to PM10 and benzene from vehicular traffic during early pregnancy, as estimated through a dispersion model, was associated with excess teratogenic risk. In conditional logistic regression analysis, and with adjustment for the other pollutant, we found that higher exposure to PM10 but not benzene was associated with increased risk of birth defects overall. Anomaly categories showing the strongest dose-response relation with PM10 exposure were musculoskeletal and chromosomal abnormalities but not cardiovascular defects, with Down syndrome being among the specific abnormalities showing the strongest association, though risk estimates particularly for the less frequent defects were statistically very unstable. Further adjustment in the regression model for potential confounders did not considerably alter the results. All the associations were stronger for average levels of PM10 than for their maximal level. Findings of this study give some support for an excess teratogenic risk following maternal exposure during pregnancy to PM10, but not benzene. Such association appears to be limited to some birth defect categories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Vinceti
- CREAGEN, Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Campus San Lazzaro, Padiglione De Sanctis, Via Giovanni Amendola 2, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy.
| | - Carlotta Malagoli
- CREAGEN, Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Campus San Lazzaro, Padiglione De Sanctis, Via Giovanni Amendola 2, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Marcella Malavolti
- CREAGEN, Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Campus San Lazzaro, Padiglione De Sanctis, Via Giovanni Amendola 2, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Andrea Cherubini
- TerrAria s.r.l., Via Melchiorre Gioia 132, 20125 Milano Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Maffeis
- TerrAria s.r.l., Via Melchiorre Gioia 132, 20125 Milano Milan, Italy
| | | | - Julia E Heck
- Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Box 951772, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Gianni Astolfi
- IMER Registry, Department of Biomedical and Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Corso Giovecca 203, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisa Calzolari
- IMER Registry, Department of Biomedical and Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Corso Giovecca 203, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Wang J, Ogawa S. Effects of Meteorological Conditions on PM2.5 Concentrations in Nagasaki, Japan. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2015; 12:9089-101. [PMID: 26247953 PMCID: PMC4555266 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph120809089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Revised: 07/12/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The fine particulate matter (PM2.5) problem has attracted much scientific and public attention, due to its effects on visibility, human health, and global climate. There are three factors that have important effect on PM2.5 mass concentration: domestic pollutant emission sources, external sources outside of the country, and the meteorological conditions. Nagasaki is a coastal prefecture located at the westernmost part of Japan, which is an ideal location to study pollutants from long range transport and correlation between PM2.5 and meteorological conditions. In this paper, PM2.5 concentration data and meteorological data were obtained during 1 January 2013~31 December 2013. The spatial distribution depicts that the western part of the study area has the most serious PM2.5 pollution. The correlation analysis results between PM2.5 concentration and meteorological data showed that temperature had a negative, and precipitation had a positive, correlation with PM2.5. There was a threshold in the correlations between humidity and wind speed and PM2.5. The correlation was positive or negative depending on the meteorological variable values, if these were lower or higher than the threshold. From the relationship with wind direction, it can be depicted that the west wind might bring the most pollutants to Nagasaki.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhua Wang
- Space Engineering and Planning Laboratory, Graduate school of Engineering, Nagasaki University, 1-14 Bunkyo-machi, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan.
| | - Susumu Ogawa
- Space Engineering and Planning Laboratory, Graduate school of Engineering, Nagasaki University, 1-14 Bunkyo-machi, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan.
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Nunes RAO, Branco PTBS, Alvim-Ferraz MCM, Martins FG, Sousa SIV. Particulate matter in rural and urban nursery schools in Portugal. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2015; 202:7-16. [PMID: 25795175 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2015.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Revised: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Studies have been showing strong associations between exposures to indoor particulate matter (PM) and health effects on children. Urban and rural nursery schools have different known environmental and social differences which make their study relevant. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate indoor PM concentrations on different microenvironments of three rural nursery schools and one urban nursery school, being the only study comparing urban and rural nursery schools considering the PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 fractions (measured continuously and in terms of mass). Outdoor PM2.5 and PM10 were also obtained and I/O ratios have been determined. Indoor PM mean concentrations were higher in the urban nursery than in rural ones, which might have been related to traffic emissions. However, I/O ratios allowed concluding that the recorded concentrations depended more significantly of indoor sources. WHO guidelines and Portuguese legislation exceedances for PM2.5 and PM10 were observed mainly in the urban nursery school.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A O Nunes
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - P T B S Branco
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - M C M Alvim-Ferraz
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - F G Martins
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - S I V Sousa
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
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Vesper S, Prill R, Wymer L, Adkins L, Williams R, Fulk F. Mold contamination in schools with either high or low prevelance of asthma. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2015; 26:49-53. [PMID: 25511604 PMCID: PMC7167912 DOI: 10.1111/pai.12324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mold exposures have been linked to the development and exacerbation of asthma. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) metric, developed to quantify mold exposures in homes, might be applied to evaluating the mold contamination in schools. METHODS Settled dust samples (n = 10) were collected on each level of a water-damaged school in Springfield, Massachusetts and two samples per level in five Idaho schools. Each dust sample was analyzed for the 36 molds that make up the ERMI. The concentration of 2.5-μm particulate matter (PM2.5 ) was measured in each school at two locations during the spring of 2013. RESULTS The average ERMI value in the Springfield school, 15.51, was significantly greater (p < 0.001) than the average ERMI value, -2.87, in the Idaho schools. Ten of the twenty-six Group 1 molds, which are associated with water-damaged environments, were in significantly greater concentrations in the Springfield school. The populations of Group 2 molds, which are common indoors even without water damage, were essentially the same in Springfield and Idaho schools. The average PM2.5 concentration in the Springfield and Idaho schools was 11.6 and 3.4 μg/m(3) , respectively. CONCLUSIONS The ERMI scale might be useful in comparing the relative mold contamination in schools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Vesper
- United States Environmental Protection AgencyNational Exposure Research LaboratoryCincinnatiOHUSA
| | | | - Larry Wymer
- United States Environmental Protection AgencyNational Exposure Research LaboratoryCincinnatiOHUSA
| | | | - Ronald Williams
- United States Environmental Protection AgencyNational Exposure Research LaboratoryResearch Triangle ParkNCUSA
| | - Florence Fulk
- United States Environmental Protection AgencyNational Exposure Research LaboratoryCincinnatiOHUSA
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