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Vilčeková S, Burdová EK, Kiseľák J, Sedláková A, Mečiarová ĽV, Moňoková A, Doroudiani S. Assessment of indoor environmental quality and seasonal well-being of students in a combined historic technical school building in Slovakia. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:1524. [PMID: 37994965 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-12147-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
One of the major present challenges in the building sector is to construct sustainable and low-energy buildings with a healthy, safe, and comfortable environment. This study is designed to explore long-term impacts of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) parameters in a historic technical school building on the health and comfort of students. The main objective is to identify environmental problems in schools and to direct public policy towards the enhancement of in-service historic buildings. The collected data on five consecutive days in various seasons from five different classrooms indicate allergy in 45% and asthma in 10% of students. Environmental factors, such as temperature, draught, noise, or light, affected 51% of students' attention. Low temperature, unpleasant air, noise, and draught were found to be the most frequent concerns for students. The lowest temperature was measured during spring at 17.6 °C, the lowest humidity of 21.1% in winter, the largest CO2 amount in the air in autumn at 2041 ppm level, and the greatest total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) as 514 µg/m3. The experimental and statistical analysis results suggest the necessity of a comprehensive restoration of the building with a focus on enhancement of IEQ as well as replacement of old non-standard materials. An effective ventilation system is also necessary. The building requires major renovations to preserve its historic features while safeguarding the well-being and comfort of students and staff. Further research is needed on acoustics, lighting, and energy factors as well as the health effects of old building materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Vilčeková
- Faculty of Civil Engineering, Institute of Sustainable and Circular Construction, Technical University of Košice, Vysokoškolská 4, 042 00, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Eva Krídlová Burdová
- Faculty of Civil Engineering, Institute of Sustainable and Circular Construction, Technical University of Košice, Vysokoškolská 4, 042 00, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Jozef Kiseľák
- Faculty of Science, Institute of Mathematics, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, Jesenná 5, 04001, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Anna Sedláková
- Faculty of Civil Engineering, Institute of Architectural Engineering, Technical University of Košice, Vysokoškolská 4, 042 00, Košice, Slovak Republic
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Warburton T, Grange SK, Hopkins JR, Andrews SJ, Lewis AC, Owen N, Jordan C, Adamson G, Xia B. The impact of plug-in fragrance diffusers on residential indoor VOC concentrations. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2023; 25:805-817. [PMID: 36883522 DOI: 10.1039/d2em00444e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Plug-in fragrance diffusers are one of myriad volatile organic compound-containing consumer products that are commonly found in homes. The perturbing effects of using a commercial diffuser indoors were evaluated using a study group of 60 homes in Ashford, UK. Air samples were taken over 3 day periods with the diffuser switched on and in a parallel set of control homes where it was off. At least four measurements were taken in each home using vacuum-release into 6 L silica-coated canisters and with >40 VOCs quantified using gas chromatography with FID and MS (GC-FID-QMS). Occupants self-reported their use of other VOC-containing products. The variability between homes was very high with the 72 hour sum of all measured VOCs ranging between 30 and >5000 μg m-3, dominated by n/i-butane, propane, and ethanol. For those homes in the lowest quartile of air exchange rate (identified using CO2 and TVOC sensors as proxies) the use of a diffuser led to a statistically significant increase (p-value < 0.02) in the summed concentration of detectable fragrance VOCs and some individual species, e.g. alpha pinene rising from a median of 9 μg m-3 to 15 μg m-3 (p-value < 0.02). The observed increments were broadly in line with model-calculated estimates based on fragrance weight loss, room sizes and air exchange rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Warburton
- Wolfson Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratories, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
| | - Stuart K Grange
- Wolfson Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratories, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 129, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - James R Hopkins
- Wolfson Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratories, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
- National Centre for Atmospheric Science, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Stephen J Andrews
- Wolfson Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratories, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
- National Centre for Atmospheric Science, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Alastair C Lewis
- Wolfson Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratories, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
- National Centre for Atmospheric Science, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Neil Owen
- Givaudan UK Ltd, Kennington Road, Ashford, TN24 0LT, UK
| | | | - Greg Adamson
- Givaudan Fragrances Corp., 717 Ridgedale Ave, East Hanover, New Jersey 07936, USA
| | - Bin Xia
- Bath & Body Works Inc., 8885 Smiths Mill Road, New Albany, OH 43054, USA
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Baeza_Romero MT, Dudzinska MR, Amouei Torkmahalleh M, Barros N, Coggins AM, Ruzgar DG, Kildsgaard I, Naseri M, Rong L, Saffell J, Scutaru AM, Staszowska A. A review of critical residential buildings parameters and activities when investigating indoor air quality and pollutants. INDOOR AIR 2022; 32:e13144. [PMID: 36437669 PMCID: PMC9828800 DOI: 10.1111/ina.13144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Indoor air in residential dwellings can contain a variety of chemicals, sometimes present at concentrations or in combinations which can have a negative impact on human health. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) surveys are often required to characterize human exposure or to investigate IAQ concerns and complaints. Such surveys should include sufficient contextual information to elucidate sources, pathways, and the magnitude of exposures. The aim of this review was to investigate and describe the parameters that affect IAQ in residential dwellings: building location, layout, and ventilation, finishing materials, occupant activities, and occupant demography. About 180 peer-reviewed articles, published from 01/2013 to 09/2021 (plus some important earlier publications), were reviewed. The importance of the building parameters largely depends on the study objectives and whether the focus is on a specific pollutant or to assess health risk. When considering classical pollutants such as particulate matter (PM) or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the building parameters can have a significant impact on IAQ, and detailed information of these parameters needs to be reported in each study. Research gaps and suggestions for the future studies together with recommendation of where measurements should be done are also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Teresa Baeza_Romero
- Universidad de Castilla‐La Mancha. Dpto. Química‐Física, Escuela de Ingeniería Industrial y AeroespacialToledoSpain
| | | | - Mehdi Amouei Torkmahalleh
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public HealthUniversity of Illinois ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, School of Engineering and Digital SciencesNazarbayev UniversityAstanaKazakhstan
| | - Nelson Barros
- UFP Energy, Environment and Health Research Unit (FP‐ENAS)University Fernando PessoaPortoPortugal
| | - Ann Marie Coggins
- School of Natural Sciences & Ryan InstituteNational University of IrelandGalwayIreland
| | - Duygu Gazioglu Ruzgar
- School of Mechanical EngineeringPurdue UniversityWest LafayetteIndianaUSA
- Metallurgical and Materials Engineering DepartmentBursa Technical UniversityBursaTurkey
| | | | - Motahareh Naseri
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, School of Engineering and Digital SciencesNazarbayev UniversityAstanaKazakhstan
| | - Li Rong
- Department of Civil and Architectural EngineeringAarhus UniversityAarhus CDenmark
| | | | | | - Amelia Staszowska
- Faculty of Environmental EngineeringLublin University of TechnologyLublinPoland
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Probabilistic Prediction Models and Influence Factors of Indoor Formaldehyde and VOC Levels in Newly Renovated Houses. ATMOSPHERE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos13050675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Rapid urbanization has promoted house renovations and refurbishment in urban and rural cities. Indoor pollutants emitted through renovations and refurbishment processes have raised public concerns owing to their adverse effects on human health. In the present study, the sources of formaldehyde and specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are used to model the health effects associated with exposure to formaldehyde and specific VOCs and the loading factors of building materials for newly renovated homes. The present study is carried out to identify the sources of formaldehyde and specific VOCs in newly renovated houses and develop probabilistic prediction models of the health effects to explore the health risks of residents and the potential contributions of multilayer wood materials responsible for indoor pollutants. In living rooms and bedrooms, the average concentrations of formaldehyde and TVOCs in closed window conditions were higher than those in opened window conditions. Multi-layer wooden structures were a significant predictor of indoor VOC concentrations in houses. The 95 percentile values of Monte Carlo simulations (MCS P95) of the hazard index and cancer risk were lower and slightly higher than the acceptable level, respectively. Prediction models for the concentrations of formaldehyde and selected VOCs in newly renovated houses were first established using probabilistic and sensitive approaches. The multi-layer wood materials, including the wooden floor, cold paint multi-layer wooden materials, and multi-layer materials for system furniture, were responsible for the contribution of these levels of formaldehyde and selected VOCs in the newly renovated houses. Our results provide a strategy for eliminating indoor pollutants emitted from construction and building/furnishing materials.
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Sun J, Wang J, Yang J, Shi X, Li S, Cheng J, Chen S, Sun K, Wu Y. Association between maternal exposure to indoor air pollution and offspring congenital heart disease: a case–control study in East China. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:767. [PMID: 35428227 PMCID: PMC9013107 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13174-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Previous research suggested an association between maternal exposure to ambient air pollutants and the risk of congenital heart disease (CHD). However, the effect of individual prenatal exposure to indoor air pollutants on CHD occurrence was not reported. Methods We performed a hospital-based case–control study to investigate the association between personal air pollution exposure during pregnancy and the risk of CHD in offspring. A total of 44 cases and 75 controls were included from two hospitals in East China. We investigated maternal and residential environmental characteristics using a questionnaire and obtained personal indoor air samples to assess particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from 22–30 gestational weeks. Formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, xylene, total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), PM2.5, and PM10 were assessed. Logistic regression was performed to assess associations and interactions between individual indoor air pollutants and CHD after adjusting for confounders. The potential residential environmental factors affecting the risks of indoor air pollutants on CHD were also assessed. Results Median TVOC (0.400 vs. 0.005 mg/m3, P < 0.001) exposure levels in cases were significantly higher than controls. A logistic regression model adjusted for confounders revealed that exposure to high levels of indoor TVOCs (AOR 7.09, 95% CI 2.10–23.88) during pregnancy was associated with risks for CHD and the occurrence of some major CHD subtype in offspring. These risk effects were enhanced in pregnant women living in a newly renovated house but were mitigated by household use of smoke ventilators when cooking. We observed a positive interaction of maternal exposure to TVOCs and PM2.5 and the risk for CHD. Conclusions Maternal exposure to indoor VOCs and PMs may increase the risk of giving birth to foetuses with CHD. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13174-0.
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Cova CM, Rincón E, Espinosa E, Serrano L, Zuliani A. Paving the Way for a Green Transition in the Design of Sensors and Biosensors for the Detection of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:51. [PMID: 35200311 PMCID: PMC8869180 DOI: 10.3390/bios12020051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The efficient and selective detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) provides key information for various purposes ranging from the toxicological analysis of indoor/outdoor environments to the diagnosis of diseases or to the investigation of biological processes. In the last decade, different sensors and biosensors providing reliable, rapid, and economic responses in the detection of VOCs have been successfully conceived and applied in numerous practical cases; however, the global necessity of a sustainable development, has driven the design of devices for the detection of VOCs to greener methods. In this review, the most recent and innovative VOC sensors and biosensors with sustainable features are presented. The sensors are grouped into three of the main industrial sectors of daily life, including environmental analysis, highly important for toxicity issues, food packaging tools, especially aimed at avoiding the spoilage of meat and fish, and the diagnosis of diseases, crucial for the early detection of relevant pathological conditions such as cancer and diabetes. The research outcomes presented in the review underly the necessity of preparing sensors with higher efficiency, lower detection limits, improved selectivity, and enhanced sustainable characteristics to fully address the sustainable manufacturing of VOC sensors and biosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Maria Cova
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florence and CSGI, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy;
| | - Esther Rincón
- BioPren Group, Inorganic Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Cordoba, 14014 Cordoba, Spain; (E.R.); (E.E.); (L.S.)
| | - Eduardo Espinosa
- BioPren Group, Inorganic Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Cordoba, 14014 Cordoba, Spain; (E.R.); (E.E.); (L.S.)
| | - Luis Serrano
- BioPren Group, Inorganic Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Cordoba, 14014 Cordoba, Spain; (E.R.); (E.E.); (L.S.)
| | - Alessio Zuliani
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florence and CSGI, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy;
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Gilbey SE, Reid CM, Huxley RR, Soares MJ, Zhao Y, Rumchev KB. The Association between Exposure to Residential Indoor Volatile Organic Compounds and Measures of Central Arterial Stiffness in Healthy Middle-Aged Men and Women. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19020981. [PMID: 35055806 PMCID: PMC8776238 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19020981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
It is well reported that individuals spend up to 90% of their daily time indoors, with between 60% to 90% of this time being spent in the home. Using a cross-sectional study design in a population of 111 healthy adults (mean age: 52.3 ± 9.9 years; 65% women), we investigated the association between exposure to total volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in indoor residential environments and measures of central arterial stiffness, known to be related to cardiovascular risk. Indoor VOC concentrations were measured along with ambulatory measures of pulse pressure (cPP), augmentation index (cAIx) and cAIx normalized for heart rate (cAIx75), over a continuous 24-h period. Pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) was determined during clinical assessment. Multiple regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between measures of arterial stiffness and VOCs after adjusting for covariates. Higher 24-h, daytime and night-time cAIx was associated with an interquartile range increase in VOCs. Similar effects were shown with cAIx75. No significant effects were observed between exposure to VOCs and cPP or cfPWV. After stratifying for sex and age (≤50 years; >50 years), effect estimates were observed to be greater and significant for 24-h and daytime cAIx in men, when compared to women. No significant effect differences were seen between age groups with any measure of arterial stiffness. In this study, we demonstrated that residential indoor VOCs exposure was adversely associated with some measures of central arterial stiffness, and effects were different between men and women. Although mechanistic pathways remain unclear, these findings provide a possible link between domestic VOCs exposure and unfavourable impacts on individual-level cardiovascular disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne E. Gilbey
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth 6148, Australia; (C.M.R.); (M.J.S.); (Y.Z.); (K.B.R.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Christopher M. Reid
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth 6148, Australia; (C.M.R.); (M.J.S.); (Y.Z.); (K.B.R.)
- School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3800, Australia
| | - Rachel R. Huxley
- Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood 3125, Australia;
| | - Mario J. Soares
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth 6148, Australia; (C.M.R.); (M.J.S.); (Y.Z.); (K.B.R.)
| | - Yun Zhao
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth 6148, Australia; (C.M.R.); (M.J.S.); (Y.Z.); (K.B.R.)
| | - Krassi B. Rumchev
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth 6148, Australia; (C.M.R.); (M.J.S.); (Y.Z.); (K.B.R.)
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Indoor Environmental Quality Evaluation Strategy as an Upgrade (Renovation) Measure in a Historic Building Located in the Mediterranean Zone (Athens, Greece). APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app112110133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The assessment of indoor environmental quality in historic buildings converted to museums is a significant tool in deep energy renovation processes, as it provides insights for the microclimatic conditions in the interiors of the building where vast numbers of visitors walk every year and where artifacts that are vulnerable to pollution are exhibited. In this work, aiming to contribute to the development of an energy retrofitting protocol applied in the Mediterranean region (HAPPEN MedZeb protocol) for museums hosted in historic buildings by providing useful data, an experimental campaign to evaluate the indoor environmental quality of a museum housed in a historic building located in Athens took place from February 2019 to April 2021 and was divided into two periods. The findings revealed high concentrations of volatile organic compounds as well as poor thermal comfort levels since the sensors recorded low acceptable percentages of T values within the limits from 7 to 33% for the entire experimental period. Based on the findings, recommendations for retrofitting interventions are made.
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Tagesse M, Deti M, Dadi D, Nigussie B, Eshetu TT, Tucho GT. Non-Combustible Source Indoor Air Pollutants Concentration in Beauty Salons and Associated Self-Reported Health Problems Among the Beauty Salon Workers. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2021; 14:1363-1372. [PMID: 33833599 PMCID: PMC8021251 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s293723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cosmetic products emits Total Volatile Organic Compound (TVOC) and Particulate Matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 micrometers (PM10) of different sizes and characteristics with adverse health effects. Despite the increasing need for cosmetic products, related pollutants level of concentration from beauty salon is not well understood in developing countries. Objective This study aims to assess indoor air pollutant concentrations in the beauty salon and self-reported health problems among the salon workers in Jimma town. Methods A cross-sectional study design was used on 87 beauty salons from May 13-24, 2019. The concentrations of PM10, TVOCs, CO2, room temperature, and relative humidity were measured and triangulated with the survey data collected through measurements and questionnaires. A statistical software package, SPSS v.21, was used to analyze the data. A binary logistic regression was used to analyze categorical data and linear regressions to predict pollutants level and associated health outcomes. Results The results show that 93.1% of the respondents are females, and 85% were below 30 years old. More than 60% of the respondents were married individuals. 56.3% and 44.8% of the workers work over 10 hours per day and work the whole week. 34.6% of the workers reported as worked during pregnancy. About 70% of the workers know the harmful effects of cosmetics, benefits of ventilation, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) use, but only 19.4% use face masks. The majority (88.5%) reported health problems after starting work in the beauty salon. The mean volume of the beauty salon was 36.3 m3, with a mean PM10 concentration of 0.465 mg/m3 and a mean TVOC concentration of 1034.2 µg/m3. These air pollutants have shown a statistically significant association with self-reported health problems. Hence, urgent intervention with subsequent continuous awareness creation is needed to reduce the health consequences of a beauty salon's indoor air pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihretu Tagesse
- Department of Environmental Health Science and Technology, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Mulunesh Deti
- Department of Environmental Health Science and Technology, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Dessalegn Dadi
- Department of Environmental Health Science and Technology, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Berhanu Nigussie
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, College of Education and Behavioural Science, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Tizita Teshome Eshetu
- Department of Environmental Health Science and Technology, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Gudina Terefe Tucho
- Department of Environmental Health Science and Technology, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
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Esfahani S, Tiele A, Agbroko SO, Covington JA. Development of a Tuneable NDIR Optical Electronic Nose. SENSORS 2020; 20:s20236875. [PMID: 33271862 PMCID: PMC7729477 DOI: 10.3390/s20236875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Electronic nose (E-nose) technology provides an easy and inexpensive way to analyse chemical samples. In recent years, there has been increasing demand for E-noses in applications such as food safety, environmental monitoring and medical diagnostics. Currently, the majority of E-noses utilise an array of metal oxide (MOX) or conducting polymer (CP) gas sensors. However, these sensing technologies can suffer from sensor drift, poor repeatability and temperature and humidity effects. Optical gas sensors have the potential to overcome these issues. This paper reports on the development of an optical non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) E-nose, which consists of an array of four tuneable detectors, able to scan a range of wavelengths (3.1–10.5 μm). The functionality of the device was demonstrated in a series of experiments, involving gas rig tests for individual chemicals (CO2 and CH4), at different concentrations, and discriminating between chemical standards and complex mixtures. The optical gas sensor responses were shown to be linear to polynomial for different concentrations of CO2 and CH4. Good discrimination was achieved between sample groups. Optical E-nose technology therefore demonstrates significant potential as a portable and low-cost solution for a number of E-nose applications.
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Domínguez-Amarillo S, Fernández-Agüera J, Cesteros-García S, González-Lezcano RA. Bad Air Can Also Kill: Residential Indoor Air Quality and Pollutant Exposure Risk during the COVID-19 Crisis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E7183. [PMID: 33008116 PMCID: PMC7578999 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17197183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
During the first outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic the population, focusing primarily on the risk of infection, was generally inattentive to the quality of indoor air. Spain, and the city of Madrid in particular, were among the world's coronavirus hotspots. The country's entire population was subject to a 24/7 lockdown for 45 days. This paper describes a comparative longitudinal survey of air quality in four types of housing in the city of Madrid before and during lockdown. The paper analysed indoor temperatures and variations in CO2, 2.5 μm particulate matter (PM2.5) and total volatile organic compound (TVOC) concentrations before and during lockdown. The mean daily outdoor PM2.5 concentration declined from 11.04 µg/m3 before to 7.10 µg/m3 during lockdown. Before lockdown the NO2 concentration values scored as 'very good' 46% of the time, compared to 90.9% during that period. Although the city's outdoor air quality improved, during lockdown the population's exposure to indoor pollutants was generally more acute and prolonged. Due primarily to concern over domestic energy savings, the lack of suitable ventilation and more intensive use of cleaning products and disinfectants during the covid-19 crisis, indoor pollutant levels were typically higher than compatible with healthy environments. Mean daily PM2.5 concentration rose by approximately 12% and mean TVOC concentration by 37% to 559%. The paper also puts forward a series of recommendations to improve indoor domestic environments in future pandemics and spells out urgent action to be taken around indoor air quality (IAQ) in the event of total or partial quarantining to protect residents from respiratory ailments and concomitantly enhanced susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2, as identified by international medical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Domínguez-Amarillo
- Instituto Universitario de Arquitectura y Ciencias de la Construcción, Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura, Universidad de Sevilla, 41014 Sevilla, Spain;
| | - Jesica Fernández-Agüera
- Instituto Universitario de Arquitectura y Ciencias de la Construcción, Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura, Universidad de Sevilla, 41014 Sevilla, Spain;
| | - Sonia Cesteros-García
- Escuela Politécnica Superior, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, Montepríncipe Campus, Boadilla del Monte, 28668 Madrid, Spain; (S.C.-G.); (R.A.G.-L.)
| | - Roberto Alonso González-Lezcano
- Escuela Politécnica Superior, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, Montepríncipe Campus, Boadilla del Monte, 28668 Madrid, Spain; (S.C.-G.); (R.A.G.-L.)
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TVOCs and PM 2.5 in Naturally Ventilated Homes: Three Case Studies in a Mild Climate. SUSTAINABILITY 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/su11226225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
In southern Europe, the present stock of social housing is ventilated naturally, with practice varying in the different seasons of the year. In winter, windows are kept closed most of the day with the exception of short periods for ventilation, whereas the rest of the year the windows are almost permanently open. In cold weather, air changes depend primarily on the air infiltrating across the envelope and when the temperature is warm, on the air flowing in through open windows. CO2, PM2.5, and TVOC concentration patterns were gathered over a year’s time in three social housing developments in southern Europe with different airtightness conditions and analyzed to determine possible relationships between environmental parameters and occupants’ use profiles. Correlations were found between TVOC and CO2 concentrations, for human activity was identified as the primary source of indoor contaminants: peak TVOC concentrations were related to specific household activities such as cooking or leisure. Indoor and outdoor PM2.5 concentrations were likewise observed to be correlated, although not linearly due to the presence of indoor sources. Ventilation as presently practiced in winter appears to be insufficient to dilute indoor contaminants in all three buildings, nor does summertime behavior guarantee air quality.
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Lu T, Lansing J, Zhang W, Bechle MJ, Hankey S. Land Use Regression models for 60 volatile organic compounds: Comparing Google Point of Interest (POI) and city permit data. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 677:131-141. [PMID: 31054441 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.04.285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Land Use Regression (LUR) models of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) normally focus on land use (e.g., industrial area) or transportation facilities (e.g., roadway); here, we incorporate area sources (e.g., gas stations) from city permitting data and Google Point of Interest (POI) data to compare model performance. We used measurements from 50 community-based sampling locations (2013-2015) in Minneapolis, MN, USA to develop LUR models for 60 VOCs. We used three sets of independent variables: (1) base-case models with land use and transportation variables, (2) models that add area source variables from local business permit data, and (3) models that use Google POI data for area sources. The models with Google POI data performed best; for example, the total VOC (TVOC) model has better goodness-of-fit (adj-R2: 0.56; Root Mean Square Error [RMSE]: 0.32 μg/m3) as compared to the permit data model (0.42; 0.37) and the base-case model (0.26; 0.41). Area source variables were selected in over two thirds of models among the 60 VOCs at small-scale buffer sizes (e.g., 25 m-500 m). Our work suggests that VOC LUR models can be developed using community-based sampling and that models improve by including area sources as measured by business permit and Google POI data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianjun Lu
- School of Public and International Affairs, Virginia Tech, 140 Otey Street, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States
| | - Jennifer Lansing
- Minneapolis Health Department, 250 S. Fourth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55415, United States
| | - Wenwen Zhang
- School of Public and International Affairs, Virginia Tech, 140 Otey Street, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States
| | - Matthew J Bechle
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Washington, 201 More Hall, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Steve Hankey
- School of Public and International Affairs, Virginia Tech, 140 Otey Street, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States.
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Tsai WT. An overview of health hazards of volatile organic compounds regulated as indoor air pollutants. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2019; 34:81-89. [PMID: 30854833 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2018-0046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Indoor air quality (IAQ) standards and guidelines for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been stipulated by various national and international agencies. The main purpose of this paper is to establish an overview of indoor VOCs regarding their impacts on human health. Herein, 13 VOCs were designated as indoor air pollutants (IAPs) in the IAQ standards and guidelines. They were further grouped into four types: nonchlorinated aromatic compounds, chlorinated aromatic compounds, chlorinated aliphatic compounds and aldehydes. For this purpose, the present study discusses the criteria for designating VOCs, and summarizes their main sources in indoor environments. Because the occupational exposure limit (OEL) in workplaces has often used as a preliminary basis for establishing acceptable health-based IAQ guidelines in buildings and residences, this paper thus reviews the OEL values, especially in the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)-threshold limit value (TLV). In addition, this paper also reviews the information about the classification of carcinogenicity in human by the international agencies for these VOCs. It shows that human tissues, including kidney, liver, leukemia, nasal cavity, paranasal sinus, liver and bile duct, could be more involved in the development of cancers or tumors when people are exposed to these VOCs through inhalation route in buildings over a long period of time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Tien Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Bioresources, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912, Taiwan, Phone: +886-8-7703202
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The Approach of Including TVOCs Concentration in the Indoor Environmental Quality Model (IEQ)—Case Studies of BREEAM Certified Office Buildings. SUSTAINABILITY 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/su10113902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The article analyzes the impact of measured concentrations of Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC) emissions determined for four BREEAM certified buildings on the Indoor Air Quality Index (IAQindex) and the overall Indoor Environment Quality index (IEQindex). The IEQindex indicates the percentage of building users who are satisfied from the indoor environment. In existing IEQ models, currently the concentration of CO2 is mostly used to evaluate the IAQindex sub-component. Authors point out that it is recommended to use TVOC instead CO2 at pre-occupant stage where building is mainly polluted by emission from finishing products. The research provides the approach where the component related to the emission of TVOCs is implemented to IEQ model. The first stage of assessment was a test of the volatile organic compounds concentrations in case study buildings. Secondly, the analysis results were assigned into the number of dissatisfied users (PD(IAQ)) from the theoretical function given by Jokl-Fanger resulting from the Weber-Fechner equation. Finally, the overall IEQindex was calculated. The IEQ approach proposed in this paper is mainly based on a consideration of EN 15251 and scientifically accepted models.
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Impact of Biomass Home Heating, Cooking Styles, and Bread Toasting on the Indoor Air Quality at Portuguese Dwellings: A Case Study. ATMOSPHERE 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos9060214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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