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Jafari Shahri M, Sarkhosh M, Alidadi H, Najafpoor AA, Ghavami V, Baridkazemi S. Assessing the risks associated with indoor and outdoor air quality in relation to the geographic placement of nursing home. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32601. [PMID: 39035529 PMCID: PMC11259808 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Indoor air quality significantly impacts the well-being and health of elderly residents in nursing homes. This study was conducted to explore the connection between indoor and outdoor PM (Particulate Matter) concentrations in nursing homes and their association with the facilities' location and construction characteristics. The findings revealed that indoor PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations ranged from 0.2 to 124 μg/m3 and 2-188.4 μg/m3, respectively, which were approximately 12.67 and 1.25 times higher than their outdoor counterparts. A strong correlation (P < 0.05) was identified between indoor PM levels and various factors, including proximity to parks, passenger terminals, and gas stations, as well as building attributes such as single-glazed windows, ceramic floor coverings, and the use of radiators. The risk assessment indicated that carcinogenic risk factors were well within acceptable limits for all nursing homes. However, it's important to note that certain PM components, particularly polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), may have long-term adverse effects on the health of nursing home residents. Even though indoor PM levels met the standards established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) for particulate matter risk assessments, the study emphasized that even low levels of indoor air pollutants can affect the health and well-being of older adults, particularly considering the increased vulnerability associated with aging. Consequently, the study underscores the importance of nursing home location selection and the regular monitoring of particulate matter concentrations. These measures are essential for enhancing air quality within nursing homes, ultimately contributing to the improved well-being and health of their residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojgan Jafari Shahri
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maryam Sarkhosh
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hossein Alidadi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Asghar Najafpoor
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Vahid Ghavami
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sima Baridkazemi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Arsal Yıldırım S, Pekey B, Aydin L, Peker Karatoprak A, Kolaylı F, Argun Barış S, Er DK, Yazıcı Özçelik E, Yapsakli K. Occupational Risks of Podologists: A Combined Assessment of VOCs, Vibration, Noise Levels and Health Complaints. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024; 34:2529-2543. [PMID: 37805703 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2023.2256684] [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: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Podologists are exposed to many occupational hazards, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from insole manufacturing and noise/vibration during nail or tissue grinding. In this study, VOCs, noise, and vibration were measured in five podiatry clinics and three offices. Questionnaires were administered to 23 podologists and 19 office workers to inquire about their pain, ocular, skin and respiratory complaints. The results showed that the podologists' exposure to the total VOC concentrations was approximately twice as high as that of the office workers. The podologists' complaints regarding pain were found to be correlated with ambient noise and hand-arm vibration levels. Ocular, skin, and respiratory complaints were also found to be correlated with total VOC concentrations. These results suggest that VOCs, noise and vibration in the working environment may impair podologists' health and that they have an intensifying effect on each other, increasing the severity of health issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serap Arsal Yıldırım
- Vocational School of Kocaeli Health Services, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Beyhan Pekey
- Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Levent Aydin
- Vocational School of Kocaeli Health Services, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | | | - Fetiye Kolaylı
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical Microbiology Dept, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Serap Argun Barış
- Faculty of Medicine, Chest Diseases, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Doğanhan Kadir Er
- Department of Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Institue, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Eda Yazıcı Özçelik
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical Microbiology Dept, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Kozet Yapsakli
- Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Limpuangthip N, Salimee P, Vanichanon P. Attitude and performance in controlling dust particles from dental prosthesis and appliance adjustment: a survey of dentists and dental assistants. BDJ Open 2024; 10:26. [PMID: 38503744 PMCID: PMC10951335 DOI: 10.1038/s41405-024-00206-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the attitude and practices of dentists and dental assistants in managing dust particles generated during dental prostheses or appliances grinding and polishing. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data were collected from 207 dentists and 125 dental assistants through an online questionnaire. The questionnaire included adjusted prosthesis types, self-protective methods, types and frequency of protective device use, and reasons for non-frequent use. RESULTS Protective grinding devices, including dust protective boxes and mounted plastic sheets, were commonly used for substantial acrylic resin adjustments, while air blowing was preferred for minor adjustments. Post-COVID-19, there was a 3-fold increase in the use of protective grinding devices among dentists and a 1.3-fold increase among dental assistants. During try-in procedures, dentists commonly rinsed prostheses with water rather than using disinfectants. Non-frequent users adopted self-protection methods, such as face shields and air filters. Surgical drapes and high-volume evacuators were used for patient's protection. CONCLUSION Despite an increased tendency of the use of protective grinding devices following COVID-19, a significant number still report infrequent use. Identified protective devices in this study have drawbacks not fully meeting dentists' expectations. Invention of a more user-friendly device is necessary to ensure regular use, preventing potential toxicity from dust particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nareudee Limpuangthip
- Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Prarom Salimee
- Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
| | - Phanomporn Vanichanon
- Department of Occlusion, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
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Nassikas NJ, McCormack MC, Ewart G, Balmes JR, Bond TC, Brigham E, Cromar K, Goldstein AH, Hicks A, Hopke PK, Meyer B, Nazaroff WW, Paulin LM, Rice MB, Thurston GD, Turpin BJ, Vance ME, Weschler CJ, Zhang J, Kipen HM. Indoor Air Sources of Outdoor Air Pollution: Health Consequences, Policy, and Recommendations: An Official American Thoracic Society Workshop Report. Ann Am Thorac Soc 2024; 21:365-376. [PMID: 38426826 PMCID: PMC10913763 DOI: 10.1513/annalsats.202312-1067st] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Indoor sources of air pollution worsen indoor and outdoor air quality. Thus, identifying and reducing indoor pollutant sources would decrease both indoor and outdoor air pollution, benefit public health, and help address the climate crisis. As outdoor sources come under regulatory control, unregulated indoor sources become a rising percentage of the problem. This American Thoracic Society workshop was convened in 2022 to evaluate this increasing proportion of indoor contributions to outdoor air quality. The workshop was conducted by physicians and scientists, including atmospheric and aerosol scientists, environmental engineers, toxicologists, epidemiologists, regulatory policy experts, and pediatric and adult pulmonologists. Presentations and discussion sessions were centered on 1) the generation and migration of pollutants from indoors to outdoors, 2) the sources and circumstances representing the greatest threat, and 3) effective remedies to reduce the health burden of indoor sources of air pollution. The scope of the workshop was residential and commercial sources of indoor air pollution in the United States. Topics included wood burning, natural gas, cooking, evaporative volatile organic compounds, source apportionment, and regulatory policy. The workshop concluded that indoor sources of air pollution are significant contributors to outdoor air quality and that source control and filtration are the most effective measures to reduce indoor contributions to outdoor air. Interventions should prioritize environmental justice: Households of lower socioeconomic status have higher concentrations of indoor air pollutants from both indoor and outdoor sources. We identify research priorities, potential health benefits, and mitigation actions to consider (e.g., switching from natural gas to electric stoves and transitioning to scent-free consumer products). The workshop committee emphasizes the benefits of combustion-free homes and businesses and recommends economic, legislative, and education strategies aimed at achieving this goal.
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De Capua C, Fulco G, Lugarà M, Ruffa F. An Improvement Strategy for Indoor Air Quality Monitoring Systems. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:3999. [PMID: 37112335 PMCID: PMC10145386 DOI: 10.3390/s23083999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Air quality has a huge impact on the comfort and healthiness of various environments. According to the World Health Organization, people who are exposed to chemical, biological and/or physical agents in buildings with low air quality and poor ventilation are more prone to be affected by psycho-physical discomfort, respiratory tract and central nervous system diseases. Moreover, in recent years, the time spent indoors has increased by around 90%. If we consider that respiratory diseases are mainly transmitted from human to human through close contact, airborne respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces, and that there is a strict relationship between air pollution and the spread of the diseases, it becomes even more necessary to monitor and control these environmental conditions. This situation has inevitably led us to consider renovating buildings with the aim of improving both the well-being of the occupants (safety, ventilation, heating) and the energy efficiency, including monitoring the internal comfort using sensors and the IoT. These two objectives often require opposite approaches and strategies. This paper aims to investigate indoor monitoring systems to increase the quality of life of occupants, proposing an innovative approach consisting of the definition of new indices that consider both the concentration of the pollutants and the exposure time. Furthermore, the reliability of the proposed method was enforced using proper decision-making algorithms, which allows one to consider measurement uncertainty during decisions. Such an approach allows for greater control over the potentially harmful conditions and to find a good trade-off between well-being and the energy efficiency objectives.
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Nazari A, Hong J, Taghizadeh-Hesary F, Taghizadeh-Hesary F. Reducing Virus Transmission from Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Systems of Urban Subways. TOXICS 2022; 10:796. [PMID: 36548629 PMCID: PMC9784553 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10120796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Aerosols carrying the virus inside enclosed spaces is an important mode of transmission for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), as supported by growing evidence. Urban subways are one of the most frequented enclosed spaces. The subway is a utilitarian and low-cost transit system in modern society. However, studies are yet to demonstrate patterns of viral transmission in subway heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. To fill this gap, we performed a computational investigation of the airflow (and associated aerosol transmission) in an urban subway cabin equipped with an HVAC system. We employed a transport equation for aerosol concentration, which was added to the basic buoyant solver to resolve the aerosol transmission inside the subway cabin. This was achieved by considering the thermal, turbulent, and induced ventilation flow effects. Using the probability of encountering aerosols on sampling surfaces crossing the passenger breathing zones, we detected the highest infection risk zones inside the urban subway under different settings. We proposed a novel HVAC system that can impede aerosol spread, both vertically and horizontally, inside the cabin. In the conventional model, the maximum probability of encountering aerosols from the breathing of infected individuals near the fresh-air ducts was equal to 51.2%. This decreased to 3.5% in the proposed HVAC model. Overall, using the proposed HVAC system for urban subways led to a decrease in the mean value of the probability of encountering the aerosol by approximately 84% compared with that of the conventional system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ata Nazari
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Tabriz, Tabriz 51666-16471, Iran
| | - Jiarong Hong
- Mechanical Engineering & Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Farzad Taghizadeh-Hesary
- ENT and Head and Neck Research Center and Department, The Five Sense Health Institute, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 14535, Iran
| | - Farhad Taghizadeh-Hesary
- TOKAI Research Institute for Environment and Sustainability (TRIES), Tokai University, Hiratsuka-shi 259-1292, Kanagawa-ken, Japan
- School of Global Studies, Tokai University, Hiratsuka-shi 259-1292, Kanagawa-ken, Japan
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Choi ES, Yook SJ, Kim M, Park D. Study on the Ventilation Method to Maintain the PM 10 Concentration in a Subway Cabin below 35 μg/m 3. TOXICS 2022; 10:560. [PMID: 36287841 PMCID: PMC9612300 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10100560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The city of Seoul will limit the maximum particulate matter (PM10) concentration to ≤35 μg/m3 (from 2024). Herein, a numerical parametric study was conducted on the PM removal efficiency of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) filters installed in the ceiling of subway cabins. The PM10 concentration distribution was explored according to the flow rate and flow rate ratio of the air introduced into the cabin. Under the current ventilation conditions of the subway train HVAC system, the PM10 concentration was highest in the cabin central area where exhaust outlets are located and decreased toward both ends of the cabin. The indoor airflow was improved and the PM10 concentration was reduced by increasing the flow rate of the supplied air at both ends of the cabin while decreasing it in the central area. It was found that the strengthened PM10 concentration criterion of Seoul can be met by increasing the ventilation flow rate to 700 CMH (currently, 500 CMH) and the filter efficiency to 85% (currently, 70%) while maintaining the current flow rate ratio. These results are expected to be used as important reference data for reducing the PM concentration in subway cabins and thereby improving indoor air quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Seo Choi
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - Se-Jin Yook
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - Minjeong Kim
- Artificial Intelligence Railroad Research Department, Korea Railroad Research Institute, Uiwang-si 16105, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Duckshin Park
- Transportation Environmental Research Department, Korea Railroad Research Institute, Uiwang-si 16105, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
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Kim SG, Sung G, Yook SJ, Kim M, Park D. Reducing PM 10 and PM 2.5 Concentrations in a Subway Station by Changing the Diffuser Arrangement. TOXICS 2022; 10:537. [PMID: 36136502 PMCID: PMC9502813 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10090537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
According to the stringent regulations on particulate matter (PM) concentrations in Seoul, Korea, the PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations in subway stations must be maintained below 50 and 30 μg/m3, respectively, by 2024. Therefore, the PM concentrations in a subway station were analyzed considering air-conditioning diffuser arrangement and filtration efficiency, with the total ventilation flow rate of the station maintained constant. Dynamic analysis was performed under a worst-case scenario, wherein outdoor air was introduced through ground entrances and high-concentration dust (PM10, PM2.5) was introduced from stationary train cabins into the platforms through open platform screen doors (PSDs). Although the average PM concentrations were predicted to satisfy the reinforced criteria of Seoul under the existing operating conditions, the recommended limits were exceeded in certain local areas. To address this, the PM concentrations were predicted by changing the diffuser arrangement in the waiting room and maintaining the total ventilation flow rate constant. When the diffusers were placed near the waiting room walls, the PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations were reduced by approximately 10.5 and 5%, respectively, compared to the previous diffuser arrangement. Thus, the required PM concentration criteria were satisfied in nearly all areas of the target station, except for certain areas close to PSDs. The study findings can form the basis for improving the air quality of other subway stations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Gyu Kim
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - Gibong Sung
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - Se-Jin Yook
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - Minjeong Kim
- Artificial Intelligence Railroad Research Department, Korea Railroad Research Institute, Uiwang-si 17104, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Duckshin Park
- Transportation Environmental Research Department, Korea Railroad Research Institute, Uiwang-si 16105, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
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The Impact of Low-Carbon City (LCC) on Elderly People’s Health: Evidence from a Natural Experiment in China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159424. [PMID: 35954783 PMCID: PMC9368215 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Rapid urbanization has increased haze pollution, affecting the health of elderly people. This study uses low-carbon city (LCC) data and examines the effects of LCCs on improving the health of elderly residents. Our main purpose is to explore the following question: Can the new urbanization model presented by the LCC alleviate haze pollution and enhance the health of middle-aged and elderly people? This study uses data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) and the 2012 LCC pilot to explore whether the LCC can alleviate haze pollution and improve elderly people’s health. The study found that the building of LCCs can reduce blood pressure, improve vital capacity, decrease obesity, and improve memory levels, including short-term and long-term memory. The building of LCCs also reduces the probability of being exposed to haze pollution by increasing the city’s green total factor productivity and the use of green technologies. The study concludes that elderly people received health dividends as a result of the enhancement of living conditions, transportation, and medical support in the LCCs.
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Abstract
The world population is ageing, in particular in the developed world, with a significant increase in the percentage of people above 60 years old. They represent a segment of the population that is more vulnerable to adverse environmental conditions. Among them, indoor air quality is one of the most relevant, as elders spend comparatively more time indoors than younger generations. Furthermore, the recent COVID-19 pandemic contributed immensely to raising awareness of the importance of breathing air quality for human health and of the fact that indoor air is a vector for airborne infections and poisoning. Hence, this work reviews the state of the art regarding indoor air quality in elderly centers, considering the type of pollutants involved, their emission sources, and their health effects. Moreover, the influence of ventilation on air quality is also addressed. Notwithstanding the potential health problems with the corresponding costs and morbidity effects, only a few studies have considered explicitly indoor air quality and its impacts on elderly health. More studies are, therefore, necessary to objectively identify what are the impacts on the health of elderly people due to the quality of indoor air and how it can be improved, either by reducing the pollutants emission sources or by more adequate ventilation and thermal comfort strategies.
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If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it: Practical tools to assess ventilation and airflow patterns to reduce the risk for transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and other airborne pathogens. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2022; 43:915-917. [PMID: 35379373 PMCID: PMC9021581 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2022.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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