RESUMEN
Ultrasonic humidifiers are commonly used in households to maintain indoor humidity and generate a large number of droplets or spray aerosols. However, there have been various health concerns associated with humidifier use, largely due to aerosols generated during operation. Here, we investigated the size distribution, chemical composition, and charged fraction of aerosol particles emitted from commercial ultrasonic humidifiers. Heavy metals in water used for humidifiers were found to be highly enriched in the ultrasonic humidifier aerosols (UHA), with the enrichment factors ranging from 102 to 107. This enrichment may pose health concerns for the building occupants, as UHA concentrations of up to 106 particles/cm3 or 3 mg/m3 were observed. Furthermore, approximately 90% of UHA were observed to be electrically charged, for the first time according to our knowledge. Based on this discovery, we proposed and tested a new method to remove UHA by using a simple electrical field. The designed electrical field in this work can efficiently remove 81.4% of UHA. Therefore, applying this electrical field could be an effective method to significantly reduce the health risks by UHA.
Asunto(s)
Aerosoles , Humidificadores , Metales Pesados , Aerosoles/análisis , Metales Pesados/análisis , Contaminación del Aire Interior/prevención & control , Contaminación del Aire Interior/análisis , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Ultrasonido , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodosRESUMEN
There are limited biosecurity measures directed at preventing airborne transmission of viruses in swine. The effectiveness of dust mitigation strategies such as oil sprinkling, to decrease risk of airborne virus transmission are unknown. Metagenomics and qPCR for common fecal viruses were used to hunt for a ubiquitous virus to serve as a proxy when evaluating the efficiency of mitigation strategies against airborne viral infectious agents. Air particles were collected from swine buildings using high-volume air samplers. Extracted DNA and RNA were used to perform specific RT-qPCR and qPCR and analyzed by high-throughput sequencing. Porcine astroviruses group 2 were common (from 102 to 105 genomic copies per cubic meter of air or gc/m3, 93% positivity) while no norovirus genogroup II was recovered from air samples. Porcine torque teno sus virus were detected by qPCR in low concentrations (from 101 to 102 gc/m3, 47% positivity). Among the identified viral families by metagenomics analysis, Herelleviridae, Microviridae, Myoviridae, Podoviridae, and Siphoviridae were dominant. The phage vB_AviM_AVP of Aerococcus was present in all air samples and a newly designed qPCR revealed between 101 and 105 gc/m3 among the samples taken for the present study (97% positivity) and banked samples from 5- and 15-year old studies (89% positivity). According to the present study, both the porcine astrovirus group 2 and the phage vB_AviM_AVP of Aerococcus could be proxy for airborne viruses of swine buildings.
Asunto(s)
Microbiología del Aire , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Metagenómica , Animales , Porcinos , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , Aerosoles/análisis , Virus/aislamiento & purificación , Contaminación del Aire Interior/análisis , Vivienda para AnimalesRESUMEN
Furniture is identified as a vital volatile organic compound (VOC) emission source in the indoor environment. Leather has become the most common raw and auxiliary fabric material for upholstered furniture, particularly with extensive consumption in sofas, due to its abundant resources and efficient functions. Despite being widely traded across the world, little research has been conducted on the VOCs released by leather materials and their health risk assessment in the indoor environment. Accordingly, this study investigated the VOC emissions of leather with different grades and the health risk of the inhalation exposure. Based on the ultra-fast gas phase electronic nose (EN) and GC-FID/Qtof, the substantial emissions of aliphatic aldehyde ketones (Aks), particularly hexanal, appear to be the cause of off-flavor in medium and low grade (MG and LG) sofa leathers. The health risk assessment indicated that leather materials barely pose non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic effects to residents. Given the abundance of VOC sources and the accumulation of health risks in the indoor environment, more stringent specifications concerning qualitative and quantitative content should be extended to provide VOC treatment basic for the manufacturing industry and obtain better indoor air quality.
Asunto(s)
Contaminación del Aire Interior , Compuestos Orgánicos Volátiles , Compuestos Orgánicos Volátiles/análisis , Contaminación del Aire Interior/análisis , Contaminación del Aire Interior/estadística & datos numéricos , Medición de Riesgo , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Humanos , Diseño Interior y Mobiliario , Exposición por Inhalación/análisis , Exposición por Inhalación/estadística & datos numéricos , Textiles/análisisRESUMEN
We implemented a crossover study design exposing 15 participants to two indoor air quality conditions in the Well Living Lab. The first condition, the Standard Control Condition, resembled the ventilation and air supply of a typical home in the USA with a manually operated stove hood. The second condition, Advanced Control, had an automated: (i) stove hood, (ii) two portable air cleaners (PAC), and (iii) bathroom exhaust. The PM2.5 sensors were placed in the kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bathroom. Once the sensor detected a PM2.5 level of 15 µg/m3 or higher, an air quality intervention (stove hood, PAC or bathroom exhaust) in that space was activated and turned off when the corresponding PM2.5 sensor had three consecutive readings below 6 µg/m3. Advanced Control in the overall apartment reduced PM2.5 concentration by 40% compared to the Standard Control. The PM2.5 concentration difference between Advanced and Standard Control was ~ 20% in the kitchen. This can be attributed to using the stove hood manually in 66.5% of cooking PM2.5 emission events for 323.6 h compared to 88 h stove hood used in automated mode alongside 61.9 h and 33.7 h of PAC use in living room and bedroom, respectively.
Asunto(s)
Contaminación del Aire Interior , Culinaria , Vivienda , Material Particulado , Ventilación , Contaminación del Aire Interior/análisis , Contaminación del Aire Interior/prevención & control , Culinaria/métodos , Culinaria/instrumentación , Humanos , Material Particulado/análisis , Ventilación/métodos , Estudios Cruzados , Automatización , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisisRESUMEN
There is growing global concern regarding the detrimental health impacts of PM2.5 emissions from traditional stoves that utilize polluting fuels. Conventional methods for estimating daily personal PM2.5 exposure involve personal air samplers and measuring devices placed in a waist pouch, but these instruments are cumbersome and inconvenient. To address this issue, we developed a novel neck-mounted PM2.5 monitoring device (Pocket PM2.5 Logger) that is compact, lightweight, and can operate continuously for 1 week without recharging. Twelve participants who utilized charcoal, firewood, or propane gas for cooking in rural regions of Rwanda wore the Pocket PM2.5 Logger continuously for 1 week, and time-series variations in personal PM2.5 exposure were recorded at 5-min intervals. Individual daily exposure concentrations during cooking differed significantly among users of the different fuel types, and PM2.5 exposure was at least 2.6 and 3.4 times higher for charcoal and firewood users, respectively, than for propane gas users. Therefore, switching from biomass fuels to propane gas would reduce daily individual exposure by at least one-third. An analysis of cooking times showed that the median cooking time per meal was 30 min; however, half the participants cooked for 1.5 h per meal, and one-third cooked for over 4.5 h per meal. Reducing these extremely long cooking times would reduce exposure with all fuel types. The Pocket PM2.5 Logger facilitates the comprehensive assessment of personal PM2.5 exposure dynamics and is beneficial for the development of intervention strategies targeting household air pollution.
Asunto(s)
Contaminantes Atmosféricos , Contaminación del Aire Interior , Culinaria , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Material Particulado , Población Rural , Rwanda , Material Particulado/análisis , Humanos , Culinaria/instrumentación , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , Monitoreo del Ambiente/instrumentación , Contaminación del Aire Interior/análisis , Contaminación del Aire Interior/estadística & datos numéricos , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Adulto , Masculino , Femenino , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/estadística & datos numéricos , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/análisis , Carbón Orgánico , Persona de Mediana EdadRESUMEN
Background: Air pollution is one of the biggest problems in societies today. The intensity of indoor and outdoor air pollutants and the urbanization rate can cause or trigger many different diseases, especially lung cancer. In this context, this study's aim is to reveal the effects of the indoor and outdoor air pollutants, and urbanization rate on the lung cancer cases. Methods: Panel data analysis method is applied in this study. The research includes the period between 1990 and 2019 as a time series and the data type of the variables is annual. The dependent variable in the research model is lung cancer cases per 100,000 people. The independent variables are the level of outdoor air pollution, air pollution level indoor environment and urbanization rate of countries. Results: In the modeling developed for the developed country group, it is seen that the variable with the highest level of effect on lung cancer is the outdoor air pollution level. Conclusions: In parallel with the development of countries, it has been determined that the increase in industrial production wastes, in other words, worsening the air quality, may potentially cause an increase in lung cancer cases. Indoor air quality is also essential for human health; negative changes in this variable may negatively impact individuals' health, especially lung cancer.
Asunto(s)
Contaminación del Aire , Neoplasias Pulmonares , Humanos , Neoplasias Pulmonares/etiología , Neoplasias Pulmonares/epidemiología , Contaminación del Aire/efectos adversos , Contaminación del Aire/análisis , Países Desarrollados/estadística & datos numéricos , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/efectos adversos , Contaminación del Aire Interior/efectos adversos , Contaminación del Aire Interior/análisis , Análisis de Datos , Urbanización , Renta/estadística & datos numéricos , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/efectos adversos , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/estadística & datos numéricosRESUMEN
Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) primarily occurs via consumption of contaminated drinking water and food; however, individuals can also be exposed dermally and via inhalation indoors. This study developed an analytical method for measuring volatile PFASs in silicone wristbands and used them to assess personal exposure in a Midwestern community (n = 87). Paired samples of blood and wristbands were analyzed for PFASs using LC-MS/MS and GC-HRMS to monitor both non-volatile and volatile PFASs. The most frequently detected PFASs in wristbands were: 6:2 diPAP, 6:2 FTOH, MeFOSE and EtFOSE. Females had a 4-fold higher exposure to 6:2 diPAP compared to males and age-dependent differences in exposure to 6:2 FTOH, MeFOSE and EtFOSE were observed. Exposure to MeFOSE and EtFOSE differed based on the average time spent in the home. Frequently detected PFASs in blood were: PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFHpS, and N-MeFOSAA. A strong correlation was found between MeFOSE in the wristbands and N-MeFOSAA in serum (rs = 0.90, p-value <0.001), suggesting exposure to this PFAS was primarily via inhalation and dermal exposure. These results demonstrate that wristbands can provide individual level data on exposure to some polyfluoroalkyl precursors present indoors that reflect serum levels of their suspected biotransformation products.
Asunto(s)
Siliconas , Humanos , Femenino , Masculino , Fluorocarburos , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , Contaminación del Aire Interior/análisis , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales , AdultoRESUMEN
Recent advances in sensor technology for air pollution monitoring open new possibilities in the field of environmental epidemiology. The low spatial resolution of fixed outdoor measurement stations and modelling uncertainties currently limit the understanding of personal exposure. In this context, air quality sensor systems (AQSSs) offer significant potential to enhance personal exposure assessment. A pilot study was conducted to investigate the feasibility of the NO2 sensor model B43F and the particulate matter (PM) sensor model OPC-R1, both from Alphasense (UK), for use in epidemiological studies. Seven patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma had built-for-purpose sensor systems placed inside and outside of their homes at fixed locations for one month. Participants documented their indoor activities, presence in the house, window status, and symptom severity and performed a peak expiratory flow test. The potential inhaled doses of PM2.5 and NO2 were calculated using different data sources such as outdoor data from air quality monitoring stations, indoor data from AQSSs, and generic inhalation rates (IR) or activity-specific IR. Moreover, the relation between indoor and outdoor air quality obtained with AQSSs, an indoor source apportionment study, and an evaluation of the suitability of the AQSS data for studying the relationship between air quality and health were investigated. The results highlight the value of the sensor data and the importance of monitoring indoor air quality and activity patterns to avoid exposure misclassification. The use of AQSSs at fixed locations shows promise for larger-scale and/or long-term epidemiological studies.
Asunto(s)
Contaminación del Aire Interior , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Estudios de Factibilidad , Dióxido de Nitrógeno , Material Particulado , Humanos , Material Particulado/análisis , Contaminación del Aire Interior/análisis , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , Monitoreo del Ambiente/instrumentación , Dióxido de Nitrógeno/análisis , Masculino , Asma , Enfermedad Pulmonar Obstructiva Crónica , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Femenino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Anciano , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales , Proyectos PilotoRESUMEN
Air pollution has been a significant environmental and public health concern in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia, for many years. The city experiences severe air pollution, particularly during the winter months. This study investigated the annual trends of outdoor and indoor PM2.5 concentrations at two neighboring sites in Ulaanbaatar: an office and a household, using low-cost sensors. Both locations exhibited similar fluctuations in outdoor PM2.5 concentrations over time, with ambient PM2.5 levels beginning to rise in October and declining in April. During the mid-term of the heating season (November to February), hourly averaged PM2.5 concentrations were exceptionally high, with peak pollution events exceeding ~ 1000 µg/m3. Notably, PM2.5 concentrations were elevated during this heating season period. Time-activity patterns showed a decrease in PM2.5 concentrations during the periods of 06:00-08:00 and 14:00-18:00. Furthermore, the study found that the indoor environment could remain safe when windows were well-sealed, even under severe outdoor pollution conditions. Overall, this study provided accurate insights into the annual patterns of PM2.5 concentrations and demonstrated their fluctuations during the heating season when pollution levels were particularly high. The findings offer valuable recommendations for individuals to consider when going outside and for taking actions to improve indoor air quality in Ulaanbaatar.
Asunto(s)
Contaminantes Atmosféricos , Contaminación del Aire Interior , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Material Particulado , Estaciones del Año , Mongolia , Material Particulado/análisis , Contaminación del Aire Interior/análisis , Contaminación del Aire Interior/estadística & datos numéricos , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Contaminación del Aire/estadística & datos numéricos , CiudadesRESUMEN
The exposure of organic UV filters has been increasingly confirmed to induce adverse effects on humans. However, the critical exposure pathway and the vulnerable population of organic UV filters are not clearly identified. This paper attempts to evaluate the health risk of commonly used organic UV filters from various exposure routes based on comprehensive analysis strategy. The estimated daily intakes (EDI) and hazard quotient (HQ) values of organic UV filters through four pathways (dermal exposure, indoor dust, indoor air, and drinking water) for various age groups were determined. Although the total HQ values (0.01-0.4) from comprehensive exposure of organic UV filters were below risk threshold (1.0), infants were identified as the most vulnerable population, with EDI (75.71â¯ng/kg-bw/day) of 2-3â¯times higher than that of adults. Additionally, the total EDI values of individual exposure pathways were estimated and ranked as follows: indoor air (138.44â¯ng/kg-bw/day) > sunscreen application (37.2â¯ng/kg-bw/day) > drinking water (21.87â¯ng/kg-bw/day) > indoor dust (9.24â¯ng/kg-bw/day). Moreover, we successfully tailored the Sankey diagram to depict the EDI proportion of individual organic UV filters from four exposure pathways. It was noted that EHMC (ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate) and EHS (ethylhexyl salicylate) dominated the contribution of EDI (72â¯%) via indoor air exposure routes. This study serves as a crucial reference for enhancing public health risk awareness concerning organic UV filters, with a special focus on the vulnerable populations such as infants and children.
Asunto(s)
Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales , Protectores Solares , Humanos , Medición de Riesgo , Protectores Solares/análisis , Protectores Solares/toxicidad , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/estadística & datos numéricos , Lactante , Niño , Adulto , Preescolar , Rayos Ultravioleta , Contaminación del Aire Interior/análisis , Contaminación del Aire Interior/estadística & datos numéricos , Agua Potable/química , Polvo/análisis , Cinamatos/análisis , Adolescente , Adulto Joven , Salicilatos/análisis , Persona de Mediana EdadRESUMEN
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are continuously emitted into the atmosphere from natural and anthropogenic sources and rapidly spread from the atmosphere to different environments. A large group of VOCs has been included in the class of air pollutants; therefore, their determination and monitoring using reliable and sensitive analytical methods represents a key aspect of health risk assessment. In this work, an untargeted approach is proposed for the evaluation of the exposure to volatile organic compounds of workers in an engine manufacturing plant by GC-MS measurements, coupled with solid-phase microextraction (SPME). The analytical procedure was optimized in terms of SPME fiber, adsorption time, desorption time, and temperature gradient of the chromatographic run. For the microextraction of VOCs, the SPME fibers were exposed to the air in two different zones of the manufacturing factory, i.e., in the mixing painting chamber and the engine painting area. Moreover, the sampling was carried out with the painting system active and running (system on) and with the painting system switched off (system off). Overall, 212 compounds were identified, but only 17 were always present in both zones (mixing painting chamber and engine painting area), regardless of system conditions (on or off). Finally, a semi-quantitative evaluation was performed considering the peak area value of the potentially most toxic compounds by multivariate data analyses.
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Contaminación del Aire Interior , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Cromatografía de Gases y Espectrometría de Masas , Microextracción en Fase Sólida , Compuestos Orgánicos Volátiles , Compuestos Orgánicos Volátiles/análisis , Contaminación del Aire Interior/análisis , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Humanos , Lugar de Trabajo , Condiciones de TrabajoRESUMEN
Despite the significant amount of time spent in the domestic environment, culture-independent size distribution data of bioaerosols are largely missing. This study investigated the temporal changes in size-resolved bacterial aerosols in urban and semi-urban residential settings. Overall, airborne bacterial taxa identified in both sites were dispersed across particles of various sizes. qPCR analysis showed that outdoors bacteria dominated particles > 8 µm, whilst indoor bacterial loadings were greater with 1-2 µm (winter) and 2-4 µm (summer) ranges. Indoor and outdoor aerosols harboured distinct bacterial communities due to the dominance of human-associated taxa (Staphylococcus, Micrococcus, Corynebacterium) in indoor air. The aerosol microbiome exhibited significant temporal variation, with Actinobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria and Bacilli predominant indoors, whereas Actinobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria were the most abundant taxa outdoors. The variation between the two residences was mostly driven by particles < 2 µm, whereas differences between indoors and outdoors were mostly influenced by particles > 2 µm. Source-tracking analysis estimated that household surfaces accounted for the greatest source proportion of bacteria, surpassing that of outdoor air, which varied due to natural ventilation throughout the year. Our findings provide new insights into the factors governing the aerosol microbiome in residential environments which are crucial for exposure assessment.
Asunto(s)
Aerosoles , Microbiología del Aire , Bacterias , Aerosoles/análisis , Bacterias/clasificación , Bacterias/genética , Bacterias/aislamiento & purificación , Humanos , Microbiota , Contaminación del Aire Interior/análisis , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , Tamaño de la Partícula , Ciudades , Estaciones del Año , ViviendaRESUMEN
Introduction: Air flow driven by air-conditioner has a significant impact on the indoor environment, however, the bacterial contamination conditions in the different parts of air-conditioners have not been fully elucidated. Methods: In this study, we assessed the bacterial pollution in the four parts, including air outlet, filter net, cooling fin and water sink, of ten household air-conditioners quantitatively and qualitatively from Chengdu, southwestern China. Results: The microbial cultivation results showed the large total bacterial counts of 5042.0, 9127.6, 6595.1, and 12296.2 CFU/cm2 in air outlet, filter net, cooling fin, and water sink. Furthermore, the sequencing data showed that these four parts displayed different bacterial characteristics. At the level of genus, Caproiciproducens and Acidipropionibacterium were predominant in air outlet. Bacillus, Acinetobacter, Paracoccus, and Corynebacterium were detected as the characteristic bacteria in filter net. For cooling fin, Rhodococcus, Achromobacter, and Nocardioides were the dominant bacteria. The genera of Methylobacterium-Methylorubrum, Brevibacterium, Stenotrophomonas, and Psychrobacter were identified as the bioindicators in water sink. The bioinformatic analysis on the sequencing data illustrated that the bacteria from air-conditioners were associated with metabolic disturbance. Discussion: This study reveals the distinct bacterial compositions in the different parts of air-conditioner, and provides new clues for the non-negligible bacterial pollution in this common appliance from Chinese households.
Asunto(s)
Aire Acondicionado , Microbiología del Aire , Contaminación del Aire Interior , Bacterias , China , Contaminación del Aire Interior/análisis , Bacterias/aislamiento & purificación , Bacterias/clasificación , Bacterias/genética , Humanos , Monitoreo del AmbienteRESUMEN
The present study explores the modifications of cardiovascular autonomic control (CAC) during wake and sleep time and the systemic inflammatory profile associated with exposure to indoor air pollution (IAP) in a cohort of healthy subjects. Twenty healthy volunteers were enrolled. Indoor levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were monitored using a portable detector for 7 days. Together, a 7-day monitoring was performed through a wireless patch that continuously recorded electrocardiogram, respiratory activity and actigraphy. Indexes of CAC during wake and sleep time were derived from the biosignals: heart rate and low-frequency to high-frequency ratio (LF/HF), index of sympathovagal balance with higher values corresponding to a predominance of the sympathetic branch. Cyclic variation of heart rate index (CVHRI events/hour) during sleep, a proxy for the evaluation of sleep apnea, was assessed for each night. After the monitoring, blood samples were collected to assess the inflammatory profile. Regression and correlation analyses were performed. A positive association between VOC exposure and the CVHRI (Δ% = +0.2% for 1 µg/m3 VOCs, p = 0.008) was found. The CVHRI was also positively associated with LF/HF during sleep, thus higher CVHRI values corresponded to a shift of the sympathovagal balance towards a sympathetic predominance (r = 0.52; p = 0.018). NO2 exposure was positively associated with both the pro-inflammatory biomarker TREM-1 and the anti-inflammatory biomarker IL-10 (Δ% = +1.2% and Δ% = +2.4%, for 1 µg/m3 NO2; p = 0.005 and p = 0.022, respectively). The study highlights a possible causal relationship between IAP exposure and higher risk of sleep apnea events, associated with impaired CAC during sleep, and a pro-inflammatory state counterbalanced by an increased anti-inflammatory response in healthy subjects. This process may be disrupted in vulnerable populations, leading to a harmful chronic pro-inflammatory profile. Thus, IAP may emerge as a critical and often neglected risk factor for the public health that can be addressed through targeted preventive interventions.
Asunto(s)
Contaminación del Aire Interior , Sistema Nervioso Autónomo , Frecuencia Cardíaca , Sueño , Humanos , Masculino , Adulto , Contaminación del Aire Interior/efectos adversos , Contaminación del Aire Interior/análisis , Femenino , Sistema Nervioso Autónomo/efectos de los fármacos , Sistema Nervioso Autónomo/fisiopatología , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/efectos adversos , Inflamación/inducido químicamente , Material Particulado/análisis , Material Particulado/efectos adversos , Compuestos Orgánicos Volátiles/análisis , Dióxido de Nitrógeno/análisis , Dióxido de Nitrógeno/efectos adversos , Adulto Joven , Persona de Mediana EdadRESUMEN
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a conspicuous global public health threat. The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched the "One-Health" approach, which encourages the assessment of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) within an environment to constrain and alleviate the development of AMR. The prolonged use and overuse of antibiotics in treating human and veterinary illnesses, and the inability of wastewater treatment plants to remove them have resulted in elevated concentrations of these metabolites in the surroundings. Microbes residing within these settings acquire resistance under selective pressure and circulate between the air-land interface. Initial evidence on the indoor environments of wastewater treatment plants, hospitals, and livestock-rearing facilities as channels of AMR has been documented. Long- and short-range transport in a downwind direction disseminate aerosols within urban communities. Inhalation of such aerosols poses a considerable occupational and public health risk. The horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is another plausible route of AMR spread. The characterization of ARGs in the atmosphere therefore calls for cutting-edge research. In the present review, we provide a succinct summary of the studies that demonstrated aerosols as a media of AMR transport in the atmosphere, strengthening the need to biomonitor these pernicious pollutants. This review will be a useful resource for environmental researchers, healthcare practitioners, and policymakers to issue related health advisories.
Asunto(s)
Aerosoles , Transferencia de Gen Horizontal , Aerosoles/análisis , Humanos , Monitoreo Biológico , Farmacorresistencia Microbiana/genética , Microbiología del Aire , Contaminación del Aire Interior/análisis , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Antibacterianos/análisis , Farmacorresistencia Bacteriana/genéticaRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: In Ethiopia, a comprehensive smoke-free law that bans smoking in all public areas has been implemented since 2019. This study aimed to evaluate compliance with these laws by measuring the air quality and conducting covert observations at 154 hospitality venues (HVs) in Addis Ababa. METHODS: Indoor air quality was measured using Dylos air quality monitors during the peak hours of the venues, with concentrations of particulate matter <2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5) used as a marker of second-hand tobacco smoke. A standardized checklist was used to assess compliance with smoke-free laws during the same peak hours. The average PM2.5 concentrations were classified as good, moderate, unhealthy for sensitive groups, unhealthy for all, or hazardous using the World Health Organization's (WHO) standard air quality index breakpoints. RESULTS: Only 23.6% of the venues complied with all smoke-free laws indicators. Additionally, cigarette and shisha smoking were observed at the HVs. Overall, 63.9% (95% confidence interval: 56-72%) of the HVs had PM2.5 concentrations greater than 15 µg/m3. The presence of more than one cigarette smoker in the venue, observing shisha equipment in the indoor space, and the sale of tobacco products in the indoor space were significantly associated with higher median PM2.5 concentration levels (p < 0.005). Hazardous level of PM2.5 concentrations-100 times greater than the WHO standard-were recorded at HVs where several people were smoking shisha and cigarettes. CONCLUSIONS: Most HVs had PM2.5 concentrations that exceeded the WHO average air quality standard. Stricter enforcement of smoke-free laws is necessary, particularly for bars and nightclubs/lounges.
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Contaminación del Aire Interior , Material Particulado , Contaminación por Humo de Tabaco , Etiopía , Contaminación por Humo de Tabaco/análisis , Material Particulado/análisis , Contaminación del Aire Interior/análisis , Humanos , Restaurantes , Monitoreo del AmbienteRESUMEN
Advanced air treatment systems have the potential to reduce airborne infection risk, improve indoor air quality (IAQ) and reduce energy consumption, but few studies reported practical implementation and performance. PlasmaShield®, an advanced multi-modal HVAC-integrated system, was directly compared with a standard MERV-13 system in a post-surgical paediatric healthcare setting. The evaluation entailed monitoring of multi-size airborne particles, bioaerosols and key IAQ parameters. Measurements were taken for outside air, supply air and air in the occupied space for 3 days prior to, and after, the installation of the PlasmaShield system. Compared with the existing arrangement, very significant reductions in particle number concentrations were observed in the occupied space, especially with virus-like submicron particles. Significant reductions in airborne culturable bacteria and fungi were observed in the supply air, with more modest reductions in the occupied space. In the case of virus-like particles, there was an eight-fold improvement in equivalent clean air, suggesting a five-fold infection risk reduction for long-range exposure. The data suggest multiple benefits of airborne particle and bioaerosol reduction, with applications beyond healthcare. Long-term studies are recommended to confirm the combined IAQ, health and energy benefits.
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Microbiología del Aire , Contaminación del Aire Interior , Contaminación del Aire Interior/análisis , Contaminación del Aire Interior/prevención & control , Humanos , Aerosoles/análisis , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , Material Particulado/análisisRESUMEN
Nowadays, indoor air quality monitoring has become an issue of great importance, especially in industrial spaces and laboratories where materials are handled that may release particles into the air that are harmful to health. This study focuses on the monitoring of air quality and particle concentration using low-cost sensors (LCSs). To carry out this work, particulate matter (PM) monitoring sensors were used, in controlled conditions, specifically focusing on particle classifications with PM2.5 and PM10 diameters: the Nova SDS011, the Sensirion SEN54, the DFRobot SEN0460, and the Sensirion SPS30, for which an adapted environmental chamber was built, and gaged using the Temtop M2000 2nd as a reference sensor (SRef). The main objective was to preliminarily assess the performance of the sensors, to select the most suitable ones for future research and their possible use in different work environments. The monitoring of PM2.5 and PM10 particles is essential to ensure the health of workers and avoid possible illnesses. This study is based on the comparison of the selected LCS with the SRef and the results of the comparison based on statistics. The results showed variations in the precision and accuracy of the LCS as opposed to the SRef. Additionally, it was found that the Sensirion SEN54 was the most suitable and valuable tool to be used to maintain a safe working environment and would contribute significantly to the protection of the workers' health.
Asunto(s)
Contaminación del Aire Interior , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Material Particulado , Material Particulado/análisis , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , Contaminación del Aire Interior/análisis , Humanos , Tamaño de la Partícula , Ambiente Controlado , Salud LaboralRESUMEN
Poor indoor air quality poses significant health risks. This study addresses the gap in knowledge regarding the prevalence of indoor air pollutants in remote and rural First Nation communities in north-central British Columbia, Canada. Dust samples from 75 homes were collected and analysed for house dust mites, pet allergens, mould antigens, and bacterial endotoxins. Indoor air quality parameters, including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, particulate matter, temperature, and humidity, were measured. A detailed questionnaire on household characteristics and potential pollutant sources was administered. Homes exhibited exposure to multiple pollutants, with wood stove smoke identified as a primary source. Felis domesticus (cat allergen) and Canis familiaris (dog allergen) were prevalent, with detectable levels in 64% and 60% of homes, respectively. Bacterial endotoxins were present in all households. One-third of homes exceeded recommended thresholds for 3 or more pollutants. This study provides critical insights into the prevalence and magnitude of indoor air pollutants, contributing to a broader initiative to characterise respiratory health in First Nations communities. While many homes in First Nations communities had acceptable air quality, one-third of homes exceeded thresholds for 3 or more pollutants. The results can guide ongoing community efforts to address housing concerns and advocate for increased federal funding.
Asunto(s)
Contaminación del Aire Interior , Contaminación del Aire Interior/análisis , Contaminación del Aire Interior/efectos adversos , Colombia Británica/epidemiología , Humanos , Vivienda , Prevalencia , Polvo/análisis , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/efectos adversos , AnimalesRESUMEN
Indoor air quality (IAQ) and indoor air pollution are critical issues impacting urban environments, significantly affecting the quality of life. Nowadays, poor IAQ is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, allergic reactions, and cognitive impairments, particularly in settings like classrooms. Thus, this study investigates the impact of indoor environmental quality on student health in a university classroom over a year, using various sensors to measure 19 environmental parameters, including temperature, relative humidity, CO2, CO, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM), and other pollutants. Thus, the aim of the study is to analyze the implications of the indoor microclimate for the health of individuals working in the classroom, as well as its implications for educational outcomes. The data revealed frequent exceedances of international standards for formaldehyde (HCHO), VOC, PM2.5, NO, and NO2. HCHO and VOCs levels, often originating from building materials and classroom activities, were notably high. PM2.5 levels exceeded both annual and daily standards, while NO and NO2 levels, possibly influenced by inadequate ventilation, also surpassed recommended limits. Even though there were numerous exceedances of current international standards, the indoor microclimate quality index (IMQI) score indicated a generally good indoor environment, remaining mostly between 0 and 50 for this indicator. Additionally, analyses indicate a high probability that some indicators will exceed the current standards, and their values are expected to trend upwards in the future. The study highlighted the need for better ventilation and pollutant control in classrooms to ensure a healthy learning environment. Frequent exceedances of pollutant standards can suggest a significant impact on student health and academic performance. Thus, the present study underscored the importance of continuous monitoring and proactive measures to maintain optimal indoor air quality.