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193 records returned

Residential air exchange rates in three major US metropolitan areas: results from the Relationship Among Indoor, Outdoor, and Personal Air Study 1999–2001Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
We report approximately 500 indoor[ndash]outdoor air exchange rate (AER) calculations based on measurements conducted in residences in three US metropolitan areas in 1999[ndash]2001: Elizabeth, New Jersey; Houston, Texas; and Los Angeles County, California. Overall, a median AER across these urban areas and seasons was 0.71 air changes per hour (ACH, or per hour; n = 509) while median AERs measured in California (n = 182), New Jersey (n = 163), and Texas (n = 164) were 0.87, 0.88, and 0.47 ACH, respectively. In Texas, the measured AERs were lower in the summer cooling season (median = 0.37 ACH) than in the winter heating s...
Source: Indoor Air - October 29, 2009 Category: Occupational Health Authors: N. Yamamoto, D. G. Shendell, A. M. Winer, J. Zhang Source Type: journals

Organic compound characterization and source apportionment of indoor and outdoor quasi-ultrafine particulate matter in retirement homes of the Los Angeles BasinEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract Quasi-ultrafine (quasi-UF) particulate matter (PM0.25) and its components were measured in indoor and outdoor environments at four retirement communities in Los Angeles Basin, California, as part of the Cardiovascular Health and Air Pollution Study (CHAPS). The present paper focuses on the characterization of the sources, organic constituents and indoor and outdoor relationships of quasi-UF PM. The average indoor/outdoor ratios of most of the measured polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), hopanes, and steranes were close to or slightly lower than 1, and the corresponding indoor[ndash]outdoor correlation coeffic...
Source: Indoor Air - October 28, 2009 Category: Occupational Health Authors: M. Arhami, M. C. Minguillón, A. Polidori, J. J. Schauer, R. J. Delfino, C. Sioutas Source Type: journals

Influence of environmental characteristics and climatic factors on mites in the dust of air-conditioner filtersEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
In this study, we find that the storage mite Tarsonemus granarius is the predominant species of mites in the dust of air-conditioner filters (MACF). Thus, the possible clinical importance of T. granarius should cause more our attentions in the future. The abundance and distribution of MACF are also found significantly varied in different climatic regions of China. When we try to assess the possible risk of MACF, more attentions should be focused on subtropical region than temperate region. The influence analysis of environmental characteristics on the prevalence of MACF will shed light on the establishment of mite control ...
Source: Indoor Air - October 13, 2009 Category: Occupational Health Authors: J. Wu, Z. G. Liu, P. X. Ran, B. Wang Source Type: journals

Thermal comfort study of hospital workers in MalaysiaEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
This article presents findings of the thermal comfort study in hospitals. A field survey was conducted to investigate the temperature range for thermal comfort in hospitals in the tropics. Thermal acceptability assessment was conducted to examine whether the hospitals in the tropics met the ASHRAE Standard-55 80% acceptability criteria. A total of 114 occupants in four hospitals were involved in the study. The results of the field study revealed that only 44% of the examined locations met the comfort criteria specified in ASHRAE Standard 55. The survey also examined the predicted percentage of dissatisfied in the hospitals...
Source: Indoor Air - August 30, 2009 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Y. H. Yau, B. T. Chew Source Type: journals

Performance effects and subjective disturbance of speech in acoustically different office types – a laboratory experimentEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
This study examined how the intelligibility of irrelevant speech, determined with the Speech Transmission Index (STI), affects demanding cognitive task performance. Experiment was carried out in a laboratory that resembled an open-plan office. Three speech conditions were tested corresponding to a private office (STI = 0.10), an acoustically excellent open office (STI = 0.35) and an acoustically poor open office (STI = 0.65). All conditions were presented at equal level, 48 dBA. The STI was adjusted by the relative levels of speech and masking sound. Thirty-seven students participated in the experiment that lasted for 4 h....
Source: Indoor Air - August 20, 2009 Category: Occupational Health Authors: M. Haka, A. Haapakangas, J. Keränen, J. Hakala, E. Keskinen, V. Hongisto Source Type: journals

Airborne influenza virus detection with four aerosol samplers using molecular and infectivity assays: considerations for a new infectious virus aerosol samplerEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract As a first step in conducting studies of airborne influenza transmission, we compared the collection performance of an SKC Biosampler, a compact cascade impactor (CCI), Teflon filters, and gelatin filters by collecting aerosolized influenza virus in a one-pass aerosol chamber. Influenza virus infectivity was determined using a fluorescent focus assay and influenza virus nucleic acid (originating from viable and non-viable viruses) was measured using quantitative PCR. The results showed that the SKC Biosampler recovered and preserved influenza virus infectivity much better than the other samplers [ndash] the CCI, T...
Source: Indoor Air - August 18, 2009 Category: Occupational Health Authors: P. Fabian, J. J. McDevitt, E. A. Houseman, D. K. Milton Source Type: journals

The effects of indoor particles on blood pressure and heart rate among young adults in Taipei, TaiwanEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
This study aims to evaluate whether indoor particles are associated with elevated blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR). We recruited 40 young, healthy students from universities in Taipei. We made four home visits in which we took consecutive 48-h measurements of systolic BP, (SBP) diastolic BP (DBP), and HR in each participant. Particulate matter less than 10 [mu]m in diameter (PM10), 2.5 [mu]m in diameter (PM2.5), and nitrogen dioxide levels were measured at each participant's home. Participants were asked to keep their windows open during the first two visits, and keep their windows shut during the last two visits. W...
Source: Indoor Air - August 12, 2009 Category: Occupational Health Authors: L.-Y. Lin, C.-Y. Lin, Y.-C. Lin, K.-J. Chuang Source Type: journals

An association between floor vacuuming and dust-mite and serum eosinophil cationic protein in young asthmaticsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract Although vacuum cleaning is recommended to reduce allergen levels and improve asthma and allergic rhinitis symptoms, some studies suggest it may increase allergen load in homes. We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine if home floor vacuuming was associated with sensitization to dust-mites and cockroaches, and serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), a biomarker for atopy, in 102 physician-diagnosed spirometry-confirmed asthmatics. We collected data on floor type, floor cleaning method and frequency, asthma severity, allergy medications used, serum ECP and skin prick tests (SPT) to three dust-mites [Derma...
Source: Indoor Air - August 11, 2009 Category: Occupational Health Authors: G. C. H. Koh, L. P. Shek, J. Kee, B. C. Tai, A. Wee, V. Ng, D. Koh Source Type: journals

Short-term airing by natural ventilation – modeling and control strategiesEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract The need to improve the energy efficiency of buildings requires new and more efficient ventilation systems. It has been demonstrated that innovative operating concepts that make use of natural ventilation seem to be more appreciated by occupants. This kind of system frequently integrates traditional mechanical ventilation components with natural ventilation devices, such as motorized windows and louvers. Among the various ventilation strategies that are currently available, buoyancy driven single-sided natural ventilation has proved to be very effective and can provide high air change rates for temperature and IAQ...
Source: Indoor Air - August 2, 2009 Category: Occupational Health Authors: M. Perino Source Type: journals

Review and comparison between the Wells–Riley and dose-response approaches to risk assessment of infectious respiratory diseasesEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
This study reviews and compares these two approaches to infection risk assessment of respiratory infectious diseases. The Wells[ndash]Riley model allows quick assessment and does not require interspecies extrapolation of infectivity. Dose-response models can consider other disease transmission routes in addition to airborne route and can calculate the infectious source strength of an outbreak in terms of the quantity of the pathogen rather than a hypothetical unit. Spatial distribution of airborne pathogens is one of the most important factors in infection risk assessment of respiratory disease. Respiratory deposition of a...
Source: Indoor Air - July 31, 2009 Category: Occupational Health Authors: G. N. Sze To, C. Y. H. Chao Source Type: journals

Flow dynamics and characterization of a coughEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
This study has measured flow dynamics of coughs with human subjects. The flow rate variation of a cough with time can be represented as a combination of gamma-probability-distribution functions. The variables needed to define the gamma-probability-distribution functions can be represented by some medical parameters. A robust multiple linear regression analysis indicated that these medical parameters can be obtained from the physiological details of a person. However, the jet direction and mouth opening area during a cough seemed not related to the physiological parameters of the human subjects. Combining the flow character...
Source: Indoor Air - July 30, 2009 Category: Occupational Health Authors: J. K. Gupta, C.-H. Lin, Q. Chen Source Type: journals

REP-PCR tracking of the origin and spread of airborne Staphylococcus aureus in and around chicken houseEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract Staphylococcus aureus was used as an indicator to study the origin and spread of microbial aerosol in and around chicken houses. Air samples indoor, upwind (10 and 50 m), and downwind (10, 50, 100, 200, and 400 m) of four chicken houses were collected using Andersen-6 stages sampler. The concentrations of S. aureus were determined for every sample site. Isolation of S. aureus from chicken feces was performed according to the standard method. The genetic relationship among the isolates was determined by profiles of PCR-amplified repetitive extragenic palindromic (REP-PCR) elements. The results showed that the conce...
Source: Indoor Air - July 30, 2009 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Z. Zhong, T. Chai, H. Duan, Z. Miao, X. Li, M. Yao, W. Yuan, W. Wang, Q. Li, B.-A. Zucker, G. Schlenker Source Type: journals

Lead loadings in household dust in Delhi, IndiaEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
This study analyzed 99 samples of dust taken from bare floors and 49 samples of dust taken from windowsills in a cross-section of Delhi, India houses for lead loadings. The arithmetic mean of lead loading for floor samples and windowsill dust samples was found to be 36.24 [mu]g/ft2 and 129.5 [mu]g/ft2, respectively. The geometric mean of dust lead loading for floor and interior windowsill samples was found to be 19.7 [mu]g/ft2 and 75.5 [mu]g/ft2, respectively. Comparing the results with US geometric mean dust lead levels from a national cross-section of US housing, which in 2000 were 1.1 [mu]g/ft2 and 9.4 [mu]g/ft2 on floo...
Source: Indoor Air - July 28, 2009 Category: Occupational Health Authors: A. Kumar, C. Scott Clark Source Type: journals

Heat recovery ventilators prevent respiratory disorders in Inuit childrenEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract Inuit infants have high rates of reported hospitalization for respiratory infection, associated with overcrowding and reduced ventilation. We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial to determine whether home heat recovery ventilators (HRV) would improve ventilation and reduce the risk of respiratory illnesses in young Inuit children. Inuit children under 6 years of age living in several communities in Nunavut, Canada were randomized to receive an active or placebo HRV. We monitored respiratory symptoms, health center encounters, and indoor air quality for 6 months. HRVs were placed in 68 hom...
Source: Indoor Air - July 1, 2009 Category: Occupational Health Authors: T. Kovesi, C. Zaloum, C. Stocco, D. Fugler, R. E. Dales, A. Ni, N. Barrowman, N. L. Gilbert, J. D. Miller Source Type: journals

Quantitative PCR analysis of fungal DNA in Swedish day care centers and comparison with building characteristics and allergen levelsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
In conclusion, total fungal DNA is related to reported dampness/molds, reported odor, and type of wall construction. The association between fungal and allergen contamination indicated a general 'hygiene factor' related to biological contaminants. The associations between fungal DNA, reported dampness/molds, and odor support the view that buildings with odor problems should be investigated for possible hidden fungal growth. There is a need to measure fungal biomass in different types of building constructions by monitoring fungal DNA. Analysis of fungal DNA with quantitative PCR can be a fast and practical way to study ind...
Source: Indoor Air - June 5, 2009 Category: Occupational Health Authors: G.-H. Cai, K. Bröms, B. Mälarstig, Z.-H. Zhao, J. L. Kim, K. Svärdsudd, C. Janson, D. Norbäck Source Type: journals

Diffusive sampling and measurement of microbial volatile organic compounds in indoor airEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
This study shows that diffusive samplers are applicable to measure indoor MVOC levels. At present, there are still limited reports on indoor Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (MVOC) levels in general dwellings and occupants' health. Compared with active sampling methods, air sampling using a diffusive sampler is particularly advantageous for use in large field studies due to its smallness, light-size, easy-handling, and cost-effectiveness. In this study, sampling rates of selected MVOC of the diffusive sampler were determined using the water-bubbling method: generating gases by water-bubbling and exposing the diffusive ...
Source: Indoor Air - April 29, 2009 Category: Occupational Health Authors: A. Araki, Y. Eitaki, T. Kawai, A. Kanazawa, M. Takeda, R. Kishi Source Type: journals

The influence of chemical interactions at the human surface on breathing zone levels of reactants and productsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract Using computational fluid dynamics simulations of an occupant in a ventilated room, we find that breathing zone ozone levels can be substantially lower and ozone reaction products associated with human surfaces (ORPHS) levels considerably higher than room levels. For air exchange rates 8/h), the breathing zone concentrations approach bulk air concentrations (rozone > 0.9) with a floor supply, whereas large concentration gradients occur between breathing zone and bulk air with a ceiling supply. At these high air exchange rates, ORPHS levels are 1.6[ndash]2.0 and 2.9[ndash]6.0 times the bulk air concentrations for f...
Source: Indoor Air - April 10, 2009 Category: Occupational Health Authors: D. Rim, A. Novoselec, G. Morrison Source Type: journals

Indoor thermal factors and symptoms in office workers: findings from the US EPA BASE studyEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract Some prior research in office buildings has associated higher indoor temperatures even within the recommended thermal comfort range with increased worker symptoms. We reexamined this relationship in data from 95 office buildings in the US Environmental Protection Agency's Building Assessment Survey and Evaluation Study. We investigated relationships between building-related symptoms and thermal metrics constructed from real-time measurements. We estimated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals in adjusted logistic regression models with general estimating equations, overall and by season. Winter indoor temperatu...
Source: Indoor Air - March 21, 2009 Category: Occupational Health Authors: M. J. Mendell, A. G. Mirer Source Type: journals

A first French assessment of population exposure to tetrachloroethylene from small dry-cleaning facilitiesEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract Used as a solvent in the dry-cleaning industry, tetrachloroethylene (C2Cl4) can be a pollutant of residential indoor air, which can cause long-term harmful exposures because of its neurotoxicity and probable carcinogenicity. In France, dry-cleaning facilities are integrated in urban environments (shopping malls, residential buildings) and can contribute to C2Cl4 exposure for customers and residents. This exploratory work presents the results from five studies carried out in one shopping mall and four residential buildings housing a dry-cleaning facility. These studies involved dry-cleaning machines fitted with a C...
Source: Indoor Air - March 12, 2009 Category: Occupational Health Authors: L. Chiappini, L. Delery, E. Leoz, B. Brouard, Y. Fagault Source Type: journals

Low home ventilation rate in combination with moldy odor from the building structure increase the risk for allergic symptoms in childrenEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
In conclusion, we found an association between moldy odor along the skirting board and allergic symptoms among children, mainly rhinitis. No associations with any of the allergic symptoms were found for discoloured stains, 'floor dampness' or a general mold odor in the room. A moldy odor along the skirting board can be a proxy for hidden moisture problem inside the outer wall construction or in the foundation construction. There are indications that such dampness problems increase the risk for sensitization but the interpretation of data in respect of sensitization is difficult as about 80% of the children with rhinitis we...
Source: Indoor Air - March 9, 2009 Category: Occupational Health Authors: L. Hägerhed-Engman, T. Sigsgaard, I. Samuelson, J. Sundell, S. Janson, C.-G. Bornehag Source Type: journals

Viral kinetics and exhaled droplet size affect indoor transmission dynamics of influenza infectionEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract The purpose of this paper was to investigate the effects of viral kinetics and exhaled droplet size on indoor transmission dynamics of influenza infection. The target cell-limited model with delayed virus production was adopted to strengthen the inner mechanisms of virus infection on human epithelial cell. The particle number and volume involved in the viral kinetics were linked with Wells-Riley mathematical equation to quantify the infection risk. We investigated population dynamics in a specific elementary school by using the seasonal susceptible [ndash] exposed [ndash] infected [ndash] recovery (SEIR) model. We...
Source: Indoor Air - February 28, 2009 Category: Occupational Health Authors: S. C. Chen, C. P. Chio, L. J. Jou, C. M. Liao Source Type: journals

Exposure levels of particulate matter in long-distance buses in TaiwanEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
This study investigated the passenger exposure to particulate matter (PM) in long-distance buses in Taiwan. PM and CO2 were measured in thirty buses traveling between Taipei and Tainan. The results indicated that average in-cabin PM levels were below the guidelines or standards suggested by Taiwan and other countries. Cigarette smoking revealed no effect on in-cabin PM2.5 level. However, since only one cigarette was lit per journey, the effect might be different if more cigarettes were lit in bus cabins. Opening windows was found to affect in-cabin PM2.5 and PM2.5/PM10 ratios may be elevated. Moreover, the PM10 level from ...
Source: Indoor Air - February 13, 2009 Category: Occupational Health Authors: H.-L. Huang, D.-J. Hsu Source Type: journals

Indoor mold concentration in Eastern FranceEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract Our prospective case[ndash]control study of 118 dwellings in Eastern France examined fungal contamination in unhealthy dwellings (n = 32) (homes with visible mold contamination and adverse health outcomes reported by the occupants), dwellings occupied by allergic patients (with medical diagnostic and positive prick-tests for molds) (n = 27) and matched control dwellings (n = 59). Unhealthy dwellings present higher airborne concentrations of Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Cladosporium than control dwellings, irrespective of the room sampled. Bedroom walls were more highly contaminated by molds than others. Dwellings...
Source: Indoor Air - February 13, 2009 Category: Occupational Health Authors: G. Reboux, A. P. Bellanger, S. Roussel, F. Grenouillet, S. Sornin, R. Piarroux, J. C. Dalphin, L. Millon Source Type: journals

Heterogeneous oxidation of squalene film by ozone under various indoor conditionsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract The effects of indoor conditions (ozone concentration, temperature, relative humidity (RH), and the presence of NOx) on heterogeneous squalene oxidation were studied with Attenuated Total Reflectance[ndash]Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. The heterogeneous kinetics of squalene-ozone reaction revealed a pseudo-first-order reaction rate constant of 1.22 × 10[minus]5/s at [O3] = 40 ppb. Oxidation kinetics were insensitive to temperature over the range of 24[ndash]58 ± 2°C as well as to RH and presence of NOx. Products, however, were affected by the environmental parameters. As temperature was increased, fe...
Source: Indoor Air - February 13, 2009 Category: Occupational Health Authors: L. Petrick, Y. Dubowski Source Type: journals

Mite sensitization among Latina women in New York, where dust-mite allergen levels are typically lowEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract In New York (NY), Latinos often have greater asthma morbidity than other ethnicities, and dust-mite sensitization is common despite low allergen levels. We investigated mite allergen exposure and sensitization in atopic and/or asthmatic women, the majority being Puerto Rican. Women (n = 274) recruited for a birth cohort study were visited postnatally. Dust from their homes was analyzed for mite allergens (Der f 1, Der p 1, and Blo t 5). Serum was analyzed for total and allergen-specific IgE. Thirty-seven percent were sensitized to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, 34% to Dermatophagoides farinae, and 21% to Blomia t...
Source: Indoor Air - February 11, 2009 Category: Occupational Health Authors: G. L. Chew, A. M. Reardon, J. C. Correa, M. Young, L. Acosta, R. Mellins, F. T. Chew, M. S. Perzanowski Source Type: journals

Formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds in Hong Kong homes: concentrations and impact factorsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract This paper presents formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOC) concentrations, potential sources and impact factors in 100 homes. The 24-h average formaldehyde concentration in 37 homes exceeded the good class of the Hong Kong Indoor Air Quality Objectives (HKIAQO), whereas the total VOCs concentration in all homes was lower than the HKIAQO. Compared to other East Asian cities, indoor formaldehyde and styrene in Hong Kong was the highest, reflecting that the homes in Hong Kong were more affected by household products and materials. The formaldehyde concentration in newly built apartments was significantly h...
Source: Indoor Air - February 11, 2009 Category: Occupational Health Authors: H. Guo, N. H. Kwok, H. R. Cheng, S. C. Lee, W. T. Hung, Y. S. Li Source Type: journals

Molds and mycotoxins in dust from water-damaged homes in New Orleans after hurricane KatrinaEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract Dust collected in New Orleans homes mold-contaminated because of the flooding after hurricane Katrina was analyzed for molds and mycotoxins. The mycoflora was studied by cultivation and quantitative PCR for selected molds. The most commonly found mold taxa were Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Penicillium. Verrucarol, a hydrolysis product of macrocyclic trichothecenes predominately produced by Stachybotrys spp. was identified in three dust samples by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and sterigmatocystin (produced by various Aspergillus spp.) was found in two samples by high pressure liquid chromatography...
Source: Indoor Air - January 28, 2009 Category: Occupational Health Authors: E. Bloom, L. F. Grimsley, C. Pehrson, J. Lewis, L. Larsson Source Type: journals

Dampness at dorm and its associations with allergy and airways infection among college students in China: a cross-sectional studyEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
This study showed there was significantly positive association between condensation and dry cough. Eczema was often reported in rooms with suspected moisture problem. Dampness was a significantly risk factor for common cold. This paper indicated that dampness problem at dorms of Chinese students was a risk factor in irritating allergic symptoms, and hence there is a need for dorm environment improvement. The ventilation and microbiology problems in dorm environment corresponding to dampness should be further studied, especially when it is associated to occupants' health. (Source: Indoor Air)
Source: Indoor Air - January 28, 2009 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Y. Sun, Y. Zhang, J. Sundell, Z. Fan, L. Bao Source Type: journals

Indoor air pollution from solid biomass fuels combustion in rural agricultural area of Tibet, ChinaEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
In this study, we are trying to investigate the indoor air pollution and to estimate the residents' pollution exposure reduction of energy altering in rural Tibet. Daily PM2.5 monitoring was conducted in indoor microenvironments like kitchen, living-room, bedroom, and yard in rural Tibet from December 2006 to March 2007. For kitchen air pollution, impact of two fuel types, methane and solid biomass fuels (SBFs), were compared. Questionnaire survey on the domestic energy pattern and residents' daily activity pattern was performed in Zha-nang County. Daily average PM2.5 concentrations in kitchen, living-room, bedroom, and ya...
Source: Indoor Air - January 28, 2009 Category: Occupational Health Authors: X. Gao, Q. Yu, Q. Gu, Y. Chen, K. Ding, J. Zhu, L. Chen Source Type: journals

Quantitative relationship of sick building syndrome symptoms with ventilation ratesEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract Data from published studies were combined and analyzed to develop best-fit equations and curves quantifying the change in sick building syndrome (SBS) symptom prevalence in office workers with ventilation rate. For each study, slopes were calculated, representing the fractional change in SBS symptom prevalence per unit change in ventilation rate per person. Values of ventilation rate, associated with each value of slope, were also calculated. Linear regression equations were fitted to the resulting data points, after weighting by study size. Integration of the slope[ndash]ventilation rate equations yielded curves ...
Source: Indoor Air - January 23, 2009 Category: Occupational Health Authors: W. J. Fisk, A. G. Mirer, M. J. Mendell Source Type: journals

Assessment and predictor determination of indoor aldehyde levels in Paris newborn babies' homesEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract Exposure to indoor chemical air pollutants expected to be potentially involved in allergic respiratory diseases in infants is poorly documented. A specific environmental investigation included in a birth cohort study was carried out to first assess indoor airborne aldehyde levels, using passive devices and their variability within 1 year (1, 6, 9 and 12 months) in the bedroom of 196 Paris infants, and second, to identify predictors for aldehyde concentrations using interviewer administered questionnaires about housing factors. Comfort parameters and carbon dioxide levels were measured simultaneously. Aldehydes wer...
Source: Indoor Air - January 19, 2009 Category: Occupational Health Authors: C. Dassonville, C. Demattei, A.-M. Laurent, Y. Le Moullec, N. Seta, I. Momas Source Type: journals

Field study of air change and flow rate in six automobilesEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract For many people, a relatively large proportion of daily exposure to a multitude of pollutants may occur inside an automobile. A key determinant of exposure is the amount of outdoor air entering the cabin (i.e. air change or flow rate). We have quantified this parameter in six passenger vehicles ranging in age from 18 years to (Source: Indoor Air)
Source: Indoor Air - January 19, 2009 Category: Occupational Health Authors: L. D. Knibbs, R. J. de Dear, S. E. Atkinson Source Type: journals

Secondary organic aerosol from α-pinene ozonolysis in dynamic chamber systemEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract The formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) produced from [alpha]-pinene ozonolysis was examined using a dynamic chamber system that allowed the simulation of ventilated indoor environments. Particle-bound reactive species (ROS) including peroxides, peroxy radicals and ions that could penetrate into the lungs and deliver oxidative stress to the tissue causing damage were quantitatively determined from filters collected from the chamber. ROS was determined using dichlorofluorescin such that resulting fluorescent intensities were converted to equivalent H2O2 concentrations. Measured ROS concentrations at [alpha...
Source: Indoor Air - January 19, 2009 Category: Occupational Health Authors: X Chen, P. K. Hopke Source Type: journals

Asthma and respiratory symptoms in hospital workers related to dampness and biological contaminantsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health investigated respiratory symptoms and asthma in relation to damp indoor environments in employees of two hospitals. A cluster of six work-related asthma cases from one hospital department, whose symptoms arose during a time of significant water incursions, led us to conduct a survey of respiratory health in 1171/1834 employees working in the sentinel cases hospital and a nearby hospital without known indoor environmental concerns. We carried out observational assessment of dampness, air, chair, and floor dust sampling for biological contaminants, and invest...
Source: Indoor Air - January 18, 2009 Category: Occupational Health Authors: J. M. Cox-Ganser, C. Y. Rao, J.-H. Park, J. C. Schumpert, K. Kreiss Source Type: journals

Nitric oxide in exhaled and aspirated nasal air as an objective measure of human response to indoor air pollutionEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract The concentration of nitric oxide (NO) in exhaled and aspirated nasal air was used to objectively assess human response to indoor air pollutants in a climate chamber exposure experiment. The concentration of NO was measured before exposure, after 2, and 4.5 h of exposure, using a chemiluminescence NO analyzer. Sixteen healthy female subjects were exposed to two indoor air pollutants and to a clean reference condition for 4.5 h. Subjective assessments of the environment were obtained by questionnaires. After exposure (4.5 h) to the two polluted conditions a small increase in NO concentration in exhaled air was obse...
Source: Indoor Air - December 12, 2008 Category: Occupational Health Authors: B. Kolarik, L. Lagercrantz, J. Sundell Source Type: journals

Effects on perceived air quality and symptoms of exposure to microbially produced metabolites and compounds emitted from damp building materialsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
This study showed that exposure to high levels of VOC emitted from damp building materials and a mixture of mold may cause perceived poor air quality. It also indicated that stimulation of chemical warning systems (the nasal chemosensory part of the trigeminal system and the olfactory system) may enhance skin symptoms. (Source: Indoor Air)
Source: Indoor Air - December 11, 2008 Category: Occupational Health Authors: A. -S. Claeson, S. Nordin, A. -L. Sunesson Source Type: journals

Survival of amoebae on building materialsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
In conclusion, our data show that amoebae can persist on several common building materials once these materials become wet. Amoebae are able to survive on many building materials should the materials become wet. Amoebae have the potential to increase growth, cytotoxicity, and pathogenicity of other microbes present in moisture damages, and they may carry potentially pathogenic bacteria as endosymbionts and thus introduce them into the indoor air. Therefore, amoebae may have a prominent role in the microbial exposures occurring in moisture-damaged buildings. The presence of amoebae could be usefully included in reporting th...
Source: Indoor Air - December 10, 2008 Category: Occupational Health Authors: T. Yli-Pirilä, J. Kusnetsov, M.-R. Hirvonen, M. Seuri, A. Nevalainen Source Type: journals

Pets keeping in home, parental atopy, asthma, and asthma-related symptoms in 12,910 elementary school children from northeast ChinaEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The effects of pet exposure and parental atopy on respiratory symptoms were investigated in 12,910 children residing in twelve districts of northeast China. Responses to a self-administered questionnaire completed by parents of children were used to ascertain children with persistent cough, persistent phlegm, doctor-diagnosed asthma, current asthma and current wheeze. Exposure to animals during pregnancy was positively associated with doctor-diagnosed asthma [adjusted odds ratio (ORs), 1.86; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.35[ndash]2.57], current asthma (adjusted OR, 3.06; 95% CI, 1.95[ndash]4.81) and asthma-related symptom...
Source: Indoor Air - December 8, 2008 Category: Occupational Health Authors: G.-H. Dong, Y.-N. Ma, H.-L. Ding, J. Jin, Y. Cao, Y.-D. Zhao, Q.-C. He Source Type: journals

Effects on human eyes caused by experimental exposures to office dust with and without addition of aldehydes or glucanEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract Thirty-six volunteers (in three susceptibility groups: 11 subjects were non-allergic with nasal histamine hypersensitivity, 13 were non-allergic with normal sensitivity, and 12 were pollen allergic with or without nasal hypersensitivity) were exposed for three and a half hours in a climate chamber. Each subject was exposed to clean air (dust 45 ± 38 [mu]g/m3 total suspended particle, TSP), house dust at 357 ± 180 [mu]g/m3 TSP, house dust 382 ± 175 [mu]g/m3 TSP with added glucan (50 ng/m3) and house dust 394 ± 168 [mu]g/m3 TSP with added aldehydes corresponding to a gaseous phase of 300 [mu]g/m3 in the air. The...
Source: Indoor Air - December 6, 2008 Category: Occupational Health Authors: L. Mølhave, Z. Pan, S. K. Kjærgaard, J. H. Bønløkke, J.-E. Juto, K. Andersson, G. Stridh, H. Löfstedt, L. Bodin, T. Sigsgaard Source Type: journals

Indoor carbon monoxide and PM2.5 concentrations by cooking fuels in PakistanEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
This study showed very high level of air pollution in kitchens using wood as the cooking fuel. Many people, especially women and children, are vulnerable to exposure to very high levels of air pollutants as they spend time in the kitchen during cooking hours. (Source: Indoor Air)
Source: Indoor Air - December 5, 2008 Category: Occupational Health Authors: A. R. Siddiqui, K. Lee, D. Bennett, X. Yang, K. H. Brown, Z. A. Bhutta, E. B. Gold Source Type: journals

Respiratory Morbidity and Medical Visits Associated with Dampness and Air-conditioning in Offices and HomesEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
This study adds to the literature on respiratory morbidity associated with home and office exposures to mold and dampness. Public health response to lessen these exposures will improve the health and well-being of residents and workers as well as diminish the economic burden of lost work time and medical costs. (Source: Indoor Air)
Source: Indoor Air - December 5, 2008 Category: Occupational Health Authors: N. Sahakian, J.-H. Park, J. Cox-Ganser Source Type: journals

Particle transport in low-energy ventilation systems. Part 2: Transients and experimentsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract Providing adequate indoor air quality while reducing energy consumption is a must for efficient ventilation system design. In this work, we study the transport of particulate contaminants in a displacement-ventilated space, using the idealized 'emptying filling box' model (P.F. Linden, G.F. Lane-serff and D.A. Smeed (1990) Emptying filling boxes: the fluid mechanics of natural ventilation, J. fluid Mech., 212, 309[ndash]335.). In this paper, we focused on transient contaminant transport by modeling three transient contamination scenarios, namely the so called 'step-up', 'step-down', and point source cases. Using a...
Source: Indoor Air - December 4, 2008 Category: Occupational Health Authors: D. T. Bolster, P. F. Linden Source Type: journals

Particle transport in low-energy ventilation systems. Part 1: theory of steady statesEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Many modern low-energy ventilation schemes, such as displacement or natural ventilation, take advantage of temperature stratification in a space, extracting the warmest air from the top of the room. The adoption of these energy-efficient ventilation systems still requires the provision of acceptable indoor air quality. In this work we study the steady state transport of particulate contaminants in a displacement-ventilated space. Representing heat sources as ideal sources of buoyancy, analytical models are developed that allow us to compare the average efficiency of contaminant removal between traditional and modern low-en...
Source: Indoor Air - December 3, 2008 Category: Occupational Health Authors: D. T. Bolster, P. F. Linden Source Type: journals

Improving indoor air quality for poor families: a controlled experiment in BangladeshEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract The World Health Organization's 2004 Global and Regional Burden of Disease Report estimates that acute respiratory infections from indoor air pollution (pollution from burning wood, animal dung, and other bio-fuels) kill a million children annually in developing countries, inflicting a particularly heavy toll on poor families in South Asia and Africa. This paper reports on an experiment that studied the use of different fuels in conjunction with different combinations of construction materials, space configurations, cooking locations, and household ventilation practices (use of doors and windows) as potentially-im...
Source: Indoor Air - October 19, 2008 Category: Occupational Health Authors: S. Dasgupta, D. Wheeler, M. Huq, M. Khaliquzzaman Source Type: journals

Heart rate variation and electroencephalograph – the potential physiological factors for thermal comfort studyEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
This study managed to identify the two physiological variables (e.g. heart rate variation and electroencephalograph) that might have potential relationship with human's thermal comfort. It will help us to understand the essentiality of thermal comfort better. (Source: Indoor Air)
Source: Indoor Air - October 16, 2008 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Y. Yao, Z. Lian, W. Liu, C. Jiang, Y. Liu, H. Lu Source Type: journals

A one-dimensional analytical model for airborne contaminant transport in airliner cabinsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract Quick information on airborne infectious disease transmission in airliner cabins is essential to reduce the risk of infection of passengers and crew members. This investigation proposed a one-dimensional analytical model that can predict the longitudinal transmission of airborne contaminants or disease viruses inside an airliner cabin. The model considered both diffusive and convective transport of contaminants in the longitudinal direction of the cabin but assumed complete mixing of contaminants in the cabin cross-section. The effect of recirculation of the cabin air and efficiency of the high-efficiency particul...
Source: Indoor Air - October 15, 2008 Category: Occupational Health Authors: S. Mazumdar, Q. Chen Source Type: journals

Health evaluation of volatile organic compound (VOC) emission from exotic wood productsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract The purpose of this study was to measure and evaluate the impact of the emissions of selected products of exotic wood on health. Ten products were screened for chemical compounds, and five of the most used products which emitted more than 800 [mu]g/kg were selected for further quantitative analyses by climate chamber measurement (iroko, ramin, sheesham, merbau, and rubber tree). Samples of exotic wood (rubber tree and belalu) were further analyzed for emission of chemical compounds by migration into artificial saliva and for content of pesticides and allergenic natural rubber latex (NR latex) (rubber tree). The to...
Source: Indoor Air - October 14, 2008 Category: Occupational Health Authors: L. Kirkeskov, T. Witterseh, L. W. Funch, E. Kristiansen, L. Mølhave, M. K. Hansen, B. B. Knudsen Source Type: journals

Real-time or faster-than-real-time simulation of airflow in buildingsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract Real-time flow simulation is crucial for emergency management in buildings, such as fire and accidental or intentional release of chemical/biological agents (contaminants). The simulation results can then be used to impose proper measures to minimize casualties. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is accurate, but too time-consuming. Nodal models are fast, but not informative. To obtain a quick and informative solution, this study proposes an intermediate approach between nodal models and CFD by introducing a fast fluid dynamics (FFD) method. This investigation used the FFD methods with and without turbulence treat...
Source: Indoor Air - October 14, 2008 Category: Occupational Health Authors: W. Zuo, Q. Chen Source Type: journals

Particle dose estimation from frying in residential settingsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
This study investigated the contribution of frying in residential settings to ultrafine and fine particulate matter (UFP, PM2.5, respectively) exposure in homes. Production rates of 44 ± 26 particles (pt)/cm3 s (mean ± standard deviation) and 0.13 ± 0.12 [mu]g/m3 s were found for UFP and PM2.5, respectively, from frying a variety of foods at medium heat in a loft-style apartment. Rates of 290 ± 150 pt/cm3 s and 3.5 ± 4.9 [mu]g/m3 s were found for UFP and PM2.5, respectively, from frying with vegetable oil alone in five homes; the higher rates were ascribed to differences between the homes rather than the absence of fo...
Source: Indoor Air - October 9, 2008 Category: Occupational Health Authors: G. J. Evans, A. Peers, K. Sabaliauskas Source Type: journals

Indoor air quality assessment in and around urban slums of Delhi city, IndiaEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract The present study aims at investigating the indoor air quality (IAQ) in selected households in one of the urban slums i.e. the Nizamuddin slums in Delhi, the capital city of India. The study includes investigations and assessments on associated health effects on the occupants living in inefficiently designed houses having poor ventilation. The monitoring of indoor air pollutants e.g. the respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM), the carbon dioxide (CO2), the carbon monoxide (CO), the sulphur dioxide (SO2) and the nitrogen dioxide (NO2) for all three seasons i.e. summer (April[ndash]June 2004), rainy (July[nd...
Source: Indoor Air - October 8, 2008 Category: Occupational Health Authors: P. Kulshreshtha, M. Khare, P. Seetharaman Source Type: journals