A Comparison of Airborne Formaldehyde Field Measurements Collected in an Anatomic Pathology Laboratory

Environmental monitoring of airborne formaldehyde (FA) using sensitive methodologies is fundamental to prevent health risks. The objective of this study was to compare three different FA monitoring methods during the daily activities of an anatomic pathology laboratory. Daily eight-hour measurements deriving from Radiello® passive diffusive samplers (PDS), NEMo XT continuous optical sensor (COS), and multi-gas 1512 photoacoustic monitor (MPM) were simultaneously compared over a period of 14 working days. Given the different daily distributions of the measurements performed by the three devices, all measurements were time-aligned for comparison purposes. The 95% limit of agreement (LOA) method was applied to estimate the degree of concordance of each device with respect to the others. Formaldehyde arithmetic mean measured using PDS was 32.6 ± 10.4 ppb (range: 19.8 - 62.7). The simultaneous measures performed by COS and MPM were respectively 42.4 ± 44.8 ppb (range: 7.0 - 175.0) and 189.0 ± 163.7 ppb (range: 40.0 - 2895.4). The MPM geometric mean (171.3 ppb) was approximately five times higher than those derived from COS (32.3 ppb) and PDS (31.4 ppb). The results of the LOA method applied to log-transformed FA data showed the same systematic discrepancies between MPM and the other two devices. A good agreement between PDS and COS could lead to a tailored approach according to the individual specificity of these techniques. This tool may be useful for accurately assessing the risk of FA exposure among healthcare workers. However, the limited specificity of the MPM does not support its use as a monitoring method for FA in the workplace.

Particulate Matter-Based Air Quality Index Estimate for Abuja, Nigeria: Implications for Health

In recent years, urban air quality in developing countries such as Nigeria has continued to degenerate and this has constituted a major environmental risk to human health. It has been shown that an increase in ambient particulate matter (PM10) load of 10 μg/m3 reduces life expectancy by 0.64 years. Air Quality Index (AQI) as demonstrated in this study shows how relatively clean or polluted the boundary layer environment of any location can be. The study was designed to measure the level of suspended particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) for dry and wet seasons, compute the prevalent air quality index of selected locations in Abuja with possible health implications. Suspended particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) was assessed using handheld aerosol particulate sampler. The US Oak Ridge National AQI was adopted for the eleven (11) locations sampled and monitored. The study results showed that the air quality of the selected areas in Abuja were generally good and healthy. Dry season, assessments, showed 15 - 95 μg/m3 and 12 - 80 μg/m3 for PM2.5 and PM10, respectively. While in wet season, 09 - 75 μg/m3 and 07 - 65 μg/m3 were recorded for PM2.5 and PM10. However at Jebi Central Motor Park, there was light air contamination with AQI of 42 for dry season and 31 for wet season. Other locations had clean air with AQI ≤ 11. It is revealed that clean air exists generally during the wet season. Comparing study outcome to other cities in Nigeria, residents of Abuja are likely not to be affected with health hazards of particulate matter pollution. Nonetheless, the high range of PM2.5 and PM10 (fine and coarse particles) ratio evaluated i.e., 1.06 - 1.79 was higher than the WHO recommended standard of 0.5 - 0.8. This ratio remains a health concerns for sensitive inhabitants like pregnant women and their foetus as well as infants below age five whose respiratory airways are noted to have high surface areas and absorption capacity for fine particulate matter. Vegetation known to absorb suspended particulate matter should be planted across Abuja metropolitan areas and air quality monitoring stations installed at strategic locations for continuous monitoring and evaluations.

Effectiveness of Improved Cookstoves to Reduce Indoor Air Pollution in Developing Countries. The Case of the Cassamance Natural Subregion, Western Africa

The Spanish NGO “Alianza por la Solidaridad” has installed improved cookstoves in 3000 households during 2012 and 2013 to improve energy efficiency reducing fuelwood consumption and to improve indoor air quality. The type of cookstoves were Noflaye Jeeg and Noflaye Jaboot and were installed in the Cassamance Natural Subregion covering part of Senegal, The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau. The Technical University of Madrid (UPM) has conducted a field study on a sample of these households to assess the effect of improved cookstoves on kitchen air quality. Measurements of carbon monoxide (CO) and fine particle matter (PM2.5) were taken for 24-hr period before and after the installation of improved cookstoves. The 24-hr mean CO concentrations were lower than the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for Guinea-Bissau but higher for Senegal and Gambia, even after the installation of improved cookstoves. As for PM2.5 concentrations, 24-hr mean were always higher than these guidelines. However, improved cookstoves produced significant reductions on 24-hr mean CO and PM2.5 concentrations in Senegal and for mean and maximum PM2.5 concentration on Gambia. Although this variability needs to be explained by further research to determine which other factors could affect indoor air pollution, the study provided a better understanding of the problem and envisaged alternatives to be implemented in future phases of the NGO project.

Indoor Air Environment—Hygienic Factors and Limits

Complaints on the indoor environment of the residents in recent decades have become a common problem in the Swedish housing. The buildings themselves are said to be the cause of problems, and it is given a vague picture of both the exposure and the effect of the problems. The symptoms that residents and users state are often common in the population such as headache, fatigue, mucosal disorders and skin problems. It must be considered that the air that people routinely inhale contains impurities of various kinds, both in- and outdoors. An important source of contamination indoors is the microorganisms that are pathogenic, so called agents. Examples of infectious agents are viruses, fungi, bacteria and protozoa. The purpose of this project is to examine whether a physical measurement is possible to obtain for identifying a possible threshold level of air pollution in the indoor environment. In this study, carried out through physical measurements, the results show major deficiencies in the Swedish school environment. If we study the emissions in the important health-related size range of particles larger than 5.0 microns, before and after measures, the environmental benefits are clarified since over 90% of contaminants larger than 5.0 microns have been eliminated.

Fungal contaminations of indoor and outdoor air of buildings of the University of Cape Coast,Ghana

The presence of microscopic spores in the air affects the quality of air inhaled by animals including humans.Microbial contamination of air impacts the well-being of occupants of an indoor environment,sometimes with dire consequences.The study investigated fungal contaminations of indoor and outdoor air of the Hospital,Library and Senior Common Room(SCR)of the University of Cape Coast,Ghana.Indoor and outdoor air was sampled using the Koch’s sedimentation method.Colony forming units per cubic meter of air(cfu/m^(3))were determined with the Omeliansky formula.The isolated fungi were identified based on morphological and growth characteristics.For indoor air,the least colony counts were recorded in the SCR for both morning and afternoon samples,whilst the Hospital air had the highest colony counts.For outdoor air,the colony counts were lower in SCR and the Library for both morning and afternoon samples compared to the Hospital.The results further indicated that indoor concentrations of fungi,for morning and afternoon,ranged between 4.0x10^(4) and 2.1x10^(5) cfu/m^(3),whereas outdoor concentrations of fungi ranged between 1.1x105 and 3.0x10^(5) cfu/m^(3),revealing an overall higher levels of contamination of outdoor air than indoor air at all the three buildings.Consequently,estimated indoor/outdoor(I/O)concentration ratios of fungi revealed an exogenous source of indoor contaminations at all the three buildings sampled.Fungi isolated from indoor and outdoor air were of the genera Aspergillus,Curvularia,Cylindrocarpon,Fusarium,Mucor,Neurospora,Penicillium and Rhodotorula.We conclude that indoor and outdoor air of the buildings sampled were contaminated with airborne fungi;however,based on estimated I/O ratios,the indoor ambient conditions of the buildings were good.The implication of findings of this study is that the presence of airborne fungal contaminants of indoor and outdoor workplace environment may pose serious occupational health consequences,hence low productivity.

The development of local ambient air quality standards: A case study of Hainan Province, China

The ambient air quality standard(AAQS)is a vital policy instrument for protecting the environment and human health.Hainan Province is at the forefront of China's efforts to protect its ecological environment,with an official goal to achieve world-leading air quality by 2035.However,neither the national AAQS nor the World Health Organization guideline offers sufficient guidance for improving air quality in Hainan because Hainan has well met the former while the latter is excessively stringent.Consequently,the establishment of Hainan's local AAQS becomes imperative.Nonetheless,research regarding the development of local AAQS is scarce,especially in comparatively more polluted countries such as China.The relatively high background values and significant interannual fluctuations in air pollutant concentrations in Hainan present challenges in the development of local AAQS.Our research proposes a world-class local AAQS of Hainan Province by reviewing the AAQS in major countries or regions worldwide,analyzing the influence of different statistical forms,and carefully evaluating the attainability of the standard.In the proposed AAQS,the annual mean concentration limit for PM2.5,the annual 95th percentile of daily maximum 8-h mean(MDA8)concentration limit for O_(3),and the peak season concentration limit for O_(3) are set at 10,120,and 85μg/m^(3),respectively.Our study indicates that,with effective control policies,Hainan is projected to achieve compliance with the new standard by 2035.The implementation of the local AAQS is estimated to avoid 1,526(1,253–1,789)and 259(132–501)premature deaths attributable to longterm exposure to PM2.5 and O_(3) in Hainan in 2035,respectively.

Metal-enriched nanoparticles and black carbon:A perspective from the Brazil railway system air pollution

Having a better understanding of air pollutants in railway systems is crucial to ensure a clean public transport.This study measured,for the first time in Brazil,nanoparticles(NPs)and black carbon(BC)on two groundlevel platforms and inside trains of the Metropolitan Area of Porto Alegre(MAPA).An intense sampling campaign during thirteen consecutive months was carried out and the chemical composition of NPs was examined by advanced microscopy techniques.The results showed that highest concentrations of the pollutants occur in colder seasons and influenced by variables such as frequency of the trains and passenger densities.Also,internal and external sources of pollution at the stations were identified.The predominance of NPs enriched with metals that increase oxidative stress like Cd,Fe,Pb,Cr,Zn,Ni,V,Hg,Sn,and Ba both on the platforms and inside trains,including Fe-minerals as hematite and magnetite,represents a critical risk to the health of passengers and employees of the system.This interdisciplinary and multi-analytical study aims to provide an improved understanding of reported adverse health effects induced by railway system aerosols.

室内粉尘污染对人体健康的影响及防治策略研究

本研究旨在深入探讨室内粉尘污染对人体健康的影响,并提出了一系列有效的防治策略。通过文献综述和数据分析,发现室内粉尘污染与多种健康问题密切相关,强调了改善室内空气质量的紧迫性。为了降低室内粉尘污染的危害,建议采取综合性的控制措施,包括通风改善、定期清洁、过滤器使用等,以保护人体健康。此外,还将通过案例研究深入探讨不同环境下的室内粉尘污染问题和解决方法。

银川市室内氡浓度水平及人体辐射暴露研究

室内氡浓度会对人体健康造成重大影响,为全面了解银川市(三区两县)室内氡浓度水平及对公众辐射有效剂量,该研究使用RAD7测氡仪对银川市(三区两县)15处居室进行连续12个月的监测,并对监测数据进行统计分析和综合研究。监测结果显示银川市(三区两县)居室内氡浓度水平在3.04~144 Bq/m3之间,算数平均值为55.89 Bq/m3,高于世界平均水平,银川市室内氡所产生的居民年均有效剂量值为1.83 mSv,在公众年有效剂量安全范围内(5 mSv)。鉴于氡及其子体对人健康潜在危害大,建议应做好防氡措施。

A Study of Hygiene in Swedish Schools and Pre-Schools-Sources of Air Pollution

Poor indoor air quality is a large problem in Swedish schools, since the health of occupants may be affected. The building itself is often in focus and other building-related problems may be neglected. The hypothesis of this study is that factors other than the building itself have decisive influence on indoor environment. An assessment of these nonspecific building-related reasons for bad indoor environment has been made in the present work using surveys combined with particle measurements and comfort measurements (air humidity and air temperature). People are experiencing poor indoor air quality, the air is too dry and the temperature is uneven and uncomfortable indoors in the winter. It is important to highlight the problem of indoor environments with high particulate emissions especially in the range from 5.0 microns and larger since they are conveyers of allergens and bacteria, combined with dry air. An interesting observation regarding the ventilation system is that mechanical systems are tending to generate drier indoor air than the natural ventilation system. Results show that it is possible to decrease emissions through eliminating activity-related sources of airborne contaminants and better the comfort indoors with relatively simple measures.

和田市空气质量特征及潜在健康效应

利用和田市2016—2021年的空气质量历史数据,分析PM_(2.5)、PM_(10)、SO_(2)、NO_(2)、CO、O_(3)-8H等空气污染物浓度和空气质量指数(Air Quality Index,AQI)的分布特征及其相关性,探讨空气质量与潜在人体健康效应的关系。结果表明:2016—2021年和田市两个空气污染监测点O_(3)-8H浓度呈倒“U”型变化趋势,其余各污染物浓度则呈“U”型曲线分布特征;PM_(2.5)和PM_(10)是全年的主要污染物,其浓度在春季相对较高,SO_(2)、NO_(2)浓度在秋冬季相对较高,CO浓度则在冬季达到最高,O_(3)-8H浓度在夏季相对较高;2016—2021年PM_(2.5)浓度有所下降,PM_(10)浓度有所上升,SO_(2)浓度有所下降,空气质量总体未明显改善;和田市空气质量指数AQI值高于国家二级水平,空气质量全年以轻度污染为主,空气质量处于“不健康”状态时期远高于“健康”状态时期,对居民身心健康潜在危害较高。

Indoor Particulate Matter Assessment in a Northern Nigerian Abattoir and a Residential Building

Indoor air pollution in buildings puts people at risk of developing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.Particulate matter(PM)exposure is known to cause these health issues.Preliminary efforts were made in this study to assess the quantity and quality of PM1.0,PM_(2.5),and PM_(10)present in an abattoir and a residential building in northern Nigeria.Canree A1 low-cost sensor was used to monitor the locations,8 hourly for two weeks.The results showed that the aver­age values(μg/m^(3))of PM1.0,PM_(2.5),and PM_(10)in an abattoir were 62.74,161.94,and 199.08,respectively,and in a residential building were 28.70,83.31,and 103.71.The average Air Quality Index(AQI)of the abattoir office was Very Unhealthy,while the living room of the residential building was unhealthy.The PM_(2.5),and PM_(10)levels were higher than the international(WHO)and national(FMEnv)standard limits,indicating a potential danger to building occupants.It is expected that the indoor environment of the locations will be improved by the use of good ventilators(adequate windows and doors)and the provision of good extractors.

住宅室内空气羰基化合物的污染特征及健康影响

为研究住宅室内空气中羰基化合物污染水平及健康影响,于2016年采集西安市城区住宅5户家庭室内空气中20种羰基化合物,利用高效液相色谱仪进行检测和分析.结果表明,室内羰基化合物浓度((144.3±56.2)μg·m^(-3))显著高于室外((63.0±21.8)μg·m^(-3)).甲醛、乙醛和丙酮是室内外环境中相对贡献比较丰富的化合物,占总羰基化合物浓度的47.0%—73.0%.通风换气次数对室内环境中羰基化合物污染影响显著.室内羰基化合物浓度变化呈现显著的“周末效应”,具体表现为供暖季多数羰基化合物周末高于工作日,非供暖季工作日高于周末.健康风险评估表明各住宅儿童每日吸入甲醛和乙醛的剂量均超过儿童终生致癌风险阈值1—2个数量级,因此面临显著的潜在癌症风险.室内气味污染则主要来自于气味阈值较低的高分子量羰基化合物,包括己醛、庚醛、辛醛、壬醛和癸醛.其中辛醛贡献最大,其气味活性值均大于100.本研究结果为城市住宅室内痕量羰基污染物特征及健康影响提供了基础数据和科学依据.

分体式空调办公建筑不同设定温度模式对健康的影响研究

在“双碳”目标背景下,地方政府再次发出办公场所夏季制冷温度设置不低于26℃的通知。为探究不同设定温度模式对健康的影响,本文以26℃为界限,对郑州市和焦作市设定温度≥26℃(实验组)和<26℃(对照组)的分体式空调办公建筑进行现场调研,测量了室内外热环境参数、受试者皮肤温度、室内空气污染物浓度,并调查了受试者的空气质量满意度和空调使用行为状况。研究发现:相比于低设定温度模式,高设定温度模式下受试者对空调的依赖程度更低、暴露的空调环境温度更高、时间更短,对偏热环境的体温调节能力更强。夏季两市办公建筑主要室内空气污染物为CO_(2)和甲醛。高设定温度模式下的室内CO_(2)和甲醛浓度以及甲醛致癌风险均显著小于低设定温度模式,而不同设定温度模式受试者的室内空气质量满意度无显著差异。长期处于低设定温度模式下,会降低人们对室内空气质量的有效感知。从健康和节能的角度出发,应继续加强“办公场所夏季制冷温度设置不低于26℃”的政策引导。研究结果可为夏季分体式空调办公建筑的节能政策推行和室内环境健康问题的解决提供理论依据。

装修后居室空气污染及健康效应

目的探讨装修后居室空气污染及健康效应。方法选择新装修的13户家庭在装修后的第1～4天、2个月和6个月进行室内空气采样,测定室内空气中甲醛、苯、对二甲苯、间二甲苯、邻二甲苯的浓度,同时对家庭成员装修前后眼及呼吸系统的不良反应进行流行病学调查。结果室内空气甲醛浓度超标2.92倍以上,苯、二甲苯超标7.4～11.3倍及58.2～87.1倍。装修后室内空气污染物浓度随时间的延长呈下降趋势。家庭成员中流泪和打喷嚏、支气管炎或咳嗽、哮喘、头晕的阳性率在装修前分别为0%、3.0%、3.0%、0%,装修后上升至24.2%、7.6%、6.1%、7.6%。结论室内装修可导致室内空气中甲醛和苯系物污染,污染程度与装修的复杂程度成正比,并与装修材料的质量有关,装修还导致家庭成员眼部及呼吸系统的不良反应的阳性率上升。

中国农村室内空气污染及其对健康的危害

[目的]综合分析中国农村居室内空气污染现状及其对农民健康的危害,为进一步研究污染控制提供线索。[方法]收集1994～2005年间发表的有关中国农村室内空气污染及其危害研究的中文文献,进行去伪存真、整理、汇总。文献中不包括燃煤所致的砷和氟污染及其慢性中毒的研究。[结果]冬季家庭燃煤取暖是现阶段中国北方农村室内空气污染的主要原因。中国农村室内空气的污染程度与区域、季节、燃料燃烧状态、燃料种类,以及大气质量、住房结构、室内通风状况等条件有关。中国农村室内空气污染与农民慢性阻塞性肺部疾病、肺癌、呼吸系统症状和肺功能改变的关系较为密切。[结论]中国农村室内空气污染主要来源于室内燃料的燃烧,特别是煤的燃烧,并已对农民健康产生了危害。改炉改灶、行为干预、改换燃料等行之有效的措施,势在必行。

地下空间空气中微生物调查

目的通过对51个地下空间空气中微生物检测,了解地下空间空气中微生物污染状况。方法1992—2004年对华北地区51个地下空间,按通风状况分为密闭型(12个)、通风型(21个)、半密闭型(18个)。用撞击法和沉降法检测空气中细菌总数、真菌数、链球菌及厌氧菌。分离出的黄曲霉菌用ELISA方法检测黄曲霉毒素B1。结果地下空间空气中细菌总数符合GJB3768—1999《屯兵坑道环境卫生学要求》,半密闭型地下空间房间和通道空气中细菌总数、真菌数的监测结果均高于相应对照(P<0.01)。鉴定出的2845株真菌中,青霉属及曲霉属为优势菌,分别占41.5%及19.1%。73株黄曲霉菌中黄曲霉毒素B1阳性者9株,占12.3%。通风型、密闭型地下空间通道和房间空气中厌氧菌高于相应对照组(P<0.01或P<0.05),链球菌与相应对照组相比,差异无统计学意义。密闭型通道空气中厌氧菌分别是半密闭型及通风型通道的4.2倍及3.8倍。结论地下空间房间和通道空气中含有大量真菌和厌氧菌,对进驻人员健康有一定危害。

挥发性有机化合物对室内空气品质影响研究进展

系统回顾了近年来一些国家对室内空气环境中挥发性有机化合物 (VOC)研究的各个方面 ,包括VOC研究在室内空气品质研究中的地位 ,建筑物内VOC对人体健康的影响 ,VOC研究的实验方法、理论方法及主要研究结论 ,各国政府、学术团体采取的行动等。得出结论 :与建筑科学、环境科学及人体健康相关的工作人员 ,如居住者、建筑业主、建筑科学家、环境科学家、心理学家和生理学家、建筑师与暖通空调设计人员、建筑和装饰材料生产商、供应商 ,都应重视VOC问题。

装饰材料中甲醛对居室空气污染和健康危害研究

[目的 ]探讨装饰材料中主要污染物—甲醛对室内空气污染及其危害。 [方法 ]通过现况调查 ,研究了装饰材料在装饰后不同时间室内空气中甲醛的污染水平和居留者的反应。 [结果 ]装饰半年内室内空气甲醛平均含量为0 170mg/m3 ,2～ 3年为 0 0 71mg/m3 ,仍显著地高于未经装饰的房间。有装饰的公共场所室内空气甲醛合格率仅 2 2 7%～ 5 0 0 %。装饰 6个月内 46%的居住者有眼部刺激症状 ,2～ 3年内仍有 16 7%有眼部刺激症状 ,显著地高于无装修房间内的对照人群。[结论 ]装饰材料中主要污染物—甲醛对人群的健康危害较大 ,应加强该方面的调查研究 ,并加快装饰材料立法和标准的制定。

室内空气中总挥发性有机物(TVOCs)的污染

随着经济的发展和人们生活品质的提高 ,室内空气污染逐渐成为人们最为关心的环境问题之一 ,其中室内空气中总挥发性有机物的污染是室内空气污染中重要组成部分。因此 ,在参考了国内外大量文献的基础上 ,对总挥发性有机物的定义、来源、质量标准、测定方法、健康效应以及防治对策进行了较为全面的研究和总结。