Monitoring and Prediction of Indoor Air Quality for Enhanced Occupational Health

The amount of moisture in the air is represented by relative humidity(RH);an ideal level of humidity in the interior environment is between 40%and 60%at temperatures between 18°and 20°Celsius.When the RH falls below this level,the environment becomes dry,which can cause skin dryness,irritation,and discomfort at low temperatures.When the humidity level rises above 60%,a wet atmosphere develops,which encourages the growth of mold and mites.Asthma and allergy symptoms may occur as a result.Human health is harmed by excessive humidity or a lack thereof.Dehumidifiers can be used to provide an optimal level of humidity and a stable and pleasant atmosphere;certain models disinfect and purify the water,reducing the spread of bacteria.The design and implementation of a client-server indoor and outdoor air quality monitoring application are presented in this paper.The Netatmo station was used to acquire the data needed in the application.The client is an Android application that allows the user to monitor air quality over a period of their choosing.For a good monitoring process,the Netatmo modules were used to collect data from both environments(indoor:temperature(T),RH,carbon dioxide(CO_(2)),atmospheric pressure(Pa),noise and outdoor:T and RH).The data is stored in a database,using MySQL.The Android application allows the user to view the evolution of the measured parameters in the form of graphs.Also,the paper presents a prediction model of RH using Azure Machine Learning Studio(Azure ML Studio).The model is evaluated using metrics:Mean Absolute Error(MAE),Root Mean Squared Error(RMSE),Relative Absolute Error(RAE),Relative Squared Error(RSE)and Coefficient of Determination(CoD).

Design of Multi-gas Monitoring Device for Indoor Air Quality

Besides the need for low-cost instruments for air pollution measurement and detection,nowadays there are many concerns about air pollution due to the fast changes and used technologies.This research was applied using an MQ2 gas detector,and microcontroller/Arduino-Uno.The design steps included bonding and connecting readymade sensors,coding,and finally testing the device.Testing has been conducted in Environment and Pollution Engineering Department laboratories,at the Technical Engineering College of Kirkuk.This study proposed the use of an MQ2 sensor for multi-gas rate detection which can exist indoors.The system uses also a DHT22 sensor for measuring environment temperature and humidity.The sensors are connected to Arduino and LCD to present data on LCD by powering the system with external power.Overall,the testing was conducted,and the device served as a measuring tool for indoor air as an accurate multi-gas rate detector.

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.

A Natural Catalytic Converter® for Continuously Inactivating Air and Surface Pathogens with More Effect than Ventilation and Filtration

Study Objective: The purpose of the study is to present independent laboratory testing for a novel technology in air and on surfaces. Since 2020, public health goals have focused on improving indoor air quality. This includes protection from airborne pathogens, such as tuberculosis, RSV, SARS-CoV-2, common cold or influenza viruses, measles, and others. Engineering controls are highly effective at reducing hazardous pathogens found in indoor air and from recontamination of surfaces. This occurs from a continuous cycle of settling of small, sustained airborne pathogens, which may become dehumidified, becoming airborne again, carried by room air currents around indoor spaces, then repeating the cycle. Methods: The novel technology utilizes a catalytic process to produce safe levels of hydrogen peroxide gas that are effective in reducing pathogens in the air and on surfaces. Air testing was performed with the MS2 bacteriophage, the test organism for ASHRAE standard 241, and methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Surface testing was performed with SARS-COV-2 (Coronavirus COVID-19) and H1N1 (Influenza). Typical ventilation and filtration does not effectively remove disbursed pathogens from the entire facility, due to inconsistent air circulation and surface deposits of pathogens. Results: MS2 was reduced by 99.9%;MRSA was reduced by 99.9%;SARS-CoV-2 was reduced by 99.9%;H1N1 was reduced by 99.9%. Conclusion: This novel catalytic converter reduces a variety of pathogens in the air (99%) and on surfaces (99%), by actively disinfecting with the introduction of gaseous hydrogen peroxide. This active disinfection provides a strong solution for protecting the entire facility and its occupants.

Investigation and analysis on indoor air quality of large commercial office building in summer

To study the indoor air qualities（IAQ）of large commercial office buildings in Hunan province of China and the corresponding improvement methods,the IAQ of a large commercial office building in Changsha in July,2008,is investigated.A questionnaire survey and field tests are used to collect data.According to the data of twelve rooms in this building,objective evaluation and the subjective evaluation of the IAQ are obtained.Almost all of the environmental parameters in these rooms basically meet the standards of the objective evaluation.But the average concentration of carbon dioxide in most rooms cannot reach the value of the cleanliness standards,1 255 mg/m^3.The average acceptability of the IAQ in these rooms is 71%,which is lower than the value of the ASHRAE 55—1992 standards,80%.The proper increase in the wind speed and the indoor fresh air supply can greatly improve the objective evaluation and the subjective evaluation of the IAQ.

Indoor air quality risk assessment on the Canadian campus by a multilevel integrated weighted average method

Increasing incidents of indoor air quality(IAQ) related complaints lead us to the fact that IAQ has become a significant occupational health and environmental issue. However, how to effectively evaluate IAQ under different scale of multiple indicators is still a challenge. The traditional single-indicator method is subjected to uncertainties in assessing IAQ due to different subjectivity on good or bad quality and scalar differences of data set. In this study, a multilevel integrated weighted average IAQ method including initial walking through assessment(IWA) and two-layers weighted average method are developed and applied to evaluate IAQ of the laboratory building at the University of Regina in Canada. Some important chemical parameters related to IAQ in terms of volatile organic compounds(VOCs), methanol(HCHO), carbon dioxide(CO2), and carbon monoxide(CO) are evaluated based on 5 months continuous monitoring data. The new integrated assessment result can not only indicates the risk of an individual parameter, but also able to quantify the overall IAQ risk on the sampling site. Finally, some recommendations based on the result are proposed to address sustainable IAQ practices in the sampling area.

Energy Efficiency, Indoor Air Quality and Thermal Comfort Studies at the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, University Kebangsaan Malaysia

The study was conducted to identify indoor air quality and the level of thermal comfort in various selected locations in Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment （FKAB）, University Kebangsaan Malaysia （UKM） with built-up area of 250,936 fie. The indoor air quality and thermal comfort were measured at various selected locations by using indoor air quality equipment （Thermal Comfort SERI）. The thermal comfort assessments are based on Malaysian Code of Practice Indoor Air Quality 2005 and Moderate Thermal Environments-Determination of the PMV and PPD indices specification of the condition for thermal comfort （ISO7730：1994） From the data analysis, the FKAB building is considered inadequately vented space. The concentration of CO2 for all sampling area evaluated exceeds the recommended concentration （〉 1000 ppm）. The ventilation system used in FKAB building is designed by delivering fix amount of fresh air into building from external building without consideration on the number of occupants. This common ventilation design will increase the amount of CO2 dramatically all day long and these reflect the inefficiency of energy used. The faculty needs to be equipped with a comprehensive energy management system that can allow detailed documentation of continuous performance of all energy system and consumption in the building.

Indoor Air Quality and Thermal Comfort Evaluation in Latvian Daycare Centers with Carbon Dioxide, Temperature and Humidity as Indicators

Latvian children under the age of 7 can spend up to 60 hours per week in daycare centers and therefore it is very important to establish a healthy and comfortable daycare environment that children will find pleasant and stimulating to stay in. This study investigates indoor air quality and thermal comfort within six daycare centers （old, renovated and new-built） in moderate climate zone of Latvia. Measurements of carbon dioxide, air temperature and relative humidity were carried out, and data regarding daycare center characteristics and maintenance activities was collected via combination of field visits, record analysis and interviews. It was found that carbon dioxide concentrations exceeded 1000 ppm in 75% of daycare centers studied, with the highest （1356 ppm） measured in a renovated facility with the natural ventilation system. Thus installation of more efficient ventilation system （mechanical） is recommended to provide acceptable indoor air quality, since opening of windows itself cannot provide the optimal conditions indoors. In all facilities the temperature was kept above 20℃ and the average relative humidity was 40±35%, creating comfortable thermal environment for children.

Indoor Air Quality(IAQ)Evaluation of Higher Education Learning Environments

2022 Indoor Air Quality(IAQ),particularly in educational facilities,is gaining considerable interest and is a synonymous indicator towards evaluating human comfort.Factors such as CO_(2) concentration,temperature,and humidity play crucial parts in determining an acceptable level of IAQ.Many studies have also demonstrated that the indoor air quality of classrooms affects students’concentration and performance.Today with the threat of a global pandemic,the demand of clean&fresh indoor air quality in education buildings is extremely intensive.This study focuses on investigating IAQ situations and changes in different typical functional spaces of a higher education building in the UK.CO_(2),temperature,and humidity data in various learning environment were monitored via data loggers during the winter.Associated with data monitoring,a set of questionnaires surveys were carried out to evaluate the user’s experience.The results of this study show that temperature and CO_(2) concentration in the classrooms was constantly higher than the government guidance on a daily basis.The analysis also shows that temperature and humidity increased with CO_(2) levels,but at a much lower rate.This study has revealed poor and concerning IAQ in higher education buildings in the UK,particularly in larger rooms with high occupancy.Along with the findings,this paper also identifies possible impact or factors and proposes solutions to overcome these issues.

A novel deep learning framework with variational auto-encoder for indoor air quality prediction

Exposure to poor indoor air conditions poses significant risks to human health, increasing morbidity and mortality rates. Soft measurement modeling is suitable for stable and accurate monitoring of air pollutants and improving air quality. Based on partial least squares (PLS), we propose an indoor air quality prediction model that utilizes variational auto-encoder regression (VAER) algorithm. To reduce the negative effects of noise, latent variables in the original data are extracted by PLS in the first step. Then, the extracted variables are used as inputs to VAER, which improve the accuracy and robustness of the model. Through comparative analysis with traditional methods, we demonstrate the superior performance of our PLS-VAER model, which exhibits improved prediction performance and stability. The root mean square error (RMSE) of PLS-VAER is reduced by 14.71%, 26.47%, and 12.50% compared to single VAER, PLS-SVR, and PLS-ANN, respectively. Additionally, the coefficient of determination (R2) of PLS-VAER improves by 13.70%, 30.09%, and 11.25% compared to single VAER, PLS-SVR, and PLS-ANN, respectively. This research offers an innovative and environmentally-friendly approach to monitor and improve indoor air quality.

Optimising multi-vent module-based adaptive ventilation using a novel parameter for improved indoor air quality and health protection

As infectious respiratory diseases are highly transmissible through the air,researchers have improved traditional total volume air distribution systems to reduce infection risk.Multi-vent module-based adaptive ventilation(MAV)is a novel ventilation type that facilitates the switching of inlets and outlets to suit different indoor scenarios without changing ductwork layout.However,little research has evaluated MAV module sizing and air velocity selection,both related to MAV system efficiency in removing contaminants and the corresponding level of protection for occupants in the ventilated room.Therefore,the module-source offset ratio(MSOR)is proposed,based on the MAV module size and its distance from an infected occupant,to inform selection of optimal MAV module parameters.Computational fluid dynamics simulations illustrated contaminant distribution in a two-person MAV equipped office.Discrete phase particles modelled respiratory contaminants from the infected occupant,and contaminant concentration distributions were compared under four MAV air distribution layouts,three air velocities,and three module sizes considered using the MsOR.Results indicate that lower air velocities favour rising contaminant levels,provided the ventilation rate is met.Optimal contaminant discharge can be achieved when the line of outlets is located directly above the infected occupant.Using this parameter to guide MAV system design,85.7% of contaminants may be rendered harmless to the human body within 120 s using the default air vent layout.A more appropriate supply air velocity and air vent layout increases this value to 91.4%.These results are expected to inform the deployment of MAV systems to reduce airborne infection risk.

Comprehensive Analysis of Indoor Formaldehyde Removal Techniques:Exploring Physical,Chemical,and Biological Methods

This research focuses on the evaluation of diverse approaches for removing formaldehyde from indoor environments,which is a significant concern for indoor air quality.The study systematically examines physical,chemical,and biological methods to ascertain their effectiveness in formaldehyde mitigation.Physical methods,including air circulation and adsorption,particularly with activated carbon and molecular sieves,are assessed for their efficiency in various concentration scenarios.Chemical methods,such as photocatalytic oxidation using titanium dioxide and plasma technology,are analyzed for their ability to decompose formaldehyde into non-toxic substances.Additionally,biological methods involving plant purification and microbial transformation are explored for their eco-friendly and sustainable removal capabilities.The paper concludes that while each method has its merits,a combined approach may offer the most effective solution for reducing indoor formaldehyde levels.The study underscores the need for further research to integrate these methods in a practical,cost-effective,and environmentally sustainable manner,highlighting their potential to improve indoor air quality significantly.

Comprehensive characterization of indoor airborne bacterial profile

This is the first detailed characterization of the airborne bacterial profiles in indoor environments. Two restaurants were selected for this study. Fifteen genera of bacteria were isolated from each restaurant and identified by three different bacterial identification systems including MIDI, Biolog and Riboprinter. The dominant bacteria of both restaurants were Gram-positive bacteria in which Micrococcus and Bacillus species were the most abundant. Most bacteria identified were representative species of skin and respiratory tract of human, and soil. Although the bacterial levels in these two restaurants were below the limit of the Hong Kong Indoor Air Quality Objective （HKIAQO） Level 1 standard （i.e., 〈 500 cfu/m^3）, the majority of these bacteria were opportunistic pathogens. These results suggested that the identity of airborne bacteria should also be included in the IAQ to ensure there is a safety guideline for the public.

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.

Indoor Air Mycological Survey and Occupational Exposure in Libraries in Mato Grosso-Central Region—Brazil

Background: Indoor air quality in environments where there is great circulation of people, posing risks to the health of its occupants, including allergic problems, infections and contaminations, can be aided by climatic factors, chemicals and biological agents housed in these environments, influencing the location and providing favorable conditions for the degradation of bibliographic collections. The present study investigated the presence of fungi in indoor environments in seven public and private libraries in the central region of Brazil, Mato Grosso, and verified the impact on occupational health. Results: A total of 26,194 fungal specimens were isolated from 342 dust samples collected using three techniques: Andersen’s sampler (12.3%), exposure plate dish (25.1%) and sterile swab (62.6%). A total of 184 fungal species were identified: 156 (84.8%) mycelial fungi and 28 (15.2%) yeast fungi, belonging 54 fungal genera, 43 (79.6%) mycelial fungi and 11 (20.4%) yeast fungi. The genus Aspergillus (40.6%) was one of the main fungi present in indoor air. Aspergillus niger (12.3%) was identified as the most prevalent species in literary environments, followed by Cryptococcus spp. (7.1%) and Cladosporium cladosporioides (7.0%). In relation to seasonal distribution, there was a greater fungal isolation in the dry season (54%);followed by the rainy season (46%). Conclusion: These results suggest the substrates researched in the evaluated environments presented in the form of documents, books and papers associated with dust and air humidity become suitable for microbiological proliferation. These findings highlight the importance of minimizing the risk of exposure to fungal agents, identified in pathogenic and toxigenic microenvironments in library collections.

Energy performance assessment on central air-conditioning system of commercial building: A case study in China

Energy performance assessment on central air-conditioning system is essential to optimize operating, reduce operating costs, improve indoor environmental quality, and determine whether the retrofitting of the equipment is necessary. But it is difficult to evaluate it reasonably and comprehensively due to its complexity. A "holistic" approach was discussed to evaluate the energy performance of central air-conditioning system for an extra-large commercial building in a subtropical city. All procedures were described in detail, including field investigation method, field measurement instruments, data processing and data analyzing. The main factors affecting energy consumption of air-conditioning system were analyzed and the annual cooling-energy use intensity of this building was calculated and also compared with other shopping malls and other types of buildings in Guangzhou. And COP(coefficient of performance) of chiller, water transfer factor of chilled water system and cooling water system were taken into consideration. At last, the thermal comfort and indoor air quality issues were addressed. The results show that the chilled water pumps are over-sized and the indoor environmental quality should be improved. The purpose of this work is to provide reference for energy performance assessment method for air-conditioning system.

Novel Air Purification System for Installation in Air Handling Units： Development, Assembly and Experimental Analysis

Nowadays, people pass 90% of their time in closed spaces, therefore, an increasing care in the creation and upkeep of healthier environments as a personal and as professional level become a major issue. The present project has as goal the verification and optimization of the implicit need of an OCRAMclima~ AHU （air handling units） in IAQ （indoor air quality） and its effectiveness in treatment and/or air purification, having as basis the legal national and European requirements for IAQ. This work was based on the study of the state of the art of the techniques in air purification and in the evaluation of their performance, culminating in the production of the prototype OCRAMclima~ NPS （nano purifying system）. The purifying phenomena involved are UVGI （ultraviolet germicidal irradiation） and catalytic ionization of air. The performance test was accomplished in a closed loop circuit, which results, obtained by an independent IAQ analyst, were satisfactory, indicating the viability of application of this system to indoor air disinfection. The outcome revealed that the conjugating of both phenomena, the air sterilizing by UV and catalytic ionization, is efficient when used for air purification, mainly for volatile organic compounds and bioaerosols.

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.

Nationwide evaluation of energy and indoor air quality predictive control and impact on infection risk for cooling season

Since the coronavirus disease 2019,the extended time indoors makes people more concerned about indoor air quality,while the increased ventilation in seeks of reducing infection probability has increased the energy usage from heating,ventilation,and air-conditioning systems.In this study,to represent the dynamics of indoor temperature and air quality,a coupled grey-box model is developed.The model is identified and validated using a data-driven approach and real-time measured data of a campus office.To manage building energy usage and indoor air quality,a model predictive control strategy is proposed and developed.The simulation study demonstrated 18.92%energy saving while maintaining good indoor air quality at the testing site.Two nationwide simulation studies assessed the overall energy saving potential and the impact on the infection probability of the proposed strategy in different climate zones.The results showed 20%–40%energy saving in general while maintaining a predetermined indoor air quality setpoint.Although the infection risk is increased due to the reduced ventilation rate,it is still less than the suggested threshold(2%)in general.