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Indoor air quality-induced respiratory symptoms of a hospital staff in Iran

Veysi R, Heibati B, Jahangiri M, Kumar P, Latif MT, Karimi A

Environ Monit Assess, 2019 Jan 05;191(2):50.
PMID: 30612195 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-018-7182-5

The ambient air of hospitals contains a wide range of biological and chemical pollutants. Exposure to these indoor pollutants can be hazardous to the health of hospital staff. This study aims to evaluate the factors affecting indoor air quality and their effect on the respiratory health of staff members in a busy Iranian hospital. We surveyed 226 hospital staff as a case group and 222 office staff as a control group. All the subjects were asked to fill in a standard respiratory questionnaire. Pulmonary function parameters were simultaneously measured via a spirometry test. Environmental measurements of bio-aerosols, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds in the hospital and offices were conducted. T-tests, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regressions were used to analyze the data. The concentration of selected air pollutants measured in the hospital wards was more than those in the administrative wards. Parameters of pulmonary functions were not statistically significant (p > 0.05) between the two groups. However, respiratory symptoms such as coughs, phlegm, phlegmatic coughs, and wheezing were more prevalent among the hospital staff. Laboratory staff members were more at risk of respiratory symptoms compared to other occupational groups in the hospital. The prevalence of sputum among nurses was significant, and the odds ratio for the presence of phlegm among nurses was 4.61 times greater than office staff (p = 0.002). The accumulation of indoor pollutants in the hospital environment revealed the failure of hospital ventilation systems. Hence, the design and implementation of an improved ventilation system in the studied hospital is recommended.

Matched MeSH terms: Air Pollution, Indoor
Fulltext Radon concentration in workplace indoor air

Abdullah Mohd Noh, Nordin Ayoub, Siti Zurina Mat Noor, Norhafizah Zahari, Mardhiyati Mohd Yunus

Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2019;16(1):19-25.
MyJurnal

Radon exists naturally in the air. It can accumulate inside the buildings which may affect the indoor air quality. Radon is a radioactive gas that produces alpha particles during decay time. The alpha particles might cause harm to the human lungs and stomach. Inhalation of radon is one of the causes of lung cancer disease. Samples of inhaled radon in different rooms at the workplace were taken hourly through a passive diffusion chamber. The detection method was done using Alpha Spectrometry. The short term measurement was applied in the study to monitor the average weekly radon reading in different rooms in the Medical Imaging Laboratory of the University of Selangor (UNISEL). All tested rooms showed the existence of radon gas with different concentrations. Some of them showed the maximum reading of radon concentration which was higher than the radon action level of 148Bq/m3 or 4pCi/l. Their weekly average of radon concentration is contributing almost 50% of the accumulated radon concentration in the laboratory. It is highly recommended that monitoring the concentration of radon in indoor air is performed to ensure it is at a safe and healthy level.

Matched MeSH terms: Air Pollution, Indoor
Fulltext Ventilation flow evaluation system for sustainable housing development

Nur Azfahani Ahmad, Zuraihana Ahmad Zawawi, Nazhatulzalkis Jamaludin, Khairulliza Ahmad Salleh

Jurnal Inovasi Malaysia, 2019;2(2):55-70.
MyJurnal

A 1984 World Health Organization (WHO) Committee report highlighted that up to 30 per cent of buildings may have to face problems related to Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). Insufficient ventilation will lead to stagnant air and can cause stuffiness in buildings. This will then leads to a bigger problem, known as the Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). It is important to note that sick building syndrome may cause various illnesses including allergies, acute respiration problem, feeling of discomfort and other psychological impacts. The “Ventilation Flow Evaluation System for Sustainable Housing Development” is a PC-based database tool developed to access and measure ventilation flow in a new or remodelled building in order to prevent or mitigate this problem. The purpose of the system is to provide resources for building designers in solving Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) issues especially related to ventilation flow based on regulations provided in Malaysian Standard (MS 1525). The system will allow readily building plan to be measured and analysed based on ventilation data collected at site, in order to allow buildings to obtain healthy and sufficient air for breathing and comfort purposes. The system will also recommend suitable layout plan in the building to meet the ventilation purposes, namely cross-ventilation and stack-effect ventilation.

Matched MeSH terms: Air Pollution, Indoor
Fulltext School indoor air quality and health risk on the junior high schools students in Depok, Indonesia

Sasnila Pakpahan, Bambang Wispriyono, Budi Hartono, Juliana Jalaludin

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(204):114-123.
MyJurnal

Introduction: School environment represents an important microenvironment for students who spend 6-8 hours in classrooms. Indoor air quality is linked to several respiratory diseases in the school age group. This research aims to study indoor air quality of schools at different environmental characteristic and assess its health risks to students. Methods: This research measured air quality (PM2.5, PM10, CO2 , and HCHO) in three junior high schools and followed by health risk assessment. Results: This research found that the mean or median level of indoor PM2.5 and PM10 in all three schools exceeded the standard value with health risks (HQ> 1) for PM2.5 in all three schools and PM10 in two schools. Whereas carbon dioxide and formaldehyde concentrations were still safe and did not inflict health risks (HQ < 1). The scenario for managing the health risk of PM2.5 and PM10 exposure was to control the exposure at a safe threshold of PM2.5 0.035 mg/m3 ; 0.043 mg/m3 and PM10 0.144 mg/m3 for most of the population at normal school time. Conclusion: It was concluded that the level of indoor particulate matters indicates poor indoor air quality in all three schools at different environmental characteristic and inflicts health risk on students so that the health risk management is required.

Matched MeSH terms: Air Pollution, Indoor
Fulltext PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT OF THE DISTRIBUTION OF PM2.5-BOUND POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS IN PRIMARY SCHOOL ENVIRONMENTS IN KUALA LUMPUR

MOHAMAD FIRDAUS ISMAIL, MUHAMMAD FAIS FADZIL, NORHAYATI MOHD TAHIR, NORHAYATI MOHD TAHIR, MOHD TALIB LATIF, NOORLIN MOHAMAD

UMT Journal of Undergraduate Research, 2019;1(2):51-58.
MyJurnal

Fine particulate matter (aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm) (PM2.5) has become a major concern because it can adsorb chemicals e.g. polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) onto its surface. Although PAHs are priority pollutants that can cause adverse health effect, there is still limited information concerning indoor exposures to PAHs in Malaysia. This study aimed to characterise the distribution of PAHs bounded to PM2.5in primary school environments. Indoor and outdoor PM2.5 were collected between May and July 2017 using low volume samplers (LVS) at three public primary schools in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur. PAHs were extracted by ultrasonic extraction with Dichloromethane: n-Hexane (1:1, v/v) as the extraction solvent and analysed using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Based on the results, the average total concentration of PAHs (∑PAHs) ranged from 3.8 to 10.1 ng m-3and 1.6 to 8.0 ng m-3for outdoors and indoors, respectively. PAHs in PM2.5samples indicated the potential contribution of combustion at high temperature and indoor sources and the infiltration of outdoor PAHs were the important sources for outdoor and indoor, respectively. In addition, the diagnostic ratio analysis showed that vehicular emissions were the most predominant sources of PAHs in school environments.

Matched MeSH terms: Air Pollution, Indoor
Heavy metal quantification of classroom dust in school environment and its impacts on children health from Rawang (Malaysia)

Tan SY, Praveena SM, Abidin EZ, Cheema MS

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2018 Dec;25(34):34623-34635.
PMID: 30315534 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3396-x

This study aimed to determine bioavailable heavy metal concentrations (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, Zn) and their potential sources in classroom dust collected from children's hand palms in Rawang (Malaysia). This study also aimed to determine the association between bioavailable heavy metal concentration in classroom dust and children's respiratory symptoms. Health risk assessment (HRA) was applied to evaluate health risks (non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic) due to heavy metals in classroom dust. The mean of bioavailable heavy metal concentrations in classroom dust found on children's hand palms was shown in the following order: Zn (1.25E + 01 μg/g) > Cu (9.59E-01 μg/g) > Ni (5.34E-01 μg/g) > Cr (4.72E-02 μg/g) > Co (2.34E-02 μg/g) > As (1.77E-02 μg/g) > Cd (9.60E-03 μg/g) > Pb (5.00E-03 μg/g). Hierarchical cluster analysis has clustered 17 sampling locations into three clusters, whereby cluster 1 (S3, S4, S6, S15) located in residential areas and near to roads exposed to vehicle emissions, cluster 2 (S10, S12, S9, S7) located near Rawang town and cluster 3 (S13, S16, S1, S2, S8, S14, S11, S17, S5) located near industrial, residential and plantation areas. Emissions from vehicles, plantations and industrial activities were found as the main sources of heavy metals in classroom dust in Rawang. There is no association found between bioavailable heavy metal concentrations and respiratory symptoms, except for Cu (OR = 0.03). Health risks (non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks) indicated that there are no potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks of heavy metals in classroom dust toward children health.

Matched MeSH terms: Air Pollution, Indoor/analysis*
Health impact assessment from building life cycles and trace metals in coarse particulate matter in urban office environments

Othman M, Latif MT, Mohamed AF

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf, 2018 Feb;148:293-302.
PMID: 29080527 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2017.10.034

This study intends to determine the health impacts from two office life cycles (St.1 and St.2) using life cycle assessment (LCA) and health risk assessment of indoor metals in coarse particulates (particulate matter with diameters of less than 10µm). The first building (St.1) is located in the city centre and the second building (St.2) is located within a new development 7km away from the city centre. All life cycle stages are considered and was analysed using SimaPro software. The trace metal concentrations were determined by inductively couple plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Particle deposition in the human lung was estimated using the multiple-path particle dosimetry model (MPPD). The results showed that the total human health impact for St.1 (0.027 DALY m-2) was higher than St.2 (0.005 DALY m-2) for a 50-year lifespan, with the highest contribution from the operational phase. The potential health risk to indoor workers was quantified as a hazard quotient (HQ) for non-carcinogenic elements, where the total values for ingestion contact were 4.38E-08 (St.1) and 2.59E-08 (St.2) while for dermal contact the values were 5.12E-09 (St.1) and 2.58E-09 (St.2). For the carcinogenic risk, the values for dermal and ingestion routes for both St.1 and St.2 were lower than the acceptable limit which indicated no carcinogenic risk. Particle deposition for coarse particles in indoor workers was concentrated in the head, followed by the pulmonary region and tracheobronchial tract deposition. The results from this study showed that human health can be significantly affected by all the processes in office building life cycle, thus the minimisation of energy consumption and pollutant exposures are crucially required.

Matched MeSH terms: Air Pollution, Indoor/analysis
Fulltext Preparation, Characterization, and Performance Evaluation of Polysulfone Hollow Fiber Membrane with PEBAX or PDMS Coating for Oxygen Enhancement Process

Chong KC, Lai SO, Lau WJ, Thiam HS, Ismail AF, Roslan RA

Polymers (Basel), 2018 Jan 28;10(2).
PMID: 30966162 DOI: 10.3390/polym10020126

Air pollution is a widely discussed topic amongst the academic and industrial spheres as it can bring adverse effects to human health and economic loss. As humans spend most of their time at the office and at home, good indoor air quality with enriched oxygen concentration is particularly important. In this study, polysulfone (PSF) hollow fiber membranes fabricated by dry-jet wet phase inversion method were coated by a layer of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) or poly(ether block amide) (PEBAX) at different concentrations and used to evaluate their performance in gas separation for oxygen enrichment. The surface-coated membranes were characterized using SEM and EDX to determine the coating layer thickness and surface chemical properties, respectively. Results from the gas permeation study revealed that the PSF membrane coated with PDMS offered higher permeance and selectivity compared to the membrane coated with PEBAX. The best performing PDMS-coated membrane demonstrated oxygen and nitrogen gas permeance of 18.31 and 4.01 GPU, respectively with oxygen/nitrogen selectivity of 4.56. Meanwhile, the PEBAX-coated membrane only showed 12.23 and 3.11 GPU for oxygen and nitrogen gas, respectively with a selectivity of 3.94. It can be concluded the PDMS coating is more promising for PSF hollow fiber membrane compared to the PEBAX coating for the oxygen enrichment process.

Matched MeSH terms: Air Pollution, Indoor
Fulltext A Review of Indoor Air Quality and Respiratory System among Schoolchildren in Malaysia

Foo, Ming Hui

Borneo Journal of Medical Sciences, 2018;12(101):51-0.
MyJurnal

In this era, most of us are suffering some level of respiratory problem. Respiratory system of our children is even more sensitive compare to adults. As our children spending an average of 8 hours in school, indoor air quality of the classroom become an important element. Many studies have shown that indoor air quality not only affecting the respiratory system of schoolchildren but their performance in academy as well.

Matched MeSH terms: Air Pollution, Indoor
Volatile organic compounds (VOC), formaldehyde and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia: Associations with rhinitis, ocular, throat and dermal symptoms, headache and fatigue

Norbäck D, Hashim JH, Hashim Z, Ali F

Sci Total Environ, 2017 Aug 15;592:153-160.
PMID: 28319702 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.02.215

This paper studied associations between volatile organic compounds (VOC), formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) in schools in Malaysia and rhinitis, ocular, nasal and dermal symptoms, headache and fatigue among students. Pupils from eight randomly selected junior high schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia (N=462), participated (96%). VOC, formaldehyde and NO2 were measured by diffusion sampling (one week) and VOC also by pumped air sampling during class. Associations were calculated by multi-level logistic regression adjusting for personal factors, the home environment and microbial compounds in the school dust. The prevalence of weekly rhinitis, ocular, throat and dermal symptoms were 18.8%, 11.6%, 15.6%, and 11.1%, respectively. Totally 20.6% had weekly headache and 22.1% fatigue. Indoor CO2 were low (range 380-690 ppm). Indoor median NO2 and formaldehyde concentrations over one week were 23μg/m3 and 2.0μg/m3, respectively. Median indoor concentration of toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, and limonene over one week were 12.3, 1.6, 78.4 and 3.4μg/m3, respectively. For benzaldehyde, the mean indoor concentration was 2.0μg/m3 (median<1μg/m3). Median indoor levels during class of benzene and cyclohexane were 4.6 and 3.7μg/m3, respectively. NO2 was associated with ocular symptoms (p<0.001) and fatigue (p=0.01). Formaldehyde was associated with ocular (p=0.004), throat symptoms (p=0.006) and fatigue (p=0.001). Xylene was associated with fatigue (p<0.001) and benzaldehyde was associated with headache (p=0.03). In conclusion, xylene, benzaldehyde, formaldehyde and NO2 in schools can be risk factors for ocular and throat symptoms and fatigue among students in Malaysia. The indoor and outdoor levels of benzene were often higher than the EU standard of 5μg/m3.

Matched MeSH terms: Air Pollution, Indoor/adverse effects*
Ocular symptoms and tear film break up time (BUT) among junior high school students in Penang, Malaysia - Associations with fungal DNA in school dust

Norbäck D, Hashim JH, Hashim Z, Sooria V, Ismail SA, Wieslander G

Int J Hyg Environ Health, 2017 06;220(4):697-703.
PMID: 28254266 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2017.01.016

BACKGROUND: There are few studies on ocular effects of indoor mould exposure in schools, especially in the tropics OBJECTIVE: To study associations between eye symptoms and tear film break up time (BUT) in students and demographic data and fungal DNA in schools.
METHODS: A school environment study was performed among randomly selected students in eight randomly selected secondary schools in Penang, Malaysia. Information on eye symptoms and demographic data was collected by a standardised questionnaire. BUT was measured by two methods, self-reported BUT (SBUT) and by the non-invasive Tearscope (NIBUT). Dust was collected by vacuuming in 32 classrooms and analysed for five fungal DNA sequences. Geometric mean (GM) for total fungal DNA was 7.31*104 target copies per gram dust and for Aspergillus/Penicillium DNA 3.34*104 target copies per gram dust. Linear mixed models and 3-level multiple logistic regression were applied adjusting for demographic factors.
RESULTS: A total of 368 students (58%) participated and 17.4% reported weekly eye symptoms the last 3 months. The median SBUT and TBUT were 15 and 12s, respectively. Students wearing glasses (OR 2.41, p=0.01) and with a history of atopy (OR=2.67; p=0.008) had more eye symptoms. Girls had less eye symptoms than boys (OR=0.34; p=0.006) Indoor carbon dioxide in the classrooms was low (range 380-720ppm), temperature was 25-30°C and relative air humidity 70-88%. Total fungal DNA in vacuumed dust was associated with shorter SBUT (4s shorter per 105 target copies per gram dust; p=0.04) and NIBUT (4s shorter per 105 target copies per gram dust; p<0.001). Aspergillus/Penicillium DNA was associated with shorter NIBUT (5s shorter per 105 target copies per gram dust; p=0.01).
CONCLUSION: Fungal contamination in schools in a tropical country can be a risk factor for impaired tear film stability among students.

Matched MeSH terms: Air Pollution, Indoor/analysis*
Characterization and source profiling of volatile organic compounds in indoor air of private residences in Selangor State, Malaysia

Sakai N, Yamamoto S, Matsui Y, Khan MF, Latif MT, Ali Mohd M, et al.

Sci Total Environ, 2017 May 15;586:1279-1286.
PMID: 28236484 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.02.139

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in indoor air were investigated at 39 private residences in Selangor State, Malaysia to characterize the indoor air quality and to identify pollution sources. Twenty-two VOCs including isomers (14 aldehydes, 5 aromatic hydrocarbons, acetone, trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene) were collected by 2 passive samplers for 24h and quantitated using high performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Source profiling based on benzene/toluene ratio as well as statistical analysis (cluster analysis, bivariate correlation analysis and principal component analysis) was performed to identify pollution sources of the detected VOCs. The VOCs concentrations were compared with regulatory limits of air quality guidelines in WHO/EU, the US, Canada and Japan to clarify the potential health risks to the residents. The 39 residences were classified into 2 groups and 2 ungrouped residences based on the dendrogram in the cluster analysis. Group 1 (n=30) had mainly toluene (6.87±2.19μg/m3), formaldehyde (16.0±10.1μg/m3), acetaldehyde (5.35±4.57μg/m3) and acetone (11.1±5.95μg/m3) at background levels. Group 2 (n=7) had significantly high values of formaldehyde (99.3±10.7μg/m3) and acetone (35.8±12.6μg/m3), and a tendency to have higher values of acetaldehyde (23.7±13.5μg/m3), butyraldehyde (3.35±0.41μg/m3) and isovaleraldehyde (2.30±0.39μg/m3). The 2 ungrouped residences showed particularly high concentrations of BTX (benzene, toluene and xylene: 235μg/m3 in total) or acetone (133μg/m3). The geometric mean value of formaldehyde (19.2μg/m3) exceeded an 8-hour regulatory limit in Canada (9μg/m3), while those in other compounds did not exceed any regulatory limits, although a few residences exceeded at least one regulatory limit of benzene or acetaldehyde. Thus, the VOCs in the private residences were effectively characterized from the limited number of monitoring, and the potential health risks of the VOCs exposure, particularly formaldehyde, should be considered in the study area.

Matched MeSH terms: Air Pollution, Indoor/analysis*
Fulltext Design and Development of a Nearable Wireless System to Control Indoor Air Quality and Indoor Lighting Quality

Salamone F, Belussi L, Danza L, Galanos T, Ghellere M, Meroni I

Sensors (Basel), 2017 May 04;17(5).
PMID: 28471398 DOI: 10.3390/s17051021

The article describes the results of the project "open source smart lamp" aimed at designing and developing a smart object able to manage and control the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of the built environment. A first version of this smart object, built following a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach using a microcontroller, an integrated temperature and relative humidity sensor, and techniques of additive manufacturing, allows the adjustment of the indoor thermal comfort quality (ICQ), by interacting directly with the air conditioner. As is well known, the IEQ is a holistic concept including indoor air quality (IAQ), indoor lighting quality (ILQ) and acoustic comfort, besides thermal comfort. The upgrade of the smart lamp bridges the gap of the first version of the device providing the possibility of interaction with the air exchange unit and lighting system in order to get an overview of the potential of a nearable device in the management of the IEQ. The upgraded version was tested in a real office equipped with mechanical ventilation and an air conditioning system. This office was occupied by four workers. The experiment is compared with a baseline scenario and the results show how the application of the nearable device effectively optimizes both IAQ and ILQ.

Matched MeSH terms: Air Pollution, Indoor
Fulltext The correlation of Acanthamoeba from the ventilation system with other environmental parameters in commercial buildings as possible indicator for indoor air quality

Ooi SS, Mak JW, Chen DK, Ambu S

Ind Health, 2017 Feb 07;55(1):35-45.
PMID: 27476379 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.2015-0218

The free-living protozoan Acanthamoeba is an opportunistic pathogen that is ubiquitous in our environment. However, its role in affecting indoor air quality and ill-health of indoor occupants is relatively unknown. The present study investigated the presence of Acanthamoeba from the ventilation system and its correlation with other indoor air quality parameters, used in the industry code of practice and its potential as an indicator for indoor air quality. Indoor air quality assessments were carried out in nine commercial buildings with approval from the building management, and the parameters assessed were as recommended by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health. The presence of Acanthamoeba was determined through dust swabs from the ventilation system and indoor furniture. Logistic regression was performed to study the correlation between assessed parameters and occupants' complaints. A total of 107 sampling points were assessed and 40.2% of the supplying air diffuser and blowing fan and 15% of the furniture were positive for cysts. There was a significant correlation between Acanthamoeba detected from the ventilation system with ambient total fungus count (r=0.327; p=0.01) and respirable particulates (r=0.276; p=0.01). Occupants' sick building syndrome experience also correlated with the presence of Acanthamoeba in the ventilation system (r=0.361; p=0.01) and those detected on the furniture (r=0.290; p=0.01). Logistic regression showed that there was a five-fold probability of sick building syndrome among occupants when Acanthamoeba was detected in the ventilation system.

Matched MeSH terms: Air Pollution, Indoor/analysis*
Respiratory symptoms and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) among students in Penang, Malaysia in relation to signs of dampness at school and fungal DNA in school dust

Norbäck D, Hashim JH, Hashim Z, Cai GH, Sooria V, Ismail SA, et al.

Sci Total Environ, 2017 Jan 15;577:148-154.
PMID: 27802882 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.10.148

Few health studies exist on dampness and mould in schools in the tropics. We studied associations between fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), respiratory symptoms and airway infections among students and dampness and fungal DNA in schools in Malaysia. A total of 368 randomly selected students from 32 classrooms in 8 secondary schools in Penang, Malaysia, participated (58% participation rate). Information on current respiratory symptoms and the home environment was collected by a standardised questionnaire. FeNO was measured by NIOX MINO (50ml/min). The classrooms were inspected and dust was collected by vacuuming on special filters and was analysed for five fungal DNA sequences by quantitative PCR. Linear mixed models and 3-level multiple logistic regression (school, classroom, student) were applied adjusting for demographic data and the home environment. Totally 10.3% reported doctor's diagnosed asthma, 15.1% current wheeze, 12.4% current asthma, 37.3% daytime breathlessness, 10.2% nocturnal breathlessness, 38.9% airway infections and 15.5% had pollen or furry pet allergy. The geometric mean of FeNO was 19.9ppb and 45% had elevated FeNO (>20ppb). Boys had higher levels of FeNO. Chinese had less daytime breathlessness than Malay (OR=0.30: p<0.001). Indoor carbon dioxide levels were low (380-720ppm). Dampness was observed in 18% of the classrooms and was associated with respiratory infections (OR=3.70; 95% CI 1.14-12.1) and FeNO (p=0.04). Aspergillus versicolor DNA was detected in 67% of the classrooms. Higher numbers of Aspergillus versicolor DNA in classroom dust were associated with wheeze (p=0.006), current asthma (p=0.002), respiratory infections (p=0.005) and elevated FeNO levels (p=0.02). In conclusion, respiratory symptoms were common among the students and the high FeNO levels indicate ongoing airway inflammation. Building dampness and the mould Aspergillus versicolor in schools in Malaysia can be risk factors for impaired respiratory health among the students.

Matched MeSH terms: Air Pollution, Indoor/analysis*
Source apportionment and health risk assessment of PM10 in a naturally ventilated school in a tropical environment

Mohamad N, Latif MT, Khan MF

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf, 2016 Feb;124:351-362.
PMID: 26590697 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2015.11.002

This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and potential sources of PM10 as well as assess the potential health hazards it posed to school children. PM10 samples were taken from classrooms at a school in Kuala Lumpur's city centre (S1) and one in the suburban city of Putrajaya (S2) over a period of eight hours using a low volume sampler (LVS). The composition of the major ions and trace metals in PM10 were then analysed using ion chromatography (IC) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), respectively. The results showed that the average PM10 concentration inside the classroom at the city centre school (82µg/m(3)) was higher than that from the suburban school (77µg/m(3)). Principal component analysis-absolute principal component scores (PCA-APCS) revealed that road dust was the major source of indoor PM10 at both school in the city centre (36%) and the suburban location (55%). The total hazard quotient (HQ) calculated, based on the formula suggested by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), was found to be slightly higher than the acceptable level of 1, indicating that inhalation exposure to particle-bound non-carcinogenic metals of PM10, particularly Cr exposure by children and adults occupying the school environment, was far from negligible.

Matched MeSH terms: Air Pollution, Indoor/analysis*
Fulltext Ornamental potted plant as air bio-filters for indoor environments

Mohd Mahathir Suhaimi Shamsuri, Leman, A.M., Azian Hariri, Azizi Afandi

Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2016;13(2):1-8.
MyJurnal

The cultivation of indoor plants in indoor environment has become a topic of interest among researchers worldwide for its
potential to improve indoor air quality (IAQ). However, the adaptations of environmental factor of each plant need to be investigated
to correspond with the native environment. The study investigate the capability of plants selected to live indoor. Before experiment was
conducted, all plants selected were assimilated with indoor environment for two months. Photosynthesis proses in this experiment will
be a guidance to determine the comparative for every plant. The portable photosynthesis system equipment (LI-COR 6400) was used to
determine the level of photosynthesis rate for each of plants. Accordingly, among of all plants tested, Spider Plant showed less effective
to be grown with indoor environment by the rate of photosynthesis value up to -0.15. Moreover, light compensation point (LCP) of
Spider Plant also indicated the light intensity consumption was 2960 lux which is extremely higher than 300 lux. As a conclusion, only
six plants in this study which are Anthurium, Dumb Cane, Golden Pothos, Kadaka Fern, Prayer Plant, and Syngonium are able to
survive with indoor environment. In the next stage of study, this six plants may give good results to enhance the IAQ.

Matched MeSH terms: Air Pollution, Indoor
Improvement of indoor air quality using local fabricated activated carbon from date stones

Radaideh JA, Alazba AA, Amin MN, Shatnawi ZN, Amin MT

Sains Malaysiana, 2016;45:59-69.

Indoor air quality assessment in residential areas of Al-Hofuf city/Eastern region of Saudi Arabia is investigated through a multi-week multiple sites sampling survey. Critical air pollution indicators, including nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2) and total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) as well as temperatures were measured and analyzed during the study period from January to May 2014. Three site-types - roadside, urban and rural - were selected and within each site type, six locations were selected to study the varying indoor/outdoor air quality. The results indicated that NO2 and CO concentrations increased at the starting hours of the day. SO2 concentrations were relatively low and constant. In addition, a strong association between outdoor and indoor air quality was found. Measurements showed that indoor/outdoor ratio for TVOC ranged from 0.8 to 0.99. For CO2, NO2 and SO2, this was 0.92-1.15, 0.5-0.7 and 0.52-0.9, respectively. Finally, the effects of activated carbon (AC) were investigated to assess the extent of the improvement in the indoor air quality. The analysis of data obtained indicated that using locally prepared AC from date stones was an effective way to reduce the indoor air pollution with an overall efficiency of 85.5, while the use of industrial granular AC reduced the air pollutants with an efficiency of less than 0.6. In addition, AC was exposed to an exhaust gas flow to evaluate its elimination potential for high concentrated pollutants. The obtained results demonstrated that AC was also functioning as an efficient absorbent with an overall removal efficiency of 77.8%, even when it was exposed to high concentrations.

Matched MeSH terms: Air Pollution, Indoor
Sick building syndrome (SBS) among office workers in a Malaysian university--Associations with atopy, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and the office environment

Lim FL, Hashim Z, Md Said S, Than LT, Hashim JH, Norbäck D

Sci Total Environ, 2015 Dec 1;536:353-61.
PMID: 26225741 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.06.137

There are few studies on sick building syndrome (SBS) including clinical measurements for atopy and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). Our aim was to study associations between SBS symptoms, selected personal factors, office characteristics and indoor office exposures among office workers from a university in Malaysia. Health data were collected by a questionnaire (n=695), skin prick test (SPT) (n=463) and FeNO test (n=460). Office settled dust was vacuumed and analyzed for endotoxin, (1,3)-β-glucan and house dust mites (HDM) allergens group 1 namely Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p 1) and Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f 1). Office indoor temperature, relative air humidity (RH), carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) were measured by a direct reading instrument. Associations were studied by two-levels multiple logistic regression with mutual adjustment and stratified analysis. The prevalence of weekly dermal, mucosal and general symptoms was 11.9%, 16.0% and 23.0% respectively. A combination of SPT positivity (allergy to HDM or cat) and high FeNO level (≥25 ppb) was associated with dermal (p=0.002), mucosal (p<0.001) and general symptoms (p=0.05). Der f1 level in dust was associated with dermal (p<0.001), mucosal (p<0.001) and general (p=0.02) symptoms. Among those with allergy to D. farinae, associations were found between Der f 1 levels in dust and dermal (p=0.003), mucosal (p=0.001) and general symptoms (p=0.007). Office-related symptoms were associated with Der f 1 levels in dust (p=0.02), low relative air humidity (p=0.04) and high office temperature (p=0.05). In conclusion, a combination of allergy to cat or HDM and high FeNO is a risk factor for SBS symptoms. Der f 1 allergen in dust can be a risk factor for SBS in the office environment, particularly among those sensitized to Der f 1 allergen.

Matched MeSH terms: Air Pollution, Indoor/analysis*; Air Pollution, Indoor/statistics & numerical data
Fulltext Classifying Sources Influencing Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Using Artificial Neural Network (ANN)

Saad SM, Andrew AM, Shakaff AY, Saad AR, Kamarudin AM, Zakaria A

Sensors (Basel), 2015;15(5):11665-84.
PMID: 26007724 DOI: 10.3390/s150511665

Monitoring indoor air quality (IAQ) is deemed important nowadays. A sophisticated IAQ monitoring system which could classify the source influencing the IAQ is definitely going to be very helpful to the users. Therefore, in this paper, an IAQ monitoring system has been proposed with a newly added feature which enables the system to identify the sources influencing the level of IAQ. In order to achieve this, the data collected has been trained with artificial neural network or ANN--a proven method for pattern recognition. Basically, the proposed system consists of sensor module cloud (SMC), base station and service-oriented client. The SMC contain collections of sensor modules that measure the air quality data and transmit the captured data to base station through wireless network. The IAQ monitoring system is also equipped with IAQ Index and thermal comfort index which could tell the users about the room's conditions. The results showed that the system is able to measure the level of air quality and successfully classify the sources influencing IAQ in various environments like ambient air, chemical presence, fragrance presence, foods and beverages and human activity.

Matched MeSH terms: Air Pollution, Indoor

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