Article
Environmental Sciences
Haoxiang Wu, Jonathan Woon Chung Wong
Summary: This study aims to investigate the mechanisms regulating the responses of indoor molds to wet-dry cycles, and uncover the role of oxidative stress adaptation in mold survival under moisture dynamics.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Kaiser Ahmed, Tero Hasu, Jarek Kurnitski
Summary: The study focused on improving building energy performance, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality in newly built Finnish daycare and school buildings. Monitoring of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), energy performance, investment, and life cycle cost (LCC) was conducted. The study found potential energy-saving measures while ensuring good thermal comfort and IAQ. Accurate energy prediction was emphasized for cost considerations.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Kaiser Ahmed, Tero Hasu, Jarek Kurnitski
Summary: The study focused on improving building energy performance in Finnish daycare and school buildings while maintaining good thermal comfort and indoor air quality. Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), energy performance, investment, and life cycle cost were monitored. Energy performance was evaluated through simulations, showing potential for energy savings while ensuring comfort and IAQ.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Mate Szabados, Reka Kakucs, Anna Paldy, Bohumil Kotlik, Helena Kazmarova, Arianna Dongiovanni, Andrea Di Maggio, Anna Kozajda, Anja Jutraz, Andreja Kukec, Peter Otorepec, Tamas Szigeti
Summary: The study investigated the associations between air pollutant exposure in school buildings and health symptoms of children in Central Europe. It found spatial differences in reported symptoms and significant associations between air pollutant concentrations and respiratory, dermal, and general symptoms.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maria-Elisa Nordberg, Martin Taubel, Sami Heikkinen, Kaisa Jalkanen, Arto Kolio, Marianne Stranger, Hanna Leppanen, Anne Hyvarinen, Kati Huttunen
Summary: This study focused on characterizing gene expression in human airway epithelium after exposure to indoor air particulate matter from houses with and without moisture damage. The results showed that exposure to particulate matter from moisture-damaged houses activated toxicology-related genes in airway constructs, with differential expression not consistent among all matched pairs. Key potential targets in moisture damage-associated cellular responses were highlighted, including CYP1A1 and NFKB1.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Kirsi Vaali, Marja Tuomela, Marika Mannerstrom, Tuula Heinonen, Tamara Tuuminen
Summary: This study aimed to establish a causal connection between the symptoms experienced by workplace occupants and the presence of toxic dampness microbiota in the building. Through medical examinations and analysis of urine samples, it was found that the presence of mycotoxins in the indoor air was associated with the morbidity of the occupants. Building-derived bacteria and fungi were also identified and found to be toxic. Cytotoxicity tests of indoor air condensates proved to be a promising tool for risk assessment in moisture-damaged buildings.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Mahmoud M. M. Abdel-Salam
Summary: This is the first study in Egypt to assess the indoor air quality (IAQ) in residential environments and evaluate the daily exposure of elderly individuals to indoor air pollutants. The study measured the concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, CO, CO2, and TVOCs simultaneously in outdoor and indoor spaces (living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens) of 28 private residences using direct-reading monitors. Data on occupants, household characteristics, and indoor activities were collected through a questionnaire. Air exchange rates were also measured in the living rooms and bedrooms of all monitored homes. The findings showed that elderly individuals spend the majority of their time indoors, with the highest exposure to air pollutants occurring in living rooms and bedrooms. Indoor activities such as cooking, smoking, and cleaning were found to significantly influence the IAQ in these spaces. Other factors including occupancy, air exchange rates, room volume, and proximity to major roads were also identified as important determinants of IAQ in the living rooms and bedrooms.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Eerika Finell, Asko Tolvanen, Riikka Ikonen, Juha Pekkanen, Timo Stahl
Summary: The presence of observed mold and dampness in school buildings is directly related to poor subjective indoor air quality (IAQ) among students, as well as the increased prevalence of symptoms reported by students. Additionally, the higher frequency of symptoms reported at school level, the worse the students' subjective IAQ.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Pia Nynas, Sarkku Vilpas, Elina Kankare, Jussi Karjalainen, Lauri Lehtimaki, Jura Numminen, Antti Tikkakoski, Leenamaija Kleemola, Jukka Uitti
Summary: In this study, new-onset asthma was diagnosed in 30% of patients with workplace moisture damage-associated symptoms. Laryngeal dysfunction and organic laryngeal changes were common, as were runny or stuffy noses and chronic rhinosinusitis. Allergy testing should not play a major role in the examination of these patients.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Nachawit Tikul, Apiruk Hokpunna, Phanphat Chawana
Summary: This study investigated the effects of the opened to total aperture area (O/A ratio) and furniture arrangements on the internal ventilation and PM 2.5 deposition in a naturally ventilated classroom. The results showed that different furniture arrangements and O/A ratios influenced air velocities and PM 2.5 concentrations, ultimately improving indoor air quality. The U-shaped layout reduced PM 2.5 concentrations and natural ventilation in the classroom, especially in the breathing zone of elementary students. Additionally, the PM 2.5 concentration increased with increasing O/A ratio. Applying an O/A ratio of 0.25 and the U-shaped furniture layout significantly reduced PM 2.5 concentrations in the classroom.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Phoebe Taptiklis, Robyn Phipps, Mark Jones, Jeroen Douwes
Summary: The study found that defects in the building envelope and subfloor of houses are closely related to dampness and floor joist moisture content. Insufficient insulation, ventilation, and increased occupancy are also associated with increased subjective dampness.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Sandra Martinez-Marino, Pablo Eguia-Oller, Enrique Granada-Alvarez, Aitor Erkoreka-Gonzalez
Summary: Buildings are expected to be energy efficient, comfortable, and durable, which are influenced by indoor relative humidity. Controlling and predicting indoor environmental conditions is necessary. Simulating indoor temperature and relative humidity in a multi-zone building model can improve accuracy of building energy simulations and ensure occupants' comfort and health.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ju-Hyeong Park, Jean M. Cox-Ganser
Summary: Indoor dampness and mold have been associated with various illnesses. Although assessing exposures or environments in damp and moldy buildings is complicated, observational assessment has proven to be effective. The Dampness and Mold Assessment Tool (DMAT) is a semi-quantitative method that scores the level of damage and provides useful information for identifying, tracking, and prioritizing remediation of dampness and mold-related damage.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kyungmo Kang, Taeyeon Kim, Hyungkeun Kim
Summary: The study revealed that indoor air pollution from particles, mainly caused by indoor activities like cooking, leads to prolonged indoor particle concentrations. Outdoor sources were found to be the predominant sources of particle exposure, suggesting that reducing outdoor penetration is crucial in lowering indoor PN concentration by improving building airtightness through the addition of air filtration.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Mark J. Mendell, Rachel I. Adams
Summary: The study showed that the effectiveness of spore counts in identifying dampness or mold in buildings is limited, and it cannot accurately identify individual damp buildings. Current interpretations primarily rely on professional judgment. Further research suggests that using more indoor and outdoor samples, as well as statistically comparing specific fungal groups, may potentially allow evidence-based microbial identification of probable damp buildings.
JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Primary Health Care
Simon Gabriel Beerten, Kristien Coteur, Pavlos Mamouris, Marc Van Nuland, Gijs Van Pottelbergh, Lidia Casas, Bert Vaes
Summary: This study provides insight into the trends in prevalence and incidence of anxiety in Belgian general practice, as well as the comorbidities and treatment of anxiety in this context. The study found a significant increase in the prevalence and incidence of physician-registered anxiety over a 22-year period. Patients with anxiety tended to have more comorbidities and treatment for anxiety heavily relied on medication.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF GENERAL PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hilbert Mendoza, Lucia Rodriguez-Loureiro, Sylvie Gadeyne, Wouter Lefebvre, Charlotte Vanpoucke, Lidia Casas
Summary: This study examines the association between long-term exposure to green spaces and suicide mortality. The findings suggest that increased greenness in residential areas is associated with a reduced risk of suicide mortality, although the effect may vary across different population groups.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Antje Gerofke, Madlen David, Phillipp Schmidt, Joana Lobo Vicente, Jurgen Buekers, Liese Gilles, Ann Colles, Jos Bessems, Michiel Bastiaensen, Adrian Covaci, Elly Den Hond, Gudrun Koppen, Michelle Laeremans, Veerle J. Verheyen, Milena Cerna, Jana Klanova, Andrea Krskova, Martin Zvonar, Lisbeth E. Knudsen, Holger M. Koch, Tina Kold Jensen, Loic Rambaud, Margaux Riou, Nina Vogel, Catherine Gabriel, Spyros Karakitsios, Nafsika Papaioannou, Denis Sarigiannis, Reka Kakucs, Szilvia Kozepesy, Peter Rudnai, Tamas Szigeti, Fabio Barbone, Valentina Rosolen, Cedric Guignard, Arno C. Gutleb, Amrit Kaur Sakhi, Line Smastuen Haug, Beata Janasik, Danuta Ligocka, Milada Estokova, Lucia Fabelova, Branislav Kolena, Lubica Palkovicova Murinova, Ida Petrovicova, Denisa Richterova, Milena Horvat, Darja Mazej, Janja Snoj Tratnik, Agneta Annika Runkel, Argelia Castano, Marta Esteban-Lopez, Susana Pedraza-Diaz, Agneta Akesson, Sanna Lignell, Jelle Vlaanderen, Jan-Paul Zock, Greet Schoeters, Marike Kolossa-Gehring
Summary: Within the HBM4EU initiative, HBM indicators were developed to address key policy questions and support chemical policies. Result indicators provide information on chemical exposure in different demographic groups and allow comparisons to identify differences and inform policy measures. Impact indicators assess health risks by comparing exposure values to health-based guidance values, helping to identify relevant health issues and support risk management decisions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Annett Dalboge, Henrik Albert Kolstad, Charlotte Suppli Ulrik, David Lee Sherson, Harald William Meyer, Niels Ebbehoj, Torben Sigsgaard, Jan-Paul Zock, Xaver Baur, Vivi Schlunssen
Summary: This study aimed to identify, appraise, and synthesize the scientific evidence on the relationship between potential occupational sensitizing exposures and the development of asthma. The results showed strong evidence for wood dust, toluene diisocyanates, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium, and work tasks involving exposure to laboratory animals. Moderate evidence was found for other subgroups/specific exposures.
ANNALS OF WORK EXPOSURES AND HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Wietske Dohmen, Apostolos Liakopoulos, Marc J. M. Bonten, Dik J. Mevius, Dick J. J. Heederik
Summary: A long-term study in 39 Dutch pig farms revealed the presence of ESBL-producing Enterobacterales in both pigs and pig farmers, suggesting the possibility of genetic and horizontal transmission. These findings are crucial for developing targeted intervention strategies to reduce the risk of human exposure to ESBL-producing Enterobacterales.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
M. N. S. Figaroa, M. Gielen, L. Casas, R. J. F. Loos, C. Derom, S. Weyers, T. S. Nawrot, M. P. Zeegers, E. M. Bijnens
Summary: This study fills a research gap by examining the associations between early-life exposure to residential green spaces and traffic exposure, and adult body composition among young adult twins. The findings suggest that increasing distance to the highway and increasing landcover of green spaces are associated with unfavorable body composition. Differential effects of prenatal exposure to green spaces on body composition were observed based on zygosity/chorionicity type.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gerard Martinez-Vilavella, Jesus Pujol, Laura Blanco-Hinojo, Joan Deus, Ioar Rivas, Cecilia Persavento, Jordi Sunyer, Maria Foraster
Summary: As urbanization increases, more people are exposed to traffic and the associated risks, including higher exposure to road traffic noise. This study investigated the correlation between exposure to annual average road traffic noise in schools and the functional connectivity of key elements of the auditory pathway in schoolchildren. The results showed that road traffic noise was significantly associated with stronger connectivity between certain regions in the central auditory pathway, suggesting that prolonged exposure to road traffic noise may accelerate maturation in the auditory pathway.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Holly C. Y. Lam, Catherine Neukirch, Christer Janson, Judith Garcia-Aymerich, Michael Clausen, N. Sabrina Idrose, Pascal Demoly, Randi J. Bertelsen, Lidia C. Ruiz, Chantal Raherison, Deborah L. Jarvis
Summary: This study investigates the factors associated with severe food reactions, age of onset, and changes in sensitization to foods in adults. The prevalence of self-reported food hypersensitivity is 13.5%, with 26.4% reporting severe reactions. A history of asthma and younger age of onset are associated with a higher risk of severe food reactions. The prevalence of sensitization to foods remains stable over 10 years.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Julia Sanguesa, Sandra Marquez, Mariona Bustamante, Jordi Sunyer, Carmen Iniguez, Jesus Vioque, Loreto Santa-Marina Rodriguez, Alba Jimeno-Romero, Matias Torrent, Maribel Casas, Martine Vrijheid
Summary: This study examines the association between prenatal vitamin D levels and growth and adiposity in late childhood. The results suggest a sex-specific programming effect of early pregnancy vitamin D levels on offspring body composition, which is observed in boys but not in girls.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Akila Muthalagu, Helene Niculita-Hirzel, Shen Yang, Marouane Merizak, Michael Pikridas, Asif Qureshi, Pawel Wargocki, Gabriel Beko, Jonathan Williams, Martin Taubel, Dusan Licina
Summary: Bioaerosols emitted in indoor environments have both positive and negative impacts on human health. Establishing standard procedures for collecting bacteria in low biomass indoor environments can help advance the field. The performance of two sampling approaches, a personal environmental monitor (PEM) and a two-stage dry cyclone sampler, was compared in capturing bacterial emissions from human participants in a controlled chamber environment. The results showed significant differences in DNA yield, bacterial concentrations, and bacterial diversity between the two samplers. The choice of bioaerosol sampler is dependent on the research question.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sani Dimitroulopoulou, Marzenna R. Dudzinska, Lars Gunnarsen, Linda Hagerhed, Henna Maula, Raja Singh, Oluyemi Toyinbo, Ulla Haverinen-Shaughnessy
Summary: Buildings need good indoor air quality and thermal comfort, which are dependent on HVAC systems that may increase energy consumption. To achieve a balance between energy use, IAQ, and thermal comfort, scientifically sound limit values for indoor pollutants and indoor parameters such as ventilation, indoor temperature, and relative humidity need to be established and regulated. National regulations and international guidelines provide guidance on these parameters while considering energy saving.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Iana Markevych, Tianyu Zhao, Elaine Fuertes, Alessandro Marcon, Payam Dadvand, Danielle Vienneau, Judith Garcia Aymerich, Dennis Nowak, Kees de Hoogh, Deborah Jarvis, Michael J. Abramson, Simone Accordini, Andre F. S. Amaral, Hayat Bentouhami, Randi Jacobsen Bertelsen, Anne Boudier, Roberto Bono, Gayan Bowatte, Lidia Casas, Shyamali C. Dharmage, Bertil Forsberg, Thorarinn Gislason, Marco Gnesi, Mathias Holm, Benedicte Jacquemin, Christer Janson, Rain Jogi, Ane Johannessen, Dirk Keidel, Benedicte Leynaert, Jose Antonio Maldonado Perez, Pierpaolo Marchetti, Enrica Migliore, Jesus Martinez-Moratalla, Hans Orru, Isabelle Pin, James Potts, Nicole Probst-Hensch, Andrea Ranzi, Jose Luis Sanchez-Ramos, Valerie Siroux, David Soussan, Jordi Sunyer, Isabel Urrutia Landa, Simona Villani, Joachim Heinrich
Summary: This study examined the association between residential greenspace and change in lung function over 20 years in middle-aged European adults. The findings showed that living in more greenspaces was not associated with better lung function, but instead there were slight but consistent declines in lung function parameters. These findings need to be verified in future studies.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Respiratory System
Anne-Elie Carsin, Judith Garcia-Aymerich, Simone Accordini, Shyamali Dharmage, Benedicte Leynaert, Marti de las Heras, Lidia Casas, Seraina Caviezel, Pascal Demoly, Bertil Forsberg, Thorarinn Gislason, Angelo Guido Corsico, Christer Janson, Rain Jogi, Jesus Martinez-Moratalla, Dennis Nowak, Leopoldo Palacios Gomez, Isabelle Pin, Nicole Probst-Hensch, Chantal Raherison-Semjen, Giulia Squillacioti, Cecilie Svanes, Kjell Toren, Isabel Urrutia, Ismael Huerta, Josep Maria Anto, Debbie Jarvis, Stefano Guerra
Summary: This study aimed to describe the characteristics and risk factors of restrictive and obstructive spirometric patterns occurring before 40 years (young onset) and between 40 and 61 years (mid-adult onset). Data from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) were used, and longitudinal assessments of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were conducted.
Article
Respiratory System
Martin Taubel, Jonna Jalanka, Pirkka V. Kirjavainen, Pauli Tuoresmaki, Anne Hyvarinen, Chrysanthi Skevaki, Eija Piippo-Savolainen, Juha Pekkanen, Anne M. Karvonen
Summary: The composition of house dust mycobiota is associated with the development of childhood asthma, but not with fungal diversity or load. Certain fungal genera showed protective associations with asthma, but these associations were not significant after adjusting for other microbial markers and bacterial indices.
ANNALS OF THE AMERICAN THORACIC SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Primary Health Care
Simon Gabriel Beerten, Kristien Coteur, Pavlos Mamouris, Marc Van Nuland, Gijs Van Pottelbergh, Lidia Casas, Bert Vaes
Summary: This study found a significant increase in the prevalence and incidence of anxiety in Belgian general practice. Patients with anxiety tend to have more complex conditions and comorbidities. Treatment for anxiety in Belgian primary care heavily relies on medication.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF GENERAL PRACTICE
(2023)
