Article
Construction & Building Technology
Chia-Ren Chu, Kai-Jie Yang
Summary: This study found that natural ventilation in buildings can effectively remove indoor particulate contaminants, while also potentially introducing outdoor pollutants that affect indoor air quality. Deposition rates are higher in long buildings compared to short buildings, due to sluggish airflow inside the long buildings.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Chester J. Lau, Max Loebel Roson, Keifer M. Klimchuk, Tania Gautam, Boyang Zhao, Ran Zhao
Summary: Household humidification is beneficial for combating dry indoor air, but the use of ultrasonic humidifiers may lead to the generation of PM that can affect indoor air quality. Further investigation is needed to understand the impact of humidifier operation on human health and indoor atmospheric chemistry.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Hsiang-Lin Yu, Tsang-Jung Chang
Summary: This study proposes a new 3D approach for modeling indoor airborne particulate matter (PM) concentration using cellular automata (CA) framework. By considering four major PM transport mechanisms, the CA approach achieves high accuracy and efficiency in numerical simulations, making it a useful tool for 3D simulations of indoor PM transport and distribution.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Antonio J. Aguilar, Maria Luisa de la Hoz-Torres, Nelson Costa, Pedro Arezes, Ma Dolores Martinez-Aires, Diego P. Ruiz
Summary: The quality of the classroom environment has a significant impact on the physical and mental health of students and teachers. This study highlights the potential negative effects of ventilation protocols on acoustic conditions in classrooms, as well as the importance of considering the synergy between indoor acoustic and air quality conditions to ensure optimal learning environments.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Paola Fermo, Begona Artinano, Gianluigi De Gennaro, Antonio Marco Pantaleo, Alessandro Parente, Fiorella Battaglia, Elena Colicino, Gianluca Di Tanna, Andouglas Goncalves da Silva Junior, Igor Gadelha Pereira, Gabriel Santos Garcia, Luiz Marcos Garcia Goncalves, Valeria Comite, Alessandro Miani
Summary: The study tested a commercial system as an air purifier and found that it significantly reduced PM and VOCs concentrations in the air by about 90% and over 50%, respectively.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Junemo Koo, Young Min Jo, Tae Jeong Lee, Sowoo Park, Doosam Song
Summary: During the COVID-19 pandemic, schools in South Korea faced a trade-off problem between airborne transmission risks and elevated indoor PM2.5 concentrations due to increased ventilation rates. This study quantitatively analyzed the impact of ventilation rate on indoor PM2.5 concentrations and COVID-19 transmission risk in classrooms. The results provide important insights into the trade-off between ventilation rate and COVID-19 transmission risk, and can be used to develop strategies for mitigating both risks and ensuring safety.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
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
Environmental Sciences
Shihan Deng, Josephine Lau, Zhihao Wang, Pawel Wargocki
Summary: This study monitored indoor environmental data in 144 classrooms in 31 schools in the Midwestern United States. The results showed that increased ventilation rates and reduced indoor particle levels were associated with reduced absence rates and improved attendance rates. These findings highlight the importance of indoor air quality in schools for both health and academic performance.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Jean C. Rivera-Rios, Taekyu Joo, Masayuki Takeuchi, Thomas M. Orlando, Tracy Bevington, John W. Mathis, Cliffton D. Pert, Brandon A. Tyson, Tyler M. Anderson-Lennert, Joshua A. Smith, Nga Lee Ng
Summary: This study measured particle number and mass concentrations in aircraft cabins during July 2020 in Atlanta, with restaurants having the highest concentrations and in-flight aircraft cabins having the lowest.
Review
Construction & Building Technology
Xing Lu, Zhihong Pang, Yangyang Fu, Zheng O'Neill
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive review of the revolutions of CO2-based DCV in commercial buildings, focusing on trends and fundamental updates, particularly the correlation between indoor CO2 concentration and ventilation demands.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Alo Mikola, Anti Hamburg, Kalle Kuusk, Targo Kalamees, Hendrik Voll, Jarek Kurnitski
Summary: This study analyzed the impact of ventilation requirements set in the conditions of a renovation grant on indoor environment through field measurements. The results showed that proper renovation measures can improve indoor air quality and air change rate. Room-based ventilation requirements, heat recovery and preheating measures, as well as inspection of design documentation ensured adequate ventilation and IAQ in the renovation process.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hye Kwan Kong, Dan Ki Yoon, Hye Won Lee, Cheol Min Lee
Summary: The study aimed to determine ventilation conditions for managing indoor air quality during cooking in a typical South Korean residential home. The PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations varied depending on ventilation conditions, but were high when inappropriate methods were used. Using appropriate ventilation conditions is effective in reducing PM10 and PM2.5 generated during cooking.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Van Minh Duong, Anh Le Hoang
Summary: This paper discusses the correlation between indoor and ambient air quality in commercial and recreational buildings in Hanoi, Vietnam. The study finds that CO levels are significantly higher in underground parking zones compared to commercial floors and ambient air, while SO2 levels remain below health exposure limits. Additionally, the concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 are generally higher outdoors and in parking basements, reaching reference exposure values for public health concerns. The study also identifies emissions from gasoline-fueled vehicles in parking basements and their impact on air quality.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Emily R. Jones, Jose Guillermo Cedeno Laurent, Anna S. Young, Piers MacNaughton, Brent A. Coull, John D. Spengler, Joseph G. Allen
Summary: Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a harmful airborne pollutant that can penetrate indoors from outdoor sources, leading to higher indoor concentrations in areas with elevated outdoor PM2.5 levels. This study found that mechanical ventilation systems can help mitigate the intrusion of outdoor PM2.5, and using filters with higher MERV ratings can significantly reduce indoor PM2.5 levels compared to lower rated filters, showcasing the potential efficacy of mechanical ventilation with efficient filtration to protect against PM2.5 exposure.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sami Lestinen, Simo Kilpelainen, Risto Kosonen, Maria Valkonen, Juha Jokisalo, Pertti Pasanen
Summary: The study compares pre-started, continuous, and intermittent ventilation methods in educational buildings, finding that night ventilation has negligible effects on microbial concentrations and that total volatile organic compound concentrations are maintained at similar levels at the beginning of occupied periods with all ventilation methods, reaching a minimum level after 2-hour ventilation._TOTAL volatile organic compound concentrations are higher during the day compared to night, indicating that space usage has a larger effect on them. Continuous night ventilation is not significantly affecting biological and chemical contaminants, suggesting that a 2-hour flushing period is sufficient for indoor air freshening before occupancy.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Jeetika Malik, Ardeshir Mahdavi, Elie Azar, Handi Chandra Putra, Christiane Berger, Clinton Andrews, Tianzhen Hong
Summary: This paper discusses the complexity of occupant behavior in building performance simulation and the application of agent-based modeling (ABM). It presents ten important questions to guide and inspire future ABM research.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Regional & Urban Planning
David Hsu, Clinton J. Andrews, Albert T. Han, Carolyn G. Loh, Anna C. Osland, Christopher P. Zegras
Summary: This article analyzes the consequences of deep decarbonization for the future of planning, emphasizing the opportunities for planning scholars and practitioners to engage in policy-making processes.
JOURNAL OF PLANNING LITERATURE
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ioanna Tsoulou, Ruikang He, Jennifer Senick, Gediminas Mainelis, Clinton J. Andrews
Summary: Indoor heat and air pollution are dangers to human health, especially for vulnerable individuals. This study examines the impact of summertime indoor overheating and airborne particulate matter (PM2.5) on low-income seniors and explores the potential benefits of natural ventilation in maintaining good indoor thermal conditions and air quality. The research findings highlight the trade-off between thermal comfort and air quality, and suggest the need for a comprehensive approach to improving comfort for vulnerable occupants.
INDOOR AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
P. Haddad, M. Kutlar Joss, J. Weuve, D. Vienneau, R. Atkinson, J. Brook, H. Chang, F. Forastiere, G. Hoek, R. Kappeler, F. Lurmann, S. Sagiv, E. Samoli, A. Smargiassi, A. Szpiro, A. P. Patton, H. Boogaard, B. Hoffmann
Summary: This study systematically evaluated the epidemiological evidence on the association between long-term exposure to traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) and stroke. The meta-analysis results indicated a potential association, but the quality of evidence was low to moderate.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Kevin P. Dillon, Valdis Krumins, Aishwarya Deshpande, Lee J. Kerkhof, Gediminas Mainelis, Donna E. Fennell
Summary: The growth and activity of methanotrophic bacteria in the air have been investigated in this study. Results showed that certain conditions can support their growth and synthesis of new DNA in the airborne state. Humidity and low biomass levels were found to be limiting factors for bacterial growth in the air. This study expands our knowledge about the potential activities and functions of bacteria in the atmospheric microbiome.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ruikang He, Ioanna Tsoulou, Sanjeevi Thirumurugesan, Brian Morgan, Stephania Gonzalez, Deborah Plotnik, Jennifer Senick, Clinton Andrews, Gediminas Mainelis
Summary: Heatwaves can have negative health effects and affect indoor air quality, which is not well understood. A study was conducted in low-income housing in Elizabeth, NJ, involving 24 seniors with sensors in their apartments. Results showed higher PM2.5 levels during heatwave days and were influenced by factors such as smoking and air conditioning.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Pranay Kumar, Holly Caggiano, Rachael Shwom, Frank A. Felder, Clinton J. Andrews
Summary: The objective of this study is to analyze the role of energy efficiency and curtailment behaviors and examine how these behaviors are mediated by annual household income to explain overall energy consumption dynamics in US households using a nationally representative dataset. Our findings suggest that efficiency behaviors are positively correlated with the household income, but the direction of relationship between income and curtailment behaviors appears to vary depending upon specific actions. Our study provides important insights for tailored, targeted, and effective policies in residential energy saving behaviors.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Grishma Desai, Gurumurthy Ramachandran, Emanuel Goldman, William Esposito, Antony Galione, Altaf Lal, Toni K. Choueiri, Andre Fay, William Jordan, Donald W. Schaffner, Jack Caravanos, Etienne Grignard, Gediminas Mainelis
Summary: Grignard Pure (GP), a blend of triethylene glycol (TEG) and inert ingredients, is an effective antimicrobial treatment for air. It has received approval from the US EPA and can rapidly reduce viable MS2 bacteriophage concentration. The study also discusses related efficacy experiments and the safety of TEG.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kevin J. Lane, Jonathan I. Levy, Allison P. Patton, John L. Durant, Wig Zamore, Doug Brugge
Summary: This study used structural equation modeling to assess the association between traffic-related air pollution and social stressors with inflammation. The results showed a strong correlation between traffic-related air pollution and inflammation, and a negative correlation between socio-economic status and inflammation. Structural equation modeling played an important role in the analysis.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Book Review
Regional & Urban Planning
Clinton J. Andrews
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN PLANNING ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Diren Kocakusak, Jennifer Senick, Clinton J. Andrews
Summary: The desire to shift to non-carbon-emitting energy sources has become a priority supported by national, state, and local policies. In the U.S., diverse policies have contributed to the exponential growth of the solar industry, but local implementation processes also play a significant role. This paper investigates the effects of policy incentives and implementation disincentives on residential solar adoption in New Jersey.
Editorial Material
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Joseph Herkert, Clinton J. Andrews
Summary: Only when decent people come together and support one another by establishing proper societal mechanisms can we benefit from new technologies and prevent technological and environmental disasters. Engineers, in particular, should consider how to collaborate and support each other in order to practice their profession effectively.
IEEE TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY MAGAZINE
(2023)
Article
Transportation
Hannah Younes, Robert B. Noland, Clinton J. Andrews
Summary: This study examines the behavior of shared e-scooters and privately owned bicycles in Asbury Park, New Jersey, using traffic camera footage. The study finds notable differences in safety precautions, with a higher percentage of cyclists wearing helmets compared to e-scooter users. The study also reveals differences in gender distribution and preference for riding on the road between the two modes of transportation.
CASE STUDIES ON TRANSPORT POLICY
(2023)
