Article
Environmental Sciences
Gulten Gunes, Nesibe Yalcin, Huriye colaklar
Summary: The indoor air quality of two libraries at Bartin University was investigated in this study. The concentrations of particulate matter, TVOC, and CH2O were measured. The study found that the TVOC concentration exceeded the limit value, and the concentrations of particulate matter were higher in winter. Indoor secondhand dust was identified as the major source of particulate matter, while the gas-phase pollutants were affected by various factors. The calculated results indicated that the pollutants did not pose a hazard to human health. The indoor air quality of the libraries was assessed as slightly polluted and bad according to different indicators, but it was rated as good in terms of overall indoor air quality.
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nicole Ninya, Laura Vallecillos, Rosa Maria Marce, Francesc Borrull
Summary: This study monitored the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatile organic compounds (semi-VOCs) in indoor and outdoor environments in a school in Tarragona, Spain. The results showed a significant increase in solvent concentrations indoors due to the implementation of COVID-19 measures. The concentrations of organic compounds in indoor air were twenty times higher than those outdoors.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ertan Baysal, Umut Can Uzun, Fatma Nil Ertas, Ozlem Goksel, Levent Pelit
Summary: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a large group of chemicals commonly found in indoor environments that can lead to health issues with long-term exposure. This study aimed to develop a needle trap-based method for detecting specific VOCs to manage respiratory diseases. The multi-bed NTD showed high sensitivity for sampling and analyzing BTEX in indoor air samples.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Christian Sonne, Changlei Xia, Payam Dadvand, Admir Creso Targino, Su Shiung Lam
Summary: Indoor air pollution, caused by volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds emitted from indoor structures and furniture materials, is a significant health risk globally, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Exposure to these compounds has been associated with reproductive problems, respiratory complications, immune suppression, cancers, and dementia. It is crucial to regulate indoor concentrations of these chemicals and develop sustainable solutions to mitigate their health effects.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Klaudia Pytel, Renata Marcinkowska, Bozena Zabiegala
Summary: The study found that excessive use of essential oils rich in terpenes in spa salons can significantly increase the concentration of TVOCs in indoor air, with terpenes accounting for 22% to 86% of total TVOCs. The type of essential oils used also has an impact on the indoor air chemical composition.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gayatri Sankaran, Sze Tat Tan, Joanna Shen, Ramona Gutierrez, Lee Ching Ng, Shuzhen Sim
Summary: This study assessed the indoor air quality (IAQ) risk in 100 air-conditioned small business units in Singapore's shophouses. The majority of the units had high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, carbon dioxide (CO2), and carbon monoxide (CO), with nail salons exhibiting the highest pollution levels. Improving ventilation and using low-emission products could enhance the IAQ in these small business units.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Haimei Wang, Jianyin Xiong, Wenjuan Wei
Summary: This article reviews the methods for measuring key parameters of VOCs/SVOCs in indoor and vehicular environments, analyzes the pros and cons of various methods, and discusses the impacts of multiple factors on emission behaviors. Additionally, a pre-assessment approach using key parameters for predicting VOC/SVOC concentrations or human exposure levels during the design stage is introduced.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Lu Li, Wenting Dai, Minxia Shen, Xinyi Niu, Tafeng Hu, Jing Duan, Junji Cao, Zhenxing Shen, Kin Fai Ho, Jianjun Li
Summary: Carbonyl compounds in indoor air pose a significant threat to health, and the impact of high-molecular-weight compounds has been underestimated. Indoor carbonyl concentrations were 1.4-3.4 times higher than outdoor concentrations, with higher levels during the heating season. Building materials, cooking fume, and wooden furniture were identified as major sources of indoor carbonyl pollution, and high-molecular-weight compounds were the primary contributors to indoor odor pollution.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chieh-An Cheng, Ting-Chun Ching, Shih-Wei Tsai, Kai-Jen Chuang, Hsiao-Chi Chuang, Ta-Yuan Chang
Summary: This study investigated the indoor concentrations of five volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in different locations on a medical university campus. The study found that dichloromethane was the most detected compound, and the Department of Medicine had the highest concentration of the total VOCs. The carcinogenic risks of dichloromethane and benzene were classified as possible for faculty members, and the noncarcinogenic risks were relatively low.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kumar Vikrant, Ki-Hyun Kim, Fan Dong, Danil W. Boukhvalov, Wonyong Choi
Summary: This study focuses on catalytic oxidation of formaldehyde into CO2 at room temperature using platinum supported by waste eggshell. The addition of potassium enhances the catalytic activity, with reaction pathways involving dioxymethylene, formate, and carbon monoxide intermediates. The research opens new possibilities for developing high-performance biowaste-derived catalysts without external energy sources.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kumar Vikrant, Ki-Hyun Kim, Chaozheng He, Dimitrios A. Giannakoudakis
Summary: The potential utility of a transition metal oxide/metal-organic framework nanocomposite for the removal of formaldehyde from the air has been explored. The results show that the nanocomposite with a certain loading of MnO2 exhibits high efficiency in removing formaldehyde, surpassing other well-known catalysts.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kayo Tsumura, Hiroko Nakaoka, Norimichi Suzuki, Kohki Takaguchi, Yoshitake Nakayama, Keiichi Shimatani, Chisato Mori
Summary: The indoor environment, especially indoor air quality, is closely related to building-related symptoms. According to the guidelines of the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare in Japan, a TVOC level below 400 mu g/m(3) can effectively reduce the risk of building-related symptoms. The study also found a significant relationship between odor intensity and the risk of building-related symptoms in spaces with TVOC levels below 400 mu g/m(3).
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Francesca Marcovecchio, Cinzia Perrino
Summary: This study conducted in university classrooms found significantly higher concentrations of indoor bioaerosols when students were indoors compared to outdoor values, while lower concentrations were observed during nighttime and weekends.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dimitrios Kotzias, Vassilios Binas, George Kiriakidis
Summary: Heterogeneous photocatalysis using semiconductor oxides like TiO2 is a promising solution for environmental pollutant degradation, with recent efforts focusing on modifying TiO2 for visible light activation in indoor environments. However, the use of TiO2-containing materials indoors may lead to the formation of harmful byproducts, impacting air quality and posing potential health risks.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qiao Wang, Lihua Li, Yu Hong, Qingyu Zhai, Yitian He
Summary: This study investigated the effects of six common indoor ornamental plants and three types of microalgae on the removal of air pollutants. The results showed that microalgae, especially C. vulgaris, were more effective in removing PM2.5, PM10, formaldehyde, and VOCs. Physical methods were weaker compared to plants and microalgae in terms of increasing relative humidity and oxygen content. Overall, microalgae, especially C. vulgaris, can efficiently purify indoor air pollutants.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Anne Steinemann
Summary: This paper examines the impact of fragranced consumer products on air quality and human health, addressing questions and possible solutions, and providing new findings and directions for future research.
AIR QUALITY ATMOSPHERE AND HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Thomas O'Dwyer, Michael J. Abramson, Lahn Straney, Farhad Salimi, Fay Johnston, Amanda J. Wheeler, David O'Keeffe, Anjali Haikerwal, Fabienne Reisen, Ingrid Hopper, Martine Dennekamp
Summary: Exposure to outdoor smoke, including from wildfires, planned burns, and a coal mine fire, was found to increase levels of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) while decreasing total white cell and neutrophil counts. No effects on other blood biomarkers were observed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Joep L. A. Claesen, Amanda J. Wheeler, Gonnie Klabbers, David Donaire Gonzalez, Miguel Alvarado Molina, Rachel Tham, Mark Nieuwenhuijsen, Alison Carver
Summary: Preliminary evidence suggests that greenery around primary schools is positively associated with students' Reading, Numeracy, and Grammar & Punctuation scores, while road traffic density is negatively associated. Traffic-related air pollution plays a mediating role in these associations. Further research is needed to improve exposure assessment and inform town/school planners and educators about optimal school locations for promoting learning.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Annabelle Workman, Penelope J. Jones, Amanda J. Wheeler, Sharon L. Campbell, Grant J. Williamson, Chris Lucani, David M. J. S. Bowman, Nick Cooling, Fay H. Johnston
Summary: AirRater is a free smartphone app that users find easy to use and effective. Users rely on the app to obtain information and take actions to protect their health, as well as share information with others.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Amanda J. Wheeler, Ryan W. Allen, Kerryn Lawrence, Christopher T. Roulston, Jennifer Powell, Grant J. Williamson, Penelope J. Jones, Fabienne Reisen, Geoffrey G. Morgan, Fay H. Johnston
Summary: The study evaluated the impact of using central air conditioning and HEPA air cleaners in a public library in Port Macquarie, NSW, Australia during elevated PM2.5 concentrations. It was found that HEPA air cleaners can further reduce indoor PM2.5 concentrations, improving indoor air quality.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Liu Sun, J. David Miller, Keith Van Ryswyk, Amanda J. Wheeler, Marie-Eve Heroux, Mark S. Goldberg, Gary Mallach
Summary: The study found that household characteristics such as the presence of carpeting, low floor cleaning frequency, older home age, high indoor relative humidity, and pets are positively associated with the presence of indoor biocontaminants. On the other hand, high floor cleaning frequency and use of dehumidifiers are negatively associated with the presence of indoor biocontaminants. In addition, mold odor is positively associated with older home age, past water damage, and visible mold growth.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Perran A. Ross, Neda Nematollahi, Anne Steinemann, Spas D. Kolev, Ary A. Hoffmann
Summary: The study found that natural sources of limonene extracted from oranges induced lower mortality of mosquito larvae compared to synthetic sources, but there was no difference in mortality rates between enantiomeric forms.
AIR QUALITY ATMOSPHERE AND HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Neda Nematollahi, Perran A. Ross, Ary A. Hoffmann, Spas D. Kolev, Anne Steinemann
Summary: Limonene, a common indoor pollutant, can contribute to the formation of additional pollutants. The study found that synthetic R-limonene is more repellent than natural R-limonene, while synthetic sources of R-limonene and S-limonene do not show significant differences in repellency.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ester Cerin, Anthony Barnett, Jonathan E. Shaw, Erika Martino, Luke D. Knibbs, Rachel Tham, Amanda J. Wheeler, Kaarin J. Anstey
Summary: This study examines the impacts of urban environment features and air pollution on cognitive function in older adults using data from a national sample in Australia. The results show that interrelated built and natural environment features, as well as ambient air pollution, are directly and indirectly related to cognitive function, mediated by cardiometabolic risk factors. The findings suggest that dense, interconnected urban environments with access to parks, blue spaces, and low levels of air pollution may have positive effects on cognitive health through cardiometabolic risk factors.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rachel Tham, Amanda J. Wheeler, Alison Carver, David Dunstan, David Donaire-Gonzalez, Kaarin J. Anstey, Jonathan E. Shaw, Dianna J. Magliano, Erika Martino, Anthony Barnett, Ester Cerin
Summary: Traffic-related air pollution is associated with lower cognitive function and diabetes in older adults. Road density is positively associated with memory, but not processing speed. Major road density is positively associated with memory and processing speed in larger buffers. The relationship between TRAP and memory is positive in the control group, but negative in people with diabetes. TRAP exposure may benefit cognitive function in urban-dwelling people, but not in those with diabetes.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Keith Van Ryswyk, Amanda J. Wheeler, Alice Grgicak-Mannion, Xiaohong Xu, Jason Curran, Gianni Caravaggio, Ajae Hall, Penny MacDonald, Jeffrey R. Brook
Summary: This study examines methods for quantifying individual exposure to traffic-related air pollutants and finds that LUR estimates are correlated with summer personal exposure, while winter personal exposure is more related to the length of major roadways. This suggests potential exposure misclassification when using traditional proxy methods, especially for children during key growth and developmental periods.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alison Carver, Miguel Alvarado Molina, Joep L. A. Claesen, Gonnie Klabbers, David Donaire, Gonzalez, Rachel Tham, Ester Cerin, Mark Nieuwenhuijsen, Amanda J. Wheeler
Summary: This study found that vegetation around primary schools in urban areas of Australia is positively associated with higher academic achievement in literacy and mathematics for students. On the other hand, increased vehicle emissions have a negative impact on academic performance. Vehicle emissions partially mediate the relationship between vegetation and academic performance.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sharon L. Campbell, Carina C. Anderson, Amanda J. Wheeler, Stephen Cook, Tim Muster, Fay H. Johnston
Summary: Extreme heat and poor air quality caused by landscape fires are a growing concern worldwide due to anthropogenic climate change. This study aimed to understand the impacts of these environmental conditions on vulnerable population groups in the tropical city of Darwin, Australia, and identify gaps in policy and infrastructure to improve their lives and health. The findings may also provide guidance for other regions facing similar challenges.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yong Song, Ling Chen, Ellen Bennett, Amanda J. Wheeler, Katherine Southam, Seiha Yen, Fay Johnston, Graeme R. Zosky
Summary: Emerging evidence suggests that inhalation of particulate matter (PM) can have direct adverse effects on liver function. However, in utero exposure to residential PM during mid-late pregnancy has limited impacts on post-natal liver development, except for evidence of liver genomic DNA damage.
Article
Respiratory System
Emily J. Hemstock, Rachel E. Foong, Graham L. Hall, Amanda J. Wheeler, Shyamali C. Dharmage, Marita Dalton, Grant J. Williamson, Caroline Gao, Michael J. Abramson, Fay H. Johnston, Graeme R. Zosky
Summary: This study aimed to determine the effect of in utero exposure to acute, high-intensity air pollution on lung function later in life. The results showed no detectable differences in lung function between children exposed and unexposed in utero. Therefore, this study concluded that in utero PM2.5 exposure from a local coalmine fire did not have a significant effect on post-natal lung function, although statistical power was limited.
BMC PULMONARY MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Parth Bansal, Steven Jige Quan
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between urban form and canopy layer urban heat island (CUHI) using a relatively large sample of microclimate sensors in Seoul, Korea. The study compares different statistical models and finds that the spatially explicit gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT) model has the highest accuracy. The study also shows that the effect of urban form on CUHI varies at different time instances during the day. These findings provide valuable insights for planners to understand the complexity of urban climate and reduce CUHI magnitude.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Miaomiao Liu, Salah Almazmumi, Pinlu Cao, Carlos Jimenez-bescos, John Kaiser Calautit
Summary: Windcatchers provide effective low-energy ventilation and summer passive cooling in temperate climates. However, their use in winter is limited due to significant ventilation heat loss and potential discomfort. This study evaluates the applicability of windcatchers in low-temperature conditions, highlighting the need for control strategies to reduce over-ventilation and the integration of heat recovery or thermal storage to enhance winter thermal conditions.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Review
Construction & Building Technology
Behrouz Nourozi, Aneta Wierzbicka, Runming Yao, Sasan Sadrizadeh
Summary: This article presents a systematic review of ventilation solutions in hospital wards, aiming to enhance pathogen removal performance while maintaining patient and healthcare staff comfort using air-cleaning techniques. The study reveals the importance of proper ventilation systems in reducing infection risk and adverse effects of cross-contamination.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Zhen Yang, Weirong Zhang, Hongkai Liu, Weijia Zhang, Mingyuan Qin
Summary: The study examines the influence of personalized local heating on the thermal comfort of occupants in old residential buildings. The findings reveal that personalized local heating can increase the overall thermal sensation of occupants, but only a few methods are effective in enhancing thermal comfort. The chosen heating methods and background temperature affect the participants' selection of heating parts.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Hong Cheng, Dan Norback, Huilin Zhang, Liu Yang, Baizhan Li, Yinping Zhang, Zhuohui Zhao, Qihong Deng, Chen Huang, Xu Yang, Chan Lu, Hua Qian, Tingting Wang, Ling Zhang, Wei Yu, Juan Wang, Xin Zhang
Summary: The home environment and sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms in five southern Chinese cities have been studied over time. The study found a decrease in asthma prevalence and an increase in allergic rhinitis. Cockroaches, rats, mice, mosquitoes or flies were identified as consistent biological risk factors for SBS symptoms, while redecoration, buying new furniture, and traffic air pollution were identified as other risk factors.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Chaojie Xing, Zhengtao Ai, Zhiwei Liu, Cheuk Ming Mak, Hai Ming Wong
Summary: This study experimentally investigated the emission characteristics of droplets around the mouth during dental treatments. The results showed that the peak mass fraction of droplets occurs within the size range of 20 μm to 100 μm, and droplets with a diameter less than 200 μm account for over 80% of the mass fraction. The dominant emission direction of droplets is towards the dummy's head and chest, forming an approximately cone shape.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Zhijian Liu, Zhe Han, Lina Hu, Chenxing Hu, Rui Rong
Summary: This study compared the effects of different respiratory behaviors on the distribution of aerosols in a ward and the risk of infection for healthcare workers using numerical simulation. It was found that talking in the ward significantly increased aerosol concentrations, particularly short periods of talking. Wards designed with side-supply ventilation had lower overall infection risk. Talking alternately between healthcare workers and patients slightly extended the impact time of aerosols.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Yan Yan, Mengyuan Kang, Haodong Zhang, Zhiwei Lian, Xiaojun Fan, Chandra Sekhar, Pawel Wargocki, Li Lan
Summary: In a high-density city, opening windows for sleep may lead to increased indoor temperature, higher PM2.5 concentration, and noise disturbance, which can negatively impact sleep quality.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Yan Bai, Liang Liu, Kai Liu, Shuai Yu, Yifan Shen, Di Sun
Summary: This study developed a non-intrusive personal thermal comfort model using machine learning techniques combined with infrared facial recognition. The results showed that the ensemble learning models perform better than traditional models, and the broad learning model has a higher prediction precision with lower computational complexity and faster training speed compared to deep neural networks. The findings provide a reference for optimizing building thermal environments.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Yue Lei, Zeynep Duygu Tekler, Sicheng Zhan, Clayton Miller, Adrian Chong
Summary: Mixed-mode ventilation is a promising solution for achieving energy-efficient and comfortable indoor environments. This study found that occupants can thermally adapt when switching between natural ventilation (NV) and air-conditioning (AC) modes within the same day, with the adaptation process stabilizing between 35 to 45 minutes after the mode switch. These findings are important for optimizing thermal comfort in mixed-mode controls, considering the dynamic nature of thermal adaptation.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Nan Mo, Jie Han, Yingde Yin, Yelin Zhang
Summary: This study develops a method based on the LCZ framework for a comprehensive evaluation of urban-scale heat island effects, considering the impact of geographic factors on LST. The results show that Guilin's geomorphological conditions lead to abnormal heat island effects during winter, and the cooling effects of mountains and water bodies vary seasonally in different built areas, with LCZ 2 exhibiting the strongest cooling effect.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Tunga Salthammer
Summary: Monitoring the potential formaldehyde emission of wood-based materials through test chamber investigations has significantly contributed to reducing indoor formaldehyde concentrations. However, the different methodologies used in these procedures prevent direct result comparison. Empirical models for converting formaldehyde steady-state concentrations based on temperature, humidity, air change rate, and loading were developed in the 1970s and have been modified to accommodate the development of lower-emitting materials. Formaldehyde emissions from wood-based materials are complex and require nonlinear regression tools for mathematical analysis.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Katarina Stebelova, Katarina Kovacova, Zuzana Dzirbikova, Peter Hanuliak, Tomas Bacigal, Peter Hartman, Andrea Vargova, Jozef Hraska
Summary: This study investigated the impact of reduced short-wavelength light on the hormone melatonin metabolite 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (u-sMEL) and examined the association between previous day's light exposure and u-sMEL. It was found that reducing short-wavelength light during the day did not change the concentration of u-sMEL. Personal photopic illuminance was positively correlated with u-sMEL in the reference week. The illuminance had a significant impact on u-sMEL, as shown by the evaluation of the mean of all three urine samples. However, this correlation was not found in the experimental week.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ruoxin Xiong, Ying Shi, Haoming Jing, Wei Liang, Yorie Nakahira, Pingbo Tang
Summary: This study proposes a data-model integration method to identify and calibrate uncertainties in machine learning models, leading to improved thermal perception predictions. The method utilizes the Multidimensional Association Rule Mining algorithm to identify biased human responses and enhances prediction accuracy and reliability. The study also evaluates different calibration techniques and discovers their potential in enhancing prediction reliability.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Beichao Hu, Zeda Yin, Abderrachid Hamrani, Arturo Leon, Dwayne McDaniel
Summary: This paper introduces an innovative super-resolution approach to model the air flow and temperature field in the cold aisle of a data center. The proposed method reconstructs a high-fidelity flow field by using a low-fidelity flow field, significantly reducing the computational time and enabling real-time prediction.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
