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)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Francesca Marcovecchio, Cinzia Perrino
Summary: The atmospheric concentration of bioparticles was determined in outdoor and indoor sites using a commercial low-volume sampler and a detection method based on particle collection on polycarbonate filters. Higher concentrations of PBAPs were recorded during the warm period, with differences in shape and mass distribution. Indoor PBAPs concentrations were much higher compared to outdoors, with wide polyhedral-shaped particles identifiable as skin flakes.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Andreja Stojic, Gordana Jovanovic, Svetlana Stanisic, Snjezana Herceg Romanic, Andrej Sostaric, Vladimir Udovicic, Mirjana Perisic, Tijana Milicevic
Summary: The study employed advanced analytical methods to investigate the distribution of PM2.5-bound B[a]P in a university building in Belgrade. The results showed a strong correlation between indoor and outdoor B[a]P levels, which were mainly influenced by different pollutant concentrations. High B[a]P concentration events were found to occur during periods of low temperature, unstable weather, and increased precipitation.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zuraimi Sultan, Jiayu Li, Jovan Pantelic, Stefano Schiavon
Summary: This study evaluated the effectiveness of portable air cleaners (PACs) in reducing particle matter (PM) concentration in office buildings and developed a design method to determine the number of PACs needed. The results showed that PACs are more effective in smaller spaces and the effectiveness is logarithmically dependent on the number of units deployed.
AEROSOL AND AIR QUALITY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
N. Manojkumar, B. Srimuruganandam
Summary: This study assesses the spatial and temporal variations of particulate matter (PM) concentration in indoor and outdoor environments in Vellore city, India. Results showed that both bimodal and trimodal distributions were common in indoor and outdoor environments. Indoor concentrations were highest during summer and monsoon seasons, while outdoor concentrations peaked in summer. Correlation analysis indicated non-regional sources for coarse PM and local sources for fine PM.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Svetlana Stanisic, Mirjana Perisic, Gordana Jovanovic, Tijana Milicevic, Snjezana Herceg Romanic, Aleksandar Jovanovic, Andrej Sostaric, Vladimir Udovicic, Andreja Stojic
Summary: This study investigated the relationships between indoor and outdoor air quality in an urban area of Belgrade through a three-month measurement campaign at a university building. The highest contributions to air quality were attributed to sources identified as coal combustion and related pyrogenic processes. Machine learning XGBoost method was used to predict PAH levels in the indoor and outdoor environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Amirhosein Mousavi, Jun Wu
Summary: During the COVID-19 lockdown, indoor PM2.5 concentrations increased significantly, particularly with clear peaks in residential areas in the afternoon and evening, reflecting increased human activity and household chores during meal times. The contribution of indoor-generated PM2.5 to total indoor concentrations increased as high as 80% during and post-lockdown periods compared to before lockdown.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Suneela Jadoon, Shamyla Nawazish, Zahid Majeed, Ayesha Baig, Syed Majid Bukhari, Abu ul Hassan Faiz, Abdulnoor A. J. Ghanim, Muhammad Irfan, Saifur Rahman, Farid Ullah
Summary: This research analyzed the variations in indoor and outdoor ozone concentrations in megacities in Pakistan and their impact on health. It found that indoor ozone concentrations in Hattar Industrial Estate exceeded WHO limits, and that outdoor ozone concentrations varied across different cities and months.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Guoao Li, Huanhuan Lu, Wenlei Hu, Jianjun Liu, Mingjun Hu, Jialiu He, Fen Huang
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between indoor and outdoor air pollution and hypertension (HTN) in rural areas of eastern China and explored their potential interactions. The findings revealed a significant positive association between outdoor and indoor air pollution and HTN, as well as a significant negative association between range hood use and HTN. Additionally, outdoor air pollution was found to enhance the positive effects of indoor air pollution on HTN, while PM2.5 and O-3 reduced the protective effect of range hood use on HTN. Females were also found to be more susceptible to both indoor and outdoor air pollution.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Antigona Ukehaxhaj, Naser Ramadani, Hanns Moshammer, Drita Zogaj
Summary: There is scientific evidence of the adverse health effects of indoor exposure to chemicals in children. Nitrogen dioxide and benzene were found to be too high in at least one school. Formaldehyde levels were higher indoors and in newer schools. Improving air circulation and temperature control, as well as identifying and eliminating sources of pollution, would benefit the health and learning of school children.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Luis Fernando Amato-Lourenco, Luciana dos Santos Galvao, Helio Wiebeck, Regiani Carvalho-Oliveira, Thais Mauad
Summary: Plastics degrade into microplastics in the atmosphere, posing a threat to ecosystems and human health. This study examines the amount, composition, and characteristics of airborne microplastics in the megacity of Sao Paulo, as well as the influence of weather and seasons on their deposition.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Laura Borgese, Maria Chiesa, Ahmad Assi, Claudio Marchesi, Anne Wambui Mutahi Franko Kasemi, Stefania Federici, Angelo Finco, Giacomo Gerosa, Dario Zappa, Marialuisa Volta, Donatella Placidi, Roberto Lucchini, Elza Bontempi, Laura E. Depero
Summary: This paper discusses the advantages and drawbacks of using portable and low-cost devices for aerosol sampling, showing significant discrepancies between data collected by optical sensors and those estimated by the cascade impactor and gravimetric measurements. Optical devices are useful for detecting concentration trends, peak values, and changes in background values, but their accuracy and precision are limited.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Eva L. Siegel, Akhgar Ghassabian, Alison E. Hipwell, Pam Factor-Litvak, Yeyi Zhu, Hannah G. Steinthal, Carolina Focella, Lindsey Battaglia, Christina A. Porucznik, Scott C. Collingwood, Michele Klein-Fedyshin, Linda G. Kahn
Summary: This article provides a systematic review of the association between air pollution and fecundability. The results indicate that outdoor air pollution, secondhand smoke, and occupational exposure to inhaled pollutants may reduce fecundability. However, there are differences in exposure windows and assessment methods among studies, which need further research to determine their specific effects.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION UPDATE
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Priti Yewale, Neeta Wagle, Shaurya Lenka, Pramila Bannigol, Manisha Junnarkar, Divya Prakash, Abul Mandal, Cecilia Stigh, Tushar Sahasrabudhe, Tejas Vannalwar, Prasad Thakare, Dhiraj Nikam, Sarika Pawar, Neelu Nawani
Summary: Biosmotrap is a novel biological air filter that effectively removes pollutants from vehicular emissions and indoor smoke, protecting human cells from oxidative DNA damage. It is an economic, efficient, and eco-friendly filter superior to existing air filtration methods.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alexandro Andrade, Fabio Hech Dominski, Guilherme Torres Vilarino
Summary: This study conducted a bibliometric analysis to investigate scientific production related to outdoor air quality in environments used for exercise and sports practice. The majority of research in this area was conducted by researchers from institutions in the US and China, focusing on pollutants, human health, and sports-related subjects.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Wolfram Birmili, Anja Daniels, Robert Bethke, Nadine Schechner, Gregor Brasse, Andre Conrad, Marike Kolossa-Gehring, Malgorzata Debiak, Julia Hurrass, Erik Uhde, Alexander Omelan, Tunga Salthammer
Summary: The German Environmental Survey for Children and Adolescents found that formaldehyde and hexanal are the most abundant aldehydes in indoor air. While formaldehyde concentrations exceeded the German indoor guide value, the total sum of aliphatic aldehydes also surpassed their recommended levels in some residences. Most aldehyde concentrations were lower than in previous studies, except for formaldehyde and hexanal, which showed consistent levels across studies.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Alex Mikszewski, Luca Stabile, Giorgio Buonanno, Lidia Morawska
Summary: This study assesses the contagiousness of SARS-CoV-2 and compares it with other respiratory pathogens. The research finds that the transmission risk of SARS-CoV-2 is similar to active untreated TB, higher than seasonal influenza, and lower than measles virus. The current ventilation standards may not be sufficient to control the spread of highly contagious viruses like SARS-CoV-2 in crowded settings, indicating the need for additional control measures.
GEOSCIENCE FRONTIERS
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Antti Joonas Koivisto, Michael Jayjock, Kaarle J. Hameri, Markku Kulmala, Patrick Van Sprang, Mingzhou Yu, Brandon E. Boor, Tareq Hussein, Ismo K. Koponen, Jakob Londahl, Lidia Morawska, John C. Little, Susan Arnold
Summary: STOFFENMANAGER (R) and the Advanced REACH Tool (ART) are widely accepted tools for regulatory chemical safety assessment. They are based on a modified multiplicative model, with exposure base levels and exposure modifying factors replaced by different quantities. The models provide qualitative outputs and have shown weak correlation with measured exposure levels, suggesting limitations in their accuracy and performance.
ANNALS OF WORK EXPOSURES AND HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Tunga Salthammer, Stefan Grimme, Marcel Stahn, Uwe Hohm, Wolf-Ulrich Palm
Summary: Quantum chemical composite approach is a powerful method for calculating reliable partition coefficients, considering all physical contributions to the conformational free energy and generating structure ensembles for the two phases independently and consistently.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Z. Peng, A. L. Pineda Rojas, E. Kropff, W. Bahnfleth, G. Buonanno, S. J. Dancer, J. Kurnitski, Y. Li, M. G. L. C. Loomans, L. C. Marr, L. Morawska, W. Nazaroff, C. Noakes, X. Querol, C. Sekhar, R. Tellier, T. Greenhalgh, L. Bourouiba, A. Boerstra, J. W. Tang, S. L. Miller, J. L. Jimenez
Summary: Some infectious diseases, including COVID-19, can undergo airborne transmission. Two indicators of infection risk are proposed, which combine key factors that control airborne disease transmission indoors. COVID-19 outbreaks show a clear trend consistent with airborne infection and enable recommendations to minimize transmission risk.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wen-Zhong Huang, Wei-Yun He, Luke D. Knibbs, Bin Jalaludin, Yu-Ming Guo, Lidia Morawska, Joachim Heinrich, Duo-Hong Chen, Yun-Jiang Yu, Xiao-Wen Zeng, Hong-Yao Yu, Bo-Yi Yang, Li-Wen Hu, Ru-Qing Liu, Wen-Ru Feng, Guang-Hui Dong
Summary: This study evaluated the utility of different models and health outcomes in constructing AQHIs, and found that the AQHI constructed with the BMW model may be more effective, especially the one constructed with outpatient data showing the best performance in presenting short-term health risks associated with air pollution co-exposure.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Construction & Building Technology
Tunga Salthammer, Glenn C. Morrison
Summary: From a thermodynamic perspective, temperature is clearly defined for ideal physical systems, but in indoor environments, it is influenced by complex factors. Processes such as diffusion, partitioning equilibria, and chemical reactions are greatly affected by temperature, while transport processes are influenced by spatial temperature, momentum, pressure gradients, and indoor material properties. The thermal comfort needs of occupants and building design requirements also play a significant role in indoor environmental conditions.
Review
Construction & Building Technology
Fausto Arpino, Giorgio Grossi, Gino Cortellessa, Alex Mikszewski, Lidia Morawska, Giorgio Buonanno, Luca Stabile
Summary: This study estimated the risk of infection from the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant for passengers sharing a car cabin with an infected subject for a 30-minute journey. Different factors were investigated, and the results showed that the risk of infection is influenced by key parameters and can be controlled by designing the flow patterns of the indoor environment.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
G. Buonanno, A. Robotto, E. Brizio, L. Morawska, A. Civra, F. Corino, D. Lembo, G. Ficco, L. Stabile
Summary: This study fills the gap in understanding the airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 by measuring the viral load of an infected person in a hospital room and the concentration of the virus in the air from their breathing and speaking. The results show that the airborne concentration of SARS-CoV-2 is directly related to the viral load emitted, and it is below the detection threshold when the person is breathing but slightly higher when speaking.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tunga Salthammer, Christian Fauck, Alexander Omelan, Sebastian Wientzek, Erik Uhde
Summary: Public transport as an indoor environment requires good control of climatic parameters and air exchange to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases. Carbon dioxide is a useful indicator, and airborne particulate matter is important for assessing air quality. Recording simple parameters can provide valuable information about air quality over time, location, and occupancy. It is recommended to utilize low-cost sensors for controlling air conditioning systems and evaluating dynamics in public transport.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Lidia Morawska, Tunga Salthammer
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Tomasz R. Sosnowski, Lidia Morawska, Justyna Szczepanska, Ernest Szajna, Andrej I. Vilkotsky, Marcin Odziomek, Krzysztof Sosnowski
Summary: This paper presents experiments on the effectiveness of different face and nose coverings in reducing aerosol emitted by infected individuals. The results show that although smaller aerosols can penetrate the tested face coverings, their concentrations outside are significantly reduced. The use of masks can reduce the amount of inhaled airborne particles by 1.3-5.7 times compared to not wearing a mask.
ADVANCED POWDER TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Changda Wu, Congrong He, Zachary E. Brown, Branka Miljevic, Chunlin Zhang, Hao Wang, Boguang Wang, Lidia Morawska, Zoran Ristovski
Summary: This study investigates the light absorption, potential sources, and health risks of black carbon (BC) and brown carbon (BrC) during the prescribed burning season in Brisbane. It was found that fossil-fuel combustion contributes more to the total BC, while biomass burning has the potential to form more secondary BrC. Air masses from southern and northern Brisbane were identified as potential pollution sources dominated by biomass burning and traffic emissions. The health risks based on equivalent numbers of passively smoked cigarettes increased during periods with elevated BC emissions, likely from prescribed burns.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rongbin Xu, Tingting Ye, Xu Yue, Zhengyu Yang, Wenhua Yu, Yiwen Zhang, Michelle L. Bell, Lidia Morawska, Pei Yu, Yuxi Zhang, Yao Wu, Yanming Liu, Fay Johnston, Yadong Lei, Michael J. Abramson, Yuming Guo, Shanshan Li
Summary: Wildfires caused by climate change are increasing in severity and frequency, leading to higher levels of air pollution. This study reveals that the global population is increasingly exposed to air pollution from landscape fires, with higher levels in low-income countries compared to high-income countries.
Review
Physics, Applied
Lidia Morawska, Giorgio Buonanno, Alex Mikszewski, Luca Stabile
Summary: The understanding of the physics of particle generation, fate and inhalation in the respiratory tract is still rudimentary, with many unanswered questions. Broadening our knowledge of the fluid dynamics in breathing is crucial for better respiratory health assessment, precise drug delivery, and minimizing respiratory infection transmission.
NATURE REVIEWS PHYSICS
(2022)