Article
Environmental Sciences
Bart Olsthoorn, Tryggve Ronnqvist, Cheuk Lau, Sanguthevar Rajasekaran, Tomas Persson, Martin Mansson, Alexander Balatsky
Summary: Indoor radon concentrations are influenced by both geological and human factors. A study in Sweden found a positive correlation between underground uranium levels and measured radon in households. Modern construction effectively reduces indoor radon concentrations, minimizing the correlation with background uranium levels and associated health risks.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Md. Mahamudul Hasan, Miroslaw Janik, Shikha Pervin, Takeshi Iimoto
Summary: This study investigated the indoor radon and thoron concentrations and population exposure in multistoried dwellings in the south-western areas of Dhaka city, Bangladesh. The results showed that thoron contributes an average of 40% to the annual effective dose of radon and is an important factor in estimating radiological inhalation dose. Questionnaire estimation and principal component analysis were used to discuss the indoor atmospheric/radon factors for the investigated dwellings in Dhaka city.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Vittoria D'Avino, Mariagabriella Pugliese, Giuseppe La Verde
Summary: Passive ventilation is an effective method to mitigate indoor radon concentration, reducing health risks for occupants when designed according to building characteristics and occupants' habits.
INDOOR AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kremena Ivanova, Nina Chobanova, Bistra Kunovska, Jana Djounova, Zdenka Stojanovska
Summary: This study examines indoor radon concentrations in schools located in a district in southern Bulgaria. The results indicate that a considerable number of buildings exceeded the national reference level, and significant differences in radon concentrations were observed between municipalities. The study also investigates the impact of room type and floor location on radon levels.
AEROSOL AND AIR QUALITY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Supongtoshi Jamir, B. K. Sahoo, Rosaline Mishra, Parimal Chandra Bhomick, Dipak Sinha
Summary: The study found varying concentrations of indoor radon, thoron, and their progeny in Mokokchung district of Nagaland, India, with inhalation doses within recommended values. Equilibrium factors for indoor radon and thoron also showed variability within the measured range.
JOURNAL OF RADIOANALYTICAL AND NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Miroslaw Janik, Peter Bossew, Md. Mahamudul Hasan, Giorgia Cinelli
Summary: Indoor radon is a major health hazard and a leading cause of lung cancer. Radon research in Asia has increased due to growing awareness of its harm. Analysis of literature data revealed that certain regions in Asia-Oceania have little indoor radon problems due to climate and low Rn ground. Countries have their own approaches and techniques, though measurement techniques are compared through intercomparison exercises. Certain countries in seismically active zones, like India and Taiwan, lead in radon research, along with Italy. The number of indoor radon measurements per million inhabitants increases with higher human development index (HDI).
Article
Economics
Xiaohang Ren, Xiao Zhang, Cheng Yan, Giray Gozgor
Summary: Using data from 2605 Chinese A-share listed companies, this study finds that climate policy uncertainty has a negative impact on firm-level total factor productivity (TFP), especially for low-productivity, non-state-owned, labor-intensive, and capital-intensive firms. Furthermore, climate policy uncertainty hinders research and development investment and reduces free cash flow. The findings emphasize the importance of introducing forward-looking climate policies to mitigate the negative impact of policy uncertainty.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lucia Martin-Gisbert, Cristina Candal-Pedreira, Marta Garcia-Talavera San Miguel, Monica Perez-Rios, Juan Barros-Dios, Leonor Varela-Lema, Alberto Ruano-Ravina
Summary: The study aimed to describe workplace radon exposure in Spain and its influencing factors. The results showed that approximately one-fifth of workplaces in radon prone areas had radon concentrations above the standard limit of 300 Bq/m3. Radon concentration varied significantly by floor level, working sector, and location. The highest radon concentrations were found in the Education & Culture sector.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Leonel J. R. Nunes, Antonio Curado, Sergio Lopes
Summary: The article explores techniques for mitigating indoor radon in buildings, including soil depressurization, anti-radon coatings and membranes, interior mechanical building pressurization, and natural and forced ventilation procedures. The ageing and declining population in the region suggests that the rehabilitation of existing buildings is more likely than the implementation of new construction. Anti-radon barriers and mortars have been effectively used in high indoor radon concentration situations and can be combined with natural or forced ventilation procedures and real-time multi-parameter monitoring for improving indoor air quality and energy efficiency of buildings.
INDOOR AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Song Yanchao, Shang Bing, Cui Hongxing, Wu Yunyun
Summary: The study found that air purifiers can effectively reduce the concentration of attached and unattached radon decay products indoors, but not radon itself. Therefore, air purifiers can be a helpful supplement to existing radon mitigation methods.
APPLIED RADIATION AND ISOTOPES
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Bo Su, Cunde Xiao, Deliang Chen, Yi Huang, Yanjun Che, Hongyu Zhao, Mingbo Zou, Rong Guo, Xuejia Wang, Xin Li, Wanqin Guo, Shiyin Liu, Tandong Yao
Summary: China has the largest area of glaciers situated within the middle- and low-latitude areas worldwide. The rapid changes in mountain glaciers across western China in the last decades have affected ecosystems and socioeconomic activities. This study re-analyzes Chinese Glacier Inventories and provides a comprehensive assessment of glacier changes and associated influencing factors. The results show a significant decrease in glacier area and volume, along with a rise in Equilibrium Line Altitude. Climate conditions and regional characteristics play important roles in glacier change.
EARTH-SCIENCE REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
C. Cojocaru, P. Cojocaru, R. M. Barbu, F. Pinzariu, E. Cojocaru
Summary: The radon levels in houses from two rural areas in Northeastern Romania were assessed and their correlation with building features was analyzed. The results showed that some households had indoor radon levels exceeding international recommendations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gaia Soldati, Gianfranco Galli, Antonio Piersanti, Valentina Cannelli
Summary: This study presents the results of an experiment conducted in the geophysical museum of Rocca di Papa (Rome, Italy), revealing the potential health risks posed by high radon levels. The analysis of data collected over three years indicates that indoor environmental health, in terms of radon concentration, is influenced by various factors including environmental conditions and the use of heating and ventilation systems.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alla Dvorzhak, Juan Carlos Mora, Almudena Real, Carlos Sainz, Ismael Fuente
Summary: The focus was on developing an INDORAD model for estimating indoor radon dynamics, considering time-dependent meteorological parameters and adjustable soil and building properties. By simplifying mathematical processing and considering all known sources of indoor radon, the model successfully predicted radon concentrations in a laboratory building exposed to high Ra-226 concentration soil.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Construction & Building Technology
Chunxiao Su, Minyi Pan, Ningrui Liu, Yinping Zhang, Haidong Kan, Zhuohui Zhao, Furong Deng, Bin Zhao, Hua Qian, Xiangang Zeng, Yuexia Sun, Wei Liu, Jinhan Mo, Jianguo Guo, Xiaohong Zheng, Chanjuan Sun, Zhijun Zou, Hao Li, Chen Huang
Summary: Indoor radon exposure is associated with lung cancer, which has the highest incidence in China globally. This meta-analysis found that for every 10 Bq/m(3) increase in indoor radon, the relative risk for lung cancer in China was 1.01. The health effects of indoor radon exposure were consistent for both low-exposure and high-exposure groups in China and other regions.
Article
Thermodynamics
Hui Dai, Bin Zhao
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 virus is evolving, and the risk of airborne transmission in confined spaces is higher for Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants. Controlling ventilation rates and wearing N95 masks can effectively reduce the transmission risk. It is also important to avoid prolonged exposure in confined spaces.
BUILDING SIMULATION
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Hao Hu, Jin Ye, Cong Liu, Lan Yan, Fan Yang, Hua Qian
Summary: Indoor particulate matter (PM) sources, such as tobacco smoke and mosquito repellent coil, have negative impacts on air quality. This study measured the oxidative potential and emission rates of 9 indoor PM2.5 sources. Combustion sources were found to be more harmful than non-combustion sources. Side-stream tobacco smoke had the highest oxidative potential, while the liquid-heated e-cigarette had the lowest. PM2.5 emission rates varied among different sources, with mainstream tobacco smoke emitting the highest amount.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shengqi Wang, Hua Qian, Zongke Sun, Guoqing Cao, Pei Ding, Xiaohong Zheng
Summary: This study investigated the distribution of bioaerosols in different climate zones and building types in China. The results showed significant differences in bioaerosol concentrations among buildings and climate zones, with residences having the highest bacterial concentrations and schools having the highest fungal concentrations. The study also found that indoor temperature, relative humidity, and air exchange rate were important factors affecting indoor bioaerosol concentrations.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shengqi Wang, Hua Qian
Summary: Indoor microbes are considered as indoor air pollutants by WHO. Exposure to a high concentration of airborne bioaerosol can lead to adverse health effects. However, little research has been done on the characteristics of indoor airborne bacteria and fungi in residential areas. This study investigated the indoor airborne microbial characteristics in residences across different climate zones in China and analyzed the correlations between these characteristics and geographical location.
CHINESE SCIENCE BULLETIN-CHINESE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ao Zhang, Yumeng Liu, John S. Ji, Bin Zhao
Summary: Using air purifiers in urban China can reduce exposure to PM2.5 for health benefits. A simulation study found that the cost-effectiveness of long-term air purifier use varies depending on the target indoor PM2.5 concentration. There is a disparity in per capita health benefits and costs among cities, with a higher disparity observed in scenarios with lower indoor PM2.5 targets. Controlling ambient PM2.5 pollution and economic development can help reduce inequality in air purifier use across China.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhiyong Shu, Wenqing Liang, Gang Lei, Xiaohong Zheng, Wenming Yang, Hua Qian
Summary: This work developed a theoretical model to predict the diffusion process of hydrogen clouds in a crosswind field with an atmospheric inversion layer, and the model was validated by experimental results. The study revealed the importance of considering the crosswind field and atmospheric inversion layer in the diffusion of liquid hydrogen, as they can suppress cloud rise and affect cloud height and concentration.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chanjuan Sun, Jingyu Chen, Shijie Hong, Yinping Zhang, Haidong Kan, Zhuohui Zhao, Furong Deng, Xiangang Zeng, Yuexia Sun, Hua Qian, Wei Liu, Jinhan Mo, Ningrui Liu, Jianguo Guo, Xiaohong Zheng, Chunxiao Su, Zhijun Zou, Hao Li, Chen Huang
Summary: This paper analyzes the levels of indoor air pollutants and their health effects in office and school buildings in the Yangtze River Delta, China. The study finds that pollutants such as PM2.5, formaldehyde, benzene, TVOC, and ammonia often exceed the current indoor air quality standards in these buildings. The evaluation of indoor air quality shows that pollution levels are medium in office buildings and light in school buildings. Based on disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) values, PM2.5, formaldehyde, and ammonia pose significant health risks. The review provides valuable information for controlling major pollutants in school and office buildings.
AIR QUALITY ATMOSPHERE AND HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Qiwei Chen, Enze Tian, Yan Wang, Jinhan Mo, Guiyin Xu, Meifang Zhu
Summary: Direct ink writing (DIW), a type of 3D printing, is a crucial technique for manufacturing adsorbents and catalysts with programmable automation and various materials. It can create specific morphologies required for efficient mass transfer kinetics in gas-phase adsorption and catalysis. This article comprehensively summarizes DIW methodologies for mass transfer enhancement, including raw materials, fabrication process, optimization methods, and practical applications. Prospects and challenges in achieving good mass transfer kinetics with DIW methodology are discussed, and ideal components for future investigations are proposed.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hao Hu, Cong Liu, Fan Yang, Hua Qian, Armistead Russell, Abbas Shahsavani, Haidong Kan
Summary: Water-soluble transition metals contribute to PM2.5 oxidative potential, which is linked to air pollution health impacts. Changes in relative humidity and aerosol acidity during outdoor-to-indoor transport were found to affect iron solubility. Multiple linear regression analysis showed a significant correlation between relative humidity, aerosol acidity, and iron solubility. The combined effects of relative humidity and aerosol acidity also influenced the change in intrinsic oxidative potential of PM2.5.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Fan Liu, Lei Zhang, Zhiwen Luo, Chongyang Zhang, Hua Qian
Summary: This study used a water tank to simulate the coupling characteristics of exhaled airflow and human motion-induced oncoming airflow, investigating the effects of exhalation velocity and movement speed on airflow dispersion. The results show that in stratified environments, the airflow spreads forwards and upwards, forming an impinging region, before spreading backwards and forming a wake region. In the wake region, there is a noticeable stagnant layer, influenced by the thermal stratification of the ambient fluid. These findings provide a scientific basis for formulating prevention and control measures in public spaces.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mingyao Yao, Yue Niu, Shuchang Liu, Yumeng Liu, Haidong Kan, Shuxiao Wang, John S. Ji, Bin Zhao
Summary: Limited research has been conducted on the mortalit burden of long-term ozone exposure on cardiovascular disease in China. This study quantifies the number of premature cardiovascular disease deaths attributable to ozone in Chinese adults in 2050. It highlights the importance of implementing strategies for stricter ozone control and reducing the baseline death rate of cardiovascular disease to mitigate the impacts of ozone on Chinese adults.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Xihui Liu, Yan Wang, Yilun Gao, Cong Liu, Jinhan Mo
Summary: Considering the potential health risks of ambient particulate matter (PM) in the built environment, PM sampling is essential for understanding its environmental and health effects. This study proposed a miniaturized electrostatic sampler based on corona discharge and a modified vertically focused electric field for efficient PM sampling. The collection efficiencies were analyzed and simulated, and the results were validated through experimental testing. The novel electrostatic sampler showed great potential for efficient and convenient PM sampling.
BUILDING SIMULATION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jiaze Wei, Yan Wang, Jinhan Mo, Cheng Fan
Summary: This study presents a one-year dataset of indoor air quality collected by household air purifiers in 100 residential homes across different climate zones in China. The dataset provides comprehensive information on the cleaning effect of air purifiers, the impact of outdoor climate change on indoor air quality, and future trends in indoor human behavior.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ningrui Liu, Wei Liu, Furong Deng, Yumeng Liu, Xuehuan Gao, Lin Fang, Zhuoru Chen, Hao Tang, Shijie Hong, Minyi Pan, Wei Liu, Xinyue Huo, Kangqi Guo, Fangfang Ruan, Wenlou Zhang, Bin Zhao, Jinhan Mo, Chen Huang, Chunxiao Su, Chanjuan Sun, Zhijun Zou, Hao Li, Yuexia Sun, Hua Qian, Xiaohong Zheng, Xiangang Zeng, Jianguo Guo, Zhongming Bu, Corinne Mandin, Otto Haenninen, John S. Ji, Louise B. Weschler, Haidong Kan, Zhuohui Zhao, Yinping Zhang
Summary: This is the first study in China to estimate and rank the burden of disease and financial costs attributable to targeted indoor air pollutants (IAPs) at the national and provincial level. The study found that from 2000 to 2017, the annual disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) attributable to the ten targeted IAPs decreased, but IAPs still ranked third among all risk factors. In 2017, IAPs accounted for 14.1% of total DALYs and 3.45% of the gross domestic product. The study also highlighted that DALYs attributable to IAPs were 9.5% higher than those attributable to outdoor air pollution, and for PM2.5, the DALYs from indoor sources were 18.3% higher than those from outdoor sources. The findings can provide a basis for establishing indoor air quality standards and estimating the health and economic benefits of various indoor air quality control approaches to reduce the adverse health effects of IAPs in China.
LANCET PLANETARY HEALTH
(2023)
