Airborne Mold Research Articles

Boosting mold aerosol reduction and dehumidification performance in liquid desiccant systems using airborne ultrasound: An experimental study

Indoor mold exposure in hot-humid regions poses considerable risks to public health and food security. Ensuring safe, durable, and energy-efficient air disinfection is crucial for the air-conditioning field. While liquid desiccant air-conditioning (LDAC) systems eliminate condensation-related mold proliferation, their capability to combat airborne mold spores is limited due to the spores' robust resistance. This paper explores a novel airborne ultrasound-assisted liquid desiccant air-conditioning (US-LDAC) system. Experiments were conducted using culture-based methods to compare the system's disinfection capacities against Aspergillus niger spores, a desiccant-resistant species, under ventilation, liquid desiccation dehumidification, and airborne ultrasound-assisted liquid desiccant dehumidification modes. Moreover, the viability and morphological changes of mold spores exposed to airborne ultrasound, with and without liquid desiccants, were analyzed to verify the disinfection effectiveness and extrapolate the improving mechanisms. The results show that irradiating low-intensity airborne ultrasound (∼127 W, harmless mechanical waves) into the dehumidifier significantly increased the disinfection efficiency by 50 % and the dehumidification rate by over 90 % when airflow passed through the dehumidifier (∼0.4 s). The enhanced disinfection is attributed to ultrasonic cavitation, which facilitates the rupture of the desiccant-captured spores through microstreaming-induced shear forces. Notably, the improvements were more pronounced in humid air and with dilute desiccant solutions, suggesting that efficiency can be maintained with lowered desiccant concentrations. The US-LDAC system was particularly adept at removing mold aerosols (2.1–3.3 μm) which are easily inhaled. These findings propose a promising avenue for retrofitting existing LDAC systems to effectively reduce airborne molds and enhance dehumidification, thereby protecting indoor air quality.

The Manufacture Method of Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) as Growth Media for Airborne Mold in the Science Laboratory of SMAS Pesantren IMMIM Makassar

The Manufacture Method of Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) as Growth Media for Airborne Mold in the Science Laboratory of SMAS Pesantren IMMIM Makassar

Cost-Effective Automatic Portable Air Purifier

Indoor air pollution has become a severe concern on human health due to improper ventilation, pets and fine dust particles. The demand for efficient air purifiers has surged, yet many existing solutions are generally pricey and lack portability. The suggested air purifier uses modern filtration technologies, including activated carbon filters, to remove a wide range of airborne contaminants, such as dust, allergies, pet hair, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). By adopting a tiny and lightweight design, the purifier offers outstanding portability, enabling customers to experience clean and fresh air wherever they go. The proposed air purifier possesses a distinctive design that integrates a high electric field generator and UV light source. The high electric field technique effectively accumulates and neutralizes airborne particles, including dust, pollen, mold spores, and germs. Simultaneously, the UV light component kills dangerous microbes, such as viruses and bacteria, by breaking their DNA structure, offering cleaner and healthier air. To achieve best performance and energy economy the air purifier adopts an automated operation mode. The device operates only upon the detection of motion a human being.

Analysis of Mycotoxins and Cytotoxicity of Airborne Molds Isolated from the Zoological Garden-Screening Research.

The objective of this paper was to assess the airborne mold contamination, secondary metabolite profiles, and cytotoxicity of the dominant fungal species isolated from the air in selected rooms at a Zoological Garden. Fungal concentrations were measured with MAS-100 air samplers. The collected airborne fungi were identified using a combination of morphological and molecular methods. The cytotoxicity of 84 strains belonging to two Penicillium and Aspergillus genera was determined using the quantitative colorimetric MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium salt) assay. The mycotoxins were detected using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a mass spectrometry detector. The ITS gene was amplified and sequenced to identify the 132 species. For mycotoxicological and cytotoxicity analyses, 52 Penicillium isolates and 32 Aspergillus representatives were selected. Cytotoxicity was confirmed in 97.6% of cases analyzed. Using the LC-MS/MS method, 42 out of 84 strains produced at least one of the following toxins: ochratoxin A, ochratoxin B, patulin, gliotoxin, roquefortine C, griseofulvin, sterigmatocystin, fumonisin B2, moniliformin, and mycophenolic acid. Analytical methods for assessing the presence of mycotoxins in fungal isolates collected directly from the air have proven to be an effective tool. Our research provides new information on the occurrence of potentially toxin-producing molds within a zoo.

Association of exposure to indoor molds and dampness with allergic diseases at water-damaged dwellings in Korea

This study aims to characterize levels of molds, bacteria, and environmental pollutants, identify the associations between indoor mold and dampness exposures and childhood allergic diseases, including asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, using three different exposure assessment tools. A total of 50 children with their parents who registered in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do in Korea participated in this study. We collated the information on demographic and housing characteristics, environmental conditions, and lifestyle factors using the Korean version of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. We also collected environmental monitoring samples of airborne molds and bacteria, total volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde, and particulate matter less than 10 µm. We evaluated and determined water damage, hidden dampness, and mold growth in dwellings using an infrared (IR) thermal camera and field inspection. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to evaluate the associations between prevalent allergic diseases and exposure to indoor mold and dampness. Indoor mold and bacterial levels were related to the presence of water damage in dwellings, and the mean levels of indoor molds (93.4 ± 73.5 CFU/m3) and bacteria (221.5 ± 124.2 CFU/m3) in water-damaged homes were significantly higher than those for molds (82.0 ± 58.7 CFU/m3) and for bacteria (152.7 ± 82.1 CFU/m3) in non-damaged dwellings (p < 0.05). The crude odds ratios (ORs) of atopic dermatitis were associated with < 6th floor (OR = 3.80), and higher indoor mold (OR = 6.42) and bacterial levels (OR = 6.00). The crude ORs of allergic diseases, defined as a group of cases who ever suffered from two out of three allergic diseases, e.g., asthma and allergic rhinitis, and allergic rhinitis were also increased by 3.8 and 9.3 times as large, respectively, with water damage (+) determined by IR camera (p < 0.05). The adjusted OR of allergic rhinitis was significantly elevated by 10.4 times in the water-damaged dwellings after adjusting age, sex, and secondhand smoke. Therefore, a longitudinal study is needed to characterize dominant mold species using DNA/RNA-based sequencing techniques and identify a causal relationship between mold exposure and allergic diseases in the future.

Antimicrobial Activity of Frankincense (Boswellia sacra) Oil and Smoke against Pathogenic and Airborne Microbes.

As they continuously evolve, plants will remain a renewable source for antimicrobial compounds. Omani frankincense is produced by B. sacra trees and is graded into Hojari, Nejdi, Shazri or Sha'bi. Air can be a source for pathogenic or food spoilage microbes; thus, inactivating airborne microbes is necessary in environments such as food and animal production areas. This study investigated the antimicrobial activity and the chemistry of steam-distilled oils of Hojari and Sha'bi grades. It also analyzed the antimicrobial activity of frankincense smoke and the size of its solid particles. Chemical analysis was performed using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antimicrobial activity of the oils against Staphylococcus aureus (NCTC 6571), Bacillus spp., Escherichia coli (NCTC 10418), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (NCTC 10662), Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium citrinum, Alternaria alternata and Fusarium solani was determined using well diffusion and micro-well dilution methods. A microscopic technique was used to determine the size of frankincense smoke solid particles. Microbes were exposed to frankincense smoke to test their susceptibility to the smoke. Hojari and Sha'bi oils were similar in composition and contained monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. The Hojari and the Sha'bi oils possessed broad spectrum antimicrobial activity. The largest growth inhibition zones were obtained with S. cerevisiae and F. solani. An MIC of 1.56% (v/v) was found with E. coli, S. cerevisiae and F. solani. Frankincense smoke contained fine irregular solid particles with a diameter range of 0.8-2287.4 µm, and thus may pose a health risk to susceptible individuals. The smoke had potent antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, and airborne bacteria, yeast and mold, with a maximum inhibition of 100%. It was concluded that Hojari and Sha'bi frankincense oils and smoke had significant antimicrobial activity that can be exploited in controlling human, animal and plant pathogenic microbes.

Seasonal variability of airborne mold concentrations as related to dust in a coastal urban area in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Recent studies have demonstrated that the amount of specific airborne mold types and their concentrations increase during dust events. This study investigates the seasonal variation of airborne mold concentrations before, during, and after the dust transport in an eastern Mediterranean coastal area, Izmir city, Turkey. A total of 136 airborne mold samples were collected between September 2020 and May 2021. Two different culture media, namely Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and Malt-Extract Agar (MEA), were used for enumeration and genus-based identification of the airborne mold. In addition to culture media, the influences of air temperature, relative humidity, and particulate matter equal to or less than 10µm (PM10) were also investigated seasonally. The HYSPLIT trajectory model and web-based simulation results were mainly used to determine dusty days. The mean total mold concentrations (TMC) on dusty days (543 Colony Forming Unit (CFU)/m3 on PDA and 668CFU/m3 on MEA) were approximately 2-2.5 times higher than those on non-dusty days (288CFU/m3 on PDA and 254CFU/m3 on MEA) for both culture media. TMC levels showed seasonal variations (p < 0.001), indicating that meteorological parameters influenced mold concentrations and compositions. Some mold genera, including Cladosporium sp., Chrysosporium sp., Aspergillus sp., Bipolaris sp., Alternaria sp., and yeast, were found higher during dusty days than non-dusty days. Thus, dust event impacts levels and types of airborne molds and has implications for regions where long-range dust transport widely occurs.

Assessment of a new UV-C light-emitting diode–based technology for air sanitization in indoor sports environments

The beneficial effects that physical activity gives to our bodies are well known, but they could be compromised by reduced indoor air quality (IAQ) in confined sports environments. Within the latter, indoor air often may host high levels of biological pollutants (bacteria, viruses and moulds). The use of UV-C light-emitting diode (UV-C LED) technology can significantly reduce the airborne microbial load, giving many advantages both on a hygienic and ecological level thanks to their reduced environmental impact. In this study, a new eco-friendly technology, named ‘CSA System technology’ (international patent: US20220268458A1), was integrated into an innovative continuous sanitation air (CSA) device. A prototype called CSA System S14000 was installed in a university sport pressostatic structure, and its sanitation efficacy and efficiency were assessed. The prototype demonstrated high efficacy in eliminating airborne microorganisms, both in efficacy tests (inactivation rate around 99.92 ± 0.07%, log reduction of 3.22 ± 0.39) and in on-site environmental tests (inactivation rate around 70.7 ± 3.6% and 72.4 ± 3.3% for airborne bacteria and moulds, respectively). Based on the results, the installation of the tested device in indoor sports environments appears to be a promising solution to guarantee efficient and healthy sanitation for athletes during sporting activity.

Identification of postbaking mold contamination through onsite monitoring of baking factory environment: A case study of bakery company in Taiwan

Food spoilage due to postbaking mold contamination is a major concern in the bakery industry. This study investigated how postbaking mold contamination occurs by conducting onsite inspections through a case study of bakery company in Taiwan . Basic information about the company hygiene management was obtained through interviews, and data on air and food contact surface (FCS) contamination by mold during the bread baking process were collected through onsite sampling. Furthermore, the temperature and humidity of the factory environment and changes in product water activity were also monitored. Total 11 types FCS with 396 plates and airborne sampling 540 plates in total were collected. This study revealed that baking and packaging gloves constituted the FCS with the highest postbaking mold contamination, and the highest air mold contamination occurred in the slicing/packaging room. Moreover, the mold contamination levels in air and the FCS in the same rooms or in different rooms were also correlated, indicating possible cross-contamination between air and the FCS. Overall, the obtained data indicated that comprehensive environmental monitoring is necessary for reducing the prevalence and growth of mold and involves monitoring FCSs and the air quality, temperature, and humidity of the baking environment. Such data can help identify the key control points and to redesign strategies to minimize bread molding. • Gloves and airborne mold could lead to postbaking mold contamination. • Cross-contamination between air and the FCS should be prevented. • The developed findings leads to bread with improved safety and extended shelf-life.

Микологические факторы риска развития респираторных аллергозов тяжелого течения у населения, проживающего на юге России

Aim: to determine the concentration of mold spores and causative allergens of pollen-producing grasses in the cities of Southern Russia and to assess the prevalence of multisensitization in patients with severe allergic respiratory diseases, taking into consideration mold specific IgE results. Patients and Methods: from 2018 to 2020, concentrations of airborne allergens were evaluated in Stavropol, Krasnodar and Rostov-on-Don according to international techniques, using Burkard and Lanzoni volumetric spore and pollen traps. The levels of non-bacterial allergen- specific IgE were evaluated by allergen component testing in 143 patients (69 children and 74 adults) with allergic rhinitis and atopic asthma. Results: the results of aeropalynology studies demonstrated a high concentration of mold spores in the atmospheric air of all the studied cities co-occurring with seasonal increases in pollen allergen concentrations in the atmospheric air. The South of Russia is characterized by the year-round presence of mold allergens with sporulation peaks in July, August and September. The peak utilization of healthcare services coincided with the maximal concentration of plant pollen and mold spores. The results of comprehensive allergy diagnostic testing suggest that there is a predominance of patients with multisensitization (71%), including sensitization to pollen and mold spore allergens. As a result of the overlapping of the peaks of spreading airborne pollen allergens and mold sporulation, a frequent use of short-acting emergency β2-agonists and more calls for ambulance service are reported. Conclusion: the predominance of patients with multisensitization leads to the development of severe allergic respiratory diseases. Measures of timely management and prevention are needed for such patients. A daily monitoring of sporulation levels and pollen allergens in the air may help to avoid contacts with high concentrations of causative allergens and to implement the necessary preventive measures. The annual aeropalynology monitoring will provide an opportunity to predict allergen concentrations in the atmospheric air during the current year and to develop a statistically significant monitoring model in the future. KEYWORDS: molds, ragweed, aeromycology, aeropalynology, allergens, allergen component testing. FOR CITATION: Ukhanova O.P., Bogomolova E.V., Budnikov P.V. et al. Mycotic risk factors for the development of severe respiratory allergosis in the population of southern Russia. Russian Medical Inquiry. 2023;7(2):65–74 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2023-7-2-65-74.

Identification of microbial airborne contamination routes in a food production environment and development of a tailored protection concept using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation

Airborne microbial re-contaminations are among the most frequent causes of food spoilage, contributing to food waste and economic losses. Cleanrooms can help to avoid bioaerosol re-contaminations, but are not suitable for open food processing environments. The present study assessed airborne microbial levels and their contamination routes within bakery production. Current airborne mold and total viable counts (TVCs) were evaluated over 8 months, indicating mold and TVCs ranging from 20 to 960 CFU/m 3 and from 20 to 1600 CFU/m 3 , respectively. The relative contamination level of each source point towards the cooling zone was virtually reproduced. The overall aim of this study was to develop a tailored cost-effective and easy-to-apply partial protection strategy, based on filter fan units (FFUs). The FFU concept with an air velocity of 0.3 m/s resulted in a significant reduction of the relative contamination (99.94%). Hence, this study suggests an alternative FFU-based control strategy for airborne contaminations within open food processing areas. • Evaluation of microbial counts in a bakery production facility. • Investigation of airborne microbial transmission routes through numerical simulation. • Identification of (bio)aerosol carryover by passive scalar transport functions with computational fluid dynamics. • Reduction of airborne contamination (≤99.94%) by targeted filter fan unit protection strategy.

Correlation analysis between airborne mold concentrations in subway stations and major contributing factors by literature review and measurement

Correlation analysis between airborne mold concentrations in subway stations and major contributing factors by literature review and measurement

Inoculation, Growth and Bactericidal Effects of Three Kombucha Cultures

Kombucha, a domesticated consortium of several microorganisms grown on sugared tea, has been valued as a nutritive health aid for over a millennium. In this study, three cultures of kombucha were obtained from diverse sources. Different inoculation methods were compared, and the wet and dry weights of the nascent pellicles were measured when cultured on several carbon sources. In addition, the anti-bacterial properties of the fermented kombucha teas were tested against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermis. Inoculation with macerated pellicles gave the fastest kombucha growth. The best carbon sources for growth of the nascent kombucha pellicles were sucrose, glucose, and fructose. On maltose, galactose, and lactose, not only did the kombucha pellicles grow poorly but 25% were also contaminated by common airborne molds. Good growth of the kombucha cultures was correlated with low pH of the fermented tea. Antibacterial effects of concentrated fermented teas and vinegar were similar to those of 1 mmol ampicillin against Escherichia coli or 0.01 mmol penicillin against Staphylococcus epidermis. When the pH of concentrated kombucha teas was neutralized, their bactericidal effects were no better than unfermented controls.

Bactericidal and Fungicidal Efficacy of Chlorine Dioxide in Various Workspaces

Previously, we demonstrated the virucidal efficacy of low concentration chlorine dioxide (ClO2) gas in room settings. The purpose of these studies was to evaluate novel ClO2 formats as potential biocidal interventions for real world congregate settings and air systems. Three types of studies were conducted to determine the efficacy of ClO2 in reducing bacteria and mold in various workspaces: hard and soft surfaces (gymnasium & equipment), aerosol (in-room), and within a laboratory environment. The study demonstrated that ClO2 was highly effective against both bacteria and mold with reduction ranging from 85.0% - > 99.4% for bacteria and >99.4% for yeast and mold. Treatments on hard and soft surfaces (gymnasiums and sports equipment), reduced bacteria by an average of 90% - 95%. The following treatments were applied overnight: 1) hard surface spraying with dilute ClO2 solutions, 2) carpet and tumbling treatments with powdered ClO2 releasing impregnates, and 3) HVAC treatment and overall room deodorization with low dose ClO2 gas from controlled releasing sachets. The in-room study treating air with a ClO2 filtration media also indicated significant air and surface room efficacy, with an average of 94% reduction in bacteria after 24-hour, and 99.4% reduction in mold after 24-hours. In a related air study, a biological combination of Raoultella terrigena and Staphylococcus aureus was injected as a bio-aerosol into a 4-inch diameter pipe with air flowing at approximately 1200 ft/min. Dry ClO2 gas was introduced into the air flow to achieve an effective concentration of 5 or 10 ppmv. Air samples were collected at sampling ports downstream from the fan at 10, 22, 55 and 100 ft along the pipe and used to evaluate changes in airborne bacteria and mold. Testing was conducted in a laboratory setting at ambient conditions. The data showed ClO2 gas reduced viable organisms at both gas concentrations, and indicated that reductions were higher for 10 ppmv concentration, and longer pipe runs. In a final study, laboratory application of gaseous chlorine dioxide was tested. Low gas release filter testing demonstrated significant surface reductions of airborne bacteria with an overall average 99.4% reduction in the 24-hour testing period. Higher gas treatments of a class II biological cabinet reduced bacillus spores on steel coupons throughout cabinet by 6 log. ClO2 was effective as a bactericidal and fungicidal treatment providing significant reduction in both surface and air. Novel product delivery forms may be useful for rapidly disinfecting air and solid surfaces in complex congregate settings.

Misalignment between Clinical Mold Antigen Extracts and Airborne Molds Found in Water-damaged Homes

Rationale: Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that exposure to molds and other fungi can play a role in a variety of allergic and pulmonary diseases in susceptible individuals. Species-specific mold antigen extracts are used in the clinical evaluation of suspected mold-related conditions; however, alignment between these extracts and the species of molds identified in the indoor environment of water-damaged homes has not been rigorously evaluated. Objectives: To identify the predominant genera and species of mold in the air of homes with water damage, mold growth, and/or occupants with respiratory complaints (complaint homes), and to assess their alignment with the mold antigen extracts used in clinical practice. Methods: The genera and species of molds identified in culture-type outdoor and indoor air samples collected from complaint homes throughout the United States and Canada from 2002 to 2017 were examined. Mold antigen extracts available and utilized for skin and serum testing in clinical practice were assessed, and alignment between these data were evaluated. Results: Culture data from 24,455 indoor air samples from 7,547 complaint homes and 29,493 outdoor samples were evaluated. Mean exposure values (colony-forming units [cfu]/m3) were calculated for each genus and species and indoor versus outdoor values were compared. Penicillium was the predominant genus identified in water-damaged homes, with a mean exposure (233.3 cfu/m3) 2.9 times higher than that of the Aspergillus genus (81.4 cfu/m3). Five Penicillium (P. aurantiogriseum, P. brevicompactum, P. citrinum, P. crustosum, and P. variabile) and three Aspergillus (A. versicolor, A. sydowii, and A. niger) species were identified as the predominant indoor water-damage-related fungi. However, none of these Penicillium species and only one of the Aspergillus species is currently available as an antigen extract for use in skin testing or serum testing panels. Conclusions: Significant misalignment exists between the currently available mold antigen extracts and the predominant species of molds found in water-damaged homes. Improving alignment has the potential to enhance diagnosis of mold-related diseases, including allergic asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis and to improve patient outcomes via interventions, including antigen avoidance through building remediation and occupant relocation, consistent with the findings of a recent American Thoracic Society Workshop Report.

Risk Assessment for Molds in the Vicinity of a Child Requiring Peritoneal Dialysis Living in a Rural Northern German Area.

As well as severe immunosuppression, other predisposing factors may facilitate invasive mycosis caused by molds. Chronic kidney disease and the resulting peritoneal dialysis have been reported as factors putting patients at risk of fungal infections from environmental sources. We describe an environmental investigation undertaken to guide exposure prevention for a peritoneal dialysis patient with transient colonization of her nostrils by Lichtheimia corymbifera in a rural area of northern Germany. Systematic screening for airborne and surface-deposited molds enabled targeted recommendations to be made, although Lichtheimia corymbifera itself was not grown from the collected environmental samples. This communication is intended to illustrate how such an investigation can be performed on the basis of the environmental distribution of the molds and how preventive recommendations can be derived from the results.

Community Airborne Mold Spore Counts and Invasive Fungal Disease Risk Among Pediatric Hematological Malignancy and Stem Cell Transplant Patients

BackgroundPatients with hematological malignancies and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients are at risk of developing invasive fungal infections, but the quantitative risk posed by exposure to airborne mold spores in the community has not been well characterized.MethodsA single-institution, retrospective cohort study was conducted of pediatric patients treated for hematological malignancies and HSCT recipients between 2014 and 2018. Patients with invasive fungal disease (IFD) due to molds or endemic fungi were identified using published case definitions. Daily airborne mold spore counts were obtained from a local National Allergy Bureau monitoring station and tested for association with IFD cases by 0-inflated Poisson regression. Patients residing outside the region or with symptom onset more than 2 weeks after admission were excluded from the primary analysis.ResultsSixty cases of proven or probable IFD were identified, of whom 47 cases had symptom onset within 2 weeks of admission and were therefore classified as possible ambulatory onset. The incidence of ambulatory-onset IFD was 1.2 cases per 10000 patient-days (95% CI, 0.9–1.7). A small excess of ambulatory-onset IFD was seen from July through September, during which period spore counts were highest, but this seasonal pattern did not reach statistical significance (P = .09). No significant association was found between IFD cases and community mold spore counts over intervals from 1 to 6 weeks before symptom onset.ConclusionsThere was no significant association between IFD cases and community airborne mold spore counts among pediatric hematological malignancy and HSCT patients in this region.

A fungal antigenic driver for Löfgren's syndrome sarcoidosis.

Löfgren's syndrome is an acute form of sarcoidosis that is characterized by the activation of CD4+ T helper cells. In this issue of JEM, Greaves et al. (2021. J. Exp. Med.https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20210785) identified a peptide derived from an airborne mold species that stimulates T cells of Löfgren's syndrome patients in an HLA-DR3-restricted manner. An increased serum IgG antibody response to the full-length protein was also observed in those patients, indicating that the fungus Aspergillus nidulans might be the elusive microbial agent that drives acute sarcoidosis.

Changes in asthma and general health after Hurricane Harvey: A natural experiment utilizing an asthma clinical trial, Harris County, TX

BACKGROUND AND AIM: On August 25, 2017, roughly two-thirds through a clinical trial (HIITBAC1) targeting low-income African-American adults with poorly controlled asthma, Hurricane Harvey made landfall along the Gulf coast. Of the 263 HIITBAC1 enrollees, we re-enrolled 75 of 107 who had exited HIITBAC1 during the 12 months before Harvey to assess their health and resilience before and after the disaster. Here we report on the change observed in several key measures. METHODS: Data collected before and after Harvey were largely the same, and included clinical measures, Asthma Control Test (ACT), Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (MiniAQLQ), PROMIS global health, PROMIS emotional support, an exposure history, healthcare utilization, and (in most pre- and all post-Harvey enrollees) an in-home assessment of environmental hazards. In addition, we obtained blood samples; information about their Harvey experience, including trauma scores; and exhaled nitric oxide and airborne mold samples from the post-Harvey enrollees. A linear mixed model was used to assess pre- versus post-Harvey changes in health outcomes and the association with flooding damage, and quantile regression to assess eNO association with spore count. Analyses controlled for potential confounders. RESULTS:The average age was 55 years (83% female) and 57% of participants had a household income $15,000. Compared to pre-Harvey, post-Harvey scores on key health outcomes (i.e., ACT, MiniAQLQ, global physical health, global mental health) decreased significantly. Post Harvey, global physical health was significantly lower for those who flooded, compared with those who did not, whereas global mental health was lower for those reporting Harvey-related home damage. Neither flooding nor Harvey-related home damage were associated with ACT and MiniAQLQ after adjusting for pre-disaster characteristics. Post Harvey, no statistically significant association between eNO and spore counts was found. CONCLUSIONS:Our initial analyses suggest that Hurricane Harvey adversely affected health in this vulnerable population. KEYWORDS: Asthma, Environmental disparities, Environmental epidemiology, Exposure assessment, Natural disaster

Occupational exposure of librarians to mold spores and metal particles: a real-time case study

In a university library, activities typical of librarians, such as unpacking boxes, removing books from the shelves, dusting, packing boxes, cataloguing, conservation and repair, photocopying, setting materials for class, and walking in a main hallway, were found to reduce indoor air quality through the production of airborne mold spores, metal dusts, and particulate matter of different size bins. Analyzing three libraries, the activity of conservation generated 9000 spores/m3 of mold spores, nearing the exposure limit of 104 spores/m3 reported for Penicillium sp., and silver nanoparticles of about 15 µg/m3, that over 8 h would exceed the occupational exposure limit of 0.19 µg/m3. For none of the activities, the levels of particulate matter with a diameter lower than 2.5 µm (PM2.5) and 10 µm (PM10) did not exceed the 8-h time weight average limits of exposure. However, by analyzing the 5th percentile of the real-time PM10 data, values of about 1.5 mg/m3, which is concerning for occupational exposure. Measuring real-time exposures of PM could generate an estimation of levels of mold spores and metal dusts in libraries. We demonstrate a high Spearman’s rank correlation (0.70) between the 5th percentile of PM with a diameter lower than 1 µm and different metals. A high linearity (R2 = 0.85) is obtained between the total average of PM with a diameter lower than 10 µm and mold spores/m3.