Airborne Chemicals Research Articles

Children’s Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds: A Comparative Analysis of Assessments in Households, Schools, and Indoor Swimming Pools

Chemical pollution is an increasing worldwide concern, with children being especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution. This study aimed to characterize the mixture of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in indoor air across residential, educational, and recreational settings. It analyzed data on VOC concentrations from previous sampling campaigns conducted in households with children, primary schools, and indoor swimming pools (70 buildings, 151 indoor spaces) in northern Portugal. The findings reveal the co-occurrence of 16 VOCs (1,2,4-trimethylbenzene, benzene, ethylbenzene, m/o/p-xylenes, styrene, toluene, tetrachloroethylene, 2-ethylhexanol, butanol, acetophenone, ethyl acetate, benzaldehyde, decanal, nonanal, 1-methoxy-2-propanol and limonene) across all three settings, primarily associated to emissions from building materials and detergents. However, distinct patterns were also observed in the VOCs detected across the three indoor environments: in homes, the predominant VOCs were primarily released from cleaning and fragranced products; in schools, from ammonia-based cleaners and occupant activities; and in swimming pools, the predominant airborne chemicals were disinfection by-products resulting from the chemical dynamics associated with water disinfection. Overall, the findings highlight the need for additional research to deepen our understanding of the risks posed by combined exposure to multiple indoor air chemicals for children. These results also underscore the importance of developing and enforcing regulations to monitor VOC levels in environments frequented by children and implementing preventive measures to minimize their exposure to harmful chemicals.

Airborne Chemical Detection Using IoT and Machine Learning in the Agricultural Area

Airborne Chemical Detection Using IoT and Machine Learning in the Agricultural Area

Herbivore-induced volatiles reduce the susceptibility of neighboring tomato plants to transmission of a whitefly-borne begomovirus.

Plant viruses exist in a broader ecological community that includes non-vector herbivores that can impact vector abundance, behavior, and virus transmission within shared host plants. However, little is known about the effects of non-vector herbivore infestation on virus transmission by vector insects on neighboring plants through inter-plant airborne chemicals. In this study, we investigated how volatiles emitted from tomato plants infested with the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) affect the infection of neighboring plants by tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) transmitted by whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). Exposure of neighboring tomato plants to volatiles released from T. urticae-infested tomato plants reduced subsequent herbivory as well as TYLCV transmission and infection, and the jasmonic acid signaling pathway was essential for generation of the inter-plant defense signals. We also demonstrated that (E)-β-ocimene and methyl salicylic acid were two volatiles induced by T. urticae that synergistically attenuated TYLCV transmission and infection in tomato. Thus, our findings suggest that plant-plant communication via volatiles likely represents a widespread defensive mechanism that substantially contributes to plant fitness. Understanding such phenomena may help us to predict the occurrence and epidemics of multiple herbivores and viruses in agroecosystems, and ultimately to manage pest and virus outbreaks.

Health risks associated with hazardous airborne chemicals in beauty salons: A pilot study in Kuwaiti salons

The beauty industry has become increasingly popular in recent years, leading to a surge in salon visits for various beauty treatments. However, public concerns were raised about the possible health dangers linked to the widespread use of harmful chemicals in beauty salons. To address these concerns, a pilot study was conducted in Kuwait to evaluate and identify the ten most commonly occurring hazardous airborne chemicals in different beauty salons. Air samples were gathered from inside and outside ten beauty salons situated in diverse regions of Kuwait, covering various periods, including working hours, non-working hours, and a continuous 24-h period. The study used diffusion tubes for sampling and employed the thermo-desorption gas chromatograph/mass spectroscopy technique (TD-GC/MS) to identify the chemical compounds. In addition, the measured concentration of compounds was utilized to assess the potential inhalation health risks associated with both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic substances, employing the USEPA Cancer Risk Indicator (CRI) and Hazard Quotient Indicator (HQI). The findings indicated that indoor concentrations of hazardous chemicals were significantly higher than those recorded outdoors. A total of 55 hazardous chemicals were detected in the indoor air quality inside beauty salons, and benzene concentrations exceeded ACGIH thresholds, suggesting a potential health concern. Although concentrations of toluene, ethylbenzene, m/p-xylene, and o-xylene remained below NIOSH recommendations, health risk assessments indicated the potential carcinogenicity of three compounds in the indoor air of beauty salons: benzene, ethylbenzene, and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol. Additionally, 15 compounds were identified by non-carcinogenic risk assessments, such as ethyl acetate and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol. These findings emphasize the urgency of implementing measures to address the exposure in Kuwait's beauty salons and conducting further research.

Tear Fluid as a Matrix for Biomonitoring Environmental and Chemical Exposures.

Exposures to hazardous chemicals have been linked to many detrimental health effects and it is therefore critical to have effective biomonitoring methods to better evaluate key environmental exposures that increase the risk of chronic disease and death. Traditional biomonitoring utilizing blood and urine is limited due to the specialized skills and invasiveness of collecting these fluid samples. This systematic review focuses on tear fluid, which is largely under-researched, as a promising complementary matrix to the traditional fluids used for biomonitoring. The objective is to evaluate the practicability of using human tear fluid for biomonitoring environmental exposures, highlighting potential pitfalls and opportunities. Tear fluid biomonitoring represents a promising method for assessing exposures because it can be collected with minimal invasiveness and tears contain exposure markers from both the external and internal environments. Tear fluid uniquely interfaces with the external environment at the air-tear interface, providing a surface for airborne chemicals to diffuse into the ocular environment and interact with biomolecules. Tear fluid also contains molecules from the internal environment that have travelled from the blood to tears by crossing the blood-tear barrier. This review demonstrates that tear fluid can be used to identify hazardous chemicals from the external environment and differentiate exposure groups.

163 Validations of the sampling and analysis techniques for the co-existing airborne chemicals in occupational settings

163 Validations of the sampling and analysis techniques for the co-existing airborne chemicals in occupational settings

Tracking Source Variations of Inhalation Cancer Risks and Ozone Formation Potential in Hong Kong over Two Decades (2000-2020) Using Toxic Air Pollutant Monitoring Data.

Toxic air pollutants (TAPs) are a class of airborne chemicals known or suspected to cause serious health issues. This study, applying positive matrix factorization and inhalation unit risk estimates of TAPs, quantifies the changes in significant sources contributing to inhalation cancer risks (ICRs) from 2000 to 2020 in Hong Kong, China. Total ICR decreased from 1701 to 451 cases per million between 2000-2004 and 2016-2020, largely attributed to the reduction in diesel particulate matter (DPM), gasoline and solvent use-related volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and coal/biomass combustion-related polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and metal(loid)s. The regional contribution of VOCs associated with industrial and halogenated solvent sources increased substantially, representing the largest non-DPM ICR contributor (37%) in 2016-2020, stressing the need for a more comprehensive risk evaluation across the fast-growing and densely populated Greater Bay Area (GBA). ICRs in Hong Kong and the GBA will likely remain over 100 cases per million by 2050. The contributions to ozone formation potential of VOC/carbonyl sources were quantified, which show a notable shift from being solvent/gasoline-dominant in 2000-2004 to being more evenly shared by various sources in 2016-2020. Establishing a similar TAP monitoring network in the GBA is anticipated to provide the monitoring data needed to facilitate the development of more informed air quality management strategies.

Horizontal laminar flow cabinet with a low background and clean air

The publication presents the design, construction of a prototype, and the course of verification tests of a special horizontal laminar flow cabinet made entirely of plastics. In the cabinet design process, numerical simulations and airflow analyses were used to achieve a laminar, uniform flow in the device's workspace. A prototype was built and subjected to verification tests regarding the intensity and nature of airflow as well as air cleanliness. The cabinet is equipped with its own filtration-ventilation module providing clean air to the workspace and removing used air to the external ventilation system. It ensures an increased level of protection for workers dealing with microorganisms and hazardous airborne chemicals, as well as complete corrosion resistance inside the workspace. A particular area of application for the cabinet is research involving radionuclides, volatile, toxic chemical compounds for which air-recirculating devices cannot be used in the room where they are placed. The developed solution has been protected by industrial property rights and used to implement a contract for the supply of a set of equipment to the laboratory of the Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences.

Design And Development of a Compact Carbon Gas Emission Monitoring Device for Private Vehicles

Poor air quality is a major concern in urban areas, with a large percentage of the population exposed to high levels of pollutants. Using sensor and monitoring technology, devices can automatically and periodically monitor indoor air quality. Containment measures should be taken when dangerous airborne chemicals are detected. Air pollution, both indoors and outdoors, causes health problems. The Philippines faces challenges in air quality reporting due to the high cost of monitoring equipment. A project is underway to collect real-time data using sensors and an Arduino Uno-based monitoring system. The power management design's PCB layouts were completed using two software applications: Eagle CAD for the nano power boost charger circuit and Ultiboard for the boost converter circuit. The layout design adhered to the IPC2221A standards, ensuring accurate component footprints and copper trace width, which were determined based on the current flow through the trace in the PCB design. The circuit boards were carefully sized to be smaller than 4“x4” to enable smooth integration into an air quality monitoring device. The integrated design functioned as a wireless sensing application, effectively monitoring air quality. The carbon gas monitoring system had the capability to detect and collect various gases, including Carbon Dioxide, Nitrogen Monoxide, Carbon Monoxide, and Dust Density. Additionally, it was equipped to measure temperature and humidity. Achieving this required using the Arduino Uno application for programming and incorporating an additional sensor, resulting in a cost-effective design solution. The prototype successfully integrated air quality sensors, microcontrollers, and communication modules. The system's performance was evaluated against existing testing centers, and the results were presented.

Influence of aerosol acidity and organic ligands on transition metal solubility and oxidative potential of fine particulate matter in urban environments

The adverse health effects of air pollution around the world have been associated with the inhalation of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Such outcomes are thought to be related to the induction of oxidative stress due to the excess formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. The ability of airborne chemicals to deplete antioxidants and to form ROS is known as oxidative potential (OP). Here we studied the influence of aerosol acidity and organic ligands on the solubility of transition metals, in particular iron (Fe) and copper (Cu), and on the OP of PM2.5 from Canadian National Air Pollution Surveillance urban sites in Toronto, Vancouver, and Hamilton. Using chemical assays and model simulations of the lung redox chemistry, we quantified ROS formation in the lung lining fluid, targeting superoxide anion (O2•-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and hydroxyl radical (•OH), as well as the PM2.5 redox potential (RP). Experimental •OH formation (OPOH) showed high correlations with RP and model-predicted ROS metrics. Both aerosol acidity and oxalate content enhanced the solubility of transition metals, with oxalate showing a stronger association. While experimental OP metrics were primarily associated with species of primary origin such as elemental carbon, Fe, and Cu, model-predicted ROS were associated with secondary processes including proton- and ligand-mediated dissolution of Fe. Model simulations showed that water-soluble Cu was the main contributor to O2•- formation, while water-soluble Fe dominated the formation of highly reactive •OH radical, particularly at study sites with highly acidic aerosol and elevated levels of oxalate. This study underscores the importance of reducing transition metal emissions in urban environments to improve population health.

Some Chemicals Lingered for Weeks After Ohio Train Derailment

Researchers drove around a van outfitted with a sensitive mass spectrometer to measure airborne chemicals weeks after the disaster.

Real-Time Remote Detection of Airborne Chemical Hazards—An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Carrying an Ion Mobility Spectrometer

Real-Time Remote Detection of Airborne Chemical Hazards—An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Carrying an Ion Mobility Spectrometer

TRPA1 channel in the airway underlies protection against airborne threats by modulating respiration and behaviour.

Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), a member of the TRP superfamily of cation channels, is broadly expressed in sensory neural pathways, including the trigeminal neurons innervating the nasal cavity and vagal neurons innervating the trachea and the lung. TRPA1 acts as a detector of various irritant chemicals as well as hypoxia and hyperoxia. For the past 15years, we have characterised its role in respiratory and behavioural modulation in vivo using Trpa1 knockout (KO) mice and wild-type (WT) littermates. Trpa1 KO mice failed to detect, wake up from sleeping, and escape from formalin vapour and a mild hypoxic (15% O2) environment. Respiratory augmentation induced by mild hypoxia was absent in either Trpa1 KO mice or WT mice treated with a TRPA1 antagonist. Irritant gas introduced into the nasal cavity inhibited respiratory responses in WT mice but not in the KO mice. The effect of TRPA1 on the olfactory system seemed minimal because olfactory bulbectomized WT mice reacted similarly to the intact mice. Immunohistological analyses using a cellar activation marker, the phosphorylated form of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, confirmed activation of trigeminal neurons in WT mice but not in Trpa1 KO mice in response to irritant chemicals and mild hypoxia. These data collectively show that TRPA1 is necessary for multiple chemical-induced protective responses in respiration and behaviour. We propose that TRPA1 channels in the airway may play a sentinel role for environmental threats and prevent incoming damage.

Age- and Sex-Specific Features of Biomarkers of Exposure and Adverse Health Effects in Children with Respiratory Diseases and Comorbidities Associated with a Combined Exposure to Airborne Chemicals

Introduction: Nowadays, the use of a system of exposure and effect biomarkers is highly relevant in assessing public health disorders associated with chemical exposure. The study of age and sex-specific biomarkers in risk-sensitive populations with certain types of functional disorders and diseases related to airborne chemical exposures helps improve the effectiveness of scientific and methodological support for activities of the bodies and organizations of the Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing (Rospotrebnadzor) in establishing causes and identifying circumstances for the occurrence and spread of non-communicable diseases related to chemical pollution of the environment. Objective: To establish and age- and sex-specific biomarkers of exposure and its adverse health effects in children with respiratory diseases and comorbid conditions exposed to a combination of airborne chemicals. Materials and methods: The object of the research was the system of biomarkers of exposure to six substances and negative effects (eight indicators), substantiated in biomedical studies conducted by the Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies in 2021–2022 to establish adverse health effects of a combined exposure to multiple airborne chemicals emitted by metallurgical plants in children aged 4–7 years; the classifying criteria included sex, age, target organs and systems, and adverse effects. Results: The article gives a detailed description of age- and sex-dependent changes in biomarkers of exposure and adverse health effects in children. It also provides substantiation that the best (most informative) age for studying the levels of markers of exposure and effect in children with respiratory diseases and associated comorbidities is 4–5 years for boys and 6–7 years for girls. General patterns of changes in the levels of biomarkers in response to chronic exposure to airborne chemicals include an increase in the level of chemicals in biological fluids above the reference values, a growth of the spectrum, severity, and prevalence of changes relative to the physiological norm of biochemical parameters, and expansion of the spectrum of adverse health effects. Conclusions: Our findings can serve as a criteria basis for priority setting in order to objectify and improve the accuracy of hygienic assessments, increase the efficiency of predictive techniques of diagnosis, predict and prevent health risks in the populations sensitive to airborne industrial chemicals.

Is indoor environment a risk factor of building-related symptoms?

The indoor environment, particularly indoor air quality (IAQ), is significantly associated with building-related symptoms (BRSs) in humans. In our previous studies, we demonstrated a significant relationship between BRSs and indoor chemical concentrations. In Japan, the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare (MHLW) guideline recommends an air quality target of 13 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and a provisional target of 400 μg/m3 for total VOCs (TVOC). The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between TVOC levels and the risk of BRSs using the Japanese provisional target TVOC level of 400 μg/m3. The relationship between odor intensity and BRSs while the TVOC levels were under 400 μg/m3 was also examined. The study was conducted in a laboratory house (LH) on the campus of Chiba University from 2017-2019. The study included 149 participants who spent 60 minutes in the LH. The participants were asked to evaluate the IAQ of the LH. A significant relationship between the risk of BRSs and the provisional target TVOC level was observed (odds ratio: 2.94, 95% confidence interval: 1.18-7.35). Furthermore, a significant relationship between odor intensity and risk of BRSs in spaces with TVOC levels less than 400 μg/m3 was detected (odds ratio: 6.06, 95% confidence interval: 1.21-30.44). In conclusion, the risk of BRSs is significantly lower in spaces with low TVOC levels and low odor intensity. Reducing the concentration of airborne chemicals and odor intensity may improve IAQ and prevent BRSs.

Personal airborne chemical exposure and epigenetic ageing biomarkers in healthy Chinese elderly individuals: Evidence from mixture approaches

BackgroundAir pollution is associated with accelerated biological ages determined by DNA methylation (DNAm) patterns, imposing further risks of age-related adverse effects. However, little is known about the independent and joint effects of exposure to gaseous organic chemicals that may share a common source. MethodsWe conducted a panel study with the 3-day exposure assessment monthly among 73 Chinese healthy elderly people aged 60 to 69 years in Jinan, Shandong province during September 2018 to January 2019.Exposure to 26 ambient organic chemical contaminants were measured by wearable passive samplers, including volatile organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phthalates (PAEs), nitroaromatics (NIs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers, chlorinated hydrocarbons, and organophosphate esters. The Illumina MethylationEPIC BeadChip was used to measure DNA methylation levels in blood samples, and based on which, epigenetic ageing biomarkers, including Hannum clock, Horvath clock, DNAm PhenoAge, DNAm GrimAge, and DNAm estimator of telomere length (DNAmTL) were calculated. Linear mixed effect models were used to estimate the linear associations between 3-day personal chemical exposure and the epigenetic biomarkers, Weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression and the Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) model were further used to evaluate the effect of chemical mixtures. ResultsMultiple linear mixed effects regression models showed that DNAmPhenoAge acceleration was significantly and positively associated with exposure to PAEs, NIs, and PAHs in healthy elderly individuals. Both WQS regression and BKMR models showed a significant positive association with DNAmPhenoAge acceleration with chemical exposures, in which the effect of di-n-butyl phthalate exposure showed the greatest importance. ConclusionThese findings suggest that exposure to a mixture of airborne chemicals significantly increase the acceleration of the epigenetic biomarker of phenotypic age. These findings serve to identify toxic chemicals in the air and facilitate the evaluation of their potentially severe health effects.

Impact of Exposure to Indoor Air Chemicals on Health and the Progression of Building-Related Symptoms: A Case Report

The aetiology of building-related symptoms (BRSs) is not well supported by sufficient scientific evidence, and it remains unclear whether BRSs are mediated by psychosocial and personal factors or a genuine physical susceptibility to low-dose chemical exposure. In April 2014, a 40-year-old man consulted the Environmental Medical Clinic at Chiba University complaining of recurring BRSs. Indoor air samples were collected from the patient’s house at 11 time points and subjected to chemical analyses. The patient simultaneously completed a questionnaire about his symptoms at the time of the measurements. Statistical examination of the indoor environmental factors and patient survey revealed that the patient’s symptoms were highly correlated with the indoor air quality. Additionally, ventilation may have mitigated his BRSs, whereas aerial odour did not trigger symptoms. These findings suggest that exposure to specific airborne chemicals in an indoor environment can cause BRSs, and ventilation may be one of the treatment options to mitigate symptoms. Additional investigations on the adverse impacts of airborne environmental chemicals on human health are necessary to develop effective treatments and establish preventive measures for BRSs, and further improvement of ventilation systems is required to ensure clean indoor air.

Air Quality and Cancer Prevalence Trends across the Sub-Saharan African Regions during 2005-2020.

Poor air quality and environmental pollution remain some of the main etiological factors leading to cancers and cancer-related deaths worldwide. As a result of human activities, deleterious airborne chemicals can be dispersed not only in the environment but also released in occupational environments and industrial areas. Air pollutants and cancer links are now established through various oxidative stress-related mechanisms and related DNA damages. Generally, ambient and indoor air pollutants have been understudied in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) compared to other regions in the world. Our study not only highlights the deleterious effects of air pollutants in these developing countries, but it has strived to examine the trends and correlations between cancers and some air pollutants—carbon dioxide, other greenhouse gases, PM2.5, and human development index—in some SSA countries, where recent cancer burdens were reported as high. Our results showed strikingly higher yearly trends of cancers and above-mentioned air pollutant levels in some sub-Saharan countries during 2005–2020. Relative risks (RR) of these air pollutants-related cancer case rates were, however, below, or slightly above 1.0, or not statistically significant possibly due to other responsible and confounding factors which were not considered in our analyses due to data unavailability. We recommend new approaches to monitoring, minimizing, and creating awareness of the trends of hazardous air pollutants in sub-Saharan Africa, which will help ameliorate cancer prevalence and support the reduction in air pollution levels within regulatory limits, thereby relieving the cumulative burdens of cancers. Utilization of the findings from the study will support large-scale public health and health policy efforts on cancer management through environmental stewardship in SSA countries having the poorest outcome and the shortest survival rates from cancers.

Physiological Health and Physical Performance in Multiple Chemical Sensitivity-Described in the General Population.

Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a multifactorial somatic disorder characterized by physical reactions triggered by even extremely low levels of different airborne chemicals. In most individuals with MCS, these reactions have substantial negative impact on social, occupational, and everyday life often including limited or no engagement in physical activities. The aim of this study was to explore associations between MCS and objective measurements of anthropometry, cardiorespiratory health, and physical performance. From the Danish population-based cohort DanFunD counting 9656 participants aged 18–76 years, 1.95% (n = 188) were categorized as MCS individuals (MCS All). Of those 188, 109 participants were subcategorized as having MCS without functional somatic disorders (FSD) (MCS with no comorbid FSD). The remaining study population without any FSD were regarded controls. We used adjusted multiple linear regression analyses to evaluate associations between MCS and anthropometry, cardiorespiratory fitness, and physical performance. Compared with the general population, MCS All had less optimal body composition, increased risk of obesity, impaired cardiorespiratory fitness, and physical performance which was not seen in MCS with no comorbid FSD. MCS individuals may be inhibited to maintain an active lifestyle which can increase risk of obesity and consequently have negatively impact on general health, which may not be the case among MCS with no comorbid FSD.

Songbirds use scent cues to relocate to feeding sites after displacement: An experiment in great tits (Parus major)

Air-borne chemicals are highly abundant sensory cues and their use in navigation might be one of the major evolutionary mechanisms explaining the development of olfaction in animals. Despite solid evidence for the importance of olfaction in avian life (e.g., foraging or mating), the importance of chemical cues in avian orientation remains controversial. In particular, songbirds are sorely neglected models, despite their remarkable orientation skills. Here we show that great tits (Parus major) require olfactory cues to orientate toward winter-feeding sites within their home range after displacement. Birds that received an olfaction-depriving treatment were impaired in homing. However, the return rates between olfaction-deprived and control individuals did not differ. Birds with decreased perception of olfactory cues required more time to return to the winter feeding sites. This effect became apparent when the distance between the releasing and capture sites was greater. Our results indicate that even in a familiar environment with possible visual landmarks, scent cues might serve as an important source of information for orientation.