Mold Concentrations Research Articles

Concrete Actions for Improving Indoor Air Quality in Korea: Advancing Public Health for Vulnerable Populations

In modern society, individuals spend an increasing amount of time indoors, emphasizing the importance of understanding the health impacts of indoor environments. This study focused on measuring indoor air quality to identify vulnerable populations and observe the effects of residential environment improvements on air quality. Targeting low-income families and elderly households, known for their heightened vulnerability to environmental health risks, the study involved direct visits to 2328 low-income households across 16 cities and provinces in South Korea from 2021 to 2022. Indoor air quality parameters, including PM2.5, PM10, total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), formaldehyde (HCHO), and airborne mold, were measured. Among these households, 300 with critically compromised living conditions received support for wallpaper and paneling replacement. Comparative measurements before and after the renovations revealed that single-person households had higher levels of PM2.5 and TVOC compared with households with four or more members. Additionally, households with elevated concentrations of airborne mold also exhibited higher levels of PM2.5 and PM10. Importantly, households that received environmental improvements showed a significant reduction in airborne mold concentration by approximately 50% or more. This study underscores the importance of indoor environmental health and provides valuable evidence supporting policies focused on health promotion and residential welfare improvements for vulnerable populations. The research is distinguished by its comprehensive nature, involving direct measurements from nearly 2000 households nationwide, rather than relying solely on secondary data.

Mycological analysis in three schools over four seasons using passive air sedimentation

The aim of the study is the isolation and identification of fungi using passive air sedimentation. This study analyzed 540 mycological samples from three primary schools in Zenica, collected in September, December, February, and May. Each season, 135 samples were taken from five rooms (two classrooms, a gym, a locker room, and a library) in each school. Samples were collected three times daily at three different heights with 15-minute exposure times. Samples were refrigerated and transported in sterile bags, incubated for 24 hours, and inoculated on specific agars with and without additives. Plates were incubated at 37°C and 25°C for up to 7 days, followed by examinations. Petri dishes were used for passive air sampling, and colonies were counted after incubation. The average number of microorganisms (CFU/m³) was calculated using Omeliansky’s method. Statistical methods included the Chi-squared test and p-value. Colony appearance was assessed visually and microscopically using a light microscope. Growth rate, size, structure, and color changes were monitored. In September, the highest mold concentrations were at H. Kikić Primary School (796 CFU/m³, not significant), M. Dizdar Primary School (1260 CFU/m³, not significant), and A. Šantić Primary School (3980 CFU/m³, significant). Penicillium spp. and Alternaria spp. were most prevalent, with Alternaria spp. significant at H. Kikić Primary School. In December, the highest mold/yeast concentrations were at H. Kikić Primary School (4578 CFU/m³, not significant), M. Dizdar Primary School (1924 CFU/m³, significant), and A. Šantić Primary School (2587 CFU/m³, not significant). Penicillium spp. was most prevalent. In February, the highest mold concentrations were at H. Kikić Primary School (4578 CFU/m³, not significant), M. Dizdar Primary School (2786 CFU/m³, not significant), and A. Šantić Primary School (5838 CFU/m³, significant). Aspergillus spp. and Penicillium spp. were equally prevalent. In May, the highest mold/yeast concentrations were at H. Kikić Primary School (6568 CFU/m³, significant), M. Dizdar Primary School (3516 CFU/m³, significant), and A. Šantić Primary School (7431 CFU/m³, significant). Aspergillus spp. was most prevalent. These findings highlight the importance of regular monitoring and implementing appropriate ventilation measures to manage air quality and health concerns in schools.

Airborne concentrations of bacteria and mold in Korean public-use facilities: measurement, systematic review, meta-analysis, and probabilistic human inhalation risk assessment.

Bioaerosols adversely affect human health posing risk to users of public facilities in Korea. Between October 2021 and May 2022, airborne bacteria and mold were measured in 1,243 public-use facilities across 23 categories. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed on these and other studies from June 2004 to May 2021, and the non-carcinogenic risks to humans were assessed using Monte Carlo simulations. For bacteria, the maximum 95th percentile concentration was 584.4cfu/m3 and 1384.8cfu/m3 for mold. The heterogeneity statistic I2 was over 50% in all facilities, and for subway station bacteria, there was a significant difference according to the measurement method. The 95th percentile of hazard by population group was 8.83 × 10-2 to 3.42 × 10-1 for bacteria, and 1.31 × 10-1 to 3.55 × 10-1 for mold. The probability of a hazard quotient exceeding 1 for some population groups was derived from exposure to bacteria and mold in the air resulting from the use of all public facilities. The most powerful explanatory factor for risk was exposure time to the facility, both within (up to 0.922 for bacteria and up to 0.960 for mold) and between populations (up to 0.543 for bacteria and 0.483 for mold). This study identified populations at risk of bioaerosol exposure in Korean public-use facilities and estimated the influencing factors, highlighting the need for comprehensive improvement in bioaerosol control in public-use facilities.

Fungal aerosol and particulate matter in horse stables in Poland

Horses stay in different types of stables; especially during the cold season, they stay inside for most of the day. A stable is also a place where many people spend quite a lot of time either as employees who care for and train horses or as equine enthusiasts. Keeping horses in stables causes their constant exposure to high concentrations of particulate matter (PM) and molds in the air inside these facilities. The study was conducted in Udórz Stud Farm located in the southern region of Poland. It was carried out in two different types of stables: three runners and two box stables. The study continued for 2 years; samples were collected in each season of the year. The following devices were used: a six-stage Andersen-Graseby cascade impactor, the DustTrak™ II Aerosol Monitor 8530. The obtained results allowed for the conclusion that horses kept in box stables are exposed to lower concentrations of molds and yeasts than those kept in runners. Molds dominated in the stable air during humid periods—spring and autumn—while yeasts were more prominent during summer and winter. It was observed that cleaning stables reduces the morphotic elements of fungi in the air, even though it results in a higher level of particulate matter in the stable air. It should be noted that microclimate conditions were optimal for horses practically throughout the whole year.Key points• In stables, there is a high level of air intoxication, both by yeast and by mold fungi• The concentrations of fungi in the air depend on the season and the stable cleaning procedure• The PM concentrations depend on the type of stable

Determination of the Effects of Silver Nano-Particle Packaging Materials on Storability of Tomatoes

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 The need to extend the shelf life of tomatoes has arisen due to the issue of post-harvest losses. This has prompted an exploration into active packaging materials. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of silver nanoparticle packaging material on tomatoes. Freshly cleaned tomatoes were stored at room temperature using two types of packaging materials, namely Styrofoam and High-Density Plastic (HDP). These packaging materials were then either covered with nylon film infused with silver nanoparticles or with regular nylon film. The tomatoes were left in storage for a period of 9 days, during which changes in fruit mass, moisture content, firmness, and the number of damaged tomatoes were carefully assessed. After 9 days, the weight of tomatoes infused with nanoparticles is 142g to 96g compared to the normal condition of 150g to 40g for high-density plastic (HDP) and 166g to 86g compared to the normal condition of 114g to 64g for Styrofoam. Overall, the results of the study demonstrated that post-harvest preservation of tomatoes using the investigated techniques of Silver Nanoparticle under two packaging materials extended days of firmness and reduced mold concentration count by 50%, thereby reducing the number of losses by 65-70%. The results obtained provide highly useful information in the field of post-harvest storage and preservation.
 Keywords: silver nanoparticles, Styrofoam, high-density plastic, tomatoes, preservation.

Association Between Air Microbiological Exposure With Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) among College Dormitory Students in Public University

Introduction: Microbiological pollutants in indoor air can lead to sick building syndrome (SBS). A conducive academic environment in university dormitories requires healthy indoor air quality to enhance student performance. This study aimed to determine the association between indoor air microbiological exposure and SBS among college dormitory students at a public university. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 112 male and female college dormitory students who stayed in the public university dormitory for more than three months. Respondents were given a self-administered questionnaire-based NIOSH Indoor Environmental Quality Survey. 14 houses were selected for the measurement of indoor air quality which included PM2.5, PM10, relative humidity (%), temperature (°C), air velocity (m/s), indoor bacterial concentration (cfu/m3), and indoor mould concentration (cfu/m3). Results: Higher percentages of SBS symptoms were reported among female (94.6%) college dormitory students compared to male (82.1%). A significant difference in itching symptom on the arms and forearms was found among individuals of different genders (p<0.05). Indoor air parameters such as temperature (OR = 2.56, 95% CI = 2.66-9.87), relative humidity (OR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.54 – 5.79), indoor bacteria concentration (OR=2.28, 95% CI = 2.48 – 10.93), and indoor mould concentration (OR=2.59, 95% CI = 1.75 – 8.98) were significantly associated with the recent SBS symptoms. Multiple logistic regression showed that the most significant predictor of SBS was indoor mould concentration. Conclusion: Exposure to high concentrations of indoor bacteria and mould, high temperatures, and high relative humidity influenced the prevalence of SBS among college dormitory students. Further assessment and preventive action need to be taken to reduce the exposure of indoor air microbiological to the students.

Analisis Kualitas Udara (Parameter Jamur) pada Ruang Tunggu Puskesmas Perawatan Kassi-Kassi dan Non- Perawatan Tamangapa di Kota Makassar

Room air quality that does not meet the requirements is proportional to the number of germs in the room. Community Health Center are not only visited by sick people but also healthy people, so that puskesmas have the potential to become places for disease transmission. Mold is one of the microorganisms that can determine indoor air quality. The aim of this research is to determine air quality through the concentration of air mold, and the factors that influence the concentration of air mold in the waiting rooms of the Treatment and Non-Maintenance Health Centers. Waiting room air samples were taken at the Kassi-Kassi and Tamangapa non-care health centers using passive methods. Air samples were grown on SDA media. The results of this research were that there were 7 types of fungal isolates isolated from the Kassi-Kassi and Non-Care Health Centers in Tamangapa Makassar, namely: Aspergillus niger.,Aspergillus flavus.,Aspergillus nidulans.,Fusarium sp.,Rhizopus sp.,Saccharomyces sp.,and trichophyton rubrum. There was no significant difference in fungal concentrations in the waiting rooms of the Kassi-Kassi and Non-Care Tamangapa Makassar Health Centers. The average value of air mold concentration in the waiting room of the Kassi-Kassi Care Health Center has an average of 6.44 CFU/m3, while the Tamangapa Non-Care Health Center has an average of 6.44 CFU/m3, still below the maximum standard determined by WHO in 2009 regarding Mold and Dampness Indoor Air, namely less than 500 CFU/m3.

Fungal Exposure and Shelter Assessment in Syrian Refugee Settlements in Lebanon

Over 1 million Syrian refugees have fled war to seek asylum in Lebanon. The population has been placed in substandard conditions which could lead to adverse health effects, particularly in vulnerable subgroups, notably due to evident chronic dampness and inadequate ventilation potentially leading to indoor mold growth. To investigate whether the types and conditions of Syrian refugee shelters influence indoor mold populations, a cross-sectional indoor environmental study was performed in 4 provinces of Lebanon. Accordingly, a total of 80 refugee households and 20 host population households (baseline) were selected. Mold air sampling and moisture measurements of shelter material were performed in residential, non-residential, and non-permanent shelters. Results revealed that although non-residential shelters had the highest mean total indoor count (1112 CFU/m3), Aspergillus, Stachybotrys, and Penicillium spp. were strongly associated with non-permanent shelters (p < 0.001). Additionally, occupancy was found to be strongly associated with Cladosporium (p < 0.05), Ulocladium (p < 0.05), and Stachybotrys spp. (p < 0.001). As for shelter conditions, the highest total indoor count (1243 CFU/m3) was reported in unfinished structures. These findings suggest that shelter category, condition and occupancy significantly influence indoor mold concentrations, increasing respiratory health risks for Syrian refugees in Lebanon.

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.

Investigation on the Microbiological Quality and Fatty Acid Methyl Esters Composition of Commercially Available Cold-pressed Nigella sativa L. Oil

Background:: Nigella sativa is a traditional plant with several ethno-medicinal activities. There have been several health advantages associated with Nigella sativa (Ns) L. oil, which has a high concentration of bioactive compounds. Method:: This research aimed to examine the fatty acid methyl ester profiles, microbiological profiles, and aflatoxin profiles of cold-pressed Ns oils acquired from Turkish herbalists. For this, the fatty acids methyl esters (FAMEs) content and microbiological purity of 10 different Ns oils were examined. Results:: The principal FAME components in Ns seed oils were linoleic (C18:2), oleic (C18:1), and palmitic acid (C16:0), with relative percentages of 34.17-57.54%, 19.41-30.52%, and 7.05-12.54%, respectively. The quantity of total saturated fatty acids (SFA) in all investigated oils ranged from 11.47 to 18.69%, while the amount of total unsaturated fatty acids ranged from 80.94 to 88.53%. Six of ten products (0.35-1.49%) were found to contain cis-11 eicosenoic acid, a chemical unique to Ns oil. Conclusion:: Although no Aflatoxin was found in any of the samples, Enterobacteriaceae levels were exceptionally low, and yeast mold concentrations surpassed the Turkish Food Codex's permissible limit values.

Pengaruh Konsentrasi Ragi Rhizopus oligosporus DP02 Bali Terhadap Karakteristik Tempe Kacang Gude (Cajanus cajan (L) Millsp)

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; The research was conducted with the aims to determine the effect of mold concentration with Rhizopus oligosporus DP02 Bali on the characteristic of pigeon peas tempeh and to determine the appropriate yeast concentration to produce tempeh with the best characteristic. The experimental design that used in this research was a completely randomized design with the treatment consisting of 5 levels of mold concentration, namely: 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5%. Each treatment was repeated 3 times to obtain 15 experimental units. The data were analyzed by analysis of variance and if there was a significant effect, the Duncan Multiple Range Test were perfomed. The results showed the yeast concentration had a significant effect on water content, ash content, protein content, fat content, carbohydrate content, crude fiber content, color (hedonic and scoring test), taste (hedonic test), texture (hedonic and scoring test), and overall acceptance (hedonic test) and had no effect on the aroma (hedonic test). The result show that the tempeh with a concentration of 5% yeast resulting the best tempeh characteristic with the criteria of 62.64% water content, 0.69% ash content, 9.66% protein content, 3.31% fat content, 23.70% carbohydrate content, 11.13% crude fiber content, color sensory test, aroma, taste, texture, overall acceptance are liked.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Effect of locally available and commercial preservatives on nutrient content, organic matter digestibility and microbial changes of wet brewers' grain

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of different preservatives on nutrient content, organic matter digestibility (OMD), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), short-chain fatty acid (SCFA), yeast, mold, and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) concentrations of wet brewery grain (WBG). The experiment was undertaken for 28-days using five treatments (T); T1 = no preservative; T2 = 1.75% salt; T3 = 2.5% molasses; T4 = 2.5% Effective Microbial (EM) and T5 = 0.6% formic acid. Data was analyzed using a completely randomized two way factorial design of the mixed procedure of SAS (Version 9.1, 2001). The highest dry matter loss was for WBG stored with T1, while the lowest was for WBG treated with T5. WBG treated with T5 had the highest crude protein content, while those with T1 had the lowest. OMD of WBG treated with T5 was higher than T4. SCFA content of WBG treated with T3 was higher than those T4. WBG stored with T1 and T3 had a higher NH3N content than T4 and T5. WBG stored with T1 had the highest yeast and mold concentration, while WBG treated with T5 had the least. The highest LAB count was recorded for WBG treated with T5, while the least was for T1 and T3. Results has shown that preserving WBG with 0.6% formic acid is found to be more effective in terms of preventing spoilage by inhibiting mold and yeast growth as compared to other preservatives used in this study.

Analyzing honey’s ability to inhibit the growth of Rhizopus stolonifer

Rhizopus stolonifer is a mold commonly found growing on bread that can cause many negative health effects when consumed. Preservatives are the well-known answer to this problem; however, many preservatives are not naturally found in food, and some have negative health effects of their own. We focused on honey as a possible solution because of its natural origin and self-preservation ability. We hypothesized that honey would decrease the growth rate of R. stolonifer . We evaluated the honey with a zone of inhibition (ZOI) test on agar plates. Sabouraud dextrose agar was mixed with differing volumes of honey to generate concentrations between 10.0% and 30.0%. These plates were then inoculated with a solution of spores collected from the mold. The ZOI was measured to determine antifungal effectiveness. A statistically significant difference was found between the means of all concentrations except for 20.0% and 22.5%. Our findings support the hypothesis as we showed a positive correlation between the honey concentration and growth rate of mold. By using this data, progress could be made on an all-natural, honey-based preservative.

Association of Mold Levels in Urban Children’s Homes With Difficult-to-control Asthma

To assess the association of overall and specific mold levels in homes of urban children and difficult-to-control asthma.The study included 265 children from the Asthma Phenotypes in the Inner-City (APIC) study, aged 6 to 17 years old with asthma, and living in 8 urban cities across the United States. The study used 265 frozen-dust samples previously collected from the homes of APIC study-enrolled participants for analysis of mold concentrations. Although a total of 465 samples were collected during the APIC study, only the 265 samples that remained were used for post hoc analysis.The study was a cross-sectional analysis of 2 asthma cohorts: children with either difficult-to-control (DTC) and easy-to-control (ETC) asthma. DTC asthma participants required daily therapy of greater than or equal to 500 mcg fluticasone (with or without a long-acting β-agonist), and ETC asthma participants required less than or equal to 100 mcg fluticasone. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays were performed on frozen-dust samples that were obtained by wiping above-floor surfaces in participants’ homes using a Swiffer cloth (Procter and Gamble, Cincinnati, Ohio). The Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) metric was used to classify mold species into 2 groups: group 1 (26 molds indicative of water damage in the home) and group 2 (10 molds commonly found indoors, even in homes without water damage). Average ERMI values and average concentrations of each of the 36 molds were compared in homes of children with DTC versus ETC asthma.No significant differences were found in average ERMI or average mold concentrations between homes of children with DTC asthma and ETC asthma. Mucor was the only mold with significantly greater average concentration in homes of children with DTC versus ETC asthma (average of 295 vs 67 cell equivalents per mg dust, P < .001). In homes with window air-conditioning (AC) units, the study found that Mucor concentration increased the probability of having DTC asthma (22% increase; 1.6 odds ratio) compared with ETC asthma.This study found that Mucor concentration is a predictor of DTC asthma, and homes with window AC units were more likely to have higher Mucor levels.Previous studies have shown an association between mold exposures and asthma. This study found that Mucor exposure in urban homes is associated with DTC asthma in a pediatric cohort with high geographic representation. Additionally, the study showed the association between elevated Mucor concentration, window AC units in urban homes, and the probability of DTC asthma. Further studies are needed to assess the role of decreasing home Mucor levels in reducing DTC asthma.URL: www.pediatrics.org/cgi/doi/10.1542/peds.10.1016/j.jaci.2021.07.047

Pengaruh Konsentrasi Kapang dan Lama Waktu Fermentasi terhadap Kadar Bioetanol dari Limbah Kulit Singkong (Manihot esculenta)

The purpose of this research is the manufacture of bioethanol by utilizing cassava peel, this process is through acid hydrolysis and fermentation processes. Making bioethanol with variations in the effect of the rate of fermentation time (5th days and 10th days), as well as with variations in the amount of mold concentrations (10%, 20%, and 30%). The mold used is Saccharomyces cerevisiae, then the mixed bioethanol is separated through the distillation process and will produce bioethanol. Based on the data obtained, the highest ethanol content was found in the variation of the addition of 30% mold on the 5th day of 8.09% and the lowest ethanol content was found in the variation of the addition of 10% mold on the 10th days of 5.86%. This proves that each variation has an optimum value in producing bioethanol content from cassava peels.

Air Quality, Management Practices and Calf Health in Italian Dairy Cattle Farms.

Simple SummaryCalf mortality is an important factor of economic loss in dairy operations. Among the factors which can affect calf health, air quality in calf housing has rarely been studied. In the present research, the relations among air quality in the calf pens, management practices, microclimatic conditions and calf health and mortality were studied in 25 Italian dairy cattle farms. Microbial air quality in the calf pens was found to be related to temperature and humidity, design and position of the pen, some management practices and calf health and mortality. Maintaining dry bedding and controlling microclimatic conditions in the calf pen can be useful practices to promote good air microbiological quality in the calf pen, improving calf health and reducing mortality.Among factors that can affect calf health, microbial quality of the pen air is poorly studied. In 25 Italian dairy farms, data concerning air quality in the calf pens, hygiene of pens and equipment, microclimatic conditions, calf health and management were collected during the winter season (January-March 2020 and December-March 2021). The average air Standard Plate Count (SPC) of 85 pens was 4.51 (SD = 0.52) log10 cfu/m3 whereas the average air ammonia concentration was 0.66 (SD = 0.53) ppm. Positive correlations were found between average Temperature Humidity Index (THI) in the pen and air SPC, night maximum THI and air SPC and between SPC and yeast, mould and ammonia concentration in the pen air. The concentrations of E. coli, Enterobacteriaceae and yeasts in the pen air were higher and calf cough increased as the renewal interval of bedding material became longer. High bedding dry matter and low THI were associated with low air SPC, good calf health scores and low mortality. Maintaining low bedding humidity and controlling microclimatic conditions can contribute to enhancing air microbiological quality in the pen and reduce calf diseases and mortality.

A study of the impact of attacked façades on microbial contamination of the indoor air

The concentration of moulds in interiors varies over a wide range and is significantly related to the mould concentration in the outdoor air. According to other studies, the mould propagules concentration in the outdoor environment depends on the season of the year, examination location, and climatic conditions. The façade attacked by biological agents is considered to be more of a technical or aesthetic problem. This study compares the results of mapping microbial infestation of façade with levels of microbial ambient air contamination and also with microbial air contamination levels inside housing units of ten buildings in the Czech Republic. The obtained data show that the attacked facade of the building can affect the indoor air of buildings by increasing the number of moulds propagules spreading in the air and their genus representation.

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

Quality improvement of grounded peanut using superheated steam treatment by the inhibition of microorganisms, lipase, and aflatoxin

There are many problems of peanuts, such as lipid instability, high microbial content, and aflatoxin. In this study, effect of superheated steam (SS) treatment on the security quality of grounded peanut (GP) was evaluated. Results indicated that concentrations of total bacteria, mold, and Bacillus spp. were maximum reduced 99.26, 100, and 98.57%, respectively. SS processing led to 70% lipase activity and 90% POD activity reduction at 215°C for 2 min, which induced lower AV and PV after 70 days of storage compared to untreated GP. The moisture content dramatically decreased, but color of GP was not affected significantly. SS processing (215°C) was first to apply on degradation of total aflatoxin and aflatoxin B1. Therefore, SS is a novel and effective way to remove the microorganisms and aflatoxin in GP, as well as inhibiting lipase and peroxidase activities so as to improve the lipid stability. Novelty impact statement Mold could be totally inactivated by SS treatment at 140°C for 4 min or over 160°C for 1 min. Compared to untreated GP, SS processing at 140, 160, 180, and 215°C for 4 min could decrease 24.73, 25.52, 30.57, and 35.25% of AV, respectively. SS processing at 215°C for 1 min reduced 77.6% of AFs and 75.7% of AFB1.

The Association between the Concentration of Heavy Metals in the Indoor Atmosphere and Atopic Dermatitis Symptoms in Children Aged between 4 and 13 Years: A Pilot Study.

Background: A correlation between the harmful effects of air pollutants and atopic dermatitis has been reported. There are few studies on the correlation between the concentration of heavy metals in the indoor atmosphere and symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Methods: Twenty-two homes of children showing atopic dermatitis symptoms were enrolled, and eighteen homes with similarly aged children without symptoms or a history of atopic dermatitis participated as a control group. We measured the concentrations of various air pollutants (particulate matter 10, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ozone, radon, bacterial aerosols, and mold) as well as various heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, in the living room and children’s bedroom of each home. Results: Lead was more commonly detected in the indoor air in houses of children with atopic dermatitis (15/22) as compared to in the control group (3/18) (chi square test, p = 0.002). In adjusted logistic regression analysis, VOCs and lead were significantly associated with atopic dermatitis (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our study shows that lead in indoor air might be associated with atopic dermatitis, even if the concentrations of airborne lead are below the safety levels suggested by health guidelines.