Levels Of Indoor Air Pollution Research Articles

Quantifying indoor air quality determinants in urban and rural nursery and primary schools

Poor indoor air quality can adversely affect children's health, comfort and school performance, but existing literature on quantifying indoor air pollutants (IAP) determinants' in nursery and primary schools is limited. Following previous studies, this study mainly aimed to quantify determinants of selected IAP, in nursery and primary schools from both urban and rural sites, accounting for seasonal variations. In 101 indoor microenvironments (classrooms, bedrooms and canteens) from 25 nursery and primary schools, CO2, CO, HCOH, NO2, O3, total volatile organic compounds, PM1, PM2.5, PM10, total suspended particles (TSP), and meteorological/comfort parameters were continuously sampled (occupancy and background levels), from at least 24 h to 9 consecutive days (not simultaneously) in each studied room; in some cases weekend was also considered.Children faced thermal discomfort and inadequate humidity, respectively in 60.1% and 44.1% of the studied classrooms. They were also exposed to high levels of IAP, namely PM2.5 and CO2 respectively in 69.0% and 41.3% of the studied classrooms, mostly in urban sites, depending on season and on occupancy and activity patterns (different amongst age groups). As PM2.5 and CO2 were the major concerning IAP, multivariate linear regression models were built to quantify (explained variability and relative importance) their main determinants, in both occupancy and non-occupancy (background) periods. Models for occupancy periods showed higher explained variability (R2 = 0.64, 0.57 and 0.47, respectively, for CO2, PM2.5 and PM10) than for non-occupancy. Besides background concentrations (43.5% of relative importance), relative humidity (21.1%), flooring material (17.0%), heating (6.7%) and age group of the occupants (5.3%), adjusted for season of sampling (6.4%) were predictors in CO2 occupancy model. In the cases of PM2.5 and PM10 occupancy concentrations, besides background concentrations (71.2% and 67.2% of relative importance, respectively for PM2.5 and PM10), type of school management (8.8% and 15.2%) and flooring material (13.9% and 13.9%), adjusted for season of sampling (6.1% and 3.8%), were the main predictors.These findings support the need of mitigation measures to reduce IAP levels, and prevention actions to avoid children's exposure. Reducing the time spent indoors in the same microenvironment by doing more and/or longer breaks, improving ventilation and cleaning actions, and avoiding or making a better maintenance hardwood flooring materials, chalkboard use and VOC emitting materials, are practices that should be implemented and their impacts quantified.

Individual exposure level following indoor and outdoor air pollution exposure in Dakar (Senegal)

The consequences of indoor and outdoor air pollution on human health are of great concern nowadays. In this study, we firstly evaluated indoor and outdoor air pollution levels (CO, CO2, NO, NO2, PM10) at an urban site in Dakar city center and at a rural site. Then, the individual exposure levels to selected pollutants and the variations in the levels of biomarkers of exposure were investigated in different groups of persons (bus drivers, traders working along the main roads and housemaids). Benzene exposure levels were higher for housemaids than for bus drivers and traders. High indoor exposure to benzene is probably due to cooking habits (cooking with charcoal), local practices (burning of incense), the use of cleaning products or solvent products which are important emitters of this compound. These results are confirmed by the values of S-PMA, which were higher in housemaids group compared to the others. Urinary 1-HOP levels were significantly higher for urban site housemaids compared to semirural district ones.Moreover, urinary levels of DNA oxidative stress damage (8-OHdG) and inflammatory (interleukin-6 and -8) biomarkers were higher in urban subjects in comparison to rural ones.The air quality measurement campaign showed that the bus interior was more polluted with PM10, CO, CO2 and NO than the market and urban or rural households. However, the interior of households showed higher concentration of VOCs than outdoor sites confirming previous observations of higher indoor individual exposure level to specific classes of pollutants.

Impact of intervention of biomass cookstove technologies and kitchen characteristics on indoor air quality and human exposure in rural settings of India

This study investigates the impact of increased levels of indoor air pollution (IAP) caused due to biomass burning in the rural households of Northern India. A comparative assessment of the impact of traditional cookstoves (TCS) and improved cookstoves (ICS) coupled with the characteristics of kitchen was conducted to estimate the PM (PM10, PM2.5, PM1), CO/CO2 concentrations in the micro-environments of kitchen and living area of the households. The study incorporated both extensive and intensive real-time indoor air quality (IAQ) monitoring during the two cooking sessions of the day. The pollutant concentrations were reported in terms of 24-h as well as 8-h (cooking hours including morning and evening meal) averages. Influence of the three types of kitchen characteristics, i.e., enclosed, semi-enclosed and open was also comprehensively analyzed to measure its impact on the IAQ. In addition to this, the IAQ was further used to evaluate the particle size distribution (PSD), respiratory tract deposition and exposure index to assess its impact on health status of the exposed group including women involved in cooking practices. The results of the study highlighted that deployment of ICS would help in improving the IAQ of the kitchen area by resulting in reducing the concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, PM1 and CO by 21–62%, 20–80%, 24–87% and 19–93%, respectively. It was also highlighted that the kitchen characteristics significantly influence the accumulation of air pollutants, demonstrated by the results that the IAQ being worst in the case of enclosed kitchen, resulted in the highest exposure index values. Multivariate regression models to predict PM1 concentration were also developed for three kitchen categories for both TCS and ICS. Thus, the current study concludes that usage of ICS coupled with efficient designing of the kitchen can improve the overall IAQ of the household along with immense health benefits. Overall, the study emphasized the need of more comprehensive studies to fully assess the association of household air pollution (HAP) and health of individual in the rural settings by considering the toxicity of PM.

Indoor ozone levels, houseplants and peak expiratory flow rates among healthy adults in Taipei, Taiwan

The association between houseplants and indoor air quality improvement has been reported in previous studies. However, the effect of houseplant-emitted isoprene on the association between ozone (O3) formation and respiratory health remains unclear. We recruited 60 adult subjects from 60 houses with or without houseplants (1:1) in Taipei; twelve house visits were conducted in each home throughout 2014. The indoor air pollutants that were measured consisted of particulate matter less than or equal to 2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5), O3 and isoprene. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was measured in each study subject during each house visit. Household information was collected by a questionnaire. Mixed-effects models were used to explore the association between indoor air pollution levels and PEFR. We found that the concentrations of O3 and isoprene in houses with houseplants were higher than those in houses without houseplants. In contrast, PM2.5 levels and % predicted PEFR were higher in houses without houseplants than in those with houseplants. Moreover, increased levels of O3 and PM2.5 in houses with houseplants were associated with a decreased % predicted PEFR, especially in the summer. We concluded that increased levels of indoor O3 and PM2.5 were associated with decreased PEFR. The presence of houseplants was associated with indoor O3, isoprene and PEFR variations in the summer.

Controlling air pollution in a context of high energy poverty levels in southern Chile: Clean air but colder houses?

Firewood is the main fuel used for heating in Chile, but its inefficient use is producing severe episodes of air pollution. To address this issue, authorities implement Air Pollution Management Plans (PDAs), which include actions such as setting moisture requirements for firewood, replacing old wood-stoves, temporarily banning the use of firewood, and improving homes´ thermal insulation. However, PDAs do not focus on nor do they prioritize measures in relation to specific social contexts. This study assessed socio-economic variables, energy consumption and indoor environments in households located in the city of Valdivia, through surveys and the monitoring of temperatures and indoor air pollution levels. We found that, during the winter months, 68% of the time living room temperatures were below 21 °C, and PM2.5 concentrations were above international standards. Furthermore, over 61% of households were to suffer a state of energy poverty. We urge decision-makers to consider social inequalities and energy consumption patterns in cities with high firewood consumption, prioritizing measures and focusing resources on reducing both air pollution and energy poverty. Thermal insulation of homes should be a priority in mid-to-low-income families, since these have the highest levels of energy demand. Other PDA´s measures could be economically regressive in these social-strata.

Ambient and Indoor Air Pollution in Pregnancy and the risk of Low birth weight and Ensuing Effects in Infants (APPLE): A cohort study in Bangalore, South India

Background: Exposure to air pollution (IAP) from the combustion of solid fuels is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Pregnant women exposed to higher pollutant levels are at higher risk of delivering a low-birth-weight (LBW) baby. There is a lack of standardized data regarding the levels and types of specific pollutants and how they impact LBW. We aim to prospectively assess the association between ambient and indoor air pollution levels in pregnancy and low birth weight and understand the subsequent risk of adiposity in these infants. Methods: We will conduct a prospective cohort study of 516 pregnant women recruited before 18 weeks of gestation in the urban slums of Bangalore, who have voluntarily consented to participate. We will estimate the level of air pollutants including coarse particulate matter 10 ug/m3 (PM10 ), fine particulate matter 2.5 ug/m3(PM2.5) and carbon monoxide (CO) parts per million (ppm) levels in both indoor and ambient environment. The follow-up of the delivered children will be done at delivery until the infant is two years old. The association between pollutants and LBW will be evaluated using logistic regression adjusting for potential confounders.Further, we will explore the mediation role of LBW in the hypothesized causal chain of air pollution and adiposity. Nested within a larger Maternal Antecedents of Adiposity and Studying the Transgenerational role of Hyperglycemia and Insulin (MAASTHI) cohort, we can estimate the absolute risk of having low birth weight caused by air pollution and other variables. Discussion: Understanding the association between exposures to ambient and indoor air pollution and low birth weight is essential in India. LBW babies have a higher risk of developing obesity and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) during adulthood. The results from this study can inform the efforts for controlling the air pollution-related chronic diseases in India.

Indoor Air Pollution and Reduced Lung Function in Biomass Exposed Women: A Cross Sectional Study in Pune District, India

Background Worldwide, majority population rely on solid fuels for cooking and heating, mainly in low and middle-income countries. The inefficient use of such fuels in poorly ventilated conditions results in high levels of indoor air pollution, most seriously affecting women and young children Objectives: The main aim of this study was to measure and compare the lung function of the women exposed to biomass fuels and LPG fuels and relate it to the indoor emission, measured using a structured questionnaire, spirometer and filter based low volume samplers. Methodology: This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted among the women (aged >18 years) living in rural villages of Pune district who were not diagnosed of chronic pulmonary diseases or any other respiratory diseases and using biomass fuels or LPG for cooking for a minimum period of five years or more. Data collection was done from April to June 2017 in the dry season. Spirometer was performed using the portable, batteryoperated ultrasound EasyOne spirometer (Spirobank II, ndd Medical Technologies, Zurich, Switzerland) to determine the lung function over forced expiratory volume. The primary outcome variable was forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1 ). Secondary outcome was chronic obstruction pulmonary disease (post bronchodilator FEV1 /forced vital capacity (FVC)< 70%) as defined by the Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease. Potential confounders such as age, height, weight, smoking history, occupation, educational status was considered. Results Preliminary results showed that the lung function of the women using biomass fuels (FEV1 /FVC = 85% ± 5.13) had comparatively reduced lung function than the LPG users (FEV1 /FVC = 86.40% ± 5.32). The mean PM2.5 mass concentration in the biomass user’s kitchen was 274.34 ± 314.90 and 85.04 ± 97.82 in the LPG user’s kitchen. Black carbon amount was found higher in the biomass users (black carbon = 46.71 ± 46.59 µg/m³) than LPG users (black carbon =11.08 ± 22.97 µg/m³). Most of the houses used separate kitchen. Almost all the houses that used the clean fuel like LPG had minimum amount of the particulate matter 2.5 which might be due to the background pollution and cross ventilation from the houses using biomass. Conclusions: Therefore, there is an urgent need to adopt various strategies to improve indoor air quality. There is a lacking current state of climate active pollutants emission from different stove designs and identify major deficiencies that need to be tackled. Moreover, the advancement in research tools, measuring technique in particular, is critical for researchers in developing countries to improve their capability to study the emissions for addressing the growing climate change and public health concerns.

Modeling the Impact of Indoor Air Purifier on Air Pollution Exposure Reduction and Associated Health Benefits in Urban Delhi Households

Background: Households in urban Delhi experience elevated level of ambient and indoor air pollution. Indoor air filtration is recommended as a measure to improve indoor air quality, yet few studies...

LEVELS OF SELECTED INDOOR AIR POLLUTANTS IN THREE HA NOI OFFICES

A study on the levels of indoor air pollutants in Ha Noi was conducted. Three offices in Ha Noi were selected for this purpose. Selected indoor air pollutants including SO2, NO2 and respirable particulate matter (PM10) were monitored in the wet and dry seasons of 2015. Air conditioners were turned on for the whole time, while air purifiers were turned on for haft of the time in each sampling site. An hourly measurement of outdoor levels was also conducted before indoor measurement. Levels of outdoor PM10 varied in the range of 13.4-106.0 µg/m3. The level of indoor PM10 varied in the range of 3.5-25.1 µg/m3. The average levels of indoor PM10 were lower than that of outdoor one in all cases. High time resolution data showed that indoor PM10 levels temporarily increased sharply by activities (walking and room sweeping) and high frequency of opening the doors. Concentrations of outdoor/indoor SO2 varied in the range of &lt; 0.4-34.5 /&lt; 0.4-47.1 ppb. Concentrations of outdoor/indoor NO2 varied in the range of 4.3-33.4/3.3-27.8 ppb.

Emission Characteristics of Particulate Matter, Volatile Organic Compounds, and Trace Elements from the Combustion of Coals in Mongolia.

This study characterized emissions of particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), heavy metals, and anions from Mongolian bituminous coals in a controlled heating experiment. Three coal samples from Alag Tolgoi (coal 1), Baganuur (coal 2), and Nalaikh (coal 3) were combusted at a constant heat flux of 50 kW/m2 using a dual-cone calorimeter. The coal samples were commonly used in ger district of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. PM10 emission factors were 1122.9 ± 526.2, 958.1 ± 584.0, and 472.0 ± 57.1 mg/kg for coal samples 1, 2, and 3, respectively. PM with a diameter of 0.35–0.45 µm was dominant and accounted for 41, 34, and 48% of the total PM for coal samples 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The emissions of PM and VOC from coals commonly used in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia were significant enough to cause extremely high levels of indoor and outdoor air pollution.

INFLUENCE OF AIR ENVIRONMENT CHEMICAL IMPUTITIES ON EXPRESSION OF TOLL-LIKE RECEPTORS AND CYTOKINE LEVELS OF ADOLESCENTS

Emissions from oil refining, chemical industry, heat power industry, which are located in the Irkutsk region, cause a high level of air pollution in these areas. Personalized approach to assessing the risk of health disorders allows to set taxis to external influence. The aim of this study was to assess the level of expression of toll-like receptors (TLR) and cytokine content in adolescents with different risk of formation of the immune system disorders caused by the individual inhalant chemical load. Methods. The calculation of the individual chemical load, hazard quotient (HQ) of pollutants and hazard indexes (HI) and dysimmunity for 244 adolescents was carried out based on the data on air pollution and indoor air pollution, the organization of educational process and leisure time, anthropometric and spirometric indices. The content of interleukins-2 and -10, alpha and gamma interferons in the serum of adolescents was studied by the method of enzyme immunoassay. The level of expression of TLR-2 and TLR-4 was assessed by polymeric chain reaction. Results. Persons with an increased risk of developing the immune system pathology were identified as a result of calculating the individual chemical load. It has been stated that the risk of immunity disorders in adolescents living in industrial cities of the Irkutsk region was due to the presence of formaldehyde, nitrogen and sulfur dioxide in the air. While assessing the role of atmospheric and indoor air pollution level in the formation of HQ it was detected that indoor air pollution with formaldehyde was of primary importance. An increase in interleukin-2 and gamma-interferon concentration and decrease in the interleukin-10 concentration was stated with an increase of the air pollution level by chemical impurities that affect the immune system. Conclusion. Thus, the presence of relationships between the indicators of the immune system and increase of their expression with an increase of HI indicates mechanisms contingency of pro-and anti-inflammatory process in the development of adaptive reactions in adolescents under the influence of chemical air pollutants.

Study of indoor air quality level in various restaurants in Saudi Arabia

Good indoor air quality in restaurants is essential for ensuring healthy and comfortable workplace environment and protecting the health of restaurant personnel and visiting customers from exposure to harmful air pollutants. This study was aiming to assess the indoor levels of air pollution at different types of restaurants in Saudi Arabia. Forty‐four restaurants were selected in two main cities including hotels, family, and take away restaurants. At three locations inside each restaurant, levels of six air pollutants were measured three times during February to December 2015. The highest mean level ± standard deviation of PM10 (78.2 ± 40.2 µg m−3), PM2.5 (38.1 ± 17.6 µg m−3), CO (4.4 ± 2.2 ppm), CO2 (1218 ± 477 ppm), VOCs (0.4 ± 0.19 ppm), NO2 (0.3 ± 0.12 ppm), and SO2 (0.07 ± 0.01 ppm) were found in the fast‐food restaurants, followed by the family restaurants, while the lowest levels were recorded in hotel kitchens and its eating halls. The high levels of CO2 that exceeded its standard limit in both fast‐food and family restaurants reflect the inadequate ventilation rate inside such type of restaurants, which is considered one of the main causes of increasing indoor air pollution levels in their environment. Levels of PM10 and PM2.5 were exceeding their air quality guidelines (AQGs) inside the fast‐food and family restaurants while the other air pollutants were lower than their AQGs, which might be sufficiently high to cause chronic health effects of restaurant kitchen workers. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1713–1721, 2018

Intervention to Indoor Air-pollution in Timor Tengah Selatan, Indonesia

A preliminary research in 2012 indicated that the prevalence of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) among children under-five in Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) Province, Indonesia, was related to high concentration of indoor PM10 concentration from the burning of wood in simple stoves in the traditional huts (Ume Kbubu). Out of the data obtained, a CEGs action research was done in 2013. Smoke produced from wood burning stoves inside the Ume Kbubu tends to flow up higher into the air in the confined room of the traditional huts. An application of partition and chimney upon the stoves was expected to drive the smoke to the upper part of the hut to mitigate the exposure to indoor smoke pollution for the inhabitants of the huts. Engaging the local community, an action-research using an observational cross-sectional data collection was done in 3 Sub-districts of Nunkolo, Oinlasi, and Kuanfatu, District of Timor Tengah Selatan, NTT. The action-research combined the use of a questionnaire, the measurement of the level of indoor air pollution by examining the PM10 and CO concentrations, the delivery of a general health education program, and the application of a room-partition and a chimney in each of Ume Kbubu selected. A higher concentration of PM10 (9.69 ± 8.8 ppm) was found inside the traditional huts at the height of 1½ meter as compared to 4.39 ± 5.82 ppm at the height of ½ meter examination points. This a sign that the smoke tends to concentrate on the higher level of a room. A significant health risks level of CO (86.2 ± 53.42 ppm) were also found. By driving the smoke through the application of partition and chimney upon the stove in the traditional huts the research found a prospective effective measure to control indoor air pollution in reducing the exposure of the inhabitants from smoke in the traditional huts. From the questionnaire, it was found that water collection was also a burden for the household members. Conclusion: The application of chimney and room-partition gave a promising improvement in the effort to mitigate the exposure of the inhabitant from the indoor air pollution in the traditional huts of Timor Tengah Selatan.

Occupational exposure to indoor air pollution among bakery workers in Ethiopia; A comparison of electric and biomass cookstoves.

The indoor air pollution (IAP) produced by the domestic combustion of solid fuels is responsible for up to 4 million deaths annually, especially among low and middle income countries. Occupational exposure within the food preparation industries of these nations remains underexplored. We investigated occupational exposure to the IAP produced during the commercial production of injera, a staple of the Ethiopian diet, from bakeries in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Measurements of PM2.5, black carbon (via the proxy measure PM2.5 absorbance) and CO were collected from 30 bakeries and their employees for an average of 4-h per working day. Measurements were compared between bakeries using biomass and electric cookstoves. Further, the respiratory health data of 35 bakery employees were collected by interview-based questionnaire. Personal exposure to PM2.5 from biomass cookstoves was double that of electric cookstoves (430 μg/m3 vs. 216 μg/m3), black carbon exposure was four times higher among biomass users (67×10-5m-1 vs. 15×10-5m-1), and CO exposure was twenty times higher among biomass users (22ppm vs. 1ppm). Mixed effect models indicated that the number of stoves in use and additional solid fuel usage (e.g. coffee brewing) also contributed to exposure levels. These findings indicate that the use of biomass powered cookstoves during commercial injera production significantly contributes to IAP and self-reported respiratory symptoms. As injera is the staple foodstuff of Ethiopia, a widespread conversion to electric cookstoves is likely to have a significant impact. However, as high levels of IAP were also observed within the electric bakeries, further identification of pollution sources is required.

Demand for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement Interventions

This paper investigates the demand for indoor air pollution (IAP) abatement interventions where the levels of IAP are captured by the different household cooking energy. Heckman’s sample selection model is applied on data drawn from the Kenya Integrated Household Budget Survey. The results show that geographical location, type of household energy used, cooking place/area, type of dwelling, income and presence or lack of a chimney are key factors that shape the demand for IAP abatement interventions. In order to reduce IAP and improve health outcomes, the government could introduce policies that enhance use of modern forms of energy, improved stoves and chimney as IAP abatement interventions. There is also need to focus on increasing people’s income, educational levels and encouraging creation of own improved stove designs that integrate technology with local culture.

Assessment of indoor air quality exposures and impacts on respiratory outcomes in River Rouge and Dearborn, Michigan

Ambient air pollution is a public health issue which could potentially exacerbate pre-existing respiratory conditions and contribute to increases in asthma incidence. This study aims to address gaps in understanding how IAQ is impacted by outdoor air quality, which was done by sampling for indoor gaseous and particulate pollutants in residence and facilities near the sources of pollution. The study areas were selected due to non-attainment status with air quality standards, as well as demographic and socioeconomic status of those residing in these areas. Samples are obtained from five locations around the study areas. The sampling procedure involves active sampling methodologies for particulate matter (PM) and gases. Average volatile organic compounds (VOC) levels of 2.71 ppm were measured at a location, while the average particulate matter (PM) concentrations in three study locations were; 15,979 pt/cc, 9533 pt/cc, 5267 pt/cc respectively, which exceeded clean background environment level of 500–2000 pt/cc. All locations had average CO concentrations above 0.3 ppm, which is potentially associated with elevated asthma symptoms. Results demonstrated that facilities in the study area have increased levels of indoor air pollutants that potentially increase asthma and respiratory issues. The study concludes that particulate and gaseous pollutant levels in the study areas are a concerning human health issue. The study outcomes have significant implications for air quality exposure modeling and potential exposure mitigation strategies, which are expected to facilitate the implementation of public policies for improved human health conditions.

Indoor air quality of low and middle income urban households in Durban, South Africa

IntroductionElevated levels of indoor air pollutants may cause cardiopulmonary disease such as lower respiratory infection, chronic obstructive lung disease and lung cancer, but the association with tuberculosis (TB) is unclear. So far the risk estimates of TB infection or/and disease due to indoor air pollution (IAP) exposure are based on self-reported exposures rather than direct measurements of IAP, and these exposures have not been validated. ObjectiveThe aim of this paper was to characterize and develop predictive models for concentrations of three air pollutants (PM10, NO2 and SO2) in homes of children participating in a childhood TB study. MethodsChildren younger than 15 years living within the eThekwini Municipality in South Africa were recruited for a childhood TB case control study. The homes of these children (n=246) were assessed using a walkthrough checklist, and in 114 of them monitoring of three indoor pollutants was also performed (sampling period: 24h for PM10, and 2–3 weeks for NO2 and SO2). Linear regression models were used to predict PM10 and NO2 concentrations from household characteristics, and these models were validated using leave out one cross validation (LOOCV). SO2 concentrations were not modeled as concentrations were very low. ResultsMean indoor concentrations of PM10 (n=105), NO2 (n=82) and SO2 (n=82) were 64μg/m3 (range 6.6–241); 19μg/m3 (range 4.5–55) and 0.6μg/m3 (range 0.005–3.4) respectively with the distributions for all three pollutants being skewed to the right. Spearman correlations showed weak positive correlations between the three pollutants. The largest contributors to the PM10 predictive model were type of housing structure (formal or informal), number of smokers in the household, and type of primary fuel used in the household. The NO2 predictive model was influenced mostly by the primary fuel type and by distance from the major roadway. The coefficients of determination (R2) for the models were 0.41 for PM10 and 0.31 for NO2. Spearman correlations were significant between measured vs. predicted PM10 and NO2 with coefficients of 0.66 and 0.55 respectively. ConclusionIndoor PM10 levels were relatively high in these households. Both PM10 and NO2 can be modeled with a reasonable validity and these predictive models can decrease the necessary number of direct measurements that are expensive and time consuming.

Indoor Air Pollution Levels in Decorated Residences and Public Places over Xi’an, China

To investigate the indoor air quality (IAQ) over Xi’an, the concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs, including formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, o-xylene, p-xylene, n-butyl acetate, ethylbenzene, styrene, n-undecane, and total VOCs) in 471 residential rooms and 58 public rooms during 2014-2015 were determined. All the data were measured at a variety of 6-48 months after the decorations of these rooms. The results showed that formaldehyde was the most serious pollutant in almost all the monitored rooms. The concentrations of formaldehyde in residences and public places ranged from 0.02 mg m^(-3) to 0.45 mg m^(-3) and 0.05 mg m^(-3) to 0.32 mg m^(-3), respectively. And the concentration levels in the 83.6% selected residences and 44.8% public places exceeded the Chinese National Indoor Air Quality Standard (GB/T 18883-2002) of formaldehyde value (0.1 mg m^(-3)). However, the TVOC concentrations in most sites were lower than the Chinese National Standard (GB/T 18883-2002) value. In residences, the formaldehyde and TVOC concentrations in bedrooms were slightly higher than those in living rooms and other rooms. The relationships among formaldehyde and TVOC concentrations with indoor temperature, relative humidity (RH), and decorative materials (curtain, wall decoration, wood floor, and panel furniture) were also investigated. Formaldehyde levels showed strong positive correlation with indoor temperature and RH. However, the TVOC levels had a relatively weak correlation with indoor air temperature and RH. The wall decoration and panel furniture were the main sources of indoor formaldehyde, while wood floor and panel furniture were the main sources of TVOC. In addition, indoor air pollution of three selected newly decorated houses with 11 rooms was monitored monthly for one year to evaluate the relationship between indoor pollution levels and ventilation time. It was found that the concentrations of formaldehyde and TVOC decreased with ventilation time, and the duration was one year after decoration especially after summer ventilation.

Interaction between airborne copper exposure and ATP7B polymorphisms on inattentiveness in scholar children.

Recent research indicates that airborne copper exposure in scholar children negatively affects brain functioning. These effects are likely to be influenced by the efficiency of copper metabolism, which is partly regulated by the ATPase copper transporting beta (ATP7B) gene. We investigated whether indoor and outdoor airborne copper exposure is differentially associated with child inattentiveness depending on genetic variation within the ATP7B gene in 1645 scholar children from the BREATHE project. Outdoor (courtyard) and indoor (classroom) air pollution levels were measured during class hours in each school. Inattentiveness was assessed through a follow-up with four measurements via the Attentional Network Test (4475 observations). Linear mixed models considering repeated measures were conducted to assess genetic and exposure main and interaction effects. Two interactions were detected indicating that ATP7B-rs1061472 (P for interaction 0.016) and ATP7B-rs1801243 (P for interaction 0.003) polymorphisms modified the association between indoor copper exposure and inattentiveness. Stratified analysis by genotypes revealed that both outdoor and indoor copper exposure increased inattentiveness in rs1061472-CC and rs1801243-CC carriers. These findings suggest that the genetic background promotes the association between airborne copper exposure at school with inattentiveness in children.

Indoor and Outdoor Air Pollution- related Health Problem in Ethiopia: Review of Related Literature.

The health effects of air pollution are generally global problems, but they have, since recently become issues of particular concern for developing countries. This review assessed the situation of air pollution and related health effects in the context of Ethiopia. The materials reviewed in this publication are published scientific papers from online search engines, unpublished government reports and academic theses/dissertations. In addition, interview data obtained from authorities and experts involved in the management of air quality were analyzed, interpreted and reported in the article. Review of the few studies conducted in Ethiopia showed that average concentrations of PM2.5 reached as high as 280 µg/m3 for 24-hour measurements (range: 2,417-12,739 µg/m3). Indoor carbon monoxide (CO) levels were universally higher than regulatory limits for the United States and were found to be much higher among households using traditional stoves and solid biomass fuels. The use of traditional stoves and solid biomass fuels was reported in >95% of the households considered. High average levels of NO2 (97 ppb) were reported in a large longitudinal study. The ambient PM10 level was below the WHO guideline values in the majority of the samples. About 50% of the on-road CO samples taken from traffic roads in Addis Ababa were found to be less than the guideline values while the number of motor vehicles in Ethiopia is reported to be increasing by more than 9% per annum. There is a very limited air quality monitoring capacity in the country. The co-ordination between stakeholders in this regard is also inadequate. The limited evidence available on health effects of air pollution indicates that the prevalence of acute respiratory illness among children living in households using crude biomass fuels is significantly higher than the national average figures. The limited evidence reviewed and reported in this article indicates high levels of indoor air pollution and trends of worsening outdoor air pollution. This tentative conclusion carries with it the urgent need for more evidence-based research and capacity building in the areas of indoor and outdoor air pollution.