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This study investigated the use of endophyte-assisted Tillandsia brachycaulos to enhance formaldehyde removal in indoor environments. A formaldehyde-degrading endophyte from the root of Epipremnum aureum , Pseudomonas plecoglossicida , was identified and used for inoculation. Among the inoculation methods, spraying proved to be the most effective, resulting in a significant 35 % increase in formaldehyde removal after 36 hours. The results of the light exposure experiment (3000 Lux) demonstrate that an increase in light intensity reduces the efficiency of the Tillandsia brachycaulos -microbial system in degrading formaldehyde. In a 15-day formaldehyde fumigation experiment at 2 ppm in a normal indoor environment, the inoculated Tillandsia brachycaulos exhibited removal efficiency ranging from 42.53 % to 66.13 %, while the uninoculated declined from 31.62 % to 3.17 %. The Pseudomonas plecoglossicida (referred to as PP-1) became the predominant bacteria within the Tillandsia brachycaulos after fumigation. Moreover, the endophytic inoculation effectively increased the resistance and tolerance of Tillandsia brachycaulos to formaldehyde, as evidenced by lower levels of hydroxyl radical, malondialdehyde (MDA), free protein, and peroxidase activity (POD), as well as higher chlorophyll content compared to uninoculated Tillandsia brachycaulos. These findings indicate that the combination of endophytic bacteria and Tillandsia brachycaulos has significant potential for improving indoor air quality. [Display omitted] • The colonize endophyte PP-1 was obtained from the root of Epipremnum aureum. • Endophyte-assisted Tillandsia brachycaulos could enhance indoor formaldehyde removal. • High light intensity hindered the formaldehyde removal efficiency of plants. • PP-1 augmented plant resistance and tolerance to formaldehyde toxicity. • PP-1 became the predominant bacteria within the Tillandsia brachycaulos after fumigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) in the air are one of the major concerns due to their possible health risks. In addition, airborne microplastics act as a carrier for several toxic air pollutants and cause carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic effects. Nylon 66 is one of the most abundant MPs in the microenvironments. In this study, we report an optimized method for the quantification of nylon 66 MPs present in the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The optimized method exhibited excellent linearity, recovery rates, intraday and interday precision and sensitivity. The optimized method was deployed to carry out a pilot study to measure the mass concentrations of nylon 66 microplastics present in the inhalable fraction of particulate matter collected in a shopping complex. The observed mass concentrations of nylon 66 MPs in this study are in the range from 0.30 ng m−3 to 4.37 ng m−3. This study demonstrates the presence of inhalable fraction of nylon 66 MPs in the indoor environment and their mass concentrations were determined using HPLC-MS/MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the efficacy of eHealth monitoring in pediatric asthma. The authors conducted a systematic review of 21 studies to evaluate the benefits of eHealth interventions in improving asthma control among children. The studies focused on various approaches, including electronic monitoring of medication usage, web-based asthma control monitoring, home spirometry testing, and comprehensive online platforms. The review found that eHealth interventions, particularly those with direct feedback, showed promise in improving asthma control, knowledge, and adherence to treatment plans. However, the studies had heterogenous designs and outcomes, limiting the ability to draw definitive conclusions. Further research is needed to standardize methodologies and enhance comparability and generalizability. [Extracted from the article]

We implemented a crossover study design exposing 15 participants to two indoor air quality conditions in the Well Living Lab. The first condition, the Standard Control Condition, resembled the ventilation and air supply of a typical home in the USA with a manually operated stove hood. The second condition, Advanced Control, had an automated: (i) stove hood, (ii) two portable air cleaners (PAC), and (iii) bathroom exhaust. The PM2.5 sensors were placed in the kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bathroom. Once the sensor detected a PM2.5 level of 15 μg/m3 or higher, an air quality intervention (stove hood, PAC or bathroom exhaust) in that space was activated and turned off when the corresponding PM2.5 sensor had three consecutive readings below 6 μg/m3. Advanced Control in the overall apartment reduced PM2.5 concentration by 40% compared to the Standard Control. The PM2.5 concentration difference between Advanced and Standard Control was ~ 20% in the kitchen. This can be attributed to using the stove hood manually in 66.5% of cooking PM2.5 emission events for 323.6 h compared to 88 h stove hood used in automated mode alongside 61.9 h and 33.7 h of PAC use in living room and bedroom, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In regions experiencing severe cold, inadequate ventilation during winter months often leads to increased concentrations of indoor pollutants. While there have been several studies on indoor particulate matter and inorganic pollutants in such regions, bioaerosol pollution has not been as extensively investigated. This study examines the indoor bioaerosol situation in a university located in one of the severe cold regions in China, focusing on bacteria as a representative pollutant. It investigated random samples of an office and a dormitory (including washrooms) and spanned heating and nonheating periods. The findings indicated that bacterial abundance in the dormitory and office was approximately equivalent. The predominant airborne bacterial communities identified were Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, Actinobacteriota, Firmicutes, and Myxococcota. Opening windows effectively reduced bacterial concentrations during both heating and nonheating periods. When windows remained closed, bacterial concentrations exceeded the standard by 9.1% during the nonheating period and by 14.3% during the heating period. Furthermore, temperature and relative humidity influenced bacterial particle size, activity, and consequently, aerosol concentrations. In the office, the highest percentage of bioaerosols was observed in particle sizes <1.1 and 1.1–2.1 μm, with smaller percentages observed in other particle sizes. Conversely, the percentage of particle sizes 2.1–3.3 μm in the dormitory was higher. The highest bacterial aerosol concentrations were detected in the morning in both the dormitory and office, during heating and nonheating periods. Bacterial concentrations in the office were lower on weekends than on weekdays, whereas in the dormitory, concentrations were higher on weekends than on weekdays. The above results indicate that indoor bacterial aerosol pollution is serious in winter in severe cold regions, which needs more attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dry eye syndrome (DES) is prevalent among office workers and influenced by various environmental and individual factors. This study assesses the prevalence, seasonal variations, symptom severity, and environmental influences on DES among office workers. Aims and Objectives: The study aimed to assess the prevalence of DES among office workers in Warangal, Telangana, India, and to evaluate the impact of seasonal variations, symptom severity, and environmental factors on DES. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 100 office workers aged 25-55 years old. Data were collected through questionnaires on DES symptoms, environmental conditions, and demographics. The prevalence of DES was calculated, and seasonal variations were analyzed. Symptom severity was recorded on a scale from 1 to 10. Environmental factors such as humidity, air-conditioning use, screen time, and indoor air quality were examined for their correlation with DES prevalence. Results: The overall prevalence of DES was 45%, with females showing a higher prevalence (50%) compared to males (37.5%). Seasonal variations showed the highest DES prevalence in winter (40%) and the lowest in summer (16%). Symptom severity scores were highest in winter (6.5 overall) and lowest in summer (3.8 overall). Low humidity in winter was associated with a 55% prevalence of DES, especially among females (65%). High air-conditioning use in summer correlated with a lower DES prevalence (12.5%). Increased screen time (>6 h/day) resulted in a 60% prevalence of DES, with seasonal peaks in winter (65%). Poor indoor air quality was reported by 70% of participants and linked to a 50% prevalence of DES. Conclusion: The study highlights significant gender differences, seasonal variations, and environmental factors impacting DES prevalence and severity among office workers. Interventions focusing on improving workplace conditions, managing screen time, and enhancing indoor air quality may mitigate DES symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water damage is a pervasive issue in the UK, with adverse effects on property structures and indoor air quality. This paper provides a comprehensive review of water damage restoration, structural drying and remediation techniques tailored to UK properties. It discusses the causes of water damage, including flooding, leaks and dampness, and explores the principles and methods of effective restoration and remediation. Special attention is given to the unique challenges and considerations faced by property owners, contractors and restoration professionals in the UK context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution affects not only the air in cities but also extends to all indoor environments (homes, offices, schools, public places, transportation, etc.), where we spend between 80% and 90% of our time. Both indoor and outdoor air quality have emerged as significant health concerns and are integral to national strategies implemented by health and environmental institutes in each country. Recently, complaints regarding outdoor air quality have risen in cities, primarily due to automobile traffic and industrial activities in urban areas, and also indoors within homes, offices, and schools. The following paper presents a methodology for the calibration of low-cost monitoring stations based on measurements in a couple of cities in Colombia as part of the development of a project to reduce the environmental awareness gap in urban areas for the estimation of the air quality through low-cost, flexible, modular, and mobile air quality monitoring station design that could be used to assess air pollution in different indoor and outdoor environments. With the implementation of the low-cost stations, we have calibrated and evaluated the performance of the stations using usual linear regression methods, but we have also explored the use of unsupervised estimation with the help of machine learning algorithms, specifically with Random Forest estimators. We have found a significant improvement with using Random Forest for station calibration compared with those found using simple linear regressions for calibration effects. We have found that all the models offer a significant improvement in terms of RMSE. The regression model improves RMSE by up to 70%, while the multiple regression model does so by up to 73%. However, it is the Random Forest that shows the most remarkable improvement, with a reduction in RMSE of up to 86%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formaldehyde is an organic volatile compound and a commonly used chemical in various construction materials thus causing dwellers to be exposed to it inside a building. Its remediation from indoor air has been carried out through various techniques where potted plants and living walls are at the front foot. It is necessary to study plants under various conditions for their efficiency. We selected three plant species Epipremnum aureum, Chlorophytum comosum, and Spathiphyllum wallisii non-native of Bahrain. These plants were tested under normal conditions in a sealed fumigation box where formaldehyde concentration was kept ∼3 ppm, CO2 ∼ 450 ppm, light intensity 1000 Lx (equal to 13.5 µmol.m−2.s−1), irrigated with tap water. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) statistical method was performed to test the significant differences of purification efficiencies of the tested indoor plants against HCHO. In addition, the statistical method was used to test the significant difference, if any, of the plants to CO2 emission because of absorbing HCHO. The physical health of plants and their short-term remediation ability reveals that all plants exhibited up to 70% remediation potential and tolerance to remediate the target chemical. It is evident that the impact of local environmental factors on the plants is negligible. NOVELTY STATEMENT: Epipremnum aureum, Chlorophytum comosum, and Spathiphyllum wallisii are non-native plants available in Bahrain for decorative purposes. Their efficiency against formaldehyde under local indoor environment was studied for the first time. Under normal conditions the plant proved to be sufficiently tolerant toward normal conditions. The efficiency in normal soil system is very good. The efficiency of the three species was mutually compared, statistical modeling reveal that they are significantly close to each other in terms of formaldehyde remediation to purify ambient air. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indoor air pollution is becoming a rising public health problem and is largely resulting from the burning of solid fuels and heating in households. Burning these fuels produces harmful compounds, such as particulate matter regarded as a major health risk, particularly affecting the onset and exacerbation of respiratory diseases. As exposure to polluted indoor air can cause DNA damage including DNA sd breaks as well as chromosomal damage, in this paper, we aim to provide an overview of the impact of indoor air pollution on DNA damage and genome stability by reviewing the scientific papers that have used the comet, micronucleus, and γ-H2AX assays. These methods are valuable tools in human biomonitoring and for studying the mechanisms of action of various pollutants, and are readily used for the assessment of primary DNA damage and genome instability induced by air pollutants by measuring different aspects of DNA and chromosomal damage. Based on our search, in selected studies (in vitro, animal models, and human biomonitoring), we found generally higher levels of DNA strand breaks and chromosomal damage due to indoor air pollutants compared to matched control or unexposed groups. In summary, our systematic review reveals the importance of the comet, micronucleus, and γ-H2AX assays as sensitive tools for the evaluation of DNA and genome damaging potential of different indoor air pollutants. Additionally, research in this particular direction is warranted since little is still known about the level of indoor air pollution in households or public buildings and its impact on genetic material. Future studies should focus on research investigating the possible impact of indoor air pollutants in complex mixtures on the genome and relate pollutants to possible health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Residents in aged care homes constitute a significant proportion of Australia's population. The elderly population is vulnerable to poor indoor air quality (IAQ). Because mobility declines with age, they tend to spend longer indoors compared with the general population. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an affordable ventilation retrofit to improve the IAQ in aged care homes in Victoria, Australia. The fresh filtered air ventilation system was installed independently of the existing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in each facility. The monitoring characterized the ventilation of aged care homes to establish the baseline performance. The results showed that air change rates (ACH) in the common rooms were from 0.84 ACH to 3.81 ACH. This was generally sufficient for low or average occupancy but insufficient when the rooms were fully occupied. Up to a 1,000 ppm reduction in the carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration was achieved with the addition of a supplementary ventilation system. However, there was no reduction in the levels of particulate matter (PM). Local activities and the movement of people inside the room influenced the PM concentration. A systematic approach for the regular monitoring of IAQ, analyzing data, and adopting appropriate interventions is required to better prepare the community and the health systems against the consequences of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixed-mode ventilation system (MMVS) can significantly decrease the energy consumption of Egyptian office buildings while meeting indoor air quality requirements and thermal comfort of occupancy. This paper studies the effect of using mixed-mode ventilation system (MMVS) in achieving both energy efficiency and thermal comfort in office buildings. The research specifically focuses on investigating the energy-saving potential and thermal performance of existing office buildings in Egypt by merging natural ventilation (NV) with mechanical ventilation (MV) to reach an effective mixed-mode ventilation system (MMVS). Additionally, an energy performance simulation was used to study how to achieve thermal comfort and the building's indoor temperature. Firstly, a selected office building in Cairo was used as a case study, and its thermal performance was studied by simulation. Secondly, site measurements were conducted to record the real thermal performance of the tested office building. These measurements were used for the validation phase. The validation demonstrated a satisfactory agreement between the building simulation and measurement data for air temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH). Thirdly, building energy simulations and analysis were used for testing the energy performance and thermal comfort of the tested scenarios that have different alternatives in the operation settings. The results revealed that it is possible to increase the thermal comfort hours by merging natural ventilation and applying the mixed-mode ventilation system only by changing the operation settings on the MMVS performance. The building's annual energy consumption was reduced by approximately 27 % compared with the use of HVAC in the building. Natural Ventilation hours increased by approximately 27 % to reach 427 hours (h) and the HVAC hours decreased by 17 % to reach 898 hours (h). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing need in public health to conduct large-scale epidemiological studies to investigate the health effects of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure levels. In response to this need, we developed a real-time personal PM2.5 exposure monitoring system (PEPS: Personal Exposure PM2.5 System), which is capable of monitoring personal exposure concentration and uploading data in real time. The air quality self-labelling device, specifically customized for the PEPS, can be worn on the body and features functions for real-time data automatic upload, data storage, data export, and localization. This system enables researchers to obtain the big data of personal PM2.5 exposure concentration at low cost, with minimal manpower and technical requirements. It has been utilized to investigate the personal exposure levels of PM2.5 among college students in Beijing, China, providing a substantial volume of valuable data for indoor air quality and related epidemiological study. The maximum difference between the monitored daily average exposure concentration and the outdoor concentration was 265 µg/m3, corresponding to a relative error of 1579.5%. The correlation analysis of 11 factors showed that the correlation between exposure concentration and outdoor concentration was as high as 0.66 (p < 0.001), and the correlation between exposure concentration and other certain factors was in the range of [−0.11, −0.03]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The World Air Quality Index indicates that Pakistan ranks as the third most polluted country, regarding the average (Particulate Matter) PM2.5 concentration, which is 14.2 times higher than the World Health Organization's annual air quality guideline. It is crucial to implement a program aimed at reducing PM2.5 levels in Pakistan's urban areas. This review paper highlights the importance of indoor air pollution in urban regions such as Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, and Karachi, while also considering the effects of outdoor air temperature on occupants' thermal comfort. The study aims to evaluate past methodological approaches to enhance indoor air quality in buildings. The main research question is to address whether there are statistical correlations between the PM2.5 and the operative air temperature and whether other indoor climatic variables have an impact on the thermal comfort assessment in densely built urban agglomeration regions in Pakistan. A systematic review analysis method was employed to investigate the effects of particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon oxides (COx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on residents' health. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA) protocol guided the identification of key terms and the extraction of cited studies. The literature review incorporated a combination of descriptive research methods to inform the research context regarding both ambient and indoor air quality, providing a theoretical and methodological framework for understanding air pollution and its mitigation in various global contexts. The study found a marginally significant relationship between the PM2.5 operative air temperature and occupants' overall temperature satisfaction, Ordinal Regression (OR) = 0.958 (95%—Confidence Interval (CI) [0.918, 1.000]), p = 0.050, Nagelkerke − Regression (R2) = 0.042. The study contributes to research on the development of an evidence-based thermal comfort assessment benchmark criteria for the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Global Thermal Comfort Database version 2.1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This bibliometric study employs a rigorous approach to scrutinize and visually represent the existing body of literature on indoor air quality (IAQ). Utilizing the Scopus collection database, we conducted an exhaustive exploration of published research literature in the IAQ field. The study involves a thorough visual analysis using Harzing's Publish and Perish and VOSviewer software programs, examining parameters such as citations, publication year, journals, authors, research institutions, countries, and research topics. A total of 1729 pieces of literature related to IAQ research from 2018 to 2023 were retrieved. The dominant formats were articles and conference papers, underscoring their significance in IAQ documentation. Primary subject areas included "Engineering" and "Environmental Science," highlighting the multidisciplinary nature of IAQ studies. The upward trend in IAQ publications, reaching 330 articles in 2023, emphasizes the growing importance of this field. However, citation impact varied, emphasizing the need to assess research quality alongside quantity. Global distribution identified leading countries, including the United States, China, and the United Kingdom, which were also top contributors in co‐authorship and country‐level analyses. The top journals were "Building and Environment" and "Sustainable Cities and Society," showcasing varying publication and citation powers. Notable impactful articles in the IAQ domain were led by Agarwal et al. and Van Tran, Park, and Lee. Keyword co‐occurrence analysis identified thematic clusters, with keywords such as "Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)," "Air Quality," and "Indoor Air Pollution" dominating the literature. Through a comprehensive analysis of published literature, this study provides a visual representation of studies with significant contributions to the IAQ field, offering insights into its development and changes from 2018 to 2023. The findings also guide future IAQ research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indoor air pollution (IAP) is a prevalent issue, and in the absence of any concrete and stringent guidelines, particularly in developing countries the concern becomes graver. Technological strategies like the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud computing have been explored for real‐time monitoring and these interventions may be investigated to improve indoor air quality (IAQ) and human health. This review article explores the prospects of IoT and smart environments for the improvement of indoor living conditions through automation. Some specific interference like sensors, air pollution simulations and modeling, the concept of smart ventilation, and fuzzy logic controllers (FLC) have been elaborated with pieces of evidence taken from previously published studies in leading indexing databases. Furthermore, some automated health risk assessment tools like the Human exposure model (HEM), Integrated Fuzzy‐stochastic modeling (IFSM), and proximity and interpolation models have also been described. The findings suggested that IoT‐based gadgets require ambient intelligence capabilities for ambient assisted living (AAL). The studies showed that innovations in technology like sensors and modeling techniques may yield crucial information on pollution exposure enabling long‐term and sustainable predictions. However, efficient AAL systems may also face challenges in designing interfaces, usability, and accessibility. Although IoT can aid in mimicking real‐world scenarios, nevertheless its‐micro spatial scale application requires thorough investigation for reliable information extraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indoor environments pose a significant health risk due to exposure to particulate matter (PM), leading to various diseases and premature deaths, and raising public concerns about indoor air quality. Household kitchens are a major contributor to indoor air pollution, emitting particulate matter of varying sizes during cooking, which disperses throughout the house. Understanding the extent of PM exposure and identifying its sources is crucial. This study assesses PM presence in Kuwaiti household kitchens, measuring concentrations of different‐sized particles (PM 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, and 10 μm) under various conditions. Measurements were taken for 24 h using a particle/mass monitor device, considering different ventilation scenarios, cooking oils, and methods. Spearman's rank correlation and indoor/outdoor (I/O) ratios investigate the correlation between indoor and outdoor PM exposure. Principal component analysis (PCA) models identify specific sources contributing to PM exposure. A questionnaire survey in Kuwaiti households determines primary kitchen sources during cooking. Results show that kitchens with ventilation systems consistently reduce PM concentrations. PM emissions during cooking vary based on factors like cooking method, energy type, cooking oil, food, additives, temperature, and ventilation. The cooking stove is the primary emission source, but other household activities contribute. This study enhances our understanding of influential factors affecting cooking emissions and their concentrations, contributing valuable insights into mitigating indoor air pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alxa League, located in the western part of Inner Mongolia, China, frequently suffers from sandstorms. Such dusty conditions result in sharp increases in respirable particulate matter (PM10) concentration in outdoor and indoor environments, posing a significant health risk to local inhabitants. Vernacular dwellings in this area feature a specific floor plan that includes an entrance space to safeguard indoor air quality during sandstorms while being compatible with the local climate. This study utilises CONTAM, a multizone indoor air quality and ventilation analysis computer program, and field measurements to quantitatively evaluate the effectiveness of the entrance space in protecting indoor air quality against ambient PM10 pollution under both dusty and normal conditions. The simulation results reveal that the entrance space can effectively mitigate PM10 pollution in the middle room, lowering the average concentration from 47.0 μg/m3 to 37.5 μg/m3 during dust periods. However, PM10 pollution may increase in the entrance space, reaching an average concentration of up to 70.0 μg/m3. Experimental outcomes align with the simulated results. Given that construction activities exacerbate desertification and frequent sandstorms, the above findings help identify the optimal design strategies for energy-efficient green vernacular dwellings in the targeted desert area, promoting environmental harmony and addressing climate change challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are continuously emitted into the atmosphere from natural and anthropogenic sources and rapidly spread from the atmosphere to different environments. A large group of VOCs has been included in the class of air pollutants; therefore, their determination and monitoring using reliable and sensitive analytical methods represents a key aspect of health risk assessment. In this work, an untargeted approach is proposed for the evaluation of the exposure to volatile organic compounds of workers in an engine manufacturing plant by GC–MS measurements, coupled with solid-phase microextraction (SPME). The analytical procedure was optimized in terms of SPME fiber, adsorption time, desorption time, and temperature gradient of the chromatographic run. For the microextraction of VOCs, the SPME fibers were exposed to the air in two different zones of the manufacturing factory, i.e., in the mixing painting chamber and the engine painting area. Moreover, the sampling was carried out with the painting system active and running (system on) and with the painting system switched off (system off). Overall, 212 compounds were identified, but only 17 were always present in both zones (mixing painting chamber and engine painting area), regardless of system conditions (on or off). Finally, a semi-quantitative evaluation was performed considering the peak area value of the potentially most toxic compounds by multivariate data analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research breaks new ground by proposing a unique solution to combat SARS-COV-2 aerosols: modifying a readily available window air conditioner's indoor blower to accommodate a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. While traditional public health measures like lockdowns and mask-wearing remain crucial, this study explores an innovative engineering approach to air purification within homes and offices. The widespread impact of COVID-19 across various sectors—agriculture, manufacturing, finance, and more—necessitates exploring diverse solutions. Current efforts to utilize HEPA filters in HVAC systems face limitations. These filters, while highly effective at capturing airborne particles, increasingly impede airflow and require substantial pressure, posing challenges for standard HVAC systems to maintain efficient operation. This study addresses this critical gap by proposing a targeted modification to a specific window air conditioner (AC) model (GJC07AF-K3RNB9D) to incorporate an H-14 HEPA filter. Utilizing cutting-edge design tool (CF-TURBO) and advanced simulation software (STARCCM +), the research will provide a new blower specifically optimized for this application. This virtual testing will meticulously evaluate the modified system's performance, ensure optimal airflow, predict noise levels, and identify any potential design flaws before implementing the modification in a physical prototype. The success of this study could pave the way for the development of increasingly efficient and accessible HEPA-based air purification solutions for everyday use, particularly in areas with limited resources. Furthermore, this research can be a valuable foundation for future work aimed to increasingly improve indoor air quality (IAQ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for low-carbon and energy-efficient building designs is urgent, especially considering that building energy consumption constitutes a significant part of global energy usage. Unlike small to medium-sized buildings such as residential and office spaces, large public buildings, like sports facilities, have unique usage patterns and architectural forms, offering more significant potential for energy-saving strategies. This review focuses on sports buildings, selecting 62 high-quality papers published in building science over the past 30 years that investigate low-carbon and energy-efficient research. Summarizing and synthesizing these papers reveals that current studies predominantly concentrate on four main areas: indoor air quality, ventilation, thermal environment, and energy consumption. Notably, many studies emphasize improving indoor thermal comfort and reducing energy consumption in sports buildings through measurements and evaluations of indoor thermal environments, temperature distributions, heat transfer phenomena, and energy consumption analyses. Key outcomes indicate that green technology innovations, such as energy substitution technologies, significantly enhance energy efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. However, present research emphasizes singular energy-saving approaches, suggesting future directions could integrate comprehensive green technologies, life-cycle assessments, and applications of intelligent technologies and the Internet of Things (IoT). These enhancements aim to provide more effective and sustainable solutions for implementing green, low-carbon energy practices in sports buildings. The review emphasizes that in order to accomplish sustainable urban growth and achieve global carbon neutrality targets, a comprehensive approach involving technical innovation, legislative assistance, and extensive preparation is crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the technical solutions to improve indoor thermal comfort and reduce energy consumption in buildings is the use of demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) systems. The choice of the control method becomes more important when the walls in the room are finished with moisture-buffering materials. This study explores the impact of four DCV system control scenarios (control of temperature, relative humidity, and carbon dioxide concentration for two different supply airflows to the room) combined with various indoor moisture-buffering materials (gypsum board and cement–lime plaster) on the variability of indoor air quality parameters, thermal comfort, and energy. The analysis was performed by computer simulation using WUFI Plus v.3.1.0.3 software for whole-building hydrothermal analysis. Control-based systems that maintain appropriate relative humidity levels were found to be the most favourable for localised comfort and were more effective in terms of energy consumption for heating and cooling without humidification and dehumidification. This research also revealed that the moisture-buffering effect of finishing materials can passively contribute to enhancing indoor air quality, regardless of the room's purpose. However, higher energy consumption for heating was observed for better moisture-buffering materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintaining optimal Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) requires continuous measurement of certain variables. To this end, ASHRAE and BPIE recommend that at least the following areas of interest be considered when measuring IEQ: thermal comfort, illuminance, indoor air quality, and noise. At this time, it is not common to find an IoT device that is suitable for dense deployments in schools, university campuses, hospitals, and office buildings, among others, that measures variables in all of the above areas of interest. This paper presents a solution to the problem previously outlined by proposing an IoT device that measures variables across all of the aforementioned areas of interest. Moreover, in a radio frequency network with a tree-like structure of IoT devices, this device is able to assume the roles of sensor and hub node, sensor and router node, and only sensor node. The experimental results are satisfactory, and the detailed system design ensures the replicability of the device. Furthermore, the theoretical analysis paves the way for high scalability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human exposure to indoor radon has been a subject of continuous concern due to its health implications, especially as it relates to lung cancer. Radon contaminates indoor air quality and poses a significant health threat if not abated/controlled. A seasonal indoor radon assessment of residential buildings of Obafemi Awolowo University was carried out to determine radon seasonal variability and to evaluate the cancer risk to the residents. AT-100 diffusion-based track detectors were deployed within living rooms and bedrooms for the radon measurement. During the rainy season, the average indoor radon concentration was 18.4 ± 10.1 Bq/m3, with higher concentrations observed in bedrooms compared to living rooms, whereas the average radon concentration was 19.0 ± 4.4 Bq/m3 in the dry season, with similar radon levels in living rooms and bedrooms. The potential alpha energy concentration values ranged from 1.62 to 7.57 mWL. The annual effective dose equivalent values were below the world average and recommended limits for public exposure. Of the three geological units underlying the residences, the buildings overlying the granite gneiss lithology have the highest radon concentrations with average value of 21.4 Bq/m3. The soil gas radon concentration to indoor radon concentration ratio over the granite gneiss lithology is 0.006. The estimated average lifetime cancer risk due to radon inhalation in the residences indicated a potential risk of cancer development in 178 persons in 100 000 population over a lifetime period. The average indoor radon concentrations were below the recommended limit, requiring no immediate remediation measures. Improved ventilation of residential apartments is recommended to minimize residents' risk to indoor radon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to numerically investigate the impact of air supply terminal devices (ASTDs) on the performance of novel variable refrigerant flow (VRF) integrated stratum ventilation (SV) system. The novel VRF-SV hybrid system was designed and analyzed in the authors' previous work, where different design configurations were tested and their performances were compared. However, the effect of ASTDs on the performance of novel system has not yet been thoroughly explored. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the effect of four types of ASTDs, including bar grille, double deflection grille, drum louver and jet slot diffusers installed in the laboratory and meeting room environments. The temperature and velocity field distribution, thermal comfort and indoor air quality (IAQ) were examined as performance indicators. The Re-Normalization Group (RNG), Realizable and Standard k -ϵ turbulence models were also employed in this study to verify and validate the numerical predictions with the experimental measurements. The experimental results found relatively close to the predictions obtained through RNG k -ϵ model with maximum deviations at any location were found to be 0.28 m/s in terms of velocity and 1.6°C in terms of temperature magnitude. Further research demonstrated that among the studied ASTDs, the bar grille diffuser provided an adequate thermal environment for the occupants with an acceptable jet throw and IAQ. This benefit also suggests that if the bar grille is installed with the VRF-SV system, the system would require less fan power, and thus, it reduces the energy use by the fan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indoor air quality (IAQ) has a significant impact on human health, as people spend 90% of their time in various indoor environments. Therefore, research on IAQ is extremely necessary. However, current research on traditional Qiang residences in western Sichuan mainly focuses on the indoor thermal environment and heritage protection, with relatively little attention paid to IAQ. This study investigates the IAQ of traditional Qiang residences in western Sichuan, which have open fire pits as the core of daily life, exploring the impact of passive renovation strategies on the indoor air quality. Using simulation methods, this study employs passive strategies, such as increasing the size of windward windows, changing ventilation methods, relocating the fire pit, and enlarging interior partition openings, to improve and optimize the IAQ through natural ventilation. The results show that when the windward window sizes are 0.8 m × 1.9 m and 0.7 m × 1.55 m, the reduction in the indoor CO2 concentration is the greatest, with a maximum decrease of 0.024% at the 1.5 m plane. This paper proposes passive renovation strategies to improve the indoor air quality of Qiang residences in western Sichuan. These strategies effectively enhance the indoor air quality of Qiang residences and address the research gap on indoor air quality in regional Qiang residences in western Sichuan. The insights and methods presented contribute to the improvement of the indoor air quality in traditional buildings and support the sustainable development of traditional architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The frequent outbreak of infectious respiratory diseases, such as the recent COVID-19 epidemic, raised the importance of indoor air quality. Removing microorganisms from indoor air is critical to improve indoor air quality. Numerous studies in recent years have been published on developing antimicrobial materials and technologies for antibacterial and antiviral applications. This study critically reviews the recent antimicrobial advances for improving indoor air quality. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the antimicrobial mechanisms, development of materials, and deployment strategies, as well as a performance evaluation of the antimicrobial implication for indoor air quality. Furthermore, the challenges and opportunities of future research directions are also highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe human living environment serves as a habitat for microorganisms and the presence of ubiquitous airborne microbes significantly impacts the natural material cycle. Through ongoing experimentation with beneficial microorganisms, humans have greatly benefited from airborne microbes. However, airborne pathogens endanger human health and have the potential to induce fatal diseases. Tracking airborne microbes is a critical prerequisite for a better understanding of bioaerosols, harnessing their potential advantages, and mitigating associated risks. Although technological breakthroughs have enabled significant advancements in accurately monitoring airborne pathogens, many puzzles about these microbes remain unanswered due to their high variability and environmental diffusibility. Consequently, advanced techniques and strategies for special identification, early warning, and efficient eradication of microbial contamination are continuously being sought. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the research status of airborne microbes, concentrating on the recent advances and challenges in sampling, detection, and inactivation. Particularly, the fundamental design principles for the collection and timely detection of airborne pathogens are described in detail, as well as critical factors for eliminating microbial contamination and enhancing indoor air quality. In addition, future research directions and perspectives for controlling airborne microbes are also suggested to promote the translation of basic research into real products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As building becomes more leak-tight, air refreshment to improve indoor air quality is needed for healthy living standards. In the quest to ensure comfortable indoor climatic conditions, energy recovery ventilators (ERV) are used to provide air refreshment and thermal comfort. In this study, a fixed plate air-to-air ERV was analysed to determine its effectivity in terms of energy recovery during air refreshment. A customized test bench was built and used to acquire the instantaneous surface temperatures of the heat exchanger plates contained in the ERV during air refreshment. Also, a numerical model of the ERV was developed and validated by comparing its output from simulation with experiment results under the same conditions. The model consisted of a single heat exchanger plate and the air across the plate surface. To capture the effect of heat transfer between the air and the heat exchanger plate in 3D, the model was discretized into numerous cells. From the experiment and simulation results, the air-to-air ERVs were more effective in recovering thermal energy at low flow velocity than at high flow velocity. At lower flow velocity, it will take a longer time duration before any significant impact is made on the thermal conditions of the building, comparatively. The prediction of the model was within acceptable margins and could be used to provide insight on the ERVs performance improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is known that people generally spend 90% of their time indoors. Therefore, indoor air quality is a major concern for many people. Building materials play an important role in indoor air quality. Therefore, this study evaluates the role of building materials in IAQ by conducting a bibliometric analysis of articles from the Web of Science Core Collection and utilizing VOSviewer software to analyze publications from 2010 to 2023, focusing on the citation, year, country, and keywords cooccurrence. The analysis reveals key trends and gaps in the literature, highlighting the predominance of specific materials and pollutants. It also highlights that variability in building parameters makes attributing pollution sources difficult and underlines the need for context-specific assessments. These findings underscore the critical need to prioritize IAQ in building design and management to ensure safe and healthy indoor environments. This study manifests by methodologically mapping the research landscape on building materials and IAQ, guiding future empirical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An office building in Trondheim, Norway, was used as a case study to test the influence of Predictive Control (PC) for the optimization of energy use on the employees' thermal comfort. A predictive control was implemented in the Building Energy Management System (BEMS) by operating on the supply temperature of the radiator circuit. A questionnaire was given to the employees to evaluate to what extent the operation of the predictive control influenced their perceived thermal comfort. Several factors known to influence employees' satisfaction (such as office type, perceived noise level, level of control, perceived luminous environment, perceived indoor air quality, adaptation strategies, well-being) were investigated in the questionnaire. The evaluation shows that the occupants rated the perceived thermal comfort as equally good compared to the business-as-usual operation. This is an important finding toward the user acceptance of such predictive control schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on the influence of occupants on the concentration of contaminants (radon Rn-222 and CO2) as well as the thermal comfort parameters. A series of sensors were placed to measure the concentration of the contaminants, temperature, and relative humidity in the test room at the Institute of Nuclear Physics PAN in Krakow (IFJ PAN), Poland. The test room is an office that is typical of the offices used in the facility. The occupants that used the space kept a detailed diary of their entry, exit, and number of people entering. The results showed that the accumulation of contaminants in such spaces may be severe and risks the health and safety of occupants. The accumulation of CO2 was extremely noticeable and did not diminish to the background level between the re-entry of the occupants to the office. The same was consistent for the radon concentration. The study shows how ventilation methods and small changes in occupant work strategy may influence the contaminant concentration within a test zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Allergic diseases are common in children and adolescents. It is important to assess the prevalence and risk factors of environmental diseases to implement tailored countermeasures. Methods: This questionnaire study investigated factors associated with environmental diseases in elementary school children with an environmental disease from 150 households in Daejeon Metropolitan City, South Korea in 2021. Results: The participants comprised 55.7% girls and 44.3% boys, and the mean age was 10.1 years with an even age distribution. The typical risk factors observed were the type of roads nearby, the presence of mold or stains within the residence, pet ownership, and frequency of indoor ventilation and cleaning. Notably, 73.2% of the households had an eight-lane road nearby, 40.2% reported leaks, stains, or mold within their homes during the past year, and 37.1% ventilated their homes for less than 30 min. After education on preventing and managing environmental diseases, significant changes were observed in bedding washing frequency, average ventilation duration per session, and duration of humidifier usage (p < 0.05–0.001), with improvements in lifestyle. Conclusions: Our study can be used as a reference for expanding indoor air quality control education for parents with children with an environmental disease and providing tailored environmental consultations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ambient air pollution's health impacts are well documented, yet the domestic environment remains underexplored. We aimed to compare indoor versus outdoor (I/O) air quality and estimate the association between indoor/ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure and lung function in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. The study involved 24 h monitoring of PM2.5 levels indoors and outdoors, daily peak expiratory flow (PEF), and biweekly symptoms collection from five patients with asthma and COPD (average age of 50 years, 40% male) over a whole year. Data analysis was performed with linear mixed effect models for PEF and generalized estimating equations (GEE) for exacerbations. More than 5 million PM2.5 exposure and meteorological data were collected, demonstrating significant I/O PM2.5 ratio variability with an average ratio of 2.20 (±2.10). Identified indoor PM2.5 sources included tobacco use, open fireplaces, and cooking, resulting in average indoor PM2.5 concentrations of 63.89 μg/m3 (±68.41), significantly exceeding revised World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Analysis indicated a correlation between ambient PM2.5 levels and decreased PEF over 0-to-3-day lag, with autumn indoor exposure significantly impacting PEF and wheezing. The study underscores the need to incorporate domestic air quality into public health research and policy-making. A personalized approach is required depending on the living conditions, taking into account the exposure to particulate pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From a public health perspective, it is necessary to improve indoor air quality (IAQ) in schools. This study aims to assess the state of perceived IAQ in Slovenian school classrooms and its association with the selected IAQ factors to improve the understanding of perceived IAQ for designing public health interventions aimed to improve IAQ in schools. A national cross-sectional study was performed in all 454 Slovenian primary schools in the school year 2019/2020. The questionnaires were filled out by the 3rd-grade teachers with the support of the caretakers. Teachers rated the IAQ in the classroom as the worst in winter. We found that the teachers' perceived IAQ in the classroom is statistically significantly associated with the micro location of the school and some of the IAQ factors. Poor IAQ is associated with reduced manual airing of classrooms due to the thermal comfort of the occupants. Interventions should be aimed at improving occupants' adaptive behaviors to increase the frequency of natural ventilation in classrooms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to delve deeper into the relationship between the professional activities carried out in restaurant kitchens and some key air pollutants. The ultrafine particles (UFPs), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs) and formaldehyde (HCHO) indoor air concentrations were determined using real-time monitors. Simultaneously, the kitchen environment was characterized using video recordings with the aim to retrieve information pertaining to cooking, cookware washing and surface cleaning activities. Statistical analysis was carried out separately for the winter and summer campaigns. The obtained results confirmed that the professional activities carried out in restaurant kitchens had a significant impact on the concentrations of all the selected pollutants. Specifically, this study revealed the following key results: (i) indoor UFPs and NO2 concentrations were significantly higher during cooking than during washing activities (e.g., about +60% frying vs. handwashing and dishwasher running), mainly in the winter; (ii) washing activity had a statistically significant impact on the TVOC (+39% on average) and HCHO (+67% on average) concentrations compared to other activities; (iii) some specific sources of short-term pollutant emissions have been identified, such as the different types of cooking and opening the dishwasher; and (iv) in some restaurants, a clear time-dependent relationship between O3 and UFP, TVOC and HCHO has been observed, underlining the occurrence of ozonolysis reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a special stand featuring ion generators designed and manufactured for experimental research. This study investigates the use of ion energy for air purification, specifically focusing on its effect on PM (0.3–10 μm) agglomeration. By introducing charged ions into the air, particulate matter can be charged, resulting in increased particle sizes through agglomeration, and subsequently improving the filtration efficiency. Experiments were conducted in a controlled chamber to evaluate the performance of an ion-based air purification system. The effects of various parameters, such as ion concentration, airflow rate, and particle size distribution, on PM agglomeration were studied. The results demonstrated that the ion-based air purification system could effectively enhance PM agglomeration, particularly for ultrafine particles. The study also revealed that the efficiency of PM agglomeration was influenced by the ion concentration and airflow rate, with an optimal range identified to maximize the system's performance. Furthermore, the potential real-world application of this technology was discussed, considering factors such as energy consumption, maintenance requirements, and compatibility with existing air purification systems. This study contributes to the development of innovative air purification solutions and offers valuable insights into the potential of ion energy for improving indoor air quality and safeguarding human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing children's exposure to air pollution is a priority among California communities heavily impacted by air pollution exposures. We conducted an observational air quality study at a school to investigate the effectiveness of improved Heating, Ventilation, and Cooling (HVAC) system filters and portable air cleaners (PACs) in reducing children's exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) under real-world classroom conditions. This study included five classrooms, three of which had PACs. Halfway through the study period, high-efficiency HVAC filters were installed in all five classrooms. Continuous measurements of outdoor and in-classroom PM2.5 concentrations were used to evaluate filtration effectiveness. The air filtration strategies, alone and in combination, demonstrated 14–56% reductions in indoor PM2.5 concentrations compared to outdoor levels. There were significant improvements in filtration resulting from HVAC filter upgrades in the two classrooms without PACs (11% and 22% improvement, p < 0.001). Upgrading HVAC filters in classrooms with PACs did not significantly improve filtration effectiveness, suggesting that utilizing both strategies simultaneously may not meaningfully improve air quality under these circumstances. CO2 data, as a proxy for ventilation, helped demonstrate that the observed filtration effectiveness was likely impacted by the variable HVAC system use and open doors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The province of Gauteng in South Africa has a rich history of gold mining, which has driven economic growth and urbanization. Gold mining has also created over 270 gold mine tailings (GMT), now surrounded by human settlements due to a housing shortage. These GMT pose a health risk as they harbor elevated uranium, which over time undergoes radioactive decay to produce radon, a known lung carcinogen. This study aimed to investigate the potential correlation between the proximity to gold mine tailings (GMT) and indoor radon concentrations in Gauteng's residential dwellings. Volume activity of radon (VAR) inside 330 residential dwellings was measured in residential dwellings located proximally (<2 km) and distally (>2 km) to gold mine tailings using AlphaE radon monitors during winter. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was utilized to obtain data on factors that may influence indoor radon activities. Descriptive statistics and bivariate logistic regression analyzed the influence of proximity to gold mine tailings and dwelling characteristics on VAR. Furthermore, VAR was compared to the World Health Organization (WHO) radon reference level of 100 Bq/m3. Residential dwellings near gold mine tailings had significantly higher average indoor radon concentrations (103.30 Bq/m3) compared to the control group (65.19 Bq/m3). Residential dwellings proximal to gold mine tailings were three times more likely to have VAR beyond the WHO reference level of 100 Bq/m3. Furthermore, they had estimated annual effective doses of 2.60 mSv/y compared to 1.64 mSv/y for the control group. This study highlighted a concerning association between proximity to gold mine tailings and elevated indoor radon levels. Public health interventions prioritizing residential dwellings near gold mine tailings are crucial. Educational campaigns and financial assistance for radon mitigation systems in high-risk dwellings are recommended. Residents near gold mine tailings are encouraged to ensure continuous natural ventilation through frequent opening of windows and doors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internal moisture generation (IMG), or moisture generated by building occupants via activities such as respiration, cooking, bathing, and cleaning, is a critical input required for design, analysis, and simulation of building enclosure and HVAC systems. Based on previously published values, ASHRAE Standard 160-2021 provides guidance for estimating IMG rates for moisture control design analysis, which is based on occupied home datasets collected in the 1980s and 1990s. Residential energy use simulation software also utilizes estimates for IMG for energy rating, energy analysis, and code compliance calculations, as specified in ANSI/RESNET/ICC Standard 301. Data quantifying IMG rates in newer homes are useful in determining the continued relevance of current design and simulation guidance, and whether the guidance represents conditions found in new housing stock. ASHRAE Research Project 1844, conducted by the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC), a research institute of the University of Central Florida, estimated IMG rates in newer occupied homes built since 2013 in the southeastern United States using a moisture balance model approach. The project obtained occupied home data in cooperation with a U.S. Department of Energy Building America research project to characterize indoor air quality (IAQ) in newer U.S. homes, along with presence, functionality, and occupant use of control measures. Full-scale laboratory homes operating with known IMG rates were used to validate a moisture balance model and quantify the accuracy of estimates obtained when the model is applied to data from occupied homes with unknown IMG rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the impact of environmental exposures on chronic inflammatory dermatoses, such as contact dermatitis and eczema. These conditions are aggravated by factors such as allergens, irritants, pollutants, and climatic conditions. The article examines preventive and therapeutic strategies, evaluates epidemiological data and prevalence, and emphasizes the need for improved patient care and reduction of the overall burden of these dermatoses. The strategies include allergen identification and avoidance, use of protective gear, reduction of indoor and outdoor pollutants, adaptation of skincare routines based on climate, and the use of pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches for treatment. The article also highlights the challenges of healthcare access and affordability, and the need for further research to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms. [Extracted from the article]

Manual welding operations are performed inside the engine room of a liquefied natural gas carrier under construction. The welders are at risk of exposure to welding fumes in case of poor ventilation. Therefore, ventilation fans are installed at shipbuilding sites to improve indoor air quality. Although ensuring the respiratory health of welders is important, studies focusing on ventilation in the ship engine room have not been conducted. Therefore, the ventilation efficiency was evaluated herein based on the placement of ventilation fans to alleviate air stagnation using a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model operating on Fluent. The mean age of air (MAA) was computed to assess the ventilation efficiency. In addition, particles with size and physical properties similar to welding fumes were sourced assuming 30 welders in the engine room. Results revealed that ventilation fan and/or exhaust in enclosed spaces contributes significantly to alleviating the MAA level. MAA and particle distribution did not correlate well due to the different properties of air and the iron oxide particle. Therefore, to determine the optimal ventilation fan displacement, particle motion should be studied along with performing MAA analysis. The proposed CFD model potentially guides to improvement of the working environments and respiratory health of welders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2010 guidelines for indoor air quality (ICOP IAQ 2010) provide a framework for evaluating and sustaining healthy indoor environments in enclosed spaces, promoting a safer and more comfortable atmosphere for occupants. Chemical pollutants in indoor air measured in this study are particulate matter (PM10), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), formaldehyde (CH2O) and ozone (O3). A total of six sampling locations were selected, namely P1 (ReaCH), P2 (CORE), P3 (H-Care), P4 (iCaRehab & CODTIS), P5 (PD) and P6 (PTD). The results of the study found that all chemical parameters measured were found to comply with the limits allowed by ICOP IAQ 2010 except for ozone (O3) readings. The average range of carbon monoxide (CO) readings was recorded to be (0.0 ± 0.0 ppm -0.6 ± 0.01 ppm) and still below the ICOP IAQ 2010 limit (10 ppm). CO2 readings ranged between (582 ± 104 ppm - 847 ± 67 ppm) with all readings at sampling locations complying with ICOP IAQ 2010 limits (1000 ppm). The average value for PM10 readings ranges between (0.01 ± 0.01 ppm -0.03 ± 0.01 ppm) and all readings are below the ICOP IAQ 2010 limit (0.15 ppm). TVOC readings range between (0.0 ± 0.0 ppm -1.8 ± 0.01 ppm) and all readings are below the ICOP IAQ 2010 limit (3 ppm). The average value for formaldehyde concentration between the reading range (0.00 ± 0.00 ppm -0.96 ± 0.01 ppm) and it complies with the ICOP IAQ 2010 limit (0.10 ppm). The average O3 concentration exceeds the ICOP IAQ 2010 standard (i.e., 0.05 ppm) in the range of 0.00 ± 0.00 -0.06 ± 0.01 ppm. Overall, the indoor air quality in all UKM Faculty of Health Sciences administrative offices is in good condition. However, monitoring indoor air quality periodically needs to be done to ensure that the occupants are always healthy and in a comfortable condition as well as being able to increase work productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the use of photocatalytic materials, it was understood that self-cleaning and anti-bacterial properties are gained in cementitious systems and indoor air quality is improved. It was determined that Nano-TiO2 (nT) is used as the most common photocatalyst due to its advantages. Anatase phase, which is one of the phases of nT, was found to be the most preferred photocatalyst because it has a faster photocatalytic effect. In this study, a detailed literature search was conducted on the photocatalysis process, the photocatalyst selection criteria, the materials used in the production of photocatalytic concrete and their mix design. In addition, the effects of the use of nT on the setting time, flow performance, rheological behavior, degree of hydration, pore structure and strength performance of cementitious systems were investigated. It was determined that nT is used at rates ranging from 1-10% for the production of photocatalytic concrete. It was observed that the hydration rate of cementitious systems increases with the increase in the use of nT, and the flow performance and rheological behavior are adversely affected. Also, it was emphasized that the use of nT improves the mechanical properties by reducing the void volume of the system. However, it was reported that the use of nT above a certain rate causes the strength performance of cementitious systems to be adversely affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review aims to assess the literature on Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ) factors and sub-indicators in classrooms over the past decade (2014-2024), focusing on models, assessment methods, and tools specific to these factors. The significance of this research lies not only in reviewing IEQ assessment holistically and panoramically (where 44 studies within the last 10 years were reviewed across major scientific databases) to highlight and reaffirm the most frequently measured IEQ sub-indicators, but it also aims to eliminate confusion that might occur for researchers by categorizing the assessment of IEQ. This helps readers clearly identify the specific type of assessment they are exploring, as past research on IEQ often features similar titles but differs in the type of actual assessment, whether it is occupant-based, holistic, multiple factors, or single factor. The main findings of the review highlight the most measured IEQ sub-indicators in the literature for each of the IEQ factors, and they are as follows; 1). For thermal comfort, air temperature and relative humidity are the primary measures. 2) For indoor air quality, the key indicators are CO2 concentration, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5). 4) Visual comfort is primarily assessed through illuminance and daylight factor, 3) acoustic comfort focuses on background noise level and reverberation time. Despite numerous studies on specific IEQ factors, there is a lack of comprehensive models integrating multiple components for holistic assessments. Our findings underscore the necessity for ongoing monitoring and enhancement of IEQ in classrooms to improve students' health, well-being, and academic performance. We recommend future research focus on developing a standardized, holistic tool designed specifically for classroom environments. Such a tool should allow for initial and rapid assessments, making it accessible for professionals and non-specialists in IEQ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This article provides an overview on human aeroecology, covering a range of subjects including the impact of air distribution systems on airborne disease transmission, the role of soundscapes in promoting restoration, the effects of face masks on speech perception, and the use of IoT sensors for controlling cooking emissions. The document also covers topics such as phytoremediation, green roofs, and the relationship between indoor air quality and human performance. [Extracted from the article]

Addressing housing insecurity contributes to health care programs as stable housing has positive health benefits. Home environmental hazards may reduce these potential health benefits and could increase morbidity for conditions such as asthma. This study examined housing and indoor air quality among urban low-income households in Colorado to inform housing-insecurity interventions. We conducted a community-engaged study among residents of motels, mobile homes, apartments, and single-family homes that included a survey on the home environment, health, and sociodemographic factors, spirometry, and indoor air quality measurement. We enrolled 60 households: 50% single-family homes, 37% apartments, and 13% residential motels. Perceived stress and depression were higher among motel residents compared with other housing types. We did not find differences in lung function by housing type. Indoor fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and black carbon concentrations were higher in motels than in other housing types. The differential health impacts of housing type support housing programs that jointly address security and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because most human activities take place inside, indoor air quality is essential to human health. Numerous factors contribute to Kosovo's air pollution, including traffic, industrial emissions, aging thermal power plants, home heating, and other hazardous pollutants. The National Institute of Public Health and the WHO conducted a representative household survey to identify the most exposed and susceptible households, targeting two thousand households. Data from this survey were analyzed regarding the relationship between residential air quality predictors and health symptoms in Kosovo inhabitants. Effects from cooking fuel used on headaches, dizziness, and fatigue were somewhat stronger in females and type of heating seemed a little bit more effective in winter. The latter was also true for respiratory problems and heart disease, lending some credence to the causality of the findings. Thus, cooking devices and energy sources for both heating and cooking seem to have an effect on the health of Kosovars. Although the effect estimates were, in general, moderate with adjusted odds ratios in the magnitude of 2 to 3, they only explained a small part of the variation, with pseudo-R² often only reaching less than 10% and rarely more than 20%. In order to improve indoor air quality, regular monitoring and supervision systems should be established across the nation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indoor air quality determines the comfort, health, and wellbeing of people in buildings. Windows are the optimal elements for providing natural ventilation and fresh air, but the outside contains suspended particles that can be harmful in high concentrations. This work presents an openable and double-glazed façade component with a cavity that includes a series of slats that filter the air and depurate it by means of a photocatalytic reaction (TiO2). This component integrates the functions of ventilation, solar protection, and air purification, which were analysed in the slat and the façade component to approve a preliminary design. To this end, it was applied to a specific case, a non-residential building at a latitude 41° N in a Mediterranean climate. The results show the optimal dimensions according to solar radiation and ventilation in this specific case and the method used to obtain them, along with the increase in the temperature of the incoming air with respect to the outside (10 °C). Finally, the results obtained from a photocatalytic coating sample show that the NOx degradation can be up to 9%. All these results confirm the applicability of this component in buildings and pave the way for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]