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It is known that one of the greatest problems of developed countries in the twenty-first century is traffic. For this reason, engineers have searched for alternative solutions to the problem of traffic. One such solution is the construction and utilization of rail systems instead of main roads. From an engineering perspective, rail systems can be divided into three groups: metro, light metro, and tram systems. Light metro systems, which are a form of public transportation, are not directly inside the traffic. Their most important advantages include the fact that they do not release combustion products such as CO, and metro and light metro systems may be considered environmentally friendly based solely on their electricity consumption. In this study, measurements of parameters affecting indoor air quality were made inside light metro cars and in and around light metro stations belonging to the light metro system of the Metropolitan Municipality of Antalya, known as the tourism capital of Turkey. In February and March 2021, when the COVID-19 pandemic was first registered in Turkey, particulate matter (PM), temperature, and relative humidity measurements were made for testing indoor and outside air quality. Moreover, as outside air parameters, outside temperature, outside relative humidity, CO, normalized difference vegetation index, and ultraviolet aerosol index data were obtained from the General Directorate of Meteorology of Turkey. The measurement results were analyzed using the inverse distance weighting method in the geographic information system. Based on the results of the analyses, spatial maps were created for indoor and outside air quality parameters in the light metro system. Using these maps, the effects of passenger density and environmental factors both inside the metro cars and at the metro stations on indoor air quality were identified. In addition, the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the COVID-19 period was analyzed using spatial maps of the PM0.3 and PM0.5 parameters. It is believed that the results of this study will set an example for further indoor air quality studies worldwide, and this study is unique in that it employed a method that is used particularly in survey and geomatics engineering for analyzing indoor air quality in light metro systems.

The use of cleaning and disinfecting products both at work and at home increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those products often include surfactants, acids/bases, carcinogens such as chloroform, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as cyclosiloxanes, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances, which may cause harmful health effects among professional cleaners as well as among people exposed at home or in their workplaces. The aim of this study was to synthesize the effects of the commonly used chemical, surface cleaning and disinfecting products on indoor air quality, focusing on chemical and particulate matter pollutants, exposure, and human health in residential and public buildings. We also provide a summary of recommendations to avoid harmful exposure and suggest future research directions. PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science (WoS) were used to search the literature. Analysis of the literature revealed that the use of cleaning products and disinfectants increase occupants’ exposure to a variety of harmful chemical air contaminants and to particulate matter. Occupational exposure to cleaning and disinfectant products has been linked to an increased risk of asthma and rhinitis. Residential exposure to cleaning products has been shown to have an adverse effect on respiratory health, particularly on asthma onset, and on the occurrence of asthma(-like) symptoms among children and adults. Efforts to reduce occupants’ exposure to cleaning chemicals will require lowering the content of hazardous substances in cleaning products and improving ventilation during and after cleaning. Experimentally examined, best cleaning practices as well as careful selection of cleaning products can minimize the burden of harmful air pollutant exposure indoors. In addition, indirect ways to reduce exposure include increasing people’s awareness of the harmfulness of cleaning chemicals and of safe cleaning practices, as well as clear labelling of cleaning and disinfecting products.

BackgroundIn social housing buildings, poor indoor air quality (IAQ) has been shown to be more prevalent, and residents living in social housing areas are often more vulnerable and susceptible to adverse health effects from IAQ.AimTo examine the state and the association of measured and perceived IAQ, how housing characteristics and residents' behavior are associated with IAQ, and the association with residents' health.MethodThe HOME-Health study is a cross-sectional study among residents living in social housing in Denmark (n = 432). Seasonal measurements examined the IAQ by a 14-day period measuring carbon dioxide (CO2), temperature (TP), relative humidity (RH), and air change rate. Residents' self-reported behavior, comfort, and health were obtained from a structured interview.ResultsThermal discomfort and draught were the most common challenges. During summer, the mean TP was higher, the mean RH was lower, and residents more frequently reported dry air in homes where it was not possible to create cross ventilation. There were a higher mean CO2 and RH when crowdedness increased, particularly during winter. In addition, the proportion of residents reporting dry air was higher when CO2-level was below 1,000 ppm. When the mean RH-level was above 50%, a higher proportion of residents reported experiencing damp air, and when the mean RH-level was below 40% residents more frequently reported dry air. Perception of bad air quality was higher when the mean CO2-level exceeded 1,000 ppm. Additionally, residents reported being most thermally comfortable when the TP was within the range of 20–20.99°C and least comfortable within a range of 22–22.99°C. The residents' perceived experience of impaired IAQ was associated with negative general health symptoms.ConclusionIt is key that homes have the capability to create cross ventilation in order to allow for proper ventilation and to avoid overheating. When evaluating IAQ it is important to not only consider the measured parameters but to also include the residents' behavior and perception of IAQ as these both are related to the actual IAQ and associated health effects.

IntroductionExercising on regular basis provides countless health benefits. To ensure the health, well-being and performance of athletes, optimal indoor air quality, regular maintenance and ventilation in sport facilities are essential.MethodsThis study assessed the levels of particulate, down to the ultrafine range (PM10, PM2.5, and particle number concentration in size range of 20–1,000 nm, i.e., – PNC20-1000 nm), gaseous pollutants (total volatile organic compounds – TVOCs, CO2, and O3) and comfort parameters (temperature – T, relative humidity – RH) in different functional spaces of health clubs (n = 8), under specific occupancy and ventilation restrictions.Results and DiscussionIn all HCs human occupancy resulted in elevated particles (up to 2–3 times than those previously reported), considering mass concentrations (PM10: 1.9–988.5 μg/m3 PM2.5: 1.6–479.3 μg/m3) and number (PNC 1.23 × 103 – 9.14 × 104 #/cm3). Coarse and fine PM indicated a common origin (rs = 0.888–0.909), while PNC showed low–moderate associations with particle mass (rs = 0.264–0.629). In addition, up to twice-higher PM and PNC were detected in cardiofitness & bodybuilding (C&B) areas as these spaces were the most frequented, reinforcing the impacts of occupational activities. In all HCs, TVOCs (0.01–39.67 mg/m3) highly exceeded the existent protection thresholds (1.6–8.9 times) due to the frequent use of cleaning products and disinfectants (2–28 times higher than in previous works). On contrary to PM and PNC, TVOCs were higher (1.1–4.2 times) in studios than in C&B areas, due to the limited ventilations combined with the smaller room areas/volumes. The occupancy restrictions also led to reduced CO2 (122–6,914 mg/m3) than previously observed, with the lowest values in HCs with natural airing. Finally, the specific recommendations for RH and T in sport facilities were largely unmet thus emphasizing the need of proper ventilation procedures in these spaces.

Wildfires have become an important source of particulate matter (PM2.5 < 2.5-µm diameter), leading to unhealthy air quality index occurrences in the western United States. Since people mainly shelter indoors during wildfire smoke events, the infiltration of wildfire PM2.5 into indoor environments is a key determinant of human exposure and is potentially controllable with appropriate awareness, infrastructure investment, and public education. Using time-resolved observations outside and inside more than 1,400 buildings from the crowdsourced PurpleAir sensor network in California, we found that the geometric mean infiltration ratios (indoor PM2.5 of outdoor origin/outdoor PM2.5) were reduced from 0.4 during non-fire days to 0.2 during wildfire days. Even with reduced infiltration, the mean indoor concentration of PM2.5 nearly tripled during wildfire events, with a lower infiltration in newer buildings and those utilizing air conditioning or filtration.

This paper discusses the importance of indoor air quality and indicates its relation with outdoor air quality in the area of spa treatment. Significant factors and sources causing indoor air pollution by particulate matter and radon are considered. Particular attention is drawn to specific functions of health resorts in spa treatment in the context of the importance of indoor and outdoor air for patients staying in the resorts. It is underlined the specificity of health resorts providing treatment for patients classified as the group most sensitive to air pollution, i.e. people with chronic respiratory diseases. The study comprised measurements of 24-h concentrations of PM10, PM2.5 and 10-minute instantaneous concentrations of radon-222 (222Rn) from February 5 to February 25, 2021 in a treatment room of one of the Polish spas located in Lower Silesia. The analysis of interactions between the concentrations of two fractions of particulates PM10 and PM2.5 was presented.\ The interaction and dependence of factors affecting the elevated values of concentrations of the studied pollutants were discussed. The presented analyses showed that the concentrations of the studied pollutants were influenced by air exchange and air infiltration from outside to inside. In the case of short-term measurements of 222Rn activity concentration in the air, it was found that the observed changes in hourly concentrations of 222Rn are analogous to those observed in residential buildings. For the specific time intervals, the variation of PM concentrations and 222Rn activity concentration was found to be similar.

El aire es necesario para la vida. Las personas tienen derecho a su uso y disfrute, pero también la obligación de mantenerlo limpio, por ello, al tratarse de aire interior y su trascendencia a las actividades de producción, recreación y restauración, la necesidad es mayor. Con esta premisa, el presente trabajo expone una revisión histórica de la legislación española entre 1972 y 2020; se pone énfasis en tal periodo ya que enmarca el inicio y desarrollo de la preocupación mundial sobre él, también se incluye consideraciones normativas a nivel europeo y mundial. Con ello, se caracteriza al aire interior tipo, las fuentes de su deterioro, es decir, aquellos insumos que permiten determinar su calidad y gestión pública asociada. También se determina que en el periodo de análisis la normativa es abundante para el aire exterior, fuentes de contaminación y políticas de mitigación de la deficiente calidad, no obstante, en materia de aire interior y su calidad en ambientes no industriales apenas se remontan al año 2008. En términos generales, se determina como necesaria la existencia de políticas de gestión del aire interior, pero también la articulación operativa en diferentes niveles de competencia (gobierno, profesional y académica) para garantizar la habitabilidad saludable con visión interdisciplinar. En este punto, extenderse hacia la arquitectura y la construcción provee potentes incisiones en el tema. Abstract Air is necessary for life. People have the right to use and enjoy it, but also the obligation to keep it clean, because as it is indoor air it transcends production, recreation and catering activities. With this award, the present work presents a historical review of Spanish legislation between 1972 and 2020. Emphasis is placed on this period as it marks the beginning and development of world concern about it, and therefore also includes regulatory considerations at European and international level. With this, the research describes the indoor air, the sources of its deterioration, i.e. those inputs that allow the determination of the Indoor Air Quality, and the associated public management. It is also determined that in the analysis period there is an abundance of regulations on outdoor air, sources of pollution and policies to mitigate poor quality, however, in terms of indoor air and its quality associated with non-industrial environments only goes back to 2008. In general terms, it is determined that operational articulation at different levels of competence (government, professional and academic) is necessary to guarantee healthy habitability, but also to discipline. At this point extending to architecture and construction provides powerful insights into the subject.

Indoor air quality is important for mental health and comfortable environment inside the rooms. Poor indoor air quality has impact to the sick building syndrome to occupant in the rooms. Physical and microbiological are factors in uence the indoor air quality. Purpose of this study is measure indoor air temperature, humidity and microbiological in Universitas Muhammadiyah Kalimantan Timur in the morning and afternoon. Method used eld measurement, microbiological laboratory analysis and regression test by SPSS. High temperature and microbiology occur in the afternoon, humidity is not signicant between morning and afternoon. Temperature and humidity were in uenced by ventilation and use of air conditioner in the rooms. Ventilation, eciency air circulation, building type, maintenance air conditioner and occupant density are factors getting clean and health indoor air quality for keep comfortable environment. Statistical analysis result temperature and humidity has not aected the indoor air microbiological increase.

Burning candles, magic candles, incense, and pyrotechnics such as fountain candles creates a sense of joy and celebration in various life and social events [...]

Abstract Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), CO2, temperature, and humidity in a private room in a care facility for the elderly were measured and the behavior of a resident and staff were recorded in order to clarify the effects of the resident’s behavior, especially defecation, on indoor air quality. Average indoor concentrations of total VOCs (in μg m−3) in summer, autumn, and winter were 40.9, 16.7, and 18.8, respectively. Average indoor concentrations of CO2 in summer, autumn, and winter were 813, 761, and 1144 ppm, respectively, revealing a tendency for the concentrations of CO2 to be higher in winter, in contrast to the VOC concentration. The concentrations of VOCs and CO2 were 1.1 to 1.5 times higher when the resident was present in the room than when the resident was absent. This result suggests that one of the main sources of VOC and CO2 emissions in indoor air was the resident. Acetic acid, 1-butanol, propanoic acid, hexanoic acid, and phenol, which are contained in human sweat, exhaled air, and excrement, were the predominant VOCs in the air of the room regardless of the season, and these five components accounted for more than 90% of the total VOCs. The concentrations of these components were higher when the resident was present in the room, suggesting that the resident was the main source of these components. Based on the changes in the VOC and CO2 concentrations over time and the records of the resident and the staff, it was noted that VOC concentrations decreased, in some cases, before and after diaper changes. Our research suggests that certain aspects of the behavior of residents can be inferred by monitoring changes in indoor air quality.

The indoor air quality (IAQ) was investigated in sixty‐four primary school buildings in five Central European countries (Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Poland, and Slovenia). The concentration of volatile organic compounds, aldehydes, PM2.5 mass, carbon dioxide, radon, as well as physical parameters were investigated during the heating period of 2017/2018. Significant differences were identified for the majority of the investigated IAQ parameters across the countries. The median indoor/outdoor ratios varied considerably. A comprehensive evaluation of IAQ in terms of potential health effects and comfort perception was performed. Hazard quotient values were below the threshold value of 1 with one exception. In contrast, 31% of the school buildings were characterized by hazard index values higher than 1. The maximum cumulative ratio approach highlighted that the concern for non‐carcinogenic health effects was either low or the health risk was driven by more substances. The median excess lifetime cancer risk values exceeded the acceptable value of 1 × 10−6 in the case of radon and formaldehyde. PM2.5 mass concentration values exceeded the 24 h and annual guideline values set by the World Health Organization in 56 and 85% of the cases, respectively. About 80% of the schools could not manage to comply with the recommended concentration value for carbon dioxide (1000 ppm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildfires have become an important source of particulate matter (PM2.5 < 2.5-µm diameter), leading to unhealthy air quality index occurrences in the western United States. Since people mainly shelter indoors during wildfire smoke events, the infiltration of wildfire PM2.5 into indoor environments is a key determinant of human exposure and is potentially controllable with appropriate awareness, infrastructure investment, and public education. Using time-resolved observations outside and inside more than 1,400 buildings from the crowdsourced PurpleAir sensor network in California, we found that the geometric mean infiltration ratios (indoor PM2.5 of outdoor origin/outdoor PM2.5) were reduced from 0.4 during non-fire days to 0.2 during wildfire days. Even with reduced infiltration, the mean indoor concentration of PM2.5 nearly tripled during wildfire events, with a lower infiltration in newer buildings and those utilizing air conditioning or filtration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Straw and reed are natural local insulation- and construction materials, which properties allow them to replace energy intensive building materials. In general, straw and reed as building materials are considered harmless to the environment and human health. Unfortunately, the use of these materials may bring about mould growth in buildings which may result in different diseases (for example irritation of eyes, nose and throat, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma) in people with weaker immune systems. No research has been carried out on the topic of microbiological community in straw and reed houses in climatic conditions similar to Estonia, although buildings made of natural materials are becoming more and more popular. The aims of the study were to investigate the indoor climate of buildings with straw and reed-bale walls and to determine the factors influencing indoor air quality. In order to fulfil the set aim: (1) air quality was tested in the bedrooms of the studied houses, and the microbial species in air and walls were determined; (2) the indoor air quality parameters (CO2, RH%, and temperature) in air and at two different heights in the walls were measured. The results enable to conclude that the walls of straw or reed-bale house are suitable in Estonian climatic conditions, which as a result of professional design, usage of materials suitable for building, and high-quality craftsmanship provides a healthy and environmentally friendly housing.

Burning of fuel for cooking and heating purposes causes smoke and other pollutants within households, resulting in direct human exposure. The present study focuses on assessment of seasonal variations in indoor air quality, including temperature, humidity, light, CO, SO2, PM10 and airborne bacteria. Gaseous emissions were analysed using digital metres and bacterial analysis was done by Gram staining method. Health data were gathered through questionnaires. Humidity, light intensity and concentration of CO, SO2 and PM10 were observed to be comparatively higher (P < 0.05) during winter and bacterial colonies were found to be comparatively higher (P < 0.05) in rural areas. About 80% of airborne bacteria in both urban and rural areas were Gram-positive. The indoor air quality of rural households was more polluted than urban households, and pollution was more in winter compared to summer due to inefficient cooking techniques and burning of biomass fuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Straw and reed are natural local insulation- and construction materials, which properties allow them to replace energy intensive building materials. In general, straw and reed as building materials are considered harmless to the environment and human health. Unfortunately, the use of these materials may bring about mould growth in buildings which may result in different diseases (for example irritation of eyes, nose and throat, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma) in people with weaker immune systems. No research has been carried out on the topic of microbiological community in straw and reed houses in climatic conditions similar to Estonia, although buildings made of natural materials are becoming more and more popular. The aims of the study were to investigate the indoor climate of buildings with straw and reedbale walls and to determine the factors influencing indoor air quality. In order to fulfil the set aim: (1) air quality was tested in the bedrooms of the studied houses, and the microbial species in air and walls were determined; (2) the indoor air quality parameters (CO2, RH%, and temperature) in air and at two different heights in the walls were measured. The results enable to conclude that the walls of straw or reed-bale house are suitable in Estonian climatic conditions, which as a result of professional design, usage of materials suitable for building, and high-quality craftsmanship provides a healthy and environmentally friendly housing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The building provides shelter to live and most people spend their 85-90% time indoors. Therefore, it is quite important to ensure that the condition of the indoor environment is healthy for its living being. There are a number of methods to evaluate indoor air pollution of built spaces by performing experiments or doing it computationally. In this study, a review of computational studies carried out to evaluate the impact of different parameters like airflow pattern, indoor and outdoor contaminant concentrations etc., on indoor air quality (IAQ) of different type of buildings was done. Some commonly used software’s for the study of IAQ were also discussed.

In this case study, we describe a well-resourced private school in New York City that implemented COVID-19 mitigation measures based on public health expert guidance and the lessons learned from this process. Avenues opened in New York City in 2012 and has since expanded, becoming Avenues: The World School, with campuses in São Paulo, Brazil; Shenzhen, China; the Silicon Valley, California; and online. It offers education at 16 grade levels: 2 early learning years, followed by a prekindergarten through grade 12. We describe the mitigation measures that Avenues implemented on its New York campus. We compare COVID-19 case prevalence at the school with COVID-19 case positivity in New York City, as reported by the New York State Department of Health. We also compare the school's indoor air quality to ambient indoor air quality measures reported in the literature. The school's mitigation measures successfully reduced the prevalence of COVID-19 among its students, staff, and faculty. The school also established a consistently high level of indoor air quality safety through various ventilation mechanisms, designed to reduce common indoor air pollutants. The school received positive parent and community feedback on the policies and procedures it established, with many parents commenting on the high level of trust and quality of communication established by the school. The successful reopening provides useful data for school closure and reopening standards to prepare for future pandemic and epidemic events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Poor indoor air quality is a great problem in schools due to a high number of students per classroom, insufficient outside air supply, poor construction and maintenance of school buildings. Bacteria in the indoor air environment pose a serious health problem. Determination of bacterial load in the indoor environment is necessary to estimate the health hazard and to create standards for indoor air quality control. This is especially important in such densely populated facilities like schools. Methods Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted among 51 randomly selected classrooms of eight public primary schools from March 29–April 26, 2018. To determine the bacterial load passive air sampling settle plate method was used by exposing a Petri dish of blood agar media for an hour. The Pearson correlation matrix was employed to assess the correlation between bacterial load and physical parameters. Results The grand total mean bacterial load was 2826.35 CFU/m3 in the morning and 4514.63 CFU/m3 in the afternoon. The lowest and highest mean bacterial load was recorded at school 3 (450.67 CFU/m3) and school 5 (7740.57 CFU/m3) in the morning and afternoon, respectively. In the morning relative humidity (r = − 0.7034), PM2.5 (r = 0.5723) and PM10 (r = 0.6856); in the afternoon temperature (r = 0.3838), relative humidity (r = − 0.4014) were correlated with indoor bacterial load. Staphylococcus aureus, Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species and Bacillus species were among isolated bacteria. Conclusions High bacterial load was found in public primary schools in the Gondar city as compared to different indoor air biological standards. Temperature, relative humidity and particulate matter concentration (PM2.5 and PM10) were associated with the indoor bacterial load. Staphylococcus aureus, Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species and Bacillus species were among isolated bacterial species. Attention should be given to control those physical factors which favour the growth and multiplication of bacteria in the indoor environment of classrooms to safeguard the health of students and teachers in school.

We aimed to study the association between self-reported voice disorders among teachers and indoor air quality in school buildings. We performed a questionnaire study of 538 Finnish teachers working in 67 school buildings utilizing both perceived and technical evaluations; the agreement between these two assessments was also studied. The technical assessment was provided by technical experts. Teachers with voice disorders reported significantly more complaints from indoor air than those without voice disorders. The results also indicated a possible connection between the technical assessment and voice disorders. After adjustment for sex, stress and asthma, the prevalence of voice disorders was 47% higher in teachers working in renovated buildings compared to those working in the non-problem buildings (aRR1.47; CI 95% 1.11–1.95). The prevalence of voice disorders was 28% higher among teachers working in buildings with problems compared to those working in non-problem buildings (aRR 1.28; 95% CI 0.99–1.64). In our study, poor perceived indoor air was significantly associated with self-reported voice disorders in teachers and there was an agreement between the perceived and technical assessments. Our results also indicated a possible connection between the technical assessment and voice disorders. Our results imply the need for longitudinal research with technical assessment to study the effect of renovation on voice disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measurements of indoor air quality (IAQ) factors in Macedonian homes were aimed at the determination of indoor air temperature, relative humidity, sound pressure level, particulate matters (PMs) and total volatile organic compounds (TVOC). IAQ monitoring were performed in 25 houses during summer period. Results pointed out that sound pressure level were high in most of the houses with mean values of 66.60 dB (A) - 55.30 dB (A). Limit value of 40 dB (A) was exceeded in 72% of houses. Mean values of indoor air temperature and relative humidity ranged from 21.6°C to 28.6°C and from 35.8% to 60.2%, respectively. Mean concentrations of particulate matter concentrations ranged between 9.75 μg/m3 - 71.73 μg/m3 and 23.63 μg/m3 - 145.10 μg/m3 for PM2.5 and PM10, respectively. Level of PM10 were high in 30% of the monitored houses. 56% of houses achieved higher concentration of PM2.5 than permissible value of 25 μg/m3. Excessive presence of TVOC was recorded in monitored homes with mean values from 260 ppm to 791 ppm. Results show that high exposure by noise, concentrations of TVOC and PMs in indoor air can affect family house users. Therefore, the indoor air quality needs to be investigated and people need to be informed about possible health consequences.

This article discusses the potential impact of burning fountain candles indoors on indoor air quality. While burning candles and other similar products may create a sense of joy and celebration, they can also release smoke and particulate matter that can remain in the indoor air. The study aimed to characterize the concentration of particulate matter produced when burning fountain candles. The results showed that the majority of the particulate matter released was in sizes that are harmful to human health. The concentration of particles varied depending on the distance from the emission source. [Extracted from the article]

Italy's education landscape witnessed a significant reform with the introduction of alternating school–work programs known as the School–Work Alternating System (PTCO). This innovative approach aims to enhance students' transversal skills and career orientation while addressing crucial health concerns, including indoor air and environmental quality within school environments. This study, conducted at an Italian high school in collaboration with a university as part of a PTCO initiative, engaged eight students in environmental monitoring data collection. The students focused on thermal comfort, CO2 levels, and microbiological pollutants, collecting data in 19 classrooms and other school areas using professional instruments during February 2019. The results revealed varying thermal comfort levels and acceptable room temperatures, but inadequate ventilation and elevated CO2 concentrations, particularly in crowded areas like the cafeteria. Microbial analysis identified potential health hazards, underscoring the need for proactive indoor air and environmental quality measures. Post-intervention data showed improved CO2 levels, suggesting increased student awareness about the importance of air circulation. Engaging students in indoor air and environmental quality research through PTCO fosters critical thinking and civic engagement, which are crucial for sustainable development. Advocating for improved ventilation and periodic indoor air and environmental quality assessments aligns with the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and Goal 4 (Quality Education). The PTCO initiative empowers students to tackle real-world challenges like indoor air and environmental quality, developing essential skills and promoting positive change. Further research and policy efforts are needed to ensure equitable access to healthy learning environments, contributing to both educational success and long-term environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The indoor environment was investigated in 11 newly built low energy residential buildings. Temperature, relative humidity, the concentrations of CO 2 , NO 2 , formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds (VOC), and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOC, i.e. PAHs, PCBs, HCB) were measured. Despite of the low air exchange rate in most buildings (0.08–0.69 h −1 ), CO 2 and many monitored VOC and SVOC concentrations were at typical indoor levels, while the concentration of formaldehyde (3.3–52.3 μg/m 3 ) was elevated above the Lithuanian limit value. In several buildings, extremely high concentrations of VOCs were observed where the installation of interior surfaces and furnishing were done shortly prior the measurement campaign. Decrease of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) sum concentrations was rapid and fell below Lithuanian limit values in one month. This study demonstrates the importance of checking indoor air quality before occupancy and avoiding moving into buildings before the complete installation of the interior. Selection of low-emitting building and finishing materials, furniture, cleaning products and ensuring effective work of mechanical ventilation will contribute to good indoor air quality in low energy buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The use of cleaning and disinfecting products both at work and at home increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those products often include surfactants, acids/bases, carcinogens such as chloroform, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as cyclosiloxanes, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances, which may cause harmful health effects among professional cleaners as well as among people exposed at home or in their workplaces. The aim of this study was to synthesize the effects of the commonly used chemical, surface cleaning and disinfecting products on indoor air quality, focusing on chemical and particulate matter pollutants, exposure, and human health in residential and public buildings. We also provide a summary of recommendations to avoid harmful exposure and suggest future research directions. PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science (WoS) were used to search the literature. Analysis of the literature revealed that the use of cleaning products and disinfectants increase occupants' exposure to a variety of harmful chemical air contaminants and to particulate matter. Occupational exposure to cleaning and disinfectant products has been linked to an increased risk of asthma and rhinitis. Residential exposure to cleaning products has been shown to have an adverse effect on respiratory health, particularly on asthma onset, and on the occurrence of asthma(-like) symptoms among children and adults. Efforts to reduce occupants' exposure to cleaning chemicals will require lowering the content of hazardous substances in cleaning products and improving ventilation during and after cleaning. Experimentally examined, best cleaning practices as well as careful selection of cleaning products can minimize the burden of harmful air pollutant exposure indoors. In addition, indirect ways to reduce exposure include increasing people's awareness of the harmfulness of cleaning chemicals and of safe cleaning practices, as well as clear labelling of cleaning and disinfecting products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Providing comfortable indoor air quality control in residential construction is an exceedingly important issue. This is due to the structure of the fast response controller of air quality. The presented work shows the breakdown and creation of a mathematical model for an interactive, nonlinear system for the required comfortable air quality. Furthermore, the paper refers to designing traditional proportional integral derivative regulators and proportional, integral, derivative regulators with independent parameters based on a backpropagation neural network. In the end, we perform the experimental outputs of a suggested backpropagation neural network-based proportional, integral, derivative controller and analyze model results by applying the proposed system. The obtained results demonstrated that the proposed controller can provide the required level of clean air in the room. The proposed developed model takes into consideration international Heating, Refrigerating, and air conditioning standards as ASHRAE AND ISO. Based on the findings, we concluded that it is possible to implement a proposed system in homes and offer equivalent indoor air quality with continuous mechanical ventilation without a profuse amount of energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to determine the concentration of fungi and bacteria in the air inside the car cabin and, on this basis, to determine the air quality in the passenger car cabin. The aim of the work is also to demonstrate the impact of hygienic maintenance of filtering devices on the quality of indoor air. The subjects of the research are car cabins, as an example of small, enclosed spaces in which people may remain. The tests were carried out in the summer of 2020 in three passenger cars. Based on the conducted research, it was found that the operation time of regularly serviced air conditioning has a positive effect on the air quality in small, confined spaces. The vehicle with the longest-used filter was characterised by the highest concentration of fungi (8369 CFU/m3) and bacteria (16563 CFU/m3) in the environment inside the car cabin, which means that periodic replacement of the filters in the car's ventilation system is very important. In Poland, it is recommended that such a filter be replaced after a year or after driving 10,000-15,000 kilometres. In analysing the state of air quality in the examined confined spaces, it can be concluded that by ensuring regular replacement of cabin filters and air conditioning servicing, we have a very large impact on indoor air quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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