Indoor Air Quality in Nonindustrial Occupational Environments

Morey, Philip R.; Crawford, Gary N.; Rottersman, Robert

doi:10.1002/0471435139.hyg065.pub2

Patty's Industrial Hygiene 2011

DOI: 10.1002/0471435139.hyg065.pub2

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Indoor Air Quality in Nonindustrial Occupational Environments

Philip R. Morey

Gary N. Crawford

Robert Rottersman³

Abstract: The study summarizes about the indoor air quality of the buildings. Historically, the concept of indoor air quality (IAQ) has included view points that outdoor ventilation air is required both to prevent adverse health effects and to provide for comfort of occupants. It has been observed that airborne contagious diseases and malodor are more prominent in the crowded places with deﬁcient ventilation. The different approaches that can be used during IAQ evaluations reﬂect the varied kinds of problems that can oc… Show more

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2012

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Cited by 3 publications

References 167 publications

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Particulate matter concentrations in residences: an intervention study evaluating stand-alone filters and air conditioners

Batterman

Mentz

et al. 2012

Indoor Air

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This study, a randomized controlled trial, evaluated the effectiveness of free-standing air filters and window air conditioners (ACs) in 126 low-income households of children with asthma. Households were randomized into a control group, a group receiving a free-standing HEPA filter placed in the child's sleeping area, and a group receiving the filter and a window-mounted AC. Indoor air quality (IAQ) was monitored for week-long periods over three to four seasons. High concentrations of particulate matter (PM) and carbon dioxide were frequently seen. When IAQ was monitored, filters reduced PM levels in the child's bedroom by an average of 50%. Filter use varied greatly among households and declined over time, for example, during weeks when pollutants were monitored, filter use was initially high, averaging 84 ± 27%, but dropped to 63 ± 33% in subsequent seasons. In months when households were not visited, use averaged only 34 ± 30%. Filter effectiveness did not vary in homes with central or room ACs. The study shows that measurements over multiple seasons are needed to characterize air quality and filter performance. The effectiveness of interventions using free-standing air filters depends on occupant behavior, and strategies to ensure filter use should be an integral part of interventions.

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Particulate matter concentrations in residences: an intervention study evaluating stand-alone filters and air conditioners

Batterman

Mentz

et al. 2012

Indoor Air

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Indoor Health: Background Levels of Fungi

Gots

Layton²,

Pirages³

2003

AIHA Journal

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There is no uniformity in the suggested guidelines for acceptable levels of fungi in indoor ambient air. Thus, health professionals have no way to determine what levels of fungi may pose a threat to human health. The authors reviewed the published literature to identify data reported for noncomplaint structures, that is, structures in which occupants did not have health concerns associated with the quality of the indoor air. For both commercial and residential structures, fungal concentrations detected were often higher than currently suggested guidance values. The average indoor air concentration in 149 noncomplaint commercial buildings was 233 colony forming units (CFU) per cubic meter, whereas outdoor ambient air levels averaged 983 CFU/m(3). Total indoor spore counts ranged from 610 to 1040 spores/m(3) in three commercial buildings. Outdoor total spore counts associated with these buildings ranged from 400 to 80,000 spores/m(3). The average indoor concentration reported for 820 noncomplaint residential structures was 1252 CFU/m(3) with an average outdoor level of 1524 CFU/m(3). Total spore counts detected indoors at 85 residential structures ranged from 68 to 2307 spores/m(3). Outdoor spore levels associated with these structures ranged from 400 to 80,000 spores/m(3). A large proportion of both commercial and residential noncomplaint structures have indoor ambient air fungal concentrations above 500 CFU/m(3), a level often advocated as requiring remediation in structures when occupants complain of nonspecific adverse health symptoms.

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Trichocomaceae: biodiversity of Aspergillus spp and Penicillium spp residing in libraries

Júnior

Yamamoto

Amadio

et al. 2012

J Infect Dev Ctries

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Introduction: Atmospheric air is the most common vehicle for the dispersion of fungi. Fungi belonging to the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium are cosmopolitan and are classified in the family Trichocomaceae. Species of the genera are commonly found in soil, decaying organic materials, animal feed, stored grains, and other materials. This study aimed to determine the taxonomic diversity of airborne fungi of the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium residing in the dust of library environments to contribute to current knowledge of these characteristic genera. Methodology: Three libraries in the city of Cuiaba, State of Mato Grosso, Brazil, were selected as the study areas. A total of 168 samples were collected at randomized sites within each library in areas containing journals, archives, in study rooms, and in collection storage areas in two different periods, the dry season (n = 42) and the rainy season (n = 42). Samples were collected by exposing Petri dishes containing Sabouraud agar with chloramphenicol to the environmental air. Additional samples were collected with sterile swabs which were rubbed over the surface of randomly chosen books on the shelves; the swabs were subsequently incubated in the laboratory. Results and conclusion: The genus Aspergillus was highlighted as one of the principal airborne fungi present in indoor environments. Aspergillus spp was identified in 1,277 (89.6%) samples and Penicillium spp in 148 (10.4%). The dry period exhibited a greater number of isolates of the two taxons.

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Indoor Air Quality in Nonindustrial Occupational Environments

Cited by 3 publications

References 167 publications

Particulate matter concentrations in residences: an intervention study evaluating stand-alone filters and air conditioners

Particulate matter concentrations in residences: an intervention study evaluating stand-alone filters and air conditioners

Indoor Health: Background Levels of Fungi

Trichocomaceae: biodiversity of Aspergillus spp and Penicillium spp residing in libraries

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