The Implosion of the Calgary General Hospital: Ambient Air Quality Issues

Stefani, Dennis; Wardman, Dennis; Lambert, Timothy W.

doi:10.1080/10473289.2005.10464605

Cited by 27 publications

(21 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…12 Two studies of demolition by implosion noted extremely high instantaneous TSP concentrations: in one study, a maximum 1-min average was 54,000 g/m 3 , 7 and in the other, a 10-sec average was Ͼ99,999 g/m 3 . 8 In both of those studies, peak concentrations dramatically decreased within minutes to hours after implosion, although at some monitoring sites they remained elevated compared with baseline measures. Because structural demolition by mechanical disruption occurs over weeks rather than minutes, the elevated concentrations of particulates are sustained over a much longer time frame than when implosion is used.…”

Section: Our Findings In the Context Of Previousmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…7 The implosion of a hospital in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, similarly produced very high peak concentrations, as well as violations of the 24-hr Canadian standard for total suspended particulates (TSPs). 8 In Chicago and other urban areas, public housing high-rise demolition is taking place using techniques other than implosion. Mechanical disruption of structures is accomplished using heavy equipment, such as the wrecking ball, pneumatic jack, and excavator.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Demolition of High-Rise Public Housing Increases Particulate Matter Air Pollution in Communities of High-Risk Asthmatics

Dorevitch

Demirtaş

Perksy

et al. 2006

Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association

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Public housing developments across the United States are being demolished, potentially increasing local concentrations of particulate matter (PM) in communities with high burdens of severe asthma. Little is known about the impact of demolition on local air quality. At three public housing developments in Chicago, IL, PM with an aerodynamic diameter Ͻ10 m (PM 10 ) and Ͻ2.5 m were measured before and during high-rise demolition. Additionally, size-selective sampling and real-time monitoring were concurrently performed upwind and downwind of one demolition site. The concentration of particulates attributable to demolition was estimated after accounting for background urban air pollution. Particle microscopy was performed on a small number of samples. Substantial increases of PM 10 occurred during demolition, with the magnitude of that increase varying based on sampler distance, wind direction, and averaging time. During structural demolition, local concentrations of PM 10 42 m downwind of a demolition site increased 4-to 9-fold above upwind concentrations (6-hr averaging time). After adjusting for background PM 10 , the presence of dusty conditions was associated with a 74% increase in PM 10 100 m downwind of demolition sites (24-hr averaging times). During structural demolition, short-term peaks in real-time PM 10 (30-sec averaging time) occasionally exceeded 500 g/m 3 . The median particle size downwind of a demolition site (17.3 m) was significantly larger than background (3 m). Specific activities are associated with realtime particulate measures. Microscopy did not identify asbestos or high concentrations of mold spores. In conclusion, individuals living near sites of public housing demolition are at risk for exposure to high particulate concentrations. This increase is characterized by relatively large particles and high short-term peaks in PM concentration.

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Section: Our Findings In the Context Of Previousmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Demolition of High-Rise Public Housing Increases Particulate Matter Air Pollution in Communities of High-Risk Asthmatics

Dorevitch

Demirtaş

Perksy

et al. 2006

Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association

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“…132 Older buildings are very likely to have been constructed with parts containing known toxins. Consequently, respirable asbestos fibers, lead, glass, wood, paper, and other toxic particles are often found at the site of demolition.…”

Section: Building Demolition and Health Effectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Consequently, respirable asbestos fibers, lead, glass, wood, paper, and other toxic particles are often found at the site of demolition. 132 In addition, the dust cloud can travel tens of kilometers and affect the regions neighboring the building site. 132 Health effects of exposure to demolition particles and soot ͑Fig.…”

Section: Building Demolition and Health Effectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nanomaterials and nanoparticles: Sources and toxicity

2007

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This review is presented as a common foundation for scientists interested in nanoparticles, their origin, activity, and biological toxicity. It is written with the goal of rationalizing and informing public health concerns related to this sometimes-strange new science of 'nano', while raising awareness of nanomaterials' toxicity among scientists and manufacturers handling them. We show that humans have always been exposed to tiny particles via dust storms, volcanic ash, and other natural processes, and that our bodily systems are well adapted to protect us from these potentially harmful intruders. The reticuloendothelial system in particular actively neutralizes and eliminates foreign matter in the body, including viruses and non-biological particles. Particles originating from human activities have existed for millennia, e.g. smoke from combustion and lint from garments, but the recent development of industry and combustion-based engine transportation has profoundly increased anthropogenic particulate pollution. Significantly, technological advancement has also changed the character of particulate pollution, increasing the proportion of nanometer-sized particles -"nanoparticles" and expanding the variety of chemical compositions. Recent epidemiological studies have shown a strong correlation between particulate air pollution levels, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, various cancers, and mortality. Adverse effects of nanoparticles on human health depend on individual factors such as genetics and existing disease, as well as exposure, and nanoparticle chemistry, size, shape, agglomeration state, and electromagnetic properties. Animal and human studies show that inhaled nanoparticles are less efficiently removed than larger particles by the macrophage clearance mechanisms in the lung, causing lung damage, and that nanoparticles can translocate through the circulatory, lymphatic, and nervous systems to many tissues and organs, including the brain. The key to understanding the toxicity of nanoparticles is that their minute size, smaller than cells and cellular organelles, allows them to penetrate these basic biological structures, disrupting their normal function. Examples of toxic effects include tissue inflammation, and altered cellular redox balance toward oxidation, causing abnormal function or cell death. The manipulation of matter at the scale of atoms, "nanotechnology", is creating many new materials with characteristics not always easily predicted from current knowledge. Within the near-limitless diversity of these materials, some happen to be toxic to biological systems, others are relatively benign, while others confer health benefits. Some of these materials have desirable characteristics for industrial applications, as nanostructured materials often exhibit beneficial properties, from UV absorbance in sunscreen to oil-less lubrication of motors. A rational science-based approach is needed to minimize harm caused by these materials, while supporting continued study and appropriate industrial develop...

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“…This type of uptake poses a severe threat to the cells and its organelles because it can involve direct contact and interaction with the cytoplasm and its proteins. Experimentally, nanoparticles have been detected outside on the cell membrane, in the cytoplasm 15; 16 , in the mitochondra 11; 17 , in lipid vesicles 16; 18 , on the nuclear membrane 15 and even within the nucleus 11; 16 . Depending on a particle's localization, different cellular effects can be triggered.…”

Section: Macrophages/ Phagocytosisprofessional Particle Uptakementioning

confidence: 99%