Association Between Levels of Radon And Bioaerosols (Bacteria And Fungi) By Living Conditions

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sung Ho Hwang ◽  
Sangwon Lee ◽  
Jong-Uk Won ◽  
Hyo Soung Cha ◽  
Wha Me Park
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Airborne Fungi ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Living Conditions ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Airborne Bacteria ◽  
Indoor Environments ◽  
Colony Forming Unit ◽  
Residential Environments ◽  
Bacteria And Fungi

Abstract This study aimed to measure the levels of airborne radon (Rn) and bioaerosols—culturable airborne bacteria (CAB) and culturable airborne fungi (CAF)—in South Korea’s residential environments, considering living conditions such as the number of ventilations, number of windows, floors, temperature, and relative humidity. These levels were evaluated for 32 houses of residents from the socially vulnerable class. Rn gas and bioaerosols were sampled twice: in fall and summer. A self-report survey gathered residents’ information on their general characteristics (daily residence time, heating and cooking type, cleaning and washing cycle, etc.) and health condition scores (0–100 points) on the day of sampling. The range of Rn levels was 0.43–7.439 pCi/L with a median of 0.70 pCi/L. The CAB levels were 239–488 colony-forming unit (CFU)/m3 with a median of 309 CFU/m3, and CAF levels were 174–366 CFU/m3 with a median of 233 CFU/m3. Thus, this study found that semi-basement residential indoor environments negatively affected Rn and bioaerosol levels, and living in such residences resulted in high health condition scores.

scholarly journals Indoor Microbiological air Pollution in the Hospital

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1-2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ljiljana Stojanović Bjelić ◽  
Predrag Ilić ◽  
Zia Ur Rahman Farooqi
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Indoor Environments ◽  
Direct Connection ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Microbiological Parameters ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Bacteria And Fungi ◽  
Number Of Bacteria

Microorganisms in the air of occupational indoor environments are associated with a wide range of adverse health effects with major public health impact. The aim of this study was testing the presence of microbiological parameters (bacteria and fungi) and microclimatic parameters (temperature and relative humidity) in the clinical hospital “St. Luke the Apostle” in Doboj, which is located in the Republic of Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina). Concentrations of bacteria ranged from 35 CFU/m3 to 6,295 CFU/m3. Maximum fungal concentration was 1,135 CFU/m3, while the minimum was 10 CFU/m3. The average levels of bacteria (1,113 CFU/m3) and fungi (186 CFU/m3) indicated that all hospital rooms were generally contaminated. Statistical analysis confirmed direct connection between the number of bacteria, fungi and microclimatic parameters, especially relative humidity.

Assessment of Airborne Bacteria and Fungi in Various University Indoor Environments: A Case Study in Chang'an University, China

2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 273-283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanpeng Li ◽  
Wei Wang ◽  
Xiao Guo ◽  
Tinglu Wang ◽  
Honglei Fu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Airborne Bacteria ◽  
Indoor Environments ◽  
Bacteria And Fungi

scholarly journals Indoor Air Quality in New Zealand Office Buildings: Studies of Airborne Bacteria and Fungi

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Hany George Fouad
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Environmental Science ◽  
Airborne Bacteria ◽  
Indoor Environments ◽  
Evaluation Tool ◽  
Mechanically Ventilated ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Levels ◽  
Bacteria And Fungi ◽  
Indoor And Outdoor

<p>The aim of this thesis was to investigate the levels of indoor airborne bacteria and fungi in fully sealed mechanically ventilated offices in New Zealand. One of the main objectives was to examine the indoor airborne bacterial and fungal levels in Auckland and Wellington offices and to compare the quality of indoor air in offices in both cities. Examining the differences in indoor airborne bacterial and fungal levels between complaint and non-complaint offices as well as comparing those levels with those of similar indoor environments overseas was also one of the main objectives of this thesis. Indoor and outdoor air data used in this thesis were recorded during commercial investigation of 235 offices in Auckland and Wellington by the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) and Advanced Building Services (ABS). This data included measurements of indoor microclimatic parameters (temperature and relative humidity), indoor and outdoor airborne bacterial and fungal concentrations and indoor carbon dioxide levels. Statistical analyses showed the indoor bacterial levels in Auckland offices were significantly higher than those of Wellington offices. Indoor fungal levels in Auckland offices, on the other hand, were significantly below those of Wellington offices despite the fact that outdoor fungal levels in Auckland were at least three times higher than those of Wellington. No significant differences have been observed between airborne bacterial and fungal levels in complaint and non-complaint offices. Indoor airborne bacterial and fungal levels in New Zealand offices appeared also to be within the levels of those of overseas offices. However, as the bacterial and fungal sampling techniques used by ESR and ABS were different from those used in overseas studies and this can affect airborne bacterial and fungal absolute counts significantly, care is needed in making such comparisons. Finally, an evaluation tool has been developed to overcome the difficulties associated with comparison between indoor airborne fungal levels obtained using different measurements techniques. This tool can be used to establish whether elevated fungal problems exist in an office environment and the likely causes of these problems.</p>

scholarly journals The influence of housing systems on the air quality and bacterial eggshell contamination of table eggs

2010 ◽  
Vol 55 (No. 6) ◽  
pp. 243-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Vuèemilo ◽  
B. Vinkoviæ ◽  
K. Matkoviæ ◽  
I. Štokoviæ ◽  
S. Jakšiæ ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Airborne Fungi ◽  
Production Cycle ◽  
Airborne Bacteria ◽  
Airborne Dust ◽  
Air Contamination ◽  
Airborne Pollutants ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
Cage System ◽  
Contamination Levels ◽  
Bacteria And Fungi

This paper compares two different housing systems for laying hens producing table eggs, namely a conventional cage system and an aviary, during three summer months, starting from the 20<sup>th</sup> week of the production cycle. Research was focused on airborne bacteria, fungi and dust levels and on the bacterial eggshell contamination. Levels of airborne bacteria determined in the aviary system were many times higher and ranged from 6.2 &times; 10<sup>4</sup> CFU/m<sup>3 </sup>to 8.9 &times; 104 CFU/m3, and the levels of airborne fungi ranged from 1.6 &times; 10<sup>4</sup> to 1.9 &times; 104 CFU/m<sup>3</sup>, while the levels of airborne bacteria and fungi determined in the conventional cage system ranged from 1.6 &times; 10<sup>4</sup> to 2.5 &times; 10<sup>4</sup> CFU/m3 and from 0.8 &times; 10<sup>4</sup> to 1.3 &times; 10<sup>4</sup> CFU/m<sup>3</sup>, respectively. Microbial air contamination was associated with eggshell contamination, with the levels in the aviary ranging from 5.4 &times; 10<sup>3</sup> to 9.6 &times; 103 CFU/eggshell and those in the conventional cage system ranging from 2.3 &times; 10<sup>3</sup> to 3.6 &times; 10<sup>3</sup> CFU/eggshell. Airborne dust levels in the aviary and conventional cage system ranged from 3.2 to 4.6 mg/m<sup>3</sup> and from 0.7 to 1.2 mg/m<sup>3</sup>, respectively. From the aspect of animal welfare and behavioural requirements, alternative systems, i.e. aviaries, appear more acceptable; however, they are not satisfactory from hygienic aspects because of a higher content of airborne pollutants which can represent a greater risk of horizontal contamination of the egg content.

scholarly journals Indoor Air Quality in New Zealand Office Buildings: Studies of Airborne Bacteria and Fungi

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Hany George Fouad
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Environmental Science ◽  
Airborne Bacteria ◽  
Indoor Environments ◽  
Evaluation Tool ◽  
Mechanically Ventilated ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Levels ◽  
Bacteria And Fungi ◽  
Indoor And Outdoor

<p>The aim of this thesis was to investigate the levels of indoor airborne bacteria and fungi in fully sealed mechanically ventilated offices in New Zealand. One of the main objectives was to examine the indoor airborne bacterial and fungal levels in Auckland and Wellington offices and to compare the quality of indoor air in offices in both cities. Examining the differences in indoor airborne bacterial and fungal levels between complaint and non-complaint offices as well as comparing those levels with those of similar indoor environments overseas was also one of the main objectives of this thesis. Indoor and outdoor air data used in this thesis were recorded during commercial investigation of 235 offices in Auckland and Wellington by the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) and Advanced Building Services (ABS). This data included measurements of indoor microclimatic parameters (temperature and relative humidity), indoor and outdoor airborne bacterial and fungal concentrations and indoor carbon dioxide levels. Statistical analyses showed the indoor bacterial levels in Auckland offices were significantly higher than those of Wellington offices. Indoor fungal levels in Auckland offices, on the other hand, were significantly below those of Wellington offices despite the fact that outdoor fungal levels in Auckland were at least three times higher than those of Wellington. No significant differences have been observed between airborne bacterial and fungal levels in complaint and non-complaint offices. Indoor airborne bacterial and fungal levels in New Zealand offices appeared also to be within the levels of those of overseas offices. However, as the bacterial and fungal sampling techniques used by ESR and ABS were different from those used in overseas studies and this can affect airborne bacterial and fungal absolute counts significantly, care is needed in making such comparisons. Finally, an evaluation tool has been developed to overcome the difficulties associated with comparison between indoor airborne fungal levels obtained using different measurements techniques. This tool can be used to establish whether elevated fungal problems exist in an office environment and the likely causes of these problems.</p>

Assessment of the indoor air quality based on airborne bacteria and fungi measurements in a public school of Istanbul

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (24) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nuket Sivri ◽  
Ahmet Ozgur Dogru ◽  
Arzu Funda Bagcigil ◽  
Kemal Metiner ◽  
Dursun Zafer Seker
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Public School ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Airborne Bacteria ◽  
Bacteria And Fungi

scholarly journals Self-harm and suicidality among three subgroups of male sex offenders: results from an Australian prisoner cohort

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathew Gullotta ◽  
David Greenberg ◽  
Olayan Albalawi ◽  
Armita Adily ◽  
Azar Karminia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Offenders ◽  
Sex Offender ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Sexual Offending ◽  
Violent Offenders ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Psychiatric Medication ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
Self Report Data

Abstract Objective Prisoners complete suicide and self-harm more frequently than members of the community. Sex offenders have been found to be at greater risk of engaging in these behaviours. This study examines the characteristics, prevalence, and predictors of self-harm and suicide attempts among: sex offenders that only victimise children (ChildSOs); adults (AdultSOs); or both (age-crossover polymorphous; PolySOs). Methods Data from three waves (1996, 2001, 2009) of the New South Wales (NSW) Inmate Health Survey was linked to the State’s re-offending database to identify men with histories of sexual offending. The health surveys captured self-report data on self-harm and suicidality. Results Non-sexual violent offenders (15%) and AdultSOs (14%) had the highest rate of self-harm, significantly more than ChildSOs (11%), non-sexual non-violent offenders (10%), and PolySOs (0%). Several factors significantly predicted self-harm at the bivariate level for both ChildSOs and AdultSOs, with unique predictors for each group. At the multivariate level, manic-depression trended towards significance for ChildSOs and any mental health condition remained a significant predictor for AdultSOs who self-harmed relative to AdultSOs who had not (aOR = 11.989, 95%CI [1.14, 126.66]). Approximately 23% of AdultSOs, 22% of PolySOs, and 19% of ChildSOs reported a suicide attempt throughout their lifetime, whereas only 15% of non-sexual non-violent offenders reported an attempt. At the bivariate level, few factors were significant for ChildSOs while several factors were significant for AdultSOs. At the multivariate level, a diagnosis of depression and treatment with psychiatric medication trended towards being significant predictors of suicide attempts for ChildSOs. In contrast, treatment with psychiatric medication (aOR = 25.732, 95%CI [1.91, 347.19])] remained a significant predictor for AdultSOs who attempted suicide relative to AdultSOs who had not, as well as historical psychiatric hospitalisation (aOR = 6.818, 95%CI [1.04, 44.82]) and self-harm (aOR = 5.825, 95%CI [1.31, 25.99]). Conclusion Sex offenders are at significantly higher risk of attempting and completing suicide relative to non-sexual non-violent offenders and warrant special attention. The prevalence rates and predictors of self-harm and suicidality suggest differences between sex offender subgroups may exist. These hold implications for the criminal justice and public health systems for addressing needs and identifying those most at risk of self-harm and suicide.

scholarly journals Exposure Assessment of Airborne Bacteria Emitted from Swine Manure Composting Plant

Processes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 1283
Author(s):  
Ki-Youn Kim
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Swine Manure ◽  
Airborne Bacteria ◽  
Particulate Matters ◽  
Distribution Characteristics ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Enterococcus Spp ◽  
Staphylococcus Spp ◽  
Rotary Type

This study was performed to investigate the distribution characteristics of airborne bacteria emitted from swine manure composting plants. The types of swine manure composting plants selected for the survey in this study were as follows: screw type, rotary type, and natural dry type. Mean levels of airborne bacteria in swine manure composting plants were 7428 (±1024) CFU m−3 for the screw type, 3246 (±1407) CFU m−3 for the rotary type, and 5232 (±1217) CFU m−3 for the natural dry type, respectively. Based on the results obtained from this study, the swine manure composting plant operated by screw type showed the highest concentration of airborne bacteria, followed by the natural dry type and rotary type. The monthly concentration of airborne bacteria was the highest in August and the lowest in November, regardless of the type of swine manure composting plant. The respirable size of airborne bacteria accounted for about 50% of the total. The ratio of respirable to the total quantity of airborne bacteria was 50%. The correlation relationships between airborne bacteria and environmental factors (temperature, relative humidity, particulate matters, and odor) were not found to be significant in the swine manure composting plants. The predominant genera of airborne bacteria identified were Micrococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia(E-coli) spp., Enterococcus spp., and Enterobacteriaceae spp.

Thermal Environmental Interference with Airborne Bacteria and Fungi Levels in Air-Conditioned Offices

2008 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 122-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
L.T. Wong ◽  
K.W. Mui ◽  
P.S. Hui ◽  
W.Y. Chan ◽  
A.K.Y. Law
Keyword(s):  
Airborne Bacteria ◽  
Bacteria And Fungi ◽  
Environmental Interference

Airborne bacteria concentrations and related factors at university laboratories, hospital diagnostic laboratories and a biowaste site

2011 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 261-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sung Ho Hwang ◽  
Dong Uk Park ◽  
Kwon Chul Ha ◽  
Hyun Woo Cho ◽  
Chung Sik Yoon
Keyword(s):  
Sampling Site ◽  
Ventilation System ◽  
Airborne Bacteria ◽  
Gram Negative Bacteria ◽  
Indoor Environments ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
P Values ◽  
Regular Control ◽  
Number Of Bacteria

AimsTo evaluate concentrations of airborne bacteria in university laboratories, hospital diagnostic laboratories, and a biowaste site in Seoul, Korea. To measure total airborne bacteria (TAB), the authors assessed sampling site, type of ventilation system, weather and detection of Gram-negative bacteria (GNB), indoors and outdoors.MethodAn Andersen one-stage sampler (Quick Take 30; SKC Inc) was used to sample air at a flow rate of 28.3 l/min for 5 min on nutrient medium in Petri dishes located on the impactor. A total of 236 samples (TAB, 109 indoor and nine outdoor; GNB, 109 indoor and nine outdoor) were collected three times in each spot from the 11 facilities to compare airborne bacteria concentrations.ResultsTAB concentrations ranged from undetectable to 3451 CFU/m3 (mean 384 CFU/m3), and GNB concentrations from undetectable to 394 CFU/m3 (mean 17 CFU/m3). TAB concentrations were high in window-ventilated facilities and facilities in which GNB were detected; concentrations were also high when it was rainy (all p values <0.05). TAB concentrations correlated significantly with GNB (r=0.548, p<0.01), number of bacteria species (r=0.351, p<0.01) and temperature (r=0.297, p<0.01). The presence of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC), the number of TAB species and the detection of GNB affect TAB concentrations in laboratories.ConclusionsIt is recommended that special attention be given to regular control of indoor environments to improve the air quality of university and hospital laboratories.

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