scholarly journals Kitchen 2.0: Design Guidance for Healthier Cooking Environments

2014 ◽  
pp. 151-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mollie Ruth ◽  
Jarod Maggio ◽  
Kelli Whelan ◽  
Mark DeYoung ◽  
Jonathan May ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Computational Model ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Common Knowledge ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Improved Cookstove ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Indoor Air Pollutants ◽  
Technological University

Among stove developers and implementers it has now become common knowledge that it is possible to reduce the amount of fuel, emissions, indoor air pollutants and greenhouse gases produced by traditional cookstoves through introducing improved cookstoves. However, improved cookstove effectiveness has not yet translated into an increase in the health and wellbeing of cookstove users. For this reason, the Kitchen2.0 team set out to investigate an alternative approach to solving the global health impacts of poor indoor air quality due to the use of biomass as cookstove fuel: ventilation. To better understand the role ventilation plays in kitchens with fires and cookstoves, a three-pronged approach was used, including global community surveys, a full-scale physical model, and a computational model.  Field agents affiliated with Michigan Technological University helped complete surveys on cooking habits and structures worldwide. Physical testing was conducted in the Kitchen2.0 modular kitchen by running cooking tests with different kitchen structure configurations and stoves. The computational model was developed to simplify the testing of cooking scenarios. Ventilation was found to make a significant difference on the indoor air quality of the cooking environment, reducing carbon monoxide and very small particulate matter by about 50%.  While improved cookstoves also improved air quality when paired with ventilation, they worsened air quality 10-30% when used without ventilation. The improved understanding of the impacts of ventilation could help community-based organizations improve indoor air quality, and the lives of billions worldwide.

scholarly journals Emissions from Irish domestic fireplaces and their impact on indoor air quality when used as supplementary heating source

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 209-216
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Emission Rates ◽  
Airborne Particle ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Heating Source ◽  
Open Fire ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

A field study on the impact of fireplace on the indoor air quality was carried out between 2004 and 2006, where two main contaminants, CO and particulate matters, were investigated in twenty seven randomly selected Irish houses. The results show that while the physical environment has been improved by increasing the room air and radiant temperature, indoor air quality is significantly decreased when fireplace is used as additional heating source to the central heating. The operation of fireplace increased transient concentrations of CO and airborne particle to several times higher than the normal house average level. Statistical analysis showed significant difference of the average PM10 concentration between house groups with and without using fireplace. However fireplace did not demonstrate a significant influence on average CO level from our samples. When comparisons were made between houses with various emission sources, i.e. fireplace, smoking and open fire gas cooking, and houses free of the above sources, smoking and open fire gas cookers were proved to be other major sources of particles and CO. Particularly when they exist at the same time with fireplace, significant elevation of CO and airborne particle levels is observed in analysis. Cumulative probability analysis in some houses revealed high percentage of time exceeding health guidelines which indicated the potential health risk in these houses. Mass balance equation was employed to estimate particle emission rates from fireplace, namely 0.66 mg min-1 (PM10) and 0.20 mg min-1 (PM2.5) respectively in terms of mass concentration. Emission rates on particle numbers were also estimated despite the relatively smaller sample. Gas fuel fireplaces tended to emit fewer particles both in mass and in number comparing to fireplaces using solid fuels.

scholarly journals Biomarkers and indoor air quality: A translational research review

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Araliya M. Senerat ◽  
Sheila M. Manemann ◽  
Nicholas S. Clements ◽  
Robert D. Brook ◽  
Leslie C. Hassett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Air Pollutant ◽  
Research Review ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Indoor Air Pollutants ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction: Air pollution is linked to mortality and morbidity. Since humans spend nearly all their time indoors, improving indoor air quality (IAQ) is a compelling approach to mitigate air pollutant exposure. To assess interventions, relying on clinical outcomes may require prolonged follow-up, which hinders feasibility. Thus, identifying biomarkers that respond to changes in IAQ may be useful to assess the effectiveness of interventions. Methods: We conducted a narrative review by searching several databases to identify studies published over the last decade that measured the response of blood, urine, and/or salivary biomarkers to variations (natural and intervention-induced) of changes in indoor air pollutant exposure. Results: Numerous studies reported on associations between IAQ exposures and biomarkers with heterogeneity across study designs and methods. This review summarizes the responses of 113 biomarkers described in 30 articles. The biomarkers which most frequently responded to variations in indoor air pollutant exposures were high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), von Willebrand Factor (vWF), 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP). Conclusions: This review will guide the selection of biomarkers for translational studies evaluating the impact of indoor air pollutants on human health.

POST-OCCUPANCY EVALUATION (POE) OF CONVENTIONAL-DESIGNED BUILDINGS: THE EFFECTS OF OCCUAPNTS’ COMFORT ON PRODUCTIVITY

2015 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Farid-Wajdi Akashah ◽  
Azlan Shah Ali ◽  
Siti Fatunah Mohd Zahari
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Environmental Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Comfort Level ◽  
Indoor Environmental Quality ◽  
Post Occupancy Evaluation ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Spss Software

POE is important to evaluate comfort level and satisfaction of building occupants because it indicates their productivity, health, and wellbeing. It is absolutely necessary to ensure building occupants are comfortable and satisfied about buildings’ indoor environmental quality (IEQ). Productivity may be interrupted due to building occupants’ discomfort, which affect their work performance. This study presents the how comfort and satisfaction affects the occupants’ productivity in conventional-designed buildings. Five office buildings located in University of Malaya were selected as the case studies. 278 questionnaires feedbacks found to be useful to form a database on the IEQ. Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS software. The findings shows that majority of the respondents in conventional-designed building were slightly comfortable and satisfied about their IEQ comfort level which were indoor air quality, thermal, lighting, and noise comforts. Although, the design of conventional buildings did not taking into account on sustainability designing, it still functionally well and provided comfort which leads to increasing of employees productivity. The associative test showed significant correlation between illness symptom and IEQ components. Admin buildings had more noticeable illness symptoms in contrast with Faculty buildings. It could be concluded that building occupants’ productivity were least affected by the conventional-design building.  

scholarly journals Indoor Air Quality and Respiratory Health among Malay Preschool Children in Selangor

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nur Azwani Mohd Nor Rawi ◽  
Juliana Jalaludin ◽  
Poh Choo Chua
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Lung Function ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Lung Function Test ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Respiratory Problems ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Significant Difference

Indoor air quality (IAQ) has been the object of several studies due to its adverse health effects on children.Methods. A cross-sectional comparative study was carried out among Malay children in Balakong (2 studied preschools) and Bangi (2 comparative preschools), Selangor, with the aims of determining IAQ and its association with respiratory health. 61 and 50 children aged 5-6 years were selected as studied and comparative groups. A questionnaire was used to obtain an exposure history and respiratory symptoms. Lung function test was carried out. IAQ parameters obtained include indoor concentration of particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), temperature, air velocity (AV), and relative humidity.Results. There was a significant difference between IAQ in studied and comparative preschools for all parameters measured(P<0.001)except for CO2and AV. Studied preschools had higher PM and CO concentration. FVC, FEV1, FVC% and FEV1% predicted values were significantly lower among studied group. Exposures to PM, VOCs, and CO were associated with wheezing.Conclusion. The finding concluded that exposures to poor IAQ might increase the risk of getting lung function abnormality and respiratory problems among study respondents.

scholarly journals A study of indoor air quality investigations in B.C health authorities

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debbie Lee ◽  
BCIT School of Health Sciences, Environmental Health ◽  
Helen Heacock ◽  
Bobby Sidhu
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Volatile Organic ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Indoor Air Pollutants

  Canadians spend 90 percent of their lifetime indoors and are currently aware that poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can negatively impact human health. If there are any IAQ problems, the Health Authorities will conduct IAQ investigations to respond to the complainants or resolve the conflicts. An online survey to Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) and specialists was used to understand the frequencies that B.C. Health Authorities conduct IAQ investigations, the locations Health Authorities encountered most IAQ queries, the different types of pollutants that IAQ instruments are used for and the preference for instruments chosen. Five common indoor air pollutants, such as mould, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), radon, particulate matters (PMs), CO and CO2, were chosen and the Chi-Square test was used to analyze the data in this study. This study showed that most EHOs had never conducted IAQ investigations since they had worked in the B. C Health Authorities. Mould problems between landlord and tenant were EHOs mostly encountered. The study found that EHOs referred to other agencies or consultants when they received complaints. The data showed that the method of managing IAQ problems was associated with the Health Authorities because few EHOs from Vancouver Coastal Health indicated they had used equipment to conduct IAQ investigations. The mostly encountered location and frequency of conducting radon investigations were significantly associated with the Health Authorities due to an on-going project in Northern Authority. Most EHOs and specialists had shown that they educated public regarding to the information of IAQ instead of monitoring the IAQ pollutants. The results of this study indicate that EHOs did not get involved in IAQ investigations often and also showed that mould problems were the mostly encountered IAQ problems between the Health Authorities. The most important role of EHOs and specialists in this area is to educate public to solve or prevent IAQ problems.  

Effects of UV-HEPA Air Filters on Air Quality Status inside a Public Museum in Malaysia

2014 ◽  
Vol 607 ◽  
pp. 700-708
Author(s):  
Marzuki Ismail ◽  
Nurul Hanna Attiya Baharuddin ◽  
Anis Syafizee Anuar ◽  
Azrin Suroto
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Indoor Environments ◽  
Air Filter ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Biological Contaminants ◽  
Purification Unit ◽  
Indoor Air Pollutants

Poor indoor air quality is a major threat towards workers since the office or office-like environment is now the workplace for the majority of the workforce in Malaysia. Workers in office buildings frequently have unexplained work-related symptoms or combinations of symptoms but evidence suggests that microbial contamination plays a part. Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation lights with high efficiency particulate air filter (UV-HEPA) are recognized for eradicating biological contaminants and capturing particles in indoor environments. Here, the effectiveness of UV-HEPA purification unit was obtained in two selected workplaces i.e. laboratory of conservation and laboratory of natural resources. Results show that there exist significance difference (P<0.05) on indoor air quality between pre-installation and post-installations of UV-HEPA filter in both selected room. Furthermore, it shows that UV-HEPA filter is effective in removing indoor air pollutants and improves the air quality. The use of UVGI lights with HEPA filter resulted in significant reduction in the concentration of microbes and respirable particulates within the ventilation systems. Keywords:indoorairquality,microbes,respirableparticulates,UV-HEPApurificationunit

Modification of Natural Zeolite Powder and Its Application to Interior Non-Woven Textile for Indoor Air Quality Control

2006 ◽  
Vol 510-511 ◽  
pp. 934-937 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyung Mi Lim ◽  
Ji Sook Jung ◽  
Dae Sung Kim ◽  
Dong Jin Lee ◽  
Seung Ho Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Natural Zeolite ◽  
Contamination Level ◽  
Air Conditioner ◽  
Polypropylene Sheet ◽  
Indoor Air Pollutants ◽  
Air Circulation ◽  
Woven Textile

The application of VOC-free materials for building interior is the first step to reduce the contamination level, however, it is practically unavoidable to find a way to eliminate existing pollutants from furniture, adhesives, etc. As a positive way of controlling the air indooors, the air conditioner may be applied with high functional filter, which uses electricity for compulsory air circulation. As an alternative, we modified natural zeolite powder by ion exchange and also by addition of TiO2 photo-catalyst for multifunctional powder to contribute to controlling the indoor air quality. The modified zeolites were applied on the interior non-woven polypropylene sheet to reduce indoor air pollutants not only by adsorption mechanism but also by decomposition mechanism. We studied deodorization of the multi-functional powders and also their coating on non-woven textiles by a Gastec method.

scholarly journals Indoor Air Quality and Human Health Risk Assessment in the Open-Air Classroom

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (15) ◽  
pp. 8302
Author(s):  
Jenjira Kaewrat ◽  
Rungruang Janta ◽  
Surasak Sichum ◽  
Thongchai Kanabkaew
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Health Risk ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Air Pollutants ◽  
Indoor Air Pollutants ◽  
Indoor Pm2.5 ◽  
Indoor And Outdoor

Indoor air quality is associated with academic performance and harmful health effects on students and teachers who participate in the classroom. Outdoor sources always contribute to classroom air quality. This study aims to estimate the amounts of indoor and outdoor pollutants and the influence of outdoor sources on open-air classrooms in a school located in the city. A health risk assessment was applied to assess the non-carcinogenic risk to students and teachers from exposure to the pollutants in the classroom. The concentrations of indoor NO2 ranged between 46.40 and 77.83 µg/m3, which is about 0.8 times that of outdoor NO2. A strong correlation and a high indoor/outdoor (I/O) ratio (>0.5) without a source, indicated that indoor NO2 is significantly influenced by outdoor sources. The range of indoor PM2.5 concentrations was 1.66 to 31.52 µg/m3 which was influenced by meteorological conditions. The indoor PM2.5 concentrations were affected by both indoor and outdoor sources. Although the level of indoor air pollutants met the official standard, the young children were exposed to indoor air pollutants which were above the recommended limits to human health with regard to the hazard index (HI) of 1.12. Instant measures such as regularly cleaning the classrooms, zoning the students, and installation of solid and vegetation barriers are recommended to reduce the daily dose of pollutants affecting students in open-air classrooms.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Constructed Indoor Air Purifier to Enhance Indoor Air Quality

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (12) ◽  
pp. 61-66
Author(s):  
Vinit J. Kedare ◽  
Smruti S. Kharat ◽  
Sonal Tawde
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Indoor Dust ◽  
Dust Particles ◽  
Air Contamination ◽  
Air Purifier ◽  
Indoor Air Pollutants ◽  
Working Efficiency

Air pollution is one of the most concerned issue worldwide as it affects the population at a time. Indoor air contamination can be due to different forms of allergens, smoke, mold, radon, and other pollutants all negatively impact the health of building occupants. These pollutants can have severe effects on health of individuals up to 10 times worse than the outdoor air pollution due to lack of ventilation. For purification of air an attempt has been made to construct a purifier using filters that can trap the indoor air pollutants. The prepared model is constructed considering the cost and working efficiency for maintaining a healthy indoor environment. The model is based on the filtration of air through compact filters (HEPA filters) that are more efficient than any other filters. To analyze the indoor air quality and the working efficiency of the purifier, certain quantitative analysis of the air micro-flora and the total mass concentration of the indoor dust were conducted at four locations in the premises of B. K. Birla College (Autonomous), Kalyan. Quality of the indoor air before using the Constructed Indoor Air purifier and during the use of purifier was checked. The resulted data showed a decrease in the microbial population as well as reduction in the concentration of dust particles, thus indicating the working efficiency of the constructed purifier.

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