Exposure of cleaning workers to chemical agents and physical conditions in swimming pools and spas

Swimming pools and spas require a high hygiene level, and therefore constant cleaning. In this study, cleaning workers’ exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), trichloramine (TCA), and particulate matter (PM) in the swimming pools and spas were evaluated. Also, statistical methods were employed to determine what activities affect the exposure to disinfection byproducts (DBPs). The study was conducted in 32 swimming pools and spas. The measurement locations were pool areas, bathrooms, and locker rooms, both during cleaning and opening hours. During the cleaning, the total volatile organic compound (TVOC) concentrations were low, on average 96, 251, and 91 µg/m3 for locker rooms, bathrooms, and pool areas, respectively. Similarly, during the opening hours, the TVOC concentrations were on average 78, 125, and 83 µg/m3, for locker rooms, bathrooms, and pool areas, respectively. This is in line with previous studies investigating cleaning work in other environments. The most prevalent compounds during the cleaning were 2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol (DEGBE), 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)ethanol (DEGEE), 2-butyl-1-octanol, trichloromethane (chloroform), decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5), and carbon tetrachloride. The most prevalent compounds during the opening hours were D5, D-limonene, carbon tetrachloride (bathrooms and pool areas), and trichloromethane (bathrooms and pool areas). The TCA concentrations during the cleaning in the bathrooms and pool areas were on average 60 and 67 µg/m3, respectively, and during the opening hours, 28 and 122 µg/m3, respectively. The use of disinfectants was found to increase the TCA concentration in the bathrooms, while the other cleaning products did not. Even though the TCA concentrations were below the WHO’s guideline and the Finnish occupational exposure limit value of 500 µg/m3, the measured TCA levels were occasionally high enough to pose a risk of irritative symptoms. The PM concentrations were low, both in the real-time monitoring (aerodynamic diameter, Dae ≤ 15 µm) and inhalable dust samples (Dae ≤ 100 µm). Highest measured inhalable dust concentration was 350 µg/m3, well below the Finnish occupational limit value of 5,000 µg/m3 for organic inhalable dust.

Evaluation of air quality and thermal comfort in classroom

Air quality in the classroom can affect the health of students because students spend a lot of time in the classroom for learning activities. In addition to the air quality of healthy buildings, it is also related to thermal comfort. During the learning process, a comfortable learning interaction is needed, to make it easier for teachers to deliver learning materials. Therefore, this study evaluated the classrooms of SDN 10 Banda Aceh and SDN Kajhu Aceh Besar which were used as objects of research studies. This study uses a quantitative approach through measuring air quality parameters, namely CO2 (Carbon Dioxide), HCHO (Formaldehyde), and TVOC (Total Volatile Organic Compound) concentrations, while thermal comfort, namely air temperature, humidity, and wind speed using an air quality detector and hotwire anemometer. The level of air quality is evaluated based on MENKES/SK/2011 while thermal comfort is evaluated based on the Indonesian national standard SNI and adaptive thermal comfort. Based on the results of the research, the air quality in both schools still meets the MENKES/SK/2011 standard, while the level of thermal comfort in both schools is classified as uncomfortable according to SNI and adaptive thermal comfort.

Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds From 4D Printing and Associated Control Strategies Towards Workplace Safety

The integration of additive manufacturing technologies with stimuli-responsive shape memory materials allows the dynamic self-adaptation of fabricated parts upon exposure to external stimulations. The additional dimension of time inspires the concept of four-dimensional printing technology. However, the emerging feedstock materials and the employment of external stimuli in 4D printing are also associated with new workplace hazards and occupational health concerns. Current evaluation studies on additive manufacturing are mainly focused on the safety and health effects that originated from the part production phase and cannot be directly applied in 4D printing processes. In this study, the emissions of volatile organic compounds from stereolithography-based 4D printing process with thermo-responsive materials are targeted as the potential safety concern. Real-time total volatile organic compound monitoring is conducted during various production phases to align the emission sources with critical operating activities, including both operator interventions and machine operations. Comparative experiments are performed to evaluate the effectiveness of proposed emission control strategies. In particular, alterations in operation procedures such as stirring speed in material mixing and post-printing stimulation method can contribute positively to air emission control during manual operations. In addition, the installation of activated carbon fiber filters inside the machine build chamber can lead to a significant reduction of air emissions during part fabrication with an overall total volatile organic compound concentration reduction of 58.91%.

Assessment of the Indoor Air Quality of Akure, South – West, Nigeria

Air quality has been a major concern throughout the world, Nigeria inclusive. The monitoring of air quality involves indoor and outdoor air quality. In this study, our concern was on indoor air quality. The aim of this study was to assess the air quality of residential homes (17), classrooms (3), hospitals (2), offices (5), Shops (2), and laboratories (5) in Akure, Nigeria in terms of formaldehyde (HCHO), total volatile organic compound (TVOC), Particulate matter (PM1.0; PM2.5, and PM10). A Multifunction Air Detector was used for the assessment using the manufacturers’ procedures and the locations were identified using a Mini GPS. The results revealed as follows: HCHO (0.001-0.030 mg/m3), TVOC (0.003-362 mg/m3), PM1.0 (004-014 µg/m3), PM2.5 (006-020 µg/m3), and PM10 (006-022 µg/m3). The results obtained were below the 24 h pollution recommended standards (0.1 mg/m3- HCHO; TVOC; 10-20 μ/m3 PM) of EPA and WHO. Statistically, there were correlations within the pollutants and weather. The Indoor air quality (IAQ) depicted the areas as ‘good,’ and toxicity potential (TP) were below unity. Although the locations looked safe, it is recommended that constant monitoring of the indoors should be ensured and proper ventilation should be provided.

Assessment of the Indoor Air Quality of Akure, Nigeria

Air quality has been a major concern throughout the world, Nigeria inclusive. The monitoring of air quality involves indoor and outdoor air quality. In this study, our concern was on indoor air quality. The aim of this study was to assess the air quality of residential homes (17), classrooms (3), hospitals (2), offices (5), Shops (2), and laboratories (5) in Akure, Nigeria in terms of formaldehyde (HCHO), total volatile organic compound (TVOC), Particulate matter (PM1.0; PM2.5, and PM10). A Multifunction Air Detector was used for the assessment using the manufacturers’ procedures and the locations were identified using a Mini GPS. The results revealed as follows: HCHO (0.001-0.030 mg/m3), TVOC (0.003-362 mg/m3), PM1.0 (004-014 µg/m3), PM2.5 (006-020 µg/m3), and PM10 (006-022 µg/m3). The results obtained were below the 24 h pollution recommended standards (0.1 mg/m3- HCHO; TVOC; 10-20 μ/m3 PM) of EPA and WHO. Statistically, there were correlations within the pollutants and weather. The Indoor air quality (IAQ) depicted the areas as ‘good,’ and toxicity potential (TP) were below unity. Although the locations looked safe, it is recommended that constant monitoring of the indoors should be ensured and proper ventilation should be provided.