Search results

1

Effects of fungal air pollution on human health

100%

Łukaszuk C., Krajewska-Kułak E., Kułak W.

Progress in Health Sciences

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2011

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vol. 1

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issue 2

156-164

EN

The microclimate of a room has an impact on human well-being, physical and mental health, on work productivity and the preservation of good health. Several dozen species of bacteria can live in buildings and more than 400 species of fungi (mainly Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium, Fusarium genus). The presented results are studies from different health department suggesting the desirability of systematic microbiological testing, evaluation of fungal pathogens, and involving staff, patients, walls, floors, furniture units (hardware, underwear), and air. However the problem is a lack of unified Polish standards, the classes of microbiological indoor air and the lack of harmonization of existing rules for air sampling to assess air fungal pollution in the health care setting.

2

Indoor air particles in office buildings with suspected indoor air problems in the Helsinki area

88%

Lappalainen S., Salonen H., Salmi K., Reijula K.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2013

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vol. 26

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issue 1

155-164

EN

Objectives: Airborne particle concentrations can be used as quality indicators of indoor environments. The previous lack of reference data has limited the use of particle measurements in offi ce environments. The aim of this study was to describe the concentrations of airborne particles (≥ 0.5 μm and ≥ 5.0 μm) in 122 Finnish offi ce buildings with suspected indoor air problems. Materials and Methods: The database consisted of indoor air and supply air particle samples collected in 2001–2006 from the Helsinki area. The particle concentrations (≥ 0.5 μm and ≥ 5.0 μm) were measured in the indoor air (528 samples from 122 offi ce rooms) and in the supply air (384 samples from 105 offi ce rooms) with an optical particle counter. Airborne particle concentrations ≥ 0.5 μm were categorized according to the effi ciency of supply air fi ltration and health survey data. Results: The mean concentrations in the indoor air equaled 1900 particles/l and in the supply air 1300 particles/l. The effi ciency of supply air fi ltration decreased the fi ne particles counts in both the indoor and supply air. The counts of large particles, ≥ 5.0 μm, were low in the indoor air. Airborne counts of ≥ 0.5 μm particles (geometric mean) were statistically higher in the offi ces whose occupants had work-related symptoms (eye and/or upper respiratory symptoms or upper respiratory infections) than in the offi ces whose occupants had no such symptoms. However, the symptoms may also be linked to other indoor air problems or particle characteristics not studied in this work. Conclusions: This study indicates typical airborne particle levels (≥ 0.5 μm and ≥ 5.0 μm) in Finnish offi ce buildings with suspected indoor air problems. The results can be used to evaluate the quality of indoor environment, possible indoor air problems, and the need for additional investigations.

3

The capability of fungi isolated from moldy dwellings to produce toxins

75%

Jeżak K., Kozajda A., Sowiak M., Brzeźnicki S., Bonczarowska M., Szadkowska-Stańczyk I.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2016

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vol. 29

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issue 5

823-836

EN

Objectives The main objective was analysis and assessment of toxinogenic capabilities of fungi isolated from moldy surfaces in residential rooms in an urban agglomeration situated far from flooded areas in moderate climate zone. Material and Methods The assessment of environmental exposure to mycotoxins was carried out in samples collected from moldy surfaces in form of scrapings and airborne dust from 22 moldy dwellings in winter season. In each sample 2 mycotoxins were analyzed: sterigmatocystin and roquefortine C produced by Aspergillus versicolor and Penicillium chrysogenum, respectively. Mycotoxins were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in: scrapings from moldy surfaces, mixture of all species of fungi cultured from scrapings on microbiological medium (malt extract agar), pure cultures of Aspergillus versicolor and Penicillium chrysogenum cultured from scrapings on microbiological medium; mycotoxins in the indoor air dust were also analyzed. Results The production of sterigmatocystin by individual strains of Aspergillus versicolor cultured on medium was confirmed for 8 of 13 isolated strains ranging 2.1–235.9 μg/g and production of roquefortine C by Penicillium chrysogenum for 4 of 10 strains ranging 12.9–27.6 μg/g. In 11 of 13 samples of the mixture of fungi cultured from scrapings, in which Aspergillus versicolor was found, sterigmatocystin production was at the level of 3.1–1683.2 μg/g, whereas in 3 of 10 samples in which Penicillium chrysogenum occurred, the production of roquefortine C was 0.9–618.9 μg/g. The analysis did not show in any of the tested air dust and scrapings samples the presence of analyzed mycotoxins in the amount exceeding the determination limit. Conclusions The capability of synthesis of sterigmatocystin by Aspergillus versicolor and roquefortine C by Penicillium chrysogenum growing in mixtures of fungi from scrapings and pure cultures in laboratory conditions was confirmed. The absence of mycotoxins in scrapings and air dust samples indicates an insignificant inhalatory exposure to mycotoxins among inhabitants in moldy flats of urban agglomeration situated far from flooded territories. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2016;29(5):823–836

4

The effect of air quality on sleep and cognitive performance in school children aged 10–12 years: a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial

75%

Klausen F. B., Amidi A., Kjærgaard S. K., Schlünssen V., Ravn P., Østergaard K., Gutzke V. H., Glasius M., Grønborg T. K., Hansen S. N., Zachariae R., Wargocki P., Sigsgaard T.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2023

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vol. 36

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issue 2

177-191

EN

Objectives To investigate the effect of CO₂ during sleep on next-morning cognitive performance in young schoolchildren, the authors performed a double-blind fully balanced crossover placebo-controlled study. Material and Methods The authors included 36 children aged 10–12 years in the climate chamber. The children slept at 21°C in 6 groups each at 3 different conditions separated by 7 days in a random order. Conditions were as follows: high ventilation with CO₂ at 700 ppm, high ventilation with added pure CO₂ at 2000–3000 ppm, and reduced ventilation with CO₂ at 2–3000 ppm and bioeffluents. Children were subjected to a digital cognitive test battery (CANTAB) in the evening prior to sleep and on the next morning after breakfast. Sleep quality was monitored with wrist actigraphs. Results There were no significant exposure effects on cognitive performance. Sleep efficiency was significantly lower at high ventilation with CO₂ at 700 ppm which is considered to be a chance effect. No other effects were seen, and no relation between air quality during sleep and next-morning cognitive performance was observed in the children emitting an estimated 10 l CO₂ /h per child. Conclusions No effect of CO₂ during sleep was found on next day cognition. The children were awakened in the morning, and spent from 45–70 min in well-ventilated rooms before they were tested. Hence, it cannot be precluded that the children have benefitted from the good indoor air quality conditions before and during the testing period. The slightly better sleep efficiency during high CO₂ concentrations might be a chance finding. Hence, replication is needed in actual bedrooms controlling for other external factors before any generalizations can be made.

5

Przydatność optycznego miernika do oceny narażenia ludzi na drobny pył zawarty w powietrzu pomieszczeń

51%

Kowalska M., Mainka A., Mucha W.

Medycyna Pracy

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2019

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vol. 70

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issue 2

213-220

EN

Background An important issue in the assessment of health risks related to air pollution with fine dust is the measurement of individual exposure. Such possibilities are provided by relatively easy to use optical monitors. The aim of the presented work was to assess the possibility of using the AM520 optical monitor to measure individual human exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 indoors by determining the calibration factor and assessing the compliance of the measurement with the reference method. Material and Methods As part of the research, indoor concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 and were measured (3 locations in the Gliwice Poviat, March−May 2017) with the use of the SidePak Personal Aerosol Monitor AM520, as well as the reference LVS3D device by means of the gravimetric method. The value of the calibration coefficient for the optical monitor was determined, and the consistency of measurements performed with both methods was assessed. Results The photometric calibration factor ranged 0.33−0.40 and was concurrent with the 0.38 value recommended by the manufacturer. The determination coefficient for the correlation between the measurement results obtained with the optical and gravimetric methods was very high (R2 = 0.91). Conclusions The presented results are promising and allow for the conclusion that the AM520 optical monitor can be used to assess individual exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 indoors. Med Pr. 2019;70(2):213–20

PL

Wstęp Istotną kwestią w ocenie ryzyka zdrowotnego jest pomiar indywidualnego narażenia, także dla zanieczyszczenia powietrza atmosferycznego drobnym pyłem. Takie możliwości dają stosunkowo proste w obsłudze mierniki optyczne. Celem pracy była ocena możliwości wykorzystywania optycznego miernika AM520 do pomiaru indywidualnego narażenia ludzi na drobny pył PM2,5 i PM10, zawarty w pomieszczeniach zamkniętych, poprzez ustalenie współczynnika kalibracji i ocenę zgodności pomiaru z metodą referencyjną. Materiał i metody W ramach badań wykonano pomiary stężeń pyłu PM2,5 i PM10 w pomieszczeniach (3 lokalizacje w powiecie gliwickim, marzec−maj 2017 r.) z wykorzystaniem aspiratora osobistego SidePak model AM520, a także z użyciem urządzenia referencyjnego LVS3D metodą grawimetryczną. Ustalono wartość współczynnika kalibracji dla optycznego miernika i zgodność pomiarów wykonanych obydwiema metodami. Wyniki Zakres wartości fotometrycznego współczynnika kalibracji kształtował się na poziomie 0,33–0,40 i był zbieżny z wartością 0,38 zalecaną przez producenta. Współczynnik determinacji dla zależności wyników uzyskanych metodą optyczną oraz grawimetryczną był bardzo wysoki i wynosił R2 = 0,91. Wnioski Prezentowane wyniki są obiecujące i pozwalają stwierdzić, że optyczny miernik AM520 może być wykorzystywany do oceny indywidualnego narażenia na drobne pyły PM2,5 i PM10 w pomieszczeniach zamkniętych. Med. Pr. 2019;70(2):213–220

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Występowanie bakterii z rodzaju legionella w wodzie technologicznej oraz badania ogólnej liczby bakterii i grzybów w powietrzu na stanowiskach pracy, na których generowany jest aerozol wodny

51%

Krogulska B., Matuszewska R., Krogulski A., Szczotko M., Bartosik M., Maziarka D., Giziński R.

Medycyna Pracy

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2014

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vol. 65

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issue 3

325-334

EN

Background: The aim of the study was to confirm the fact that technological water is a significant carrier of Legionella, a potential serious threat to the health of operators of mechanical devices generating contaminated water aerosol. Material and Methods: Microbiological analyses of water and indoor air were conducted in 8 different production facilities involved in mechanical processing of glass. The study covered 81 samples of water collected from technical water systems. Isolation of Legionella and the determination of total number of microorganisms were processed according to PN-EN ISO 11731-2:2008E and PN-EN ISO 6222:2004P, respectively. Air samples were collected using air samplers and total numbers of bacteria and fungi were determined. Results: The studies of process water, indicated the presence of Legionella in 27.2% of collected samples. These bacteria were present in both closed and open process water reservoirs at 10 cfu/100 ml to 2.9×10⁴ cfu/100 ml. The count of other associated bacteria exceeded 10³ cfu/ml. All strains isolated from Legionella-positive samples were identified as L. pneumophila SG 2-14. In 5 of 8 studied production facilities an increased total number of aerial bacteria and fungi was observed in samples collected in close vicinity of aerosol source. Conclusions: To reduce the number of microorganisms in water it is required to introduce technological water quality monitoring and procedures for the cleaning and disinfecting of mechanical devices generating water aerosol. Med Pr 2014;65(3):325–334

PL

Wstęp: Celem badań była ocena stopnia zanieczyszczenia mikrobiologicznego wody i powietrza oraz ocena warunków sprzyjających rozwojowi mikroorganizmów, w tym pałeczek Legionella, w urządzeniach technologicznych. Materiał i metody: Badania mikrobiologiczne wody i powietrza przeprowadzono w 8 zakładach mechanicznej obróbki szkła. Łącznie pobrano 81 próbek wody z urządzeń wytwarzających aerozol wodny na stanowiskach pracy. W próbkach wody oznaczano pałeczki Legionella według PN-EN ISO 11731-2:2008E oraz ogólną liczbę mikroorganizmów według PN-EN ISO 6222:2004P. W próbkach powietrza, pobieranych metodą zderzeniową, oznaczano ogólną liczbę bakterii i grzybów. Wyniki: Badania wody technologicznej wykazały obecność pałeczek Legionella w 27,2% pobranych próbek wody. Bakterie te były obecne w próbkach wody pobranych zarówno z otwartych, jak i zamkniętych zbiorników wody technologicznej, a ich liczba wynosiła od 10 jtk/100 ml do 2,9×10⁴ jtk/100 ml. Liczba towarzyszących im innych bakterii przekraczała 10³ jtk/ml. We wszystkich próbkach Legionella-pozytywnych wyizolowane szczepy bakterii oznaczono, jako L. pneumophila sg 2-14. W 5 z 8 zakładów zaobserwowano wzrost ogólnej liczby bakterii i grzybów w powietrzu badanym w bezpośredniej bliskości źródła aerozolu. Wnioski: Zanieczyszczona mikrobiologicznie woda technologiczna, szczególnie bakteriami z rodzaju Legionella, stanowi realne zagrożenie dla zdrowia pracowników obsługujących urządzenia wytwarzające aerozol wodny. W celu obniżenia ryzyka infekcji wśród narażonych pracowników należy wprowadzić monitoring jakości wody technologicznej oraz procedury czyszczenia i dezynfekcji urządzeń generujących aerozol. Med. Pr. 2014;65(3):325–334

Refine search results

Effects of fungal air pollution on human health

Indoor air particles in office buildings with suspected indoor air problems in the Helsinki area

The capability of fungi isolated from moldy dwellings to produce toxins

The effect of air quality on sleep and cognitive performance in school children aged 10–12 years: a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial

Przydatność optycznego miernika do oceny narażenia ludzi na drobny pył zawarty w powietrzu pomieszczeń

Występowanie bakterii z rodzaju legionella w wodzie technologicznej oraz badania ogólnej liczby bakterii i grzybów w powietrzu na stanowiskach pracy, na których generowany jest aerozol wodny