scholarly journals Concentration and size distribution of microbial aerosol in the historical objects in Kraków as a potential health risk and biodeterioration factor

Aerobiologia ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 743-758
Author(s):  
Maria Chmiel ◽  
Iga Kral ◽  
Anna Lenart-Boroń
Keyword(s):  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Size Distribution ◽  
Environmental Parameters ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Internal Source ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Bacterial Aerosol ◽  
Historical Objects ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Microbiological Analyses

Abstract Historical facilities such as churches, crypts, libraries and museums are crucial for preserving cultural heritage but at the same time, they are frequently visited tourist objects and working environment. The aim of this study was to assess whether there are differences in the concentration and size distribution of bacterial and fungal aerosol in the mentioned groups of historical objects in Kraków, as well as to determine if there is tendency for seasonal fluctuations of bioaerosol concentrations, and what environmental parameters affect them most significantly. The concentrations of bacterial and fungal aerosol were measured in ten historical objects—churches, crypts, libraries and museums—using a six-stage Andersen impactor. Microbiological analyses were accompanied by measurements of particulate matter (PM10, PM4, PM2.5 and PM1) and microclimatic parameters. The results showed that the studied objects differ in terms of bioaerosol levels, but the differences were not drastic and in terms of bacterial aerosol concentrations the objects can be arranged as follows: churches > libraries > museums > crypts, while for fungal aerosol the order would be: churches > museums > crypts > libraries. The concentrations of bioaerosol did not exceed the safety levels for human exposure, but the levels suggesting possible threat of biodeterioration and the presence of internal source of contamination were exceeded in nearly all sites. The share of respirable fraction of bioaerosol was high (42.1–90.5% for bacteria and 80.7–94.7% for fungi). Bioaerosol concentration was most significantly associated with indoor temperature, and the impact of particulate matter was only moderate.

scholarly journals Bacterial aerosol, particulate matter, and microclimatic parameters in the horse stables in Poland

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacek Grzyb ◽  
Zenon Podstawski ◽  
Karol Bulski
Keyword(s):  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Size Distribution ◽  
Good Condition ◽  
Fine Fraction ◽  
Airborne Bacteria ◽  
Cleaning System ◽  
Bacterial Aerosol ◽  
Suitable Space ◽  
Contamination Levels ◽  
The Impact

AbstractKeeping horses in good condition requires providing them with living conditions that meet welfare requirements. These animals should be accommodated with suitable space, access to high nutritional fodder and water, and a suitable microclimate in their shelters. When it comes to the environment in the stables, a serious problem is created by particulate matter (PM), which consists of bacteria. PM concentration may be responsible for developing multiple lower respiratory tract diseases in horses, including allergies and recurrent airway obstruction (RAO). In turn, these ailments may lead to decreasing equine physical and mental fitness. Additionally, people who spend time in the stables are exposed to the same harmful factors. The study was conducted in Udórz Stud Farm located in the southern region of Poland. The study was carried out in 2 different types of stables: 3 runners (a type of stable where horses are housed together and occasionally linked up, e.g., for feeding or grooming) and 2 box stables. The research continued for 2 years and the samples were collected in each season. The bioaerosol samples were collected using a six-stage Andersen-Graseby cascade impactor to assess size distribution and concentrations of airborne bacteria. PM concentration was analyzed using the DustTrak™ II Aerosol Monitor 8530, while microclimate parameters were measured using the Kestrel 5000 Weather Meter. There are almost no studies concerning size distribution of airborne bacteria, individual PM fractions, and the impact of everyday handling on the changes in the bioaerosol and PM concentration. This preliminary study provided basic information on this subject. We have revealed a strong correlation between high PM and bacterial aerosol concentrations. Higher contamination levels were recorded in runners, as compared to box stables. The highest bacterial aerosol level was detected in the spring. The analysis of the fractions of the bacterial aerosol in the stables indicated the highest share of ultra-fine fraction (0.65–2.1 µm), while respirable fraction (below 4.7 µm) exceeded 75%. It was established that the concentration of the bacterial aerosol inside the stables was many times higher than outside. It depended significantly on everyday activities undertaken in the stables, like feeding or cleaning. Taking the above into account, a different cleaning system should be developed (a wet cleaning system, with the use of water) and excrement should be removed more frequently.

scholarly journals Spatial and Seasonal Variations of PM Concentration and Size Distribution in Manure-Belt Poultry Layer Houses

2019 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
pp. 415-427 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reyna M. Knight ◽  
Xinjie Tong ◽  
Zhenyu Liu ◽  
Sewoon Hong ◽  
Lingying Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Size Distribution ◽  
Seasonal Variations ◽  
Size Distributions ◽  
Particle Size Distributions ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Autumn And Winter ◽  
Mass Concentrations

Abstract. Poultry layer houses are a significant source of particulate matter (PM) emissions, which potentially affect worker and animal health. Particulate matter characteristics, such as concentration and size distribution inside layer houses, are critical information for assessment of the potential health risks and development of effective PM mitigation technologies. However, this information and its spatial and seasonal variations are lacking for typical layer facilities. In this study, two TSI DustTrak monitors (DRX 8533) and an Aerodynamic Particle Sizer (APS 3321) were used to measure PM mass concentrations and number-weighted particle size distributions in two typical manure-belt poultry layer houses in Ohio in three seasons: summer, autumn, and winter. Bimodal particle size distributions were consistently observed. The average count median diameters (mean ±SD) were 1.68 ±0.25, 2.16 ±0.31, and 1.87 ±0.07 µm in summer, autumn, and winter, respectively. The average geometric standard deviations of particle size were 2.16 ±0.23, 2.16 ±0.18, and 1.74 ±0.17 in the three seasons, respectively. The average mass concentrations were 67.4 ±54.9, 289.9 ±216.2, and 428.1 ±269.9 µg m-3 for PM2.5; 73.6 ±59.5, 314.6 ±228.9, and 480.8 ±306.5 µg m-3 for PM4; and 118.8 ±99.6, 532.5 ±353.0, and 686.2 ±417.7 µg m-3 for PM10 in the three seasons, respectively. Both statistically significant (p < 0.05) and practically significant (difference of means >20% of smaller value) seasonal variations were observed. Spatial variations were only practically significant for autumn mass concentrations, likely due to external dust infiltration from nearby agricultural activities. The OSHA-mandated permissible exposure limit for respirable PM was not exceeded in any season. Keywords: Air quality, Particulate matter, Poultry housing, Seasonal variation, Spatial variation.

scholarly journals Metabolic Response of RAW 264.7 Macrophages to Exposure to Crude Particulate Matter and a Reduced Content of Organic Matter

Toxics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 205
Author(s):  
Monika Jankowska-Kieltyka ◽  
Adam Roman ◽  
Magdalena Mikrut ◽  
Marta Kowalska ◽  
Rudi van Eldik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Cell Viability ◽  
Metabolic Activity ◽  
Raw 264.7 ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Raw 264.7 Macrophages ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
The Impact

Exposure to air pollution from various airborne particulate matter (PM) is regarded as a potential health risk. Airborne PM penetrates the lungs, where it is taken up by macrophages, what results in macrophage activation and can potentially lead to negative consequences for the organism. In the present study, we assessed the effects of direct exposure of RAW 264.7 macrophages to crude PM (NIST1648a) and to a reduced content of organic matter (LAp120) for up to 72 h on selected parameters of metabolic activity. These included cell viability and apoptosis, metabolic activity and cell number, ROS synthesis, nitric oxide (NO) release, and oxidative burst. The results indicated that both NIST1648a and LAp120 negatively influenced the parameters of cell viability and metabolic activity due to increased ROS synthesis. The negative effect of PM was concentration-dependent; i.e., it was the most pronounced for the highest concentration applied. The impact of PM also depended on the time of exposure, so at respective time points, PM induced different effects. There were also differences in the impact of NIST1648a and LAp120 on almost all parameters tested. The negative effect of LAp120 was more pronounced, what appeared to be associated with an increased content of metals.

scholarly journals Laboratory Comparison of Low-Cost Particulate Matter Sensors to Measure Transient Events of Pollution

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (8) ◽  
pp. 2219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florentin Michel Jacques Bulot ◽  
Hugo Savill Russell ◽  
Mohsen Rezaei ◽  
Matthew Stanley Johnson ◽  
Steven James Johnston Ossont ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Optical Sensors ◽  
Limit Of Detection ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Airborne Particulate Matter ◽  
Environmental Parameters ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Sources Of Pollution ◽  
Premature Deaths ◽  
The Impact

Airborne particulate matter (PM) exposure has been identified as a key environmental risk factor, associated especially with diseases of the respiratory and cardiovascular system and with almost 9 million premature deaths per year. Low-cost optical sensors for PM measurement are desirable for monitoring exposure closer to the personal level and particularly suited for developing spatiotemporally dense city sensor networks. However, questions remain over the accuracy and reliability of the data they produce, particularly regarding the influence of environmental parameters such as humidity and temperature, and with varying PM sources and concentration profiles. In this study, eight units each of five different models of commercially available low-cost optical PM sensors (40 individual sensors in total) were tested under controlled laboratory conditions, against higher-grade instruments for: lower limit of detection, response time, responses to sharp pollution spikes lasting <1 min , and the impact of differing humidity and PM source. All sensors detected the spikes generated with a varied range of performances depending on the model and presenting different sensitivity mainly to sources of pollution and to size distributions with a lesser impact of humidity. The sensitivity to particle size distribution indicates that the sensors may provide additional information to PM mass concentrations. It is concluded that improved performance in field monitoring campaigns, including tracking sources of pollution, could be achieved by using a combination of some of the different models to take advantage of the additional information made available by their differential response.

scholarly journals Particulate Matter Concentrations and Their Association With COVID-19 Related Mortality in Mexico During June 2020 Saharan Dust Event 

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gurusamy Kutralam-Muniasamy ◽  
Fermín Pérez-Guevara ◽  
Ignacio Elizalde Martínez ◽  
Shruti Venkata Chari
Keyword(s):  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Hazard Quotient ◽  
Human Health Risk ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Saharan Dust ◽  
Dust Event ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Related Mortality

Abstract The present study evaluated the impact of Saharan dust event on particulate matter (PM; PM10 and PM2.5) concentrations by analyzing the daily average PM data between Saharan dust days (June 23 - 29, 2020) and non-Saharan dust days (June 15 to June 22 and June 30 to July 12, 2020) for four major affected regions in Mexico and by comparing with three major previous events (2015, 2018 and 2019). The results showed PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations were 2-5 times higher during the Saharan dust event with the highest daily averages of 197 μg/m3 and 94 μg/m3, respectively and exceeded the Mexican standard norm (NOM-020-SSA1-2014). When comparing with the previous Saharan dust episodes of 2015, 2018 and 2019, the levels of PM10 and PM2.5 considerably increased and more than doubled across Mexico. The correlation analysis revealed a positive association of PM levels with the number of daily COVID-19 cases and deaths during Saharan dust event. Furthermore, the human health risk assessment showed that the chronic daily intake and hazard quotient values incremented during Saharan dust days compared to non-Saharan days, indicating potential health effects and importance of taking necessary measures to ensure better air quality following the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals The Impact of Noise in Open Work-areas on Faculty Members' work in Tertiary Educational Buildings

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (12) ◽  
pp. 121-125
Author(s):  
Asmaa Ramadan Elantary
Keyword(s):  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Noise Level ◽  
Environmental Parameters ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Faculty Work ◽  
Individual Parameter ◽  
Working Zone ◽  
Educational Buildings ◽  
Open Work ◽  
The Impact

Acoustic is an important part of any working environment. Particularly educational buildings where the level of concentration is required to be very high. Noise is probably the most common problem that arises in many places. Several studies have examined the effect of noise level either as an individual parameter or a combination of one or more environmental parameters. In this research, the aim is to analyze the acoustical satisfaction in faculty work-areas in five academic departments. A total of 63 respondents out of 84 users were included in the analysis. Occupants in private offices are significantly more satisfied with the acoustical quality than occupants in cubicles within the open work-area. the most prevalent problems are: “Faculty talking to students”, “Faculty overhearing private conversations” and “Students talking in surrounding areas”. Over 70% of cubicle occupants think acoustics level interferes with their ability to get their job done and show either very dissatisfaction or dissatisfaction with the noise level in their offices. These responses reveal the importance of the treatments needed to have a better acoustics level within the working zone which lead to more productivity and user satisfaction with the working environment.

Antecedents And Outcomes Of Qwl Among Employees In Banks

2019 ◽  
Vol 118 (7) ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Geethanjali N ◽  
Parveen Roja M ◽  
Lavanya D
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Climate ◽  
Job Stress ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Quality Of Work Life ◽  
Quality Of Work ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Service Productivity ◽  
The Impact

Quality of work life is the major factor to be considered in working environment of any organization. The performance of employees and the organization lies on the ability of the employees based on working environment. The QWL leads to better working environment which improves the performance of organization. The present study has made an attempt to find the level of factors causing QWL and the impact of outcome of QWL in banks. Since the profile of the banks may be associated with the level of outcomes of QWL, the present study has made an attempt to examine it with the help of one way analysis of variance and t-test. The included outcomes of QWL are job satisfaction, job stress, organizational climate, organizational commitment, employees retention behaviour, service quality employees and service productivity of employees. The highly associated determinants of QWL and the significant difference among the PUSBs and PRSBs have been noticed. The significantly associating important profiles of the banks regarding the existence of outcome of QWL are identified.

Assessment of the impact of factors of the working environment on the health of workers in oil refining based on the analysis of morbidity

2020 ◽  
pp. 600-600 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. V. Ginko ◽  
T. M. Sushinskaya ◽  
A. L. Rybina
Keyword(s):  
Comparison Group ◽  
Main Group ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Oil Refinery ◽  
Oil Refining ◽  
Production Environment ◽  
The Impact

Studies have been conducted to assess the impact of factors of the production environment on employees of the oil refinery ofJSC «Naftan». Significant differences with the comparison group on the indicators of SVT were revealed. Priority nosological forms of employees of the main group are identified.

New areas of research in occupational medicine

2020 ◽  
pp. 811-811
Author(s):  
E. E. Shigan
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Medicine ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Medium Businesses ◽  
The Impact

The study of the preservation of worker's health in recent years is gaining more and more new areas of research, among which like to point out the problems of harmonization of age and work, the impact of unemployment on health and aspects of the impact of the working environment of small and medium businesses on health.

Impact of Particulate Matter on Distribution System Disinfection Efficacy

2008 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Wojcicka ◽  
Carole Baxter ◽  
Ron Hofmann
Keyword(s):  
Helicobacter Pylori ◽  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Contact Time ◽  
Water Disinfection ◽  
Sphingomonas Paucimobilis ◽  
Soil Corrosion ◽  
Log Reduction ◽  
Drinking Water Disinfection ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Microorganisms have been shown to survive drinking water disinfection and remain viable in disinfected waters despite the presence of disinfectant residuals. This may be partially attributed to protection by particulate matter. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the presence of particulate matter on disinfection kinetics. Sphingomonas paucimobilis ATCC 10829 and Helicobacter pylori ATCC 43504 were used in inactivation experiments in the presence and absence of soil, corrosion, and wastewater particles. The results showed that the presence of such particles tended to inhibit chlorine and monochloramine inactivation, although the magnitude of the impact under the conditions tested was small (e.g., 1-log reduction in inactivation for several minutes of contact time in the presence of less than 1 mg/L of disinfectant).

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