Indoor air quality is a critical determinant of physical and mental health. Despite evidence linking poor indoor air quality to adverse health outcomes, this issue is understudied in the context of First Nations children and youth health and wellbeing. The objectives of this study were to (1) characterize indoor air quality, housing conditions, and respiratory health of children living in the Kanesatake First Nation and (2) evaluate the feasibility of using remote community-based participatory methods in the context of First Nations health research. Community-assisted data collection occurred between June 2021 and February 2022 in the Kanesatake First Nation, Quebec. Indoor air data were collected from 31 randomly selected houses. Results showed elevated levels of contaminants, including particulate matter, benzene, toluene, and xylene, compared to the Canadian averages. Houses generally lacked adequate ventilation, and over one-quarter were reported to be in need of major repairs. We developed instruction tools for air sampling and house inspection to facilitate off-site data collection. High rates of participant completion (95%) and low attrition rates (5%) indicated the feasibility of remote community-based participatory research methods. Lessons learnt are summarized and important recommendations are made for adaptation to improve future data collection. This research served as a pilot project for a multi-year, cross-Nation study, as well as the first study to evaluate the indoor air environment in the Kanesatake First Nation.

More than 50 % of EU’s yearly energy demand is spent on heating and cooling systems with which most of its source is generated from non-renewable fossil fuel [1]. Furthermore, half of the EU buildings are heated with a non-efficient boiler of about 60% or less efficiency [1]. The report released by EU from 1990 to 2007 revealed that fuel combustion and fugitive emission contribute to about 79.3% of total greenhouse gas emissions in CO2 equivalents [1]. The EU-EBPD long-term renovation strategy is to improve the energy performance of all residential and non-residential buildings in its member countries through supporting the renovation of the existing buildings into highly energy efficient and decarbonised buildings [2]. Despite all these EU policies and efforts to replace these non-efficient heating systems, the main challenge is price comparison of different solutions and their efficiency in retrofitting of the heating old systems together with the lack of information about the functioning of those old systems [1]. Thus, the development of an easy to install heating system in retrofitting with low exergy heat supply is a significant contribution to a sustainable solution in minimizing energy resources depletion and environmental emission. Furthermore, efficient system control of these easy to install heating systems, hybrids combinations solution for retrofitting building could be a sustainable solution for the preservation of the existing building. The main objective of this work was to design an easy to install hybrid low-temperature floor heating system in retrofitting buildings and compare its results on energy performance, thermal comfort and indoor air quality with other conventional heating mainly used in the Mediterranean climate. This study was performed in two existing radiators heated buildings located in Sant Cugat del vallès in Catalonia, Spain.The results showed that the hybrid low-temperature heating system has the highest energy performance and energy saving of 48 % and 52% compared to that of existing radiator heating and all air heating, respectively. However, hybrid low-temperature floor heating showed a slow heating response, and consequently, it showed lower operative temperature compared to others even though it was within the recommended standards limits. The hybrid low-temperature heating system with demand-controlled ventilation also showed a better indoor air quality, while as existing radiator with its natural ventilation showed the worst indoor air quality. All three compared heating systems showed a better coefficient of performance with low-temperature heat supply and were able to operate with low-temperature heat supply. / Mer än 50% av EU:s årliga energibehov spenderas på värme- och kylsystem där de flesta av deras källor genereras från icke-förnybart fossilt bränsle [1]. Dessutom värms hälften av EU:s byggnader upp med en ineffektiv panna med cirka 60% eller mindre effektivitet [1]. EU:s rapport från 1990 till 2007 avslöjade att bränsleförbränning och flyktiga utsläpp bidrar till cirka 79% av de totala utsläppen av växthusgaser i koldioxidekvivalenter [1]. EU:s och EBPD:s långsiktiga renoveringsstrategi är att förbättra energiprestanda för alla bostäder och andra byggnader i dess medlemsländer genom att stödja renovering av befintliga byggnader till mycket energieffektiva byggnader [2].Trots alla dessa EU-policyer och ansträngningar för att ersätta dessa ineffektiva värmesystem, är den största utmaningen prisjämförelse av olika lösningar och deras effektivitet i renovering av de gamla värmesystemen tillsammans med bristen på information om hur de gamla systemen fungerar [1]. Därför är utvecklingen av ett installationsenkelt värmesystem med låg värmeförsörjning av exergi ett viktigt bidrag till en hållbar lösning för att minimera energiresurser och miljöutsläpp. Dessutom kan effektiv systemkontroll av dessa värmesystem med olika kombinationslösningar för renovering av byggnaden vara en hållbar lösning för att bevara den befintliga byggnaden.Huvudsyftet med detta arbete var att utforma ett lågtemperaturgolvvärmesystem att använda vid renovering av byggnader och jämföra dess resultat på energiprestanda, termisk komfort och inomhusluftkvalitet med annan konventionell uppvärmning som huvudsakligen används i medelhavsklimat. Denna studie utfördes i två befintliga radiatoruppvärmda byggnadet i Sant Cugat del vallès i Katalonien, Spanien. Resultaten visade att hybridsystemet med låg temperatur har den högsta energiprestandan och energibesparingen på 48% och 52% för den befintliga radiatorvärme respektive luftvärme. Emellertid visade lågtemperaturgolvvärme ett långsamt uppvärmningssvar, och följaktligen visade det lägre driftstemperatur jämfört med de andra systemen trots att det låg inom de rekommenderade standardgränserna. Lågtemperaturvärmesystem med efterfrågningsstyrd ventilation visade också en bättre inomhusluftkvalitet, medan befintliga radiatorer med sin naturliga ventilation visade den sämsta inomhusluftkvaliteten. Alla tre jämförda värmesystemen visade bättre prestanda med lågtemperaturvärmeförsörjning och kunde fungera med lågtemperaturvärmeförsörjning.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) has a direct impact on our health, as more than half the air we inhale throughout our lifetimes is indoor air. With an increasing trend in dampness in modern buildings due to urban expansion into wetland environments and increased use of gypsum board in construction, hydrolysis in indoor surface films has been suggested to be an important chemical process in the indoor environment. Several synthetic esters (SEs) found in building materials, electronics, and consumer products may undergo hydrolysis to produce harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to which building occupants may be exposed. In this dissertation, the impact of hydrolysis on indoor air quality is explored by experiments on alkaline hydrolysis kinetics and ventilation, followed by simulations of VOC production from hydrolysis. Alkaline hydrolysis kinetics of four SEs, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol monoisobutyrate (TMPD-MIB), butylparaben (BP), bis (2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA), and butyl benzyl phthalate (BBzP), in bulk solutions are investigated in chapter 2. With concentration decay profiles following pseudo first-order kinetics, the second order-rate constants were determined from measured pH values. The determined rate constants of the aforementioned SEs are compared with those of respective ester categories (e.g., parabens, phthalates), and the steric/polar effects of the ester substituents are discussed in detail. The results of this study contributed to the completion of the indoor chemistry box model GAMMA-CIE which was used for simulation studies in chapter 4. Room-level ventilation measurements in educational spaces across different US regions (e.g., Northeastern, Southeastern, Western) are presented in chapter 3. In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, ventilation data on a room-by-room basis were critical in planning a safe reopening in schools and universities. Three major approaches to ventilation measurements are outlined in this chapter: direct flow measurement, controlled release, and passive/in-situ monitoring. The application of these approaches is presented in case studies across various educational institutions, showcasing their advantages and disadvantages. The frequently observed range of 0.5-5.5 ACH in this study is taken into account in simulation conditions in chapter 4. The predicted indoor generation of VOCs from alkaline hydrolysis of SEs occurring in surface aqueous films is discussed in chapter 4. Simulations were performed using GAMMA-CIE, which considers aqueous hydrolysis kinetics, interphase mass transport, and loss by ventilation. Three different scenarios were studied: (1) installation of PVC flooring on concrete; (2) coating of latex paint on concrete; and (3) uptake of airborne SEs by surface aqueous films. The simulation results suggested that: (1) the rate of hydrolysis of DEHA and DEHP from PVC flooring is not fast enough to generate high concentrations of 2-ethylhexanol observed during episodes of sick building syndrome (SBS); (2) fresh application of latex paint may cause acute exposure to 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol (TMPD); and (3) hydrolysis of SEs diffused from indoor air is unlikely to produce significant amounts of alcohols associated with SBS.

No description available.

No description available.

Syftet med arbetet var att samla in mätdata för att kontrollera luftkvalitén ombord på två svenska fartyg, för att sedan jämföra resultaten med Arbetsmiljöverkets hygieniska gränsvärden och den svenska normalbefolkningens exponering för olika ämnen. Resultatet från studien var också tänkt att vara till hjälp för att utforma nya råd och rekommendationer för att minimera exponeringen och även till att bidra med material för fler framtida studier. Under cirka en vecka ombord på fartygen samlades data in med hjälp av passiva provtagare för att registrera halter av bensen, kvävedioxid och polycykliska aromatiska kolväten. Resultaten visade att luftkvalitén ombord på de två fartygen generellt sett är god. Samtliga uppmätta halter låg långt under Arbetsmiljöverkets gränsvärden och det skiljde sig inte mycket varken mellan fartyg eller jämfört med den svenska normalbefolkningens exponering. Därför är inte svensk sjömän ombord på svenskflaggade fartyg i större fara för toxiska luftföroreningar ombord jämfört med när de är hemma. / The main purpose of this study was to measure and evaluate the air quality onboard two Swedish ships, and compare the results with the exposure limits laid out by the Swedish Work Environment Authority (Arbetsmiljöverket) and the Swedish population’s exposure to various substances. The results of this study were also meant to be helpful to form new advice and recommendations to minimize exposure and also to provide material for future studies. During approximately one week onboard the two ships data were collected using passive samplers to register levels of benzene, nitrogen dioxide and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The results indicated that the air quality onboard the two ships were generally good. All measured concentrations were well below safety applications and it did not differ very much neither between ships nor compared with the Swedish population’s exposure. In conclusion, Swedish sailors onboard Swedish ships are not in greater danger of toxic air pollutants onboard compared to when they are at home.

Abstract: The aim of the study was to evaluate the indoor air quality (IAQ) of a semi-airtight (the building only utilises mechanical means to ventilate the occupied spaces however an airtight seal is not established as a result of infiltration due to building design) office building that is situated in central Johannesburg that exclusively uses a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system for ventilation. This implies a system that only utilises mechanical ventilation to heat, cool, humidify and clean the air for comfort, safety and health of employees. This includes the control of odour levels, and also the maintenance of carbon dioxide (CO2) below stipulated levels. Methods: The building is divided into two sections; west and east. Each section has its own ventilation supply. A randomisation process was used to ascertain which offices needed to be sampled, in which section as well as on which floor. For this study, five offices per section were measured. Thus, ten offices per floor were measured and measurements were taken on every second floor. All measurements were done in accordance with the specific requirements of the manufacturer of any specific instrument used and measurements were taken over an eight hour period (full work shift). Results were compared to the available standard, as well as compared to the ambient concentrations. Results: None of the monitored contaminants’ concentration were above the provided standards (ASHRAE or ACGIH). Where standards were unavailable, the HVAC system maintained an indoor contaminant concentration that is substantially lower when compared to the outdoor air concentrations. Conclusion: The buildings’ HVAC system maintains indoor air quality at a healthy level it is unlikely that any one of these contaminants may lead to SBS amongst the employees. / MSc (Occupational Hygiene), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Résumé : PROBLÉMATIQUE: L’exposition résidentielle à l’humidité excessive ou aux moisissures est maintenant reconnue comme un facteur important influençant la santé respiratoire. Cette problématique a été peu étudiée chez les étudiants universitaires, bien que vulnérables par leur faible revenu et leur statut de locataire. OBJECTIFS: Cette maîtrise vise à décrire la prévalence (a) de l’exposition résidentielle à l’humidité excessive ou aux moisissures et (b) des maladies respiratoires chez les étudiants universitaires, ainsi qu’à (c) examiner l’association entre l’exposition résidentielle à l’humidité excessive ou aux moisissures et ces maladies. MÉTHODES: En 2014, une enquête électronique a été réalisée auprès de 2097 étudiants enregistrés à l’Université de Sherbrooke (Québec, Canada). Lorsque possible, des questions et des scores validés ont été utilisés pour estimer les prévalences des maladies respiratoires (rhinite allergique, asthme et infections respiratoires), de l’exposition résidentielle à l’humidité excessive ou aux moisissures et des covariables (ex. : revenu annuel familial, statut tabagique, atopie familiale, caractéristiques de l’étudiant). Les associations entre cette exposition et ces maladies ont d’abord été examinées par des tests de chi-carré en utilisant un seuil alpha de 0,05. Des régressions logistiques multivariées ont ensuite été utilisées pour déterminer les associations brutes et ajustée entre cette exposition et les maladies respiratoires. Les analyses descriptives ont été pondérées pour le sexe, l’âge et le campus d’étude. RÉSULTATS: L’exposition à l’humidité excessive ou aux moisissures était fréquente parmi les participants (36,0%; Intervalle de confiance (IC)95% : 33,9-38,1). Ceux-ci ont également été nombreux à rapporter une rhinite allergique (23,9%; IC95% :22,0-25,8), de l’asthme (32,6%; IC95% : 30,5-34,7) et des infections respiratoires (19,4%; IC95% :17,7-21,2) au cours de la dernière année. Après ajustement, les associations demeuraient significatives entre l’exposition à l’humidité excessive ou aux moisissures et la rhinite allergique (Rapport de cote (RC) : 1,30; IC95% : 1.05-1.60), l’asthme RC : 1,75; IC95% : 1,42-2,16), mais pas les infections respiratoires (RC : 1,07; IC95% : 0,85-1.35). CONCLUSIONS: La prévalence élevée de l’exposition résidentielle des étudiants universitaires à l’humidité excessive ou aux moisissures, de même que son association avec l’asthme et la rhinite allergique, mettent en lumière sa contribution potentielle à la forte prévalence des maladies respiratoires ayant une composante allergique dans cette population. Cette étude fournit un nouveau levier pour les organisations de santé publique et leurs partenaires afin d’adapter les stratégies préventives ciblant les logements insalubres, particulièrement chez les populations vulnérables. / Abstract : PROBLEMATIC: Indoor residential dampness and mold is now recognised as a major respiratory health determinant. University students are vulnerable to such exposure by their low income and high mobility, but few studies have assessed their exposure. OBJECTIVES: This project aims to describe prevalence of (a) residential dampness or mold exposure and (b) respiratory diseases in University students as well as to (c) examine the independent contribution of residential excessive dampness and mold to these diseases. METHODS: In 2014, an online survey was conducted among 2097 students registered at the University of Sherbrooke (Quebec, Canada). Validated questions, and scores when possible, were used to assess respiratory diseases (allergic rhinitis, asthma-like symptoms, respiratory infections), residential excessive dampness and mold, and covariates (e.g. family annual income, smoking status, parental atopy, student characteristics). Associations between exposure and diseases were first evaluated using bivariate analyses (khi-square tests) with an alpha value of 0.05. Using logistic regressions, the crude and adjusted relationships between residential excessive dampness or mold and respiratory diseases were examined. Results were weighted for sex, age and campus affiliation. RESULTS: Residential dampness or mold exposure was frequent (36.0%; 95%Confidence Interval (CI) : 33.9-38.1). Respondents also reported high prevalence of allergic rhinitis (32.6%; 95%CI : 30.5-34.7), asthma-like symptoms (23.9%; 95%CI : 22.0-25.8) and respiratory infections (19.4%; 95%CI : 17.7-21.2). After adjustment, associations with residential excessive dampness or mold were significant for allergic rhinitis (Odd Ratio(OR) : 1.30; 95%CI : 1.05-1.60) and asthma-like symptoms (OR : 1.75; 95%CI : 1.42-2.16), but not for respiratory infections (OR : 1.07; 95%CI : 0.85-1.35). CONCLUSIONS: High frequency of residential excessive dampness and mold, as well as its associations with asthma and allergic rhinitis highlight this exposure’s potential contribution to high atopy prevalence among university students. These results emphasize the importance for public health organizations to tackle poor housing, especially for vulnerable populations.

La qualité microbienne de l’air intérieur représente un enjeu sanitaire important, notamment dans le secteur professionnel. Ces travaux de thèse ont permis d’étudier les conditions favorisant le développement des espèces microbiennes collectées sur des médias fibreux utilisés dans des CTA, ainsi que leur réentrainement an aval de la filtration, susceptible de dégrader la qualité de l’air. La première partie de l’étude s’est déroulée en laboratoire à partir de la filtration d’un consortium bactérien – fongique composé de Staphylococcus epidermidis et Penicillium oxalicum. L’influence de trois paramètres a été étudiée sur la croissance microbienne : le taux d’humidité relative (HR) de l’air, la nature du média fibreux, la présence/absence de flux d’air. Les résultats ont révélé notamment que quelles que soient les conditions,S. epidermidis n’arrive pas à croître. En revanche, lorsque l’HR de l’air approche 100%, P. oxalicum se développe sur les filtres et des spores sont relarguées en aval des filtres après une reprise de la filtration. Une seconde partie de l’étude a consisté à travailler avec un aérosol atmosphérique semi urbain. Deux unités de filtration d’air ont fonctionné pendant 5 mois en parallèle. La ventilation d’une des deux unités a été stoppée chaque week-end et redémarrée en début de semaine. Un suivi de la température, de l’humidité de l’air, de la perte de charge des filtres et de la concentration des particules totales dans l’air en amont de la filtration a été assuré tout au long de l’étude. Les concentrations en microorganismes cultivables ont été mesurées chaque semaine en amont et en aval de chaque filtre, notamment au redémarrage de la ventilation. En fonction des variations saisonnières de la concentration des microorganismes, les résultats ont montré en particulier des efficacités de filtration vis-à-vis des particules bactériennes faibles, voire négatives, dans l’unité de filtration fonctionnant en continu. / Microbial indoor air quality is an important issue in particular in the professional sector. This thesis aims to investigate the conditions leading to microbial development on to fibrous filters and to microbial release down stream of filters that could decrease air quality. The first part of the thesis was realized on laboratory and consisted in the filtration of a microbial consortium composed with Staphylococcus epidermidis (bacterium specie) and Penicillium oxalicum (fungi specie). The effects of three parameters on the microbial behavior were studied : the relative humidity (RH) of the air, the filter material, the airflow presence/absence. Whatever conditions, S. epidermidis did not grow up. However, P. oxalicum has demonstrated its ability to develop itself when RH was close to 100% and some P. oxalicumspores were released downstream of filter after growth, when ventilation was restarted. The second part of the thesis consisted in working with a semi-urban outdoor air. Two air handling unit (AHU) have operated during 5 months. The ventilation of one AHU was stopped each week-end and restarted each beginning of week. Temperature and RH of the air, filters pressure drop and total concentration of PM in air before filtration were monitored. Concentration of total cultivable microorganisms upstream and downstream of both filters was also measured each week, in particular at the restart of ventilation for one AHU. According to seasonal variations of microbial concentrations, results have revealed for instance that the filtration efficiency of cultivable bacteria was particularly weak, and sometimes negative, for the AHU operating continuously.

L'objectif de cette thèse est le développement d'outils technologiques et logiciels permettant un monitoring de la qualité de l'air intérieur. Cela comprend la conception de capteurs miniaturisés permettant la détection simultanée d'un grand nombre de polluants, ainsi que le développement de modèles numériques inverses utilisant les données issues de ces capteurs et permettant la reconstruction de sources de polluants. Ces travaux ont mené à l'élaboration d'un prototype fonctionnel de micro-chromatographe en phase gazeuse, système d'analyse chimique miniaturisé permettant la détection de multiples polluants. La colonne de séparation fabriquée en technologie MEMS a permis la séparation de divers composés organiques volatils en quelques dizaines de secondes. Le micro-détecteur TCD, fondé sur une mesure 4-pointes couplée à un circuit d'asservissement en température original, a permis la détection des composés séparés dans la colonne. Afin d'améliorer et de tirer au mieux parti des micro-chromatographes, des méthodes d'injections stochastiques ont été développées. Il a été démontré que ces méthodes ont plusieurs intérêts. D'une part, elles permettent facilement un gain de rapport signal/bruit de l'ordre de la décade, ce qui permet la détection de polluants plus faiblement concentrés. Il a été observé d'autre part qu'il est possible de suivre en temps réel l'évolution moyenne de la concentration des polluants alors que cela n'est pas possible lorsque le chromatographe est utilisé de manière standard. Enfin, une méthode d'injection et de traitement du signal permettant l'analyse simultanée de plusieurs échantillons avec un unique capteur a été développée. Enfin, ces travaux ont été complétés par le développement de modèles inverses 2D permettant, à partir de données issues de micro-chromatographes placés dans l'espace, la reconstruction de sources de polluants et de champs de vitesses par méthode des gaz traceur. Ces modèles sont fondés sur une approche de contrôle optimal et utilisent une résolution des équations de Navier-Stokes et de diffusion-advection par la méthode éléments finis. L'utilisation de bases orthonormées obtenues par POD a permis de régulariser ces modèles inverses / The goal of this thesis is the development of technological and numerical tools for the monitoring of indoor air quality. That comprises the design of miniaturized sensors capable of detecting a large number of pollutants, and the development of inverse models allowing the reconstruction of pollutant sources from concentration measurements. In this work we present the realization of a micro-gas chromatograph, miniaturized chemical-analysis system fabricated with silicon-based MEMS technology. The separation column can separate multiple volatile organic compounds in less than a minute. The integrated thermal conductivity detector, based on a 4-points measurement technique coupled with an original temperature control circuit, can detect compounds separated in the column. In order to improve the performances of such micro-chromatographs, stochastic injection techniques have been developped. We have shown that these techniques easily allow to reduce the detection noise by an order of magnitude so that low-concentrated pollutants can be detected. We also observed that it is possible to follow in real time the mean evolution of the concentration with such techniques. We finally developped an original multiplexing technique that allows to monitor multiple sample streams simultaneoulsy with a single sensor. Finally, this work is completed by the development of 2D inverse models that allow, from data measured by micro-chromatographs placed in a room, to reconstruct pollutant sources, concentration fields or airflow patterns. Those models are based on an optimal control approach and use the resolution of Navier-Stokes and diffusion-advection equations with the finite element method. POD orthonormal basis are used for the regularization of the problem