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

Master of Science / Department of Chemical Engineering / Larry E. Erickson / Photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) is a promising and emerging technique in controlling indoor air contaminants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It has broad air cleaning and deodorization applications in indoor environments ranging from residential and office buildings to healthcare and nursing facilities as well as spacecrafts, aircraft cabins and clean rooms in the agricultural and food industry. Numerous studies have been conducted to improve the effectiveness and performance of this technology. These include development of new configurations, energy-efficient catalysts and other parameters to control the process. However, only limited research has been conducted under realistic indoor environmental conditions. One of the most recent developments in photocatalysis is the synthesis of 2% C- and V-doped TiO[subscript]2, which is active under both dark and visible light conditions. However, like most research conducted in photocatalysis, the study on the reactivity of this catalyst has been performed only under laboratory conditions. This study investigated the possible application of the novel C and V co-doped TiO[subscript]2 in cleaning indoor air. Mathematical modeling and simulation techniques were employed to assess the potential use of some of the promising systems that utilize the catalyst (i.e., packed bed and thin films) as well as the effect of mass transfer limitations in the degradation of acetaldehyde, one of the VOCs that can be found in offices, residential buildings and other facilities.

L’automobile étant le premier moyen de déplacement en France, la présence de Composés Organiques Volatils (COVs) et de monoxyde de carbone à l’intérieur de l’habitacle, constitue un problème de santé publique. Plusieurs systèmes de dépollution, basés sur des méthodes d'adsorption, existent sur le marché, mais ne permettent qu'une simple rétention des COVs en surface. Parallèlement, des méthodes moins conventionnelles telle que la photocatalyse utilisant le dioxyde de titane, permettent d'oxyder les COVs sous irradiation, en présence d'humidité et à température ambiante. Cependant, la photocatalyse ne permet pas l’oxydation de certains polluants comme le monoxyde de carbone sans ajout de co-catalyseur. Pour éliminer le CO, la catalyse d’oxydation à froid sur dioxyde de manganèse a été étudiée.L’objectif de cette thèse est de développer une solution économique permettant la dépollution de l’habitacle automobile. Ce projet vise à allier à terme l’oxydation photocatalytique d’un COV modèle le n-pentane sur TiO2 P25 et l’oxydation catalytique du monoxyde de carbone à température ambiante sur des MnO2 synthétisés. En photocatalyse, les résultats mettent en évidence que la vitesse de dégradation diminue avec le taux d’humidité relative et augmente avec la puissance lumineuse et la concentration en n-pentane. Les concentrations des intermédiaires réactionnels sont de l’ordre du ppbv pour des ppmv de n-pentane injectés. L’operando DRIFTS a mis en évidence la présence de carbonates à la surface du photocatalyseur. Parallèlement, les expériences de PTR-MS-TOF-SRI et GC-MS ont permis d’identifier la présence de composés carbonylés parmi lesquels du formaldéhyde et la pentan-2-one. Ces intermédiaires ont permis de proposer un mécanisme de la dégradation du n-pentane sur TiO2 P25. Il a également été démontré que l’oxydation photocatalytique du n-pentane par TiO2 P25 permet une minéralisation pratiquement complète quelles que soient les conditions de travail. Pour le système catalytique, des oxydes de manganèse ont été synthétisés par co-précipitation puis calcinés sous oxygène à trois différentes températures : 100°C, 200°C et 300°C. Les performances catalytiques pour l’oxydation du CO ont été évaluées à température ambiante en l’absence d’humidité relative. Des méthodes en température programmée (TPD, TPO, TPR) ont permis de caractériser l’impact de la température de calcination sur la surface du dioxyde de manganèse. Les caractérisations DRX et BET ont mis en évidence la formation de la phase γ-MnO2 stable de 100°C à 300°C et de grande surface spécifique (178-197 m²/g). Les résultats montrent que les catalyseurs permettent une oxydation du monoxyde de carbone à température ambiante. Le catalyseur calciné à 100°C (MnO2-100) présente les meilleures performances avec un taux de conversion initiale de 60% à température ambiante pour 500 ppmv de CO à 10 L/h, 20%O2, (VVH = 25 000 h-1). Les catalyseurs, notamment MnO2-100, se désactivent au cours du temps à température ambiante. Cette désactivation pourrait être due à la capacité du catalyseur à renouveler ses oxygènes du réseau, impliquer dans le processus catalytique / The presence of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and carbon monoxide in indoor air is a major health issue. The vehicle cabin air is also affected by this problem, being the first mode of transportation. Most of the current depollution systems are based on trapping using adsorption methods, while photocatalytic processes offer the potential to fully degrade VOCs at room temperature in presence of relative humidity. However, carbon monoxide cannot be degraded by photocatalysis without a co-catalyst. Consequently, the room temperature oxidation catalysis of carbon monoxide has been studied. This thesis aims to develop an economical solution for cleaning the vehicle cabin air. This solution is based on crossing the photocatalytic oxidation of a target molecule the n-pentane over by TiO2 P25 and the room temperature oxidation of CO over synthesized MnO2. Results show that the n-pentane degradation rate decreases with the humidity level, and linearly increases with the irradiance power and the VOC concentration. Intermediates species are lowed concentrates (ppbv order) for ppmv of n-pentane used. Operando DRIFTS experiments highlighted the presence of formates surface species during the photocatalytic degradation of n-pentane. PTR-MS-TOF-SRI and GC-MS experiments highlighted the presence of carbonyl compounds as formaldehyde and pentan-2-one in gas phase during the degradation. Those intermediates species allowed us to propose a mechanism for the photocatalytic oxidation of n-pentane over TiO2 P25. Moreover, the efficiency of the photocatalytic degradation of n-pentane over TiO2 has been proved given that an almost complete mineralization is obtained whatever the working conditions. In catalysis, manganese oxides were synthesized by a co-precipitation method then calcined under oxygen at three different temperature: 100°C, 200°C and 300°C. The catalyst performances were evaluated for CO oxidation at room temperature in dry conditions. Temperature programmed methods were used for probing the impact of the calcination temperature on the catalyst surface. DRX and BET characterizations confirmed the formation of the phase γ-MnO2 stable between 100°C and 300°C, and a large surface area (178-197 m²/g). Results highlighted that the synthesized catalysts can oxide the CO at room temperature. The catalyst calcined at 100°C (MnO2-100) show the best performances with an initial conversion rate of 60% for 500 ppmv CO, at 10 L/h at 20% O2 (VVH = 25 000 h-1). However, a deactivation over the time of all the catalysts was observed, especially for MnO2-100. This deactivation could be related to the capacity of the catalyst to renew the oxygen bulk implied in the catalytic process

La performance d’un système doit être bien définie, atteignable et surtout mesurable. Ce n’est pas le cas aujourd’hui pour la ventilation. D’une part, les performances des systèmes de ventilation sont habituellement exprimées sur des considérations énergétiques ou tout simplement sur une estimation trop approximative des débits de ventilation. Les performances liées au confort thermique et à la qualité de l’air intérieur sont abordées séparément à travers des outils d’évaluation dédiés. D’autre part, les outils d’évaluation existants sont aujourd’hui limités dans leur mise en pratique pour des mesures in situ, notamment lorsqu’il s’agit de ventilation naturelle et mixte. L’objectif de cette thèse est alors d’examiner et d’expérimenter les techniques expérimentales existantes à échelle réelle afin de proposer des améliorations sur les méthodes d’évaluation et de commissionnement. La thèse aborde la performance de la ventilation en prenant en compte l’efficacité de ventilation comme performance intrinsèque et le confort thermique comme performance globale.La première partie est consacrée à l’évaluation in situ des performances intrinsèques de ventilation (taux de ventilation, âges moyens de l’air et efficacité de renouvellement d’air), en se basant sur des techniques de gaz traceurs. Après une analyse théorique des différents indicateurs de performance de ventilation et de leurs techniques de mesure correspondantes, une étude expérimentale a été menée dans une salle de cours sous différentes stratégies de ventilation (mécanique, naturelle et mixte). Les analyses ont démontré l’importance de la mise en application des techniques de décroissance de gaz traceurs sur l’incertitude des taux de renouvellement d’air avec notamment une forte influence des temps de mesure et des concentrations de gaz utilisées. Une méthodologie a été adaptée puis testée pour la mesure de l’efficacité de renouvellement d’air en ventilation mécanique, naturelle et mixte en s’affranchissant de mesures en bouches d’extraction (technique habituellement utilisée et préconisée par les normes).La deuxième partie est consacrée à l’évaluation expérimentale in situ du confort thermique sous différentes configurations de ventilation. Différentes méthodes, standards et techniques d’évaluation ont été testés et comparés avec la perception des occupants. Les résultats ont démontré la présence de plusieurs inadéquations lors de la mise en pratique des méthodes et normes existantes. Principalement, il s’agit de l’inadéquation des méthodes statiques (PMV PPD) pour l’évaluation du confort en présence de conditions thermiques fluctuantes, y compris en ventilation mécanique. Les analyses d’incertitudes liées aux erreurs de mesure ont démontré l’incohérence des normes actuelles dans la classification des catégories de confort. / The performance of a system must be well defined, attainable and above all measurable. This is not the case today for ventilation. On the one hand ventilation performance is usually declined on energy efficiency considerations or simply on a rough estimation of ventilation rates. The performance related to thermal comfort and IAQ are addressed separately through dedicated evaluation tools. On the other hand, the existing evaluation tools today are nowadays limited in their practical applications for in situ measurements, in particular in the case of natural and mixed ventilation. The aim of the present thesis is to examine the existing experimental technics, at full scale building in order to propose improvements on evaluation methods and commissioning protocols. The present thesis deals with ventilation performance taking into account ventilation efficiency as intrinsic performance and thermal comfort as overall performance.The first part is devoted to the in situ assessment of intrinsic ventilation performance (ventilation rates, mean age of air, and air exchange efficiency), based on decay tracer gas techniques. After a theorical analysis of the various performance indexes and their corresponding measurement techniques, an experimental study was carried out in a classroom under different ventilation strategies (mechanical, natural & mixed mode). The analysis proved the importance of the application of the tracer gas decay on ventilation rates accuracy with in particular a strong influence of measurement times and used tracer gas concentration. A methodology has been adapted and tested for the measurement of the air exchange efficiency in natural and mixed mode ventilation, by avoiding measurements in exhaust vents (a technique usually used and advocated by current standards).The second part is devoted to in situ assessment of thermal comfort under different ventilation strategies. Different methods, standards and evaluation techniques were tested and compared with occupants’ perception. The results demonstrated the presence of several inadequacies during the implementation of existing methods and standards. Mainly, it concerns the inadequacy of static methods (PMV PPD) for thermal comfort assessment in the presence of fluctuating thermal conditions, even with mechanical ventilation. Uncertainty analysis related to measurement errors has demonstrated the incoherence of current standards in the classification of comfort categories.

Introduktion: Enligt WHO dör det per år ungefär 3,8 miljoner människor av exponering från inomhusluftföroreningar och ungefär 3 miljarder människor lagar mat och värmer upp sina hem med förorenade bränslen, så som trä, kol, fotogen och gödsel. Både genom kortvarig och långvarig exponering för dessa föroreningar så kan hälsoproblem uppstå.  Syfte: Vårt syfte med denna studie är att beskriva hälsoeffekterna för inomhusluftföroreningar hos barn som lever i hushåll där matlagning och uppvärmning sker med förorenade bränslen.  Metod: en kvalitativ systematisk litteraturstudie. Analysen genomfördes med tematisk analys. Databaserna som användes var PubMed och WorldCat. Tjugo artiklar inkluderades i studien. Resultat: Analysen resulterade i två teman och tre underteman. Prevalensen för förorenad bränsleanvändning var högre i hushåll där barn dog vid ålder 1-4 år. Barn som bor i de länder med högst förorenat bränsleanvändning hade en sjufaldig ökning av frekvensen av lunginflammation per barnår. Förorenad bränsleanvändning var signifikant i förhållande till låg födelsevikt. Två studier visade att risken för att drabbas av Acute respiratory infection (ARI) på grund av hushållens användning av förorenade bränslen var 1,5 gånger högre, än för barn från hushåll med renare bränslen.  Slutsats: Utifrån resultaten i dn här studien har det framkommit att respiratoriska symtom/sjukdomar är det vanligaste hälsoeffekterna som drabbar barn som bor i hushåll där förorenade bränslen används för matlagning eller uppvärmning. resultaten tyder även på tt platsen för användning av förorenade bränslen har stor betydelse, då matlagning inomhus utan ventilation har ett högre utfall av respiratoriska symtom hos barn, jämfört med barn som lever i hushåll där matlagning sker utomhus eller där det finns ventilationsmöjligheter i matlagningsområdet. / Introduction. According to WHO, about 3,8 million people die from indoor air pollution exposure each year and about 3 billion people cook and heat their homes with polluted fuels such as wood, coal, kerosene and manure. Both through short-term and prolonged exposure to these contaminants, health problems can arise. Aim. Our aim with this study is to describe the health effects for indoor air pollution in children living in households where cooking and heating takes place with polluted fuels. Method. A qualitative systematic review. The analysis was conducted with thematic analysis. The databases used were PubMed and WorldCat. Twenty articles were included in the study. Result. The analysis resulted in two themes and three sub-themes. Prevalence of polluted fuel use was higher in households where children died at age 1-4 years. Children living in countries with the highest levels of polluted fuel use experienced a sevenfold higher rate of pneumonia per child year. Polluted fuel use was also related to low birth weight. Two studies showed that the risk of suffering from Acute Respiratory infection (ARI) due to household use of polluted fuels was 1.5 times higher than for children from households using cleaner fuels. Conclusion. Based on the results of this study, it has emerged that respiratory symptoms and diseases are the most common health effects among children living in households where solid fuels are used for cooking or heating. Results also indicates that the location of the use of solid fuels is of great importance since indoor cooking without ventilation, has a higher outcome of respiratory symptoms in children, compared to children living in households where cooking takes place outdoors or where there are ventilation possibilities in the cooking area.

Cabines de veículos automotores recém-manufaturados podem ser consideradas críticas quando se avalia a qualidade do ar interno, pois concentrações de compostos orgânicos voláteis encontram-se em níveis mais altos que os ambientes externos. Determinadas substâncias presentes no ar da cabine podem ser prejudiciais ao ser humano em função da sua toxicidade, pricipalmente nos grandes centros urbanos. A avaliação do ar da cabine automotiva se faz necessária. Nesse estudo, foi feita uma avaliação da qualidade do ar interno da cabine de 7 veículos populares recém-manufaturados contendo materiais de acabamento interno iguais. Um total de 46 compostos orgânicos voláteis foi identificado, sendo que 14 deles são compostos carbonílicos e 32 são hidrocarbonetos alifáticos e aromáticos, compostos halogenados e um nitrogenado. Os compostos carbonílicos foram identificados e quantificados por cromatografia a líquido e os outros VOCs apenas identificados por GC-MS. No ar interno da cabine dos veículos estudados, as concentrações médias encontradas para os compostos carbonílicos (µg/m3) em ordem decrescente foram: formaldeído (165,3); acetona (67,5); acetaldeído (56,8); isovaleraldeído (40,8); propionaldeído (21,1); butiraldeído (17,9); crotonaldeído (14,9); hexaldeído (14,9) valeraldeído (9,8); 2.5- dimetilbenzaldeído (9,3); otolualdeído (8,4); p/m tolualdeído (6,8); acroleína (4,2) e benzaldeído (3,8). Com relação aos outros VOCS foram identificados o metilbutano, que apresentou a maior porcentagem de abundância relativa, 8,5%, seguido de outros hidrocarbonetos com abundância relativa entre 5 e 2% , como, 2,7,10-trimetildodecano, 2,2,6-trimetildecano, ciclopentano, 2,3,4-trimetildecano, n-pentano, 3,6-dimetilundecano, 4-metildodecano, 4,6- dimetildodecano, 3,6-dimetildecano e 1,2-dimetilbenzeno. Dois derivados de hidrocarbonetos halogenados também foram encontrados, sendo que o triclorofluormetano foi o majoritário com 5,7%, e um composto nitrogenado, a acetonitrila com 5,4%. Os compostos derivados do benzeno identificados foram: 1,2-dimetilbenzeno, etilbenzeno, metilbenzeno, 1-etil-3- metilbenzeno, 1-etil-3-metilbenzeno e 1,3,5-trimetilbenzeno que perfazem 6,6 % de abundância relativa. O mais abundante entre os aromáticos foi o 1,2-dimetilbenzeno (2,5%). Os resultados experimentais revelaram também a liberação de VOCs pelos materiais de acabamento interno dos veículos automotores recém-manufaturados. / New motor vehicles cabins may be critical when considering the internal air quality, because concentrations of volatile organic compounds are at levels higher than the outdoors. Certain substances present in the cabin air can be harmful to humans according to their toxicity, mainly in the big cities. Assessment of the cabin air becomes necessary. In this study, cabin air quality was assessed and 7 popular new vehicles containing same interior trim materials were evaluated. A total of 46 volatile organic compounds were identified, with 14 of them were carbonylic compounds and 32 are aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, halogenated compounds and a nitrogenated compound. The carbonylic compounds were identified and quantified by the liquid chromatography and other VOCs only identified by GC-MS. Cabin air vehicles studied showed the following average concentrations found for carbonylic compounds ( µg/m3) in a descending order: formaldehyde (165.3), acetone (67.5); acetaldehyde (56.8); Isovaleraldehyde ( 40.8); propionaldehyde (21.1); butyraldehyde (17.9); crotonaldeído (14.9); hexaldeído (14.9) Valeraldehyde (9.8); dimetilbenzaldeído-2.5 (9.3); the - tolualdeído (8.4), p / m - tolualdeído (6.8); acrolein (4.2) and benzaldehyde (3.8). Concerning the other VOCs the following compounds were identified: methylbutane, which had the highest percentage of relative abundance, 8.5%, followed by other hydrocarbons with relative abundance between 5 and 2%, 2,7,10-trimetildodecano, 2.2 ,6- Trimetildecano, ciclopentano, 2,3,4-trimetildecano, n-pentane, 3.6-dimetilundecano, 4- metildodecano, dimetildodecano-4.6, 3.6 and 1.2-dimetildecano-dimetilbenzeno. Two halogenated hydrocarbons were also found, and triclorofluormetano had the biggest relative abundance percentage 5.7%, and a nitrogen compound, the acetonitrile with 5.4%. The benzene compounds identified were: 1.2-dimetilbenzeno, ethylbenzene, methylbenzene, 1- ethyl-3-methyl, ethyl-1-and 3-methyl 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene which comprise 6.6% of relative abundance. 1.2-dimetilbenzeno was the most abundant aromatic compound with relative abundance 2.5%. Results also showed that VOCs were released by studied vehicles interior trim materials.

No presente trabalho, é avaliada a qualidade do ar interno com ênfase na concentração de aerodispersóides presentes em edifícios comerciais e residenciais com sistema de ventilação natural ou condicionamento de ar. De fato, algumas doenças de origem ocupacional são causadas pela inalação de aerodispersóides nocivos à saúde. O método utilizado para avaliar a qualidade do ar interno nos edifícios comerciais e residenciais consistiu primeiramente em caracterizar os medidores de aerodispersóides e em seguida passou-se para a análise das concentrações e das características ambientais. A pesquisa mediu a concentração de aerodispersóides em edifícios com sistemas de ventilação diferentes (1a fase), e identificou as principais fontes de emissão de aerodispersóides em um apartamento residencial (2a fase). Observou-se que as concentrações obtidas na pesquisa estão acima dos valores recomendados na RE n° 9 (ANVISA, 2003) e por Morawska et al. (1999) que atribuem valores de 80 µg/m³ e 7.400 part./cm³, para concentrações médias em massa e em número, respectivamente. Com base nas observações acima, chegou à conclusão que as concentrações médias em massa e em número de aerodispersóides, durante as atividades domésticas (cozimento, reforma, limpeza, entre outras), foram várias vezes maiores do que as concentrações obtidas em ambientes com atividades profissionais ou com menor ocupação durante o dia. / This paper is the result of quality evaluation of indoor air quality with emphasis on the concentration of aerodispersoid in commercial and residential buildings with natural ventilation or air conditioning systems. In fact, some of the occupational diseases are caused by the inhalation of aerodispersoids hazardous to health. The method applied to evaluate the indoor air quality in commercial and residential buildings consisted firstly of characterizing the aerodispersoid measuring devices and subsequently analyzing the concentration levels and environmental characteristics. This research measured the concentration of aerodispersoids in buildings equipped with a variety of ventilation systems (phase1) and next it identified the main emission sources in a residential apartment (phase 2). It was observed that the concentration levels measured were above the specifications recommended by RE n° 9 (ANVISA, 2003) and by Morawska et al. (1999) which attribute values of 80 µg/m³ and 7.400 part./cm³, for average concentration in mass and number respectively. Based on the above information it was concluded that the average concentration levels of aerodispersoids in mass and number in home related activities (cooking, restoration, cleaning, etc) were many times higher than the concentration levels found in business environments or in environments with less occupation during the day.