Studies on the trend of air pollution in Tehran, Iran, as one of the most polluted metropolis in the world are scant, and today Tehran is known for its high levels of air pollutants. In this study, the trend of air pollution concentration was evaluated over the past 10 years (2004-2015). The data were collected from 22 stations of the Air Quality Control Company. Daily concentrations of CO, NO₂, SO₂, O₃, PM₁₀ were analyzed using SPSS 16 based on the statistical method, repeated measures, and intra-group test to determine the pattern of each pollutant changes. As a result of the 22 air pollution monitoring stations, NO₂ and SO₂ concentrations have been increasing over the period of 10 years. The highest anomaly is related to SO₂. The CO concentrations represent a descending pattern over the period, although there was a slight increase in 2013 and 2014. The O₃ concentrations declined in the following years. The average concentration of PM₁₀ has been rising during the period. Also we evaluated changes of each pollutant in different months and calculated the number of clean, healthy, unhealthy days for sensitive, unhealthy, very unhealthy, and dangerous groups. The study findings illustrated the necessity for larger investment in air pollution abatement. Overall, trends have been progressed to worsening, the number of healthy days has been declined and the number of unhealthy days has been increased in recent years.
Air Pollutants ; Air Pollution ; Investments ; Iran* ; Methods ; Quality Control

Studies on the trend of air pollution in Tehran, Iran, as one of the most polluted metropolis in the world are scant, and today Tehran is known for its high levels of air pollutants. In this study, the trend of air pollution concentration was evaluated over the past 10 years (2004-2015). The data were collected from 22 stations of the Air Quality Control Company. Daily concentrations of CO, NO₂, SO₂, O₃, PM₁₀ were analyzed using SPSS 16 based on the statistical method, repeated measures, and intra-group test to determine the pattern of each pollutant changes. As a result of the 22 air pollution monitoring stations, NO₂ and SO₂ concentrations have been increasing over the period of 10 years. The highest anomaly is related to SO₂. The CO concentrations represent a descending pattern over the period, although there was a slight increase in 2013 and 2014. The O₃ concentrations declined in the following years. The average concentration of PM₁₀ has been rising during the period. Also we evaluated changes of each pollutant in different months and calculated the number of clean, healthy, unhealthy days for sensitive, unhealthy, very unhealthy, and dangerous groups. The study findings illustrated the necessity for larger investment in air pollution abatement. Overall, trends have been progressed to worsening, the number of healthy days has been declined and the number of unhealthy days has been increased in recent years.
Air Pollutants ; Air Pollution ; Investments ; Iran ; Methods ; Quality Control

OBJECTIVETo analyze the impact of the measures for securing quality air for the 2008 Beijing Olympic and Paralympics Games on air pollution index (API) in Beijing and forecast the aftereffects.

METHODSThe time-distribution of API in Beijing from 2004 to 2008 was described. The time sequence analysis was used and the autoregressive integrated moving average model (ARIMA) was chosen to establish an API forecasting model to predict the API in December, 2008.

RESULTSFrom 2004 to 2008, the average API in March (120 +/- 66) was the highest followed by November (116 +/- 72) and the average API in July (83 +/- 28) was the lowest followed by August (77 +/- 27). The proportion of "excellent" and "good" days from 2004 to 2008 were 9.56% (35/366), 54.37% (199/366), 8.49% (31/365), 54.52% (199/365), 7.12% (26/365 ), 58.90% (215/365 ), 8.77% (32/365), 58.63% (214/365), 16.67% (61/366), 58.20% (213/366) respectively, with an increasing trend year by year (chi2(trend) = 11.397, P = 0.001). The model of ARIMA (1, 0, 0) fitted well; according to the prediction of the ARIMA (1, 0, 0) model, the decrease of API that attributed to interim measures during the Olympic Games was 37. 1% and the average API of December was 82.

CONCLUSIONThe interim measures during the Olympic Games were effective on promoting air quality. After the Olympic Games, air quality would still remain good.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) has become a major concern nowadays because of the universality of exposure and its potential negative impact on human health especially on children. This study is intended to explore the association between IAQ and the respiratory health among preschool children in urban and suburban area. A cross-sectional comparative study was carried out among Malay preschool children in urban (N= 60, Puchong) and suburban (N=60, Hulu Langat) areas. An indoor air quality assessment was conducted in 12 preschools and 60 houses which include parameters of PM2.5, PM10, VOCs, mold, bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria and physical parameters. A set of standardized questionnaire was distributed to obtain respondents’ background information, exposure history and respiratory health symptoms. Spirometry test was carried out and the data obtained were analyzed to determine the lung function of the respondents. There was a significant difference between IAQ in urban and suburban preschools for all parameters measured (p<0.05). Most of the pollutants were significantly associated with respiratory health symptoms. There was a significant association between the level of indoor pollutants with the lung function abnormalities among the respondents. Even though this study is the first to take Gram-negative bacteria as an indoor air pollutant, the finding also shows that there is a significant association between exposure of Gram-negative bacteria with lung function impairment and higher reported respiratory symptoms among the respondents. The finding concluded that exposures to indoor air pollutants, especially PM2.5 increases the risk of getting lung function abnormality and respiratory health symptoms among respondents.
Indoor air quality ; mold ; bacteria ; lung function ; respiratory health symptoms

Research on environmental ergonomics of train/commuter is very limited. Thus, this study was conducted with aims to determine the environmental ergonomic of public transport, whether it is in accordance to indoor air quality standard inside women coach cabin train during operations. Although the number of passengers is increasing, some claimed that the indoor air quality for the Malaysian commuter train is uncertain, especially at peak times. Unsatisfactory feedback from some respondents—especially female passengers—will affect other passengers to remain loyal to use this facility as one of the main transportation to reduce the traffic congestion that will be faced if using private vehicles. The study conducted during peak hours on the weekends and the trip took exactly two hours and covered 18 main stations. The measurement devices placed at the centre of the cabin Komuter using Air Quality Meter (AIRFLOW Instrument Model TA465). The main parameters measured were temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide (CO2). This study also counts the number of passengers riding the train. The results showed that the indoor air quality (AIQ) level of the morning hour will affect passengers’ health more compared to the evening hour (this is due to the CO2 level that has exceeded the safety standard). Morning hour gave higher reading of CO2 (43.8%) and relative humidity (17%) compared to evening hour. Evening hours also showed greater temperature at 3%. The findings can give awareness to the train company to improve the IAQ by installing a suitable ventilation system and can give comfort to the passengers when travelling using Malaysian commuter train The results showed that the indoor air quality (AIQ) level of the morning hour will affect passengers’ health more compared to the evening hour (this is due to the CO2 level that has exceeded the safety standard). Morning hour gave higher reading of CO2 (43.8%) and relative humidity (17%) compared to evening hour. Evening hours also showed greater temperature at 3%. The findings can give awareness to the train company to improve the IAQ by installing a suitable ventilation system and can give comfort to the passengers when travelling using Malaysian commuter train.
ergonomic environment ; indoor air quality ; public transport ; KTM Komuter

Indoor air quality is an essential aspect for occupational health including in a densely populated university. This study aimed to assess the indoor airborne microorganisms via biochemical and molecular approaches in five enclosed workplaces, and their resistance towards six commonly used antibiotics. Cfu/dm2/h for five enclosed workplaces was determined using settle plate technique with 1/1/1 scheme and Gram staining was performed for all pure strains isolated. Two strains with the highest count and with different morphologies were identified using biochemical test as well as 16S rRNA amplification and direct sequencing. Minimum inhibitory concentration for antibiotics was carried out for these two strains. In this study, 27 microbial strains with different morphologies were obtained from all workplaces and 2 strains with the highest count were strain J in café and strain M in library, which were identified as Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus cohnii, respectively. Both of them were highly susceptible to ampicillin and tetracycline. With resistance up to 0.78 µg/mL; B. cereus was less sensitive to kanamycin and neomycin whereas S. cohnii was less sensitive to streptomycin. In conclusion, antibiotics resistant B. cereus and S. cohnii were two of the microorganisms showing the most abundance in the café and library of a Malaysian public university, respectively. This study may serve as the baseline for the prescriptions of antibiotics to airborne microbial related infections especially to the community in the university who seek for medical treatments; particularly for respiratory and digestive infections which often associated with indoor microenvironment.
antibiotic resistance ; Bacillus cereus ; indoor air quality ; minimum inhibitory concentration ; Staphylococcus cohnii

The effects of children’s exposure on high concentration of airborne pollutants at schools often associated with increased rate of absenteeism, low productivities and learning performances, and development of respiratory problems. Recent studies have found that the presence of occupants in the classroom seems to give major effect towards the elevation of concentration of airborne pollutants in indoors. In order to evaluate and further understand on the significance of occupancy factor on IAQ, this study has been designed to determine and compare the level of selected physical (particulate matter (PM)) and chemical (carbon dioxide (CO2) and temperature) IAQ parameters and biological contaminants via colony forming unit (CFUm-3 ) for bacteria and fungi inside the selected classrooms during occupied and non-occupied period (first objective). The second objective is to describe the possible sources of airborne pollutants inside the classrooms at the selected primary schools around Kuantan, Pahang. Assessments of physical and chemical IAQ were done by using instruments known as DustMate Environmental Dust Detector and VelociCalc® MultiFunction Ventilation Meter 9565.The data were recorded every 30 minutes for 8 hours during schooldays and weekend at the selected sampling point in the classrooms. For microbial sampling, Surface Air System Indoor Air Quality (SAS IAQ) was used to capture the bacteria and fungi. The data obtained were compared with the established standard reference known as the Industrial Code of Practice on Indoor Air Quality (2010) constructed by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), Malaysia. This study has found that some of the IAQ parameters in the selected classrooms were exceeding the established standards during occupied period in schooldays compared to non-occupied period during weekend. Findings of this study provide the insights for future research including the site selection of school, arrangement of the classrooms and numbers of students per class.
Occupancy ; particulate matter (PM) ; airborne microbes ; indoor air quality ; primary schools

Even after two years, the COVID-19 pandemic still disrupts public activities and services as it exposes vulnerabilities among the population and negatively impacts environmental conditions. The crisis also impeded global progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The Fourth Environmental and Occupational Health (EOH) Forum held virtually on November 25 to 26, 2021 provided a venue for learning about local and international COVID-19 responses to help prepare for the next global crisis. Through the systems thinking approach, the discussions prioritized analyses of leadership and governance, financing, human resource, technologies, information management, and service delivery. These analyses focused on community and/or workplace programs and services linked to air quality, waste management, psychosocial wellness, and COVID-19 vaccination. The forum amplified calls for climate actions and public health improvement and emphasized the significance of a collaborative, evidence-based, integrated public health response to a crisis underscoring the apparent interdependence of the SDGs.
Environmental Health ; Occupational Health ; Sustainable Development Goals ; Covid-19 ; air quality

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to examine indoor concentrations of air pollutants in socioeconomically disadvantaged houses and to investigate relationships between indoor air pollutant levels and the severity of atopic dermatitis (AD). METHODS: A total of 54 children who had a past history or current symptoms of AD were enrolled in the study. To evaluate the levels of indoor air pollutants, we measured concentrations of CO2, total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), formaldehyde, particulate matter with diameter less than 10 microm (PM10), airborne mold and numbers of house dust mite (HDM) in dust of the children's houses. All studied subjects completed physical examination for the severity of AD and blood tests. RESULTS: Although the mean (+/-standard deviation [SD]) concentration of indoor CO2 (600.6+/-179.4 ppm) was lower than the standard recommended levels of multiplex buildings in Korea, there was a significant correlation between CO2 concentrations and the severity of AD (r=0.302, P=0.030). The geometric means (range of 1 SD) of TVOC (42.5 microg/m3 [22.2-81.5]), formaldehyde (24.3 microg/m3 [15.0-39.9]), PM10 (26.6 microg/m3 [14.6-48.4]), and airborne mold (49.9 CFU [colony forming unit]/m3 [26.3-94.6]) were not significantly higher than the standard recommended levels of multiplex buildings. Two-thirds of the subjects were sensitized to at least 1 of the common allergens. CONCLUSION: Generally, indoor air pollution was not serious in socioeconomically disadvantaged households. However, indoor CO2 concentrations are closely related to the severity of AD in children living in socioeconomically disadvantaged houses. Environmental amelioration targeting vulnerable population may improve the quality of life and decrease the prevalence of environmental allergic diseases.
Air Pollutants* ; Air Pollution, Indoor ; Allergens ; Child* ; Dermatitis, Atopic* ; Dust ; Family Characteristics ; Formaldehyde ; Fungi ; Hematologic Tests ; Humans ; Korea ; Particulate Matter ; Physical Examination ; Prevalence ; Pyroglyphidae ; Quality of Life ; Volatile Organic Compounds ; Vulnerable Populations*

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by airflow limitation and results from environmental factors and genetic factors. Although cigarette smoking is a major risk factor, other environmental exposures can influence COPD. The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical characteristics of COPD according to the history of environmental exposure. METHODS: The study population comprised of 347 subjects with COPD who were recruited from the pulmonary clinics of 14 hospitals within the Korean Obstructive Lung Disease Study Group. We classified environmental exposures according to history of living near factory, and direct exposure history to firewood or briquette. According to living environmental exposures, we compared the frequency of respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function, quality of life, exercise capacity, and computed tomography phenotypes. RESULTS: Thirty-one subjects (8.9%) had history of living near factory, 271 (78.3%) had exposure history to briquette, and 184 (53.3%) had exposure history to firewood. Patients with history of living near a factory had a significantly longer duration of sputum, while patients with exposure to firewood tended to have lower forced expiratory volume in one second, and patients with exposure to briquette tended to have lower six minute walk distance. CONCLUSION: COPD subjects with the history of living near factory had more frequent respiratory symptoms such as sputum. Our data suggest that environmental exposure may influence clinical phenotype of COPD.
Air Pollutants ; Environmental Exposure* ; Forced Expiratory Volume ; Fossil Fuels ; Humans ; Korea ; Lung Diseases, Obstructive ; Occupational Exposure ; Phenotype ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive* ; Quality of Life ; Risk Factors ; Smoking ; Sputum