Browsing by Author "Madureira, J."
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- Airborne bacteria and fungi in different indoor environments: levels and dose ratesPublication . Paciência, I.; Madureira, J.; Cavaleiro Rufo, J.; Aguiar, L.; Teixeira, João Paulo; Pinto, M.; Moreira, A.; de Oliveira Fernandes, E.The study aimed to: (i) quantify bacteria and fungi concentrations in 4 indoor environments; (ii) identify the recovered fungi; (iii) assess the impact of outdoor bacteria and fungi indoors; and (iv) estimate bacterial and fungal inhalation dose rates in children and elderly. Air samples were collected from 20 primary schools, 68 homes, 9 child day-care centres and 22 elderly care centres, with a microbiological air sampler using TSA and MEA culture media.
- Assessment and determinants of airborne bacterial and fungal concentrations in different indoor environments: Homes, child day-care centres, primary schools and elderly care centresPublication . Madureira, J.; Teixeira, João Paulo; Oliveira Fernandes, E.Until now the influence of risk factors resulting from exposure to biological agents in indoor air has been far less studied than outdoor pollution; therefore the uncertainty of health risks, and how to effectively prevent these, remains. This study aimed (i) to quantify airborne cultivable bacterial and fungal concentrations in four different types of indoor environment as well as to identify the recovered fungi; (ii) to assess the impact of outdoor bacterial and fungal concentrations on indoor air; (iii) to investigate the influence of carbon dioxide (CO2), temperature and relative humidity on bacterial and fungal concentrations; and (iv) to estimate bacterial and fungal dose rate for children (3e5 years old and 8e10 years old) in comparison with the elderly. Air samples were collected in 68 homes, 9 child day-care centres, 20 primary schools and 22 elderly care centres, in a total of 264 rooms with a microbiological air sampler and using tryptic soy agar and malt extract agar culture media for bacteria and fungi growth, respectively. For each building, one outdoor representative location were identified and simultaneously studied. The results showed that child day-care centres were the indoor microenvironment with the highest median bacterial and fungal concentrations (3870 CFU/m3 and 415 CFU/m3, respectively), whereas the lowest median concentrations were observed in elderly care centres (222 CFU/m3 and 180 CFU/m3, respectively). Indoor bacterial concentrations were significantly higher than outdoor concentrations (p < 0.05); whereas the indoor/outdoor ratios for the obtained fungal concentrations were approximately around the unit. Indoor CO2 levels were associated with the bacterial concentration, probably due to occupancy and insufficient ventilation. Penicillium and Cladosporium were the most frequently occurring fungi. Children's had two times higher dose rate to biological pollutants when compared to adult individuals. Thus, due to children's susceptibility, special attention should be given to educational settings in order to guarantee their healthy future development.
- Bacterial and fungal exposure in schools may influence asthma and allergy in childrenPublication . Cavaleiro Rufo, João; Madureira, J.; Paciência, I.; Aguiar, L.; Delgado, L.; Teixeira, J.P.; de Oliveira Fernandes, E.; Moreira, A.Development of allergic diseases may be regulated by microbial exposure. Children spend a lot of their time in schools, under an extensive diversity of biological agents, such as bacteria and fungi. This study aimed to characterize indoor air microbiological exposure in schools as a predictor of allergic sensitization and asthma in children.
- Chemical Exposure and Occupational Symptoms Among Portuguese HairdressersPublication . Mendes, A.; Madureira, J.; Neves, P.; Carvalhais, C.; Laffon, B.; Teixeira, João PauloHairdressing is predominantly a female activity, in which several chemicals are handled, some of which are known to be allergenic and potentially carcinogenic. Several epidemiological studies showed an association between occupational exposure to chemicals in hairdressing salons and skin and respiratory-tract conditions. The aim of this study were to characterize the occupational exposure to total volatile organic compounds (VOC) and ammonia (NH3) in 50 Portuguese hairdressers' salons and to analyze the prevalence of respiratory and skin symptoms in 134 hairdressing professionals. Data indicated that internal sources of total VOC are mainly due to indoor sources, with average concentrations (1.4 mg/m3) above the Portuguese reference levels (0.6 mg/m3). Of the hairdressers' salons studied, 4% had a mean NH3 concentration higher than Portuguese (20 ppm) and American Conference of Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) (25 ppm) reference levels. Hand dermatitis was the occupational symptom most reported by hairdressers (50%), followed by eye irritation (43%). The results of this study suggest that hairdressers' occupational activities are linked with higher risk of developing hand and wrist/arm dermatitis and symptoms in the upper respiratory tract. The proper use of disposable gloves, hands, wrists, and arms skin monitoring, and the frequent use of moisturizers in the workplace are effective measures to prevent the occurrence of dermatitis in these professionals. Displacement ventilation and/or local exhaust with adequate air exchange rate are recommended particularly in technical areas where hairdressing chemicals are mixed.
- Effect of individual's characteristics on volatile organic compoounds profile analysed by an electronic nosePublication . Slezakova, Klara; Cavaleiro-Rufo, J.; Esteves, F.; Costa, D.; Pereira, M.C.; Teixeira, J.P.; Madureira, J.Breath analysis using an electronic nose (eNose) is a technology for exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that has shown potential in the diagnosis of respiratory diseases. However, the effect of an individual’s characteristics in the exhaled VOCs profile is far from fully understood. This pilot study aimed to identify the relevant characteristics of participants that may influence the VOCs profiles by the eNose. The study population consisted of 91 volunteers (57.1% males) with an average age of 38 years, randomly recruited among nonexposed individuals to VOCs in Porto, Portugal. Exhaled breath air samples were analysed using the Cyranose® 320. Physiological (e.g. height, weight) and sociodemographic characteristics, behavioural patterns, and occupational/environmental exposures were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Other data (e.g. type of consumed food, liquids and oral hygiene) was recorded via face-to-face interviews. Results showed that exhaled VOCs profiles are influenced by water intake prior to breath sample air collection. It is suggested that individuals should abstain from drinking water for 2.5 h before VOC analysis. This work will support other ongoing research in occupational exposure scenarios, such as forest firefighters’, to further the understanding of this under-explored scientific area, since we hypothesise that VOCs patterns will differ between persons occupationally exposed to VOCs and those unexposed.
- Evaluation of a smoke-free law on indoor air quality and on workers' health in Portuguese restaurantsPublication . Madureira, J.; Mendes, A.; Teixeira, João PauloWorkplace bans on smoking are interventions to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) to try to prevent harmful health effects. The Portuguese Government on January 1, 2008, introduced the first national law banning smoking in public workplaces, including restaurants. The main aim of this study was to examine the impact of this law on indoor air quality (IAQ) in restaurants and on the respiratory and sensory health of restaurant workers. Concentrations of respirable suspended particulate matter (RSP), total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), carbon monoxide (CO), and carbon dioxide (CO2) in 10 restaurants were measured and compared before and after the ban. Benzene (C6H6) concentrations were also measured in all restaurants. Fifty-two and twenty-eight restaurant workers, respectively, answered questionnaires on exposure to SHS, and respiratory and sensory symptoms in the pre- and post-ban phases. There was a statistically significant decrease in RSP, CO, TVOC, and C6H6 concentrations after the ban. Additionally, in both phases the monitored CO2 concentrations greatly exceeded 1800 mg x m(-3), suggesting inefficient ventilation of the indoor spaces. Between pre- and post-ban phases a significant reduction in self-reported workplace SHS exposure was also observed after the enforcement of the law, as well as a significant marked reduction in dry, itching, irritated, or watery eyes, nasal problems, sore or dry throat, cough, wheeze, and headache. This study provides, in a single investigation, comparison of IAQ and respiratory health in Portugal before and after the introduction of the smoke-free law, the first data reported in the literature to our knowledge. Our findings suggest that a total workplace smoking ban results in a significant reduction in indoor air pollution and an improvement in the respiratory health of restaurant workers. These observations may have implications for policymakers and legislators currently considering the nature and extent of their smoke-free workplace legislation and could provide a useful contribution to the implementation of public health prevention programs.
- Exposure to emissions from cleaning products in primary schools: a test chamber studyPublication . Cavaleiro Rufo, João; Madureira, J.; Paciência, I.; Sousa, J.; Oliveira Fernandes, E.; Slezakova, K.; Pereira, M.C.; Aguiar, L.; Teixeira, J.P.; Pinto, M.; Delgado, L.; Moreira, A.The aim of this study was to investigate volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from floor cleaning products (FCPs) used in primary schools and compare them with emissions from a previously recognised low-emitting product (control sample). Samples of FCPs used in 3 primary schools and a control sample were collected and subsequently examined in a test chamber. Measurements were performed at t = 0, 60, 120, 240 and 480 min after application. The analysis was performed by GC-MS. The results showed that VOC emissions were higher during t = 0 than in the subsequent measurements, with the exception of benzaldehyde and benzene, being significant for toluene and m/p-xylene. VOC emissions from the control FCP were not significantly lower than the schools FCPs. To prevent the exposure of children to VOCs, the school cleaning should be performed at the end of the classes.
- How indoor air quality changed in primary schools: a 4 years follow-up studyPublication . Cavaleiro Rufo, J.; Madureira, J.; Paciência, I.; Aguiar, L.; Teixeira, J.P.; Slezakova, K.; do Carmo Pereira, M.; Pinto, M.; Moreira, A.; de Oliveira Fernandes, E.The aim of this study was to assess if IAQ in primary schools improved in 4 years as a result of adopting the SINPHONIE guideline-based recommendations.
- Impact of renovations on EDC levels and school children's health: bridging science-policy gaps by addressing scientific uncertaintiesPublication . Hatem, G.; Salamova, A.; Haninnen, O.; Faria, A.M.; Costa, C.; Slezakova, K.; Teixeira, J.P.; Madureira, J.Building renovations may yield emissions of various air chemicals that can disrupt normal human endocrine functions. However, only a few endocrine disruptive health outcomes (e.g., respiratory, behavioural, or learning domains) have been comprehensively addressed among susceptible populations, particularly schoolchildren. This project investigates the role of school building renovations on childrenís exposure to indoor Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) and the associated respiratory and cognitive health risks.
- Indoor levels and health risk assessment of volatile organic compounds in Portuguese homesPublication . Slezakova, K.; Costa, C.; Valongo, C.; Teixeira, J.P.; Madureira, J.About indoor levels and health risk assessment of volatile organic compounds in Portuguese homes.