Browsing by Author "Mendes, A."
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- Biological Air Contamination in Elderly Care Centers: Geria ProjectPublication . Aguiar, L.; Mendes, A.; Pereira, C.; Neves, P.; Mendes, D.; Teixeira, João PauloIndoor air quality (IAQ) affects health particularly in susceptible individuals such as the elderly. It has been estimated that the older population spends approximately 19–20 h/d indoors, and the majority of the elderly spend all of their time indoors in elderly care centers (ECC). Older individuals may be particularly at risk of exposure to detrimental effects from pollutants, even at low concentrations, due to common and multiple underlying chronic diseases that increase susceptibility. This study, aimed to assess the impact of indoor biological agents in 22 ECC located in Porto, was conducted during summer and winter from November 2011 to August 2013 at a total of 141 areas within dining rooms, drawing rooms, medical offices, and bedrooms (including the bedridden). Air sampling was carried out with a microbiological air sampler (Merck MAS-100) and using tryptic soy agar for bacteria and malt extract agar for fungi. The results obtained were compared with the recently revised Portuguese standards. In winter, mean fungi concentration exceeded reference values, while bacteria concentrations were within the new standards in both seasons. The main fungi species found indoors were Cladosporium (73%) in summer and Penicillium (67%) in winter. Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus flavus, known potential pathogenic/toxigenic species, were also identified. Although the overall rate and mean values of bacteria and fungi found in ECC indoor air met Portuguese legislation, some concern is raised by the presence of pathogenic microorganisms. Simple measures, like opening windows and doors to promote air exchange and renewal, may improve effectiveness in enhancing IAQ.
- 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.
- Environment and Health in Children Day Care Centres in Portugal - results from phase II on the ventilation characteristics of 16 schoolsPublication . Aelenei, D.; Azevedo, S.; Viegas, J.; Mendes, A.; Papoila, A.L.; Cano, M.; Martins, P.; Neuparth, N.
- 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.
- Indoor air quality and thermal comfort in elderly care centersPublication . Mendes, A.; Bonassi, S.; Aguiar, L.; Pereira, C.; Neves, P.; Silva, S.; Mendes, D.; Guimarães, L.; Moroni, R.; Teixeira, João PauloThis study explored environmental variables and buildings characteristics in 22 elderly care centers (ECCs) in Portugal. Indoor environmental parameters were measured twice for a total of 141 sampling sites. Each site was assessed for PM10, PM2.5, total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), formaldehyde, CO, CO2, total bacteria and fungi. Thermal comfort (TC) parameters were measured according to ISO 7730:2005 and a building characterization was performed. The overall PM2.5 mean concentration of the 22 ECC was above international reference levels in summer and winter seasons. TVOC, bacteria, CO and CO2 showed significantly higher indoor levels compared to outdoor, in both seasons. Indoor PM10, TVOC, bacteria and CO2 present significant differences between seasons. TVOC, bacteria and CO2 show significant variation between ECC rooms and 4% of fungi samples were positive for pathogenic Aspergillus species. The winter predicted mean vote (PMV) index showed a ‘slightly cool’ thermal sensation scale which may potentiate respiratory tract infections. The predicted percent of dissatisfied people (PPD) and PMV indices show significant differences by season. The building variables ‘Insulation’, ‘Heating Ventilation’ and ‘Windows frames’ were significantly associated to chemical, biological and TC parameters. ‘Bacteria’, ‘Fungi’, ‘Temperature’, Relative Humidity’, and ‘PPD index’ are the mostly affected by building characteristics. Insulating ceilings, walls, and windows could improve winter season TC, providing health benefits to ECC residents.
- Indoor air quality and thermal comfort-results of a pilot study in elderly care centers in PortugalPublication . Mendes, A.; Pereira, C.; Mendes, D.; Aguiar, L.; Neves, P.; Silva, S.; Batterman, S.; Teixeira, João PauloThe age of the European population is rising and percentage of adults aged 65 years and older is projected to increase from 16% in 2000 to 20% in 2020. It has been estimated that older subjects spend approximately 19 to 20 h/d indoors. Older individuals may be particularly at risk for detrimental effects from pollutants, even at low concentrations, due to reduced immunological defenses and multiple underlying chronic diseases. Six Porto, Portugal, urban area elderly care centers (ECC), housing a total of 425 older persons, were studied to assess indoor air quality (IAQ) and thermal comfort (TC) in two seasons. This study presents the IAQ and TC results in 36 rooms and constitutes part of a wider and ongoing study. The study areas were all naturally ventilated, and indoor concentrations in winter were within Portuguese reference values. However, 42% of the participants were dissatisfied with indoor thermal conditions, rating it "slightly cool." In summer, the index rate of dissatisfied individuals was lower (8%). Significant differences were found between seasons in predicted percent of dissatisfied people (PPD) and predicted mean vote (PMV) indices. Fungal concentrations frequently exceeded reference levels (>500 colony-forming units [CFU]/m(3)). In addition, other pollutants occasionally exceeded reference levels. To our knowledge, this is the first study in Portugal to assess effects of indoor air contaminants on the health status and quality of life in older subjects living in ECC. Although IAQ and TC parameters were mostly within reference values, the results suggest a need to improve the balance between IAQ and TC in ECC, a critical environment housing a susceptible population.
- Sick Building SyndromePublication . Mendes, A.; Teixeira, João PauloSick Building Syndrome (SBS) is recognized by the World Health Organization as a group of symptoms that have no clear etiology and are attributable to exposure to building variables (indoor air quality, lighting, noise, psychological effects). SBS symptoms may occur singly or in combination with each other increasing in severity over the working shift and resolving rapidly when leaving the building in the evening, improving over the weekend and usually disappearing on holiday. The symptoms of SBS include eye, nose, and throat irritation; sensation of dry mucous membranes; dry, itching, and red skin; headaches and mental fatigue; nausea and dizziness.
- The Influence of Indoor Environments in Respiratory Health and Quality of Life of Susceptible Populations - The GERIA ProjectPublication . Mendes, A.; Papoila, L.; Carreiro-Martins, P.; Bonassi, S.; Caires, I.,; Palmeiro, T.; Aguiar, L.; Pereira, C.; Neves, P.; Mendes, D.; Botelho, A.; Neuparth, N.; Teixeira, J.P.Presentation about GERIA Project “Geriatric Study in Portugal on Health Effects of Air Quality in Elderly Care Centers. The aim of GERIA project is to carry out a risk assessment involving: identification of multiple factors potentially affecting health and quality of life; quantification of human exposure to pollutants, and evaluation of the individual’s response to these stimuli.