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- Children's health and indoor air quality in primary schools and homes in Portugal-Study designPublication . Madureira, Joana; Paciência, Inês; Ramos, Elisabete; Barros, Henrique; Pereira, Cristiana; Teixeira, João Paulo; Fernandes, Eduardo de OliveiraThe main aim of the research project "On the Contribution of Schools to Children's Overall Indoor Air Exposure" is to study associations between adverse health effects, namely, allergy, asthma, and respiratory symptoms, and indoor air pollutants to which children are exposed to in primary schools and homes. Specifically, this investigation reports on the design of the study and methods used for data collection within the research project and discusses factors that need to be considered when designing such a study. Further, preliminary findings concerning descriptors of selected characteristics in schools and homes, the study population, and clinical examination are presented. The research project was designed in two phases. In the first phase, 20 public primary schools were selected and a detailed inspection and indoor air quality (IAQ) measurements including volatile organic compounds (VOC), aldehydes, particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), bacteria, fungi, temperature, and relative humidity were conducted. A questionnaire survey of 1600 children of ages 8-9 years was undertaken and a lung function test, exhaled nitric oxide (eNO), and tear film stability testing were performed. The questionnaire focused on children's health and on the environment in their school and homes. One thousand and ninety-nine questionnaires were returned. In the second phase, a subsample of 68 children was enrolled for further studies, including a walk-through inspection and checklist and an extensive set of IAQ measurements in their homes. The acquired data are relevant to assess children's environmental exposures and health status.
- Nanomaterials safety assessment: contribution from the Portuguese National Institute of Health (INSA) researchPublication . Albuquerque, José MariaThe National Health Institute Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA) is a public organization of the Portuguese Ministry of Health, which develops a triple role as State Laboratory in the health sector, National Reference Laboratory and National Health Observatory. All operative units composing the departments develop multidisciplinary programs in problem areas of Public Health, namely performing R&D, health monitoring, training, laboratory external quality assessment and general health services. INSA has been successful in leading and being partner of national and transnational research projects and initiatives in the nanosafety field.