P. Dingle

Formaldehyde Levels and the Factors Affecting These Levels in Homes in Perth, Western Australia:

Formaldehyde is a highly irritant gas commonly encountered in indoor environments. Domestic levels of formaldehyde may vary with building practices and climate and the aim of the present study was to investigate formaldehyde levels in 185 homes in Perth, Australia. The formaldehyde was monitored using a validated passive sampling technique. Levels were measured in four rooms of each house (living room, kitchen and large and small bedrooms). In 160 homes the monitoring was repeated 4–7 months later in a different season to the original measurement. It was found that within homes there was no significant difference in formaldehyde concentrations measured in the four rooms. For the first sampling period, the geometric mean of the average household concentration (average of the four rooms) for all homes was 22.8 ppb and ranged from 3.0 to 92.3 ppb. Only the age of the house (p < 0.0001) and the season of monitoring (p < 0.0001) were significant predictors of indoor levels, higher levels in newer homes and in homes monitored in summer. Mean concentrations were lower during the follow-up monitoring, but only in houses that were less than 10 years old or in houses that were initially monitored in summer. Overall formaldehyde concentrations were low and rarely exceeded the Australian guideline level of 100 ppb. There seemed to be good inter-room mixing of formaldehyde within homes. Concentrations were significantly affected by season and age of the house.

Control and Regulation of Indoor Air: An Australian Perspective

There are few standards and guidelines on indoor air in Australia, and little information is available on indoor air quality in Australian buildings. The development of existing controls has relied heavily on overseas data and often lags behind the implementation of controls elsewhere. Indoor air standards have been developed for ventilation in public buildings commensurate with U.S. standards. A recommended goal for formaldehyde exposure levels has been set at 0.1 ppm and a remedial action level for radon at 200 Bq/m3. Nitro gen dioxide, particulates and volatile organic compounds are currently under review. Other indoor issues are not yet being considered at a formal level. This paper discusses the current status of the control and regulation of indoor air quality and provides an overview of indoor air research in Australia.

Intervention study of airborne fungal spora in homes with portable HEPA filtration units

The concentrations and composition of airborne fungal spores in homes fitted with portable HEPA filtration units were examined to provide information to evaluate the importance of varying levels of fungal spores in residential environments in Perth, Australia. A novel method for simulating activity/impaction on carpeted environments was also investigated. Reductions in fungal (35%) and particulate (38%) levels were achieved in the air filter homes. Penicillium, Cladosporium and yeasts were the most common and widespread fungi recovered indoors and outdoors. Fungal range decreased over the study period but this could be due to an overall reduced dissemination of spores (less spores in the air).

Formaldehyde in Occupied and Unoccupied Caravans in Australia

A study of 132 unoccupied and 60 occupied caravans was conducted to determine levels of formaldehyde and factors which may affect these levels. Repeat monitoring was carried out 6 months later in 50 of the occupied caravans. A questionnaire was also used to assess po tential factors associated with the recorded levels. Mean formaldehyde levels of 100 ppb in unoccupied caravans and 29 ppb in occupied caravans were recorded. A nega tive correlation was found between formaldehyde levels and the age of caravans. There were significant seasonal differences in formaldehyde levels measured, with high er levels recorded in winter.

Environmental Tobacco Smoke and Ventilation in 20 Social Venues in Perth, Western Australia

The indoor air quality and ventilation systems of 20 indoor public venues in the Perth Metropolitan area were investigated. This included 4 licensed restaurants, 2 licensed sporting clubs, 6 coffee shops (including a smoking café in a non-smoking shopping centre), 5 tav erns, 2 night-clubs and a major hotel. Indicators oftobac co smoke and ventilation were monitored, the ventilation system was inspected and the number of people en gaged in smoking and not smoking were counted. Averaged levels of nicotine varied between 1.91 and 22.4 μg.m-3 and were highest in taverns. Significantly higher levels of nicotine were found in the public areas compared to levels behind the bar in taverns and clubs. Particulate levels and levels of carbon monoxide were elevated. With the exception of the major international hotel, all venues were found to have significant deficien cies in the running and maintenance of their air condi tioning systems.

Indoor Air Health Risk Perceptions in Australia

A survey of 1,462 people was carried out in Perth, West ern Australia to develop an understanding of the public perception and attitude towards the risk posed by indoor air pollutants. It was found that the public had a limited awareness of the issues involving the health risk posed by indoor air pollutants. The risk was perceived to be low, and a high proportion of the population (90.5%) indicated that they found the risk to be worse but accept able. The sample population indicated that they were not prepared to reduce the risk they perceived by spending money. Whilst the population perceived the health risk of indoor air pollutants to be low, they exhibited a high lev el of concern over the health risks of three specific indoor air pollutants, i.e. asbestos, pesticides and environmen tal tobacco smoke. The public perceived universities and research institutes to be the most credible sources of health-related information although the media was seen as the most important source of information on the health risks of indoor air pollutants.

Sick building syndrome

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the problems with indoor air quality arising from many sources in the office environment. These problems are related to complaints concerning comfort, health, and well-being. Potential exposures in indoor environments cause a wide variation in symptoms known as sick building syndrome (SBS). General SBS symptoms and complaints cause no lasting damage to the long-term health of occupants, yet health complaints related to buildings are significant disruptions to the people who experience them on a regular basis. An ideal work environment has no large changes in temperature or humidity and with no odors. However, such conditions are difficult to achieve. The indoor air quality proves to be vital for health, comfort, work, productivity. Avoidance of the potential allergenic, irritative, and toxic effects of the indoor environments should be a primary aim in the design, construction, and use of non-industrial buildings. The chapter discusses the solutions to SBS, which involves education on all the factors associated with the building process.

Pesticide residues in food

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the history of pesticide use, factors that affect pesticide residue levels in food, regulations and standards, and exposure to pesticide residues, and the associated health risks. The dietary pesticide risk assessment estimates the levels of pesticides in foods. The major approach to estimation of pesticide residues involves monitoring a sample of foods that represent the normal diet of the population, and extrapolating this information to the broader food market. Monitoring programs aim to detect the illegal use of pesticides. Human exposure to a wide variety of pesticides in foods is extensive. There are bans on a number of organochlorine pesticides, including dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane (DDT), heptachlor, aldrin, and dieldrin, which reflect in the results of many monitoring surveys with marked decreases in residue levels. The risk associated with pesticide residues in foods depends on the dosage of the chemical, the time of exposure, and the susceptibility of the individual human. Majority of pesticide residue levels in food are relatively safe and are within legal limits. Some levels will continue to decrease, as people become aware of the adverse effects of certain pesticides and decline the usage of those chemicals. However,the effect of these low levels of pesticides contributes to long-term chronic health effects.