Indoor air最新文献

The present study was aimed at assessing the concentrations of Rn and Th gases in the indoor air of residential homes in urban and rural areas near the active faults in Yazd province. Sampling and measurements were performed for 6 months (autumn and winter) in 2024 using the RAD7 device. Residential houses with the maximum distance (1000 m) from the active fault were considered, and 81 homes were investigated. The kriging method (GIS 2020) was used for Rn and Th zoning. The Mann–Whitney test results showed no significant difference between the Rn (p = 0.49) and Th (p = 0.69) concentrations in urban and rural homes. The highest Rn gas concentration was related to adobe brick (63.83 [52.97]) > bricks and iron (23 [26.06]) > beams and blocks (12.24 [11.04]) Bq/m³, and the highest Th gas concentration as building materials was related to adobe brick (6.53 [3.76]) > bricks and iron (5.02 [4]) > beams and blocks (3.52 [1.99]) Bq/m³, too. Zoning maps showed that the Rn gas concentration was highest in the central and southern parts of D and E cities. Indoor Rn and Th concentrations were below the permissible limits set by the United States EPA (148 Bq/m³) and the WHO (100 Bq/m³) guidelines. Adobe brick has a high porosity and could play an important role in Rn and Th distributions, while beams and blocks have the lowest porosity and could act oppositely. To improve public health, regular gas monitoring is recommended, especially in rural areas.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) in educational buildings has become a key priority, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the high vulnerability of children and a widespread lack of effective ventilation systems in classrooms. This study introduces a MIVES-based multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) framework to prioritize IAQ improvement investments in classrooms, aligning them with predefined sustainable development objectives. The MIVES methodology combines MCDM and multiattribute utility theory (MAUT), incorporating the concept of value functions (VFs) to standardize indicators, and uses the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to assign relative weights across evaluation criteria. The proposed prioritization investment index for indoor air quality (PIIIAQ) integrates a risk index (RI)—based on threat, the population at risk, and the classroom vulnerability—with a comprehensive sustainability assessment across economic, social, and environmental dimensions. The framework was applied to 14 intervention strategies (Projects A to N) across various Spanish schools, producing accurate, consistent, and repeatable evaluations in a transparent and traceable way. Project K, which involved installing a complete HVAC system in a high-risk classroom (RI = 4.54), received the highest PIIIAQ score (0.81), followed by Projects M and J (0.75), while lower-ranked projects such as E (0.36) and B (0.39) offered minimal improvement or impact. A sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of results across different stakeholder-weighting scenarios. The model′s output closely matched expert judgment, validating its reliability and demonstrating its potential as a strategic tool for guiding resource allocation in public educational infrastructure.

Conventional clean air delivery rate (CADR) protocols may not adequately reflect the removal performance of portable air purifiers against nanoparticles and bioaerosols. In this study, we systematically assessed the nanoparticle removal efficiency of a commercially available portable air purifier using a sealed chamber and size-resolved testing. Both natural decay and operational decay were evaluated for particles ranging from 10 nm to 0.3 μm, with cumulative purification cycles used to assess the impact of filter loading. Substantial natural decay was observed for particles smaller than 0.06 μm, potentially confounding CADR interpretation in this range, while particles above 0.1 μm exhibited concentration increases due to aggregation. The most penetrating particle size (MPPS) shifted with increased filter loading, and CADR values were lowest for particles in the 0.07–0.09 μm range. Notably, energy efficiency (CADR per watt) declined for nanoparticles as cumulative loading increased. These findings underscore the inherent limitations of standard CADR assessments for nanoparticles and highlight the necessity of developing air cleaner evaluation methodologies that explicitly incorporate nanoparticle dynamics, particularly in the context of emerging concerns such as nanoparticles and bioaerosols.

Outdoor air pollution has been identified as a significant source of indoor fine particulate matter. This study investigated the infiltration of outdoor PM_2.5 into homes and its potential health implications for a low-income urban population in Kuala Lumpur. Indoor and outdoor PM_2.5 concentrations were measured, while indoor particle number concentrations (PNCs) were also assessed in 22 residences. Water-soluble inorganic ions (WSII) concentrations were determined, primarily to calculate infiltration factors (Finfs). Results showed mean indoor and outdoor PM_2.5 concentrations of 27.36 ± 9.25 and 32.44 ± 9.38  μg m⁻³, respectively. Sulphate (SO₄²⁻) was the dominant WSII, comprising 3.98% (indoor) and 4.32% (outdoor) of the PM_2.5 mass. A strong correlation was observed between indoor and outdoor PM_2.5 levels, with an average Finf value of 0.83 ± 0.09. The average Finf for all WSII species was 0.71 ± 0.08. Indoor PNC, with a size of 0.01–1 μm in diameter, averaged 13,581 ± 5086 # cm⁻³, indicating moderate indoor particle pollution, potentially influenced by indoor sources. Using AirQ+ software, the estimated attributable cases of mortality per 100,000 at risk population due to PM_2.5 exposure were 3.88 for short-term and 147.26 for long-term exposure, with higher risk projected for residents of high-floor residences compared to those on lower floors. These findings underscore the substantial impact of outdoor air pollution on indoor air quality and the significant infiltration of outdoor PM_2.5, highlighting the urgent need for strategies to mitigate its entry into homes.

In the wake of the pandemic, epidemic prevention design has become increasingly important in the architectural planning of smart cities. However, only a small number of studies have examined ventilation strategies and the thermal conductivity of construction materials in high-rise residential buildings and quarantine lodgings using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). This study used CFD-Flovent simulations to analyze two architectural configurations and duct layouts. The results were validated by fluorescent tracer diffusion experiments. The simulations show that opening the door of a contaminated room causes mixing with corridor airflow. The central heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system supplies air to rooms. This air returns through ducts and spreads contaminants to nearby rooms on the same floor. It can also reach other levels. The study confirms that toilet flushing is a transmission pathway. Viral aerosols can pass through gaps between plumbing fixtures and enter upper rooms through shared exhaust ducts. Four ventilation scenarios were evaluated. Each scenario considered airflow control, energy use, and transmission paths. To balance infection control and energy consumption, four ventilation scenarios were compared using air changes per hour (ACH)–based air conditioning system simulations. The results support a phase-specific strategy with ACH ≥ 6 during pandemics and ACH 2–4 in postpandemic periods, offering practical guidance for both new constructions and retrofit applications. The results suggest that spatial planning should be improved. Independent exhaust ducts, booster fans, and window-mounted exhaust units are recommended. These methods can improve ventilation in key areas. They reduce stagnant airflow and lower the risk of infection. These measures support the needs of smart city development.

This study presents a novel hybrid decision-making model for evaluating and ranking air quality monitoring systems in aircraft cabins, addressing a critical need for passenger health and safety in confined environments. The research utilizes expert evaluations from a panel of industry professionals, including engineers, health and safety officers, and regulatory specialists, to assess multiple criteria such as detection accuracy, health impact, and system integration. The dataset was collected from expert surveys and validated using industry reports from leading aviation organizations and manufacturers. The analytical approach integrates quantum picture fuzzy rough sets (QPFRSs), M-SWARA, k-means clustering, and the PROMETHEE method to manage uncertainty in expert assessments and prioritize key decision criteria. The findings reveal that HEPA filtration systems rank as the most effective solution, consistently outperforming alternatives in terms of health impact and filtration efficiency. The model′s integration of QPFRS with expert prioritization and multicriteria ranking provides a structured and adaptable approach for decision-making in the aviation sector. The study′s implications extend beyond aviation, offering a scalable framework for evaluating air quality technologies in smart buildings, industrial settings, and urban environments. The structured methodology enables policymakers and industry practitioners to make informed decisions that balance technical performance, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory compliance. Future research should focus on further empirical validation and dynamic AI-driven integration to enhance real-time decision-making in air quality management.

This narrative review synthesizes interdisciplinary evidence on how indoor environmental factors, thermal conditions, lighting, noise, and air quality affect sleep quality and evaluates interventions to optimize these factors in energy-efficient buildings. We analyzed peer-reviewed studies (2000–2024) from Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, and Wiley, selected through a structured screening process focusing on human studies in nonclinical settings. Evidence synthesis suggests that (1) moderate thermal environments, generally ranging between 18°C and 22°C, support sleep continuity in most healthy adults, though optimal thresholds may vary by age, region, and season. (2) Evening exposure to short-wavelength blue light, typically above 30–50 lux at 460–480 nm, disrupts circadian timing, particularly in adolescents and sensitive populations. (3) Nighttime noise levels above ~35 dB (A) are linked to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep disruption, with sensitivity varying by individual and noise source. (4) PM_2.5 and CO₂ accumulation in poorly ventilated bedrooms contribute to increased sleep fragmentation. Strategies like broadened HVAC setpoints and nighttime ventilation offer energy-saving potential without compromising sleep quality, but empirical support is sparse. Promising interventions, including dynamic lighting, acoustic insulation, and intelligent ventilation, need further validation in real-world settings. This review highlights the need for sleep-centric building standards and policies that prioritize both occupant health and energy efficiency. Future research should focus on personalized interventions and longitudinal studies to address mechanistic gaps.

This comprehensive critical review shows how green buildings and energy optimization solutions improve indoor air quality (IAQ) as well as indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and human health. The growing emphasis on sustainable living has led to the establishment of green and sustainable building approaches, which are widely acknowledged for their energy efficiency and potential to reduce costs. A systematic analysis of 128 peer-reviewed publications was conducted, including studies on design and materials, IAQ monitoring technologies, and health impacts. Technologies such as low-cost sensors including Dylos, Foobot, and AirVisual Pro, as well as communication systems like Wi-Fi, LoRa, Bluetooth, and VLC, are assessed based on their performance, limitations, and practical use in real-time IAQ monitoring. Key challenges include sensor drift, maintenance demands, environmental sensitivity, and regulatory barriers in specific regions. Intelligent calibration models and integration strategies are explored to enhance data accuracy and system longevity. While green buildings generally offer better IAQ, effectiveness varies due to outdoor pollution, building age, and material selection. The study emphasizes the need for a holistic, health-driven approach in sustainable building design that combines architecture, technology, and human well-being to foster resilient and healthier indoor environments.

Air pollution, especially the rising ground-level ozone (O₃) levels, poses a critical global challenge to public health and environmental sustainability. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are key precursors to O₃ formation, are primarily emitted from various household chemical products. Given the lack of a thorough understanding of the current regulatory control on VOC emissions and the need to identify ways to curb these emissions, a comparative analysis was conducted on the VOC regulations across three major economies: Mainland China, the European Union (EU), and the United States. The analysis reveals distinct regulatory frameworks and approaches: (i) the United States exemplifies a robust control framework characterized by detailed product categorization, stringent VOC limits, and many control parameters; (ii) the EU adopts a relatively streamlined approach, primarily targeting certain types of architectural paints and relying on ecolabel for specific cleaning products; and (iii) Mainland China employs a broad regulatory approach, permitting a range of solvent-borne products with comparatively lenient VOC limits, while tightening penalty mechanisms and broadening the scope of regulated entities. Comparatively, the EU and Mainland China place less emphasis on governing consumer products such as air fresheners, while the United States and Mainland China implement the polluter-pays principle, including VOC taxes. In addition to forging international collaboration to enhance cross-border regulatory control of VOCs, future work is needed to explore establishing stricter emission standards, implementing comprehensive bans on specific high-VOC products, and providing financial incentives and technological upgrades for the transition to low-VOC alternatives.