A participant-based approach to indoor/outdoor air monitoring in community health studies

Johnson, Markey; Hudgens, Edward; Rt, Williams; Andrews, Gina; Neas, Lucas M.; Gallagher, Jane; Özkaynak, Halûk

doi:10.1038/jes.2008.39

Cited by 14 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 26 publications

(24 reference statements)

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“…The Three Cities Study (TCS) used 1‐week samples in living rooms ( n = 161 houses) measured in 2005 and 2006 in three southeast Michigan cities: Dearborn, a densely populated and industrialized city, in many ways similar to Detroit; Ypsilanti, a more urban and commercial city; and Ann Arbor, a largely suburban and affluent community (Jia et al., ). The Mechanistic Indicators of Childhood Asthma Study (MICAS) collected 7‐day samples (participant‐deployed) in Detroit homes of children (ages 9–13 years, n = 41) with and without asthma in November and December, 2006 (Johnson et al., , ). The Windsor, Ontario (Canada) Exposure Assessment Study (WOEAS) (Health Canada, ) was conducted just south of Detroit in non‐smoking homes with asthmatic children (aged 9–12 years, n = 47) in summer and winter of 2006.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Levels and sources of volatile organic compounds in homes of children with asthma

et al. 2014

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Many volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are classified as known or possible carcinogens, irritants and toxicants, and VOC exposure has been associated with the onset and exacerbation of asthma. This study characterizes VOC levels in 126 homes of children with asthma in Detroit, Michigan, USA. The total target VOC concentration ranged from 14 to 2,274 μg/m3 (mean = 150 μg/m3; median = 91 μg/m3); 56 VOCs were quantified; and d-limonene, toluene, p, m-xylene and ethyl acetate had the highest concentrations. Based on the potential for adverse health effects, priority VOCs included naphthalene, benzene, 1,4-dichlorobenzene, isopropylbenzene, ethylbenzene, styrene, chloroform, 1,2-dichloroethane, tetrachloroethene and trichloroethylene. Concentrations varied mostly due to between-residence and seasonal variation. Identified emission sources included cigarette smoking, solvent-related emissions, renovations, household products and pesticides. The effect of nearby traffic on indoor VOC levels was not distinguished. While concentrations in the Detroit homes were lower than levels found in other North American studies, many homes had elevated VOC levels, including compounds that are known health hazards. Thus, the identification and control of VOC sources is important and prudent, especially for vulnerable individuals. Actions and policies to reduce VOC exposures, e.g., sales restrictions, improved product labeling and consumer education, are recommended.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Levels and sources of volatile organic compounds in homes of children with asthma

et al. 2014

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“…(25, 26) For indoor temperature and humidity measurements, data logging instruments could be prepared at the study center and delivered to the home with instructions on where to place the instrument and how to initiate data collection. After the sampling period, instruments could be returned by mail to the study center.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparison of Single-Point and Continuous Sampling Methods for Estimating Residential Indoor Temperature and Humidity

Johnston

Magnusson

Eggett

et al. 2015

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene

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Residential temperature and humidity are associated with multiple health effects. Studies commonly use single-point measures to estimate indoor temperature and humidity exposures, but there is little evidence to support this sampling strategy. This study evaluated the relationship between single-point and continuous monitoring of air temperature, apparent temperature, relative humidity, and absolute humidity over four exposure intervals (5-min, 30-min, 24-hrs, and 12-days) in 9 northern Utah homes, from March – June 2012. Three homes were sampled twice, for a total of 12 observation periods. Continuous data-logged sampling was conducted in homes for 2-3 wks, and simultaneous single-point measures (n = 114) were collected using handheld thermo-hygrometers. Time-centered single-point measures were moderately correlated with short-term (30-min) data logger mean air temperature (r = 0.76, β = 0.74), apparent temperature (r = 0.79, β = 0.79), relative humidity (r = 0.70, β = 0.63), and absolute humidity (r = 0.80, β = 0.80). Data logger 12-day means were also moderately correlated with single-point air temperature (r = 0.64, β = 0.43) and apparent temperature (r = 0.64, β = 0.44), but were weakly correlated with single-point relative humidity (r = 0.53, β = 0.35) and absolute humidity (r = 0.52, β = 0.39). Of the single-point RH measures, 59 (51.8%) deviated more than ±5%, 21 (18.4%) deviated more than ±10%, and 6 (5.3%) deviated more than ±15% from data logger 12-day means. Where continuous indoor monitoring is not feasible, single-point sampling strategies should include multiple measures collected at prescribed time points based on local conditions.

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“…This technique has been demonstrated using vacuum socks (Schram-Bijkerk et al 2006), electrostatic wipes (Arbes et al 2005; Cozen et al 2008; Schram-Bijkerk et al 2006), and passive samplers (Johnson et al 2009). New methods for exposure measurement by subjects have also been proposed (Karlsson et al 2002; Noss et al 2008; Sercombe et al 2005).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exposure Assessment in Cohort Studies of Childhood Asthma

Arrandale

Bräuer

Brook

et al. 2011

Environ Health Perspect

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BackgroundThe environment is suspected to play an important role in the development of childhood asthma. Cohort studies are a powerful observational design for studying exposure–response relationships, but their power depends in part upon the accuracy of the exposure assessment.ObjectiveThe purpose of this paper is to summarize and discuss issues that make accurate exposure assessment a challenge and to suggest strategies for improving exposure assessment in longitudinal cohort studies of childhood asthma and allergies.Data synthesisExposures of interest need to be prioritized, because a single study cannot measure all potentially relevant exposures. Hypotheses need to be based on proposed mechanisms, critical time windows for effects, prior knowledge of physical, physiologic, and immunologic development, as well as genetic pathways potentially influenced by the exposures. Modifiable exposures are most important from the public health perspective. Given the interest in evaluating gene–environment interactions, large cohort sizes are required, and planning for data pooling across independent studies is critical. Collection of additional samples, possibly through subject participation, will permit secondary analyses. Models combining air quality, environmental, and dose data provide exposure estimates across large cohorts but can still be improved.ConclusionsExposure is best characterized through a combination of information sources. Improving exposure assessment is critical for reducing measurement error and increasing power, which increase confidence in characterization of children at risk, leading to improved health outcomes.

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A participant-based approach to indoor/outdoor air monitoring in community health studies

Cited by 14 publications

References 26 publications

Levels and sources of volatile organic compounds in homes of children with asthma

Levels and sources of volatile organic compounds in homes of children with asthma

Comparison of Single-Point and Continuous Sampling Methods for Estimating Residential Indoor Temperature and Humidity

Exposure Assessment in Cohort Studies of Childhood Asthma

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