INDOOR MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION AND ITS RELATION TO PHYSICAL INDOOR AIR QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS AT SELECTED LIBRARIES IN PAHANG

2015 ◽  
Vol 77 (24) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hizrri, A. ◽  
Khadijah, H. ◽  
Noor Faizul Hadry, N. ◽  
Norhidayah, A. ◽  
Mohd Shukri, M. A.
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Microbial Contamination ◽  
Dominant Type ◽  
Airborne Pollutants ◽  
Airborne Microbes ◽  
Biological Reaction ◽  
Relationship Of

Library contains huge collection of books that can undergo biodeterioration process after period of time. Due to this  biological reaction, the existence of airborne particulate matters and microbes in the air of the library can be disturbed and elevated, thus can cause health implications to occupants. Therefore, it is an urge to assess and understand the correlation between physical indoor air quality (IAQ) characteristics, airborne pollutants and microbial contaminants in different library settings and locations. This study was carried out at three different libraries, which are Library A (Gambang as suburban area), Library B (Kuantan as urban area) and Library C (Pekan as rural area). The physical IAQ characteristics and particulate matter (PM) monitoring were assessed by using IAQ Meter and DustMate respectively. Surface Air System IAQ (SAS IAQ) was used to collect the airborne microbes. The microbial contamination was further assessed and identified in the laboratory by using API 20E and API 20 Strep while SPSS was used to analyze the relationship of physical IAQ characteristics, airborne pollutants and airborne microbes contaminants. The scientific method protocol and standard reference limits were compared based on Industrial Code of Practise on Indoor Air Quality, 2010 (ICOP, 2010) regulated by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). Respirable PM in Library A and CFU counts in Library A and C exceeded the standard limit with the value of 0.30 mg/m3, 2744 CFU/m3 and 1833 CFU/m3 respectively. Significant differences (p <0.05) between the selected libraries were observed among relative humidity (p=0.001), inhalable PM (p=0.001), thoracic PM (p=0.001), respirable PM (p=0.01), CO2 reading (p=0.001) and CFU counts (p=0.01). This study demonstrated Library C has poor air quality as the reading for CO2 and CFU counts are very high compared with the other two libraries. The bacterial identification findings indicated that Gram positive bacteria were abundant compared to Gram negative bacteria. Aerococcus viridans is the most dominant type of bacteria isolated in all the libraries.

INDOOR MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION AND ITS RELATION TO PHYSICAL INDOOR AIR QUALITY (IAQ) CHARACTERISTICS AT DIFFERENT LABORATORY CONDITIONS

2015 ◽  
Vol 77 (24) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hazrin, A. H. ◽  
Anis Syazana, A. A. ◽  
Noor Faizul Hadry, N. ◽  
Norhidayah, A. ◽  
Mohd Shukri, M. A.
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Microbiology Laboratory ◽  
Airborne Pollutants ◽  
Code Of Practice ◽  
Microbial Contaminants ◽  
Respirable Particulate

Laboratory usually refers to a room or building equipped with chemicals and biological agents for scientific experimentation and research. Due to its own indoor hazards and its cause of health implications, it is an urge to assess and to understand the physical indoor air quality (IAQ) characteristics in the laboratory and the variables affecting the degree of exposure to occupants. The main objectives of this study was aimed to assess and to compare the physical IAQ characteristics and airborne pollutants including particulate matters (PM) and gaseous pollutants between laboratories, to identify microbial contaminants via bacterial counts as well as scientific bacterial-kits species identification and to correlate the relationship of physical IAQ characteristics, airborne pollutants and microbial contaminants between different laboratory settings within the same building which are Natural Product (NP) laboratory, Plant Tissue Culture (PTC) laboratory, and Microbiology laboratory. The physical IAQ characteristics and airborne PM was measured using VelociCalc multi-function ventilation meter 9565 and DustMate environmental dust detector respectively. Surface Air System Indoor Air Quality (SAS IAQ) was used to capture the microbial contaminants and after that bacterial counting and identification were done. The scientific method protocol and standard reference limits were compared based on Industrial Code of Practice on Indoor Air Quality (ICOP) (2010) regulated by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). The temperature of PTC laboratory, velocity of NP laboratory and Microbiology laboratory, the respirable particulate matter (PM) of all three laboratories and Colony Forming Unit (CFU) count of PTC and NP laboratory exceeded the standard limit regulated by DOSH. This study demonstrated that Gemella morbillorum is the common bacterial species available in the environment with poor IAQ and there is a significant relationship between physical characteristics, airborne pollutants and microbial contaminants between the different types of laboratory settings. In conclusion, priority should be given to NP laboratory as it is exposed to poor IAQ conditions and immediate action should be taken to eliminate the problems.

scholarly journals Sewage Sludge Incorporating Into Fired Clay Brick: Indoor Air Quality Testing

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 1113-1118
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Sewage Sludge ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Clay Soil ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Clay Brick ◽  
Huge Amount

Sewage industry have generated huge amount of sewage sludge. It is found that the amount of sewage sludge generated by Malaysia sewerage companies has reached 5.3 million m3 per year. Sewage sludge (SS) are usually disposed into a landfill or incineration but due to the huge amount of sludge produced and limited availability of lad, it has become an environmental hazard. Thus, this research was conducted to utilize sludge that resulted from the wastewater treatment plant into fired clay brick as well as contributed to other alternative disposal method for the sludge. This research focuses on the investigation of indoor air quality of fired clay brick incorporating with SS. The SS was collected from IWK located at Senggarang and Perwira whilst clay soil was collected at Yong Peng, Johor. The characteristics of SS and clay soil were analyzed using X-ray fluorescence (XRF). From the results, it showed that SS was high with silicon oxide (SiO2 ) and zinc (Zn) that makes it compatible to replace clay soil as raw materials. Next, two types of sewage sludge brick (SSB) which are Senggarang brick (SB) and Perwira brick (PB) were incorporated with 0%, 1%, 5%, 10% and 20% of SS respectively. Then, the compressive strength test was conducted in accordance with the British Standard BS 3921: 1985. Based on the result, it shows that 5% of SS replacements as clay soil into fired clay brick have achieved the optimum strength. As for the indoor air quality (IAQ) test were done in walk-in stability chamber (WiSC) and the gas emission was compared with the Industry Code of Practice on Indoor Air Quality (ICOP-IAQ) through Department of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia (DOSH, 2010). From the result, IAQ brick for SB and PB showed that up to 5% in fired clay brick were complied with the standard which below the acceptable limit that has provided for wall, column and cube formed. Thus, as a conclusion this method provided an alternative disposal method for the SS whilst producing a new low-cost building material with no negative effect to human as well as benefit to the environment.

Case study of odor and indoor air quality assessment in the dewatering building at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant

2012 ◽  
Vol 65 (4) ◽  
pp. 773-779 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manju Sharma ◽  
Susan O'Connell ◽  
Brett Garelli ◽  
Chakkrid Sattayatewa ◽  
Demetrios Moschandreas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Productivity Loss ◽  
Exhaust System ◽  
System Capacity ◽  
Water Reclamation ◽  
Emission Rates

Indoor air quality (IAQ) and odors were determined using sampling/monitoring, measurement, and modeling methods in a large dewatering building at a very large water reclamation plant. The ultimate goal was to determine control strategies to reduce the sensory impacts on the workforce and achieve odor reduction within the building. Study approaches included: (1) investigation of air mixing by using CO2 as an indicator, (2) measurement of airflow capacity of ventilation fans, (3) measurement of odors and odorants, (4) development of statistical and IAQ models, and (5) recommendation of control strategies. The results showed that air quality in the building complies with occupational safety and health guidelines; however, nuisance odors that can increase stress and productivity loss still persist. Excess roof fan capacity induced odor dispersion to the upper levels. Lack of a local air exhaust system of sufficient capacity and optimum design was found to be the contributor to occasional less than adequate indoor air quality and odors. Overall, air ventilation rate in the building has less effect on persistence of odors in the building. Odor/odorant emission rates from centrifuge drops were approximately 100 times higher than those from the open conveyors. Based on measurements and modeling, the key control strategies recommended include increasing local air exhaust system capacity and relocation of exhaust hoods closer to the centrifuge drops.

scholarly journals Assessment of Occupational Safety and Hygiene Perception among Afro-Caribbean Hair Salon Operators in Manchester, United Kingdom

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (18) ◽  
pp. 3284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haruna Musa Moda ◽  
Debrah King
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Musculoskeletal Diseases ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Musculoskeletal Symptoms ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Hair Salon

Because of exposure to a number of potential health hazards within the work environment, hairstylists experience occupational diseases that include occupational asthma, skin conditions and musculoskeletal diseases. The paucity of studies assessing occupational safety and hygiene management among Afro-Caribbean hair salon operators in the UK promoted the study. QualtricsTM was used to assess the participants’ perception of exposure to hair products and their personal safety and hygiene knowledge, attitudes, awareness, and risk perceptions at work. In five salons, indoor air quality was monitored over one working week for selected environmental pollutants: temperature, humidity, CO, CO2 and Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs) using a GrayWolf Direct Sense Indoor Air Quality-IAQ (IQ-610). The use of unflued gas heating to raise the indoor temperature was common among the salons’ operators which explains the high carbon monoxide readings recorded. Itchy eyes and nose (44.4%) shoulder, neck and back pain (39.2%) were frequently reported. Age-stratified analysis of reported occupational ailments showed participants within an age bracket of 31–35 reported allergies (24%) and itchy eyes and nose (19.1%) as the most common of occupational ailments. Respiratory, skin and musculoskeletal symptoms ranked as major occupational ill-health experiences among the study population. The study outcome demonstrated that the type of activity and the hair products used play an important role in the level of pollutants in the working environment. The substitution of the more harmful hair products with safer alternatives is needed, as is the encouragement of health surveillance.

A method for integrating occupational indoor air quality with building information modeling for scheduling construction activities

2014 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 245-251 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Sadiq Altaf ◽  
Zaher Hashisho ◽  
Mohamed Al-Hussein
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Building Information Modeling ◽  
Concentration Level ◽  
Information Modeling ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Airborne Pollutants ◽  
Building Information

The occupational indoor air quality during construction plays a role in determining workers’ health as construction activities frequently generate airborne pollutants. This paper presents a methodology to predict the concentration of air pollutants during construction activities using building information modeling (BIM) and schedule the activities to limit the pollutant concentration within acceptable limits. This method allows the stakeholders to determine and predict the indoor air quality at the construction site before actual construction work. The proposed method was applied to predict the concentration of PM10 during dry wall sanding in a new residence as a case study. Using BIM technology PM10 concentration was predicted during drywall sanding, which ranged from 12.8 to 29.5 mg/m3. Also the hourly PM10 concentration level and the production rate of the drywall activity was adjusted to reduce the concentration level from 20 mg/m3 to the applicable standard of 10 mg/m3. The unique contribution of this research compared to previous research on indoor air quality and BIM is the development of a new method that integrates occupational indoor air quality with building information modeling for the assessment of the occupational environment for construction workers. More specifically, this paper uses BIM to assess the occupational indoor air quality and schedule construction activities to limit the exposure of workers to prescribed guidelines.

scholarly journals Microbial pollution of indoor air in Riyadh city government schools

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 209-216
Author(s):  
Reda Abdel-Zaher Abdel-Aziz ◽  
Samir Mahmoud Radwan
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Microbial Contamination ◽  
City Government ◽  
Gram Positive ◽  
Government Schools ◽  
Microbial Pollution ◽  
Riyadh City

The presence of microorganisms in indoor air represents a dangerous issue with a major impact in the field of health protection and environmental engineering. Low indoor air quality is a major trouble in government schools because of the massive density of students per classroom, inadequate supply of air from outside, as well as weak construction and poor maintenance of school buildings. Evaluation of microbial contamination within the indoor air is important to assess health dangers and establish requirements for tracking indoor air quality. Evaluation of microbial contamination is of notable significance in intensively populated centers as government schools. A study was carried out among a hundred and twenty randomly classrooms of twenty government primary schools of Riyadh city in the academic year 2018/2019. For the determination of microbial pollution, passive air sampling settle plate technique was utilized by exposing a Petri dish of appropriate agar media for one hour. Results showed that the counts of bacteria and fungi were higher in government schools in low socioeconomic districts as compared to those of high socioeconomic districts. The indoor analyses reveal that the concentration of bacteria was higher than counts of fungi. In general, Gram positive microorganisms were the dominant organisms. Gram positive bacteria, Bacillus, Micrococci and Staphylococci were the predominant bacterial strains in the schools under study. Attention has to be paid for controlling the physical factors that assist the growth and reproduction of microbes in indoor air of classrooms to keep the students and teachers healthy.

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