Browsing by Author "Salonen, Heidi"
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- Critical insights on fungal contamination in schools: a comprehensive review of assessment methodsPublication . Cervantes, Renata; Pena, Pedro; Riesenberger, Bruna; Rodriguez, Margarida; Henderson, Drew; Gonçalves, Sara; Newire, Enas; Pogner, Clara; Salonen, Heidi; Almeida-Silva, Marina; Ferguson, Robert M.; Haverinen-Shaughnessy, Ulla; Viegas, CarlaThis review addresses the increasing problem of fungal contamination in schools, which has a profound impact on indoor air quality and student health. Fungal contamination creates health problems such as respiratory problems, allergies, which can be particularly harmful in schools (e.g., Aspergillus fumigatus and Fusarium sp. are especially important as they are well-known indoor allergens and can induce serious respiratory diseases). This study aims to determine the effect of geographic location as well as season of filamentous fungi in the school context. Through a comprehensive screening of 6,659 articles, 47 studies were selected for data extraction, detailing sampling techniques, analysis methods, climatic conditions, and relevant fungal species. The study highlights the importance of regularly measuring IAQ and utilizing both active and passive sampling methodologies in addition to molecular genetic analysis to complement identification and improve comparability across studies. A targeted monitoring is also proposed for species such as Aspergillus fumigatus (Aspergillus section Fumigati), Fusarium sp., and Mucorales order, which are therapeutically relevant, as well as Stachybotrys atra and Aspergillus section Flavi, in terms of their toxicological potential. Additionally, the article discusses the importance of consistent data formatting for effective meta-analysis and the need for further research to inform regulatory frameworks protecting student health. Recommendations for minimizing fungal threats include evaluating building structure, ventilation, cleaning practices, and gathering information from parents about school activities. Overall, the study underscores the global health risks posed by fungi in schools and calls for extensive investigations combining various sampling and analytical techniques. Additionally, the article discusses the importance of consistent data formatting for effective meta-analysis and the need for further research to inform regulatory frameworks protecting student health. Recommendations for minimizing fungal threats include evaluating building structure, ventilation, cleaning practices, and gathering information from parents about school activities. Overall, the study underscores the global health risks posed by fungi in schools and calls for extensive investigations combining various sampling and analytical techniques.
- The InChildHealth Walkthrough Survey: towards a standardized characterization of classrooms for indoor air quality studies in EuropePublication . Vorkamp, Katrin; Viegas, Carla; Almeida, Marta; Aretaki, Maria Antonia; Bossi, Rossana; Castagnoli, Emmanuelle; Cervantes, Renata; Desmet, Judith; Diapouli, Evangelia; Domínquez, Alan; Fabian, Claudia M.; Fauser, Patrik; Ferguson, Robert M.; Haverinen-Shaughnessy, Ulla; Hugg, Timo; Kuurola, Pentti; Lazaridis, Mihalis; Massling, Andreas; Paciência, Inês; Pena, Pedro; Rantala, Aino K.; Schaefer, Teresa; Viana, Mar; Vornanen-Winqvist, Camilla; Zhu, Linyan; Salonen, HeidiThe Horizon Europe project InChildHealth aims to study indoor air quality in European schools and the effects of physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters on the health of school children aged 6-13. As European schools can vary considerably in terms of size, age, materials, equipment, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), cleaning procedures, etc., a questionnaire was developed for a standardized description of classrooms and schools. It includes 86 mandatory and 82 optional questions, targeting building characteristics and potential sources of exposure to particles, chemicals, and microorganisms. The survey has been implemented digitally with the option of paper-based versions and future data sharing for combined data interpretation. The project foresees the possibility of revisions based on lessons learned from the application in seven European cities. The final version can be adjusted to other microenvironments and used in future indoor air studies in Europe and elsewhere.