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- Indoor air quality assessment in grocery storesPublication . Baptista, Teresa; Almeida-Silva, M.; Silva, Dário; Diogo, Carlos; Canha, NunoIndoor Air Quality (IAQ) is a public and occupational health concern, as we are exposed to air pollutants daily given that we spend a great amount of our time in indoor environments. IAQ can be affected by numerous factors, from outdoor pollutants that get indoors through ventilation to building materials, furnishings, and activities carried by the building occupants. Exposure to air pollutants has been linked to a panoply of adverse effects on our health, well-being, and performance. The aim of this study was to assess the IAQ in grocery stores (GSs) in the municipality of Cascais in the Lisbon metropolitan area (Portugal) to characterize the workers’ occupational exposure to air pollutants. The study was conducted in 13 small “family” grocery stores. The IAQ monitoring campaign was conducted using low-cost sensor technologies and focused on several parameters, namely: carbon dioxide (CO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), temperature (T), relative humidity (RH). Overall, the IAQ of the studied GSs complied with Portuguese legislation, except for PM2.5, where 23% of GSs presented levels above the established limit value. The mean inhaled dose of workers during a workday was estimated to be 157.7 ± 57.2 μg for PM2.5 and 165.8 ± 56.0 μg for PM10. The IAQ assessment allowed the identification of the best strategies to improve worker experience in indoor workplace environments.
- Ensino a distância com recurso a MOOC para a capacitação ambientalPublication . Miranda, Sandra; Almeida-Silva, M.; Sarreira, Pedro; Camus, Cristina Inês; Monteiro, Ana; David, Alexandra; Manteigas, Vítor; Abreu, RenatoO contínuo desenvolvimento das tecnologias de informação e comunicação (TIC) reorganizaram o modo como vivemos, comunicamos e aprendemos. Para as instituições de ensino superior, as TIC potenciaram o crescimento das modalidades do ensino a distância e a abertura de novos ambientes de aprendizagem, com recurso à educação digital. Como exemplo, os MOOC ganharam protagonismo a partir do movimento da educação aberta, do software livre e da disponibilização de conteúdos abertos e representam ainda uma inovação educativa, que combina e difunde os recursos tecnológicos. O Politécnico de Lisboa, naquela que foi uma iniciativa pioneira, conjunta e multidisciplinar, mobilizou quatro das suas unidades orgânicas (ESCS, ESELx, ESTeSL e ISEL), como o apoio do EaD@IPL – Grupo de Ensino a Distâncias do Politécnico de Lisboa, para a criação do MOOC “Sustentabilidade Ambiental: Mobilizar, Observar e Operacionalizar”, alojado na plataforma NAU – Ensino e Formação Online para Grandes Audiências”.
- Cytotoxicity assessment of nanoplastics and plasticizers exposure in in vitro lung cell culture systems: a systematic reviewPublication . Clérigo, Fabiana; Ferreira, Sandra; Ladeira, Carina; Marques-Ramos, Ana; Almeida-Silva, M.; Mendes, L. A.Emerging contaminants such as nanoplastics (NPs), as well as manufacturing by-products such as plasticizers, have gained global attention and concern due to their limited biodegradability and their potential impact on human health, in particular the effects on respiratory tissue. In parallel, in vitro cell culture techniques are key to the assessment and characterization of toxic effects and cellular mechanisms in different types of tissues and should provide relevant information to understand the hazardous potential of these emergent contaminants. This systematic review presents the main results of the current knowledge of the effects of NPs and plasticizers on lung cells, as assessed with the use of in vitro cell culture techniques. From the selected studies (n = 10), following the PRISMA approach, it was observed that cell viability was the most frequently assessed endpoint and that most studies focused on epithelial cells and exposures to polystyrene (PS). It was observed that exposure to NPs or plasticizers induces cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner, regardless of the size of the NPs. Furthermore, there is evidence that the characteristics of NPs can affect the toxic response by promoting the association with other organic compounds. As such, further in vitro studies focusing on the combination of NPs with plasticizers will be essential for the understanding of the mechanisms of NPs toxicity.
- 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.
- Social and psychological determinants of COVID-19 vaccination intention in European and North American adults: a systematic reviewPublication . Almeida-Silva, Marina; Vieira, Lina Oliveira; Grilo, Ana; Pedro, Luísa; Coelho, André; Carolino, Elisabete; Umanets, Oleksandra; Andrade, GraçaSince the beginning of the SARS-CoV-19 pandemic, tremendous efforts have been made to address this public health emergency of international concern. The control of the disease has essentially depended on vaccination programs. Many recent studies continue to explore the factors related to the COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. This systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCO, CINAHL, EMBASE, and PsycoINFO were searched to gather all relevant data on the social and psychological determinants of intention to vaccinate against COVID-19. The ROBIS tool was used to evaluate the risk of bias. The main objective of this systematic review was to identify the main social and psychological determinants responsible for the choice to vaccinate against COVID-19 in the adult population of Europe and North America. This systematic review examined literature identified through seven databases yielding 576 PRISMA records, yielding 28 articles. The results suggest that older people, higher education level, and Caucasians have a stronger intention to be vaccinated. Many studies confirm that beliefs about vaccine costs and benefits are related to vaccine intention. Social concerns, perceived severity of COVID-19, and perceived risk of being infected are confirmed in most studies as determinants of vaccination intention. Conspiracy beliefs seem to promote vaccine hesitance. The results point to some useful conclusions for promoting vaccination in future pandemic situations. In addition to the targeting of the most vaccine-resistant groups, this study suggests the main themes that should be focused on in future public communication to promote vaccination.