INDOOR AIR QUALITY IN HOUSING: A MORE EXHAUSTIVE INTERPRETATION OF THE ISSUE

The design of housing constructions gives high attention to the sustainability features in terms of low impact on the natural environment. Not only outdoor, but also indoor environmental quality has a great importance and this paper aims to examine the parameters that define and assess its value. Several building sustainability evaluation methods are available, but an international legislation that describes some fundamental tools has not yet been developed. A certain number of these concerns the indoor air quality. The monitoring of pollutants entering a building from the outside is usually recommended. On the contrary, harmful substances emitted by structure, finishes and furniture is rarely considered. The comparison of the main building sustainability assessment methods shows how indoor air quality is evaluated by means of different parameters. This paper re-considers these elements (and more specific ones) through the organization of the indicators under three categories of analysis that classify the pollutants according to their origin: from the building structure, from the finishes and from the furniture. This way of interpreting the indoor air quality issue may contribute to the creation of a more exhaustive description of its sustainability indicators and may help the designer with the creation of a high quality building

Indoor Air Quality in Housing: a more exhaustive interpretation of the issue

The design of housing constructions gives high attention to the sustainability features in terms of low impact on the natural environment. Not only outdoor, but also indoor environmental quality has a great importance and this paper aims to examine the parameters that define and assess its value. Several building sustainability evaluation methods are available, but an international legislation that describes some fundamental tools has not yet been developed. A certain number of these concerns the indoor air quality. The monitoring of pollutants entering a building from the outside is usually recommended. On the contrary, harmful substances emitted by structure, finishes and furniture is rarely considered. The comparison of the main building sustainability assessment methods shows how indoor air quality is evaluated by means of different parameters. This paper re-considers these elements (and more specific ones) through the organization of the indicators under three categories of analysis that classify the pollutants according to their origin: from the building structure, from the finishes and from the furniture. This way of interpreting the indoor air quality issue may contribute to the creation of a more exhaustive description of its sustainability indicators and may help the designer with the creation of a high quality building

Exploring the availability, characteristics and barriers of rehabilitation programs in organ transplant populations across Canada

Affiliated institutions include: University Health Network (D. Brooks, L. Wickerson, D. Helm), University of Toronto (D. Brooks, D. Helm)Purpose: This survey is the first in Canada to describe the availability, characteristics and barriers of rehabilitation programs for individuals pre- and post- heart, lung, kidney and liver transplantation. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive survey was administered to all known transplant programs across Canada. Results: Of the 58 programs surveyed, 35 agreed to participate and six refused, for a response rate of 71%. Heart (n=6) and lung (n=5) pre- and post-transplant rehabilitation programs were identified. All rehabilitation programs included aerobic exercises, strength training and education, and involved a multidisciplinary team. The 6 Minute Walk Test and the Short Form-36 were the most reported outcome measures used, 50% and 33%, respectively. In kidney (n=13) and liver (n=6) transplant programs, no rehabilitation was identified. Over 50% of respondents cited lack of funding, shortage of healthcare personnel and a low volume of patients as barriers to providing rehabilitation programs. Conclusion: Across Canada, the majority of heart and lung transplant programs provided rehabilitation, while kidney and liver transplant programs did not. Rehabilitation plays an increasingly important role in improving physical function, independence, and quality of life pre- and post-transplantation and should be considered necessary in all transplant programs across Canada