Influence of filtration on I/O particle concentration ratios at urban office buildings

Epidemiological research has consistently shown an association between fine and ultrafine particle concentrations, and increases in both respiratory and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. These particles, often found in vehicle emissions outside buildings, can penetrate inside via their envelopes and mechanically ventilated systems. Indoor activities such as printing, cooking and cleaning, as well as the movement of building occupants are also an additional source of these particles. In this context, the filtration systems of mechanically ventilated buildings can reduce indoor particle concentrations. Several studies have quantified the efficiency of dry-media and electrostatic filters, but they mainly focused on the particle size range > 300 nm. Some others studied ultrafine particles but their investigations were conducted in laboratories. At this point, there is still only limited information on in situ filter efficiency and an incomplete understanding of filtration influence on I/O ratios of particle concentrations. To help address these gaps in knowledge and provide new information for the selection of appropriate filter types in office building HVAC systems, we aimed to: (1) measure particle concentrations at up and down stream flows of filter devices, as well as outdoor and indoor office buildings; (2) quantify efficiency of different filter types at different buildings; and (3) assess the impact of these filters on I/O ratios at different indoor and outdoor source operation scenarios

Positive impacts of environmental characteristics on health and wellbeing in health-care facilities: A review

Well-designed indoor environments can support people’s health and welfare. In this literature review, we identify the environmental features that affect human health and wellbeing. Environmental characteristics found to influence health outcomes and/or wellbeing included: environmental safety; indoor air quality (e.g. odour and temperature); sound and noise; premises and interior design (e.g. construction materials, viewing nature and experiencing nature, windows versus no windows, light, colours, unit layout and placement of the furniture, the type of room, possibilities to control environmental elements, environmental complexity and sensory simulations, cleanliness, ergonomics and accessibility, ‛‛wayfinding’’); art, and music, among others. Indoor environments that incorporate healing elements can, for instance, reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, lessen pain and shorten hospital stays

When carers end foster placements : exploring foster carers’ experience of adolescent foster placement breakdown

Aims: Foster carers experience the rewards and challenges of parenting vulnerable and complex adolescents, but some of these foster placements break down. Compared to research into the impact of placement breakdown on looked after children (LAC), there are relatively limited reports on foster carer experience. The aim of the present study was to provide an exploratory account of foster carers’ lived experience of ending adolescent foster placements. Methods. Nine participants from seven foster families in the United Kingdom were recruited. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed within an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) framework. Results. Exploration of foster carer lived experience identified four superordinate themes, two of which are relevant here: ‘emotional aftermath’ and ‘“we’re only human’”. Conclusions. Following ending a placement, foster carers identified varied emotions including joy, relief and sadness. A grieving process was also identified which involved coming to terms with loss and accepting the termination of the relationship. This study suggests foster carers are likely to experience shame and guilt as a consequence of placement breakdown