Acoustic quality and urban health—more than just noise and silence. [Discussion Paper]
The most common source of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Field (RF-EMF) exposure during sleep is digital devices, but there have been no studies examining the effect of multi-night exposure to electromagnetic fields emitted by baby monitors on sleep in healthy adults under real-world conditions. With the rise in reported sensitivity to electromagnetic fields and the widespread use of Wi-Fi-enabled devices, this pilot study aimed to investigate the effect of 2.45 GHz RF exposure on subjective and objective sleep measures, heart rate variability, and actigraphy. The study was a 4-week randomized, double-blind, crossover trial involving 12 healthy adults. Participants were exposed to either an active or inactive baby monitor for 7 nights, with a one-week washout period before crossing over to the alternate condition. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Insomnia Rating Scale (PIRS-20), electroencephalography (EEG), actigraphy, and heart rate variability (HRV). Results showed significant reductions in sleep quality during RF-EMF exposure compared to sham exposure, as measured by the PIRS-20 scores. Additionally, EEG power density increased significantly in higher frequencies (gamma, beta, and theta bands) during Non-Rapid Eye Movement sleep. However, no significant differences were observed in HRV or actigraphy. The findings suggest that exposure to a 2.45 GHz RF device (baby monitor) may impact sleep in some individuals under real-world conditions, but further large-scale studies with specific dosimetry are needed to confirm these results.

Moebus, S., Gruehn, D., Poppen, J., Sutcliffe, R., Haselhoff, T., & Lawrence, B. (2020). Acoustic quality and urban health—more than just noise and silence. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz, 63(8), 997-1003. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00103-020-03184-x

Does radiofrequency radiation impact sleep? A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, crossover pilot study. [Research Article]
The most common source of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Field (RF-EMF) exposure during sleep is digital devices, but there have been no studies examining the effect of multi-night exposure to electromagnetic fields emitted by baby monitors on sleep in healthy adults under real-world conditions. With the rise in reported sensitivity to electromagnetic fields and the widespread use of Wi-Fi-enabled devices, this pilot study aimed to investigate the effect of 2.45 GHz RF exposure on subjective and objective sleep measures, heart rate variability, and actigraphy. The study was a 4-week randomized, double-blind, crossover trial involving 12 healthy adults. Participants were exposed to either an active or inactive baby monitor for 7 nights, with a one-week washout period before crossing over to the alternate condition. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Insomnia Rating Scale (PIRS-20), electroencephalography (EEG), actigraphy, and heart rate variability (HRV). Results showed significant reductions in sleep quality during RF-EMF exposure compared to sham exposure, as measured by the PIRS-20 scores. Additionally, EEG power density increased significantly in higher frequencies (gamma, beta, and theta bands) during Non-Rapid Eye Movement sleep. However, no significant differences were observed in HRV or actigraphy. The findings suggest that exposure to a 2.45 GHz RF device (baby monitor) may impact sleep in some individuals under real-world conditions, but further large-scale studies with specific dosimetry are needed to confirm these results.

Bijlsma, N., Conduit, R., Kennedy, G., & Cohen, M. (2024). Does radiofrequency radiation impact sleep? A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, crossover pilot study. Frontiers in Public Health, 12, 1481537. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1481537


Spatial modeling connecting childhood atopic dermatitis prevalence with household exposure to pollutants. [Research Article]
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory disease characterized by dry, itchy skin that has become increasingly more common since around 1970. We aimed to identify chemicals that may cause atopic dermatitis (eczema). Building on prior work, we discovered that these chemicals could prevent the good bacteria that live on the skin from making the lipids and oils needed to keep human skin healthy. In this study, we combined new research methods with patient surveys. We link eczema to the chemical xylene, which is found in numerous home products. Exposure to xylene, benzene, or isocyanate containing fabrics (polyester, nylon, or spandex) disrupted the normal functions of skin bacteria. Our results indicate exposure to synthetic fabrics and other sources of these chemicals may contribute to eczema and deepen the understanding of how the environment can drive common diseases.

Ratley, G., Zeldin, J., Sun, A. A., Yadav, M., Chaudhary, P. P., & Myles, I. A. (2024). Spatial modeling connecting childhood atopic dermatitis prevalence with household exposure to pollutants. Communications Medicine, 4(1), 74. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43856-024-00500-3

Indoor air quality guidelines from across the world: An appraisal considering energy saving, health, productivity, and comfort. [Research Article]
Buildings are designed and operated to meet human needs and enhance quality of life. Good indoor air quality (IAQ) and thermal comfort are essential for human health and well-being, often supported by heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. However, these systems can lead to higher energy consumption, impacting energy efficiency and climate change goals. This paper reviews the limit values for key indoor pollutants, such as CO2, formaldehyde, particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and radon, alongside factors like ventilation, indoor temperature, and relative humidity, which are critical for both IAQ and thermal comfort. The paper evaluates how these parameters are addressed in international and national guidelines, aiming to balance human health requirements with energy-saving strategies. Data from the Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) guidelines database, coordinated by the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate (ISIAQ), is used to support more standardized recommendations for indoor environmental parameters across regions.

Dimitroulopoulou, S., Dudzińska, M. R., Gunnarsen, L., Hägerhed, L., Maula, H., Singh, R., Toyinbo, O., & Haverinen-Shaughnessy, U. (2023). Indoor air quality guidelines from across the world: An appraisal considering energy saving, health, productivity, and comfort. Environmental International, 178, 108127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2023.108127


A systematic review of ventilation conditions and airborne particulate matter levels in urban offices. [Research Article]
Many working activities are carried out in office buildings located in urban areas, which are often characterized by poor indoor environmental quality (IEQ) due to inadequate ventilation, compromised thermal comfort, and high levels of air pollutants such as particulate matter. This study aimed to review ventilation conditions, based on carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations, and the levels of indoor airborne particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) in offices worldwide. Following PRISMA guidelines, six databases were used to find peer-reviewed articles published in the last decade on IEQ, specifically focusing on CO2 and particulate matter in office spaces. From an initial 394 records, 23 articles were included in the review. The results showed that office environments generally had acceptable ventilation conditions with a mean CO2 concentration of 665 ppm. However, some studies reported CO2 concentrations exceeding 1000 ppm, which were linked to high occupancy density and poor HVAC system operation. Additionally, the overall mean concentrations of PM2.5 (36 μg/m3) and PM10 (63 μg/m3) exceeded World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines (15 and 45 μg/m3, respectively), with the highest particle concentrations found in naturally ventilated buildings, often due to outdoor air pollution. To improve IEQ and create healthier work environments, the study suggests regular IEQ monitoring, ensuring adequate fresh air, and maintaining HVAC systems for optimal operation and air filtration.

Felgueiras, F., Mourão, Z., Moreira, A., & Gabriel, M. F. (2022). A systematic review of ventilation conditions and airborne particulate matter levels in urban offices. Indoor Air, 32(11), e13148. https://doi.org/10.1111/ina.13148

Redox gradients in distribution systems influence water quality, corrosion, and microbial ecology. [Research Article]
Simulated distribution systems (SDSs) defined the interplay between disinfectant type (free chlorine and chloramines), water age (1-10.2 days), and pipe material (PVC, iron and cement surfaces) on water chemistry, redox zones and infrastructure degradation. Redox gradients developed as a function of water age and pipe material affected the quality of water consumers would receive. Free chlorine was most stable in the presence of PVC while chloramine was most stable in the presence of cement. At a 3.6 day water age the residual in the chlorinated PVC SDS was more than 3.5 times higher than in the chlorinated iron or cement systems. In contrast, the residual in the chloraminated cement SDS was more than 10 times greater than in the chloraminated iron or PVC systems. Near the point of entry to the SDSs where disinfectant residuals were present, free chlorine tended to cause as much as 4 times more iron corrosion when compared to chloramines. Facultative denitrifying bacteria were ubiquitous, and caused complete loss of nitrogen at distal points in systems with iron, and these bacteria co-occurred with very severe pitting attack (1.6-1.9 mm/year) at high water age.

Masters, S., Wang, H., Pruden, A., & Edwards, M. A. (2015). Redox gradients in distribution systems influence water quality, corrosion, and microbial ecology. Water Research, 68, 140-149. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2014.09.048