Indoor environment and the impact on the health of pre-existing asthmatics at work: the development of a risk management framework

This thesis examines the spatial and temporal variation in nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) levels in Guernsey and the impacts on pre-existing asthmatics. Whilst air quality in Guernsey is generally good, the levels of NO_² exceed UK standards in several locations. The evidence indicates that people suffering from asthma have exacerbation of their symptoms if exposed to elevated levels of air pollutants including NO_², although this research has never been carried out in Guernsey before. In addition, exposure assessment of individuals is rarely carried out and research in this area is limited due to the complexity of undertaking such a study, which will include a combination of exposures in the home, the workplace and ambient exposures, which vary depending on the individual daily experience.<br/><br/>For the first time in Guernsey, this research has examined NO_² levels in correlation with asthma patient admissions to hospital, assessment of NO_² exposures in typical homes and typical workplaces in Guernsey. The data showed a temporal correlation between NO_² levels and the number of hospital admissions and the trend from 2008-2012 was upwards. Statistical analysis of the data did not show a significant linear correlation due to the small size of the data sets.<br/><br/>Exposure assessment of individuals showed a spatial variation in exposures in Guernsey and assessment in indoor environments showed that real-time analysis of NO_² levels needs to be undertaken if indoor micro environments for NO_² are the be assessed adequately. There was temporal and spatial variation in NO_² concentrations measured using diffusion tubes, which provide a monthly mean value, and analysers measuring NO_² concentrations in real time. The research shows that building layout and design are important factors for good air flow and ventilation and the dispersion of NO₂ indoors.<br/><br/>Environmental Health Officers have statutory responsibilities for ambient air quality, hygiene of buildings and workplace environments and this role needs to be co-ordinated with healthcare professionals to improve health outcomes for asthmatics.<br/><br/>The outcome of the thesis was the development of a risk management framework for pre-existing asthmatics at work for use by regulators of workplaces and an information leaflet to assist in improving health outcomes for asthmatics in Guernsey.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

PhD

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

Doctoral Thesis

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Abertay Dundee

Year dc:date.issued

2014

Author dc:creator

• Cameron, Valerie

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Oduyemi, Kehinde

• Asthma
• Nitrogen Dioxide levels
• Air pollutants
• Asthma patient admissions
• Air quality

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier URI

https://rke.abertay.ac.uk/files/8467373/20131203_Air_Quality_Data_Lukis_House.xlsx

Identifier

oai:rke.abertay.ac.uk:studenttheses/2e81cee3-96fd-49be-ba7f-1acc17e4992e
https://rke.abertay.ac.uk/en/studentTheses/2e81cee3-96fd-49be-ba7f-1acc17e4992e

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:rke.abertay.ac.uk:studenttheses/2e81cee3-96fd-49be-ba7f-1acc17e4992e