PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

T Godish

Publications and source records attributed to T Godish.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1989

An assessment of botanical air purification as a formaldehyde mitigation measure under dynamic laboratory chamber conditions.

This study was designed to determine the effectiveness of spider plants (Clorophytum elatum var. vittatium) as a botanical air purification measure for formaldehyde under dynamic laboratory chamber conditions. Significant reductions in chamber formaldehyde levels were observed when spider plants were placed in experimental chambers. However, highest reductions occurred when spider plants were defoliated. Observed reductions in formaldehyde levels appeared to have been associated with soil medium factors and a source moisture storage phenomenon associated with the use of particleboard as a formaldehyde source inside the chambers. The results of this study do not support the conclusions of previous studies which suggest that botanical air purification using only plant leaves is an effective means of reducing residential formaldehyde levels.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1989

Formaldehyde exposures from tobacco smoke: a review.

Reports of formaldehyde levels in mainstream, sidestream, and environmental tobacco smoke from nine studies are reviewed. Considerable disparity exists between formaldehyde production rates determined from mainstream-sidestream studies and those reporting levels in environmental tobacco smoke. Tobacco smoke does not appear to increase vapor-phase formaldehyde levels significantly in indoor environments, but formaldehyde exposure in mainstream smoke may pose a risk of upper respiratory system cancer and increase the risk of cancer in smokers.

Environmental Exposure↗
PubMed1987

Formaldehyde source interaction studies under whole-house conditions.

This study was designed to determine the effect of source combinations on formaldehyde levels under whole-house conditions. Evaluations were conducted on particleboard (applied as subflooring) and hardwood plywood panelling (applied as a wall covering) both singly and in combination, and on urea-formaldehyde foam insulation and particleboard. Formaldehyde source combination/interaction evaluations revealed several different outcomes, including no augmentation of formaldehyde levels, a slight augmentation (30-50%) and complete addivity. Additivity was observed for regular and low emission grade particleboard and hardwood plywood combinations and for urea-formaldehyde foam insulation and particleboard subflooring. In contrast, controlled chamber studies employing samples of the same wood materials revealed no additive effects. Results of these studies raise questions about the reliability of using laboratory evaluations alone to predict formaldehyde levels under real-world residential conditions.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1986

Mitigation of residential formaldehyde contamination by indoor climate control.

The effectiveness of indoor climate as a mitigation measure for indoor formaldehyde contamination was studied in a mobile home. The effects of nine indoor climate regimes on formaldehyde levels were evaluated for the temperature and humidity ranges of 20 degrees C to 30 degrees C and 30% RH to 70% RH. Formaldehyde levels at the lowest combination of temperature and relative humidity (20 degrees C, 30% RH) were only 20% of those measured at the highest combination of temperature and relative humidity (30 degrees C, 70% RH) evaluated. Reducing temperature alone (from 30 degrees C to 20 degrees C) was shown to result in an approximate 70% reduction in formaldehyde levels. Reducing relative humidity alone (from 70% to 30%) resulted in an approximate 40% reduction in formaldehyde levels. A high linear correlation was observed between formaldehyde levels and temperature and between formaldehyde levels and relative humidity. Analysis of energy consumption and associated costs indicated that temperature reduction from 25 degrees C to 20 degrees C during the cooling season would increase energy usage costs by about 20%; temperature reduction in the heating season would result in both reduced formaldehyde levels and reduced energy costs. Although effective, humidity control--particularly to 30% under summertime conditions--appears to be prohibitively costly. The relationship between temperature and formaldehyde levels suggests that climate control also may be appropriate for reducing indoor levels of other continuously generated contaminants.

Environmental Exposure↗
PubMed1985

Residential formaldehyde sampling--current and recommended practices.

The usefulness of test results in assessing the health hazard potential of residential formaldehyde exposures depends in great measure on the accuracy and reliability of sampling/analysis methods employed, the protocol used in collecting samples, sampling objectives, and an understanding of residential formaldehyde dynamics and their relationship to environmental variables. Active sampling and analysis methods including detector tubes, the impinger/chromotropic acid method, the impinger/pararosaniline method, and the CEA continuous monitor are reviewed as to advantages and limitations for residential sampling. Passive dosimeter methods including the Dupont Pro-Tec Badge, 3M Monitor, Air Quality Research, Inc. Passive Formaldehyde Kit, and Envirotech, Inc. Dosimeter are also reviewed. Sampling considerations for one-time formaldehyde sampling using the impinger/chromotropic acid method are discussed in detail, including pre-sampling closure of residences, maintenance of a standard indoor temperature both before and during sampling, the undesirability of sampling during cold, dry winter weather, sample number, sampling location, height and duration, environmental measurements during sampling, source identification and sample storage. A model formaldehyde sampling protocol based on the impinger/chromotropic acid method is described.

Air Pollutants↗