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Showing 5 results for Tavakoli
Reconnaissance study of residential radon concentration in Tarom country-Zanjan
A Tavakoli, A Parizanganeh, Y Khosravi, P Hemmati,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (6-2017)
Abstract

Background and Objective: Radon is highly regarded because of its impacts on public health. Northern regions of Iran have a high potential for radon emissions. This research aimed to measure residential radon concentrations in Tarom country- Zanjan and to compare the results with international standards and acceptable values.

Materials and Methods: Passive diffusive samplers, Solid State Nuclear Track Detector (SSNTD), with the ability to determine background and longtime concentration, were selected for this study. A total of 30 detectors were located based on a pre-identified network in the residential buildings of Chavarzaq, Ab Bar and Gilvan for a period of three months. Then, detectors were sent to a laboratory for counting the traces.

Results: Based on the results, average radon concentrations in Chavarzaq, Ab Bar and Gilvan were 220.51, 95.25 and 119.84 Bq/m3, respectively. The average radon concentration in Tarom was about 130.57 Bq/m3. There was no meaningful relationship between radon concentration with the age of buildings or number of occupants. In comparison of the results with USEPA standards it was observed that among total samples just one of them was in the range of target level, and 15 detectors were in the range of target to action levels and the remaining samples showed high level of radon requiring corrective measures. In addition, 12 detectors showed values less than the reference level of WHO and the remaining detectors had higher values than WHO level.

Conclusion: Based on results of this research, soil analysis before construction, application of building materials resistant to leakage and regular monitoring of radon levels in region were suggested.


Evaluation of particulate matter (PM) and noise levels in underground terminals-Majlesi terminal of Isfahan
A Tavakoli,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (6-2018)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Air pollutants and noise level are areas of concern for public health, especially in metropolitan areas. In tunnels, underground stations and indoors with insufficient ventilation rate and noise reflection, accumulation of pollutants and noise pollution are serious problems.
Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted to evaluate the level of PM and noise level in the Majlesi terminal, located close to Imam Ali Square in Isfahan. Sampling was done in two phases, spring and summer. Samples were taken during six working days, twice a day, morning and afternoon and at traffic peaks. The effect of launching a BRT system was also evaluated. The SKC sampling pump and sound level meter of KIMO were used for the evaluation of particulate matter and noise.
Results: The results showed that the launch of a BRT system led to a change in PM concentration from 85.17 μg/m3 to 53.58 (37% reduction), however, the average value of summer noise level (78.34 dB) was higher than the average value of spring (76.23 dB). Both PM and noise levels were higher than the values of international standards of EPA and WHO guidelines. The level of PM and noise level was a function of traffic and varied during weekdays. On Thursdays and after medieval holidays, the highest level was observed. The pollution and noise levels were higher during afternoon than the morning peak hours due to the traffic and accumulation of contaminants.
Conclusion: The research revealed that indoor and underground environments are not suitable options as a parking lot or bus terminals, due to a need for mechanical ventilation, lack of adequate air circulation and sound reflection.
 

Assessment of noise levels and identification of distribution pattern in elementary schools: a case study in Zanjan city
Fatemeh Mohebbian, Azadeh Tavakoli, Abdolhossein Parizanganeh, Younes Khosravi, Isa Eskandari,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (4-2020)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Conversion of houses into residential towers in worn-out urban textures increases population. Schools of the vicinity would face with multiplicity and limited space for students, leading to noise pollution. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the noise levels during morning and afternoon shifts among two primary schools in Zanjan.
Materials and Methods: Measurements had been done using sound level meter, KIMO DB100. The equivalent noise level (Leq) measured during school year (2018-2019) in 10 stations. The measurements were done in three seasons (autumn, winter and spring) and in each season for two weeks. The data of the two schools were used for drawing charts and zoning by ArcGIS using IDW method. In addition, questionnaires were distributed among the teachers and school’ neighbors. The data were analyzed by SPSS software.
Results: The results showed that all the stations were tackled with noise pollution. The highest levels were related to school’s shift change and break times. The morning shift schools experienced higher levels of noise in comparison to the afternoon ones (1.87 and 2.1 dB, respectively for boys and girls). Leq values for boys’ school was 2 dB higher than that of the girls’. The noise level in the schools were 72 dB, which is 17 dB higher than the standard level 55 dB.
Conclusion: The residents living close to the schools were exposed to noise pollution for almost 10 hours a day. This could be regarded as harmful. The zoning maps showed that southwest side of the yard, adjacent to the neighboring residential buildings, had the highest levels of noise. This study demonstrated the site selection for the schools were not properly done.  Having a control strategy is needed.

Evaluation of air pollutant concentrations and environmental parameters under normal condition and during novel Coronavirus pandemic, a case study in a hospital (2019-2020)
Azadeh Tavakoli, Arezoo Tavakoli, Masoumeh Mohammadi,
Volume 14, Issue 3 (12-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Indoor air pollution in hospitals could be a serious health threat to the patients, medical staff, and visitors. In previous studies, the importance of paying attention to air quality during the Coronavirus pandemic has been proven. In this study, the effect of visiters' presence under normal conditions and the imposition of hospital restrictions at the time of pandemic on air quality and environmental parameters in a hospital has been evaluated.
Materials and Methods: Air sampling was carried out in Valiasr Hospital of Zanjan in two periods, September 2019 (morning and visiting hours) and during the pandemic in October 2020. All wards inside and the outside of the hospital were examined for air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, CO2) and environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, and sound levels).
Results: The results of this study showed that except for the sound levels, other pollutants are at an acceptable level. Particulate matter of different sizes in the air of the hospital has a correlation, often with an external source, and has been imported through construction activitie;. However, nitrogen dioxide concentration is dependent on urban traffic. Visiting hours are associated with an increase in the concentration of particulate matter and the sound levels. The pandemic had a positive effect in some wards, on some parameters and often improved the air quality due to the imposing strict health protocols.
Conclusion: This study showed that natural ventilation has a direct effect on the air quality inside of the hospital. It is also suggested that in wards where patients are sensitive or in the need of intensive care, restrictions on commuting and visitation be applied.

Effect of coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic on biological air pollutants: a case study of Valiasr hospital in Zanjan (2019-2020)
Arezoo Tavakoli, . Azadeh Tavakoli,
Volume 14, Issue 4 (3-2022)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Bioaerosols as small particles enter the body by inhalation and lead to respiratory diseases based on type, concentration, and exposure time. In sensitive workplaces such as medical centers, it is necessary to pay attention to the type and population of these pollutants and the possibility of nosocomial infections. In the present study, the population and type of bioaerosols (bacteria and fungi) in the air of different hospital wards under normal conditions, visiting hours, and Covid-19 pandemic was evaluated.
Materials and Methods: Air sampling was carried out in different wards and ambient air of Valiasr Hospital of Zanjan during September 2019 (morning and visiting hours) and October 2020 (Corona pandemic) using an air sampling pump (Flite 3- SKC Ltd) with a flow of 14.1 L/min and then cultured in Sabaroud dextrose agar and nutrient agar.
Results: The results showed that air pollution in wards such as infectious diseases and clinics in both periods was more than other wards. The microbial density during visiting hours (before the coronavirus outbreak) was almost 30% higher than normal conditions. In October 2020, due to the coronavirus outbreak and reduced traffic, microbial air pollution in the hospital decreased. In both periods of study, the frequency of gram-positive bacteria, especially Staphylococcus species (49%) was higher than other bacteria and among fungal species the frequency of Aspergillus (47%) was higher than others.
Conclusion: This study showed that traffic restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic reduce microbial density in hospital space and this achievement can be used in the future with the aim of improving air quality and controlling nosocomial infections.
 

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