The present work deals with the eco-friendly preparation of highly degradable food packaging films consisting of O-CMC (O-Carboxymethyl Chitosan) and pectin, incorporated with neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves powder and extract. This study aimed to investigate the tensile properties, antimicrobial activity, biodegradability, and thermal behavior of the composite films. The results of tensile strength and elongation at break, showed that the incorporation of neem leaves powder improved the tensile properties (7.11 MPa) of the composite films compared to the neat O-CMC and pectin films (3.02 MPa). The antimicrobial activity of the films was evaluated against a panel of microorganisms including both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as well as fungi. The composite films exhibited excellent antimicrobial activity with a zone of inhibition (12-17.6 mm) against the tested microorganisms. The opacity of the composite films ranges from 1.14 to 4.40 mm-1 and the addition of fiber causes a decrease in opacity value. Biodegradability studies were conducted by Soil burial method and the films demonstrated complete biodegradability within 75 days. The results of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of composite films show that they are thermally stable and might be used in food packaging.

Background: Globally, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has a substantial and growing burden.Thus, among rural adults in Delhi National Capital Region (Delhi NCR), the study examines the prevalence of COPD among nonsmokers and the relationship between biomass fuel (BMF) use and COPD.Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted among adults in rural Delhi NCR areas with or without COPD, was community based.Enrolment comprised 1,564 individuals from 561 households.Information was gathered using a standard questionnaire, indoor particulate matter (PM) (PM1, PM2.5, and PM10) aerosol spectrometers were used to measure the concentrations, and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were performed using a portable spirometry (GRIMM).Results: In adults in rural areas of Delhi NCR, 8.95% prevalence of COPD were found in which females were found significantly high COPD as compared with males (7.1% males and 92.9% females, p < 0.001).The concentration levels of PM10 (249.28 ± 189.33 vs 174.54 ± 76.40; p < 0.003), PM2.5 (134.78 ± 95.25 vs 108.66 ± 53.67; p = 0.039), and PM1 (107.22 ± 82.65 vs 89.51 ± 51.43; p = 0.025) were found significantly high in households of COPD patients as opposed to controls.Only COPD patients had airway obstruction (64.1%) as opposed to controls.Indoor air factors, that is, BMF smoke (p = 0.042), exhaust fan (0.047), and poor ventilation (p = 0.003), were found significantly associated with COPD.Conclusion: Factors such as combustion of BMF, kerosene oil, lack of exhaust fan, poor ventilation, and increased concentration of indoor PM, that could be very important in the onset of COPD in adults, especially in women and old age persons.

Background: Around 2.6 billion people cook their food using biomass fuel (BMF), kerosene oil, and coal fuel, by which each year, 4 million people die prematurely from household air pollution or by this inefficient cooking practices.So, this study was planned to measure the effect of interventions of cooking fuel (BMF to LPG) to reduce the indoor air pollution in asthmatic children of rural India.Methods: Prospective observational study was done by door-to-door survey, among school-age children.Households of asthmatic children were encouraged to change their cooking fuel to more secure and were followed up for a period of 9 months.The intervention was in the form of a change of cooking fuel (from BMF to LPG) and proper education.The levels of indoor pollutants (PM 10 , PM 2.5 , and PM 1 ) were measured before and after 3 months of follow-up.Result: A total of 56 asthmatic children from 42 households were followed-up for the following 9 months at every 3 months visit.The mean age was 9.27 ± 3.94 years with an equivalent sex ratio.There was at least one smoker in 73.81% of households of asthmatic children.Nearly, 45% of children were living in 101-500 square yard area and 67.86% with the inhabitation of ≤ 3/room.The level of all particulate matter decreased significantly at 3 months (p < 0.05).At 3, 6, 9 months of follow-up, respiratory symptoms and morbidity significantly diminished. Conclusion:The change in cooking fuel to more secure was found to be one of the factors decreasing indoor pollutants and respiratory symptoms/morbidity among asthmatic children in rural areas.

Majority of the membranes composed of a combination of graphene oxide (GO), metal nanoparticles and hydrophilic polymers have been extensively used as nanofiltration membranes for removal of dyes and heavy metals from wastewater. However, only few studies have been reported for syringe filtration of dyes using GO based membranes for practical filtration applications due to their poor stability and low permeation flux. Herein, we report an eco-friendly, economical and reusable syringe filter membranes composed of whatman 42 filters modified by low pressure filtration assisted self-assembling of an appropriate mixtures of graphene oxide (GO) and polydopamine (PDA) encapsulated mesoporous silica (SBA-15-PDA) for the efficient removal of Methylene blue (MB) and Eriochrome Black T (EBT) dyes. The influence of parameters on adsorptive removal of dyes such as filter composition, sorption efficiency, solution pH (3–11), and cyclic stability were investigated in detail. The obtained results revealed that the dyes removal and permeation flux of an optimum membrane i.e., GO10/(SBA-15/PDA)2 were 99.61% and 2487.4 Lm−2h−1b−1 for MB wastewater, and 90.86% and 2486.4 Lm−2h−1b−1 for EBT wastewater respectively. An effective removal of these dyes and permeation flux results confirmed that the GO10/(SBA-15/PDA)2 membrane can be used as an inexpensive and eco-friendly reusable syringe filter for dyes removal. Further improvements in their performance can lead to commercialization of these eco-friendly syringe filter membranes.

BACKGROUND:Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure is a health hazard for non-smokers.OBJECTIVE:To measure breath carbon monoxide (CO) levels of non-smoking subjects exposed to ETS and of non-smoking subjects not exposed to ETS.RESULTS:The study was conducted with the help of a pre-designed questionnaire. One hundred male subjects were selected for the study; group I consisted of 50 non-smokers (waiters in hotels/restaurants/bars) exposed to ETS and group II consisted of 50 non-smokers not exposed to ETS. All subjects underwent clinical examination. Breath CO levels of both the groups were measured by the Mini Smoklyzer. The mean breath CO level (ppm) was higher in group I compared to group II (9.18 +/- 2.84 versus 4.56 +/- 1.62; p < 0.001). The mean breath CO level was also significantly higher in ETS exposed subjects who worked for more than nine hours a day in bars, restaurants and hotels (p = 0.018) and in subjects suffering from respiratory diseases (p < 0.001) compared to normal subjects.CONCLUSION:The abnormally high level of breath CO observed in passive smokers exposed to ETS may suggest that, these subjects may be prone to develop the tobacco related diseases.

Background.World Health Organization (WHO) has observed that around seven million people died every year globally due to indoor air pollution.The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of indoor air pollution on respiratory health [bronchial asthma (BA) and/or allergic rhinitis (AR)] in a paediatric population in the National Capital Region (NCR) of Delhi, India. Methods.A cross-sectional study to assess the factors responsible for respiratory diseases (BA and/or AR) in homes in rural areas of National Capital Region (NCR), India was done.Sixty-one households where at least one child who had symptoms of BA/AR (case households; Group A) and another 61 households with children without any symptom of BA/AR (Group B) were selected for the study.A standard questionnaire was used to collect the information about the health status of children and pollution levels in these homes.Results.A total of 95 (43.8%) children in Group A households were found to have history of allergic respiratory diseases (n=43-BA, n=19-AR) while 33 children had both BA and AR.There was a statistically significant difference in the 24-hour particulate matter concentration (24-hour) PM 2.5 (P=0.01) and 6-hour concentration of PM 10 (P=0.02) in Group A households as compared to Group B households.The 6-hour concentration of PM 2.5 and PM1 and 12-hour concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was found to be higher in households of Group A. Group A households also had a higher number of smokers and usage of kerosene oil for lighting of lamps.Conclusions.Tobacco smoking, use of kerosene oil for lighting and combustion of solid fuel for cooking results in an increased level of particulate matter and VOCs in indoor air and are the major contributing factors for respiratory illness in the paediatric population.

Objectives To assess the exposure of indoor respirable suspended particulate matters (PM 10 , PM 2.5, and PM 1 ) and their association with asthma in children in a rural area of Delhi-NCR. Methods It was a cross-sectional study. Fifty children with asthma from both biomass fuel users in group A and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) fuel users in group B households were enrolled along with 50 healthy control subjects. The diagnosis of asthma was done as per the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), 2014. The 24-h levels of PM from all three groups of households were measured and compared. The level of PM with confounding factors like smoking and room occupancy was also compared between the groups. Results The 24-h concentrations of PM 10 , PM 2.5, and PM 1 were found significantly higher in the households of group A and group B as opposed to group C ( p < 0.001). The number of smokers with a mean pack year and a lack of an exhaust fan was highest in group A and lowest in group C, while diesel and kerosene machines were highest in group B. The PMs were highest in group A even with different confounding factor ( p < 0.001). The level of all PM was higher in group B than in group C, despite the presence of both types of fuel in group C households. The level of all PM was highest during the cooking hour. Conclusion The level of 24-h PM was highest in group-A households. However, the level of PM was higher in group-B households than group C despite the presence of biomass fuel users in group C. This may be due to the higher number of smokers, poor room-occupancy and lack of exhaust fans.

INTRODUCTION:Several studies in developed countries have shown association between indoor air pollution and asthma in children. The present research was undertaken to study this association at Delhi, India. MATERIAL AND METHODS:This study took place at Delhi, capital of India. Eight locations based on the source of pollution such as industrial, residential and villages were included. Recording of the demographic profile and clinical examination of each child was conducted at their residence. Indoor SO₂, NO₂ and SPM (suspended particulate matter) levels were measured by using Handy Air Sampler (Low Volume Sampler). RESULTS:A total of 3104 children were examined of which 60.3% were male and 39.7% were female. 32.4% children were exposed to environmental tobacco smoke. 31.5 % children's families were using biomass fuels for cooking. History of respiratory symptoms included cough (43.9%), phlegm production (21.9%), shortness of breath (19.3%) and wheezing (14.0%). 7.9% children were diagnosed as having asthma, which was highest in industrial areas (11.8%), followed by residential (7.5%) and village areas (3.9%). The mean indoor SO₂, NO₂ and SPM levels were 4.28 ± 4.61 mg/m³, 26.70 ± 17.72 mg/m³ and 722.0 ± 457.6 mg/m³ respectively. Indoor SPM was the highest in industrial area followed by residential area and urban village area. Indoor SPM level was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in the asthmatic children's houses. CONCLUSION:This study suggests that industry plays an important role in increasing the concentration of indoor suspended particulate matter and occurrence of asthma in children in developing countries like India.

The present study was carried out in the industrial locations of Delhi with the primary objective to find out the association of heavy metals composition of suspended particulate matter (SPM) with environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and cooking fuels in indoor air of Delhi, India. Indoor SPM level was measured by the handy air sampler and the concentration of heavy metals were determined in indoor SPM using atomic absorption spectrometer. The mean level of indoor SPM was 1080.0±482.4μ g/m 3 . The Concentration of indoor SPM was greater in the houses where ETS exposure was recorded in the family, and where families were using biomass fuels for cooking. The heavy metals such as Cr, Co, Pb, Ni, Zn, Cu, Mo, Cd, were identified in indoor SPM. The mean level of Co and Pb was significantly higher in the houses where ETS exposure was noticed when compared to the houses without ETS exposure. Other heavy metals like Cr, Ni, Zn, Cu and Cd were also associated with ETS exposure in the houses. The mean level of Co, Ni, ZN, Pb, Cu, Mo and Cd were higher in the houses where families were using biomass fuels (coal, wood, cow dung cakes and kerosene) for cooking as compared to families using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). This study revealed that ETS and biomass cooking fuels increased the concentration of SPM with heavy metals in the indoor environment. The high concentration of indoor SPM and heavy metals may be harmful for human health and may caused different types of diseases in the family members.

Airborne particulate matter (PM) is responsible for serious immediate and long-term impacts on human health because airborne particulates easily reach the deepest recesses of the lungs that damage the respiratory system of human beings. Indoor PM concentrations which are depending upon both (indoor and outdoor) sources are also responsible for human respiratory allergy because urban people typically spend more than 87% of their time indoor. There are several sources of particulate matter, such as combustion of fossil fuels, automobile exhaust, industrial processes, power plants, environmental tobacco smoke, cooking and natural sources such as sea salt, volcanic eruption, windblown dust, pollen grains and particles of soil. PM undergoes enrichment with certain trace and major elements, and form minerals. Particulate matter led to serious health hazards in human beings and causing asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), rhinitis, irritation of lungs, pneumonia, decreased resistance to respiratory infection, chronic cough, phlegm production, allergy, headache, fatigue, lung cancer and premature death. High particle concentration is associated with substantial short-term increases in morbidity and mortality.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of indoor air pollution on respiratory function of children (aged 7-15 years). The study took place at Ashok Vihar, an urban locality in the northwest part of Delhi during the summer months of June and July 2004. The team did house visits. The questionnaire, administered at the house itself, asked about the history of smoking in the family, type of cooking fuel used, duration of cooking, ventilation and lighting at the cooking place, and other confounders. In total, 441 children (59% male, 41% female) between ages 7 and 15 years were considered for the study, and a detailed profile was collected. Clinical examination with special reference to respiratory system was done. Pulmonary function tests/peak expiratory flow rates of each child were measured. Indoor air pollutant (suspended particulate matter, SO(2), NO(2)) was measured, and the effect of these pollutants on the children's respiratory function was analyzed. The respiratory health profile suggests that children had cough, sputum production, shortness of breath, wheezing, common cold, and throat congestion. Indoor SO(2) , NO(2), and suspended particulate matter levels were high in houses where there was a family history of smoking. SO(2) level was significantly high according to occupancy per room. NO(2) and suspended particulate matter levels were significantly high in houses where children had respiratory problems. It is concluded that indoor air pollution had an association with respiratory function of children.

This study undertaken in India was aimed at identifying the effects of the indoor air pollutants SO2, NO2 and total suspended particulate mater (SPM) generated from fuel used for cooking on respiratory allergy in children in Delhi. A total of 3,456 children were examined (59.2% male and 40.8% female). Among these, 31.2% of the children's families were using biomass fuels for cooking and 68.8% were using liquefied petroleum gas. Levels of indoor SO2, NO2 and SPM, measured using a Handy Air Sampler (Low Volume Sampler), were 4.60 +/- 5.66 microg/m3, 30.70 +/- 23.95 microg/m3 and 705 +/- 441.6 microg/m3, respectively. The mean level of indoor SO2 was significantly higher (p = 0.016) for families using biomass fuels (coal, wood, cow dung cakes and kerosene) for cooking as compared to families using LP gas. The mean level of indoor NO2 for families using biomass fuels for cooking was significantly higher in I.T.O. (p = 0.003) and Janakpuri (p = 0.007), while indoor SPM was significantly higher in Ashok Vihar (p = 0.039) and I.T.O. (p = 0.001), when compared to families using LP gas. Diagnoses of asthma, rhinitis and upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) were made in 7.7%, 26.1% and 22.1% of children, respectively. Respiratory allergies in children, which included asthma, rhinitis and URTI, could be associated with both types of fuels (liquefied petroleum gas [LPG] and biomass) used for cooking in the different study areas. This study suggests that biomass fuels increased the concentrations of indoor air pollutants that cause asthma, rhinitis and URTI in children. LP gas smoke was also associated with respiratory allergy.

The authors conducted this prospective study at the Shahdara industrial area of Delhi, India. They examined the effects of indoor and outdoor air pollutant levels on respiratory health in 394 children aged 7 to 15 years. The majority of children had a history of respiratory problems, including cough (62.7%), sputum production (24.4%), shortness of breath (32.0%), wheezing (25.6%), common cold (44.4%), and throat congestion (43.1%). The association of indoor and outdoor air pollutant levels showed that outdoor SO2 and NO2 was significantly higher than indoor SO2 and NO2 levels, whereas the mean indoor level of suspended particulate matter (SPM) was significantly higher than outdoor SPM level. Indoor SPM level also was significantly higher in homes of children with a history of respiratory illness than homes of children having no history of respiratory illness. Results suggest that both indoor and outdoor particulate exposure may be important risk factors in the development of respiratory illness in children.