In this study, we aimed to investigate the frequency of respiratory health symptoms among high school students attending schools at industrial, urban and rural areas in a Turkish city. Three schools located in different zones of the city having different pollution characteristics were chosen based on the pollutant distribution maps using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) software. A cross-sectional survey was performed among 667 high school students in the schools. Outdoor and indoor nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and ozone (O₃) concentrations were also measured by passive samplers in the same schools to investigate possible routes of exposure. Chronic pulmonary disease (OR = 1.49; 95%CI: 1.11–1.99; p = 0.008), tightness in the chest (OR = 1.57; 95%CI: 1.22–2.02; p = 0.001), morning cough (OR = 1.81 95%CI: 1.19–2.75; p = 0.006) were higher among students in the industrial zone where nitrogen dioxide and ozone levels were also highest. There were no indoor sources of nitrogen dioxide and ozone exists in the schools except for the dining hall. As a conclusion, this study has noticed that air pollution and respiratory health problems among high school students are high in industrial zones and the use of passive samplers combined with GIS is an effective tool that may be used by public health researchers to identify pollutant zones and persons at risk.

In this study we aimed to research the frequency of and possible risk factors for sick building syndrome (SBS) in indoor workplaces in Istanbul. The investigation was carried out in 50 non-governmental bank offices: 25 had a central ventilation system (the study group) and 25 a local ventilation system (the control group). Clinical outcomes were estimated by a standardised questionnaire completed by employees. In addition, the level of indoor gaseous pollutants and bio-aerosols (micro-fungi and bacteria) were measured. The most prevalent bio-aerosols found in the study offices were high densities of Penicillium and Aspergillus spores in contrast to the control offices where the predominant species were Cladasporium and Alternia spores. Findings of SBS were relatively increased in those working in buildings with a central air conditioning system (OR=1.68; 95% CI: 1.04-2.70); in those working for less than 3 years in the building (OR=1.91; 95% CI: 1.18-3.09); in those operating a photocopier frequently (OR=1.70; 95% CI: 1.15-2.53); in women (OR=1.78; 95% CI: 1.21-2.63) and in those with workplace dissatisfaction (OR=2.06; 95% CI: 1.40-3.05).

Nurses are one of the most endeavored members of healthcare services. Operating rooms, on the other hand, require special caution and contain various hazards for healthcare professionals. Operating rooms contain various risk factors related to applications, infrastructure and humans. It is one of the areas that need nursing care the most since patients are dependent on their nurses to meet their personal needs. Nurses are exposed to various risk and health problems in operating rooms. Healthcare service provided by nurses working in a healthy environment directly affects the health and quality of life of those who receive the service. In order to prevent these problems, intensive up-to-date educations on occupational risks and employee safety should be provided for the nurses working in operating rooms. In addition to the general occupational hygiene measures, different precautions should be taken for the operating rooms. Working in a healthy and safe environment is a human right that every individual must have. Managers of the medical institutions should be attentive to follow the laws and sanctions on occupational health and safety, institutions should be inspected frequently and monitored carefully. In this section, this subject will be studied in line with actual data and resources.