Term Paper Guidance Objective: To develop and investigate an ✓ Solved

Objective: To develop and investigate an air quality-relevant scientific question and communicate your research in the form of a research paper.

Your paper should be 7-10 double-spaced pages (papers longer than 10 pages will not be accepted!). References and figures are not part of the page count. Use a 12-point font and margins that are at least 1 inch on all sides. Consistent citation format and citing sources is done WITHIN the text of the paper. Minimum of 10 Peer Review references, half your references should be 2010+.

The research paper should reflect investigation into a question of interest to you and of scientific relevance to the course. Show that you can synthesize ideas that are in the literature. The paper should not be a “regurgitation” of this information but rather should be focused on a central point. Keep in mind that the more focused your research topic or question is, the easier it will be to identify relevant information to present in your paper.

Suggested outline:

  • Title: The title should be clearly stated and carefully reflect the content of the paper.

  • Abstract: Summarizes the paper. The abstract includes an introduction to your central question, why this question is interesting or important, and your main conclusions regarding this question.

  • Background/Introduction: What is the importance of this topic and why did you choose it for your research paper? What is the “history” of this issue or idea? How does this fit into the “big picture”? The background section should address the question: why should we care?

  • Research question/hypothesis: Describe the essential research question(s) or the central thesis of your paper and summarize why this is biogeochemically important and relevant. A clear statement of your research question or thesis is a key component of a good paper.

  • Literature results: Describe the results of studies published in the literature that address your research question. How have these studies approached this question? Were the methods appropriate for the study? What are the results of published studies? Do the results all agree with each other – is there consensus? Why or why not?

  • Conclusions: Provide your assessment of the state of knowledge in this area. What is known? What is still unknown? What implications do the results have? How does this knowledge advance science?

  • References: Ten peer review references, half must be 2010+. Pick a standard format such as APA, MLA, Chicago, etc. And stick to it. Inconsistent format will be points off.

Make sure you cite within the text and all references are cited. Uncited references will count against your reference number.

Tips and Suggestions:

  • Writing style: Use active voice when possible.

  • Each paragraph should have a topic sentence.

  • Be direct and to the point.

VERY IMPORTANT: Evidence of plagiarism or academic dishonesty will result in a failing grade and a letter to this effect in your student file. It’s not worth it!

Paper For Above Instructions

Title: Evaluating Indoor Air Quality: A Crucial Factor During COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Air quality is a critical aspect of public health that has gained renewed attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus’s airborne nature has highlighted the significance of indoor environments where individuals spend a majority of their time. This paper aims to investigate the importance of indoor air quality in relation to COVID-19 and to address various dimensions including the main factors influencing air quality, health implications, and potential management strategies. Understanding this relationship is essential not only for mitigating the impact of the virus but also for informing future public health policies.

1. Background/Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has altered daily life globally, emphasizing the importance of various health measures. Among these measures, indoor air quality (IAQ) has surfaced as a pivotal concern, directly correlating with disease transmission. The historical context shows that airborne diseases have long been an issue; however, the emphasis on IAQ has intensified due to the pandemic’s challenges. Poor indoor air quality has been linked to various health problems including respiratory diseases and, more recently, the severity of COVID-19 infections (Nwanaji-Enwerem et al., 2020). Hence, addressing this phenomenon is crucial, not only to safeguard health during the pandemic but also to improve overall public health in the future.

2. Research Question/Hypothesis

This paper posits the hypothesis that improving indoor air quality can significantly reduce the transmission and severity of COVID-19. This hypothesis is grounded in the biogeochemical importance of air quality concerning health. Numerous studies suggest that indoor pollutants adversely affect respiratory health, which can exacerbate infections from viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 (Wolkoff, 2018; Afshari, 2020).

3. Literature Results

Recent literature outlines essential findings correlating IAQ with COVID-19. For instance, Abouleish (2020) asserts that enhanced ventilation and filtration systems can minimize viral load within indoor environments. A study undertaken by Domànguez-Amarillo et al. (2020) surveyed residential IAQ amid the pandemic, identifying widespread deficiencies in air quality and the consequent risks associated with indoor pollution. These studies highlight a consensus regarding the necessity for improved air quality management in public and private spaces as a method of combating health crises.

Research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2021) recommends specific strategies for enhancing ventilation in buildings to decrease airborne pathogens. Similarly, Kroll et al. (2020) analyze data demonstrating improved particulate matter levels during COVID-19 lockdowns and the ensuing health benefits. Du and Wang (2020) emphasize indoor air pollution’s impact during lockdowns, revealing a time when most individuals were confined to their homes, reinforcing the need for effective IAQ monitoring.

Moreover, the insights provided by Mumtaz et al. (2021) regarding the role of technology, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) in tracking IAQ, signify advancements that can be used long term. These emerging technologies could ensure timely responses to worsening air quality conditions, ultimately protecting public health.

4. Conclusions

The body of research reviewed underscores a critical state of knowledge relative to the nexus between indoor air quality and the COVID-19 pandemic. It is evident that while certain aspects of air quality management are understood, significant gaps remain regarding standardized protocols and public policy directions. Efforts to improve IAQ can lead not only to better outcomes during viral outbreaks but also contribute toward broader public health initiatives focusing on preventive measures against indoor pollutants, thereby promoting healthier living environments.

References

  • Abouleish, M. Y. Z. (2020). Indoor air quality and coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Public Health.

  • Afshari, R. (2020). Indoor air quality and severity of COVID-19: where communicable and non-communicable preventive measures meet. Asia Pacific Journal of Medical Toxicology, 9(1), 1-2.

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Ventilation in Buildings.

  • Domànguez-Amarillo, S., Fernà¡ndez-Agà¼era, J., Cesteros-Garcàa, S., & Gonzà¡lez-Lezcano, R. A. (2020). Bad air can also kill residential indoor air quality and pollutant exposure risk during the COVID-19 crisis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(19), 7183.

  • Du, W., & Wang, G. (2020). Indoor air pollution was nonnegligible during covid-19 lockdown. Aerosol and Air Quality Research, 20(9), .

  • Kroll, J. H., Heald, C. L., Cappa, C. D., Farmer, D. K., Fry, J. L., Murphy, J. G., & Steiner, A. L. (2020). The complex chemical effects of COVID-19 shutdowns on air quality. Nature Chemistry, 12(9), .

  • Mumtaz, R., Zaidi, S. M. H., Shakir, M. Z., Shafi, U., Malik, M. M., Haque, A., ... & Zaidi, S. A. R. (2021). Internet of Things (IoT) Based Indoor Air Quality Sensing and Predictive Analytic—A COVID-19 Perspective. Electronics, 10(2), 184.

  • Nwanaji-Enwerem, J. C., Allen, J. G., & Beamer, P. I. (2020). Another invisible enemy indoors: COVID-19, human health, the home, and United States indoor air policy. Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, 30(5), .

  • Wolkoff, P. (2018). Indoor air humidity, air quality, and health–An overview. International journal of hygiene and environmental health, 221(3), .