Date of Award

January 2024

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Department

School of Public Health

First Advisor

Krystal Pollitt

Abstract

Background: Oxygen concentrators concentrate oxygen from ambient air by selectively removing nitrogen. These concentrators are typically for personal use by individuals with chronic respiratory failure from various cardio-pulmonary disorders, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure. Such concentrators also could potentially concentrate harmful air pollutants and increase adverse health risks. Understanding the mechanisms of separation in an oxygen concentrator could be used to minimize exposures to harmful pollutants.Objective/Methods: The objective of this thesis was to characterize exposures to environmental contaminants in the air supplied by oxygen concentrators. The performance of oxygen concentrators was investigated, and the levels of contaminants detected in the supply and exhaust air of these medical devices was assessed. An oxygen concentrator was used in a controlled office setting and samples were obtained from the intake, output, exhaust, and ambient air locations of the concentrator. Samples were collected using passive air sampling with a sorbet polymer, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and thermal desorption followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Correlation heatmaps were generated and clustered compounds were identified. Chemical and physical characteristic comparisons of these clusters were made. Comparisons from the output, exhaust and flow in locations were analyzed and common themes were determined. Statistical analyses, including t-tests, assessed for differences in relative concentration between sampling locations as well as compound characteristics. Results: The subsequent analysis revealed differing levels of chemical contaminants across the flow path of the oxygen concentrator. Poorer adsorption of lighter compounds was detected which increased exposure to these compounds in the air supply to patients, posing potential risks to them. Selective adsorption behaviors were observed, influenced by factors such as molecular weight. Many hazardous compounds showed higher concentrations for the end user, emphasizing the need to understand pollutant characteristics and their separation in oxygen concentrators. Conclusion: Overall, this study contributes to understanding oxygen concentrators' performance in the context of environmental pollution. Assessment of oxygen concentration enrichment of airborne contaminants in real-world settings is warranted and may provide valuable insights into environmental exposures and associated health risks to vulnerable patient population.

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This is an Open Access Thesis.

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