Environmental Benefits of Solar Energy Systems

Soteris A. Kalogirou. "Environmental Benefits of Domestic Solar Energy Systems." Energy Conversion and Management 45 (2004) 3075–3092, http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.mnsu.edu/science?_ob=MImg&_imagekey=B6V2P-4BT8D39-1-1G&_cdi=5708&_user=1822432&_pii=S0196890404000160&_origin=search&_zone=rslt_list_item&_coverDate=11%2F30%2F2004&_sk=999549981&wchp=dGLbVlz-zSkzS&md5=b630e8978a55074ec83125422d89970e&ie=/sdarticle.pdf.

This article discusses the need for sustainable resources for energy which means the resource "meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet


This article supports my research as a viable solution for renewable energy alternatives. This article discusses solar thermal energy and I would like to focus on PV for individual property owners. However, overall the effectiveness of solar and its ability to be an energy source with little harmful effect on the environment is effective for my needs.

Solar Absorption Cooling and Heating System in Different Building Types

Tiago Mateus and
949–957, http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.mnsu.edu/science?_ob=MImg&_imagekey=B6V1T-4TPF93J-2-K&_cdi=5683&_user=1822432&_pii=S0306261908002249&_origin=search&_zone=rslt_list_item&_coverDate=06%2F30%2F2009&_sk=999139993&wchp=dGLbVlz-zSkzS&md5=60359b9d3bed1041178cd574764a112d&ie=/sdarticle.pdf.

This article discusses integrated solar cooling and heating systems in various building types. Integrated solar systems use solar collectors and a hot water storage tank, with a gas boiler backup, to provide hot water; the hot water is either directly used for space heating or used to drive an absorption water chiller. The hot or cold water is circulated through fan-coils located in the conditioned space. The study compared feasibility testing for buildings in Lisbon, Rome, and Berlin. The study results showed that this system works best in single family homes and hotels but is not cost effective in anything larger.

This article did not support my research question very well. This was more in depth information than I really need for purposes of my research. It was difficult to understand how this system works which is most likely why the results did not support this system's use. Armando C. Oliveira. "Energy and Economic Analysis of an Integrated Solar Absorption Cooling and Heating System in Different Building Types and Climates." Applied Energy 86 (2009)

Solar Thermal Energy: The Forgotten Energy Source

Reuel Shinnar and Francesco Citro. "Solar Thermal Energy: The Forgotten Energy Source." Technology in Society 29 (2007) 261–270, http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.mnsu.edu/science?_ob=MImg&_imagekey=B6V80-4P00S49-1-9&_cdi=5856&_user=1822432&_pii=S0160791X07000255&_origin=search&_zone=rslt_list_item&_coverDate=08%2F31%2F2007&_sk=999709996&wchp=dGLbVlz-zSkzS&md5=8ed5efb2bdda790d58a081b3ec16b4a5&ie=/sdarticle.pdf.

This article discusses using solar power to heat water to really high temperatures allowing it to raise steam and drive turbines of electricity generating plants. This method can also be used to store the heated water in ponds and use as necessary for power source. The authors explain the effectiveness of this power source especially in terms of larger steam power plants. The authors concede this isn't the only solution but offer it as part of a larger solution involving more than one type of renewable energy. The cost is not high when compared to fossil fuels currently used. Furthermore, this technology can replace all but 16-20% usage of fossil fuels and other renewable energy sources can take care of that portion. The authors estimate using this technology would reduce use of fossil fuels by 55% by lowering usage of coal by 80%, oil by 50%, and natural gas by 50% reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 60%. And, oil imports would be eliminated completely.

This article provided good stats on the use of solar thermal power as part of an overall solution to conversion to renewable energy. It also showed that there is more use for solar than just solar panels making solar a cost effective choice.

Energy, Energy Efficiency, and the Built Environment

Paul Wilkinson, Kirk R Smith, Sean Beevers, Cathryn Tonne, Tadj Oreszczyn. "Energy, Energy Efficiency, and the Built Environment." The Lancet (2007) 370: 1175-87, http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.mnsu.edu/science?_ob=MImg&_imagekey=B6T1B-4PNF2PB-3-2&_cdi=4886&_user=1822432&_pii=S0140673607612550&_origin=mlkt&_zone=rslt_list_item&_coverDate=10%2F05%2F2007&_sk=996290406&wchp=dGLbVzW-zSkzS&md5=29ada16e84720d36571650a28e3dce23&ie=/sdarticle.pdf.

The article examines infrastructure-buildings where we live and work as the largest contributors to carbon dioxide emissions. The authors discuss some of the problems with better energy sources in buildings and why renewable energy sources in buildings are necessary for better health. Increase in energy efficiency results in increased demand. Converting existing buildings is more expensive than just adding the new technology to new construction. So people may be reluctant to invest the money for the improvement unless they understand the larger issue-health benefits. Existing houses account for a quarter of carbon emissions in the UK. Mortality rates are higher among people living in energy inefficient homes than those living in more energy efficient homes. Studies performed in the UK and New Zealand have reported more incidences of disease, days off work, and increased visits to doctors by people living in inefficient homes. The carbon dioxide emitted by individual homes not only affects the inhabitants of that particular home but also the rest of the population because of the health side effects from the air pollution in the community. Researchers believe adoption of renewable energy could lead to considerable reductions in premature deaths, chronic respiratory

This article provides supportive information for my research question. It is also good because it points to alternative forms of electricity specifically which is where solar power can play a role in conversion.

Policies for Accelerating Access to Clean Energy

Andy Haines, Kirk R Smith, Dennis Anderson, Paul R Epstein, Anthony J McMichael, Ian Roberts, Paul Wilkinson, James Woodcock, Jeremy Woods. "Policies for Accelerating Access to Clean Energy, Improving Health, Advancing Development, and Mitigating Climate Change." Lancet (2007) 370: 1264-81, http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.mnsu.edu/science?_ob=MImg&_imagekey=B6T1B-4PNF2PB-5-R&_cdi=4886&_user=1822432&_pii=S0140673607612574&_origin=mlkt&_zone=rslt_list_item&_coverDate=10%2F12%2F2007&_sk=996290405&wchp=dGLbVzb-zSkzk&md5=14d243ca638004e23c3e06f739486305&ie=/sdarticle.pdf.

This article explains reducing the usage of fossil fuels, reducing carbon emissions, and converting to renewable energy sources needs to be a priority in both developed countries and underdeveloped countries. The authors compare the need for conversion in the following statement, "The challenge faced by society in moving to cleaner, healthier, more sustainable patterns of energy use is comparable to great public-health challenges of earlier generations, and its successful achievement will require bold and visionary leadership, which we predict would result in substantial benefits to global health both in the short and long terms." The authors explain risks and awards of using various forms of renewable energy such as geothermal, wind, and solar. Solar is listed as one of the alternative energy sources with the least potential for negative side effects. Not only does converting to renewable energy sources such as solar power have definite health benefits but it protects climate change and creates new jobs. The article also explains how food and agriculture contributes to increased emissions as well as population growth. However, these problems can be eliminated with conversion to renewable energy sources such as solar. The authors also explain health workers are in a perfect position to take a more elevated role in consumer awareness because their job is to help people become aware of activities they do that may contribute to bad health.
This is another good article supporting my research question. I liked the fact that the authors suggest health workers are good sources for advocacy in informing people the health benefits of renewable energy sources.

Public health benefits of strategies to reduce greenhouse-gas-Implications for Policy Makers

Andy Haines, Anthony J McMichael, Kirk R Smith, Ian Roberts, James Woodcock, Anil Markandya, Ben G Armstrong, Diarmid Campbell-Lendrum, Alan D Dangour, Michael Davies, Nigel Bruce, Cathryn Tonne, Mark Barrett, Paul Wilkinson. "Public Health Benefits of Strategies to Reduce Greenhouse-Gas Emissions: Overview and Implications for Policy Makers." Lancet (2009) 374: 2104-14, http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.mnsu.edu/science?_ob=MImg&_imagekey=B6T1B-4XSTPDR-B-1&_cdi=4886&_user=1822432&_pii=S0140673609617591&_origin=search&_zone=rslt_list_item&_coverDate=01%2F01%2F2010&_sk=996250292&wchp=dGLbVzW-zSkWb&md5=32f0d3504c0f20c9a9e1e9f044911cbe&ie=/sdarticle.pdf.

This article discusses the health benefits of converting to renewable energy sources for household energy, transport, food and agriculture, and electricity generation. The authors point out that while developed countries contribute more carbon emissions than underdeveloped countries, underdeveloped countries must still play their part in reducing emissions by using better cookstoves. The authors explain further that if people have a better awareness of the health benefits resulting from converting to renewable sources of energy, motivation to convert will increase. Overall, people are more aware of the cost issues but do not relate health benefits to using renewable energy. The authors explain policy  makers need to do a better job informing public of the health benefits too. The benefits of informing public about health benefits as well as climate protection will reduce incidences of respiratory infections, heart disease and other infections. When people can relate the health benefits as well as climate protection it will result in wider acceptance of conversion to renewable sources of energy.

This article is very good in supporting my research question. It supports the idea that public awareness is not adequate regarding the health consequences to continued use of traditional energy. It also supports my hypothesis that people are more aware of climate protection and costs of renewable energy than health benefits and if they could relate them together desire for change would increase.

Quantifying the human health benefits of curbing air pollution in Shanghai

Jia Li

This article discusses the increasing health consequences occurring in people in growing cities from exposure to high carbon dioxide emissions. It researches whether costs for reducing CO2 emissions is worth the health benefits resulting from emission reduction. Shanghai, China is used as an example in the study. Researchers compare the health ramifications of doing nothing-no change versus adapting two different control measures. Researchers perform a health benefit analysis in which they compare health of people at different endpoints to evaluate whether the control measures affect health substantially. Due to the increasing population in Shanghai emissions will continue to increase profoundly which will affect health of people in a negative manner. The study showed that eliminating the use of coal completely and replacing the energy source with a renewable energy profoundly reduces incidences of disease and also reduces lost days from work because of common respiratory illness associated with contact with air pollution. Overall, the study proved aggressive pollution control standards will reduce disease and protect the health of people.

This article was also beneficial to my research project because it showed the link between CO2 emissions and disease. It also was useful in determining if the costs of switching to alternative energy sources outweighs the risk of disease by not switching. Converting to renewable energy sources definitely has less long term costs than staying status quo.insert citation here
add summary, analysis, and reflection here tag your entry with relevant keywords

a, Sarath K. Guttikundab, Gregory R. Carmichaelb, David G. Streetsc, Young-Soo Changc, Virginia Fungd. "Quantifying the human health benefits of curbing air pollution in Shanghai." Journal of Environmental Management 70 (2004) 49-62, http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.mnsu.edu/science?=MImg&_imagekey=B6WJ7-4BBH9GW-1-S&_cdi=6871&_user=1822432&_pii=S0301479703001956&_origin=search&_zone=rslt_list_item&_coverDate=01%2F31%2F2004&_sk=999299998&wchp=dGLbVzW-zSkWb&md5=4e4660b21513ac52227dff6d2f15ffb4&ie=/sdarticle.pdf.

Public health benefi ts of strategies to reduce greenhouse-gas-Household energy

Paul Wilkinson, Kirk R Smith, Michael Davies, Heather Adair, Ben G Armstrong, Mark Barrett, Nigel Bruce, Andy Haines, Ian Hamilton,Tadj Oreszczyn, Ian Ridley, Cathryn Tonne, Zaid Chalabi. "Public health benefits of strategies to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions: household energy." Lancet (2009) 374: 1917-29, http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.mnsu.edu/science?_ob=MImg&_imagekey=B6T1B-4XSTPDR-5-2&_cdi=4886&_user=1822432&_pii=S014067360961713X&_origin=search&_zone=rslt_list_item&_coverDate=12%2F11%2F2009&_sk=996250294&wchp=dGLzVtz-zSkzk&md5=f3749adb67a3f7eea9600594af1e7870&ie=/sdarticle.pdf.

The article compares the health effects from carbon dioxide emissions from households in India (low economic conditions) and United Kingdom (higher economic conditions). In both instances, evidence is produced showing how deaths are occurring because of household carbon dioxide emissions. In India, cookstoves are the main contributor and in the UK, heating the house used 56% of the energy contributing to indoor and outdoor CO2 emissions. The authors explain further the direct link between CO2 emissions and increased cases of respiratory disease, pulmonary disease, and heart disease. The research shows that household energy interventions have benefits for climate and health. In the UK, households contribute 26% of CO2 emissions which makes intervention a practical solution to reducing these toxic emissions.

This article contributes good statistical information and research for my research question. Rather than focus on the dependence on fossil fuels and costs, this article focuses on the direct link between household CO2 emissions and health consequences. This is a great source of information supporting my research question.

Solar Water Heating System Integration in Residential Building

K. Golic

The article presents a plan for using solar energy to heat water. The plan considers not only functionality of the solar panels but also considers aesthetics, energy performance, and economic and ecological considerations, too. The authors explain that 20% of energy consumption in Europe is used for heating water. Solar water heating systems are a good renewable energy source in residential building and its use will reduce dependence on fossil fuels as well as reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The authors present a comprehensive plan for converting residential buildings to solar water heating.

This article presents a good solution for homeowners wishing to reduce their carbon imprint. It goes into a little more detail about how it actually would be built than necessary for my research purposes but overall, the general idea is excellent for showing homeowners how they can individually participate in reducing carbon dioxide emissions., V. Kosoric, and A. Krsti´c Furundˇzic. "General model of solar water heating system integration in residential building." Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 15 (2011): 1533-1544, http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.mnsu.edu/science?_ob=MImg&_imagekey=B6VMY-51XP77H-C-1&_cdi=6163&_user=1822432&_pii=S1364032110004211&_origin=search&_zone=rslt_list_item&_coverDate=04%2F30%2F2011&_sk=999849996&wchp=dGLzVtz-zSkzS&md5=dedc961a14042019aa5db5888edb5fc1&ie=/sdarticle.pdf.

Household peanut consumption as a risk factor for the development of peanut allergy

Fox AT, Sasieni P, Du Toit G, Syed H, Lack G. "Household peanut consumption as a risk factor for the development of peanut allergy." J Allergy Clin Immunol 123 (2009): 417-423.

This is an article which describes a study conducted to determine if household peanut consumption is a risk factor in developing an allergy to peanuts. I especially enjoyed this paper because it is a study report and is quite relevant to the things we've been doing in this class. The paper is divided into some of the following sections: method (study design), cases and high-risk controls, questionnaire, and statistical analyses. Although the paper discusses my topic, peanut allergies, I was more intrigued by seeing our lessons in action.
The main focus of this paper discusses aspects of peanut allergy which weren't factors when my children were infants. There is evidence, not necessarily conclusive, that high levels of environmental exposure (non-oral) to peanuts during infancy seem to promote sensitization and low levels may be protective. Another interesting topic is that maternal ingestion of peanuts during pregnancy or lactation doesn't seem to have an effect on the development of allergy in infancy.
My research paper will benefit from the information in this article. The authors are well-respected and cited often in the articles I am reading.

The perfectly potent peanut

Shreffler, Wayne G. "." J Allergy Clin Immunol 123 (2009):352-3.

This editorial was clearly written for medical professionals. It discusses the "pathogenesis of allergic inflammation" and other equally technical aspects of peanut allergies. The allergic response in humans is discussed in detail.
Although the article was written by a well-respected MD, I could never use this information in my research paper. I understand peanut allergy better than most, but this paper was way over my head. The vocabulary was extremely technical and would not be appropriate for my audience.

Food Allergy: Are we getting closer to a cure?

Leung, Donald Y. M. "Food Allergy: Are we getting closer to a cure?" J Allergy Clin Immunol 127 (2011): 555-7.
This is a short overview editorial which discusses various topics which relate to food allergy: prevalence, diagnosis, risk factors, and new treatments being researched. There is also a more technical section in the article about the immune mechanisms of food allergy which wouldn't be appropriate for my intended audience. The association between atopic dermatitis (AD) and food allergy is discussed as well as genetic factors which could influence the development of food allergy.
New treatment approaches which target food allergies are discussed. Although the goal of some of the research may be to find a cure, a more immediate one is finding a way that food allergy sufferers might increase their tolerance of their specific allergen, thereby increasing the likelihood that they could survive an accidental exposure.
I will use some of the information I read in this editorial as a statistical foundation for the prevalence of food allergy in the U.S. and also as a basic introduction of the new treatments being investigated.

Early peanut consumption: postpone or promote?

AW, Burks. "Early peanut consumption: postpone or promote?" J Allergy Clin Immunol 123 (2009): 424-425.
This article addresses an issue at the forefront of research concerning peanut allergies now: Should the introduction of peanuts early in infancy be promoted or postponed? In 2000, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that the introduction of peanuts be postponed in infants until 3 years of age. That is the guideline that I followed with my children. Current research suggests that early oral exposure to peanuts might actually decrease the likelihood of developing a peanut allergy. On the flip side of the issue, it has been suggested that environmental exposure to peanuts may increase the risk of developing a peanut allergy. The article also includes a discussion about the issue of whether or not maternal consumption of peanuts during pregnancy or lactation increases the risk of developing an allergy.
This is a good source of information about peanut allergy, environmental exposure, and oral consumption. Dr. Burks has been cited in a lot of the material I've been reading on this topic, so I believe that he is a reliable source.