Children's micro-environment air pollution exposures in London and Bangalore

Abstract

Lung growth in childhood is impaired by air pollution (Gauderman et al, NEJM 2004). When and where urban children are maximally exposed to air pollution remains unclear. We hypothesised that children are exposed to high peaks of pollution when travelling to and from school, and measured personal black carbon (BC) exposures in children in London and Bangalore. BC exposure (ng/m 3 ) was measured in 44 9-11 yr olds (London n=24, Bangalore n=20) during a school day using a portable monitor, divided into home, commute, and school times and compared by one-way ANOVA. Peaks were defined as BC >10000 ng/m 3 . BC exposure/min was greatest during the school commute (p We conclude that children are exposed to a considerable fraction of their daily air pollution exposure during the short time travelling to and from school. Individual behaviours and legislative efforts should address the air quality of home-school routes in order to maximally benefit children9s lung growth.