Abstract
Introduction: Pollution by mining activity is one of the most critical problems affecting both the environment and health of exposed populations in Latin America. Chañaral, a city in northern Chile, is impacted by particulate material that travels through winds from a beach contaminated with mine tailings. Objective: To simultaneously determine and compare the levels of PM2.5 and their metal/metalloid content in school microenvironments. Methods: In the summer, autumn, and winter of 2012 and 2013, we collected PM2.5 in 3 pre and 3 elementary schools during teaching hours (8:30 to 16:30) on 2 consecutive days, using a Personal Environmental Monitor (PEM) sampler. Metal/metalloid determinations was performed by X-ray fluorescence. Results: During summer, indoor and outdoor PM2.5 concentrations ranged from 12.53 to 72.37 ug/m3 and 11.86 to 181.73 ug/m3. In autumn, fluctuated between 14.06 and 58.44 ug/m3 and 24.06 to 80.22 ug/m3, and winter ranged from 21.85 to 110.53 ug/m3 and from 21.38 to 93.07 ug/m3. Seasonal I/O ratios were 0.22 to 0.28 in summer, 0.38 to 0.92 in autumn, and 0.89 to 1.28 in winter, respectively. The composition and distribution of metals/metalloids from indoor and outdoor microenvironments were highly correlated (classroom-backyard, office-backyard and classroom-office was r=0.98, r=0.98 and r=0.99). The most common indoor metals/metalloids were Ca> S> Si> Cl> Na> Al> Fe> K> Mg> Ti> Cu> Zn> Cr and were between 0.4 and 4 times more frequently seen than in outdoor school areas. Conclusions: PM2.5 concentration levels were significantly different among indoor and outdoor microenvironments. Metals/metalloids from outdoor areas were highly correlated with those from indoors. Fine particulate matter from mining tailing deposits on beach bays heavily impacts pre and elementary schools in Chañaral. Steps must be taken to reduce or control the indoor air quality to reduce the potential health impact generated on exposed pediatric populations.
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