Indoor Air Quality In Schools Research Articles

The effect of the shoeless course on particle concentrations and dust composition in schools

Airborne particles may effect on indoor air quality in schools. One significant particle source is outdoor dust and soil transported indoors on people's shoes, which may be resuspended, and further inhaled by pupils and teachers. In many Finnish schools, shoes are taken off by coat racks near the classrooms (shoe schools). The new course of action is to take shoes off right when entering the building (sock schools). In this study, particle mass and number concentrations, together with chemical composition of the dust were investigated in sock and shoe schools. According to results, PM10 and PM15 concentrations in corridors were significantly higher in shoe schools compared to sock schools (p < 0.05). The shoeless course did not affect on the particle number concentrations, but the increases in the number concentrations originated from diners. The elemental concentrations (Li, Al, Si, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Ba, Pb) in settled dust were also higher in shoe schools compared to sock schools, and the Zn concentrations differed significantly (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study showed that by taking the shoes off when entering the school building you can enhance the indoor air quality by reducing the particle mass concentrations.

Healthy schools, healthy children – achieving climate-friendly and health promoting buildings for future generations

Abstract Children spend a significant amount of their time in schools indoors, and the quality of this indoor environment influences their health and their ability to learn. Recent studies have demonstrated the specific vulnerability of children to air pollution, especially particulate matter (PM). However, awareness among the public, parents and policy-makers on indoor air quality in schools is low, and media reports are scarce. Therefore policy measures have largely focused on providing clean air outdoors. With the political drive to improve the climate footprint of buildings, including schools, there is an urgent need to consider air quality and health. The presentation will present results from a project by the Health and Environment Alliance on citizens science monitoring of outdoor and indoor air quality in more than 40 schools in 6 European capitals, Berlin, Paris, Madrid, Warsaw, Sofia and London in the spring of 2019. Pollutants measured included PM and NO2; as well as CO2 concentrations. Strategies on how to achieve an energy efficient and health promoting school environment will also be discussed.

Parental worry about indoor air quality and student symptom reporting in primary schools with or without indoor air quality problems

Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) in schools is related to increased symptom reporting in students. We investigated whether parental worry about school IAQ influences this association. Data came from survey collected from five Finnish primary schools with observed IAQ problems and five control schools. Parents (n=1868) of primary school students reported worry about IAQ in schools and symptoms of their children. Associations between observed IAQ problems, worry, and five symptom scores (ie, respiratory, lower respiratory, eye, skin, and general symptoms) were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression and mediation analysis. Parents were on average more worried in schools with observed IAQ problems. Observed IAQ problems were strongly associated with increased worry and all symptoms under study (unadjusted ORs ranged between 1.48 [95% CI 1.48-2.16] and 2.70 [95% CI 1.52-5.17]). Parental worry was associated with all symptoms (unadjusted ORs ranged between 2.49 [95% CI 1.75-3.60] and 4.92 [95% CI 2.77-9.40]). Mediation analyses suggested that parental worry might partially explain the association between observed IAQ problems and symptom reporting (proportion mediated ranged between 67% and 84% for the different symptoms). However, prospective studies are needed to assess causal relationships between observed IAQ problems, worry, and symptom reporting in schools.

Comparison of Indoor Air Quality in Schools: Urban vs. Industrial 'Oil &amp;amp; Gas' Zones in Akwa Ibom State – Nigeria

This study was carried out to assess indoor air quality (IAQ) in schools in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria during the rainy (June – July) and dry (November – December) seasons of 2018. IAQ parameters were examined to assess pollutant levels in schools within Akwa Ibom State in single setting only (naturally ventilated classrooms). Schools were randomly selected from two zones: zone 1 which is located within the Capital City (Uyo metropolis) and represents the 'urban sector', and zone 2 which is located within the southern part of the state in close proximity to the oil and gas industrial region and represents the 'industrial sector'. Indoor air investigation included the following parameters: particulate matter (PM1, PM2, PM5, and PM10), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, temperature and relative humidity, which were simultaneously measured in fourteen (14) sampling days using Fluke 985 Particle Counter and Fluke 975 AirMeter. Multiple statistically analysis techniques were used to compare IAQ parameters and test for significant differences between the zones (urban vs. industrial) and annual seasonal variations. The concentrations of particulate matter (PM) in the naturally ventilated classroom in industrial zone during the rainy season ranged from 5152 – 5984 μg/m3 for PM1; 2744 – 3207 μg/m3 for PM2; 137 – 149 μg/m3 for PM5; 38 – 46 μg/m3 for PM10 and in urban zone, the concentrations of PM ranged from 1978 – 2491 μg/m3 for PM1; 1010 – 1311 μg/m3 for PM2; 38 – 56 μg/m3 for PM5; 15 – 24 μg/m3 for PM10. During the dry season, the concentrations of PM in the naturally ventilated classroom in industrial zone ranged from 6138 – 6999 μg/m3 for PM1; 2984 – 3980 μg/m3 for PM2; 146 – 159 μg/m3 for PM5; 47 – 59 μg/m3 for PM10 and in urban zone, the concentrations of PM ranged from 2556 – 3972 μg/m3 for PM1; 1911 – 2311 μg/m3 for PM2; 51 – 66 μg/m3 for PM5; 18 – 34 μg/m3 for PM10. Results of this study has revealed that the concentrations of PM1, PM2, PM5, and PM10 measured in the naturally ventilated classroom in industrial zone were significantly (p 10 measured were found to be much lower than the ambient maximum contaminant level for airborne PM10 standard promulgated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US–EPA) (150 μg/m3 daily average and 50 μg/m3 annual average) and World Health Organization (WHO) PM10 guidelines values (50 μg/m3 daily average and 20 μg/m3 annual average). Apart from re–suspension of atmospheric particles, anthropogenic activities in industrial zone significantly influenced the measured concentrations of PM compared to those measured in urban zone. In addition, the lower concentration of CO and CO2 measured indicated adequate air exchange at the time of the assessment in the naturally ventilated classrooms during the sampling period. The results obtained reveal important contributions towards understanding of airborne PM distribution patterns and the available data can be used for making public health policies.

Indoor Air Quality in Kindergartens in Poland

The universal ventilation system in Polish kindergartens is the natural ventilation system. This is due to the fact that these buildings are several or even several dozen years old. National regulation for natural ventilation define only general guidelines. There are in the legislation acts only the permissible tightness of the building joinery and the minimum value of the air infiltrate to the rooms. The amount of air is constant regardless of the room’s purpose or the number of people staying in them. Over the last decade, in such buildings incomplete thermomodernization treatments were carried out, as a result of which the inflow of air to the rooms was most often limited, and thus the indoor air quality decreased. While, the low indoor air quality may lead not only to the poor well-being of users, but also to low efficiency of work and insufficient learning of new messages. This problem is extremely important in the case of a group of people who are not be able to determine the requirements in relation to IAQ. As has been shown in the Scandinavian countries, in the rooms where children are staying there the proper ventilation system several times reduces the chance of allergic symptoms. At the same time, research carried out in Denmark showed that the low indoor air quality in school premises negatively affects the learning efficiency of children. That is why it is extremely important to ensure proper microclimate conditions in the rooms where the youngest children are staying. The article presents the results of research on the indoor air quality (IAQ) in 4 kindergartens in Poland, located in the city with 200,000 inhabitants. The buildings in which research was carried out were built in the years 1970-1993 and were equipped with a gravity ventilation system. The analysis covered the variability of the basic parameters describing the indoor air quality, i.e. temperature, relative humidity and concentration of carbon dioxide.

Indoor air quality in schools of a highly polluted south Mediterranean area.

This study aimed at surveying lower secondary schools in southern Italy, in a highly polluted area. A community close to an industrial area and three villages in rural areas was investigated. Indoor temperature, relative humidity (RH), gaseous pollutants (CO2 and NO2 ), selected biological pollutants in indoor dust, and the indoor/outdoor mass concentration and elemental composition of PM2.5 were ascertained. Temperature and RH were within, or close to, the comfort range, while CO2 frequently exceeded the threshold of 1000ppm, indicating inadequate air exchange rate. In all the classrooms, median NO2 levels were above the WHO threshold value. Dermatophagoides p. allergen concentration was below the sensitizing threshold, while high endotoxin levels were detected in the classrooms, suggesting schools may produce significant risks of endotoxin exposure. Concentration and solubility of PM2.5 elements were used to identify the sources of indoor particles. Indoor concentration of most elements was higher than outdoors. Resuspension was responsible for the indoor increase in soil components. For elements from industrial emission (Cd, Co, Ni, Pb, Sb, Tl, V), the indoor concentration depended on penetration from the outside. For these elements, differences in rural vs industrial concentrations were found, suggesting industrial sources may influence indoor air quality nearby schools.

Indoor air quality in inner-city schools and its associations with building characteristics and environmental factors

Indoor concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and carbon monoxide (CO) were measured across 16 urban public schools in three different seasons. Exceedance of the WHO guidelines for indoor air was observed, mainly for the hourly average NO2 concentrations. Seasonal variability was statistically significant for indoor NO2 and CO concentrations, with higher exposures in fall and winter. An extensive list of potential factors at the outdoor environment, school, and room level that may explain the variability in indoor exposure was examined. Factors with significant contributions to indoor exposure were mostly related to the outdoor pollution sources. This is evidenced by the strong associations between indoor concentration of CO and NO2 and factors including outdoor PM2.5 and NO2 concentrations, including length of the nearby roads and the number of nearby industrial facilities. Additionally, we found that poor conditions of the buildings (a prevalent phenomenon in the studied urban area), including physical defects and lack of proper ventilation, contributed to poor air quality in schools. The results suggest that improving building conditions and facilities as well as a consideration of the school surroundings may improve indoor air quality in schools.

Sources of indoor air pollution at a New Zealand urban primary school; a case study

Children are particularly vulnerable to the health effects of air pollution and as they spend a large proportion of time at school, this is an important environment for children's exposure to air pollution. Understanding the factors that influence indoor air quality in schools is critical for the assessment and control of indoor air pollution. This study analysed the concentration and sources of air pollution at an urban primary school (5–11 years) in Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. Over a three-week period during spring, indoor measures of particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were taken and hourly air particulate matter samples (PM2.5, PM10-2.5) were collected inside and outside for elemental speciation analysis. Indoor PM10 concentrations during the school day were significantly (p < 0.001) higher than outdoor concentrations 30.1 (range 10.0–75.0, SD 1.9) μg m−3 c.f. 8.9 (range <1.0–35.0, SD 6.8) μg m−3. Elemental analysis and receptor modelling of PM samples showed that indoor PM10 was primarily composed of crustal matter (soil) elements, possibly brought in on children's footwear. The primary driver of indoor PM2.5 was from the infiltration of outdoor pollutants inside, with by-products of motor vehicle emissions the main contributor to indoor PM2.5. There is a need for mitigation strategies to reduce exposure to indoor air pollution at school, such as improved cleaning methods, reducing the use of carpet in schools and improved ventilation. The findings from this study will be applicable to many other schools and public buildings with high foot traffic.

Test-retest repeatability of child\u2019s respiratory symptoms and perceived indoor air quality \u2013 comparing self- and parent-administered questionnaires

BackgroundQuestionnaires can be used to assess perceived indoor air quality and symptoms in schools. Questionnaires for primary school aged children have traditionally been parent-administered, but self-administered questionnaires would be easier to administer and may yield as good, if not better, information. Our aim was to compare the repeatability of self- and parent-administered indoor air questionnaires designed for primary school aged pupils.MethodsIndoor air questionnaire with questions on child’s symptoms and perceived indoor air quality in schools was sent to parents of pupils aged 7–12 years in two schools and again after two weeks. Slightly modified version of the questionnaire was administered to pupils aged 9–12 years in another two schools and repeated after a week. 351 (52%) parents and 319 pupils (86%) answered both the first and the second questionnaire. Test-retest repeatability was assessed with intra-class correlation (ICC) and Cohen’s kappa coefficients (k).ResultsTest-retest repeatability was generally between 0.4–0.7 (ICC; k) in both self- and parent-administered questionnaire. In majority of the questions on symptoms and perceived indoor air quality test-retest repeatability was at the same level or slightly better in self-administered compared to parent-administered questionnaire. Agreement of self- and parent administered questionnaires was generally < 0.4 (ICC; k) in reported symptoms and 0.4–0.6 (ICC; k) in perceived indoor air quality.ConclusionsChildren aged 9–12 years can give as, or even more, repeatable information about their respiratory symptoms and perceived indoor air quality than their parents. Therefore, it may be possible to use self-administered questionnaires in future studies also with children.

Impact of School Air Quality on Children's Respiratory Health.

Background:Asthma is common in children with indoor pollutants influencing the development of the disease. Since children spend most of their time outside their homes within the school environment, school indoor air quality can directly influence their respiratory health.Aims:This study aims to analyze the indoor and outdoor air quality of Maltese schools and if an association exists between indoor pollutants and respiratory health in children.Settings and Design:Five primary schools were selected with 9- to 11-year-old students participating.Materials and Methods:Standardized health questionnaires and lung function tests were utilized. Indoor and outdoor air sampling together with traffic counts were carried out.Statistical Analysis Used:SPSS version 21 was used and the Chi-squared, logistic regression, and Pearson's correlation were used.Results:The mean indoor PM 2.5 level of 17.78 μg/m3 and CO (9.11 ppm) exceeded World Health Organization thresholds. Indoor ozone levels exceeded the mean European school's indoor ozone concentration of 8 μg/m3. High exposure to formaldehyde, NO2, and ozone was associated with atopy in children. Heavy vehicles passing near the schools were associated with current wheezing (P < 0.001) but not nocturnal cough (P = 0.34).Conclusions:School indoor and outdoor environment has a direct impact on children's respiratory health. This study has identified significant associations between high exposures to indoor air pollutants, school characteristics, and upper and lower airway inflammation.

Comparison of indoor air quality in schools: Urban vs. Industrial 'oil & gas' zones in Kuwait

This study was conducted to assess indoor air quality during a complete school calendar year and covered all climatic seasons. IAQ parameters were examined to assess pollutant levels in Kuwait schools in multiple settings (classrooms, painting rooms, computer labs, science rooms, teachers' rooms, and roofs). Schools were randomly selected from two zones: zone 1 which is located close to downtown and represents the 'urban sector', and zone 2 which is located further south in close proximity to the oil and gas industrial region and represents the 'industrial sector'. Indoor air investigation included the following parameters: CO2, SO2, NO2, H2S, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, TVOC, and nine elemental concentrations of PM10, namely: As, Co, Cr, Fe, Pb, V, Al, Cd, and Hg. Dust from air conditioning filters was also collected and analyzed for both PAHs and PBDEs. T-test, one-way ANOVA, Two-way ANOVA and linear regression were tested to identify seasonal, location, and zone variations. On-way ANOVA identified significant seasonal variation for NO2, H2S, formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. Factorial ANOVA demonstrated that the schools varied significantly on TVOCs. High concentrations of PAHs and BDE-209 cogener were also present in most schools. Analysis of dust from AC filter units along with measurements of indoor air pollutants can improve our understanding of the common sources of typical pollutants indoor. This study, to our knowledge, presents the first comprehensive analysis of indoor air parameters, including dust analysis from AC filters, in schools in the MENA region 'Middle East and North Africa'.

The effect of natural ventilation strategy on indoor air quality in schools

In order to reduce children's exposure to pollutants in classrooms a proper ventilation strategy need to be adopted. Such strategy is even more important in naturally ventilated schools where the air exchange rate is only based on the manual airing of classrooms. The present work aimed to evaluate the effect of the manual airing strategy on indoor air quality in Italian classrooms. For this aim, schools located in the Central Italy were investigated. Indoor air quality was studied in terms of CO2, particle number and PM concentrations and compared to corresponding outdoor levels. In particular two experimental analyses were performed: i) a comparison between heating and non heating season in different schools; ii) an evaluation of the effect of scheduled airing periods on the dilution of indoor-generated pollutants and the penetration of outdoor-generated ones. In particular, different airing procedures, i.e. different window opening periods (5 to 20min per hour) were imposed and controlled through contacts installed on classroom windows and doors. Results revealed that the airing strategy differently affect the several pollutants detected in indoors depending on their size, origin and dynamics. Longer airing periods may result in reduced indoor CO2 concentrations and, similarly, other gaseous indoor-generated pollutants. Simultaneously, higher ultrafine particle (and other vehicular-related pollutants) levels in indoors were measured due to infiltration from outdoors. Finally, a negligible effect of the manual airing on PM levels in classroom was detected. Therefore, a simultaneous reduction in concentration levels for all the pollutant metrics in classrooms cannot be obtained just relying upon air permeability of the building envelope and manual airing of the classrooms.

The Impact of Microbiological Pollutants on School Indoor Air Quality

Asthma is common in children with allergens and mould influencing the development of the disease. Since children spend most of their time outside their homes within the school environment, school indoor air quality can directly influence their respiratory health. This study aims to identify microbiological contaminants in Maltese schools. The association between contaminants, respiratory health and school characteristics has been analysed. Five primary schools were selected with 9 to 11 years old students participating. Standardised health questionnaires, lung function tests, and school characterisation were performed. Dust samples were analysed for fungi, bacteria and allergens were performed. Penicillium/Aspergillus/Paecilomyces/Variotii (PenAsp) group had the highest median indoor concentration followed by Mycobacterial and Streptomyces species. There was a significant negative correlation between PenAsp and Mycobacterium spp levels in all the participating schools (r = ?0.42; p = 0.03). Cat allergen in classroom dust correlated positively with the number of cat owners (r = 0.43; p = 0.041). High exposure to fungi, bacteria and allergens was significantly associated with upper and lower airway atopy. School/classroom characteristics and cleaning protocols were significantly associated with exposure to these pollutants. In conclusion, fungi, bacteria, endotoxin, cat and dog allergens have been found to have a direct influence on school indoor air quality in the Maltese Islands. A significant association was observed between these contaminants and upper and lower airway atopy. Specific school, classroom, cleaning and maintenance characteristics have been identified as having a direct impact on indoor air quality.

Source Apportionment of PM2.5 Particles: Influence of Outdoor Particles on Indoor Environment of Schools Using Chemical Mass Balance

ABSTRACTChildren have higher lung function than adults and they spend most of their day time in schools. Also, children studying at schools located in the vicinity of busy roadways are vulnerable to childhood asthma and respiratory disorders. The present study is focused on estimating the sources of PM2.5 particles present in the indoor air quality in schools which are located adjacent to urban and suburban roadways. The indoor PM2.5 samples from all the four schools were collected using fine dust sampler from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The sampling was carried out for one complete week during various seasons including both working and non-working days. The chemical compositions of the PM2.5 samples were analyzed for certain elements like Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr, Ti, V and Zn using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP OES) and ions like F–, Cl–, NO3–, PO43–, SO42–, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, NH4+, Na+ using Ion Chromatography (IC). Source apportionment study using Chemical Mass Balance was carried out using the species concentration of the collected samples. The major sources were found to be Paved Road Dust, Soil Dust, Gasoline Vehicle Emissions, Diesel Vehicle Emissions and Marine Source Emissions. Among these, vehicular emissions contribution was found to be higher for the schools located close to roadways rather than the school located at a considerable distance from highway. The difference in source type contribution at each school clearly depicts the difference in nature of location and type of activities in the vicinity of the sampling sites.

Exposure assessment of children to particulate matter and gaseous species in school environments of Pune, India

Indoor air quality of schools is a subject of great significance for the assessment of the effects of children exposure to air pollution. In order to characterize the indoor air quality, coarse and fine particulate matter (PM) levels, concentration of gaseous pollutants (CO2, SO2, NO2, O3) and major anions, elemental concentration, morphology and risk assessment were evaluated from the samples collected in different naturally ventilated schools in Pune, India. Mass concentration of both coarse and fine PM exceeded 5 times WHO standards, which clearly indicates the insufficient fresh air in school buildings of Pune in terms of PM. The average concentration of gaseous pollutants were within prescribed limits of NAAQS except CO2 which was higher in concentration than the limit set for confined spaces, thus showing the inadequate air exchange rates in the studied schools. The Ca showed significant dominance among the analyzed metals in both fraction of PM followed by Mg, Na and K. Cd showed higher bioavailability index among the carcinogenic metals leading to health hazards to exposed children. The cancer risk for Cr, Cd, Ni, and Pb in both sized PM were much higher than the acceptable limits of USEPA. Average anionic concentration followed the similar pattern for both sized fraction of PM and the trend was NO3− > SO42− > Cl− > F−. The morphological analysis revealed the presence of various shaped particles composed of various constituents of Si, C and Ca. Questionnaire survey and personnel interview showed the prevalence of cold, running nose, cough, fever and eye irritation among the studied school children exposed to the PM and gaseous species. The health problems such as cold, cough and fever were found to be the main cause of absenteeism of children.

Applying the Social Ecological Model to Creating Asthma-Friendly Schools in Louisiana.

In 2010, the Louisiana Asthma Management and Prevention Program (LAMP) implemented the Asthma-Friendly Schools Initiative in high-risk Louisiana populations. The social ecological model (SEM) was used as a framework for an asthma program implemented in 70 state K-12 public schools over 2 years. Activities included a needs assessment, identification of students with asthma, individualized asthma action plans (AAP), staff trainings, environmental quality improvement, and school system policy changes to address the asthma burden. There were 522 new or existing asthma cases recognized. Asthma knowledge/awareness was measurably improved among school personnel. School indoor air quality was improved across all locations. School-level policies were adopted that improved AAP collection, compliance to bus-idling restrictions, and asthma medication self-carry. The SEM framework can be used for school-based programs to address successfully and improve asthma-related issues from the individual through policy levels.

Chemical Composition of Indoor and Outdoor PM2.5 in Three Schools in the City of Rome

In Italy, children spend up to 30% of their time in school institutions; for this reason, the evaluation of indoor air quality in schools constitutes a necessary step forward in the direction of child health protection. In this study, we investigated the chemical composition of PM2.5 collected simultaneously indoor and outdoor in three primary schools in Rome. Seasonal variations between winter and spring/summer were evaluated, as well as the role of the main macro-sources of PM (soil, sea, traffic, secondary inorganics and organics). During winter periods, characterized by strong atmospheric stability, the main contributors were organics and combustion products, which accounted for more than 70% of the total mass both indoor and outdoor. Spring/summer period was characterized by very low outdoor concentrations (12 μg/m3 on average) and by a more balanced contribution of organic, traffic and secondary inorganic components. Indoor, the contribution of soil-related species from re-suspension of settled dust and secondary inorganic species from outdoor photochemical reactions became significant. Given that several indoor exceedances of the international air quality standards for PM2.5 were recorded during the most polluted days, the infiltration of outdoor air, due to the inadequate construction characteristics of the buildings and the absence of automated air filtration systems, seemed to be the main causes of the high PM concentrations measured indoor.

The Impact of School Environment on Children's Respiratory Health

Background/Aims: School indoor air quality is important because children spend most of their time outside home within the school environment. This study aimed to investigate the school environment and its impact on the respiratory health of the children. Methods: A total of 191 pupils in the 9- to 11-year age group were selected from 5 primary state schools. Validated school and health questionnaires, spirometry, acoustic rhinometry, nasal lavage, urine for environmental tobacco smoke biomarkers and traffic counts were used. Results: Cumulative (32.98%) and current wheezing (17.8%) were in keeping with the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood Malta data. Southern schools had the highest prevalence of current wheezers (OR 3.77; p = 0.012), rhinoconjunctivitis (OR 3.59; p = 0.003) and nasal eosinophilic cationic protein levels (p < 0.001). Small openable window areas increased rhinitic symptoms (OR 3.14; p = 0.016). Classes facing roads had increased current wheezers (OR 2.27; p = 0.03) and exhaled carbon monoxide (eCO) levels (p < 0.001). Current wheezing was significantly associated with the number of light and heavy vehicles passing near the school (p < 0.001). The presence of smokers at home was significantly associated with urinary cotinine and 3HC (p < 0.001). Proximity to power plants increased the current wheezers (OR 5.89; p = 0.001) who had impaired spirometry (p = 0.003). Asthma symptoms (OR 5.25; p = 0.001) and elevated eCO levels (p < 0.001) were associated with fuel storage facilities near schools. The accumulation of dust on flat surfaces within classrooms was related to wheezing (OR 5.23; p = 0.001). Conclusions: The school environment had a direct impact on the respiratory health of children, with several factors having a direct impact on the children's health.

Indoor air quality in schools and its relationship with children's respiratory symptoms

A cross-sectional survey was conducted to characterize the indoor air quality (IAQ) in schools and its relationship with children's respiratory symptoms. Concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOC), aldehydes, PM2.5, PM10, carbon dioxide, bacteria and fungi were assessed in 73 classrooms from 20 public primary schools located in Porto, Portugal. Children who attended the selected classrooms (n = 1134) were evaluated by a standardised health questionnaire completed by the legal guardians; spirometry and exhaled nitric oxide tests.The results indicated that no classrooms presented individual VOC pollutant concentrations higher than the WHO IAQ guidelines or by INDEX recommendations; while PM2.5, PM10 and bacteria levels exceeded the WHO air quality guidelines or national limit values. High levels of total VOC, acetaldehyde, PM2.5 and PM10 were associated with higher odds of wheezing in children. Thus, indoor air pollutants, some even at low exposure levels, were related with the development of respiratory symptoms. The results pointed out that it is crucial to take into account the unique characteristics of the public primary schools, to develop appropriate control strategies in order to reduce the exposure to indoor air pollutants and, therefore, to minimize the adverse health effects.

일부 실내공간에서 PM&lt;sub&gt;10&lt;/sub&gt;과 CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;의 농도 특성에 관한 연구

본 연구에서는 2008년 8월부터 2012년 12월 까지 경기도 수원, 안산, 화성 등 초등학교 286곳을 대상으로 교실에서의 PM10 및 CO2 농도 현황을 조사하고, 환경적 특성을 파악하여 초등학교 학생들의 건강에 영향을 미치는 학교 실내공기질의 관리 방안으로 활용하고자 한다. 초등학교를 지역별로 구분하여 PM10 농도를 조사한 결과, 통계적으로 유의한 차이를 보이진 않았다. 그러나 지리적 특성에 따라 상대적으로 공단지역에서는 높은 농도를 보였으며, 농촌지역에서는 낮은 농도를 보였다. CO2 농도는 각 지역 간 농도 차이는 없는 것으로 나타났다. 연도별 PM10 농도를 분석한 결과, 수원은 2008년, 화성은 2009년에 가장 높은 농도로 나타났다(p<0.01). 안산지역은 2009년에 가장 높은 농도를 보였으나, 유의한 차이를 보이지 않았다. 각 지역 의 연도별 CO2의 농도를 분석한 결과, 유의한 차이를 보이지 않는 것으로 분석 되었다(p-value = 0.366, 0.730, 0.210). 2008년 가을부터 2012년 겨울까지 PM10와 CO2의 계절별 시계열 분석 결과, PM10의 경우는 2009년에 높게 나타났으며, 점차적으로 감소하는 경향을 보이다가 2012년에 다시 높아지는 경향을 보였다. CO2는 연도별로 차이가 없는 것으로 나타났으나, 계절별로 는 봄과 겨울기간이 여름철보다 농도가 높아지는 경향을 나타내었다. PM10과 CO2, 건축년도, 학급 평균 인원, 온도, 습도와의 상관성을 분석한 결과, CO2와 환경적 요인인 온도, 습도와 상관성은 각 -0.329, -0.188로 유의한 음의 상관성을 보였다(p< 0.01)