Hohenblum, Scharf et al. 2008
Hohenblum, Scharf et al. 2008
HOHENBLUM, P., S. SCHARF, M. UHL, C. GUNDACKER, K. WITTMANN, P. TAPPLER, M. KUNDI, H. MOSHAMMER, P. WALLNER & H.-P. HUTTER, 2008. Influence of indoor pollution on health of school children in Austria. Results of chemical analysis of indoor compartments and medical check-ups. In: International Conference on "Health Aspects of Indoor and Outdoor Air Pollution" (Luxembourg, 12 Nov. 2008). Abstracts (poster presentation): 2 pp.
Children have to be protected from exposure to indoor chemicals since they are more vulnerable especially to air pollutants in comparison to adults. Moreover, children are organisms at the stage of development and therefore they are susceptible to disorders. Some chemicals interfere with the respiratory system, some are responsible for neurodevelopmental disorders.
In the frame of the project LUKI (Luft und Kinder, i.e. Air and Children) we investigated correlations of respiratory health and cognitive performance of school children aged 6-7 years with exposure to indoor pollutants. Extensive measurements of about 250 different parameters in nine primary schools were carried out. Household dust, particulate matter (PM10 and PM2,5) and air samples were investigated in order to cover all indoor air relevant matrices. Analytical measurements were accompanied by administering a parents’ questionnaire on environmental and housing conditions and respiratory health of the children. Lung function was assessed by spirometry, cognitive performance by Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM). A biomonitoring for heavy metals in scalp hair samples and milk teeth was performed and woodlouses were collected and analysed as bio indicators for determining the background concentrations of heavy metals at school. Children were involved in the sampling of woodlouses in order to provide knowledge about environmental interrelations. The project aimed at identifying pollution sources and at providing suggestions for improvements.
Volatile organic compounds and chlorinated hydrocarbons could be detected in the majority of air samples, however, in concentrations mainly lower than reference values. CO2 exceeded the limits for indoor hygiene in actual all classrooms. PM10 showed a clear time trend during teaching time. Results indicate the presence of indoor sources (e.g. clothing, blackboard, remobilisation). Ubiquitously present organic pollutants (Trisphosphates, Phthalates, PAH, PBDE) were found in PM10 and PM2,5 as well as in household dust samples. Their origins are products of daily use like furniture, textiles, paints. Concentrations of PBDE 196, TDCPP, xylene, benzylbutylphthalate and formaldehyde showed moderate but significant correlation to reduced lung functions parameter. Levels of tris-(2-chlorethyl)phosphate correlate with impaired average cognitive performance. Heavy metals concentrations in hair and milk teeth samples predict sources of heavy metals in the children’s homes. Among them, nutrition, lead in water pipes and air quality were identified.
Recommendations were elaborated that refer to different levels of responsibility, as of
• children, parents, teachers
• directors
• school authorities
• national legislators and EU level
Recommendations comprise of
• ventilate at least once an hour (CO2, PM, other pollutants)
• clean classroom floors daily (particulate matter)
• awareness raising concerning CO2 levels (teachers)
• passive smoking and mould (parents)
• provide low traffic regions around school buildings (national authorities)
• apply chemical policies to protect children from exposure to critical chemicals
pollution; evironmental monitoring; CO2; particulate matter; PM; biomonitoring; lung function; VOC; aldehydes; heavy metals; lead
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