D2.135 - What are our children breathing? Tracking exposure to air pollution during a school day

Air pollution is a significant environmental determinant of health, particularly for children, who are more vulnerable due to their developing respiratory systems, higher inhalation rates, and the increased risk of developing allergies and asthma. This study employs an innovative approach to monitor air quality (AQ) throughout the full day of individuals, focusing on three distinct environments: homes, travel, and schools. Preliminary data from nine participants are discussed in this work.

Participants, aged 9–11 years, carried specially designed backpacks equipped with GPS, air quality sensors to measure particulate matter (PM10/PM2.5) and carbon dioxide (CO2), as well as ambient temperature and humidity. Measurements were recorded at one-minute intervals over 48 hours, ensuring dynamic, real-time/exposure data collection (Figure 1). 

Preliminary results (Table 1) reveal distinct air quality (AQ) patterns across the three assessed environments: homes, travel, and schools (totaling 8880 measurements). Children in homes are most exposed to CO2, with average concentrations of 715.0 ppm (IR=568.0-898.0), significantly higher than in travel (Med=468.0 ppm, IR=409.0-593.5) and schools (Med=637.0 ppm, IR=408.0-1265.0). Exposure to PM2.5 is highest during travel, with mean values of 2.7 µg/m³ (IR=2.3-4.5), surpassing that in homes (Med=2.2 µg/m³, IR=1.2-5.0) and schools (Med=1.7 µg/m³, IR=0.8-3.0). Similarly, exposure to PM10 follows a similar pattern, with the highest concentrations in travel (Med=8.9 µg/m³, IR=6.2-16.1), followed by homes (Med=6.0 µg/m³, IR=2.5-11.8) and schools (Med=5.2 µg/m³, IR=1.9-9.8). In terms of temperature, children experience the highest temperatures during travel (Med=25.9ºC, IR=24.1-26.4), followed by schools (Med=23.1ºC, IR=21.7-24.6) and homes (Med=21.0ºC, IR=19.9-21.8). Relative humidity is highest in homes (Med=60%, IR=55.0-62.5), while travel exhibits the lowest levels (Med=51%, IR=47.5-53.0), with schools presenting intermediate values (Med=54%, IR=49.0-59.0). 

This study demonstrates the effectiveness of an innovative, full-day AQ monitoring method, providing insights into children's exposure to air pollution across various settings. With data currently limited to nine participants, these results should be interpreted with caution. Future research will focus on expanding the dataset and investigating the relationship between AQ and respiratory health outcomes such as asthma and allergies.