Indoor Air Pollution

Exposure to indoor air pollutants in the school environment in Austria

Influences from our environment affect the health and well-being of our population. Among the most susceptible population groups affected by airborne environmental pollutants are children. Exposure to particulate matter (measured as PM10 and PM2.5) and NO_x has a significant impact on the development and function of children's respiratory system. In Austria approximately 20,000 incidents of bronchitis and 15,000 incidents of asthma annually can be attributed to traffic emissions (KÜNZLI et al., 2000).

We spend 80-90% of our lifetime indoors. Therefore, indoor air quality is a relevant exposure path for chemicals and pollutants. To some extent, indoor air quality is pre-determined by the quality of the outdoor air. Two studies in the Vienna region focused on indoor air pollutants and the relevance of outdoor sources, including traffic, in the school environment (UMWELTBUNDESAMT 2008a, b).

Results

A wide range of pollutants was detected in air, particulate matter (PM10 and PM 2.5) and household dust samples. Some of them were correlated with reduced lung function or lower cognitive performance of the children. Indoor PM concentrations increased with the children's physical activity and decreased during rests, which indicated the presence of pollutant sources in the classrooms. In all classrooms CO₂ concentrations exceeded the levels for healthy air conditions and showed a similar activity pattern.

Schools situated close to road traffic showed higher concentrations of NO_x. In some cases, levels of NO_x were problematic with regard to observed health effects in children. Therefore, a reduction of the health risk requires the reduction of traffic emissions (NO_x, primary PM).

Fields of action

Based on the results, a list of easily applicable measures was elaborated in order to improve critical health factors at schools. Since most of them can easily be implemented by teachers and caretakers, these recommendations were addressed to all schools in Austria.

• Indoor particulate matter correlates with physical activity in the classrooms. Re-suspension of PM is therefore critical and can be prevented by daily dusting with a wet cloth. Chalk cloths should be washed regularly.
• Regular airing of classrooms has the advantage of reducing the level of CO₂  along with other airborne pollutants. Windows on the rear side of the school building should be opened rather than those at fronts with heavy traffic. Furthermore, measures to provide traffic-free or traffic-reduced conditions around schools and child-care facilities are necessary.
• Policy makers concerned with chemicals policy are requested to put emphasis on the precautionary principle, especially with regard to the use of chemicals in products.
• In daily school practice, careful handling and safe use of products can reduce potential exposure (e.g. airing the room after using glue and substitution of solvent-based markers.).
• In many communities in Austria, traffic-reducing measures have already been implemented around school buildings and projects on mobility management for schools have been launched (e.g. in the city of Graz, Styria). Based on the experience gained, an Austria-wide programme to provide funding and consultation for 'mobility management for schools and youth mobility' was launched in 2006 by the Ministry for the Environment. So far, 110 schools have been assisted in developing and implementing measures to reduce traffic emissions by advocating green mobility and health promotion (e.g. cycling).