<p>Exposure to particulate matter (PM) in schools significantly contributes to respiratory problems among children found in such learning environments. There is limited information about the health effects of exposure to PM in schools in Rwanda. The aim of this study was to assess the adverse effects of PM on children’s lung function in selected schools in Kigali, Rwanda. The study was conducted in six public primary schools classified as highly or moderately exposed schools based on their proximity to pollution sources. The study involved 107 randomly selected children aged 8 to 15. The study measured the indoor air concentrations of PM<sub>2.5</sub> and PM<sub>10</sub> and tested the lung function of school children. Three lung function indicators including forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁), forced vital capacity (FVC), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were measured. Both forms of data were collected during the dry and rainy seasons. Air quality was monitored in classrooms using Purple Air PA-II sensors, and the children’s lung function was measured using a spirometer. Linear regression analysis was used to determine the associations between PM<sub>2.5</sub> and PM<sub>10</sub> concentrations and lung function at <i>p</i> = 0.05. The findings showed that the concentrations of PM<sub>2.5</sub> were two to five times higher, and PM<sub>10</sub> levels were about two times higher than the World Health Organization’s air quality guidelines. Both PM<sub>2.5</sub> and PM<sub>10</sub> were associated with reduced lung function, regardless of the season. The present study shows significant adverse effects of exposure to PM<sub>10</sub> and PM<sub>2.5</sub> on the lung function of children in the selected schools. Hence there is the need to take measures to improve air quality and protect the health of school communities.</p>

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Effects of indoor air pollution exposure on lung function of children in selected schools in Kigali, Rwanda

  • Noel Korukire,
  • Ana Godson,
  • Judith Mukamurigo,
  • Jean de Dieu Habimana,
  • Izabayo Josias,
  • Theoneste Ntakirutimana

摘要

Exposure to particulate matter (PM) in schools significantly contributes to respiratory problems among children found in such learning environments. There is limited information about the health effects of exposure to PM in schools in Rwanda. The aim of this study was to assess the adverse effects of PM on children’s lung function in selected schools in Kigali, Rwanda. The study was conducted in six public primary schools classified as highly or moderately exposed schools based on their proximity to pollution sources. The study involved 107 randomly selected children aged 8 to 15. The study measured the indoor air concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 and tested the lung function of school children. Three lung function indicators including forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁), forced vital capacity (FVC), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were measured. Both forms of data were collected during the dry and rainy seasons. Air quality was monitored in classrooms using Purple Air PA-II sensors, and the children’s lung function was measured using a spirometer. Linear regression analysis was used to determine the associations between PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations and lung function at p = 0.05. The findings showed that the concentrations of PM2.5 were two to five times higher, and PM10 levels were about two times higher than the World Health Organization’s air quality guidelines. Both PM2.5 and PM10 were associated with reduced lung function, regardless of the season. The present study shows significant adverse effects of exposure to PM10 and PM2.5 on the lung function of children in the selected schools. Hence there is the need to take measures to improve air quality and protect the health of school communities.