Hygienic Assessment of Factors of Learning Environment and Organization of the Educational Process at Schools in Smolensk

2020 ◽  
pp. 36-40
Author(s):  
EA Tsukareva ◽  
AV Avchinnikov ◽  
LM Sidorenkova ◽  
SO Avchinnikova ◽  
YP Korykina
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environment ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Fourth Graders ◽  
Educational Process ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Assessment Of Learning ◽  
Learning Conditions ◽  
The City

Relevance: Parameters of learning environment and organization of the educational process can have adverse health effects in schoolchildren. Our objective was to conduct a hygienic assessment of factors of learning environment and organization of the educational process at schools of the city of Smolensk. Materials and methods: We studied indicators of indoor learning environment and the level of organization of the educational process in ten urban comprehensive schools. A hygienic assessment of the microclimate, illuminance, indoor air quality, and organization of the educational process for third and fourth graders (aged 9–11) was given. The assessment of learning conditions and organization of the educational process was carried out according to the method generally accepted in hygienic research (Suharev AG, Kanevskaya LY, 2002). Results: We found that elementary school pupils of Smolensk were exposed to multiple adverse factors such as poor microclimate parameters and insufficient natural illumination in some school rooms, excessive daily study load and irrational distribution of the academic load during the school week. The analysis of the timetable revealed an irrational distribution of the academic load in 37.3% of school days. We established that conditions of education in the surveyed urban schools were moderately dangerous to children’s health (750–806 points). Conclusion: The results enabled us to give a hygienic assessment of the factors of learning environment and organization of the educational process at schools in Smolensk and to outline a set of appropriate preventive measures.

Statistical Evaluation of Indoor Air Quality Changes after Installation of the PSD System in Seoul’s Metro

2011 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 187-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Jeong Kim ◽  
Yong Su Kim ◽  
Abtin Ataei ◽  
Jeong Tai Kim ◽  
Jung Jin Lim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Indoor Environments ◽  
Multivariate System ◽  
Metro Station ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Subway Stations ◽  
Tele Monitoring

The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in the concentration of air pollutants in the indoor environments, which could be caused by seasonal changes or changes in operating conditions of subway metro stations. In fact, there are many different types of pollution that can cause contamination in subway stations, and changes in operating conditions can also lead to changes in the indoor air quality (IAQ). Therefore, in order to establish a proper management of IAQ, it would be necessary to evaluate the changes in IAQ according to the changes in conditions. To do this, the present study used a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). The results of testing the hypothesis proved that two groups, divided by the condition of a platform screen door (PSD) system, could differ statistically. Furthermore, those multidimensional differences were caused by installation of a PSD system. When applied to a real-time tele-monitoring system, MANOVA could clearly identify the daily and weekly variations of IAQ in the subway station, as well as the PSD system’s condition. Accordingly, this method could be useful for developing a multivariate system to statistically evaluate the experimental IAQ results in order to optimise operating conditions in a subway metro station to improve IAQ, and to minimise adverse health effects on passengers by exposure to harmful substances.

scholarly journals Remote Work and the Environment: Exploratory Analysis of Indoor Air Quality of Commercial Offices and the Home Office

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kamrie Sarnosky ◽  
Mark Benden ◽  
Leslie Cizmas ◽  
Annette Regan ◽  
Garett Sansom
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Indoor Air Pollution ◽  
Home Office ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Co2 ◽  
Total Volatile Organic Compounds

Abstract Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated an already existing trend of individuals increasingly working remotely. With the growing popularity of remote working, specifically in a home office, there is a critical need to better understand and characterize the potential environmental differences between these two spaces. Indoor air pollution can have adverse health effects and impair cognitive functioning. Methods: This small pilot cohort study (N=22) recruited home and office workers to better understand the indoor air quality between these spaces. Air contaminants collected and assessed included PM10 and PM2.5, carbon dioxide (CO2), and total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs). Results: Findings showed a strong statistically significant increase in all measured variables within homes in comparison to traditional offices (p<0.001). For instance, The mean PM2.5 level in the traditional office space was 1.93 µg/m3 whereas it was more than twice this amount (5.97 µg/m3) in home offices.Conclusion: These results indicate that those who work from home are at increased risk due to longer exposures to higher levels of certain contaminants, the importance to better develop interventions to mitigate this reality is underscored by the fact that many workers will be moving to home-based offices in the coming years.

scholarly journals Indoor air quality and health in schools

2014 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 259-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Maria da Conceição Ferreira ◽  
Massano Cardoso
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Respiratory Diseases ◽  
Reference Value ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Co2 Concentration ◽  
Air Pollutant ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Co2 ◽  
The City

Objective: To determine whether indoor air quality in schools is associated with the prevalence of allergic and respiratory diseases in children. Methods: We evaluated 1,019 students at 51 elementary schools in the city of Coimbra, Portugal. We applied a questionnaire that included questions regarding the demographic, social, and behavioral characteristics of students, as well as the presence of smoking in the family. We also evaluated the indoor air quality in the schools. Results: In the indoor air of the schools evaluated, we identified mean concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) above the maximum reference value, especially during the fall and winter. The CO2 concentration was sometimes as high as 1,942 ppm, implying a considerable health risk for the children. The most prevalent symptoms and respiratory diseases identified in the children were sneezing, rales, wheezing, rhinitis, and asthma. Other signs and symptoms, such as poor concentration, cough, headache, and irritation of mucous membranes, were identified. Lack of concentration was associated with CO2 concentrations above the maximum recommended level in indoor air (p = 0.002). There were no other significant associations. Conclusions: Most of the schools evaluated presented with reasonable air quality and thermal comfort. However, the concentrations of various pollutants, especially CO2, suggest the need for corrective interventions, such as reducing air pollutant sources and improving ventilation. There was a statistically significant association between lack of concentration in the children and exposure to high levels of CO2. The overall low level of pollution in the city of Coimbra might explain the lack of other significant associations.

scholarly journals The effect of the physical learning environment on students’ health, enjoyment and learning

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-55
Author(s):  
Che Nidzam Che Ahmad ◽  
Nurul Jannah Amirul
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Learning Environment ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Classroom Environment ◽  
Physical Environment ◽  
Classroom Learning Environment ◽  
Science Students ◽  
Physical Learning Environment ◽  
High Level

This study was conducted to analyze the suitability of the physical classroom learning environment and its effect on students’ health, enjoyment and learning. The participants of this study were 400 form four science students from six secondary schools in Johor, Malaysia. Students’ perception on physical aspects and its effect were measured using Physical Aspects Classroom Environment Inventory (PACE). The PACE consists of nine constructs. Six constructs which were furniture, facilities, space, lighting, indoor air quality and colour were used to measure the suitability of the physical classroom environment. While three constructs which were health, enjoyment, and learning were used to measure the effects of physical environment on students. The findings revealed that students perceived the suitability of physical environment is at high level for furniture, facilities, and lighting aspects, while moderate level for indoor air quality, space, and colour aspects. Results also showed that students perceived the physical environment have moderate effect on student’s health, enjoyment, and learning. Further analysis indicated that the physical environment have significant impact on students’ health, enjoyment and learning. These results provide valuable feedback to institutions and to educators in setting their learning environment.

scholarly journals Indoor Air Quality and Respiratory Health among Malay Preschool Children in Selangor

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nur Azwani Mohd Nor Rawi ◽  
Juliana Jalaludin ◽  
Poh Choo Chua
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Lung Function ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Lung Function Test ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Respiratory Problems ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Significant Difference

Indoor air quality (IAQ) has been the object of several studies due to its adverse health effects on children.Methods. A cross-sectional comparative study was carried out among Malay children in Balakong (2 studied preschools) and Bangi (2 comparative preschools), Selangor, with the aims of determining IAQ and its association with respiratory health. 61 and 50 children aged 5-6 years were selected as studied and comparative groups. A questionnaire was used to obtain an exposure history and respiratory symptoms. Lung function test was carried out. IAQ parameters obtained include indoor concentration of particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), temperature, air velocity (AV), and relative humidity.Results. There was a significant difference between IAQ in studied and comparative preschools for all parameters measured(P<0.001)except for CO2and AV. Studied preschools had higher PM and CO concentration. FVC, FEV1, FVC% and FEV1% predicted values were significantly lower among studied group. Exposures to PM, VOCs, and CO were associated with wheezing.Conclusion. The finding concluded that exposures to poor IAQ might increase the risk of getting lung function abnormality and respiratory problems among study respondents.

scholarly journals Bad Air Can Also Kill: Residential Indoor Air Quality and Pollutant Exposure Risk during the COVID-19 Crisis

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (19) ◽  
pp. 7183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Domínguez-Amarillo ◽  
Jesica Fernández-Agüera ◽  
Sonia Cesteros-García ◽  
Roberto Alonso González-Lezcano
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Indoor Pollutants ◽  
Indoor Pollutant ◽  
Domestic Environments ◽  
The City ◽  
Pm2.5 Concentration

During the first outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic the population, focusing primarily on the risk of infection, was generally inattentive to the quality of indoor air. Spain, and the city of Madrid in particular, were among the world’s coronavirus hotspots. The country’s entire population was subject to a 24/7 lockdown for 45 days. This paper describes a comparative longitudinal survey of air quality in four types of housing in the city of Madrid before and during lockdown. The paper analysed indoor temperatures and variations in CO2, 2.5 μm particulate matter (PM2.5) and total volatile organic compound (TVOC) concentrations before and during lockdown. The mean daily outdoor PM2.5 concentration declined from 11.04 µg/m3 before to 7.10 µg/m3 during lockdown. Before lockdown the NO2 concentration values scored as ‘very good’ 46% of the time, compared to 90.9% during that period. Although the city’s outdoor air quality improved, during lockdown the population’s exposure to indoor pollutants was generally more acute and prolonged. Due primarily to concern over domestic energy savings, the lack of suitable ventilation and more intensive use of cleaning products and disinfectants during the covid-19 crisis, indoor pollutant levels were typically higher than compatible with healthy environments. Mean daily PM2.5 concentration rose by approximately 12% and mean TVOC concentration by 37% to 559%. The paper also puts forward a series of recommendations to improve indoor domestic environments in future pandemics and spells out urgent action to be taken around indoor air quality (IAQ) in the event of total or partial quarantining to protect residents from respiratory ailments and concomitantly enhanced susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2, as identified by international medical research.

Indoor Air Quality in schools in the city of Kozani, Greece.

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 (1) ◽  
pp. 5105
Author(s):  
Krystallia Kalimeri ◽  
Dikaia Saraga ◽  
Evangelos Tolis ◽  
John Bartzis
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
The City

Engaging for Change or Continuity? A Longitudinal Study Exploring Children’s Engagement in Monitoring Indoor Air Quality (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunyoung Kim ◽  
Gregory Sohanchyk
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Participatory Design ◽  
Indoor Air Pollution ◽  
Longitudinal Field ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Child Friendly ◽  
Field Deployment

UNSTRUCTURED Indoor air pollution is harmful to everybody, but children are of particular concern because they are more vulnerable to its adverse health effects from air pollutants. However, while mobile technology is increasingly being designed to support occupants’ monitoring and improvement of air quality indoors, little attention has been paid to its use by and for children. Previously, we created inAirKids, a child-friendly device to promote children’s engagement with monitoring indoor air quality through a participatory design process. This paper investigates how inAirKids affects children’s understanding of and engagement with indoor air quality through a longitudinal field deployment study. We deployed inAirKids in the homes of nine children aged 6 and 7 and investigated their use for up to sixteen weeks by conducting semi-structured, bi-weekly interviews. Results show that participants promptly engaged with inAirKids but quickly lost interest in it due to the lack of interactive factors to sustain engagement. Besides, we identified two design considerations that can foster children’s sustained engagement with monitoring indoor air quality: Design interactivity for engaging in continuity and Incorporate hands-on activities as part of IAQ monitoring for experiential learning. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first longitudinal field deployment to investigate how to engage children in monitoring indoor air quality.

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