About this Research Topic
Children spend around one-third of their day at school. It is essential therefore that it provides optimal infrastructure, in terms of teaching and also with respect to climatic conditions. However, schools are characterized by a wealth of emissions. They are often situated close to major roads and frequent hours coinciding with high traffic intensities that contribute to outdoor sources of emissions. Indoor sources of emissions include a multitude of furnishings, educational equipment, and large numbers of people engaged in wide-ranging activities. Whilst cleaning is essential, intense procedures can further contribute to indoor pollutants.
This Research Topic aims to increase knowledge of the impact of air pollutants found in schools on children’s physical and mental health (including but not limited to, respiratory, cardiovascular, and cognitive function) and performance. Several studies have reported the detrimental effects of poor school air quality on children. Some have focused on the role of high levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) on cognitive function, however, it is not clear if CO2 has a direct effect or is a reflection of poor air quality and lack of ventilation. Other studies demonstrate that reducing the concentration of specific pollutants, e.g. particulate matter (PM), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), improves respiratory symptoms and/or cognitive performance. Nevertheless, such links are not fully understood, as it is difficult to isolate the effects of individual pollutants. It is important to understand how exposure to various pollutants can lead to adverse outcomes, and which pollutants and sources have the highest impact on health in this setting. This will help to adopt targeted interventions to ensure healthy environments that enable children to thrive physically and mentally. Better knowledge can also inform policymakers and school managers and guide them in building a healthier school and urban environment.
This Research Topic targets original research articles, brief research reports, reviews, perspective articles, policy briefs, and commentaries on how children are adversely affected by the air quality in and around their school. The scope of submissions should be around the impact of ambient and indoor-generated air pollutants (e.g. PM2.5, PM10, NO2, O3, VOCs, CO2, bioaerosols [e.g. allergens, microbes]) on children attending primary and secondary school in relation to:
• Effects on physical and mental health;
• Symptoms (e.g. allergies, asthma, headache);
• Cognitive performance and development;
• Learning outcomes.
Dr. Maria Salome Giao works for Dyson Technology Ltd, UK, a manufacturer that produces vacuum cleaners, portable air purifiers, hand dryers, etc. The suggested topic is in line with the company's interests in air quality but focuses on the impact of air pollutants on health rather than on mitigations and solutions to improve air quality. The other Topic Editors declare no competing interest with regard to the Research Topic subject.
Keywords: air quality, school, pollutants, health, performance, children, CO2
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.