Sources of indoor air pollution and health effects in the Italian and European schools

Abstract

Background Weather conditions may also be connected to stroke, and multiple meteorological variables have been examined as possible influences on stroke occurrence. Atmospheric pressure and temperature are among the most closely studied variables; increases, decreases, and fluctuations in both have been significantly linked to numerous stroke subtypes. The relationship between meteorological factors and stroke is highly complex and influenced by numerous other factors. Methods The study population comprised all Kaunas (Lithuania) population (2000-2010) aged 25-64 years, who were diagnosed stroke. The study population was stratified into 2 age groups: 25-54, 55-64 years. Data of meteorological were available for the following variables: mean daily air temperature, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, velocity of wind and estimated heat index and wind chill index. Poisson regression analysis was used to evaluate a relationship between meteorological factors and incidence of stroke by relative risk (RR) and its 95% confidence interval demonstrating coefficients. Results Significant negative correlation was found between ambient air temperature and incidence of all types of stroke (=-0.009). Significant negative correlation between wind chill index and incidence of ischemic stroke and all types of stroke was estimated in group of 25-54 yrs. subjects (=-0.019). Positive correlation was estimated between atmosphere pressure and incidence of haemorrhagic stroke in men (= 0.010). Associations between velocity of wind and two indexes (heat index and wind chill index) on acute stroke risk in the middle-aged Kaunas population and in the subgroups of different gender and age were not determined. Conclusions In conclusion, our study has demonstrated that some meteorological factors especially atmospheric air temperatures can affect stroke occurence and may increased the risk of stroke. Key messages: This abstract is a part of publication, which was published few month ago. Article was published in journal of Environmental Science and Pollution Research. Stroke is one of the most common diseases worldwide. Some researchers have hypothesized that meteorological factors may have an impact on acute cerebrovascular diseases. Background During the past few years, researchers have been focused their attention on the sources of indoor pollution in schools and their impact on the health of students and school staff. European projects (SEARCH, GARD, SINPHONIE) and Italian projects (INDOOR, CCM) also investigate this topic. This review collects the latest evidence of literature on these issues and aims to promote good practices. Methods PubMed and Scopus were used to identify articles related to this topic. PRISMA Statement methodology was adopted. From 1102 articles, we obtained a selection of 38, in line with our inclusion and exclusion criteria. In addition, we used information provided by the European and Italian research projects on IAQ to have a realistic and detailed overview of this issue. Results Building and coating materials, carpets, furnishings, liquid and cleaning products, smoking, air conditioning systems, photocopiers , markers and other teaching materials have been recognized, with substantial evidence, as a variety of indoor pollutants in schools, with a potential adverse health impact. Uncomfortable microclimatic parameters can also contribute to a poor IAQ. A chronic exposure to pollutants can lead to serious health conditions such as allergies (OR 1.80), asthma (OR range from 1.18 to 2.40), cardiovascular disease and cancer. Most frequently, in exposed children and adults, generic symptoms are found: eye and respiratory track irritation (OR range from 1.06 to 2.86), cough (OR range from 1.06 to 3.79), sneezing, headache, difficulty concentrating. Conclusions Adverse health impact evidence has generated good practices and measures: need for students and school staff education and awareness, standard hygienic requirements and proper cleaning of environments, good ventilation practices, adoption of safe and certified products and materials, adequate design of new buildings and renovation of existing ones by using specific structural requirements, constant monitoring of IAQ.