A Systematic Review on School Air Quality and Its Impact on Student’s Health in Tropical Countries

Abstract

Poor air quality in school areas has a negative impact on the student’s health. Several studies in tropical countries have reported the risk exposure and environmental factors that were associated to the air quality in school areas. This paper presents a review of several case study research associated to air pollutants and environmental factors on the surrounding school environment and the health impact on students in tropical country. We selected and reviewed 18 research papers related to air quality in schools. The selection method was based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Throughout these studies, the most common source of air pollutants found in the classroom was particulate matter. Air quality in schools is affected by the distance between the school and the source of pollutants, ventilation, inhabitant, and season. Exposure to poor indoor air quality can increase health risk, respiratory problems, ocular problems, and students’ absence from school.