Dust in the classroom environment is a “serious problem” that is causing asthma among students, according to new research on the indoor air quality in Maltese primary schools.
The study also found that the presence of a particular type of mould or fungi within local schools has a significant role in triggering allergies among students. The research, which was conducted by respiratory specialists Stephen Montefort and Peter Fsadni, forms part of the pan-European Sinphonie study. The findings will be officially published later this year.
There is growing concern about the association of school indoor air quality with asthma, rhinitis (hay fever), and rhinoconjunctivitis (inflammation of the membrane covering the white part of the eye due to allergy).
Poor school indoor air quality may have a negative impact on children’s health, growth and performance at school.
One important finding from the Sinphonie study, Dr Fsadni pointed out, referred to school location, with urban and crowded areas (especially towards the south of Malta) favouring asthma and nasal allergies.
Local schools which have a high level of humidity and mould damage inside classrooms where also found to have an increase in allergies among the students.
The study has identified the presence of micro-biological contaminants in classrooms, such as fungi, which seem to have a significant role in triggering allergies in children.
Excessive indoor dust is also contributing to the disproportionately high burden of asthma in Malta when compared to Mediterranean countries.
The study revealed the most relevant chemical pollutants to be ozone (a reaction of sunlight with oxygen which acts as an irritant to the airways) and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5). PM10 refers to coarse dust particles such as smoke, dirt and dust from factories, farming and roads.
PM2.5 refers to fine dust particles resulting from all types of combustion, including motor vehicles, power plants, agricultural burning and some industrial processes.
A study by the World Health Organisation has concluded that air pollution in Malta leads to the death of about 230 people each year and costs the Maltese economy an annual €550 million (over five per cent of GDP) in consequent disease and death.
“The study published by WHO is indeed worrying and confirms the urgent need to tackle the issue of air pollution with particular reference to the local environment,” Dr Fsadni said.
“It is difficult to quantify the actual impact of air pollution on health without carrying out targeted research within well designed studies. Day to day clinical practice in Malta shows us that asthma and upper airway allergies are some of the most common complaints encountered.
“A study carried out by Prof. Montefort and myself has shown an increase in asthma among five to eight year old children in most regions of the Maltese islands, thus suggesting that an environmental trigger within the local environment must exist. Possibilities include dust particles and fossil fuel derived pollutants.”
New studies were therefore needed to focus on other environments such as homes and offices while a national policy needed to be drafted drafted so as to target and reduce the identified pollutants, Dr Fsadni said.