Indoor air quality in day-care centres: a global review

A healthy indoor environment is critical for children due to the severe effect of poor indoor air quality (IAQ) on their overall well-being. Day-care centres (DCCs) are important indoor microenvironments for children apart from their homes. Therefore, monitoring IAQ in this microenvironment is vital because of the vulnerability of the occupants. This review gives a global overview of the predominant indoor chemical pollutant levels monitored in DCCs, compares their concentration with available regulations for IAQ, evaluates the sources and health risk effects of chemical pollutants and proposes strategies for enhancing IAQ in DCCs. Thirty-seven (37) articles were used based on specific stated inclusion and exclusion criteria. Continents like Europe and Asia have the most published studies in indoor DCCs. The decreasing trend of pollutants examined in most studies include particulate matter > carbon dioxide > formaldehyde > carbon monoxide > total volatile organic compounds > volatile organic compounds > nitrogen dioxide > ozone > benzene > sulphur dioxide = radon. Particulate matter in the size and mass concentration range of PM10 (0.116-1920.71 mu g/m(3)) > PM2.5 (0.279.2-260.74 mu g/m(3)) was the most investigated pollutant. While nitrogen dioxide, radon and carbon monoxide were consistent with the existing national and international reference values for IAQ across the continents, exceedances occurred in other pollutants. The limited number of indoor chemical pollutant studies suggests the need for more comprehensive studies on IAQ in DCC globally. Further studies should highlight the availability of low-cost sensors and mobile analytical equipment that will promote affordable ground-level data accessibility.

Automated summary

A healthy indoor environment is crucial for children's well-being, especially in day-care centers. This review provides a global overview of indoor chemical pollutant levels in day-care centers, compares these levels with IAQ regulations, evaluates the sources and health risks of these pollutants, and proposes strategies for improving IAQ. The study found that Europe and Asia have the most published studies on indoor DCCs. The most investigated pollutant was particulate matter, and nitrogen dioxide, radon, and carbon monoxide generally met the IAQ standards, while other pollutants exceeded the limits. The limited number of studies suggests the need for more comprehensive research on IAQ in DCCs globally, and the use of low-cost sensors and mobile analytical equipment should be highlighted for better accessibility of data.