How do children perceive indoor air quality (IAQ) at school

Background: Few information are available on IAQ perception in schoolchildren. Aim: to evaluate IAQ perception (IAQp) in relation to indoor PM 2.5 and CO 2 , and to respiratory symptoms at school. Methods: respiratory symptoms in the last week and IAQp (on a 6 points scale, 0=extremely poor) were assessed in 2273 children (mean age 10yrs ± 1.8, 50.8% males) of no. 7 Italian cities (44 schools, 130 classrooms). Continous measurements of PM 2.5 and CO 2 were performed with Dust-Track and Q-Track, respectively, for a week. Results: mean IAQp was 3.9 ± 1.4; poor (0-2), moderate (3-4), and good (5-6) IAQ were reported by 14.4%, 46.9%, and 38.7% of children, respectively. Levels of PM 2.5 > 25 μg/m 3 and CO 2 ≥ 1000 ppm were measured in 58% and 63% of classrooms, respectively. IAQp was inversely correlated to PM 2.5 and CO 2 (p 2.5 ≤ than > 25 μg/m 3 (46% vs 33%, p 2 2.5 > 25 μg/m 3 (OR 1.58, 95% IC 1.29, 1.93) and CO 2 ≥ 1000 ppm (1.24, 1.00-1.52). Conclusions: A simple and feasible questionnaire in schoolchildren is associated with indoor air quality levels and frequency of respiratory symptoms. Project supported by the National Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (CCM), National Health Service, Ministry of Health.