Endotoxin levels in settled airborne dust in European schools: The HITEA school study

J. H. Jacobs*, E. J M Krop, A. Borras-Santos, J. P. Zock, M. Taubel, A. Hyvarinnen, J. Pekkanen, G. Doekes, D. J J Heederik

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

    Abstract

    Indoor exposure to microbial agents is known to influence respiratory health. Besides home exposure, exposure in schools can affect respiratory health. In this study, we measured endotoxin in settled dust in primary schools in three European countries from three different geographical regions with different climates. Our aim was to characterize endotoxin levels in primary schools and evaluate associations with potential determinants. Endotoxin levels were repeatedly assessed in 23 schools in Spain (n = 7), the Netherlands (n = 10), and Finland (n = 6) using electrostatic dustfall collectors. In total, 645 measurements were taken in 237 classrooms. Endotoxin levels differed significantly between countries; Dutch schools had the highest levels, while Finnish schools showed the lowest levels. In each country, differences in endotoxin levels were observed between schools and over the sampling periods. Estimates improved after adjustment for sampling period. Factors affecting endotoxin levels in a school differed per country. In general, endotoxin levels were higher in lower grades and in classrooms with higher occupancy. School endotoxin levels may contribute significantly to total endotoxin exposure in children and teachers. As the correlation between the repeated measurements is reasonable, single endotoxin measurements form a reasonable basis for estimating annual endotoxin levels in schools.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)148-157
    Number of pages10
    JournalIndoor Air
    Volume24
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2014

    Keywords

    • Electrostatic dustfall collector
    • Endotoxin
    • Exposure assessment
    • Indoor air
    • Schools

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