Environment and Health in Children Day Care Centres (ENVIRH) - Study rationale and protocol

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Pediatric Health
• Building Science

Background:

• Indoor air quality (IAQ) significantly impacts human health, particularly in environments frequented by children.
• The specific associations between common indoor pollutants in day care centers (DCCs) and children's health outcomes require further clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between indoor air quality parameters and children's respiratory and allergic health in day care centers.
• To assess the influence of building characteristics, ventilation, and indoor environmental factors on health outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A two-phase study involving 45 DCCs in Phase I and 20 DCCs in Phase II.
• Data collection included building assessments, IAQ monitoring (CO2, temperature, humidity), children's health questionnaires (ISAAC-derived), and biomarkers.
• Phase II involved detailed assessments of ventilation, thermal comfort, respiratory viruses, and stress levels.

Main Results:

• Phase I collected data on building characteristics and occupant behavior from all DCCs, with a 61.7% questionnaire response rate.
• Phase II included 1221 children, with comprehensive data on IAQ and health outcomes.
• Association results linking DCC characteristics, IAQ, and health outcomes are forthcoming to support evidence-based recommendations.

Conclusions:

• The study outlines a robust methodological framework for investigating IAQ and respiratory health in DCCs.
• The findings aim to provide actionable recommendations for improving IAQ and safeguarding children's health in educational settings.