2017
No
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28536962/
Monsalve, Stephanie
South America
Observational
Exposure Study
Elementary (K-5)
Particulate Matter (PM)
Trace elements
Particulate matter (PM)
School
Mine tailings
Heavy metals
Trace elements were higher in indoor
school spaces, especially in classrooms compared with
outdoor environments. The most abundant elements
were Na, Cl, S, Ca, Fe, K, Mn, Ti, and Si, associated
with earth’s crust. Conversely, an extremely high
enrichment factor was determined for Cu, Zn, Ni and
Cr; heavy metals associated with systemic and
carcinogenic risk effects, whose probably origin
sources are industrial and mining activities. These
results suggest that the main source of trace elements
in PM2.5 from these school microenvironments is a
mixture of dust contaminated with mine tailings and
marine aerosols. Policymakers should prioritize envi-
ronmental management changes to minimize further
environmental damage and its direct impact on the
health of children exposed.
school spaces, especially in classrooms compared with
outdoor environments. The most abundant elements
were Na, Cl, S, Ca, Fe, K, Mn, Ti, and Si, associated
with earth’s crust. Conversely, an extremely high
enrichment factor was determined for Cu, Zn, Ni and
Cr; heavy metals associated with systemic and
carcinogenic risk effects, whose probably origin
sources are industrial and mining activities. These
results suggest that the main source of trace elements
in PM2.5 from these school microenvironments is a
mixture of dust contaminated with mine tailings and
marine aerosols. Policymakers should prioritize envi-
ronmental management changes to minimize further
environmental damage and its direct impact on the
health of children exposed.