Monitoring of dust and PM particulate matter around schools to prevent cough bronchitis among students

Dust exposes children to many environmental hazards, such as fire, smoke, psychological conditions, and byproducts of combustion. After a dust occurrence, children can be exposed to a range of different environmental hazards, not only to their homes, but also to nearby buildings, land, and restoration activities. Effects of dust and smoke on children's health: Children's lungs are still growing and developing, so they are particularly vulnerable to the effects of dust smoke and dust. Tiny particulate matter (PM2.5) in dust smoke can also affect the health of pregnant women and other vulnerable groups.

Children who inhale dust fumes may experience:

chest pain and tightness;

Dyspnea;

Asthma;

Cough;

a burning sensation in the nose, throat and eyes;

Dizzy;

or other symptoms, including long-term health effects.

Dust, fumes, and dust are especially harmful to children with asthma, allergies, or other chronic conditions. Children are also more susceptible to the stress and mental health effects of disasters, including dust.

How to protect children during smoke incidents:

Reduce outdoor activities: Check your local air quality with the Sunny Bang Dust Monitor. If you're in an area with poor air quality, it's best to stay indoors. Wait until the air quality improves before engaging in outdoor activities. Children should stay indoors during smoke periods to reduce their exposure. If you're outside, wear a mask that helps prevent smoke. Cloth masks do not protect against dust and fumes, but N95 respirator masks or equivalent can provide some protection if worn correctly for children.

Keep the air in your home clean:

If you have central air conditioning, run your HVAC system. If you have a central air conditioning system in your home, use it to filter the air. Use a high-efficiency filter (rated MERV-13 or higher) and change the filter frequently. Know your system and use the appropriate settings ("Recycle" and "On" instead of "Automatic"). If your system has a fresh air option, close the air intake.

If you have a window air conditioner, turn off the outdoor air damper. Make sure the seal between the air conditioner and the windows is as tight as possible.

Use a portable air filter. Use a portable air purifier in one or more rooms. Continuous operation with doors and windows closed. If you can't get a portable air purifier, consider using a DIY air purifier.

Create and use a Clean Air Chamber. A room with fresh air can help reduce your exposure to smoke when you're indoors.

Keep the air space cool when the windows are closed. In hot weather, use air conditioners, heat pumps, fans, and curtains to keep clean air spaces comfortable and cool.

Avoid activities that cause pollution. Avoid activities such as frying, sweeping, vacuuming, cleaning with chemicals, and using gas, propane, or wood-burning stoves.

Dust and dust from the construction site

Construction site dust is made up of tiny rocks and glass that are dispersed over a large area by the wind. When dust falls on a construction site, people should take steps to avoid unnecessary exposure to dust and gases in the air. View basic information on dust safety at the construction site.

Short-term exposure to dust usually does not cause major health problems to the public, but special precautions should be taken to protect susceptible populations such as infants and children. Most construction site dust gases, such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, are blown away quickly. Sulphur dioxide is an irritating construction site dust gas that can cause narrowing of the airways, especially in people with asthma. Precautions should be taken to ensure that children living near construction site dust or in low-lying areas where gas may accumulate are protected from respiratory and eye irritation.

While children face the same health problems as adults, namely construction site dust particles (i.e., irritation of the respiratory system and nose, throat, and eyes) suspended in the air, they may be more susceptible to exposure due to their smaller body, developed respiratory system, and reduced ability to avoid unnecessary exposure. Small construction site dust particles smaller than 10 microns in diameter cause the biggest health problems because they can pass through the nose and throat and deep into the lungs. This size range includes fine particles less than 2.5 microns in diameter and coarse particles ranging from 2.5 to 10 microns in diameter. Particles larger than 10 microns usually don't reach the lungs, but they can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat. Dust from construction sites can exacerbate symptoms in children with existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, cystic fibrosis or tuberculosis.

Check the air quality index forecast for your area. Be vigilant for news reports about construction site dust warnings. Keep children indoors. Children should avoid running or strenuous activity while dust falls. Exertion causes heavier breathing, which inhales dust particles deeper into the lungs. Parents may want to plan indoor games and activities to minimize activities where dust is present. If your family member must be outdoors when there is dust in the air, they should wear disposable masks. If disposable masks are not available, temporary masks can be made by wetting fabrics such as handkerchiefs to help keep out large dust particles. Dust from construction sites can irritate the skin; If children must go outside, they should wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Children should not play in areas with deep dust or accumulation, especially if they are likely to roll or lie in a pile of dust. Children should wear glasses instead of contact lenses to avoid eye irritation. Create a "clean room" where children can sleep and play to help minimize exposure to dust in the indoor air. Keep windows and doors closed. Close any vents or ducts (e.g., chimneys) that could allow dust to enter the house. Run the central air conditioner on the "Recirculation" option (instead of the "Outdoor Air Intake"). Clean the air filter so that the indoor air circulates well. Avoid vacuuming as it will stir dust and dust into the air. Do not smoke or burn anything (tobacco, candles, incense) in your home. This will produce more indoor pollutants. If it's too hot indoors or you have trouble breathing when the windows are closed, seek shelter elsewhere. Portable room air filters can effectively remove airborne particles. Choosing to purchase an air purifier is a decision that should ideally be made before a smoke/dust emergency occurs. Going out to find the right equipment in an emergency can be dangerous, and those devices can be in short supply. An air purifier with a HEPA filter, electrostatic precipitator (ESP), or ionized air filter can effectively remove airborne particles, provided it is sized to filter two to three times the volume of indoor air per hour. Avoid the use of ozone generators, personal air purifiers, "pure air" generators, and "super oxygen" purifiers, as the ozone emitted into the air by these devices can irritate the airways and exacerbate existing respiratory diseases. These devices are also not effective at removing airborne particles.