Pollution's Impact: School Absences And Sick Days

There is a wealth of research investigating the impact of pollution on school attendance rates. Studies have been conducted across the world, from Texas to China, and have found that high levels of carbon monoxide (CO) significantly increase school absences, even when they are below federal air quality standards. This research has important implications for both the health and economic benefits of reducing pollution levels.

High carbon monoxide levels

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a toxic, colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that results from the incomplete oxidation of carbon in combustion. Exposure to carbon monoxide can have detrimental health effects, and high levels of this pollutant have been linked to an increase in school absences.

Research conducted in Texas examined the impact of air pollution on school attendance among elementary and middle school children in 39 of the state's largest school districts. By merging administrative data with air quality information from the Environmental Protection Agency, the study found a significant relationship between high carbon monoxide levels and increased absences. Notably, this trend persisted even when carbon monoxide concentrations were below federal air quality standards.

The health effects of carbon monoxide exposure can vary depending on individual factors such as age, overall health, and the duration and concentration of exposure. Acute exposure to carbon monoxide leads to the formation of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood, which inhibits oxygen intake. This can result in a range of symptoms, including fatigue in healthy individuals and chest pain in those with heart disease.

At higher concentrations, carbon monoxide exposure can cause impaired vision and coordination, headaches, dizziness, confusion, and nausea. These symptoms can be severe and may lead to absences from school as students seek recovery. In extreme cases, prolonged exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can even result in death.

The findings from the Texas study underscore the significant impact of carbon monoxide pollution on student health and attendance. The research highlights the importance of maintaining safe and healthy environments for children, suggesting that efforts to reduce carbon monoxide levels can yield economically significant health benefits and potentially decrease school absences.

Air pollution and infant health

Air pollution has been proven to have a detrimental impact on infant health. The effects of air pollution on foetal and infant health can be severe and may result in the progression of severe diseases during childhood.

A study conducted in Texas examined the effect of air pollution on school absences in elementary and middle school children. The data was taken from the 39 largest school districts in the state and was merged with air quality information from the Environmental Protection Agency. The study found that high levels of carbon monoxide (CO) significantly increased absences, even when the levels were below federal air quality standards.

Another study, focusing on New Jersey, examined the impact of exposure to carbon monoxide, ozone, and particulate matter on infant health. The researchers combined information from birth certificates, including mothers' addresses, with data from New Jersey air pollution monitors. The results showed consistently negative effects of exposure to pollution, especially carbon monoxide, both during and after birth. The effects were more pronounced in mothers who smoked and in older mothers.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have set a target of reducing neonatal mortality to less than 12 per 1000 live births by 2030. However, progress towards this goal has been slow, with one-third of countries not on track to meet the target. Ambient air pollution is a major contributor to the burden of disease worldwide and can have harmful effects on an infant's developing organs, systems, and functions.

The negative health outcomes associated with air pollution exposure during pregnancy and infancy include adverse birth outcomes, infant morbidity and mortality, early respiratory health issues, early allergic symptoms, and impaired neurodevelopment. Particles and gaseous pollutants can be inhaled by pregnant women, impairing placental function and affecting the transport of oxygen and nutrients to the foetus. After birth, infants are extremely susceptible to air pollutants due to their high metabolic rate and underdeveloped respiratory systems.

Traffic congestion

Research has found a direct link between traffic-related air pollution and adverse effects on respiratory health, with increased prevalence of respiratory infections, asthma, tracheitis, and other diseases in children. Additionally, traffic congestion increases vehicle emissions, particularly carbon monoxide (CO), which has been found to significantly increase school absences even when below federal air quality standards. The constant stopping and starting of vehicles in congested areas also contribute to higher emissions, further degrading air quality.

Minority students, particularly African American students, are disproportionately affected by air pollution due to historic policies that have led to schools being located near high-traffic and polluted roads. This inequality in exposure to air pollution has been recognized, and some states, like California, are taking steps to address air quality issues and implement mitigation measures.

Mitigation strategies to reduce the impact of traffic congestion and air pollution on student health and attendance include the installation of air filtration systems in schools, urban planning considerations such as suitable transport routes and the inclusion of trees and hedges near schools, and government initiatives to reduce vehicle numbers near schools. By addressing traffic congestion and air pollution, communities can improve student health, reduce absences, and enhance overall community resilience.

Indoor air quality

Several factors contribute to poor indoor air quality in schools. Firstly, indoor and outdoor air pollutants, including mould, chemicals, fumes, and smoke, can accumulate indoors. For instance, toxic carbon monoxide can build up from improperly vented furnaces or idling vehicles near classrooms. Additionally, high humidity can lead to moisture issues and mould growth. Even everyday items like chalk, scented markers, printers, and cleaning supplies can contribute to poor indoor air quality. Poor ventilation, airflow, and building maintenance further exacerbate the problem.

The American Lung Association estimates that up to half of all schools face challenges related to indoor air quality. This is partly due to schools being crowded spaces with many occupants in small areas, and their proximity to pollution sources such as highways, factories, and power plants, which can result in outdoor air pollutants infiltrating indoor spaces. School budgets also play a role, as financial constraints may hinder regular maintenance and cleaning practices, and indoor air quality improvements may not be prioritised.

The impact of poor indoor air quality in schools extends beyond health concerns. Studies have shown that children in classrooms with higher outdoor air ventilation rates and cleaner indoor air tend to achieve higher standardised test scores. This is attributed to lower carbon dioxide levels and a reduced transmission of infectious diseases. Conversely, poor indoor air quality can lead to higher absenteeism rates due to respiratory infections, allergic responses, and adverse reactions to chemicals.

Addressing indoor air quality in schools is crucial, and several strategies can be implemented to improve it. These include simple measures such as opening doors and windows to increase ventilation, ensuring proper maintenance of HVAC systems, and choosing less toxic cleaning and classroom supplies. Additionally, schools should be mindful of their location and proximity to pollution sources, as well as managing building temperature and humidity levels to mitigate the growth of mould and other pollutants. By prioritising indoor air quality, schools can create healthier learning environments and positively impact the well-being and academic performance of students and staff.

Air pollution in China

The health impacts of air pollution in China are severe. According to the Chinese Ministry of Health, industrial pollution has made cancer the leading cause of death in the country. Ambient air pollution alone kills hundreds of thousands of citizens each year, with estimates ranging from 350,000 to 550,000 premature deaths annually. Additionally, 300,000 people die from poor indoor air quality, and another 60,000 from waterborne pollution-related diseases. The average person in China's most polluted prefecture, Shijiazhuang in Hebei Province, is expected to lose 4.3 years of their life expectancy compared to the WHO guideline.

The Chinese government has recognized the severity of the problem and declared a "war against pollution" in 2014. Since then, China has made remarkable progress in reducing pollution. From 2013 to 2022, fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) levels decreased by 41%, and if these improvements are sustained, the average Chinese citizen can expect to live two years longer.

Despite this progress, challenges remain. China's overall particulate pollution average complies with its national standard of 35 µg/m³, but it still exceeds the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³. As a result, the country's particulate pollution shortens the average resident's life expectancy by 2.3 years compared to the guideline. Furthermore, China's water resources face severe water shortages and severe water pollution, threatening the environment, food safety, and sustainable agriculture.

Overall, while China has made significant strides in reducing air pollution, continued efforts are necessary to improve air and water quality, ensuring a healthier future for its citizens and contributing to global efforts to address environmental issues.

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