Although many U.S. children spend time in child care, little information exists on exposures to airborne particulate matter (PM) in this environment, even though PM may be associated with asthma and other respiratory illness, which is a key concern for young children. To address this data gap, we measured ultrafine particles (UFP), PM 2.5 , PM 10 , and black carbon in 40 California child-care facilities and examined associations with potential determinants. We also tested a low-cost optical particle measuring device (Dylos monitor). Median (interquartile range) concentrations for indoor UFP, gravimetric PM 2.5 , real-time PM 2.5 , gravimetric PM 10 , and black carbon over the course of a child-care day were 14 000 (11 000-29 000) particles/cm Dylos may be a valid low-cost alternative to monitor PM levels indoors in future studies. Overall, results indicate the need for additional studies examining particle levels, potential health risks, and mitigation strategies in child-care facilities.
K E Y W O R D Sdaycare, early childhood education, indoor air, predictors matter (PM) in child-care facilities, despite children being more susceptible than adults to the health effects of PM exposures.
| INTRODUCTION
9-11Particulate matter is a complex mixture of small particles and liquid droplets. Constituents include inorganic compounds (such as nitrates and sulfates), organic chemicals, metals, and soil or dust particles.Exposures of young children to PM 2.5 (particles with an aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm) and PM 10 (aerodynamic diameter ≤10 μm) have been shown to increase allergen sensitization, decrease lung function, and exacerbate pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma.
12-15Ultrafine particle (UFP, aerodynamic diameter <0.1 μm) exposure to young children has been associated with decreased lung function 16 and increased risk of respiratory hospital admissions. [12][13][14][15]17,18 In children, black carbon exposure has been associated with lung oxidative stress, 19-21 decreased lung function, 22 and respiratory symptoms.
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