Assessment on Sources of PM & TVOCs in School Buildings and Effects on Health of Student: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Ensuring sustainable indoor environments in school buildings is essential for safeguarding student health and well-being. Indoor air pollution from particulate matter (PM) and total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) has emerged as a critical issue exacerbated by modern building materials and occupant behaviors. The rising prevalence of respiratory illnesses among students highlights the urgent need for improved indoor air quality (IAQ) standards, particularly as climate change influences air pollution dynamics. This review explores the sources of PM and TVOCs in elementary and primary school buildings and their health implications through a systematic review of literature published between 2010 and 2024. It also considers studies conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic when indoor air conditions shifted due to online learning periods. Out of 325 identified articles, the predominant sources of TVOCs were found to be cleaning activities, chemicals, furniture, and occupant behavior. PM sources encompassed classroom activities, building attributes, instructional materials, and external factors. The findings reveal that average PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations frequently exceed recommended health thresholds, posing risks such as reduced lung function, respiratory distress, and a higher prevalence of asthma among students. This review underscores the necessity of integrating IAQ management into sustainable building practices and climate adaptation strategies. By emphasizing long-term health monitoring, air dynamics analysis, and pollutant exposure assessments, it advocates for proactive policies to enhance school environments to ensure resilience against future climate-related air quality challenges.