Winter air quality affecting primary school pupils respiratory system in Shanghai in 2015

ObjectiveBy investigating the health status of primary school pupils and determinating their lung functions, and in combination with th winter community air quality, to evaluate the air pollution's effect on the health status of the pupils in this area.

MethodsA randomized cluster sampling method was used to select a primary school in the district, and all the 610 pupils in this school were investigated by questionnaires. Then, of the pupils, 163 were randomly selected for the test of lung functions.

ResultsDuring the survey, there were 26 days when there was poor air quality and 35 days when the air was in a good condition. The daily mean AQI was 102.4±48.9 and the daily mean number of pupils with disease or symptoms were 21±18. According to the pulmonary function examination results, in the FEV1 item girls showed statistical differences between the two tests of standard achieved day and standard non-achieved day. In addition, there were statistical differences found in both girls and boys in PEF、V25、V75 item.

ConclusionIn this region, the poor air quality in winter has certain impact on primary school pupils'respiratory system.