kindergarten

The purpose of that study was to measure exposure levels of phthalates and musk fragrances in typical apartments, kindergartens and to estimate their effects on health. 59 apartments and 74 kindergarten in Berlin were studied.

Assesses sick building syndrome symptoms and perceived odours for daycare workers, in relation to ventilation rates in Finnish daycare centres. Thirty centres were chosen for the study, which consisted of 268 female nursing workers. The workers completed a questionnaire. Mechanical supply and exhaust ventilation systems constituted most of the centres' systems with 37% having mechanical exhaust alone. The authors noted a very varied exhaust air flow in the children's rooms, from 0 to 11 L/s per person. Air change rate varied from 0 to 5 m3/hm3.

Cat and dog allergens in settled dust and airborne cat allergen were studied in day-care centres, with links explored between pet ownership among children and staff, ventilation and cleaning. The special centres were allergen-avoidance day care units. Control was performed by 22 conventional day care centres. Allergen levels were measured using ELISA and personal air samplers, and air change rate per hour was noted. A questionnaire was distributed for the other data. No cats or dogs were kept by children at the allergen avoidance centres in contrast to the control.

States that in January to April 1989, over 90% of greater Montreal day car centres exceeded 1000 ppm of carbon dioxide. Independent positive predictors were the child density, presence of electric heating, absence of a ventilation system and age of the building. Recommends that clear standards and inspection policies should be set for day care centre air quality.

A group of 638 children was studied at 3 and 18 months to assess the development of symptoms possibly related to allergy or other types of hypersensitivity. Logistic regression techniques were used in the analysis. Where there was a high incidence of investigated symptoms, a family history of atopy was linked. Day nursery attendance was associated with increased risk of colds and treatment with antibiotics. Coughing was worse in homes with smoking mothers. Risk of symptoms increased with the presence of a sibling. Building factors were not significant.

Three buildings are investigated to study the indoor air quality and the impact of the outdoorair pollution. These buildings, a swimming pool, a school and a nursery are located in anurban area. So, during experimental studies, typical outdoor and indoor pollutants such ascarbon monoxyde, nitrogen dioxyde, carbon dioxyde, and total volatile organic compoundsare monitored. Also, the relative humidity and the temperature are carried out. The analysisallows us to reveal several points.