5243.0: Wednesday, November 15, 2000 - Board 7

Abstract #12278

Correlation of personal and microenvironmental exposure monitoring in school children

Clifford S. Mitchell, MS, MD, MPH1, Lisa K. Carlson, MD, MPH2, Christopher Beck, BS3, and Timothy J. Buckley, PhD3. (1) Division of Occupational and Environmental Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Room 7041, Baltimore, MD 21205, (410) 955-4076, cmitchel@jhsph.edu, (2) Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21205, (3) Division of Environmental Health Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health

Despite considerable interest in school environmental health, there is a paucity of data on how typical microenvironmental exposure monitoring in schools relates to actual exposures as measured by personal sampling. We conducted a pilot study in which thirty fifth-grade students were equipped with backpacks containing personal samplers for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulates (PM10 or PM2.5). At the same time stationary samplers in the school collected contemporaneous microenvironmental measurements of VOCs and particulates. Students recorded their locations and activities in journals during the day. The results indicated that personal exposures to particulates were underestimated by microenvironmental monitoring, as were exposures to some VOCs. We discuss the implications for exposure assessment in schools.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Recognize the relationship between personal and microenvironmental exposure assessment.
  2. Describe factors that may influence that relationship in the school environment.
  3. Articulate the significance of these findings for exposure assessments in schools.

Keywords: Environmental Exposures, School Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA