The detrimental consequences of air pollution on people, particularly vulnerable groups like children, have drawn a lot of attention globally. Studies on the levels and sources of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and inorganic gaseous pollutants (NO2, CO, and SO2) in primary schools in Africa, including Ethiopia, are scanty. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the levels of particulate matter and inorganic gaseous pollutants in primary schools in Hawassa, Ethiopia, and assess potential health risks. The levels of PM2.5 and PM10 were determined using a portable gas monitor device (HoldPeak Laser PM meter, HP 5800D), whereas NO2, CO, and SO2 levels were determined using the Aeroqual Series 500 Portable Air Quality Monitor (Aeroqual Ltd., New Zealand). The levels of PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 in all sampling sites ranged from 11-66.3, 30.8-399.7, and 60.5-152 µg/m3, respectively. The levels of PM2.5 and PM10 were found to be above the World Health Organization recommendations in 55% and 85% of the sampling sites, respectively. The hazard quotient (HQ) values for PM10 and PM2.5 ranged from 0.3 to 3.2 and 0.2 to 1.1, respectively. The Air Quality Index (AQI) at 40% and 30% of the outdoor sampling sites was unhealthy for sensitive groups due to exposure to PM2.5 and PM10, respectively. The levels of PM2.5 and PM10, as well as the AQI and HQ values, indicate a poor condition of the air in the schools, especially in the schools near busy traffic roads.
Keywords: Air quality; Ethiopia; Inorganic gaseous pollutants; Particulate matter; Primary schools.
© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.