Abstract ID: 218
Authors:
KaE Kitamura
Ussanai Nithirochananont
Kulawadee Wonganun
Ratchaneewan Sinitkul
Affiliations:
Health Science and Medicine Track, The Newton Sixth Form School, Bangkok, Thailand; Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, Chon Buri, Thailand; Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Abstract:Background: Particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) is a significant environmental health risk, particularly among school-aged children. Prevention strategies are typically recommended. However, guidance on outdoor activity scheduling in Thailand remains limited. This study aims to examine ambient PM2.5 exposure patterns at schools during school hours (7:00 17:00) in Thailand in 2024. Methods: A descriptive analysis and pattern visualization of ambient PM2.5 at schools across Thailand from January to December 2024 were conducted. Hourly average PM2.5 levels were estimated by inverse distance weighted interpolation using air quality data from the Pollution Control Department and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration of Thailand. The mean ± standard deviation (SD), minimum (min), and maximum (max) values of 10-hour school-time exposure were calculated. Exposure patterns were visualized by month and region. An average 10-hour PM2.5 of <25 µg/m³ defines a low-exposure period. Results: A total of 29,082 public schools (kindergarten to primary) were included. During periods of low PM2.5 exposure, the 10-hour average PM2.5 level mean ± SD (min, max) was 9.93 ± 2.6 (1.14, 33.53) µg/m³ in August in the Northern region and 24.5 ± 9.99 (3.00, 130.60) µg/m³ in December in the Northeastern region. The highest mean ± SD (min, max) was 57.7 ± 28.68 (6.28, 367.01) in March in the Northern region. The consistent low-exposure period lasted from June to November across all regions with minor differences: the Northern region (June November), the Central region, the Eastern region, the Bangkok Metropolitan region (May November), the Northeastern region (May December), and the Southern region throughout the year. Conclusion: Thailand’s nationwide period of low PM2.5 exposure at school in 2024 was from June to November. Rescheduling annual outdoor events such as sports days and scout camps should be considered to protect children’s health from PM2.5 without disrupting education. Further time-series analysis and practical weather considerations are necessary to strengthen these findings.
Keywords: Global Health Education and Technology, PM2.5, air pollution, school scheduling, education policy, Thailand, public health, children
