Mozhgan Moghtaderi1, Mohammad Ali Ashraf2, Tahereh Moghtaderi3, Saeed Hosseini Teshnizi4, Seyed Hesamedin Nabavizadeh1. 1. Allergy Clinic, Department of Paediatrics, Allergy Research Centre, Ali-Asghar Hospital. 2. Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Islamic Republic of Iran. 3. Department of Soil Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran. 4. Clinical Research Development Centre of Children Hospital, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Islamic Republic of Iran.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Classrooms are an important environment for young children as this is where they spend a large part of their time. AIMS: This study was designed to quantify the levels of heavy metals in classroom dusts in Shiraz, a city southwestern Iran. The potential association between heavy metal levels and childhood asthma was also investigated. METHODS: We selected 32 schools for collecting classroom dust samples during September-November 2016. The concentration of 10 heavy metals was measured in these dust samples by optical emission spectrometry. The diagnosis of childhood asthma was made using both the medical chart of each student and examination by an allergist. The data were analysed using SPSS, version 21.0. RESULTS: The concentration of heavy metals in classroom dust samples ranged from 7559 to 53 723.0 mg/kg (mean: 16 945.5 mg/kg) for Fe, 169.0 to 952.0 mg/kg (mean 288.9 mg/kg) for Mn, and 9.0 to 971.0 mg/kg (mean 258.8 mg/kg) for Pb. We found no correlation between heavy metals in classroom dust and childhood asthma. CONCLUSION: In comparison with studies reported elsewhere, the maximum levels of lead in our study were greater. A potential explanation for the lack of correlation with childhood asthma is the large mass of the particles, preventing them from reaching the lower airways. Nevertheless, special attention should be paid to reducing high levels of heavy metals in classroom dust in this area.
BACKGROUND: Classrooms are an important environment for young children as this is where they spend a large part of their time. AIMS: This study was designed to quantify the levels of heavy metals in classroom dusts in Shiraz, a city southwestern Iran. The potential association between heavy metal levels and childhood asthma was also investigated. METHODS: We selected 32 schools for collecting classroom dust samples during September-November 2016. The concentration of 10 heavy metals was measured in these dust samples by optical emission spectrometry. The diagnosis of childhood asthma was made using both the medical chart of each student and examination by an allergist. The data were analysed using SPSS, version 21.0. RESULTS: The concentration of heavy metals in classroom dust samples ranged from 7559 to 53 723.0 mg/kg (mean: 16 945.5 mg/kg) for Fe, 169.0 to 952.0 mg/kg (mean 288.9 mg/kg) for Mn, and 9.0 to 971.0 mg/kg (mean 258.8 mg/kg) for Pb. We found no correlation between heavy metals in classroom dust and childhood asthma. CONCLUSION: In comparison with studies reported elsewhere, the maximum levels of lead in our study were greater. A potential explanation for the lack of correlation with childhood asthma is the large mass of the particles, preventing them from reaching the lower airways. Nevertheless, special attention should be paid to reducing high levels of heavy metals in classroom dust in this area.