Factors Influencing Indoor Air Pollution in Kindergarten: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Numerous studies have discovered that elevated indoor air pollutant levels in kindergarten possess a negative impact with respect to learning performance which raises respiratory risk complications. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive information on indoor air in kindergarten worldwide. This study systematically reviews influencing factors of indoor air pollution (IAP) in kindergartens. This paper reviewed articles from Web of Science and Scopus, between year 2000 and 2022 and chose 41 articles. This study adapted the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method to perform a Systematic Literature Review (SLR). The factors influencing IAP are grouped into three categories such as outdoor source factors, built environment factors, and occupant related factors. The carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations were greater than 1,000 ppm in classrooms and mainly influenced by ventilation mode, occupant density, and physical activity. Particles (PM10, PM2.5) and carbon monoxide (CO) had the highest concentration levels when there was activity involving cooking besides introduction from outdoors through natural ventilation. In order to optimise the well-being of children, future kindergarten buildings should be designed or retrofitted with a holistic approach. Therefore, the potential of architectural design for children’s spaces in mitigating IAP is a promising initial step.