This groundbreaking research estimates that tens of thousands of asthma cases among children aged 6 to 11 could be prevented each year in France by reducing exposure to formaldehyde and mold in classrooms. It thus confirms the value of continuing and strengthening efforts to improve indoor air quality in classrooms. Additional research is underway to assess whether these findings can be adapted to local contexts. Such adaptations would provide local authorities with more detailed estimates, which would be useful for regional initiatives.

Tens of thousands of preventable asthma cases each year among children aged 6 to 11 by reducing exposure to formaldehyde and mold in classrooms

With 12 million students returning to school each year in France, ensuring air quality that supports children’s health in schools is a public health priority. However, the latest data from French schools published by the Observatory of Indoor Air Quality (OQAI) confirmed the presence of various pollutants as well as poor air exchange in classrooms.

Quantitative health impact assessments are tools that allow, on the one hand, for the quantitative evaluation of the impact of environmental pollution on health and, on the other hand, for the evaluation of the health benefits of scenarios aimed at improving environmental quality. When applied to the issue of indoor air quality in schools, these methods could serve as a powerful tool to convince stakeholders of the importance of taking action.

In this context, Santé publique France conducted an initial study to assess the relevance and feasibility of conducting such EQIS on a national scale.

This study provides an estimate of the impact on asthma in children aged 6 to 11 of exposure to two pollutants in classrooms: formaldehyde—as an indicator of broader exposure to volatile organic compounds—and mold. Nearly 30,000 cases of asthma could thus be prevented each year among children aged 6 to 11 by reducing exposure to formaldehyde through air ventilation measures, and nearly 12,000 cases of wheezing by eliminating visible mold in classrooms.

Indoor air quality: a serious health issue that deserves greater attention

This study highlights the importance of continuing efforts to improve air quality in schools, both by reducing sources of exposure and by improving air exchange in classrooms.

These efforts require a coordinated approach among various stakeholders, particularly local governments and the Ministry of National Education, which play a key role in improving air quality in these schools to benefit children’s health. Indeed, these efforts fall under the purview of local governments, which are responsible for school buildings, as well as the occupants of these educational facilities.

Thus, incorporating health and environmental criteria into the selection of materials, furniture, or school supplies used in classrooms can limit exposure to formaldehyde or other volatile organic compounds. The maintenance of ventilation systems and the layout of classrooms can also play a role. Furthermore, the study once again highlights the health benefits of ventilating classrooms to reduce exposure to indoor air pollutants—a practice that was also emphasized as essential in school settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, this study reinforces the importance of regulatory monitoring of air quality in these institutions.

Building on this work, EQIS assessments will be rolled out at the local level in 2024. They will provide more detailed health impact data, which is essential for regional management. These new assessments will also examine the impact of road traffic in and around urban schools and will help evaluate the health benefits of air pollution reduction measures. They will thus complement the recommendations from Santé publique France proposed as part of the work conducted here. Beyond this work focused on asthma, data still needs to be collected to better understand the impact of the quality of these environments on children’s health.

As part of this work, a review of the available knowledge on the link between CO2 concentrations and children’s learning was conducted and also published today. This review provided an overview of studies recently published on the subject, particularly since 2013.