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Addressing adverse synergies between chemical and biological pollutants at schools - the “SynAir-G” hypothesis
  • +22
  • Nikolaos G. Papadopoulos,
  • Cezmi Akdis,
  • Mubeccel Akdis,
  • Athanasios Damialis,
  • Giuseppina Esposito,
  • Ioana Fergadiotou,
  • Christian Goroncy,
  • Pierre Guitton,
  • Maia Gotua,
  • Kleanthis Erotokritou,
  • Tuomas Jartti,
  • Clare Murray,
  • Athanasios Nenes,
  • Sotirios Nikoletseas,
  • Susetta Finotto,
  • Spyros N. Pandis,
  • Valeria Ramiconi,
  • Angela Simpson,
  • Aki Soudunsaari,
  • Anna Stårbröst,
  • Maria Staiano,
  • Antonio Varriale,
  • Paraskevi Xepapadaki,
  • Torsten Zuberbier,
  • Isabella Annesi-Maesano
Nikolaos G. Papadopoulos
The University of Manchester Division of Infection Immunity and Respiratory Medicine

Corresponding Author:ngp@allergy.gr

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Cezmi Akdis
Universitat Zurich Schweizerisches Institut fur Allergie- und Asthmaforschung
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Mubeccel Akdis
Universitat Zurich Schweizerisches Institut fur Allergie- und Asthmaforschung
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Athanasios Damialis
Aristoteleio Panepistemio Thessalonikes Tmema Biologias
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Giuseppina Esposito
Bio Check Up (BCU
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Ioana Fergadiotou
INLECOM INNOVATION
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Christian Goroncy
Deutsches Institut fur Normung eV
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Pierre Guitton
TEQOYA company
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Maia Gotua
Center of Allergy and Immunology
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Kleanthis Erotokritou
CYRIC CYPRUS RESEARCH AND INNOVATION CENTER LTD
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Tuomas Jartti
Oulu yliopisto Biodiversiteettiyksikko
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Clare Murray
The University of Manchester Division of Infection Immunity and Respiratory Medicine
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Athanasios Nenes
Swiss Institute of Technology
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Sotirios Nikoletseas
University of Patras
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Susetta Finotto
Universitatsklinikum Erlangen Chirurgische Klinik
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Spyros N. Pandis
Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH
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Valeria Ramiconi
European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients' Association (EFA
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Angela Simpson
The University of Manchester Division of Infection Immunity and Respiratory Medicine
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Aki Soudunsaari
NAAVA
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Anna Stårbröst
Lulea Gymnasiebibliotek
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Maria Staiano
CNR Italy
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Antonio Varriale
CNR Italy
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Paraskevi Xepapadaki
Ethniko kai Kapodistriako Panepistemio Athenon Tmema Biologias
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Torsten Zuberbier
Global Allergy & Asthma European Network of Excellence - GA 2 LEN
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Isabella Annesi-Maesano
Universite de Montpellier IUT de Montpellier-Sete
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Abstract

While the number and types of indoor air pollutants is rising, much is suspected but little is known about the impact of their potentially synergistic interactions, upon human health. Gases, particulate matter, organic compounds, but also allergens and viruses, fall within the ‘pollutant’ definition. Distinct populations, such as children and allergy and asthma sufferers are highly susceptible, while a low socioeconomic background is a further susceptibility factor; however, no specific guidance is available. We spend most of our time indoors; for children, the school environment is of paramount importance and potentially amenable to intervention. The interactions between some pollutant classes have been studied; for example, respiratory viral infection induces hyperresponsiveness to allergens, as well as irritants. However, a lot is missing in respect to understanding interactions between specific pollutants of different classes in terms of concentrations, timing, and sequence, to improve targeting and upgrade standards. SynAir-G is a European Commission-funded project aiming to reveal and quantify synergistic interactions between different pollutants affecting health, from mechanisms to real-life, focusing on the school setting. It will develop a comprehensive and responsive multipollutant monitoring system, advance environmentally friendly interventions, and disseminate the generated knowledge to relevant stakeholders in accessible and actionable formats.