Addressing adverse synergies between chemical and biological pollutants
at schools - the “SynAir-G” hypothesis
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.