Assessment of air pollutants concentrations at preschools in informal settlement, Gauteng, South Africa
1
Department of Health Studies, Unisa, Pretoria, South Africa
2
School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT:
This study assessed indoor and outdoor concentrations of sulphur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and volatile organic compounds (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene) in eight preschools within the Melusi informal settlement, Pretoria, South Africa. Pollutants were measured using Radiello passive samplers over a 14-day period. Indoor concentrations ranged from 0.2–1.2 µg/m³ for SO₂ and 10.1–22.4 µg/m³ for NO₂, while outdoor concentrations ranged from 0.5–1.9 µg/m³ and 14.1–30.3 µg/m³, respectively. Mean indoor concentrations of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene were 7.37, 7.68, 2.76, and 2.31 µg/m³, respectively. The highest pollutant levels were observed in preschools using mixed or solid fuels and those located near waste-burning sites or unpaved roads. Indoor-to-outdoor ratios indicated substantial outdoor infiltration. These findings highlight the urgent need for cleaner household energy. Pollution remains a major public health concern in Africa, contributing to a source of improved ventilation in preschools within informal settlements and similar environments.
This study assessed indoor and outdoor concentrations of sulphur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and volatile organic compounds (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene) in eight preschools within the Melusi informal settlement, Pretoria, South Africa. Pollutants were measured using Radiello passive samplers over a 14-day period. Indoor concentrations ranged from 0.2–1.2 µg/m³ for SO₂ and 10.1–22.4 µg/m³ for NO₂, while outdoor concentrations ranged from 0.5–1.9 µg/m³ and 14.1–30.3 µg/m³, respectively. Mean indoor concentrations of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene were 7.37, 7.68, 2.76, and 2.31 µg/m³, respectively. The highest pollutant levels were observed in preschools using mixed or solid fuels and those located near waste-burning sites or unpaved roads. Indoor-to-outdoor ratios indicated substantial outdoor infiltration. These findings highlight the urgent need for cleaner household energy. Pollution remains a major public health concern in Africa, contributing to a source of improved ventilation in preschools within informal settlements and similar environments.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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