Abstract

Current research has found evidence of associations between particulate matter, respiratory diseases, and increases in mortality from all causes. However, most of this data comes from developed countries, whereas studies from middle to low-income countries are limited. In Chile, high levels of Energy Poverty (EP) have been identified in the central-southern towns of the country, where the primary means for household heating are wood stoves. They generate periods of high air pollution during the winter and may exacerbate preexisting health conditions that affect vulnerable populations. Air pollution from EP goes beyond residential buildings and impacts public spaces and buildings near residential areas, like schools. This paper presents an analysis of indoor and outdoor air quality along with a survey of self-reported health symptoms of teachers in public schools in Chile, located in areas of energy poverty. During the winter, indoor and outdoor PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations were monitored for a school week in three schools in the Gran Concepción metropolitan area in Chile. Particulate matter concentrations were compared with the WHO Air Quality Guidelines (AQG) and local air quality regulations. Indoor and outdoor PM2.5 surpassed the AQG recommended levels of air pollution, with the highest concentrations occurring in the evenings and nights. In addition, the survey showed that almost a third of teachers ranked the outdoor air quality in the previous week as “bad,” but only 13% saw outdoor air pollution as an important health concern. The symptoms teachers reported as being more frequent included those related to teaching, such as hoarse-dry throat, and respiratory health, like irritated, stuffy, or runny nose. This paper portrays the reality and urgency of Chilean classrooms regarding indoor and outdoor air quality during the winter months and discusses the health implications of teaching and learning in the context of energy poverty.