The Impact of PM2.5 on the Health of Primary School Students Aged 10-13 in Bangkok

Background: Air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), is a severe environmental and public health threat, with children being among the most vulnerable groups. Bangkok, a highly urbanized and traffic-congested city, frequently experiences hazardous PM2.5 levels, raising concerns about its effects on primary school students’ respiratory health. Objective: This study examines the correlation between PM2.5 exposure and the prevalence of respiratory symptoms in primary school students aged 10–13 in Bangkok. Additionally, it evaluates the effectiveness of protective masks in reducing symptom severity and investigates the role of outdoor exposure in exacerbating pollution-related illnesses. Methods: A two-month observational study (January–February 2025) was conducted among 115 students, using real-time PM2.5 data from the GISTDA monitoring system. Health records and self-reported symptom surveys were analyzed across six PM2.5 exposure categories (0–50 µg/m³, 51–75 µg/m³, 76–100 µg/m³, 101–125 µg/m³, 126–150 µg/m³, and >151 µg/m³). Students were further categorized based on mask usage and outdoor exposure levels to assess protective and risk factors. Statistical analyses included correlation tests and comparative symptom trends. Results: The findings revealed a significant positive correlation between PM2.5 levels and symptom prevalence (r > 0.8, p < 0.01). The most commonly reported symptoms were runny nose (80 cases at PM2.5 >151 µg/m³), cough (60 cases), breath shortness (35 cases), and red-eye irritation (28 cases). Mask usage reduced symptom prevalence by 30–40% across all PM2.5 levels, while students with high outdoor exposure exhibited double the symptom rate compared to those with limited outdoor activities. Conclusion: PM2.5 exposure is strongly associated with increased respiratory symptoms in school children, with outdoor exposure exacerbating health risks and mask usage offering partial protection. The findings underscore the urgent need for AQI-based school policies, improved indoor air filtration, and stricter outdoor activity restrictions during high-pollution periods. These interventions are critical for mitigating air pollution’s adverse health effects on vulnerable student populations.