Extreme temperatures amplify air pollution risks to childhood respiratory health in school environment in Jiangsu province, China

This study investigates how extreme temperatures and air pollution jointly impact respiratory health among schoolchildren in Jiangsu Province, China. Given the increasing frequency of heatwaves and worsening air quality due to urbanization and climate change, the research aims to understand how these environmental stressors interact to affect vulnerable populations, particularly children in school settings. The study integrates temperature, pollutant concentration, and health outcome data to quantify health risks in real-world educational environments.

The results indicate that both high and low temperature extremes amplify the negative effects of air pollution—especially PM₂.₅ and ozone—on children’s respiratory health. Heatwaves, in particular, significantly increase hospital visits for respiratory issues. Children in urban schools were found to be more exposed due to higher pollution levels and heat island effects. The study emphasizes the need for climate-resilient public health policies and improved indoor air quality standards in schools to safeguard children’s health in increasingly extreme environmental conditions.