Measuring and analyzing harmful substances via the GSA Messgerätebau GmbH
It is often necessary to measure harmful substances in kindergartens.
In this case GSA Messgerätebau is the right contact, as we have more than 20 years of experience in the measurement and assessment of harmful substances in kindergartens and other public facilities.
If there is a suspicion of pollution in the kindergarten because an odor is perceived, symptoms of exposure to pollutants are increasing or other signs point to this (such as mold on the walls), a measurement should be considered.
Our measurement technicians will discuss the existing pollution with you and draw up an individual measurement concept for measuring harmful substances in the kindergarten.
If pollutants are detected during the measurement of harmful substances, quick action is required. Depending on the type of pollutant measured, different measures must be taken. However, it is difficult to make a general recommendation for action, as individual action plans must be drawn up depending on the infestation.
The “Europäische Gesellschaft für gesundes Bauen und Innenraumhygiene” has drawn up a guideline that outlines specific procedures for pollutant contamination. In addition, this society has produced information for staff and parents’ representatives if they become aware of possible contamination.
Exposure to harmful substances should be avoided as far as possible in a kindergarten. Pollutants are all substances that have a harmful effect on health and the environment. The severity of the effect depends on the type, concentration and duration of exposure to the substance.
Structural measures
However, if it is an old building, for example (year of construction provides indications), exposure may occur. Exposure has a more serious effect on children than on adults, as they have a higher respiratory rate (thus higher absorption of the exposure) and usually a weaker immune system (as it is still developing). This makes it all the more important to recognize and eliminate exposure at an early stage. The Federal Environment Agency has produced guidelines on how children can grow up healthy and safe. In addition to nutrition and home safety, it also addresses exposure to pollutants. When choosing materials and paints, for example, it is important to ensure that they emit as little gas as possible. After renovation, the rooms should be thoroughly aired before the children spend any length of time in them. This also applies to kindergartens. Furthermore, the DGUV (Deutsche Gesetzliche Unfallversicherung) has drawn up rules for safety and health protection. These include accident prevention regulations that apply in a daycare center, such as ensuring that rooms are regularly ventilated.
Protection of employees
It is not only the children who need to be protected in nurseries, but also the nursery teachers who work there. It is important to ensure safety at the workplace, which includes protection against pollutants. This includes safety measures when handling potentially hazardous substances (e.g. strong cleaning agents) as well as measures to prevent accidents such as tripping hazards.
Sand as a hazard in daycare centers? Dust release
It is hard to imagine kindergartens without sandpits and they are important for promoting motor skills through play. There are various criteria to consider when choosing sand:
- Dimensional stability (grain size)
- without soiling
- contain no sharp-edged stones or gravel (fine/round-grained)
- low-dust/free
- clay-free
- Easy to remove from clothing
- Rapid drainage after rain
These points focus on the children’s play experience, but it is also important to ensure that the sand releases little to no dust during play.
Dusts are defined as fine solid particles dispersed in the air. Such particles can enter the lungs via the respiratory tract and cause health problems. The aim is to reduce or ideally prevent such exposure. This can be influenced by the choice of particle size, for example. If this is between 0.06 mm and 2.0 mm, the sand has the greatest adhesive force and is very dimensionally stable and low in dust.
Fine dust can be stirred up by children playing in the sand. As no standard industrial protective measures (breathing mask, extraction system) can be taken, great importance should be attached to the choice of play sand.
Asbestos in the daycare center
Asbestos describes naturally occurring fibrous minerals with a diameter of less than 2µm and smaller. Asbestos fibres are characterized by high thermal and chemical resistance, which was used for a wide range of applications. Over time, the damaging effect of asbestos fibres on the lungs was recognized and their use was banned in 1993. The danger lies in the Absorption via the respiratory tract. This can lead to damage to the lungs and upper respiratory tract (asbestosis; “dust lung”). Asbestos is primarily found in buildings built between 1960 and 1980, which are largely unrenovated. Asbestos exposure can also occur in public buildings. Due to the high hazard potential of asbestos, specialist expertise should be sought immediately in the event of suspicion. Asbestos fibers are most frequently found in insulation materials, window sills or cast flower pots, for example. Here, the year of construction is an indication of exposure.
Mold in the daycare center
The term mold colloquially refers to various types of mold. These produce airborne spores that can trigger allergic reactions when inhaled. Mold spores can also cause serious damage to the fabric of buildings. Mold infestation can occur if there is high humidity and a temperature between 15-25° Celcius over a longer period of time. Humidity is caused by breathing or cooking, for example. Structural defects can also exacerbate the problem. Molds form fungal spores as they grow, which are released into the ambient air. This allows them to penetrate the respiratory tract and trigger symptoms of illness. These include respiratory diseases such as coughs, colds or asthma.
Skin reactions and conjunctivitis can also be caused by molds. Children in particular have a high risk potential due to their weaker immune system. Regular air exchange is necessary to prevent infestation. This can be achieved by so-called shock ventilation. The rule of thumb is “three times five”. The windows are opened three times a day for at least five minutes so that the accumulated humidity can escape. This rule of thumb should be adapted to the actual conditions.
Sources:
[1]: Source of contribution image: © Oleg Beloborodov / 123RF.com
[2]: https://publikationen.dguv.de/dguv/pdf/10002/sr-s2.pdf
[3]: https://blog.rathscheck.de/meldepflicht-bei-asbest-sanierungsarbeiten-muessen-angezeigt-werden
[4]: http://www.katumwelt.de/icheck/dokumente/asbestrichtlinie-nrw.htm
[5]: https://www.juraforum.de/forum/t/informationspflicht-bei-asbestsanierung-im-kindergarten-waehrend-des-regelbetriebs.420829/
[6]:http://www.eggbi.eu/fileadmin/EGGBI/PDF/Vorgangsweise_bei_Schadstoffproblemen_an_Schulen_und_Kitas.pdf
[7]: https://www.bgw-online.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Medientypen/BGW%20Grundlagen/BGW03-03-130_Kinderbetreuung_Download.pdf?__blob=publicationFile
[8]: https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/sites/default/files/medien/377/publikationen/umwelt_und_kindergesundheit.pdf
[9]: https://www.dguv.de/de/mediencenter/pm/pressearchiv/2017/quartal_3/details_03_148224.jsp
[10]: http://www.sichere-kita.de/_docs/pdf/Merkblatt%20Spielplatz-%20und%20Spielsandhygiene.pdf
[11]: http://www.eggbi.eu/fileadmin/EGGBI/PDF/Hinweise_fuer_Eltern-_und_Personalvertreter.pdf
[12]: https://www.land.nrw/de/pressemitteilung/minister-remmel-schadstoff-belastungen-bei-kindern-muessen-reduziert-werden
[13]: https://www.bgw-online.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Medientypen/BGW%20Grundlagen/BGW03-03-130_Kinderbetreuung_Download.pdf?__blob=publicationFile