Assessment of Ambient PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ Concentrations in Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) Centres in High-Traffic and Industrial Areas of Nairobi City County, Kenya

Abstract

Air pollution in urban learning environments remains an important public health concern for young children, particularly where schools are located close to major roads and industrial activities. Early Childhood Development Education centres located near high-traffic roads, transport corridors, and industrial zones are especially exposed to elevated concentrations of particulate matter, which poses significant risks to respiratory and cardiovascular health. This study assessed ambient particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters of less than 2.5 micrometres (PM₂.₅) and less than 10 micrometres (PM₁₀) in Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres located in high-traffic and industrial areas of Nairobi City County, Kenya. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used. The study involved 120 ECDE children selected from six centres, with teachers, school administrators, environmental officers and public health personnel providing supplementary contextual information. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, observation checklists, key informant interviews and portable particulate matter monitors. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, independent-samples t-tests, Pearson correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis in SPSS version 27. The findings showed that measured PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ concentrations exceeded the World Health Organization guideline limits in the monitored ECDE environments. Traffic-dominated locations generally recorded higher PM₂.₅ concentrations, whereas industrial locations contributed substantially to PM₁₀ exposure. Reported health symptoms among learners included coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, frequent colds and eye irritation. Particulate matter exposure showed positive and statistically significant associations with respiratory symptoms, with combined PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ exposure showing the strongest relationship. Regression analysis further indicated that PM₂.₅ exposure, PM₁₀ exposure and proximity to pollution sources were significant predictors of reported respiratory illness among ECDE children. The study concludes that ECDE learners in high-exposure urban settings may face increased health risks from sustained particulate matter exposure and recommends routine air quality monitoring, enforcement of environmental regulations, buffer zones, urban greening and public awareness interventions.