UNDERSTANDING AND ADDRESSING FUNGAL EXPOSURE RISKS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS: IMPLICATIONS FOR CHILDREN'S HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

Background: Abstract Climate change increases fungal pathogen emergence and spread, raising the risk of diseases, especially among vulnerable populations. Thermal adaptation is crucial for fungi to infect humans. Children's developing immune systems and increased vulnerability to environmental factors make them more susceptible to respiratory diseases caused by fungi. Exposure to fungal spores in indoor environments, like schools, can result in respiratory problems such as asthma, allergies, and bronchitis in children. Despite this there is a lack of research on the pathogenicity of fungi in this context in Portugal. This study aims to provide a first insight into the children’s exposure to potentially pathogenic fungi in primary schools in Portugal, by observing fungi's ability to growth at 37ºC and the penetration depth in the respiratory airways, providing valuable insights into their capability to induce diseases. In this study, air samples were collected from various locations within the school building using an Anderson six-stage sampler with DG18 media plates for fungal analysis. Sampling was conducted twice, with specimens to be incubated at two different temperatures: 27°C, representing environmental conditions, and 37°C, reflecting human body temperature. Preliminary findings suggest notable seasonal variations in fungal presence, especially at particles diameter between 2.1 and 1.1 microns and respiratory penetration of secondary and terminal bronchi. National-level initiatives are imperative to fill existing knowledge gaps and implement effective measures to mitigate health risks associated with fungal contamination in educational environments.