Occidental Mindoro National High School

Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro

Enhancing Indoor Air Quality in School: An Integrated Smoke Extraction and Air Filtrated

System for Waste Product Incineration

Barco, Rafael Mhyco

De Joya, John Andreo

Delos Santos, Jobert

Gregorio, Mc Amielle
 Occidental Mindoro National High School
Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro

Introduction

(Broad Introduction to Topic) A significant volume of garbage incineration is taking place

within OMNHS (Occidental Mindoro National High school), negatively impacting approximately

80% of classrooms and buildings with harmful smoke. This poses a substantial health risk to

both teachers and students, causing severe respiratory harm.(Broad Background Context)

The prevalent incineration issue highlights broader waste management challenges. With an

alarming frequency surpassing recommended guidelines by around 60%, it contributes to a

pervasive environmental concern. This not only affects the immediate school community but

emphasizes the necessity for sustainable waste disposal practices in the region. The resulting

smoke infiltrates 80% of classrooms and buildings, posing a serious threat to respiratory health.

(Narrowing the Topic) Documented cases reveal students and teachers struggling to breathe

due to exposure to harmful substances in the smoke, containing elevated levels of particulate

matter like PM2.5, known for its detrimental impact on lung health. Interventions are imperative,

as addressed by J.C.G. Barcena et al. (2021). (Indicating the Importance of the Study) By

addressing this issue, we not only safeguard the well-being of the school community but also

set a crucial precedent for adopting sustainable waste disposal practices in educational

institutions, fostering a healthier and safer environment for all (M.C.D.G. Tayag et al., 2020).

(Specific background Context) The surge in garbage incineration at our school is directly tied

to the substantial waste production, averaging 30-40 kilograms daily, particularly from

disposable plastic and paper items. (Review of Recent Studies on Focused Topic) This issue

is intricately linked to the increasing demand for convenience and a lack of awareness regarding

sustainable waste management. The significant daily waste, ranging from 30-70 kilograms,
 Occidental Mindoro National High School
Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro

mainly originating from single-use products, reflects a societal trend favoring convenience (B.

Finnveden et al., 2005). This approach significantly contributes to the environmental impact of

waste disposal methods (Martin O'Brien, 2010). Recognizing and addressing this root cause is

crucial for fostering a shift towards more sustainable waste management practices within the

school community. (Step 1: Establishing a Territory) The prevalent practice of incinerating

garbage by school members has led to an increase in harmful chemical emissions, including

elevated levels of benzene, a known carcinogen, reaching concentrations up to 50 parts per

million (ppm) (A.M. Gonzales et al., 2022). (Step 2: Establishing a Niche) This hazardous

substance, released through incineration smoke, poses a serious health risk to the school

community (L.E.A. Atienza et al., 2019), emphasizing the need for immediate intervention and a

shift towards safer waste disposal methods.

(Further Specifying the Niche) The core issue stems from a societal shift favoring

convenience over sustainable waste management, as highlighted by B. Finnveden et al. (2005).

This inclination, exacerbated by the disposal of 30-70 kilograms of daily waste, reflects a

substantial preference for disposable items. Martin O’Brien’s 2010 research underscores how

this convenience-driven approach intensifies the environmental impact of waste disposal. (Step

3: Occupying the Niche) In the case of OMNHS, this trend contributes to harmful chemical

emissions, with data indicating benzene concentrations in incineration smoke reaching 50 parts

per million (ppm). This poses a significant health risk to the school community, elucidating the

surge in smoke emissions at OMNHS.(Stating Research Hypothesis) Our primary objective is

to investigate whether implementing the Smoke and Air Filtration Machine as an alternative to

incineration will notably reduce health risks associated with emissions, providing a more

environmentally friendly and sustainable waste management approach on the school premises.
Occidental Mindoro National High School
Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro