Exploration of Campus Environmental Health Issues and Individual Disparities in Environmental Perceptions Based on Daily Activity Path

Abstract

Individual surveillance methods help identify subtle health risks that may be overlooked in room surveillance. This study aims to investigate campus environmental health issues by tracking university students’ daily exposure processes in their living environment. A field survey was conducted among 58 students at a university in northern China. They were equipped with a “companion data collection device” to record exposure experiences and activity pathways related to light, heat, and air environments. A questionnaire was also administered. Morning exposure to adequate light (Circadian Stimulus ≥ 0.3) increased alertness, but only 57% of undergraduates met this standard, and 67% of those waking up after 8 AM experienced this. People with different preferences chose diverse dining spots, and those favoring “roasted,” “stir-fried,” and “deep-fried” foods encountered higher PM2.5 pollution concentrations during meals. During periods of central heating, there is a trade-off between ventilation and heating efficiency. “Slightly open window” for bedroom ventilation at night resulted in a slight temperature decrease of about 1.2 °C but effectively controlled the increase in CO2 concentrations (about 180 ppm). Companion-type data collection shifts focus from buildings to individuals, providing the means and basis for identifying potential health risks in daily campus life.