Evaluation of Low-Cost Mitigation Measures Implemented to Improve Air Quality in Nursery and Primary Schools

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2017

Authors

Juliana Sá (Author) FEUP; Pedro T. B. S. Branco (Author) Other; Maria C. M. Alvim Ferraz (Author) FEUP; Fernando G. Martins (Author) FEUP; Sofia I. V. Sousa (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Vol. 14 No. 6

Pages: 1-21

ISSN: 1661-7827

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 4 Citations

ISI Web of Science

Scopus - 8 Citations

Associated Projects

LEPABE - Laboratório de Engenharia de Processos, Ambiente, Biotecnologia e Energia

INAIRCHILD - Poluição do Ar Interior em infantários e escolas primárias: Impacte na Asma Infantil

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00Q-622

DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14060585

Abstract (EN): Indoor air pollution mitigation measures are highly important due to the associated health impacts, especially on children, a risk group that spends significant time indoors. Thus, the main goal of the work here reported was the evaluation of mitigation measures implemented in nursery and primary schools to improve air quality. Continuous measurements of CO2, CO, NO2, O3, CH2O, total volatile organic compounds (VOC), PM1, PM2.5, PM10, Total Suspended Particles (TSP) and radon, as well as temperature and relative humidity were performed in two campaigns, before and after the implementation of low-cost mitigation measures. Evaluation of those mitigation measures was performed through the comparison of the concentrations measured in both campaigns. Exceedances to the values set by the national legislation and World Health Organization (WHO) were found for PM2.5, PM10, CO2 and CH2O during both indoor air quality campaigns. Temperature and relative humidity values were also above the ranges recommended by American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). In general, pollutant concentrations measured after the implementation of low-cost mitigation measures were significantly lower, mainly for CO2. However, mitigation measures were not always sufficient to decrease the pollutants’ concentrations till values considered safe to protect human health.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 21