Indoor air quality in primary schools: Preliminary results of the aria project

• Type: Article in International Conference Proceedings Book
• Date: 2015

Authors

Rufo, JC (Author) Other; Madureira, J (Author) Other; Paciência, I (Author) Other; Pereira, C (Author) Other; Teixeira, JP (Author) Other; Slezakova, K (Author) Other; Pereira, MC (Author) Other; Pinto, M (Author) Other; Moreira, André (Author) FMUP; Fernandes, EO (Author) Other

Conference proceedings International

Title: Healthy Buildings Europe 2015, HB 2015 - Conference Proceedings

Healthy Buildings Europe 2015, HB 2015

18 May 2015 through 20 May 2015

Indexing

Scopus - 1 Citation

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00P-J61

Abstract (EN): Children spend a large part of their time at school, which might be reflected as a long term exposure to indoor air pollutants, possibly having a considerable impact on their health with an increased risk for developing asthma and allergies. The indoor air quality parameters (IAQ) of 10 primary schools were measured, including total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, O3, NO2, PM10, PM2.5, ultrafine particles (UFP), bacteria and fungi concentrations. In addition CO2, temperature, relative humidity (RH) levels were also assessed. The indoor average concentration for the 10 schools is 251 ±141 ¿g/m3 for TVOC; 18.1 ±7.1 and 7.8 ±2.4 ¿g/m3 for formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, respectively; 6.5 ±11.6 ¿g/m3 for O3; 20.8 ±15.6 ¿g/m3 for NO2; 65 ±30 and 38 ±24 ¿g/m3 for PM10 and PM2.5, respectively; 9.06 ±4.6 x103 pt/cm3 for UFP; 2246 ±1577 and 1164 ±2130 CFU/m3 for bacteria and fungi, respectively; 1315 ±583 ppm for CO2; 19.6 ±1.8 ºC for temperature; and 56.7 ±8.9 % for RH. The results indicate that children in primary schools are subjected to large concentrations of CO2 and exposed to increased levels of particulate matter and biological contaminants.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific