Children's exposure to indoor air in urban nurseries-part I: CO2 and comfort assessment

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2015

Authors

P. T. B. S. Branco (Author) FEUP; M. C. M. Alvim Ferraz (Author) FEUP; F. G. Martins (Author) FEUP; S. I. V. Sousa (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Environmental Research

Vol. 140

Pages: 1-9

ISSN: 0013-9351

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 17 Citations

Scopus - 32 Citations

Associated Projects

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

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00A-98P

DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2015.03.007

Abstract (EN): Indoor air quality (IAQ) in nurseries is an emerging case-study. Thus, this study, as the Part I of the larger study "Children's exposure to indoor air in urban nurseries", aimed to: i) evaluate nurseries' indoor concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2), a global IAQ indicator, in class and lunch rooms; ii) assess indoor comfort parameters-temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH); and iii) analyse them according to guidelines and references for IAQ comfort and children's health. Indoor continuous measurements were performed. Non-compliances with guidelines were found in comfort parameters, which could cause discomfort situations and also microbial proliferation. Exceedances in CO2 concentrations were also found and they were caused by poor ventilation and high classroom occupation. More efficient ventilation and control of comfort parameters, as well as to reduce occupation by reviewing Portuguese legislation on that matter, would certainly improve IAQ and comfort in nurseries and consequently safeguard children's health.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9