A review of relevant parameters for assessing indoor air quality in educational facilities

Branco P. T., Sousa S. I., Dudzińska M. R., Ruzgar D. G., Mutlu M., Panaras G., ...Daha Fazla

Environmental Research, cilt.261, 2024 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Derleme
  • Cilt numarası: 261
  • Basım Tarihi: 2024
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119713
  • Dergi Adı: Environmental Research
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, PASCAL, Aerospace Database, Applied Science & Technology Source, Aqualine, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), Artic & Antarctic Regions, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts Core, Communication Abstracts, Computer & Applied Sciences, EMBASE, Environment Index, Geobase, Greenfile, Metadex, Pollution Abstracts, Public Affairs Index, Veterinary Science Database, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Chemical pollutants, Children, Indoor air quality, Particulate matter, Schools
  • Bursa Uludağ Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Indoor air quality (IAQ) in educational facilities is crucial due to the extended time students spend in those environments, affecting their health, academic performance, and attendance. This paper aimed to review relevant parameters (building characteristics and factors related with occupancy and activities) for assessing IAQ in educational facilities, and to identify the parameters to consider when performing an IAQ monitoring campaign in schools. It also intended to identify literature gaps and suggest future research directions. A narrative literature review was conducted, focusing on seven key parameters: building location, layout and construction materials, ventilation and air cleaning systems, finishing materials, occupant demographics, occupancy, and activities. The findings revealed that carbon dioxide (CO2) levels were predominantly influenced by classroom occupancy and ventilation rates, while particulate matter (PM) concentrations were significantly influenced by the building's location, design, and occupant activities. Furthermore, this review highlighted the presence of other pollutants, such as trace metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), and radon, linking them to specific factors within the school environment. Different IAQ patterns, and consequently different parameters, were observed in various school areas, including classrooms, canteens, gymnasiums, computer rooms, and laboratories. While substantial literature exists on IAQ in schools, significant gaps still remain. This study highlighted the need for more studies in middle and high schools, as well as in other indoor microenvironments within educational settings beyond classrooms. Additionally, it underscored the need for comprehensive exposure assessments, long-term studies, and the impacts of new materials on IAQ including the effects of secondary reactions on surfaces. Seasonal variations and the implications of emerging technologies were also identified as requiring further investigation. Addressing those gaps through targeted research and considering the most updated standards and guidelines for IAQ, could lead to define more effective strategies for improving IAQ and safeguarding the students’ health and performance.