Assessment of indoor air quality of daycare centres in northern area of peninsular Malaysia: A case study in Perlis

Abstract

Indoor air quality (IAQ) in day care centers (DCCs) is an emerging research topic nowadays. The paper presents both quantitative and qualitative assessment of IAQ in DCCs in Northern Peninsular Malaysia especially at Perlis. Indoor air pollutants such as total volatile organic compound, carbon monoxide, and ozone have been linked to many health effects in babies, toddlers and kids below 4 years old. The aim of this study was to investigate and quantify the exposure level of indoor air contaminants within the chosen DCCs at Perlis and to analyse the survey on the health effects on Indoor Air Quality of DCCs in the District of Perlis, Malaysia. IAQ monitoring was carried out at two DCCs located in different areas of Perlis which are Kangar and Pauh. The selected parameters measured were total volatile organic compound, carbon monoxide and ozone using the Department of Occupational Health and Safety analytical method. Modified validated questionnaires were distributed to parents to obtain their children’s health symptoms. DCC at Kangar was exposed to high air pollutants compared to DCC at Pauh because it may enter their buildings from various adjacent sources as it is situated beside the busy roadside area. Anyway, the selected indoor air pollutants examined at both DCCs are not exceeding the acceptable level of standard guidelines, thereby the kids’ health are not likely to affected by these selected indoor air pollutants.