Evaluation of indoor and outdoor air quality in university academic buildings and associated health risk

Abstract

ABSTRACT Air pollution is associated with several detrimental health conditions. This study assessed comfort parameters, priority air pollutants, hydrogen sulphide (H2S), non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in natural science departments in a university to understand their role in air pollutant concentrations in university environments and associated health risks. Levels of air pollutants in the departments varied. High CO2 concentrations existed in all departments with highest levels of NMHC and VOC observed in the biochemistry, microbiology and biotechnology (BMBT) department. Highest Air quality index value of 111.3 was recorded for NO2 in the BMBT department. Health risk associated with exposure to these pollutants was highest for occupants in the physiology, followed by the biodiversity, and finally BMBT department. Natural science departments seem to contribute significant amounts of H2S, NO2, NMHCs and TVOCs in university campuses. Additional ventilation and frequent monitoring of air quality in these departments are recommended.