Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Performance in Refurbished Projects: A Case Study of Two Private Schools in Selangor

E.M.A Zawawi,F.N.M Yussof,S.N Kamaruzzaman,A.Z Azaiz,N.M Ishak,E Mohd Ahnuar,N.A Abdul Rahman,R Mohd Nordin,J Yunus

doi:10.1051/matecconf/201926602013

Abstract

This study discusses the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in two refurbished private schools in Shah Alam, Selangor. The level of IAQ may affect the comfort, health and well-being of the occupants of the building. Lack of monitoring IAQ in a school may affect the academic performance of the children. The objectives of the research are to observe the ventilation system used in the selected school and the comfort of the occupants; to measure the IAQ; and finally to provide an improvement plan for better air quality. The result shows that the IAQ level of both schools was average, so both were classified as safe for occupation. It is anticipated that this study will benefit the school owners in making sure that their school buildings are conducive to teaching and learning.

Highlights

There is increasing concern about the effect of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) on human health
The parameters involved in determining a healthy IAQ include the effect of volatile organic compounds (VOC), microbial contaminants including mould and bacteria, gases including carbon dioxide (CO2), radon (Rn) and carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM) such as water, in addition to temperature, ventilation and humidity
The result determined the level of IAQ in both schools as average, the installation of exhaust fans in all classrooms which are occupied all the time is recommended

Summary

Introduction

There is increasing concern about the effect of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) on human health. The parameters involved in determining a healthy IAQ include the effect of volatile organic compounds (VOC), microbial contaminants including mould and bacteria, gases including carbon dioxide (CO2), radon (Rn) and carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM) such as water, in addition to temperature, ventilation and humidity. Chua et al [2] proved that poor IAQ may result from inadequate ventilation, contaminated air and extreme temperatures. Lack of monitoring these parameters may affect the performance of the building and its occupants. Er et al [3] found that a low level of IAQ could lead to sick building syndrome (SBS), a term used to express the negative experience of a building’s occupants. Er et al [3] stated that the ventilation system and building materials could be a basis of internal air microbial sources

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Conclusion