Indoor air quality in urban office buildings

Abstract

Several epidemiological studies have shown a relation between exposure to air pollutants and human adverse health effects. Consequently, the quality of air inside homes, offices, schools and other private and public buildings is an essential determinant for health and well-being, considering that people spend the majority of their time indoors. Over the last 30 years, numerous studies indicated that there are some common health symptoms associated with office workers, which are less apparent when they leave the building. The present study was conducted in order to evaluate the indoor air quality (IAQ) in office buildings. The indoor pollutants carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter < 10 µm (PM10), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde (H2CO), ozone (O3), fungi and bacteria were assessed in seven offices located in an urban environment, as well as temperature, relative humidity and air velocity. Results showed that all the measured pollutants, with the exception of CO, exceeded the guidelines.