Interrelationship between thermal conditions and indoor pollutants in primary schools of Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

Thermal conditions in primary school buildings are very important to ensure healthy aproductive learning environment in primary classrooms. In addition to thermal conditions, poor indoor air quality (IAQ) may decrease productivity, reduced ability of learning, health threats, lack of attentiveness etc. This study is an attempt to discover the interrelationship of the thermal conditions with indoor pollutants in primary schools of Himachal Pradesh, India. The study summarizes the investigation of eight naturally ventilated schools in Hamirpur city of Himachal Pradesh (India). The on-site investigation was performed to monitor the concentration of Carbon monoxide (CO), Carbon dioxide (CO2), Particulate Matter (PM2.5) as indoor pollutants and Indoor Temperature, Humidity and Ventilation rate for thermal conditions. The Higher concentration of indoor Particulate Matter (PM2.5) has found associated with humidity and ventilation rate. However, the CO2 concentration has found directly associated with temperature and ventilation rate. Indoor pollutants were also found associated with some building design parameters of the primary school building. Based on the data analysis, some recommendations are made to reduce the exposure of pollutants to the occupants in the conclusion.