Abstract
Optical monitors have proven their versatility into the studies of air quality in the workplace and indoor environments. The current study aimed to perform a screening of the indoor environment regarding the presence of various fractions of particulate matter (PM) and the specific thermal microclimate in a classroom occupied with students in March 2019 (before COVID-19 pandemic) and in March 2021 (during pandemic) at Valahia University Campus, Targoviste, Romania. The objectives were to assess the potential exposure of students and academic personnel to PM and to observe the performances of various sensors and monitors (particle counter, PM monitors, and indoor microclimate sensors). PM1 ranged between 29 and 41 μg m−3 and PM10 ranged between 30 and 42 μg m−3. It was observed that the particles belonged mostly to fine and submicrometric fractions in acceptable thermal environments according to the PPD and PMV indices. The particle counter recorded preponderantly 0.3, 0.5, and 1.0 micron categories. The average acute dose rate was estimated as 6.58 × 10−4 mg/kg-day (CV = 14.3%) for the 20–40 years range. Wearing masks may influence the indoor microclimate and PM levels but additional experiments should be performed at a finer scale.
Highlights
Particulate matter (PM) represents small particles that range in size from less than 1 micron to about 100 microns [1]
The objectives were to assess the potential exposure of students and academic personnel to particulate matter (PM) and to observe the performances of various sensors and monitors
It was observed that the particles belonged mostly to fine and submicrometric fractions in acceptable thermal environments according to the predicted percentage of dissatisfied (PPD) and predicted mean vote (PMV) indices
Summary
Particulate matter (PM) represents small particles that range in size from less than 1 micron to about 100 microns [1] These particles remain suspended in the environment for a long time. When they are inhaled in various microenvironments, they penetrate deep into the lungs, having the direct effect of increasing morbidity in the exposed individuals [2]. These particles are responsible for significant economic losses due to their corrosive properties and adhesion to the surfaces on which they eventually settle down [3].
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