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Evaluation of Low-Cost Mitigation Measures Implemented to Improve Air Quality in Nursery and Primary Schools

Author

Listed:
  • Juliana P. Sá

    (LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal)

  • Pedro T. B. S. Branco

    (LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal)

  • Maria C. M. Alvim-Ferraz

    (LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal)

  • Fernando G. Martins

    (LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal)

  • Sofia I. V. Sousa

    (LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal)

Abstract

Indoor air pollution mitigation measures are highly important due to the associated health impacts, especially on children, a risk group that spends significant time indoors. Thus, the main goal of the work here reported was the evaluation of mitigation measures implemented in nursery and primary schools to improve air quality. Continuous measurements of CO 2 , CO, NO 2 , O 3 , CH 2 O, total volatile organic compounds (VOC), PM 1 , PM 2.5 , PM 10 , Total Suspended Particles (TSP) and radon, as well as temperature and relative humidity were performed in two campaigns, before and after the implementation of low-cost mitigation measures. Evaluation of those mitigation measures was performed through the comparison of the concentrations measured in both campaigns. Exceedances to the values set by the national legislation and World Health Organization (WHO) were found for PM 2.5 , PM 10 , CO 2 and CH 2 O during both indoor air quality campaigns. Temperature and relative humidity values were also above the ranges recommended by American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). In general, pollutant concentrations measured after the implementation of low-cost mitigation measures were significantly lower, mainly for CO 2 . However, mitigation measures were not always sufficient to decrease the pollutants’ concentrations till values considered safe to protect human health.

Suggested Citation

  • Juliana P. Sá & Pedro T. B. S. Branco & Maria C. M. Alvim-Ferraz & Fernando G. Martins & Sofia I. V. Sousa, 2017. "Evaluation of Low-Cost Mitigation Measures Implemented to Improve Air Quality in Nursery and Primary Schools," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-21, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:14:y:2017:i:6:p:585-:d:100154
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Anna Mainka & Elwira Zajusz-Zubek, 2015. "Indoor Air Quality in Urban and Rural Preschools in Upper Silesia, Poland: Particulate Matter and Carbon Dioxide," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-15, July.
    2. Pedro T. B. S. Branco & Rafael A. O. Nunes & Maria C. M. Alvim-Ferraz & Fernando G. Martins & Sofia I. V. Sousa, 2016. "Children’s Exposure to Radon in Nursery and Primary Schools," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-16, March.
    3. Turanjanin, Valentina & Vučićević, Biljana & Jovanović, Marina & Mirkov, Nikola & Lazović, Ivan, 2014. "Indoor CO2 measurements in Serbian schools and ventilation rate calculation," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 77(C), pages 290-296.
    4. Jovanović, Marina & Vučićević, Biljana & Turanjanin, Valentina & Živković, Marija & Spasojević, Vuk, 2014. "Investigation of indoor and outdoor air quality of the classrooms at a school in Serbia," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 77(C), pages 42-48.
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