The real and subjective indoor environmental quality in schools

Int J Environ Health Res. 2018 Feb;28(1):102-123. doi: 10.1080/09603123.2018.1429579. Epub 2018 Jan 23.

Abstract

Investigation of IEQ and subjective evaluation of IEQ by pupils is the main objective of this research work. For the monitoring two classrooms in primary school and two classrooms in art school were chosen. Very high CO2 levels were determined in both investigated schools. In three of four classrooms the statistically significant differences (p < 0.01) were reported between TVOC levels in autumn and spring. The recommended value for TVOC levels was exceeded in the range from 52 % to 53 % in autumn and from 52 % to 70 % in spring. Significant (p < 0.05) seasonal changes were found also for PM concentrations in each classroom. Significance difference in perception of IEQ factors between genders were observed for IAQ. This study showed a good consistency between data obtained from the measurement and data from the questionnaire study and thus, pointed to the good ability of pupils to evaluate the IEQ in their classrooms.

Keywords: IEQ; Subjective perception; children; school.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Air Pollutants / analysis
  • Air Pollution, Indoor / analysis*
  • Carbon Dioxide / analysis
  • Child
  • Environment*
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Particulate Matter / analysis
  • Schools*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Particulate Matter
  • Carbon Dioxide