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Particulate matter mass concentration (PM10) under different ventilation methods in classrooms

Alshitawi, M., Awbi, H. and Mahyuddin, N. (2009) Particulate matter mass concentration (PM10) under different ventilation methods in classrooms. International Journal of Ventilation, 8 (2). pp. 93-108. ISSN 1473-3315

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To link to this item DOI: 10.1080/14733315.2006.11683835

Abstract/Summary

Recently, studies have shown that the classroom environment is very important for students' health and performance. Thus, the evaluation of indoor air quality (IAQ) in a classroom is necessary to ensure students' well-being. In this paper the emphasis is on airborne concentration of particulate matter (PM) in adult education rooms. The mass concentration of PM10 particulates was measured in two classrooms under different ventilation methods in the University of Reading, UK, during the winter period of 2008. In another study the measurement of the concentration of particles was accompanied with measurements of CO2 concentration in these classrooms but this study is the subject of another publication. The ambient PM10, temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, and rainfall events were monitored as well. In general, this study showed that outdoor particle concentrations and outdoor meteorological parameters were identified as significant factors influencing indoor particle concentration levels. Ventilation methods showed significant effects on air change rate and on indoor/outdoor (I/O) concentration ratios. Higher levels of indoor particulates were seen during occupancy periods. I/O ratios were significantly higher when classrooms were occupied than when they were unoccupied, indicating the effect of both people presence and outdoor particle concentration levels. The concentrations of PM10 indoors and outdoors did not meet the requirements of WHO standards for PM10 annual average.

Item Type:Article
Refereed:Yes
Divisions:Science > School of the Built Environment
ID Code:11749
Uncontrolled Keywords:particulate matter, classrooms, ventilation methods, outdoor parameters, student activities.
Additional Information:Indoor Environment and Energy Research Group, School of Construction Management and Engineering, University of Reading, Reading, UK
Publisher:Taylor & Francis

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