Effect of Chemicals used in Building Operation on Indoor air Quality (IAQ)

Abstract

Better quality of air is one of the basic needs for every human being. Since the people spend most of the time inside the buildings, indoor air quality is a critical factor on occupant health. If the indoor environment is polluted, the occupants may experience number of possible health conditions such as sneezing, fatigue, headache, dizziness, nausea, irritability, and respiratory diseases as asthma. Also, long term exposure into the pollutants can cause more serious health effects. Therefore it is very important to maintain a high degree of hygienic level in all our buildings by identifying the indoor pollute sources and achieving a proper design of ventilation system in the indoor environment. The aim of this research is to find out the IAQ variation due to a selected set of chemicals used in building operation in the daily routines. The emission from the sources of mosquito coil, naphthalene ball, open waste burning (Dry leaves and Polythene) and air freshener were tested under controlled environmental conditions and a case study was carried out in a service center where a significant amount of chemicals are used in the daily activities.

Indoor Air Quality Monitor (IQM60 Environmental Monitor V5.0) and Haz-Dust Particulate Air Monitor were used to measure the concentration of Carbon Monoxide (CO), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs), Particulate Matter (PM2.5), temperature and relative humidity during the experiments. The results revealed that high concentrations of TVOC inside the motor vehicle service center during the entire working hours. Therefore it is essential to consider the indoor activities during the design stage. Also, it is highlighted that the paramount importance of the proper ventilation condition since there are frequently use of indoor air pollute sources in daily usage.