Determination of Selected Pollutants and Measurement of Physical Parameters for the Evaluation of Indoor Air Quality in School Buildings in Athens, Greece

Abstract

The objectives of this paper were to characterise the indoor air quality in 20 naturally ventilated classrooms at 10 different public schools in Athens, to compare the measured concentrations with the established standards and to propose measures to improve air quality. Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), and formaldehyde were determined simultaneously and temperature, relative humidity and noise were mea sured. Temperature and relative humidity were within 'comfort ranges' in almost all classrooms. The noise lev el was too high both in classrooms (61 dBA) and out doors (77 dBA). CO 2 concentrations exceeded 1,800 mg.m -3 , suggesting inadequate ventilation in 75% of classrooms, CO and NO 2 were at levels that posed no health threats. TVOC concentrations were found to be <1 mg.m -3 , except in renovated buildings, and formal dehyde levels were >0.1 mg.m -3 in 92% of classrooms.