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Indoor air quality, ventilation and health symptoms in schools: an analysis of existing information
J. M. Daisey, W. J. Angell, M. G. Apte (2003), Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
This report was cited by the following:
Poor Indoor Air Quality in Schools: A 1998 survey of literature published on
indoor air quality, ventilation and health symptoms in schools performed by
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory states that health problems in schools
related to indoor air quality are very similar to those symptoms reportedly
experienced as sick building syndrome. The survey also revealed that
microbiological pollutants, along with volatile organic compounds, CO, and CO2,
were some of the most commonly measured air pollutants in schools, adding that
fungal spores, bacteria, and allergens may be of particular concern. The survey
cites water damage leading to mold contamination as the second most frequently
reported building-related problem. (Molds, Toxic Molds, and Indoor Air Quality, By Pamela J. Davis, California Research Bureau, California State Library, 2001)
Indoor Air
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1034/j.1600-0668.2003.00153.x
Volume 13 Issue 1 Page 53-64, March 2003
To cite this article: J. M. Daisey, W. J. Angell, M. G. Apte (2003)
Indoor air quality, ventilation and health symptoms in schools: an analysis of existing information
Indoor Air 13 (1), 5364.
doi:10.1034/j.1600-0668.2003.00153.x
Abstract
Indoor air quality, ventilation and health symptoms in schools: an analysis of existing information
J. M. Daisey1,*1Indoor Environment Department, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA, *Deceased, W. J. Angell22Indoor Air Quality Project, Minnesota Extension Service, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, USA, , M. G. Apte11Indoor Environment Department, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA, 1Indoor Environment Department, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA, 2Indoor Air Quality Project, Minnesota Extension Service, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, USA, *Deceased
M.G. Apte Indoor Environment Department, MS: 90-3058, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Rd, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA. Tel: +1 510 485 4669 Fax: +1 510 486 6658 e-mail:
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Abstract
We reviewed the literature on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), ventilation, and building-related health problems in schools and identified commonly reported building-related health symptoms involving schools until 1999. We collected existing data on ventilation rates, carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations and symptom-relevant indoor air contaminants, and evaluated information on causal relationships between pollutant exposures and health symptoms. Reported ventilation and CO2 data strongly indicate that ventilation is inadequate in many classrooms, possibly leading to health symptoms. Adequate ventilation should be a major focus of design or remediation efforts. Total volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde (HCHO) and microbiological contaminants are reported. Low HCHO concentrations were unlikely to cause acute irritant symptoms (<0.05 ppm), but possibly increased risks for allergen sensitivities, chronic irritation, and cancer. Reported microbiological contaminants included allergens in deposited dust, fungi, and bacteria. Levels of specific allergens were sufficient to cause symptoms in allergic occupants. Measurements of airborne bacteria and airborne and surface fungal spores were reported in schoolrooms. Asthma and 'sick building syndrome' symptoms are commonly reported. The few studies investigating causal relationships between health symptoms and exposures to specific pollutants suggest that such symptoms in schools are related to exposures to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), molds and microbial VOCs, and allergens.
Practical Implications
The paper summarizes and explores the peer-reviewed literature on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in schools, a field that is of increasing interest to the research community, educators and school facilities managers, and the public at large. These experts generally agree that healthy indoor school environments are a necessity if a high standard of education is to be expected. Although peer-reviewed literature on this subject is sparse, there is a clear indication that classroom ventilation is typically inadequate. Researchers observed specific allergens in classrooms at levels sufficient to affect sensitive occupants. Studies of health symptom associations with IAQ conditions in the classroom are very rare, but taken with more general knowledge of IAQ, suggest that improved ventilation and targeted indoor pollutant source reductions could reduce certain occupant symptoms and improve the standard of health of the occupants.
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