Post-Occupancy study of indoor air quality in university laboratories during the pandemic

Adzic, Filipa; Mustafa, Murat; Wild, Oliver; Cheung, Ho Yin Wickson; Malki-Epshtein, Liora

Abstract

This post-occupancy study aims to assess the indoor air quality (IAQ) and ventilation performance in workshops and laboratories of a UK university during the COVID-19 pandemic. Supply airflow rates and CO2 were monitored as a proxy for evaluating ventilation performance. Additionally, particulate matter (PM10) was monitored to address the occupant's concerns about dust. Monitoring showed that maximum CO2 values recorded are mostly below 1000 ppm, with weekly averages below 520 ppm. This was expected as the supply airflow rates were significantly larger than recommended 10 l/s per occupant. Despite the large flow rates, PM10 levels in some laboratories were above the threshold value of 50 [í µí¼‡g/m 3 ] supporting the poor IAQ claims of the occupants. The study indicated the room air re-circulation and indoor activities as the likely reasons for the elevated PM10 levels and some practical operational solutions were suggested for IAQ concerns.

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (published)
• Conference Name: Indoor Air 2022
• Start Date: Jun 12, 2022
• End Date: Jun 16, 2022
• Acceptance Date: Apr 26, 2022
• Publication Date: 2023
• Deposit Date: Jul 11, 2022
• Pages: 1-8
• Book Title: Proceedings of the 17th International Conference of the International Society of Indoor Air Quality & Climate (Indoor Air 2022)
• Keywords: Indoor Air Quality (IAQ); CO2; PM10; Ventilation; SARS-CoV-2
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/9458008
• Publisher URL: https://www.isiaq.org/conference_proceedings.php
• Related Public URLs: https://indoorair2022.org/