Assessment of indoor air quality and awareness of sick building syndrome in Chulalongkorn University

Abstract

It is important for the people, especially those who spend a lot of their time in building, to realize that they may expose to poor indoor air quality and Sick Building Syndrome can occur to themselves. Thus, this study aims to assess the indoor air quality and to explore the awareness of Sick Building Syndrome among students in the classroom. The study measured 4 indoor air quality parameters of classroom 201 in the Mahamakut building at Chulalongkorn University during the class in 10 sessions from 13.00 –15.00 o’clock by using SIRIUS ST-501 for CO2 Concentration and using TM-4002 for relative humidity, temperature and air velocity. Meanwhile, the questionnaires adapted from the previous were used to survey the awareness of Sick Building Syndrome in the students. In conclusion, 3 parameters including CO2 concentration, relative humidity and air velocity were not complied with the acceptable standard. Only temperature parameter was complied. The Pearson correlation coefficient between CO2 concentration and relative humidity, temperature and air velocity were 0.108, -0.209 and 0.558 respectively but it was not significant (p>0.05). The majority of the respondents’ level of awareness of Sick Building Syndrome in term of environmental factors considering room temperature and air circulation or ventilation was good or excellent. However, when considering room humidity, the level of awareness of the majority was very poor, poor or moderate. The majority’s level of awareness in term of symptoms considering eye symptoms, nasal symptoms, skin problems, aches or pains and other symptoms was very poor, poor or moderate. Except when considering throat or respiratory tract symptoms, the level of awareness was good or excellent. The majority’s level of awareness in term of activities considering classroom cleaning and muscle stretching was good or excellent. But when considering air conditioning system maintenance and sitting spot, the level of awareness was very poor, poor or moderate. The study suggests that the indoor air quality of the should be improved and the awareness of Sick Building Syndrome should be promoted more. Beside, this study recommends that the number of samples should be raised for the thorough study in the future.