Environmental Factors affecting Indoor Air quality (Educational institution) in Urban Settings

Author: Tasneem Amina, Venkataraman and Rajesh Kumar T.

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Abstract

Educational Institute indoor environment, where students spend a lot of time, is a major problem because of how vulnerable and sensitive they are to exposure to air pollution. The rising prevalence of asthma & respiratory disease among students, who spend a substantial portion of their lives on educational institutes’ grounds, has contributed to the growing interest in indoor air quality (IAQ) of educational buildings. Students of the afflicted educational facilities frequently mention a wide variety of vague and frequently subjective health issues. These are frequently ascribed to the poor air quality. However, several instances of indoor air pollution offer a useful perspective on the challenges faced by researchers attempting to demonstrate causality. The designated institutions are located in metropolitan settings. As a result of high occupancy inadequate ventilation, building structure, seasonal variations as well as elevated levels of particulate matter (PM) & total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), educational Institutes in Delhi had generally poor indoor air quality, as measured by air quality measurements. Educational Institutes near urban areas are substantially more affected by the dispersion of pollutants than educational Institutes in rural areas & other adjacent environments. Therefore, management suited to the characteristics of educational Institute buildings is required. In conclusion, the review suggests that qualitative data could supplement the traditionally quantitative field of indoor air quality. It is likely that multidisciplinary research will comprehensively explain environmental health trends noticed in student by quantitative research. This study intends to contribute for the understanding of the role of environmental factors affecting indoor air quality of educational institutes, namely indoor air pollution, on considering a risk group of different ages of students, and for the development of preventive measures, which are considered priority issues by WHO. Provided explanations are essential for managing environmental health of students, seasonal variations, building structures & devising effective strategies for prevention, mitigation, & communication.

Keywords

IAQ, Educational Institutes, Factors, Urban settings, Mitigation

Conclusion

The susceptibility of student to respiratory disease is due to the factors affecting the educational Institute’s air environment. A multidisciplinary study utilising mixed methods can more comprehensively explain health-related environmental trends seen in both quantitative & qualitative studies. While health effects of educational Institute exposure were identified at concentrations below current standards, the study has emphasised the impaired IAQ in particular educational institutions in urban settings which often surpass WHO guidelines.

References

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How to cite this article

Tasneem Amina, Venkataraman and Rajesh Kumar T. (2023). Environmental Factors affecting Indoor Air quality (Educational institution) in Urban Settings. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(5): 1369-1374.