Indoor air quality in microenvironment of primary schools in Kuala Selangor district

The status of indoor air quality in primary schools has become a global concern as children spent most of their time in schools five times a week and they are considered as high-risk groups compared to adults. Poor indoor air quality may decrease children’s concentration level and productivity as well as it may damaging their upper respiratory system. This study was conducted at selected five public primary schools in Kuala Selangor district to determine the concentration of indoor air pollutants in the microenvironment of schools which are classrooms, prayer rooms and libraries depending on the school’s age buildings and school period during school days and non-school days. Parameters involved are physical, chemical and biological i.e. relative humidity, temperature, particulate matter (PM 10), carbon dioxide (CO2), total volatile organic compound (TVOC), total fungal and bacterial count. Children’s exposure to indoor air pollutants was assessed using the Health Risk Assessment and Exposure Dose calculation. The results show that indoor air pollutants for PM10 , TBC and TBC at classrooms, prayer rooms and library at five primary schools have exceeded the acceptable limits required by DOSH. Besides that, there is a positive correlation with the age of buildings both during school days and non-school days for a certain parameter. Meanwhile, the result of health risk assessment for PM10 and TVOC at these three microenvironments indicates that there is no potential health risk occurs towards the students for all five primary schools. Indoor air pollutants can be overcome and reduce through proper housekeeping maintenance and education on indoor air quality towards the school’s community including teachers, students, staff, cleaner and even the student’s parents itself.