Impact of outdoor air quality on indoor air quality in educational buildings : a case study of the Royal College Building and engaging with children

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HEICCAM Network , ed. (2024) Impact of outdoor air quality on indoor air quality in educational buildings : a case study of the Royal College Building and engaging with children. In: 2024 Clean Air Conference, 2024-10-02 - 2024-10-03, Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre.

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Abstract

Introduction Humans spend a significant portion of their lives indoors. While the effects of outdoor pollution on health are well-documented, the understanding of indoor air pollution exposure remains limited. This underscores the importance of our research, which aims to deepen our understanding of indoor exposure and the influence of outdoor air quality on indoor air quality (IAQ). Notably, regulations and guidelines pertaining to IAQ are often confined to office and educational buildings. Given that educational buildings often house a larger proportion of vulnerable populations, our project is particularly relevant. We are focused on comprehending the impacts of outdoor air pollution on IAQ in educational buildings and devising strategies to engage children on air pollution topics. Method For this project, we identified several educational buildings and implemented a comprehensive campaign for indoor air monitoring. However, this presentation will delve into one specific building and a particularly impactful aspect of our research-the engagement event with children. We monitored temperature, relative humidity, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) in seven spaces adjacent to a main road at the Royal College Building (RCB) at the University of Strathclyde (UoS). Outdoor data was collected from the GEM Network, a system installed by the UoS in various educational buildings across Glasgow, including the RCB. The engagement event with children took place at the Technology and Innovation Centre at UoS. Students from targeted schools were invited to the UoS for a workshop on air quality and to interact with an engaging exhibition about IAQ featuring different stands. Results The results from monitoring the RCB reveal a significant finding: spaces with windows facing the main road exhibit elevated concentrations of particulate matter when windows are open, in comparison to baseline conditions. This underscores the substantial impact of external traffic emissions on IAQ, particularly when windows are opened. The study highlights the critical need for enhanced awareness of ventilation practices and advocates for developing robust local government policies to reduce outdoor pollution. These strategies are essential for mitigating the infiltration of harmful pollutants into indoor spaces and improving overall air quality. The engagement activities with the children demonstrate that engaging at an early age is important to empower citizens in air pollution topics. Children demonstrated high interest in the workshop and interactive activities delivered by academics. Part of the success of this activity is the involvement of local groups such as Glasgow Science Centre and SmartSTEAMS, which guided and trained the team to deliver engagement activities. Conclusion These findings are pivotal in informing educational buildings' health policies and indicate the need for modifications in building operational strategies to improve air quality. This investigation deepens our understanding of the intricate dynamics between external air pollution sources and indoor environments, offering crucial insights for future urban planning in Glasgow and associated public health initiatives. The study provides a compelling case for the integration of air quality considerations into the design and management of building ventilation systems, highlighting their significant role in safeguarding public health in urban settings. Finally, it highlights the importance of engaging with younger populations.

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