Characterising indoor-outdoor PM2.5 dynamics and overheating risk in classrooms : insights from a multi-school monitoring campaign in Glasgow, UK

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Farooq, Muhammad Zaeem and McGill, Grainne and Moreno-Rangel, Alejandro and Sharpe, Tim (2026) Characterising indoor-outdoor PM2.5 dynamics and overheating risk in classrooms : insights from a multi-school monitoring campaign in Glasgow, UK. In: Indoor air 2026: Enhancing Wellbeing in Existential Challenges, 2026-06-14 - 2026-06-18, Singapore Management University.

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Abstract

Understanding the dynamics between outdoor air pollution and indoor exposure in school environments is critical for informing environmental health strategies, particularly in naturally ventilated classrooms where outdoor pollutant infiltration may vary. This study presents findings from a city-wide monitoring programme in Glasgow, UK, examining indoor-outdoor PM2.5 relationships and thermal conditions across a network of primary and secondary schools. Indoor air quality data were collected from 63 sensors installed across eight schools, alongside outdoor monitoring stations deployed as part of the project. Outdoor PM2.5 showed typical diurnal variation, with concentrations declining around midday, coinciding with increased atmospheric mixing. While mean indoor PM2.5 concentrations were typically lower than outdoors (2-4 µg/m³), nearly all classrooms experienced short-term spikes above 25 µg/m³, with several exceeding 100 µg/m³. Correlation analysis on a high-pollution day revealed strong indoor-outdoor alignment at one school (2S) (r = 0.84), but weaker correlations at others (1P and 5S). Non-negative matrix factorisation (NMF) was applied to distinguish between occupant-related and externally sourced particulates, using CO₂ as a proxy for human activity. The analysis identified contrasting source profiles across rooms: 5S showed greater outdoor influence, while 2S and 1P demonstrated stronger associations with indoor-generated sources. Thermal data indicated most classrooms remained within standard comfort thresholds (22- 24°C median), though several rooms experienced peaks approaching 30°C. This study highlights the importance of integrated air quality and thermal monitoring in educational settings and offers practical insights for school-level interventions within Glasgow's Low Emission Zone.

ORCID iDs

Farooq, Muhammad Zaeem ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6520-2096, McGill, Grainne ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8716-9567, Moreno-Rangel, Alejandro ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6405-4233 and Sharpe, Tim ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4275-5351;
  • Item type:Conference or Workshop Item(Paper)
    ID code:96730
    Dates:
    Date
    Event
    17 June 2026
    Published
    Subjects:Fine Arts > Architecture
    Department:Faculty of Engineering > Architecture
    Depositing user: Pure Administrator
    Date deposited:08 Jul 2026 14:52
    Last modified:06 Sep 2026 00:15
    URI:https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/96730
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