Assessing indoor air quality and sick building syndrome in classrooms and laboratories in Bangladesh Agricultural University

¹ Department of Environmental Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University ;
² Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University ;

Abstract

The indoor air quality (IAQ) of naturally ventilated classrooms and laboratories was assessed to determine the health risks to students. IAQ examination comprised an analysis of indoor air pollutants with microbiological (fungi and bacteria) pollutants. The prevalence of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) symptoms and associated risk factors were studied in classrooms and laboratories. Questionnaires were often used to quantify the opinions of students about environmental issues, and different portable air quality monitors were used to measure indoor air pollution levels. The average CO₂ content in classrooms and laboratories under-occupied and unoccupied conditions were 951.48 ppm and 708.87 ppm respectively. TVOC concentration was at an acceptable level under occupied conditions with a mean of 0.33 mg/m3. PM2.5 and PM10 content in classrooms and laboratories was found in the acceptable range. High level of microbial air pollution load was observed in occupied classrooms and laboratories especially Bacterial colonies. The prevalence of general, mucosal, and skin complaints was 39.4%, 42.5%, and 34.4%, respectively where highest reported symptoms was headache (32.5%) while irritated, stuffy, or runny nose (8.8%) was lest. There was significant association of SBS and sex, asthma and allergic histories.