The evaluation of Particulate Matter (PM10) in public school indoor environment

Abstract

Indoor air quality in schools has attracted the interest of people to concern. This is because students spend more time in the class rather than outside of class. So, it is very important to provide a good environment for their health and comfort during in school session. The objectives of this assessment are to assess the level of particulate matter (PM10) in indoor and outdoor environment in selected public schools in Perlis, to compare the level of particulate matter with guideline values and to evaluate the risks assessment of level particulate matter to human health. The sampling parameters include are PM10, relative humidity, and temperature in each classroom. Monitoring was conducted in occupied rooms over a 3-day period in 5.5 hours at each school from 8:00 am to 1.30 pm. Indoor particulate samples were collected by one pair of AirChek XR5000 Sample Pump with filter paper readily attached in cassette holder. The method used is Gravimetric (Filter weight) technique. Three public schools in Perlis were chosen for assessment of indoor air quality in classrooms building. The concentrations of particulate matter (PM10) in indoor air of 18 classrooms were determined. The assessment is being conducted in Sekolah Kebangsaan Putra, Kangar and Sekolah Kebangsaan Pauh and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tengku Budriah, Arau. The PM10 in indoor classroom ranged between 24 μg/m3 to 55 μg/m3. The average value of PM10 in these assessment areas were below the limit of Malaysia of 150 μg/m3. From the evaluation of risk assessment, the exposure to PM10 may result to continuous sneezing, headache and coughing symptom.