FLOOR COVERINGS IN SCHOOLS: PARTICLE BUILDUP AND RESUSPENSION POTENTIAL BASED ON PRELIMINARY FIELD AND CHAMBER STUDIES

摘要

Over 70 data sets from 5 school districts in Oklahoma, USA, have been analyzed to examine the buildup of particulate contaminants in carpeted and textiled flooring systems and the subsequent degree of vacuuming required for removal. In addition, representative floor covering materials (available for use in school environments)were studied under controlled chamber conditions to study both the particle removal characteristics with vacuuming, and the degree ofresuspension of particulates as a function of floor covering type. Both flow through and non flow through (also known as vinyl cushion tufted textile (VCTT)) carpeted surfaces were studied in the chamber environment. The study demonstrates that carpeted floor covering used in school is not a homogeneous medium and physical characteristics vary based on the type of backing, carpet tufted type, face weight, gauge (including stitches/inch), and adhesive requirements. In addition, the data suggest that reduction in particulate matter harbored on flooring material may present a decreased risk of airborne exposure to children, dependent on the individual flooring type.