Improvement of indoor air quality in school buildings in Lodz, Poland

摘要

Thermo-modemization of buildings is still one of the major determinants of indoor air quality. Due to the airtightness of the new windows, the air exchange rate is generally lower in the Polish schools as the teachers and the pupils do not open the windows more frequently after the renovation. The poor ventilation is strongly correlated with the increase of the CO_2 concentration in the indoor air. The health effects related to the exposure to high CO_2 concentrations are associated with the occurrence of drowsiness and deficits of attention. Accordingly, the learning performance of the students and a the teachers' work efficiency might be lower in the classrooms characterized by high CO_2 concentrations. However, the uncontrolled ventilation of classrooms may causes increased PM2.5 concentration in the indoor air when the PM2.5 concentration is high outdoors. An action plan has been developed to improve indoor air quality in the school buildings after thermo-modemization. The campaign has started on the 11th March 2019 in selected school building in Lodz. Four classrooms were instrumented with CO_2 and PM2.5 monitors. Moreover, PM2.5 monitors were placed outdoors to have information on the outdoor PM2.5 concentration levels. The visual signals of high CO_2 and PM2.5 concentration will support teachers to maintain proper air exchange rates in the classrooms. The expected results are: (ⅰ) improvement of indoor air quality in classrooms; (ⅱ) raising the awareness on indoor air quality among teachers; (ⅲ) providing support for authorities to conduct successful renovation works.