Wydział Budownictwa, Architektury i Inżynierii Środowiska, Politechnika Łódzka
Ciepłownictwo Ogrzewnictwo Wentylacja, 2026 (1), 28-31, DOI: https://doi.org/10.65545/COW.2026.01.05
Keywords: indoor air quality, mechanical ventilation, particulate matter, preschool education facility
Abstract
This article presents the results of outdoor and indoor air quality tests in two classrooms of a preschool facility equipped with mechanical supply and exhaust ventilation. Measurements were taken in 2023 using mobile PM10 and PM2.5 particulate matter sensors, as well as air humidity and temperature sensors placed indoors and outdoors. Analysis of the collected data allowed for an assessment of indoor air quality in the room used for educational purposes compared to an unused room with similar building parameters. Furthermore, the effectiveness of mechanical ventilation in limiting the ingress of outdoor particulate matter into the building was determined. It was demonstrated that particulate matter concentration in the occupied room was on average 49% higher than in the unoccupied room. The average efficiency of mechanical ventilation in containing PM10 and PM2.5 particulate matter was 52% and 37%, respectively, compared to outdoor concentrations. There were few instances where indoor concentrations were higher than outdoor levels, indicating efficient air exchange. The assessment showed that indoor air quality was good or very good, and users could safely use the rooms. However, the introduction of PM concentration sensors to control the operation of the ventilation unit could mitigate these temporary increases in PM concentrations.
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