Assessment of indoor air quality level and sick building syndrome according to the ages of building in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the indoor air quality (IAQ) level of buildings in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). The buildings were randomly selected and represent the old building (>10years) and new building (<10 years). The IAQ physical parameters assessed are temperature, relative humidity and air velocity. Meanwhile, the IAQ chemical contaminants studied are carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), formaldehyde (HCHO) and total volatile organic compound (TVOC). The results indicate that the old building has good IAQ level compared to the new buildings. The statistical test shows, there is an association between some IAQ physical parameters and the buildings’ ages (p<0.05). On the chemical contaminants, the measurement shows that the concentration of CO2 and HCHO for all studied buildings exceeds the Malaysian acceptable exposure limits. The results also show there is no association between demographic factors and sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms. The level of workplace condition and SBS symptoms existed in each selected faculty’s buildings was also analyzed. The recommendations for the minimum number of years for maintenance of the indoor conditions have also been suggested based on the indoor air quality guidelines from Malaysia and Singapore. Finally, the appropriate technical and management approach has been suggested based on the some concepts.