Analysis of ventilation system on respiratory symptoms at child care centers

Abstract

A child with the flu, diphtheria, meningitis, hand, foot and mouth diseases, measles, cough and pneumonia with one coughs can generate airborne contaminant. In addition to infectious agents and other emissions from the occupants, airborne contaminants in indoor can originate from indoor and outdoor. Normally, the concentration level of indoor air pollutants is higher than outdoors. In Malaysia, attention to indoor air quality started when Department of Safety and Health introduce Industrial Code of Practices (COP) in 2005; revised in 2010 with additional physical parameters, biological parameter and carbon dioxide as a ventilation performance indicator to govern the 'nonindustrial place of work'. The various researches have been performed on indoor air quality, but there are limited number investigation on IAQ and respiratory illness. Ventilation improves indoor air quality as long as the incoming air is both cleaned and dried. In the past, ventilation has been applied to building to remove excess heat in hot climates. Furthermore, in support of the health care process, air condition and mechanical ventilation (ACMV) systems are called upon to perform several vital functions that affect environmental conditions, infection and hazard control, and building life safety. Through containment, dilution, and removal of pathogens and toxins, the ACMV system is a key component of facility safety and infection control as mentioned in ASHRAE 2011. In 500 IAQ investigation over the last decade, inadequate ventilation (52%) is the primary sources of indoor air quality problem. This paper aims to investigate the effect of indoor air pollutants on respiratory symptoms of children attending child care centers with difference ventilation strategies and building characteristic. Modified ALS-DLD-78 has been used to gather information from parent regarding their children respiratory symptom. Measurements are performed for air temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, respirable particle (PM2.5), bacteria and fungi while information on CCC characteristics and potential surrounding air pollutants are collected via a combination of area monitoring, inspection and interviews. From the 334 responses (182 male and 152 female), 174 (52.1%) children experienced prevalence of persistent cough and/or cold (28.4%), persistent productive cough (20.4%), wheezing cold (36.9%). About 20.1% respondents feel that these symptoms are related to CCCs. The average value of CO2 inside the CCCs is 1140±482ppm (CCC without provision of fresh air) and 1005±314ppm (CCC with provision of fresh air) while a minimum ventilation requirement for children's breathing zone ranging 13 cfm to 26 cfm.