Indoor air quality in primary schools in Keçiören, Ankara*

Abstract

Aim: To increase the awareness of environmental risk factors by determining the indoor air quality status of primary schools. Materials and methods: Indoor air quality parameters in 172 classrooms of 31 primary schools in Keçiören, Ankara, were examined for the purpose of assessing the levels of air pollutants (CO, CO2 , SO2 , NO2 , and formaldehyde) within primary schools. Results: Schools near heavy traffic had a statistically significant mean average of CO and SO2(P < 0.05). The classrooms that had more than 35 students had higher and statistically significant averages of CO2 , SO2 , NO2 , and formaldehyde compared to classrooms that had fewer than 35 students (P < 0.05). Of all classrooms, 29% had 100 CFU/100 mL and higher concentrations of microorganisms, which were not pathogens. Conclusion: Indoor air quality management should continually be maintained in primary schools for the prevention and control of acute and chronic diseases, particularly considering biological and chemical pollution.