This study evaluated the indoor air quality of 26 classrooms of secondary schools in the city of Cassino (Italy). Two types of school buildings were assessed: buildings specifically designed as schools, and former dwellings converted to schools. Measurements were taken in both winter and spring months, before students entered the classrooms and while the classrooms were occupied. Lower thermal comfort levels were observed during the winter months; in fact, during the winter, ideal temperature, humidity and air speed parameters were found in only a small percentage of classrooms and students were found to experience thermal discomfort as a result. Air velocity was often found to be inadequate both in winter and spring months and in both types of school buildings evaluated. Illumination levels measured during the winter months with both natural daylight and mixed illumination, were found to be below 200 lux, the minimum recommended level recommended by the ministerial decree 18.12.1975. Noise levels above the maximum level recommended by the ministerial decree 01.03.1991 were also frequently observed. The symptoms most frequently reported by students were headache, difficulties in concentrating, cough, and unusual tiredness. The various discomfort situations observed in both types of school buildings point toward a need for greater attention toward indoor air quality of schools as this can have affect students' attention, concentration, productivity and comfort.

[Indoor air quality in school facilities in Cassino (Italy)] / Langiano, Elisa; Lanni, Liana; Atrei, Patrizia; Ferrara, Maria; LA TORRE, Giuseppe; Capelli, Giovanni; DE VITO, Elisabetta. - In: IGIENE E SANITÀ PUBBLICA. - ISSN 0019-1639. - 64:1(2008), p. 53-66.

[Indoor air quality in school facilities in Cassino (Italy)]

LANGIANO, ELISA;ATREI, Patrizia;LA TORRE, Giuseppe;CAPELLI, GIOVANNI;DE VITO, Elisabetta
2008

Abstract

This study evaluated the indoor air quality of 26 classrooms of secondary schools in the city of Cassino (Italy). Two types of school buildings were assessed: buildings specifically designed as schools, and former dwellings converted to schools. Measurements were taken in both winter and spring months, before students entered the classrooms and while the classrooms were occupied. Lower thermal comfort levels were observed during the winter months; in fact, during the winter, ideal temperature, humidity and air speed parameters were found in only a small percentage of classrooms and students were found to experience thermal discomfort as a result. Air velocity was often found to be inadequate both in winter and spring months and in both types of school buildings evaluated. Illumination levels measured during the winter months with both natural daylight and mixed illumination, were found to be below 200 lux, the minimum recommended level recommended by the ministerial decree 18.12.1975. Noise levels above the maximum level recommended by the ministerial decree 01.03.1991 were also frequently observed. The symptoms most frequently reported by students were headache, difficulties in concentrating, cough, and unusual tiredness. The various discomfort situations observed in both types of school buildings point toward a need for greater attention toward indoor air quality of schools as this can have affect students' attention, concentration, productivity and comfort.
2008
Adolescent; Adult; Child; Data Interpretation, Statistical; Fatigue; Female; Headache; Heating; Humans; Humidity; Italy; Light; Lighting; Male; Noise; Seasons; Surveys and Questionnaires; Air Pollution, Indoor; Schools
01 Pubblicazione su rivista::01a Articolo in rivista
[Indoor air quality in school facilities in Cassino (Italy)] / Langiano, Elisa; Lanni, Liana; Atrei, Patrizia; Ferrara, Maria; LA TORRE, Giuseppe; Capelli, Giovanni; DE VITO, Elisabetta. - In: IGIENE E SANITÀ PUBBLICA. - ISSN 0019-1639. - 64:1(2008), p. 53-66.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11573/913368
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