Aerosol in selected laboratories at Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Opole University of Technology

Abstract

Abstract. The paper contains the results of a study into mass concentration of the dispersed aerosol fraction with the aerodynamic diameter of up to 2.5 and 10 micrometers. The study was conducted during classes with students participating in them in two laboratories located at Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Opole University of Technology as well as outdoor outside the building. It was demonstrated that the values of the mass concentration of PM 2.5 and PM 10 measured in the laboratories differ considerably from the levels measured in the ambient air in the outdoor areas surrounding the faculty building. It was concluded that the diversity of PM 2.5 /PM 10 ratio was greater in the laboratories. Direct correlation was not established between the concentrations of the particular PM fractions in the two investigated environments. It was demonstrated that there is a statistically significant relation between the concentration of PM 2.5 and PM 10 and the number of people present in the laboratory. The conducted cluster analysis led to the detection of the existence of dominant structures determining air quality parameters. For the analyzed case, endogenic factors are responsible for the aerosanitary condition. The study demonstrated that the evaluation of air quality needs to be performed individually for the specific rooms.

PM Origin or Exposure Duration? Health Hazards from PM-Bound Mercury and PM-Bound PAHs among Students and Lecturers

“…Due to varying levels of sensitivity among individuals, indoor air quality (IAQ) problems may affect only a selected group of university occupants. On comparing numerous recent studies on indoor air pollution within universities [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ] and student campuses (lecture halls, theatres, canteens), we found only one foreign example of research raising the subject of student exposure to mercury or PAH compounds [ 25 ]. There are no epidemiological studies concerning student exposure to indoor PAHs and Hg p within university buildings.…”