Indoor air quality of daycare centers in Seoul, Korea

Abstract

We determined the relation between indoor pollutants and certain building and environmental factors. We gathered data on variables such as biological pollutants (mold and bacteria), and chemical pollutants (formaldehyde, CO2, CO, and total volatile organic compounds, also known as TVOCs) from 25 daycare centers. The level of bacteria exceeded the limit of 800 CFU m−3 as mandated by Korea's Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) standard. The level of these bacteria showed a significant positive association with the building age and area, and a negative link with the ventilation time. As determined through a thermal assessment (p = 0.035), the levels of mold were significantly higher in water-damaged facilities than in those without. The levels of the five VOCs (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, and styrene) were observed at the highest indoors at night, compared to indoors and outdoors during the day. Proper ventilation and management of water and/or relative humidity in daycare buildings can help reduce the exposure to certain biological and chemical pollutants. The findings are useful to ensure the well-being of children in daycare centers.