Impact of ventilation modes on carbon dioxide concentration levels in Kuwait classrooms
2011; Elsevier BV; Volume: 47; Linguagem: Inglês
10.1016/j.enbuild.2011.12.030
ISSN1872-6178
AutoresKhaled S. Al-Rashidi, D.L. Loveday, Nawaf Al-Mutawa,
Tópico(s)Infection Control and Ventilation
ResumoThe influence of ventilation mode on classroom air quality in the State of Kuwait is reported. In this field study, CO2 concentration levels were measured during natural and air-conditioned ventilation modes inside 10 elementary-level classrooms in three Kuwaiti schools occupied by children in the 6–10 years age group. The findings show that these classrooms have lower average CO2 concentration levels (708 ppm) during the natural ventilation mode compared to that in the air-conditioned mode (1596 ppm). The latter CO2 concentrations are higher than recommended in several standards, and suggest that classrooms operation in the air-conditioned mode requires further investigation. Air-conditioning is provided by wall-mounted split units that do not directly introduce fresh air to the space, so some form of appropriate additional ventilation is suggested. Following rapid and extensive national refurbishment of schools in the early 1990s, these types of installations are widespread, and results found here may apply elsewhere in Kuwait. Based on the measured findings, approaches are explored for potentially reducing classroom CO2 levels, though these require validation. Fuller investigation is required of air quality in Kuwait school classrooms in relation to a number of factors. Findings have been communicated to the Kuwait Ministry of Education (MOE).
Referência(s)