Exposure to compromised indoor air is one of the factors affecting the health and productivity of workers in the workplace. Studies have proved that the number of related health complaints from workplace has increased in recent years. Indoor air quality and perceived health effects experienced by occupants of selected offices and classrooms in the Oladele Ajose Building (OAJB) were assessed in this study. Temperature and Relative Humidity (RH) of seven indoor locations within OAJB were monitored using Multi-Tester N21FR during the dry season. Values obtained for temperature and RH were compared with the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) guideline limits for indoor environment of 23.5 – 25.5°C and 30 – 50% respectively. Airborne Total Bacteria Count (TBC) and Total Fungi Count (TFC) were determined using Polish Standard PN 89/Z-04008/08 and values obtained compared with the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) guideline limit of 500cfu/m3 for total airborne microbial count in an indoor environment. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from staff and students. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics. Mean indoor temperature and RH in the morning were 30.3±2.5 °C and 30.5±2.1% respectively and 66.5±5.6°C and 66.6±5.6% respectively in the afternoon. The TBC and TFC were lower than guideline limit. Bacterial species isolated included Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Micrococcus, Pseudomonas and Proteus while fungi specie includes Aspergillus. Mean age of respondents was 31.4±8.9 years. Reported symptoms in the last six months prior the study include cough (65.5%), fatigue (81.0%) and wheezing (87.9%). Temperature and RH of the sampled locations were higher than acceptable limits. These together with the airborne microbes may influence the prevalence of health symptoms experienced by respondents. Routine air monitoring of office buildings should be carried out to ensure conformance with stipulated guidelines.
Published in | Science Journal of Public Health (Volume 3, Issue 4) |
DOI | 10.11648/j.sjph.20150304.24 |
Page(s) | 552-558 |
Creative Commons |
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited. |
Copyright |
Copyright © The Author(s), 2015. Published by Science Publishing Group |
Indoor Air Quality, Perceived Health Effects, Workplace, Ibadan
[1] | N. Cobanglu and N. Kiper. Bina ici solunan havada tehlikeler. Cocuk Sagligi ve Hastaliklari Dergisi, 2006; 49: 71-75. |
[2] | E. Gocgeldi, M.E. Berdan, M. Ucar, T. Turker, H. Istanbulluoglu, M. Gulec and M. Hasde. Analysis of children`s rooms in terms of microbiological air quality. J. Exp. Integr. Med. 2011; 1: 51-58. |
[3] | WHO. WHO guidelines for indoor air quality: selected pollutants. The WHO European Centre for Environment and Health, Bonn Office, 2010; 1 – 484 |
[4] | L.D. Stetzenbach, M.P. Buttner and P. Cruz. Detection and enumeration of airborne contaminants. Curr Biotechnol. 2004; 15: 170-4. |
[5] | J.A. Hoskins. Health effects due to indoor air pollution. Indoor Built Env. 2007; 12: 427-433. |
[6] | Li, Y., G.M. Leung, J.W. Tang and X. Yang et al. Role of ventilation in airborne transmission of infectious agents in the built environment - a multidisciplinary systematic review. Indoor Air, 2007; 17: 02-18. |
[7] | M. Hargreaves, S. Parappukkaran, L. Morawska, J. Hitchins, H. Congrong and D. Gilbert. A pilot investigation into associations between indoor airborne fungal and non-biological particle concentrations in residential houses in Brisbane. Sci Total Environ. 2003; 312: 89-101. |
[8] | P. Srikanth, S. Sudharsanam, R. Steinberg. Bioaerosols in indoor environment: Composition, health effects and analysis. Indian J Med Microbiol. 2008; 26: 302-12. |
[9] | H.A. Ajimotokan, L.A. Oloyede and M.E. Ismail. Influence of Indoor Environment on Health and Productivity. New York Science Journal, 2009; 2(4): 46 – 49. |
[10] | E.C. Dorgan and B.C. Dorgan. Assessment of Link between Productivity and Indoor Air Quality in Clements-Croome D. The Productive Workplace. London: E&FN Spon. 2006 |
[11] | P.D. Wyon and P. Wargocki. Indoor Air Quality Effects on Office Work in Clements-Croome D. The Productive Workplace. London: E&FN Spon. 2006 |
[12] | ASHRAE. Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality Standard 62.1. United States of America. 2010 |
[13] | Polish Standard 89/Z-04008/08. Air purity protection. Microbiological testing. Determination number of the fungi in the atmospheric air (imision) with sampling by sedimentation method. |
[14] | J.G. Holt, N.R. Krieg, P.H. Sneth, J.T. Stanley and S.T. Williams. Bergey’s manual of determinative bacteriology, 9th ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams and Wilkins. 1994 |
[15] | Abdul-Wahab. Sick Building Syndrome, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg, 2011; pg 25 – 58 |
[16] | J. William and P.E. Fisk. How IEQ Affects Health, Productivity? Member ASHRAE. ASHRAE Journal. 2002 |
[17] | S. Maxwell. ‘’Control moisture to cut odour,’’ The Toronto Star. 2007 |
[18] | Loecher. ‘’The Surprising truth about mold.’’Prevention, 2004; 56:23-24. |
[19] | H.J. Choa, J. Schwartz, D.K. Milton. Populations and determinants of airborne fungi in large office buildings, Environmental Health Perspectives, 2002; 110: 777-782 |
[20] | P.R. Joel and J.P. Robin. Construction and Characterization of Adenovirus Vectors. Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA. 2006 |
[21] | G.R.E.E. Ana and Z.O. Umar. Indoor Air Quality and Respiratory Symptoms experienced among under-five children in Daycare centres in Ibadan North Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria. An unpublished Master’s dissertation in the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. 2013 |
[22] | J. Dutkiewicz, E. Krysinska-Traczyk, C. Skorska et al. Exposure to airborne microorganisms and endotoxin in a potato processing plant. Ann Agric Environ Med. 2002; 9: 225-35. |
[23] | A. Hyvärinen, T. Meklin, A. Vepsäläinen and A. Nevalainen, A. Fungi and actinobacteria in moisture-damaged building materials- concentrations and diversity. International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation, 2002; 49:27-37 |
[24] | W.E. Horner, A. Helbling, J.E. Salvaggio and S.B. Lehrer. ‘’Fungal allergens.’’ Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 1995; 8: 161 – 179. |
[25] | R.L. Gorny, T. Roponen, K. Willeke, D. Schmechel, E. Robine, M. Boissier, S.A. Grinshpun. Fungal fragments as indoor air bio-contaminants. Applied Environmental Microbiology, 2002; 68: 3522 – 321. |
[26] | L. Fracchia, S. Pietronave, M. Rinaldi, M.G. Martinotti. The assessment of airborne bacterial contamination in three composting plants revealed site related biological hazard and seasonal variations. Journal of Epidemiology, 2006; 22: 1174 – 1182. |
[27] | Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN). 60 Nigerians Now Own Power Generators. Adopted from Vanguard Newspaper, 26th January, 2009. [Online] Available at www.energy.gov.ng. |
[28] | A.L. Yesufu and G.R. Ana, G.R. Electric Generator Characteristics, Pattern of Use and Non-Auditory Health Effects Experienced by Commercial Workers in Agbowo and Ajibode areas of Ibadan, Nigeria. Review of Global Medicine and Healthcare Research 2012; 3(2): 1-14. |
[29] | A.M. Stanley, I. Mbamali, I.K. Zubairu, S.A. Bustani, S.S Andrew and I.A. Joshua, I.A. “Electric Power Generator Noise Level Characterization and Impact on Selected Commercial Areas of Zaria and Kaduna Nigeria”, International Postgraduate Conference on Infrastructure and Environment, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong. 2010 |
[30] | E.E. Okafor, A.R. Hassan and A.D. Hassan. Environmental Issues and Corporate Social Responsibility: The Nigeria Experience. J. Hum. Ecol., 2008; 23(2): 101 - 107. |
[31] | M.J. Mendell, W.J. Fisk and K. Kreiss. Improving the health of workers in indoor environment: priority research needs for the National Occupational Research Agenda, American Journal of Public Health, 2002; 92: 1430-40. |
[32] | W.J. Fisk. Estimates of potential nationwide productivity and health benefits from better indoor environments: an update. In: Spengler, J., Samet, J.M., McCarthy, J.F. (eds). Indoor Air Quality Handbook, New York: McGraw-Hill, 2000; 4.1-4.36. |
[33] | W.J. Fisk. ‘’Estimates of potential nationwide productivity and health benefits from better indoor environments: an update,’’ Indoor Air Quality Handbook.,eds. J. Spengler, J.M. Samet, and J.F. McCarthy, McGraw Hill, New York 2001. |
[34] | P. Roy. Sick? Sick or Real Sick? Presented at the AIOH J une Sundowner. Chemistry Centre. Curtin University, Bentley, WA 2010. |
[35] | D.L. Sudakin. Toxigenic fungi in a water-damaged building: an intervention study. Am. J. Ind. Med. 1998; 34 (2), 183–190. |
[36] | M. Ahman, A. Lundin, V. Musabasic, E. Soderman. Improved health after intervention in a school with moisture problems. Indoor Air, 2000; 10: 57–62. |
[37] | T. Meklin, T. Putus, J. Pekkanen, A. Hyva¨ rinen, M.R. Hirvonen, A. Nevalainen. Effects of moisture-damage repairs on microbial exposure and symptoms in schoolchildren. Indoor Air, 2005; 15 (Suppl. 10), 40–47. |
[38] | M. Tuomainen, J. Smolander, J. Kurnitski, J. Palonen and O. Seppanen. Modelling the cost effects of the indoor environment. Proceedings: Indoor Air 2002 Monterey, California. 814-819. |
[39] | W.J. Fisk. Estimates of potential nationwide productivity and health benefits from better indoor environments: An update. In J. F. McCarthy (Ed.), Indoor air quality handbook: McGraw-Hill 1999. |
[40] | C. Redlich, J. Sparer, M. Cullen. Sick building syndrome. The Lancet 1997; 349:1013–1016. |
APA Style
Morakinyo Oyewale Mayowa, Ana Godson Rowland, Hammed Taiwo Babatunde, Adejumo Mumuni. (2015). Indoor Air Quality and Perceived Health Effects Experienced by Occupants of an Office Complex in a Typical Tertiary Institution in Nigeria. Science Journal of Public Health, 3(4), 552-558. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjph.20150304.24
ACS Style
Morakinyo Oyewale Mayowa; Ana Godson Rowland; Hammed Taiwo Babatunde; Adejumo Mumuni. Indoor Air Quality and Perceived Health Effects Experienced by Occupants of an Office Complex in a Typical Tertiary Institution in Nigeria. Sci. J. Public Health 2015, 3(4), 552-558. doi: 10.11648/j.sjph.20150304.24
AMA Style
Morakinyo Oyewale Mayowa, Ana Godson Rowland, Hammed Taiwo Babatunde, Adejumo Mumuni. Indoor Air Quality and Perceived Health Effects Experienced by Occupants of an Office Complex in a Typical Tertiary Institution in Nigeria. Sci J Public Health. 2015;3(4):552-558. doi: 10.11648/j.sjph.20150304.24
@article{10.11648/j.sjph.20150304.24, author = {Morakinyo Oyewale Mayowa and Ana Godson Rowland and Hammed Taiwo Babatunde and Adejumo Mumuni}, title = {Indoor Air Quality and Perceived Health Effects Experienced by Occupants of an Office Complex in a Typical Tertiary Institution in Nigeria}, journal = {Science Journal of Public Health}, volume = {3}, number = {4}, pages = {552-558}, doi = {10.11648/j.sjph.20150304.24}, url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjph.20150304.24}, eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.sjph.20150304.24}, abstract = {Exposure to compromised indoor air is one of the factors affecting the health and productivity of workers in the workplace. Studies have proved that the number of related health complaints from workplace has increased in recent years. Indoor air quality and perceived health effects experienced by occupants of selected offices and classrooms in the Oladele Ajose Building (OAJB) were assessed in this study. Temperature and Relative Humidity (RH) of seven indoor locations within OAJB were monitored using Multi-Tester N21FR during the dry season. Values obtained for temperature and RH were compared with the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) guideline limits for indoor environment of 23.5 – 25.5°C and 30 – 50% respectively. Airborne Total Bacteria Count (TBC) and Total Fungi Count (TFC) were determined using Polish Standard PN 89/Z-04008/08 and values obtained compared with the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) guideline limit of 500cfu/m3 for total airborne microbial count in an indoor environment. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from staff and students. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics. Mean indoor temperature and RH in the morning were 30.3±2.5 °C and 30.5±2.1% respectively and 66.5±5.6°C and 66.6±5.6% respectively in the afternoon. The TBC and TFC were lower than guideline limit. Bacterial species isolated included Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Micrococcus, Pseudomonas and Proteus while fungi specie includes Aspergillus. Mean age of respondents was 31.4±8.9 years. Reported symptoms in the last six months prior the study include cough (65.5%), fatigue (81.0%) and wheezing (87.9%). Temperature and RH of the sampled locations were higher than acceptable limits. These together with the airborne microbes may influence the prevalence of health symptoms experienced by respondents. Routine air monitoring of office buildings should be carried out to ensure conformance with stipulated guidelines.}, year = {2015} }
TY - JOUR T1 - Indoor Air Quality and Perceived Health Effects Experienced by Occupants of an Office Complex in a Typical Tertiary Institution in Nigeria AU - Morakinyo Oyewale Mayowa AU - Ana Godson Rowland AU - Hammed Taiwo Babatunde AU - Adejumo Mumuni Y1 - 2015/06/08 PY - 2015 N1 - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjph.20150304.24 DO - 10.11648/j.sjph.20150304.24 T2 - Science Journal of Public Health JF - Science Journal of Public Health JO - Science Journal of Public Health SP - 552 EP - 558 PB - Science Publishing Group SN - 2328-7950 UR - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjph.20150304.24 AB - Exposure to compromised indoor air is one of the factors affecting the health and productivity of workers in the workplace. Studies have proved that the number of related health complaints from workplace has increased in recent years. Indoor air quality and perceived health effects experienced by occupants of selected offices and classrooms in the Oladele Ajose Building (OAJB) were assessed in this study. Temperature and Relative Humidity (RH) of seven indoor locations within OAJB were monitored using Multi-Tester N21FR during the dry season. Values obtained for temperature and RH were compared with the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) guideline limits for indoor environment of 23.5 – 25.5°C and 30 – 50% respectively. Airborne Total Bacteria Count (TBC) and Total Fungi Count (TFC) were determined using Polish Standard PN 89/Z-04008/08 and values obtained compared with the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) guideline limit of 500cfu/m3 for total airborne microbial count in an indoor environment. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from staff and students. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics. Mean indoor temperature and RH in the morning were 30.3±2.5 °C and 30.5±2.1% respectively and 66.5±5.6°C and 66.6±5.6% respectively in the afternoon. The TBC and TFC were lower than guideline limit. Bacterial species isolated included Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Micrococcus, Pseudomonas and Proteus while fungi specie includes Aspergillus. Mean age of respondents was 31.4±8.9 years. Reported symptoms in the last six months prior the study include cough (65.5%), fatigue (81.0%) and wheezing (87.9%). Temperature and RH of the sampled locations were higher than acceptable limits. These together with the airborne microbes may influence the prevalence of health symptoms experienced by respondents. Routine air monitoring of office buildings should be carried out to ensure conformance with stipulated guidelines. VL - 3 IS - 4 ER -