Hazard evaluation of indoor air quality in bank offices

• Main Authors: Saidin, Hamidi, Abd. Razak, Azli, Mohamad, Mohd. Faizal, Ul-Saufie, Ahmad Zia, Sheikh Ahmad Zaki, Sheikh Ahmad Zaki, Othman, Nor’azizi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI 2023
• Subjects: T Technology (General)
• Online Access: http://eprints.utm.my/105578/1/SheikhAhmadZaki2023_HazardEvaluationofIndoorAirQuality.pdf; http://eprints.utm.my/105578/; http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/buildings13030798

IAQ is a crucial factor affecting the health, comfort, and productivity of workers, particularly those working in enclosed spaces like bank offices. This study aimed to evaluate the IAQ of a bank office’s operational area and vault by analyzing concentrations of CO2, TVOC, PM10, and PM2.5, as well as temperature, relative humidity, and air movement. Two different ventilation systems were compared to assess their impact on IAQ. The acquired data were statistically analyzed using mean comparison t-tests and hazard ratio analysis. The results revealed that indoor concentrations of PM2.5 and CO2 significantly contribute to the total hazard ratio, indicating the need to reduce their levels below reference values. The study also found that the ventilation system significantly affects indoor air quality, and concentrations of TVOC, CO2, PM10, and PM2.5 in the air are considerable. Significantly, the study found that bank offices with split unit air-conditioners had the highest mean CO2 levels, indicating poor ventilation. Overall, the study reveals that the building, activities, and ventilation in bank offices have a profound influence on IAQ parameters, primarily PM2.5 and CO2. Further research is required to formulate strategies for enhancing IAQ in these settings.