Indoor-Outdoor Relations for PM10 Mass Concentration Based on University Building

The determination of the level of pollutants and reciprocal relations “outside-inside” forms an important component in the study involving assessment and control of indoor air quality. This paper reports the results of a study with regard to the mass concentration of PM10 determined concurrently in the outdoor air surrounding a university building and inside the lecture rooms in it. The research project was undertaken in the cold season and registration included 83 independent observations with the duration of 90 minutes. The research applied a reference method involving measurements of PM10 mass concentration using gravimetric technique. The results were analyzed by application of non-parametric tests. For the purposes of classification of variables and assessment of the role of the specific variables, the analysis was based on the use of principal components. It was indicated that the mass concentration of particulate matter in the lecture rooms does not differ from the levels measured at the same time in the air surrounding the building only during the periods corresponding to periodic room ventilation. It was also found that the design and usage of the buildings, as well as the number and activity of humans determine the aerosanitary conditions in the enclosed spaces formed by the lecture rooms. It was observed that the mass concentration of particulate matter in the rooms is higher in the cold season. A statement was made that design solutions need to be implemented with the purpose of using intelligent ventilation systems.