Indoor environmental conditions in schoolchildren’s homes in central-south China

Abstract

A field investigation on indoor environmental conditions was performed in homes with primary school children in Changsha, a city located in central-south China. The main purpose is to obtain more reliable and comprehensive data relating to the health of children. The results showed that the average temperature, relative humidity and carbon dioxide concentration in October were 20.4°C, 56.7% and 398 ppm, while in January were 10.5°C, 55% and 475 ppm, respectively. The monitored PM2.5 concentrations were greater than the Chinese national standard GB 3095–2012 (75 μg/m3), with a significant difference found between October and January ( p <  0.05). Carbonyl compounds were much lower than the corresponding specified limits. However, total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) in some homes in January exceeded the Chinese standard GB/T 18883–2002 (600 μg/m3). The most common constituents of semi-volatile organic compounds in house dusts were di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and dibutyl phthalate. Furthermore, Cladosporium, Penicillium and Aspergillus were all found in indoor air and house dusts. Children’s daily intake of formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and TVOC were primary from their bedrooms rather than living rooms ( p <  0.05). These results would contribute to the public awareness of indoor environmental conditions and possible impacts on school-age children in their homes.