Download in the Sultanate of Oman

Sustain. Environ. Res., 25(3), 131-139 (2015)
131
Investigation of the environmental indicators at the main library
of Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) in the Sultanate of Oman
Sabah Abdul-Wahab,1,* Nahed Salem2 and Sappurd Ali3
1
Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
Sultan Qaboos University
Muscat 123, Sultanate of Oman
2
Department of Library and Information
Sultan Qaboos University
Muscat 123, Sultanate of Oman
3
National Engineering and Scientific Commission (NESCOM)
Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
Key Words: Sick building syndrome, indoor air quality, thermal environment, library building, Oman
ABSTRACT
An investigation of the status of the indoor air quality and thermal environment of the new library
building at Sultan Qaboos University was the primary objective of the current study. The secondary
objective was to discover the extent to which users of the library suffered from symptoms of sick
building syndrome (SBS) due to a poor indoor environment. In order to fulfill these objectives, the
concentrations of indoor air pollutants and ranges of thermal comfort parameters were recorded at five
different locations in the building. The results of the study indicated that the occupants of the library
were being affected by SBS due to raised levels of carbon dioxide, total volatile organic compounds,
and relative humidity (RH) along with an overly cool indoor environment. Increased levels of RH
and CO2 indicated inadequate ventilation in the building. Short-term exposure to the polluted indoor
environment of the library impacts the productivity, comfort level, and health of its library patrons. It
is hoped that this study will contribute to the literature associated with quality of life in public indoor
environments.
INTRODUCTION
Many studies have been conducted in recent years
to investigate indicators of sick building syndrome
(SBS) in various types of buildings, but SBS in libraries
has garnered the attention of only a few researchers
[1-19]. Furthermore, researchers who have conducted
their work on libraries have focused their attention
primarily on describing their architectural elements and
the developments and improvements made to libraries
over time. Most studies on libraries have dealt with
the implications of these developments on libraries
and the services they offer. Some researchers have
focused upon the stages of development that library
buildings go through over time and studying the impact
of modern technical developments on their functions.
Other researchers have described libraries’ safety and
security systems, while yet others have focused upon
*Corresponding author
Email: [email protected]
the architectural design of libraries [15]. At the same
time, only a very limited number of studies focus on
the environmental dimension of libraries and the effect
on SBS, despite its importance to and impact on the
quality of the performance of libraries’ information
specialists. Hence, the relevant studies published
internationally remain limited; further, Arab studies
related to the topic are a rarity. The researchers of this
study did not find any studies focusing adequately on
this topic. No light was shed on the extent to which
indoor air quality (IAQ) impacts the health of librarians
and the extent to which this is reflected in their
performance.
This is what drew the attention of Abdul-Wahab
and Salem [15] to the IAQ inside libraries and the
necessity of determining the extent to which the
occupants develop SBS. This determination was
achieved by focusing on the main library of Sultan
132
Abdul-Wahab et al., Sustain. Environ. Res., 25(3), 131-139 (2015)
Qaboos University (SQU) in the Sultanate of Oman as
their case study, examining the interior environment
of the building along with the extent to which the
occupants are exposed to contaminants that cause SBS.
Their study aimed at throwing light on SBS in libraries,
and the extent to which it is influenced by the indoor
environment. This was conducted through a study of
the main library, which is located between an old and
new building at SQU. To achieve this objective, the
study adopted a descriptive survey methodology for
the collection and description of the data, as well as a
case-study methodology applied to the library building
of SQU. The study relied upon a questionnaire to
monitor SBS symptoms. The most important findings
of the study showed that people in SQU’s old and new
buildings suffer from SBS. In particular, sinusitis,
dryness of the throat, and eye inflammation were some
of the most prominent SBS problems from which SQU
librarians suffer. SBS symptoms were influencing
the efficiency of the library workers, and the rate of
absenteeism increased. The degree of control over
thermal levels was reduced in the new building while
the level of noise was raised. Inadequate ventilation
was also observed in SQU’s library. The study
concluded with the recommendation that it is essential
to observe environmental dimensions when designing
libraries, taking into consideration the expected impact
of SBS on librarians. Also, the study offered some
recommendations for improving the environmental
conditions of SQU’s new library and the amelioration
of SBS in libraries in general.
Keeping in mind the important findings of the
study of Abdul-Wahab and Salem [15], the current
work was designed by the same authors with the
objective of investigating the status of IAQ and the
thermal environment in SQU’s new library. The other
objective of the current study is to determine the extent
to which the users of the library suffer from symptoms
of SBS due to exposure to indoor air pollutants and
variations in the thermal environment. In order to
achieve these objectives, the real time measurements
of various physical and chemical components of IAQ,
including air speed, temperature, relative humidity
(RH), particulates, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide,
ammonia, nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2),
ozone, and total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs),
were taken.
Due to the unavailability of any Omani standard
or guideline for IAQ, the measured levels of indoor
environmental parameters were compared with the
permitted values defined in various international
standards or guidelines, including the American
S o c i e t y o f H e a t i n g , R e f r i g e r a t i n g , a n d A i rConditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) [20,21], World
Health Organization (WHO) [22-24], National Institute
for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) [25],
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) [26] and
Federal Republic of Germany (DFG/(MAK) [27], as
well as previous studies such as those by Mølhave [28]
and Brown [29].
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In order to record the concentrations of indoor air
pollutants and ranges of thermal comfort factors, five
locations were selected in the new SQU library: the
basement, the main reception and female study areas of
the ground floor, the first floor’s Omani Studies Center
Library, and the male study area on the third floor.
The sampling of IAQ indicators was carried
out for a period of 24 h at all locations except in the
basement, where the duration of measurement was 48
h. The data measurements were conducted by means
of environmental monitoring equipment using a
WolfPack Modular Area Monitor (Gray Wolf Sensing
Solutions, Shelton, Connecticut, USA) [30-33], which
has integrated IAQ and toxic gases probes. In the
present study, it was used to measure CO2, CO, RH,
temperature, NH3, NO, NO2, SO2, H2S, O3, and TVOCs
for an average period of 15 min. The indoor air speed
was measured with the help of an AS-202A thermo
anemometer probe (GrayWolf Sensing Solutions). The
size distribution and number concentration of airborne
particles were recorded using a six-channel GW3016 particle counter (Enviro Technology Services,
Gloucestershire, UK). Calibration of the equipment
was accomplished by comparison with standards
maintained by Lighthouse Worldwide Solutions and
the size calibrations were accomplished in accordance
with the International Organization for Standardization
21501-4 Standard. More details about the specifications
of the sensors of the Gray Wolf equipment can be
found in the company’s manual. The WolfSense PC
and Advanced Report Generator package was used to
download the measured data. All the parameters were
sampled for an average period of 15 min.
The evaluation of IAQ in the building was carried
out by comparing the measured levels of chemical
pollutants and factors of thermal comfort with that
of international standards or guidelines for average
periods of 15 min and 1 h. The basis of the standard/
guideline values was of the effects on human health.
The comparison between measured and permitted
values was made on the basis of highest levels
measured for each average period at each selected
location. It is worth mentioning here that the measured
concentrations of NH3, NO, SO2 and H2S, were either
zero or < 0.3 ppm for each average interval, so their
Abdul-Wahab et al., Sustain. Environ. Res., 25(3), 131-139 (2015)
magnitudes are not available in the tables.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
1.Evaluation of IAQ for an Average 15-min Period
Table 1 illustrates the highest 15-min average
levels/ranges of on-site measured parameters of IAQ
along with the relevant standards/guidelines at the
selected locations of library buildings. Table 1 shows
that the measured levels of NO2, O3, and CO in SQU’s
library were well within the limits described by the
ASHRAE [20] and WHO [24]; hence, these pollutants
were not contributing to the deterioration of IAQ in
the SQU libraries. However, as illustrated in Table 1,
the measured concentrations of CO2, TVOCs, and the
ranges of temperature, RH, and air velocity were not
within the threshold values as specified in international
standards/guidelines.
133
1.1.CO2
The recorded concentrations of CO 2 at all of
the selected locations in the SQU library were lower
than the NIOSH acceptable limit of 30,000 ppm [25];
however, it was at an unacceptable level as determined
by ASHRAE [20] standards. This suggests the necessity
of maintaining a steady-state CO 2 level which, to
remove human generated pollutants, is defined within
an occupied space as < 700 ppm above the outdoor air
concentrations. If the concentration of CO2 remains
under this limit, then 95% of the building‘s occupants
will find the IAQ acceptable, and no additional
ventilation will be required to dilute the building’s
pollutants introduced by copiers, laser printers, etc.
[34]. Table 1 shows that three of the library’s locations
- the main reception area, and the female and male
study areas - were not meeting ASHRAE standards for
IAQ [20]. The peak values logged at the main reception
area, and female and male study areas were 858, 832,
Table 1. Peak levels/ranges of parameters of IAQ for 15-min averaging period
Parameter
Location
Peak level/range
Standard/Guideline
Ozone (ppm)
Basement
0.04
Main reception
0.05
Female study area
0.05
Male study area
0.05
Omani studies centre
0.05
Nitrogen Dioxide (ppm)
Basement
0.01
1
Main reception
0.01
ASHRAE [20]
Female study area
0.01
Male study area
0.01
Omani studies centre
0.02
Carbon Monoxide (ppm)
Basement
0.5
90
Main reception
0.7
WHO [24]
Female study area
0.5
Male study area
0.7
Omani studies centre
0.2
Carbon Dioxide (ppm)
Basement
426
30,000 NIOSH [25]
Main reception
858
700 (continuous exposure)
Female study area
832
ASHRAE [20]
Male study area
1077
Omani studies centre
474
TVOC (µg m-3)
Basement
389
< 200 (comfort range)
Main reception
367
200-3000 (multifactorial exposure range)
Female study area
594
Mølhave [28]
Male study area
452
Omani studies centre
514
Air speed (m s-1)
Basement
0.01-0.22
0.05-0.3
Main reception
0.03-0.83
ASHRAE [21]
Female study area
0.32-0.46
Male study area
0.08-0.2
Omani studies centre
0.06-0.09
Temperature (°C )
Basement
21.3-23.6
22.5-26.0 (Summer)
Main reception
21.5-23.4
20.0-23.5 (Winter)
Female study area
18.7-23.4
ASHRAE [21]
Male study area
21.3-25.5
Omani studies centre
20.4-22.0
Relative Humidity (%)
Basement
51-63
30-60
Main reception
48-59
ASHRAE [21]
Female study area
57-68
Male study area
42-61
Omani studies centre
66-79
134
Abdul-Wahab et al., Sustain. Environ. Res., 25(3), 131-139 (2015)
and 1077 ppm, respectively. The measured values at the
main reception area, and female and male study areas
exceeded the suggested standard threshold by 23, 19,
and 54%, respectively. The CO2 measurement trends at
these locations indicated that the peak concentrations of
CO2 exceeded the standard values during the library’s
periods of higher occupancy, which is a clear sign of
poor dilution and dispersion of human- and buildinggenerated pollutants in the absence of any specific
outdoor pollutant source. The circulation of fresh air
not only plays a vital role in the dispersion and dilution
of the indoor pollutants but also is a prime indicator
of ventilation adequacy in a building. These elevated
levels of indoor CO2 reflect the meager ventilation in
SQU’s library. This result is in agreement with what
has been found in previous studies [35-40].
Elevated levels of CO 2 are associated with
symptoms of SBS, and insufficient ventilation can
cause discomfort, stuffiness, burning eyes, fatigue,
dizziness, headaches, and reduced productivity in a
building’s occupants due to the buildup of human-and
building-generated pollutants [16]. These symptoms
can be caused by a combination of CO 2 and many
other pollutants in a poorly ventilated space [41].
Several studies have demonstrated that there is a
positive correlation between the occurrences of SBS
symptoms and elevated indoor CO2 levels [5,16,42-44].
The risk of SBS continued to decrease significantly
with decreasing CO2 concentrations (< 800 ppm). The
increase in ventilation rates can be associated with a
significant decrease in the prevalence of SBS symptoms
or with further significant improvements in perceived
air quality [37]. Based on the above results, it can be
concluded that CO2 was contributing to SBS in SQU’s
library.
1.2.TVOCs
Due to the unavailability of occupational and
environmental standards for indoor exposure to
TVOCs, the four exposure ranges proposed by Mølhave
[28] are used in the present study to define acceptable
levels of TVOCs: comfort range (< 200 µg m -3 ),
multifactorial range (200-3,000 µg m-3), discomfort
range (3,000-25,000 µg m -3 ), and toxic range (>
25,000 µg m-3). Table 1 shows that people in SQU’s
library were exposed to TVOCs at the multifactorial
level. The maximum concentrations of TVOCs were
observed in the female study area (594 µg m-3) and the
Omani Studies Center Library (514 µg m-3). TVOC
concentrations > 500 µg m-3 are considered indicative
of the presence of complicated VOC mixtures which
may result in irritation of the eyes, nasal membranes,
throat, and respiratory tract, and in general discomfort.
Reports of such symptoms were mentioned in a
previous study conducted by Abdul-Wahab and Salem
[15] for the same building, as well as in other studies
[45-47]. High indoor levels of TVOCs may be caused
by the emission of pollutants by new furniture or
carpets, aerosol sprays, cleaning agents, or paints.
Also possible are outdoor sources of TVOCs which
become indoor air pollutants. In the current study,
vehicle parking areas were located on two sides of the
library and the vehicle exhaust may become trapped
in the library. Such a phenomenon has been reported
in other studies, too [48,49]. Many studies have linked
people’s exposure to TVOCs to symptoms of SBS
[1,16,17,40,44]. It can be concluded from the above
discussion that TVOCs also play a role in making the
SQU library building “sick”; further investigation of
VOCs in the library is recommended.
1.3.Thermal comfort
Table 1 illustrates that the recorded values of
thermal comfort are not meeting the standards for IAQ
as specified by ASHRAE [21]. The thermal comfort
level of the air at most selected locations in the library
was on the low side of acceptable values (0.05-0.30 m
s-1). Maximum air speeds with magnitudes of 0.83 and
0.46 m s-1 were recorded at the library’s main reception
area and the female study area, respectively. The
minimum measured values of air speed were 0.06-0.09
m s-1 at the Omani Studies Center Library. This is a
clear indication of the inadequacy of the ventilation in
the building. Air speed of less than 0.1 m s-1 can cause
stuffiness while more than 0.3 m s-1 causes draughts.
For air speed higher than 0.1 m s -1, an increase in
air temperature is required to take into account air
movement [50]. The optimum air speed which is
suitable to achieve a pleasant feeling inside a building
in the summer is 0.9 m s-1 and in winter is 0.15 m s-1
[51].
The measured values of temperature and RH
inside the building at the selected locations were in the
range of 18.7-25.5 °C and 42-79%, respectively, which
again deviated from the ranges specified by ASHRAE’s
[21] standards (temperature: 22.5-26.5 °C and RH: 3060%). It can be inferred from the data shown in Table
1 that the temperature in the SQU library was much
lower than the ASHRAE’s acceptable thermal comfort
zone in major parts of the building while the range of
RH was higher than the standards’ objectives. This is
in agreement with the results of a study conducted by
Yau et al. [17] of university buildings. In the current
study, low temperature values (20.4-22.0 °C) and
elevated values of RH (66-79%) were recorded in the
Omani Studies Center Library. As mentioned earlier,
the circulation of fresh air inside the library was very
low (air speed: 0.06-0.09 m s -1) which can affect
Abdul-Wahab et al., Sustain. Environ. Res., 25(3), 131-139 (2015)
the temperature and RH values inside the building.
Similar results were also reported in previous studies
[44,52]. Among all indoor air environmental factors,
occupant discomfort is most commonly associated
with raised RH levels. Excess RH in indoor air can
cause fatigue, and increased reports of stuffiness,
headaches, and dizziness. Furthermore, high humidity
can cause increased pollutant emission from a
building’s construction materials, especially in the case
of formaldehyde and other VOCs, which can result in
inferior air quality [34]. Moreover, elevated levels of
RH can lead to interior conditions favorable for the
growth of molds and microbials. The existence of such
biological contaminants in indoor environments is
associated with serious health problems [29]. As soon
as the temperature of the hands falls below thermal
neutrality, the lower temperatures can have a strong
effect on manual tasks due to the effect on blood flow
[37]. The change in temperature can significantly affect
the intensity of headaches, concentration, and general
well-being.
In the light of the above discussion, it can be
inferred that temperature, RH, and air speed levels are
not suitable for the thermal comfort zone in the SQU
library, and its occupants have very little control over
these parameters, which is in accord with the findings
of a previous study [15]. Raised thermal levels above
those of acceptable thermal comfort may increase
complaints of SBS and has also been found in various
previous studies [6,15,44,52].
1.4.Particulate matter (PM)
Data on PM were not recorded for a full 24-h
period due to the unavailability of sufficient couplings.
Only two measuring probes were available with
the WolfPack area monitor at the time of the study.
Measured concentrations of PM with a diameter < 10
µm (PM10) for a 15-min average period are represented
in Table 2. Although a comparison of short-term onsite measurements is not possible due to the lack of
any standard or guideline for this average period, it
is possible to get some idea about the PM levels in
the building. The highest concentrations of PM10 and
total PM (TPM) were observed at the library’s main
reception area, with magnitudes of 36-71 and 55-136
µg m-3 (Table 2). These levels indicate the presence of
internal and external sources of PM in the building,
which can affect the health of occupants.
2.Evaluation of IAQ for an Average 1-h Period
The peak levels/ranges of the physical environment and chemical contaminants for an average 1-h
period are displayed in Table 3 which shows that
135
levels of CO2, TVOCs, temperature, and RH are not
within the allowable limits determined by international
standards. The measured levels of CO2 were within the
acceptable values determined by NIOSH, but exceeded
ASHRAE’s acceptable levels [20]. The highest
concentrations of CO 2 were observed in the male
study area (1,070 ppm) which exceeds the maximum
acceptable value of 700 ppm by 53%. The levels of
CO2 also exceeded the allowable limits in the female
study area and the main reception area by 18 and 22%,
respectively, indicating the inadequacy of ventilation
in the building. The occupants may experience health
effects in buildings where CO2 levels are elevated. At
high levels, CO2, along with exposure to other indoor
Table 2. Measured concentrations of particulate matter
with diameter less than 10 µm for 15-min
averaging period
Parameter
Location
Range
PM 0.3
(µg m-3)
Basement
Main reception
Female study area
Male study area
Omani studies
centre
Basement
Main reception
Female study area
Male study area
Omani studies
centre
Basement
Main reception
Female study area
Male study area
Omani studies
centre
Basement
Main reception
Female study area
Male study area
Omani studies
centre
Basement
Main reception
Female study area
Male study area
Omani studies
centre
Basement
Main reception
Female study area
Male study area
Omani studies
centre
Basement
Main reception
Female study area
Male study area
Omani studies
centre
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
PM 0.5
(µg m-3)
PM 1.0
(µg m-3)
PM 2.5
(µg m-3)
PM 5.0
(µg m-3)
PM 10.0
(µg m-3)
TPM
(µg m-3)
Standard/
Guideline
-
<1
<1
<1
<1
4-8
-
<1
<1
<1
<1
5-10
-
1-2
2-3
1-2
1-3
5-11
35 (24-h
average)
EPA [26]
3-10
15-26
6-10
9-27
8-16
-
4-21
36-71
14-24
21-58
8-17
150 (24-h
average)
EPA [26]
9-49
55-136
23-35
44-103
17-39
150-230
(24-h
average)
WHO [23]
136
Abdul-Wahab et al., Sustain. Environ. Res., 25(3), 131-139 (2015)
pollutants, can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and
other symptoms. Additionally, high CO2 concentrations
can be associated with an increased prevalence of
certain SBS-associated symptoms such as mucous
membrane and lower respiratory issues, even when
peak concentrations are below 1,000 ppm [5,16,43,44].
The measured TVOC values in the SQU library also
fell in the multifactorial acceptable exposure range as
defined by Mølhave [28] but exceeded the guideline
value of 500 ppm for an average 1-h period as
determined by Brown [29]. These levels were exceeded
by only 2% in the female study area and the Omani
Studies Center Library. The possibility of affecting
the health of a building’s occupants and increasing
the possibility of an occurrence of SBS exists within
this range of exposure. Temperature and RH ranges in
the building were not in accordance with the standard
ranges set by ASHRAE either [21]. The temperature
in most of the selected locations was lower than that
determined acceptable by ASHRAE limits while the
RH exceeded the stipulated range of 60% [21].
This is an obvious indication of a cooler and more
humid indoor environment within a building than has
been determined acceptable by international guidelines,
which may be hazardous to occupants’ health. A high
RH can foster the proliferation of molds and dust
mites along with a release of pollutants from building
materials which can have a direct effect on people’s
comfort and productivity [34]. When the occupants of
the building are exposed to higher levels of humidity,
the occurrence of SBS symptoms like fatigue,
headache, and difficulty in thinking is not out of the
question [52].
CONCLUSIONS
The current study was suggested based on the
findings of a previous study carried out by same authors
which set out to determine the extent to which the new
SQU library enjoys a better interior environment and
to what extent the occupants of the building suffer
from SBS. The objective of the study was achieved
through a battery of tools, most important of which
were questionnaires and interviews. The results of
this study showed that the SQU library is suffering
from an environment that encourages SBS. Keeping in
Table 3. Peak levels/ranges of parameters of IAQ for 1- hour averaging period
Parameter
Location
Peak level/range
Ozone (ppm)
Basement
0.04
Main reception
0.05
Female study area
0.09
Male study area
0.01
Omani studies centre
0.10
Nitrogen Dioxide (ppm)
Basement
0.01
Main reception
0.01
Female study area
0.01
Male study area
0.01
Omani studies centre
0.02
Carbon Monoxide (ppm)
Basement
0.60
Main reception
0.68
Female study area
0.50
Male study area
0.70
Omani studies centre
0.20
Carbon Dioxide (ppm)
Basement
436
Main reception
850
Female study area
829
Male study area
1070
Omani studies centre
469
TVOC (µg m-3)
Basement
372
Main reception
364
Female study area
510
Male study area
452
Omani studies centre
510
Temperature (°C)
Basement
22.8-23.6
Main reception
21.6-23.4
Female study area
19.9-22.9
Male study area
20.7-25.4
Omani studies centre
20.2-21.9
Relative Humidity (%)
Basement
45-62
Main reception
43-58
Female study area
58-64
Male study area
42-60
Omani studies centre
66-78
Standard/Guideline
0.12
ASHRAE [20]
0.1
WHO [24]
25
WHO [22]
10,000 MAK [27]
700 (continuous exposure)
ASHRAE [20]
500
Brown [29]
22.5-26.0 (Summer)
20.0-23.5 (Winter)
ASHRAE [21]
30-60
ASHRAE [21]
Abdul-Wahab et al., Sustain. Environ. Res., 25(3), 131-139 (2015)
mind the findings of previous study, the present work
was designed to evaluate the indoor environmental
conditions of the new SQU library by determining the
indoor levels of physical and chemical irritants. The
results of the current study confirmed the previously
observed health impacts of IAQ as related to SBS.
It is apparent from the findings of the present study
that the occupants of SQU’s new library were affected
as a result of exposure to chemical contaminants
along with uncomfortable thermal levels. The elevated
levels of CO2 were indicative of insufficient building
ventilation. The observed concentrations of TVOCs
and PM10 indicated the presence of strong indoor and
outdoor contaminant sources, and there is a need to
pay attention not only to these pollutants but also
to biological contaminants in order to complete an
investigation of IAQ. The physical environment of the
library was also not appropriate for the occupants due
to low temperature and high RH. The elevated levels
of each of these parameters were possibly worsening
the IAQ. Pathological symptoms such as headaches,
membrane irritation, inflammation, fatigue, dizziness,
stuffiness, etc. may have been due to the manifestation
of elevated IAQ levels.
The current study was essential in order to
investigate the extent to which the indoor environment
of the new SQU library was contaminated due to the
existence of indoor air pollutants and to what extent
the occupants of the building enjoyed an acceptable
thermal environment. The other objective of this work
was to know whether library users suffered from SBS
as a result of chemical contamination and thermal
discomfort. In order to fulfill these objectives, the
ground level concentrations of indoor air pollutants
and ranges of thermal comfort parameters were
recorded at five different locations in the building. The
measured levels of IAQ parameters were compared
with international standards and guidelines. The results
indicated that that the occupants of the building were
affected as a result of exposure of to excessive levels
of CO2, PM, and TVOCs and discomfort caused by
physical environmental indicators like air velocity,
temperature, and RH. The elevated levels of CO 2
reflected the insufficiency of the building’s ventilation.
The observed concentrations of TVOCs and PM were
evidenced by strong indoor and outdoor pollution
sources. The temperature of the building was also
found to be cooler than the thermal comfort zone.
Exposure to the polluted indoor environment was
impacting the productivity, comfort level, and wellbeing of the workers in the library. Complaints of
symptoms associated with SBS, such as headaches,
irritation, fatigue, dizziness, etc. have been common
due to elevated levels of indoor air pollutants. In order
137
to prevent SBS and offer a healthy environment for
building occupants, the levels of indoor air pollutants
should be kept under permitted values and ventilation
should be adjusted as needed to maintain occupants’
health.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The funding provided by Sultan Qaboos University
(Project Number IG/ENG/MIED/11/04) is gratefully
acknowledged.
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Discussions of this paper may appear in the discussion section of a future issue. All discussions should
be submitted to the Editor-in-Chief within six months
of publication.
Manuscript Received: October 28, 2014
Revision Received: January 2, 2015
and Accepted: March 16, 2015