Ventilation strategies and indoor air quality in Swedish primary school classrooms

The present study aimed at investigating the effects of ventilation strategies on indoor air quality (IAQ) in schools. Measurements thermal environment and IAQ were performed over 5 school days 45 primary classrooms Gothenburg, Sweden, grouped into three categories according to their system: category A) natural or exhaust ventilation, automated window opening; B) balanced mechanical systems with constant volume (CAV) C) variable (VAV). equally well respect temperature relative humidity regardless system. concentrations pollutants all generally below respective guideline values. CO2, formaldehyde, PM10, PM2.5 lower B C higher rates than A classrooms. Indoor Air Pollution Index integrating multiple was significantly classrooms, reflecting poorer IAQ. Majority had Swedish requirements. periodically reduced VAV did not lead substantial increase measured pollutant concentrations.