Indoor air quality study in Edmonton Public Schools, Elk Island Public Schools and Elk Island Catholic Schools: Ventilation and comfort parameters

Capital Health Region encompasses the City of Edmonton and surrounding communities. This study undertook the air sampling of some IAQ parameters (carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide) and Comfort factors (temperature, relative humidity and ventilation) in schools drawn from Edmonton Public Schools, Elk Island Public Schools and Elk Island Catholic Schools. Both engineering and physiological viewpoints of ventilation air were examined as they facilitate a rationalization between ventilation system performance and development of IAQ standards where human occupancy are concerned. Baseline levels of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, temperature, relative humidity and ventilation rates were established in 43 Schools. This was aided by Stratification with Random Sampling Experimental design. Baseline levels were comparable with both ASHRAE and Health Canada Standards. Statistical hypothesis testing (95% confidence level) indicated that indoor levels of the aforementioned parameters were higher than outdoor levels. The results of these tests suggested that ventilation effectiveness has impacts on indoor levels of CO2.