Investigation of Microclimate and Air Pollution in the Classrooms of a Primary School in Wuhan

Field campaigns were conducted in autumn and winter of 2013, respectively, to investigate indoor microclimate and air pollution in four naturally ventilated classrooms for the sixth-grade students at a primary school in Wuhan's urban area. The experimental results showed that indoor air temperature was 13-22 degrees C in autumn and 5-22 degrees C in winter, while mean RH was around 55% in autumn and 40% in winter respectively. Indoor carbon dioxide (CO2) level varied in the range from 500 ppm to 11231 ppm during school time. Formaldehyde (HCHO) and total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) concentrations were low and at acceptable levels, but indoor PM1.0, PM2.5 and PM10 levels were the same as outdoor, up to 325 mu g/m(3) 332 mu g/m(3) and 411 mu g/m(3) in autumn, and 899 mu g/m(3) 927 mu g/m(3) and 1090 mu g/m(3) in winter, respectively. According to the results, low air temperature and poor ventilation made issues of concern for the students in the classrooms in winter. In addition, indoor air pollution caused by PM was further elevated in winter due to severe ambient air pollution (C) 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.